Reusable container

Abstract

A reusable container includes a receptacle having a first side wall including one or more protrusions extending from the first side wall and one or more recesses extending into the first side wall, where the one or more protrusions and the one or more recesses may enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container. The receptacle also having a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall, and a base, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle to hold an object. The reusable container may further include a lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, where the lid may transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration when in a coupled configuration with the receptacle.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates to a reusable container.

[0002] In the electronics industry, transferring products between suppliers, vendors, and / or customers usually entails some variation of packaging to provide protection against physical damage during transportation and / or storage. In some instances, where the product is particularly vulnerable to electric activity (e.g., static discharge), the packaging may be manufactured using certain materials and / or designs to reduce or prevent electric activity from damaging the products. Unfortunately, current packaging techniques use disposable designs, such as bags or boxes, creating undesirable amounts of waste, and in many instances, providing insufficient protection.SUMMARY

[0003] Certain examples commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are discussed below. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the examples set forth below.

[0004] In an embodiment, a reusable container includes a receptacle with a first side wall including one or more first protrusions extending from the first side wall and one or more first recesses extending into the first side wall, where the one or more first protrusions and the one or more first recesses may enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container. The receptacle also having a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall, and a base, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle to hold an object. The reusable container further may include a lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, where the lid may transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration when in a coupled configuration with the receptacle.

[0005] In an embodiment, a reusable container system includes a first reusable container having a first receptacle having one or more first protrusions and one or more first recesses. The reusable container system also includes a second reusable container including a second receptacle having one or more second protrusions and one or more second recesses, where the first reusable container and the second reusable container may detachably couple to one another, and where the first reusable container and the second reusable container are manufactured from an electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding material.

[0006] In an embodiment, a reusable container includes a receptacle with a first side wall including one or more first protrusions extending from a first outer surface of the first side wall and one or more first recesses extending into a first inner surface of the first side wall. The one or more first protrusions and the one or more first recesses may enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container. The receptacle also having a second side wall including one or more second protrusions extending from a second outer surface of the second side wall; and one or more second recesses extending into a second inner surface of the second side wall, where the one or more second protrusions and the one or more second recesses may enable intercoupling with the additional reusable container. The receptacle also including a back wall having a latching mechanism configured to latch the reusable container to a surface. The receptacle further including a front wall; and a base, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle, where the internal space is configured to hold an object. The reusable container also includes a lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, where the lid may transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration during a coupled configuration with the receptacle, wherein the receptacle and the lid are manufactured from an electrostatic discharge shielding (ESD) material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle of a reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable container system including a first reusable container and a second reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container system including a first reusable container and a second reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid of a reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container in a closed configuration, in accordance with embodiments described herein; and

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container in an open configuration, in accordance with embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the phrase A “based on” B is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B. Moreover, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive (e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase A “or” B is intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “approximately,”“generally,”“substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to convey that the property value may be within + / −5%, within + / −4%, within + / −3%, within + / −2%, within + / −1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to convey that the given feature is within + / −5%, within + / −4%, within + / −3%, within + / −2%, within + / −1%, or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Mathematical terms, such as “parallel” and “perpendicular,” should not be rigidly interpreted in a strict mathematical sense, but should instead be interpreted as one of ordinary skill in the art would interpret such terms. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to each other are parallel to a substantial degree, but may have minor deviation from exactly parallel.

[0018] In many industries, packaging techniques used to transfer and / or store one or more objects use disposable designs creating undesirable amounts of waste, and in most instances, providing insufficient protection. Further, where the objects include electrical components, the objects may be particularly vulnerable to external electric activity (e.g., static discharge). Accordingly, reusable packaging capable of protecting products (e.g., electronic products) from both physical damage and electrical activity during transportation and / or storage is desired.

