INTEGRATED APPARATUS FOR STORAGE OF CONSUMER ARTICLES USING A STACKABLE AND INTERLOCKING MECHANISM

Abstract

An integrated apparatus for storage of consumer articles using a stackable and interlocking mechanism is disclosed herein. Specifically, in some embodiments, multi-layered stacking and control of consumer articles is achieved by forming couplings (e.g., male-female couplings) among the consumer articles such that they are subsequently placed in a stacking fashion. Such stacking can be employed in a symmetric, asymmetric and/or combination manner in order to form an interlocking mechanism between two or more of the stackable consumer articles, thus ensuring that the storage apparatus is stable and the consumer articles protected. In some embodiments, the consumer articles can be related to household articles, commercial articles, board games or any other suitable article.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/351,944 filed on Jun. 18, 2016, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and from which priority is claimed.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging for storage and distribution of consumer goods including, but not limited to tools, tableware, games and other multi-component articles, there have been several packaging and storage methodologies that have been employed. Typically, such methodologies require the use of additional material (e.g., boxes, wrappers etc.) in which the consumer goods are contained. Although, the use of additional material for packaging and storage may provide ease of use and manufacturing, in many instances they require additional storage space, repackaging of the consumer articles and can create additional issues with respect to damaging the articles during transportation.

In addition, given the advent of technology especially as it relates to using 3D printing techniques that are based on conventional printing methods (e.g., screen printing, gravure, inkjet) that can facilitate the printing manufacturing and miniaturization of consumer articles using common material (e.g., paper, plastic, textile etc.), it is evident that prior methods for packaging consumer goods are inefficient.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an integrated apparatus for storage of consumer articles using a stackable and interlocking mechanism is provided. Specifically, an apparatus for storage of consumer goods is provided such that the consumer goods are a part of the stackable and interlocking mechanism so as to ensure miniaturization and stabilization of the consumer articles during transportation. Additionally, the stackable mechanism uses one or more different types of coupling (e.g., male/female coupling, serial coupling, coaxial coupling etc) among the consumer articles such that multiple articles can be deposited and patterned in a desired manner. Additionally, the stackable consumer articles have the ability to form an interlocking mechanism that allows for the storage apparatus to remain intact and stable during movement and rotation along the different axes. Such storage apparatus allows for the efficient, scalable and low-cost fabrication as it is formed using one or more of the consumer articles. Exemplary applications of such an apparatus can be found in the use of tools, houseware (e.g., tableware), electronics (e.g., cables, drives), games (e.g., chess.) and medical supplies (e.g., sterilized storage of syringes, needles etc.).

In some embodiments, one or more consumer articles are formed in a symmetric manner so as to create a male-female coupling that enables stacking of multiple articles. The stacking can be achieved using different patterns (e.g., cube, pyramid etc.) to ensure optimal interlocking of the storage apparatus. In some embodiments, a top element and a bottom/base element are provided so as to encase the stackable consumer articles. These elements can provide an additional layer of protection and/or stability to the apparatus. In some embodiments, one or more consumer articles are coupled using any suitable component (e.g., hinges, screws etc.)

In some embodiments, an integrated apparatus for storing consumer articles is disclosed comprising a plurality of consumer articles each being formed having an interlocking encasing, wherein each of the interlocking encasings is configured to be dynamically adjustable such as to enable stacking of the plurality of consumer articles.

In some embodiments, an integrated apparatus for storing a set of chess pieces is disclosed such as a chess box comprising a first set of chess pieces configured to be nested with a second set of chess pieces forming an interfitting coupling, wherein the second set of chess pieces has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a cavity therein with an engagement structure configured to enclose at least partially the first set of chess pieces so as to enable stacking.

