U.S. patent application number 12/261177 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-06 for storage container.
Invention is credited to Joseph Claffy.
Application Number | 20100108556 12/261177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42130122 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100108556 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Claffy; Joseph |
May 6, 2010 |
STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A storage container that is secure and tamper proof is provided
by a molded, one-piece container having a bottom and upstanding
vertically oriented side and end walls. A separate lid is provided
that sealingly engages the container. The container includes flutes
on the inside and outside of the walls for adding strength to the
walls. The flutes on the outside wall of one container fit with the
flutes on the inside wall of another container for nesting
purposes. The container can be stacked with another container by
being placed on the top surface of the lid. A container can also be
stacked in a container without a lid by being supported by
shoulders on the inside walls of the container without the lid
after rotating the container to be nested so that the flutes on the
container to be nested engage the shoulders of the container
without the lid.
Inventors: |
Claffy; Joseph; (Western
Springs, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VEDDER PRICE P.C.
222 N. LASALLE STREET
CHICAGO
IL
60601
US
|
Family ID: |
42130122 |
Appl. No.: |
12/261177 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/508 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/04 20130101;
B65D 21/066 20130101; B65D 11/24 20130101; B65D 43/12 20130101;
B65D 21/0219 20130101; B65D 55/14 20130101; B65D 21/0233
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/508 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/00 20060101
B65D021/00 |
Claims
1. A storage container comprising: a reinforced one piece molded
plastic container with an open top having a bottom, generally
parallel first and second side walls, opposed generally parallel
first and second end walls integrally connected to the bottom,
upper portions of side walls and end walls including a perimeter
forming a planar surface, flutes vertically oriented from the
bottom to the planar top surface on the side and end walls for
reinforcing the side and end walls wherein the number of flutes are
identical on all side and end walls but for one.
2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the number of flutes
is not identical on one end wall.
3. The storage container of claim 2, further comprising a sealable
lid separate from the container and integrally molded from plastic
in one piece being the size and dimension to cover the planar top
surface and having a peripheral edge on three sides substantially
perpendicular to planar top surface including a lip wherein the lip
and peripheral edge are aligned to a raised edge of planar surface
for covering the planar top surface of the storage container.
4. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the lid and planar top
surface include at least one locking hasp for locking the fully
engaged lid when at least one locking hasp of the lid is aligned
with at least one locking hasp of the top planar surface.
5. The storage container of claim 4, including a locking hasp on
the planar top surface on the first and second side walls.
6. The storage container of claim 4, wherein a lock is placed in
the locking hasp for securing the lid to the top planar surface of
the container.
7. The storage container of claim 4, including two locking hasps,
each placed on the planar top surface of the first and second side
walls, and two locks engaging the hasps allowing the lid to cover
and lock the container from either side of the container.
8. The storage container of claim 3, wherein the top surface of the
lid has one or more ridges for supporting a second container
stacked thereon
9. The storage container of claim 3 wherein the top surface of the
lid has reinforced corners for supporting a container stacked
thereon.
10. The storage container of claim 1, wherein flutes are present on
the inside and outside of the side and end walls of the
container.
11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein flutes of a second
container are aligned with flutes of the container so that the
second container can nest in the container.
12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein flutes on outside
side walls of the second container include an edge for engaging
planar top surface of the container when nesting.
13. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising shoulders
placed between flutes on the inside end walls of the container.
14. The storage container of claim 13, further comprises a second
container, rotated 180 degrees placed onto the shoulders for
stacking the second container in the container without a lid.
15. The storage container of claim 2, further comprising the lid
including an underside having a brake that engages planar top
surface when the lid is slid in an container opening position
thereby limiting the size of the opening.
16. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the lid has a
peripheral edge and lip on three sides preventing the lid from
being pulled upwardly off the container when engaged to the
container.
17. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising side and
end walls having flanges for providing strength to the walls.
18. The storage container of claim 17, further comprising a sloping
face adjacent the flanges on the side and end walls for providing
strength to the walls.
19. The storage container of claim 10, further comprising a
partition inserted in flutes on the inside walls of the container
for separating space in the container.
