System and method for securing containers

Abstract

A system for securing a first container to a second container includes an upper locking portion and a lower locking portion. The first protrusion of the upper locking portion abuts against the second container and restricts movement of the second container in the locked position. A surface of the second body of the lower locking portion is configured to receive a force and rotate the lower locking portion about the second pivot to an unlocked position. Rotation of the lower locking portion to the unlocked position causes the second protrusion of the upper locking portion to abut against the first body of the upper locking portion and to rotate the upper locking portion to the unlocked position. Rotation of the upper locking portion to the unlocked position causes the first protrusion to disengage from the second container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a system for interlocking a plurality of storage containers. Background Art

[0002] Tool storage systems are commonly used by businesses and consumers to store and organize items such as tools, spare parts, fasteners, etc. There is a wide variety of tool storage systems, ranging from a single cabinet with one storage container to systems with multiple storage cabinets, each configured with multiple storage containers to meet various needs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a system for securing a first container to a second container includes an upper locking portion and a lower locking portion. The upper locking portion includes: a first body having a first protrusion extending from the first body toward a relative central side of the first container; a first pivot configured to engage a recess of the first container; and a first elastic member configured to bias the upper locking portion to a locked position. The lower locking portion includes: a second body having a surface and a second protrusion extending generally parallel to one side of the second container; a second pivot configured to pivotally connect the second body to the second container; and a second elastic member configured to bias the lower locking portion to a locked position. The first protrusion abuts against the second container and restricts movement of the second container in the locked position, the surface of the second body is configured to receive a force and rotate the lower locking portion about the second pivot to an unlocked position, rotation of the lower locking portion to the unlocked position causes the second protrusion to abut against the first body and causes the upper locking portion to rotate to the unlocked position, and rotation of the upper locking portion to the unlocked position causes the first protrusion to disengage from the second container.

[0004] In one embodiment, a method for securing a first container having an upper locking portion to a second container having a lower locking portion includes: pivoting the upper locking portion from a locked position to an unlocked position; positioning a relative bottom of the second container substantially flush with a relative top of the first container; pivoting the upper locking portion to the locked position; and applying a force to the lower locking portion to pivot the lower locking portion from a locked position to an unlocked position, the force being substantially perpendicular to and extending away from a plane defined by the generally flush position of the first and second containers. In the locked position, the upper locking portion secures the second container to the first container, in the unlocked position, the upper locking portion does not engage the second container, and pivoting of the lower locking portion causes the lower locking portion to engage the upper locking portion and forces the upper locking portion to pivot from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0005] In one embodiment, the first container includes: a first upper portion having an upper locking portion that includes a first pivot configured to engage with the container; and a first lower portion having a lower locking portion that includes a second pivot configured to engage with the container. The first pivot is sized and shaped to engage with a second lower portion of the second container, and the second pivot is sized and shaped to engage with a second upper portion of the second container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1a is a perspective view of a first container of a system having containers for interlocking.

[0007] Figure 1b is a perspective view of a second container of a system having containers for interlocking.

[0008] Figure 1c is a perspective view of a third container of a system having containers for interlocking.

[0009] Figure 1d is Figures 1a - 1c a perspective view of the first, second, and third containers in

[0010] Figure 2a is Figure 1a a perspective view of the upper locking portion of the system of

[0011] Figure 2b is Figure 2a a side perspective view of the upper locking portion of

[0012] Figure 2c is Figure 2a a rear perspective view of the upper locking portion of

[0013] Figure 2d is Figure 2a a rear view of the upper locking portion of

[0014] Figure 3a is Figure 2a a side cross-sectional view of the upper locking portion of

[0015] Figure 3b is Figure 2a a front cross-sectional view of the upper locking portion of

[0016] Figure 3c is Figure 2a a side perspective view of the upper locking portion of

[0017] Figure 3d is Figure 2a a front perspective view of the upper locking portion of

[0018] Figure 4a isFigure 1a Perspective view of the lower locking portion of the system.

[0019] Figure 4b is Figure 4a Bottom perspective view of the lower locking portion.

[0020] Figure 4c is Figure 4a Front perspective view of the lower locking portion.

[0021] Figure 5a is Figure 4a Side cross-sectional view of the lower locking portion.