In some embodiments, storage apparatus and consumer articles can be formed using 3D techniques thus allowing for different patterns (e.g., symmetric and asymmetric) of the storage apparatus and consumer articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example of an apparatus for storage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an example of the stacking mechanism using consumer articles in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an example of consumer articles forming a male-female coupling in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is an example of consumer articles together with the top and base member of the apparatus for storage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is an example of consumer articles used to form the apparatus for storage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an example of consumer articles in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is an example of a set of consumer articles in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is an example of consumer articles together with the top and base member of the apparatus for storage in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the assembly of the storage apparatus in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter relates to an integrated apparatus for storage of consumer articles using a stackable and interlocking mechanism. Specifically, in some embodiments, multi-layered stacking and control of consumer articles is achieved by forming couplings (e.g., male-female couplings) among the consumer articles such that they are subsequently placed in a stacking fashion (e.g., one on top of the other). Such stacking can be employed in a symmetric, asymmetric and/or combination manner in order to form an interlocking mechanism between two or more of the stackable consumer articles, thus ensuring that the storage apparatus is stable and the consumer articles protected. In some embodiments, the consumer articles can be related to household articles, commercial articles, board games or any other suitable article.

Generally, storage apparatuses are manufactured separately from the consumer articles and as such require additional materials that can be costly and/or are not formed to ensure stability and safety of the articles during transportation. In addition, in many instances such storage apparatuses may be disposable, thus creating additional commercial and business considerations. For example, storing sensitive medical equipment requires the use of boxes (e.g., plastic, paper etc.) and oftentimes additional padding is used to ensure that the medical equipment is not damaged during transportation due to the fact that the storage apparatus may not be form fitting. Furthermore, the use of additional materials may also allow for possible contamination of the articles and often requires repackaging when additional transportation is needed.

Moreover, packaging and storing of consumer articles aims at minimizing the occupation of space and as such, the use of additional materials (e.g., boxes, bins etc.) has an adverse effect.

Thus, there is a need for an apparatus for storage for consumer articles that is embedded and integrated with the consumer articles and allows for the dynamic optimization and miniaturization of the storage apparatus effectively optimizing the usage of space.

Such a storage apparatus allows for stackable, multi-material layered placement of consumer articles and provides control and stability through the use of an interlocking mechanism.

The following description starts with an overview of an exemplary apparatus illustrating the operational environment of the inventive principles described herein. Further details are provided regarding the apparatus components that may be implemented in accordance with the various embodiments of the inventive principles.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive principles may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Referring now to the drawings in which like numerals represent the same or similar elements, FIG. 1 represents an overview of an apparatus 100 for integrated storage of consumer articles using a stackable and interlocking mechanism. In some embodiments, apparatus 100 provides a solution to the problem of packaging and storing consumer articles without the use of additional material while ensuring the stability and safety of said consumer articles during transportation or any type of movement.

In some embodiments, integrated storage apparatus 100 can have a top member 102 that is formed and manufactured as an additional enclosure of consumer articles 106. In some embodiments a top member can be formed using 3D printing techniques and can be of any suitable material (e.g., wood, plastic, metal etc.) Furthermore, top member 102 may provide additional protection of consumer articles 106 (e.g., sterilized environment) and can include one or more chemical and/or physical coatings. In addition, integrated storage apparatus 100 can include a base/bottom member 104 and a top member 102. In some embodiments, base member 104 includes one or more impressions to allow for the stable and secure placement of the consumer articles and allow for stacking of said consumer articles as will be discussed below in connection with FIG. 4. In some embodiments, top member 102 and base member 104 can be symmetric, have the same and/or different form and shape. In some embodiments, base member 104 and top member 102 can be formed using 3D printing techniques and can be of any suitable material (e.g., wood, plastic, metal etc.) and/or shape.

In some embodiments, top member 102 and base member 104 can be expandable and/or retractable based on the number and size of consumer articles 106 that form the storage apparatus. In addition, in some embodiments, top member 102 and base member 104 can include flexible impressions and/or depressions so as to allow for the stable placement of the consumer articles 106.

