COMPARTMENTALIZATION ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A compartmentalization assembly is provided. The compartmentalization assembly includes a base having a surface with shaft seats and at least one separator including a panel and one or more shafts, each of the shafts can each be fittingly received into one of the shaft seats.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/137,527, filed Mar. 24, 2015. The patent application identified above is incorporated here by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to storage containers with lids, more particularly, storage containers with removable partitions that allow for compartmentalization,

Containers having compartments are used in many areas of everyday living. Cosmetics; fingernail supplies; art supplies; small tools; screws, nails and fittings; and silverware, among other things, are stored in containers having separate compartments. Some items, such as silverware, which have standard sizes, are often stored in containers having specifically sized compartments particularly suitable for their intended purpose and which cannot be altered to have compartments of different dimensions and numbers. Others correspond to compartments, which, although not specifically shaped to foreclose other uses, are limited in that the defined compartments parcel container space into unalterable subspaces. Thus, with a new use, subspaces of unusable size remain empty. Other designs include containers having one or more removable complex dividers, which, in use, are fixed within the container. For complex dividers which are entire, the walls of the container generally function to immobilize the divider. In some of these designs, sub-dividers are present to provide a degree of subspace adjustability, in some cases, being immobilized by projections or embedded slots in the divider or compartment walls. Yet another container design includes a divider which spans one dimension of a square or rectangular container, being movable in the other dimension along a track recessed in the bottom of the container. The divider functions to give a rudimentary adjustment in one dimension, of the sizes of adjacent subspaces which, as indicated above, together form a square or rectangle. The inability to modify the compartmentalization of a container greatly limits its usefulness. Present designs which do have a modicum of flexibility still do not give a container which can be customized to give multiple subspaces of adjustable widths and lengths. Accordingly, a container having such customizable compartments would be welcomed in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The invention meets the foregoing and/or other needs by providing at least in some aspects of the invention, a compartmentalization assembly including a base having a surface with shaft seats, and at least one separator including a panel and one or more shafts, each of the shafts can each be fittingly received into one of said shaft seats.

The above brief summary of the invention presents a simplified summary of the claimed subject matter in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview of the claimed subject matter. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the claimed subject matter in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below.

Additionally, the above brief summary has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter, which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features, which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of this invention. However, it is to be understood that these embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive, nor limiting of the invention. These embodiments are but examples of some of the forms in which the invention may be practiced. Like reference numbers or symbols employed across the several figures are employed to refer to like parts or components illustrated therein.

FIG. 1A depicts an offset top view of a walled base irremovably disposed inside a container with round shaft seats touching the floor of the container.

FIG. 1B depicts an end view of the walled base irremovably disposed inside a container shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A depicts perspective view of a separator with an integral shaft and panel, with octagonal shaft and shaft gap for ease of insertion.

FIG. 2B depicts a front and rear view of the separator shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C depicts a side view of the separator shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D depicts a bottom view of the separator shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2E depicts a perspective view of a lid.

FIG. 2F depicts a top view of the lid shown in FIG. 2E.

FIG. 2G depicts a side view of the lid shown in FIG. 2E.

FIG. 2H depicts another side view of the lid shown in FIG. 2E.

FIG. 3A depicts a top view of a walled base irremovably disposed inside a container with round shaft seats touching the floor of the container.

FIG. 3B depicts an end view of the walled base irremovably disposed in a container shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C depicts an offset top view of the walled base irremovably disposed in a container shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D depicts a side view showing a slot for a slidable lid of the walled base irremovably disposed in a container shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E depicts a close-up view of the corner of walled base irremovably disposed in a container shown in FIG. 3C.

FIG. 4 depicts an offset view of walled base showing rim and star-shaped shaft seat with eight points.

FIG. 5 depicts a walled container with rests for receiving a rim of a walled base.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the container shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a lid with a border for receiving the rim of a walled base or of a container.

FIG. 8 depicts a walled base disposed inside of a container.

FIG. 9 depicts a base with separators showing 8-star-shaped shaft seats and diagonal orientation achievable with square shaft cross section.

FIG. 10 depicts a bottom view of the base depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 depicts a bottom view of a walled base showing 8-star shaft seats.

FIG. 12 depicts a lid functionally disposed on a container.

