U.S. patent application number 12/404936 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for system for interconnecting covered under-bed storage boxes.
Invention is credited to Yaffa Licari.
Application Number | 20100230408 12/404936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42729853 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100230408 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Licari; Yaffa |
September 16, 2010 |
SYSTEM FOR INTERCONNECTING COVERED UNDER-BED STORAGE BOXES
Abstract
An under-bed storage box comprises a shallow (3''-10'') lower
portion such as a bin, open-top box, tub or tray, which is covered
or coverable by a shallow complementary shaped lid having a
perimeter which comes down around the upper rim outside the lower
portion, and the lower portion has connecting means, like docks,
eyelets, slots, etc. for securely receiving and holding attachment
means, like cable ties, wires, tabs, twist ties.
Inventors: |
Licari; Yaffa; (New York,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEVISOHN BERGER, LLP
11 Broadway, Suite 615
New York
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
42729853 |
Appl. No.: |
12/404936 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/0233 20130101;
B65D 21/0201 20130101; B65D 21/0204 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/23.4 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02 |
Claims
1. A storage apparatus, comprising: at least two containers, each
of said containers comprising walls and a floor, each of said
containers further comprising connecting means on at least one of
said walls, said connecting means connecting said at least two
containers.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connecting means
comprises interlocking members.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connecting means
comprises an eyelet for receiving a tie.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said at least two
containers comprises connecting means on at least two opposing
walls, each of said connecting means being adapted to selectively
connect to a container.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said containers are connected
end to end.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said connecting means
releasably connects two containers.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to storage boxes and
more particularly to storage boxes dimensioned for sliding into the
space under beds and dressers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Under-bed shoe and sweater storage boxes having matching
lids are well known in the art. Such storage containers are
commonly molded from thermoplastics and are sized to in the area
between the floor and the bottom surface of a bed.
[0003] The under-bed storage boxes known in the art are large,
usually rectangular containers, which take up a significant amount
of area underneath a bed. However, the large size of these prior
art containers contribute to several undesirable consequences.
[0004] In a retail store, a rather significant amount of shelf
space is required to accommodate these containers. This limits the
retail possibilities for large containers. In addition, large
containers are expensive to ship and store.
[0005] Large containers also are often impractical for use in
homes. Large containers are cumbersome and cannot easily be slid in
and out from underneath a bed. Many containers are provided with
wheels to help facilitate movement thereof. On the other hand,
smaller containers, which are easier to handle, may be difficult to
reach from under a bed. They also are difficult to organize.
[0006] There is therefore a need for under-bed storage containers
that are of manageable dimensions and thus easily accommodated on a
retail shelf. There also is a need for easily accessible containers
that can be conveniently organized underneath a bed or dresser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] These and other advantages are achieved with interconnecting
storage boxes that are adapted for use beneath a bed or dresser.
Each storage box of the invention is smaller than prior art
containers and they also are nestable to maximize shelf and
shipping efficiency. The terms "container," "storage box," "bin"
and "box" are used interchangeably herein.
[0008] The containers, which are sized to fit underneath a bed, are
each adapted to removably attach to a corresponding container. Two
or more containers could be connected to form a "train" of
containers. In this manner, small containers can be neatly arranged
underneath a bed and because containers are connected to one
another, deeper placed containers can be removed by pulling the
outer one. This allows for the easy removal of otherwise difficult
to access containers. It also maximizes the use of space beneath a
bed or dresser. In addition, because virtually any number of
containers could be assembled into a "train," the container system
could be adapted and customized according to user's preference.
Thus, a user could attach several containers in accordance with the
length and/or width of his/her bed or dresser.
[0009] Storage boxes constructed in accordance with the present
invention are nestable, i.e. the walls are angled outwards as they
rise from the floor of the box. Preferably, they awe substantially
square, rectangular or have some polygonal shape, as viewed from
the top looking down, that permits at least a side of one box to be
arranged substantially parallel to a complementary side of an
adjacent box. Storage boxes also are provided with a dust cover,
lid, or have an integral cover, which overlaps the outer edges to
prevent contents from getting dirty or dusty.
