storage container

Abstract

In one example, the storage container includes a first container having a first periphery defining an opening that bounds a first storage tank; a second container having a second periphery defining an opening that bounds a second storage tank; a seal ring having a rigid frame, the seal ring having a peripheral seal on the rigid frame, the peripheral seal continuously contacting the first periphery of the first container and removably sealed to the first periphery, and the peripheral seal continuously contacting the second periphery of the second container and removably sealed to the second periphery; a first latch mechanism mechanically connecting the first container to the seal ring; and a second latch mechanism mechanically connecting the second container to the seal ring.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 435,546, filed December 27, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of storage container systems having a first vessel or base and a separable second vessel or lid that enclose the container and combine to form a sealed container. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Disclosed herein is a storage container system including a first container having a first perimeter defining an opening and a second container having a second perimeter defining an opening, each of the first container and the second container configured to contain a quantity of food or other substance.

[0004] The exemplary storage container system also includes a sealing ring with a rigid frame. The sealing ring has peripheral seals sealed to first and second peripheral edges, respectively. The sealing ring and peripheral seals attached to the peripheral edges of the first and second containers combine to form a storage container. Also disclosed are a first latch mechanism that mechanically connects the first container to the sealing ring and a second latch mechanism that mechanically connects the second container to the sealing ring. These latch mechanisms secure the first and second containers to the sealing ring to form a storage container for storing food or other substances therein. These latch mechanisms also press the first and second containers against the sealing ring, thereby maintaining the integrity of the seal and preventing undesired fluid from entering or exiting the storage container.

[0005] The storage container system may be arranged such that the first perimeter of the first container and the second perimeter of the second container are substantially identical or may be substantially mirror images. In the illustrated example, the perimeter of the first container and the second perimeter of the second container are substantially identical and are substantially mirror images of each other.

[0006] The storage container system may be arranged such that the sealing ring does not substantially impede passage between the first container and the second container.

[0007] The storage container system may be arranged so that the perimeter seal is removable from the rigid frame.

[0008] The storage container system may be arranged so that the perimeter seal is a flexible seal.

[0009] The storage container system may be arranged such that the perimeter seals include a first perimeter seal on a first side of the rigid frame, the first perimeter seal continuously contacting and removably sealed to a first perimeter edge of the first container, and a second perimeter seal on a second side opposite the first side of the rigid frame, the second perimeter seal continuously contacting and removably sealed to a second perimeter edge of the second container.

[0010] A storage container system for use with other substances is also disclosed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A-1C are front perspective views of an example of the disclosed storage container, with dashed lines in each view indicating the contours of the rounded edges. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of an example of the seal ring component of the example of FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example storage vessel component of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 6] 4 shows another example of the disclosed storage container having a different perimeter shape than that shown in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 8] 2 is an enlarged view of an area of ​​FIG. 1 showing the latch components in greater detail. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the example disclosed storage container shown in FIG. 10. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another diagram of the example shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the example disclosed storage container shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is another view of the example shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 14] 14 is a cross-sectional view of the example closed container shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows the example of FIG. 14 with the container open. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a view showing a lower container of the example shown in FIG. 13. [Figure 17] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the example closed container shown in FIG. 19. [Figure 18] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the example shown in FIG. 19 with the seal ring components partially removed. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 20] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the example closed container shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 21] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the example container shown in FIG. 22, with the container shown in an open position. [Figure 22] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled container shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the assembled container shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a partial assembly view of another example of the disclosed storage container. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an assembly diagram of the example shown in FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the example shown in FIG. 28. [Figure 30] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the example shown in FIG. 34 with the latch locked. [Figure 31] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the example shown in FIG. 34 in an unlatched state. [Figure 32] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the example shown in FIG. 34 with the latch released and the container open. [Figure 33] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the contact portion between the first container and the second container. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of the disclosed storage container in a hinged open position. [Figure 35] FIG. 10 illustrates another example of the disclosed storage container in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In the field of storage containers, such containers often comprise a receptacle having one or more openings and a rim around each opening. The container defines a volume for containing the contained product. Typically, a lid covers such openings when the container is closed to preserve the product, such as food and other substances, and the sealed combination also functions to prevent other foods and materials, such as air, water, moisture, and contaminants, from entering the container. Such lids are often connected to the container by a hinge so that they remain in place relative to the container, and / or by a catch or latch so that they remain closed when moved around. Thus, many conventional known container and lid combinations have peripheries configured to engage with cooperating peripheries of the associated lid. Therefore, the combination is limited to a specific container / lid combination, and no container / container combination is possible.

