Patent Publication Number: US-2023150720-A1

Title: Multiconfigurable, Collapsible, Modular Tote Container

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to boxes, shelves and containers, and more particularly relates to a modular, multiconfigurable container adapted to collapse for stowability and portability which is capable of being arranged in several geometries; whereby the container is operable to enable a user to customize said container with minimal effort and skillset requirements for assemblage. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Often workstation areas in residential or commercial settings do not provide users which efficiently shelves and storage containers for organizing and categorizing materials used at the workstation. It is important to users that shelves, boxes and containers used in workstation activities are generally adaptable to increase and decrease storage space. Users desire containers adapted to allow quick partition into multiple bins, but significant limitations exist in the art. Containers known in the art are not fully collapsible, stowable, divisible and stackable as needed by users trying to manage and categorize changing quantities of materials at a workstation while also being cost effective to construction and purchase. 
     This commercial space is extremely competitive and improvements to existing containers would create value which fulfill user&#39;s storage needs and allow preservation of inordinate space on desk surfaces and within containers. It is desirable to provide a container which is not limited by the deficiencies in the art. Conventional containers do not adequately meet these needs. 
     A container constructed from a relatively small number of components which can be arranged in several geometries, which is rigid and strong, and which is easily collapsible and stowable, would be desirable for workstation users. 
     SUMMARY 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for a m multiconfigurable, module tote assemblage constructed from a relatively small number of components and arrangeable in several basic geometries. Beneficially, such a container would include components adapted to enable quick partition and reconfiguration of the container to increase both the number and size of integrated partitions or binds within said container, without sacrificing the strength of the container, while facilitating disassembly and stowage, one-man portability, and minimal tool and skillset requirements for assemblage. 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available containers. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a tote container which overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art, the provided modular tote container comprising: a base panel having a planar bottom surface, the base panel comprising a plurality of upwardly-rising L-shaped brackets, the base panel defining a plurality of forward slots along a forward edge adapted to receive corresponding tabs on a front panel, the base panel defining a plurality of mid-slots adapted to receive tabs affixed to one or more dividers, the base panel defining a plurality of rearward slots; a pair of side panels defining a plurality of rectangular apertures adapted to receive the L-shaped brackets, the side panels adapted to detachably join with the base panel via the brackets; a pair of terminal panels comprising one or more inferiorly jutting tabs adapted to insert into slots on the base panel; one or more vertical dividers comprising one or more inferiorly jutting tabs adapted to insert into a slot on the base panel; whereby, the side panels, front panel, back panel and base panel collectively form a cavity within which items may be stowed; a lid adapted to dispose over the cavity. 
     Each bracket may comprise an L-shaped protuberance having a laterally-protruding cantilever superiorly positioned on the bracket adapted to detachably mate with an aperture of a side panel. 
     The base panel may comprise two or more slots adapted to receive a tab of a divider, in some embodiments. The side panels may each comprise a forward edge adapted to dovetail with a vertical socket recessed into a rearward edge of the front panel. 
     The front panel may define two socket recesses adapted to receive a forward edge of a side panel. 
     The forward edge of the side panel may comprise a plurality of pins in various embodiments. The lid may also comprise ribs and a plurality of snap locks. In various embodiments, the base panel and side panels comprise ribs. 
     The terminal panels may define a rectangular cutout. The base panel may define two or more intersecting slots. 
     In various embodiments, the base panel and side panels are hingedly affixed using a live hinge. In still further embodiments, the tote container comprises a plurality of lateral dividers defining a plurality of longitudinally-running grooves. 
     The slots defined by the base panel may be positioned superiorly to receptacles contouring the slots, the receptacles comprises a plurality of bottonies at terminal ends adapted to allow sidewalls of the receptacles to flex around inserted tabs. 
     A second modular tote container is provided comprising: a base panel having a planar bottom surface, the base panel comprising a plurality of upwardly-rising L-shaped brackets, each L-shaped brackets comprising a laterally-protruding cantilever superiorly positioned on the bracket adapted to detachably mate with an aperture of a side panel; the base panel defining a plurality of forward slots along a forward edge adapted to receive corresponding tabs on a front panel, the base panel defining a plurality of mid-slots adapted to receive tabs affixed to one or more dividers, the base panel defining a plurality of rearward slots; a pair of side panels defining a plurality of rectangular apertures adapted to receive the L-shaped brackets, the side panels adapted to detachably join with the base panel via the brackets; a forward panel comprising one or more inferiorly jutting tabs adapted to insert into slots on the base panel; a back panel comprising one or more inferiorly jutting tabs adapted to insert into slots on the base panel; one or more vertical dividers comprising one or more inferiorly jutting tabs adapted to insert into a slot on the base panel; whereby, the side panels, front panel, back panel and base panel collectively form a cavity within which items may be stowed; a lid adapted to dispose over the cavity comprises ribs and gussets. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention. 
