Storage tin and modular storage system

Abstract

A storage tin is disclosed that can include a container having an irregular hexagonal shape and a removable lid. The container can include a base and a peripheral sidewall secured thereto. The base and sidewall can cooperate together to define an interior storage compartment that can be selectively sealed by the removable lid. In one aspect of the invention, the hexagon defined by the container includes two sides having a first length and four sides having a second length, with the first length being smaller than the second length. A modular storage system including a plurality of such storage tins is also disclosed. Methods for packaging an item, such as popcorn, candy, cookies, or the like, are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/240,055, filed Oct. 7, 2005; Ser. No. 29/245,419, filed Dec. 22, 2005; and Ser. No. 29/253,151, filed Feb. 1, 2006—each of which being entitled, “Tin and Lid Combination,” and each of which being incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference. This patent application also claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/664,617, filed Mar. 23, 2005, and entitled, “Storage Tin and Modular Storage System,” which is incorporated in its entirety herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to storage tins, and more particularly to gift products, such as, popcorn, candy, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Frequently, people purchase food items, such as popcorn, candy, and the like, as gifts. An industry has developed for packaging such items in a decorative tin to embellish the presentation of such gift products. Typically, the tin is cylindrical. As the popularity of such gifts has increased, the industry has grown. It would be desirable to provide an improved storage tin for use with gift products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides such an improved tin. The tin of the present invention is constructed to present a unique outer appearance and to be palletized such that an increased number of tins can be loaded on a typical pallet as compared to a typical cylindrical tin. Advantageously, the tin of the present invention can be used as a modular storage system, as well. In some embodiments, the tin can be constructed to accommodate a predetermined volume of popcorn. In other embodiments, the tin can be constructed to conveniently store candy. In yet other embodiments, the container can be configured to act as a storage container for items associated with Easter.

In one aspect, the storage tin according to the present invention can include a container having an irregular hexagonal shape and a removable lid. The container can include a base and a peripheral sidewall secured thereto. The base and sidewall can cooperate together to define an interior storage compartment.

The base can have a periphery with a pair of narrow sides and four wide sides, with the six sides defining a hexagonal area. Each of the narrow sides can be a first length, and each of the wide sides can be a second length. The first length can be smaller than the second length. The narrow sides can be disposed in opposing relationship to each other. Two of the wide sides can be disposed in adjacent relationship to each other. The other two wide sides can be disposed in adjacent relationship to each other. In one aspect, two wide sides are disposed between the pair of narrow sides at one end thereof, and the other two wide sides are disposed between the pair of narrow sides at the other end thereof to complete the periphery.

The peripheral sidewall can have a bottom end, a top end, and six planar portions. The peripheral sidewall can be connected adjacent the bottom end thereof to the base. Each planar portion can have a bottom edge and a top edge. The bottom edge of each planar portion can correspond in length, respectively, to one of the sides of the base. Each bottom edge of the planar portions can be disposed, respectively, adjacent one of the sides of the base that has the same length as the bottom edge. The top edges of the planar portions can be disposed at the top end of the sidewall. The top edges of the planar portions can define an opening in communication with the interior storage compartment. In some embodiments, each planar portion can be rectangular. In yet other embodiments, the planar portions can have a different shape, such as, square or trapezoidal, for example.

The peripheral sidewall can be constructed from a pair of mating shells that fit together. Each shell can have mounting elements configured to be secured to the mounting elements of the other shell to secure the shells together. In some embodiments, one shell can have one kind of mounting element, and the other shell can have another kind of mounting element. In yet other embodiments, the shells can be identical to each other and each include at least two kinds of mounting elements configured to interengage with the corresponding mating mounting element on the other shell.

The lid can be removably mounted to the peripheral sidewall such that the opening is selectively covered. A handle can be provided on the lid to facilitate the lid's transport and removal from the container. In one embodiment, the handle can be pivotally mounted to an exterior surface of the lid such that the handle is movable between a stowed position wherein the handle is substantially flush against the exterior surface and an operating position wherein at least a portion of the handle extends from the exterior surface of the lid. In other embodiments, the exterior surface of the lid can define a recess in which the handle is disposed. In yet other embodiments, the exterior surface of the lid can also define a hollow within the recess which is disposed underneath a portion of the handle when the handle is in the stowed position such that the portion of the handle is in spaced relationship with the exterior surface of the lid to define a predetermined gap therebetween. The gap can be configured to allow a user's finger or fingers to extend therethrough to facilitate the grasping of the handle to move it from the stowed position and to clutch the handle for removing the lid and transporting the lid.