20. The storage container of claim 3, further comprising an area
for providing identifying indicia on the sealable lid.
21. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising an area
for providing identifying indicia on the bottom of the
container.
22. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising at least
one flute vertically oriented from the bottom to the planar top
surface on the side and end walls for reinforcing the side and end
walls wherein the number of flutes are identical on all side and
end walls but for one.
23. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the number of flutes
is not identical on one side wall.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to improvements in plastic,
heavy-duty storage containers, and in particular, to a secure
storage container that is capable of nesting without a lid and
stacking with or without a lid.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There is a need to store and transport articles in portable
boxes or containers. Plastic storage containers have been in use
for many years. Their acceptance is widespread. They are available
in various sizes, with lids or without lids. The reusable
containers are stackable and are typically made of plastic
materials. They typically have a storage area and a flat lid
whereon a second storage container may be stacked to save
space.
[0003] There is a need for a stronger, lighter, secure, and more
functional property container that has a durable, one-piece design
with maximum strength and impact resistance and is stackable and
nestable with or without a lid.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a
stackable, nestable storage container for storing objects, the
container having a bottom, first and second side walls reinforced
by flute structures, and first and second end walls reinforced by
flute structures that are opposite one another and perpendicular to
the first and second walls.
[0005] In another aspect of the present invention, a storage
container is provided that can be stacked with a second container
with or without a lid.
[0006] In another aspect of the present invention, a storage
container without a lid is provided that receives a second
container for stacking in a stackable position and is rotated
180.degree. for receiving a second container for nesting in a
nestable position.
[0007] In another aspect of the present, a storage container is
provided with a lid slidably engaged with opposed end walls and one
side wall and moved to a closed position onto an opposed side wall,
sealing the container to render it secure and tamper resistant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it
is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the
arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a container and slidably
attached lid incorporating the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a container with the lid
attached to it;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one container stacked upon
the lid of a second container;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a close-up of one corner of the stacked containers
of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of an open container;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of bottom of a container;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the underside of a lid;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an open container stacked
in a second open container;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an open container nesting
in a second container;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0022] FIG. 13 is a side view of the container shown in FIG.
12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a reinforced container 10 in an
embodiment of the present invention. The reinforced container 10 is
molded plastic and has a bottom 12, longitudinally extending first
and second opposed side walls 14 and 16, and laterally extending
first and second opposed end walls 18 and 20. The plastic is a
high-impact polypropylene with structural and flame retardant
additives. A planar top surface 22 with raised edge 24 connects to
the top perimeter 23 of container 10. Top perimeter 23 is the upper
portion 25 of side walls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20. Raised
edge 24 reinforces planar top surface 22. Since planar top surface
22 is on the top perimeter 23 of container 10 it also serves as a
handle for lifting container 10. Lid 26 is formed from the same
material, is rectangular, and is sized and dimensioned to close the
open top of container 10. The lid has a peripheral edge 28
substantially perpendicular to planar top surface 22 with a lip 30
forming a c shape opening 31 which includes track 3 la that readily
engages raised edge 24 of planar top surface 22. Peripheral edge 28
is on three sides of lid 26 so edge 28 and lip 30 engage planar top
surface 22 on three walls of container 10. The three walls include
two end walls 18 and 20 and one side wall, either 14, or 16. FIG.
1B shows lid 26 attached to container 10. All the walls 14, 16, 18,
and 20 taper outwardly from bottom 12 so one container 10 can be
nestled into another container 10. The containers 10 can also be
stacked on one another by placing one container 10 on top surface
27 of lid 26 of another container 10. Container 10 can also be
stacked in an open container 10 by resting on shoulders 32.
[0024] With reference to FIG. 5 in addition to FIG. 1, first and
second side walls 14 and 16 have inside side walls 14a and 16a,
respectively, and outside side walls 14b and 16b, respectively.
Likewise, first and second end walls 18 and 20 have inside end
walls 18a and 20a, respectively, and outside side walls 18b and
20b, respectively.
