Patent Publication Number: US-2022225743-A1

Title: Configurable Storage Container and Compartments

Description:
CONTINUATION HISTORY 
     This application is a continuation (or “bypass application”) of, and claims priority to, PCT Application PCT/US2020/041086, filed on 7 Jul. 2020, which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/882,986, filed on 5 Aug. 2019, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a design for a storage container having configurable containers therein. 
     Storage containers are as useful as they are old. For ages, the ability to consolidate, carry and organize items has served a critical part of our day-to-day lives. From toolboxes to backpacks, storage containers are ubiquitous, and coupling storage with organization is a tremendous advantage. 
     While the concept of storage is very well known, oftentimes there are limitations in the utility as currently employed in the known art. Storage containers are frequently not the most durable items, sometimes a consequence of build quality, sometimes that of poor engineering. Many containers do not shield their contents sufficiently from the elements, or prevent the intrusion of dust and moisture. Organization is also often lacking in storage containers, since most approach storage needs with a “one size fits all” approach to storage. 
     The consequence of these issues is the inherent ineffectiveness of the current state of the art for storage containers. A solution which provides a simple way to effectively provide an adaptable, secure and sealed storage container has yet to be developed. All of the above aspects of the current state of storage containers lead to an increased need for a revised method of implementation with minimized cost and complexity, all of which the present invention addresses. 
     The disclosed invention provides a simple, innovative and effective apparatus for avoiding these problems. The proposed invention of a modular storage container is thus a novel, needed and functional answer to the problems in the field relating to storage containers and their use. 
     In the present invention, a storage container is built having the basic structure of a container with an integral lid, and wherein the container has a grid system formed into the inside floor of the storage container which couples to a corresponding mating system on user-selectable storage bins, paired with a unique lid-baffle system. This combination of features leads to independent, adaptable, customizable secure storage contained within an innovative container unlike any other available in the present state of the art. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the invention is to provide a new storage container design. 
     An additional object of this invention is to provide a new storage container design having a plurality of bins. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a storage container that secures the contents of each storage bin apart from any other storage bin. 
     Yet another object of this invention is to provide a storage container which allows user-configurable sizes of storage bins to be placed within the storage container. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a storage container which allows user-configurable shapes of storage bins to be placed within the storage container. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a storage container which allows user-configurable orientations of storage bins to be placed within the storage container. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a storage container having baffles in the lid to keep separate the contents of each bin regardless of positioning of the storage container. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention shall become apparent from the ensuing descriptions of the invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved apparatus for storing articles in the form of a storage container having a grid system in its floor that mates with various-sized bins and attachments having a corresponding mating surface, and a lid with a series of uniquely positioned baffles to restrict the movement of the contents within. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings and figures illustrate embodiment(s) of this invention. However, it is to be understood that these embodiments are intended to be neither exhaustive, nor limiting of the invention. They are but examples of some of the forms in which the invention may be practiced. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the storage container. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the storage container. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view and internal view of the storage container. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the rear of the storage container. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the lid. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the bins. 
         FIG. 7  is a top, side and bottom view of the bins. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom perspective view of the bins. 
         FIG. 9  is a cutaway view of the storage container with bins locked in place. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the storage mating system. 
         FIG. 11  is a close-up and cutaway view of the bins and attachment system. 
         FIG. 12  is a top view of the storage container with bins when bins are employed in a sectional approach when all sides are not configured to be fully enclosed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Without any intent to limit the scope of this invention, reference is made to the figures in describing the various embodiments of the invention.  FIGS. 1 through 12  depict various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     Provided is a novel apparatus for storage of items in an interlocking, modular, and customizable system. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a configurable storage container system  100  composed of four major components, namely vessel  101 , lid  102 , hinge system  103 , and attachment interface  104 . 
