MODULAR CONTAINER SYSTEM
Embodiments provide a modular container system.
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This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 62/154,485, filed Apr. 29, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to a modular container system. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a modular, deformable, soft-sided container system that may comprise a plurality of container modules releasably coupled in series.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe disclosed subject matter provides a modular container system, more specifically, a modular, deformable, soft-sided container system that may comprise a plurality of container modules releasably coupled in series.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe disclosed subject matter provides a modular container system and more specifically, a modular, deformable, soft-sided container system that may comprise a plurality of container modules releasably coupled in series. In embodiments, the plurality of container modules may comprise a topmost container module, a bottommost container module, and at least one central container module.
The topmost container module may comprise a substantially circular topmost module bottom edge portion. A topmost zipper track may substantially circumnavigate the topmost module bottom edge portion. In embodiments, the zipper may be sewed onto the topmost module bottom edge portion.
The topmost container module may further include a topmost multi-layered wall structure. The topmost wall structure may include a topmost interior surface defining a topmost interior space of the topmost container module. A topmost exterior surface may define a topmost exterior of the topmost container module. In embodiments, a ripstop nylon layer may define the topmost interior surface. In embodiments, a neoprene shell outer layer may define the topmost exterior surface. The topmost exterior surface may comprise a top surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof. In embodiments, the topmost container module may have a handle joined to the top surface. A foam layer may be splayed between the ripstop nylon layer and the neoprene shell outer layer of the topmost container module.
A bottommost container module may comprise a substantially circular bottommost module top edge portion. A bottommost zipper track may substantially circumnavigate the bottommost module top edge portion. The bottommost container module may further include a bottommost multi-layered wall structure. The bottommost wall structure may include a bottommost interior surface defining a bottommost interior space of the bottommost container module. A bottommost exterior surface may define a bottommost exterior of the bottommost container module. In embodiments, a ripstop nylon layer may define the bottommost interior surface. In embodiments, a neoprene shell outer layer may comprise the bottommost exterior surface. The bottommost exterior surface may comprise a bottom surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof. A foam layer may be splayed between the ripstop nylon layer and the neoprene shell outer layer of the bottommost container module.
The modular container system may further include at least one central container module. Each of the at least one central container module may comprise a substantially circular central module top edge portion and a substantially circular central module bottom edge portion. The central container module may further comprise a central module top zipper track substantially circumnavigating the top edge portion and a central module bottom zipper track substantially circumnavigating the central module bottom edge portion. In embodiments, the central container module may comprise a neoprene bottom layer may comprise a central module bottom surface stitched to a substantially circular central module bottom edge portion of the at least one central container module. In embodiments, a styrene floor may be positioned above the neoprene bottom layer.
The central container module may further comprise a central module multi-layered wall structure. The central wall structure may include a central module interior surface defining a central module interior space of the central container module. A central module exterior surface may define a central module exterior of the central cylindrical container module. In embodiments, a ripstop nylon layer may comprise the central module interior surface. In embodiments, a neoprene shell outer layer may comprise a central module exterior surface. In embodiments, a styrene wall may be splayed between the central module interior surface and the central module exterior surface.
The novel features believed characteristic of the disclosed subject matter will be set forth in any claims that are filed. The disclosed subject matter itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Reference now should be made to the drawings, in which the same reference numbers are used throughout the different figures to designate the same components.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by such terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” or “includes” and/or “including” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
The topmost container module 110 may further include a topmost multi-layered wall structure. The topmost wall structure may include a topmost interior surface 206 defining a topmost interior space of the topmost container module 110. A topmost exterior surface 208 may define a topmost exterior of the topmost container module 110. In embodiments, a ripstop nylon layer 210 may define the topmost interior surface 206. In embodiments, a neoprene shell outer layer 212 may define the topmost exterior surface 208. The topmost exterior surface 208 may comprise a top surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof. In embodiments, the topmost container module 110 may have a handle 214 joined to the top surface. A foam layer 216 may be splayed between the ripstop nylon layer 210 and the neoprene shell outer layer 212 of the topmost container module 110.
The bottommost container module 120 may further include a bottommost multi-layered wall structure. The bottommost wall structure may include a bottommost interior surface 306 defining a bottommost interior space of the bottommost container module 120. A bottommost exterior surface 308 may define a bottommost exterior of the bottommost container module 120. In embodiments, a ripstop nylon layer 310 may define the bottommost interior surface 306. In embodiments, a neoprene shell outer layer 312 may comprise the bottommost exterior surface 308. The bottommost exterior surface 308 may comprise a bottom surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof. A foam layer 316 may be splayed between the ripstop nylon layer 310 and the neoprene shell outer layer 312 of the bottommost container module 120.
