STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A storage container assembly includes a first lid and a base. The first lid includes a first lid structure. The base includes an upper edge, a base structure, and an opening. The upper edge of the base is configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid is mounted to the base. The base structure of the base is configured to mate with a second lid structure of a second lid such that the base is capable of being mounted to the second lid. The opening of the base allows the base to be accessible while the first lid is mounted to the base.

Description

FIELD

The subject of the disclosure relates generally to the field of storage containers. More specifically, the disclosure relates to stackable, interlocking storage containers which include openings such that a user can access stored materials without un-stacking the storage containers.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, consumers have become more and more concerned with the aesthetic appearance and functionality of garages, basements, closets, sheds, and other areas in which items tend to accumulate. As a result, consumers have invested vast sums of money on shelving units, storage bins, totes, etc. to store and organize accumulated items. In 2006 alone, consumers spent over $1.76 billion on plastic storage containers. Unfortunately, traditional storage systems are limited in their ability to provide an aesthetically appealing storage and organizational option which is both sturdy and able to provide easy access to stored items.

As an example, shelving units can be bulky, heavy, and complicated to assemble. It is also extremely difficult and potentially dangerous to move a shelving unit without taking all of the stored items off of the shelving unit. Further, most shelving units are not able to adequately store circular and cylindrical items which have a tendency to roll off the shelves of the shelving unit. A tote, which is a solid storage container with a lid, is limited in its ability to provide a user with easy access to stored items. To access stored items in a desired tote, the user has to remove any totes stacked on top of the desired tote and take off the lid of the desired tote. Further, stacks of totes more than two high are generally unstable because totes do not securely interlock with one another. Storage bins, which are generally lidless, stackable containers, are also limited in their ability to be stably stacked. After stacking storage bins 3 or 4 high, the stack becomes highly unstable, especially if heavy items are placed near the top of the stack. Storage bins are further limited by a lack of sturdiness and structural integrity due to their lidless configuration.

Thus, there is a need for a sturdy, lightweight, and portable storage system which provides a user with easy access to stored items.

SUMMARY

An exemplary storage container assembly includes a first lid and a base. The first lid includes a first lid structure. The base includes an upper edge, a base structure, and an opening. The upper edge of the base is configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid is mounted to the base. The base structure of the base is configured to mate with a second lid structure of a second lid such that the base is capable of being mounted to the second lid. The opening of the base allows the base to be accessible while the first lid is mounted to the base.

An exemplary integrated storage unit includes a first storage container assembly and a second storage container assembly. The first storage container assembly includes a first lid including a first lid structure and a first base. The first base includes a first upper edge configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid is mounted to the first base. The first base also includes a first base structure and a first opening such that the first base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the first base. The second storage container assembly includes a second lid and a second base. The second lid includes a second lid structure. The second base includes a second upper edge, a second base structure, and a second opening. The second upper edge is configured to receive the second lid such that the second lid is mounted to the second base. The second base structure is configured to mate with the first lid structure such that the first storage container assembly is mounted to the second storage container assembly. The second opening allows the second base to be accessible while the second lid is mounted to the second base and while the first storage container assembly is mounted to the second storage container assembly.

An exemplary method of forming an integrated storage unit includes providing a first storage container assembly. The first storage container assembly includes a first lid comprising a first lid structure and a first base. The first base includes a first upper edge configured to receive the first lid, a first base structure, and a first opening such that the first base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the first base. The first lid is mounted to the first base. A second storage assembly is also provided. The second storage assembly includes a second lid including a second lid structure and a second base. The second base includes a second upper edge configured to receive the second lid, a second base structure, and a second opening such that the second base is accessible while the second lid is mounted to the second base. The first lid structure of the first storage container assembly is caused to mate with the second base structure of the second storage container assembly such that the second storage container assembly is mounted on top of the first storage container assembly.