[0010] The storage boxes have an attachment mechanism on at least
two positions on/in their wall(s), which permit them to be attached
laterally to the opposing and complementary attachment mechanism of
an adjacent neighboring box or boxes. Importantly, the attachment
mechanisms are positioned, shaped or otherwise adapted to not
interfere with the ability of the user to firmly close the lid or
cover. Thus, the attachment mechanism is preferably not attached
right at the top of the walls. Additionally, some lateral space
between the boxes upper rims are maintained, sufficient to permit
two covers, each having a downward projecting edge-overlapping lip
with some thickness, to be placed onto the attached boxes upper
rims.
[0011] The attachment mechanism comprises a coupling means such as
hooks, or any male/female coupler device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention is herein described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of two interconnected lower
portions of low-profile storage boxes in accordance with exemplary
embodiments of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 1b is a bottom plan view of two interconnected lower
portions of the low-profile storage boxes shown in FIG. 1a,
above;
[0015] FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional view of a single lower portion
of the low-profile storage boxes shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b,
above;
[0016] FIG. 1b is a cross-sectional view of a pair of stacked and
nested lower portions of the low-profile storage boxes shown in
FIG. 1a, above;
[0017] FIGS. 2a-c are elevation views of attachment ties, for
laterally connecting exemplary embodiments of covered or coverable
storage boxes, such as those shown in the Figures below;
[0018] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of a single lower portion of a
low-profile storage boxes constructed in accordance with another
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 3b is a perspective view taken from the front of two
interconnected low profile storage boxes as shown in FIG. 3a;
[0020] FIG. 3c shows a perspective view taken from below the pair
of interconnected low profile storage boxes shown in FIGS. 3a and
3b;
[0021] FIG. 3d shows a perspective view of two interconnected low
profile storage boxes, one of which is shown partially covered;
[0022] FIG. 3e shows a semi-transparent version of the perspective
view of two interconnected low profile storage boxes, one of which
is shown partially covered, seen in FIG. 3d; and
[0023] FIG. 3f shows a perspective view of two, nearly nested, low
profile storage boxes of the type shown in FIGS. 3a-3e, above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The following is a detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the invention, reference being made to the drawings
in which the same reference numerals identify the same elements of
structure in each of the several figures. It should be noted that
these drawings are merely exemplary in nature and in no way serve
to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims
appearing herein below.
[0025] The present invention comprises storage boxes sized and
dimensioned for receiving bulky items such as sweaters, blankets,
shoes, etc. and having a height suitable for sliding the covered
box under a bed or dresser. In one simple and highly economical
form, seen in FIGS. 1a-1e, each box 20 is provided with outer
surface projections 22, sized, shaped and positioned to releasably
engage its counterparts on an adjacent box. The outer surface
projections 22 act as releasable hooks, which catch one another
when the boxes are positioned end-to-end and pushed gently
together. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1b, hooks 22a are
disposed at one end of each box with their open sides facing
inwardly towards one another. Hooks 22b at the other end are
positioned with their open sides facing outwardly away from one
another. The distance (dotted line 18) between these outward facing
hooks 22b is slightly less than the distance (dotted line 19)
between the inward facing hooks 22a, such that the outward hooks
22b are slightly compressed when inserted between the inward facing
hooks 22a, until the boxes are fully seated, with only enough space
between them to permit a lid to be fully lowered onto the top of
each box without the lids outer boundaries interfering with either
one another or the hooks below.
[0026] In order to connect corresponding containers, two containers
are aligned such that a pair of hooks on one box is situated
roughly opposite of opposing hooks on another box. When opposing
pressure is exerted on each of the boxes, the hooks 22b that are
spaced closer together (dotted line 18) ale forced into cooperation
with hooks 22a, which are spaced wider apart (dotted line 19) than
hooks 22b.
[0027] As shown, in an embodiment of the invention, connecting
means (such as, but not limited to, hooks) are provided on at least
two opposing walls. Each of the connecting means is adapted to
selectively connect to a corresponding container. As such, a
container could act a link for connecting at least three
containers.
