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 each other. The lower surface of the first container includes a first protruding area and a second protruding area, the first protruding area and the second protruding area of the first container being sized, shaped and oriented to align with the first recessed area and the third recessed area of the first container. The second container is provided with an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface is provided with a first concave area and a second concave area which are parallel to each other, and the lower surface is provided with a third protruding area and a fourth protruding area; the third protruding region and the fourth protruding region of the second container are sized, shaped and oriented to align with the first recessed region and the second recessed region of the first container and with the first recessed region and the second recessed region of the second container when vertically stacked.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to stackable container assemblies. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stackable container assembly having three recessed areas formed on an upper surface of a first container and two protruding areas formed on a lower surface of the first container and a second container assembly having a protruding area formed on its lower surface, so that another first container can be stacked on top of the first container with engagement between the protrusions and the recesses, and / or a second container can be stacked on the first container with engagement between the corresponding protrusions and the recesses and the first container being larger than the second container. Background Art

[0002] Storage containers are used in homes, workplaces, farms and industrial settings. It is desirable to stack such storage containers. Summary of the invention

[0003] It has been found that in order to stack containers on top of one another, it is necessary to interlock the stacked containers to each other in order to restrict movement between the stacked containers.

[0004] In view of the state of the prior art, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a stackable container assembly comprising a first container and a second container. The first container has an upper surface, and the upper surface of the first container has a first recessed area, a second recessed area, and a third recessed area that are parallel to each other. The lower surface of the first container includes a first protruding area and a second protruding area, and the first and second protruding areas of the first container are sized, shaped, and oriented to align with the first and third recessed areas of the first container. The second container has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the second container has a first recessed area and a second recessed area that are parallel to each other, and the lower surface of the second container has a third and fourth protruding area, and the third and fourth protruding areas of the second container are sized, shaped, and oriented to align with the first and second recessed areas of the first container and to align with the first and second recessed areas of the second container when stacked vertically. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of eighteen first storage containers according to an exemplary embodiment, the first storage containers being stacked together to form two three-by-three arrays of first storage containers;

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of nine first storage containers according to an exemplary embodiment, the first storage containers being stacked together to form a three-by-three array of first storage containers;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of two first storage containers stacked together and a smaller second storage container stacked on top of the two first storage containers to form a single-layer stack of the first storage containers and the second storage containers according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first storage container and two smaller second storage containers stacked on top of the first storage container and stacked together to form a single layer stack of the first storage container and the second storage container according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0010] Figure 5 is a first perspective view of a first storage container according to an exemplary embodiment, showing a first recessed area, a second recessed area, and a third recessed area formed on an upper surface of the first storage container;

[0011] Figure 6 is a second perspective view of a first storage container according to an exemplary embodiment, illustrating a first protruding area and a second protruding area formed on a lower surface of the first storage container;

[0012] Figure 7 is a perspective view of two first storage containers separated from each other just before being stacked on top of each other according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0013] Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7 A perspective view of two first storage containers, showing that the two first storage containers are stacked on top of each other;

[0014] Fig. 9 is a top view of two first storage containers stacked on top of each other according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0015] Fig.10 According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of two first storage containers stacked one above the other taken along line 10-10 in FIG.

[0016] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 9 Another cross-sectional view of two first storage containers stacked one above the other taken along line 11-11 in FIG.

[0017] Fig.12 is a first perspective view of a second storage container according to an exemplary embodiment, illustrating a first recessed area and a second recessed area formed on an upper surface of the second storage container;

[0018] Fig.13is a second perspective view of a second storage container according to an exemplary embodiment, illustrating a first protruding area and a second protruding area formed on a lower surface of the second storage container;

[0019] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a first storage container and a second storage container separated from each other just before being stacked on top of each other according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0020] Fig.15 is similar to Fig.14 a perspective view of a first storage container and a second storage container, showing the second storage container stacked on top of the first storage container;

[0021] Fig.16 is a top view of a first storage container and a second storage container according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the second storage container is stacked on top of the first storage container;

[0022] Fig.17 According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a first storage container and a second storage container stacked one above the other, taken along line 17-17 in FIG.