In another aspect of the invention, a storage container can include a base, the base having a periphery with six sides defining an irregular hexagonal shape, and a peripheral sidewall, the sidewall having a bottom end, a top end, and six planar portions. The peripheral sidewall can be connected adjacent the bottom end thereof to the base. The sidewall and the base can cooperate together to define an interior storage compartment. Each planar portion can have a bottom edge and a top edge. The bottom edge of each planar portion can be aligned with a respective side of the base and substantially correspond in length thereto. The top edges of the planar portions can be disposed at the top end of the sidewall. The top edges of the planar portions can define an opening in communication with the interior storage compartment.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a modular storage system can include at least two of the storage tins of the present invention. The shape of the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin of the present invention allows a plurality of such tins to be ganged together and stacked on top of each other to form an array of storage tins.

In still another aspect of the invention, a method for packaging an item can include providing a storage tin according to the present invention, inserting the item into the interior storage compartment of the storage tin, and placing a lid on the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin such that the opening to the interior storage compartment is closed. The item can be food in some embodiments, such as popcorn, candy, cookies, and the like, for example. The exterior surface of the peripheral sidewall can bear a surface ornamentation. The surface ornamentation can be a picture or other design, for example. The surface ornamentation can be associated with a particular holiday or season of the year, for example. Such ornamentation can include a depiction of a snowman, a Christmas tree, an Easter bunny, a jack o'lantern, etc.

A plurality of storage tins according to the present invention can be packaged onto a standard pallet such that more tins can fit on the pallet than with conventional tins. The storage tins of the present invention can be arranged on the pallet such that the base of each storage tin in the first row of storage tins rests upon the pallet. Storage tins in subsequent rows can be similarly arranged with the bases of those storage tins resting upon the lids secured to the storage tins in the row of storage tins immediately below.

In another pallet arrangement, the storage tins in the first row can be arranged on their sides such that one of the narrow sides of the peripheral sidewall rests upon the pallet. Adjacent storage tins can be in spaced relationship to each other such that the outermost edges of the peripheral sidewalls of adjacent storage tins are separated a distance substantially corresponding to the length of the narrow side of the base. The uppermost wide sides of the peripheral wall define a valley between the adjacent storage tins. With such an arrangement, the row of storage tins immediately above this row can be disposed with its narrow side disposed at the base of the valley and its bottommost wide sides in contacting relationship with one of the uppermost wide sides of the two adjacent storage tins disposed immediately below. A third row of storage tins placed above the second row can have the same configuration as the first row. Thus, subsequent rows can be disposed in alternating fashion between the positions in the first row and the positions in the second row.

In another pallet arrangement, the storage tins in the first row can be arranged on their sides such that one of the wide sides of the peripheral sidewall rests upon the pallet. Adjacent storage tins can be disposed such that the wide side adjacent the wide side in contacting relationship with the pallet is in contacting relationship with one of the wide sides on the wide portion of the sidewall opposite of the wide portion with the wide side in contacting relationship with the pallet. In subsequent rows, the storage tins can be substantially vertically aligned.

The features of the present invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, provided herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a storage tin according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the storage tin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the storage tin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the storage tin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view taken from the top of another embodiment of a pair of mating shells of a peripheral sidewall of a container suitable for use with the storage tin of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view taken from the top of another embodiment of a pair of mating shells of a peripheral sidewall of a container suitable for use with the storage tin of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, detail elevational view, in section, of the peripheral sidewall and a base of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, in section, of a lid of the storage tin of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a container suitable for use with the storage tin according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a pallet arrangement of conventional tins.

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a first layer of a first pallet arrangement of a plurality of storage tins according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the complete first pallet arrangement of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the first pallet arrangement of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 15.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first row of a second pallet arrangement of a plurality of storage tins according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the complete second pallet arrangement of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a third pallet arrangement of a plurality of storage tins according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a front elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the pallet arrangement of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage tin according to the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view, in section, of a lid of the storage tin of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of a container of the storage tin of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a lid suitable for use with the storage tin according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a side elevational view of the lid of FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a container suitable for use with the lid of FIG. 30.

FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a front elevational view of the container of FIG. 32.

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a storage tin according to the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the storage tin of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a container suitable for use with the storage tin according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of the container of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the container of FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of a lid suitable for use with the container of FIG. 37.

FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of the lid of FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of the lid of FIG. 40.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The storage tin according to the present invention can include a container having an irregular hexagonal shape and a removable lid. The container can include a base and a peripheral sidewall secured thereto. The base and sidewall can cooperate together to define an interior storage compartment that is selectively closed by mounting the lid to the top of the container. Turning now to the Figures, there is shown various embodiments of the storage tin according to the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a storage tin 50 is shown that includes a container 52 and a removable lid 54.

Referring to FIG. 4, the storage tin 50 can be made from four component pieces: the lid 54, a base 56, and a pair of mating shells 57, 58 that can be secured together to comprise a peripheral sidewall 60 (see FIG. 2). The base 56 and the peripheral sidewall 60 comprise the container 52.

Referring to FIG. 4, the base 56 can have a periphery 64 with six sides defining an irregular hexagonal shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the periphery 64 of the base has a pair of narrow sides 66 and four wide sides 70, with the six sides defining a hexagonal area AA. The terms “narrow” and “wide” are used for convenient reference to indicate that the “narrow side” is shorter than the “wide side.” The narrow sides 66 can be disposed in opposing relationship to each other. Two of the wide sides 70a, 70b can be disposed in adjacent relationship to each other. The other two wide sides 70c, 70d can be disposed in adjacent relationship to each other. In one aspect, two wide sides 70a, 70b are disposed between the pair of narrow sides 66a, 66b at one end 80 thereof, and the other two wide sides 70c, 70d are disposed between the pair of narrow sides 66a, 66b at the other end 82 thereof to complete the periphery 64.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the peripheral sidewall 60 can have a bottom end 85, a top end 86, and six planar portions 88a, 88b, 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d that define an irregular hexagonal shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the periphery 64 of the base 56. The peripheral sidewall 60 can be connected adjacent the bottom end 85 thereof to the base 56. The sidewall 60 and the base 56 can cooperate together to define the interior storage compartment. Of the six planar portions, two can be narrow planar portions 88 and the other four can be wide planar portions 90 corresponding to the narrow and wide sides 66, 70 of the base 56. Each planar portion can have a bottom edge 92, 93 and a top edge 94, 95. The bottom edge 92, 94 of each planar portion can be aligned with a respective side 66, 80 of the base and substantially correspond in length thereto. The top edges 94, 95 of the planar portions can be disposed at the top end of the sidewall. The top edges of the planar portions can define an opening 98 in communication with the interior storage compartment. In some embodiments, each planar portion can be rectangular. In yet other embodiments, the planar portions can have a different shape, such as, square or trapezoidal, for example.

The peripheral sidewall 60 can be constructed from the pair of mating shells 57, 58 that fit together. Each shell 57, 58 includes a pair of wide planar portions 90 disposed in adjacent relationship to each other and a narrow planar portion 88. Each shell 57, 58 can have mounting elements configured to be secured to the mounting elements of the other shell to secure the shells together. The first shell 57 can include one kind of mounting element, and the second shell 58 can have another kind of mounting element.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first shell 57 includes a pair of mating edges 100, and the second shell 58 includes a pair of mating edges 101. The mating edges 100 of the first shell 57 each include a mounting flange 101 extending therealong. The mating edges 102 of the second shell 58 each include a mounting hook 103 extending therealong. Each mounting hook 103 is configured to engage one of the mounting flanges 101 to secure the first and second shells 57, 58 together. Once the mounting hooks 103 and the flanges 101 are respectively engaged, they can be bent back such that the are substantially flush against the interior surface of the peripheral sidewall.

The mounting flanges 101 and the mounting hooks 103 can extend substantially between the bottom and top ends 85, 86 of the peripheral sidewall 60. In other embodiments, the mounting flanges and the mounting hooks can extend only a portion of the distance between the bottom and top ends of the peripheral sidewall. In yet other embodiments, each mating edge can include a plurality of mounting flanges and mounting hooks that are in corresponding spaced relationship with each other. In yet other embodiments, other suitable mounting elements can be used.

