Patent Abstract:
A modular basin apparatus includes a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. The panels include a plurality of slots that receive portions of the other panels. A user may assemble the panels to form a three-dimensional basin apparatus. A concave cavity is formed on the upper side of the apparatus when assembled, and the cavity may be receive materials depending on the application of the assembly. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be used as a modular fire pit, chair, table, or other device. A fourth panel may rest against the first, second and third panels to provide an upper surface. In some embodiments, all panels include the same planform profile and outer dimensions such that they may be stacked in an arrangement having a uniform outer profile for improved transport and storage.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 15/143,503 filed Apr. 29, 2016 entitled MODULAR BASIN APPARATUS of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    The present disclosure relates generally to modular devices that can be assembled and disassembled by a user to form a useful article. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus having a plurality of plates that can be assembled and disassembled by a user to form a device having a central concave basin that may be used to accommodate articles or to form a structural support for items. 
         [0006]    In many applications, it may be desirable to provide a modular device that can be assembled and/or disassembled by a user to provide a useful article. In some applications, modular devices are desired because they may include a small form factor when disassembled, but may retain a much larger form factor when assembled into a useful article. A small form factor may be desirable when a user is travelling, transporting the device, storing the device, or generally isn&#39;t using the device. When the user desires to use the article for an application, the modular device may be unpacked and assembled to form the useful article. 
         [0007]    Modular devices of this nature are used for a variety of applications, for example in gardening as flower pots or planters, as furniture for seating or storage, or for other applications such as a portable fire pit or grill for receiving items such as firewood. 
         [0008]    Conventional modular devices for assembly and/or disassembly by a user are often bulky and are not easily assembled at a desired location. What is needed then are improvements in modular devices for allowing assembly and/or disassembly by a user for the purpose of forming useful article. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0009]    This Brief Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0010]    One aspect of the disclosure is to provide a modular basin apparatus including a central cavity shaped to receive items. The modular basin apparatus includes a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. Each panel includes one or more slots shaped to receive a portion of another panel. A user may assemble the apparatus using the slots to receive portions of the other panels, forming a three dimensional standing apparatus with central cavity positioned to receive one or more items. The apparatus may be used as a fire pit or grill in some embodiments. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a modular basin apparatus having first, second and third panels each having the same planform profile such that the panels may be stacked for transport or storage. 
         [0012]    A further aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a modular basin apparatus having an additional fourth panel to provide an upper surface supported by the first, second and third panels. 
         [0013]    Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a modular basin apparatus having first, second and third panels with slots that may be collinearly aligned to allow a user to assemble the apparatus. 
         [0014]    Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a modular basin apparatus that may be assembled to provide a three-dimensional structure, and disassembled by a user to provide a flat stack of two-dimensional panels. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a modular fire pit apparatus, including a first panel, a second panel and a third panel. The first panel includes a first panel lower edge, a first panel primary edge, and a first panel secondary edge. The first panel is in the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a six-sided polygon having a first planform profile. The second panel includes a second panel lower edge, a second panel primary edge, and a second panel secondary edge. The second panel is in the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a six-sided polygon having a second planform profile. The third panel includes a third panel lower edge, a third panel primary edge, and a third panel secondary edge. The third panel is in the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a six-sided polygon having a third planform profile. In some embodiments, the first, second and third planform profiles are substantially the same. The first, second and third panels may be modularly assembled by a user using one or more slots on each panel. 
         [0016]    Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon a review of the following drawings and description of a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular basin in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a first panel in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a second panel in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a third panel in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  illustrates a plan view an embodiment of first, second and third panels arranged for assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a fourth panel in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  illustrates an elevation view of an embodiment of a modular basin apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  illustrates an elevation view of an embodiment of a modular basin in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a modular basin in accordance with the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  illustrates an elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a modular basin in accordance with the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that are embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalents to the specific apparatus and methods described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the claims. 
         [0028]    In the drawings, not all reference numbers are included in each drawing, for the sake of clarity. In addition, positional terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “side,” “top,” “bottom,” etc. refer to the apparatus when in the orientation shown in the drawing, or as otherwise described. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the apparatus can assume different orientations when in use. 
