STORAGE CONTAINER

This invention relates to a storage container and more especially, but not exclusively, to a storage container that can be attached to the frame work of a vehicle, such as a Landrover ^® .

Many four-by-four vehicles such as, for example, Landrovers ^® , have a large gap between the side panels of the vehicle and the vehicle chassis. In such vehicles in particular, storage space is at a premium.

One aim of this invention is to make use of the gap between the side panels and the chassis by providing a storage container that is capable of being attached to the side panel so to be located within the gap.

Accordingly, there is a provided a storage container shaped and dimensioned to fit between a side panel and chassis of a vehicle, the storage container having means to attach the container to the side panel and/or the chassis of the vehicle.

An embodiment the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which :

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a storage container constructed in accordance with the present invention, attached to a panel of a vehicle; and

Figure 2 is a schematic rear view of the storage container of Figure 1.

As can be seen from the Figures, a storage container 2 of generally rectangular shape is dimensioned to be secured to the inside surface of a

side panel 4 of a vehicle, for example a four-by-four vehicle such as a Landrover ^® .

To allow the container 2 to be secured to the vehicle, an opening 6 is cut out of the panel 4. The perimeter of the front face 8 of the container 2 includes a flange 10 that is secured, by standard fixing means 12, such as a nut and bolt, to the panel 4 along the perimeter of the opening 6.

The container 2 could, alternatively, be secured to the chassis of the vehicle.

The container 2 is constructed to a pre-determined size to allow the container 2 to be located between the inner surface 14 of the panel and the vehicle chassis (not shown) so as not to cause an obstruction.

The front face 8 of the container is formed as a hinged lid or door which can be opened from the outside of the vehicle to allow access to the inside of the container 2. To this end a handle 16 is provided.

In a further embodiment (not shown) the hinged lid or door, forms the top surface 18 of the container 2 such that the container 2 can only be accessed from inside the vehicle (through an aperture formed in the floor of the vehicle body).

In yet a further embodiment (also not shown), the container 2 is formed of at least two separate compartments, one being accessed from outside the vehicle and another (more secure) compartment being accessible only from within the vehicle.

Locking means may be provided to prevent unauthorised access to the container 2.

Although the above description refers to the container 2 as being generally rectangular it is clearly envisaged that the container 2 could be of any shape. Indeed, the container 2 may have to be specifically shaped and dimensioned to fit within the boundaries of the gap between the panel 2 and the chassis.

In use the container 2 may be used to store any object such as for example, but in no way limited to, tools, camping gear, spare tyres, gas bottles, batteries and tow-ropes. It could also be used to store an extra water tank or fuel tank for the vehicle. The container 2 may be specifically shaped and dimensioned to store a particular product, notwithstanding the constraints imposed by the shape and size of the gap in which the container 2 is to be located.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of one embodiment of a storage container according to the present invention and of just one form of storage container with which it may be used. The skilled reader will understand that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.