Referring to FIG. 5, another embodiment of a pair of mating shells 105, 106 is shown. The shells 105, 106 can be substantially identical to each other and each include at least two kinds of mounting elements configured to interengage with the corresponding mating mounting element on the other shell. In the illustrated embodiment, each shell includes a pair of mating edges 108, 109 that are configured to retentively engage the mating edges 109, 108 of the other shell to secure the first and second shells 105, 106 together. One of the mating edges 108 of the first shell 105 includes a mounting flange 110 extending therealong, and the other of the mating edges 109 of the first shell 105 includes a mounting hook 111 extending therealong. One of the mating edges 108 of the second shell 106 includes a mounting flange 110 extending therealong, and the other of the mating edges 109 of the second shell 106 includes a mounting hook 111 extending therealong. The mounting hook 111 of the first shell 105 is configured to retentively engage the mounting flange 110 of the second shell 106, and the mounting hook 111 of the second shell 106 is configured to retentively engage the mounting flange 110 of the first shell 105. The mating shells 105, 106 can be similar in other respects to the mating shells 57, 58 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a pair of mating shells 113, 114 is shown. Each shell 113, 114 includes a narrow planar portion 88 disposed between a pair of wide planar portions 90. The first shell 113 can include one kind of mounting element 115, and the second shell 114 can have another kind of mounting element 116. The mating edges 117 of the first shell 113 each include a mounting flange 115 extending therealong. The mating edges 118 of the second shell 114 each include a mounting hook 116 extending therealong. Each mounting hook 116 is configured to engage one of the mounting flanges 115 to secure the first and second shells 113, 114 together. The mating shells 113, 114 are similar in other respects to the mating shells 57, 58 of FIG. 4 with the exception of the location of the narrow planar portion with respect to the wide planar portions of each shell.

Referring to FIG. 7, the bottom end 85 of the peripheral sidewall 60 can be joined to the base 56 by the interengagement of respective rolled edges 119, 120 of the base 56 and the peripheral sidewall 60. At least a portion 119 of the periphery of the base can be bent downward. At least a portion 120 of the bottom end of the peripheral sidewall can be bent upward in the shape of a hook. The bent edges 119, 120 can interengage each other to retain the sidewall 60 to the base 56. The overlapping portions can be crimped together to further retain the sidewall and the base. In other embodiments, the peripheral sidewall can be joined to the base using any suitable means.

Referring to FIG. 8, the lid 54 can be removably mounted to the peripheral sidewall such that the opening is selectively covered. A handle 125 can be provided on the lid 54 to facilitate the lid's transport and removal from the container. The handle 125 can be pivotally mounted to an exterior surface 127 of the lid such that the handle 125 is movable between a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 8, wherein the handle 125 is substantially flush against the exterior surface 127 and an operating position, shown in hidden lines in FIG. 8, wherein at least a portion of the handle 125 extends from the exterior surface 127 of the lid. The exterior surface 127 of the lid 54 can define a recess 129 in which the handle 125 is disposed. The exterior surface 127 of the lid can also define a hollow 130 within the recess 129 which is disposed underneath a portion of the handle 125 when the handle is in the stowed position such that the portion of the handle is in spaced relationship with the exterior surface of the lid to define a predetermined gap 131 therebetween. The gap 131 can be configured to allow a user's finger or fingers to extend therethrough to facilitate the grasping of the handle to move it from the stowed position and to clutch the handle for removing the lid and transporting the lid.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, another embodiment of a container 162 suitable for use with the storage tin according to the present invention is shown. The opening 198 defines an opening area AB. The opening area AB is substantially the same as the hexagonal area AA of the base 156. The planar portions 188, 190 of the peripheral sidewall 160 are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis 198 of the container 162 extending between the bottom and top end 185, 186.