[0022] Figure 5b is Figure 4a Front cross-sectional view of the lower locking portion.

[0023] Figure 6a are stacked and secured using an interlocking container system Figures 1a - 1c Front perspective view of the first, second, and third containers.

[0024] Figure 6b is Figure 1a the upper locking portion of Figure 4a Side cross-sectional view of the interaction between the upper locking portion and the lower locking portion of

[0025] Figure 7a Perspective view of a container with an interlocking container system.

[0026] Figure 7b is Figure 7b Perspective view of the interlocking container system in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following disclosure of example systems and methods is not intended to limit the scope of the detailed description to one or more precise forms described herein. Instead, the following disclosure is intended to illustratively assist others in understanding its teachings.

[0028] Systems and methods for securing containers are described herein. The system can include, for example, a rotatable upper locking portion located at the opposite top (or upper portion) of the container and a rotatable lower locking portion located at the opposite bottom (or lower portion) of the same container. The locking portions can engage with the locking portions of another container (e.g., the upper locking portion of one container engages with the lower locking portion of another container). Since both the upper locking portion and the lower locking portion rotate about their respective axes, the system is both more secure (e.g., due to multiple connection points) and more ergonomic. For example, since the rotation of the lower locking portion is sufficient to release the system and is consistent with the action of picking up the container, the user can separate the containers with a single action.

[0029] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals represent like or similar features in the various views, Figure 1a is a perspective view of a first container of a system having interlocking containers according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 1a shown, the first container 10a may include an upper portion having a first upper locking portion 100a and a lower portion having a first lower locking portion 200a. The upper portion (and thus the first upper locking portion 100a) is located at the top of the first container 10a (relative to Figure 1a the direction shown), and the lower portion (and thus the first lower locking portion 200a) is located at the bottom of the first container 10a (relative to the direction shown in FIG. la).

[0030] Figure 1b is a perspective view of a second container of a system having interlocking containers according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 1b shown, the second container 10b may include a second upper locking portion 100b.

[0031] Figure 1c is a perspective view of a third container of a system having interlocking containers according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. As Figure 1c shown, the third container 10c may include a third upper locking portion 100c and a third lower locking portion 200c.

[0032] Figure 1d is according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figures 1a - 1c of the first, second, and third containers.

[0033] As Figures 1a to 1d shown, the upper locking portions 100a, 100b, and 100c are similar and may be collectively referred to as the upper locking portion 100. Similarly, the lower locking portions 200a, 200b, and 200c are similar and may be collectively referred to as the lower locking portion 200. The first container 10a may be configured to be coupled with another container (e.g., Figure 1a the second container 10b of Figure 1b , Figure 1c the third container 10c of

[0034] The upper locking portion 100 can be configured to engage with a lower locking portion 200 of another object (e.g., a second container 10b) to fix or lock the first container 10a to the other object, enabling a user to stack the containers safely.

[0035] Figure 1d A perspective view of a first container 10a, a second container 10b, and a third container 10c is shown, which are securely stacked together using the locking portions 100 and 200 of the containers 10a - 10c. As Figure 1d shown, the second upper locking portion 100b can engage with the first lower locking portion 200a, and the first upper locking portion 100a can engage with the third lower locking portion 200c, thereby interlocking the second container 10b with the first container 10a and the first container 10a with the third container 10c respectively. The engagement of the upper locking portion 100 with the lower locking portion 200 fixes the corresponding containers to each other.

[0036] As Figure 1d shown, the second upper locking portion 100b of the second container 10b engages with the first lower locking portion 200a of the first container 10a. The first upper locking portion 100a of the first container 10a engages with the third lower locking portion 200c of the third container 10c. The third upper locking portion 100c of the third container 10c can be configured to connect with another lower locking portion 200 of another object (e.g., another container). As Figure 1d shown, when engaging with the locking portion of the container, the upper locking portion 100 can be located below the lower locking portion 200 (relative to Figure 1d the direction shown).

[0037] Figure 2a is a perspective view of the upper locking portion of the system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1a as shown.

[0038] Figure 2b is a side perspective view of the upper locking portion according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2a as shown.

[0039] Figure 2c is a rear perspective view of the upper locking portion according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2a as shown.

[0040] Figure 2d is a rear view of the upper locking portion according to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 2a as shown.