[0023] Fig.18 is a perspective view of two second storage containers separated from each other just before being stacked on top of each other according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Fig.19 is similar to Fig.18 A perspective view of two second storage containers, showing two second storage containers stacked on top of each other;

[0025] Fig. 20 is a top view of two second storage containers stacked on top of each other according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Fig.21 According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 20 A cross-sectional view of two stacked second storage containers taken along line 21-21 in FIG.

[0027] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a lid, an O-ring, and an attachment ring of a first storage container 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, the first storage container 10 being designed to have a smaller size and also be used with a second storage container 12;

[0028] Fig.23 is an exploded perspective view of a cover, an O-ring, and an attachment ring according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Fig.24 is a perspective view of an attachment ring according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Selected embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying 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.

[0031] First reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a stacked array of first containers 10 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A stacked array of first containers 10 and second containers 12 is shown.

[0032] Specifically, Figure 1 A three by three by two stacked array of a plurality of first containers 10 is shown. Figure 2 A three by three stacked array of nine first containers 10 is shown. Figure 3 Two first containers 10 are shown stacked one above the other and one second container 12 is stacked on top of the first container 10. Similarly, Figure 4 One first container 10 and two second containers 12 stacked on top of the first container 10 are shown.

[0033] The first container 10 (also referred to as the first storage container 10) and the second container 12 (also referred to as the second storage container 12) are provided with unique top and bottom surface features that facilitate easy stacking of the containers 10, 12, as described in more detail below.

[0034] The first container 10 and the second container 12 can be made of any of a variety of materials. However, in a preferred embodiment, the first container 10 and the second container 12 are made of a moldable plastic material or a polymer material that retains its basic shape when stacked on top of each other even with heavy materials stored therein.

[0035] The first container 10 and the second container 12 are configured and shaped so that a plurality of first containers 10 can be stacked on top of the container below them. In theory, any number (weight permitting) of first containers 10 can be stacked on top of each other. Similarly, any number (weight permitting) of second containers 12 can be stacked on top of each other. The second container 12 can be further stacked on top of the first container 10. However, the first container 10 cannot be stacked on top of the second container 12, as will become clear in the following description.

[0036] The first container 10 and the second container 12 can be made with any size range. For example, the small version of the first container 10 and the second container 12 can be made to be used in the kitchen of the family for storing food-related supplies or other kitchen necessities. A larger version can be made to be used in a farm environment, and a large amount of animal feed or food can be stored in each container. In the described embodiment, the first container 10 has a first volume (and / or weight capacity), and the second container 12 has a second volume (and / or weight capacity) less than the first volume. For example, the first container 10 can have a capacity of 60 pounds, and the second container 12 can have a capacity of 40 pounds. However, it should be understood that when calculating their respective sizes and capacities, any volume and / or weight range can be applied to the first container 10 and the second container 12.

[0037] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, 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 first recessed area 30, the second recessed area 32 and the third recessed area 34 are parallel to each other and further extend in a direction parallel to the upper edge of the front surface 16 above the opening 18.

[0038] The first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 are spaced apart from each other by a first distance D1 (measured from their distal edges to their respective distal edges). The first recessed area 30 and the third recessed area 34 are spaced apart from each other by a second distance D2 that is greater than the first distance D1.

[0039] The first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 include a protrusion 35. Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 35 is located adjacent to or near the opposite ends of the first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 .

[0040] like Figure 6As shown, the lower surface 22 includes a first protruding area 36 and a second protruding area 38. The first protruding area 36 and the second protruding area 38 are similar to ribs or raised areas, which help to strengthen the lower surface 22 to maintain rigidity when loading contents. The first protruding area 36 and the second protruding area 38 are also used to maintain the position between the upper container in the plurality of first containers 10 and the lower container in the plurality of first containers 10 when stacked on each other. The first protruding area 36 and the second protruding area 38 are also used to maintain the position between the upper container in the plurality of first containers 10 and the lower container in the plurality of first containers 10 when the plurality of first containers 10 are stacked on top of each other. The first protruding area 36 and the second protruding area 38 are also spaced apart from each other. In addition, the distance between the outer edges of the first protruding area 36 and the second protruding area 38 is the above-mentioned distance D2.

[0041] More specifically, the first protruding area 36 and the second protruding area 38 are sized and oriented to fit into the first recessed area 30 and the third recessed area 34, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 as shown in .

