Rolling storage unit for a gym

Abstract

Storage device (1) for use in a sports studio, comprising a storage body (2), a handle (3) mounted on the storage body (2), and a wheel (4) mounted on the storage body (2) by means of which the storage device (1) can be moved by rolling, wherein the storage body (2) has an open area (5) and a closable area (6), wherein the handle (3) has a free end (3a) so that the storage device (1) can be moved by rolling in a tilted state, wherein the storage device (1) further comprises a module (7) which is detachably mounted on the handle (3), characterized in that the module (7) is mounted at any position along the longitudinal extent of the handle (3) via a force-fit, preferably tool-free connection (7a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device for use in a gym, comprising a storage body, a handle mounted on the storage body and a wheel mounted on the storage body, over which the storage device can be moved in a rolling manner, wherein the storage body has an open area and a closable area.

[0002] A storage device for a fitness or sports studio is known in the prior art, for example, from KR 20090011887 U. The disclosed storage device comprises a storage body having a lower and an upper loading plate. The lower and upper loading plates are connected by three vertical struts. The upper loading plate has a handle, an open area, and a lockable area. The open area consists of several compartments for placing objects, wherein the compartments are separated by partitions. The lockable area is designed as a fee box in which the amounts paid for using the storage device are collected. However, as a user of the storage device, there is no possibility of storing their own items in the lockable area. The handle is attached to the fee box in the form of a bracket.The disadvantage of this handle is that the user's fingers must be moved through the narrow gap between the fee box and the handle to grasp the handle. Should the user trip while pulling or pushing, or for some other reason want to quickly release the handle, this is only possible to a limited extent. This also poses a certain risk of injury. Four rotating wheels are mounted on the underside of the lower plate, allowing the storage device to be rolled in all directions. The disclosed storage device also has other disadvantages. For example, the height of the storage device cannot be adjusted, making using the cart cumbersome for people of above-average height or shortness.Due to the handle design described above, a person of above-average height or shortness must insert their fingers at a large angle through the gap in the handle, making it even more difficult to use. The storage device also has no brakes or similar features, so unplanned or uncontrolled rolling away of the storage device cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, an unauthorized person could easily steal items from the cart while the user is momentarily distracted. Overall, the disclosed cart offers little advantage over a well-stocked bag.

[0003] It is the object of the present invention to provide a mobile storage device that allows for individually adaptable use and eliminates the risk of injury as far as possible.

