U.S. patent application number 12/170194 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for storage container.
Invention is credited to Rolando Hernandez, Michael Joseph, Thomas J. Welsh.
Application Number | 20100006467 12/170194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41504163 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100006467 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Joseph; Michael ; et
al. |
January 14, 2010 |
STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A storage container assembly includes a first lid and a base.
The first lid includes a first lid structure. The base includes an
upper edge, a base structure, and an opening. The upper edge of the
base is configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid
is mounted to the base. The base structure of the base is
configured to mate with a second lid structure of a second lid such
that the base is capable of being mounted to the second lid. The
opening of the base allows the base to be accessible while the
first lid is mounted to the base.
Inventors: |
Joseph; Michael; (Chicago,
IL) ; Welsh; Thomas J.; (Aurora, IL) ;
Hernandez; Rolando; (Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP
150 EAST GILMAN STREET, P.O. BOX 1497
MADISON
WI
53701-1497
US
|
Family ID: |
41504163 |
Appl. No.: |
12/170194 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/508 ;
220/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/22 20130101; B65D
21/0235 20130101; B65D 2543/00194 20130101; B65D 21/0223 20130101;
B65D 43/0206 20130101; B65D 2543/00453 20130101; B65D 25/005
20130101; B65D 2543/00296 20130101; B65D 43/0216 20130101; B65D
21/0233 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/508 ;
220/810 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/036 20060101
B65D021/036; B65D 43/14 20060101 B65D043/14 |
Claims
1. A storage container assembly, comprising: a first lid, wherein
the first lid comprises a first lid structure; and a base, wherein
the base comprises an upper edge configured to receive the first
lid such that the first lid is mounted to the base; a base
structure, wherein the base structure is configured to mate with a
second lid structure of a second lid such that the base is capable
of being mounted to the second lid; and an opening such that the
base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the base.
2. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of a boundary of the opening is formed by the first
lid.
3. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid
comprises eight lid structures, and further wherein the base
comprises eight base structures.
4. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the second
lid structure comprises a circular cavity, and further wherein the
base structure comprises a circular protrusion.
5. The storage container assembly of claim 4, wherein the circular
protrusion mates with the circular cavity to form a friction
fit.
6. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid
further comprises a rib configured to increase a structural
integrity of the first lid.
7. The storage container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
mounting anchor for securing the storage container assembly to a
structure.
8. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid
further comprises a tongue and the upper edge of the base further
comprises a groove configured to receive the tongue.
9. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid
comprises a plurality of lid structures arranged in a pattern, and
further wherein the base comprises a plurality of base structures
arranged in the pattern.
10. The storage container assembly of claim 9, wherein the pattern
comprises at least one of a square, a rectangle, and a circle.
11. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more
walls of the base are tapered outward from a bottom of the base to
a top of the base such that the base is configured to nest within a
second base.
12. The storage container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
door pivotally mounted to the base and configured to move between a
closed position and an open position.
13. The storage container assembly of claim 12, wherein the door is
configured to cover at least a portion of the opening when the door
is in the closed position.
14. An integrated storage unit comprising: a first storage
container assembly, wherein the first storage container assembly
comprises a first lid comprising a first lid structure; and a first
base, wherein the first base comprises a first upper edge
configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid is
mounted to the first base; a first base structure; and a first
opening such that the first base is accessible while the first lid
is mounted to the first base; and a second storage container
assembly, wherein the second storage container assembly comprises a
second lid comprising a second lid structure; and a second base,
wherein the second base comprises a second upper edge configured to
receive the second lid such that the second lid is mounted to the
second base; a second base structure, wherein the second base
structure is configured to mate with the first lid structure such
that the first storage container assembly is mounted to the second
storage container assembly; and a second opening such that the
second base is accessible while the second lid is mounted to the
second base and while the first storage container assembly is
mounted to the second storage container assembly.
15. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein the first lid
comprises a first plurality of lid structures and the second base
comprises a second plurality of base structures, and further
wherein the first plurality of lid structures is greater than the
second plurality of base structures.
16. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein a bottom
boundary of the first opening is elevated a distance above a bottom
of the first base.
17. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein the first
storage container assembly is a first size, and further wherein the
second storage container assembly is also the first size.
18. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein the first
storage container assembly is a first size and the second storage
container assembly is a second size, and further wherein the second
size is approximately one half of the first size.
19. A method of forming an integrated storage unit comprising:
providing a first storage container assembly, wherein the first
storage container assembly comprises a first lid comprising a first
lid structure; and a first base, wherein the first base comprises a
first upper edge configured to receive the first lid; a first base
structure; and a first opening such that the first base is
accessible while the first lid is mounted to the first base;
mounting the first lid to the first base; providing a second
storage assembly, wherein the second storage container assembly
comprises a second lid comprising a second lid structure; and a
second base, wherein the second base comprises a second upper edge
configured to receive the second lid; a second base structure; and
a second opening such that the second base is accessible while the
second lid is mounted to the second base; and causing the first lid
structure of the first storage container assembly to mate with the
second base structure of the second storage container assembly such
that the second storage container assembly is mounted on top of the
first storage container assembly.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first lid structure
comprises a circular cavity and the second base structure comprises
a circular protrusion, and further wherein the circular cavity
mates with the circular protrusion to form a friction fit.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The subject of the disclosure relates generally to the field
of storage containers. More specifically, the disclosure relates to
stackable, interlocking storage containers which include openings
such that a user can access stored materials without un-stacking
the storage containers.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, consumers have become more and more
concerned with the aesthetic appearance and functionality of
garages, basements, closets, sheds, and other areas in which items
tend to accumulate. As a result, consumers have invested vast sums
of money on shelving units, storage bins, totes, etc. to store and
organize accumulated items. In 2006 alone, consumers spent over
$1.76 billion on plastic storage containers. Unfortunately,
traditional storage systems are limited in their ability to provide
an aesthetically appealing storage and organizational option which
is both sturdy and able to provide easy access to stored items.
[0003] As an example, shelving units can be bulky, heavy, and
complicated to assemble. It is also extremely difficult and
potentially dangerous to move a shelving unit without taking all of
the stored items off of the shelving unit. Further, most shelving
units are not able to adequately store circular and cylindrical
items which have a tendency to roll off the shelves of the shelving
unit. A tote, which is a solid storage container with a lid, is
limited in its ability to provide a user with easy access to stored
items. To access stored items in a desired tote, the user has to
remove any totes stacked on top of the desired tote and take off
the lid of the desired tote. Further, stacks of totes more than two
high are generally unstable because totes do not securely interlock
with one another. Storage bins, which are generally lidless,
stackable containers, are also limited in their ability to be
stably stacked. After stacking storage bins 3 or 4 high, the stack
becomes highly unstable, especially if heavy items are placed near
the top of the stack. Storage bins are further limited by a lack of
sturdiness and structural integrity due to their lidless
configuration.
[0004] Thus, there is a need for a sturdy, lightweight, and
portable storage system which provides a user with easy access to
stored items.
SUMMARY
[0005] An exemplary storage container assembly includes a first lid
and a base. The first lid includes a first lid structure. The base
includes an upper edge, a base structure, and an opening. The upper
edge of the base is configured to receive the first lid such that
the first lid is mounted to the base. The base structure of the
base is configured to mate with a second lid structure of a second
lid such that the base is capable of being mounted to the second
lid. The opening of the base allows the base to be accessible while
the first lid is mounted to the base.
[0006] An exemplary integrated storage unit includes a first
storage container assembly and a second storage container assembly.
The first storage container assembly includes a first lid including
a first lid structure and a first base. The first base includes a
first upper edge configured to receive the first lid such that the
first lid is mounted to the first base. The first base also
includes a first base structure and a first opening such that the
first base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the
first base. The second storage container assembly includes a second
lid and a second base. The second lid includes a second lid
structure. The second base includes a second upper edge, a second
base structure, and a second opening. The second upper edge is
configured to receive the second lid such that the second lid is
mounted to the second base. The second base structure is configured
to mate with the first lid structure such that the first storage
container assembly is mounted to the second storage container
assembly. The second opening allows the second base to be
accessible while the second lid is mounted to the second base and
while the first storage container assembly is mounted to the second
storage container assembly.