The length of the narrow sides 166 of the base 156 of the container 162 substantially coincides with the width of the narrow planar portions 188 of the sidewall. The length of the wide sides 170 of the base substantially coincides with the width of the wide planar portions 190 of the sidewall. The narrow sides 66 can be a first length A, and each of the wide sides 70 can be a second length B. The first length A can be smaller than the second length B. The first length A can be any suitable length. Preferably, the first length A is between about two inches and four inches, and even more preferably, the first length A is about three inches. The second length B can be any suitable length. Preferably, the second length B is between about four inches and eight inches, and even more preferably, the second length B is about six and 7/16 inches. In some embodiments, the second length B is more than twice as large as the first length A.

Referring to FIG. 10, each narrow side 166 of the periphery 164 of the base has a pair of ends 168, and each wide side of the periphery of the base has a pair of ends 172. One of the wide sides 170 of the periphery of the base is disposed adjacent each end 168 of the narrow sides 166. Each narrow side 166 defines a first interior angle BA with the wide sides 170 to which it is in adjacent relationship. Each wide side defines a second interior angle BB with the wide side to which it is in adjacent relationship. The first interior angle BA is greater than the second interior angle BB. The first interior angle BA is preferably between about 115° and about 135°. The second interior angle BB is preferably between about 90° and about 130°. The second interior angle BB can be determined from the equation: ${\mathrm{Angle}}_2=\frac{720-\left(4\times {\mathrm{Angle}}_1\right)}{2},$
where Angle₁ is the first interior angle BA in degrees, and Angle₂ is the second interior angle BB in degrees.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, a conventional pallet arrangement 240 of a plurality of conventional storage tins 242 is shown. Each conventional storage tin 242 is in the shape of a cylinder. The storage tins 242 are disposed on a typical pallet 243 that measures approximately 48 inches by 40 inches. On such a pallet, the typical storage tins 242 have been disposed standing up with the bases of the first row 244 of tins 242 thereof contacting the pallet 243. The second row 245 of tins 242, and any subsequent rows, are disposed with the bases of the tins 242 of the second row 245 disposed upon the lids of the tins 242 of the first row 244. Typically each row includes a 4 by 4 array of tins 242, and four rows are stacked on each pallet 243. Thus, in the typical arrangement, sixty-four total tins 242 can be packaged onto the pallet 243. Such an arrangement of typical tins 242 occupies a volume of about forty-two inches by forty-two inches by forty-two inches.

Referring to FIGS. 14-17, a plurality of storage tins 250 according to the present invention can be packaged onto a standard pallet 243 such that more tins can fit on the pallet than with conventional tins. A first pallet arrangement 340 of storage tins 250 according to the present invention is shown. Each storage tin 250 has a narrow planar portion 288 that is approximately three inches wide, a wide planar portion 290 that is approximately 6 and 7/16 inches wide, and a height C that is approximately ten and ½ inches tall.

Referring to FIG. 16, the storage tins 250 in the first row 344 can be arranged on their sides such that one of the narrow planar portions 288 of the peripheral sidewall rests upon the pallet 243. Adjacent storage tins can be in spaced relationship to each other such that the outermost ends 280, 282 of adjacent storage tins are separated a distance substantially corresponding to the first length A of the narrow side of the base. The uppermost wide planar portions 290a, 290d of adjacent tins 250 define a valley 272 therebetween. With such an arrangement, the second 345 row of storage tins 250 immediately above the first row 344 can be disposed with each storage tin 250 having a narrow planar portion 288 disposed at the base 273 of the valley and its bottommost wide planar portions 290b, 290c in contacting relationship with one of the uppermost wide planar portions 290d, 290a, respectively, of the two adjacent storage tins 250 disposed immediately below in the first row 344. A third row 346 of storage tins placed above the second row 345 can have the same configuration as the first row 344. Thus, subsequent rows can be disposed in alternating fashion between the positions in the first row and the positions in the second row.

The first pallet arrangement 340 of storage tins 250 includes five rows configured as in the first row 344 and four rows configured as in the second row 345. The first row 344 includes a includes a 4 by 4 array of tins 250. The second row 345 includes a 3 by 4 array of tins 250. Thus, in the first pallet arrangement 340, one hundred twenty-eight total tins 250 can be packaged onto the pallet 243. Such an arrangement of tins 250 occupies a volume of about forty-eight inches by forty-two inches by fifty-two and ½ inches.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, in a second pallet arrangement 440, the storage tins 250 of the present invention can be arranged on the pallet 243 such that the base 256 of each storage tin in the first row 444 of storage tins 250 rests upon the pallet 243. Storage tins in the second row 445, and subsequent rows, can be similarly arranged with the bases 256 of those storage tins 250 resting upon the lids 254 secured to the storage tins in the row of storage tins immediately below.

