BIN SEPARATION SYSTEM

Abstract

The present disclosure includes bin separation systems. One system includes a separation piece for dividing the bin into a number of portions and an attachment piece for attaching a portion of the separation piece to a portion of a wall of the bin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to bin separation systems.

BACKGROUND

Storage bins, also known as bins, storage containers, and/or storage tubs, among others, are widely used for personal and business storage and organization. Storage bins can include a number of different sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles.

For example, storage bins can include stacking bins, cross stacking bins, nesting bins, conductive electrostatic discharge bins, recycled and recycling bins, compartment bin cups, tilt bins, open hopper containers, hinged lid containers, stack and nest bins, straight and uneven Wall bins, and collapsible bins, for example. Example storage bins can include bins such as Sterilite® storage bins and Rubbermaid® storage bins, for instance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate top views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate schematic views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 1E illustrates a schematic view of a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate schematic views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2E illustrates a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2F illustrates a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2G illustrates an attachment piece according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate top views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate schematic views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3E illustrates a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate top views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate schematic views of a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4E illustrates a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 4F illustrates an attachment piece according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates a bin separation system according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5C-5D illustrate a separation piece according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include systems and apparatuses for bin separation. For example, one or more system embodiments include a separation piece for dividing the bin into a number of portions and an attachment piece for attaching a portion of the separation piece to a portion of a wall of the bin.

In the following detailed description of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how a number of embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice a number of embodiments of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide a number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, as will be appreciated, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense. As used herein, “a”, “at least one”, and “a number of” something can refer to one or more such things.

Storage bins are used for personal and business storage and organization, and can include a number of different sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles. However, these bins require stacking stored items on top of one another, resulting in an inability to see items on the bottom of bins, as well as the need to remove items at the top of the bin in order to retrieve items at the bottom of the bin.

A bin separation system can allow for organization of a bin, wherein particular items can be compartmentalized as desired by a user.

For example, a user may organize unrelated items in a same bin, without having to rummage through a number of first items to get to a number of second items. A bin separation system can also be adaptable to meet different bins, whether the bins vary in brand, shape, size, material, contour, and/or style, among others.

In a number of embodiments, a bin separation system can allow for a number of levels of organization in a storage bin, as well. For example, a bin separation system can include a separation pieces for a first level, as well as a separation piece to divide a bottom level and a top level. The separation piece dividing the two levels may be removed to access a bottom level. In a number of embodiments, more than one level can be created with the bin separation system.

A bin separation system can include a number of separation pieces, such that a bin may be separated into a number of different compartments depending on the desires of a user. A bin separation system can also include a kit of materials, including separation pieces and attachment pieces, for instance, for use in separating a storage bin.

The bin separation system may be moved and shifted at different angles to adapt to a particular bin.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation systems, separation pieces, and/or connection/attachment pieces can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, plastic materials, foam materials, corrugated cardboard materials, cardboard and/or paper materials, metal materials, fabric materials, and/or resin materials.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate top views of a bin separation system 100 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, bin separation system 100 includes separation pieces 102-1 and 102-2 in an example storage bin 103 of a particular size, shape, material, and/or style. Bin separation system 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1B and includes separation pieces 102-1 and 102-2 in an example storage bin 105 of a different size, shape, material, and/or style than example storage bin 103. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, example storage bin 105 may be longer, thinner, and/or taller than example storage bin 103, for instance. Example storage bin 105 may include uneven interior side walls 104, for example. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 100 and separation pieces 102-1 and 102-2 are adaptable to different storage bin sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles.

FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate schematic views of bin separation system 100 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 100 is adaptable to a number of storage bin sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles, among others. For example, example storage bin 103 may be wider than example storage bin 105, but separation pieces 102-1 and 102-2 are adjustable to fit both widths of example bins 103 and 105. In a number of embodiments, example storage bin 105 includes uneven interior side walls 104 to which bin separation system 100 adapts.