[0007] An exemplary method of forming an integrated storage unit
includes providing a first storage container assembly. The first
storage container assembly includes a first lid comprising a first
lid structure and a first base. The first base includes a first
upper edge configured to receive the first lid, a first base
structure, and a first opening such that the first base is
accessible while the first lid is mounted to the first base. The
first lid is mounted to the first base. A second storage assembly
is also provided. The second storage assembly includes a second lid
including a second lid structure and a second base. The second base
includes a second upper edge configured to receive the second lid,
a second base structure, and a second opening such that the second
base is accessible while the second lid is mounted to the second
base. The first lid structure of the first storage container
assembly is caused to mate with the second base structure of the
second storage container assembly such that the second storage
container assembly is mounted on top of the first storage container
assembly.
[0008] Other principal features and advantages will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings,
the detailed description, and the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container assembly
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a base of the storage
container assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a lid for a storage
container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lid of
FIG. 3 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base of a storage
container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a storage container assembly in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates a two-layer stack of storage container
assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates a three-layer stack of storage container
assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a base which includes
a mounting anchor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9B is a partial back view of the base of FIG. 9A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 9C is a partial front view of the base of FIG. 9A
including a lid mounted thereto in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9D is a partial back perspective view of the base of
FIG. 9A including a lid mounted thereto in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10A is a partial front view of a base including a
mounting anchor in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 10B is a partial rear view of the base of FIG. 10A in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a storage container
assembly including a mounting anchor in accordance with a third
exemplary embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 11B is a partial back perspective view of the storage
container assembly of FIG. 11A in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a partial view of a base with a mounting anchor
in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a storage container
assembly with a door in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the storage container
assembly of FIG. 13 with the door in an open position in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a base of the storage
container assembly of FIG. 13 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 16A is a partial view of the storage container assembly
of FIG. 13 including a pivot mechanism in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 16B is a partial view of the storage container assembly
of FIG. 13 including a pivot rod in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a partial view of the base and the door of FIG.
15 including a latch mechanism in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a storage container
assembly with a door in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of nested bases in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, a storage container assembly 100 is
shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Storage container
assembly 100 includes a lid 105 and a base 110. In an exemplary
embodiment, lid 105 can be detachably mounted to base 110 to form
storage container assembly 100. Lid 105 can include a tongue or
groove such that lid 105 mates with a corresponding groove or
tongue of base 110. Alternatively, lid 105 can be mounted to base
110 with one or more buckles, snaps, or cords as known to those
skilled in the art. Alternatively, lid 105 may be mounted to base
110 by any other method known to those skilled in the art.
Detachable mounting of lid 105 to base 110 is described in more
detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0035] Storage container assembly 100 also includes an opening 115
such that items can be stored in and/or accessed from storage
container assembly 100 while lid 105 is mounted to base 110. In an
exemplary embodiment, opening 115 can be rectangular with
dimensions of approximately 10 inches in height and approximately
19 inches in length. In alternative embodiments, opening 115 can be
any other shape, including elliptical, circular, square,
triangular, etc. Similarly, opening 115 can have any other
dimensions. In an exemplary embodiment, storage container assembly
100 includes a single opening located in a front 117 of base 110.
In alternative embodiments, storage container assembly 100 may
include a plurality of openings which may be located in any side of
base 110 and/or in lid 105.