In some embodiments, integrated storage apparatus 100 is formed by two or more consumer articles 106. This is accomplished through a coupling of consumer articles 106 that create an interlocking mechanism and allow storage apparatus 100 to remain intact during movement along the different axes (e.g., linear movement, rotational movement etc.). In some embodiments, one or more consumer articles form an interlocking mechanism along the central axis of storage apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, each of consumer articles 106 encases additional consumer articles (not shown) creating a nested interlocking coupling that can be stacked. In some embodiments, the consumer article 106 can be partially or wholly nested according to any storage space requirements. In some embodiments, the consumer articles 106 can be formed via a female-male coupling of at least two components.

It should be noted that the system in FIG. 1 is merely meant to demonstrate an exemplary embodiment of an operating environment and should not be construed as limiting in any manner whatsoever. The particular configuration in FIG. 1 can be altered in numerous ways without departing from the principles herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates the stacking mechanism of integrated storage apparatus 100. Specifically, consumer articles 105 and 106 form a coupling (e.g., male-female coupling) that allows them to be stacked and interlocked on multiple layers, thus creating an integrated storage apparatus. For example, consumer articles 105 and 106 can be pieces of a board game (e.g., chess) whereby a first set of pieces (e.g., white pieces 105) are formed as a male coupling and a second set of pieces (e.g., black pieces 106) are formed as a female coupling. Moreover, these pieces can be interlocked together in a nested fashion to become stackable pieces in order to form the integrated storage apparatus 100.

In addition, in some embodiments, upon being interlocked in a nested fashion, consumer articles 105 and 106 can be stacked vertically, horizontally or in any suitable combination depending, for example, on the storage requirements.

FIG. 3 shows consumer articles 105 and 106 that form a coupling (e.g., male-female coupling) and are capable of being interlocked and subsequently stacked. In some embodiments and as discussed above, consumer articles can be game pieces (e.g., chess pieces) that are formed in a symmetric way.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, consumer articles 105 can be a set of chess pieces (e.g., white pieces) that are formed using any suitable technique such as 3D printing, molding, sculpting etc. In addition, each of consumer articles 105 are manufactured so as to be nested with consumer articles 106 forming an interlocked coupling. In some embodiments, consumer articles 105 can be encased partially or wholly by consumer articles 106 and can be stored individually and/or as a set. In some embodiments, upon disassembly consumer articles 105 (e.g., white chess pieces) can be used in conjunction with consumer articles 106 (e.g., black pieces) forming a set of chess pieces.

FIG. 4 shows the different members and consumer articles 105 and 106 of integrated storage apparatus 100 as discussed above in in connection with FIGS. 1-3. Specifically, consumer articles 105 and 106 can be any type of consumer article capable of forming a coupling such that, for example, a male part and a female part are interfitted to create a stackable member. In some embodiments, a top member 102 can be used to seal integrated storage apparatus 100. Such top member can include depressions that allow consumer articles 105 (e.g., male part) to be placed therein in order to ensure stability of the stacked apparatus. In some embodiments, a bottom/base member 104 can be included that is formed of impressions of consumer articles such that said consumer articles can be multi-layered and placed one on top of the other in order to form a stacked interlocking mechanism. In some embodiments, members of integrated storage apparatus can be created using different techniques and materials (e.g., 3D printing).

As shown in FIG. 4, consumer articles 105 and 106 can be associated with board games such as chess. Specifically, in some embodiments, consumer articles 105 can be formed as white pieces and consumer articles 106 can be formed as black pieces. Additionally, consumer articles 106 (e.g., black pieces) can be manufactured as a female part (e.g., depression) of consumer articles 105 (e.g., white pieces.) In some embodiments, consumer articles 106 (e.g., black pieces) can be formed such that they are transversely extendable (e.g., along the vertical axis) allowing for dynamic adjustment of articles 106. As a result, in some embodiments, consumer articles 106 can have different dimensions upon nesting, through the interfitting coupling, with consumer articles 105, thus allowing for different stacking configurations depending on storage requirements.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of white chess pieces (e.g., consumer articles 105) and black chess pieces (e.g., consumer articles 106) placed on a chess board 502. As discussed previously in reference to FIG. 4, in some embodiments, consumer articles 106 can be extendable along their vertical axis to allow for adjustment of the interfitted coupling. As a result, in some embodiments, upon disassembly of the storage apparatus and removal of the nested consumer articles 105 and 106 the size of consumer articles 106 (e.g., black pieces) can be dynamically adjusted so that all chess pieces can be of the same height and allow for their appropriate placement on the chess board.

