WATERPROOF STORAGE BIN

Abstract

A storage bin is constructed from a single-sheet blank of corrugated plastic or any malleable material and includes a rectangular bottom panel, a pair of opposing side panels connected to the bottom panel through corresponding fold lines, and a pair of opposing end panels connected to the bottom panel through corresponding fold lines. A side extension flap is formed on each end of each side panel and is connected to its adjacent end panel by a solid, foldable, circular sector gusset. Gussets enable the lower portion of storage bin to be configured into its assembled state without the use of cut lines or openings, thereby rendering the bottom region of the storage bin waterproof. A plurality of buckle-type locking mechanisms are formed in the blank and are configured to be articulated through fitted openings in select panels to releasably retain the storage bin in its assembled state.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage containers and, more particularly, to waterproof storage bins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage bins are well known in the art and are commonly utilized to store and/or transport a plurality of individual items. Typically, a storage bin is constructed as a five-sided container with four side panels which project orthogonally upward from the peripheral edges of a rectangular bottom panel. Together, the bottom panel and upstanding side panels define an enlarged interior cavity which is accessible through an open top end. Optionally, a removable cover, or lid, may be mounted onto the open top end to effectively enclose the interior cavity.

Commonly, storage bins are maintained in relatively damp environments, such as a basement or warehouse. As a result, storage bins are often designed to be waterproof in order to protect items retained therein from moisture.

Traditionally, waterproof storage bins are constructed of plastic and molded into a fixed shape. The one-piece molded construction prevents water from penetrating through seams defined between the various bin panels.

Although well known and widely used in the art, conventional waterproof storage bins of the type as described above suffer from a notable shortcoming. Specifically, traditional waterproof storage bins are molded in a fixed shape and are therefore incapable of being collapsed or otherwise reduced in size when not in use. As a result, conventional waterproof storage bins are relatively difficult to transport, store, and clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved storage bin for retaining one or more items.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage bin of the type as described above which is designed to be waterproof in order to adequately protect items retained therein from moisture.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage bin of the type as described above which is constructed of a rigid, durable, and easily washable material, such as plastic.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a storage bin of the type as described above that is capable of being collapsed, or flattened, into a generally planar configuration when not in use to facilitate storage, cleaning, and transport.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a storage bin of the type as described above which is reusable.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a storage bin of the type as described above which has a limited number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture, and is simple and easy to use.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a storage bin of the type as described above which is easily customizable in size to suit the needs of a customer while maintaining low tooling costs.

Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a storage bin for retaining a product, the storage bin comprising (a) a bottom panel having a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing end edges, (b) a pair of opposing side panels, each of the pair of opposing side panels being connected to a corresponding side edge of the bottom panel through an associated fold line, each of the pair of opposing side panels having opposing ends, (c) a pair of opposing end panels, each of the pair of opposing end panels being connected to a corresponding end edge of the bottom panel through an associated fold line, (d) a plurality of side extension flaps, each side extension flap being connected to a corresponding end of each of the plurality of opposing side panels through a corresponding fold line, and a plurality of gussets, each gusset extending between a corresponding side extension flap and an adjacent end panel.

Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and which is shown by illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a waterproof storage bin shown in its fully assembled state, the storage bin being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the waterproof storage bin of FIG. 1 which has been disassembled into a one-piece flattened blank; and

FIGS. 3(a)-(d) are top perspective views of the waterproof storage bin shown in FIG. 1 at various stages during its assembly from a one-piece flattened blank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Waterproof Storage Bin 11

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown an assembled top perspective view of a waterproof storage bin constructed according to the teachings of the present invention, the waterproof storage bin being identified generally herein by reference numeral 11. As will be explained in detail below, the lower portion of storage bin 11 is waterproof, thereby rendering it suitable for use in damp environments. Additionally, storage bin 11 is uniquely designed to be disassembled into a one-piece, flattened blank, thereby facilitating its storage and/or transportation when not in use.

Waterproof storage bin 11 is shaped to define an enlarged interior cavity 13 which is suitably dimensioned to retain a plurality of small, individual items. However, it should be noted that bin 11 is not limited to holding any particular type or quantity of product. Rather, it is envisioned that bin 11 could be utilized in a wide variety of different applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Bin 11 is represented herein as a five-sided, open top bin. As can be appreciated, the particular dimensions of bin 11 could be modified, as needed, to suit its intended application.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a top view of a one-piece blank from which bin 11 is constructed, the blank being identified generally herein by reference numeral 21. Preferably, blank 21 is preferably manufactured of any suitable inexpensive, durable, and waterproof material, such as a corrugated plastic.