[0041] As Figures 2a - 2dAs shown, the first upper locking portion 100a of the first container 10a is similar to the second upper locking portion 100b and the third upper locking portion 100c, and can be referred to as the upper locking portion 100.

[0042] The upper locking portion 100 may include a first jaw 120 (e.g., a first body) and a first mounting base 110. The first jaw 120 may be configured to rotate relative to the first mounting base 110 so as to selectively interact with a container (e.g., the first container 10a to the second container 10b) fixed by the upper locking portion 100. The first jaw 120 may include a rear protrusion 122, a first base plane 121, and a first upper tooth 123a and a second upper tooth 123b (collectively referred to as "upper teeth 123"). The rear protrusion 122 and the upper teeth 123 may extend from opposite sides of the first base plane 121. The rear protrusion 122 is configured to receive user input while matching the overall contour of the upper locking portion 100, such that the rear protrusion 122 may extend obliquely downward relative to the first base plane 121 to the outer edge of the first container 10a. The upper teeth 123 are configured to directly engage a portion of another container so as to fix the other container to the first container 10a, which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6b Accordingly, the upper teeth 123 may extend laterally relative to the first base plane 121 to the relative center of the first container 10a.

[0043] As Figure 2c shown, the first upper tooth 123a may include a first tooth rear wall 125a, a first tooth side wall 124a, a second tooth side wall 126a, and a tooth base plane 127a. The tooth base plane 127a may extend laterally to the relative center of the container 10a. The first tooth rear wall 125a may extend longitudinally from the tooth base plane 127a. The first tooth side wall 124a may extend laterally from one end of the first tooth rear wall 125a and longitudinally from one end of the tooth base plane 127a. The edge of the first tooth side wall 124a may be inclined downward relative to the tooth base plane 127a to the relative center of the first container 10a. The second tooth side wall 126a may extend laterally from one end of the first tooth rear wall 125a, which is opposite to the end from which the first tooth side wall 124a extends. The second tooth side wall 126a may extend longitudinally from one end of the tooth base plane 127a, which is opposite to the end from which the first tooth side wall 124a extends. The edge of the second tooth side wall 126a may be inclined downward relative to the tooth base plane 127a until it reaches the relative center of the first container 10a.

[0044] As Figure 2cAs shown, the first tooth sidewall 124a, the second tooth sidewall 126a, the first tooth rear wall 125a, and the tooth base plane 127a together form a cavity of the first upper tooth 123a, which can be configured to receive the corresponding first lower tooth 223a of the lower locking portion 200. For example, when the lower locking portion 200 is rotated to separate the two containers, the first lower tooth 223a can be received by the cavity of the first upper tooth 123a, and the subsequent contact can cause the upper locking portion 100 to rotate, which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6b . The first upper tooth 123a and the second upper tooth 123b can be spaced apart by the inner rear wall 128. As Figure 2c shown, the second upper tooth 123b can be a mirror image of the first upper tooth 123a with respect to the inner rear wall 128. In some embodiments, the first jaw 120 can include a single tooth (e.g., "first protrusion") that is coupled to a single corresponding tooth of the lower locking portion 200. In some embodiments, the first jaw 120 can include multiple teeth (collectively referred to as "first protrusions") that are coupled to the corresponding teeth of the lower locking portion 200.

[0045] Figure 3a FIG. is a side cross-sectional view of the upper locking portion taken along line 3a-3a in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2d of Figure 2a .

[0046] Figure 3b FIG. is a front cross-sectional view of the upper locking portion taken along line 3b-3b in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2b of Figure 2a .

[0047] As Figures 3a - 3b shown, when the first jaw 120 is not engaged with the second jaw 220 of the lower locking portion 200, the first elastic member 112 holds it in the shown position (e.g., the locked position). One end of the first elastic member 112 can be connected to the first base plane 121 of the first jaw 120, and at the opposite end can be connected to the first elastic member base 118 on the mounting plane 117. The first elastic member 112 can be configured to bias the first jaw 120 to the locked position by providing a reaction force to the first base plane 121 when compressed due to a downward force applied to the first jaw 120 when engaged with the second jaw 220 of the lower locking portion 200 (for more details, see Figure 6b ). The reaction force generated by the first elastic member 112 can resist the counterclockwise rotation of the first jaw 120 (relative to Figure 3aa downward force generated in the direction shown to hold the first jaw 120 in the position shown. In some embodiments, the first elastic member 112 may be connected to any surface on the first jaw 120 and may be connected at an opposite end to the mounting plane of the upper locking portion. In some embodiments, the first elastic member 112 may be one of a plurality of elastic members configured to hold the first jaw 120 in the position shown (e.g., the "locked position"). In some embodiments, the first elastic member 112 may have any tension that may be configured to hold the first jaw 120 in the desired position.

