Patent Publication Number: US-11034483-B2

Title: Modular storage system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application claims the priority benefit under at least 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Patent Application No. 62/571,154, filed Oct. 11, 2017, entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     This disclosure relates to modular storage systems, such as modular food storage systems. 
     Certain Related Art 
     Food is packaged in various ways including within individual, closable containers. Closable containers allow for food to be packaged, stored, and transported in a manner that the food will not spill or comingle with other food undesirably. Types of closable containers include sealable containers and plastic clamshell packages. 
     SUMMARY OF CERTAIN FEATURES 
     The systems, methods, and devices described herein each have several aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this invention as expressed by the claims which follow, some features are described briefly below. 
     The various systems and methods disclosed herein address certain challenges related to modular storage systems. In various embodiments, a modular food storage system is disclosed that includes one or more container modules. The container modules comprise can comprise various formats. For example, in some implementations, container modules comprise sealable containers, plastic clamshell packages, or packages comprising two separable pieces (e.g., in which a lid is not connected to a base and in which the lid is used to close an opening of the container). The container modules can be configured to be connected together, such as by a food processor (e.g., a company that processes, handles, and/or packages food). For example, the food processor can place food items in individual container modules separately and place the container modules in storage, such as in a refrigerator. In response to a request (e.g., an order from a grocery store, user or otherwise) for a certain mix of the food items, the food processor can mix and match the prefilled individual container modules. The food processor can assemble (e.g., connect) the container modules together for shipping, or can ship the container modules unassembled, which can be subsequently assembled by a seller (e.g., a grocery store) or by a user. The system can be used with many types of food items, such as cut fruit, various bakery items and flavors (e.g., cupcake varieties), hummus, salsa, salads, or other non-food items that require organization (e.g., hardware, nails, screws, nuts, or other). In some embodiments, the modular food storage system can be assembled by a consumer. For example, a parent can buy the unassembled container modules with food prepackaged inside, and can assemble a meal pack for a child. This can occur at home or at a retail store. 
     In various embodiments, the container modules are connected in such a way that the container modules are pivotably coupled with each other. This configuration can provide advantages in the storage, transportation and presentation of the modular storage system. For example, several container modules can be connected together in series, so that each of the container modules is pivotably coupled with at least one adjacent container module. The modular storage systems with pivotably connected container modules can be easily transported and stored by a user. For example, the modular storage systems can allow for a user to pick up an entire meal or portion of a meal. The pivotably connected container modules can allow for the modular storage system to be placed inside of another container (e.g., bag, box, basket or other) for storage or transportation. 
     As discussed in more detail below, in some variants, the series of container modules can be connected end-to-end together to form a portable interlocking unit. The portable interlocking unit can allow for compact storage and transportation of the modular storage system, such as within another container where space may be limited. The container modules of the portable interlocking unit can be formed to create certain shapes or profiles, such as circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape or other. In some embodiments, the portable interlocking unit comprises a ring of container modules. 
     Various embodiments of modular storage systems are disclosed that include individual container modules that can be coupled together. A first container module can include a container wall that bounds a compartment for storage of an article (e.g., food items or other). The first container module can include an upper lip extending around an opening of the compartment of the container module. The upper lip of the first container module can include one or more connectors for coupling with adjacent container modules of the modular storage system. The adjacent container modules can be identical or similar to the first container module. The first container module of the modular container system can be coupled together with adjacent container modules to form a series of connected container modules. In some embodiments of the modular storage systems, the series can include two or more container modules, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or more. Certain embodiments include a lower lip, such as a flange extending around a base of the module. 
     In some embodiments of the modular storage systems, the first container module can include one or more hinged connectors. In various embodiments, the hinged connector can comprise a living hinge (also called a flexure bearing). The first container module can include a first hinged connector that is hingedly connected with the upper lip of the container. In some embodiments, the first container module can include a second hinged connector. The second hinged connector can be hingedly coupled with the upper lip of the first container module. In some embodiments, the first hinged connector is on a first side of the container module and the second hinged connector is on an opposite side of the container module. The first hinged connector can be coupled with a second container module of the modular storage system. The second container module, in some cases, can be similar or identical to the first container module and having at least one hinged connector. Because of the hinged connectors, the first container module can be pivotal with respect to the second container module. In some embodiments, any number of container modules can be pivotably coupled together in this manner to form the series of connected container modules. For example, the at least one hinged connector of the second container can be pivotably coupled with a third container module of the modular storage system, and so on. In some embodiments, on at least one of the container modules, all of the connectors are hinged connectors. 