[0036] Opening 115 is formed in front 117 of base 110. A first
boundary 121 of opening 115 and a third boundary 122 of opening 115
are formed by front 117. A second boundary 118 of opening 115,
which is also formed by front 117, can be elevated a distance above
a bottom of base 110. As such, second boundary 118 can be used to
ensure that circular and other items can be stored in storage
container assembly 100 without rolling out. In an exemplary
embodiment, a fourth boundary 119 of opening 115 can be formed by a
bottom surface of lid 105. Alternatively, fourth boundary 119 can
be formed by front 117. First boundary 121, second boundary 118,
third boundary 122, and fourth boundary 119 of opening 115 provide
significant structural integrity to storage container assembly
100.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, storage container assembly 100
can include one or more gripping areas such that a user is able to
lift and move storage container assembly 100. The one or more
gripping areas can be formed such that lid 105 remains mounted to
base 110 while storage container assembly 100 is being lifted. The
one or more gripping areas can be formed in base 110 and/or lid 105
depending on the embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, a first
gripping area 130 and a second gripping area 135 are formed by a
lip in an upper portion of base 110. In alternative embodiments,
the gripping areas may be handles mounted to base 110, apertures in
base 110 and/or lid 105, a lip or ledge formed anywhere in base
110, etc.
[0038] Lid 105 also includes a plurality of lid structures 120, and
base 110 includes a plurality of base structures 125. As
illustrated with reference to FIG. 1, lid structures 120 are
circular cavities (or cups), and base structures 125 are circular
protrusions (or nubs). Lid 105 includes eight lid structures 120
arranged in a rectangular pattern. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective
view of base 110 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As
illustrated in the bottom view, base 110 includes eight base
structures 125 which are also arranged in the rectangular pattern.
In an exemplary embodiment, base structures 125 can mate with lid
structures 120 to form a friction fit such that a first storage
container assembly can be securely stacked on top of a second
storage container assembly.
[0039] In alternative embodiments, lid structures 120 and/or base
structures 125 can be any other shapes, including square,
rectangular, elliptical, star, triangular, etc. Further, any number
of lid structures 120 and/or base structures 125 may be used to
secure a first storage container assembly to a second storage
container assembly. In another alternative embodiment, lid
structures 120 may differ in shape from one another. For example, a
first lid structure may be a circular cavity and a second lid
structure may be a square cavity. In such an embodiment, a first
base structure may be a circular protrusion and a second base
structure may be a square protrusion. Alternatively, lid structures
120 may be protrusions and base structures 125 may be cavities. In
another alternative embodiment, lid structures 120 and/or base
structures 125 may not include cavities and protrusions adapted to
mate with the cavities. For example, base structures 125 may be
latches and lid structures 120 may be catches adapted to receive
the latches, or vice versa. In alternative embodiments, base
structures 125 and lid structures 120 can be any other type of
structure(s) which can be used to secure a base of a second storage
container assembly to a lid of a first storage container
assembly.
[0040] As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, base
structures 125 and lid structures 120 form rectangular patterns. In
alternative embodiments, any other pattern can be formed. In an
exemplary embodiment, the pattern used for base structures 125 and
lid structures 120 dictates how storage container assemblies can be
stacked. For example, a rectangular pattern allows uniform stacking
along a bias of the rectangle such that an opening in a first
storage container assembly is either aligned with or directly
opposite (i.e., 180.degree.) from an opening in a second storage
container assembly which is stacked on top of the first storage
container assembly. If a square pattern of base structures 125 and
lid structures 120 is used, a first opening can be placed in
90.degree. increments relative to a second opening. Similarly, if a
circular pattern of base structures 125 and lid structures 120 is
used, a first opening can be placed in degree increments relative
to a second opening, where the degree is determined by the number
of structures used.
[0041] FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of a lid 200 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary
embodiment, lid 200 can be the same as lid 105 illustrated with
reference to FIG. 1. Lid 200 includes an outer edge 210 and an
inner surface 220. Outer edge 210 and inner surface 220 are
separated by a tongue 230 which is described in more detail with
reference to FIG. 4. Inner surface 220 includes a first lid
structure 260, a second lid structure 261, a third lid structure
262, a fourth lid structure 263, a fifth lid structure 264, a sixth
lid structure 265, a seventh lid structure 266, and an eighth lid
structure 267. Inner surface 220 also includes a plurality of ribs
between the lid structures to increase the structural integrity of
lid 200.
