US20070235491A1

US20070235491A1 - Storage device

Info

Publication number: US20070235491A1
Application number: US11/278,581
Authority: US
Inventors: Phil Harris
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-04
Filing date: 2006-04-04
Publication date: 2007-10-11

Abstract

A storage device for providing easy access to a use article. The storage device includes a holster for being attached to and carried by a support. The use article is moveably mounted to the holster for movement between a storage position and a use position. The movement including a first sliding motion where the use article is at least partially withdrawn from the holster and a second motion where the use article is pivoted into the use position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of storage devices, such as containers and boxes. In particular, the invention relates to a portable storage device that provides a work surface and allows easy access to the contents.
Storage devices are well-known in the prior art. They come in various shapes and sizes, and are used by individuals to store, organize, and transport items. One example of a storage device is a toolbox. Toolboxes are typically used by individuals to carry tools to a job site or work area. However, toolboxes can be large and cumbersome when working in confined spaces or when only a few items are needed to perform a job.
For example, a tradesman working out of a bucket of a cherry picker may not have room for a toolbox in the bucket. As a result, the tradesman must carry the needed items to perform the job in his hands or pockets. Additionally, if the tradesman needs to use more than one item to perform the job, the tradesman must put one item in his pockets or on the floor of the bucket while he uses the other item.
Another example of a storage device is a tacklebox. Tackleboxes are typically used by a fisherman to carry lures, pliers, and fishing line. While tackleboxes work well for transporting fishing gear, they can be cumbersome for a fisherman, such as fly fisherman, who gradually walks down a river as he fishes, but needs to carry additional lures, other tackle, or pliers with him. The fisherman must continually go back to the river bank to get supplies, or carry the supplies in his pockets. Additionally, if the fisherman wants to tie a fly, the fishermen must go back to the river bank for supplies and a stable work surface, or, in the event the fisherman has supplies, do so without a stable work surface.
Accordingly, there is a need for a portable storage device that can be easily carried on an individual or object, that provides a stable work surface, that allows the use of both hands, and that stores and organizes items.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore it is an object of the invention to provide a storage device that is portable.
It is another object of the invention to provide a storage device that provides a work surface.
It is another object of the invention to provide a storage device that is easily carried on an individual or object.
These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in the preferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a storage device for providing easy access to a use article. The storage device including a holster for being attached to and carried by a support. The use article moveably mounted to the holster for movement between a storage position and a use position.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article is a container.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a lid for enclosing contents within the container and for providing a work surface when in the use position.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article is a panel.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the holster includes a rear wall having at least one loop for receiving the support therethrough.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the holster includes a rear wall having at least one hook for securing the holster to the support.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article is mounted for sliding and pivoting movement.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a storage device for providing easy access to a use article includes a holster for being attached to and carried by a support. The use article defines a work surface and is carried by the holster for movement between a relatively flush storage position wherein the work surface is stowed and a deployed position wherein the work surface is exposed for use.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article is a container.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes a lid for enclosing contents within the container and for providing a work surface when in the use position.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article is a panel.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article includes spaced-apart studs positioned on opposing ends of the use article.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the holster includes a rear wall having at least one attachment means for securing the holster to the support; spaced-apart opposing sidewalls extending outwardly from opposing side edges of the rear wall; and at least one front wall extending from a respective one of the sidewalls substantially parallel to the rear wall to retain the use article in the storage position. The sidewalls each include a slot for receiving the studs and allowing the use article to move between the storage position and the deployed position.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of a loop and a hook.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the use article is carried by the holster for sliding and pivoting movement.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a storage device includes a holster for being mounted to a supporting structure; and a container for being mounted in the holster for movement between a storage position and a deployed use position. The movement including a first sliding motion wherein the container is at least partially withdrawn from the holster and a second motion wherein the container is pivoted into the deployed use position.
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the container includes spaced-apart studs positioned on opposing ends of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a users' belt in a stowed position;
29 FIG. 3 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a user's belt in semi-deployed position;
FIG. 4 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a users' belt in a deployed position to provide a work surface;
FIG. 5 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a users' belt in a deployed position to allow access to its contents;
FIG. 6 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a users' vest;
FIG. 7 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a strap around a user's chest;
FIG. 8 shows the storage device of FIG. 1 secured to a strap around a user's neck;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 shows the storage device of FIG. 9 secured to a bucket of a cherrypicker; and
FIG. 11 shows a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention;.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 and shown generally at reference numeral 10. The storage device 10 includes a holder, such as a holster 11, and a use article 12 carried by the holster 11. As illustrated, the use article 12 is a container, such as a plastic tacklebox. However, any suitable means, such as a panel with hook and loop fasteners, for holding items securely may be used.
Slots 13 are positioned on spaced-apart opposing sidewalls 14 and 16 of the holster 11 for receiving therethrough a pin or stud 17 attached to the container 12, and for allowing the container 12 to move between a generally vertical storage position, FIG. 2, and a generally horizontal deployed use position, FIG. 4. Loops 20 and 21 are formed in a rear wall 22 for receiving a strap or other attachment means therethrough to secure the holster 1 1 to a user or an object. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6-8, the storage device 10 may be secured to a belt 23 around the waist of a user; D-rings 32 attached to a garment 33; a strap 34 around the chest of a user, such as those used on backpacks; and a neck strap 36.
As shown in FIG. 2, front walls 26 and 27 extend outwardly from the sidewalls 14 and 16, respectively. The front walls 26 and 27 have a length “L” selected to allow the container 12 to be withdrawn and supported on the walls 26 and 27, and prevent the container 12 from pivoting out of the holster 11 when in the storage position.
In use, the container 12 is moved from the storage position, FIG. 2, by sliding the studs 17 within the slots 13 until a substantial portion of the container 12 has been withdrawn and positioned above walls 26 and 27 to allow the container 12 to pivot, as shown in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 12 is pivoted into a deployed use position with a bottom 28 of the container 12 resting on walls 26 and 27. The container 12 may then be used as a work surface, or, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a lid 30 of the container 12 may be opened to allow access to its contents. It should be appreciated that a container without a lid may be used. In this case, the rear wall 22 encloses the container in the storage position.
Referring to FIG. 9, a storage device according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated and shown generally at reference numeral 100. Like storage device 10, storage device 100 includes a holster 110 having spaced-apart opposing sidewalls 114 and 116 with slots 113, a rear wall 122, and spaced-apart front walls 126 and 127. The storage device also includes a use article 112 in the form of a container.
43 Unlike the storage device 10, the storage device 100 includes a pair of tabs or hooks 120 and 121 to allow the holster 110to be secured to a user or an object without the use of a strap-like structure. The hooks 120 and 121 allow the storage device 100 to be secured to a belt or strap like storage device 10 or to an object like a ladder or a bucket 130 of a cherry picker 131, as shown in FIG. 10.
Referring to FIG. 11, a storage device according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated and shown generally at reference numeral 200. Like storage device 10, storage device 200 includes a holster 210 having spaced-apart opposing sidewalls 214 and 216 with slots 213, a rear wall 122, spaced-apart front walls 226 and 227, and loops, like loops 20 and 21, or hooks, like hooks 120 and 121, for securing the storage device 200 to a user or an object.
The storage device also includes a panel 212. As illustrated, the panel 212 provides a work surface. Like container 12, the panel 212 is moveable from a generally vertical storage position to a generally horizontal deployed use position. The panel 212 may include a fabric, hook and loop fasteners, or other means for holding items thereto.
46 A storage device is described above. Various details of the invention may be changed without departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. A storage device for providing easy access to a use article, comprising:

