A storage assembly

Abstract

A storage assembly which may be for fishing tackling, with first and second containers 200 coupled to opposing sides of a frame 100. The frame 100 is laterally expandable between an expanded configura

Description

FIELD

[01] The subject-matter of the present disclosure relates to the field of equipment for storage. More specifically, the subject-matter of the present disclosure relates to a storage assembly, preferably for use in the practise of fishing. BACKGROUND

[02] Recreational fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide. With considerable choice of equipment (collectively known as tackle), storage is an important consideration for anglers. As tackle may be suited to particular conditions, environments or target fish, it is common for anglers to require a supply of tackle close at hand during angling so that they can change tackle in response to, for example, damage or changing conditions. Thus, there is a need for fishing tackle boxes which are be portable and capable of containing enough tackle to cover various situations.

[03] It is also common for anglers to spend long periods of time in one location. It is therefore convenient for them to have something to sit on. Thus, fishing tackle boxes which are capable of also acting as a seat are popular pieces of multi-functional equipment for anglers, often simply consisting of a storage box with a seat affixed to the top surface. Such a box has many issues, as the seat or the legs of the user can obstruct access to the box in use. Additionally, for some methods of fishing, such as pole fishing, it is useful to have a void beneath the seat through which the pole can pass.

[04] It is an aim of the subject-matter of the present disclosure to improve on the prior art by alleviating such issues. SUMMARY

[05] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a storage assembly comprising a frame capable of expanding laterally, in-use; a first container and a second container, wherein the first and second containers are coupled to opposing sides of the frame; and a seat coupled to an upper part of the frame, in-use, wherein the frame is laterally expandable between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, wherein expansion of the frame increases a separation distance between the first and second containers.

[06] The seat may be directly above the frame and a through hole may exist beneath the seat. As a result, a user may pass a pole through the hole while sitting on the seat.

[07] The seat may be collapsible, such that the seat is collapsed when the frame is in the contracted configuration and the seat is deployed for a user to sit on when the frame is in the expanded configuration. As a result, the seat may take up less space when the frame is collapsed, making the assembly more portable.

[08] The seat may comprise a strap of flexible material. A strap of flexible material allows the seat to collapse while reducing requirement for moving joints.

[09] The first and second containers may each have a closure mechanism arranged such that, in use, they can be opened in the expanded and contracted configurations. As a result, the user may be able to access the stored objects at all times.

[10] The first and the second containers may each comprise a plurality of compartments. As a result, the user may organise stored items, allowing them to find individual objects more easily.

[11] A lower part, in use, of the frame and / or containers may be coupled to at least four legs. As a result, the storage assembly may be raised up from the ground, which may make the seat and containers more comfortable to use.

[12] A coupling between each leg and the frame may be adjustable to change a height of each leg independently. As a result, the storage assembly may be adjusted to stand stably on uneven ground.

[13] An upper part of the frame, in use, may be coupled to a backrest.

[14] The backrest may be collapsible, such that the backrest is collapsed when the frame is in the contracted configuration and the backrest is deployed for a user to rest against on when the frame is in the expanded configuration.

[15] The back rest may comprise a first and second vertical member coupled to the frame, and a strap of flexible material coupled therebetween.

[16] The frame may be removably coupled to a footplate, the footplate comprising a substantially flat surface and at least two struts coupled substantially perpendicular to the flat surface, wherein a coupling between each strut and the flat surface is adjustable such that the strut is capable of acting as one or more of a leg and an attachment for attaching a rod rest thereto.

[17] The storage assembly may be a fishing tackle storage assembly.

[18] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a storage system comprising a storage assembly of the first aspect; and a wheel assembly comprising at least one wheel, wherein the wheel assembly is releasably coupled to the frame such that the wheel assembly can be used to move the storage assembly when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

[19] The storage system may further comprise a handle releasably coupled to the frame such that the handle can be used to move the storage assembly when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

[20] The wheel assembly may comprise an electric motor to power the at least one wheel to move. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[21] The subject-matter of the present disclosure is best described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[22] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a storage assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in an expanded configuration with additional attachments;

[23] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a storage assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in an expanded configuration;

[24] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a storage assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in an expanded configuration with legs and a backrest deployed;

[25] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a footplate for a storage assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[26] Figure 5 shows a partially exploded perspective view of a storage assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a contracted configuration;

[27] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a storage system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[28] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a storage assembly according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in a partially expanded configuration. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[29] Whilst the following embodiments provide specific illustrative examples, those illustrative examples should not be taken as limiting, and the scope of protection is defined by the claims. Features from specific embodiments may be used in combination with features from other embodiments without extending the subject-matter beyond the content of the present disclosure.

