Adjustable Storage Container

Abstract

An adjustable storage container is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the container includes a frame having a base wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a rear wall, where an interior space is defined by the walls. The container also includes a half wall extending partially from the front wall towards the rear wall. Longitudinal slots are disposed on the frame and are configured to engage a respective longitudinal edge of a removable divider wall to selectively divide the interior space. In addition, a free edge of the half wall includes a hub of longitudinal slots where each longitudinal slot of the hub is facing in a different direction and configured to receive a respective longitudinal edge of the removable divider wall. Additional longitudinal slots and divider walls can be used to divide the interior space as desired to accommodate various sized objects.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally related to an adjustable storage container.

BACKGROUND

Storage containers are generally used to store and organize various objects. For example, containers may be used to store small objects such as pens, paper, or keys and key rings. However, when the smaller objects are placed in a large container, they are often damaged by larger objects placed in the same container or are simply misplaced and not visible. If a small container is used to store the small objects then there is no space to store larger objects such as a computer tablet. In addition, these objects all are different sizes and shapes. Accordingly, there is a need for a storage container that is adjustable to provide the user with the ability to change the configuration to fit different size objects within the same container as needed. It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed.

However, in view of the prior art at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled.

SUMMARY

An adjustable storage container is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the container includes a frame having a base wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a rear wall, where an interior space is defined by the walls. The container also includes a half wall extending partially from the front wall towards the rear wall. Longitudinal slots are disposed on the frame and are configured to engage a respective longitudinal edge of a removable divider wall to selectively divide the interior space. In addition, a free edge of the half wall includes a hub of longitudinal slots where each longitudinal slot of the hub is facing in a different direction and configured to receive a respective longitudinal edge of the removable divider wall. Additional longitudinal slots and divider walls can be used to divide the interior space as desired to accommodate various sized objects.

One particular advantage provided by embodiments of the adjustable storage container is the ability of the container to store various sized objects such as tablets, smartphones, books, etc., and to modify the interior configuration of the container to secure the objects.

Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present disclosure will become apparent after review of the entire application, including the following sections: Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description, and the Claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a particular illustrative embodiment of a adjustable storage container;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of divider walls partially installed into the adjustable storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the adjustable storage container with the divider walls installed;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the adjustable storage container;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first divider wall used with the adjustable storage container to divide an interior space;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second divider wall used with the adjustable storage container;

FIG. 7 a perspective view of a third divider wall used with the adjustable storage container;

FIG. 8 a perspective view of a third divider wall used with the adjustable storage container;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the adjustable storage container without the divider walls installed;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the adjustable storage container with the divider walls installed and dividing an interior space of the container;

FIG. 11 is a perspective bottom view of the adjustable storage container; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective bottom view of an alternative illustrative embodiment of the adjustable storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a particular illustrative embodiment of an adjustable storage container is disclosed. The adjustable storage container includes a frame 102 with an interior space that is defined by a base wall 102, a rear wall 106, a front wall 108, a first sidewall 110, and a second sidewall 112. A half wall 114 extends partially from the front wall 108 towards the rear wall 106. The half wall 114 is configured generally perpendicular to the front wall 108 and the rear wall 106. In addition, an interior wall 116 extends between the half wall 114 and the second sidewall 112 with the interior wall 116 configured generally parallel to the front wall 108. A height of the rear wall 106 is greater than a height of the front wall 108, in this particular embodiment.

A first longitudinal slot 120 is disposed on the first sidewall 110 and runs generally from a top edge to a bottom edge of the first sidewall 110. A second longitudinal slot 122 is disposed on the second sidewall 112 and runs generally from a top edge to a bottom edge of the second sidewall 112. A longitudinal slot hub 124 is disposed on a free edge of the half wall 114, where the longitudinal slot hub 124 includes three longitudinal slots with each longitudinal slot facing a different direction. A third longitudinal slot 118 is disposed on the rear wall 106 and also runs generally from a top edge to a bottom edge of the rear wall 106. The location and number of longitudinal slots shown in the drawings are for a particular illustrative embodiment as any number of longitudinal slots may be used and placed elsewhere on the frame 102 to accommodate a corresponding number of divider walls described below.

A plurality of flanges 128 may also be disposed along a width of the front wall 108. The flanges 128 project and extend outwardly from an exterior surface of the front wall 108. The flanges 128 may be used to store items by hanging from the flanges such as key rings, or items may be placed on top and/or across the flanges 128 for storage.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, various planar divider walls may be selectively installed in order to divide and separate a volume of the interior space of the frame 102 into a plurality of spaces with less volume. For example, a first divider wall 130 is partially installed between the first sidewall 110 and the half wall 114 as shown in FIG. 2. The first divider wall 130 is generally planar in shape and includes opposing longitudinal edges that are configured to engage the first longitudinal slot 120 and the longitudinal slot hub 124. The first divider wall 130 slides down the longitudinal slots 120, 124 until a bottom edge of the first divider wall 130 is resting on the bottom wall 104 and seated in the respective longitudinal slots. Similarly, a second divider wall 132 may be installed by engaging the second longitudinal slot 122 and the longitudinal slot hub 124 using opposing longitudinal edges of the second divider wall 132. A third divider wall 134 may be installed in the same manner using the longitudinal slot hub 124 and the longitudinal slot 118. Yet still further, a fourth divider wall 136 may be installed between the interior wall 116 and the front wall 108 using a pair of longitudinal slots 126. The divider walls 130, 132, 134, 136, may be installed in any combination to configure the interior space of the frame 102 as desired in addition to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