Other principal features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a base of the storage container assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a lid for a storage container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 3 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base of a storage container assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a storage container assembly in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a two-layer stack of storage container assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates a three-layer stack of storage container assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a base which includes a mounting anchor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9B is a partial back view of the base of FIG. 9A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9C is a partial front view of the base of FIG. 9A including a lid mounted thereto in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 9D is a partial back perspective view of the base of FIG. 9A including a lid mounted thereto in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10A is a partial front view of a base including a mounting anchor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a partial rear view of the base of FIG. 10A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a storage container assembly including a mounting anchor in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a partial back perspective view of the storage container assembly of FIG. 11A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a partial view of a base with a mounting anchor in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a storage container assembly with a door in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the storage container assembly of FIG. 13 with the door in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a base of the storage container assembly of FIG. 13 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16A is a partial view of the storage container assembly of FIG. 13 including a pivot mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16B is a partial view of the storage container assembly of FIG. 13 including a pivot rod in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a partial view of the base and the door of FIG. 15 including a latch mechanism in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a storage container assembly with a door in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of nested bases in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a storage container assembly 100 is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Storage container assembly 100 includes a lid 105 and a base 110. In an exemplary embodiment, lid 105 can be detachably mounted to base 110 to form storage container assembly 100. Lid 105 can include a tongue or groove such that lid 105 mates with a corresponding groove or tongue of base 110. Alternatively, lid 105 can be mounted to base 110 with one or more buckles, snaps, or cords as known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, lid 105 may be mounted to base 110 by any other method known to those skilled in the art. Detachable mounting of lid 105 to base 110 is described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Storage container assembly 100 also includes an opening 115 such that items can be stored in and/or accessed from storage container assembly 100 while lid 105 is mounted to base 110. In an exemplary embodiment, opening 115 can be rectangular with dimensions of approximately 10 inches in height and approximately 19 inches in length. In alternative embodiments, opening 115 can be any other shape, including elliptical, circular, square, triangular, etc. Similarly, opening 115 can have any other dimensions. In an exemplary embodiment, storage container assembly 100 includes a single opening located in a front 117 of base 110. In alternative embodiments, storage container assembly 100 may include a plurality of openings which may be located in any side of base 110 and/or in lid 105.

Opening 115 is formed in front 117 of base 110. A first boundary 121 of opening 115 and a third boundary 122 of opening 115 are formed by front 117. A second boundary 118 of opening 115, which is also formed by front 117, can be elevated a distance above a bottom of base 110. As such, second boundary 118 can be used to ensure that circular and other items can be stored in storage container assembly 100 without rolling out. In an exemplary embodiment, a fourth boundary 119 of opening 115 can be formed by a bottom surface of lid 105. Alternatively, fourth boundary 119 can be formed by front 117. First boundary 121, second boundary 118, third boundary 122, and fourth boundary 119 of opening 115 provide significant structural integrity to storage container assembly 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, storage container assembly 100 can include one or more gripping areas such that a user is able to lift and move storage container assembly 100. The one or more gripping areas can be formed such that lid 105 remains mounted to base 110 while storage container assembly 100 is being lifted. The one or more gripping areas can be formed in base 110 and/or lid 105 depending on the embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, a first gripping area 130 and a second gripping area 135 are formed by a lip in an upper portion of base 110. In alternative embodiments, the gripping areas may be handles mounted to base 110, apertures in base 110 and/or lid 105, a lip or ledge formed anywhere in base 110, etc.

Lid 105 also includes a plurality of lid structures 120, and base 110 includes a plurality of base structures 125. As illustrated with reference to FIG. 1, lid structures 120 are circular cavities (or cups), and base structures 125 are circular protrusions (or nubs). Lid 105 includes eight lid structures 120 arranged in a rectangular pattern. FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of base 110 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in the bottom view, base 110 includes eight base structures 125 which are also arranged in the rectangular pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, base structures 125 can mate with lid structures 120 to form a friction fit such that a first storage container assembly can be securely stacked on top of a second storage container assembly.

In alternative embodiments, lid structures 120 and/or base structures 125 can be any other shapes, including square, rectangular, elliptical, star, triangular, etc. Further, any number of lid structures 120 and/or base structures 125 may be used to secure a first storage container assembly to a second storage container assembly. In another alternative embodiment, lid structures 120 may differ in shape from one another. For example, a first lid structure may be a circular cavity and a second lid structure may be a square cavity. In such an embodiment, a first base structure may be a circular protrusion and a second base structure may be a square protrusion. Alternatively, lid structures 120 may be protrusions and base structures 125 may be cavities. In another alternative embodiment, lid structures 120 and/or base structures 125 may not include cavities and protrusions adapted to mate with the cavities. For example, base structures 125 may be latches and lid structures 120 may be catches adapted to receive the latches, or vice versa. In alternative embodiments, base structures 125 and lid structures 120 can be any other type of structure(s) which can be used to secure a base of a second storage container assembly to a lid of a first storage container assembly.

