Stackable Container System

Abstract

A stackable container system is described comprising modular containers that may be removably attached to each other to provide a container with multiple independently accessed containers.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/528,515 filed on Aug. 29, 2011, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The Stackable Container System is in the field of containers, and more specifically, in the field of stackable containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the modular container system comprises a plurality of container units with side openings; a lid component; wherein the container units are removably attached to each other forming a stack; and wherein the lid component is removably attached to the top container unit in the stack.

In an embodiment of the modular container system the container units each comprise: a bottom surface; a side wall extending upwardly from and adjacent to the edges of the bottom surface defining an interior volume and terminating in an upper edge; and a base wall extending downwardly from the bottom surface; wherein the base wall of a first unit may be removably attached to the side wall of a second unit adjacent to the upper edge thereof.

The side opening in an embodiment of the modular container system may comprise an opening in side wall of each container unit; an opening wall extending outwardly from the side wall adjacent to and around the opening in the side wall and terminating in an outer edge; and a cover removably attached to the opening wall adjacent to the outer edge.

Other embodiments of the modular container system are depicted wherein the inside surface of the base wall is provided with an engagement mechanism for attaching to an engagement mechanism provided on the outside surface of the side wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a portion of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 6 is a detailed top view of a portion of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 7 is a detailed top view of a portion of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the stackable container system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The stackable container system comprises a stackable container unit that may be combined with other similar stackable container units to form a container with multiple separate chambers. Each container unit has its own chamber to hold powders, foods, or other items, and may be individually accessed through an opening in the top when not stacked, and through a dedicated opening in the side thereof when stacked with other container units.

Each unit is open on top with a sealed bottom. The bottom of each unit may be removably attached to the top of another unit, such that the bottom of the unit becomes the lid of the unit below it. Multiple container units may be attached in this way to form a stack of container units.

The top unit of the stack may be provided with a lid to seal the top opening. The lid may be provided with a plurality of compartments for storing items, including vitamins, supplements or other pills.

Each container unit may be provided with a side opening with a removable lid attached thereto, allowing the contents of the unit to be accessed without removing the lid or other unit from the top of the container.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4, a side view of an embodiment of the stackable container system is depicted. The embodiment depicted in the figure comprises three stackable container units 100. More or fewer units 100 may be attached by the user thereof depending upon need or preference. Each unit 100 comprises a container space 102 defined by a bottom panel 104 and a side wall 106 extending upwardly from the bottom panel 104 and terminating in an upper edge which defines a top opening or aperture. The side wall 106 is cylindrical and extends upwardly from the perimeter of bottom panel 104. The outside surface of side wall 106 is provided with engagement mechanism 108 adjacent to the upper edge thereof to engage the base 110 of another unit 100. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, engagement mechanism 108 comprises threads on the outside surface of side wall 106 forming a male threaded area.

The unit 100 is provided with a base 110 formed by bottom panel 104 and base wall 112 extending downwardly from a bottom surface of bottom panel 104. The inside surface of side wall 112 is provided with an engagement mechanism 114 to engage the engagement mechanism 108 on a second unit 100 to be stacked below the first unit 100. In the embodiment depicted in the figures, engagement mechanism 114 comprises threads on the inside surface of side wall 112 forming a female threaded area. The female threaded area 114 on the base 110 engages the male threaded area 108 on the top of the unit 100 below in the stack and seals the top opening of the lower unit 100. In one embodiment, the mechanism 108 and mechanism 114, when fully engaged, hold the units 100 with the side opening 116 of each unit 100 in line with the side opening 116 of the other units to which it is attached along the longitudinal axis of the containers.

Each unit 100 is provided with a side opening, or aperture, 116 for accessing the interior space 102 without removing the unit from the stack of connected units. The side opening 116 is provided with a removable cover 118 for securing the unit 100 in a sealed configuration. The cover 118 may be provided with an optional retention strap 120 to prevent loss of the cover 118 when it is not affixed over side opening 116.

Cover 118 may be provided with retention band 120 for retaining the cover when it is removed from side opening 116. Retention band 120 may be provided in a variety of designs. The embodiment depicted in the figure incorporates a retention band 120 that is pivotally attached to two fittings 212 which may be attached to or formed as part of each unit 100. The specific design of the retention band 120 and the manner of its attachment to each unit 100, is not limiting of the invention described herein.

The top unit 100 in a stack may be provided with a lid 122 to cover the top opening thereof. The lid in the embodiment shown in the figures is formed from a lid surface 124 and a side wall 126 extending downwardly from the lid surface 124 forming a component similar in configuration to the base 110. In the depicted embodiment, the inside surface of lid 122 is provided with a female threaded area for engaging the male threaded area 108 on the top unit 100 in the stack.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the stackable container system is depicted. The view includes the top unit 200 in a stack and a part of the unit 202 below it. The bottom panel 104 and side wall 106 of unit 200 can be seen in the cross-sectional view. Male threaded area 108 of unit 202 is engaged with female threaded area 114 of unit 200 as shown at point 204.

In the depicted embodiment, side opening 116 comprises a hole 206 in side wall 106 of the unit and side wall 208. The hole 206 may be of varying shapes, including rectangular, oval, circular or any other shape suited to access to the interior space 102 of a unit 100. Wall 208 extends in a substantially perpendicular direction from side wall 106 adjacent to and around hole 206, forming a hollow tube-like structure.

