A STORAGE DEVICE FIELD

This invention relates to a storage device, particularly suitable for use as a storage device for emergency supplies and/or for use as a survival kit, although the storage device may have many other uses, such as for general purposes as either a fixed or a portable storage device.

BACKGROUND

Many people ensure they have a stockpile of emergency provisions and/or a survival kit ready for an emergency such as a natural disaster, or a major electrical blackout, or even war. For example, the stockpile of emergency supplies may include non-perishable foods, water, medical supplies, candles, and devices such as torches and radios. Many others have never begin to set up a stockpile.

Often these emergency supplies are stored in a specially designated emergency storeroom, which may have been constructed for this purpose. Such storerooms are usually provided with extra strengthening, or built below ground, to ensure their survival, for example, in the event of a major natural disaster having otherwise destroyed the house. Such storerooms may be prohibitively expensive, or simply inappropriate, and may consume space otherwise usable for general purposes.

Perhaps in recognition of the above, there are now available a number of relatively small portable survival kits, such as backpacks, which are filled with emergency supplies and which are able to be stored in usual household storage facilities such as cupboards. A disadvantage associated with such survival kits is that they are not fixed in one place, nor are they able to be fixed. Someone in the household might moved the kit to a different storage place so in the case of an emergency the kit cannot be found.

The emergency supplies are generally packed together tightly within the survival kit and it may not be easy to locate any one particular item without removing all the emergency supplies, which will then have to be repacked into the survival kit.

Moreover, such presently available survival kits do not generally have room to store non perishable or long life food products, for example cans of food. Furthermore, because cans of food can be quite heavy, they are susceptible to breaking or damaging other items in the survival kit, especially when the survival kit was being carried or transported, for example on the back of a person. Over the years, even a can of food may become inedible and it can be useful to consume the food in the kit from time to time, replacing it with fresh material.

The prior art noted so far has been US 4299345 a single tube arranged vertically and used for holding tennis balls.

OBJECT

It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage device which goes some way towards addressing the aforementioned problems or difficulties, or which at the very least provides the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

In a first broad aspect the invention provides a storage device which includes at least one receptacle adapted to store a plurality of containers, fixing means adapted to secure the storage device to a wall, and carrying means to enable the storage device to be lifted from the wall and carried by a person, wherein each receptacle includes resilient retention means adapted to hold one or more containers each having standardised dimensions in the receptacle; said retention means being resiliently movable in order to allow a container to be added to or removed from said receptacle.

Preferably said receptacle is shaped and dimensioned to hold a plurality of said containers, and has two ends (usually placed one above the other) with said resilient retention means

located at at least one said end, to allow a container to be added to or removed from a linear array in said receptacle, preferably from a side position, but otherwise to be retained therein.

Preferably said receptacle is shaped and dimensioned to hold a line of said containers in a substantially vertical orientation, with a loading opening having resilient retention means through which a container can be added at or near a top end of a line in said receptacle, and a removal opening resilient retention means through which a container can be removed at or near a bottom end of a line of containers in said receptacle while said receptacle comprises a portion of an entire storage device.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage device, substantially as described above, wherein, in use, the or each receptacle allows for containers to be utilised on a "first in, first out" basis.

Preferably the storage device permits inspection of the containers stored within the or each receptacle so that their number, type, and other characteristics can be ascertained without removing the containers from the receptacle(s).

Preferably, each receptacle is provided with a viewing means whereby containers stored within the receptacle may be partially or fully viewed. Example viewing means include: a slot, at least partially revealing the container within, formed through the receptacle surface, or a transparent or translucent section, the viewing means preferably allowing for enough of each container to be viewed whereby it can be identified as to content.

Alternatively, the viewing portion may be provided for by the receptacle being partially or wholly transparent.

A preferred means for assembling a plurality of said receptacles within one storage device comprises joining means preferably in the form of an upper and a lower plate, said plates being fixed to the upper and lower ends of the receptacles respectively.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage device,

75 substantially as described above, wherein the lower plate is provided with cushioning means to cushion an impact of a falling container against the lower plate.

In another broad aspect the storage device comprises a survival kit, and further includes a plurality of containers shaped and dimensioned to fit into a said receptacle, containing emergency provisions.

80 Preferably the storage device includes at least one said container selected from a group including but not limited to: medical supplies, matches, candles, flares, torch, radio, mobile phone, tin-opener, pocket knives, spoons, playing cards, water, a phone charger, a sustainable power supply, and at least one said container containing food.

A preferred "sustainable power supply" is a hand-cranked dynamo.

