Modular container

Abstract

A modular container (10) comprising a base (12) and a lid (14) connected to the base; the base comprises: a first end module (40); a second end module (50); and one or more intermediate extension modules (23), which are arranged between the first end module and the second end module. Two or more latch modules (60); wherein the shape of the base can be changed by changing the number of two or more latch modules (60) and the one or more intermediate extension modules (23).

Description

[0001] By

[0002] STANLEY ILLMAN

[0003] Claim for Priority

[0004] This PCT patent application claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 482,354, filed on January 31, 2023, entitled "Modular Container", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a modular container. More specifically but not restrictively, embodiments of the present invention relate to such a modular container whose size can be varied to change the size and storage capacity of the container.

[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0007] Rigid containers are useful for storage during travel or in fixed storage areas such as warehouses, garages, or other designated storage facilities. However, when the amount of stored material does not match the size of the container, additional storage containers must be used, or the space within the container is wasted as the space is not utilized.

[0008] In addition, when transporting containers, for example, after manufacture and / or after sale, the assembled containers are typically empty. This means that the containers take up space and are generally not efficient to move from one location to another from a cost, volume, and transportation perspective.

[0009] It is desirable to overcome these and other deficiencies and provide a rigid storage container whose size and shape can vary according to the amount of material to be stored. In addition, it is desirable to provide a container that is easier to transport in a cost-effective manner.

[0010] The information included in the background section of this specification, including any references cited herein and any description or discussion thereof, is included for technical reference purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the subject matter to be covered by the scope of the claims. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] This application discloses the features described in the appended claims and / or one or more of the features of the following patentable subject matter that can be included singly or in any combination.

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular container that can be expanded to a larger size when needed or reduced in size when a smaller container is required. The storage container provides a plurality of components that allow for expansion to a larger size. The container includes a lid and a base, wherein the lid and the base include end modules, latch modules, and intermediate expansion modules, all of which allow for expansion and reduction in size to change the size and capacity of the container.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the modular container may include a base and a lid connected to the base. The base may include a first end module, a second end module, and one or more intermediate expansion modules disposed between the first end module and the second end module. Two or more latch modules may have portions located in the base and portions located in the lid. The shape of the base can be changed by varying the number of two or more latch modules and one or more intermediate expansion modules.

[0014] In some embodiments, the modular container may further include end surfaces located at each end of one or more intermediate expansion modules, and flanges located at the ends of two or more latch modules.

[0015] In some embodiments, the modular container may further include end surfaces disposed on the end modules, and the end surfaces disposed on the end modules are configured to be aligned with the end surfaces of each of the one or more intermediate expansion modules or with the flanges of two or more latch modules.

[0016] In some embodiments, the modular container may further include a strengthening member disposed between the first end module and the second end module, between two or more latch modules, and between the end modules.

[0017] In some embodiments, the modular container has one more latch module than intermediate modules.

[0018] In some embodiments, each of the two or more latch modules has a flange that extends outwardly and forms a recess for the positioning and operation of the latch.

[0019] In some embodiments, the latch can close the lid to the base or open the lid from the base.

[0020] In some embodiments, each flange may include an alignment pin.

[0021] In some embodiments, one of the one or more intermediate modules and one of the two or more latch modules may be removable for directly connecting each end module to the remaining latch modules of the two or more latch modules.

[0022] In some embodiments, the modular container may further include one or more connectors located on each of two or more latch modules, wherein the modular container is capable of being connected to a rack of a vehicle.

[0023] In some embodiments, the modular container may further include rack alignment guides located on the bottom surface of each of two or more latch modules.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first end module and the second end module may have recesses that define handles at the upper ends.

[0025] In some embodiments, the lid may have a dome shape.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lid may be connected to the base either hingedly or removably.

[0027] According to some embodiments, a modular container may include: a base; and a lid connected to the base; a first end module that forms a part of the base and a part of the lid; a second end module that forms a second part of the base and a second part of the lid; a latch module that is connectable between the first end module and the second end module, the latch module having a lid portion that is connected to the portion of the lid in the first end module and the second end module, the latch module having a base portion that is connected to the portion of the base in the first end module and the second part of the base in the second end module, and wherein the volume of the modular container can be increased by adding intermediate modules and a second latch module.