As can be seen, blank 21 comprises (i) an enlarged, rectangular bottom panel 23, (ii) a pair of opposing side panels 25, (iii) a pair of opposing end panels 27, (iv) a plurality of side extension flaps 29 formed on the ends of side panels 25, and (v) a plurality of gussets 31, each extending between a side extension flap 29 and an adjacent end panel 27. As will be explained further below, each side extension flap 29 is shaped to include a locking mechanism designed to retain bin 11 in its assembled state from blank 21, with the incorporation of gussets 31 rendering the lower region of storage bin 11 waterproof, which is a principal object of the present invention.

Side panels 25-1 and 25-2 connect to opposing sides of bottom panel 23 through corresponding fold lines 33-1 and 33-2, respectively. Similarly, end panels 27-1 and 27-2 connect to opposing ends of bottom panel 23 through corresponding fold lines 35-1 and 35-2, respectively. For reasons to become apparent below, each end panel 27 is shaped to define a pair of vertical slots 37 and an enlarged central opening 38.

Each gusset 31 is in the form of a solid flap which is generally circular sector, or triangular, in shape. As can be seen, each gusset 31 connects to the end of a side extension flap 29 and its adjacent end panel 27 through corresponding fold lines. The height H of each gusset 31 is approximately 3 inches, which is only a portion of the overall height of bin 11. The height of gussets 31 defines the height of waterproof protection afforded by storage bin 11. As such, it is to be understood that the height of gussets 31 could be modified to allow for various depths of leak protection.

A line of weakness, or fold line, 39 is formed in each gusset 31. Fold line 39 originates from the point of intersection between side extension flap 29 and adjacent end panel 27 and extends radially so as to bisect gusset 31.

By folding each gusset 31 through its associated line of weakness 39, side panels 25 and end panels 27 can be pivoted vertically upward relative to bottom panel 23. However, as noted above, the inclusion of gussets 31 enables the lower portions of panels 25 and 27 to be pivoted upward without the use of any cut lines, holes, or other similar types of openings to provide relief. As a result, the lower portion of bin 11 is rendered waterproof.

A buckle-type locking mechanism, or buckle lock, 40 is formed primarily in each side extension flap 29 towards its top edge and extends partially into its corresponding side panel 25. Each buckle lock 40 comprises an enlarged generally trapezoidal tab, or tongue, 41 formed in flap 29. For reasons to become apparent below, a shortened vertical slit, or window, 43 is formed in side panel 25 at the distal end of tongue 41.

Each tongue 41 connects to flap 29 through a vertical fold line, or line of weakness, 47 from which extends a pair of converging score lines 49 that terminate into slit 43. Constructed as such, distal end, or tip, 51 of tongue 41 extends vertically between the free ends of score lines 49 within slit 43.

As will be explained further in detail below, tongue 41 is designed to pivot away from the remainder of flap 29 through fold line 47. A circular cutout 52 is formed at the junction of each score line 49 and its corresponding fold line 47 to enhance pivotability, simplify manufacture, and minimize tearing. Tongue 41 is relatively rigid in construction and is designed to be inserted through a slot 37 in end panel 27 and, in turn, latch into contact against a distal abutment surface, or edge, 53 of slit 43 in order to retain storage bin 11 in its assembled condition.

Assembly of Storage Bin 11 from Blank 21

Referring now to FIGS. 3(a)-(d), storage bin 11 is designed to be constructed from single-sheet blank 21 through a simple and efficient assembly process. As referenced above, the incorporation of gussets 29, in place of score lines or openings, renders the lower portion of storage bin 11 waterproof, which is a principal object of the present invention.

To assemble storage bin 11 from blank 21, each side wall 25 is pivoted upward through its associated fold line 33 relative to bottom panel 23, as shown in FIG. 3(a). Thereafter, each gusset 37 is folded through its center fold line 39 to enable its adjacent end panel 27 to pivot upward relative to bottom panel 23, as shown in FIG. 3(b). It should be noted that each folded gusset 37 is disposed flat against the outer surface of its associated end panel 27 and retained thereagainst by flap 29.