[0042] The first protruding area 36 includes a recessed area or depression 40. When two first containers 10 are stacked on top of each other, the depression 40 is sized to receive the protrusion 35 within the first recessed area 30. The engagement between the protrusion 35 and the depression 40 provides a stop within the first recessed area 30 to prevent lateral movement of the upper container of the two stacked first containers 10.

[0043] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the second recessed area 32 also includes a protrusion 35. In addition, as shown in Fig. 9 and Fig.11 As shown, the third recessed area 34 includes a pair of upwardly extending protrusions 44 spaced apart from each other, so that when the second protruding area 38 is placed in the third recessed area 34, the protrusions 44 are located on the outside of the second protruding area 38, thereby limiting the movement of the upper container in the first containers 10 stacked on each other. In other words, the protrusions 35 define the interlocking engagement between the two stacked first containers 10.

[0044] like Fig.12 As shown, the second container 12 has an upper surface 50 formed with a fourth recessed area 52 and a fifth recessed area 54. The fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54 are parallel to each other and extend from one side to the other side along the upper surface 50. A protrusion 56 is formed in the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54, adjacent to the lateral ends thereof. The fourth recessed area 52 is spaced apart from the fifth recessed area 54 by a distance D1. The second container 12 further includes an opening 58.

[0045] like Fig.13 As shown, the second container 12 has a lower surface 60 with a third protruding area 62 and a fourth protruding area 64. The third protruding area 62 is spaced apart from the fourth protruding area 64 by a distance D1. The third protruding area 62 and the fourth protruding area 64 are sized, shaped, and oriented to align with the first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 of the first container 10, and similarly to align with the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54 of other second containers 12. Therefore, the second container 12 can be stacked on top of the first container 10. In addition, the second container 12 can be stacked on top of other second containers 12.

[0046] like Figures 14 to 16 As shown, when the second container 12 is stacked on top of one of the first containers 10, the first protruding area 62 and the second protruding area 64 are defined within the first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32 by the protrusion 35 of the first recessed area 30 and the second recessed area 32. Specifically, as Fig.17 As shown, the projections 35 are located at opposite ends of each of the first projection area 62 and the second projection area 64 of the second container 12. Moreover, the projections 35 define an interlocking engagement between the stacked first and second containers 10, 12.

[0047] like Fig.17 As shown, the second container 12 is narrower than the first container 10 .

[0048] like Figure 18-Figure 21 As shown, when the second container 12 is stacked on top of another second container 12, the third protruding area 62 and the fourth protruding area 64 fit into corresponding areas in the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54. Further, the third protruding area 62 and the fourth protruding area 64 are prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction in the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54 by the protrusions 56. In other words, the protrusions 56 are spaced apart from each other in their respective fourth recessed areas 52 and the fifth recessed areas 54 by a distance substantially the same as the length of each of the third protruding area 62 and the fourth protruding area 64. When the third protruding area 62 and the fourth protruding area 64 are inserted into the respective recessed areas in the fourth recessed area 52 and the fifth recessed area 54, the protrusions 56 are located at opposite ends of each of the third protruding area 62 and the fourth protruding area 64.

[0049] like Figure 22-Figure 24As shown, the first container 10 has a lid 70, an attachment ring 72, and an O-ring seal 74. 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 substantially the same in 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 substantially the same in design and functionality. However, the attachment ring 72 has a larger diameter than the attachment ring 82. The same is true for the O-ring seal 74 and the O-ring seal 84. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the description of the lid 70, the attachment ring 72, and the O-ring seal 74 of the first container 10 is also applicable to the lid 80, the attachment ring 82, and the O-ring seal 84 of the second container 12, even if they are made to have different outer diameters.

[0050] like Fig. 22 and Fig.23 As shown, the lid 70 (80) is threadedly mounted on 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 internal storage space of each of the first container 10 and the second container 12. Fig.24 As shown in FIG, attachment ring 72 is fixedly and preferably permanently attached to the area of ​​first container 10 surrounding opening 18 via heat welding or with a strong adhesive. Similarly, attachment ring 82 is fixedly and preferably permanently attached to the area of ​​second container 12 surrounding opening 58.

