STORAGE SYSTEM

Abstract

A storage system has a rectanguloid shape and defines a storage chamber. The storage system includes a frame comprising a back wall, a first and a second side wall, and one or more structural brackets. The storage system also includes a bench supported by the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the bench is load bearing and an open position wherein the storage chamber is accessible from an exterior of the storage system. A front wall is rotatably connected to the storage system and movable between a retracted position wherein the storage chamber is inaccessible from an exterior of the storage system when the bench is in the closed position and an extended position wherein the front wall at least partially defines an access slot to allow access to the storage chamber when the bench is in the closed position. A removable, grated floor is supported by the frame.

Claims

1. A storage system having a rectanguloid shape and defining a storage chamber, the storage system comprising: a frame comprising a back wall, a first and a second side wall, and one or more structural brackets extending between the first and second side walls opposite the back wall; a bench defining a support surface and an under surface, the bench supported by the frame, rotatably connected to the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the support surface is load bearing and an open position wherein the storage chamber is accessible from an exterior of the storage system; a front wall rotatably connected to the storage system and movable between a retracted position wherein the storage chamber is inaccessible from an exterior of the storage system when the bench is in the closed position and an extended position wherein the front wall at least partially defines an access slot to allow access to the storage chamber when the bench is in the closed position; and a removable grated floor supported by the frame.

2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the front wall at least partially defines a storage pocket.

3. The storage system of claim 2, wherein the front wall cooperates with a pocket frame to define the access slot and the storage pocket, wherein in the retracted position the storage pocket is inaccessible from the exterior of the storage system when the bench is in the closed position and in the extended position the access slot provides access to the storage pocket when the bench is in the closed position.

4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein the pocket frame comprises a pocket floor defining one or more apertures.

5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the front wall rotates to an angle of from 25 to 90 relative to a plane defined by the front wall in the retracted position.

6. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an interior flange for positioning and supporting the removable grated floor, the interior flange extending into the storage chamber and defining a receiving slot.

7. The storage system of claim 6, wherein the interior flange comprises portions of the back wall, the first side wall, and/or the second side wall.

8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises four adjustable feet, each adjustable foot including a base and a stem extending from the base, the base including an outer contact surface, wherein each stem is a threaded rod, and frame comprises a threaded aperture cooperable with each threaded rod.

9. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a catch tray shaped and positioned to collect matter that passes through the removable grated floor.

10. The storage system of claim 1, wherein at least one first hinge rotatably connects the first side wall to a first end of the back wall and at least one second hinge connects the second side wall to a second end of the back wall.

11. The storage system of claim 10, wherein a back end of the first side wall and/or the first end of the back wall define a first beveled or rounded corner portion and a back end of the second side wall and/or the second end of the back wall define a second beveled or rounded corner portion.

12. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a first of the one or more structural brackets extends between a top front corner of the first side wall and a top front corner of the second side wall to increase a load bearing capacity of the bench when in the closed position.

13. A storage system for footwear, the storage system comprising: a frame having a rectanguloid shape and defining a storage chamber; a bench defining a support surface and an under surface, the bench supported by the frame, rotatably connected to the frame and movable between a closed position wherein the bench is load bearing and an open position wherein the storage chamber is accessible from an exterior of the storage system; a front wall having an inner and an outer surface is rotatably connected to the storage system and movable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the front wall at least partially defines an access slot when the bench is in the closed position; and a pocket frame cooperates with the inner surface of the front wall to define a storage pocket within the storage chamber, wherein in the retracted position the storage pocket is inaccessible from an exterior of the storage system when the bench is in the closed position and in the extended position the access slot provides access to the storage pocket so that footwear can be quickly stored and accessed when the bench is in the closed position.

14. The storage system for footwear of claim 13, further comprising a grated floor mounted on the frame and positioned in the storage chamber to prevent accumulation of unwanted matter in the storage chamber, wherein the grated floor is not coupled to the frame and can be removed from the storage chamber when the bench is in the open position.