     In some embodiments, the container module can include first and second fixed connectors. The first and second fixed connectors can be on the upper lip of the container module. In some embodiments, the first fixed connector is on the first side of the container module with the first hinged connector. The second fixed connector can be on the opposite side of the container module with the second hinged connector. The second container module and any additional container modules can include at least one fixed connector. The first hinged connector of the container module can be coupled with the at least one fixed connector of the second container module to pivotably couple the first container module and the second container module. Similarly, the at least one hinged connector of the second container module can be coupled with a fixed connector on the third container module to pivotably couple the second and third container modules of the modular storage system. 
     In some implementations, the last container modules in the series of container modules that form the modular storage system can be coupled together. This can form a portable interlocking unit of container modules in a specific shape or profile. For example, the portable interlocking unit can be formed of four container modules coupled together in a shape, such as a square (e.g., a square profile on one end). In some embodiments of the modular storage systems, the container walls of the container modules include sidewalls. The sidewalls of the container modules can be adjacent to or in contact with the sidewalls adjacent container modules when the modular storage system is formed into the portable interlocking unit. For example, the sidewalls of each of the container modules can include first and second sidewalls that are set at a 120°, 90°, 72°, 60° or any other angle. In some embodiments, when four such container modules are coupled together into the portable interlocking unit, the container walls of each of the container modules can be adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the portable interlocking unit can be a polygon shape (e.g., triangular, square or other) formed by the modular container shapes and determined by the angle of the sidewalls of each container module. 
     As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the portable interlocking unit can comprise a ring. The ring can be comprise a plurality of container modules coupled together to form a complete end-to-end chain or loop. The ring can be any shape, such as generally: circular, oval, rectangular, square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or otherwise. In some embodiments, the ring has facets that face radially outwardly and/or inwardly. The number of facets can be equal to the number of containers. In some embodiments of the ring, all of the upper lips of the container modules are on an outer periphery of the ring and the container walls are on an interior of the ring. In some embodiments, the container walls of the container modules are on the outer periphery of the ring and the upper lips are on the interior of the ring. The ring can allow for compact storage and transportation of the modular storage system. The ring can be formed around another article (e.g., a box, basket, tube, or other container), which can comprise a part of the portable interlocking unit. For example, the ring can surround a container with additional food items, eating utensils (e.g., napkins, plates, cups etc.), décor (e.g., flowers), or otherwise. 
     Details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter described in this application are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Any of the features, components, or details of any of the arrangements or embodiments disclosed in this application are combinable and modifiable to form new arrangements and embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Other features, aspects, and advantages will also become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments will now be described with reference to the following drawings, which are provided by way of example, and not limitation. Like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a container module of a modular container system. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the container module of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the container module of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an end view of the container module of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed view of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  shows an assembly of two container modules as shown in  FIG. 1  coupled together. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the assembly of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a section view taken along the line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is an assembly view showing four container modules as shown in  FIG. 1  coupled together in series. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the four container modules of  FIG. 9  coupled together to form a portable interlocking unit. 
         FIG. 11A  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a container module of a modular container system. 
         FIG. 11B  is a side view of the container module of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of three container modules of  FIG. 11A  coupled together to form a triangular portable interlocking unit. 
         FIG. 12A  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a container module of a modular container system. 
         FIG. 12B  is a side view of the container module of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of five container modules of  FIG. 12A  coupled together to form a pentagonal portable interlocking unit. 
         FIG. 13A  is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a container module of a modular container system. 
         FIG. 13B  is a side view of the container module of  FIG. 13A . 
         FIG. 13C  is a perspective view of six container modules of  FIG. 13A  coupled together to form a hexagonal portable interlocking unit. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS 
     Various systems, methods, and components can be used in different embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying figures; however, the figures are provided for convenience of illustration only, and should not be interpreted to limit the invention to the particular combinations of features shown. Any feature, structure, material, step, or component of any embodiment described and/or illustrated in this specification can be used by itself, or with or instead of any other feature, structure, material, step, or component of any other embodiment described and/or illustrated in this specification. Nothing in this specification is essential or indispensable. 
     Overview 
     Various modular container systems and methods are described below. In some embodiments, the modular container system includes a plurality of container modules. The container modules can be connected together to form a portable unit. The container module can include a compartment for the storage of items. For example, the compartment can be used to store food items, such as nuts, cut or whole fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, dips, crackers, etc. In some implementations, the compartment is configured to contain a liquid, such as soup. In some embodiments, the compartment houses non-food items, such as hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, screws, washers, etc.), office supplies (e.g., paper clips, staples, etc.), or otherwise. The compartment can be closable, such as with a lid or polymer sheet. This can facilitate storage, organization, display and/or transportation of the small items more convenient for a user. 