     Vessel  101  is a substantially cuboid-shaped vessel body  105  comprised of five sides, comprising floor  106 , left side  107 , right side  108 , rear side  109  and front side  110 . Each of these sides has at least four edges forming a substantially rectangular overall shape, with variations to the shape falling within the scope of this invention. In this preferred embodiment, left side  107 , right side  108 , rear side  109 , and front side  110  are all operatively attached along one of each of their edges to one each of floor&#39;s  106  four edges, forming a substantially enclosed vessel  101 . 
     Vessel  101  itself, in a preferred embodiment is composed of a strong, durable material, such as an ABS plastic. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the front and corners of vessel  101  will be double-walled, which bolsters the strength of not only the corners and front, but the entire structure of vessel  101 . It also aids in absorbing kinetic energy in falls by absorbing impact in the first wall prior to delivery of a lesser impact event to the second wall. This double wall construction, together with a thickened side wall in a preferred embodiment, also eliminates the need for internal supports to provide the needed strength and torsional rigidity required to keep vessel&#39;s  101  structural integrity intact when opened. This elimination of internal supports, in turn, allows for maximum storage space within the storage container in the absence of structural members which would consume space therein. 
     Lid  102  is comprised of a substantially flat and substantially rectangular-shaped polygon having at least four edges and is configured to substantially engage and enclose vessel  101  when placed atop vessel  101  along what would be the sixth side of the cuboid shape. 
     Lid  102  can be of many different substantially rigid materials, but in a preferred embodiment, a polycarbonate material would be used to permit easy inspection of the contents of the storage container. Additionally, polycarbonate is exceptionally strong and impact resistant. Further, in a preferred embodiment, a UV resistant additive is provided to maintain the clarity of lid  102  and prevent “yellowing” or clouding of the polycarbonate material. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, lid  102  is affixed to vessel  101  via hinge system  103 , which has three main components, namely vessel hinge points  111 , lid hinge points  112 , and hinge pin  113 . A plurality of vessel hinge points  111  are located along one edge of said rear side while corresponding plurality of lid hinge points  112  along one edge of lid  102  and are joined by at least one hinge pin  113  configured to be inserted through vessel hinge points  111  and through lid hinge points  112  thus binding the two together in a hinged relationship. 
     Lid  102  will be attached to the vessel  101  along substantially one edge of both lid  102  and vessel  101 , and in a preferred embodiment, on one of the longer edges of the cuboid shape. Having hinge system  103  run along substantially the entire edge aids in the longevity and strength of the overall structure when opened. The two components of vessel  101  and lid  102 , would, in a preferred embodiment, mate, and be attached via a 316 stainless steel hinge pin  113 . The use of this material prevents rust and corrosion, and is ideal in several situations, including the saltwater environment of many fishing locations. Since an ideal use of this storage container is fishing tackle due to the size, shape and quantity of items used, this attribute is of particular import. 
     Hinge system  103  can also, in an exemplary embodiment, include a stop in travel to prevent lid  102  from being opened beyond much more than 180-190 degrees, making it easier to use without tipping or flipping when opened fully. 
     Lid  102  would additionally include a sealing system to prevent intrusion of water, dust, or other elements when closed. Many variations of a seal may be employed, but a preferred embodiment would be an injectable and sufficiently flexible material that fills in channel  301  which follows the entire perimeter of lid  102 , effectively creating a permanent barrier between the seal and lid  102 . This injectable material avoids the issues of having a seal which can fall out or otherwise be compromised or easily lost or removed. The durometer of the seal material is also preferably optimized to create a water-tight seal, as well as enough return decompression to open the lid slightly to make opening the lid easier once latches  118  are opened due to the rebound of the seal material. 
     Lid  102  of the storage container may also be designed in a preferred embodiment with a unique baffle system which helps to keep the contents of the storage container confined within their respective bins. Due to the enormous number of different configurations possible, a typical baffle system cannot be employed as in other, fixed storage systems. Lid  102  of the present invention employs baffles  300  in a broken grid pattern, resembling a dashed line and when lid  102  is closed, extend perpendicularly into bins  200  of the storage container  100 . This broken grid pattern allows baffle  300  to be present for the inner edge of each bin  200  without having to account for each possible configuration individually. Baffles  300  keep the contents of each bin  200  in the bin  200  and prevents the commingling of contents with neighboring bins  200 . 