In a number of embodiments, separation pieces 102-1 and 102-2 can be turned to separate the bin in a manner other than that illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, separation pieces 102-1 and 102-2 can be turned 90 degrees to separate bins 103 and 105 based on a “y-axis”, rather than an “x-axis”.

FIG. 1E illustrates a separation piece 102 according to the present disclosure. Separation piece 102 can be utilized a number of times within bin separation system 100, and includes a groove 106 that allows for connection of separation piece 102 to another separation piece 102. Separation piece 102 can expand by pushing outward against walls of a storage bin to dictate a size and shape of a division provided by bin separation system 100.

Separation piece 102 can also include connection piece 107, which allows for connection or adhesion of separation piece 102 to side walls of a storage bin (e.g., example storage bins 103 and 105). For example, connection piece 107 can allow for connection and pivot of separation piece 102.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 100 includes a single separation piece 102 that can interlock with its counterparts (e.g., other separation pieces 102), and expand uniformly with its counterparts to fill a space inside a storage bin (e.g., example storage bins 103 and 105). Bin separation system 100 can, for example, allow for a geodesic-type of expansion that works with various bin sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 100, separation pieces 102, and/or connection piece 107 can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, plastic materials, foam materials, corrugated cardboard materials, cardboard and/or paper materials, metal materials, fabric materials, and/or resin materials.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top views of a bin separation system 208 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system can include separation pieces 210-1, 210-2, and 214. In a number of embodiments, separation piece 214 can act as a backbone to separation system 208, with separation pieces 210-1 and 210-2 acting as cross pieces to separate the bin area. While two separation pieces 210-1 and 210-2 and one separation piece 214 are illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, any number of separation pieces (e.g., 210-1, 210-2, 214) and/or combination thereof may be used in bin separation system 208.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 208 utilizes three pieces, including separation piece 210 (e.g., 210-1, 210-2, . . . ,210-N), separation piece 214, and attachment piece 212 (e.g., a T-shaped connector) to separate an interior of a storage bin. Separation pieces 210 and 214 can interlock with one another using grooves. Bin separation system 208 can divide a space within a storage bin while remaining rigid in a number of embodiments.

A connection made between attachment piece 212 and a side of a storage bin can create a solid hold to the side of the bin, and allow for internal cross members (e.g., separation piece 214) to stay in place. Attachment piece 212 can also allow for connection of bin separation system 208 to be attached to sides of a storage bin at a depth desired by a user.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate schematic views of a bin separation system 208 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, example storage bin 205 may be longer, thinner, and/or taller than example storage bin 203, for instance. Example storage bin 205 may include uneven interior side walls (e.g., side walls 211 as illustrated in FIG. 2B), for example. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 208 and separation pieces 210-1, 210-2, and 214 are adaptable to different storage bin sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles.

FIG. 2E illustrates a separation piece 214 according to the present disclosure. Separation piece 214 can act as a backbone for bin separation system 208. In a number of embodiments, separation piece 214 includes a number of grooves (e.g., grooves 216-1 and 216-2) that can interlock with perpendicular separation pieces (e.g., separation pieces 210-1 and 210-2).

FIG. 2F illustrates a separation piece 210 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, separation piece 210 is positioned perpendicular to separation piece 214 and interlocked with separation piece 214 using groove 218, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D, Separation pieces 210 and 214 can be utilized a number of times within bin separation system 208. In a number of embodiments, the number of times separation pieces 210 and 214 are used is based on the desired number and shape of divisions in bin separation system 208.

FIG. 2G illustrates an attachment piece 212 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, attachment piece 212 facilitates a connection and/or adhesion of separation pieces 210 and 214 to side walls of a storage bin (e.g., example storage bins 203 and 205). For example, attachment piece 212 may be T-shaped and include a notch that slides over the edge of separation pieces 210 and 214, as illustrated in FIGS. 2C and 2D. In a number of embodiments, an adhesive material can be used to attach attachment piece 212 to side walls of a storage bin and/or to separation pieces 210 and/or 214.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 208, separation pieces 210 and 214, and/or attachment piece 212 can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, plastic materials, foam materials, corrugated cardboard materials, cardboard and/or paper materials, metal materials, fabric materials, and/or resin materials.