     In various embodiments, two or more of the container modules can be connected and/or linked together, such as in a chain or series. In some embodiments, the container modules included in the series can be mixed and matched by a user based on the contents of the individual container modules. For example, the user can assemble a meal according to his or her preference by selecting container modules that contain various types of desired food items. The selected container modules can then be coupled together. In some embodiments, the modular food storage system can be assembled by a consumer. For example, a parent can buy the unassembled container modules with food prepackaged inside, and can assemble a meal pack for a child. This can occur at home or at a retail store. 
     The container module can include one or more connectors that facilitate coupling of adjacent container modules in the series. The connector can comprise, for example, a snap button connector, tab and slot, interlocking male and female connectors, or otherwise. In some variants, one or more of the connectors comprises a hinged connector, which can move (e.g., rotate) relative to the compartment. In some embodiments, one or more of the connectors comprises a fixed connector, which remains generally stationary relative to the compartment. In some implementations, the hinged connector of one container module can be coupled (e.g., snap-fit) with the fixed connector of an adjacent container module. In some embodiments, the container modules can be coupled together to form the series by coupling the hinged connectors and fixed connectors of each adjacent container modules in a chain-like manner. 
     In various embodiments, the series of individual container modules can be formed (e.g., by a user) into a portable interlocking unit by connecting first and final container modules of the connected series of container modules. In some embodiments, the portable interlocking unit can comprise a ring. Forming the portable interlocking unit can be facilitated by the hinged connectors of the container modules that enable adjacent container modules to be pivotably coupled together. In some embodiments, openings of the compartments of the container modules in the portable interlocking units can be faced radially outwardly or radially inwardly. In some embodiments, the facing of the openings of the container modules in the series can be mixed or varied, such as with some openings facing radially inwardly and other openings facing radially outwardly. In various embodiments, the container modules of the portable interlocking unit are not coupled with every other container module in the portable interlocking unit. For example, a given container module may only be connected to circumferentially adjacent container modules. 
     When formed into a portable interlocking unit, the container walls of the container modules can contact sidewalls of adjacent container modules. This arrangement can provide stability to the portable interlocking unit and/or can inhibit the container modules from moving relative to each other. In some embodiments, the portable interlocking unit of container modules can form specific shapes. For example, when viewed from an end of the portable interlocking unit, the shape of the portable interlocking unit can be generally: square, triangular, quadrangular, circular, oval, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal shape, or other. The shape can be formed by the number of container modules and/or by the peripheral container walls of the container modules in the portable interlocking unit. In various embodiments, the user can assembly a meal according to his or her preference by selecting a specific number of container modules that can then be formed into a portable interlocking unit with a specific shape. The selected container modules can then be coupled together by the user. 
     In some embodiments, the ring can be formed around another object. For example, the ring can encircle or otherwise surround a central container or hub, which can include a chamber. This can provide for storage of additional items, such as food items. For example, the chamber of the central module can contain a dip (e.g., salad dressing) and the container modules surrounding the central module can include vegetables for dipping into the dip. In some embodiments, the central module comprises a thermal material. For example, the central module can include ice or another cooling material, which can aid in cooling the container modules. In some variants, the central module comprises a heated material, such as hot water, which can aid in heating the container modules. In some variants, the central module can provide space for fluid (e.g., in refrigerated air) to access radially inner surfaces of the container modules. In certain implementations, the central container is tubular (e.g., generally cylindrical), though many other shapes are contemplated as well. 
     Container Module 
       FIGS. 1-5  illustrate an embodiment of a container module  100  of a modular storage system. The modular storage system can include any number of container modules, each configured to be pivotably coupled with an adjacent container module. As shown, the container module  100  can have a longitudinal axis LO and a lateral axis LA. The container modules comprise can comprise various formats. For example, in some implementations, container modules comprise sealable containers, plastic clamshell packages, or packages comprising two separable pieces (e.g., in which a lid is not connected to a base and in which the lid is used to close an opening of the container). 
     The container module  100  can include an upper lip  110 , a container wall  130  and a compartment  104 . The container wall  130  can at least partially bound the compartment  104 . The compartment  104  can be enclosed on all lower sides by the container wall  130  and an opening can be provided on an upper side of the compartment  104 . The container module  100  can be made out of a single piece of molded polymer or plastic. For example, the container wall  130  can be made entirely out of a single piece of polyethylene, polypropylene, or other suitable plastic for food storage. Food or other items can be placed within the compartment  104  for storage. In some embodiments, the container module  100  has multiple compartments  104 , such as two, three, four, five, six, or more compartments. 