[30] With reference to figure 1, a storage assembly 10 comprises a frame 100, a first container and a second container 200, a seat 300, legs 400, a backrest 500, a footplate 600 and an umbrella 700. Preferably the storage assembly is a fishing tackle storage assembly.

[31] The frame 100 is capable of expanding laterally.

[32] With reference to figure 2, the frame may comprise a first side and a second side 120, a front and a back 140 and a stabilising bar 160. The first and second sides 120 may each comprise a first substantially horizontal strut 122, a second substantially horizontal strut 124, and a first and a second substantially vertical struts 126 coupled at the ends to form an upright rectangle, with the first horizontal strut 122 at the bottom and the second horizontal strut 124 at the top. The first horizontal strut 122 and second horizonal strut 124 are shorter than the first and second vertical struts 126. The first horizontal strut may comprise four flanges 128 arranged into two pairs, with one pair at each end of the first horizontal strut. All four flanges may be on the same side of the first horizontal strut 122 and protrude in a substantially perpendicular direction to the first and second vertical struts 126. In use, the first and second sides 120 are substantially parallel to each other with the flanges 128 facing towards the other side.

[33] The first and second sides 120 are connected by the front and the back 140 of the frame 100. The front and back 140 are parallel and are each connected to one end of the stabilising bar 260. The front and back 140 each comprise two primary articulated arms 142 and a secondary articulated arm 144. The primary articulated arms 142 are each coupled at one end to a pair of flanges 128 on one side 120 and at the other end to an upper portion of a vertical strut 126 of the other side 120. The primary articulated arms 142 are coupled to each other and one end of the stabilising bar at the substantial midpoint of both arms 142. The primary articulated arms 142 each comprise an articulated joint 146 in the upper half with a locking stay such that the angle formed below the joint cannot exceed 180°. The secondary articulated arm 144 is coupled to a lower potion of one primary articulated arm 142 at one end and a lower potion of the other primary articulated arm 142 at the other. When the frame is in the extended configuration, the secondary articulated arm 144 is substantially horizontal. The secondary articulated arm comprises an articulated joint 148 at the substantial midpoint of the arm with a locking stay such that the angle formed below the joint cannot exceed 180°.

[34] The stabilising bar 160 may be coupled at one end to the substantial midpoint of both primary articulated arms 142 of the front 140 and at the other end to the substantial midpoint of both primary articulated arms 142 of the back 140. The stabilising bar 160 is preferably rigid.

[35] The frame 100 may be made of any suitable materials, such as metals, polymers, composite materials or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments the frame 100 may be substantially made of one or more metals.

[36] The frame 100 is coupled to a first container and a second container 200. The first and second containers 200 are coupled to opposing sides 120 of the frame 100 such that expansion of the frame 100 increases a separation distance, d, between the first and second containers 200. The containers may comprise a plurality of compartments 220 and a plurality of guides 222. The compartments 220 are preferably stacked substantially vertically such that each compartment 220 except the bottommost compartment acts as a lid to the compartment below. The compartments 220 may be coupled to adjacent compartments 220 for example using a guide 222. A guide 222 coupling a pair of adjacent compartments 220 (an upper and a lower compartment) may be connected to an upper part of the lower compartment and may encompass a lip or rail on a lower edge of the upper compartment, such that the upper compartment can move laterally in relation to the lower compartment. Preferably only the bottommost compartment is coupled to the side 120 of the frame 100. The topmost compartment 220 may comprise a hinged lid 240. The containers 200 may be made of any suitable material, for example the containers may be substantially made of polymers.

[37] The frame 100 is coupled to a seat 300 at an upper part of the frame 100, in-use. The seat 300 may be collapsible such that the seat 300 is collapsed when the frame 100 is in the contracted configuration and the seat 300 is deployed for a user to sit on when the frame 100 is in the expanded configuration. The seat 300 may be made of any suitable material. Preferably, the seat 300 comprises a strap of flexible material, such as a fabric or a polymer. The strap of flexible material should have sufficient strength to hold a user. The seat 300 may be coupled at each end to a different side 120 of the frame 100. Preferably, the ends of the seat 300 are coupled to the second horizontal struts 124 of the sides. The fabric of the seat may be secured (e.g. sewn) around the horizontal struts 124.

[38] Preferably, in the expanded configuration (as in figure 2), there is a through hole, in use, beneath the seat 300. This may allow a user to pass equipment, such as fishing poles beneath the seat while fishing. This may be beneficial in practices such as pole fishing where a long pole must be advanced or retracted. It is useful for this to pass beneath a user.