[0028] The present invention content is provided to introduce some concepts that will be further described in the following detailed description in a simplified form. The present invention content is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. All of the features outlined above should be understood to be merely exemplary, and more features and purposes of multiple different embodiments can be gathered from the disclosure herein. Therefore, the present invention content should not be construed as restrictive without further reading the entire specification, claims, and drawings included herein. A more extensive statement of features, details, utilities, and advantages will be provided in the written description of multiple different embodiments below, shown in the drawings, and defined in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] To better understand the embodiments, embodiments of the modular container will now be described by way of example. These embodiments do not limit the scope of the claims, as other embodiments of the modular container will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification. Non-limiting examples of embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a modular container in a certain orientation;

[0031] Figure 2 is in an alternative orientation Figure 1 of a second perspective view of the modular container;

[0032] Figure 3 is Figure 1 of a lower perspective view of the modular container;

[0033] Figure 4 is Figure 1 of an exploded perspective view of the modular container;

[0034] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an intermediate extension module and a latch module that can be used to extend the size of the modular container;

[0035] Figure 6 is a partial exploded view of the extended modular container;

[0036] Figure 7 is a perspective view of various modular containers, which shows the ability to extend the modular container to various sizes;

[0037] Figure 8 is Figure 1 of an alternative modular container, in which a removable lid is in a certain orientation; and

[0038] Figure 9 is in an alternative orientation Figure 8 of a rear perspective view of the modular container. Detailed Description

[0039] It should be understood that the modular container is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the drawings. The described embodiments can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in many different ways. Also, it should be understood that the language and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "comprising," "including," or "having" and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents as well as additional items. Unless otherwise limited, the terms "connected," "coupled," and "mounted" and variations thereof are used herein in a broad sense and cover direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Further, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0040] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Further, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure.

[0041] Now referring to Figures 1 to 9 , various embodiments of the modular container are provided. These different embodiments are initially shown in a smaller size and then shown through one or more intermediate expansion modules and latch modules to show and describe how the device can be expanded in size and volume. The modular container allows the container to be transported in a disassembled manner, which makes it cost - efficient during transportation from the manufacturer and / or to the end - user. Additionally, modularity allows the end - user to select the desired size and assemble / dismantle into the desired size for accommodating goods.

[0042] Now referring to Figure 1 , a first perspective view of the modular container 10 is shown. This view is a front - upper perspective view. The modular container 10 includes a base 12 and a lid 14, wherein the lid 14 is hingedly connected to the base 12. The modular container 10 is shown in a closed configuration and can be closed by various closing mechanisms 16. In some embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, a latch 18 can be used to close the lid 14 to the base 12. However, this is only one embodiment, and other embodiments may be within the scope of the claims.

[0043] The container base 12 includes a bottom 20 and a plurality of walls 22, 23, 24, 25 that extend from the bottom 20 and to which the lid 14 is connected. The lid 14 can cover the peripheral upper edges of the walls 22 when closed, as shown. In the depicted embodiment, the front portion of the modular container 10 includes a closing mechanism 16. As Figure 2 shown, the rear portion of the container module includes a hinge 30 that is positioned opposite the closing mechanism 16.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the lid 14 can include a dome shape that bulges to increase the height of the modular container 10. Compared with a flat lid, the domed lid 14 can provide additional height within the modular container to provide additional storage capacity. However, alternatively, the lid 14 need not be domed.

[0045] Now referring to the base 12, in the depicted embodiment, the base 12 includes a first end module 40, a second end module 50, and a latch module 60. These modules are shown assembled and can be fastened together, for example. The latch module 60 is disposed between the first end module 40 and the second end module 50 and generally extends between the front and rear portions of the modular container 10. The latch module 60, as well as the first end module 40 and the second end module 50, are assembled together by fasteners, but these fasteners can be removed to disassemble the latch module 60 and the end modules 40, 50. The latch module 60 can be engaged by the closing mechanism 16 (such as a latch 18). Additionally, in some embodiments, the latch module 60 can provide a hinge function with respect to the lid 14, as will be further described herein. In other embodiments, the latch module can allow removal of the lid.

[0046] Similarly, the lid 14 can include a first end module 70, a second end module 80, and a latch module 90. These modules of the lid 14 can also be assembled, for example, by fasteners, and the latch module 60 connects the lid 14 to the base 12 for pivotal movement of the lid 14 from the depicted closed position to the open position.

