Abstract:
Stackable bin includes a housing defining a receptacle and having two pair of opposed walls defining an opening at a front leading into the receptacle, at least one pair of which have an inward taper with respect to a central axis of the housing. A partitioning structure is removably insertable into the receptacle through the opening and partitions the receptacle into a plurality of storage compartments. The partitioning structure has an inward taper corresponding to the inward taper of the opposed walls and frictionally engages the opposed walls to hinder unintentional removal of the partitioning structure from the receptacle. The removability of the partitioning structure enables the receptacle to be selectively partitioned into smaller storage spaces than a storage space without the partitioning structure which would occupy the entire receptacle. Use of the partitioning structure would be dependent on the objects sought to be stored by the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to stackable bins and more particularly to stackable storage bins capable of being configured differently to provide variably dimensioned storage compartments. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Stackable bins for holding articles are well known. For example, stackable bins have been proposed by the same inventor herein, and which are the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,037, issued Jan. 14, 1997, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,388, issued May 16, 2000, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   According to the &#39;037 patent, a stackable bin is provided having reinforcing ribs that perform a two-fold function of reinforcing the walls while also supporting the bin in a stacked arrangement, and in which there is a reliable interlocking arrangement of the bins in the stacked configuration thereof. The bins proposed in the &#39;037 patent have a central partition wall which supports the bins in a stacked relation, divides each bin into two compartments, increases the structural integrity of each bin and locks the bins in a stacked relation. A problem occurs, however, if the bins have a small dimension without the central partition wall. Specifically, inner pressure from the goods in a stacked bin may cause the front ends of the side walls of the bin to move outwardly. This, in turn, can cause instability in the top bin, since the bottom of the top bin stacked thereon could fall down within the side walls of the lower bin. 
   According to the &#39;388 patent, a stackable bin is provided which includes two spaced apart side walls and a rear wall having opposite side edges connecting rear edges of the side walls together. The side and rear walls are slightly inclined inwardly with respect to a vertical plane such that lower edges of the side and rear wall fit within upper edges of side and rear walls of a lower stackable bin. A bottom wall is connected to lower portions of the side and rear walls. Vertically oriented ribs are arranged on outer surfaces adjacent front and rear edges of the side walls for supporting the stackable bin on the upper edges of the side walls of the lower bin and for increasing structural rigidity of the side walls. At least some ribs include a notch in a lower end to receive the upper edges of the side walls of the lower bin and an outer interlocking tab at a lower end which engages outer surfaces of the side walls of the lower bin when the upper edges of the side walls of the lower bin are received in the notches. In this manner, the side walls of the lower bin are maintained in alignment and outward movement thereof is prevented. 
   The stackable bins in the &#39;037 patent and the &#39;388 patent generally do not enable easy variations in the size of the storage compartments defined by the bins. 
   Therefore, the same inventor herein has proposed stackable bins which enable different configurations of storage compartments to be defined thereby. Such stackable bins are the subject matter of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/861,754 filed Jun. 3, 2004 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,284 filed Jul. 29, 2004, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
   According to the &#39;754 and &#39;284 applications, a stackable bin is provided having a case including a bottom wall, a top wall and a support mechanism for supporting the top wall at a distance from the bottom wall to thereby define a slot. A drawer is insertable into the slot and defines a receptacle capable of receiving objects for storage. A partitioning structure is provided to selectively partition the receptacle into smaller storage compartments. Variations in the partitioning structure enable different sizes and configurations of storage compartments. 
   More particularly, the partitioning structure includes divider guides arranged on the interior of front, rear and side walls of the drawer and dividers removably insertable between the divider guides. Dividers which are insertable into the divider guides on the front and rear walls partition the receptacle lengthwise while dividers which are insertable into the divider guides on the side walls partition the receptacle crosswise. The dividers include slots to enable both a lengthwise and crosswise partitioning of the receptacle. 
   Since the receptacle defining the storage compartment(s) in the stackable bins in the &#39;754 and &#39;284 applications is defined by a drawer, removal of the drawer from the bin is generally required in order to access a storage compartment. Although this construction inhibits the contents of the storage compartment(s) from falling out of the bins, at times, a stackable bin which provides easier access to storage compartments is desired. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a new stackable bin having a storage space capable of being configured differently to provide variably dimensioned storage compartments. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a new stackable bin with a variably configurable storage space which is easily accessible. 