         [0029]    Referring further to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a modular basin  10  including a first panel  20 , a second panel  40  and a third panel  60 . First, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  are joined together via a series of interconnecting slots to form an upright structure in the form of modular basin  10 . Each slot extends entirely through the thickness of the panel on which the slot is defined. First, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  each includes a substantially flat plate in some embodiments. Each panel can include any suitable material, such as but not limited to metal, steel, aluminum, titanium, plastic, polymer, acrylic, plexi-glass, glass, composite, graphite, stone, wood, paper, cardboard or any other suitable material. Each panel generally includes a sufficient thickness to allow basin  10  to stand on a flat or uneven surface in a generally upright position, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0030]    When first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  are joined together, a central cavity  12  is formed on the upper side of the panel assembly. Cavity  12  includes an open concave depression in the center of the assembly. Cavity  12  is generally shaped to allow one or more objects to be placed in the cavity  12 . For example, in some embodiments, modular basin  10  includes first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  joined to form a central cavity  12  to be used as a modular fire pit for receiving and burning firewood or some other combustible fuel such as charcoal or wood chips received in cavity  12 . In such embodiments, a fourth plate  80  may be positioned above the central cavity  12  to provide a grilling or cooking surface, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0031]    Modular basin  10  generally includes a first panel  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2  in the form of a substantially flat plate. First panel  20  includes a first panel lower edge  22 , and a first panel primary slot  24  is defined in first panel  20  beginning along first panel lower edge  22  and extending into the body of first panel  20  at a generally acute angle. A first panel secondary slot  26  is defined in first panel  20  intersecting the first panel primary slot  24  at a position along the length of first panel primary slot  24 . First panel secondary slot  26  is longer that first panel primary slot  24  in some embodiments. First panel primary slot  24  and first panel secondary slot  26  are oriented at an obtuse angle open to the upward direction, as shown in  FIG. 2  in some embodiments. Each of first panel primary slot  24  and first panel secondary slot  26  include a slot width substantially equal to the thickness of second and third plates  40 ,  60  in some embodiments. 
         [0032]    Referring further to  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, first panel  20  includes the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a clipped triangle. First panel  20  includes a first panel handle  38  in some embodiments that allows a user to lift first panel  20  in an upright orientation. A first panel handle opening  36  is formed adjacent first panel handle  38  to allow a user&#39;s hand to pass through the panel when grasping first panel handle  38 . 
         [0033]    Second panel  40  includes a second panel lower edge  42  positioned at a lower edge of second panel  40  in some embodiments. Second panel lower edge  42  includes the edge of second panel  40  that is positioned to engage a surface upon which modular basin  10  rests, such as the ground. Second panel  40  also includes a second panel primary edge  48  and a second panel secondary edge  50 . A second panel primary slot  44  is defined in second panel  40  beginning along the second panel primary edge  48 , as shown in  FIG. 3  in some embodiments. Second panel primary slot  44  includes a slot that extends from the second panel primary edge  48  inwardly toward the body of second panel  44 . Similarly, second panel  40  also includes a second panel secondary slot  46  defined in second panel  40  beginning along the second panel secondary edge  50  and extending inwardly toward the body of second panel  44 . Second panel primary slot  44  and second panel secondary slot  46  do not intersect. In some embodiments, second panel primary slot  44  and second panel secondary slot  46  are equal in length. In additional embodiments, second panel primary slot  44  and second panel secondary slot  46  are equal in both length and in angle relative to a vertical reference axis. In other embodiments, second panel primary slot  44  and second panel secondary slot  46  are unequal in length. Each of second panel primary slot  44  and second panel secondary slot  46  include a slot width that is substantially equal to the thickness of first panel  20  and third panel  60 . 