     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is an exploded, modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is an isometric view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  3    is a partially exploded, modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  4 A  is an upper perspective view of the base panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  4 B  is an upper perspective view of the base panel and divider of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  4 C  is a lower perspective view of the base panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  5    is a side perspective view of a side panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  6    is a forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a sectioned upper, forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  7 C  is a forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  7 D  is a forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  8    is a sectioned forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  9    is a zoomed view perspective view of a bracket of a base panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  10    is a zoomed view perspective view of the edge of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  12    is a zoomed view perspective view of a lid of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  13    illustrates a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  14    illustrates a lower perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  15    illustrates a forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates a side perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates a top perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates an exploded view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  19    illustrates an exploded view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  20    illustrates an exploded view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  21    illustrates an exploded view of a modular tote container and tote track in accordance with the present invention; and 
         FIG.  22    illustrates an exploded view of a modular tote container and tote track in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 
     The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally set forth as logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown. 
     Component items in the drawings indicated with letters following numerals, such as  102   a  and  102   b , indicate multiple instances of the same component, or mirror duplicates of the same component. 
       FIG.  1    is an exploded, modular tote container  100  in accordance with the present invention. The container  100  comprises a base panel  108 , a side panel  102   a , a side panel  102   b , a front panel  104 , a back panel  106 , a lid  112 , and three dividers  110   a - c.    
     The container  100  forms a substantially cubic shape and may be formed from suitable materials for the containers including, without limitation, wood, wood pulp, polymers, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, aluminum, and metal alloys. 
     The dividers  110  form substantially rectangular shapes with planar surfaces and may vary in width but are adapted to span the width of the interior cavity  314  created within the container  100  by the base panel  108 , the side panels  102 , front panel  104 , and back panel  106 . The partition/dividers  100  are detachable and easy to reposition, allowing the user to create different quantities and sizes of bins  702 . The dividers  110  (or vertical dividers  110 ) are disposed perpendicularly, or orthogonally, to the base panel  108 . The vertical dividers  110  can be manipulated to create differently sized bins  702 . 
       FIG.  2    is an isometric view of a modular tote container  200  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The forward panel  104  defines a rectangular cutout recess  202  which may be gripped with the finger or hands of a user. A lip  204 , or handle, disposes above a cutout recess  202 . The lip  202  juts forwardly allowing the tips of fingers to be inserted beneath it for applying lifting and pulling forces to the apparatus  200 . 
     In various embodiments, the recess  202  traverses the forward panel  104 . The divider  110  disposed behind the forward panel  104  may in some embodiments, and not in other embodiments, be visible through the recess  202 . The purpose of the recess  202  is to allow the visual appearance of the tote container  200  to be customized by a user. In some embodiments, a user applies a label  212  onto the exposed, planar surface within the recess  202 ; but, in the preferred embodiment, the user insert paper(s)  214  into a recess  2002  formed between the front panel  104  and the divider  110  further described below in relation to  FIG.  20   . 
     The forward panel  104  and rearward panel (or back panel  106 ) may be identical. Because the front panel  104  (or forward panel  104 ) and the back panel  106  may be identical and positioned at terminal ends of the container  100 , these panels  104 ,  106  may be referred to hereinafter as “terminal panels.” The forward panel  104  comprises one or more downwardly jutting, or inferiorly protruding, tabs  118  which insert into corresponding slots  422  positioned along a forward edge  424  of the base panel  108  and/or the rearward edge of the base panel  108 . 
       FIG.  3    is a partially exploded, modular tote container  300  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The base panel  108  comprises a plurality of first L-shaped brackets  302  and a plurality of second L-shaped brackets  304  further described below. 
     The sidewalls  102  define a plurality of rectangular apertures  310 ,  312  dimensioned to receive the cantilevers  904  of the brackets  302 ,  304 . The sidewalls  102  join with the base panel  108  vis-à-vis the brackets  302 ,  304 . 