[0019] As such, present embodiments are related to an improved container and container systems configured to be reusable and may provide increased protection of internal objects against physical damage and / or electrical damage. For example, a reusable container may include a receptacle configured to store one or more objects, such as an electronic product, and a lid configured to detachably couple to the receptacle. In the closed position of the lid and the receptacle, the objects within an internal space of the receptacle may be substantially isolated from an external environment, providing protection against heat, condensation, impact, and so forth. Further, the reusable container may include one or more protrusions extending from one or more side walls of the receptacle and one or more corresponding recesses extending into an internal surface of the receptacle. In some instances, the protrusions and / or the recesses of the reusable container may enable intercoupling with one or more additional reusable containers. For example, the protrusions and / or recesses may facilitate a first reusable container to be inserted, introduced, or otherwise placed into and / or onto a second reusable container to enable secure stacking or nesting. In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the reusable container may be manufactured from electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding components to provide protection against external electrical activity (e.g., electric discharge).

[0020] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable container 10, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment a reusable container system 11 including a first reusable container 10A and a second reusable container 10B, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. To facilitate disclosure of one or more components of the reusable container 10, the following discussion will be related to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As discussed briefly above, the reusable container 10 may be utilized to provide protection during transportation and / or storage of one or more objects 14 (e.g., products, electronic objects / products). For example, the object(s) 14 may be placed within the reusable container 10 to provide protection against physical damage and degradation. In some embodiments, the objects(s) 14 may include one or more electrical components which may be vulnerable to electric activity, such as static discharge. As such, in addition to protection against physical damage, the reusable container 10 may be operable to provide protection to the object(s) 14 against electrical activity. For example, one or more components or portions of the reusable container 10 may be manufactured using one or more electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding materials (e.g., anti-static) operable to protect the object(s) 14 within the reusable container 10. Specifically, the reusable container 10 (e.g., components or portions of the reusable container 10) may include ESD shielding material such as conductive metals (e.g., aluminum, metalized films), carbon loaded plastics (e.g., polypropylene with one or more additives), static dissipative materials (e.g., PVC), another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some instances, additional ESD shielding material may be added to the reusable container 10 (e.g., added internally and / or external) to provide additional protection, such as anti-static sprays, bags, conductive fabrics, conductive foams, or combinations thereof.

[0021] The reusable container 10 may include a receptacle 18 (e.g., bin) configured to hold or store the object(s) 14 within an internal volume or space 22. Further, in some embodiments, the reusable container 10 may include a lid 26 (e.g., cover, cap, etc.) configured to detachably or removably couple to the receptacle 18 in a coupled configuration 20. As used herein, the reusable container 10 may refer to the receptacle 18 with or without the lid 26. As such, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the reusable container 10 including the receptacle 18 in the uncoupled configuration 21 (e.g., without the lid 26). An embodiment of the lid 26 alone is shown in FIG. 6, and an embodiment of the reusable container 10 including the receptacle 18 and the lid 26 in the coupled configuration 20 is shown in FIG. 7. In the coupled configuration 20, the lid 26 may be operable to transition (e.g., rotate, pivot) between an open configuration (e.g., FIG. 8), where the internal space 22 of the receptacle 18 is exposed to an environment 30 (e.g., external environment), and a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 7), sealing or closing the internal space 22 from the environment 30. In some embodiments, one or more components (e.g., receptacle 18, lid 26) of the reusable container 10 may be manufactured via injection molding. In this way, the reusable container 10 may be manufactured with reduced costs and increased production speeds.

[0022] As will be appreciated in view of the description below, the reusable container 10 may be manufactured to include the internal space 22 formed or defined by a first side wall 34, a second side wall 38, a front wall 42, a back wall 46, and a bottom or base 50. Indeed, in the closed configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the lid 26 may also define the internal space 22. Embodiments of the reusable container 10 disclosed herein may also be manufactured to include a relatively simple design that may be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. For example, the reusable container 10 may be manufactured as a single integral or continuous piece to include the internal space 22 formed or defined by the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, the front wall 42, the back wall 46, and the base 50.