85 Preferably the receptacle may be adapted to store containers of substantially the same dimensions only, or at least having the same diameter only.

Preferably said receptacle is shaped and dimensioned to hold standard, substantially cylindrical containers of a standard size; at this time the standard size being a diameter of from about 65mm to 75mm and a length of 95mm to 117mm (as for standard tinned food 90 items; baked beans or the like).

Preferably the resilient retention means adapted to hold containers in the storage device comprises a pair of flexible and resilient arms having extremities which extend towards each other, said extremities being flexibly movable away from each other by a distance at least equal to the smallest likely cross-sectional dimension of said container, and resiliently biased 95 to return to a distance less than said smallest likely cross-sectional dimension.

Means for loading containers preferably comprise a guarded opening cut into or formed within an upper portion of the receptacle. Similarly, means for removing containers preferably comprise a guarded opening cut into or formed within a lower portion of the receptacle. The openings may preferably be of a size or configuration whereby they readily

100 allow for the placement and removal of a container into and out of the receptacle respectively.

Preferably the openings allow for the side loading of the containers into and from the receptacle respectively. That is, it is not necessary to have additional space above or below the receptacle to allow for containers to be loaded into or removed from the receptacle 105 respectively. Hence, the receptacle could be mounted between adjacent upper and lower surfaces, for example between shelves.

Conveniently, the receptacle may allow for a "first in first out" configuration with respect to the containers housed with the receptacle so that stored containers of food may be cycled through the storage device from time to time, helping to maintain freshness.

110 Preferably, the openings may be provided with reversibly removable retention means selected from a range including, but not limited to a string, a bungy cord or a strap held with "VELCRO ¹¹ T adapted to prevent containers from inadvertently being removed from the receptacle.

Alternatively, the retention means may comprise flexible arms that are adapted to flex 115 outwardly to allow a container to be loaded and removed respectively. Such flexible arms may be integrally formed with the receptacle.

Preferably, a plurality of receptacles is provided, joined together side-to-side by joining means including, as one example, a backing plate or board to which the receptacles may be affixed, for example by gluing or fastening clips.

120 Alternatively, and preferably, the j oining means may be in the form of upper and lower plates (with the upper and lower plates being fixed to the upper and lower ends of the receptacles respectively). In one option, the upper and lower plates are integrally formed with the plurality of receptacles, In another option, the upper and lower plates are separately formed and then fixed to the receptacles, for example by gluing or screwing or by clipping

125 into position.

Preferably, the lower plate is provided with cushioning means to minimise the impact of a container falling against the lower plate; the cushioning means preferably in the form of a raised portion capable of absorbing some or all of the force of a falling receptacle; for example a raised dome portion or a raised flattened dome portion.

130 Preferably each receptacle is made of a substantially lightweight and/or robust material, such as a plastics material, or a metal sheet formed into a cylinder, or a sustainable material such as wood or bamboo.

Preferably the storage device is provided with fixing means adapted for fastening the storage means to a wall by means of one or more fasteners, including nails or screws.

135 In a further aspect, the storage device is provided with carrying means to enable the device to be carried, for example, on the back of a person by means of at least one strap, attached to the storage device by the use of knots or clasps.

In a yet further aspect, such survival kits or portions or upgrades thereof, in compatible containers substantially as described above, may be sold separately to the storage device.

140 In a related aspect, empty containers for filling with personal effects may be sold.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description of a preferred form of the invention to be provided herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is given purely by way of example only, and is not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention. Throughout this specification 145 unless the text requires otherwise, the word 'comprise' and variations such as 'comprising' or 'comprises' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

DRAWINGS

150 Fig 1 : is a front view of a receptacle forming part of a storage device, being one possible embodiment of the invention

Fig 2: is a side view of the receptacle shown in Figure 1, and

Fig 3: is a front perspective view of a storage device which includes four receptacles, as shown in Figures 1 and 2

155 Fig 4: shows a storage device according to the invention, strapped onto a person's back.

Fig 5: shows the front view of a storage device which includes four receptacles; four cans storage device, with a carrying handle.

Fig 6: shows a rear view of the four receptacles; four cans version of the storage device, also showing the slotted fixing points that also serve to hold the straps.

160 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Note: references to sizes in the preferred embodiments assume the continuation of the current standard "tin can" sizes, which appear to have been of consistent dimensions around the world for many years. These are cylindrical containers with a diameter of between 65 mm and 75 mm and with a length of between 95 mm and 117 mm. Should a new or an alternative 165 standard arise, specific dimensions given herein may be altered accordingly.