[0025] Each wall has a plurality of flutes. Flutes are vertically
oriented from bottom 12 to top planar surface 22. Flutes 34 are
shown on wall 14, flutes 36 are on wall 16. Flutes 34a and 36a are
on inside side walls 14a and 16a respectively. Outside side walls
14b and 16b show flutes 34b and 36b respectively. Flutes 38 are
shown on end wall 18, and flutes 40 are shown on end wall 20.
Inside flutes 38a and 40a are likewise shown on inside end walls
18a and 20a respectively. Outside end walls 18b and 20b show flutes
38b and 40b respectively. Flutes typically are rounded grooves that
provide support for walls 14, 16, 18, and 20. Outside walls 14b,
16b, 18b, and 20b show partially rounded or concave portions 34b,
36b, 38b, and 40b flutes corresponding to the aforementioned
flutes. Together, the rounded, grooved portions inside the side and
end walls and rounded, concave portions outside the side and end
walls are identified as flutes. The number of flutes is variable
and not intended to be limitative. While being described as a
plurality of flutes providing maximum strength to the side and end
walls, it is also noted that fewer flutes possibly one flute per
side and end wall, may be utilized if sufficient support for the
walls that would enable stacking and nesting containers is
confirmed. For nesting purposes, the flutes on the side and end
walls must match or be aligned. The outside flutes 34b, 36b, 38b
and 40b must fit within the inside flutes 34a, 36a, 38a and 40a for
nesting to occur when one container is placed inside a bottom
container 10 as seen in FIG. 11.
[0026] End walls 18 and 20 each have a different number of flutes,
typically one end wall with an even number, the opposed end wall an
odd number, whereas side walls 14 and 16 have an even number of
flutes. Even with an different number of flutes on each end wall,
an end wall with a certain number of flutes will be aligned with an
end wall with same number of flutes with the container for nesting
purposes. In FIG. 5 end wall 18 has four flutes 38 whereas end wall
20 has three flutes 40. For stacking purposes without a lid the top
container is rotated 180 degrees so the flutes on the end walls are
misaligned and nesting will not occur.
[0027] The flutes provide support and rigidity to the side walls
and end walls. Lid 26 is moved into a cooperatively sealing
position with container 10 by aligning raised peripheral edge 28
and lip 30 with raised edge 24 on planar top surface 22 on opposed
end walls 18, 20. The C-shaped opening 31 formed from edge 28 and
lip 30 forms track 31a for engaging raised edge 24 of planar top
surface 22 of container 10. As lid 26 is moved forward advancing
C-shaped track 31a on raised edge 24 it moves on each end wall to a
side wall on container 10 opposed from the side wall where initial
contact was made. The lid can engage raised edge 24 on the end
walls from either side of the container. For purposes of
illustration, side wall 14 is utilized. Locking hasp 42 is placed
on each side wall of container 10 on top planar surface 22 and lid
26. Locking hasp 42a is located on planar top surface 22 on the top
of side wall 16, whereas locking hasp 42b is located on the planar
surface 22 on top of opposed side wall 14. In locking hasps 42a and
42b are holes 43a and 43b in container 10, which are aligned with
holes 42c and 42d, respectively, on lid 26. In a preferred
embodiment, pin 43c is placed in holes 43a, 43b, 42a, and 42b for
locking lid 26 to container 10. In another preferred embodiment,
padlock 44 engages locking hasp 42 through locking hasp 42a and 42b
and holes 43a, 43b, 42c, and 42d for securing lid 26 to box 10.
Conventional locks function with hasp 42, but a preferred
conventional lock is a padlock 44, which may be a combination or
key lock, as shown in FIG. 1b. The term "locking hasp" 42 includes
locking hasp 42a, 42b, and further includes holes 42c and 42d on
lid 26, holes 43a and 43b on planar surface 22, and pin 43c that is
inserted in all the holes for locking lid 26 to box 10 and lock 44,
which may be a conventional padlock securing lid 26 to box 10
through holes 43a, 43b, 42c, and 42d. When lid 26 is in the closed
position, C-shaped track 31a not only engages raised edge 22 on top
of end walls 18 and 20, it engages raised edge 22 on the side wall
opposed to the side wall receiving the moving lid 26. With c-shaped
track 31a engaging raised edge 22 on three sides of container 10,
additional security is provided. Further, locking hasp 42 and lock
44 placed on side walls improve security for items stored in
container 10. Lid 26 can be slid on the container from either side.