[0028] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the orientation of the hooks could be reversed. It will be
further understood, that any type of hook and eye, hook and lock or
any other type of male/female mechanism can be employed for
connecting containers in accordance with the invention. For
example, snaps, belts, Velcro, or any other interlocking mechanism
could be used.
[0029] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3a-3f, each
box is provided with receiving eyelets 24 in the sidewalls 26. The
receiving eyelets 24 are positioned at a position low enough on the
sidewalls 26 so that a cover or lid placed on the box will not be
prevented from being settled in place on the box when boxes are
interconnected. Referring to FIG. 3b, boxes 20 are placed side by
side with at least one or more receiving eyelets 24 on one box
lining up with at least one or more receiving eyelets on one or
more adjacent boxes. One end or part of a connecting tie 28 is
passed through an eyelet or eyelets on a first box and extends
laterally outward to and through one or more eyelets in an adjacent
box. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that
connecting devices could comprise, but are not limited to cable
ties, double-headed arrows, string, wire and the like--any of which
can be passed through eyelets 24. In some embodiments, and as shown
in FIG. 2, connecting devices may comprise a connector (FIG. 2a)
having nubs 30 or stoppers at either end. In use, stopper 30 is
forced through eyelet 24 of one box 20 and though the eyelet 24 of
a corresponding box 20 FIGS. 2b and 2c show other configurations of
connecting ties, which can be secured in each box, reversibly or
irreversibly. The connecting ties 28 have a length, selected to
permit them to be secured in place, and still maintain some space
between the boxes as necessary to position the lids fully seated on
the lid rims and preferably with the lid edges within an inch or
less or even butting up one against the other.
[0030] With the boxes thus interconnected, it is possible to string
together a chain or group of storage boxes and be able to remove or
slide into position under a bed or dresser or other elevated object
the entire chain or group by simply grasping and pulling/pushing on
the front-most box or boxes.
[0031] Another exemplary embodiment could have bins with rim edges
with downward projections shaped to overlap complementary
projections on the other side of a neighboring bin.
[0032] In another exemplary embodiment, the ties could be cutouts
that are formed in the sidewall of the lower bin and, which when
folded out, are long enough to reach a slot or other receiving
mechanism in an adjacent box.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3b and 3c, two low profile storage
boxes 20 are shown having an exemplary embodiment of integrated
connecting ties 28. The ties are provided on locations on the outer
wall surfaces 26 of the storage box at positions complimentary to
receiving eyelets 24 in the walls 26 of an adjacent, identical
storage boxes 20. By placing the identical storage boxes 20
adjacent to one another, connecting ties 28 are aligned and paired
with complementary receiving eyelets 24. When brought into close
proximity with one another, the connecting ties from one box can be
inserted and locked into the receiving eyelets 24 of its
neighbor.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 3d, an exemplary embodiment of
connecting boxes is shown, whereby two containers having different
dimensions are coupled together. It will be understood by those of
ordinary skill in the art that containers of diverse dimensions
could be connected as long as corresponding parts of an
interlocking mechanism on each of two containers are cooperatively
aligned. Moreover, boxes could be attached in a width to width or
length to length orientation. In a preferred embodiment individual
containers are roughly 15'' by 16'' and are roughly 5.5'' high.
[0035] In determining the placement for whichever of the connection
methods one adopts, care must be made to ensure that the connecting
ties, hooks or other interlocking mechanisms are positioned at a
point below where the rim of the lid would extend. For example, a
lid having a depth of one inch would necessitate that the
connecting ties extend axially from a point on the outer wall
surfaces at a height at least one inch below the upper edge of the
walls. Additionally, the connecting ties must extend axially from
the box wall a distance sufficiently great to be able to engage the
complementary connecting tie or receiving eyelet extending from the
adjacent box.
[0036] For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3d, a lid 30 is
shown, which covers container 20. The lip 32 of lid 30 extends no
more than the distance between the top of a container and the
connection mechanism.
[0037] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such
features and advantages of the invention that fall within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. As numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
limited number of embodiments described herein. Accordingly, it
will be appreciated that all suitable variations, modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
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