[0042] A first rib 240 is positioned between first lid structure
260 and second lid structure 261, a second rib 241 is positioned
between second lid structure 261 and third lid structure 262, and a
third rib 242 is positioned between third lid structure 262 and
eighth lid structure 267. Additional ribs are included between the
other lid structures. The ribs can be used to form and/or provide
additional support for the lid structures. First rib 240 and second
rib 241 are curved inward, and third rib 242 includes convex
surfaces to increase the structural integrity of lid 200. Inner
surface 220 also includes an outer rib 215 which borders first rib
240 and second rib 241 to further increase the structural integrity
of lid 200. In alternative embodiments, the ribs can be positioned
in any other location(s) on lid 200. Further, the ribs can be any
shape and/or form any patterns.
[0043] Lid 200 also includes a plurality of bridge members
configured to further increase the structural integrity of lid 200.
A first bridge member 270, a second bridge member 271, and a third
bridge member 272 are arranged adjacent to tongue 230 and across
from a fourth bridge member 273, a fifth bridge member 274, and a
sixth bridge member 275. In alternative embodiments, a different
arrangement and/or number of bridge members may be used. The bridge
members provide structural support between the lid structures and
also between tongue 230 and outer rib 215. For example, first
bridge member 270 provides support between fourth lid structure 263
and fifth lid structure 264. First bridge member 270 also includes
a bridge rib 277 which provides structural support between tongue
230 and outer rib 215. As a result, lid 200 is able to maintain its
structural integrity with a large amount of weight stacked
thereon.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a partial bottom perspective view of lid 200 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary
embodiment, tongue 230 can be a continuous protrusion which forms
an inner perimeter of lid 200. As such, lid 200 can be placed upon
a rectangular base in either of two orientations which differ by
180.degree.. Tongue 230 can be configured to mate with a groove 342
in a base 300 such that lid 200 is secured to the base. Base 300 is
illustrated with reference to FIG. 5. In addition, mating tongue
230 with groove 342 in base 300 adds additional structural support
to the storage container assembly. Tongue 230, which is
double-walled for added support, prevents walls of base 300 from
spreading out when weight is placed upon the storage container
assembly. Tongue 230 also provides additional support to the side
of base 300 which includes the opening. In an alternative
embodiment, lid 200 may include a groove, and the base may include
a tongue. In another alternative embodiment, a plurality of
concentric tongues and grooves may be used to secure lid 200 to
base 300. In another alternative embodiment, tongue 230 and groove
342 can be configured to snap lock into one another such that lid
200 is better secured to base 300.
[0045] As further illustrated with reference to FIG. 4, lid 200
also includes bridge support structures positioned between the
bridge members. A first bridge support structure 280 includes a
first rib 281, a second rib 282, and a third rib 283. First rib 281
provides support between second bridge member 271 and third bridge
member 272. Second rib 282 provides support between second bridge
member 271 and third lid structure 262, and third rib 283 provides
support between third bridge member 272 and third lid structure
262. Additional bridge support structures are included between the
other adjacent bridge members. In combination, the bridge members
and the bridge support structures increase the rigidity and
strength of lid 200, and prevent sagging of lid 200 when weight is
placed thereon.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base 300 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, base 300
can be the same as base 110 described with reference to FIG. 1.
Base 300 includes a bottom 310, a front 312, a back 314, a first
side 316, and a second side 318. Bottom 310 includes a plurality of
base structures 320. Back 314 includes a plurality of structural
depressions 325 configured to enhance the structural integrity of
base 300. Likewise, first side 316 includes a structural depression
330 and second side 318 includes a structural depression 335
configured to increase the structural integrity of base 300. In one
embodiment, upper surfaces of structural depression 330 and
structural depression 335 can be used as gripping areas such that a
user can lift base 300. In alternative embodiments, any other
number and/or arrangement of structural depressions can be used. In
another alternative embodiment, instead of extending into an
interior of base 300, any or all of the structural depressions can
extend outward into an exterior of base 300.