[0023] The first side walls 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include one or more protrusions 54 (e.g., corrugations) extending out from a respective side wall outer surface 58 in a direction generally along an axis 62. The protrusions 54 may also extend along a width 60 of the receptacle 18 along the side wall outer surface 58 generally in a direction of gravity and / or along an axis 66. Further, the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may both include one or more recesses 70 extending into a respective side wall inner surface 74. For example, each protrusion 54 extending out from the respective side wall (e.g., first side wall 34, second side wall 38) may have a corresponding recess 70 extending into an opposite surface (e.g., side wall inner surface 74) in a direction generally along the axis 62. As such, the recesses 70 may also extend along a width 60 of the receptacle 18 along the side wall outer surface 58 generally in a direction of gravity and / or along an axis 66. The protrusions 54 may provide the reusable container 10 with increased rigidity and strength, further protecting the object(s) 14 disposed within.

[0024] Additionally, the protrusions 54 and the recesses 70 may enable intercoupling (e.g., nesting, stacking) of two or more reusable containers 10. For example, a first reusable container 10A may be placed or inserted at least partially into or within the internal space 22 of a second reusable container 10B in a nesting configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2. In other words, the receptacle 18 of the first reusable container 10A may be at least partially inserted into the receptacle 18 of the second reusable container 10B. Indeed, in the nesting configuration, any number of reusable containers 10 may be nested together, further reducing an overall volume to increase space efficiency.

[0025] In the nesting configuration, one or more recesses 70 of the second reusable container 10B defined within the first side wall 34 and / or the second side walls 38 may receive one or more protrusions 54 from the first reusable container 10A. For example, during nesting, the first reusable container 10A may translate or move down, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66, into the internal space 22 of the second reusable container 10B, where the protrusions 54 of the first reusable container 10A may detachably couple to the recesses 70 of the second reusable container 10B in a secured (e.g., friction fit and interlocking) manner. The protrusions 54 and / or recesses 70 may provide increased stability and interlockability between multiple reusable containers 10 in the nested configuration. Indeed, in some embodiments, additional locking or coupling mechanisms may be used in addition or alternative to the coupling mechanism provided by the protrusions 54 and the corresponding recesses 70.

[0026] To facilitate nesting between multiple reusable containers (e.g., the first reusable container 10A and the second reusable container 10B), each protrusion 54 of the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include a tapered shape (e.g., angled). For example, a width 76 of the protrusion 54 may change (e.g., decrease) along a length 78 of the protrusion 54 extending generally along the axis 66. Similarly, each recess 70 corresponding to a respective protrusion 54 may also include a tapered shape. For example, a width 82 of the recess 70 may change (e.g., decrease) along the length 78 of the recess 70 and / or protrusion 54. In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the protrusion 54 may include narrower width 76 compared to a top portion of the protrusion 54, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66. Similarly, a bottom portion of the recess 70 may include a narrower width 82 compared to a top portion of the recess 70, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66. During nesting, the bottom portion of each of the protrusions 54 (e.g., narrow portion) may enter into the top portion of each of the recesses 70 (e.g., wider portion), and may extend downward, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66, until a friction fit is achieved between the protrusion 54 and a corresponding recess 70 of an additional reusable container 10.

