STACKABLE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A stackable container assembly includes a first container and a second container. The first container has an upper surface with first, second and third recessed areas parallel to one another. A lower surface of the first container includes first and second projecting areas that are dimensioned, shaped and oriented to align with the first and third recessed areas. The second container has an upper surface with first and second recessed areas parallel to one another and a lower surface with third and fourth projecting areas dimensioned, shaped and be oriented to aligned with the first and second recessed areas of the first container and align with the first and second recessed areas of the second container when stacked vertically.

Description

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to a stackable container assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a stackable container assembly with three recesses formed on an upper surface and two projecting areas formed on a lower surface of a first container and a second container assembly with projecting area form on a lower surface thereof such that another first container can be stacked on top of the first container with engagement between the projections and the recesses and/or the second container can be stacked on the first container with engagement between respective ones of the projections and the recesses and with the first container being larger than the second container.

Background Information

Storage containers are utilized in home, work, farm and industrial settings. It is desirable to stack such storage containers.

SUMMARY

It has been discovered that in order to stack containers one on top of another, structure is necessary to interlock stacked containers to one another in order to limit movement between the stacked containers.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a stackable container assembly including a first container and a second container. The first container has an upper surface with first, second and third recessed areas parallel to one another. A lower surface of the first container includes first and second projecting areas that are dimensioned, shaped and oriented to align with the first and third recessed areas. The second container has an upper surface with first and second recessed areas parallel to one another and a lower surface with third and fourth projecting areas dimensioned, shaped and be oriented to aligned with the first and second recessed areas of the first container and align with the first and second recessed areas of the second container when stacked vertically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of eighteen first storage containers stacked atop one another forming two three-by-three arrays of the first storage containers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of nine first storage containers stacked atop one another forming a three-by-three array of the first storage containers in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two of the first storage containers stacked atop one another with a smaller second container stacked atop the two first storage containers forming single stack of the first and second storage containers in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of one of the first storage containers with two of the smaller second containers stacked atop one another and on top of the first storage containers forming single stack of the first and second storage containers in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of the first storage container showing first, second and third recessed areas formed on an upper surface thereof in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a second perspective view of the first storage container showing first, and second projecting areas formed on a lower surface thereof in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of two of the first storage containers separated from one another just prior to being stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of two of the first storage containers similar to FIG. 8 showing the two first storage containers stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the two first storage containers stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the two first storage containers stacked one on top of the other taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional view of the two first storage containers stacked one on top of the other taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 9 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a first perspective view of the second storage container showing first and second recessed areas formed on an upper surface thereof in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 13 is a second perspective view of the second storage container showing first and second projecting areas formed on a lower surface thereof in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one of the first storage containers and one of the second storage containers separated from one another just prior to being stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the first storage container and the second storage container similar to FIG. 14 showing the second storage container stacked on top of the first storage container in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 16 is a top view of the first storage container and the second storage container with the second storage container being stacked on top of the first storage container in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second storage containers stacked one on top of the other taken along the line 17-17 in FIG. 16 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of two of the second storage containers separated from one another just prior to being stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the two second storage containers similar to FIG. 18 showing the second storage containers stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 20 is a top view of the two second storage containers stacked one on top of the other in accordance with the exemplary embodiment:

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the two stacked second storage containers other taken along the line 21-21 in FIG. 20 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a lid, an O-ring and an attachment ring for the first storage container 10 whose design, with smaller dimensions, is also used with the second storage container 12 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the lid, the O-ring and the attachment ring in accordance with the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the attachment ring in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments are provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, stacked arrays of first containers 10 is illustrated in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIGS. 3 and 4 show stacked arrays of first containers 10 and second containers 12.

Specifically, FIG. 1 shows a three-by-three-by-two stacked array of a plurality of the first containers 10. FIG. 2 shows a three-by-three stacked array of nine of the first containers 10. FIG. 3 shows two of the first containers 10 stacked one on top of the other with one of the second containers 12 stacked atop the first containers 10. Similarly, FIG. 4 shows one first container 10 with two of the second containers 12 stacked atop the first containers 10.

The first containers 10 (also referred to as the first storage container 10) and second containers 12 (also referred to as the second storage container 12) are provided with unique top surface and bottom surface features that facilitate simple stacking of the containers 10 and 12, as is described in greater detail below.

The first and second containers 10 and 12 can be manufactured using any of a variety of materials. However, in the preferred embodiment, the containers 10 and 12 are made with a moldable plastic material or polymer material that maintains its basic shape even with heavy materials stored therein when stacked one on top of another.

The containers 10 and 12 are configured and shaped such that a plurality of the first containers 10 can be stacked one on top of the one beneath it. In theory, any number (weight permitting) of the first containers 10 can be stacked one upon another. Similarly, any number (weight permitting) of the second containers 12 can be stacked one upon another. The second containers 12 can further be stacked atop a first container 10. However, a first container 10 cannot be stacked atop a second container 12, as will become clear in the description below.