15. The storage system for footwear of claim 14, further comprising a catch tray shaped and positioned to receive matter that passes through the grated floor.

16. The storage system for footwear of claim 13, wherein the pocket frame comprises a pocket floor defining one or more apertures.

17. The storage system for footwear of claim 13, further comprising a light mounted on the frame or bench, wherein the light is manually activated and deactivated to illuminate the storage chamber or wherein the light is activated when the bench is opened to illuminate the storage chamber and deactivated when the bench is closed.

18. A kit for assembling a storage system having a rectanguloid shape and defining a storage chamber, the kit including: a back wall, a first side wall rotatably connected to a first end of the back wall, and a second side wall rotatably connected to a second end of the back wall, wherein the first and second side walls are movable between a shipping position and an assembly position; a structural bracket shaped for attachment to a front end of the first and second side walls when the first and second side walls are in the assembly position to form a frame; a bench defining a support surface and an under surface and shaped for attachment to the back wall; and a front wall coupled with a pocket frame to collectively define a storage pocket.

19. The kit for assembling the storage system set forth in claim 18 further including: a grated floor shaped for insertion and removal from the storage chamber; and, optionally, a catch tray shaped to receive matter that passes through the grated floor.

20. The kit for assembling the storage system set forth in claim 19 further including at least one 90 hinge for connecting the front wall to the frame.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Various advantages and aspects of this disclosure may be understood in view of the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a storage system including a bench and a front wall rotatably connected thereto in accordance with this disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1 with the bench in an open position.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1 with the front wall in an extended position.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1 including the bench and the front wall rotatably connected thereto;

[0026] FIG. 5A is a back perspective cross-sectional view of the storage system of FIG. 4 along 5-5;

[0027] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the storage system of FIG. 5A with the bench in an open position.

[0028] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the storage system of FIG. 5A with the front wall in an extended position.

[0029] FIG. 6 is front perspective cross-sectional view of the storage system of FIG. 4 along 5-5.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a top view of the removable, grated floor;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the removable, grated floor;

[0032] FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a catch tray can be shaped and positioned to collect matter, e.g., water, dirt, and other debris that passes through the removable grated floor;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1 including the bench and the front wall rotatably connected thereto;

[0034] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the storage system of FIG. 10;

[0035] FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 10 with the front wall made transparent including the bench and the front wall rotatably connected thereto;

[0036] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a first 90 hinge that connects the front wall to a frame of the storage system of FIG. 12.

[0037] FIG. 14 is another enlarged view of a first 90 hinge that connects the front wall to a frame of the storage system of FIG. 12.

[0038] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the first 90 hinge of FIG. 14; and

[0039] FIG. 16 is a kit for assembling the example storage system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] A storage system, a kit for assembling the storage system, and a method of assembling the storage system are provided. Referring to FIGS. 1-12, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the storage system is illustrated and generally designated at 10. The storage system 10 has a rectanguloid shape and defines a storage chamber 12. The storage system 10 includes a frame 14 comprising a back wall 16, a first and a second side wall 18, 20, and one or more structural brackets 22. The storage system 10 also includes a bench 24 supported by the frame 14 and movable between a closed position wherein the bench 24 is load bearing and an open position wherein the storage chamber 12 is accessible from an exterior of the storage system 10. A front wall 26 is rotatably connected to the storage system 10 and movable between a retracted position wherein the storage chamber 12 is inaccessible from an exterior of the storage system 10 when the bench 24 is in the closed position and an extended position wherein the front wall 26 at least partially defines an access slot 28 to allow access to the storage chamber 12 when the bench 24 is in the closed position. The construction of the storage system 10 is described in greater detail below.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the storage system 10 including the bench 24 and the front wall 26 rotatably connected to the frame 14 and FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates the storage system 10 with the bench 24 in the closed position and the front wall 26 in the retracted position. With the bench 24 in a closed position, the storage chamber 12 is inaccessible through a bench opening 30 defined by the frame 14. With the bench 24 in the closed position and the front wall 26 in the retracted position the storage chamber 12 is inaccessible through the bench opening 30 defined by the frame 14 and the access slot 28. From a functional perspective, the bench 24 is load bearing in the closed position and is thus designed to support a person or objects placed theron. In one example, a person can quickly and efficiently retrieve footwear stored in the storage chamber 12 and sit on the bench 24 and put the footwear on. In another example, a person can set footwear, clothing, and other objects on the bench 24 while preparing (e.g. getting dressed) to exit a residence or other structure. In yet another example, a person after entering a residence or other structure can take footwear and other items off (e.g. get undressed) while sitting on the bench and quickly and efficiently store the footwear and other items in the storage system. The storage system 10 is particularly suitable for use in entryways, mudrooms, closets, or other areas requiring shoe storage.