Having regard to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a storage device in the form of a receptacle, generally indicated by arrow 1. The receptacle 1 is adapted to receive and store round containers (not shown), the containers being of a size and configuration of those commonly used for tinned food. The internal diameter of the partially cut-away tubes comprising each 170 receptacle are slightly larger than the standard size of the round containers. Note that the receptacle 1 shown in the Figures and described in this Example is designed to hold four containers, the containers being of a size of those commonly used for storing tinned food.

Although the receptacle 1 is made from an injection moulded plastics material such as 2 mm thick polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), "NylonT " or equivalent materials as

175 are well-known to those skilled in the art. The inventor also suggests the use of sustainable, natural materials such as bamboo, larger sizes of which have a compatible internal diameter.

Each receptacle 1 has a loading means in the form of the opening 2 and a removal means in the form of the opening 3. The loading means 2 forms the upper end of the receptacle 1 and the removal means 3 forms the lower end of the receptacle 1. The loading means and the 180 removal means have the same configuration in this example. The openings 2,3 are provided with retention means in the form of flexible arms 4,5 respectively. The arms 4,5 in this Example serve to prevent containers being inadvertently removed from or falling out of the receptacle 1. Alternatives include straps, perhaps anchored with "VELCRO" T , or elastic cords, adhesive tape, or string, tied over the openings.

185 A container may be placed into the receptacle 1 by placing it against the resilient arms 4 of the opening 2 and pushing the container with sufficient force to cause the arms 4 to flex slightly and admit the container into the receptacle 1. The container is then free to fall under the effects of gravity until it either lands at the cushioned bottom of the receptacle in the region of the opening 3 (being prevented from falling out by the resilient arms 5) or it lands

190 on top of another container already housed within the receptacle 1.

A container may be removed from the opening 3 by pulling the container against the resilient arms 5 with sufficient pressure to cause the arms to give way and enable it to be removed. The container above the one removed then falls down to take its place. Hence the receptacle 1 allows for a "first in first out" system, which has an advantage in that the containers placed 195 earliest in the receptacle 1 are removed or used first. This may be important for "use by" dates of food contained within any containers. Furthermore, the receptacle 1 is safe to use in that a container is able to fall down the receptacle only after a lower container has been fully removed from the removal opening 3. Hence, there is little possibility of a user's fingers being injured by a falling container during removal.

200 The receptacle 1 is also provided with at least one viewing portion in the form of the slot 6

whereby each container housed within the receptacle 1 may be sufficiently viewed to identify it and therefore its contents. Hence, any specific or desired container may be identified within a particular receptacle 1 and then removed in the appropriate fashion. If not at the bottom, lower containers can be returned to the receptacle until the desired container is 205 obtained. As alternatives to the slot, the entire receptacle may be made of a translucent or transparent material.

As shown in the drawings, containers are placed into or removed from the receptacle from the side. This preferred arrangement avoids having additional space above or below the receptacle 1, already nearly 500 mm high for a 4-can receptacle version (or 390 mm high for 210 a three-can version), with top and bottom plates. The completed storage unit can be mounted closely between existing upper and lower surfaces, for example between existing shelves, thus maximising efficient use of existing storage space.

Turning now to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 a storage device 15 comprising a plurality of receptacles 1 located between a top plate 7 and a bottom plate 8 is shown. Each receptacle 1 215 is formed separately (by injection moulding techniques) as are the upper and lower plates 7 and 8. Conveniently, the upper and lower plates 7, 8 are clipped onto the receptacles 1 which method of fixing lends itself to mass production.

The upper plate 7 is provided with fixing means in the form of the flanges 10, best seen in Fig 6. Similarly, the lower plate 8 has flanges 10. which may be created in the same

220 injection mould that is used to make the plates. Each flange is provided with slots 12 that have a first purpose of allowing the storage device to be screwed, through the opening, onto a wall or inside a cupboard door, for example. So long as the screw (or other fastener has a head that is wider than the slit but can pass through the intersection of the "+" of the perpendicular slots, it is then a matter of second to grasp the entire storage device, lift it up

225 slightly and remove it from its fixed position. The second purpose of the two sets of crossed slots is that each one will admit a carry-strap 13 that can be used to carry the storage device on a person's back during an emergency. Fig 4 shows a person carrying the storage device 14 by means of two back-pack type straps 13, leaving the person's hands free to carry a baby, water, a tent or the like. To optionally carry the storage device by hand, a handle 9 is

230 preferably provided in the upper plate 7. (This is one instance where a three-can-high storage receptacle (see under "Variations") may be preferred, especially if carried by a short person).