In embodiments, the topmost container module 110 and/or the bottommost container module 120 may comprise a handle 214. In embodiments, the topmost container module 110 and/or the bottommost container module 120 may not comprise a handle 214.
The central container module 130 may further comprise a central module multi-layered wall structure. The central wall structure may include a central module interior surface 416 defining a central module interior space of the central container module 130. A central module exterior surface 418 may define a central module exterior of the central container module 130. In embodiments, a ripstop nylon layer 420 may comprise the central module interior surface 416. In embodiments, a neoprene shell outer layer 422 may comprise the central module exterior surface 418. In embodiments, a styrene wall 424 may be splayed between the central module interior surface 416 and the central module exterior surface 418.
In embodiments, at least two of the topmost zipper track 204, the bottommost zipper track 304, the central module top zipper track 406, and the central module bottom zipper track 408 may align along a single central axis of the container system 100.
In embodiments, at least one of the topmost zipper track 204, the bottommost zipper track 304, the central module top zipper track 406, and the central module bottom zipper track 408 may comprise at least one stop engrained within a teeth section of the topmost zipper track 204, the bottommost zipper track 304, the central module top zipper track 406, and the central module bottom zipper track 408.
In embodiments, the topmost container module 110, bottommost container module 120, and the at least one central container module 130 may be conjoinable together in a unit by affixing together at least two of the topmost zipper track 204, the bottommost zipper track 304, the central module top zipper track 406, and the central module bottom zipper track 408.
In embodiments, the central container module 130 may be cylindrical.
In embodiments, the modular, deformable, soft-sided container system 100 may comprise only a topmost container module 110 having a substantially rounded cresting and a bottommost container module 120 having a substantially rounded cresting. One or more elements of the topmost container module 110 and the bottommost container module 120 found in other embodiments may exist in this embodiment.
In embodiments, a circumference of at least a portion of the topmost exterior surface 208 of the topmost container module 110 may be smaller than a circumference of the bottom edge portion 202 of the topmost container module 110.
In embodiments, a circumference of at least a portion of the bottommost exterior surface 308 of the bottommost container module 120 may be smaller than a circumference of the top edge portion 302 of the bottommost container module.
In embodiments, at least one of the topmost container module 110, bottommost container module 120, and at least one central container module 130 may maintain rigidity when separated from the rest of the modules.
In embodiments, at least one of the topmost container module 110 and the bottommost container module 120 may comprise a substantially rounded cresting.
In embodiments, at least one of the foam layers 216,316 may comprise molded EVA. In embodiments, at least one of the foam layers 216,316 may comprise a molded foam other than EVA.
In embodiments, at least one of the topmost zipper track 204, the bottommost zipper track 304, the central module top zipper track 406, and the central module bottom zipper track 408 may comprise a liner attachment 280 affixable to the container system 100.
In embodiments, an elastic webbing 250 may be affixed to at least one of the topmost module bottom edge portion 202 and the bottommost module top edge portion 302 at a circumference thereof. In embodiments, the elastic webbing 250 may comprise a zipper assembly 275 along a chord of the elastic webbing 250.
In embodiments, at least one of the topmost zipper track 204 and the at least one central module top zipper track 406 may comprise an insertion pin engrained within a teeth section of the topmost zipper track 204 and the central module top zipper track 406.
In embodiments, the bottommost container module 120 may comprise a handle 314 joined to the neoprene shell outer layer 312.
In embodiments, one or more icons 902 may comprise markings 908 that may disclose a final use of a container module 110,120,130. In embodiments, one or more icons 902 may comprise markings 908 that may not disclose final use of a container module 110,120,130. In embodiments, one or more icons 902 may not comprise markings 908.
In embodiments, the modular container system 100 may comprise container modules 110,120,130 that may be cylindrical in shape. In embodiments, the modular container system 100 may comprise container modules 110,120,130 that may be of a shape other than a cylinder such as, but not limited to a triangular prism, a square prism, a cube, and a pentagonal prism.
In embodiments, the ripstop nylon, the underside of the handle 214,314, and the labels may be colored Pantone 172C. In embodiments, other parts of the modular container system 100 may be colored Pantone 172C.
In embodiments, the outer neoprene, the stitching, the handle 214,314, the zipper tracks, and the inner styrene pieces may be colored 90% Black. In embodiments, other parts of the modular container system 100 may be colored 90% Black.
In embodiments, the outer neoprene, the stitching, the handle 214,314, the zipper tracks, and the inner styrene pieces may be colored charcoal. In embodiments, other parts of the modular container system 100 may be colored charcoal.
