LID FOR TOTE WITH DRAINAGE AND ALIGNMENT FEATURES

Abstract

A lid for a tote may include a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels. The plurality of raised surface features may include a first raised surface feature and a second raised surface feature. The first raised surface feature may be separated from the second raised surface feature by at least one channel. A lip may circumscribe the main body and may include an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening. A plurality of connecting bridges may be coupled to the first raised surface feature and the second raised surface feature. A plurality of risers may extend from the lip to the main body of the lid.

Description

FIELD

The present technology relates generally to lids, and more specifically, lids with drainage, alignment, and securing features for use with storage totes.

INTRODUCTION

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Storage totes, including various shaped containers, are commonly used for commercial and residential applications. It is typical to store articles such as tools, recreational equipment, personal items, miscellaneous supplies and materials, and the like in a tote. A removable lid can be disposed on the tote and used to cover an open end of the tote, thereby securing and protecting the articles placed within the tote.

Certain lids may also be used to cover totes and further allow the totes to be stacked one on top of another. For example, multiple totes may therefore be stored and/or transported in a stacked configuration. Accordingly, it may be necessary for a lid to support considerable weight during use, depending on a number of totes and the respective contents of the totes that are stacked on top of the lid.

Lids for totes may include a thin, flat surface and a lip, channel, or indentation disposed around a perimeter of the flat surface. Often a fit between the lid and the tote is flexible and loose-fitting. Some lids may include handles for gripping during transport and features for temporarily connecting the lid to the tote, such as a handle that functions as a latch or a clasp that connects to one or both of the lid and the tote.

Certain tote lids, however, may be insufficient in strength and stability, especially when transported and/or stored in a stack configuration. Often a lid and/or a tote can become warped or damaged during storage and/or transportation if the lid cannot properly support weight from other totes or other items placed on the lid. Likewise, items that are stored under the lid may be damaged when the lid does not properly support weight placed thereon. Items in a tote may also be damaged during transport if the tote slides off of a lid on which it is placed.

Contents of totes may also be damaged when the fit or seal between the lid and the tote does not properly keep out water, debris, and/or other undesirable substances or organisms. While it is known to use cords, straps, and other mechanisms to further secure the lid to the tote, these means for securing the lid to the tote often do not work as intended, and may shift or become misaligned. This undesirably permits the lid to become loose from the tote and exposes the contents of the tote to various elements. It is also undesirable that certain latching mechanisms for lids may be easily broken and/or opened by anyone due to a lack of a secure locking mechanism.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a lid that is strong and durable in a stacked configuration, forms a secure fit with a corresponding tote, and allows for drainage of water and other substances during storage and transportation. Desirably, the lid would have a secure locking mechanism and could be effectively used with additional securing mechanisms such as bungee cords.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a lid that is strong and durable in a stacked configuration, forms a secure fit with a corresponding tote, allows for drainage of water and other substances during storage and transportation, has a secure locking mechanism, and can be effectively used with additional securing mechanisms such as bungee cords, has surprisingly been discovered.

The present technology includes articles of manufacture, systems, and processes that relate to a lid having features for drainage, alignment, and securing the lid when used with a storage tote.

In certain embodiments, a lid for a tote may include a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels. The plurality of raised surface features may include a first raised surface feature and a second raised surface feature. The first raised surface feature may be separated from the second raised surface feature by at least one channel. A lip may circumscribe the main body and may include an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening.

In certain embodiments, a lid for a tote may include a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels. The plurality of raised surface features may include a first raised surface feature and a second raised surface feature. The first raised surface feature may be separated from the second raised surface feature by at least one channel. A lip may circumscribe the main body and may include an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening. A plurality of connecting bridges may couple the first raised surface feature and the second raised surface feature. A plurality of risers may extend from the lip to the main body of the lid.

In certain embodiments, a lid for a tote may include a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels. The plurality of raised surface features may include a first raised surface feature and a second raised surface feature. The first raised surface feature may be separated from the second raised surface feature by at least one channel. A lip may circumscribe the main body and may include an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening. A plurality of connecting bridges may couple the first raised surface feature and the second raised surface feature. A plurality of risers may extend from the lip to the main body of the lid. The boss may be received by a tote opening disposed in the tote.