[0047] Base 300 also includes an upper edge 340, at least a portion
of which includes groove 342, which is configured to receive and
mate with tongue 230 of lid 200 as described with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4. Upper edge 340 also provides a resting surface for a
mounted lid. As such, any weight applied to the mounted lid is
transferred to base 300 through upper edge 340. Upper edge 340 is
mounted to a first boundary 344 and a third boundary 348 of an
opening of base 300. A second boundary 346 is mounted between first
boundary 344 and third boundary 348. Upper edge 340, first boundary
344, second boundary 346, and third boundary 348 can be
structurally reinforced to provide additional support to base 300.
Base 300 also includes a plurality of reinforced corner sections
350 configured to provide additional structural integrity to base
300. Base 300 is depicted as rectangular in shape. In alternative
embodiments, base 300 and its corresponding lid can be any other
shape.
[0048] FIG. 6 illustrates a storage container assembly 500 in
accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. Storage container
assembly 500 includes a lid 505 and a base 510. Base 510 includes
an opening 515 and a plurality of base structures 520. Lid 505
includes a plurality of lid structures 525. In an exemplary
embodiment, storage container assembly 500 is square in shape and
is approximately one half the size of storage container assembly
100 described with reference to FIG. 1. As such, one or more of
storage container 100 can be combined with one or more of storage
container assembly 500 to form a plurality of different
structurally sound storage container assembly stacks.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a two-layer stack 600 of storage container
assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A first row
of two-layer stack 600 includes a first storage container assembly
605 and a second storage container assembly 610. A second row of
two-layer stack 600 includes a third storage container assembly 615
mounted to first storage container assembly 605. A base 620 of
third storage container assembly 615 includes a plurality of base
structures which are configured to mate with a first plurality of
lid structures in a lid 625 of first storage container assembly
605. As such, third storage container assembly 615 is securely
mounted to first storage container assembly 605.
[0050] A fourth storage container assembly 630 is mounted to first
storage container assembly 605 and second storage container
assembly 610. A first plurality of base structures in a base 635 of
fourth storage container assembly 630 are configured to mate with a
second plurality of lid structures in lid 625 of first storage
container assembly 605. A second plurality of base structures in
base 635 are configured to mate with a first plurality of lid
structures in a lid 640 of second storage container assembly 610.
As such, fourth storage container assembly 630 is securely mounted
to first storage container assembly 605 and second storage
container assembly 610, and first storage container assembly 605
and second storage container assembly 610 are secured to one
another. A fifth storage container assembly 645 is mounted to
second storage container assembly 610 through a plurality of base
structures in a base 650 of fifth storage container assembly 645
which mate with a second plurality of lid structures of lid 640 of
second storage container assembly 610.
[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates a three-layer stack 700 of storage
container assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A
first storage container assembly 705 forms a first row of
three-layer stack 700. A second row of three-layer stack 700 is
formed by a second storage container assembly 710 and a third
storage container assembly 715. Second storage container assembly
710 and third storage container assembly 715 are mounted to first
storage container assembly 705 using lid structures and base
structures as described above with reference to FIG. 7. A third row
of three-layer stack 700 includes a fourth storage container
assembly 720. Fourth storage container assembly 720 is mounted to
second storage container assembly 710 and third storage container
assembly 715 using base structures and lid structures as described
above.
[0052] As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality
of storage container assemblies can be combined to form an
integrated storage unit. Because the storage container assemblies
are mounted to one another through mating of lid structures and
base structures, the integrated storage is much sturdier and more
structurally sound than a simple stack of containers. In addition,
the structurally reinforced lids and bases of the storage container
assemblies allow the integrated storage unit to support a large
quantity of weight. Further, openings in the individual storage
container assemblies allow a user to access stored items in any row
of the integrated storage unit. In alternative embodiments, any
other number and/or size of storage container assemblies can be
used to form an integrated storage unit.