[0042] In FIG. 2, the bench 24 is in an open position wherein a person can access the storage chamber 12 through the bench opening 30 to deposit objects to be stored like footwear, clothing, tools, and toys or withdraw stored objects like footwear, clothing, tools, and toys. Plus, a grated floor 32, if included in the storage system 10, can be removed from the storage chamber 12 for cleaning and other purposes. In some embodiments, the grated floor 32 can be removed from the storage chamber 12 through the bench opening 30 with the bench 24 in an open position. In some embodiments, the grated floor 32 can be removed from the storage chamber 12 through the access slot 28 when the front wall 26 is in the extended position.

[0043] The front wall 26 is rotatably connected to the storage system 10 and movable between the retracted position and the extended position. As is illustrated in FIG. 3, when the bench 24 is in the closed position, the front wall 26 can be rotated by a person to provide access to the storage chamber 12. More specifically, the front wall 26 can be rotated to create the access slot 28, which allows access to the storage chamber 12 even when the bench 24 is in the closed position. As such, objects that are frequently deposited and withdrawn (e.g. work shoes, school shoes, sneakers, flip-flops, etc.) from the storage system 10 can be easily retrieved without opening the bench 24. The front wall 26 can even be moved to the extended position when a person is sitting on the bench 24. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the storage system 10 with the front wall 26 in the extended position and the access slot 28 partially defined by the front wall 26 and the frame 14.

[0044] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate various cross section views of the storage system 10 of FIG. 4. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 4 along 5-5. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 5A with the bench 24 in an open position and the front wall 26 in a retracted position whereas FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 5A with the bench 24 in a closed position and the front wall 26 in an extended position. These views provide a good understanding of the various components of the storage system 10 and how they are fastened and how the movable components such as the bench 24 and the front wall 26 move.

[0045] The storage system 10 includes the frame 14 comprising numerous components such as the back wall 16, the first and the second side wall 18, 20, and the one or more structural brackets 22. The components of frame 14, and the storage system 10 for that matter, typically comprise a metallic material, a polymeric material, a composite material, wood, or other structural materials and can be surface coated for aesthetic and/or functional purposes. The components are fastened, welded, or otherwise bonded together to provide the frame 14 that is sufficiently strong and to support loads applied to the bench 24, i.e., to support people and objects that sit, stand, or are placed on a support-surface of the bench 24. Of course, the frame 14 must provide sufficient strength to support the front wall 26 and its movement and provide a foundation for the grated floor 32.

[0046] The back wall 16 can comprise metal, a polymeric material, wood, or another structural material. The back wall 16 has a first end 38 and a second end 40 and defines a back exterior surface 42 and a back interior surface 44. In some embodiments, a first back end 46 of the first side wall 18 and/or the first end 38 of the back wall 16 define a first beveled or rounded corner portion 50 and a second back end 48 of the second side wall 20 and/or the second end of the back wall 16 define a second beveled or rounded corner portion 52. In one such embodiment, the first end of the back wall 16 defines the first beveled or rounded corner portion 50 and the second end of the back wall 16 defines the second beveled or rounded corner portion 52. In another such embodiment, the back end of the first side wall 18 defines the first beveled or rounded corner portion 50 and the back end of the second side wall 20 defines the second beveled or rounded corner portion 52. In yet other embodiments, the frame 14 includes four rounded or a beveled corner portions 50, 52, 54, and 56 that are fastened, welded, or otherwise bonded to the frame 14 (the back wall 16, the first and second side walls 18, 20, and/or a corner support 34 (if included).