         [0034]    Referring further to  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, second panel  40  includes the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a clipped triangle. Second panel  40  includes a second panel handle  58  in some embodiments that allows a user to lift second panel  40  in an upright orientation. A second panel handle opening  56  is formed adjacent second panel handle  58  to allow a user&#39;s hand to pass through the panel when grasping second panel handle  58 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 4  in some embodiments a third panel  60  includes a substantially flat plate having a third panel lower edge  62  defined along the lower edge of third panel  60 . Third panel lower edge  62  is positioned to engage the surface or structure upon which assembled modular basin  10  rests, such as a ground surface. Third panel  60  includes a third panel primary recess  68  defined along the third panel lower edge  62 , and a third panel primary slot  64  is defined in third panel  60  beginning along the lower edge  62  in the third panel primary recess  68  and extending into the body of third panel  60 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Third panel primary slot  64  is generally oriented at an obtuse angle relative to a horizontal reference axis open to the left side of the third panel  60  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Third panel  60  includes a third panel primary edge  70  and a third panel secondary edge  72  opposite the third panel primary edge  70 . A third panel secondary recess  69  is defined along the third panel secondary edge  72 , and a third panel secondary slot  66  is defined in the third panel  60  beginning in the third panel secondary recess  69  and extending into the body of third panel  60 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Third panel secondary slot  66  is shorter in length than third panel primary slot  64  in some embodiments. 
         [0036]    Referring further to  FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, third panel  60  includes the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a clipped triangle. Third panel  60  includes a third panel handle  78  in some embodiments that allows a user to lift third panel  60  in an upright orientation. A third panel handle opening  76  is formed adjacent third panel handle  78  to allow a user&#39;s hand to pass through the panel when grasping third panel handle  78 . 
         [0037]    Referring further to  FIG. 4 , a portion of third panel  60  at the intersection of third panel secondary edge  72  and third panel lower edge  62  includes an insert portion  96  forming a flange that is dimensioned to be inserted through first panel secondary slot  26  on first panel  20 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Referring further to  FIG. 5 , each of the first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  are configured to be interconnected to form modular basin  10 . The assembly of first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  may be accomplished by a user who manually combines the panels to form modular basin  10 . Similarly, a user may manually disconnect first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  from each other to disassemble modular basin  10 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , first panel  20  is positioned relative to second panel  40  such that first panel primary slot  24  is collinearly aligned with and receives second panel primary slot  44 , as shown in line “a”. As the first panel primary slot  24  and second panel primary slot  44  pass each other in a collinear orientation, a portion of second panel  40  is received in first panel primary slot  24 , and a portion of first panel  20  is received in second panel primary slot  44 . 
         [0038]    Next, as shown by line “b” in  FIG. 5 , third panel  60  is positioned relative to first and second panels  20 ,  40  such that third panel primary slot  64  is collinearly aligned with second panel secondary slot  46 . In this position, insert portion  96  of third panel  60  is also aligned for insertion into first panel secondary slot  26 . Once aligned, third panel  60  can be moved toward first and second panels  20 ,  60  such that insert portion  96  is received in and passes through first panel secondary slot  96  while third panel primary slot  64  is collinearly passes second panel secondary slot  46 . As third panel  60  advances, a portion of second panel  40  is received in third panel primary slot  64 , and a portion of third panel  60  is received in second panel secondary slot  46 . Third panel  60  is advanced until third panel secondary slot  66  rests against the surface of first panel  20 , providing a translation stop for third panel  60 . Once the first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  are combined in this manner, a central cavity  12  is formed, and the modular basin apparatus may stand upright, as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, a fourth panel  80  is provided. Fourth panel  80  may be positioned above the central cavity  12  supported by first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Fourth panel  80  may provide a surface against which items may be rested, for example a sitting surface in embodiments where modular basin apparatus  10  is used to for a chair or stool. Alternatively, fourth panel  80  may be positioned above central cavity  12  to provide a cooking or grilling surface where modular basin apparatus  10  is used as a portable fire pit or portable cooking device such as a grill. As shown in  FIG. 6 , fourth panel  80  includes a cooking surface  91  including a plurality of passages  90  to allow passage of flames and/or heat from below. Fourth panel  80  can have numerous different configurations including a substantially solid panel in some embodiments. 