[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, any of the storage assemblies
disclosed herein may include a mounting anchor. FIGS. 9A-9D
illustrate a mounting anchor in accordance with a first exemplary
embodiment. FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a base 800 which
includes a mounting anchor in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. The mounting anchor includes a slot 802 through which a
mounting fastener such as a screw, nail, etc. can be placed. In an
exemplary embodiment, slot 802 can be a v-shaped slot which extends
through a groove 804 of base 800. Alternatively, slot 802 can be
any other shape. Using the mounting fastener, base 800 can be
mounted such that an exterior of a back side 806 of base 800 is
secured adjacent to a wall, pole, or other structure. FIG. 9B is a
partial back view of base 800 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. As illustrated with reference to FIG. 9B, the mounting
anchor includes a mounting extension 808 which extends from back
side 806 of base 800. Mounting extension 808 includes a mounting
surface 810 which is configured to rest flat against a structure to
which base 800 is secured.
[0054] FIG. 9C is a partial front view of base 800 including a lid
812 mounted thereto in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As
illustrated in FIGS. 9C, slot 802 extends below a bottom surface of
lid 812 such that a mounting fastener inserted through slot 802
does not interfere with placement or removal of lid 812. FIG. 9D is
a partial back perspective view of base 800 including lid 812 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9D,
mounting extension 808 and mounting surface 810 are positioned
below a bottom surface of lid 812 such that placement/removal of
lid 812 is not impeded. In alternative embodiments, the mounting
anchor may also be placed along one or both sides of base 800. In
another alternative embodiment, base 800 may include a plurality of
mounting anchors.
[0055] FIG. 10A is a partial front view of a base 820 including a
mounting anchor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 10B is a partial rear view of base 820 and the mounting anchor
in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The mounting anchor of
base 820 includes a tab 822 and an aperture 824. In an exemplary
embodiment, a mounting fastener can be inserted through aperture
824, through tab 822, and into a structure such that base 820 is
securely mounted to the structure. In an alternative embodiment,
tab 822 may include one or more holes configured to receive the
mounting fastener. In an exemplary embodiment, tab 822 and aperture
824 can be positioned such that placement/removal of a lid onto
base 820 is not impeded. In an alternative embodiment, base 820 may
include a plurality of apertures and tabs.
[0056] FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a storage container
assembly 830 including a mounting anchor in accordance with a third
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11B is a partial back perspective view
of storage container assembly 830 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. A tab 832 is mounted to a lid 834 of storage container
assembly 830. A mounting fastener can be inserted through a front
side of tab 832 such that lid 834 and storage container assembly
830 are secured to a structure. In an exemplary embodiment, tab 832
can be positioned such that one or more storage container
assemblies can be stacked on top of storage container assembly 830.
In an alternative embodiment, tab 832 may include one or more holes
configured to receive the mounting fastener. In another alternative
embodiment, lid 834 may include a plurality of tabs.
[0057] FIG. 12 is a partial view of a base 840 with a mounting
anchor 842 in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.
Mounting anchor 842 includes a tab 844 having an aperture 846. In
an exemplary embodiment, a fastening strap can be placed through
aperture 846 and around a pole or other structure such that base
840 is secured to the pole or other structure. Mounting structure
842 can be positioned in one or both back corners of base 840.
Alternatively, one or more of mounting structure 842 can be placed
anywhere along the back and/or sides of base 840. In exemplary
embodiment, a storage container assembly may include a plurality of
the same or different types of mounting anchors.
[0058] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a storage container
assembly 850 with a door 852 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. Storage container assembly 850 includes a base 854, a
lid 856, and door 852. A bottom of door 852 includes a first pivot
mechanism 858 and a second pivot mechanism 860 such that door 852
is able to be opened and closed. Door 852 also includes a handle
862 such that a user can control movement of door 852 from a closed
position. FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of storage container
assembly 850 with door 852 in an open position. With door 852 in
the open position, a user is able to access an interior of
container assembly 850 for placement/removal of items. The user can
close door 852 to ensure that items within storage container
assembly 850 are secured and protected. In an exemplary embodiment,
door 852 can be opened and/or closed with lid 856 mounted to base
854. FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of base 854 without lid
856 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in
FIG. 15, an upper surface 864 of door 852 is positioned below a
bottom edge of a groove 866 in base 854. As such, placement of lid
854, which can include a tongue configured to mate with groove 866,
does not interfere with movement of door 852.