In certain embodiments, a lid may have a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels. The plurality of raised surface features may include a first raised surface feature, a second raised surface feature, a third raised surface feature, and a fourth raised surface feature. The plurality of channels may include a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel. The first raised surface feature may be separated from the second raised surface feature by the first channel, and the second raised surface feature may be separated from the third raised surface feature by the second channel. The third raised surface feature may be separated from the fourth raised surface feature by the third channel, and the fourth raised surface feature may be separated from the first raised surface feature by the fourth channel. The lid may further include a lip circumscribing the main body, the lip including an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening. The main body may include a plurality of connecting bridges including a first connecting bridge. The first connecting bridge may form an end of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel. The first connecting bridge may couple the first raised surface feature, the second raised surface feature, the third raised surface feature, and the fourth raised surface feature. The first connecting bridge may join and provide continuity between a top surface of the first raised surface feature, a top surface of the second raised surface feature, a top surface of the third raised surface feature, and a top surface of the fourth raised surface feature. A top surface of the first connecting bridge may be coplanar with the top surface of the first raised surface feature, the top surface of the second raised surface feature, the top surface of the third raised surface feature, and the top surface of the fourth raised surface feature. The plurality of raised surface features may include square raised surface features. A plurality of risers may extend from the lip to the main body of the lid. The plurality of risers may include a wall riser and a corner riser. The wall riser may be disposed on a side section of the lid and the corner riser may be disposed on a corner section of the lid. A recess may be formed between a pair of adjacent risers of the plurality of risers.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a lid with a central diamond element, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof,

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof,

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view thereof,

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof,

FIG. 6 is a right-side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating components of a lid, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a lid coupled to a tote, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of the lid and the tote of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a lid, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as may be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed, unless expressly stated otherwise. “A” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. “About” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.

Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments may alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application. For example, recitation of a composition or process reciting elements A, B and C specifically envisions embodiments consisting of, and consisting essentially of, A, B and C, excluding an element D that may be recited in the art, even though element D is not explicitly described as being excluded herein.

As referred to herein, disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter may define endpoints for a range of values that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The present technology provides a lid 100 having drainage and alignment features, as well as securing features where the lid 100 is configured for coupling to a cooperatively shaped tote 132. The lid 100 is strong and durable when placed in a stacked configuration supporting other objects, such as other totes 132 that may have other lids 100 coupled thereto. Coupling of the lid 100 with the tote 132 forms a secure fit with the corresponding tote 132 and allows for drainage of water and other substances during storage and transportation. The lid 100 may accordingly provide ways to secure the lid 100 to the tote 132 and/or may also provide ways to work with additional securing mechanisms, such as bungee cords.

Aspects of lids 100 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure are shown generally in FIGS. 1-10.

The lid 100 may include a main body 102 and a lip 104 circumscribing the main body 102. The main body 102 and the lip 104 may be fabricated using one or more durable, water resistant materials. The lid 100 may be formed of plastic, including various polyolefins and mixtures thereof, polypropylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE), and/or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). One of ordinary skill in the art may select any suitable material or combination of materials for forming the lid 100 within the scope of the present disclosure. The main body 102 and the lip 104 may be integral with one another, permanently coupled to one another, or removably coupled to one another, as determined by one of skill in the art.

The main body 102 may include one or more raised surface features 106, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 7, and 8. The raised surface features 106 may be any suitable shape, size, and configuration, as determined by one of skill in the art. In one non-limiting example, the raised surface features 106 may be square, as defined by having four right angles. The raised surface features 106 may be any orientation of a square, for example, oriented on a side to appear as a diamond. Each of the raised surface features 106 may have the same shape, size, and configuration. However, it should be appreciated that the raised surface features 106 may have different shapes, sizes, and configurations, according to various embodiments.