FIG. 13 depicts a walled base with separators showing 8-star-shaped shaft seats and diagonal orientation achievable with square shaft cross section.

FIG. 14 depicts a graphical depiction of the orientational possibilities associated with a square cross section and an 8-star-shaped shaft seat

FIG. 15 depicts a scored base in which the dimension of the scores is the same as the distances between the shaft seat centers.

FIG. 16 depicts a vertically scored panel in which the width of the panel can be shortened by removal of discrete units, where each unit comprises a shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Provided is an assembly 1 for the compartmentalization of a container 40 comprising a base 10 which comprises a surface, said surface comprising apertures which define shaft seats 50; and at least one separator 60, said separator 60 comprising a panel and one or more shafts 70, each of which extends in the plane of or parallel to the plane of the panel, wherein each of said one or more shafts 70 is characterized by a cross section shaped such that each of the shafts 70 can each be fittingly received into one of said shaft seats 50. The base 10 can generally be of a material which is sturdy enough to support the separators 60 in an upright position. Exemplary materials of construction include one or more of plastic materials, ceramic materials, metals and wood. Plastic materials are preferred.

The surface of the base 10 comprises shaft seats 50 into which the shafts 70 are inserted such that they are immobilized in an upright position. In order to immobilize the shaft 70, the base 10 has a depth such that the length of the shaft 70 which extends into the base 10 is laterally supported. In some embodiments, the base 10 comprises a slab of material of a substantially uniform thickness, dimensioned such that it can be lowered into the container, i.e., past the rim 30 of the container 40. For example, in some embodiments, the base 10 can have a thickness of about 0.5 to about 6.4 millimeters (mm), preferably about 1.6 to about 2.6 mm. The shaft seats 50 can extend partially or completely through the base 10. In an embodiment, the shaft seats 50 extend through the base 10 a distance that is at least the same as the width of the shaft 70.

The present invention also includes situations in which the shafts 70 are not of uniform diameter over their inserted length, i.e., the length of the shaft 70 that is inserted into the base 10. In other embodiments, the shaft 70 may taper, and even come to a point at the end of its inserted length. The foregoing embodiments are discussed in further detail elsewhere herein. Thus, the shaft seats 50 may have a receptacle contour which complements the contour of the shaft 70 along its inserted length. In other embodiments, the present invention encompasses other shaft 50 designs in which the inserted length of the shaft 50 may have relatively shallow ribs, undulations or other projecting forms, such as, for example, projections extending parallel to or perpendicular to the axis of the shaft 70, which aid in the seating of the shaft 70 in the shaft seat 50. In such situations, the shaft seat 50 may be a constant diameter throughout its length, but the diameter of the inserted length of the shaft 70 is not necessarily constant with length. However, in order to for the shaft to fittingly occupy the shaft seat 50 when inserted, if is preferred that the shaft 70, once seated, has at least one area along its length at which the diameter of the shaft 70 and the diameter of the shaft seat 50 are close enough in size that the shaft seats in the shaft seat such that upon inverting the base, the shaft does not fall out of the shaft seat.

In general, the shaft seats 50 have dimensions such that they can removably receive the shaft 70. As such, it is preferred that the shaft seats 50 are sized such that a user can easily slide the shaft 70 into and out of the shaft seat 50 without using more than a normal amount of exertion. It should be noted that the present invention encompasses situations in which the cross sections of the shaft 70, especially the cross section of the inserted length, are not round, but are instead other shapes, such as obround (for example, oval) or polygonal. In some aspects, as described below, the cross-section is star-shaped. The above description with respect to the shaft 70 fittingly occupying the shaft seat 50 is applicable to these non-round shapes as well. In exemplary embodiments, the shaft 70 has a square, pentagonal, hexagonal or octagonal cross section, at least along its inserted length. In other embodiments, the inserted length has a different cross section that the upper portions of the shaft 70 such than upon insertion into the shaft seat 50, the upper portion of the shaft 70 is sterically prevented from entering the shaft seat 50. Overall, in a preferred embodiment, the relative dimensions of the shaft 70 and shaft seat 50 are such that, as indicated above, the shaft does not readily fall out of the shaft seat 50 upon inversion of the base.