[0048] As Figures 3a - 3b shown, the upper locking portion 100 may include a first jaw rear wall 113. The first jaw rear wall 113 may include a first arm 115a and a second arm 115b (collectively "arms 115" or e.g., "first pivot") that extend obliquely downward relative to the first jaw rear wall 113 toward the relative center of the first container 10a. The arms 115 may be received by a first cavity 129a and a second cavity 129b (collectively "cavities 129") in the first container 10a. The cavities 129 (or recesses) are shown in Figure 3d greater depth. The arms 115 may be configured to rotate within the cavities 129, and the axis of rotation 150 may define a pivot point about which the entire upper locking portion rotates. In some embodiments, the arms 115 "float" within the cavities 129 such that the arms 115 are able to rotate freely within the cavities 129 and are not connected to the cavities 129. This floating design may allow the first locking portion 100 to be selectively connected to the first container 10a, such that the first locking portion 100 may be disassembled or replaced (e.g., for repair) without changing or affecting the first container 10a. In other embodiments, a pin is included that extends from the first container 10a through the arms 115 to fix the axis of rotation 150 of the arms 115 within the cavities 129.

[0049] As Figure 3a shown, the upper locking portion 100 may also include a rear wall 116. The rear wall 116 may limit the movement of the first jaw 120 such that when the first jaw 120 rotates about the axis 150 defined by the arms 115 within the cavities 129, the rear protrusion 122 may contact the rear wall 116, thereby preventing further rotation. The arms 115, the first jaw rear wall 113, and the first jaw 120 may be interconnected such that the first jaw rear wall 113 and the first jaw 120 rotate together about the axis 150, causing the first jaw 120 to rotate downward relative to the position shown of the first container 10a such that the rear protrusion 122 approaches the rear wall 116. This rotation also causes the upper teeth 123 to move laterally away from the relative center of the first container 10a, which effectively separates the first container 10a from another container (as described below with reference to Figure 6b ).

[0050] The rear wall 113 of the first jaw can extend longitudinally to the bottom of the first container 10a (relative to Figure 3a the position shown). The rear wall 113 of the first jaw can include a second groove 114b and a corresponding first groove 114a (not shown) (collectively referred to as "grooves 114"), the shape of which can follow the axis of rotation of the upper locking portion 100 (e.g., around the arm 115). The upper locking portion 100 can include a first upper pin 111a and a second upper pin 111b (collectively referred to as "first pins 111"), which can extend from the first mounting base 110 to be coupled with the grooves 114, and the grooves 114 guide the pivotal rotation of the first jaw 120 relative to the first mounting base 110. The first pins 111 can be fixed to the first mounting base 110 such that the first pins 111 move freely within the grooves 114. The grooves 114 can be configured to further define the movement range of the first jaw 120, because the interaction between the first pins 111 and the grooves 114 prevents the rotation of the first jaw 120 when the first pins 111 are located at the ends of the grooves 114.

[0051] As Figure 3a shown, the grooves 114 are arc-shaped, with their relative top close to the upper teeth 123 and their relative bottom close to the arm 115. At Figure 3a the locking position shown, the second upper pin 111b is located at the relative bottom of the second groove 114b. At the unlocking position (e.g., the elastic member 112 is compressed and the rear protrusion 122 is close to the rear wall 116), the second upper pin 111b is located at the relative top of the second groove 114b.