The main body 102 may include one or more channels 108. The channels 108 may be disposed between one or more of the raised surface features 106, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The channels 108 may be any shape, size, and configuration, as determined by one of skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, one or more of the channels 108 may have a U-shaped cross-section or a C-shaped cross-section. The channels 108 may be integral with the raised surface features 106. Each of the channels 108 may have the same shape, size, and configuration, or the channels 108 may have different shapes, sizes, and configurations, as determined by a skilled artisan. In certain embodiments, the channels 108 may be in a grid configuration and, more specifically, the grid configuration may have multiple intersecting lines in a perpendicular pattern, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The lid 100 may also include one or more connecting bridges 110. One or more of the connecting bridges 110 may join and provide continuity between one or more raised surface features 106. In certain embodiments, a top surface 112 of one or more connecting bridges 110 may join and provide continuity between a top surface 114 of one or more raised surface features 106. In certain more particular embodiments, the top surface 112 of one or more connecting bridges 110 may be coplanar with the top surface 114 of one or more raised surface features 106. The connecting bridges 110 may be any suitable shape, size, and configuration, as determined by one of skill in the art.

The connecting bridges 110 may be square, as defined by having four sides aligned by four right angles. The connecting bridges 110 may be any orientation of a square, for example, such as oriented on a side to appear as a diamond. Each of the connecting bridges 110 may have the same shape, size, and configuration. However, it should be appreciated that the connecting bridges 110 may have different shapes, sizes, and configurations, according to various embodiments. The connecting bridges 110 may be integral with one or more of the raised surface features 106 and/or the channels 108 wherein the main body includes a plurality of

Advantageously, the combination of the raised surface features 106 and the channels 108 increases the rigidity and strength of the lid 100. Additionally, the connecting bridges 110 further increase the rigidity and strength of the lid 100. The connecting bridges may accordingly militate against the lid 100 buckling, bending, and/or collapsing under weight from any item placed on the lid 100 during transport and/or storage, such as another tote (not shown).

The lid 100 may include at least a first raised surface feature 116 and a second raised surface feature 118. In certain embodiments, the first raised surface feature 116 may be separated from a plurality of second raised surface features 118 by a plurality of channels 108. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a plurality of first connecting bridges 120 may be integral with and extending outwardly from the first raised surface feature 116 and may couple the first raised surface feature 116 to one or more of the second raised surface features 118. It should be appreciated that one of skill in the art may select any number and configuration of raised surface features 106, channels 108, and connecting bridges 110.

Each of the raised surface features 106 may be the same shape, size, and/or configuration or may be a different shape, size, and/or configuration, according to various embodiments. In certain embodiments, the first raised surface feature 116 may have the same shape as one or more of the second raised surface features 118, however, a dimension, such as a length, a width, a height, and/or a surface area, as-non-limiting examples, of the first raised surface feature 116 may be greater than one or more corresponding dimensions of one or more of the second raised surface features 118 within the present disclosure. A skilled artisan may select any suitable shape for each of the first raised surface feature 116 and the second raised surface feature, such as a rectangle, circle, diamond, square, hexagon, oval, or polygon, as non-limiting examples.

One or more raised surface features 106 may be used for product branding and/or instructional purposes, as non-limiting examples. As non-limiting examples, logos and or other branding or informational materials may be embossed, stamped, printed, labeled, or otherwise affixed to or disposed on one or more raised surface features 106. Advantageously, the variable sizes and locations of the raised surface features 106 may allow for logos, branding material, and/or instructional content to be added to the main body 102 of the lid 100, as desired. In one non-limiting example, the first raised surface feature 116 may be larger than the second raised surface features 118, thereby allowing a large logo to be included on the first raised surface feature 116. In certain embodiments, the first raised surface feature 116 may be centrally positioned on the main body 102 of the lid 100 and up to three times the size of the second raised surface feature 118.

One or more raised surface features 106 may have any desired thickness and/or opacity, thereby allowing a logo or other desirable symbol or design to be included on the raised surface feature 106, as determined by a skilled artisan. In certain embodiments, the raised surface feature 106 may be opaque. The raised surface feature 106 may have a wall thickness of at least 0.5 millimeters. In certain embodiments, the raised surface feature 106 may have a wall thickness of at least 1.2 millimeters. In more particular embodiments, the raised surface feature 106 may have a wall thickness of at least 3.0 millimeters. One or more raised surface features 106 may include a finish such as dull, matte, semi-gloss, and gloss finish, as non-limiting examples.

