Abstract:
The present invention relates to a storage box or container which is formed from a combination of wood and resin or plastic components. The front, back, and sides of the storage box are preferably set into a channel on a base of the container. A circumferential member is secured to the top portions of the front, back, and sides of the storage box to retain these members in alignment. A top member is hingedly secured to the circumferential member, which enables ready access into the storage box. The storage box is formed from components which are capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a storage box on site, thereby saving shipping space and costs.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,115, issued Nov. 7, 1995, entitled “MOLDED PLASTIC FOOTLOCKER”, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,028,859, issued Apr. 18, 2006, entitled “DECK STORAGE BOX”, the entirety of the patents are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a storage box or container constructed of wood and resin materials for use on a deck. More specifically, the present invention relates to a deck storage box utilizing injection molded resin panels and wood panels combined to form the storage box. The storage box is capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a secure deck storage box. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Devices for storing items such as gardening tools, children&#39;s toys, barbeque accessories and the like out of doors is well known. Permanent structures, such as utility sheds or garages, are often utilized for storage of these items. Recently, patios and decks have become a common addition to homes. These structures provide space for families to enjoy outdoor activities and recreation. However, these structures occupy a great deal of yard or lawn space available to a homeowner. This lawn space is not available to the homeowner for utility sheds or other permanent storage structures. This lack of space for additional structures requires the homeowner to find additional storage space for items normally stored in utility sheds. 
     Devices for storing items related to activities on or near the water are also well known. Permanent structures such as boat houses are often employed for storage of boats and other related equipment. It can be appreciated that on beaches and other waterfront properties, there are often many types of water vehicles and recreational equipment. Additionally, equipment such as life jackets, fishing gear, floats and other items which may be utilized on and in the water require storage adjacent the water. If there is no storage adjacent the waterside, the equipment must be carried back and forth between storage spaces remote from the waterside and the waterside. Alternatively, items can be placed on a boat for storage. However, this does not provide adequate security for these items. 
     Although permanent structures such as boathouses or utility sheds may provide adequate storage, such structures have several drawbacks. The permanent structures may be very costly to construct and maintain. In addition to the cost, the permanent structures may require a building permit or occupancy permit. 
     In addition to permanent storage sheds or boathouses, the prior art had proposed a number of different panel systems or kits comprising blow molded or extruded panels and connector members which form a wide variety of structures. Typically, these systems require extruded metal or plastic connector members having a specific cross-sectional geometry that facilitates an engagement between such members and one or more plastic panels having a complimentary edge configuration. 
     A particularly common structure for the connector members is the I-beam cross section. The I-beam defines free edge portions of the connector member which fit within appropriately dimensioned and located slots in the panel members. U.S. Pat. No. 5,979,352 discloses a storage box that is representative of the state of the art I-beam connector members. The I-beam sides of the connectors engage with the peripheral edge channels of a respective wall panel, and thereby serve to join such panels together at right angles. Straight or in-line versions of the connector members are also included in the kits to join panels in a coplanar relationship to create walls of varying length. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     The prior art has also suggested a number of smaller one piece plastic containers with removable lids for storage. U.S. Pat. Nos. D308,486, D308,487, and D309,106 are examples of these containers. Typically, these containers provide portability of storage but lack the capacity to store larger items. Furthermore, since these storage devices do not break down they are difficult to ship from the manufacturer to the consumer. 
     Such prior art systems, while working well, have not met all of the needs of manufacturers to provide a product that can be easily manufactured, packaged and shipped, or the needs of consumers requiring structural integrity combined with modularity and aesthetic appearance. 
     Paramount among such needs is a panel system which creates deck storage box walls which resist panel separation, buckling, racking, and weather infiltration. Security is a further consideration; the box formed by the panels must tie into the cover and bottom in such a way as to unify the entire enclosure. Also, from a versatility standpoint, a cover should be present which can be easily interchanged after assembly of the sides and bottom components, and which provides additional seating as well as dependable security and pivoting access to the contents of the deck box. 
     There are also commercial considerations that must be satisfied by any viable deck box system or kit; considerations which are not entirely satisfied by the current state of the art containers. The deck storage box must be formed of relatively few component pieces which are inexpensive to manufacture by conventional techniques. The deck storage box must also be capable of being packaged and shipped in a knock-down state. In addition, the system must be modular and facilitate the creation of a family of enclosures that vary in appearance and functionality but which share common, interchangeable components. 
