U.S. patent application number 16/370364 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-03 for transformable storage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC.. Invention is credited to Sara Roueche Dulski, Justin Pendleton, Brian Roderman, Kevin Shin, David Singer, Erin Smith Wright.
Application Number | 20190300245 16/370364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68056772 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190300245 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wright; Erin Smith ; et
al. |
October 3, 2019 |
TRANSFORMABLE STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A transformable storage container may comprise: an end wall; a
support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a plurality of
sides extending between the end wall and the support frame, the
support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity defined by
the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support frame, the
support frame further comprising: a first channel substantially
parallel to the end wall; and a second channel substantially
perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel
and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween;
and an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first
channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a
protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion
being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable
within the channel interface.
Inventors: |
Wright; Erin Smith; (Indian
Trail, NC) ; Roderman; Brian; (Plano, TX) ;
Singer; David; (Austin, TX) ; Pendleton; Justin;
(The Colony, TX) ; Dulski; Sara Roueche;
(Huntersville, NC) ; Shin; Kevin; (Austin,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS, INC. |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS,
INC.
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
68056772 |
Appl. No.: |
16/370364 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62650797 |
Mar 30, 2018 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00546
20130101; B65D 11/10 20130101; B65D 43/22 20130101; B65D 2543/00194
20130101; B65D 43/12 20130101; B65D 2543/0049 20130101; B65D 43/164
20130101; B65D 2251/0018 20130101; B65D 2251/0081 20130101; B65D
2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2303/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16 |
Claims
1. A transformable storage container comprising: an end wall; a
support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a plurality of
sides extending between the end wall and the support frame, the
support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity defined by
the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support frame, the
support frame further comprising: a first channel substantially
parallel to the end wall; and a second channel substantially
perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel
and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween;
and an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first
channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a
protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion
being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable
within the channel interface, wherein the end door is moveable
between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the
closed position, the end door substantially covers the opening,
wherein in the closed position, the protrusion is configured to be
positioned in the first channel, and wherein the protrusion is
configured to travel from the first channel to the second channel
during movement of the end door from the closed position to the
open position.
2. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein an outer
wall of the first channel is of sufficient length to maintain
engagement of the protrusion.
3. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein in the
open position, the end door is positioned substantially
perpendicular to the support frame.
4. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly
coupled to another of the plurality of sides, the first side door
positionable within a second opening providing access to the
interior cavity.
5. The transformable storage container of claim 4, wherein the
first side door is collapsible into the interior cavity to provide
access to the interior cavity.
6. The transformable storage container of claim 5, wherein the
support frame comprises a locking mechanism for securing the first
side door in a closed position.
7. The transformable storage container of claim 6, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob
manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the support frame
and the first side door, wherein in a first position, the latch is
configured to engage a surface of the first side door opposite the
second opening, and in a second position, the latch is configured
to not engage the first side door.
8. The transformable storage container of claim 7, wherein the
first side door comprises a channel for receiving the latch in the
first position.
9. The transformable storage container of claim 6, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises at least one magnetic element.
10. The transformable storage container of claim 6, wherein at
least one of the end wall and the support frame comprises an
overhang extending partially over the second opening, the overhang
further comprising the locking mechanism, and wherein at least one
of the overhang and the locking mechanism is configured to prevent
the first side door from collapsing inward or opening outward when
the locking mechanism is engaged with the first side door.
11. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein the
protrusion is not positioned within the first channel or the second
channel in the open position.
12. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein the end
wall comprises an additional support frame defining an additional
opening to the interior cavity, wherein an additional door is
movably positioned in the additional opening.
13. A transformable storage container comprising: a first end wall;
and a second end wall operatively coupled to the first end wall by
a plurality of sides extending between the first end wall and the
second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first and second
end walls defining an interior cavity, wherein a first side of the
plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to
a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side door being
moveable between an open position and a closed position, the first
side door being configured to at least partially cover an opening
to the interior cavity in the closed position, wherein the first
side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity toward
the open position to provide access to the interior cavity, and
wherein at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall
comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side door and
preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and opening
outward when the feature is engaged with the first side door.
14. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein the
feature comprises at least one of an overhang and a locking
mechanism configured for detachably coupling the first side door to
the feature and removably positioning the first side door within
the opening.
