JP7747332B2 - Storage device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a storage device.

Storage devices for storing objects that have a plate-like member and a rod-like member connected to the plate-like member are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a cart device for memo stands that can store multiple memo stands that can be attached and detached to a chair. The memo stand includes a writing board as a plate-like member and a frame as a rod-like member connected to the writing board. The cart device for memo stands is configured to store multiple memo stands that can be stacked vertically.

Patent No. 4010602

The above-mentioned memo stand cart device is designed to store multiple memo stands stacked on top of each other, which poses the problem of the memo stands being easily damaged by contact with each other. Note that this problem can also occur with other storage items besides memo stands.

One aspect of the present disclosure is to provide technology for storing multiple storage objects in a manner that minimizes contact between the storage objects.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a storage device for storing storage objects having a plate-like member and a rod-like member connected to the plate-like member, and includes a main body and multiple holding parts provided on the main body. Each of the multiple holding parts is configured to individually hold the plate-like member when the plate-like member is inserted downward. This configuration allows multiple storage objects to be stored in a manner that minimizes contact between the storage objects.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the multiple holding sections may include at least one row of holding sections formed by arranging at least some of the multiple holding sections side by side along the vertical direction. Each of the multiple holding sections may be configured to hold the plate-like member in a state inclined with respect to the vertical direction. With this configuration, the holding sections can be arranged side by side at relatively narrow intervals along the vertical direction, thereby saving space.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the multiple holders may have a holder row that includes a first holder row and a second holder row that is arranged opposite the first holder row. This configuration allows for space savings by making effective use of available space.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the multiple holding parts may include a first support part and a second support part. The first support part abuts against a downward-facing surface of the plate surface, which is a surface perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the plate-shaped member, to support the plate-shaped member. The second support part abuts against a downward-facing surface of the side surface, which is a surface along the plate thickness direction of the plate-shaped member, to support the plate-shaped member.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the multiple holding portions may be configured to hold the plate-shaped member with its longitudinal direction, as viewed in the thickness direction of the plate-shaped member, oriented horizontally. This configuration allows the plate-shaped member to be held in a stable state.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, each of the multiple holding units may comprise two holders provided on the main body unit horizontally spaced apart from each other, each holding both the left and right sides of the plate-like member. This configuration makes it easier to attach and detach the plate-like member to and from the holding unit.

One aspect of the present disclosure may further include wheels that allow the main body to move relative to the floor. This configuration makes it easier to transport the items to be stored.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the rod-shaped member may be connected to the plate-shaped member in a state in which it can rotate within a predetermined angular range so that its orientation relative to the plate-shaped member can be changed. The main body may include a limiting portion that limits the rotational movement of the rod-shaped member connected to the plate-shaped member in the held state. This configuration makes it possible to stabilize the holding state of the storage object.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the main body may include a base member and a plurality of columnar members extending vertically from the base member. The plurality of columnar members may include a first columnar member on which at least some of the plurality of holding portions are provided, and a second columnar member that functions as a limiting portion by preventing rotational movement of a rod-shaped member connected to a plate-shaped member held by the first columnar member. With this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a dedicated limiting portion.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the main body may be configured so that the rod-shaped member connected to the plate-shaped member in a held state is contained within the range of the external dimensions of the main body when viewed vertically. This configuration makes it less likely that the rod-shaped member of the storage object stored in the storage device will interfere with objects located outside the storage device.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a memo stand and a chair in an embodiment in which the writing board is in use, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a memo stand and a chair in an embodiment in which the writing board is not in use. 1A is a front view of the storage device, FIG. 1B is a side view of the storage device, and FIG. 1C is a top view of the storage device. 10 is a perspective view of the memo pad of the embodiment before the writing board is inserted into the holder. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the holder according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a holding portion according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified memo pad. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a holder according to a modified example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a holding portion of a modified example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a holding portion of a modified example. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a holding portion of a modified example. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration in which a holding portion is fixed to a main body portion. 10A is a perspective view of a base member according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a base member according to a modified example.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.
[1. Configuration]
The storage device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for storing storage objects, which has a plate-like member and a rod-like member connected to the plate-like member.

The storage object in this embodiment is the memo stand 7 shown in Figure 2(a). The memo stand 7 is configured to be detachable from the chair 6. As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), the storage device 1 is configured to be able to store multiple memo stands 7 that have been detached from the chair 6.