[0013] Although a typical application for the storage containers disclosed herein is for food products, it should be understood that the containers may be used for other materials and substances, including solids, liquids, and the like.

[0014] One concern with many known prior art containers is that with a set of containers with dedicated lids, the volume of the container is determined solely by the volume of the container, and the lid typically does not have a large volume. Thus, with such a lid, only one volume can be achieved by a particular container.

[0015] Disclosed herein is a storage container system 20, as shown, that combines a first container 22 and a second container 24 into a single container with a sealing ring 26 therebetween. The respective volumes of the first and second containers can be selected in various combinations as desired to form the volume of a single container 28, as shown in FIG.

[0016] To allow for various combinations of containers 22 / 24 / etc., in one example, the variously sized first and second containers 22, 24 each have a substantially identical (or mirror image) perimeter 30 ( FIG. 5 ), and a sealing ring 26 between the first and second containers 22, 24 connects the first container 22 to the second container 24 and seals the container 28. The sealing ring 26 in one example allows for substantially unrestricted passage between the two attached storage containers. Thus, the container 28 has a volume equal to the combined volumes of the first and second containers 22, 24, plus the thickness of the sealing ring 26 between adjacent perimeters of the first and second containers 22, 24.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a storage container system 20 in which a third container 32 and a fourth container 34 have perimeters (30) substantially identical to the perimeters (30) of the first container 22 and the second container 24, respectively. However, the depth 36 of the third container 32 and the depth of the fourth container 34 are substantially less than the depth 38 of the first container 22 and the depth of the second container 24. Thus, the container formed in this example has a substantially smaller volume and occupies much less storage space than the example shown in FIG. 1 formed by the first container 22 combined with the second container 24. In one example, the depth 36 may be substantially 50%, 33%, 25%, 10%, or a range therebetween of the length and / or width of the sealing ring. The depth 38 in the example shown in FIG. 1 may be substantially 100%, 200%, 300%, 400%, or a range therebetween of the length and / or width of the sealing ring. 2 is substantially smaller than the volume of the container shown in FIG. 1. It should be understood that when first container 22, second container 24, third container 32, and fourth container 34 each have substantially identical perimeters 30, the containers can be connected in various combinations using sealing rings 26 to achieve a variety of containers having various configurations and volumes. With containers of two different volumes, the assembled container can have three different volumes and four different variations.

[0018] In many of the examples below, pairs of containers of specific volumes are shown. Any of the containers shown may be provided in volume combinations not dictated by the relative volumes or sizes shown. Sets may have containers of two, three, four, five, or more different volumes, as desired.

[0019] In some instances, the containers have a larger volume as opposed to known planar lids. In one range, a pair of containers can have a volume that is greater than 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75% of the volume of the opposing attached container. In one instance where the containers are substantially identical, the volume of each container is 100% of the volume of the opposing container.

[0020] For ease of use, the volumes of the containers disclosed herein may be those common to cooking and other activities, such as 1 cup, 1 pint, 1 quart, 1 gallon, 100 ounces, 1 liter, 1 / 2 liter, 1 / 4 liter, and subdivisions / combinations thereof.