[39] A lower part, in use, of the frame 100 may be coupled to at least four legs 400. The legs 400 may sit telescopically within the vertical struts 126 of each side 120 of the frame 100 such that the legs protrude from the bottom of the vertical struts in use. The legs 400 may be adjustable to change a height of each leg independently, for example by use of a hand screw 410. While figure 3 shows the legs 400 coupled to the frame 100 in this way, the legs 400 may be coupled to a lower part, in use, of the first container and / or second container 200. Preferably, the assembly comprises four legs 400.

[40] A lower end of the legs 400 may be coupled to feet 420. The feet 420 may have a larger lateral cross-sectional area than that of the legs 400 to provide additional stability.

[41] The frame 100 may be coupled to a backrest 500 at an upper part of the frame 100, in-use. The backrest 500 may be collapsible such that the backrest 500 is collapsed when the frame 100 is in the contracted configuration and the backrest 500 is deployed for a user to lean against when the frame 100 is in the expanded configuration. The backrest 500 may be removably coupled to the upper part of the frame, such that the backrest may be removed and stowed when the frame is in the contracted configuration. The backrest 500 may comprise a first and a second vertical members 520, each coupled to a side 120 of the frame 100 and a strap of flexible material 540 coupled therebetween. The struts 520 may be adjustable to change a height of the backrest 500 and may sit telescopically within the vertical struts 126 of each side of the frame such that the struts 520 protrude from the top of the vertical struts 126 in use. The strap 540 may be a fabric or a polymer.

[42] With reference to figures 1 and 5, a footplate 600 may be removably coupled to the frame 100 . The footplate 600 comprises a substantially flat surface 620, at least two struts 640 and a plurality of restraining bars 642. The at least two struts 640 may be coupled substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 620. The footplate 600 may be removably coupled to the frame 100 via the legs 400 while the frame is in its extended configuration such that the flat surface extends horizontally (in use) from the frame 100. This may allow a user to rest their feet on the flat surface while using the seat 300. While figure 1 shows the footplate 600 coupled to both legs and located in front of the seat 300, the footplate 600 may alternatively be removably coupled to a single leg 400 such that it may be offset from the front. As such, it may act as a table to the user to place items upon. With reference to figure 5, when the frame 100 is in the contracted configuration, the footplate 600 may be removably coupled to the frame 100 such that the flat surface 620 lies against the front or back of the frame 100 and such that the struts 640 lie against the sides of the first and second containers 200. Restraining bars 642 (shown in an exploded view in figure 5) may be removably coupled between the struts 640 so as to encompass the frame 100 and the first and second containers 200 and prevent inadvertent decoupling. This may allow the footplate to be stowed in a compact manner fortransport.

[43] A coupling 660 between each strut 640 and the flat surface 620 may be adjustable such that the strut is capable of acting as one or more of a leg and an attachment for attaching a rod rest thereto. The coupling 660 may comprise a hand screw to allow manual adjustment. There may be at least two struts 640, for example at least 4. Preferably, there are four struts 640. The struts may have, at one end, a foot 680. The feet 680 may have any of the features described above in relation to the feet 420. When in the expanded configuration, the restraining bars 642 may be removably coupled to one or more struts 640 to extend the assembly. These may, for example, serve to hold rod rests at different angles and distances from the user.

[44] The substantially flat surface 620 may, upon one side, provide storage for various attachments, such as couplings and rod rests. These may be removably coupled to the flat surface 620 by any suitable means. The flat surface 620 may have holes for drainage and / or protrusions for improved grip.

[45] The frame 100 may be coupled to an umbrella 800. This may serve to block rain and / or direct sunlight from a user. The frame 100 or a vertical member of the backrest 520 may be coupled to substantially vertical umbrella support 820, which may in turn be coupled to the umbrella 800

[46] With reference to figure 6, a storage system 900 is provided comprising a storage assembly 10 according to the first aspect of the invention, a wheel assembly 910 and a handle 940.

[47] The wheel assembly 910 may be releasably coupled to the storage assembly 10 such that the wheel assembly 910 can be used to move the storage assembly when the frame is in the collapsed configuration. The wheel assembly 910 may comprise at least one wheel 920, an axel 930 and an electric motor 950. Preferably, the wheel assembly 910 comprises two wheels 920. The axel 930 may be coupled to the storage assembly 10, for example via the footplate 600 of the storage assembly, such that it can rotate freely. The axel 930 may be connected at each end to a wheel 920. The axel may be coupled to an electric motor 950 such that the electric motor, when activated, may cause the axel to rotate.