In a number of embodiments, a bin separation system can include a “living hinge” system including separation pieces with a number of grooves for connection to one another. For example, a separation piece within the bin separation system can include any number of grooves that can connect or interlock with a duplicate separation piece. The separation piece can be folded or “hinged” to adjust its length in order to adapt to a storage bin.

A portion of a separation piece within the living hinge system can be attached to an interior side or bottom wall of a storage bin using an attachment piece, and/or adhesive, among others. In a number of embodiments, the bin separation system can use tension against an interior side of the bin for connection and rigidity.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate top views of a bin separation system 320 according to the present disclosure. Bin separation system 320 includes separation piece 322, and in a number of embodiments, separation pieces 320 can be used together to create a variable type grid.

In a number of embodiments, example storage bin 303, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, and example storage bin 305, as illustrated in

FIG. 3B, can include a number of separation pieces 322 arranged to create a grid system. In an example, storage bin 305 includes uneven interior bin edges 319, to which separation piece 322 can adapt.

Separation piece and/or pieces 322 can, for example, be used to create a number of subdivisions of the same and/or different sizes and shapes. Separation pieces 322 may be free-standing within a storage bin, and/or separation pieces 322 may be attached to interior storage bin side walls with an adhesive material and/or connection device.

In a number of embodiments, separation pieces 322 can be turned to separate the bin in a manner other than that illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. For example, separation pieces 322 can be turned 90 degrees to separate bins 303 and 305 based on a “y-axis”, rather than an “x-axis”.

FIGS. 3C and 3D illustrate schematic views of bin separation system 320 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, example storage bin 305 may be longer, thinner, and/or taller than example storage bin 303, for instance. Example storage bin 305 may include uneven interior side walls (e.g., side walls 319 as illustrated in FIG. 3B), for example. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 320 and separation piece 322 are adaptable to different storage bin sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles.

FIG. 3E illustrates a separation piece 322 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, a number of separation pieces 322 may be combined to create bin separation system 320 within a storage bin. As illustrated in FIG. 3E, separation piece 322 can be a U-shaped divider, for example. Separation piece 322, in a number of embodiments, can also include a T-shape and an L-shape, among others.

In a number of embodiments, separation piece 322 is stackable with other separation pieces 322 for storage. For example, when storing extra pieces, separation piece 322 could rest within a separation piece of the same design.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 320 and separation pieces 322 can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, plastic materials, foam materials, corrugated cardboard materials, cardboard and/or paper materials, metal materials, fabric materials, and/or resin materials.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate top views of a bin separation system 424 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 424 includes separation piece 426, and a number of separation pieces 426 can be used together to create a variable type grid.

In a number of embodiments, separation piece 426 can include an accordion-shape and/or fan-shape that allows for separation piece 422 to index itself on a storage bin wall. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, storage bin 405 can include uneven interior bin walls 425, to which separation piece 426 can adapt. Separation piece 426 can also include a groove, such as, or similar to, groove 106 illustrated in FIG. 1E with respect to bin separation system 100. A groove in separation piece 426 can facilitation connection of a number of separation pieces 426 for use in bin separation system 424.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 424 includes attachment piece 412 (e.g., a T-shaped connector). Attachment piece 412 can be used to secure separation piece 426 to a base and an interior side wall of a storage bin. In a number of embodiments, attachment piece 412 can slide onto a portion of separation piece 426.

In a number of embodiments, separation pieces 426 can be turned to separate the bin in a manner other than that illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. For example, separation pieces 426 can be turned 90 degrees to separate bins 403 and 405 based on a “y-axis”, rather than an “x-axis”. FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate schematic views of a bin separation system 424 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, example storage bin 405 may be longer, thinner, and/or taller than example storage bin 403, for instance. Example storage bin 405 may include uneven interior side walls (e.g., side walls 425 as illustrated in FIG. 4B), for example. In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 424 including separation piece 426 and attachment piece 412 are adaptable to different storage bin sizes, shapes, materials, and/or styles.