     Latch  118  is also employed in an exemplary embodiment, which selectively binds lid  102  to vessel body  105  in order to keep vessel  101  secure and the contents contained therein. In a preferred embodiment, the use of glass-filled nylon will increase durability. Latches  118  are further designed in a preferred embodiment to have a precise amount of deflecting pressure which allows them to pop up and away from the lid in one quick motion while opening. A simple pulling up motion on the latch from underneath will readily release the latch for easy one-handed operation. 
     Attachment interface  104  is integrated into the largest plane of the interior of vessel  101  (though it can be along any plane) but in the exemplary embodiment, attachment interface  104  is integrated into floor  106  within formed vessel  101  and includes a plurality of protrusion groups  114 , each protrusion group  114  having a plurality of vessel protrusions  115  which are in a substantially perpendicular orientation to floor  106  and wherein vessel protrusions  115  are configured in a substantially cross-shaped pattern, which, in turn, form a plurality of locking channels  116  in each protrusion group  114 . 
     Complementing this storage container system  100 , vessel  101  can be utilized to contain and secure one or more detachable storage bins  200 , such storage bins  200  being made of bin body  201  and bin attachment interface  202 . Bins  200  can be of several sizes and shapes of cuboid-shaped bins having up to five substantially closed sides, and an open top, creating a storage receptacle or divider. Bins  200  also have a plurality of protrusions  209  extending substantially perpendicularly from the exterior floor  203  of bins  200  and are shaped to interlock with aforementioned protrusions  115  of storage container system  100  such that the frictional fitment between bin protrusions  209  and vessel protrusions  115  retains bins  200  to vessel  101 . 
     Bin body  201  in this preferred embodiment, is substantially cuboid-shaped and has a plurality of sides, which include floor  203  and at least one of left side  204 , right side  205 , rear side  206  and front side  207 . Each of these sides  203 ,  204 ,  205 ,  206  has at least four edges forming a substantially rectangular overall shape, and, each of sides  203 ,  204 ,  205 ,  206  are all operatively attached along one of each of sides&#39;  203 ,  204 ,  205 ,  206  edges to one each of floor&#39;s  203  four edges, which form a substantially enclosed bin. By employing floor  203  and a limited number of sides  203 ,  204 ,  205 ,  206 , a sectional approach can be made to essentially create custom-sized and -shaped bins  200  according to a user&#39;s exact specification, as seen in the FIGS. 
     Bins  200  may also employ solely floor  203  with no additional sides, such that the bin  200  only serves to cover the section of vessel  101  it engages, creating a flat section of floor  106 . 
     Bins  200  may also be coated in a softer material to protect parts stored therein from impacts and abrasions. 
     Other items can be produced with the same protrusions  209  so that they can also interlock with vessel&#39;s  101  protrusions, such as a fishing line holder, slots, light, battery pack, brackets, hitchpoints, or any other item capable of being mounted within the storage container system  100 . Colors and translucence/transparency of bins  200  can also be varied depending on the need of the user of the storage container, as well as an aid in the rapid identification of contents by a user. 
     Bin attachment interface  202  includes a plurality of bin protrusion groups  208  integrated into the exterior of floor  203  of detachable storage bin  200 , each bin protrusion group  208  having a plurality of bin protrusions  209  in a substantially perpendicular orientation to floor  203  and wherein bin protrusions  209  are further configured in a pattern and number sufficient to frictionally engage vessel protrusions  115  of vessel  101  permitting the detachable affixation of detachable storage bin  200  to storage container system  100 . 