As shown in FIG. 2(a), the memo stand 7 includes a writing board 71 as a plate-like member and a frame 72 as a rod-like member connected to the writing board 71. In this embodiment, the writing board 71 is a resin member, and the frame 72 is a metal pipe. The surface of the writing board 71, which is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the board, is roughly rectangular. When the memo stand 7 is attached to the chair 6, the writing board 71 is supported by the frame 72 so that its upper surface is oriented nearly horizontal. However, the writing board 71 is configured to be movable from the in-use state shown in FIG. 2(a) to the unused state shown in FIG. 2(b). Specifically, the writing board 71 is rotatable upward by approximately 90 degrees around a rotation axis extending in the front-to-back direction relative to the occupant of the chair 6, and further rotatable downward by approximately 180 degrees from that state around a rotation axis extending in the left-to-right direction relative to the occupant.

Returning to Figure 1, the storage device 1 comprises a main body 2 and a plurality of holding sections 3 (2N in this embodiment, where N is an integer) provided on the main body 2. In this embodiment, the main body 2 is a metal member, and the holding sections 3 are metal or resin members. Furthermore, the storage device 1 comprises four wheels 4 that allow the main body 2 to move relative to the floor surface. In other words, the storage device 1 also functions as a cart for transporting the stored memo stands 7.

The main body 2 comprises a rectangular frame-shaped base member 20 and four pillar-shaped members 21, 22, 23, and 24 extending vertically upward from the corners of the base member 20. Four wheels 4 are attached to the underside of the base member 20. For ease of explanation, the side of pillar-shaped members 21 and 22 will be referred to as the "left side of the storage device 1," and the side of pillar-shaped members 23 and 24 will be referred to as the "right side of the storage device 1."

The left-side pillar members 21, 22 of the storage device 1 are connected at their upper ends by a horizontally extending upper connecting member 25, and at their intermediate portions by a horizontally extending middle connecting member 26. Similarly, the right-side pillar members 23, 24 of the storage device 1 are connected at their upper ends by a horizontally extending upper connecting member 27, and at their intermediate portions by a horizontally extending middle connecting member 28. Furthermore, the two upper connecting members 25, 27 are connected at their intermediate portions by a horizontally extending connecting member 29.

Of the multiple (2N) holding sections 3, some (half, or N, in this embodiment) are provided on the columnar members 21 and 22 on the left side of the storage device 1, and the remaining (N, in this embodiment) are provided on the columnar members 23 and 24 on the right side of the storage device 1.

The multiple (N) holders 3 on the left side of the storage device 1 are arranged side by side at regular intervals along the vertical direction. Similarly, the multiple (N) holders 3 on the right side of the storage device 1 are also arranged side by side at regular intervals along the vertical direction. In other words, in this embodiment, the multiple (2N) holders 3 have two holder rows 30 formed by arranging the multiple (N) holders 3 side by side along the vertical direction. If the holder row 30 on the left side of the storage device 1 is referred to as the first holder row 30 and the holder row 30 on the right side of the storage device 1 is referred to as the second holder row 30, the first holder row 30 and the second holder row 30 are arranged to face each other. In other words, the first holder row 30 and the second holder row 30 are arranged symmetrically.

As shown in Figures 3(a) to 3(c), each of the multiple holders 3 is configured to individually hold a memo stand 7. In other words, the upper limit on the number of memo stands 7 that can be stored in the storage device 1 is equal to the number of holders 3 included in the storage device 1 (2N in this embodiment).

As shown in FIG. 4 , the holder 3 is configured to individually hold the writing boards 71 by inserting the writing boards 71 downward. In this embodiment, the holder 3 includes two holders 31, 32 that are horizontally spaced apart and mounted on the main body 2, and that hold both the left and right sides of the writing board 71. In this embodiment, the two holders 31, 32 are configured as separate members from the main body 2. Specifically, on the left side of the storage device 1, the holder 31 is fixed to the columnar member 21, and the holder 32 is fixed to the columnar member 22. Similarly, on the right side of the storage device 1, the holder 31 is fixed to the columnar member 23, and the holder 32 is fixed to the columnar member 24. In this embodiment, the two holders 31, 32 are symmetrical.

As shown in Figure 5, the two holders 31, 32 have the shape of a box-like structure that is open at the top and narrows linearly downward, separated into two left and right parts. Specifically, each of the two holders 31, 32 has a first support portion 33, a second support portion 34, and a restriction portion 35 that form an insertion space into which the writing board 71 is inserted. Note that only holder 32 is shown in Figure 5.

The first support portion 33 has a support surface that is inclined so that it faces diagonally upward in the insertion space, and abuts against the downward-facing surface of the writing plate 71 (the back surface, which is the surface that becomes the lower surface when in use as described above) to support the writing plate 71. The first support portions 33 of the two holders 31, 32 that make up the holding unit 3 are configured so that their support surfaces are located on the same plane.