[0021] In some examples of the storage container system 20, the volumes of the containers forming the container may not be identical. FIG. 3 shows an example of a container assembled from the third container 32 and fifth container 40 described above. The fifth container 40 has a depth 42 that is different from the depth 36 of the third and fourth containers described above, and a depth that is different from the depth 38 of the first container 22 and second container 24. The container formed by this combination in FIG. 3 has a volume that is different from the volume of the container 28 shown in FIG. 1 and the container shown in FIG. 2. This third container may be combined with other containers identical to container 40, container 32, and container 22, thus providing a total of six variations with different volumes, including three different containers of varying depths and cooperating perimeters 30.

[0022] Each of these containers of the combination container has a substantially and functionally identical perimeter 30. Thus, containers 22, 24, 32, 34, 40, etc. can be interchanged as desired to form a container 28 or multiple containers having various volumes. In one example, the depth 42 of the fifth container 40 may be substantially 25%, 50%, 100%, 200%, or any range therebetween, relative to the length and / or width of the sealing ring. A fifth container 40 having a perimeter substantially identical to the perimeter 30 of the first, second, third, and fourth containers can be connected to those containers by the sealing ring 26 to form a container (28) of a different volume than that shown in FIG. 1, 2, or 3. Using containers of two different volumes, assembled containers can be assembled in different combinations with six different volumes and multiple different variations.

[0023] In one example, to ensure spill resistance, ease of assembly, etc., the seal ring 26 shown in the example of FIG. 4 includes a rigid seal frame 50 and one or more seals 52. While FIG. 4 shows the seal formed as a single, seamless, integral piece, the seal may alternatively be formed as multiple separate pieces. The term rigid indicates that the frame does not bend under its own weight and generally retains its shape unless subjected to force, heat, or other deformation. The seal 52 of the seal ring 26 may be a flexible material formed from silicone, rubber, viscous fluid, or a similar material, or may be a labyrinth seal, knife seal, or other structure configured to prevent the passage of materials (solids, liquids, gases, or combinations). The seal 52 shown in these examples includes opposing contact surfaces 54, 56 on either side thereof that contact the rim 30 or seal contact surface 58 of a container (e.g., container 40) shown in FIG. 5. In one example, the seal 52 is removably secured to the rigid seal frame 50 by adhesive, overmolding, or physical connection. In this illustration, the inner peripheral edge 60 of the seal ring 26 is substantially the same shape and size as the inner peripheral surface 62 of the vessel 40 adjacent the seal contact surface 58. Thus, the seal ring does not substantially impede passage between the vessels forming the container (28).

[0024] In one example, the storage system 20 may be arranged such that the perimeter seal 52 comprises a first perimeter seal 64 sealed to a first perimeter of a first container and a second perimeter seal 66 sealed to a second perimeter of a second container. This can be easily seen by the example of Figures 11 or 15, where similar seals are used with different latching mechanisms.

[0025] Many latching mechanisms can be used to attach the seal ring 26 to multiple containers 22, 24, 32, 40, and one example of such a latching mechanism 70 is shown in FIGS. 4 / 8. This example includes multiple rigid user-engaged portions 72, 74 that can be attached to the seal frame 50 by hinges 76 having pivot axes 78 parallel to adjacent portions of the seal frame 50. In one example, the rigid engaging portions 72, 74 can be attached to both sides of the seal frame 50. This arrangement allows for latching mechanisms to be located on all sides of the containers, as desired. In another example, latching mechanisms can be located on adjacent sides, all sides, or a combination of each. These engaging portions 72 / 74 can be pressed by a user to rotate about axis 78, as shown in FIG. 4, to latch or unlock adjacent containers to the seal ring 26. In one example, the rigid engaging portions 72, 74 have a large surface area that can be pushed or pulled by a user to rotate as shown. In one example, the rigid engagement portions 72, 74 have separate hinges and axes 78, and in the example shown in Figures 4 / 8, the rigid engagement portions 72, 74 of a single latch 70 share the same hinge and axis 78. In one example, the hinge 76 is a pin and catch, and in another example, the hinge is a living hinge as shown in Figure 21.