[0052] Figure 3c Side perspective view of the upper locking portion according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2a

[0053] Figure 3d Front perspective view of the upper locking portion according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2a

[0054] As Figures 3c - 3d shown, the upper jaw 120 can include a single upper tooth 123. Therefore, it should be understood that the upper jaw 120 can include any number of upper teeth 123. As Figure 3d shown, the upper locking portion 100 can be connected to the top of the first container 10a via the cavity 129 (relative to Figure 3d the position shown). Specifically, the arm 115 of the upper locking portion 100 can be inserted into the cavity 129. In addition, Figures 3c - 3d it is shown that the upper locking portion can be selectively separated from the first container 10a, which enables the removal or replacement of the upper locking portion 100 without changing or otherwise affecting the first container 10a.

[0055] Figure 4a Perspective view of the lower locking portion of the system of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 4b According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4a Bottom perspective view of the lower locking portion of

[0057] Figure 4c According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 4a Front perspective view of the lower locking portion of

[0058] As Figures 4a - 4c shown, the first lower locking portion 200a is similar to the second lower locking portion 200b and the third lower locking portion 200c and may be referred to as the lower locking portion 200. The lower locking portion 200 may include a second jaw 220 and a second mounting base 210. The second jaw 220 may include an upper rear wall 221a and a lower rear wall 221b (collectively referred to as the "second jaw rear wall 221"), a surface 222, and a first lower tooth 223a and a second lower tooth 223b (collectively referred to as the "lower teeth 223"). The first lower tooth 223a may project laterally toward the opposite central side of the first container 10a within the first cavity 226a of the first container 10a. The second lower tooth 223b may be configured to project laterally within the second cavity 226b of the first container 10a toward the opposite central side of the first container 10a. Although the lower teeth 223 are illustrated as being relatively L-shaped, with the front wall 225a of the teeth extending relatively parallel to one side of the first container 10a and the tooth projection 224a extending laterally from the front wall 225a toward the opposite central side of the container 10a, it is contemplated that the tooth projection 224a may be omitted such that the lower teeth 223 extend only laterally parallel to one side of the first container 10a (e.g., the lower teeth 223 include only the front wall 225a). As Figures 4a - 4c shown, the second lower tooth 223b may be a mirror image of the first lower tooth 223a with respect to the ridge 230. The first cavity 226a and the second cavity 226b (collectively referred to as the "cavities 226") are shaped to couple with the teeth 123 of the upper locking portion, which is shown in Figure 6b greater depth in

[0059] As Figures 4a - 4c shown, the first cavity 226a may include a first cavity side wall 227a, a second cavity side wall 229a, and a first cavity base plane 228a. The first cavity base plane 228a may extend laterally to the opposite central side of the first container 10a. The first cavity side wall 227a may extend longitudinally from the first cavity base plane 228a. The second cavity side wall 229a may extend longitudinally from one end of the first cavity base plane 228a, which is opposite to the end from which the first cavity side wall 227a extends.

[0060] As Figure 4cAs shown, the first cavity sidewall 227a, the second cavity sidewall 229a, and the first cavity base plane 228a together form the first cavity 226a, which can be configured to couple with the corresponding first upper teeth 123a of the upper locking portion 100. The first cavity 226a and the second cavity 226b are separated by a ridge 230. As Figure 4c shown, the first cavity 226a can be a mirror image of the second cavity 226b with respect to the ridge 230. The first cavity base plane 228a and the second cavity base plane 228b (collectively referred to as "cavity base planes 228") can be configured to couple with the corresponding upper teeth 123 of the upper locking portion 100.

[0061] As Figures 4a - 4c shown, the second jaw rear wall 221 can extend longitudinally downward to the bottom of the first container 10a (relative to the Figure 4c position shown). The surface 222 can extend laterally from the second jaw rear wall 221 to the outer edge of the first container 10a. As Figures 4a - 4c shown, the surface 222 is shaped to facilitate the placement of the user's hand when grasping the lower locking portion 200. The surface 222 can be textured (as Figure 4b shown) to provide a better grasping experience.

[0062] Figure 5a is a side cross-sectional view of the lower locking portion taken along line 5a-5a in Figure 4c in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4a of the lower locking portion.

[0063] Figure 5b is a front cross-sectional view of the lower locking portion taken along line 5b-5b in Figure 4b in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4a of the lower locking portion.