[0047] The frame 14 includes the first side wall 18. The first side wall 18 can include metal, wood, or a polymeric material. The first side wall 18 has a first front end 45 and a first back end 46 and defines a first exterior surface 57 and a first interior surface (not numbered). In some embodiments, the first front end of the first side wall 18 includes the third beveled or rounded corner portion 56 and the first back end includes the first beveled or rounded corner portion 50.

[0048] The frame 14 includes the second side wall 20. The second side wall 20 can include metal, wood, or a polymeric material. The second side wall 20 has a second front end 47 and a second back end 48 and defines a second exterior surface 59 and a second interior surface 60. In some embodiments, the second front end 47 of the second side wall 20 includes the fourth beveled or rounded corner portion 56 and the second back end includes the second beveled or rounded corner portion 52.

[0049] In some embodiments, at least one first hinge 62 rotatably connects the first side wall 18 to a first end of the back wall 16 and at least one second hinge 64 connects the second side wall 20 to a second end of the back wall 16. In such embodiments, the storage system 10 can be quickly and efficiently assembled. In the embodiment illustrated, two of the at least one first hinge 62 connects the first side wall 18 to the first end of the back wall 16 and two of the at least one second hinge 64 connects the second side wall 20 to the second end of the back wall 16. The two of the at least one second hinge 64 that connects the second side wall 20 to the second end of the back wall 16 are illustrated in the front perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 6.

[0050] The frame 14 includes the one or more structural brackets 22 fastened thereto. The one or more structural brackets 22 can include metal, wood, a polymeric material, or a composite material. The one or more structural brackets 22 provide the frame 14 with additional strength and rigidity. In the embodiment illustrated, a first of the one or more structural brackets 22 extends between a top front corner of the first side wall 18 and a top front corner of the second side wall 20 to increase a load bearing capacity of the bench 24 since the front wall 26 is rotatably connected to the frame 14 and thus offers limited structural support. In addition to providing the frame 14 with strength and rigidity, the first of the one or more structural brackets 22 cooperates with the front wall 26 when in the retracted position. In the embodiment illustrated, a second of the one or more structural brackets 22 extends between a bottom front corner of the first side wall 18 and a bottom front corner of the second side wall 20 to increase a load bearing capacity of the bench 24 since the front wall 26 is rotatably connected to the frame 14 and thus offers limited structural support. The first and second of the one or more structural brackets 22 are illustrated in FIG. 5A wherein a partial view of the first and second of the one or more structural brackets 22 is provided. The first and second of the one or more structural brackets 22 are also illustrated in FIG. 12 wherein a full view of the first and second of the one or more structural brackets 22 extending across the storage system 10 is provided.

[0051] The frame 14 can further include other components. For example, and with reference to FIG. 10, the frame 14 includes four corner supports 34. The corner supports 34 can include metal, wood, a polymeric material, a composite material, or another structural material. The four corner supports 34 provide the storage system 10 with strength to provide the bench 24 with load-bearing capacity. In the embodiment illustrated, the frame 14 includes four adjustable feet 66, each adjustable foot 66 including a base 68 and a stem 70 extending from the base 68, the base 68 including an outer contact surface 72, wherein each stem 70 is a threaded rod, and a bottom end of each corner support 34 includes a threaded aperture cooperable with each threaded rod. The outer contact surface 72 rests on a base surface upon which the storage system 10 stands, such as the ground, a floor, and the like. A support surface 74 of the bench 24 can be leveled and clearance between a base surface (e.g. a floor) and the storage system 10 can be adjusted with the four adjustable feet 66. The bottom perspective view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 10 illustrates the four adjustable feet 66 showing the four outer contact surfaces 72 and FIG. 14 provides a view of the threaded rod and the threaded aperture that are cooperable with one another.