The diameter referred to herein has the normal definition in the case or circular cross sections, but in the case of non-circular cross sections, such as, for example, obround or polygonal cross sections, an equivalent diameter is taken, which is the widest dimension of the cross section. The relationship between the “maximum diameter” referred to above, and the “diameter” or “equivalent diameter” of the cross section is the following: the “maximum diameter” or “maximum equivalent diameter” is the maximum diameter or maximum equivalent diameter along the inserted length. “Diameter” or “equivalent” refers to the broadest width at a given point along the inserted length or at a given distance into the shaft seat 50. For a circular cross section, this is simply the diameter at a given distance along the inserted length or a given distance into the shaft seat 50 from the surface of the base 10. For a non-round inserted length or shaft seat 50, the diameter is instead an “equivalent diameter” which is simply the widest distance across the cross section (for example the major axis of an elliptical cross section, or the diagonal of a square cross section. In the case of star-shaped cross sections, the cross section will have an even number of sides. The widest distance is, in most cases, generally between two points. For example, if the cross section has an even number of points, the widest distance is between two diametrically opposed points. In some embodiments, the cross section is in the range of about 5.3 to about 53 centimeters (cm). In further embodiments, the cross section is in the range of about 0.36 to about 3.6 cm. In further embodiments, the cross section is in the range of about 0.5 to about 2 cm.

In other embodiments, instead a substantially solid base 10, the base 10 can have a hollowed form, such as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In such a situation, the surface of the material comprises projections extending from the underside of the surface which serve to support the shafts in their upright positions. In comparison to the “solid” embodiment discussed above, with regard to the hollowed embodiment, enough base material is retained such that the shaft seat 50 is preserved. The hollowed base 10 can be manufactured in the same embodiments as the solid base 10 with regard to shaft 70 and shaft seat 70 shape. Analogously, the shaft seat 50 can extend through the projection. In one aspect, the base 10 has a skirting projection extending from its border in such a way that it does not interfere with the insertion of the base 10 into the container 40. In another embodiment, such as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4, the skirting is absent. In a preferred embodiment, the base 10 has a hollowed form and the skirting is absent.

The shaft seats 50 are arranged across the surface of the base 10. The arrangement can be regular, with the apertures of the shaft seats 50 centered at the points on a Cartesian, cylindrical or radial grid, or other pattern. The arrangement can include two or more different size shaft seats 50. In one embodiment, the arrangement can be a regularly arrange combination of two or more shaft 70 sizes. In another embodiment, the arrangement can comprise two or more different shaft 70 sizes with a given shaft 70 size predominating, in some aspects, exclusively, in a given area of the base 10. In preferred aspects, the apertures of the shaft seat 50 on the base 10 are all of the same size and type, and they are arranged such that each shaft seat 50 is centered around a hypothetical two dimensional Cartesian grid overlay, for example, see FIGS. 1-4.

The shaft seats 50 can be molded during the formation of the base 10 or fashioned afterward by means such as punching. In some embodiments, the base 10 is made with removable sections, which once removed, give rise to an aperture in the base 10. The base 10 can be manufactured such that the removable sections are temporarily attached, such as with partial connections which can be severed or broken by the user with minimal pressure. Examples of such partial connections include partial scores, dotted partial or complete scores, and the like. In one embodiment, the removable sections are located in a regular arrangement across the surface of the base. All or a select subset of the sections can be removed to give a desired arrangement of apertures.

The compartmentalization assembly 1 further comprises one or more separators 60. Each separator 60 comprises one panel and one or more shafts 70. In a preferred embodiment, each separator 60 comprises one shaft 70. The shaft 70 comprises an inserted length, discussed above, which is the length of shaft 70 inserted into the shaft seat 50. At least a portion of the shaft 70 is connected to a panel and, in use, the shaft 70 is inserted into a shaft seat 50 such that the panel is supported in an upright position. The uprightly oriented panels can be repositioned by removing the shaft 70 from the shaft seat 50 it occupies, and reinserting into a shaft seat 50 at a different position in the grid. In embodiments having round, polygonal, or otherwise symmetric cross sections, a further degree of positioning, i.e., orientational adjustment, can be realized by removal of the shaft 70 and reinsertion into the shaft seat 50 such that the panel has a different orientation. Thus, a shaft 70 and shaft seat 50 having a round cross section offers a continuous 360 degree orientation potential of the attached panel. In other examples, hexagonal and octagonal shafts 70 and shaft seats 50 give the potential for six and eight different orientations, respectively.