         [0040]    Referring further to  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, fourth panel  80  includes the shape of an equilateral triangle with truncated corners, forming a clipped triangle. Fourth panel  80  includes a support at each corner in some embodiments. Each support provides a contact location for fourth panel  80  to be supported by one of the first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , in some embodiments, fourth panel  80  includes a fourth panel first support  82  in a first corner of fourth panel  80 , a fourth panel second support  84  in a second corner of fourth panel  80 , and a fourth panel third support  86  in a third corner of fourth panel  80 . A fourth panel first opening  82   a  is defined in fourth panel  80  adjacent fourth panel first support  82 . A fourth panel second opening  84   a  is defined in fourth panel  80  adjacent fourth panel second support  84 . A fourth panel third opening  86   a  is defined in fourth panel adjacent fourth panel third support  86 . Each of the fourth panel first, second and third supports  82 ,  84 ,  86  may be used as a handle to allow user to grasp fourth panel to be carried in an upright orientation. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, first panel  20 , second panel  40 , third panel  60 , and fourth panel  80  include substantially the same planform profile, each including an equilateral triangle with truncated corners. Each panel in some embodiments also includes substantially the same outer dimensions. As such, when first panel  20 , second panel  40 , third panel  60 , and fourth panel  80  are disassembled, each panel may be stacked against one another to form a single stack of four panels having substantially the same outer planform profile and outer dimensions. When stacked, first handle  38 , second handle  58  and third handle  78  are substantially aligned. Additionally, when stacked first panel handle opening  36 , second panel handle opening  56 , and third panel handle opening  76  are substantially aligned. This alignment allows a user to simultaneously grasp first, second and third handles  38 ,  58 , and  78  while simultaneously passing the user&#39;s fingers through first panel handle opening  36 , second panel handle opening  56 , and third panel handle opening  76 . Fourth panel  80  may also be added to the stack by placing any one of the openings  82   a,    84   a,    86   a  on fourth panel  80  in alignment with first panel handle opening  36 , second panel handle opening  56 , and third panel handle opening  76 . 
         [0042]    In additional embodiments, first, second, third and fourth panels  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80  may be formed using a raw material. In alterative embodiments, first, second, third and fourth panels  20 ,  40 ,  60 ,  80  include a surface treatment such as an application of a polymer, ceramic, porcelain, enamel, glaze, paint or other surface coating or treatment. 
         [0043]    Referring further to  FIG. 2 , first panel  20  includes a first panel support tab  34  protruding from first panel  20  into first panel handle opening  36 . First panel support tab  34  includes a substantially rectangular protrusion extending partially into first panel handle opening  36  in some embodiments. Similarly, second panel  40  includes a second panel support tab  54  protruding from second panel  40  into second panel handle opening  56  in some embodiments. Second panel support tab  56  includes a substantially rectangular protrusion extending partially into second panel handle opening  56  in some embodiments. Third panel  60  also includes a third panel support tab  74  extending from third panel  60  into third panel handle opening  76  in some embodiments. Third panel support tab  74  includes a substantially rectangular protrusion extending partially into third panel handle support opening  76  in some embodiments. 
         [0044]    Each support tab  34 ,  54 ,  75  provides an engagement with a corresponding location on fourth panel  80  in some embodiments to keep fourth panel  80  centered above central cavity  12  when fourth panel  80  is positioned on modular basin apparatus  10 . First panel support tab  34  is partially received in fourth panel first opening  82   a,  second panel support tab  54  is partially received in fourth panel third opening  86   a,  and third panel support tab  74  is partially received in fourth panel second opening  84   a  in some embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 9 . In other embodiments, different support tabs may be received in different openings on fourth panel  80 , as fourth panel  80  may be rotated relative to modular basin apparatus  10 . 
         [0045]    In alternative embodiments, as seen in  FIG. 10 , fourth panel  80  may rest against the top edge of each of first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60 . As such, fourth panel  80  may be dimensioned with a larger planform profile than first, second and third panels  20 ,  40 ,  60  in some embodiments. 
         [0046]    In various applications, modular basin apparatus  10  including first panel  20 , second panel  40  and third panel  60  provides a modular structure that can be easily assembled and disassembled by a user. Modular basin apparatus  10  may be used for such purposes as for a fire pit, grill, fire bowl, stool, chair, table, decorative planter, display device, storage device, feeding trough, wash basin, bird bath, presentation device, or an apparatus for storing particulates, solids or liquids such as a bowl. 
         [0047]    Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful MODULAR BASIN APPARATUS is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5