[0026] In another example, hinges can be located on one, two, three, four, or more sides of the seal ring or container.

[0027] The hinge may be a living hinge connecting the latch to the seal ring, as described and illustrated in other examples.

[0028] In the example of FIG. 8 , the container periphery is shown to include a latch contact surface 80 that includes a surface 82 that contacts a surface 84 of an extension 86 of the latch 70 and a latch surface 88 that is substantially perpendicular to surface 84. Latch surface 88 is engaged by a latch protrusion 90 of the latch 70. In this example, the container 40, hinge 76, latch 70, and / or extension 86 are not completely rigid but rather flex / deform slightly under pressure during latching; these surfaces 88 / 90, positioned in this manner, hold the latch 70 in place and apply pressure to the seal against the peripheral contact surface, holding the seal ring 26 against the periphery 30, thereby forming a seal between the seal ring 26 and the periphery 30. A substantial force (e.g., greater than 2 pounds) may be required to engage and disengage surface 90 and release the latch 70 from the container 40.

[0029] In the examples of Figures 1-3, the peripheries of the containers are shown as squares with rounded corners when viewed in plan view. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, an example of a storage container system 20 is shown, comprising a first storage container 122 and a second storage container 124 connected by a sealing ring 126. Functionally, each of these is similar to those previously described. Structurally, they differ in that the longitudinal length 128 of each container is substantially different from the lateral width 130 of each container. These examples of Figures 6 and 7 cannot be secured to the containers of the examples shown in Figures 1-3 because the peripheries are not identical to the peripheries of the samples or mirror images of the examples shown in Figures 1-3. However, it can be seen that the first storage container 122 of this example can be sealed to the second storage container 124 shown in Figure 6 or another storage container shown in Figure 7. If the peripheries of multiple (two or more) containers are identical, mirror images, or rotated mirror images in the examples of circles, pentagons, hexagons, etc., the containers will connect and seal to one another when formed as described herein.

[0030] Each of the first storage containers 122 shown in Figure 6 can have a depth 132 that is different from the depth 134 of the second storage containers 124. Thus, as described in the previous example, multiple size containers can be used to achieve various combinations.

[0031] The perimeter and the container itself may also have other geometric shapes, including arcuate shapes. These shapes may include circular, arcuate, oval, star, pentagonal, hexagonal, freeform, and combinations thereof.

[0032] Other examples are listed below using a numbering system intended to facilitate comparison with previous examples, with each label including a first number (1, 2, 3, etc.) that represents the example being described, and these labels also include the number of the original example without the numeric prefix. For example, the latch component in FIG. 9 is labeled 170, and the latch component in FIG. 8 is labeled 70, without the "1" prefix.

[0033] Some of the examples described above use a seal 52 formed as a single piece that can be attached to a seal frame 50. One such example is shown in Figure 9, where a receptacle 122 is connected to a receptacle 124 to form a container. A latch 170 is provided attached to the seal frame 150 substantially as described above.

[0034] As shown, the seal frame 150 can be placed between the containers with a single seal 152 attached to it via a projection. When the latch engagement portions 172, 174 are rotated about an axis 178 via a hinge 176, the containers 122, 124 are held in place and the seal 152 is slightly compressed to seal the volume of the formed container.

[0035] A slightly different example is shown in FIG. 11 , where the seal is formed from two separate components 252, 253. Seal portion 252 is attached to container 222, and seal portion 253 is attached to container 224. These two components of the device seal to protrusions on seal frame 250 located between them. Thus, when latch engagement portions 272, 274 are rotated about axis 278 via hinge 276, containers 222, 224 are held in place and seal components 252, 253 are slightly compressed, sealing the volume of the formed container. These seals (and other seals disclosed herein) can be removable, non-removable, or non-removable without the use of tools or destroying the seal or the component to which it is attached. In one example, such non-removable seals can be formed by a process of overmolding onto the container periphery.