In embodiments, a portion of the modular container system 100 may comprise ripstop nylon. In embodiments, a portion of the modular container system 100 may comprise coated neoprene. In embodiments, a portion of the modular container system 100 may comprise 1 millimeter styrene. In embodiments, a portion of the modular container system 100 may comprise EVA foam.
In embodiments, running stitches 802 may be used where at least horizontal stitching may be necessary on the modular container system 100.
In embodiments, flatlock stitching 804 may be implemented where vertical stitching may be necessary on the modular container system 100.
In embodiments, nylon and/or polyester thread may be used in all stitching instances on the modular container system 100.
In embodiments, zipper tracks may comprise polymer. In embodiments, zipper tracks may comprise metal.
In embodiments, a portion of the liner attachment 280 may be entrapped between one or more parts of a zipper track.
In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may comprise a stiffness sufficient to contribute rigidity to any of the container modules 110,120,130 to which a zipper is affixed. In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may provide stiffness sufficient to prevent at least radial expansion of the container module 110,120,130 at the zipper track. In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may provide stiffness or structural integrity for preventing deformation of the zipper track in the longitudinal and/or radial directions under a specified load.
In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may be affixed to an interior surface of a container module 110,120,130. In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may be affixed to an interior surface of a container module 110,120,130 via ultrasonic welding. In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may be affixed to an interior surface of a container module 110,120,130 via stitching. In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may be affixed to an interior surface of a container module 110,120,130 via an adhesive.
In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may comprise a polymer.
In embodiments, the liner attachment 280 may comprise a textile.
Claims
1. A modular, deformable, soft-sided container system comprising:
- a plurality of container modules releasably coupled in series, the plurality of container modules comprising: a topmost container module comprising: a substantially circular topmost module bottom edge portion; a topmost zipper track substantially circumnavigating the topmost module bottom edge portion; and a topmost multi-layered wall structure, the topmost wall structure comprising: a topmost interior surface defining a topmost interior space of the topmost container module; a topmost exterior surface defining a topmost exterior of the topmost container module; a ripstop nylon layer defining the topmost interior surface; a neoprene shell outer layer defining the topmost exterior surface, the topmost exterior surface comprising a top surface, the top surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof, the topmost container module having a handle joined to the top surface; and a foam layer splayed between the ripstop nylon layer and the neoprene shell outer layer of the topmost container module; a bottommost container module comprising: a substantially circular bottommost module top edge portion; a bottommost zipper track substantially circumnavigating the bottommost module top edge portion, the bottommost zipper track comprising a zipper car; and a bottommost multi-layered wall structure, the wall structure comprising: a bottommost interior surface defining a bottommost interior space of the bottommost container module; a bottommost exterior surface defining a bottommost exterior of the bottommost container module; a ripstop nylon layer defining the bottommost interior surface; a neoprene shell outer layer comprising the bottommost exterior surface, the bottommost exterior surface comprising a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof; a foam layer splayed between the ripstop nylon layer and the neoprene shell outer layer of the bottommost container module;
- and at least one central container module comprising: a substantially circular central module top edge portion; a substantially circular central module bottom edge portion; a central module top zipper track substantially circumnavigating the top edge portion, the central module top zipper track comprising a zipper car; a central module bottom zipper track substantially circumnavigating the central module bottom edge portion; a neoprene bottom layer comprising a central module bottom surface, the central module bottom surface stitched to a substantially circular central module bottom edge portion of the at least one central container module; a styrene floor positioned above the neoprene bottom layer; and a central module multi-layered wall structure the wall structure comprising: a central module interior surface defining a central module interior space of each of the at least one central container module; a central module exterior surface defining a central module exterior of each of the at least one central container module; a ripstop nylon layer comprising the central module interior surface; a neoprene shell outer layer comprising the central module exterior surface; and a styrene wall splayed between the central module interior surface and the central module exterior surface;
- at least two of the topmost zipper track, the bottommost zipper track, the central module top zipper track, and the central module bottom zipper track aligning along a single central axis of the container system;
- at least one of the topmost zipper track, the bottommost zipper track, the central module top zipper track, and the central module bottom zipper track comprising at least one stop engrained within a teeth section of the topmost zipper track, the bottommost zipper track, the central module top zipper track, and the central module bottom zipper track;
- the topmost container module, bottommost container module, and the at least one central container module conjoinable together in a unit by affixing together at least two of the topmost zipper track, the bottommost zipper track, the central module top zipper track, and the central module bottom zipper track.
2. The system of claim 1, a circumference of at least a portion of the topmost exterior surface of the topmost container module smaller than a circumference of the bottom edge portion of the topmost container module.