As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, base structures 125 and lid structures 120 form rectangular patterns. In alternative embodiments, any other pattern can be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the pattern used for base structures 125 and lid structures 120 dictates how storage container assemblies can be stacked. For example, a rectangular pattern allows uniform stacking along a bias of the rectangle such that an opening in a first storage container assembly is either aligned with or directly opposite (i.e., 180°) from an opening in a second storage container assembly which is stacked on top of the first storage container assembly. If a square pattern of base structures 125 and lid structures 120 is used, a first opening can be placed in 90° increments relative to a second opening. Similarly, if a circular pattern of base structures 125 and lid structures 120 is used, a first opening can be placed in degree increments relative to a second opening, where the degree is determined by the number of structures used.

FIG. 3 depicts a top perspective view of a lid 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, lid 200 can be the same as lid 105 illustrated with reference to FIG. 1. Lid 200 includes an outer edge 210 and an inner surface 220. Outer edge 210 and inner surface 220 are separated by a tongue 230 which is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 4. Inner surface 220 includes a first lid structure 260, a second lid structure 261, a third lid structure 262, a fourth lid structure 263, a fifth lid structure 264, a sixth lid structure 265, a seventh lid structure 266, and an eighth lid structure 267. Inner surface 220 also includes a plurality of ribs between the lid structures to increase the structural integrity of lid 200.

A first rib 240 is positioned between first lid structure 260 and second lid structure 261, a second rib 241 is positioned between second lid structure 261 and third lid structure 262, and a third rib 242 is positioned between third lid structure 262 and eighth lid structure 267. Additional ribs are included between the other lid structures. The ribs can be used to form and/or provide additional support for the lid structures. First rib 240 and second rib 241 are curved inward, and third rib 242 includes convex surfaces to increase the structural integrity of lid 200. Inner surface 220 also includes an outer rib 215 which borders first rib 240 and second rib 241 to further increase the structural integrity of lid 200. In alternative embodiments, the ribs can be positioned in any other location(s) on lid 200. Further, the ribs can be any shape and/or form any patterns.

Lid 200 also includes a plurality of bridge members configured to further increase the structural integrity of lid 200. A first bridge member 270, a second bridge member 271, and a third bridge member 272 are arranged adjacent to tongue 230 and across from a fourth bridge member 273, a fifth bridge member 274, and a sixth bridge member 275. In alternative embodiments, a different arrangement and/or number of bridge members may be used. The bridge members provide structural support between the lid structures and also between tongue 230 and outer rib 215. For example, first bridge member 270 provides support between fourth lid structure 263 and fifth lid structure 264. First bridge member 270 also includes a bridge rib 277 which provides structural support between tongue 230 and outer rib 215. As a result, lid 200 is able to maintain its structural integrity with a large amount of weight stacked thereon.

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom perspective view of lid 200 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, tongue 230 can be a continuous protrusion which forms an inner perimeter of lid 200. As such, lid 200 can be placed upon a rectangular base in either of two orientations which differ by 180°. Tongue 230 can be configured to mate with a groove 342 in a base 300 such that lid 200 is secured to the base. Base 300 is illustrated with reference to FIG. 5. In addition, mating tongue 230 with groove 342 in base 300 adds additional structural support to the storage container assembly. Tongue 230, which is double-walled for added support, prevents walls of base 300 from spreading out when weight is placed upon the storage container assembly. Tongue 230 also provides additional support to the side of base 300 which includes the opening. In an alternative embodiment, lid 200 may include a groove, and the base may include a tongue. In another alternative embodiment, a plurality of concentric tongues and grooves may be used to secure lid 200 to base 300. In another alternative embodiment, tongue 230 and groove 342 can be configured to snap lock into one another such that lid 200 is better secured to base 300.