[0059] FIG. 16A is a partial view of base 854 and pivot mechanism
858 with door 852 in an open position in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16B is a partial view including a pivot
rod 870 mounted to base 854 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, pivot mechanism 858
includes a pivot member 872 which is configured to attach to pivot
rod 870 such that door 852 is pivotally mounted to base 854. In an
exemplary embodiment, pivot member 872 can partially surround pivot
rod 870 such that door 852 is detachable from base 854.
Alternatively, pivot member 872 may substantially or entirely
surround pivot rod 870 such that door 852 is not detachable from
base 854. In alternative embodiments, any other type of pivot
mechanism can be used to allow movement of door 852. For example,
pivot mechanism 858 may be a hinge. In another alternative
embodiment, one, three, four, or any other number of pivot
mechanisms may be used to pivotally secure door 852 to base
854.
[0060] FIG. 17 is a partial view of a latch mechanism 876 for door
852 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Latch mechanism 876
includes a locking groove 878 and a locking protrusion 880
configured to mate with locking groove 878 to form a friction fit.
The friction fit can be sufficient to ensure that door 852 does not
open on its own. In an exemplary embodiment, door 852 can include
two locking protrusions (one on each side of upper surface 864 of
door 852), and base 854 can include two corresponding locking
grooves. Alternatively, a single latch mechanism may be used. In
alternative embodiments, door 852 can be maintained in a closed
position using any other latching/securing method known to those of
skill in the art.
[0061] Referring again to FIG. 13, lid 856 includes a receiving
surface 857 which is surrounded by a stacking edge 859. In an
exemplary embodiment, an inner perimeter of stacking edge 859 can
be approximately the same size as a bottom 861 of base 854. As
such, a second base can be securely stacked on top of lid 856.
Stacking edge 859 can be used to ensure that the second base is
secure, and a bottom of the second base can rest on receiving
surface 857. Alternatively, base 854 may include base structures
and lid 856 may include lid structures as described with reference
to FIGS. 1-5. In another exemplary embodiment, a bottom side of lid
856 may include a plurality of ribs to increase the strength and
rigidity of lid 856 such that one or more storage container
assemblies can be stacked on top of lid 856.
[0062] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a storage container
assembly 890 with a door 892 in accordance with a second exemplary
embodiment. Storage container assembly 890 includes a base 894, a
lid 896, and door 892. A first pivot mechanism 898 and a second
pivot mechanism 899 can be provided such that door 892 is able to
be pivotally opened and closed. In an exemplary embodiment, storage
container assembly 890 can be approximately one half the size of
storage container assembly 850 described with reference to FIG. 13.
As such, two of storage container assembly 890 can be stacked side
by side on top of storage container assembly 850.
[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the walls of the bases described
herein can be tapered outward (from bottom to top) such that a
plurality of bases can be nested inside one another. Nesting
provides significant space saving advantages with respect to
shipping, store inventories, store displays, and consumer
transportation. In another exemplary embodiment, a stack of two
nested bases can be approximately 1.5 inches taller than a single
base (i.e., the bases can have a nesting height of approximately
1.5 inches). Alternatively, any other nesting height can be
obtained by altering a thickness of the bases and/or a degree of
outward tapering from the bottom to the top of the bases. FIG. 19
is a front perspective view of nested bases in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a second base 910
is nested within a first base 912. Similarly, a third base (not
shown) can be nested within second base 910, a fourth base (not
shown) can be nested within the third base, and so on. Any of the
bases described herein can be configured for nesting. In another
exemplary embodiment, any of the lids described herein can also be
configured to nest inside of one another to provide space saving
advantages.
[0064] The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the
invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and of
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be
acquired from practice of the invention. For example, the described
exemplary embodiments focused on an implementation made of a
plastic such as high-density polyethylene. The present invention,
however, is not limited to a particular material. Those skilled in
the art will recognize that this container can be made out of
various materials including metal. Additionally, the shape of the
container can be altered significantly without deviating from the
spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described
in order to explain the principles of the invention and as
practical applications of the invention to enable one skilled in
the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with
various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated.
It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
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