The containers 10 and 12 can be made in any of a range of sizes. For example, small versions of the containers 10 and 12 can be made for use in the kitchen of a home for storing food related supplies or other kitchen necessities. Larger versions can be made for use in a farm setting where large amounts of animal feed or food stuff can be stored in each container. In the depicted embodiment, the first containers 10 have a first volume (and/or weight capacity) and the second containers 12 have a second volume (and/or weight capacity) that is smaller than the first volume. For example, the first containers 10 can have a 60 pound capacity and the second containers 12 can have a 40 pound capacity. However, it should be understood that any volume and/or weight range can be applied to the first and second containers 10 and 12 when calculating their respective sizes and capacities.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first container 10 has a front surface 16 with an opening 18, an upper surface 20 and a lower surface 22. The upper surface 20 has a first recessed area 30, a second recessed area 32 and a third recessed area 34. The recessed areas 30, 32 and 34 are parallel to one another and further extend in directions parallel to an upper edge of the front surface 16 above the opening 18.

The first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 are spaced apart from one another by a first distance D₁ (measured from distant edges thereof to corresponding distant edges thereof). The first recessed area 30 and the third recessed area 34 are spaced apart from one another by a second distance D₂ that is greater than the first distance D₁.

The first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 include projections 35. The projections 35 are located adjacent to or proximate opposite ends of the first and second recessed areas 30 and 32, as shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lower surface 22 includes a first projecting area 36 and a second projecting area 38. The first and second projecting areas 36 and 38 are like ribs or raised areas that help to reinforce the lower surface 22 in order to maintain rigidity when loaded with content. The first projecting area 36 and the second projecting area 38 also served to maintain the position between an upper one of a plurality of the first containers 10 and a lower one of the plurality of the first containers 10 when stacked atop one another. The first projecting area 36 and the second projecting area 38 also are spaced apart from one another. Further, the distance between outer edges of the first projecting area 36 and the second projecting area 38 is the distance D₂, mentioned above.

More specifically, the first projecting area 36 and the second projecting area 38 are dimensioned and oriented to fit into the first recessed area 30 and the third recessed area 34, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The first projecting area 36 includes concaved areas or depressions 40. When two of the first containers 10 are stacked one on the other, the depressions 40 are dimensioned to receive the projections 35 of within the first recessed area 30. The engagement between the projections 35 and the depressions 40 provides stops within the first recessed area 30 preventing lateral movement of the upper one of two stacked first containers 10.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second recessed area 32 also includes the projections 35. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the third recessed area 34 includes a pair of upwardly extending projections 44 that are spaced apart from one another such that with the second projecting area 38 placed into the third recessed area 34, the projections 44 are located on outboard sides of the second projecting area 38, limiting movement of the upper one of the first containers 10 that are stacked on one another. In other words, the projections 35 define an interlocking engagement between the two stacked first containers 10.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second container 12 has an upper surface 50 formed with a fourth recessed area 52 and a fifth recess area 54. The fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recess area 54 are parallel to one another and extend from side-to-side along the upper surface 50. Projections 56 are formed within the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54 adjacent to lateral ends thereof. The fourth recessed area 52 is spaced apart from the fifth recess area 54 by the distance D₁. The second container 12 further includes an opening 58.

As shown in FIG. 13, the second container 12 has a lower surface 60 with a third projecting area 62 and a fourth projecting area 64. The third projecting area 62 is spaced apart the fourth projecting area 64 by the distance D₁. The third projecting area 62 and the fourth projecting area 64 are dimensioned, shaped and oriented to align with the first and second recessed areas 30 and 32 of the first container 10 and similarly align with the fourth and fifth recessed areas 52 and 54 of other second containers 12. Consequently, the second container 12 can be stacked on top of the first container 10. Further, the second container 12 can be stacked on top of other second containers 12.

When the second container 12 is stacked on top of one of the first containers 10 as shown in FIGS. 14-16, the first and second projecting areas 62 and 64 are confined within respective ones of the first and second recessed areas 30 and 32 by the projections 35 of respective ones of the first and second recessed areas 30 and 32. Specifically, the projections 35 are located at opposite ends of each of the first and second projecting areas 62 and 64 of the second container 12, as shown in FIG. 17. Again, the projections 35 define an interlocking engagement between the stacked first and second containers 10 and 12.

As is shown in FIG. 17, the second container 12 is narrower than the first container 10.

As shown in FIGS. 18-21, when the second container 12 is stacked on top of another container 12, the third projecting area 62 and the fourth projecting area 64 fit into corresponding ones of the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54. Further, the third projecting area 62 and the fourth projecting area 64 are prevented from moving in a lengthwise direction of the fourth and fifth recessed areas 52 and 54 by the projections 56. In other words, the projections 56 are spaced apart from one another within their respective fourth and fifth recessed areas 52 and 54 by a distance that is approximately the same as the length of each of the third projecting area 62 and the fourth projecting area 64. The projection 56 are located at opposite ends of each of the third projecting area 62 and the fourth projecting area 64 when the third projecting area 62 and the fourth projecting area 64 inserted into respective ones of the fourth and fifth recessed areas 52 and 54.