   The above-mentioned objects and other objects of the present invention are attained in accordance with the stackable bin configuration of the present invention which is described hereinafter. 
   A stackable bin in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a housing defining a receptacle and including two pair of opposed walls defining an opening at a front leading into the receptacle, at least one pair of which have an inward taper with respect to a central axis of the housing. The bin also includes a partitioning structure removably insertable into the receptacle through the opening and which, when present in the receptacle, partitions the receptacle into a plurality of storage compartments. The partitioning structure has an inward taper corresponding to the inward taper of the opposed walls and slightly frictionally engages the opposed walls to hinder unintentional removal of the partitioning structure from the receptacle. The removability of the partitioning structure enables the receptacle to be selectively partitioned into storage spaces which are smaller than a storage space without the partitioning structure, which would occupy the entire receptacle. Use of the partitioning structure would be dependent on the objects sought to be stored in the bin by the user. 
   To enable mating of multiple bins, i.e., vertical stacking and/or a horizontal side-by-side arrangement, a first wall in one or each pair of opposed walls has an outward facing stepped profile on an outer surface and a second wall in the same pair has an inward facing stepped profile on an outer surface which mates with the outward facing stepped profile. Mating is provided by orienting two bins such that a first wall with the outward facing stepped profile of one bin is adjacent a second wall with the inward facing stepped profile of another bin and bringing them together until the profiles engage one another. 
   The outward facing stepped profile may include an outer raised ledge formed on an outer surface of the first wall extending along the entire periphery thereof and an inner raised ledge formed on and projecting from the outer raised ledge and extending along the entire periphery thereof. The inward facing stepped profile may include a raised ledge formed on an outer surface of the second wall extending along the entire periphery thereof and an inwardly facing indentation formed in the ledge and extending along the entire periphery thereof. 
   If a rectangular-bin having four walls is provided, an adjacent pair of walls is provided with the outward facing stepped profile and the other adjacent pair of walls is provided with the inward facing stepped profile. This enables both vertical stacking and horizontal side-by-side arrangement of the bins. 
   The partitioning structure may include a vertical divider and a horizontal divider which mate with one another by means of slots formed on each divider. Guide mechanisms are provided to guide the insertion of the dividers into the receptacle and into mating position with one another. 
   Another embodiment of a stackable bin in accordance with the invention includes a housing defining a receptacle and including two pair of opposed walls defining an opening at a front leading into the receptacle. A first wall in each pair of opposed walls has an outward facing stepped profile on an outer surface and a second wall in each pair has an inward facing stepped profile on an outer surface which mates with the outward facing stepped profile to thereby enable a plurality of the bins to be mated together vertically or horizontally via mating of the walls. The tapering of the walls and partitioning structure described above can be used in this embodiment, as well as other features of the embodiment described above. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention, together with further objects, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a stacked group of stackable bins according to the present invention, and showing different configurations of storage compartments. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a single stackable bin according to the present invention including a set of dividers. 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the bin including the set of dividers shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 4  is a rear elevational view of the bin including the set of dividers shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the bin including the set of dividers shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the bin including the set of dividers shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the bin including the set of dividers shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of the bin including the set of dividers shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of the bin including the set of dividers taken along the line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 9A  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the area encircled by arrows  9 A- 9 A in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 9B  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the area encircled by arrows  9 B- 9 B in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional front view of the bin including the set of dividers taken along the line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 10A  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the area encircled by arrows  10 A- 10 A in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional plan view of the bin without the set of dividers taken along the line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 11A  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the area encircled by arrows  11 A- 11 A in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 11B  is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the area encircled by arrows  11 B- 11 B in  FIG. 11 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements,  FIG. 1  show a group of four stacked bins  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D in accordance with the invention arranged in a 2×2 array. Each bin  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D includes an outer housing  12  defining a storage space  14  and can optionally include a removable partitioning structure  16  arranged in the storage space  14  and having one of a plurality of different configurations to selectively partition the storage space  14  into a plurality of separated storage compartments  18 . Although partitioning structure  16  would be provided as part of a bin in accordance with the invention, a user can elect not to use it if the largest storage space is sought. 
   In one configuration of the partitioning structure  16  shown in bin  10 A, the storage space  14  is partitioned into four storage compartments  18 A. In another configuration shown in bin  10 B, the storage space  14  is partitioned into two, horizontally elongated storage compartments  18 B, one on top of the other. Bins  10 C and  10 D do not include partitioning structure  16  in any of its configurations, so that a single storage compartment  18 C,  18 D coextensive with the storage space  14  is formed. 