The first row 444 includes an array of seven columns, comprising two different columns 448, 449. The first column 448 includes four storage tins 250 arranged such that a narrow planar portion 288b of one storage tin is in adjacent relationship with one of the narrow planar portions 288a of the adjacent storage tin in the column 448. The second column 449 includes three storage tins 250 arranged such that a narrow planar portion 288b of one storage tin is in adjacent relationship with one of the narrow planar portions 288a of the adjacent storage tin in the column 448. The storage tins of the second column 449 are disposed relative to the storage tins of the first column 448 such that the wide planar portions 290c, 290d at one end 282 of the tins 250 of the second column 449 are in adjacent, contacting relationship with one of the wide planar portions 290a at the other end 280 of one of the tins 250 of the first column 448 and another of the wide planar portions 290b of another tin 250 of the first column 448. The first row 444 includes four columns that are like the first column 448 and three columns that are like the second column 449 such that the first row includes twenty-five storage tins 250. The second pallet arrangement can include five rows similar to the first row 444. Thus, the second pallet arrangement 440 can include a total of one hundred twenty-five storage tins 250. Such an arrangement of tins 250 occupies a volume of about fifty-one inches by forty-two inches by fifty-two and ½ inches.

Referring to FIGS. 22-25, in a third pallet arrangement 540, the storage tins 250 in the first row can be arranged on their sides such that one of the wide planar portions 290 of the peripheral sidewall rests upon the pallet 243. Adjacent storage tins can be disposed in contacting relationship with each other with wide planar portions 290 in contacting engagement with each other. The first row 544 includes a five by four array of storage tins 250 such that the first row 544 includes twenty storage tins 250. In subsequent rows, the storage tins can be substantially vertically aligned. The third pallet arrangement 540 includes six rows similar to the first row 544. Thus, the third pallet arrangement 540 can include a total of one hundred twenty storage tins 250. Such an arrangement of tins 250 occupies a volume of about fifty and ½ inches by forty-two inches by fifty-two and ½ inches.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a modular storage system can include at least two of the storage tins of the present invention. The shape of the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin of the present invention allows a plurality of such tins to be ganged together and stacked on top of each other to form an array of storage tins. The storage tins can be disposed in an array that includes a predetermined number of row and a predetermined number of columns in any suitable fashion. Examples of such an array are shown in FIGS. 16, 19, and 24, for example.

The storage tin according to the present invention can be sized for conveniently housing a predetermined quantity of a food product, such as popcorn, candy, and the like. The predetermined amount can correspond to, or approximate, an amount of the gift item that is traditionally sold as a gift. In still another aspect of the invention, a method for packaging an item can include providing a storage tin according to the present invention, inserting the item into the interior storage compartment of the storage tin, and placing a lid on the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin such that the opening to the interior storage compartment is closed. A plurality of storage tins can be placed on a pallet as described above for shipment to a customer, for example. The item can be food in some embodiments, such as popcorn, candy, cookies, and the like, for example.

The exterior surface of the peripheral sidewall can bear a surface ornamentation. The surface ornamentation can be a picture or other design, for example. The surface ornamentation can be associated with a particular holiday or season of the year, for example. Such ornamentation can include a depiction of a snowman, a Christmas tree, an Easter bunny, a jack o'lantern, etc. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, other surface ornamentation can be applied. Any suitable technique for placing the surface ornamentation on the storage tin can be used.

Referring to FIGS. 26-29, another embodiment of a storage tin 650 is shown. The storage tin 650 can be used to conveniently hold a food product such as candy. Referring to FIG. 27, the lid 654 can be used as a serving tray for a food product stored therein. Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, the container 652 can be similar to the container 52 shown in FIG. 1 except that it can have a different height.

