Modular interlocking containers

Abstract

The invention includes a scalable, modular interlocking container with a multi-purpose use. Vertical and horizontal interconnectivity are achieved through interlocking mechanisms. An exemplary first use is for transporting and/or storing liquids or solids that can be poured. An exemplary second use is for a sturdy, low cost, easily assembled building block material of a standardized nature. Each modular unit slide-locks with other units to form strong wall and building structures that can be filled with natural earth, sand or other such materials, thereby forming a sturdy structure without the use of mortar, and can adapt to uneven base surfaces typically found in natural terrain.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]Recently, world events and natural disasters have caused more attention to be given to the intermixing of environmental, economic, and humanitarian needs around the world. For example, the Pacific Ocean tsunami, earthquakes in Haiti and Peru, and Hurricane Katrina all caused immense humanitarian needs and devastating loss of life. First responders to such disasters normally set up tents to house refugees. The assumption is that the stay in the tents will be brief. However, depending on the disaster, the results often show otherwise. Tents are only useful in limited climate conditions. They also wear out over time, forcing residents to piece together sticks, branches, scrap metal or plastic for tent repair. The relatively few plastic containers in disaster relief sites are used mainly for water vessels, even though many are discarded fuel containers.[0002]One example of such a scenario is the Abu Shouk IDP camp in El Fasher, Northern Darfur. There, refugees were place...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]All uses also greatly benefit the environment by reducing the waste stream through recycling. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that from 1980 to 2005, the volume of municipal solid waste increased 60% resulting in 246 million tons being generated in 2005 in the United States. The present invention provides an incentive to recycle containers not only for similar uses (such as to hold materials) but also for building blocks for shelter construction and other applications. For example, certain embodiments of containers and bottles containing solid and liquid foodstuffs are recycled into use as construction materials, thereby reducing solid waste. Other recycled uses even include amusement toys for children and/or modeling elements for children and adults. The embodiments of consumer-sized containers could also increase the potential for recycling into other uses, which could reduce the two million tons of trash in the United States that is generated from throwing away plastic water bottles. Containers made of aluminum or other packaging materials account for another very large portion of the trash stream. The incentive for consumers to “mass” containers after their original use makes it considerably more likely that the containers will be recycled in similar high proportion once their secondary use has terminated, a pattern that promises to improve end-stage recycling rates markedly. The embodiments also have humanitarian purposes. Resulting

Problems solved by technology

For example, the Pacific Ocean tsunami, earthquakes in Haiti and Peru, and Hurricane Katrina all caused immense humanitarian needs and devastating loss of life.

However, depending on the disaster, the results often show otherwise.

Tents are only useful in limited climate conditions.

They also wear out over time, forcing residents to piece together sticks, branches, scrap metal or plastic for tent repair.

These lengthy stays under conditions of severe deprivation tax the host nation's natural resources and increases the environmental degradation of the host landscapes via stripped vegetation and toxic garbage dumps.

These environmental burdens naturally lead to politi

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