     Arrows  306  may be engraved or defined in relief on the dividers  110  and/or other components  102 ,  104 ,  106  of the container  100 . 
       FIG.  4 A  is an upper perspective view of the base panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention. 
     Ribs  402  are useful for stowing items and providing structural integrity to the assembly  100 . Ribs  402  may crisscross, or form a lattice, on the upper surface of the base panel  108  to add strength and rigidity to the base panel  108 . The base panel  108  defines a plurality of slots  404 ,  406 , and  422  adapted to receive tabs  118  descending from the side panels  102  and/or the forward panel  104  and/or the back panel  106 . The slots  404  may intersect forming a slot  406 . 
       FIG.  4 B  is an upper perspective view of the base panel and divider of a modular tote container  420  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The slots  406  may appear as linear grooves or plus-shaped grooves from an upper perspective. In various embodiments, the slots  406  do not penetrate the base panel  108  entirely, but rather are enveloped inferiorly below the planar inner surface of the base panel by receptacles  444  adapted to receive tabs  1702 . 
       FIG.  4 C  is a lower perspective view of the base panel of a modular tote container  440  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The receptacles  444  roughly contour the slots  406  inferiorly, forming interior tab recesses adapted to receive the tabs  1702 . The tab recesses may flare at terminal ends of the slots  406  within bottonies  442  forming the receptacles  444 . The flared nature of the tab recesses within the bottonies allows sidewalls  446  of the receptacles  444  to flex around a tab  1702  inserted into the slot  406  and the receptacle  444  and are adapted to allow the receptacle  444  to lock the tab  1702  in place. 
       FIG.  5    is a side perspective view of a side panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown. 
       FIG.  6    is a forward perspective view of a modular tote container  600  in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown. 
       FIG.  7 A  is a sectioned upper, forward perspective view of a modular tote container  700  in accordance with the present invention. 
     A plurality of bins  702  are defined by the surrounding components  102   a - b ,  104 ,  106 ,  108  along with the divider  110 . 
       FIG.  7 B- 7 D  illustrate forward perspective views of modular tote containers  720 - 760  in accordance with the present invention. 
     In various embodiments, the side panels  102  and the base panel  108  are formed as a single integrated piece with a live hinge  722  interconnecting the base panel  108  and the side panels  102 . A “live hinge” or “living hinge” is a thin, flexible hinge made from the same materials as the two pieces it interconnects which is adapted to bend along the hinge making it use packaging the pieces flat and raising the side panels  102  into place alongside the base panel  108 . 
       FIG.  8    is a sectioned forward perspective view of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention. 
     The apertures  310  are circumscribed on the side panels  102  by sidewalls  802  which interlock into the track  908  of the bracket  302 ,  304 . 
       FIG.  9    is a zoomed view perspective view of a bracket of a base panel of a modular tote container in accordance with the present invention. 
     Each bracket  302 ,  304  comprises a superiorly-rising protuberance  902  and outwardly, laterally-protruding cantilever  904 . The outer edge of the cantilever  904  comprises an inferiorly-descending lip  906 . The lip  906 , cantilever  904 , and protuberance  902  define a track  908 , or recess. The brackets  302 ,  304  interlock with corresponding rectangular apertures  310 ,  312  on the side panels  102 . 
     The dividers  110  may arranged in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship that forms bins  702  within the cavity  314  and enables items (or materials) of a user to be organized within the container  100 . The dividers  110  may comprise simple flat panels having downwardly-protruding tabs  118  which engage slots  404 ,  406  defined by an upper surface  428  of the base panel  108 . 
     The detachably arrangement between components  108 ,  102 ,  104 ,  106 , enables the container  100  to form a rigid compartment, or box, which can be easily stacked upon other containers  100 , removed, collapsed, stowed and ported. 
     The containers  100 ,  300 ,  700  are dimensioned to support items, such as papers, files, books, ornamentals, and crafting materials. 
     The side panels  102 , in alternative embodiments, may hingedly join with the base panel  108  and fold upon each other for ease of storage. In this manner, the side panels  102  may pivotably articulate between an open, upwardly-protruding position and a horizontal, folded position. 
     In the open position the side panels  102 , front panel  104 , and back panel  106 , extend linearly and upwardly from the perimeter edges of the base panel  108 . 