[0047] The lid 14 and the base 12, as well as the associated modules, may be formed of rigid plastic. For example, the modules may be molded in various ways and may be formed of various materials, including but not limited to rotational molding materials, blow molding materials, or injection molding materials, etc. Exemplary materials for forming the modular container 10 include polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), cross-linked polymers or polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, polypropylene, polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyester polymers, regrind, and PVC plastisol, or any combination thereof, etc. Additionally, it may be desirable to combine any of the above materials with certain additives such as colorants, antistatic agents, cross-linking agents, flame retardants, flow modifiers, foaming agents, heat stabilizers, impact modifiers, or UV stabilizers, etc.

[0048] Additionally, the walls 22 to 25 of the base 12 and the lid 14 may be single-walled or may be double-walled, and may be insulated or may not be insulated. For example, if a double-walled container is manufactured and insulation is desired, foam, a non-limiting example being polyurethane, may be used between the outer wall or outer shell and the inner wall or inner shell.

[0049] Now referring Figure 2 , a rear perspective view of the container 10 is depicted, in which the hinge 30 is shown. The hinge 30 is located on the latch modules 60, 90 and connects the base 12 and the lid 14. The lid end modules 70, 80 are connected to the lid latch module 60, for example, by fasteners, and the entire lid 14 is pivotally connected to the base 12 by the hinge 30 of the latch module 60.

[0050] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 are further shown in the views of, the walls of the base 12 may have recesses 27 that allow the formation of a hand-holding area 29 near the top of the base 12. The recesses 27 also allow the formation of an edge to which the latch module 60 of the base 12 may be connected.

[0051] The hinge 30 may be formed by a plurality of interlocking fingers 32 extending from both the lid 14 and the base 12. A hinge pin or other interlocking structure may be used to connect the fingers 32 of the lid 14 and the fingers 32 of the base 12 at the location where the fingers 32 engage. However, the use of the hinge 30 is not required. For example, closing mechanisms 16 may be used on opposite sides of the modular container 10 such that after unlocking the two closing mechanisms 16, the lid 14 may be completely removed from the base 12, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown.

[0052] Referring Figure 3 , shows Figure 1 and Figure 2Bottom perspective view of the modular container 10. This bottom perspective view shows an embodiment in which double walls are formed on the end modules 40, 50. The outer walls or outer shells 42, 52 are shown to have open bottoms, and the inner shells 44, 54 are also depicted. In the corner regions, the corners of the outer shells 42, 52 are larger than the corners of the inner shells 44, 54, thereby creating a space between them. This region can be filled with thermal insulation, such as foam, air, gas, or other insulating materials. Additionally, this region can be open (as shown), or it can be closed by adding a bottom surface to the outer shells 42, 52.

[0053] Additionally, as Figure 3 shown, a recess 27 is formed in the outer walls 24, 25 between the corner regions of the first end module 40 and the corner regions of the second end module 50. A hand grip portion 29 is formed to extend from one corner to another corner in the front - to - back direction of, for example, each end module 40, 50. The hand grip portion 29 can be molded and can include one or more reinforcing ribs 29a that extend between the grip portion and the outer surface.

[0054] Furthermore, as Figure 3 shown, the bottom surface of the modular container 10 is also shown to have alignment guides 66. These guides 66 can be used in conjunction with structures on a vehicle rack, which allows alignment with the rack and thus allows the container to be attached to the rack. The rack can be, for example but not limited to, a roof rack, a cargo rack, or a trailer hitch bracket, etc.

[0055] Moreover, the bottom 20 can include connection points 68 for connecting to, for example, a roof rack. For example, in the case where ice is used to keep the contents inside the container cool and the ice melts, these connection points 68 can also serve as drain outlets. These drain outlets allow the removal of such water or other spilled liquid inside the modular container 10.

[0056] In Figure 3 the bottom perspective view and the previous views, it is also shown that the flange 62 of the latch module 60 and the end modules 40, 50 extend not only vertically along the walls 22, 23 but also horizontally along the bottom 20 of the modular container 10. According to some embodiments, both the guides 66 and the flange 62 extend in the front - to - back direction of the container 10, that is, from the latch 18 end to the hinge 30 end. However, other orientations can also be used.