For a given compartmentalization assembly 1 comprising a base 10 and separators 60, the dimensions of the panels depend upon the use to which the compartmentalized container 40 is put. In general the compartmentalization assembly 1 and method described herein can be used in a wide range of containers 40, and thus, the separators 60, base and container 40 can be of a wide variety of absolute dimensions. For example, the container 40 may be used to separately store articles as small or smaller than various sizes and types of ball bearings or buck shot; articles of medium size, such as fittings, screws, washers, etc.; intermediately sized items such as fishing lures and floats, ammunition, fittings; larger items such glasses or silver ware; and even larger or much larger items.

The compartmentalization assembly 1 can be used with a wide range of embodiments. The compartmentalization assembly 1, including base 10 and separators 60, may comprise two or more differently dimensioned separators 60, such as, for example, two or more different widths.

In some embodiments, the compartmentalization assembly 1 is a relatively small embodiment, such as, for example a cosmetic case or organizer for relatively small items. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the assembly 1 comprises one or more panels, each having a length in the range of about 1.2 to about 4 cm and a height in the range of from about 2.5 to about 25 cm. In another embodiment the assembly 1 comprises one or more panels, each having a length in the range of about 2.5 to about 25 cm and a height in the range of from about 1.2 to about 4 cm.

In some embodiments, the compartmentalization assembly 1 is a relatively large embodiment, such as, for example a storage bin or organizer for relatively large items. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the assembly 1 comprises one or more panels, each having a length in the range of about 1.2 to about 10.2 cm and a height in the range of from about 2.5 to about 25 cm. In another embodiment, the assembly 1 comprises one or more panels, each having a length in the range of about 2.5 to about 25 cm and a height in the range of from about 1.2 to about 4 cm. In other embodiments, the ratio of the height to the width of the panels is in the range of about 1:10 to about 3:1 with a ratio in the range of about 1:4 to about 1:1 preferred. In other embodiments, the compartmentalization assembly 1 comprises two or more differently dimensioned panels. In further embodiments, the assembly 1 comprises three, two, or one differently dimensioned panels.

The panels are essentially two dimensional, having a thickness as required to give a sturdiness to the separator 60. As with the base 10, one or more of a variety of materials can be used to form the panel, such as, for example, plastic (for example, polymeric); ceramic, wood or metal. Plastic materials are preferred. The panels may have a profile which varies in dimension with the height. For example, it may be convenient, for greater sturdiness, for the part of the panel closest to the base to be broad, tapering to the part of the panel most remote from the base. In one embodiment, the profile tapers from close to remote. In another embodiment, the profile is widest at the top, or at a position intermediate the close and remote limits. In other embodiments, the panel is of constant thickness throughout its surface area. For ease of cutting from a base sheet, such a panel is preferred. In additional embodiments, the profile has a maximum thickness in the range of about 0.26 to about 2.6 cm.

While it is generally contemplated that the panels are flat, they can be curved or undulating. While it is generally contemplated that the panels are rectangular, the scope of the present invention includes situations in which the panels have specialized shapes. For example, a separator 60 which comes into proximity of the walls of the container 40 can take the shape of the wall in order to form a separation which is not easily circumvented. For example, the container 40 can have walls which slope outward from the container base, which could require a separator 60 in which the close region is shorter than the remote region. One of skill in the art will recognize that the shapes of the separators 60 can be specialized to the shape of the container 40, or to the shape of the compartments required by the desired application.