[0052] The storage system 10 includes the floor 32. The floor 32 can comprise metal, a polymeric material, or another structural material. The floor 32 defines a top surface 84, which partially defines the storage chamber 12 and supports items inserted therein. The floor 32 defines a bottom surface 86 opposite the top surface 84, which faces the base surface on which the storage system 10 rests. In some embodiments, the storage system 10 includes the grated floor 32 that can be removed from the storage chamber 12 for cleaning and other purposes when the bench 24 is in an open position. The grated floor 32 includes a plurality of apertures. FIG. 7 is a top view of the floor 32 that is removable. FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the grated floor 32 that illustrates a collar 88 positioned on the exterior edges of the grated floor 32 and extending away from the bottom surface 86.

[0053] In one embodiment, the frame includes an interior flange 89 for positioning and supporting the removable grated floor 32. The interior flange 89 extends into the storage chamber 12 and defines a receiving slot 90. The interior flange 89 can include portions of the back wall 16, the first side wall 18, and/or the second side wall 20. In the example illustrated the collar 88 is received in the receiving slot 90 that is partially defined by the back wall 16, the first side wall 18, and/or the second side wall 20. Receipt of the collar 88 in the receiving slot 90 ensures that the grated floor 32 is properly positioned and supported by the frame 14 within the storage chamber 12. Receipt of the collar 88 in the receiving slot 90 is illustrated in the front perspective cross-sectional view of FIG. 6. The interior flange 89 can have one or more openings located at the end of each of the portions formed by the portions of the back wall 16, the first side wall 18, and/or the second side wall 20. The one or more openings are designed to prevent the accumulation of fluid and debris with the receiving slot 90.

[0054] The storage system 10 can include or be used with a catch tray 78 that is shaped and positioned to collect matter that passes through the grated floor 32. In some embodiments, the catch tray 78 comprises a molded polymeric material, e.g. rubber or thermoplastic. FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the catch tray 78 including a collection surface 80 and a wall 82 disposed about the perimeter of the catch tray 78 and extending away from the collection surface 80 and towards the grated floor 32. If included the catch tray 78 can be a separate component. In some embodiments, the catch tray 78 is supported by or fastened to the storage system 10. In other embodiments, the storage system 10 includes one or more position elements that help maintain the position of the catch tray 78 underneath the storage system 10 so the matter that passes through the grated floor 32 is collected.

[0055] In some embodiments, a light (e.g. an LED light) is mounted on the frame 14, the front wall 26, or the bench 24. In some embodiments, the light is manually activated and deactivated to illuminate the storage chamber 12. In other embodiments, the light is activated when the bench 24 is opened to illuminate the storage chamber 12 and deactivated when the bench 24 is closed. In still other embodiments, the light is activated when the front wall 26 is extended to illuminate the storage pocket and the storage chamber 12 and deactivated when the front wall 26 is retracted. The light 94 can be mounted anywhere on the storage system 10 to illuminate the storage chamber 12, the access slot 28 or an exterior of the storage system 10 adjacent the front wall 26 and can be manually or automatically activated and deactivated. In some embodiments, the light is mounted on a front interior surface of the front wall 26 to illuminate the storage pocket when the front wall 26 is in the extended position.

[0056] The storage system 10 includes the bench 24. The bench 24 defines the support surface 74 and an under surface 76 opposite the support surface 74. In the embodiment illustrated, a hinge 108 rotatably connects a top of the back wall 16 and the back edge of the bench 24. In this embodiment, the hinge 108 is connected to the back interior surface 44 of the back wall 16 and an under surface 76 of the bench 24 so that the hinge 108 is not visible from the exterior of the storage system 10 when the bench 24 is in the closed position. The bench 24 typically presents the support surface 74 that is rectangular or square, but is not limited to a particular shape, and optionally may be an alternative shape such as ovular shape. The corners of the bench 24 can be beveled or rounded. In the closed position the bench 24 is load bearing and can support the weight of a person and or various objects. In some embodiments, the bench 24 has a load-bearing capacity of up to 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, or even 550 lbs. The bench 24 can comprise wood, metal, a polymeric material, or a composite material. In one embodiment, the bench 24 includes wood. In some embodiments, the support surface 74 of the bench 24 has a height (as measured from the outer contact surface of the feet of the storage system 10 or the surface upon which the storage system 10 is placed) of from about 12 to 26 inches.