     Finally, there are ergonomic needs that an enclosure system must satisfy in order to achieve acceptance by the end user. The system must be easily and quickly assembled using minimal hardware and requiring a minimal number of tools. Further, the system must not require excessive strength to assemble or include heavy component parts. Moreover, the system must assemble together in such a way so as not to detract from internal storage volume of the resulting deck storage box or otherwise negatively affect the utility of the deck storage box. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a storage box or container which is formed from a combination of wood and resin or plastic components. The front, back, and sides of the storage box are preferably set into a channel on a base of the container. A circumferential member is secured to the top portions of the front, back, and sides of the storage box to retain these members in alignment. A top member is hingedly secured to the circumferential member, which enables ready access into the storage box. The storage box is formed from components which are capable of being packaged and shipped in a knocked-down state and constructed into a storage box on site, thereby saving shipping space and costs. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a modular deck storage box system or kit having components which are shipped in a knocked-down state and readily assembled into a deck storage box. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a modular deck storage box system or kit having components formed from wood and resin or plastic which presents an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
     It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a modular deck storage box system or kit which can be readily assembled using a minimum number of tools. 
     It is a still further objective of the present invention to provide a modular deck storage box which includes front, back, and side panels that are constructed of tongue and groove wood slats that are held together by horizontal supports, the corners of the storage box are also formed from wood with tongue and groove connections. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a modular deck storage box including a resin or plastic lid and bottom portion which are naturally weather resistant and waterproof to keep the items within the storage box dry. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a modular deck storage box including resin or plastic panels which include a geometry molded there into that captures and overlaps wood panels to create a water tight interface therebetween. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide gas springs to lift the lid of the storage box open and prevent it from falling closed. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a lid for a modular deck storage box which will also function as a seat. 
     It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide a lid for a modular storage box which can be locked to secure the contents of the storage box. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with any accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. Any drawings contained herein constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front plan view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a side plan view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the present invention with the lid open; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the underside of the bottom panel of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a lid frame member; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of a lid frame member; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken along line  9 - 9  in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken along line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of a front/back panel and a corner post; 
         FIG. 11B  is a detailed view of the connection between the front/back panel and a corner post; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a front/back panel, a right side panel and left side panel; and 
         FIG. 13  is a detailed view of the tongue and groove connection between slats. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. 
       FIGS. 1-12 , which are now referenced, illustrate plan, perspective and exploded views of a system or kit for the assembly of an embodiment of the present invention. A deck box which can be used for storage or as furniture is generally illustrated at  10 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , the deck box includes a front panel  12 , a right side panel  14 , a back panel  16 , a left side panel  18 , a bottom or floor panel  20 , corner posts  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  and a lid  30 . These panels and posts are secured to one another in a manner which will be described hereinafter to form the deck box of the present invention. The construction of the panels and lid, and the manner in which they fit together form the system or kit of the present invention. The system or kit is designed so that the present invention may be manufactured, shipped in a knocked down or disassembled state, and assembled with a minimum number of tools. 
       FIG. 11A  illustrates the construction of either the front panel  12  or back panel  16 . While these panels are preferably of the same construction, the construction of these panels can also vary. Each of the panels  12  and  16  include a plurality of slats or members  32 . These slats or members are preferably made of wood, but other materials can also be employed in their construction. Each of the slats  32  includes a tongue  34  along one longitudinal edge and a complementary groove  36  along an opposite longitudinal edge ( FIG. 13 ). The tongue  34  of one slat  32  is designed to fit into the groove  36  of an adjacent slat  32 . This inter-fitting relationship assures a strong and tight fit between the slats. This relationship also prevents adjacent slats from warping with respect to each other. 
     An upper cross brace  38  extends along the top portion of the slats  32  of the front and back panels ( FIGS. 5 and 11A ). The top edge of upper cross brace  38  is even or flush with the top edges of the slats  32  of the front and back panels, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . A lower cross brace  40  extends along the bottom portion of the slats  32  of the front and back panels ( FIGS. 5 and 11A ). The bottom longitudinal edge of lower cross brace  40  extends slightly below the bottom edges of slats  32 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The purpose of this will be explained hereinafter. Cross braces  38  and  40  are secured to slats  32  by adhesives and/or fasteners. The cross braces  38  and  40  are secured to the slats  32  at the factory in order to assure the correct relationship between the slats and the cross braces. The left and right side panels  14  and  18  are formed in a manner similar to the front and back panels. An upper cross brace  42  is secured along the top portions of slats  32  of the side panels ( FIGS. 5 and 12 ). The top edge of the upper cross brace  42  is even or flush with the top edges of the slats  32  of the side panels, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . A lower cross brace  44  extends along the bottom portion of the slats  32  of the side panels. The bottom longitudinal edge of the lower cross brace  44  extends slightly below the bottom edges of the slats  32 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 12 . The purpose of this will be explained hereinafter. Cross braces  42  and  44  are secured to slats  32  by adhesive and/or fasteners. The cross braces  42  and  44  are secured to the slats  32  at the factory in order to assure the correct relationship between the slats and the cross braces. Cross braces  38 ,  40 ,  42  and  44  are preferably formed from wood. 