In certain more particular embodiments, the first raised surface feature 116 may be centrally positioned on the main body 102 of the lid 100 and up to nine times the size of the second raised surface feature 118. A surface area of the first raised surface feature 116 may be greater than at least twenty percent of a total surface area of the main body 102 of the lid 100. In a more particular embodiments, the surface area of the first raised surface feature 116 may be greater than at least twenty-five percent of the total surface area of the main body 102 of the lid 100. It should be appreciated that the first raised surface feature 116 may be any desired size with respect to any other raised surface feature 106 and/or with respect to the main body 102 of the lid, as determined by a skilled artisan.

A bottom surface 138 of the lid 100 may include a bottom surface of one or both of the first raised surface feature 116 and the second raised surface feature 118. The bottom surface of one or both of the first raised surface feature 116 and the second raised surface feature 118 may be smooth and without any ribbing or other reinforcing elements, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Advantageously, this militates against shadowing and/or undulations visible on the top surface 114, thereby allowing branding material to be included on the top surface 114. In more particular embodiments, the first raised surface feature 116 may be smooth and without any ribbing or other reinforcing elements, such that there is no shadowing and/or undulations visible on the top surface 114 of the first raised surface feature 116.

In certain embodiments, at least one connecting bridge 110 may extend outwardly from at least one channel 108 and may couple the first raised surface feature 116 and the second raised surface feature 188. The connecting bridge 110 may join and provide continuity between a top surface 114 of the first raised surface feature 116 and a top surface 114 of the second raised surface feature 118. The top surface 112 of the connecting bridge 110 may be coplanar with the top surface 114 of the first raised surface feature 116 and the top surface 114 of the second raised surface feature 118.

The lip 104 may be configured to form an outer perimeter of the lid 100 by extending around an outer perimeter of the main body 102. The lip 104 may include a top surface 122, a first sidewall 124, and a second sidewall 126, as shown in FIG. 1. The top surface 122, the first sidewall 124, and the second sidewall 126 of the lip 104 may be integrally formed with one another. Likewise, one or more of the top surface 122, the first sidewall 124, and the second sidewall 126 of the lip 104 may be integrally formed with the main body 102 of the lid 100. The lip 104 may be any shape, size, and configuration, as determined by one of skill in the art. In one non-limiting example, the lip 104 may have an inverted U-shaped cross-section, as shown in FIG. 9. The lip 104 may have a uniform shape, size, and configuration or may have variable shapes, sizes, and configurations, as determined by a skilled artisan.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid 100 may include at least one opening 128. The opening 128 may be disposed in the top surface 122 of the lip 104. The opening 128 may have a protrusion, such as a boss 130, in one non-limiting example. The boss 130 may extend downwardly from the opening 128, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In one non-limiting example, the opening 128 may be oblong in shape. In certain more particular embodiments, the opening 128 may have a stadium shape. One of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable shape and size for the opening 128 and the boss 130 within the scope of the present disclosure.

The lip 104 may be configured to fit around and couple to a tote 132, as shown in FIG. 9. The tote 132 may include a tote opening 134. The tote opening 134 may be configured to receive a portion of the lid 100 and act as a guide as the lid 100 is placed on the tote 132. The tote opening 134 may be any suitable shape, size, and configuration. The tote opening 134 may be a hollow channel without a base, or the tote opening 134 may have a base, as determined by one of skill in the art. The tote opening 134 may be configured to be selectively aligned with the opening 128 of the lip 104. In certain more particular embodiments, the tote opening 134 may receive the boss 130 of the lip 104, thereby securely aligning and fitting the lid 100 to the tote 132.

Advantageously, the positioning of the boss 130 in the tote opening 134 may allow for a secure fit between the lid 100 and the tote 132, where the lid 100 cannot move forward, backward, or in a side-to-side motion with respect to the tote 132. Additionally, the boss 130 may be used as an alignment feature to assist a user with properly aligning the lid 100 to the tote 132. It should be appreciated that any complementary shapes, sizes, and configurations for the tote opening 134 and the boss 130 may be used to facilitate aligning, securing, and otherwise coupling the lid 100 to the tote 132. Likewise, any desirable number of boss 130 and tote opening 134 combinations may be employed. One of ordinary skill in the art may select any suitable shape, size, and configuration for the corresponding tote opening 134, opening 128 in the lip 104, and boss 130 within the scope of the present disclosure, as well as any number thereof.