[0064] The second jaw 220 can be held in the Figures 5a - 5b position shown (when not engaged with the first jaw 120 of the first locking portion 100) by the second elastic member 212. One end of the second elastic member 212 can be connected to the second elastic member base 218 of the second jaw 220, and at the opposite end can be connected to the second mounting base 210. The second elastic member 212 can be configured to, while engaging with the first jaw 120 of the first locking portion 100, when an upward force is applied to the second jaw 220 (for more details see Figure 5b)Upon compression, a reaction force is provided to the second jaw 220 via the second elastic member base 218, biasing the second jaw 220 to the locked position. This reaction force from the second elastic member 212 can hold the shown position of the second jaw 220 (e.g., the "locked" position) by resisting an upward force. In some embodiments, the second elastic member 212 can be connected to any surface on the second jaw 220 and, at the opposite end, can be connected to the mounting plane of the lower locking portion. In some embodiments, the second elastic member 212 can be one of a plurality of elastic members configured to hold the shown position of the second jaw 220. In some embodiments, the second elastic member 212 can have any tension that can be configured to hold the desired position of the second jaw 220.

[0065] As Figure 5a shown, the lower locking portion 200 can include a second pin 211 (e.g., "second pivot"), which can laterally extend through the second jaw rear wall 221 of the second jaw 220 to enable the second jaw 220 to rotate relative to the second mounting base 210. The second jaw rear wall 221 can accommodate the second pin 211. The second pin 211 can be configured to rotate within the housing of the second jaw rear wall 221 to enable the second jaw 220 to pivotally rotate relative to the second mounting base 210. The second jaw 220 can be configured to pivotally rotate about the second pin 211 such that the second jaw 220 rotates upward (relative to the second jaw rear wall 221) so that the surface 222 is close to the second mounting base 210. The second locking portion 200 can be configured such that when the second jaw 220 rotates about the second pin 211, the lower teeth 223 slide out of the cavity 224 to reach the outer edge of the first container 10a.

[0066] Figure 6a A perspective view showing the first container 10a, the second container 10b, and the third container 10c stacked securely using the locking portions 100 and 200 of the containers 10a - 10c.

[0067] Figure 6a is a front perspective view of the first, second, and third containers stacked and secured using a system for interlocking containers according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figures 1a - 1c

[0068] Figure 6b is a side cross-sectional view at the intersection of the upper locking portion and the lower locking portion according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1a Figure 4a Figure 6a taken along line 6b - 6b in

[0069] As Figure 6b ​​​As shown, the upper locking portion 100 of the second container 10b and the lower locking portion 200 of the first container 10a can interact to selectively fix the first container 10a to the second container 10b. When the containers are stacked, the upper locking portion 100 can be coupled with the lower locking portion 200 relative to the Figure 6b position shown. When the first container 10a is initially placed on the second container 10b, the second cavity base plane 228b exerts a force on the inclined surface of the upper teeth 123, which is converted into a rotational movement of the first jaw 120 around the arm 115. This force causes the first jaw 120 to rotate counterclockwise (relative to the Figure 6b direction), and the upper teeth 123 move relatively away from the first container 10a. Once the first container 10a is positioned in place (e.g., the relative bottom of the first container 10a is flush with the top of the second container 10b), the second cavity base plane 228b no longer exerts a force on the upper teeth 123, and the first elastic member 112 causes the first jaw 120 to return to the locked position, which causes the upper teeth 123 to enter the cavity 228. The interaction between the upper teeth 123 and the second cavity base plane 228b (e.g., the upper teeth 123 abutting against the first container 10a) fixes the first container 10a in place relative to the second container 10b.

[0070] As Figure 6b shown, the user can apply pressure to the surface 222 of the lower locking portion 200, as shown by arrow 301, causing the second jaw 220 to rotate clockwise around the second pin 211 (relative to the Figure 6b direction). When the second pin 211 rotates within the housing of the second jaw rear wall 221, the lower teeth 223 rotate to the outer edge of the container and contact or abut against the upper teeth 123 of the first jaw 120 (e.g., the first tooth rear wall 125a and the second tooth rear wall 125b, collectively referred to as the tooth rear wall 125). This contact causes the first jaw 120 to rotate counterclockwise (relative to the Figure 6b direction), as shown by arrow 302, rotating towards the outer edge of the second container 10b. Then, the upper teeth 123 disengage from the cavity 228, such that the upper teeth 123 no longer abut against or exert a fixing force on the first container 10a. After the upper locking portion 100 and the lower locking portion 200 are disengaged and the second container 10b and the first container 10a are separated respectively, the upper locking portion 100 returns to the Figures 2a - 2d holding (e.g., locked) position shown. The lower locking portion 200 returns to the Figures 4a - 4c holding (e.g., locked) position shown.