With two locking hasps 42a and 42b, lock 44, and pin 43c, the lid
26 forms a secure seal on the container. When closed and locked,
container 10 is tamper resistant.
[0028] Additional strength is added to lid 26 by runners 46 placed
on the top surface 27 of the lid. Runners 46 provide additional
thickness to the molded polypropylene and assist in the
distribution of weight across the top surface 27 of lid 26. Spaces
48 are areas for placing identifying indicia such as names, numbers
codes, etc. Ridges 50 and 52 on top surface of lid 26 provide a
defined area for placing stackable containers. Reinforced corners
54 of ridges 50 and 52 stabilize a stacked container on top surface
of lid 26.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a stacked container 56 on lid 26 of container
10. Corners 54 of stacked container 56 fit within reinforced
corners 54 of ridges 50 and 52. Lid 26 provides load-bearing
support for stacking multiple containers thereon, one atop
another.
[0030] FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the stacked
container of FIG. 2 showing c-shaped track 31a with lip 30 and
peripheral edge 28 engaging planar top surface 22 and raised edge
24 for a secure fit.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows container 10b with the number of flutes being
varied on the end walls 18 and 20 and side walls 14 and 16 from
those shown in FIG. 5. Containers made in the manner shown in FIG.
6 will function in the same manner as those shown in FIG. 5. Side
wall 14 contains three shoulders 32 for supporting a stacked
container without a lid and has four flutes 34. Side wall 16
contains four shoulders 32. Upon removing a stacked and container
from planar top surface 22 and rotating is 180.degree., it will be
nestable in container 10a. End walls 18 and 20 do not have
shoulders.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows a container 10c with at least on flute 34 and
one shoulder 32 on side wall 14 and end walls 18 with flute 38 and
end wall 20 with flute 40. Side wall 16 has two flutes 36 with two
shoulders 32.
[0033] FIGS. 6 and 7 show embodiments with variable numbers of
flutes and shoulders, both of which support a stackable container
on shoulders 32 that when rotated 180.degree. will nest in
container 10b or 10c.
[0034] Underside 60 of lid 26 is shown in FIG. 9. Lip 30 of
peripheral edge 28 is shown on three sides of lid 26. C-shaped
opening 31 is formed by lip 30 and edge 28. Track 31a runs inside
C-shaped opening 31. Brake 62 is shown on underside 60, which
prevents lid 26 from being pulled off container 10. Brake 62 and
the engagement of C-shaped track 31a to raised edge 22 of planar
top surface 24 enable the lid to be slidably moved in the plane in
which it is installed a certain distance from its closed position
until brake 62 engages the top of a side wall of the container,
which stops the movement. The location of the placement of brake 62
determines how far lid 26 slidably opens from a closed position.
The lid must be unlocked and slid back from the side wall from
which it was locked. Lid 26 cannot be pulled upwardly from
container 10 for removal. The foregoing structure provides
additional security for the contents in container 10 in that lid 26
cannot be quickly opened by lifting it upward from container 10 and
provides a limited space for opening the lid so that items can be
added to or removed from container 10 without having lid 26
completely removed from the container. Lid 26 may be manipulated to
by-pass brake 62 for fully removing the lid.
[0035] FIG. 8 shows bottom 12 with defined areas 12a for placing
identifying indicia such as names, numbers, codes, etc. for
convenient viewing.