     The shape of vessel protrusions  115  are, in the FIGS., polygon shaped, particularly hexagonal, while bin protrusions  209  are circular. These shapes may be reversed with similar operational function, (i.e., circular on vessel  101  side and polygons on the bin  200  side) or substituted for varying shapes and polygons as desired. In an ideal embodiment and the exemplary embodiment presented herein, the vessel protrusions  115  are four hexagons in a “north, south, east, west” pattern to allow for bin protrusions  209  (in a preferred embodiment, these may be in a circular shape) on the bottom of bins  200  to attach and give an accurate placement and connectivity in both a vertical and horizontal manner. 
     The vessel protrusions  115  are arranged in such a manner to accept the matching bin protrusions  209 , and are repeated in a grid-style pattern to allow a multitude of configurations to be achieved. Due to this grid interlocking system, bins  200  can be placed in various places within vessel  101 , creating unique storage spaces. Bins  200  may also be varied in size and shape to create customizable bin storage, and overall storage container configurations. Bins  200  can be substantially square, for example, or rectangular, or any other shape, if desired. The sizes can similar range from small to large depending on the need, an example of which can be seen in the FIGS. They may also be arranged in any order desired. These attributes are driven by the grid-style arrangement of protrusions  115  within the storage container vessel  101 , which can interlock with the bins&#39;  200  protrusions  209  in multiple ways. For example, bin  200  may be easily placed horizontally or vertically, depending on the application, and can be placed anywhere about the protrusion  115  grid. 
     It should be noted that this unique grid system of protrusions  115  also only permits bins  200  and/or attachments to be placed in a certain, predefined manner, thus preventing errant attachments that may prevent the maximum use of space. This grid system and attachment point arrangement effectively “snaps” the bins to the proper grid alignment, rather than allowing attachment between grid sections. This is also critical in the employment of baffles  300  which require bins  200  to be placed in a fashion that enables baffles  300  to properly engage bin body  201 . 
     Lid  102 , in a preferred embodiment would also include an additional feature to help retain the contents of bins  200  both within vessel  101  and within each bin body  201 , to prevent the contents from shifting between bins  200 . This is accomplished by having baffles  300  on the inside of lid  102 . 
     Lid  102  can also, in a preferred embodiment, have channel  301  that a seal can be injected into to aid in weatherproofing system  100 . 
     A two-part hasp  117  can also be employed in storage container system  100  by way of a hasp, or hasps located in vessel  101  and a corresponding hasp in lid  102 . 
     Storage container  100  would also, in a preferred embodiment, have a plurality of “feet” along the perimeter edge, or in the corners, of the bottom of storage container  100 , together with a polygon rib, creating an ideal mating surface for containers to be stacked, as these bottom features match a corresponding, but mirror imaged, receptacles and polygon groove on the lid of storage container  100 . 
     In an alternate embodiment, configurable standalone storage mating system  400  is presented, such as a independent planar mating surface  401  and attachment interface  402  and wherein mating surface  401  is comprised of a substantially flat polygon having at least three edges and wherein attachment interface  402  has a plurality of protrusion groups  403  integrated into mating surface  401 , each protrusion group  403  comprising a plurality of mating surface protrusions  404  in a substantially perpendicular orientation to mating surface  401  and wherein mating surface protrusions  404  are configured in a substantially cross-shaped pattern, forming a plurality of locking channels  405 . Storage mating system  400  could then be attached to multiple surfaces both vertical (such as walls) and horizontal (such as tables). Further, this system  400  may be attached where the surface faces a downward position toward the ground such as the bottom surface of a table. Fastening of this system  400  can be accomplished in a myriad ways, including, but not limited to, screws, nails adhesives, and hook and loop fasteners. 
     This system is also designed such that multiple mating surfaces  401  of this type of surface can be positioned adjacent to one another and will continue the pattern of protrusions with the correct spacing to allow continued connectivity in any desired size up to a theoretically infinite size. This modular sizing could thus be used in larger scale applications for things such as AC duct work, cabinets, shelving, mounting brackets, wiring harnesses, wall art, garage organization, trade show booths and the like. 
     Storage mating system  400  can then be used with the same storage bins  200  as outlined above, or any other attachments similarly equipped with corresponding protrusions  209 . 
     Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined herein.