FIG. 4E illustrates a separation piece 424 according to the. present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, a number of separation pieces 426 may be combined to create bin separation system 424 within a storage bin, as illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D, for instance. As illustrated in FIG. 4E, separation piece 426 can be an accordion-shaped and/or fan-shaped divider, for example.

FIG. 4F illustrates an attachment piece 412 according to the present disclosure. In a number of embodiments, attachment piece 412 allows for connection or adhesion of separation piece 426 to side walls of a storage bin (e.g., example storage bins 403 and 405). For example, attachment piece 412 may be T-shaped and include a notch that slides over the edge of separation piece 426, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C and 4D. In a number of embodiments, an adhesive material can be used to attach attachment piece 412 to side walls of a storage bin.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 424, separation pieces 426, and/or attachment piece 412 can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, plastic materials, foam materials, corrugated cardboard materials, cardboard and/or paper materials, metal materials, fabric materials, and/or resin materials.

FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic view of a bin separation system 530 according to the present disclosure. Bin separation system 530 can include a number of separation pieces 536 that can slide and expand to fit a contour of an interior of a storage bin 503. Bin separation system 530 can be crossed in halves, thirds, and/or quarters, among others, with a cross separation piece 532.

In a number of embodiments, an example storage bin can be longer, thinner, and/or taller than example storage bin 503 illustrated in FIG. 5A, for instance.

In a number of embodiments, separation system 530 can use pressure against the side of a storage bin to adjust and adapt to the storage bin. In a number of embodiments, an attachment piece is used to secure a portion of a number of the separation pieces 536 and 532 to an interior wall of the storage bin.

FIG. 5B illustrates a separation piece 532 according to the present disclosure. Separation piece 532 can be a cross separation piece that works in conjunction with separation piece 536, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, and can include sections 534-1, 534-2, . . . ,534-7 and perforations 546-1, 546-2, . . . ,546-6. In a number of embodiments, separation piece 532 can include more or less sections than illustrated in FIG. 5B, and/or the sections can be larger or smaller than those illustrated in FIG. 5B.

In a number of embodiments, cross separation piece 532 can be snapped off to suit the size of the storage bin. For example, section 534-3 may be snapped off at perforation 546-1 of separation piece 532 to shorten the length of separation piece 532 in order to fit within a particular bin size. Any number or combination of sections 534-1, 534-2, . . . ,534-7 may be snapped off of separation piece 532, depending on a size of a storage bin, and a desired separation configuration.

FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate a separation piece 536 according to the present disclosure. Separation piece 536 can slide and expand to fit a contour of an interior of a storage bin (e.g., storage bin 503, as illustrated in FIG. 5A).

FIG. 5C illustrates separation piece 536 in an expanded formation. Separation piece can include a number of sections 538, 540, 542, and 544. Each section can include a number of grooves, including, for example, groove 548 in section 538. The number of grooves can be used as a connection point between separation piece 536 and separation piece 532, as illustrated in FIG. 5A.

As illustrated in FIG. 5C, certain sections of separation piece 536 can be taller than others to facilitate expansion and contraction of separation piece 536. For example, section 538 can be taller than section 540, such that section 538 can slide over section 540 to adapt to a contour of an interior of a storage bin, which is discussed further herein with respect to FIG. 5D. In a number of embodiments, groove 548 can line up with a groove in section 540 when section 538 slides over section 540, for example.

Separation piece 536 can include a removable section 544. In a number of embodiments, section 544 can be removed to fit a number of storage bins of different shapes and sizes. For example, a storage bin may have raised bottom interior edges to make the bin stackable. To adapt to such a storage bin, section 544 can be removed to fit the contour of the storage bin.