   Use of the partitioning structure  16  in any particular bin  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D and the configuration of the partitioning structure  16  when used in any bin  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D is freely selectable by the user. As such, numerous different configurations of storage compartments can be formed using the four stackable bins  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D shown in  FIG. 1 . 
   Moreover, in view of the stackability of the bins  10 A,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D (the features which enable such stackability being described below), they may be arranged in different vertical configurations, e.g., a 1-2-1 array, a 1-3 array and a 1-1-2 array. Accordingly, the possibilities for creating different storage arrangements using a plurality of stackable bins in accordance with the invention with variably configurable storage spaces are numerous. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2-11B  in which reference numeral  10  will designate a stackable bin in accordance with the invention, the housing  12  of the bin  10  is formed as a homogeneous, uniform and one piece plastic material. Housing  12  includes a substantially planar top wall  20 , a substantially planar bottom wall  22  and substantially planar side walls  24 ,  26 . Although as shown the top wall  20 , bottom wall  22  and side walls  24 ,  26  have a generally rectangular shape, the present invention is not limited to this particular shape. 
   Top, bottom and side walls  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  taper inward from the front of the bin  10  to the rear of the bin  10  with respect to a central axis of the housing  12  (see  FIG. 9  wherein the inward tapering of the top and bottom walls  20 ,  22  is shown and  FIG. 11  wherein the inward tapering of the side walls  24 ,  26  is shown). This inward tapering results in the distance between the top and bottom walls  20 ,  22  and the distance between the side walls  24 ,  26  decreasing toward the rear of the bin  10  and is used to retain the partitioning structure  16  as described more fully below. The inward tapering may be provided in the entire wall  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  or over only a portion thereof. 
   To enable a plurality of bins  10  to be stacked on top of one another and mated side by side with one another in a secure manner and in alignment with one another, a unique multi-level or multi-step positioning arrangement is used. In this arrangement, an outer raised ledge  28  is formed on the outer surface  30  of two adjacent walls of the bin  10  (the bottom and side walls  22 ,  24  in the illustrated embodiment) and each extends along the entire periphery of the respective wall  22 ,  24 , slightly inward from the edges of the wall  22 ,  24 . In view of the tapering of the walls  22 ,  24 , each outer raised ledge  28  has a variable height along the side edges of the wall  22 ,  24  (increasing in the rearward direction as shown in  FIGS. 5-8 ) but a substantially constant height along the front and rear edges of the wall  22 ,  24  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
   Each outer raised ledge  28  has a substantially planar upper surface on which an inner raised ledge  32  is formed. Each inner raised ledge  32  extends along the entire periphery of the outer raised ledge  28 , slightly inward from the edges of the outer raised ledge  28 . Each inner raised ledge  32  has a substantially constant height along the edges of the outer raised ledge  28 . The width of the inner raised ledge  32  may be about one-half of the width of the outer raised ledge  28  (see  FIGS. 11A and 11B ). 
   Formation of the outer and inner raised ledge  28 ,  32  above the outer surface  30  of the bottom wall  22  and side wall  24  provides these walls with an outward facing stepped profile, i.e., two discrete vertical steps or separations are provided. One vertical step  34  is between the outer surface  30  of the bottom wall  22  or side wall  24  and the outer raised ledge  28  and the other vertical step  36  is between the outer raised ledge  28  and the inner raised ledge  32  (see  FIGS. 10A ,  11 A and  11 B). In view of the variation in the height of outer raised ledge  28  relative to the outer surface  30  of the bottom and side walls  22 ,  24 , step  34  has a variable height (compare  FIG. 11A  and  FIG. 11B ) while step  34  has a substantially constant height in view of the constant height of inner raised ledge  32  on outer raised ledge  28 . 
