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

The present invention is a design for containers that can be used for recycling and as building materials. The containers are scalable, efficient in packing and transport, and can hold a variety of materials, such as water, dirt, or sand, for sturdy structures. The design also has humanitarian purposes and can help reduce waste and solid waste in the U.S. The containers are recyclable and can be reused multiple times. All versions of the design have improved functionality and impact on the environment, being efficient in packing, shipping, and handling. The design also helps reduce container material waste and ultimately contributes to a more sustainable and responsible products lifecycle.

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 political pressure on the host government to insist on shorter stays.

In war torn areas, shifts in zones of control may force camp dwellers to flee approaching combatants, even in the absence of “official” pressure.

Other environmental and economic issues develop more slowly, such as the issue of widespread and burgeoning use of plastic beverage bottles and the enormous amount of waste caused by their disposal.

Although some consumers recycle, mountains of bottles still go to waste.

Approximately 50 billion PET bottles alone are wasted each year.

Much of that waste ends up in landfills, but a significant amount ends up in roadside dumps or, even worse, in rivers and oceans.

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