     In some embodiments, the upper lip  110  bounds the periphery of the opening of the compartment  104 . The upper lip  110  can be configured such that a lid can be coupled with the upper lip  110  to enclose the compartment  104 , such as to retain the food or other items within the compartment  104 . For example, a thin polymer sheet can be placed over the opening of the compartment  104  and glued, heat sealed, or otherwise affixed to the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, a lid (not shown) can be removably fitted with the upper lip  110 . 
     The upper lip  110  can be coupled with the container wall  130 . In some embodiments, the upper lip  110  comprises a flat region or upper surface  114 . The upper surface  114  can be configured to be connected with the lid or thin polymer sheet. In some embodiments, the upper lip  110  comprises an outer edge  111  that extends outwardly from and/or overhangs the container wall  130 . The outer edge  111  can overhang the container wall  130  all the way around the opening of the compartment  104 . In some embodiments, the upper surface  114  of the upper lip  110  is flat. In some embodiments, the upper surface  114  comprises a lower lip portion and a raised lip portion (not shown). In some embodiments, the raised lip portion is located inwardly of the lower lip portion, extends all the way around the opening of the compartment  104  and is configured to be connected with the lid. In some embodiments, the lower lip portion includes a plurality of connectors, as discussed below. 
     In some embodiments, when viewed from the top ( FIG. 2 ) the container module  100  (e.g., the upper lip  110 ) forms a polygon shape. For example, the container module  100  can have a parallelogram or rectangular shape. In some embodiments, the container module  100  can have a square, triangular, quadrangular, circular, circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal shape, etc. 
     The container module  100  can have first and second sides  101 ,  103 . The first side  101  can be opposite the second side  103 . In some embodiments, the first and second sides  101 ,  103  are generally parallel to each other. A first end  105  of the container module  100  can be opposite a second end  107  of the first container module  100 . In some embodiments, the first and second ends  105 ,  107  are generally parallel to each other. In some implementations, the first side  101  and first end  105  can be at about 90° to each other. In certain variants, the second side  103  and the second end  107  can be at about 90° to each other. In some embodiments, the length of the first side  101  with respect to the first end  105  is approximately 2:1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the first side  101  to the first end  105  is between 1:1 and 4:1. In some embodiments, such as a triangular arrangement of the container module  100 , the first and second sides  101 ,  103  can be at an angle between 0° and 180° to each other. For example, where the container module  100  is shaped as a right triangle, the first and second sides  101 ,  103  can be at 90° with respect to each other. 
     As mentioned above, the module  100  can include a container wall  130 . The container wall  130  can be connected with the upper lip  110  at an upper portion  131  of the container wall  130 . In some embodiments, the upper portion  131  is set at approximately 90 degrees with respect to the upper surface  114  of the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, the container wall  130  can comprise first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134 . The first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134  can correspond to the first and second sides  101 ,  103  of the container module  100 . The first sidewall  132  can be coupled with the upper portion  131  of the container wall  130 . The upper portion  131  can be connected with the upper lip  110  through the upper portion  131  of the container wall  130 . In some embodiments, the upper portion  131  is omitted. A lower end of both first and second side walls  132 ,  134  can be coupled with a bottom wall  140 . 
     On the first end  105  of the container module  100 , the first sidewall  132  and the second side wall  134  can be coupled with a first end wall  136 . The first end wall  136  can extend between the first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134 . The first end wall  136  can extend between the bottom wall  140  and the upper lip  110  or upper portion  131 . On the second end  107  of the container module  100 , the first sidewall  132  and the second side wall  134  can be coupled with a second end wall  138 . The second end wall  138  can extend between the first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134 . The second end wall  138  can be coupled with the bottom wall  140  on a lower side and with the upper lip  110  or the upper portion  131 . In some embodiments, the first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134  can comprise generally flat and/or planar regions extending between the bottom wall  140  and the upper lip  110  (or upper portion  131 ) and/or between the first and second ends  105 ,  107  of the container module  100 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the first sidewall  132  can be set at an angle A with the second side wall  134 . For example, the angle A can be set at or approximately at any of 120°, 90°, 72°, or 60° angles or any other angle desired. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the angle A can be approximately 90°. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second end wall portions  136 ,  138  can extend between the sidewalls  132 ,  134  and the upper lip  110  (or upper portion  131 ) and the bottom wall  140 . The end wall portions  136 ,  138  can be generally flat and/or planar. In some embodiments, the end walls  136 ,  138  are substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments the first and second end walls  136 ,  138  are at a slight angle to each other, such as between about 0 and about 5 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle between the first and second end walls  136 ,  138  is greater than or equal to about 5 degrees. 