[0036] Other examples are also shown, including those shown in Figures 13-16, in which a seal frame 350 is attached to a first container 322 via clip attachments, with the seal frame 350 comprising a sheared edge of a u-shaped channel that attaches to a matching edge of the container 322. This arrangement removably attaches the seal frame 350 to the first container 322. A latch 370, similar to that previously described, is provided and attached to the seal frame 350 to removably attach the seal frame 350 to the second container 324. In this example, the seal between the containers 322, 324 is provided by a plurality of seals 352, 353 attached to the containers or the seal frame, as previously described. Other seals described herein or known in the art may alternatively be used. In Figure 16, the seal 353 is shown continuous around the periphery of the container 324.

[0037] 17-19 show another example using a sealing ring 450 that fits on the outside of the first container 422 and slides downward around the first container 422 to engage an outwardly protruding lip. The outwardly protruding lip therefore holds the sealing ring in place when the latch 470 is engaged. As with the previous example, a seal 452 attached to the first container 422 and a seal 453 attached to the second container 424 provide a seal between the containers to form a container. In this example, the seals 452, 453 may be in direct contact with each other.

[0038] The example shown in Figures 20-22 uses a living hinge 576. Living hinges are well known in the art and can be used as shown here, with the living hinge 576 and associated latch 570 formed with the container 524. Alternatively, a living hinge may be used as part of the seal ring and attached latch in place of one of the hinges previously described.

[0039] 20-22, each container 522, 524 includes a latch 570 attached by a living hinge 576. Here, the perimeter 530 of each container 522, 524 is substantially identical, so that when one of the containers is inverted, the latch 570 on each container engages the contact surface of the opposing container. Seals 552, 553 seal the containers from unwanted spills or the ingress of contaminants.

[0040] In this example, each perimeter 530 includes a raised lip 592 that maintains the containers 522, 523 in alignment with one another when the raised lip 592 engages the contact surface 593 of the opposing container. In the example shown, the raised lip does not extend more than 50% of the perimeter 530, and therefore each container 522, 524 can have the same configuration.

[0041] 23 and 24 show another example having a first container 622 with a protruding lip 694 on each container and a resilient seal 652 formed from a flexible sealing ring 626 with a channel that fits around the protruding lip 694. Thus, the sealing ring 626 simultaneously forms the seal 652 between the peripheral edges 630 and holds the containers 622, 624 in place relative to each other.

[0042] 25 and 26, an example similar to that shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is shown, in which a sealing ring 726 is disposed between protruding edges 794 on the peripheries of containers 722 and 724. Thus, the sealing ring 726 forms a seal 752 between the containers when pressure is applied to compress the seal 752. In this example, latches 770 are formed from the same resilient material as the sealing ring 726. These latches 770 form loops 771 that extend over multiple protrusions 797. These protrusions can be formed on more than one side of the container. As shown, the protrusions are disposed on two opposing sides of the container. The protrusions may also be disposed on alternating adjacent sides of the container.

[0043] This example also shows a plurality of alignment projections 798 that engage alignment detents or receivers 799 on opposing containers that receive the projections 798 to align the containers in opposition. By configuring the perimeter 730 with the projections 798 and detents 799 as shown, the perimeters in this example can be substantially identical and can be connected as shown.

[0044] 27 and 28 show another example including, among other novel features, containers 822, 824 with circular perimeters.

[0045] 17 and 18, a first container 822 is shown connected to a second container 824 by a substantially identical perimeter 730, which includes projections 894 on each perimeter offset from the interface where the containers 822, 824 contact each other. A sealing ring 826 slides along the outer surface of either container 822, 824 in the direction shown until one of the seals 852, 853 passes both projections 894. In this position, the sealing ring 826 holds the container in place laterally, and the seals 852, 854 engage the projections 894 while compressed between them, simultaneously sealing the container and holding the containers 822, 824 in place perpendicular to the orientation shown in FIG.