Advantageously, the opening 128 disposed in the lip 104 may allow for liquid, such as rainwater or spilled liquid, to drain from the lid 100 and militate against liquid collecting on and under the lid 100. Additionally, the boss 130 extending through the tote opening 134 may militate against movement of the lid 100 with respect to the tote 132. As a further advantage, the opening 128 may be configured to receive a securing device (not shown) such as a padlock or a zip tie, thereby allowing the lid 100 to be semi-permanently secured and/or locked to the tote 132.

At least one riser 136 configured to provide structural support to the lip 104 and/or the main body 102 may be disposed on the lid 100. The riser 136 may extend from the lip 104 to the main body 102, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3-6, and 10, and may be any size, shape, and configuration capable of providing structural support to the lid 100. The riser 136 may be any suitable height, depth, width, and length, and may be disposed anywhere along the perimeter of the main body 102 and/or anywhere along the lip 104 of the lid 100. A plurality of risers 136 may be uniform in shape, size, and configuration, or may vary in shape, size, and configuration, as determined by the structural needs of the lid 100.

The riser 136 may be hollow and form a cavity 140 in the bottom surface 138 of the lid 100. One or more support elements 142 may be disposed in the cavity 140 to provide structural support to the lid 100, as determined by a skilled artisan. One or more support elements 142 may be disposed on one or more corner sections 144 of the lid 100, one or more side sections 146 of the lid 100, and/or one or both of a front section 148 and a rear section 150 of the lid 100. The support elements 142 may be any suitable size, shape, and configuration, and any number of support elements 142 may be disposed on the lid 100, as desired.

A pair of adjacent risers 136 may extend upwardly from the top surface 122 of the lip 104, such that a top surface 152 of the riser 136 may be positioned above the top surface 122 of the lip 104 and the main body 102 of the lid 100. As such, a recess 154 may be formed between the pair of adjacent risers 136. The recess 154 may be configured to receive a tie-down strap or other securing means (not shown) for securing the lid 100 to the tote 132 and/or the lid 100 and tote 132 to another object, such as another tote or a transport vehicle, as non-limiting examples. More specifically, the securing means may extend through the recess 154 and may be unable to move side-to-side beyond each of the two adjacent risers 136. A securing means accordingly may be disposed adjacent to each recess 154 and across the lid 100 to another recess 154 on the opposite side of the lid 100. Various examples of securing means include rope, tie-down straps, ratcheting straps, and bungee cords or straps. The lid 100 may include a hook and strap icon 155 to indicate placement of the securing means used to secure the lid 100 to the tote 132, to secure a stack of totes 132 with lids 100 coupled thereto, and/or to secure the tote 132 and coupled lid 132 to a platform, shelf, or other storage or transport location. The respective pairs of adjacent risers 136 flanking the hook and strap icon 155 militate against lateral movement of the securing means on the lid 100.

The lid 100 may include at least one corner riser 156 and at least one wall riser 157, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. In one non-limiting example, each corner section 144 of the lid 100 may include a corner riser 156, the front section 148 of the lid 100 may include at least one front wall riser 158, and the rear section 150 of the lid 100 may include at least one rear wall riser 160. Additionally, each side section 146 of the lid 100 may include at least one side wall riser 162. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan may select any number and configuration of risers 136 within the scope of the present disclosure.

Advantageously, each riser 136 provides structural support for the lip 104 and the main body 102 of the lid 100. Additionally, each recess 154 formed between a pair of adjacent risers 136 may be used to securely receive a tie-down strap or other securing means. The risers 136 may also be used to properly align and/or position and secure another tote and/or other items placed on top of the lid 100 by militating against unwanted movement and sliding of the other tote and/or other items on the lid 100.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 100 may include iconography 164 depicting possible uses for the openings 128 and the risers 136. As an example, the iconography 164 can include images of a zip tie, a pad lock, a pull strap, and/or a tie-down strap. Advantageously, the iconography 164 can suggest to the user additional features of the lid 100. One of ordinary skill can select any suitable iconography 164 to depict uses of the lid 100 and various features of the lid 100 within the scope of the present disclosure.