Referring to FIGS. 30-34, other embodiments of a lid 754 and a container 752 comprising a storage tin according to the present invention are shown. Referring to FIG. 31, the lid 754 can include a depending lip 755 that extends around the periphery of the lid 754. The lip 755 of the lid can extend below the opening 798 of the container 752. Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, the peripheral sidewall 760 of the container 752 is tapered from the top end 786 to the bottom end 785 thereof. Referring to FIG. 32, the opening 798 defines an opening area AC. The periphery 764 of the base 756 defines a hexagonal area AD. The opening area AC is different than the hexagonal area AD of the base 756. The opening area AC of the peripheral sidewall 760 is greater than the hexagonal area AD of the base.

Referring to FIGS. 35 and 36, another embodiment of a storage tin 850 according to the present invention is shown. The storage tin 850 is similar to the storage tin shown in FIGS. 30-34 except that the height of the storage tin 850 is different.

Referring to FIGS. 37-42, other embodiments of a lid 954 and a container 952 comprising a storage tin according to the present invention are shown.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

While this invention has been described with an emphasis upon exemplary embodiments, variations of the exemplary embodiments can be used, and it is intended that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

1. A storage tin comprising:

a base, the base having a periphery with a pair of narrow sides and four wide sides, the six sides defining a hexagonal area, each of the narrow sides having a first length, each of the wide sides having a second length, the first length being smaller than the second length, the narrow sides being disposed in opposing relationship to each other, two of the wide sides being disposed in adjacent relationship to each other, the other two wide sides being disposed in adjacent relationship to each other;

a peripheral sidewall having a bottom end, a top end, and six planar portions, the peripheral sidewall connected adjacent the bottom end thereof to the base, the sidewall and the base cooperating together to define an interior storage compartment, each planar portion having a bottom edge and a top edge, the bottom edge of each planar portion being aligned, respectively, with one of the sides of the base and substantially corresponding in length thereto, the top edges of the planar portions disposed at the top end of the sidewall, the top edges of the planar portions defining an opening in communication with the interior storage compartment.

2. The storage tin according to claim 1, further comprising:

a lid, the lid being removably mountable to the peripheral sidewall such that the opening is selectively covered.

3. The storage tin according to claim 2, wherein the lid includes an exterior surface having a handle mounted thereto.

4. The storage tin according to claim 3, wherein the exterior surface of the lid defines a recess, the handle disposed in the recess.

5. The storage tin according to claim 4, wherein the handle is movable between a stowed position wherein the handle is substantially disposed within the recess and an operating position wherein at least a portion of the handle extends from the exterior surface of the lid.

6. The storage tin according to claim 5, wherein the exterior surface of the lid defines a hollow within the recess, the hollow being disposed underneath a portion of the handle when the handle is in the stowed position such that the portion of the handle is in spaced relationship with the exterior surface of the lid to define a predetermined gap therebetween.

7. The storage tin according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral sidewall includes a first shell and a second shell, each shell including a pair of mating edges, the mating edges of the first shell configured to retentively engage the mating edges of the second shell to secure the first and second shells together.

8. The storage tin according to claim 7, wherein the mating edges of the first shell each include a mounting flange extending therealong, and the mating edges of the second shell each include a mounting hook extending therealong, each mounting hook configured to engage one of the mounting flanges to secure the first and second shells together.

9. The storage tin according to claim 7, wherein the first shell is substantially identical to the second shell.

10. The storage tin according to claim 7, wherein one of the mating edges of the first shell includes a mounting flange extending therealong, the other of the mating edges of the first shell includes a mounting hook extending therealong, one of the mating edges of the second shell includes a mounting flange extending therealong, the other of the mating edges of the second shell includes a mounting hook extending therealong, the mounting hook of the first shell configured to retentively engage the mounting flange of the second shell, and the mounting hook of the second shell configured to retentively engage the mounting flange of the first shell.

11. The storage tin according to claim 1, wherein each narrow side of the periphery of the base has a pair of ends, each wide side of the periphery of the base has a pair of ends, one of the wide sides of the periphery of the base is disposed adjacent each end of the narrow sides, each narrow side and adjacent wide side defining a first interior angle, each wide side of the periphery having a narrow side disposed adjacent one end and a wide side disposed adjacent the other end, each wide side defining with its adjacent wide side a second interior angle, the first interior angle being greater than the second interior angle.

