Patent Application
20110147385
The present invention relates generally to containers, and particularly to modular container assemblies that are used to store tools and other objects.
Modular containers are used to store and transport many different objects. Some modular containers are stackable on top of one another for storage or shipment such that there is relatively little movement between the stacked containers. To facilitate stacking, the top surface of one container includes a feature that interlocks with a corresponding feature formed on a bottom surface of another container. Stacking the modular containers allows people handling the containers to optimize the available storage space within a building, as well as the space within a transport vehicle.
Most modular containers are constructed from a hardened polymer or similar material, and are crush-resistant to protect the objects within the container. However, such containers may still be vulnerable at their corners.
The present invention provides a container assembly for storing and/or transporting goods such as tools. The container assembly includes a base, a lid, and a plurality of latching mechanisms positioned around the exterior surface of the base 40. The latches allow a user to secure the lid to the base. When coupled together, the lid and the base form an enclosed containment area in which a user can store and/or transport goods, such as tools and other objects.
The container also includes corner braces and a pair of wheel assemblies that are attached to the lower corners of the base. Each corner is further formed to include an elongated channel. The corner braces, the wheel assemblies, and the elongated channel strengthen the base and provide the container with stability.
The corner braces and the wheel assemblies are attached to the base such that a portion of the corner brace spans the elongated channel. This forms a clearance channel between each molded corner of the base and the corner braces. The clearance channels provide clearance behind the corner braces so that a tie down placed across the lid of the container can be connected to the corner braces.
The present invention provides a container assembly for storing and/or transporting a variety of different objects, such as tools and other equipment. As seen in the figures and as described in the following specification, the container assembly comprises a two-piece, moldable, stackable case. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the present invention is not so limited, and that the container assembly need not be moldable or stackable, but rather, can be any type of container used for the storage and/or transportation of a variety of objects.
In some embodiments, one or more optional hinges 14 may be disposed on one side of the container 10 to allow the user to open and close the container 10 without having to lift the lid 20 from the base 40. In addition, a plurality of spring-loaded handles 16 may be disposed around the perimeter of the base 40 to assist the user in lifting and transporting the container 10. As is seen in
The lid 20 and base 40 may be manufactured together or separately, and may be constructed from any material needed or desired. However, in one embodiment, the lid 20 and base 40 are both manufactured as independent pieces. Particularly, each component is molded as a single piece from a material such as high-density polyethelyne (HDPE), for example. When cured, materials such as HDPE are sufficiently hard with which to provide a crush-resistant “shell” that helps to protect any cargo within the containment area 12 from being stolen or damaged.
The lid 20 comprises sidewalls 22 that extend downward from a periphery of a top surface 24. The top surface 24 includes a plurality of molded stacking features that allow one container 10 to be stacked with one or more other containers 10. In this embodiment, the stacking features comprise a plurality of raised members 26 and a plurality of raised ribs 28. The raised members 26 are generally octagonal in shape and are arranged on the top surface 24 in rows and columns; however, other arrangements are equally suitable. The raised ribs 28 extend between each raised member 26 and impart strength to the container 10. Together, the raised members 26 and the raised ribs 28 form a plurality of recesses 30 on the top surface 24 of lid 20. As seen in more detail below, the distribution of the recesses 30, as well as their size and shape, are formed to receive a plurality of complementary stacking features extending from a bottom surface of another container 10.
The base 40 also comprises a sidewall 42 that extends from a periphery of a bottom surface 44. The bottom surface 44 is formed to include a plurality of molded, raised stacking members 46 arranged in rows and columns. Both the size and shape the raised stacking members 46, as well as the arrangement of the raised stacking members 46 over the bottom surface 44, complements the recesses 30 formed on the top surface 24 of lid 20. Particularly, the raised stacking members 46 fit into the recesses 30 formed on lid 20 such that they interlock. This prevents containers 10 that are stacked upon one another from sliding or moving relative to one another. The geometry of the stacking features on both the lid 20 and base 40 allows for the stacking of containers 10, oriented in the same direction, or with the containers 10 rotated 90° with respect to one another.
Both the lid 20 and the base 40 may comprise a plurality of concavities or depressions 32, 48 integrally formed in the outer surfaces of their respective sidewalls 22, 42. When the lid 20 is coupled to the base 40, each depression 32 on the lid 20 generally aligns with a corresponding depression 48 formed in the sidewall 42 of lid 40. The depressions 48 in base 40 provide a recessed area for handles 16 and/or a first part of a latch 120, while the depressions 32 formed in the sidewall 22 of lid 20 provide a recessed area for a corresponding second part of the latch 120.
As stated previously, tools and/or other objects may be stored and transported within the containment area 12. There is no restriction on the size or shape of the tools and/or objects, and therefore, the objects may be large and small. To help organize smaller objects within the containment area 12, the interior of base 40 may be configured to include one or more trays 50. Specifically, the interior surface of sidewall 42 may be molded to include a plurality of vertically-oriented, integrally-formed, elongated notches 52. Each notch 52 is configured to receive a tab (not shown) extending from the side of tray 50. The notches 52 are generally evenly spaced around the interior surface of the sidewall 42 so that a tray 50 may be positioned in multiple places within the containment area 12.