It is particularly convenient to fabricate the separators 60, comprising a shaft 70 which is integral with a panel, from a sheet of material (a “base sheet”), preferably with uniform thickness. The parts can simply be cut out of the sheet using a die or other cutting method. This eliminates the need for a mold or other forming apparatus. In preferred embodiments, the cuts are perpendicular to the surface of the sheet. It is particularly convenient to cut the separators 60 from adjacent positions on the sheet such that they share at least a portion of at least one edge. As shown in FIG. 15, the adjacent positions can be such that one edge is shared (i.e., a side edge of each adjacent separator). Note that more than one edge can be shared. For example, part of the lower panel edge of one separator 60 can be shared with the upper panel edge of a second panel. In a further embodiment, the separators 60 are arranged such that an upper corner of a first separator shares a shaft/panel vertex of a second separator. In another embodiment, the first separator is inverted with respect to a second separator, and each separator 60 shares a shaft side of the other separator, and a lower edge of each separator 60. While such a method can be used in such a way that material waste is greatly reduced or eliminated, it has other advantages as well. For example, if the width of the shaft 70, as measured across the surface of the material sheet, is equal to the thickness of the material sheet, the shaft 70 is of square cross section, which does not need to be shaped or processed further in order to be suitable for use in the present invention. In general, regular polygonal shaft cross sections can be used with certain shaft seat 50 embodiments in order to reduce the manufacturing cost of the compartmentalization assembly. As illustrated in the Figures, the shaft seat 50 can be star-shaped such that it seats a shaft 70 in orientations of a number which is a multiple of the number of sides on the shaft 70. In general, for a shaft of n-sides, the shaft seat 50 cross section must have a number of points which is an integral multiple of n, i.e., 1n, 2n, 3n, etc. Such a shaft seat 50 will seat the shaft 70 in a number or orientations which is equal to the number of “points” on the star. It is preferred that the angle subtended by the two sides forming the point of the star is equal to the angle of the regular polygonal shaft cross section. In such a situation, the shaft seat 50 contacts the shaft 70 over relatively large areas which is expected increase the security of the seating. Such a situation is illustrated in the Figures. However, within the scope of the present invention are situations in which the shaft seat 50 angle is greater than the regular polygonal angle. In such a situation, the number of orientations is the same as with the equality case, but the inner ribs of the shaft seat 50 (corresponding to the inward facing points of the shaft seat cross section) contact the shaft sides at discrete points around the circumference of the shaft seat 50, which can be less stable than the equality case. Alternatively, encompassed by the present invention are situations in which the shaft seat angle is less than the regular polygonal angle. In such a situation, the number of orientations is also the same as with the equality case, but the outer points of the shaft seat (corresponding to the outward-facing points of the shaft seat cross section) contact the shaft 70 at discrete star points around the circumference of the shaft seat 50, which can be less stable than the equality case. In some embodiments, the cross section of the shaft 70 is a regular polygon wherein n is an integer and is in the range of three to eight (i.e., having three to eight sides), and more preferably in the range of four to six sides. The shaft seat 50 corresponding to the foregoing shaft is a star having in the range of n to 5n points (again, n is an integer), more preferably in the range of 2 to 4 points. In further embodiments the angle subtended by the two sides forming the outward-facing point of the star is equal to the angle of the regular polygonal shaft cross section. In a further embodiment, the shaft has a square cross section, the shaft seat 50 corresponding to the square shaft seat is a star having eight, twelve or sixteen points, and the angle subtended by the sides comprising a point of the star is about ninety degrees.

It should be noted that the present invention encompasses situations in which the shaft seat 50 has a regular polygonal cross section of n sides and the shaft has a cross section which is a star with n points. However, the manufacturing advantage explained infra is generally not realized in such a situation because the shaft 70 must be further machined such that it has a star-shaped cross section.

A base sheet from which the shaft seats 50 are cut can be prepared by standard methods known in the art, such as, for example, thermoforming or vacuum forming. For example, a plastic sheet can be formed into a base sheet heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a desired shape and thickness, by being stretched over or into a mold, if need be, and trimmed, if need be, to create the base sheet.

Thus, the advantages of cutting the separators 60 out of a sheet of material rather than forming them with other methods (such as, for example, separate fabrication of panel and shaft) include 1) reduction in material waste, and 2) the avoidance of extra shaft shaping/machining. With respect to the latter, no separator orientational flexibility is lost because the shaft seats 50 are designed to securely hold the four-sided shaft 70 in a number of orientations which can be a multiple of four, or 4n. This is an advantage because it is generally easier to punch a shaft seat 50 having a specific shape than it is to further machine additional sides or features on a shaft 70 after it has been released from a sheet or otherwise fabricated. In particular the specialized seat is useful for four-sided shafts of square cross section, which can conveniently be formed by cutting a separator from a sheet which is as thick as the width of the shaft.

In one embodiment, the compartmentalization assembly 1 comprises one or more walls 20 around the perimeter of the base 10, and, optionally a rim 30 on the upper edge of the walls. In such an embodiment, the base 10 can be completely enclosed by walls 20 such as shown in the Figures. The base 10 can be set into the container 40, with a rim 30 which, optionally, contacts the edges of the container walls 20. the Figures depict a base 10 enclosed by walls 20 which bear a rim 30. In the depicted embodiment, the rim 30 does not touch the edges of the walls 20.