     Consistent with the modular configuration of the assembly  100 , all of the substantially planar components of the container  100  detach and attach using interlocking tabs  118 ; brackets  302 ,  304 ; and apertures  310 ,  312 ,  422 , all of which are easily manufactured using plastic infection molding or stamped from polymeric sheets. 
     As discussed above, the container  100  is mobile. This mobility allows the container to be moved from room-to-room and shelf to shelf, and to be arranged in a desired workstation configuration. The ribs  402  and other structural components allow a plurality of laden containers  100  to be stacked one upon another. 
     The assemblage of the container  100  is relatively easy, requiring minimal skill sets and tools. In operation, the container  100  providers a practical apparatus which overcomes deficiencies in the art, consisting of a relatively small number of components adapted to be arranged in basic geometries for bin(s)  702 . 
       FIG.  10    is a zoomed view perspective view of the edge of a modular tote container  1000  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The side panels  102  define a plurality of vertical tracks  1002  within which edges  1006  of the dividers  110  run. These edges  1006  may be tapered or narrowed in thickness. A plurality of vertical tracks  1002  may position at regularly-spaced intervals across a width of the side panel  102 , including at a forward edge and rearward edge. 
     The side panel  102  comprises a forward edge  1004  inclined inwardly to dovetail with a track, or socket, recessed into the front panel  104  along lateral edges of the front panel  104 . The forward edge  1004  may be fluted, and may comprise a series of pins  1006  which joint with tail track recessed into a rearward surface of the front panel  104 , forming a sliding dovetail joint at a right angle. 
       FIG.  11    is a zoomed view perspective view of the edge of a forward panel of a modular tote container  1100  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The tail socket  1102 , or track, is indicated on the rearward surface of the front panel  104 . The track  1102 , or groove  1102 , dovetails with the forward edge  1104  and pins  1106  of the side panels  102 . In some embodiments, a stabilizing lip  1104  extends longitudinally adjacent to the track  1102  across the height of the front panel  104 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a lid  112  of a modular tote container  100  in accordance with the present invention. The lower surface of the lid  112  comprises a plurality of crisscrossing ribs  402 . The outer edges of the ribs  402  may comprise gussets  115  for the purpose of positioning the lid  112  and/or a plurality of snap locks  113  adapted to form snap fits with an upper edge of the side panels  102 . 
       FIGS.  13 - 19    illustrates modular tote containers  1300 - 1900  in accordance with the present invention. 
     In various embodiments, the tote container  1300 - 1900  may be dimensioned to be receive multiple dividers  110 ,  1802  as shown. The tote container  1800  may contain lateral dividers  1802  which may define a plurality of longitudinally-running grooves or tracks  1804  adapted to receive the edges of dividers  110 . 
     Tabs  1702  jut inferiorly from the dividers  1700 ,  110 , which tabs  1702  are adapted to insert into the slots  406  and receptacles  444 . These tabs  1702  comprise linear protuberances running in parallel with the planar faces of the divider  1700 ,  110 . 
       FIG.  20    illustrates an exploded view of a modular tote container  2000  in accordance with the present invention. 
     The divider  110  is set back slightly from the rearward surface of the forward panel  104  forming a document recess  2002  between the divider  110  and the forward panel  104 . Papers  214  or document inserted into this recess  2002  are visible through the cutout recess  202 . In this manner, the apparatus  2000  is adapted to allow labeling of the tote container  2000  without the need for stick-on labels  212  in various embodiments, but rather with paper merely inserted into the recess  2002 . The recess  2002  may measure from 0.05 inches to 5 inches in width. 
       FIGS.  21 - 22    illustrate an exploded view of a modular tote container and tote track in accordance with the present invention. 
     The tote container  1300  may comprise a lateral protuberance  2202  which juts laterally from the tote container near a lower edge. The tote container  1300  may comprise a plurality of lateral protuberances  2202  arranging linearly above a lower edge of the tote container  1300 . The lateral protuberances  2202  hold a bumper  2216  of a tote track  2100  above. 
     The tote track  2100  comprises a vertical component  2110  and a horizontal component  2214 . A second vertical component extends inferiorly from the horizontal component  2214 . In various embodiments, a bracket  2212  juts laterally from the vertical component  2110 . 
     In various embodiments, a lower protuberance  2204  affixes to a lower edge of the tote container  1300 . 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.