As further illustrated with reference to FIG. 4, lid 200 also includes bridge support structures positioned between the bridge members. A first bridge support structure 280 includes a first rib 281, a second rib 282, and a third rib 283. First rib 281 provides support between second bridge member 271 and third bridge member 272. Second rib 282 provides support between second bridge member 271 and third lid structure 262, and third rib 283 provides support between third bridge member 272 and third lid structure 262. Additional bridge support structures are included between the other adjacent bridge members. In combination, the bridge members and the bridge support structures increase the rigidity and strength of lid 200, and prevent sagging of lid 200 when weight is placed thereon.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a base 300 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In an exemplary embodiment, base 300 can be the same as base 110 described with reference to FIG. 1. Base 300 includes a bottom 310, a front 312, a back 314, a first side 316, and a second side 318. Bottom 310 includes a plurality of base structures 320. Back 314 includes a plurality of structural depressions 325 configured to enhance the structural integrity of base 300. Likewise, first side 316 includes a structural depression 330 and second side 318 includes a structural depression 335 configured to increase the structural integrity of base 300. In one embodiment, upper surfaces of structural depression 330 and structural depression 335 can be used as gripping areas such that a user can lift base 300. In alternative embodiments, any other number and/or arrangement of structural depressions can be used. In another alternative embodiment, instead of extending into an interior of base 300, any or all of the structural depressions can extend outward into an exterior of base 300.

Base 300 also includes an upper edge 340, at least a portion of which includes groove 342, which is configured to receive and mate with tongue 230 of lid 200 as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. Upper edge 340 also provides a resting surface for a mounted lid. As such, any weight applied to the mounted lid is transferred to base 300 through upper edge 340. Upper edge 340 is mounted to a first boundary 344 and a third boundary 348 of an opening of base 300. A second boundary 346 is mounted between first boundary 344 and third boundary 348. Upper edge 340, first boundary 344, second boundary 346, and third boundary 348 can be structurally reinforced to provide additional support to base 300. Base 300 also includes a plurality of reinforced corner sections 350 configured to provide additional structural integrity to base 300. Base 300 is depicted as rectangular in shape. In alternative embodiments, base 300 and its corresponding lid can be any other shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates a storage container assembly 500 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. Storage container assembly 500 includes a lid 505 and a base 510. Base 510 includes an opening 515 and a plurality of base structures 520. Lid 505 includes a plurality of lid structures 525. In an exemplary embodiment, storage container assembly 500 is square in shape and is approximately one half the size of storage container assembly 100 described with reference to FIG. 1. As such, one or more of storage container 100 can be combined with one or more of storage container assembly 500 to form a plurality of different structurally sound storage container assembly stacks.

FIG. 7 is a two-layer stack 600 of storage container assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A first row of two-layer stack 600 includes a first storage container assembly 605 and a second storage container assembly 610. A second row of two-layer stack 600 includes a third storage container assembly 615 mounted to first storage container assembly 605. A base 620 of third storage container assembly 615 includes a plurality of base structures which are configured to mate with a first plurality of lid structures in a lid 625 of first storage container assembly 605. As such, third storage container assembly 615 is securely mounted to first storage container assembly 605.

A fourth storage container assembly 630 is mounted to first storage container assembly 605 and second storage container assembly 610. A first plurality of base structures in a base 635 of fourth storage container assembly 630 are configured to mate with a second plurality of lid structures in lid 625 of first storage container assembly 605. A second plurality of base structures in base 635 are configured to mate with a first plurality of lid structures in a lid 640 of second storage container assembly 610. As such, fourth storage container assembly 630 is securely mounted to first storage container assembly 605 and second storage container assembly 610, and first storage container assembly 605 and second storage container assembly 610 are secured to one another. A fifth storage container assembly 645 is mounted to second storage container assembly 610 through a plurality of base structures in a base 650 of fifth storage container assembly 645 which mate with a second plurality of lid structures of lid 640 of second storage container assembly 610.