3. The system of claim 1, a circumference of at least a portion of the bottommost exterior surface of the bottommost container module smaller than a circumference of the top edge portion of the bottommost container module.
4. The system of claim 1, at least one of the topmost container module, bottommost container module, and at least one central container module maintaining rigidity when separated from the rest of the modules.
5. The system of claim 1, at least one of the topmost container module and the bottommost container module comprising a substantially rounded cresting.
6. The system of claim 1, at least one of the foam layers comprising molded EVA.
7. The system of claim 1, at least one of the topmost zipper track, the bottommost zipper track, the central module top zipper track, and the central module bottom zipper track comprising a liner attachment affixable to the container system.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising an elastic webbing affixed to at least one of the topmost module bottom edge portion and the bottommost module top edge portion at a circumference thereof, wherein the elastic webbing comprises a zipper assembly along a chord of the elastic webbing.
9. The system of claim 1, at least one of the topmost zipper track and the at least one central module top zipper track comprising an insertion pin engrained within a teeth section of the topmost zipper track and the central module top zipper track.
10. The system of claim 1, the bottommost container module further comprising a handle joined to the neoprene shell outer layer.
11. A modular, deformable, soft-sided container system comprising:
- a plurality of container modules releasably coupled in series, the plurality of container modules comprising: a topmost container module comprising: a substantially circular topmost module bottom edge portion; a topmost zipper track substantially circumnavigating the topmost module bottom edge portion; and a topmost multi-layered wall structure, the topmost wall structure comprising: a topmost interior surface defining a topmost interior space of the topmost container module; a topmost exterior surface defining a topmost exterior of the topmost container module; a ripstop nylon layer defining the topmost interior surface; a neoprene shell outer layer defining the topmost exterior surface, the topmost exterior surface comprising a top surface, the top surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof, the topmost container module having a handle joined to the top surface; and a foam layer splayed between the ripstop nylon layer and the neoprene shell outer layer of the topmost container module; a bottommost container module comprising: a substantially circular bottommost module top edge portion; a bottommost zipper track substantially circumnavigating the bottommost module top edge portion, the bottommost zipper track comprising a zipper car; and a bottommost multi-layered wall structure, the wall structure comprising: a bottommost interior surface defining a bottommost interior space of the bottommost container module; a bottommost exterior surface defining a bottommost exterior of the bottommost container module; a ripstop nylon layer defining the bottommost interior surface; a neoprene shell outer layer comprising the bottommost exterior surface, the bottommost exterior surface comprising a bottom surface, the bottom surface having a substantially circular periphery spaced from a center thereof; a foam layer splayed between the ripstop nylon layer and the neoprene shell outer layer of the bottommost container module;
- the topmost zipper track and the bottommost zipper track aligning along a single central axis of the container system;
- at least one of the bottommost zipper track and the topmost zipper track comprising at least one stop engrained within a teeth section of the bottommost zipper track and the topmost zipper track;
- the topmost container module and the bottommost container module conjoinable together in a unit by affixing together the topmost zipper track and the bottommost zipper track.
12. The system of claim 11, a circumference of at least a portion of the top surface of the topmost container module smaller than a circumference of the bottom edge portion of the topmost container module.
13. The system of claim 11, a circumference of at least a portion of the bottom surface of the bottommost container module smaller than a circumference of the top edge portion of the bottommost container module.
14. The system of claim 11, at least one of the topmost container module and bottommost container module maintaining rigidity when separated from one another.
15. The system of claim 11, at least one of the topmost container module and the bottommost container module comprising a substantially rounded cresting.
16. The system of claim 1, at least one of the foam layers comprising molded EVA.
17. The system of claim 11, at least one of the topmost zipper track and the bottommost zipper track comprising a liner attachment affixable to the container system.
18. The system of claim 11, further comprising an elastic webbing affixed to at least one of the topmost module bottom edge portion and the bottommost module top edge portion at a circumference thereof, wherein the elastic webbing comprises a zipper assembly along a chord of the elastic webbing.
19. The system of claim 11, at least one of the topmost zipper track and the bottommost zipper track comprising an insertion pin engrained within a teeth section of the topmost zipper track and the bottommost zipper track.
20. The system of claim 11, at least one of the topmost container module and the bottommost container module further comprising a handle joined to the neoprene shell outer layer of the topmost container module and the bottommost container module.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 28, 2016
Publication Date: Nov 3, 2016
Applicant: AAACK!, LLC (Austin, TX)
Inventor: George Allen Whitley (Austin, TX)
Application Number: 15/141,372