     In some embodiments, the bottom wall  140  connects all of the first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134  and the first and second end walls  136 ,  138 . In some embodiments, the bottom wall  140  forms a chamfer of the angle between the first and second sidewalls  132 ,  134 . In some embodiments, the bottom wall  140  can be substantially parallel to the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, the bottom wall  140  allows for the container module  100  to be placed flat on a surface in an upright orientation, as shown in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the bottom wall  140  is substantially centered within the container module  100  (e.g. centered with respect to the upper lip  110  and/or the container wall  130 ). 
     The container module  100  can comprise a fixed connector  170   a  and/or a second fixed connector  170   b . In some embodiments, the fixed connectors  170   a ,  170   b  have the same structure. The fixed connector  170   a  can be on the upper lip  110 . For example, the fixed connector  170   a  can be on an overhang portion  115   a  of the upper lip  110 . The second fixed connector  170   b  can be on an overhang portion  115   b  of the upper lip  110 . The overhang portion  115   a  can extend laterally and/or longitudinally outward from the container wall  130 . In some embodiments, the overhang portion  115   a  and/or  115   b  can be lowered or offset from the upper surface  114  of the upper lip  110 . This can facilitate aligning a connector coupled with the fixed connector  170   a  with the upper surface  114  of the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, the fixed connector  170   a  is approximately level with the upper surface  114 . In some embodiments, the fixed connector  170   a  is on a portion of the upper lip  110  that is not overhanging outwardly from the container wall  130 . For example, the portion may be overhanging inwardly on the upper lip  110  from the container wall  130 . 
     The fixed connector  170   a  can be on a corner of the container module  100 . For example, the fixed connector  170   a  can be at the corner between the first side  101  and the second end  105 . The fixed connector  170   a  can include a connector  190 . The connector  190  can comprise a male or female button, such as a circular bottom. In some embodiments, the connector  190  can comprise a snap lock, such a pin and recess with an interference fit or a hollow protrusion. The hollow protrusion can be closed on at least one end and/or does not comprise a through hole. In certain embodiments, the hollow protrusion of one of the connector  190  of the fixed connector  170   a  is configured to receive the protrusion of another corresponding connector, such as with a friction fit. In some embodiments, the connector  190  can include a hole, and the corresponding connector can include a mating protrusion configured to pass through the hole. In some embodiments, one or more connectors  190  can pass through two overlapping holes via a snap-fit, friction fit, or any other type of connection. In some embodiments, the connector  190  can be magnetic and magnetically coupled with the corresponding connector. In some embodiments, the fixed connector  170   a  is generally at the same angle as the lip  110 . In some variants, the fixed connector  170   a  is at an angle with respect to the lip  110 , such as less than or equal to about: 5°, 15°, 25°, 35°, 45°, 60°, angles between the aforementioned angles, and other angles. Some implementations include fixed connectors and not hinged connectors and/or the fixed connectors are configured (e.g., angled) to enable the circumferentially adjacent containers to connect together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , a hinged connector  150   a  can be coupled with the upper lip  110 . The hinged connector  150   a  can be configured to move (e.g., rotate) with respect to lip  110 . In some embodiments, the container module  100  can include a second hinged connector  150   b . The second hinged connector  150   b  can be similar or identical in structure to the hinged connector  150   a . The hinged connector  150   a  can be configured to be coupled with a corresponding fixed connector, similar to fixed connectors  170   a ,  170   b , on a second or adjacent container module  200 , as described further below in reference to  FIGS. 6-10 . In some embodiments, the hinged connector  150   a  is on a longitudinally opposite end of the upper lip  110  from the fixed connector  170   a . For example, the fixed connector  170   a  can be on the first end  105  of the container module  100  and the hinged connector  150   a  can be on the second end  107  of the container module  100 . The hinged connector  150   a  can be on a corner of the upper lip  110  between the first side  101  and the second end  107  of the container module  100 . The fixed connector  170   a  can be on a corner of the upper lip  110  between the first side  101  and the first end  105  of the container module  100 . In another embodiment, the fixed connector  170   a  and/or the hinged connector  150   a  can be located on the first side  101  anywhere between the first and second ends  105 ,  107 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 , the modular container  100  can include an access space  180 . In some embodiments, one or both of the fixed connectors  170   a ,  170   b  can have an associated access space  180 . For example, the access space  180  can be adjacent (e.g., beneath) the second fixed connector  170   b  and/or adjacent (e.g., beneath) the fixed connector  170   a . The access space  180  can provide access to the connector  190  of the fixed connector  170   b . For example, the access space  180  can provide access for a snap style connector. A user can reach into the access space  180  and pinch together the connector  190  with a corresponding connector of the adjacent container module. The access space  180  can be partially bounded by the overhang portion  115   a  of the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, the access space  180  can be bounded by a recess wall  182 . The recess wall  182  can be between the second end wall  138  and the second sidewall  134 . In some embodiments, the recess wall  182  comprises an arcuate or cylindrical surface. The recess wall  182  can provide structural integrity to the container wall  130  and/or can function as a reinforcing rib on the second sidewall  134  and second end wall  138 . 