15. The transformable storage container of claim 14, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob
manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the at least one
of the first and second end walls and the first side door, wherein
in a first position, the latch is configured to engage a surface of
the first side door opposite the opening, and in a second position,
the latch is configured to not engage the first side door.
16. The transformable storage container of claim 15, wherein the
first side door comprises a channel for receiving the latch in the
first position.
17. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein the
feature comprises at least one magnetic element.
18. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein at
least one of the first end wall and the second end wall comprises a
support frame defining an additional opening to the interior
cavity, wherein an additional door is movably positioned in the
additional opening.
19. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein the
first side further comprises a second side door hingedly coupled to
a third side of the plurality of sides, the second side door being
moveable between an open position of the second side door and a
closed position of the second side door, the second side door being
configured to at least partially cover the opening to the interior
cavity in the closed position of the second side door, wherein in
the closed position of the second side door, the second side door
is configured to collapse into the interior cavity.
20. A transformable storage container comprising: a first end wall;
a second end wall comprising a support frame, the second end wall
being operatively coupled to the first end wall by a plurality of
sides extending between the first end wall and the second end wall,
the plurality of sides and the first and second end walls defining
an interior cavity, the support frame defining a first opening to
the interior cavity, the support frame further comprising: a first
channel substantially parallel to the second end wall; and a second
channel substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first
channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a channel
interface therebetween; and an end door movably coupled to the
support frame by the first channel and the second channel, the end
door comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door,
the protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels
and rotatable within the channel interface, wherein the end door is
moveable between a closed end door position and an open end door
position, wherein in the closed end door position, the end door
substantially covers the first opening, wherein in the closed end
door position, the protrusion is configured to be positioned in the
first channel, and wherein the protrusion is configured to travel
from the first channel to the second channel during movement of the
end door from the closed end door position to the open end door
position, wherein a first side of the plurality of sides comprises
a first side door hingedly coupled to a second side of the
plurality of sides, the first side door being moveable between an
open side door position and a closed side door position, the first
side door being configured to at least partially cover a second
opening to the interior cavity in the closed side door position,
wherein the first side door is configured to collapse into the
interior cavity toward the open side door position to provide
access to the interior cavity, and wherein at least one of the
first end wall and the support frame comprises a feature configured
for engaging the first side door and preventing the first side door
from collapsing inward and opening outward when the feature is
engaged with the first side door.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/650,797 filed Mar. 30, 2018, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to storage containers and,
more specifically, to a transformable storage container
positionable in multiple configurations for storing laundry.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Storage containers, and laundry hampers or baskets in
particular, are used for varying purposes. Although a laundry
basket having a high width-to-height ratio may be preferable for
carrying folded garments without causing excessive wrinkling, a
taller and thinner laundry hamper may be preferable for fitting
into a corner of a small room or a closet. There exists a need for
an improved container that provides multiple configurations
depending on the varying requirements of the user.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more
embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive
overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to
neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor
delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is
to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified
form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is
presented later.
[0005] A transformable storage container is provided in one
embodiment, the transformable storage container comprising: an end
wall; a support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a
plurality of sides extending between the end wall and the support
frame, the support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity
defined by the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support
frame, the support frame further comprising: a first channel
substantially parallel to the end wall; and a second channel
substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the
first channel and the second channel forming a channel interface
therebetween; and an end door movably coupled to the support frame
by the first channel and the second channel, the end door
comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the
protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels and
rotatable within the channel interface, wherein the end door is
moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in
the closed position, the end door substantially covers the opening,
wherein in the closed position, the protrusion is configured to be
positioned in the first channel, and wherein the protrusion is
configured to travel from the first channel to the second channel
during movement of the end door from the closed position to the
open position.
[0006] In one particular embodiment, an outer wall of the first
channel is of sufficient length to maintain engagement of the
protrusion. In another particular embodiment, in the open position,
the end door is positioned substantially perpendicular to the
support frame. In yet another particular embodiment, the protrusion
is not positioned within the first channel or the second channel in
the open position.
[0007] In yet another particular embodiment, at least one of the
plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to
another of the plurality of sides, the first side door positionable
within a second opening providing access to the interior cavity. In
yet another particular embodiment, the first side door is
collapsible into the interior cavity to provide access to the
interior cavity.
