Collapsible storage container

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improved collapsible storage container that may be modular and stackable. For example, the container can include side panels and a bottom panel that interlock with each other using tension between the panels of the container. In addition, a user may assemble and disassemble the container without tools and store the panels in a compact manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62 / 061,589, filed Oct. 8, 2014. The entire contents of the foregoing patent application are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure generally relates to storage containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a collapsible storage container that, in some embodiments, may stack with similar storage containers.[0004]2. Background and Relevant Art[0005]Containers, such as boxes, are a useful tool for users in many industries and generally allow users to transport and store items in a relatively inexpensive and efficient way. For example, a user can use a container to move items from one location to another. For instance, a user may fill a container with items such as books, vinyl records, papers, cords, valuables, electronics, clothing, or other items, which the user can then tran...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a container design that can be easily broken down and rebuilt while still providing solid structural support. The container can be assembled as well as broken down into multiple pieces of the same size and relative dimensions. It can be durable and sturdy for users to store or transport items. The container can include interlocking panels that secure the container together, allowing it to easily assemble by hand and without tools, and to collapse into a small compact form when not in use. The panels have windows along their edges and tabs and ribs that align and interlock with the windows to secure the container together. The design of the edges of the panels provides a unique interlocking feature that allows the container to solidly stack with similar-type containers, regardless of whether the opening of the container is facing horizontally or vertically.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional containers, however, suffer from a number of limitations and drawbacks.

For example, a conventional container can take up large amounts of space when not is use to store or transport items.

If an unused container is taking up too much space, a user will discard or destroy the container.

In some instances, a user may break the container such that the user cannot reassemble the container again.

However, conventional containers made of rigid and sturdy materials other than cardboard do not typically break down into flat and / or compact pieces.

Additionally, the broken down pieces of conventional containers are often of varying sizes and / or odd or irregular shapes.

Further, conventional containers that can be disassembled and reassembled for later use are often weak and lack adequate sturdiness.

For example, conventional containers can easily tear, bend, or otherwise break.

In addition, conventional containers often dent, crack, and / or fail (e.g., collapse) when stacked together.

As another example, conventional containers can break when being used to transport items (e.g., handles can break, container bottoms can fall out, etc.) Further, many conventional containers can degrade over time, such as in the case of cardboard containers, especially when exposed to the elements.

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