The elongated notches 52 may be formed in any manner known in the art; however, in this embodiment, the notches 52 are formed as trapezoids such that an open end of the notch 52 receiving a tab of tray 50 is slightly wider than an opposing, terminating end of the notch 52. The narrowing width of the notches 52 allows the notches 52 to “lock” the tabs into the notches 52 to help prevent movement of the tray 50.
The bracket 62 may be constructed from any material known in the art; however, in one embodiment, the bracket 62 is formed as a unitary piece from a metal or metal alloy such as steel. The bracket 62 is then bent at predetermined angles thereby forming a first end section 64, a second end section 66, and an intermediate section 68 that generally conform to the shape of the corner on base 40. Alternatively, each of the first and second end sections 64, 66, and the intermediate section 68 are themselves separate pieces of steel and welded together at desired angles to form the complete bracket 62. As described in more detail below, an opening 78 is formed in the intermediate section 68 of the bracket 62, and provides a tie-down and/or lift point for the container 10.
The corners of the base 40 include an integrally-formed elongated channel 70. The channel 70 provides the base 40 with additional stability and strength. Channel 70 extends into the corner of base 40 and includes a first part 70a and a second part 70b. The first part 70a has a generally smooth surface that is a substantially uniform depth from the exterior surface of the sidewall 42. The second part 70b also has a substantially smooth surface, but is angled to extend towards the exterior surface of sidewall 42. The first and second parts 70a, 70b can have any dimensions needed or desired; however, in one embodiment, first part 70a has a length l1 that is about the same as the length lcb of the bracket 62.
When attached to the base 40, the first and second end sections 64, 66 contact adjacent portions of the sidewall 22, and the bottom surface 44 of base 40. The intermediate section 68, however, is spaced away from the sidewall 42 such that it does not contact the exterior surface of base 40. More particularly, the intermediate section 68 spans the width of the elongated channel 70 in the corner of base 40 thereby forming a clearance channel 80 between the corner brace 60 and the surface of the first part 70a. The access channel 80 is a space or clearance area behind the brace 60. With the clearance channel 80, a user can removably attach one end of a tie-down strap to an elongated opening 78 formed in the intermediate section 68. The user can then stretch the tie-down over the lid 20 of the container 10 (or another container 10 stacked on top), and attach the other end of the tie-down strap to a corresponding opening 78 formed in a corner brace 60 or 90 disposed on an opposite bottom corner of the container 10.
As stated previously, this embodiment of the bracket 92 includes a wheel assembly 90. As such, the bracket 92 is slightly different than that of bracket 62. Particularly, bracket 92 comprises a tab 94 that extends downward from the bracket 92. When assembled, tab 94 abuts to, and aligns with, a corresponding tab 100 formed on the wheel housing 96. Both the tab 94 and the tab 100 include an opening 102 that, as described later in more detail, are aligned to support the wheel 104.
The wheel housing 96 is also a unitary rigid piece. It is constructed from a metal or metal alloy and has a plurality of terminal edges 98. In one embodiment, the wheel housing 96 is secured to the bracket 92 by welding one or more of the edges 98 to the exterior surface of the bracket 92. As seen in the figures, the wheel housing 96 houses a wheel 104 that permits a user to roll the container 10 over a smooth flat surface. An arched notch 112 is formed into the wheel housing 96 so that the wheel 104 is able to spin freely in the wheel housing 96.
The wheel 104 includes an axle 106, and bushings 108a, 108b disposed at each terminal end of the axle 106. The wheel 104 and/or the bushings 108a, 108b may be comprised of rubber or some similar material to dampen and/or absorb shock. In this case, the bushings 108 comprise first and second bushings 108a, 108b that support the axle 106 and the wheel 104. One of the bushings 108a is supported within a depressed notch 110 integrally formed into the sidewall 42 of base 40. The other bushing 108b is supported within the aligned openings 102 formed in the aligned tabs 94 and 100.
As stated above, a plurality of latch assemblies 120 may be disposed around the periphery of the base 40 to secure the lid 20 to the base 40. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, any latch known in the art will allow a user to secure the lid 20 to the base 40. For example,
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotary draw latch 120 may include an arm 130 secured to the second part 124 of rotary draw latch 120. The arm 130 is constructed of a unitary piece of metal or metal alloy, and is formed to include one or more bends and turns as needed or desired. In this embodiment, the arm 130 comprises a first section 132 that connects to the second part 124 of rotary draw latch 120, and a second section 136 that extends from the first section 132. A slot 136 is formed in the second section 134 of the rotary draw latch 120. The slot 136 is sized and placed on the second section 134 to receive a corresponding tab 140 that is attached to and extending outwardly from the sidewall 42 of base 40. The tab 140 includes an opening 142 through which a user can connect a padlock (not shown). Once locked, the arm 130 maintains the second part 124 of the rotary draw latch 120 in a static position against the sidewall 42 of base 40 such that a person cannot turn the latch. This prevents unauthorized users from turning and unlatching the rotary draw latch 120 to gain access to the containment area 12.
The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.