[0008] In yet another particular embodiment, the support frame
comprises a locking mechanism for securing the first side door in a
closed position. In yet another particular embodiment, the locking
mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob
manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the support frame
and the first side door, wherein in a first position, the latch is
configured to engage a surface of the first side door opposite the
second opening, and in a second position, the latch is configured
to not engage the first side door. In yet another particular
embodiment, the first side door comprises a channel for receiving
the latch in the first position. In yet another particular
embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises at least one magnetic
element. In yet another particular embodiment, at least one of the
end wall and the support frame comprises an overhang extending
partially over the second opening, the overhang further comprising
the locking mechanism, and wherein at least one of the overhang and
the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the first side door
from collapsing inward or opening outward when the locking
mechanism is engaged with the first side door.
[0009] In yet another particular embodiment, the end wall comprises
an additional support frame defining an additional opening to the
interior cavity, wherein an additional door is movably positioned
in the additional opening.
[0010] A transformable storage container is provided in another
embodiment, the transformable storage container comprising: a first
end wall; and a second end wall operatively coupled to the first
end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the first end
wall and the second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first
and second end walls defining an interior cavity, wherein a first
side of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly
coupled to a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side
door being moveable between an open position and a closed position,
the first side door being configured to at least partially cover an
opening to the interior cavity in the closed position, wherein the
first side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity
toward the open position to provide access to the interior cavity,
and wherein at least one of the first end wall and the second end
wall comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side
door and preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and
opening outward when the feature is engaged with the first side
door.
[0011] In one particular embodiment, the feature comprises at least
one of an overhang or a locking mechanism configured for detachably
coupling the first side door to the feature and removably
positioning the first side door within the opening. In another
particular embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a latch
rotatably coupled to a knob manipulatable for repositioning the
latch between the end wall and the first side door, wherein in a
first position, the latch is configured to engage a surface of the
first side door opposite the opening, and in a second position, the
latch is configured to not engage the first side door. In yet
another particular embodiment, the first side door comprises a
channel for receiving the latch in the first position. In yet
another particular embodiment, the feature comprises at least one
magnetic element.
[0012] In yet another particular embodiment, at least one of the
first wall and the second wall comprises a support frame defining
an additional opening to the interior cavity, wherein an additional
door is movably positioned in the additional opening. In yet
another particular embodiment, the first side further comprises a
second side door hingedly coupled to a third side of the plurality
of sides, the second side door being moveable between an open
position of the second side door and a closed position of the
second side door, the second side door being configured to at least
partially cover the opening to the interior cavity in the closed
position of the second side door, wherein in the closed position of
the second side door, the second side door is configured to
collapse into the interior cavity.
[0013] A transformable storage container is provided in another
embodiment, the transformable storage container comprising: a first
end wall; a second end wall comprising a support frame, the second
end wall being operatively coupled to the first end wall by a
plurality of sides extending between the first end wall and the
second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first and second
end walls defining an interior cavity, the support frame defining a
first opening to the interior cavity, the support frame further
comprising: a first channel substantially parallel to the second
end wall; and a second channel substantially perpendicular and
conjoined to the first channel, the first channel and the second
channel forming a channel interface therebetween; and an end door
movably coupled to the support frame by the first channel and the
second channel, the end door comprising a protrusion proximate a
perimeter of the end door, the protrusion being moveable between
the first and second channels and rotatable within the channel
interface, wherein the end door is moveable between a closed end
door position and an open end door position, wherein in the closed
end door position, the end door substantially covers the first
opening, wherein in the closed end door position, the protrusion is
configured to be positioned in the first channel, and wherein the
protrusion is configured to travel from the first channel to the
second channel during movement of the end door from the closed end
door position to the open end door position, wherein a first side
of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly
coupled to a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side
door being moveable between an open side door position and a closed
side door position, the first side door being configured to at
least partially cover a second opening to the interior cavity in
the closed side door position, wherein the first side door is
configured to collapse into the interior cavity toward the open
side door position to provide access to the interior cavity, and
wherein at least one of the first end wall and the support frame
comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side door and
preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and opening
outward when the feature is engaged with the first side door.