FIG. 8 illustrates a three-layer stack 700 of storage container assemblies in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A first storage container assembly 705 forms a first row of three-layer stack 700. A second row of three-layer stack 700 is formed by a second storage container assembly 710 and a third storage container assembly 715. Second storage container assembly 710 and third storage container assembly 715 are mounted to first storage container assembly 705 using lid structures and base structures as described above with reference to FIG. 7. A third row of three-layer stack 700 includes a fourth storage container assembly 720. Fourth storage container assembly 720 is mounted to second storage container assembly 710 and third storage container assembly 715 using base structures and lid structures as described above.

As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a plurality of storage container assemblies can be combined to form an integrated storage unit. Because the storage container assemblies are mounted to one another through mating of lid structures and base structures, the integrated storage is much sturdier and more structurally sound than a simple stack of containers. In addition, the structurally reinforced lids and bases of the storage container assemblies allow the integrated storage unit to support a large quantity of weight. Further, openings in the individual storage container assemblies allow a user to access stored items in any row of the integrated storage unit. In alternative embodiments, any other number and/or size of storage container assemblies can be used to form an integrated storage unit.

In an exemplary embodiment, any of the storage assemblies disclosed herein may include a mounting anchor. FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate a mounting anchor in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9A is a front perspective view of a base 800 which includes a mounting anchor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The mounting anchor includes a slot 802 through which a mounting fastener such as a screw, nail, etc. can be placed. In an exemplary embodiment, slot 802 can be a v-shaped slot which extends through a groove 804 of base 800. Alternatively, slot 802 can be any other shape. Using the mounting fastener, base 800 can be mounted such that an exterior of a back side 806 of base 800 is secured adjacent to a wall, pole, or other structure. FIG. 9B is a partial back view of base 800 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated with reference to FIG. 9B, the mounting anchor includes a mounting extension 808 which extends from back side 806 of base 800. Mounting extension 808 includes a mounting surface 810 which is configured to rest flat against a structure to which base 800 is secured.

FIG. 9C is a partial front view of base 800 including a lid 812 mounted thereto in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 9C, slot 802 extends below a bottom surface of lid 812 such that a mounting fastener inserted through slot 802 does not interfere with placement or removal of lid 812. FIG. 9D is a partial back perspective view of base 800 including lid 812 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 9D, mounting extension 808 and mounting surface 810 are positioned below a bottom surface of lid 812 such that placement/removal of lid 812 is not impeded. In alternative embodiments, the mounting anchor may also be placed along one or both sides of base 800. In another alternative embodiment, base 800 may include a plurality of mounting anchors.

FIG. 10A is a partial front view of a base 820 including a mounting anchor in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10B is a partial rear view of base 820 and the mounting anchor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. The mounting anchor of base 820 includes a tab 822 and an aperture 824. In an exemplary embodiment, a mounting fastener can be inserted through aperture 824, through tab 822, and into a structure such that base 820 is securely mounted to the structure. In an alternative embodiment, tab 822 may include one or more holes configured to receive the mounting fastener. In an exemplary embodiment, tab 822 and aperture 824 can be positioned such that placement/removal of a lid onto base 820 is not impeded. In an alternative embodiment, base 820 may include a plurality of apertures and tabs.

FIG. 11A is a front perspective view of a storage container assembly 830 including a mounting anchor in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment. FIG. 11B is a partial back perspective view of storage container assembly 830 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. A tab 832 is mounted to a lid 834 of storage container assembly 830. A mounting fastener can be inserted through a front side of tab 832 such that lid 834 and storage container assembly 830 are secured to a structure. In an exemplary embodiment, tab 832 can be positioned such that one or more storage container assemblies can be stacked on top of storage container assembly 830. In an alternative embodiment, tab 832 may include one or more holes configured to receive the mounting fastener. In another alternative embodiment, lid 834 may include a plurality of tabs.

FIG. 12 is a partial view of a base 840 with a mounting anchor 842 in accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment. Mounting anchor 842 includes a tab 844 having an aperture 846. In an exemplary embodiment, a fastening strap can be placed through aperture 846 and around a pole or other structure such that base 840 is secured to the pole or other structure. Mounting structure 842 can be positioned in one or both back corners of base 840. Alternatively, one or more of mounting structure 842 can be placed anywhere along the back and/or sides of base 840. In exemplary embodiment, a storage container assembly may include a plurality of the same or different types of mounting anchors.