The second support portion 34 has a support surface that forms the bottom of the insertion space, and supports the writing plate 71 by abutting against the downward-facing side surface of the writing plate 71, which is the surface along the plate thickness direction. The second support portions 34 of the two holders 31, 32 that make up the holding unit 3 are configured so that their support surfaces are located on the same plane.

The restricting portion 35 has a limiting surface that forms the side of the insertion space, and limits horizontal movement of the writing board 71 in a direction that is not obstructed by the first support portion 33 and the second support portion 34, i.e., lateral movement along the board surface. The restricting portions 35 of the two holders 31, 32 that make up the holding unit 3 are configured so that their limiting surfaces face each other.

With the holding unit 3 configured in this way, the writing board 71 is held in a state inclined relative to the vertical direction, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the holding unit 3 is configured to hold the writing board 71 in a state where the longitudinal direction of the writing board 71 as viewed in the thickness direction is horizontal, i.e., in a sideways position.

To achieve the above-mentioned use and non-use states, the frame 72 is connected to the writing plate 71 in a manner that allows it to rotate within a predetermined angular range around the first rotation axis X1 and the second rotation axis X2, so that its orientation relative to the writing plate 71 can be changed. The first rotation axis X1 is an axis that runs along the short side of the surface of the writing plate 71. The second rotation axis X2 is an axis that runs perpendicular to the surface of the writing plate 71.

Specifically, the frame 72 is divided by two bends into a first linear portion 72a, a second linear portion 72b extending perpendicular to the first linear portion 72a, and a third linear portion 72c extending perpendicular to the second linear portion 72b. The writing plate 71 has a rotation support portion 71a on its back surface, which is supported by the main body of the writing plate 71 so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range around the second rotation axis X2. The first linear portion 72a is supported by the rotation support portion 71a so as to be rotatable within a predetermined angular range around the first rotation axis X1. Because the first linear portion 72a is supported so that its axis coincides with the first rotation axis X1, it does not displace relative to the writing plate 71 even when rotated. However, the second linear portion 72b and the third linear portion 72c can displace relative to the writing plate 71. In the state shown in Figure 6, the second linear portion 72b is positioned so as to extend along the long side of the surface of the writing plate 71, and the third linear portion 72c is positioned so as to extend along the second rotation axis X2.

When the writing board 71 is held by the left-side holder 3 of the storage device 1, the frame 72 connected to it has its tip abutting the right-side column 24 of the storage device 1 from the outside, preventing its rotational movement. Similarly, when the writing board 71 is held by the right-side holder 3 of the storage device 1, the frame 72 connected to it has its tip abutting the left-side column 22 of the storage device 1 from the outside, preventing its rotational movement. In other words, the column members 22, 24 function as a limiting member that restricts the rotational movement of the frame 72 when it is held on the memo stand 7.

In this way, the frame 72 protrudes outside the rectangular parallelepiped space whose corners are the four pillars 21-24. However, the pillars 21 and 22 on the left side of the storage device 1 are erected on the base member 20 at positions offset toward each other, i.e., slightly inside the outer edge of the base member 20. Similarly, the pillars 23 and 24 on the right side of the storage device 1 are erected on the base member 20 at positions offset toward each other, i.e., slightly inside the outer edge of the base member 20. Therefore, the frame 72 does not protrude outside the base member 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the main body 2 is configured so that the frame 72 connected to the writing plate 71 in a held state is contained within the outer dimensions of the main body 2 when viewed vertically.

[2. Effects]
According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The multiple holding parts 3 individually hold the multiple writing boards 71, thereby individually holding the multiple memo stands 7. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which multiple memo stands 7 are stored by stacking them, the multiple memo stands 7 can be stored in a state in which the memo stands 7 are less likely to come into contact with each other, making it less likely that the memo stands 7 will be damaged due to contact with each other.

(2) Since multiple memo stands 7 are held individually, a large number of memo stands 7 can be held more stably than in a configuration in which multiple memo stands 7 are held in a stacked state.
(3) Since multiple memo stands 7 are held individually, it is possible to store a memo stand 7 in a desired holding section 3 in the holding section row 30, or to take out a desired memo stand 7 from the multiple stored memo stands 7, especially when the number of memo stands 7 to be stored is small.

(4) The memo stand 7 is held in place by inserting the writing board 71 downward into the holding section 3. This configuration makes it easier to hold the memo stand 7 than configurations that require a separate locking operation or other fixing operation.