[0014] The features, functions, and advantages that have been
discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of
the present invention or may be combined with yet other
embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to
the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Having thus described embodiments of the invention in
general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a transformable
storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an open
transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a transformable storage
container having a door, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1D illustrates a view of a base of a transformable
storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0020] FIG. 1E illustrates a side view of a transformable storage
container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of an end of a transformable
storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a partially open
transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates a container door, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 2C illustrates a door hinge, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 2E illustrates an interior view of door locking
mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 2F illustrates a portion of a door locking mechanism,
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an open
transformable storage container positioned in an alternative
configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 3B illustrates a transformable storage container with
an open container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of
the invention;
[0030] FIG. 3C illustrates a container end door, in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention;
[0031] FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of a channel interface, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 3E illustrates an engaged container end door, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0033] FIG. 3F illustrates an intermediate container end door
position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0034] FIG. 3G illustrates a side view of an engaged container end
door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0035] FIG. 3H illustrates a side view of a container end door in
an intermediate position, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention;
[0036] FIG. 3I illustrates a container end door in an open
position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0037] FIG. 3J illustrates a detailed view of a door retaining
protrusion, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0038] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a configuration of
the transformable storage container, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a configuration of
the transformable storage container, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a transformable storage
container and container door latch, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention;
[0041] FIG. 5B illustrates a container door locking mechanism, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 5C illustrates a container door locking mechanism, in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of an engaged container end
door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and
[0044] FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of an engaged
container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] Embodiments of the present invention now may be described
more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown.
Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and
should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers
refer to like elements throughout.
[0046] It should be understood that "operatively coupled," as used
herein, means that the components may be formed integrally with
each other, or may be formed separately and coupled together.
Furthermore, "operatively coupled" means that the components may be
formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more
components located between the components that are operatively
coupled together. Furthermore, "operatively coupled" may mean that
the components are detachable from each other, or that they are
permanently coupled together. Furthermore, operatively coupled
components may mean that the components retain at least some
freedom of movement in one or more directions or may be rotated
about an axis (i.e., rotationally coupled, pivotally coupled).
[0047] Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the
advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational
aspects of any of the embodiments of the present invention
described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the
other embodiments of the present invention described and/or
contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where
possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant
to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless
explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms "a" and/or "an"
shall mean "one or more."
[0048] Storage containers, and laundry hampers or baskets in
particular, are used for varying purposes. While a laundry basket
having a high width-to-height ratio may be preferable for carrying
folded garments without causing excessive wrinkling, a taller and
thinner laundry hamper may be preferable for fitting into a corner
of a small room or a closet. Typically, users choose a single
container having only one configuration and do are not able to
receive the benefits of both a basket and hamper unless they
purchase multiple containers. Therefore, there exists a need for an
improved container that provides multiple configurations depending
on the varying requirements of the user. Embodiments of the present
invention are directed to a transformable storage container having
a design and novel features that overcome the challenges as
discussed above and herein.
[0049] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a collection of views of a
transformable storage container 100, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. As depicted by the illustrated
embodiment, the transformable storage container 100 comprises a
first support frame 102 and a second support frame 104. The support
frames 102 and 104 generally provide shape and structure to the
container 100 and provide a platform for which to attach additional
components. In the illustrated embodiment, support frames 102 and
104 are positioned substantially parallel to one another and
separated by a plurality of panels forming the sides of the
container 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, support
frame 102 and 104 are operatively coupled together by a plurality
of side panels including base 106, side walls 112 and 114, and side
door 116. Together, the support frames 102, 104 and the plurality
of side panels define an enclosure of the container 100 having an
interior cavity 132. Although the container 100 as depicted is
hexahedron-shaped having six sides, it should be understood that
the container 100 may be configured to include more or fewer panels
to be embodied in different shapes. Furthermore, although the
support frames 102 and 104 are depicted in the figures as generally
square or rectangular-shaped, it should be understood that any
shape may be used for the support frames 102 and 104.
[0050] Support frames 102 and 104 define openings through which the
interior cavity 132 of the container 100 may be accessed by the
user. End walls 108 and 110 may be positioned within the openings
of the support frames 102 and 104 to provide a surface and/or
further define the enclosure of the container 100. In some
embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, one or more end
walls 108 and 110 may be doors operatively coupled to and
repositionable with respect to the support frames 102 and 104,
respectively, to provide access to the interior cavity 132 of the
container 100. Accordingly, a user may be provided with several
optional doors besides door 116 through which to access the
interior 126 of the container 100. In this way, a user is able to
move or reconfigure one or more of the doors (e.g., doors 116, 108,
or 110) to provide access to the interior cavity 132 for storage of
items such as garments or laundry. Additionally, the container 100
may be repositioned on a surface (e.g., a floor) in several
configurations to utilize the various doors of the container 100
(as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The container 100 may be placed
on any side and remain operational.