The first container 10 has a lid 70, an attachment ring 72 and an O-ring seal 74, as shown in FIGS. 22-24. The second container 12 also has a lid 80, an attachment ring 82 and an O-ring seal 84. The lid 70 and the lid 80 are basically the same in terms of design and functionality. However, the lid 70 has a larger diameter than the lid 80. Similarly, the attachment ring 72 and the attachment ring 82 are basically the same in terms of design and functionality. However, the attachment ring 72 has a larger diameter than the attachment ring 82. The same is true of the O-ring seal 74 and the O-ring seal 84. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, description of the lid 70, the attachment ring 72 and the O-ring seal 74 of the first container 10, applies equally to the lid 80, the attachment ring 82 and the O-ring seal 84 of the second container 12, even though they are made with differing outer diameters.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the lid 70 (80) threadedly installs to the attachment ring 72 (82). In other words, the lid 70 (80) is easily installed and easily removed from the attachment ring 72 (82) to access the interior storage space of each of the first and second containers 10 and 12. As shown in FIG. 24, the attachment ring 72 fixedly and preferably permanently attaches to the area of the first container 10 surrounding the opening 18 via heat welding or with a strong adhesive. Similarly, the attachment ring 82 fixedly and preferably permanently attaches to the area of the second container 12 surrounding the opening 58.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term “comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, “including”. “having” and their derivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or “element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiment, the following directional terms “forward”, “rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and “transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with the stackable container assembly. Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present invention should be interpreted relative to a vehicle equipped with the stackable container assembly.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should be considered a separate description of further inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A stackable container assembly, comprising

a first container having an upper surface with first, second and third recessed areas and a lower surface with first and second projecting areas configured to couple with the first and third recessed areas; and

a second container having an upper surface with fourth and fifth recessed areas and a lower surface with third and fourth projecting areas configured to align with the first and second recessed areas of the first container and align with the fourth and fifth recessed areas of the second container.

2. The stackable container assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the first recessed area and the second recessed area are spaced apart from one another by a first distance, and

the first recessed area and the third recessed area are spaced apart from one another by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

3. The stackable container assembly according to claim 2, wherein

the first container includes a plurality of first containers that are stacked one on top of another with the first and second projecting area of an upper one of the plurality of first containers fitted into the first and third recessed areas on the upper surface of an adjacent lower one of the plurality of first containers limiting relative movement between the upper one of the plurality of first containers and the lower one of the plurality of first containers.

4. The stackable container assembly according to claim 3, wherein

the second projecting area of the upper one of the plurality of first containers includes at least one concaved area within the second projecting area and the lower one of the plurality of first containers includes at least one projection dimensioned to fit into the concaved area within the second projecting area further limiting relative movement between the upper one of the plurality of first containers and the lower one of the plurality of first containers.

5. The stackable container assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the third and fourth projecting areas of the second container are dimensioned and shaped to fit into the first and second recessed areas of the first container such that the second container is stacked on top of the first container.

6. The stackable container assembly according to claim 5, wherein

the first and second recessed areas of the first container include a pair of upwardly extending projections located proximate opposite ends of the first and second recessed areas, and

the third and fourth projecting areas of the second container are dimensioned such that when inserted into the first and second recessed areas of the first container, the second container is prevented from moving in a lengthwise direction of the first and second recessed areas of the first container by the upwardly extending projections.

7. The stackable container assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the first container has a first volume capacity and the second container has a second volume capacity, the first volume capacity being greater than the second volume capacity.

8. The stackable container assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the second container includes at least two of the second containers being stacked one on top of another with the third and fourth projecting areas of an upper one of the plurality of second containers being fitted into the fourth and fifth recessed areas on the upper surface of an adjacent lower one of the plurality of second containers limiting relative movement between the upper one of the plurality of second containers and the lower one of the plurality of second containers.

9. The stackable container assembly according to claim 1, wherein

the second container is stacked on top of the first container with the third and fourth projecting areas of the second containers being fitted into the first and second recessed areas on the upper surface of the first container limiting relative movement between the second container and the first containers.

10. The stackable container assembly according to claim 1, further comprising

another first container identical to the first container, the another first container being stacked on top of the first container with the first and second projecting areas of the another first containers being fitted into the first and third recessed areas on the upper surface of the first container limiting relative movement between the another first container and the first containers.

11. The stackable container assembly according to claim 10, further comprising

the second container is stacked on top of the another first container with the fourth and fifth projecting areas of the second container being fitted into the first and second recessed areas on the upper surface of the another first container limiting relative movement between the another first container and the second container.