[0057] As Figure 4As shown, an exploded perspective view of the modular container 10 is depicted. The lid 14 is shown in an open position relative to the base 12. The first end module and the second end modules 40, 50, 70, 80, and the latch modules 60, 90 are shown spaced apart from each other. The spacing of the modules 40, 50, 70, 80, 60, 90 can account for the connections between them. As previously described, the corner regions of the first end module 40 and the second end module 50 have extended outer shells 42, 52 and provide forming surfaces 43, 53 for fastening. More specifically, these surfaces 43, 53 include regions that allow connection to the flange 62 of the latch module 60. Additionally, fasteners 65 can extend between the latch module 60 and the end modules 40, 50, passing through the flange 62 of the latch module 60 and into the end surfaces 43, 53 of the end modules 40, 50. The end surfaces 43, 53 can also define flanges, but for clarity of description, the terms are different. In some embodiments, the end surfaces 43, 53 can include one or more holes 45 or one or more alignment pins or studs 65, while the opposing flange 62 can include holes 46 or the other of the pins / studs 65. This aids in alignment and retention between adjacent components.

[0058] Additionally, as previously noted, the end modules 40, 50 and the latch module 60 can be made of materials such as molded plastic. Since the container may carry heavy loads, it may also be desirable to provide reinforcing ribs or plates 76. Such reinforcing ribs 76 can be disposed between the flange 62 of the latch module and the end surfaces 43, 53 of the end modules 40, 50 at the location where the modules are fastened together. The reinforcing ribs 76 can provide reinforcing characteristics and rigidity and also provide additional structure to capture the fasteners 65. For example, the reinforcing rib or plate 76 can be a nut plate that provides threaded engagement with the fasteners 65. The fasteners 65 can also threadedly engage the end modules 40, 50.

[0059] All of the reinforcing plates 76 are shown in a vertical orientation between the flange of the latch module and the ends of the end modules. However, additionally, the reinforcing ribs 76 can also be oriented along the bottom 20 between the horizontal extensions of the flange 62 of the latch module 60 and the horizontal flanges of the end modules 40, 50.

[0060] As shown, at the rear of the lid 14 and the base 12, the latch module 60 includes a hinge 30 that allows the lid 14 and the base 12 to be interlocked by pivoting for opening and closing of the lid 14. The surfaces 72 of the end modules 70, 80 of the lid 14 are fastened to the flange 92 of the lid portion of the latch module 60. Through this connection of the lid end modules 70, 80 and the lid latch module 90, the lid 14 can be pivotally opened as a single structure.

[0061] Also shown is a lid gasket 19 disassembled from the lid 14, but the lid gasket can be located in the lid 14 or the base 12 for engagement with the lid or the base when the lid 14 is in the closed position. This prevents water and dirt contaminants from entering the modular container 10 when the lid is closed.

[0062] Also shown at the front of the lid 14, the locking projection 100 is shown as having a hole 102 extending therethrough. The hole 102 in the locking projection 100 of the lid 14 is aligned with the hole 106 in the projection 104 of the base 12 such that when the lid 14 is closed, a key lock, padlock, or other locking member can be disposed through both holes and locked.

[0063] In this view, the closing mechanism 16 is shown as a latch 18 and is disconnected from the open lid. The latch 18 can include an upper catch 182 that engages the lid 14 to hold the lid 14 in place. The lower portion of the latch 18 can include a handle 184 that pivots to cause a downward pressing force on the upper catch 182 on the handle 184. Although the hinge 30 is shown on the other side of the modular container 10, in some embodiments, a second closing mechanism 16 can be utilized on the other side of the container 10 to replace the hinge 30, and these embodiments provide a completely removable lid 14 rather than a hinged lid, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown.

[0064] Now referring Figure 5 , a disassembled perspective view of the intermediate module 200 and the latch module 160 is shown. In the previous view, for purposes of preliminary explanation, the modular container 10 has a small size. However, the modular container 10 provides modularity such that the container size can be easily extended if desired. The latch module 160 is the same as the latch module 60 and such a description will not be repeated. However, the use of the intermediate module 200 provides an opportunity for additional latch modules 160. These modules 160, 200 increase the width of the modular container on the front surface.

[0065] The expansion of the container 10 is provided by adding the intermediate module 200 and additional latch modules 160. In some embodiments, in addition to the intermediate expansion module 200, there is one additional latch module. For example, in the case of one interchangeable expansion module 200, there can be two latch modules 60, 160. Figure 5The view shows that the intermediate module 200 includes end surfaces 243, 253 similar to the end surfaces of the end modules 40, 50, and each of these end surfaces may have a plurality of fastener apertures. The end surfaces 243, 253 of the intermediate module 200 and the holes 245 therein are aligned with the flanges 62, 162 of the latch modules 60, 160 and the corresponding holes 246 therein. Thus, the intermediate portion 200 and the latch module 160 can be joined together by fasteners in a manner similar to that described previously. Additionally, reinforcing ribs 76 can be used between the joined modules to provide improved fastening, rigidity, and strength.