[0051] Although the container 100 defines an enclosure, one or more
spaces, holes, or perforations may be positioned through portions
of the panels of the container 100 for functional and/or aesthetic
means. For example, one or more holes 134 in the container 100 may
allow for an airflow through the interior cavity 132 of the
container 100. In another example, spaces, such as spaces 118, 120,
122A, 122B, 124A, 124B, and 126, may provide handles or points of
contact for a user to manipulate, grip, or carry the container
100.
[0052] FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate a collection of views depicting a
side door 116 and its coupling to a portion of the transformable
storage container 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention. As previously discussed, a user may prefer to position
the container 100 to access and utilize side door 116. In the
illustrated embodiment, the side door 116 is divided and comprises
a first door 116A and a second door 116B each coupled to separate
side walls 112 and 114 of the container, respectively. As
illustrated, the doors 116A, 116B may collapse into the interior
cavity 132 of the container 100 to provide an accessible opening to
the user. Upon collapsing inwardly, the doors 116A and 116B may be
positioned substantially parallel to the side walls 112 and 114,
respectively. As depicted in FIG. 2A, the container 100 may be
optionally configured wherein only one of the two doors 116A and
116B is placed inside the container 100.
[0053] The doors 116A, 116B are operatively coupled to at least one
of the side walls 112, 114 and/or the support frames 102, 104 via
an attachment means such as a hinge. As depicted in FIGS. 2C and
2D, the doors 116A, 116B comprise one or more hinge sleeves 202 for
receiving pins 204 positioned along an edge of a side wall 112, 114
proximate the doors 116A, 116B, wherein the doors 116A, 116B are
operatively coupled to at least one of the side walls 112, 114.
[0054] The support frames 102 and 104 may comprise one or more
features for preventing the doors 116A, 116B from collapsing inward
and/or opening outward from the container 100. In the illustrated
embodiment, the support frames 102 and 104 further comprise
overhangs 128 and 130, respectively, which extend at least
partially over the opening of the container 100 and the doors 116A,
116B, wherein the doors 116A, 116B may be positioned between the
opening of the container 100 and the overhangs 128, 130. In one
embodiment, the overhangs 128, 130 may be configured to prevent the
doors 116A, 116B from collapsing inward or opening outward from the
container 100. In another embodiment, a portion of the doors 116A,
116B may contact and removably couple to a bottom surface 206 of
each of the overhangs 128, 130.
[0055] The overhangs 128, 130 and/or the doors 116A, 116B may
further comprise a locking mechanism 208 for detachably coupling
and retaining the doors 116A, 116B in the opening and preventing
them from falling into the interior cavity 132 and/or from being
opened outward. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 208
comprises a first magnetic element 210 operatively coupled to the
bottom surface 206 of the overhang 128, 130 and a second magnetic
element 212 operatively coupled to a portion of the door 116A, 116B
overlapped by the overhang 128, 130, wherein the interaction
between the first and second magnetic elements 210 and 212 retains
the door 116A, 116B in position. The first and second magnetic
elements 210, 212 may comprise a magnet, ferromagnetic material, or
the like.
[0056] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C,
the locking mechanism 208 is a latch 402 rotatably coupled to a
portion of the support frame 102 such as the overhang 128. The
locking mechanism 208 may further comprise a user-actuatable knob
404 operatively coupled to the rotatable latch 402 for manipulating
a position of the latch 402 relative to the support frame 102
and/or the doors 116A, 116B. In the illustrated embodiment, the
latch 402 is repositionable between a first position and a second
position. In the first position (FIG. 5A), the latch 402 at least
partially engages and secures at least one of the doors 116A, 116B
within the opening. In the illustrated embodiment, in the first
position, the latch 402 engages a surface of the door 116A, 116B
opposite the opening of the container so that the door 116A, 116B
is temporarily positioned or retained in the opening. In the second
position, the latch 402 does not contact the door 116A, 116B or
impede hinged movement of the door 116A, 116B as it opens outward
or collapses inward into the container 100.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, the doors
116A, 116B further comprise an arcuate channels 406 which either
individually or in-combination receive the latch 402 when the latch
402 is rotated into the first position. As illustrated in FIG. 5C,
in some embodiments, the latch 402 may contain a magnetic element
which is configured to align with a corresponding magnetic element
408 on the door 116A, 116B to provide additional coupling support
to the door 116A, 116B when positioned in the opening of the
container 100. Specifically, the magnetic elements 408 of the door
116A, 116B and the latch 402 at least partially prevent the door
116A, 116B from collapsing into the interior cavity 132. It should
be understood that other means for securing the door 116A, 116B may
be used instead of the magnetic elements 408. For example, the
locking mechanism could include a structure positioned below the
latch 402 when the latch 402 is engaged with the door 116A, 116B.