[0004] This object is achieved by a storage device according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0005] The storage device claimed in claim 1 has a handle with a free end. This free end is characterized in that it is not connected to the storage device. If the handle advantageously extends vertically, it allows people of different heights to use it easily, both while standing and sitting. The handle according to the invention also eliminates the risk of injury, for example, from tripping, since the fingers can be removed immediately. For example, the handle can be designed to be substantially rod-shaped, so that a user's fingers do not have to be moved through a gap to grasp the handle. A further feature of the storage device according to the invention is that it can only be moved by rolling over the wheel when tilted. This prevents the storage device from suddenly or accidentally rolling away.The advantageously vertically extending handle allows for easy tilting of the storage device, whereby the handle acts as a one-sided lever whose pivot point lies on the axis of the wheel. The storage device according to the invention can also have more than one wheel, which wheels then have a common axis of rotation. In the upright state, the storage device stands stable on a base plate or a support of the storage body. A further feature of the storage device according to the invention is that it can be modularly expanded by mounting individual modules and is thus individually adaptable. This enables the use of the storage device and the joint transport of the various modular extensions with the storage device.This allows different users to use the storage device according to their personal preferences by attaching or detaching a desired module from the handle. The handle with its free end thus provides sufficient space for attaching a number of modules and allows users of different heights to tilt the storage device from a standing to a rolling operating position, which is why the three inventive features interact.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the module of the storage device is mounted via a force-fitting, preferably tool-free connection at any position along the longitudinal extent of the handle. This offers the advantage that the module can be easily used both while sitting and standing, and by people of different heights. The longitudinal extent of the handle is understood to be the direction in which the handle essentially extends from the storage body. With a rod-shaped handle and the storage device in the upright operating position, the longitudinal extent runs, for example, vertically upwards and downwards. For use in a gym, a tool-free connection is particularly preferred, as it allows quick and uncomplicated assembly and disassembly of the module.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the module of the storage device is a holder for a mobile phone, a holder for a tablet, a holder for a disinfectant, a clipboard or a lighting fixture. For example, a training plan can be viewed on the mobile phone or tablet or videos on the correct execution of an exercise can be watched. Furthermore, a holder for a mobile phone enables photography without the need for a separate tripod. The design of the module as a holder for a tablet enables the additional use of the storage device as a television with cardio equipment, such as a treadmill, exercise bike or cross trainer, so that the integrated television or screen in these devices can preferably be omitted. The holder for disinfectants, such asDisinfectant wipes, disinfectant sprays, liquid disinfectants, or similar, allow for quick cleaning of the equipment used in the gym without having to go to a specific location in the gym to obtain the disinfectant. This results in the used sports equipment being disinfected much more frequently. The clipboard allows for handwritten notes to be taken on a stable surface without having to support the object to be written on against a piece of sports equipment or a wall. The force-locking connection of the module is particularly advantageous over a less rigid connection such as Velcro, as the clipboard provides a stable surface for writing. The design of the module as a lighting fixture also enables photography in poor lighting conditions.Particularly preferably, several different or similar modules can be attached to the handle at the same time.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment, the lockable area can be sealed off via a preferably electronically controlled locking device. This serves to securely store valuables. Thus, the storage device according to the invention can be left unattended without any stored valuables, such as a cell phone, money, keys, or chip cards, being stolen by unauthorized persons. Furthermore, this preferred embodiment completely eliminates the need for lockable lockers or lockers in a gym, since the storage device in this embodiment can serve as a mobile locker. The locking device can be designed, for example, as a combination lock or number lock.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage device further comprises a cooling device that cools at least part of the storage body. For example, beverages can be cooled below ambient temperature or easily melting foods, such as chocolate, can be kept fresh.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage device further comprises a rechargeable battery, which is preferably housed within the storage body. The storage device preferably further comprises an induction coil with which the rechargeable battery can be wirelessly charged. Particularly preferably, the rechargeable battery is provided near the wheel so that the center of gravity of the storage device is as low as possible, which leads to increased stability of the storage device. The rechargeable battery can be charged, for example, via a power plug on the outer wall of the storage body.To prevent an exposed power plug from becoming dirty over time, the storage device can also include the induction coil so that the rechargeable battery can be charged wirelessly without the need for electrical contact on the outside of the storage device. If the induction coil is attached near the bottom of the storage device, this enables wireless inductive charging in an upright operating position. For example, the storage device can be parked in a designated location, such as a parking space or a docking station, and charged without any further action by the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery supplies power to the locking device, the cooling device, a charging device for a mobile phone and / or a charging device for a tablet.The charging device can be designed as a wired or wireless charging device. The charging device is preferably located within the lockable and lockable area. For example, a locked cell phone can be charged in the storage device without being easily stolen by unauthorized persons. The advantage for the user is that they leave the gym with a fully charged cell phone after using the storage device.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage device further comprises a hanging device, preferably a projection, a rod, or a hook, from which an object can be hung, wherein the hanging device is preferably movable between a stowed position and an operating position. In the stowed position, the hanging device is located substantially entirely within the storage device. In the operating position, the hanging device is located at least partially outside the storage device. A towel or headphones, for example, can be hung on such a hanging device. Thus, these objects are neither scattered around the gym, nor do they have to be placed on the floor when not in use.The hanging device also offers the advantage that the suspended object, such as a towel or headphones, is not placed on a piece of sports equipment, thus blocking the equipment from potential other users. Preferably, the hanging device can be moved essentially entirely into the storage body by moving it into the stowed position. This has the advantage that a passing person cannot get their clothing and / or headphone cables caught on the hanging device. Transferring between the operating position and the stowed position preferably takes place by folding, pivoting, sliding, or telescopically extending and retracting the device.

[0012] In a further preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the storage body has thermal insulation. Thus, at least a portion of the storage body can keep chilled food at a low temperature or heated food at an elevated temperature, even if the rechargeable battery is empty. Particularly preferably, the area cooled by the cooling device has thermal insulation so that an item cooled therein can continue to be cooled even if the battery runs out.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment, the storage device further comprises a communication unit, which is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobile phone and / or tablet. In this way, a mobile phone or tablet stored in the lockable area can be operated via the communication unit; for example, the music played on wireless headphones can be controlled without direct access to the mobile phone or tablet being required. Particularly preferably, the communication unit communicates both with a mobile phone stored in the lockable area and with a tablet stored in the open area, wherein the tablet can control the mobile phone. For example, the mobile phone screen can be mirrored on the tablet so that the user can access music, films, apps, etc. on the mobile phone using a familiar user interface.Another advantage of the communication unit is that it can register a loss of communication with the mobile phone and provide this information to the user. This allows the user to quickly detect any intentional or accidental theft of the mobile phone by a third party.

[0014] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1A shows a preferred embodiment in side view. Fig. Figure 1B shows the preferred embodiment of Fig. 1A in frontal view. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show a further preferred embodiment in side view, wherein no module is mounted on the handle. Fig. Figure 3 shows a further preferred embodiment in rear view, wherein a module is mounted on the handle and a suspension device is in the operating position.

[0015] In Fig. 1A shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the storage device 1 according to the invention in a standing operating position. Fig. Figure 1B shows a front view of the same embodiment as in Fig. 1A. The storage device 1 comprises a storage body 2, a handle 3, and two wheels 4. In the embodiment shown, the handle 3 comprises two rod-shaped sections connected at an obtuse angle, as well as a free end 3a. The longitudinal extension 3b of the handle extends along the axial direction of both rod-shaped sections, which is illustrated by two double-headed arrows. Although the handle 3 is depicted as essentially rod-shaped in this embodiment, other shapes are also conceivable, for example, a curved profile or a non-circular cross-section.