[0027] Although three protrusions 54 and three corresponding recesses 70 for each respective side wall (e.g., the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38) are shown in the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that any number of protrusions 54 and recesses 70 may be included in the reusable container 10. Additionally, the location and / or orientation of the protrusions 54 and recesses 70 may be at any desirable location and / or at any desirable orientation. Indeed, in some embodiments, other walls or surfaces of the reusable container 10, such as the back wall 46 and / or the front wall 42 may include additional protrusions and / or recesses to facilitate intercoupling between multiple reusable containers 10.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle 18 may include tapered walls to facilitate intercoupling (e.g., nesting, stacking) of multiple reusable containers 10. For example, the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, or both may widen or extend away from the base 50 at an angle 84, relative to the axis 66 (e.g., a longitudinal axis). In other words, the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, or both may taper towards the base 50. The tapered or angled first side wall 34 and / or second side wall 38 may enable an additional reusable container 10 (e.g., the first reusable container 10A) to nest at least partially within the internal space 22 of the second reusable container 10B. In some embodiments, the angle 84 of the wall orientation relative to the base 50 and / or the axis 66 may be in the range of 0° to 10°, or more preferably in the range of 3° to 5°, however, any suitable angle is contemplated to facilitate intercoupling. In embodiments, the angle 84 may be based on a wall texture (smooth, matte, etc.), a wall thickness, a reusable container 10 dimension, a desired nesting depth, and / or another suitable parameter.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable container system 11 including multiple reusable containers (e.g., a first reusable container 10A, a second reusable container 10B) is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the reusable container 10 may include one or more features to facilitate stacking of multiple reusable containers 10. For example, the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include one or more stacking protrusions 86 extending out from a respective side wall outer surface 58 in the direction generally along the axis 62. Further, the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include one or more stacking recesses 90 (as shown in greater detail in FIG. 1) extending into a respective side wall inner surface 74. For example, where each stacking protrusion 86 extends out from the respective side wall (e.g., first side wall 34, second side wall 38) a corresponding stacking recess 90 may extend into an opposite surface (e.g., side wall inner surface 74) in a direction generally along the axis 62. The stacking recess 90 may enable additional reusable containers to tower, rest, or otherwise stack at least partially on top of the reusable container 10, facilitating secure storage of multiple reusable containers 10.

[0030] For example, in the stacking configuration of multiple reusable containers 10, the protrusions 54 of the first reusable container 10A may be placed at least partially into the stacking recesses 90 of the second reusable container 10B to enable resting of the first reusable container 10A on and / or in the second reusable container 10B. As such, to facilitate coupling, the stacking recesses 90 may be shaped and / or sized based on the shape and / or size of the protrusions 54 (e.g., a bottom portion or a distal end of the protrusions 54). For example, a length 93 of the stacking recesses 90 may be such that only a portion of the protrusion 54 (e.g., the distal end) rests within the stacking recess 90. Indeed, in the stacking configuration, any number of reusable containers 10 may be stacked together, further reducing an overall volume to increase space efficiency. As will be appreciated, the reusable container 10 may stack in the coupled configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, in the uncoupled configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, or a combination (e.g., the first reusable container 10A may be in the uncoupled configuration, the second reusable container 10B may be in a coupled configuration, and a third reusable container may be in a uncoupled configuration). That is, reusable containers 10 may stack with or without the lids 26.