12. The storage tin according to claim 11, wherein the first interior angle is between about 115° and about 135°.

13. The storage tin according to claim 11, wherein the second interior angle is between about 90° and about 130°.

14. The storage tin according to claim 12, wherein the second interior angle is between about 90° and about 130°.

15. The storage tin according to claim 11, wherein the second interior angle is determined from the equation: Angle 2 = 720 - ( 4 × Angle 1 ) 2, where Angle1 is the first interior angle in degrees, and Angle2 is the second interior angle in degrees.

16. The storage tin according to claim 14, wherein the second interior angle is determined from the equation: Angle 2 = 720 - ( 4 × Angle 1 ) 2, where Angle1 is the first interior angle, and Angle2 is the second interior angle.

17. The storage tin according to claim 1, wherein the opening defines an opening area, the opening area being substantially the same as the hexagonal area of the base.

18. The storage tin according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral sidewall is tapered such that the opening defines an opening area, the opening area being different than the hexagonal area of the base.

19. The storage tin according to claim 18, wherein the opening area of the peripheral sidewall is greater than the hexagonal area of the base.

20. A storage tin comprising a base, the base having a periphery with six sides defining an irregular hexagonal shape, a peripheral sidewall having a bottom end, a top end, and six planar portions, the peripheral sidewall connected adjacent the bottom end thereof to the base, the sidewall and the base cooperating together to define an interior storage compartment, each planar portion having a bottom edge and a top edge, the bottom edge of each planar portion being aligned, respectively, with one of the sides of the base and substantially corresponding in length thereto, the top edges of the planar portions disposed at the top end of the sidewall, the top edges of the planar portions defining an opening in communication with the interior storage compartment.

21. The storage tin according to claim 21, further comprising a lid for selectively covering the opening to the interior storage compartment thereof.

22. A modular storage system comprising at least two storage tins according to claim 1.

23. The modular storage system according to claim 21 wherein at least one of the storage tins includes a lid for selectively covering the opening to the interior storage compartment thereof.

24. A method for packaging an item, the method comprising:

providing a storage tin, the storage tin including a base, the base having a periphery with six sides defining an irregular hexagonal shape, a peripheral sidewall having a bottom end, a top end, and six planar portions, the peripheral sidewall connected adjacent the bottom end thereof to the base, the sidewall and the base cooperating together to define an interior storage compartment, each planar portion having a bottom edge and a top edge, the bottom edge of each planar portion respectively disposed adjacent one of the sides of the base, the top edges of the planar portions defining an opening in communication with the interior storage compartment;

inserting the item into the interior storage compartment of the storage tin.

25. The method for packaging an item according to claim 24, further comprising:

providing a lid;

placing the lid on the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin such that the opening to the interior storage compartment is closed.

26. The method for packaging an item according to claim 25, wherein the item comprises food.

27. The method for packaging an item according to claim 26, wherein the food comprises a predetermined amount of popcorn.

28. The method for packaging an item according to claim 26, wherein the food comprises a predetermined amount of candy.

29. The method for packaging an item according to claim 26, wherein the food comprises a predetermined amount of cookies.

30. The method for packaging an item according to claim 25, wherein the periphery of the base of the storage tin has a pair of narrow sides and four wide sides, and the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin has a pair of narrow planar portions corresponding to the pair of narrow sides of the base and four corresponding wide planar portions corresponding to the four wide sides of the base.

31. The method for packaging an item according to claim 30, further comprising:

providing a pallet;

providing a second storage tin, the second storage tine being substantially the same as the first storage tin;

inserting another item into the second storage tin;

providing a second lid;

placing the second lid on the peripheral sidewall of the second storage tin such that the opening to the interior storage compartment is closed;

placing the first storage tin on the pallet;

placing the second storage tin on the pallet.

32. The method for packaging an item according to claim 31, wherein in the placing step, the base of each storage tin rests upon the pallet.

33. The method for packaging an item according to claim 31, wherein in the placing step, one of the narrow sides of each storage tin rests upon the pallet.

34. The method for packaging an item according to claim 31, wherein in the placing step, one of the wide sides of each storage tin rests upon the pallet.

35. The method for packaging an item according to claim 24, further comprising:

applying a surface ornamentation to an exterior surface of the peripheral sidewall of the storage tin.