A pair of keyhole apertures 138 are disposed on the rear wall 106 and can be used to hang the frame 102 from a nail or other similar device. In this particular illustrative embodiment, the keyhole apertures 138 are evenly spaced on the rear wall 106 proximate a top edge of the rear wall 106.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, the divider walls 130, 132, 134, 136, are each a unique shape in this particular illustrative embodiment. The first divider wall 130 includes a first lip 140 that may be grasped by the user to assist in pulling up on the first divider wall 130 when removing. The first lip 140 partially follows the top edge of the first divider wall 130.

In addition, the first divider wall 130 may include one or more apertures 146. The apertures 146 are configured to receive a resilient plug 155, where the plug 155 has a diameter that is larger than the aperture 146 and configured so that the plug 155 can slide into and be secured by a periphery of one of the apertures 146. The plug 155 has a width greater than the width of the first divider wall 130 so that the plug 155 projects partially into the interior space to secure contents of container. For example, if a tablet is inserted into the space (and width) defined by the first divider wall 130 and the rear wall 106, and a width of the tablet is less than the width between the first divider wall 130 and the rear wall 106, the plug 155 will serve as a point of contact to prevent the tablet from leaning forward against the first divider wall 130. In addition, different sized diameter plugs and shapes may be used with the apertures 146 having different diameters and shapes.

As described above, the first divider wall 130 includes a first longitudinal edge 148 that is configured to engage the first longitudinal slot 120, and a second longitudinal edge 150 is configured to engage the longitudinal slot hub 124. Accordingly, the user can quickly and selectively install and remove the first divider wall 130 as desired to adjust the interior space of the frame 102. The adjustability of changing the interior space of the frame 102 is a significant advantage over an organizer with fixed walls that cannot contract or expand the interior space to accommodate a wide range of sizes of objects for storage.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the second divider wall 132 similarly includes a second lip 142 that may be grasped by the user to assist in pulling up on the second divider wall 132 when removing. The second lip 142 partially follows the top edge of the first divider wall 130. The second divider wall 132 may include one or more apertures 146. As explained above, the apertures 146 are configured to receive a resilient plug 155, where the plug 155 can slide into and be secured by a periphery of one of the apertures 146. The second divider wall 132 includes a first longitudinal edge 152 that is configured to engage the longitudinal slot hub 124, and a second longitudinal edge 155 is configured to engage the second longitudinal slot 122.

The third divider wall 134 shown in FIG. 7 includes a third lip 144 that may be grasped by the user to assist in pulling up on the third divider wall 134 when removing. The third lip 144 may include two or more separate lips, where one is above the other as shown in FIG. 7. In this particular illustrative embodiment, the third divider wall 134 may include one or more apertures 146. The apertures 146 are configured to receive the resilient plug 155, where the plug 155 can slide into and be secured by a periphery of one of the apertures 146. The third divider wall 134 includes a first longitudinal edge 156 that is configured to engage the longitudinal slot hub 124, and a second longitudinal edge 158 is configured to engage the third longitudinal slot 118.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the fourth divider wall 136 similarly includes a fourth lip 160 that may be disposed on both sides of the fourth divider wall 136 and adapted to be grasped by the user to assist in pulling up on the fourth divider wall 136 when removing. The fourth divider wall 136 may include two apertures 146. The apertures 146 are configured to receive a resilient plug, where the plug can slide into and be secured by a periphery of one of the apertures 146. The fourth divider wall 136 includes a first longitudinal edge 162 and a second longitudinal edge 164 that are configured to engage the pair of longitudinal slots 126 to divide the interior space between the front wall 108 and the interior wall 116.

The top view of the frame 102 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 indicating the configuration of the longitudinal slots 118, 120, 122, 126, and longitudinal slot hub 124 relative to one another. As explained above, the configuration of the longitudinal slots can vary and be placed elsewhere on the frame 102 to accommodate different possible configuration of the divider walls. The longitudinal slot hub 124 is disposed on the free end of the half wall 114 and is generally placed about the center of the frame 102. The longitudinal slot hub 124 had three longitudinal slots that are U-shaped. However, the longitudinal slots could be T-shaped or any other shape. The longitudinal slots of the hub 124 face in three different directions to engage the first, second, third dividers walls 130, 132, 134, or any combination thereof. The access apertures 160, 162, 164 disposed in the bottom wall 104 are also shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The access apertures 160, 162, 164 provide access so that various electrical and communication plugs and wires used to recharge any electric equipment being stored in the frame 102, such as a tablet (not shown), can run freely from the electric equipment and out the access apertures 160, 162, 164 to an electrical outlet, for example. In addition, bottom plugs 165 may be inserted into the access apertures 160, 162, 164, when they are not needed so that the bottom plugs 165 prevent smaller sized contents from falling out through the bottom wall 104.