     The second hinged connector  150   b  and the second fixed connector  170   b  can be on the second side  103  of the container module  100 . In some embodiments, the second fixed connector  150   b  is on an opposite end of the upper lip  110  from the second fixed connector  170   b . For example, the second hinged connector  150   b  can be on the first end  105  of the container module  100  and the second fixed connector  170   b  can be on the second end  107  of the container module  100 . The second hinged connector  150   b  can be on a corner of the upper lip  110  between the second side  103  and the first end  105  of the container module  100 . The second fixed connector  170   b  can be on a corner of the upper lip  110  between the second side  103  and the second end  107  of the container module  100 . In another embodiment, the second fixed connector  170   b  and/or the second hinged connector  150   b  can be located on the second side  103  anywhere between the first and second ends  105 ,  107 . In some embodiments, the fixed connector  170   a  can be opposite the second hinged connector  150   b  on the first end  105  and the hinged connector  150   a  can be opposite the second fixed connector  170   b  on the second side  107 . 
     In certain embodiments of the container module  100 , the hinged connector  150   a  and second hinged connector  150   b  can be on the first side  101  and the fixed connector  170   a  and the second fixed connector  170   b  can be on the second side  103 . For example, the hinged connectors  150   a ,  150   b  can be on the corners of the first side  101  and the fixed connectors  170   a ,  170   b  can be on the corners of the second side  103 . This arrangement of the fixed and hinged connectors  150 ,  170  can enable the hinged connectors  150   a ,  150   b  to be coupled with corresponding fixed connectors  170   a ,  170   b  of an adjacent container module. 
     A detailed view of the hinged connector  150   a  is shown in  FIG. 5 . As illustrated, the hinged connector  150   a  can be hingedly coupled with the upper lip  110  at a hinge portion  152 . The hinge portion  152  can comprise a first living hinge  154   a . The living hinge  154   a  can couple the upper lip  110  with a first hinge panel  156   a . The first hinge panel  156   a  can be coupled with a second hinge panel  156   b  by a second living hinge  154   b . The second hinge panel  156   b  can be coupled with a third hinge panel  156   c  at a third living hinge  154   c . The third hinge panel  156   c  can be coupled with a connector portion  158  of the hinged connector  150   a  at a fourth living hinge  154   d . This configuration allows for substantial movement of the hinged connector  150   a  with respect to the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, the living hinges  154   a - 154   d  can be made from the same material as the upper lip  110  and/or the connector portion  158 . In some embodiments, the living hinges can comprise scored, thinned or cut segments that allow the rigid material of the container module  100  to bend along the hinge. In some embodiments, the living hinges can formed during an injection, vacuum, or blow molding process (or similar process) forming the container module  100 . 
     By having multiple living hinges  154   a - 154   d  and multiple hinge panels  156   a - 156   b  each individual panel and living hinge can undergo less pivoting (compared to some instances with just a single hinge) whereby the life of the overall hinge portion  152  can be lengthened and/or less material can be required to make the hinge portion  152 . In some embodiments, the hinge portion  152  can be pivoted to 90, 120 or 180 degrees about the hinge portion  152 . 