[0031] In some instances, the reusable container 10 may include an opening 92 (also illustrated in FIG. 1) to enable access (e.g., side access) to the objects(s) 14 within the internal space 22. For example, the opening 92 may be defined by the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, and the front wall 42 of the reusable container 10. In the stacking configuration, the opening 92 may be defined by the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, and the front wall 42 of the second reusable container 10B and the base 50 and / or the front wall 42 of the first reusable container 10A. In the closed configuration of the lid 26, the opening 92 may be substantially shut, isolating the internal space from the environment 30.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a back view of an embodiment of the reusable container 10 is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the reusable container 10 may include one or more features to detachably couple the reusable container 10 to another object (e.g., louver, shelf, surface). In the illustrated embodiment, the reusable container 10 includes a latching mechanism 94 (e.g., hook) operable to detachably couple the reusable container 10 to an object, such as a louver or shelf. The latching mechanism 94 may extend from the back wall 46 such that in the coupled configuration of the reusable container 10 and the object, the back wall 46 may abut the object, and the front wall 42 may extend outward generally along an axis 98. Although one embodiment of the latching mechanism 94 is illustrated, it will be appreciated other positions, shapes, and / or orientations of the latching mechanism 94 may be utilized. For example, the latching mechanism 94 may extend from the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, and / or the front wall 42.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, a front view of an embodiment of the reusable container 10 is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the front wall 42 may include a holder 102 to hold or store identifying information associated with the object(s) 14 which may be stored within the reusable container 10. For example, the holder 102 may contain a label 103 including information pertaining to the object(s) 14, such as a product number, a price, a quantity, and so forth. In some embodiments, the label 103 may include a QR code which may enable virtual information pertaining to the objects(s) 14 to be relayed to a device upon scanning, such as the mobile device. The holder 102 may include one or more holder lips 106 defining a holder recess 110 to receive the label 103. The holder 102 may include an opening 114 (e.g., a side with no holder lip 106) to receive the label 103. The opening 114 may be positioned at any side of the holder 102, such as a top of the holder 102, a side or the holder 102, and / or a bottom of the holder 102. In some embodiments, the holder 102 may receive the label 103 in an open configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18. In the closed configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the opening 114 may be closed, and the label 103 may be secured within the holder recess 110. Upon opening the reusable container 10 (e.g., transitioning the lid 26 into the open configuration), the label may be removed from the holder 102. As will be appreciated, in the closed configuration, the lid 26 may not cover or otherwise conceal the holder 102 and / or the label 103 within, enabling identification of the object(s) 14 during secure storage / transportation.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of an embodiment of the lid 26 is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the lid 26 may detachably couple to the receptacle 18 in the coupled configuration 20 to enable opening (e.g., open configuration) and closing (e.g., closed configuration) of the reusable container 10, protecting the object(s) 14 within. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include a first portion 118 and a second portion 122 extending from the first portion 118 at an angle in a direction generally along the axis 66. In some embodiments, lid 26 may include a hinge at a connection 124 between the first portion 118 and the second portion 122 to facilitate movement (e.g., rotation) of the second portion 122. The first portion 118 and / or the second portion 122 may include one or more corrugations 126 (e.g., ribs) extending along a length 130 of the lid 26 in a direction generally along the axis 98. However, in some embodiments, the corrugations 126 may extend along the width 134 of the lid 26 in a direction generally along the axis 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 26 includes four corrugations 126 extending along the length 130 of the lid 26, however, it will be appreciated any number of corrugations 126 may be included in the lid 26. The corrugations 126 may provide increased rigidity to the lid 26, increasing the protection provided to the object(s) 14 within the reusable container 10.

[0035] The lid 26 may include a shape and dimensions (e.g., the length 130, the width 134) to at least partially cover the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include one or more extensions pieces to cover the recesses 70 and / or the stacking recesses 90. For example, the first portion 118 of the lid 26 may include one or more first extensions 138 (e.g., recess 70 covering extensions) to cover the recesses 70 of the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion 118 of the lid 26 may include one or more second extensions 142 (e.g., stacking recess 90 covering extensions) to cover the stacking recesses 90 of the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. The first extensions 138 and / or the second extensions 142 may provide increased protection to the object(s) 14 by isolating the object(s) 14 within the reusable container 10 from the environment 30. Further, the second portion 122 may be configured (e.g., angled, oriented) to at least partially cover the opening 92 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include a gasket or seal to further seal the internal space 22 from the environment 30 in the closed configuration of the lid 26.