[0057] The storage system 10 includes the front wall 26. The front wall 26 defines a front exterior surface 98 and a front interior surface 100. In some embodiments, the front wall 26 rotates to an angle of from 25 to 90 relative to a plane defined by the front wall 26 in the retracted position. In some embodiments, front wall 26 is biased into the retracted position. In other embodiments, the front wall 26 is releasably connected to the frame 14 in the retracted position.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, the front wall 26 can be connected to the frame 14 of the storage system 10 (2 of the corner supports 34) with two of a 90 hinge 102. One of the 90 hinge 102 connects a first end of the front wall 26 to one corner support 34 and another of the 90 hinge connects a second end of the front wall 26 to another corner support 34. FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 10 with the front wall 26 made transparent showing the position of the first hinge and how it is fastened to the front interior surface of the front wall 26. FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the 90 hinge that connects the front wall 26 to a frame 14 of the storage system 10 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is another enlarged view of the 90 hinge from a different perspective than FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the 90 hinge of FIG. 14. The 90 hinge 102 includes: a first component 110 comprising a first mounting portion 112 presenting a mounting surface having two screw holes for fastening to the front interior surface 100 of the front wall 26 and a first body 114 having two guide pins 116; and a second component 118 having a second base portion 120 for mounting to the first side wall 18 and a second body 122 having a semi-circular guide slot 124 that limits rotation of the front wall 26 to no more than 90. In the embodiment illustrated, the second component is mounted to an interior surface of the third rounded corner portion 54 on the first front end 45 of the first side wall 18. When assembled, two of the guide pin 116 of the first component are movably engaged in the semi-circular guide slot 124 to allow movement of the front wall 26 from a retracted position (the front wall 26 at) 0 to an extended position (rotation of the front wall 26 up to) 90. In FIGS. 13 and 14, a corner bracket 126 that connects the corner support 34 and the first side wall 18 is illustrated. The storage system 10 includes four of the corner bracket 126.

[0059] With reference again to FIG. 1, the front wall 26 does not extend to the under surface 76 of the bench 24. As such the gap between the bench 24 and the top of the front wall 26 creates a grip by which a person can grab the front wall 26 and move the front wall 26 from a retracted to an extended position.

[0060] In some embodiments, the front wall 26 at least partially defines a storage pocket 96. In the embodiment illustrated, the front wall 26 cooperates with a pocket frame 36 to define the access slot 28 and the storage pocket 96. FIGS. 5-A-C and 6 illustrate the pocket frame 36, which is fastened to the front interior wall. When the bench 24 is in the closed position and the front wall 26 is in the retracted position, the storage pocket 96 is inaccessible from an exterior of the storage system 10. When the bench 24 is in the closed position and the front wall 26 is in the extended position the access slot 28 provides access to the storage pocket 96. In the embodiment illustrated, the pocket frame 36 includes a pocket floor 104 defining one or more apertures 106. These one or more apertures 106 can prevent accumulation of unwanted matter such as water, dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris in the storage pocket 96 and generally provide a path for water, dirt, dust, and other debris to exit the storage pocket 96, exit the grated floor 32, and be collected in the catch tray 78.

[0061] The storage system 10 can have a length of from 14 to 60 inches, a height of 12 to 26 inches, and a depth of 14 to 18 inches. One embodiment of the storage system 10 has a length of from 44 inches, a height of 22 inches, and a depth of 16 inches. A smaller embodiment of the storage system 10 has a length of from 16 inches, a height of 14 inches, and a depth of 16 inches.