[0046] 30-35 show another example where a first container 1022 is connected to a second container 1024 via a combination latch mechanism / hinge 1070. Each container comprises at least one axle 1078 / 1079 fixed to the associated container. Each of these axles may be a substantially cylindrical rod to which the latch mechanism 1070 is attached.

[0047] The latch mechanism 1070 comprises a plurality of clamps 1076, 1077 having a spanning portion therebetween and a user engagement portion 1072 at at least one end.

[0048] The connecting element or latch mechanism has three main functions: locating, connecting, and sealing. These functions can be integrated in the container. The sealing can be achieved by a flexible seal around the periphery or other seal design.

[0049] Alignment of the two containers 1022 / 1024 can be achieved by placing corners or other equivalent structural features as described in the previous examples. These features may be asymmetric, such as located at alternating corners of a particular container, rather than at each corner of each container. These features may be part of the seal or part of the container.

[0050] Rotating the latch mechanism 1070 as shown in FIG. 31 can be used to lock the first container 1022 to the second container 1024 .

[0051] In the example of Figure 30, one clamp 1076 is attached to the first container 1022 and one clamp 1077 is attached to the second container 1024. If only one of the two clamps is released, as shown in Figures 31 and 34, the clamp that is not released can function as a hinge for the first container, as shown in Figure 34. If both clamps are released, the containers 1022, 1024 can be detached from each other, as shown in Figure 35.

[0052] The term "substantially" as used in these claims describes structures that may allow for slight variations but are functionally the same.

[0053] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of several embodiments and exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such details. Not all combinations of novel features are shown in all possible combinations, and novel features disclosed herein may be combined in examples not shown. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general concept. Thus, the invention illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein.

Claims

1. a first container having a first perimeter defining an opening; a second container having a second perimeter defining an opening; a seal ring comprising a rigid frame, the seal ring having a peripheral seal sealed to each of the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge; a first latch mechanism that mechanically connects the first container to the seal ring; a second latch mechanism that mechanically connects the second container to the seal ring; A storage container system comprising:

2. The storage container system of claim 1 , wherein the first perimeter of the first container and the second perimeter of the second container are substantially identical.

3. The storage container system of claim 1 , wherein the first perimeter of the first container and the second perimeter of the second container are substantially mirror images.

4. The storage container system of claim 1 , wherein the sealing ring does not substantially impede passage between the first container and the second container.

5. The storage container system of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter seal is removable from the rigid frame.

6. The storage container system of claim 1 , wherein the perimeter seal is a flexible seal.

7. The perimeter seal is a first perimeter seal on a first side of the rigid frame, the first perimeter seal continuously contacting and removably sealed to the first perimeter of the first container; a second perimeter seal on a second side of the rigid frame opposite the first side, the second perimeter seal continuously contacting and removably sealed to the second perimeter of the second container; and The storage container system of claim 1 , comprising:

8. a first container having a first perimeter defining an opening; a second container having a second perimeter defining an opening; a seal ring comprising a rigid frame, the seal ring having a peripheral seal sealed to each of the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge; a first latch mechanism that mechanically connects the first container to the second container; a second latch mechanism that mechanically connects the second container to the first container; A storage container system comprising:

9. 9. The storage container system of claim 8, wherein the first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism are attached to the seal ring and removably engage the first container and the second container.

10. a first container having a first perimeter defining an opening; a second container having a second perimeter defining an opening, the second container having a volume greater than 10% of the volume of the first container; a seal ring having a peripheral seal sealed to each of the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge; a first latch mechanism that mechanically connects the first container to the second container; A storage container system comprising:

11. The storage container system of claim 10 , wherein the second container has a volume greater than 25% of the volume of the first container.

12. The storage container system of claim 10 , wherein the second container has a volume greater than 50% of the volume of the first container.

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