If a lid 90 is desired on the container 40 to be compartmentalized, it is preferable that the panels, in use, not prevent the application or closing of the lid 90. Thus, if the panels, in use, project above the rim 30 of the container 40 being compartmentalized and a lid 90 is desired, the lid 90 is preferably dome-shaped, such that the lid edges can meet the container edges without interfering with the separators 60 as they are positioned on the base 10. Furthermore, if the closed container 40 is to remain compartmentalized, with the contents of the respective compartments unmixed, it is preferred that the lid 90, in use, come close enough to the tops of the separators 60 that the contents of the compartments are not mixed. Note that in some cases, it may not be necessary for the separator 60 to extend all the way to the surface of the base 10 or all the way to the lid 90. For example, relatively large objects such as, for example, marbles as opposed to ball bearings, have a larger tolerance.

The compartmentalization assembly 1 is used to compartmentalize a container 40. The container 40 has been discussed hereinabove in detail. The container 40 comprises a support panel and sidewalls. The compartmentalization assembly 1 fits into the container 40. In one embodiment, the method comprises the use of a compartmentalization assembly comprising: a base 10 which comprises a surface, said base 10 comprising apertures; at least one separator 60, said separator 60 comprising a panel and one or more shafts 70, each of which extends in the plane of or parallel to the plane of the panel, wherein each of said one or more shafts 70 is characterized by a cross section shaped such that each of the shafts 70 can each be fittingly received into one of said apertures.

In one embodiment, the compartmentalization assembly 1 in use, rests on the base 10 of the container 40. In other embodiments, the base of the compartmentalization assembly 1 is positionally secured in the container 40 by resting on formations located on the sides of the container 40. In other embodiments, the compartmentalization assembly 1 comprises walls 10 and a rim 30, and the securing is accomplished by the rim 30 of the compartmentalization assembly 1 resting on the rim 30 of the container 40. In either embodiment, the compartmentalization assembly 1 can be suspended above the surface panel of the container.

In yet another embodiment, the base 10 additionally comprises score lines which are positioned such that the base can be sized by breaking off excess material as desired. In one embodiment, the scores are present as a Cartesian grid (See FIG. 15) Other scores, such as off-axis Cartesian grids (i.e., in which the axes are at an angle other than 90 degrees), radial, concentric circular, and the like are encompassed by the present invention. It can be particularly convenient to implement the score lines such that each removable piece contains a single shaft seat. For example as illustrated in FIG. 15 in the Cartesian grid embodiment, the shaft seat arrangement has the same dimensions as the score line arrangement, and is offset with respect to the score lines such that each removable piece comprises a shaft seat. Many other arrangements are possible. For example the shaft seats and score lines may be dimensioned and positioned such that two or more shaft seats are contained in each removable piece. In alternative arrangements, each removable piece can contain, on average, less than one shaft seat. In a preferred further embodiment, the base is made of HDPE (high density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or the like, such that the scores can be easily broken.

In yet another embodiment, the panel additionally comprises score lines which are positioned such that the panel can be sized by breaking off excess material as desired. In one embodiment, the scores are present as a Cartesian grid. In other embodiments, the score lines run vertically, allowing the width of the divider to be discretely adjusted downward. In one embodiment, the discrete lengths of panel each comprise a shaft. See FIG. 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical score lines enable the shortening of the panel width, and the removed unit pieces can fit between 2 parallel panels that are installed in the grid. Such a configuration is illustrated in FIG. 13. The width of the unit piece is equivalent to the distance between the centers of the shaft seats. In other embodiments, the unit piece is less than the distance between the shaft seats, such as 1/n the width, where n is an integer, for example 1, 2 or 3. In a preferred further embodiment, the base is made of HDPE (high density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or the like, such that the scores can be easily broken.

The compartmentalization assembly 1 of the present invention can be used to compartmentalize a wide variety of containers, from those as large or larger than storage bins to those as small or smaller than cosmetic cases which fit in small purses.