[0016] The storage body 1 comprises an open area 5 and a closable area 6. The open area 5 in Fig. 1B has four larger compartments 5a and one smaller compartment 5b. The number of compartments 5a, 5b of the open area 5 is merely illustrative. The open area 5 can have fewer than five compartments 5a, 5b or more than five compartments 5a, 5b. Likewise, a storage device 1 with only one wheel 4 or more than two wheels 4 is conceivable. The lockable area 6 is in Fig. 1B by a flap 6a with which it can be closed. Behind the flap 6a, the closable area 6 can accommodate a variety of Fig. 1B. The lockable area 6 can be sealed off by a locking device 6b, so that unauthorized persons cannot simply open the flap 6a. In the embodiment shown, the locking device 6b is designed as a combination lock. Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B shows a module 7 according to the invention, which is mounted on the handle 3 and, in the illustrated embodiment, is designed as a holder for a tablet. The storage device 1 further comprises a cooling device and a rechargeable battery, which are located within the storage body 2 and are therefore not shown. Fig. Figure 1A shows a first power connector 8a and a second power connector 8b, both connected to the rechargeable battery and located on the outside of the storage body 2. The first power connector 8a serves to supply power to an external electronic device, such as a mobile phone. The second power connector 8b serves to supply the rechargeable battery itself with external power. Furthermore, Fig. 1A shows a suspension device on the storage body 2. The storage device may further comprise an induction coil for wirelessly charging the rechargeable battery, thermal insulation and a communication unit, which in Fig. 1A are not shown.

[0017] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show an embodiment of the storage device 1 without module 7 on the handle 3. For a detailed description, please refer to the description of Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a rear view of another embodiment of the storage device 1, wherein a module 7 is mounted on the handle 3 and a suspension device 9b is in an operating position. The module 7 is designed in this embodiment as a holder for a mobile phone. Fig. The rear view shown in Figure 3 shows the connection 7a of the module 7 to the handle 3. In the embodiment shown, the internally hollow handle 3 has two crossed elongated holes 3c, 3d in its outer surface, the first elongated hole 3c extending circumferentially along the handle 3 and the second elongated hole 3d extending along the longitudinal extent of the handle 3. The module 7 can be partially inserted into the hollow interior of the handle 3 via the first (shorter) elongated hole 3c and then moved up and down along the second (longer) elongated hole 3d. To fix the module 7 at any height along the handle 3, the locking mechanism is actuated.In the embodiment shown, a round knob is turned for this purpose, which causes that part of the module 7 which is located inside the handle 3 and that part of the module 7 which is located outside the handle 3 to clamp the outer surface of the handle 3 between them and thus prevent any further movement. Fig. Figure 3 further shows two suspension devices 9, one of which is in the stowed position and the other of which is in the operating position. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension device 9 can be moved from the stowed position to the operating position (and vice versa) by telescopically extending and retracting it. List of reference symbols 1 storage device 2 storage bodies 3 handle 3a free end of the handle 3b Longitudinal extension of the handle 3c first long hole 3d second slot 4 wheel 5 open area 5a large compartment 5b small compartment 6 lockable area 6a flap 6b Shut-off device 7 Module 7a connection 8a first power connection 8b second power connection 9 Suspension device 9a Suspension device in stowed position 9b Suspension device in operating position QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 20090011887 U

[0002]

Claims

[1] Storage device (1) for use in a gym, comprising a storage body (2), a handle (3) mounted on the storage body (2) and a wheel (4) mounted on the storage body (2), over which the storage device (1) is movable in a rolling manner, wherein the storage body (2) has an open area (5) and a closable area (6), wherein the handle (3) has a free end (3a) such that the storage device (1) is movable in a rolling manner in a tilted state, wherein the storage device (1) further comprises a module (7) which is detachably mounted on the handle (3), characterized by that the module (7) is mounted at any position along the longitudinal extent of the handle (3) via a force-locking, preferably tool-free connection (7a). [2] Storage device according to claim 1, characterized by that the module (7) is designed as an element selected from the following list: a holder for a mobile phone, a holder for a tablet, a holder for a disinfectant, a clipboard or a lighting fixture. [3] Storage device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the lockable area (6) can be locked by a preferably electronically controlled locking device (6b). [4] Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the storage device (1) further comprises a cooling device which cools at least part of the storage body (2). [5] Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the storage device (1) further comprises a rechargeable battery, which is preferably accommodated within the storage body (2), wherein the storage device (1) preferably further comprises an induction coil with which the rechargeable battery can be charged wirelessly. [6] Storage device according to claim 5, characterized by that the rechargeable battery supplies power to at least one of the following elements: the shut-off device (6b), the cooling device, a charging device for a mobile phone and / or a charging device for a tablet. [7] Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized byin that the storage device (1) further comprises a suspension device (9), preferably a projection, a rod or a hook, on which an object can be suspended, wherein the suspension device (9) is preferably movable between a stowed position and an operating position, wherein the suspension device is located substantially entirely within the storage device (1) in the stowed position (9a) and is located at least partially outside the storage device (1) in the operating position (9b). [8] Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that at least part of the storage body (2) has thermal insulation. [9] Storage device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat the storage device (1) further comprises a communication unit which is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobile phone and / or tablet.

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