[0066] Similarly, the cover 214 of the intermediate module 200 is fastened to the cover portions 90, 190 of the latch modules 60, 160. Accordingly, when the cover portions 90, 190 are pivoted open, the cover 214 of the intermediate portion 200 also pivots open. The flanges 92, 192 and the end surfaces 272 of these structures can be used for connection to define the cover 90.

[0067] Finally, in this open view, the discharge ports 68 of the latch modules 60, 160 can also be seen from the inside. These holes 68 can also be used for connection to a rack or other fastening structure to hold the modular container 210 in place.

[0068] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 Both, the modular container can also include a plurality of restraints or tie-downs 67. The restraints 67 are shown as cylindrical structures extending across the latch modules 60, 160 and located between the flanges 62. The plurality of restraints 67 can add some rigidity to the modular container 10 and, in particular, to the latch modules 60. However, further, the plurality of restraints 67 can also be used to tie down the modular container 10 to a rack (such as a roof rack).

[0069] Now referring to Figure 6 , a partial exploded perspective view of another modular container 210 is shown. The modular container 210 is shown as having two end modules 40, 50, two latch modules 60, 160, and an intermediate expansion module 200. Accordingly, Figure 6 the modular container 210 has a larger size and volume than the modular container in the Figures 1 to 4 embodiment. As previously noted and as shown herein, the modular container can have an additional latch module in addition to having an intermediate expansion module. In the first embodiment, there is no expansion module and there is one latch module. In this embodiment, there is a single expansion module 200 and two latch modules 60, 160. When an intermediate expansion module is utilized, the latch modules can be connected at the lateral ends of such an expansion module.

[0070] Referring now to Figure 7 , there are a number of modular containers of different sizes. Starting from the lower left corner of the figure, there is a modular container 10 of a first embodiment. Moving up and to the right, there is a Figure 6 modular container 210 of an embodiment that is larger than the modular container 10 of the first embodiment. Further, the next embodiment shows an even larger modular container 300. In this form, there are two extension modules and three latch modules. Additionally, there is an additional latch module in addition to the extension modules. Further still, moving up and to the right, there is an even larger modular container 400. This embodiment provides a container with three extension modules and four latch modules. In these examples, the volumes of the modular containers 10, 210, 300, 400 can range from about 15 liters to about 150 liters. These dimensions are not restrictive as they can vary with changes in dimensions and are merely examples of the variations that can be provided through modularity.

[0071] Additionally, these structures can be manufactured as various individual modules and various individual pieces and then transported in an unassembled manner. This allows for less space waste compared to transporting fully constructed containers that are all empty but take up a large amount of space.

[0072] Although several inventive embodiments have been described and shown herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision many different other devices and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining these results and / or one or more of these advantages, and each of such variations and / or modifications is considered to be within the scope of the invention of the embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily understand that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are intended to be exemplary, and the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend on one or more specific applications to which the inventive teachings are directed. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain many equivalents of the specific inventive embodiments described herein using only routine experimentation. Accordingly, it should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only, and that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the inventive embodiments may be practiced in a manner different from that specifically described and claimed. The inventive embodiments of this disclosure relate to each and every individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. Moreover, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of the invention of this disclosure if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent.

[0073] All definitions defined and used in this document shall be understood to be based on dictionary definitions, definitions in incorporated documents by reference, and / or the ordinary meaning of the defined terms. Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary, the indefinite article "a / an" as used in this document in the specification and claims shall be understood to mean "at least one". As used in this document in the specification and claims, the phrase "and / or" shall be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements so joined, i.e., the elements coexist in some cases and separately in other cases.

[0074] Multiple elements listed with "and / or" shall be interpreted in the same manner, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so joined. Other elements may optionally exist in addition to the elements specifically identified by the "and / or" phrase, whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising", a reference to "A and / or B" may refer in one embodiment to only A (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment to only B (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment to both A and B (optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0075] As used in this document in the specification and claims, "or" shall be understood to have the same meaning as "and / or" as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or" or "and / or" shall be interpreted as inclusive, i.e., including at least one element of a plurality of elements or a list of elements (but also including more than one element) and optionally other unlisted items. Only terms explicitly indicated to the contrary (such as "only one of... " or "exactly one of... ", or when used in claims, "consisting of... ") shall refer to including exactly one element of a plurality of elements or a list of elements. Generally, the term "or" as used in this document shall be interpreted to indicate an exclusive alternative (i.e., "one or the other, but not both") only when an exclusive term (such as "either", "one of... ", "only one of... " or "exactly one of... ") precedes it. When used in claims, "consisting essentially of... " shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0076] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers representing amounts of ingredients, properties (such as reaction conditions), etc. used in the specification and claims shall be understood to be modified in all cases by the term "about". Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and claims are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter disclosed by this invention.