[0071] In some embodiments, the system for interlocking containers can omit the lower locking portion 200, such that the upper locking portion 100 can selectively fix the two containers together without interacting with the lower locking portion 200. Figure 7aPerspective view of a container having only an upper locking portion 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 7b According to various embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 7a Perspective view of the upper locking portion 100 of the system.

[0072] As Figure 7b shown, the upper locking portion 100 is the same as the upper locking portion 100 described in the reference. Similarly, the first and second chambers 228a-b are the same as the first and second chambers 228a-b described in the reference, such that the upper locking portion 100 of the bottom container (e.g., the first container 10a) interacts with the first and second chambers 228a-b of the top container (e.g., the third container 10c) to fix the two containers together. The main difference in these embodiments that omit the lower locking portion 200 lies in the separation process. As described in the reference Figures 3a - 3d Figure 6b Figure 6b

[0073] Two fixed containers can be separated by applying a relatively upward force (shown by arrow 301) on the lower locking portion 200, which causes the lower locking portion 200 to rotate. This rotation applies a rotational force to the upper locking portion 100 (as shown by arrow 302), which causes the upper locking portion 100 to rotate outward and disengage from the chamber 228. In the embodiments that omit the lower locking portion 200, the application of the force shown by arrow 301 is skipped, such that the rotational force is directly applied to the upper locking portion 100 along arrow 302, rather than being transformed from the force applied to the lower locking portion 200.

[0073] By omitting the lower locking portion 200, the number of moving parts in the system can be reduced, thereby reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure. In addition, removing the lower locking portion 200 can save space on the container, so that the container can maintain a smaller side profile and / or height. Figure 7a Shows an example of such a smaller container, which can be compared with the example container shown in Figures 1a - 1d .

[0074] Although certain example systems and methods have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. Instead, this patent covers all systems, methods, devices, and articles that literally or reasonably fall within the scope of the appended claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A system for fixing a first container to a second container, the system comprising: An upper locking portion, comprising: A first body having a first protrusion extending from the first body towards the relative central side of the first container; A first pivot configured to engage with a recess of the first container; and A first elastic member configured to bias the upper locking portion to a locked position; and A lower locking portion, comprising: A second body having a surface and a second protrusion extending substantially parallel to one side of the second container; A second pivot configured to pivotally connect the second body to the second container; and A second elastic member configured to bias the lower locking portion to a locked position; and Wherein: The first protrusion abuts against the second container and restricts the movement of the second container in the locked position; The surface of the second body is configured to receive a force and rotate the lower locking portion about the second pivot to an unlocked position; The lower locking portion rotates to the unlocked position to cause the second protrusion to abut against the first body and cause the upper locking portion to rotate to the unlocked position; and The upper locking portion rotates to the unlocked position to disengage the first protrusion from the second container.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The first pivot is not fixed to the recess.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein The upper locking portion further comprises: A groove located on one side of the first body, the groove bending around a rotation axis defined by the first pivot; and A pin extending from the first container into the groove.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein The pin interacting with the first end of the groove defines the locked position, and the pin interacting with the second end of the groove defines the unlocked position.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The upper locking portion is located at the relative top of the first container, and The lower locking portion is located at the relative bottom of the second container.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The elastic member comprises a spring.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The upper locking portion is a first upper locking portion, the lower locking portion is a second lower locking portion, The first container further comprises a first lower locking portion located at the relative bottom of the first container, the first lower locking portion being the same as the second lower locking portion, and The second container further comprises a second upper locking portion located at the relative top of the second container, the second upper locking portion being the same as the first upper locking portion.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: In response to the second container being placed on the relative top of the first container, the second container engages with the upper locking portion and forces the upper locking portion into the unlocked position; And In response to the second container being positioned in substantially flush contact with the relative top of the first container, the first elastic member forces the upper locking portion into the locked position, thereby fixing the second container in the substantially flush contact position.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein The first protrusion includes an inclined edge to convert the downward force generated by the placement of the second container into a rotational force, thereby pivoting the upper locking portion to the unlocked position.