[0036] In some embodiments, the lid 26 may further include a latching mechanism 146 to lock or secure the lid 26 in the closed configuration with the receptacle 18. For example, the latching mechanism 146 may interact with one or more features of the receptacle 18 to secure or hold the lid 26 against the receptacle 18. To help illustrate the latching mechanism 146, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the reusable container 10 with the lid 26 in the closed configuration with the receptacle 18. To facilitate securing, the latching mechanism 146 of the lid 26 may include one or more attachment flanges 150 to interact with one or more features of the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. The attachment flanges 150 may extend out from the second portion 122 in a direction generally along the axis 62. During closing or securing of the lid 26, the attachment flanges 150 may contact one or more guiding flanges 154 disposed on the receptacle 18 (e.g., the front wall 42). Contact between the attachment flanges 150 and the guiding flanges 154 during closure of the lid 26 may cause elastic deformation of the second portion 122 of the lid 26, biasing the second portion 122 away from the receptacle 18. During closing of the lid 26, the attachment flanges 150 may translate down, in a direction generally along the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66, a respective guiding flange 154 towards an end 158 (e.g., distal end) of the guiding flanges 154. In a fully closed configuration of the lid 26, the attachment flanges 150 may extend substantially past the ends 158 of the guiding flanges 154, such that the guiding flanges 154 no longer impart the compressive force on the second portion 122 (e.g., via contact with the attachment flanges 150), and the second portion 122 may transition back to an undeformed shape. In this way, the attachment flanges 150 may be secured under the ends 158, relative to the direction of gravity or the axis 66, blocking the lid 26 from movement (e.g., vertical movement) generally along the axis 66. The latching mechanism 146 may enable improved (e.g., easier) securing of the lid 26 to the receptacle 18 without additional fastening mechanisms.

[0037] In some embodiment, the lid 26 may include features to enable movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon application of a manual force. For example, the second portion 122 may include a lip 162 to receive a manual force, such as a force from a finger or a hand. Upon application of the manual force to the lip 162, the second portion 122 of the lid 26 may elastically deform to remove the attachment flanges 150 from under the respective ends 158 of the guiding flanges 154, enabling movement of the lid 26 in the vertical direction, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66.

[0038] As discussed above, the lid 26 may detachably couple to the receptacle 18 to transition the reusable container 10 between the coupled configuration 20 and the uncoupled configuration 21. To facilitate discussion related to the coupling of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the below disclosure with respect to FIG. 8, illustrating the reusable container 10 in the open configuration, along with FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. To enable detachable coupling between the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the lid 26 may include one or more pivots 166 (e.g., protrusions, extensions) to couple or interact with one or more pivot apertures 170 (e.g., holes, bearing). For example, the pivot(s) 166 may extend from the first portion 118 of the lid 26 in a direction generally along the axis 62 and may include any suitable shape suitable to be detachably or removably inserted into the pivot aperture(s) 170. In some embodiments, the pivot(s) 166 may be shaped and / or oriented to enable detachment from the receptacle 18 in one lid configuration and may secure the lid 26 to the receptacle 18 in other lid configurations. For example, the pivot(s) 166 may include an oblong shape, where the corresponding pivot aperture(s) 170 may include a shape that enables movement of the pivot(s) 166 into or out of the pivot aperture(s) 170 during a substantially vertical configuration of the lid 26 (e.g., FIG. 8), relative to the axis 66 and / or the receptacle 18. For example, each pivot aperture 170 may include an aperture opening 174 to receive a corresponding pivot 166 in the vertical configuration of the lid 26 and one or more rotating crevices 178, coupled to the aperture opening 174, to receive the pivot 166 from the aperture opening 174. The pivot(s) 166 may be secured within the rotating crevice(s) 178, securing the lid 26 to the receptacle 18. The rotating crevice(s) 178 may enable rotation of the pivot(s) 166 during transition of the lid 26 between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0039] While specific embodiments and applications of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the precise configurations and devices disclosed herein. Accordingly, many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of this disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

[0040] Indeed, the embodiments set forth in the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it may be noted that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims. In addition, the techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). For any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, however, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0015]One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016]When introducing elements of various embodiments of...

BACKGROUND

[0001] This disclosure relates to a reusable container.