   On the outer surface of the other two adjacent walls of the bin  10  (top and side walls  20 ,  26  in the illustrated embodiment), the positioning arrangement includes receiving structure which is designed to securely receive the inner raised ledge  32  formed on bottom and side walls  22 ,  24 . To this end, a raised ledge  38  is formed on the outer surface  40  of the two adjacent walls  20 ,  26  of the bin  10  and each extends along the entire periphery of the respective wall  20 ,  26 , slightly inward from the edges of the wall  20 ,  26 . In view of the tapering of the walls  20 ,  26 , each ledge  38  has a variable height along the side edges of the wall  20 ,  26  (see  FIGS. 5-8 ) but a substantially constant height along the front and rear edges of the wall  20 ,  26  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
   Each ledge  38  has a substantially planar upper surface in which an indentation  42  is formed. Each indentation  42  extends along the entire periphery of the ledge  38 , slightly inward from the edges thereof. Each indentation  42  has a substantially constant height along the edges of the ledge  38 . The width of the indentation  42  may be about one-half of the width of the ledge  38 . 
   Formation of the ledge  38  and indentation  42  above the outer surface  40  of the top and side walls  20 ,  26  provides these walls with an inward facing stepped profile, i.e., two discrete vertical steps or separations are provided. One vertical step  44  is between the outer surface  40  of the top or side wall  20 ,  26  and the indentation  42  and the other vertical step  46  is between the ledge  38  and the indentation  42  (see  FIGS. 9A ,  9 B and  10 ). In view of the variation in the height of ledge  38  relative to the outer surface  40  of the top and side walls  20 ,  26 , step  44  has a variable height (compare  FIG. 9A  and  FIG. 9B ) while step  46  has a substantially constant height in view of the constant height (depth) of indentation  42  along the ledge  38 . 
   Mating of two bins  10  can be effected by placing a wall of a first bin having the outward facing stepped profile against a wall of a second bin having the inward facing stepped profile. Thus, either a horizontal orientation of the two bins  10  can be provided by mating side wall  24  of one bin  10  to the side wall  26  of the other bin  10 , or a vertical orientation can be provided by mating the top wall  20  of one bin  10  to the bottom wall  22  of the other bin  10 . Moreover, although not preferred, it is possible to mate the side wall  24  of one bin  10  to the top wall  20  of the other bin or the side wall  26  of one bin  10  to the bottom wall  22  of the other bin  10 . 
   In the mated position of two or more bins  10 , shown in FIGS.  1  and  9 - 11 B (in  FIGS. 9-11B , the mating bins are shown in phantom), the inner raised ledge  32  of the outward facing stepped profile contacts the indentation  42  of the inward facing stepped profile while the outer raised ledge  28  contacts the ledge  38 . Since the inner raised ledge  32  is arranged in the indentation  42  around its entire periphery, it is retained thereby to provide for a secure mating of the two bins  10  together (see  FIGS. 9 ,  10  and  11 ). 
   Mating of more than two bins  10  together in a vertical orientation is obtained since the top and bottom walls  20 ,  22  having opposite stepped profiles. Thus, in a stack of three bins  10 , the top wall  22  of the lowermost bin  10  is mated with the bottom wall  22  of a second, middle bin  10  and the top wall  20  of this second bin  10  is mated with the bottom wall  22  of a third, uppermost bin  10 . Similarly, a horizontally oriented, side by side arrangement of two or more bins  10  is obtained since the side walls  24 ,  26  having opposite stepped profiles. Thus, in a row of three bins  10  placed side by side, the side wall  24  of the leftmost bin  10  is mated with the side wall  26  of a second, middle bin  10  and the side wall  24  of this second bin  10  is mated with the side wall  26  of a third, rightmost bin  10 . 
   Moreover, it is possible to create mated groups of bins  10  with multiple bins  10  in both the horizontal and vertical directions such as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the group of bins  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , the top wall  20  of bin  10 A is mated with the bottom wall  22  of bin  10 C, the top wall  20  of bin  10 B is mated with the bottom wall  22  of bin  10 D, the side wall  24  of bin  10 A is mated with the side wall  26  of bin  10 B and the side wall  24  of bin  10 C is mated with the side wall  26  of bin  10 D. 
   Although the top and side walls  20 ,  26  are shown with the inward facing stepped profile and the bottom and side walls  22 ,  24  are shown with the outward facing stepped profile, it is possible to reverse the profiles on these walls. Also, it is possible to provide top and side walls  20 ,  24  with the same profile and bottom and side walls  22 ,  26  with the same profile. Formation of a particular stepped profile, i.e., the outward facing or inward facing stepped profile, on the walls of a bins can vary depending, for example, on the desired marketing parameters. Thus, a bin can be made with an outward facing stepped profile on three or four of its walls, or with an inward facing stepped profile on three or four of its walls. If applied to a bin with more than four walls, the walls of such a bin would preferably include an inward facing stepped profile on at lest two adjacent walls and an outward facing stepped profile on at least two other adjacent walls. 