(5) In particular, since the writing board 71 is held in a state where the longitudinal direction of the writing board 71 as viewed from the thickness direction is horizontal, i.e., in a horizontal position, the holding state of the writing board 71 can be made more stable compared to a configuration in which the writing board 71 is held in a vertical position.

(6) The writing board 71 is held by the holding parts 3 in a state inclined relative to the vertical direction. This configuration allows the holding parts 3 to be arranged side by side at relatively narrow intervals along the vertical direction, thereby saving space.

(7) Because the holding portion 3 is constructed as a separate member from the main body portion 2, it is possible to reuse the same components for multiple types of storage objects. For example, even in the case of memo stands, there are multiple types of products, such as memo stand 7a equipped with cup holder 73 as shown in FIG. 7, and the optimal spacing for arranging the holding portions 3 side by side may differ depending on the type of product. In this regard, because the holding portion 3 is constructed as a separate member from the main body portion 2, it is possible to adjust the spacing for arranging the holding portions 3 side by side to the optimal value while using common components.

(8) The first and second rows of holders 30 are arranged to face each other. This configuration saves space compared to a configuration in which the rows of holders 30 are provided on only one side. That is, when storing items in which rod-shaped members are connected to plate-shaped members, such as the memo stand 7, empty space is likely to occur in the area of the rod-shaped members even if the plate-shaped members are closely spaced. In this regard, a configuration in which the first and second rows of holders 30 are arranged to face each other allows for effective use of the empty space.

(9) In particular, the memo holders 7 on the first holder row 30 side and the memo holders 7 on the second holder row 30 side are arranged point-symmetrically when viewed vertically, which reduces interference between the frames 72 and allows for efficient arrangement of a large number of memo holders 7.

(10) The holding unit 3 is composed of two holders 31, 32 that are horizontally spaced apart and attached to the main body 2, and that hold the left and right sides of the writing board 71. This configuration makes it easy to attach and detach the writing board 71 to and from the holding unit 3.

(11) The rotational movement of the frame 72 connected to the writing board 71 in the held state is limited. This configuration allows the holding state of the memo stand 7 to be stabilized during transportation, etc.

(12) In particular, because the columnar members 22, 24 function as limiting parts that limit the rotational movement of the frame 72 connected to the writing plate 71 in a held state, there is no need to provide a separate dedicated limiting part, which reduces manufacturing costs.

(13) The main body 2 is configured so that the frame 72 connected to the writing board 71 in a held state is contained within the external dimensions of the main body 2 when viewed vertically. This configuration makes it less likely that the frame 72 of the memo stand 7 in a stored state in the storage device 1 will interfere with objects located outside the storage device 1.

(14) The simple configuration in which multiple holding portions 3 for inserting the writing boards 71 are arranged side by side makes it easy to intuitively understand the storage method.
3. Other Embodiments
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

(1) The holder 32a shown in FIG. 8 differs from the holder 32 of the above embodiment in that it has a guide portion 36 inside the insertion space. The guide portion 36 has a first opposing surface 37 that faces the support surface of the first support portion 33 at the back of the insertion space and is parallel to or tilted nearly parallel to the support surface of the first support portion 33. The guide portion 36 also has a second opposing surface 38 that faces the support surface of the first support portion 33 at the front of the insertion space and extends vertically upward from the upper end of the first opposing surface 37. With this configuration, the degree of freedom of displacement of the writing board 71 in the held state is more limited than in the configuration of the above embodiment, allowing the memo pad 7 to be held more stably.

(2) The holding portion 3a shown in Figure 9 differs from the holding portion 3 of the above embodiment in that it is an integrated structure that covers the entire lower portion of the writing board 71, rather than a separate structure that covers only the left and right sides. Instead of the first support portions 33 of the two holders 31, 32 in the above embodiment, the holding portion 3a includes a first support portion 33a that covers the entire lower left and right portions of the writing board 71. The structure corresponding to the second support portion 34 may also be shaped to cover the entire left and right portions. This structure allows the memo pad 7 to be held more stably.

(3) The holding portion 3b shown in Figure 10 differs from the holding portion 3 of the above embodiment in that the two holders 31b, 32b do not have a structure corresponding to the restricting portion 35. In particular, in the holding portion 3b, structures corresponding to the first support portion 33 and the second support portion 34 are formed by bending a strip-shaped plate material. This structure reduces manufacturing costs.