According to certain embodiments, the lid 100 may include a plurality of openings 128 including a first outer opening 166, a second outer opening 168, and a central opening 170 disposed on each of a first side section 172 and a second side section 174 of the lid 100. The central opening 170 may be disposed between the first outer opening 166 and the second outer opening 168. It should be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may select a suitable placement for the first outer opening 166, the second outer opening 168, and the central opening 170 within the scope of the present disclosure. The first outer opening 166, the second outer opening 168, and the central opening 170 of the first side section 172 may be positioned directly opposite the first outer opening 166, the second outer opening 168, and the central opening 170 of the second side section 174. The first outer opening 166 and the second outer opening 168 may be spaced evenly relative to the central opening 170.

With reference to FIG. 8, the lid 100 may include a plurality of risers 136 extending upwardly from the top surface 122 of the lip 104 and connecting the lip 104 to the main body 102 of the lid 100. More specifically, each corner section 144 of the lid 100 may include a corner riser 156. Additionally, each of the front section 148 and the rear section 150 of the lid 100 may include a front wall riser 158 and a rear wall riser 160, respectively, positioned directly opposite one another. Each of the first side section 172 and the second side section 174 of the lid 100 may include a first wall riser 176, a second wall riser 178, and a central wall riser 180. The first wall riser 176, the second wall riser 178, and the central wall riser 180 of the first side section 172 may be positioned directly opposite the first wall riser 176, the second wall riser 178, and the central wall riser 180 of the second side section 174. Accordingly, a channel of the plurality of channels 108 is formed between each pair of adjacent risers 136, and each channel 108 is positioned directly opposite another channel 108. One of ordinary skill in the art may select any suitable number and configuration of risers 136 and channels 108 within the scope of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, a method of using a lid for a tote may include a first step of providing the lid 100. A second step may include securing the lid 100 to a tote 132. It should be appreciated that the method of using the lid may include additional steps performed in any desired order. Likewise, one or more steps may be omitted and/or repeated, as determined by a skilled artisan.

Advantageously, the lid 100 includes features such as the one or more openings 128 that allow the user to securely lock the lid 100 to the tote 132 using a padlock or zip-tie, as non-limiting examples, thereby militating against loss or theft of any items contained therein. Each opening 128, in combination with a respective boss 130, further militates against the lid 100 disconnecting from the tote 132 during storage and transport. Additionally, the opening 128 and boss 130 combination assists the user in aligning the lid 100 with the tote 132 during use. The opening 128 also allows for water to pass through and not collect on the lid 100.

The combination of the raised surface features 106 and the channels 108 also increases the rigidity and strength of the lid 100. Additionally, the connecting bridges 110 further increase the rigidity and strength of the lid 100, thereby militating against the lid 100 buckling, bending, and/or collapsing under weight from another tote and/or other item placed on the lid 100 during transport and/or storage.

Advantageously, the risers 136 provide structural support for the lip 104 and the main body 102 of the lid 100, as well as forming the cavity 140 in which support elements 142 may be disposed. The recesses 154 formed between each pair of adjacent risers 136 may be used to securely receive a tie-down strap or other securing means. The risers 136 may also be used to properly align and/or position and other totes and other items placed on top of the lid 100 by militating against unwanted movement and sliding of the other totes and/or other items on the lid 100.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, compositions and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, with substantially similar results.

Claims

1. A lid for a tote, comprising: a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels, the plurality of raised surface features including a first raised surface feature and a second raised surface feature, the plurality of channels including a first channel, the first raised surface feature separated from the second raised surface feature by the first channel; anda lip circumscribing the main body, the lip including an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening.

2. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the main body includes a plurality of connecting bridges including a first connecting bridge, the first connecting bridge forming an end of the first channel, and the first connecting bridge coupling the first raised surface feature and the second raised surface feature.

3. The lid for a tote of claim 2, wherein the first connecting bridge joins and provides continuity between a top surface of the first raised surface feature and a top surface of the second raised surface feature, and a top surface of the first connecting bridge is coplanar with the top surface of the first raised surface feature and the top surface of the second raised surface feature.