The methods of forming the base 10 and separators 60 of the compartmentalization are not critical to the functionality of the assembly, but it is convenient to use polymeric materials such as HDPE, PP, LDPE and the like. Convenient methods of fabricating from such materials include cutting from stock sheets of material or other material bulk, thermoforming, extrusion, three dimensional printing, injection molding, compression molding, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the separators 60 are conveniently cut from bulk material

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a base 10 comprising walls 20 and a rim 30 inside a container 40. The base 10 can be removable. In other embodiments, it is secured inside the container 40, such as, for example, with an adhesive. The depicted base 10 has shaft seats 50 which project from the underside of the base 10. In the depicted embodiment, the shaft seats 50 are round. The upper and lower figures are overhead and side perspectives, respectively.

FIGS. 2A-2D depict a separator 60 having an octagonal shaft 70. The shaft 70 embodiment depicted comprises a split 80 which can, optionally, involve the removal of shaft material to improve the ability of the shaft 70 to fit removably in the shaft seat 50. Also depicted in FIGS. 2E-2H is a lid 90 embodiment which can be slid into a grooved base 10/container 40 assembly, such as, for example, into the rim 30 of a container 40 or the rim 30 of a walled base 10, the container 40 or base 10 having appropriate grooves for receiving the lid 90.

FIGS. 3A-3E depict a base 10/container 40 assembly which is integral. In one embodiment, the base 10 and container 40 can be fabricated by one piece extrusion of an integral base/container assembly. Also depicted is a grid distribution of polygonal shaft seats 50. In the depicted embodiment, the shaft seats 50 are tapered for easy shaft 70 situation and removal.

FIG. 4 depicts a walled base 10 bearing a grid arrangement of star-shaped shaft seats 50. The rim 30 and walls 20 are clearly shown, as well as a handle 100 for easy removal of the walled base 10. The depicted star-shaped shaft seats 50 are intended to seat a shaft 70 having a square cross section in eight different possible orientations.

FIG. 5 depicts a container 40 for receiving a base 10 such as that in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of the container 40 depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 depicts a lid 90 such as could be used with base 10/container 40 assembly. The depicted lid 90 has a portion 110 which can fit over the rim 30 of a walled base 10 or the rim 30 of a container 40 for a tight fit.

FIG. 8 depicts a walled base 10 disposed within a container 40.

FIG. 9 depicts a base 10 into which are disposed separators 60. While the shafts 70 are seated in the shaft seats 50 and thus not visible in the figure, the eight pointed star-shaped shaft seat 50 can seat a shaft 70 with a square-shaped cross section with the flexibility of eight different orientations. Depicted are separators 60 disposed at 45 degree angles, a result obtainable due to the combination of star-shaped shaft seats 50 and polygonal shaft cross section.

FIG. 10 depicts the bottom of the base 10 shown in FIG. 9. The shaft seats 50 extend from the bottom of the base 10.

FIG. 11 depicts a bottom view of a walled base 10 with a two dimensional Cartesian grid of eight-pointed, star-shaped shaft seats 50. The walled base includes a rim 30.

FIG. 12 depicts a lid 90 disposed on a base 10/container 40 assembly.

FIG. 13 depicts a walled base 10 with a two dimensional Cartesian grid of eight-pointed, star-shaped shaft seats 50, in which are disposed separators 60, one of which is at a 45 degree angle to another.

A base or a walled base 10 can generally be conveniently prepared from polymeric materials as a single extruded or thermoformed piece. Alternatively, a walled base can be prepared by augmenting a base 10 with walls 20 after the fabrication of the base 10. Both bases and walled bases are used, in the method of the present invention with containers. The base or walled base 10 is inserted into the container 40. It can be secured within via methods known in the art. Alternatively, the base or walled base 10 can be unsecured such that it can be lifted out of the container 40. However, the invention has a broader aspect than the use of a base 10 with a container 40. The invention also encompasses situations in which a container 40 has, integral to its structure, a bottom portion which bears a distribution of shaft seats 50. All other disclosure herein pertaining to base/container assemblies pertains as well to the situation in which the container and shaft seats are integral. Thus, a difference between the walled base and the container with integral shaft seats 50 can be one of use: in use, the walled base is nested into a container 40, whereas in use, the container with integral shaft seats is not. The walled base may or may not be adapted to fit into a specific container. For example, the dimensions of the walled base and container can be such that upon lowering the walled base into the container, the walled base has essentially no latitude to move in directions parallel to the bottom of the container. The walled base may have tabs or formations which cooperate with complementary formations on the inside of the container to secure the base in the container. In one embodiment, the container is of a polymeric or other non-rigid material, and it has tabs on its inner surface near its bottom surface such that during lowering the base into the container, the tabs are temporarily displaced by the base, and locking back over the base once it is fully positioned within the container.