Conveniently, the lower plate 8 is provided with a plurality of cushioning means in the form of a raised dome portion 11 , one at the base of each receptacle. The raised dome portion 11 is provided with a flattened top portion 12, which is adapted to cushion the impact of a

235 container falling down onto it, for example when the container is placed into the loading opening 2 and the receptacle is otherwise empty, or if a container is removed from the removal opening 3, and the containers immediately above then fall down. The raised dome portion 11 preferably has a degree of resilience whereby it may flex downwardly slightly when impacted by a falling container, thus cushioning the overall impact associated with a

240 container arriving in the region of the removal opening 3. It is also convenient to provide the same cushioning means in the upper plate. This saves on mould costs and anticipates the whole storage device being turned upside down. A piece of sponge rubber is an acceptable alternative. An inwardly directed resilient portion of a receptacle wall may serve as a brake.

Typical Set Of Contents: (The Disaster Application)

245 In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, it will be appreciated that the storage device 15 according to this Example can store a maximum of 16 standard containers, that is 4 containers in each receptacle 1. Standard-sized containers have been made that are comprised of a length of cardboard tubing with replaceable metal end caps and may be relatively light in weight. Each of the containers may contain any compatible purpose-related items. For

250 example, if the storage device 15 was intended to be used as a emergency provision device or as a survival kit, then a number of containers, but not all of them, may hold manufactured tinned food. Additionally, the invention as supplied provides containers holding emergency necessities selected from a list including matches, candles, tin-opener, torch, radio, mobile phone, pocket knives, playing cards, medical supplies, water treatment tablets, water, and so

255 on. It is of course up to the owner to manage his or her own set of containers in order to include important purposes such as carrying cash, personal medical supplies, lists of information, maps and identity papers. The inventor has located a hand-cranked transistor radio that also includes a torch function and has a charging lead suitable for recharging a

mobile (cellular) telephone; the device fits inside one of the standard-sized containers.

260 Survival kits or components thereof, housed within standard containers, may be pre-packed and hermetically sealed thereby preventing any degradation by exposure to moisture or to air, and be kept fresh and in good condition until such time as the container is opened, for example with the use of a can opener (supplied). Alternatively, the emergency supplies may be pre-packaged in an airtight container, such as a plastic bag, and then placed within a

265 container that is not sealed completely and/or provided with an airtight seal. For example, the survival container may be opened and closed by simply removing an end of the survival container by hand.

VARIATIONS

An alternative receptacle carrier may be three containers high whereas Example 1 as 270 illustrated holds up to four standard containers in each receptacle. Or, the storage device may be 2 wide x 6 containers high, or 6 wide and 2 high, and so on; limited only by peoples' ability to store and carry the storage device.

As an alternative to the previously mentioned tin cans or cardboard tubes with press-fitted ends, unbreakable plastics bottles having wide screw caps and about the same outer 275 dimensions as standard containers are a favoured alternative. Such bottles would survive immersion or exposure to sea or rain without letting moisture into the contents. They may have transparent walls so that the contents can easily be seen.

Example 1 generally aimed to provide an emergency kit of materials useful in a survival situation resulting from a disaster. Alternative themes are envisaged, notably but without 280 limit:

A kit for fishermen, including a range of hooks, flies, traces, baits, first aid, and the like.

A kit for electricians, including a range of fasteners, a range of wire ties, a range of crimping terminations, test equipment, tools, first aid, and the like.

A kit for carpenters, including a range of fasteners such as nails and screws, screwdriver 285 tips, marking instruments, tools, first aid, and the like.

ADVANTAGES AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

1. The invention brings together a personal or family kit of survival items in one place, ready to be used in the home in the event of a disruption to society such as an earthquake, or rapidly taken off a wall and carried with the family if evacuated from their home.

290 2. The standard storage device includes a handle and back straps for portability.

3. The invention provides a starter set of equipment that is relatively difficult to locate as a basic collection, thereby overcoming an initial threshold of acceptability, and allows the owner to selectively add other items according to personal requirements.

4. One or more further containers containing revised or improved equipment compatible with 295 the overall objective of survival may be sold at a later date.

5. The invention allows usage and replacement of limited-life items during normal life, so that the owner is assured that survival items have not perished or deteriorated. The "sealed unit" is a single can rather than the entire collection. Hence the user can replenish all items approaching the end of their shelf life or "use-by" date.

300 6. Apart from disaster/survival applications, the invention provides a storage device for carrying a plurality of items such as those used when fishing, doing carpentry, or being an electrician.

While the embodiments described above are currently the preferred options, it will be appreciated that a variety of other changes and modifications might also be made within the

305 general spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.