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a storage container assembly 850 with a door 852 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Storage container assembly 850 includes a base 854, a lid 856, and door 852. A bottom of door 852 includes a first pivot mechanism 858 and a second pivot mechanism 860 such that door 852 is able to be opened and closed. Door 852 also includes a handle 862 such that a user can control movement of door 852 from a closed position. FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of storage container assembly 850 with door 852 in an open position. With door 852 in the open position, a user is able to access an interior of container assembly 850 for placement/removal of items. The user can close door 852 to ensure that items within storage container assembly 850 are secured and protected. In an exemplary embodiment, door 852 can be opened and/or closed with lid 856 mounted to base 854. FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of base 854 without lid 856 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 15, an upper surface 864 of door 852 is positioned below a bottom edge of a groove 866 in base 854. As such, placement of lid 854, which can include a tongue configured to mate with groove 866, does not interfere with movement of door 852.

FIG. 16A is a partial view of base 854 and pivot mechanism 858 with door 852 in an open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 16B is a partial view including a pivot rod 870 mounted to base 854 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 16A, pivot mechanism 858 includes a pivot member 872 which is configured to attach to pivot rod 870 such that door 852 is pivotally mounted to base 854. In an exemplary embodiment, pivot member 872 can partially surround pivot rod 870 such that door 852 is detachable from base 854. Alternatively, pivot member 872 may substantially or entirely surround pivot rod 870 such that door 852 is not detachable from base 854. In alternative embodiments, any other type of pivot mechanism can be used to allow movement of door 852. For example, pivot mechanism 858 may be a hinge. In another alternative embodiment, one, three, four, or any other number of pivot mechanisms may be used to pivotally secure door 852 to base 854.

FIG. 17 is a partial view of a latch mechanism 876 for door 852 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Latch mechanism 876 includes a locking groove 878 and a locking protrusion 880 configured to mate with locking groove 878 to form a friction fit. The friction fit can be sufficient to ensure that door 852 does not open on its own. In an exemplary embodiment, door 852 can include two locking protrusions (one on each side of upper surface 864 of door 852), and base 854 can include two corresponding locking grooves. Alternatively, a single latch mechanism may be used. In alternative embodiments, door 852 can be maintained in a closed position using any other latching/securing method known to those of skill in the art.

Referring again to FIG. 13, lid 856 includes a receiving surface 857 which is surrounded by a stacking edge 859. In an exemplary embodiment, an inner perimeter of stacking edge 859 can be approximately the same size as a bottom 861 of base 854. As such, a second base can be securely stacked on top of lid 856. Stacking edge 859 can be used to ensure that the second base is secure, and a bottom of the second base can rest on receiving surface 857. Alternatively, base 854 may include base structures and lid 856 may include lid structures as described with reference to FIGS. 1-5. In another exemplary embodiment, a bottom side of lid 856 may include a plurality of ribs to increase the strength and rigidity of lid 856 such that one or more storage container assemblies can be stacked on top of lid 856.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a storage container assembly 890 with a door 892 in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment. Storage container assembly 890 includes a base 894, a lid 896, and door 892. A first pivot mechanism 898 and a second pivot mechanism 899 can be provided such that door 892 is able to be pivotally opened and closed. In an exemplary embodiment, storage container assembly 890 can be approximately one half the size of storage container assembly 850 described with reference to FIG. 13. As such, two of storage container assembly 890 can be stacked side by side on top of storage container assembly 850.

In an exemplary embodiment, the walls of the bases described herein can be tapered outward (from bottom to top) such that a plurality of bases can be nested inside one another. Nesting provides significant space saving advantages with respect to shipping, store inventories, store displays, and consumer transportation. In another exemplary embodiment, a stack of two nested bases can be approximately 1.5 inches taller than a single base (i.e., the bases can have a nesting height of approximately 1.5 inches). Alternatively, any other nesting height can be obtained by altering a thickness of the bases and/or a degree of outward tapering from the bottom to the top of the bases. FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of nested bases in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a second base 910 is nested within a first base 912. Similarly, a third base (not shown) can be nested within second base 910, a fourth base (not shown) can be nested within the third base, and so on. Any of the bases described herein can be configured for nesting. In another exemplary embodiment, any of the lids described herein can also be configured to nest inside of one another to provide space saving advantages.

The foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of the invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. For example, the described exemplary embodiments focused on an implementation made of a plastic such as high-density polyethylene. The present invention, however, is not limited to a particular material. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this container can be made out of various materials including metal. Additionally, the shape of the container can be altered significantly without deviating from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and as practical applications of the invention to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A storage container assembly, comprising:

a first lid, wherein the first lid comprises a first lid structure; and

a base, wherein the base comprises an upper edge configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid is mounted to the base;

a base structure, wherein the base structure is configured to mate with a second lid structure of a second lid such that the base is capable of being mounted to the second lid; and an opening such that the base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the base.

2. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a boundary of the opening is formed by the first lid.

3. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid comprises eight lid structures, and further wherein the base comprises eight base structures.

4. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the second lid structure comprises a circular cavity, and further wherein the base structure comprises a circular protrusion.

5. The storage container assembly of claim 4, wherein the circular protrusion mates with the circular cavity to form a friction fit.

6. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid further comprises a rib configured to increase a structural integrity of the first lid.

7. The storage container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a mounting anchor for securing the storage container assembly to a structure.

8. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid further comprises a tongue and the upper edge of the base further comprises a groove configured to receive the tongue.

9. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the first lid comprises a plurality of lid structures arranged in a pattern, and further wherein the base comprises a plurality of base structures arranged in the pattern.

10. The storage container assembly of claim 9, wherein the pattern comprises at least one of a square, a rectangle, and a circle.

11. The storage container assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more walls of the base are tapered outward from a bottom of the base to a top of the base such that the base is configured to nest within a second base.

12. The storage container assembly of claim 1, further comprising a door pivotally mounted to the base and configured to move between a closed position and an open position.

13. The storage container assembly of claim 12, wherein the door is configured to cover at least a portion of the opening when the door is in the closed position.

14. An integrated storage unit comprising:

a first storage container assembly, wherein the first storage container assembly comprises a first lid comprising a first lid structure; and a first base, wherein the first base comprises a first upper edge configured to receive the first lid such that the first lid is mounted to the first base; a first base structure; and a first opening such that the first base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the first base; and

a second storage container assembly, wherein the second storage container assembly comprises a second lid comprising a second lid structure; and a second base, wherein the second base comprises a second upper edge configured to receive the second lid such that the second lid is mounted to the second base; a second base structure, wherein the second base structure is configured to mate with the first lid structure such that the first storage container assembly is mounted to the second storage container assembly; and a second opening such that the second base is accessible while the second lid is mounted to the second base and while the first storage container assembly is mounted to the second storage container assembly.

15. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein the first lid comprises a first plurality of lid structures and the second base comprises a second plurality of base structures, and further wherein the first plurality of lid structures is greater than the second plurality of base structures.

16. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein a bottom boundary of the first opening is elevated a distance above a bottom of the first base.

17. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein the first storage container assembly is a first size, and further wherein the second storage container assembly is also the first size.

18. The integrated storage unit of claim 14, wherein the first storage container assembly is a first size and the second storage container assembly is a second size, and further wherein the second size is approximately one half of the first size.

19. A method of forming an integrated storage unit comprising:

providing a first storage container assembly, wherein the first storage container assembly comprises a first lid comprising a first lid structure; and a first base, wherein the first base comprises a first upper edge configured to receive the first lid; a first base structure; and a first opening such that the first base is accessible while the first lid is mounted to the first base;

mounting the first lid to the first base;

providing a second storage assembly, wherein the second storage container assembly comprises a second lid comprising a second lid structure; and a second base, wherein the second base comprises a second upper edge configured to receive the second lid; a second base structure; and a second opening such that the second base is accessible while the second lid is mounted to the second base; and

causing the first lid structure of the first storage container assembly to mate with the second base structure of the second storage container assembly such that the second storage container assembly is mounted on top of the first storage container assembly.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first lid structure comprises a circular cavity and the second base structure comprises a circular protrusion, and further wherein the circular cavity mates with the circular protrusion to form a friction fit.