Each tongue 41 is then pivoted away from the remainder of its associated flap 29. In turn, flap 29 is pivoted towards the outer surface of its adjacent end panel 27. Thereafter, tip 51 of tongue 41 is inserted through the closer slot 37 in its adjacent end panel 27, as shown in FIG. 3(c). With end panel 27 fully upright, tongue 41 is pivoted back to its associated side panel 25.

Because tongue 41 is rigid in construction, tip 51 is naturally biased slightly away from its adjacent end panel 27 upon insertion through slot 37. As a result, a suitable application of force is required to pivot tongue 41 back towards is associated side panel 25. Once tongue 41 approaches substantially planar contact with its end panel 27, tip 51 penetrates through slit 45 to create a snap-type engagement with side panel 25, as shown in FIG. 3(d). Due to the construction and dimensional relationship between tongue 41 and slit 45, the release of force from tongue 41 creates a resilient, spring-like effect, with the distal end of tongue 41 disposed into firm contact with abutment surface 53 in slit 43.

The insertion and snap-type engagement of all four tongues 41 with their corresponding side panels 25 yields fully assembled storage bin 11. Constructed as such, openings 38 serve as handles for lifting and transporting bin 11.

As can be appreciated, the disengagement of each finger 51 from its associated side panel 25 enables storage bin 11 to be disassembled back into blank 21. Disengagement can be achieved by simply urging each finger 51 away from end panel 27 until finger 51 releases from abutment surface 53. As such, blank 21 can be rendered back into its flattened condition and thereby well suited for transport and/or storage between uses, which is a principal object of the present invention.

The invention described in detail above is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A storage bin for retaining a product, the storage bin comprising: (a) a bottom panel having a pair of opposing side edges and a pair of opposing end edges;(b) a pair of opposing side panels, each of the pair of opposing side panels being connected to a corresponding side edge of the bottom panel through an associated fold line, each of the pair of opposing side panels having opposing ends;(c) a pair of opposing end panels, each of the pair of opposing end panels being connected to a corresponding end edge of the bottom panel through an associated fold line;(d) a plurality of side extension flaps, each side extension flap being connected to a corresponding end of each of the plurality of opposing side panels through a corresponding fold line; and(e) a plurality of gussets, each gusset extending between a corresponding side extension flap and an adjacent end panel.

2. The storage bin as claimed in claim 1 wherein the storage bin is constructed from a one-piece flattened blank.

3. The storage bin as claimed in claim 2 wherein the storage bin is configured to be manipulated between an assembled state and a flattened state.

4. The storage bin as claimed in claim 3 wherein the one-piece flattened blank is manufactured out of a waterproof material.

5. The storage bin as claimed in claim 4 wherein the one-piece flattened blank is manufactured of a corrugated plastic material.

6. The storage bin as claimed in claim 3 wherein each gusset is connected to a side extension flap and an adjacent end panel through corresponding fold lines.

7. The storage bin as claimed in claim 6 wherein each gusset is in the form of solid flap which is generally circular sector in shape.

8. The storage bin as claimed in claim 7 wherein the storage bin has a height, each gusset extending from the bottom panel a portion of the height of the storage bin when the storage bin is in its assembled state.

9. The storage bin as claimed in claim 8 wherein each gusset includes a central radial fold line.

10. The storage bin as claimed in claim 9 wherein each gusset is maintained in a folded condition between its associated side extension flap and end panel when storage bin is in its assembled state.

11. The storage bin as claimed in claim 7 wherein a buckle-type locking mechanism is formed in each side extension flap and extends partially into its corresponding side panel.

12. The storage bin as claimed in claim 11 wherein each buckle-type locking mechanism comprises a generally trapezoidal tongue.

13. The storage bin as claimed in claim 12 wherein each tongue connects to its corresponding side extension flap through a vertical fold line from which extends a pair of converging score lines that terminate into a vertical slit.

14. The storage bin as claimed in claim 13 wherein each end panel includes a pair of vertical slots and an enlarged central opening.

15. The storage bin as claimed in claim 14 wherein each tongue is dimensioned to fittingly protrude through a corresponding vertical slot in an associated end panel and penetrate back through its associated slit to retain the storage bin in its assembled state.