In a specific example, the latch 402 may include a secondary latch
structure that is configured to rotate and extend beneath the door
116A, 116B when the latch 402 is engaged with the door 116A, 116B,
wherein the door 116A, 116B is positionable between the latch 402
and the secondary latch.
[0058] FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate a collection of views depicting the
positioning and coupling of an end wall door with respect to a
transformable storage container 100, in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. As previously discussed, end walls or
doors 108 and 110 may be moveably positioned with openings defined
by support frames 102 and 104 to provide optional access to the
interior cavity 132 in various configurations of the container
100.
[0059] In the example provided by the illustrated embodiment, door
108 comprises a proximal edge 324, distal edge 318, and side edges
326A, 326B and is moveably positionable within the opening of
support frame 102. As depicted in FIGS. 3G and 3H, the door 108
comprises deformable tabs 302A and 302B proximate the proximal edge
324 of the door 108 which engage frame protrusions 320A and 320B,
respectively, positioned on an interior of the support frame 102 to
operatively couple the door 108 to the support frame 102 in a
closed position. Additionally, the door 108 may engage with
deformable protrusion 322 of the support frame 102 for additional
support. The door 108 may slidably decouple and disengage the
protrusions 320A, 320B, and 322 of the support frame 102, wherein a
distal edge 318 of the door 108 may slide toward a distal interior
edge 316 of the support frame 102 into an intermediate position
(FIGS. 3F and 3H).
[0060] The door 108 further comprises protrusions 306 that are
received in and move along a first channel 310 of the support frame
102, the first channel being positioned substantially parallel with
the door 108 in the closed position. The protrusions 306 may
further be received and moveable along a second channel 312 of the
support frame 102. The first channel 310 is conjoined with the
second channel 312, wherein the second channel 312 is positioned
substantially perpendicular to the first channel 310. The first
channel 310 and second channel 312 form an interface 314 in which
the protrusion 306 is rotatable. This allows the door 108 to move
between the first and second channel 310, 312 and move between a
closed, first position (FIG. 3G) and an open, second position (FIG.
3I). In the closed position, the door 108 substantially covers the
opening of the support frame 102. In the open position, the door
108 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the support frame
102 and substantially parallel to the base 106. The door 108 also
includes indentations 308 which provide space for rotational
movement of the door 108 between the first and second channels 310,
312. An outer wall 311 of the first channel 310 is of sufficient
length to maintain engagement of the protrusion 306 and prevent
removal of the door 108 from the support frame 102.
[0061] As depicted in FIG. 3I, in the open, second position, the
door 108 is at least partially received within the interior cavity
132 of the container 100, wherein the distal edge 318 of the door
may be supported by one or more protrusions 304 positioned on the
interior of one or more of the panels of the container 100.
Additionally, side edges 326A, 326B of the door 108 are at least
partially retained within the second channel 312. In this way,
while the door 108 is in the open position, the second channels 312
of the support frame 102 prevent the door 108 from falling forward
into the interior cavity 132 of the container 100. The door 108 is
held in the open, second position by the one or more protrusions
304 and the second channel 312.
[0062] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an alternative embodiment of the end
door as described above. In the illustrated alternative embodiment,
a support frame 500 may comprise one or more additional support
channels 502 in which one or more additional protrusions 504 of and
end wall 506 may be positioned. The one or more additional support
channels 502 are configured to provide additional support for
preventing the end wall 506 from opening when positioned in a
first, closed position either alone or in combination with the
support of the deformable tabs as previously discussed with respect
of FIGS. 3G and 3H. It should be appreciated that support frame 500
and end wall 506 may be substantially similar to the support frames
102, 104 and end walls 108, 110 as depicted in the previous figures
other than the specific features discussed herein with respect to
FIGS. 6A and 6B.
[0063] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described
and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that
such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on
the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the
specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since
various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and
substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above
paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate
that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the
just described embodiments can be configured without departing from
the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be
understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the
invention may be practiced other than as specifically described
herein.
* * * * *