(a) a holster for being attached to and carried by a support; and

(b) the use article moveably mounted to the holster for movement between a storage position and a use position.

2. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the use article is a container.

3. The storage device according to claim 2, wherein the container includes a lid for enclosing contents within the container and for providing a work surface when in the use position.

4. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the use article is a panel.

5. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the holster includes a rear wall having at least one loop for receiving the support therethrough.

6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the holster includes a rear wall having at least one hook for securing the holster to the support.

7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the use article is mounted for sliding and pivoting movement.

8. A storage device for providing easy access to a use article, comprising:

(a) a holster for being attached to and carried by a support; and

(b) the use article defining a work surface and carried by the holster for movement between a relatively flush storage position wherein the work surface is stowed and a deployed position wherein the work surface is exposed for use.

9. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein the use article is a container.

10. The storage device according to claim 9, wherein the container includes a lid for enclosing contents within the container and for providing a work surface when in the use position.

11. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein the use article is a panel.

12. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein the use article includes spaced-apart studs positioned on opposing ends of the use article.

13. The storage device according to claim 12, wherein the holster comprises:

(a) a rear wall having at least one attachment means for securing the holster to the support;

(b) spaced-apart opposing sidewalls extending outwardly from opposing side edges of the rear wall, the sidewalls each including a slot for receiving the studs and allowing the use article to move between the storage position and the deployed position; and

(c) at least one front wall extending from a respective one of the sidewalls substantially parallel to the rear wall to retain the use article in the storage position.

14. The storage device according to claim 13, wherein the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of a loop and a hook.

15. The storage device according to claim 8, wherein the use article is carried by the holster for sliding and pivoting movement.

16. A storage device, comprising:

(a) a holster for being mounted to a supporting structure; and

(b) a container for being mounted in the holster for movement between a storage position and a deployed use position, the movement comprising a first sliding motion wherein the container is at least partially withdrawn from the holster and a second motion wherein the container is pivoted into the deployed use position.

17. The storage device according to claim 16, wherein the container includes spaced-apart studs positioned on opposing ends of the container.

18. The storage device according to claim 17, wherein the holster comprises:

(c) at least one front wall extending from a respective one of the sidewalls substantially parallel to the rear wall to retain the container in the storage position.

19. The storage device according to claim 18, wherein the attachment means is selected from the group consisting of a loop and a hook.

20. The storage device according to claim 16, wherein the container includes a lid for enclosing contents within the container and for providing a work surface when in the use position.