Mobile storage unit

• US 20070120336A1
• Filed: 01/25/2007
• Published: 05/31/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
• Inventors: Udall, Laura, Udall, Nicholas
• Granted Patent: US 8,317,205 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/47.260
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/385 with rolling means trunks with built-in rolling means A45C5/14
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2005/147 for climbing stairs
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2005/148 Other arrangements of the rolling means
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 5/14 with built-in rolling means
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 9/00 Purses, Luggage or bags convertible into objects for other use sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles A45F4/02; trunk-wardrobes A47B61/06; trunk-beds A47C17/82
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/042 specially adapted for school children
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/08 Carrying-frames; Frames combined with sacks
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/12 Book-carriers
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 1/125 by means of telescoping elements
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 5/02 providing for travelling up or down a flight of stairs chairs or multi-track cycles specially adapted for invalids A61G5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 5/049 locking against movement by contacting the floor or a wall
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 5/08 Children's seats B62B3/14 takes precedence; Seats or supports for other persons
• CPC Class Codes: B62B 5/085 Resting seats

Abstract

A mobile storage unit is disclosed. The mobile storage unit comprises at least two structural frames, a seat portion coupled to the at least two structural frames, a handle assembly coupled to the seat portion, a bottom panel coupled to the at least two structural frames whereby a storage area is created below the seat portion, above the bottom portion and between the at least two structural frames and at least two wheels coupled to the bottom panel. Through the use of the present invention, the potential for back problems that are associated with the use of the traditional backpack is eliminated. Additionally, the mobile storage unit provides an easily accessible storage area for the user/student in the case where no locker is provided. Furthermore, the mobile storage unit incorporates a seat portion which allows a user to utilize the mobile storage unit as a seat in situations where one is needed yet not available.

Claims

1-24. -24. (canceled)

25. A mobile storage unit comprising:

a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion, side portions, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position;

b) a handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the mobile storage unit; and

c) a first plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the mobile storage unit allowing tilting of the mobile storage unit backwards and allowing pulling of the mobile storage unit with the handle.

26. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.

27. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the frame structure comprises panels defining the storage area.

28. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.

29. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, further comprising a second plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure and positioned above the first plurality of wheels.

32. The mobile storage unit of claim 25, wherein the handle is extendable upwards from the back portion of the frame structure.

30. The mobile storage unit of clam 25, further comprising a flexible storage bag configured to couple to the frame structure, the flexible storage bag comprising compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.

31. The mobile storage unit of claim 30, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.

33. A mobile storage system comprising:

a) a frame structure configured for supporting a seat and for framing a storage area, the frame structure comprising side members and a rigid top plate member coupled to the side members thereby forming the seat;

b) a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure, to allow the system to be tilted and rolled on the wheels; and

c) a base portion coupled to the frame structure for stabilizing the mobile storage system in an upright position.

34. The mobile storage system of claim 33, wherein the frame structure further comprises panels.

35. The mobile storage system of claim 33, further comprising a flexible storage bag configured to couple to the frame structure.

36. The mobile storage system of claim 35, wherein side portions and a front portion of the frame structure are substantially open, such that pockets on the flexible storage bag are accessible through spaces of the side portions and the front portion of the frame structure.

37. The mobile storage system of claim 35, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.

38. The mobile storage system of claim 33, further comprising a handle coupled to the frame structure, wherein the handle extends upward from the frame structure.

39. The mobile storage system of claim 38, wherein a back portion of the rigid frame structure further comprises a panel with apertures for lifting the system.

40. The mobile storage system of claim 33, wherein the base portion comprises a panel.

41. A portable storage unit comprising:

a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion, side portions, a front portion, a back portion and a top portion, the top portion comprising a rigid top plate member supported by the side portions thereby forming a seat panel suitable for supporting a person in a sitting position while the mobile storage unit is in an upright position;

b) a storage bag coupled to the frame structure;

c) a plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure for rolling the portable storage unit; and

d) an extendable handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the portable storage unit with the portable storage unit in the tilted position.

42. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.

43. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the frame structure comprises panels defining the storage area.

44. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.

46. The portable storage unit of claim 41, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.

45. The portable storage unit of clam 41, wherein the flexible storage bag comprises compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.