As discussed above, in some embodiments, consumer articles 105 can be white pieces of a chess game (shown in black in FIG. 6). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 for the game of chess, consumer articles 105 are sixteen (16) white chess pieces. In some embodiments, the white chess pieces can be manufactured using marble, concrete, wood, hard resin, soft polymer or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the white chess pieces can have the same height so as to allow for ease of storage and manufacturing.

Furthermore, as discussed above, in some embodiments, consumer articles 106 can be black pieces of a chess game (shown in white in FIG. 7). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 for the game of chess, consumer articles 106 are sixteen (16) black chess pieces. In some embodiments, the black chess pieces can be manufactured using marble, concrete, wood, hard resin, soft polymer or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the black chess pieces can have equal height so as to allow for ease of storage and manufacturing. In some embodiments, the black chess pieces have an inner surface and an outer surface forming a cavity that defines an engagement structure and is capable of encasing, at least partially, the white chess pieces shown in reference to FIG. 6.

In addition, in some embodiments, the black chess pieces are capable of encasing the white chess pieces shown in FIG. 6 (e.g., consumer articles 105) and provide an interfitted coupling that allows nesting of the white and black chess pieces. Moreover, in some embodiments, the black pieces can be extendable along the vertical axis so as to allow for an adjustable height when nesting with the white pieces. In some embodiments, consumer articles 106 can be of the same height to allow for multi-layer stacking of the nested chess pieces.

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, whereby the integrated storage apparatus relates to a chess box that is formed using nested interlocked consumer articles 105 (e.g., white chess pieces), consumer articles 106 (e.g., black pieces), top member 102 and base member 104. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 white chess pieces 105 can form an interlocking coupling with black pieces 106 so as to be nested and encased by black pieces 106. In some embodiments, white pieces can be wholly or partially encased. In some embodiments, black pieces are formed so as to encase more than half of white pieces during interlocking.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, base member 104 can include impressions 802 so as to form a male-female coupling with consumer articles 106 (e.g., black pieces.) In some embodiments, base member 104 can be manufactured using any suitable material such as hard resin or flexible polymers allowing for the dynamic adjustment of impressions 802. In some embodiments, base member 104 can include a snap-fit mechanism so as to further interlock with consumer articles 106. In some embodiments, base member 104 and top member 102 can be extendable/retractable so as to allow for different configurations of the storage apparatus depending on, at least, space requirements.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, top member 102 can include depressions 804 so as to form a male-female coupling with consumer articles 105 (e.g., white pieces.) In some embodiments, top member 102 can be manufactured using any suitable material such as hard resin or flexible polymers allowing for the dynamic adjustment of depressions 804. In some embodiments, top member 102 can include a snap-fit mechanism so as to further interlock with consumer articles 105.

FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of the assembly of the integrated storage apparatus using consumer articles 105 and 106. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows the assembly of a chess storage box formed by white chess pieces 105, black chess pieces 106, a top member 102 and a base member 104. Initially, each of black chess pieces 106 is placed onto base member 102 so as to couple with each impression 802. Subsequently, each of white pieces 105 is nested within each of black chess pieces 106 creating a first stacked layer. In some embodiments, white chess pieces 105 have the same height as black pieces 106. As a result, the white chess pieces 105 are partially encased by being interfitted with the black chess pieces 106. In some embodiments, at least half of each of the white chess pieces 105 is disposed outside of the black chess pieces 106. Moreover, the remaining black chess pieces and white pieces are stacked in a similar fashion creating an interlocked set of nested chess pieces providing a stable and secure placement. Finally, top member 102 is placed so as to couple each of the depressions 804 with the white chess pieces 105, thus creating a chess storage box. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the base member 104 and top member 102 can be extendable/retractable so as to allow for different stacking configurations of the nested chess pieces. In some embodiments the white chess pieces can be of different sizes and the black chess pieces can be dynamically adjusted so as to have any suitable height.