Cover 118 is provided to seal the end of wall 208. Cover 118 may be designed in a number of alternative embodiments to seal the end of the tube-like structure formed by wall 208. Any cover design suitable for such purpose and known to those in the field of such covers may be utilized. In the embodiment shown in the figures, cover 118 is provided with flange 210 for accepting the end of wall 208 and sealing the tube-like structure.

Lid 122 is installed on the top unit 200 in the stack of units. In the depicted embodiment it is provided with a top surface 124 that covers the top of unit 200, and a side wall 126 extending downwardly from the top surface 124. The inside surface of side wall 126 is provided with an engagement mechanism for engaging the engagement mechanism 108 on the unit 200. Other types of lids may be provided, for example, a rubber lid that stretches slightly to fit over the top of unit 200 and is maintained there by elastic tension.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 5, a lid insert 128 may be optionally provided for use in each unit 100. The insert 128 may be designed to fit within the top of side wall 106, adjacent to the top opening of the unit 100. The insert 128 may be held there by friction between the insert 128 and the inside surface of side wall 106, or by flanges 500 or other means of securing such an insert. The insert 128 may be divided into multiple compartments for holding pills, powders or other small items. The contents of the insert 128 may be accessed by removing the lid 122 from the unit 200, or by removing the unit 100 containing the lid from the unit 100 above it in the stack.

Two embodiments of insert 128 are depicted in FIG. 5, one with multiple compartments and one with a single compartment, which may be used alternatively with unit 100. The lid inserts 128 comprise a bottom surface 502, side wall 504 extending upwardly from surface 502 and optionally divider walls 506 extending upwardly from surface 502 and dividing the insert 128 into multiple compartments.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, a top view and detailed views of an embodiment of the stackable container system is depicted. The top surface 124 of lid 122 covers the top of the units. Side opening 116 is provided with wall 208 extending from the side wall 106 of unit 100. An embodiment of retention strap 120 pivots at point 300 on fittings 212 to retain the cover 118 when it is not in place on the side opening 116. FIG. 6 depicts the cover 118 in position over side opening 116, and FIG. 7 depicts cover 118 pivoting away from side opening 116 around pivot point 300.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, an exploded perspective view and a cross-sectional top view are depicted of an embodiment of the stackable container system. FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view along axis 9-9 shown in FIG. 8. In the depicted embodiment, the engagement mechanisms 108 and 114 comprise screw threads 810 and 816, respectively. In this embodiment, the engagement mechanism 108 is provided with a notch 812 disposed through the screw thread 810 near the end 814 of screw thread 810 adjacent to the upper edge of side wall 106. The screw thread 816 comprising engagement mechanism 114, whether on lid 122 or on a base 110, is provided with block 818 or 820, respectively, disposed between the screw thread 816 near either the lid surface 124 or the bottom panel 104 of base 110. The notch 812 and blocks 818 and 820 are sized to allow the notch 812 to receive the block 818 or 820 when the screw threads are engaged. When the engagement mechanisms of two units 100 are mated, block 818 or 820 engages notch 812 to align the side openings 116 on each of the joined units, and to secure the units together or the lid on the unit. FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view of the block 818 in notch 812 in the fully-engaged position. Block 818 or 820 has slid over the end 814 of screw thread 810 and engaged notch 810 to secure the lid or unit in the appropriate position.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.

Claims

1. A modular container comprising:

a plurality of container units, wherein each container unit comprises a base, a cylindrical side wall extending upwardly from the base to an upper edge of the side wall, said upper edge defining a top opening of the container, a side opening in the cylindrical side wall, and a removable cover for the side opening;

a lid component;

wherein the upper edge of the side wall of each of the plurality of container units may be removably attached to the base of another of the plurality of container units forming a stack; and

wherein the lid component is removably attached to the top container unit in the stack.

2. The modular container of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a panel having a base wall extending downwardly from the panel for receiving the top edge of the cylindrical side wall of another container unit.

3. The modular container of claim 2 wherein the side opening in each container unit comprises:

a hole in the cylindrical side wall of each container unit;

a wall extending outwardly from the cylindrical side wall adjacent to and around the edge of the hole in the side wall.

4. The modular container of claim 3 wherein the base wall is provided with an engagement mechanism for attaching to an engagement mechanism provided on the upper edge of the side wall.

5. The modular container of claim 4 wherein the engagement mechanism on the base wall and the upper edge of the side wall are screw threads.

6. The modular container of claim 5 wherein the screw threads are disposed so that when a first unit container is attached to another unit container the side openings are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the containers.

7. The modular container of claim 6 wherein a notch is disposed in the screw threads on the upper edge of the side wall and a block is disposed in the screw threads of the base wall, wherein the notch receives the block to align the side openings along the longitudinal axis of the containers.

8. The modular container of claim 7 further comprising at least one lid insert for inserting into at least one of the plurality of container units adjacent to the upper edge thereof.

9. A method of using the device of claim 1 to store and dispense products comprising the steps of:

providing a first and a second container unit, and a lid component;

disposing the products into the first and the second container units;

attaching the lid component to the upper edge of the side wall of the first container unit;

attaching the base of the first container unit to the upper edge of the side wall of the second container unit.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of:

selectively removing the cover from the side opening of one of the first and second container units;

dispensing the product from the selected container unit through the side opening.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:

providing additional container units;

disposing additional products into the additional container units;

attaching the upper edge of each additional container unit to the base of another container unit.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein when the container units are attached to each other the side openings on each container unit align along the longitudinal axis of the container units.