[0051] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, parts, groups, wholes and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having" and their derivatives. Moreover, the terms "part", "section", "portion", "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have a dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe the above embodiments, the following directional terms "forward", "rearward", "above", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "below" and "transverse" and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a vehicle equipped with a 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Although only selected embodiments are selected to illustrate the present invention, it will be clear to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, position or orientation of various components may be changed as needed and / or desired. The components shown to be directly connected or in contact with each other may have an intermediate structure disposed therebetween. The function of an element may be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of an embodiment may be adopted in another embodiment. All advantages do not have to be present in a specific embodiment at the same time. Each feature different from the prior art (alone or in combination with other features) should also be considered as a separate description of the applicant's further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by such features. Therefore, the above description provided according to the embodiments of the present invention is only for illustration, and is not intended to limit the purpose of the present invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A stackable container assembly comprising: a first container having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the first container having a first recessed area, a second recessed area, and a third recessed area, and the lower surface of the first container having a first protruding area and a second protruding area configured to be coupled to the first recessed area and the third recessed area; as well as A second container, the second container having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the second container having a fourth recessed area and a fifth recessed area, and the lower surface of the second container having a third protruding area and a fourth protruding area configured to align with the first recessed area and the second recessed area of ​​the first container and to align with the fourth recessed area and the fifth recessed area of ​​the second container.

2. The stackable container assembly of claim 1, wherein The first recessed area and the second recessed area are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and The first recessed area and the third recessed area are spaced apart from each other by a second distance greater than the first distance.

3. The stackable container assembly of claim 2, wherein The first container includes a plurality of first containers stacked one above the other, the first protruding area and the second protruding area of ​​an upper first container among the plurality of first containers being assembled into the first recessed area and the third recessed area of ​​an upper surface of a lower first container adjacent to the upper first container among the plurality of first containers, thereby limiting relative movement between the upper first container among the plurality of first containers and the lower first container among the plurality of first containers.

4. The stackable container assembly of claim 3, wherein The second protruding area of ​​the upper first container among the plurality of first containers includes at least one recessed area within the second protruding area, and the lower first container among the plurality of first containers includes at least one protrusion sized to fit into the recessed area within the second protruding area, further limiting relative movement between the upper first container among the plurality of first containers and the lower first container among the plurality of first containers.

5. The stackable container assembly of claim 1, wherein The third and fourth protruding areas of the second container are sized 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 of claim 5, wherein The first recessed area and the second recessed area of ​​the first container include a pair of upwardly extending protrusions located proximate opposite ends of the first recessed area and the second recessed area, and The third protruding area and the fourth protruding area of ​​the second container are sized so that when the third protruding area and the fourth protruding area of ​​the second container are inserted into the first recessed area and the second recessed area of ​​the first container, the second container is prevented from moving in the longitudinal direction in the first recessed area and the second recessed area of ​​the first container by the upwardly extending protrusion.

7. The stackable container assembly of 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 of claim 1, wherein The second container includes at least two second containers stacked one above the other, and the third protruding area and the fourth protruding area of ​​an upper second container among the plurality of second containers are assembled into the fourth recessed area and the fifth recessed area of ​​an upper surface of a lower second container among the plurality of second containers positioned adjacent to the upper second container, thereby limiting the relative movement between the upper second container among the plurality of second containers and the lower second container among the plurality of second containers.

9. The stackable container assembly of claim 1, wherein: The second container is stacked on top of the first container, and the third protruding area and the fourth protruding area of ​​the second container are fitted into the first recessed area and the second recessed area of ​​the upper surface of the first container, limiting the relative movement between the second container and the first container.

10. The stackable container assembly of claim 1, further comprising: Another first container identical to the first container, the other first container being stacked on top of the first container, the first protruding area and the second protruding area of ​​the other first container being assembled into the first recessed area and the third recessed area of ​​the upper surface of the first container, limiting the relative movement between the other first container and the first container.

11. The stackable container assembly of claim 10, further comprising: The second container is stacked on top of the other first container, and the fourth protruding area and the fifth protruding area of ​​the second container are assembled into the first recessed area and the second recessed area of ​​the upper surface of the other first container, limiting the relative movement between the other first container and the second container.

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