   The partitioning structure  16  can take various forms. In the non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the partitioning structure  16  includes a first substantially planar divider  48  which is removably insertable into divider guides  50  on the inner surfaces of the top and bottom walls  20 ,  22  and a second substantially planar divider  52  which is removably insertable into divider guides  54  on the inner surfaces of the side walls  24 ,  26 . Divider guides  50 ,  54  are a pair of longitudinally extending ribs spaced apart a distance equal to the width of an engaging divider  48  or  52 . 
   Divider  48  is designed to slide into divider guides  50  to partition the receptacle  14  vertically. The rear edge of the divider  48  has indentations  56  at the corners to enable a remaining part of the rear edge to slide between transverse support panels  58  extending between the side walls  24 ,  26  at the rear of the bin  10 . Divider  48  includes a slot  60  extending rearwardly from the front edge  62  and at a location in alignment with the divider guides  54  in the side walls  24 ,  26  when the divider  48  is placed in the receptacle  14  (see  FIG. 2 ). Divider  48  also includes a pair of guide members  64  on side surfaces  66  close to the rear edge. In each pair, guide members  64  are spaced apart from one another to define a channel  68  therebetween which aligns with the slot  60 . 
   Divider  52  is designed to slide into divider guides  54  to partition the receptacle  14  horizontally (see bin  10 B in  FIG. 1 ). Divider  52  includes a slot  70  extending forwardly from the rear edge  72  and at a location in alignment with the divider guides  50  in the top and bottom walls  20 ,  22  when the divider  52  is placed in the receptacle  14  (see  FIG. 2 ). Divider  52  also includes a pair of guide members  74  on side surfaces  76  close to the front edge. In each pair, guide members  74  are spaced apart from one another to define a channel  78  therebetween which aligns with the slot  70 . 
   In view of the inward angling of top and bottom walls  20 ,  22 , the upper and lower edges of the divider  48  are tapered toward a central plane of the divider  48 . Similarly, in view of the inward angling of side walls  24 ,  26 , the side edges of the divider  52  are tapered toward a central plane of divider  52 . This provides a snug fit for the dividers  48 ,  52  in the receptacle  14  which reduces the possibility of inadvertent and unintentional removal of the dividers  48 ,  52 . 
   By providing the dividers  48 ,  52  with the respective slots  60 ,  70 , the dividers  48 ,  52  can be mated to another and can both be placed in the receptacle  14  at the same time (see the assembled partitioning structure  16  shown in bin  10 A in  FIG. 1  and in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Specifically, the slot  60  in divider  48  receives a portion of the divider  52  forward of the slot  70  whereas slot  70  in divider  52  receives a portion of the divider  48  rearward of the slot  60 . 
   Also, to aid in proper positioning and secure retention of the dividers  48 ,  52  together, the divider  52  passes into the channels  68  between the guide members  64  whereas the divider  48  passes into the channels  78  between the guide members  74 . 
   Using vertical divider  48  and horizontal divider  52 , there are several ways to partition the receptacle  14  into smaller storage compartments. Specifically, the receptacle  14  has a first configuration with both vertical divider  48  and horizontal divider  52  present therein to thereby define four storage compartments (see bin  10 A in  FIG. 1 ), a second configuration with only vertical divider  48  to thereby define two vertically extending storage compartments and a third configuration with only horizontal divider  52  to thereby define two horizontally extending storage compartments (see bin  10 B in  FIG. 1 ). Depending on the shape of the bin  10 , use of the vertical divider  48  or horizontal divider  52  may provide the same size compartments and by changing the orientation of the bin  10 , both configurations described above can be provided with only the vertical divider  48  or the horizontal divider  52 . Of course, another configuration is to remove the partitioning structure  16  altogether (see bins  10 C and  10 D in  FIG. 1 ). 
   The number of dividers  48 ,  52  and corresponding sets of divider guides  50 ,  54  can be varied as desired to partition the receptacle  14  into any number of storage compartments with varying sizes. Slots and guide members would be formed on the dividers and dimensioned and positioned to mate with one another in the same manner as described above. 
   Additional features of the bin  10  include the presence of recesses on the outer surfaces  30 ,  40  of the top, bottom and side walls,  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 , as well as on the side surfaces of the dividers  48 ,  52 . 
   While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.