     In some embodiments of the hinge portion  152 , a single living hinge connects the upper lip  110  and the connector portion  158  of the hinged connector  150   a . In some embodiments, a single hinge panel connects two living hinges and the connector portion  158  with the upper lip  110 . In some embodiments, the hinge portion  152  includes two hinge panels and three living hinges connecting between the upper lip  110  and the connector portion  158 . In some embodiments, the container module includes tamper evident features, such as any of the features disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/151,660, filed Oct. 4, 2018, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     Modular Storage Systems 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate an example of how the container module  100  can be pivotably coupled with a second or adjacent container module  200 . In some embodiments, the second container module  200  can be similar or identical to the first container module  100 . The second connector  200  can include a compartment  204 , an upper lip  210 , a container wall  230 , hinged connectors  250   a ,  250   b , fixed connectors  270   a ,  270   b , and an access space  280 . The container wall  230  can include first and second sidewalls  232 ,  234  and first and second end walls  236 ,  238  and a bottom wall  240 . The second container module can include a first end  205 , a first side  201 , a second side  203  and a second end  207 . The fixed connector  270   b  can be on the upper lip  210  on the second side  203  of the container module  200 . The hinged connector  250   b  can be pivotably coupled with the upper lip  210  on the second side  203 . The hinged connector  150   a  can be coupled with the fixed connector  270   b . The hinged connector  250   b  can be coupled with the fixed connector  170   a  and thereby the container module  100  can be pivotably coupled with the container module  200 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the fixed connector  170   a  can include a connector  190  and the hinged connector  250   b  can include a connector  290 . The connectors  190 ,  290  can be coupled together by a friction fit. For example, an outer and/or lower surface of the connector  290  can be fit within a cavity of the connector  190  of the first fixed connector  170   a  of the container module  100 . In some embodiments, the connector  190  is fit within a cavity of the connector  290 . This connector coupling arrangement can be used in any of the fixed or hinged couplers described herein. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, third, fourth (or more) container modules  300 ,  400  can be coupled in sequence to form a series. The third and fourth container modules can have the same structure as the first and second container modules  100 ,  200 . Fixed and/or hinged connectors of the first container module  100  can pivotably couple with fixed and/or hinged connectors of the second container module  200 . Fixed and/or hinged connectors of the second container module  200  can pivotably couple with fixed and/or hinged connectors of the third container module  300 . Fixed and/or hinged connectors of the third container module  300  can pivotably couple with fixed and/or hinged connectors of the fourth container module  400 . 
     In some embodiments, the final container module of the series can be coupled with the first container module of the series. This can form a portable interlocking unit, as shown in  FIG. 10 . For example, fixed and/or hinged connectors  450   a ,  470   a  of the fourth container module  400  can be connected with fixed and/or hinged connectors  170   b ,  150   b  of the first container module  100  to form a portable interlocking unit  900 . The portable interlocking unit  900  can have various shapes and embodiments for ease of transport, carrying, and/or displaying. The portable interlocking unit  900  can include container modules that the user can select according to a desired order or preferences. For example, each container module can be selected by a user for its foods content, shape, and/or dimensions and be coupled together to form the portable interlocking unit  900 . 
     The portable interlocking unit  900  can include container modules  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  formed into a shaped portable interlocking unit. The number and/or shape of container modules in the series can be selected to form the shape of the portable interlocking unit. For example, the portable interlocking unit  900  can include four container modules, as illustrated in  FIG. 10  and can be formed into a quadrangular portable interlocking unit or generally square shaped portable interlocking unit (e.g., when viewed from an end). The portable interlocking unit  900  has a first end  901  and second end  902 . In some embodiments, the first or second ends  901 ,  902  can have a profile of a rectangle or a square. In some embodiments, the portable interlocking units has end portions that can have triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or other shapes, as discussed below in  FIGS. 11-13 . 
     In some embodiments of the portable interlocking unit  900 , the container walls can be in contact with and/or adjacent to the container walls of adjacent container modules. The sidewalls of the container modules of the series can be adjacent to or in contact with the sidewalls of adjacent container modules when the modular storage system is formed into the portable interlocking unit  900 . For example, the sidewall  132  of the container module  100  can be adjacent to and/or in contact with the sidewall  234  of the second container module  200 . The sidewall  134  of the container module  100  can be adjacent to and/or in contact with a sidewall  432  of the fourth container module  400 . This can be continued for all of the container modules of the portable interlocking unit  900 . By selecting the angle of the first and second sidewalls (e.g., angle A between sidewalls  132 ,  134 ) of each of the container modules, the shape of the portable interlocking unit  900  can be designed. For example, the angle A for each of the container modules  100 - 400  can be set at approximately a 90° angle to form a portable interlocking unit  900  with a square cross-sectional profile. 
     In some embodiments, the formation of the portable interlocking unit  900  can form boundaries for the access space  180 . For example, the sidewall  432  of the fourth container module  400  can be adjacent to the second sidewall  134  of the first container module  100 . A portion of the sidewall  432  can at least partially bound and/or enclose the access space  180 . In some embodiments, the access space  180  (and any additional access spaces; e.g.,  280 ,  380 ,  480 ) can be accessible at one or both of the container ends  901 ,  902  of the portable interlocking unit  900 . The access space  180  can provide access for a user&#39;s fingers to couple the connector  190  of the fixed connector  170   b  with the connector of the hinged connector  450   a  of the fourth container module  400 . The access space  180  can thus provide access to the connectors  190  of the fixed and/or hinged connectors of the container modules of the portable interlocking unit  900  to connect the container modules thereof. This pattern can be continued for all of the container modules of the portable interlocking unit  900 . 