[48] The handle 940 may be releasably coupled to the storage assembly 10 such that the handle 940 can be used to move the storage assembly when the frame is in the collapsed configuration. The handle 940 may comprise a first strut 942 coupled at one end to the footplate 600 of the storage assembly, and coupled at the other end to a second, shorter strut 944 arranged perpendicular to the fist strut. The second strut 944 may be the intended position for a user’s hand and may have an ergonomic shape. The second strut 944 may comprise a control 960 for the electric motor 950. The motor control 960 may be connected by a wire or wirelessly to the electric motor 950. The control may allow a user to control the speed of the motor 950 and thereby the speed at which the wheels 920 are driven.

[49] While figure 6 shows an electric motor and motor control, the system 900 may be driven manually. The use of an electric motor 950 may help to move the storage assembly 10, for example, through rough terrain or up steep slopes.

[50] With reference to figures 2, 5 and 7, there is provided a method of transforming the frame 100 from the contracted configuration shown in figure 5 to the expanded configuration shown in figure 2. Starting from figure 5, the restraining bars 640 may be removed and the footplate 600 uncoupled. The first and second containers 200 may then be moved apart as shown in figure 7, expanding the frame 100. In doing so, the separation distance, d, may increase from, for example, 5 cm to, for example, 60 cm. Pushing down on the articulated arms 144 locks the frame 100 in the expanded configuration shown in figure 2.

[51] Reversing these steps provides a method of transforming the frame 100 from the expanded configuration shown in figure 2 to the contracted configuration shown in figure 5.

[52] From figure 2, the storage assembly 10 can be further transformed to the configuration shown in figure 1. Unscrewing the hand screws 410 allows the legs 400 to be arranged as desired and fixed in position by tightening the hand screws 410, as shown in figure 3. The footplate 600 may then be coupled to the legs 400 and the struts 640 adjusted using the adjustable couplings 660 (see figure 4). Further attachments may then be coupled to the frame, such as the umbrella 800 and the backrest 500, as shown in figure 1.

[53] Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described to illustrate the subject-matter of the present disclosure, the features of the embodiments are not to be taken as limiting the scope of protection. For the avoidance of doubt, the scope of protection is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A fishing tackle storage assembly comprising:a frame capable of expanding laterally, in-use,a first container and a second container, wherein the first and second containers are coupled to opposing sides of the frame; anda seat coupled to an upper part of the frame, in-use,wherein the frame is laterally expandable between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration, wherein expansion of the frame increases a separation distance between the first and second containers;wherein the seat is coupled at each end to a substantially horizontal strut at the top of a different side of the frame;wherein the containers comprise a plurality of compartments and a plurality of guides, wherein the compartments are stacked substantially vertically such that each compartment except the bottommost compartment acts as a lid to the compartment below, wherein the compartments are coupled to adjacent compartments using a guide of the plurality of guides such that respective upper compartments are laterally moveable compared to lower compartments; andwherein the seat is collapsible, such that the seat is collapsed when the frame is in the contracted configuration and the seat is deployed for a user to sit on when the frame is in the expanded configuration.

2. The fishing tackle storage assembly of claim 1, wherein, in the expanded configuration, the seat is directly above the frame and a through hole exists beneath the seat.

3. The fishing tackle storage assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat comprises a strap of flexible material.

4. The fishing tackle storage assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second containers each has a closure mechanism arranged such that, in use, they can be opened in the expanded and contracted configurations.

5. The fishing tackle storage assembly of any preceding claim further comprising at least four legs coupled, in use, to a lower part of the frame and / or containers.13 01 256. The fishing tackle storage assembly of claim 5, wherein a coupling between each leg and the frame is adjustable to change a height of each leg independently.

7. The fishing tackle storage assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a back rest coupled to an upper part of the frame, in use.

8. The fishing tackle storage assembly of claim 7, wherein the backrest is collapsible, such that the backrest is collapsed when the frame is in the contracted configuration and the backrest is deployed for a user to rest against on when the frame is in the expanded configuration.

9. The fishing tackle storage assembly of either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the back rest comprises a first and second vertical member coupled to the frame, and a strap of flexible material coupled therebetween.

10. The fishing tackle storage assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a footplate removably coupled to the frame, the footplate comprising a substantially flat surface and at least two struts coupled substantially perpendicular to the flat surface, wherein a coupling between each strut and the flat surface is adjustable such that the strut is capable of acting as one or more of a leg and an attachment for attaching a rod rest thereto.

11. A storage system comprising:the fishing tackle storage assembly of any preceding claim; anda wheel assembly comprising at least one wheel,wherein the wheel assembly is releasably coupled to the frame such that the wheel assembly can be used to move the fishing tackle storage assembly when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

12. The storage system of claim 11 further comprising:a handle releasably coupled to the frame such that the handle can be used to move the fishing tackle storage assembly when the frame is in the collapsed configuration.

13. The storage system of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the wheel assembly comprises an electric motor to power the at least one wheel to move.

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