The embodiments described in this disclosure can be combined in various ways.

Any aspect or feature that is described for one embodiment can be incorporated into any other embodiment mentioned in this disclosure. Moreover, any of the embodiments described herein may comprise a mixture of one or more material elements. Accordingly, while various novel features of the inventive principles have been shown, described and pointed out as applied to particular embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the apparatus described and illustrated, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, based on the above disclosure and an understanding therefrom of the teachings of the inventive principles, that the particular apparatus described herein, and the general functionality provided by and incorporated therein, may vary in different embodiments of the inventive principles. Accordingly, the particular components are for illustrative purposes to facilitate a full and complete understanding and appreciation of the various aspects and functionality of particular embodiments of the present principles as realized in apparatus embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive principles can be practiced in other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

A number of embodiments of the disclosed subject matter have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An integrated apparatus for storing consumer articles comprising:

a first set of consumer articles being formed with an interfitting first coupling;

a second set of consumer articles being formed with an interfitting second coupling, wherein the first set of consumer articles and the second set of consumer articles are coupled through the first coupling and the second coupling so as to form an interlocked set of structures so as to enable stacking of the interlocked set of structures.

2. The integrated apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first coupling and the second coupling comprise a male and a female coupling respectively.

3. The integrated apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a top element being formed with one or more depressions so as to be coupled to the interlocked set of structures.

4. The integrated apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a base element being formed with one or more impressions so as to be coupled to the interlocked set of structures.

5. The integrated apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more impressions of the base element are coupled with the second set of consumer articles.

6. The integrated apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a top member and a base member configured to envelop the interlocked set of structures.

7. The integrated apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the interlocked set of structures are formed having the same height and width.

8. An integrated apparatus for storing consumer articles comprising:

a plurality of consumer articles each being formed having an interlocking encasing, wherein each of the interlocking encasings is configured to be dynamically adjustable such as to enable stacking of the plurality of consumer articles.

9. The integrated apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of consumer articles and the interlocking encasings each comprise at least a partial male and a female coupling.

10. The integrated apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a top element being formed with one or more depressions so as to be coupled to each of the plurality of consumer articles.

11. The integrated apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a base element being formed with one or more impressions so as to be coupled at least partially to each of the interlocking encasings.

12. The integrated apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a base element being formed with one or more impressions so as to be coupled at least partially to each of the interlocking encasings.

13. The integrated apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a top member and a base member configured to envelop the stacked plurality of consumer articles.

14. The integrated apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the interlocking encasings are adjusted to have the same height and width.

15. The integrated apparatus of claim 14, wherein the height and width of each of the interlocking encasings is adjusted according to the height and width of one of the plurality of consumer articles.

16. An integrated apparatus for storing a set of chess pieces comprising:

a first set of chess pieces configured to be nested with a second set of chess pieces forming an interfitting coupling, wherein the second set of chess pieces has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a cavity therein with an engagement structure configured to enclose at least partially the first set of chess pieces so as to enable stacking.

17. The integrated apparatus of claim 16, wherein the first set of chess pieces and the second set of chess pieces each comprise at least a partial male and a female coupling.

18. The integrated apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a top element being formed with one or more depressions so as to be coupled to each of the first set of pieces.

19. The integrated apparatus of claim 16 further comprising a base element being formed with one or more impressions so as to be coupled at least partially to each of the second set of chess pieces.

20. The integrated apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of the second chess pieces are adjusted to have the same height and width.