10. A method for securing a first container having an upper locking portion to a second container having a lower locking portion, the method comprising: pivoting the upper locking portion from a locked position to an unlocked position; positioning an opposing bottom of the second container substantially flush with an opposing top of the first container; pivoting the upper locking portion to the locked position; and applying a force to the lower locking portion to pivot the lower locking portion from a locked position to an unlocked position, the direction of the force application being substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the generally flush position of the first and second containers and extending away from the plane, wherein: in the locked position, the upper locking portion secures the second container to the first container; in the unlocked position, the upper locking portion does not engage the second container; and pivoting of the lower locking portion causes the lower locking portion to engage the upper locking portion and forces the upper locking portion to pivot from the locked position to the unlocked position.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: the upper locking portion includes: a first body having a first protrusion extending from the first body towards an opposing central side of the first container; a first pivot configured to engage a cavity of the first container; and a first spring configured to bias the upper locking portion to the locked position; and the lower locking portion includes: a second body having a surface and a second protrusion extending generally parallel to a side of the second container; a second pivot configured to pivotally connect the second body to the second container; and a second spring configured to bias the lower locking portion to the locked position; and pivoting of the lower locking portion causes the second protrusion to abut the first body and pivots the upper locking portion to the unlocked position.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first pivot is not fixed to the cavity.

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The upper locking portion further includes: a groove located on a side of the first body, the groove curving around a rotational axis defined by the first pivot; and a pin extending from the first container into the groove.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The pin interacting with a first end of the groove defines the locked position, and the pin interacting with a second end of the groove defines the unlocked position.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein: the upper locking portion is located at an opposing top of the first container, and the lower locking portion is located at an opposing bottom of the second container.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: the upper locking portion is a first upper locking portion and the lower locking portion is a first lower locking portion, the first container further includes a second lower locking portion located on an opposing bottom of the first container, the second lower locking portion being identical to the first lower locking portion, and The second container further includes a second upper locking portion located on the opposite top of the second container, and the second upper locking portion is the same as the first upper locking portion.

17. A system, comprising a first container, and the first container includes: A first upper portion, including an upper locking portion, and the upper locking portion includes a first pivot configured to engage with the container; And A first lower portion, including a lower locking portion, and the lower locking portion includes a second pivot configured to engage with the container, wherein the first pivot is sized and shaped to engage with a second lower portion of a second container, and wherein the second pivot is sized and shaped to engage with a second upper portion of the second container.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein, The upper locking portion further includes: A recess located on one side of the upper locking portion.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein, The lower locking portion further includes: A protrusion, wherein the protrusion is sized and shaped to be complementary to the recess.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein: The recess accommodates the protrusion such that when engaged, the upper locking portion rotates about the first pivot while the second locking portion rotates about the second pivot.

21. A system for fixing a first container to a second container, the system includes: A locking portion on the first container, and the locking portion includes: A main body having a protrusion extending from the main body toward the opposite central side of the first container; An arm configured to float within a cavity of the first container and rotate about an axis that defines a pivot point of the main body about the cavity, wherein: The protrusion abuts against the second container and restricts movement of the second container in a locked position; and The main body is configured to rotate about the cavity from the locked position to an unlocked position, in which the protrusion disengages from the second container.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein, The arm is not directly connected to the cavity.

23. A method for fixing a first container having a locking portion to a second container, the method includes: Pivoting the locking portion from a locked position to an unlocked position; Positioning the opposite bottom of the second container substantially flush with the opposite top of the first container; Pivoting the locking portion to the locked position; And Applying a force to the locking portion to pivot the locking portion from the locked position to the unlocked position, the direction of the force application being substantially perpendicular to and extending away from a plane defined by the substantially flush position of the first container and the second container, wherein: In the locked position, the locking portion fixes the second container to the first container; and And In the unlocked position, the locking portion does not engage with the second container.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The locking portion is biased to the locked position by an elastic member.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, The applied force is directly opposite to the biasing force from the elastic member.

26. According to the method of claim 23, wherein The locking portion is pivoted from the locked position to the unlocked position by the engagement of the opposite bottom of the second container with an inclined surface of the locking portion.

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