[0062] The storage system 10 can have a storage capacity of from 100 to 600 pounds. One embodiment of the storage system 10 has a storage capacity of up to 500 lbs. Another embodiment of the storage system 10 has a storage capacity of 200 lbs.

[0063] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the storage system 10 of FIG. 10. FIG. 10 provides an isolated view of many of the components of the storage assembly described previously.

[0064] A storage system 10 for footwear is also provided. The components of the storage system 10 for footwear are just as described above. The storage system 10 for footwear includes the frame 14, the bench 24, and the front wall 26. The frame 14 has a rectanguloid shape and defines the storage chamber 12. The bench 24 defines the support surface and the under surface 76 and is supported by the frame 14. The bench 24 is rotatably connected to the frame 14 and movable between a closed position wherein the bench 24 is load bearing and an open position wherein the storage chamber 12 is accessible. The front wall 26 has an inner and an outer surface and is rotatably connected to the storage system 10 and movable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the front wall 26 at least partially defines the access slot 28. A pocket frame 36 cooperates with the inner surface of the front wall 26 to define the storage pocket 96 within the storage chamber 12. When the bench 24 is in the closed position, and the front wall 26 is in the retracted position, the storage pocket 96 is inaccessible from an exterior of the storage system 10. When the bench 24 is in the closed position, and the front wall 26 is in the extended position the access slot 28 provides access to the storage pocket 96 so that footwear can be quickly stored and accessed.

[0065] In some embodiments, the storage system 10 for footwear includes the grated floor 32 mounted on the frame 14 and positioned in the storage chamber 12 to prevent accumulation of unwanted matter such as water, dust, dirt, pet hair, and other debris in the storage chamber 12. The grated floor 32 is not coupled to the frame 14 and can be removed from the storage chamber 12 when the bench 24 is in the open position.

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 16, a kit 200 for assembling the storage system 10 and a method of assembling the kit is also provided. The kit 200 provides the components described above preassembled in sub-assemblies designed to provide quick and efficient assembly of the storage system 10. The kit 200 includes the first sub-assembly 202 comprising the back wall 16, the first side wall 18 rotatably connected to the first end of the back wall 16, and the second side wall 20 rotatably connected to the second end of the back wall 16, wherein the first and second side walls 18, 20 are movable between the shipping position and an assembly position. In the shipping position, the first and second side walls 18, 20 are laid flat whereas in an assembly position the first and second side walls 18, 20 are moved 90 relative to the back wall 16 (with the guidance of the at least one first hinge 62 and at least one second hinge 64). The kit also includes the structural bracket shaped for attachment to the front end of the first and second side walls 18, 20 when the first and second side walls 18, 20 are in the assembly position to form the frame 14. A third sub assembly 204 including the bench 24 having the hinge 108 fastened thereto is also included in the kit 200. Of course, the front wall 26, which is shaped to rotatably connect to the frame 14 is also included in the kit. In some embodiments, the kit includes the sub-assembly 206 including the front wall and two of the 90 hinge 102 fastened thereto and the pocket frame 36 also fastened to the front wall 26. The kit may further include the grated floor 32 and/or the catch tray 78 shaped to collect matter that passes through the grated floor 32. Of course, the various components of the kit can be fasted together during assembly with screws and various other user-friendly fasteners known in the art.

[0067] It is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to express and particular compounds, compositions, or methods described in the detailed description, which may vary between particular embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims. With respect to any Markush groups relied upon herein for describing particular features or aspects of various embodiments, different, special, and/or unexpected results may be obtained from each member of the respective Markush group independent from all other Markush members. Each member of a Markush group may be relied upon individually and or in combination and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0068] Further, any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range of from 0.1 to 0.9 may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language which defines or modifies a range, such as at least, greater than, less than, no more than, and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of at least 10 inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range of from 1 to 9 includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point (or fraction), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0069] The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles a, an, the or said, is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.