[0036] Container 10 is stacked within a second container without
using a lid as shown in FIG. 10. Shoulders 32 as shown in FIG. 5
support the bottom of a second container in a stacked position 58,
creating additional convenience for the user. Shoulders 32 are
placed between flutes in end walls 18 and 20. Typically, there is
one more shoulder in an opposed end wall for providing stackable
support for a second container, which is placed on shoulders 32,
not flutes, when stacked. For example, in FIG. 5, end wall 18 has
four shoulders 32 and three flutes 38a, while opposed end wall 20
has four flutes 40a and three shoulders 32. For stacking purposes
without a lid, the flutes are misaligned so that they do not engage
corresponding flutes but shoulder 32 instead on the end walls. The
same arrangement can be made in side walls 14 and 16, that is, the
number of flutes and shoulders can be mismatched, one side wall
with, for example, four flutes and three shoulders and the opposed
side wall with three flutes and four shoulders or any suitable
number. Both the end walls and side walls may have this
arrangement. Without being limitative, the description of the
invention is directed to an aspect wherein the opposed end walls
are described with odd-numbered flutes and shoulders.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows second container 64 stacked in container 10
where shoulders 32 are not seen. Partition 66 may be inserted in
flutes 34a and 36a of side walls 14 and 16 creating separate
compartments in the interior of container 10.
[0038] Supporting edge 68 is shown on flutes on outside side wall
14b. Edge 68 with a flange engages planar top surface 22 when
second container 64 is nested in container 10 as shown in FIG. 11.
Outer edge 68 serves as a stop for the nesting. Otherwise, second
container 64 enters inside container 10 as shown in FIG. 5. In
order to place second container 64 in container 10 for nesting,
second container 64 is rotated 180.degree. so the flutes in end
walls 18 and 20 are aligned. This is the nesting position 35 of the
containers. With flutes 38 and 40 aligned, that is, concave
portions 34b, 36b, 38b, and 40b on outside walls 14b, 16b, 18b, and
20b of the second container 64 are aligned with flutes 34a, 36a,
38a, and 40 on inside walls 14a, 16a, 18a, and 20a of lower
container 10, nesting will occur. Shoulders 32 in the lower
container do not engage the top or nesting container. If rotated
180.degree. from this nesting position, nesting will not occur.
Instead, the containers are now in a stackable position 58 without
lid 26 for the top container rests on shoulders 32 of the lower
container. This is the stacking position 58 without lid 26. Of
course, with lid 26 firmly secured to container 10, stacking of
containers as previously described is encouraged.
[0039] FIGS. 12 and 13 show another embodiment of the present
invention. Secure storage container 70 has walls of reduced height
when compared to container 10. Container 70 is essentially
structured in the same manner as container 10 but for the fact that
side walls 72 and end walls 74 containing concave portions 76 and
78 and include flange 80 and support edge 82 to add further
strength to the side walls. Moreover, side walls 72 and end walls
74 have sloping faces 84 and 86, respectively engaging side walls
and end walls. Sloping faces 84 and 86 also provide additional
strength to the side walls.
[0040] In operation, container 10 is stronger, lighter, more
functional, and more secure than other storage containers.
Containers of the present invention can be stacked with or without
lid 26 without crushing the contents of container 10. With lid 26
in place, ridges 50 and 52 allow for full perimeter stacking of a
second container. Without lid 26, a second container can be stacked
in an uncovered lower container by engaging shoulders 32 on the
inside end walls of the lower container. When empty, container can
be nested inside one another by simply rotating the empty container
180.degree. from its stackable position 58. This rotation allows
flutes on the outside end and side walls of the top container to
fit within the flukes on the inside side and end walls of the lower
container This feature saves valuable space in storage areas.
Container 10 has rounded edges and corners where bottom 12 joins
side walls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20, as well as the smooth
round corners of planar top surface 22 and lid 26. Lid 26 engages
end walls 18 and 20 with c-shaped track 31a and is slidably opened
on the short side of the container allowing access to more of the
contents of the container without removing the lid 26 fully.
[0041] The sizes and shapes of the storage containers of the
present invention may vary from the shapes showing in the
drawings.
[0042] While a preferred embodiment including various details has
been shown for purposes of illustrating the present invention,
further embodiments, variations, and modifications are possible in
accordance with the broader aspects of the present invention, all
defined by the specification and scope of the following claims.
* * * * *