As explained above, the frame 102 may be secured to a wall by the keyhole apertures 138. The keyhole type apertures 138 are evenly spaced on the rear wall 106 proximate a top edge of the rear wall 106. To keep the rear wall 106 from contacting the wall from which the frame 102 may be hanging, two hemispherical extrusions 166 are disposed on the outer surface of the rear wall 106 and proximate a bottom edge of the rear wall 106 as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, support feet 168 may be disposed on the bottom wall 104 so that the frame 102 can be supported on a horizontal surface without hanging the frame 102. Furthermore, hook and loop fastener or other alternative fastening means may be provided so that the frame 102 can be attached to any surface.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.52(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments, which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the following claims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. An adjustable storage container, the container comprising:

a frame having a base wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a rear wall, wherein an interior space is defined by the walls;

a half wall extending partially from the front wall towards the rear wall;

a first longitudinal slot disposed on the frame, the half wall, or any combination thereof; and

a first divider wall to removably engage the first longitudinal slot to divide the interior space.

2. The adjustable storage container of claim 1, further comprising an interior wall extending between the half wall and the second sidewall, the interior wall configured generally parallel to the front wall.

3. The adjustable storage container of claim 2, a free edge of the half wall further comprising a hub of longitudinal slots each longitudinal slot of the hub facing in a different direction.

4. The adjustable storage container of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of flanges disposed along a width of the front wall, wherein the plurality of flanges each extend outwardly away from the front wall.

5. The adjustable storage container of claim 4, further comprising a plurality of apertures disposed through the first divider wall.

6. The adjustable storage container of claim 5, further comprising a plug configured to slide into a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures of the first divider wall, wherein the plug secures contents of the container.

7. The adjustable storage container of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of access apertures disposed in the base wall.

8. The adjustable storage container of claim 7, further comprising a pair of keyhole apertures disposed in the rear wall proximate a top edge of the rear wall.

9. The adjustable storage container of claim 8, further comprising hemispherical extrusions disposed on an outer surface of the rear wall proximate a bottom edge of the rear wall.

10. The adjustable storage container of claim 9, the divider wall further comprising a lip disposed proximate a top edge of the divider wall, the lip configured to be grasped by a user to assist in inserting and removing the divider wall.

11. The adjustable storage container of claim 10, wherein the longitudinal slots are U-shaped.

12. The adjustable storage container of claim 11, wherein a height of the back wall is greater than a height of the front wall.

13. The adjustable storage container of claim 12, the first divider wall sized to slide between an opening of the half wall and the rear wall, wherein longitudinal edges of the first divider wall are seated in the respective longitudinal slots.

14. The adjustable storage container of claim 13, further comprising a second divider wall sized to slide between an opening of the half wall and the first sidewall, wherein longitudinal edges of the second divider wall are seated in the respective longitudinal slots.

15. The adjustable storage container of claim 14, further comprising a third divider wall sized to slide between an opening of the half wall and the second sidewall, wherein longitudinal edges of the third divider wall are seated in the respective longitudinal slots.

16. The adjustable storage container of claim 15, further comprising a fourth divider wall sized to slide between an opening of the half wall and the interior wall and the front wall, wherein longitudinal edges of the fourth divider wall are seated in the respective longitudinal slots.

17. An adjustable storage container, the container comprising:

a frame having a base wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a rear wall, wherein an interior space is defined by the walls;

a first longitudinal slot disposed on the frame; and

a first divider wall to removably engage the first longitudinal slot to divide the interior space.

18. The adjustable storage container of claim 17, further comprising:

a half wall extending partially from the front wall towards the rear wall; and

a hub of longitudinal slots disposed on a free edge of the half wall, wherein each longitudinal slot of the hub is facing in a different direction.

19. The adjustable storage container of claim 18, further comprising:

a plurality of apertures disposed through the first divider wall; and

a plug configured to slide into a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures of the first divider wall, wherein the plug secures contents of the container.

20. An adjustable storage container, the container comprising:

a frame having a base wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a front wall, and a rear wall, wherein an interior space is defined by the walls;

a first longitudinal slot disposed on an interior surface of the frame;

a first divider wall to removably engage the first longitudinal slot to divide the interior space;

a plurality of apertures disposed through the first divider wall; and

a plug configured to slide into a selected aperture of the plurality of apertures of the first divider wall, wherein the plug secures contents of the container.