[0002] In the electronics industry, transferring products between suppliers, vendors, and / or customers usually entails some variation of packaging to provide protection against physical damage during transportation and / or storage. In some instances, where the product is particularly vulnerable to electric activity (e.g., static discharge), the packaging may be manufactured using certain materials and / or designs to reduce or prevent electric activity from damaging the products. Unfortunately, current packaging techniques use disposable designs, such as bags or boxes, creating undesirable amounts of waste, and in many instances, providing insufficient protection.SUMMARY

[0003] Certain examples commensurate in scope with the originally claimed subject matter are discussed below. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the present disclosure may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the examples set forth below.

[0004] In an embodiment, a reusable container includes a receptacle with a first side wall including one or more first protrusions extending from the first side wall and one or more first recesses extending into the first side wall, where the one or more first protrusions and the one or more first recesses may enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container. The receptacle also having a second side wall, a back wall, a front wall, and a base, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle to hold an object. The reusable container further may include a lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, where the lid may transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration when in a coupled configuration with the receptacle.

[0005] In an embodiment, a reusable container system includes a first reusable container having a first receptacle having one or more first protrusions and one or more first recesses. The reusable container system also includes a second reusable container including a second receptacle having one or more second protrusions and one or more second recesses, where the first reusable container and the second reusable container may detachably couple to one another, and where the first reusable container and the second reusable container are manufactured from an electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding material.

[0006] In an embodiment, a reusable container includes a receptacle with a first side wall including one or more first protrusions extending from a first outer surface of the first side wall and one or more first recesses extending into a first inner surface of the first side wall. The one or more first protrusions and the one or more first recesses may enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container. The receptacle also having a second side wall including one or more second protrusions extending from a second outer surface of the second side wall; and one or more second recesses extending into a second inner surface of the second side wall, where the one or more second protrusions and the one or more second recesses may enable intercoupling with the additional reusable container. The receptacle also including a back wall having a latching mechanism configured to latch the reusable container to a surface. The receptacle further including a front wall; and a base, where the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle, where the internal space is configured to hold an object. The reusable container also includes a lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, where the lid may transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration during a coupled configuration with the receptacle, wherein the receptacle and the lid are manufactured from an electrostatic discharge shielding (ESD) material.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a receptacle of a reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable container system including a first reusable container and a second reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container system including a first reusable container and a second reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a lid of a reusable container, in accordance with embodiments described herein;

[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container in a closed configuration, in accordance with embodiments described herein; and

[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the reusable container in an open configuration, in accordance with embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,”“an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, the phrase A “based on” B is intended to mean that A is at least partially based on B. Moreover, the term “or” is intended to be inclusive (e.g., logical OR) and not exclusive (e.g., logical XOR). In other words, the phrase A “or” B is intended to mean A, B, or both A and B.

[0017] As used herein, the terms “approximately,”“generally,”“substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to convey that the property value may be within + / −5%, within + / −4%, within + / −3%, within + / −2%, within + / −1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to convey that the given feature is within + / −5%, within + / −4%, within + / −3%, within + / −2%, within + / −1%, or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Mathematical terms, such as “parallel” and “perpendicular,” should not be rigidly interpreted in a strict mathematical sense, but should instead be interpreted as one of ordinary skill in the art would interpret such terms. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that two lines that are substantially parallel to each other are parallel to a substantial degree, but may have minor deviation from exactly parallel.

[0018] In many industries, packaging techniques used to transfer and / or store one or more objects use disposable designs creating undesirable amounts of waste, and in most instances, providing insufficient protection. Further, where the objects include electrical components, the objects may be particularly vulnerable to external electric activity (e.g., static discharge). Accordingly, reusable packaging capable of protecting products (e.g., electronic products) from both physical damage and electrical activity during transportation and / or storage is desired.