     In some embodiments, the series can comprise a loop, such as a ring. The ring can be formed such that upper lips (e.g.,  110 ,  210 , etc.) of the container modules in the series are on an outer periphery of the ring and/or the container walls (e.g.,  130 ,  230 , etc.) can be on an interior of the ring. For example, the openings bounded by the upper lips can be faced radially outward relative to the ring. In some embodiments of the ring, the upper lips can be on the interior of the ring and/or the container walls can extend around the exterior of the ring. For example, the openings bounded by the upper lips can be faced radially inward relative to the ring. 
     In some embodiments, the container walls  130 ,  230  can be in contact with each other. This can provide strength and support and/or can make the portable interlocking unit more rigid. In some embodiments of the ring, the container walls  130 ,  230  can be angled, or otherwise configured, such that they are not in constant contact with each other. This can give the ring a more free-form structure and/or can provide space between the container, such as for cooling fluid (e.g., in refrigerated air). 
     In some embodiments, the ring can be formed around another object. For example, the ring can be formed around a central container or hub. The hub can contain another food. For example, the container modules in the ring can include vegetables for dipping in a dressing contained in the central module. In some embodiments, the ring of the container modules can be sized to fit within another box or basket. For example, the ring can be formed to fit inside of a container (e.g., box or picnic basket). Other food items can be placed within the ring and/or within the container. 
     In some embodiments, at least some of the container modules of the modular container system can include at least one dimension that is different from other container modules. For example, the container module  200  can include the first and second ends  205 ,  207  with a different length than a length of first and second ends  105 ,  107  of the container module  100 . The first and second ends  205 ,  207  can be, as non-limiting examples, 1.5, 2, or 3 times the length of the first and second ends  105 ,  107 . Thus, in some embodiments of the modular container system, the user can select from a set of connectable modular containers with different dimensions to form the series. In some embodiments, the adjacent container modules can be selected from a set of compatible container modules of a different shape (e.g., circular, triangular, or other) or at least one dimension (e.g., length, width, or other) than the first container module. 
       FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate another container module  1100 . The container module  1100  can have any of the features of the container module  100 . The container module  1100  can include an upper lip  1110  defining an opening of a compartment  1104 . The compartment  1104  can be further bounded by a container wall  1130 . The container wall  1130  can include first and second sidewalls  1132 ,  1134  and first and second end walls  1136 ,  1138 . In some embodiments, the container wall  1130  can include a bottom wall  1140  coupled with the first and second sidewalls  1132 ,  1134  and the first and second end walls  1136 ,  1138 . The first and second end walls  1132 ,  1134  can each comprise planar portions that are set at an angle B. As illustrated, the angle B is approximately 120°. 
       FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate another container module  2100 . The container module  2100  can have any of the features of the container module  100 . The container module  2100  can include an upper lip  2110  defining an opening of a compartment  2104 . The compartment  2104  can be further bounded by a container wall  2130 . The container wall  2130  can include first and second sidewalls  2132 ,  2134  and first and second end walls  2136 ,  2138 . In some embodiments, the container wall  2130  can include a bottom wall  2140  coupled with the first and second sidewalls  2132 ,  2134  and the first and second end walls  2136 ,  2138 . The first and second end walls  2132 ,  2134  can each comprise planar portions that are set at an angle C. As illustrated, the angle C is approximately 72°. 
       FIGS. 13A-13C  illustrate another container module  3100 . The container module  3100  can have any of the features of the container module  100 . The container module  3100  can include an upper lip  3110  defining an opening of a compartment  3104 . The compartment  3104  can be further bounded by a container wall  3130 . The container wall  3130  can include first and second sidewalls  3132 ,  3134  and first and second end walls  3136 ,  3138 . In some embodiments, the container wall  3130  can include a bottom wall  3140  coupled with the first and second sidewalls  3132 ,  3134  and the first and second end walls  3136 ,  3138 . The first and second end walls  3132 ,  3134  can each comprise planar portions that are set at an angle C. As illustrated, the angle D is approximately 60°. 
     Certain Terminology 
     Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular” or “cylindrical” or “semi-circular” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations. 
     Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale where appropriate, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
     The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may permit, the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may permit, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees. 
     SUMMARY 
     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, the scope of this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. For example, some embodiments of the modular container system described above have been disclosed in the context of food containers. Other possible applications of the modular container system can include storage of any small articles that require organization. For example, hardware components (e.g., nails, screws, nuts, etc.) can be organized and stored in the above-described modular container systems. Such an implementation can be used to create custom sets of commonly used components that correspond to various kits or projects. When individual types of commonly used components are stored in the container modules of the modular container system, the custom sets can be easily and quickly assembled to suit any need. 
     Any system, method, and device described in this application can include any combination of the preceding features described in this and other paragraphs, among other features and combinations described herein, including features and combinations described in subsequent paragraphs. While several variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.