[0077] As used herein, when referring to a value or amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, or percentage, the term "about" means to encompass the following variations from the specified amount: ±20% in some embodiments, ±10% in some embodiments, ±5% in some embodiments, ±1% in some embodiments, ±0.5% in some embodiments, and ±0.1% in some embodiments, as these variations are suitable for performing the disclosed methods.

[0078] As used herein, a range can be expressed as from "about" a particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. It should also be understood that many values are disclosed herein, and in addition to the value itself, each value is also disclosed herein as "about" that particular value. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, then "about 10" is also disclosed. It should also be understood that each unit between two particular units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, then 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0079] As used herein in the specification and claims, when referring to a list of one or more elements, the phrase "at least one" shall be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically listed within the list of elements, and not excluding any combination of the elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows for the possibility that there may optionally be additional elements other than those specifically identified within the list of elements referred to by the phrase "at least one", whether related or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. Thus, as a non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or equivalently "at least one of A or B", or equivalently "at least one of A and / or B") can in one embodiment refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) A without B (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) B without A (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) A and at least one (optionally including more than one) B (and optionally including other elements); and so on.

[0080] It should also be understood that, unless explicitly indicated to the contrary, in any method claimed herein that includes more than one step or act, the order of these steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0081] In the claims and in the foregoing specification, all transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "consisting of," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be respectively closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, as set forth in the USPTO Manual of Patent Examining Procedure.

[0082] The foregoing description of the method and examples is given for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise steps and / or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A modular container, comprising: a base and a cover connected to the base; The base comprises: a first end module; a second end module; one or more intermediate expansion modules, the one or more intermediate expansion modules being arranged between the first end module and the second end module; two or more latch modules, each of the two or more latch modules having a portion located in the base and a portion located in the cover; Wherein, the shape of the base can be changed by changing the number of two or more latch modules and the one or more intermediate expansion modules.

2. The modular container of claim 1, further comprising an end surface at each end of the one or more intermediate expansion modules, and a flange at an end of the two or more latch modules.

3. The modular container as described in claim 2 further includes an end surface arranged on the end module, and the end surface arranged on the end module is configured to be aligned with the end surface of each of the one or more intermediate expansion modules, or with the flanges of the two or more latch modules.

4. The modular container of claim 3, further comprising a reinforcement member disposed between the first and second end modules, the two or more latch modules, and the end modules.

5. The modular container of claim 1, wherein: The two or more latch modules of the modular container have one more latch module than the one or more intermediate expansion modules.

6. The modular container of claim 1, each of the two or more latch modules having a flange extending outwardly and forming a recess for positioning and operation of the latch.

7. The modular container of claim 6, the latch closing the lid to the base or opening the lid from the base.

8. The modular container of claim 6, each of said flanges comprising an alignment pin.

9. The modular container of claim 1, wherein: The one or more intermediate expansion modules and one of the two or more latch modules are removable to directly connect each end module to a remaining latch module of the two or more latch modules.

10. The modular container of claim 1, further comprising one or more connectors located on each of the two or more latch modules, wherein: The modular container is connectable to a rack of a vehicle.

11. The modular container of claim 10, further comprising a shelf alignment guide located on a bottom surface of each of the two or more latch modules.

12. The modular container of claim 1, the first end module and the second end module having a recess defining a handle at an upper end.

13. The modular container of claim 1, the lid having a dome shape.

14. The modular container of claim 1, wherein: The cover is hingedly or removably connected to the base.

15. A modular container comprising: a base and a cover connected to the base; a first end module forming part of the base and forming part of the cover; a second end module forming a second portion of the base and forming a second portion of the cover; a latch module connectable between the first end module and the second end module; the latch module having a cover portion connected to the portions of the cover in the first and second end modules; the latch module having a base portion connected to the portion of the base in the first end module and a second portion of the base in the second end module; The volume of the modular container can be increased by adding an intermediate module and a second latch module.

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