(4) The holding unit 3c shown in Figure 11 differs from the holding unit 3 of the above embodiment in that the configuration corresponding to the first support portion 33 in each of the two holders 31c, 32c supports not the writing board 71 placed on the holder 31c, 32c in question, but the writing board 71 placed on the holder 31c, 32c located one level below the holder 31c, 32c in question. In other words, the writing board 71 is supported by the holders 31c, 32c, which have different back and side surfaces. This configuration ensures a sufficient insertion depth without deepening the insertion space formed by the holders 31c, 32c alone, allowing the holders 31c, 32c to be made smaller.

(5) The holding portion 3 may have a claw portion and may be configured to be fixed by being hooked into a hole formed in the main body portion 2.
12 has at least one claw portion 39 (two in this example) on the surface facing the columnar member 22a. Furthermore, the columnar member 22a has a plurality of holes 22b formed on the surface facing the holder 321, each of which has a shape that allows the claw portion 39 to be hooked onto the hole 22b to fix the position. The claw portion 39 is hooked onto the hole 22b, thereby fixing the holder 3 to the main body 2. The columnar member 22a has more holes 22b than are necessary to fix all of the holders 321. With this configuration, the spacing at which the holders 3 are arranged side by side can be easily adjusted by changing the hole 22b into which the claw portion 39 is hooked.

(6) In the above embodiment, a rectangular frame-shaped base member 20 as shown in FIG. 13(a) was illustrated, but the structure of the base member is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the base member 20a may be configured to include a lower end connecting member 201 connecting the lower ends of the left-side columnar members 21 and 22 in the storage device 1, a lower end connecting member 202 connecting the lower ends of the right-side columnar members 23 and 24 in the storage device 1, and two connecting members 203 and 204 connecting these two lower end connecting members 201 and 202.

(7) In the above embodiment, the holding portion 3 is a separate member from the main body portion 2, but the holding portion 3 may also be molded integrally with the main body portion 2.

(8) The storage object may be something other than the memo stand 7.

(9) The functions of one component in the above embodiments may be distributed among multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be integrated into one component. Furthermore, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

1...Storage device, 2...Main body, 3, 3a, 3b, 3c...Holding section, 7, 7a...Memo stand, 20, 20a...Base member, 21-24...Column-shaped members, 30...Holding section row, 31, 31b, 31c, 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, 321...Holding fixture, 71...Writing board, 72...Frame.

Claims (8)

A storage device for storing storage objects, the storage device having a plate-shaped member and a rod-shaped member connected to the plate-shaped member,
a main body;
a plurality of holding portions provided on the main body portion;
Equipped with
each of the plurality of holding portions is configured to individually hold the plate-like member by inserting the plate-like member downward;
the plurality of holding portions include at least one holding portion row formed by arranging at least some of the plurality of holding portions in parallel along a vertical direction,
each of the plurality of holding portions is configured to hold the plate-like member in a state inclined with respect to a vertical direction;
Each of the plurality of holding portions includes a first support portion that abuts against a downward-facing surface of a plate surface that is a surface perpendicular to the plate thickness direction of the plate-shaped member to support the plate-shaped member, and a second support portion that abuts against a downward-facing surface of a side surface that is a surface along the plate thickness direction of the plate-shaped member to support the plate-shaped member.
Storage device. The storage device according to claim 1,
The storage device , wherein the plurality of holding portions have, as the holding portion row, a first holding portion row and a second holding portion row arranged to face the first holding portion row . The storage device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
A storage device , wherein each of the plurality of holding portions is configured to hold the plate-like member in a state where the longitudinal direction of the plate-like member as viewed in the thickness direction of the plate-like member is oriented horizontally. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A storage device in which each of the multiple holding sections is two holders provided on the main body section at a horizontal distance from each other, and which hold both the left and right sides of the plate-like member . The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The storage device further comprises wheels for enabling the main body to move relative to a floor surface . The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
the rod-shaped member is connected to the plate-shaped member in a state in which the rod-shaped member can rotate within a predetermined angular range so that the orientation of the rod-shaped member relative to the plate-shaped member can be changed;
The main body portion is provided with a limiting portion that limits rotational movement of the rod-shaped member connected to the plate-shaped member in a held state . 7. The storage device according to claim 6 ,
The main body portion includes a base member and a plurality of columnar members extending vertically from the base member,
The plurality of pillar-shaped members include a first pillar-shaped member on which at least some of the plurality of holding portions are provided, and a second pillar-shaped member that functions as the limiting portion by preventing rotational movement of the rod-shaped member connected to the plate-shaped member in a state where the rod-shaped member is held by the first pillar-shaped member.
Storage device. The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A storage device in which the main body is configured so that the rod-shaped member connected to the plate-shaped member in a held state is contained within the range of the external dimensions of the main body when viewed vertically.