FIG. 5D illustrates separation piece 536 in a contracted formation. In a number of embodiments, section 538 can be slide over section 540, such that groove 548 lines up with a groove in section 540. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5D, both ends of separation piece 536 have been contracted, however, in a number of embodiments, one end (e.g., section 538) is contracted while the other is expanded.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 5D, removable section 544 is connected to separation piece 536, but in a number of embodiments, section 544 can be removed from separation piece 536 while separation piece 536 is in a contracted form. In a number of embodiments, section 544 can be removed from one end of separation piece 536, while remaining connected on the opposite end of separation piece 536.

Separation piece 536 can include a section 542 that acts as a stop point for a taller section 538. For example, section 538 may be slid completely over section 540, but not further than section 542. In an number of embodiments, sections 538, 540, 542, and 544 can be removed from bin separation system 530 to adapt to the contour, shape, and/or size, among others, of a particular storage bin.

In a number of embodiments, bin separation system 530 and separation pieces 532 and 536 and their components can include a number of materials including, but not limited to, plastic materials, foam materials, corrugated cardboard materials, cardboard and/or paper materials, metal materials, fabric materials, and/or resin materials.

In a number of embodiments, a bin separation system can also include a subdivided block of material (e.g., foam) the size of a storage bin to create a bin separation system, for example. A number of varying shapes can be used in the spatial organization of the bin separation system within the storage bin, including, but not limited to, L-shapes, squares, and/or expandable/collapsible sections.

A bin separation system can include a number of flexible separation pieces in a number of sizes and shapes in a number of embodiments. The separation piece can conform and take non-uniform shapes and connections. The separation pieces can include a self-connecting point, such that no attachment piece is needed to connect different separation pieces together, for example. In a number of embodiments, an attachment piece is used to connect separation pieces to one another, as well as to an interior wall of a storage bin.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same techniques can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure includes any other applications in which the above structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of the disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in example embodiments illustrated in the figures for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the disclosure require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter. lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A bin separation system including:

a separation piece for dividing the bin into a number of portions; and

an attachment piece for attaching a portion of the separation piece to a portion of a wall of the bin.

2. The bin separation system of claim 1, wherein the separation piece is attached to a side interior wall of the bin.

3. The bin separation system of claim 1, wherein the separation piece is attached to an interior floor wall of the bin.

4. The bin separation system of claim 1, wherein the separation piece expands and contracts to fit the bin.

5. The bin separation system of claim 1, wherein the attachment piece is attached to the portion of the wall of the bin using an adhesive material.

6. The bin separation system of claim 1, wherein the separation piece is at least one of a “U” shape, a “T” shape, and an “L” shape.

7. The bin separation system of claim 1, wherein the separation piece is a solid block of material with a particular section removed therefrom.

8. A bin separation system comprising:

a first separation piece comprising a first material including a first connection point; and

a second separation piece comprising a second material and connected to the first separation piece by interlocking a second connection point with the first connection point.

9. The bin separation system of claim 8, wherein the first separation piece and the second separation piece are identical pieces.

10. The bin separation system of claim 8, wherein the first connection point and the second connection point are grooves that interlock with one another.

11. The bin separation system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first separation piece and the second separation piece are expandable and contractible.

12. The bin separation system of claim 8, further comprising an adhesion material binding the bin separation system to a portion of an interior wall of the bin.

13. The bin separation system of claim 8, wherein the first and second divider pieces slide and expand to fit a contour of an interior of the bin.

14. The bin separation system of claim 8, wherein a portion of at least one of the first and second separation pieces is removable.

15. The bin separation system of claim 8, wherein at least one of the first separation piece and the second separation piece includes a removable section.

16. A bin separation system including:

an expandable and contractible separation piece for dividing a bin into a number of portions.

17. The bin separation system of claim 16, wherein the separation piece is accordion-shaped.

18. The bin separation system of claim 16, wherein the separation piece includes a groove for connecting the separation piece to a different separation piece.

19. The bin separation system of claim 16, further including an adhesion material for connecting a portion of the separation piece to a portion of an interior wall of the bin.

20. The bin separation system of claim 16, wherein the separation piece holds itself against an interior wall of the bin without a cross section or adhesion.