     Corner posts  22 - 28  are employed to secure the front, back and side panels to each other. Each of the corner posts  22 - 28  includes a groove  46  along one longitudinal edge and a groove  48  along an opposite longitudinal edge. Grooves  46  and  48  ( FIG. 11B ) are designed to fit together with a tongue  34  of a slat  32  of the front, back and side panels. Each of the slats  32  which form an end of the front, back, and side panels, includes a tongue  34  along its outer edge ( FIGS. 11A  and B). These tongues  34  are designed to fit into and cooperate with grooves  46  and  48  of the corner posts to secure the front, back and side panels to the corner posts, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Each of the cross braces  38 ,  42  at the top of the front, back and side panels include two slots  50  at each end into which a fastener or screw  52  is inserted ( FIG. 13 ). The fastener  52  engages the corner post  26  and draws the corner post into tight engagement with one of the front, back or side panels. Each of the cross braces  40 ,  44  at the bottom of the front, back and side panels includes one slot  54  at each end into which a fastener or screw  52  is inserted ( FIGS. 11A  and B). The fastener  52  engages the corner posts and draws the corner posts into tight engagement with one of the front, back, or side panels. Corner posts are preferably formed from wood. 
     After the front, back and side panels are secured to each other, the floor or bottom panel  20  is secured to these panels. Bottom panel  20  includes a groove  56  which extends around an upper periphery thereof, as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  9 , and  10 . The bottom longitudinal edges  58  and  60  of cross braces  40  and  44  ( FIGS. 9 and 12 ) respectively fit into groove  56 . The bottom edges of slats  32  of the front, back, and side panels abut and rest against a peripheral portion  61  of the bottom panel  20 . This inter-fitting relationship assures a good mechanical connection between these elements. Also this inter-fitting relationship helps to prevent the intrusion of fluids and insects into the bottom on the deck box. Fasteners, such as screws  62 , are employed to secure the bottom panel  20  to the front, back and side panels ( FIG. 5 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , fasteners  62  are inserted into particular depressions or apertures  64  on the lower side of the bottom panel  20 . The bottom panel further includes other depressions or apertures  66  spaced along the lower side of the bottom panel. The bottom panel is formed from plastic or a resin material. 
     A frame  68  is secured to the top portions of the front, back, and side panels ( FIGS. 5 ,  9 , and  10 ). The frame  68  includes a track or groove  70  which extends around the lower periphery of the frame, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8-10 . The top edges of the slats  32  of the front, back, and side panels fit into this groove. Also, the top edges of cross braces  38  and  42  fit into this groove, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Fasteners, such as screws  72 , secure the frame  68  to the top of the front, back, and side panels. The fasteners  72  pass through depressions or apertures  74  in the frame ( FIG. 7 ). The frame includes handles  75 . These handles can be used to lift the deck box. The frame is formed from a plastic or a resin material. 
     A lid  30  is hingedly secured to the frame and thus the deck box. Left hinge  76 , right hinge  78  and center hinge  80  are secured to both the lid  30  and frame  68 . A plurality of indents  82 ,  84 , and  86  are provided on the frame  68  in which the hinges  76 ,  78  and  80  are respectively inserted. These indents provide the correct alignment for the placement of the hinges onto the lid. Fasteners  88  are employed to secure the hinges  76 - 80  to both the frame  68  and lid  30 . Opening and closing retarders  90 , such as gas shocks, are secured to the left and right hinges  76  and  78 . These retarders  90  assist in the opening of the lid  30 . They also prevent lid  30  from being slammed shut. The lid  30  includes a plurality of apertures  81  spaced along a lower side of the lid, ( FIGS. 9 and 10 ). The lid also includes a groove  91  ( FIG. 4 ) which extends around an outer periphery of the lid. The groove interacts with a ridge  94  on the frame. The ridge  94  is formed along an outer periphery on top of the frame ( FIG. 7 ). The ridge  94  and groove  91  mate together to form a seal between the lid and the main portion of the deck box. Lid  30  includes an upstanding lip  92  which extends along the back and sides of the lid. The lid also includes ridges  95  which extend from the front toward the rear of the lid. The lid is formed from plastic or a resin material. A cushion, not shown, can be placed on the lid so that it can be used as a seat. 
     All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 
     It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein. 
     One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.