In one embodiment, the base 10 is perforated, such as by a square grid of perforated lines through the thickness of the base such that sections of the base can be broken off, and the length and width of the base 10 can be altered by removing sections by breaking along the perforations. In another embodiment, instead of perforated lines, the lines are continuous partial scores through the thickness of the base 10. In yet another embodiment, the lines comprise discontinuous partial scores. In yet another embodiment, the lines comprise alternating discontinuous partial scores and perforations. In some non-limiting embodiments, the score lines in both dimensions are in the range of about 6.3 to about 80 mm apart. In other non-limiting embodiments, the score lines are in the range of 6.3 to about 80 mm apart in a first horizontal dimension, and in the range of about 6.3 to about 80 mm apart in the horizontal dimension perpendicular to the first horizontal dimension. The adjustable-sized base embodiment preferably is used with a base 10 having a thickness such that perforated sections can be easily removed, such as by breaking or cutting. In one embodiment, the thickness is less than about 1.5 mm.

In yet another embodiment, the separators 60 are perforated similarly as discussed for the base. For example, the panels can comprise a grid of perforated lines over its surface such that, similarly to the adjustable-sized base embodiment, sections can be broken or cut off such that the height and width of the separator can be adjusted. In some non-limiting embodiments, the score lines in both dimensions are in the range of about 2.6 to about 25.4 mm apart. In other non-limiting embodiments, the score lines are in the range of 2.6 to about 154 mm apart in the vertical dimension, and in the range of about 2.6 to about 25.4 mm apart in the horizontal dimension.

Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

Each and every patent or other publication or published document referred to in any portion of this specification is incorporated in toto into this disclosure by reference, as if fully set forth herein.

This invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice. Therefore the foregoing description is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the invention to the particular exemplifications presented hereinabove.

Claims

1. A compartmentalization assembly comprising:

a) a base which comprises a surface, said surface defining a plurality of shaft seats;

b) at least one separator, said separator comprising a panel and one or more shafts, each of which extends in a plane of or parallel to a plane of the panel, wherein each of said one or more shafts is characterized by a cross section shaped such that each of the shafts can each be fittingly received into one of said shaft seats.

2. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1, further comprising a container with an open top, the container comprising a container bottom and one or more container walls, wherein said base can be fittingly received by the container such that the base is substantially immobilized with respect to motion parallel to a plane occupied by the container bottom.

3. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 2 wherein the base seats into the bottom of the container such that the base touches the bottom of the container.

4. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 2, wherein the base comprises base walls such that the base fits into said container, and wherein the base walls contact the upper edge of said container walls such that said base is disposed parallel to the bottom.

5. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 4, wherein the base is suspended parallel to the bottom without touching the bottom.

6. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 2, wherein said compartmentalization assembly further comprises a lid.

7. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 4, wherein said compartmentalization assembly further comprises a lid.

8. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 7, wherein said lid interfaces with the compartmentalization assembly with the base walls of the base.

9. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 4 wherein, in use, the lid and the separator can be operationally deployed without spatial interference.

10. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein the container base is rectangular.

11. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein the container base is square.

12. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein the apertures are the same size.

13. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein said surface is the upper surface of a platform having a thickness in the range of about 0.5 to about 6.35 millimeters.

14. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein said shaft seats are round.

15. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein the shaft seats are polygonal.

16. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 15 wherein the shaft seats and the shaft cross sections are square, regular pentagonal, regular hexagonal, or regular octagonal.

17. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 1 wherein the base is scored such that it can be sized to fit a container.

18. A compartmentalization assembly as in claim 14 wherein the shaft seats have a diameter in the range of about 2.6 to about 26 millimeters, and wherein each shaft has a round cross section and has a diameter in the range of from about 2.6 to about 26 mm.

19. An assembly for the compartmentalization of a container, the assembly comprising:

a) a base comprising a surface defining a shaft seat;

b) at least one separator, the separator comprising a panel and a shaft, wherein the shaft is sized and configured to be fittingly received into the shaft seat.