Mobile storage unit

• US 8,317,205 B2
• Filed: 01/25/2007
• Issued: 11/27/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
• Inventors: Udall, Laura Elizabeth, Udall, Nicholas V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Restifo, Jeffrey J
• Application Number:
  US11/698,325
• Publication Number:
  US 20070120336A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,133 Days
• Field of Search: 280/651, 280/652, 280/654, 280/655.1, 280/47.19, 280/47.2, 280/47.24, 280/47.25, 280/47.26
• US Class Current: 280/47.26
• 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. A mobile storage unit comprising:

a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions coupled together by the bottom panel, 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 enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member;

c) a retractable handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the mobile storage unit;

d) 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; and

e) one or more extensions positioned such that none of the wheels support the mobile storage unit when the mobile storage unit is in the upright position.

2. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.

3. The mobile storage unit of claim 2, wherein the bottom panel couples the pieces of tubing together.

4. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.

5. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, further comprising a second plurality of wheels coupled to the frame structure and positioned above the first plurality of wheels.

8. The mobile storage unit of claim 1, wherein the handle is extendable upwards from the back portion of the frame structure.

6. The mobile storage unit of clam 1, wherein the storage enclosure comprises a 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.

7. The mobile storage unit of claim 6, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.

9. 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, wherein the frame structure further comprises one or more bottom panels that couple the side members together;

b) a storage enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member;

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

d) a base portion coupled to the frame structure for stabilizing the mobile storage system in an upright position; and

e) one or more extensions positioned such that none of the wheels support the mobile storage system when the mobile storage system is in the upright position.

10. The mobile storage system of claim 9, wherein the storage enclosure comprises a flexible storage bag configured to couple to the frame structure.

11. The mobile storage system of claim 10, 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.

12. The mobile storage system of claim 10, wherein the flexible storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.

13. The mobile storage system of claim 9, further comprising a handle coupled to the frame structure, wherein the handle extends upward from the frame structure.

14. The mobile storage system of claim 13, wherein a back portion of the rigid frame structure further comprises a panel with apertures for lifting the system.

15. The mobile storage system of claim 9, wherein the base portion comprises a panel that couples the side members together.

16. A portable storage unit comprising:

a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions coupled together by the bottom panel, 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 under the rigid top plate member;

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

d) a retractable handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the portable storage unit with the portable storage unit in the tilted position; and

e) one or more extensions positioned such that none of the wheels support the mobile storage unit when the mobile storage unit is in the upright position.

17. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the frame structure comprises pieces of tubing secured together through structural brackets.

18. The portable storage unit of claim 17, wherein the bottom panel couples the pieces of tubing together.

19. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the frame structure comprises support extensions protruding from the bottom portion to stabilize and support the mobile storage unit in the upright position.

20. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the storage bag is enclosed and comprises compartments that are accessible through one or more of the side portions and the front portion of the rigid frame structure.

21. The portable storage unit of claim 16, wherein the storage bag is coupled to the frame structure through strap features.

22. A portable storage unit comprising:

a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions coupled together by the bottom panel, 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 enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member, wherein the storage enclosure comprises compartments that are accessible through openings within the frame structure;

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

d) a retractable handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the portable storage unit with the portable storage unit in the tilted position; and

e) one or more extensions positioned such that none of the wheels support the mobile storage unit when the mobile storage unit is in the upright position.

23. A portable storage unit comprising:

a) a frame structure defining a storage area and having a bottom portion including a bottom panel, side portions including a plurality of support members coupled together by the bottom panel, 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 enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member, wherein the storage enclosure comprises compartments that are accessible through openings within the frame structure, wherein the rigid top plate member securely encloses the storage enclosure;

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

d) a retractable handle coupled to the frame structure for pulling the portable storage unit with the portable storage unit in the tilted position; and

e) one or more extensions positioned such that none of the wheels support the portable storage unit when the portable storage unit is in the upright position.

24. A mobile storage system comprising:

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

b) a storage enclosure coupled to the frame structure under the rigid top plate member;

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

d) one or more extensions for stabilizing the mobile storage system, wherein the one or more extensions are positioned such that none of the wheels support the mobile storage unit when the mobile storage unit is in the upright position; and

e) one or more grinding rails coupled vertically to the backside of the frame structure and positioned such that the grinding rails support the mobile storage system when the mobile storage system in a laid-back position.