4. The lid for a tote of claim 2, wherein: the plurality of raised surface features further includes a third raised surface feature and a fourth raised surface feature;the plurality of channels further includes a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel;the second raised surface feature separated from the third raised surface feature by the second channel;the third raised surface feature separated from the fourth raised surface feature by the third channel;the fourth raised surface feature separated from the first raised surface feature by the fourth channel; andthe first connecting bridge joins and provides continuity between a top surface of the third raised surface feature and a top surface of the fourth raised surface feature, and the top surface of the first connecting bridge is coplanar with the top surface of the third raised surface feature and the top surface of the fourth raised surface feature.

5. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the plurality of raised surface features includes square raised surface features.

6. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the first raised surface feature is larger than the second raised surface feature.

7. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the first surface feature is at least three times larger than second surface feature.

8. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the lip includes an icon depicting at least one use for the opening.

9. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the lip includes a first side of the lip having a first side opening, a second opening, and a first central opening between the first side opening and the second side opening, a second side of the lip having a third side opening, a fourth side opening, and a second central opening between the third side opening and the fourth side opening, and wherein the first side opening is disposed opposite the third side opening, the second side opening is disposed opposite the fourth side opening, and the first central opening is disposed opposite the second central opening.

10. The lid for a tote of claim 9, wherein the first side opening and the second side opening are spaced evenly relative to the first central opening, and the third central side opening and the fourth side opening are spaced evenly relative to the second central opening.

11. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein the lid further includes a riser extending from the lip to the main body of the lid.

12. The lid for a tote of claim 1, wherein a plurality of risers extending from the lip to the main body of the lid includes a wall riser and a corner riser, the wall riser being disposed on a side section of the lid and the corner riser being disposed on a corner section of the lid.

13. The lid for a tote of claim 11, wherein a recess is formed between a pair of adjacent risers of the plurality of risers.

14. The lid for a tote of claim 12, wherein the recess is configured to receive a securing strap.

15. The lid for a tote of claim 11, wherein each riser of the plurality of risers is hollow and defines a cavity with a support element disposed in the cavity.

16. The lid for a tote of claim 14, wherein each riser of the plurality of risers has a top surface that extends above a top surface of the lip and a top surface of the main body of the lid.

17. A lid and a tote, the lid comprising the lid according to claim 1.

18. A lid for a tote, comprising: a main body including a plurality of raised surface features and a plurality of channels, the plurality of raised surface features including a first raised surface feature, a second raised surface feature, a third raised surface feature, and a fourth raised surface feature, the plurality of channels including a first channel, a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel, the first raised surface feature separated from the second raised surface feature by the first channel, the second raised surface feature separated from the third raised surface feature by the second channel, the third raised surface feature separated from the fourth raised surface feature by the third channel, the fourth raised surface feature separated from the first raised surface feature by the fourth channel; anda lip circumscribing the main body, the lip including an opening having a boss extending downwardly from the opening;wherein:the main body includes a plurality of connecting bridges including a first connecting bridge, the first connecting bridge forming an end of the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel;the first connecting bridge couples the first raised surface feature, the second raised surface feature, the third raised surface feature, and the fourth raised surface feature;the first connecting bridge joins and provides continuity between a top surface of the first raised surface feature, a top surface of the second raised surface feature, a top surface of the third raised surface feature, and a top surface of the fourth raised surface feature;a top surface of the first connecting bridge is coplanar with the top surface of the first raised surface feature, the top surface of the second raised surface feature, the top surface of the third raised surface feature, and the top surface of the fourth raised surface feature;the plurality of raised surface features includes square raised surface features;a plurality of risers extends from the lip to the main body of the lid, the plurality of risers including a wall riser and a corner riser, the wall riser disposed on a side section of the lid and the corner riser being disposed on a corner section of the lid; anda recess is formed between a pair of adjacent risers of the plurality of risers.

19. A lid and a tote, the lid comprising the lid according to claim 18.

20. A method of using the lid according to claim 1 and a tote, comprising one of: coupling the lid to the tote; anddecoupling the lid from the tote.