[0019] As such, present embodiments are related to an improved container and container systems configured to be reusable and may provide increased protection of internal objects against physical damage and / or electrical damage. For example, a reusable container may include a receptacle configured to store one or more objects, such as an electronic product, and a lid configured to detachably couple to the receptacle. In the closed position of the lid and the receptacle, the objects within an internal space of the receptacle may be substantially isolated from an external environment, providing protection against heat, condensation, impact, and so forth. Further, the reusable container may include one or more protrusions extending from one or more side walls of the receptacle and one or more corresponding recesses extending into an internal surface of the receptacle. In some instances, the protrusions and / or the recesses of the reusable container may enable intercoupling with one or more additional reusable containers. For example, the protrusions and / or recesses may facilitate a first reusable container to be inserted, introduced, or otherwise placed into and / or onto a second reusable container to enable secure stacking or nesting. In exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the reusable container may be manufactured from electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding components to provide protection against external electrical activity (e.g., electric discharge).

[0020] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable container 10, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Further, FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment a reusable container system 11 including a first reusable container 10A and a second reusable container 10B, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. To facilitate disclosure of one or more components of the reusable container 10, the following discussion will be related to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As discussed briefly above, the reusable container 10 may be utilized to provide protection during transportation and / or storage of one or more objects 14 (e.g., products, electronic objects / products). For example, the object(s) 14 may be placed within the reusable container 10 to provide protection against physical damage and degradation. In some embodiments, the objects(s) 14 may include one or more electrical components which may be vulnerable to electric activity, such as static discharge. As such, in addition to protection against physical damage, the reusable container 10 may be operable to provide protection to the object(s) 14 against electrical activity. For example, one or more components or portions of the reusable container 10 may be manufactured using one or more electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding materials (e.g., anti-static) operable to protect the object(s) 14 within the reusable container 10. Specifically, the reusable container 10 (e.g., components or portions of the reusable container 10) may include ESD shielding material such as conductive metals (e.g., aluminum, metalized films), carbon loaded plastics (e.g., polypropylene with one or more additives), static dissipative materials (e.g., PVC), another suitable material, or a combination thereof. In some instances, additional ESD shielding material may be added to the reusable container 10 (e.g., added internally and / or external) to provide additional protection, such as anti-static sprays, bags, conductive fabrics, conductive foams, or combinations thereof.

[0021] The reusable container 10 may include a receptacle 18 (e.g., bin) configured to hold or store the object(s) 14 within an internal volume or space 22. Further, in some embodiments, the reusable container 10 may include a lid 26 (e.g., cover, cap, etc.) configured to detachably or removably couple to the receptacle 18 in a coupled configuration 20. As used herein, the reusable container 10 may refer to the receptacle 18 with or without the lid 26. As such, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the reusable container 10 including the receptacle 18 in the uncoupled configuration 21 (e.g., without the lid 26). An embodiment of the lid 26 alone is shown in FIG. 6, and an embodiment of the reusable container 10 including the receptacle 18 and the lid 26 in the coupled configuration 20 is shown in FIG. 7. In the coupled configuration 20, the lid 26 may be operable to transition (e.g., rotate, pivot) between an open configuration (e.g., FIG. 8), where the internal space 22 of the receptacle 18 is exposed to an environment 30 (e.g., external environment), and a closed configuration (e.g., FIG. 7), sealing or closing the internal space 22 from the environment 30. In some embodiments, one or more components (e.g., receptacle 18, lid 26) of the reusable container 10 may be manufactured via injection molding. In this way, the reusable container 10 may be manufactured with reduced costs and increased production speeds.

[0022] As will be appreciated in view of the description below, the reusable container 10 may be manufactured to include the internal space 22 formed or defined by a first side wall 34, a second side wall 38, a front wall 42, a back wall 46, and a bottom or base 50. Indeed, in the closed configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the lid 26 may also define the internal space 22. Embodiments of the reusable container 10 disclosed herein may also be manufactured to include a relatively simple design that may be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. For example, the reusable container 10 may be manufactured as a single integral or continuous piece to include the internal space 22 formed or defined by the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, the front wall 42, the back wall 46, and the base 50.

[0023] The first side walls 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include one or more protrusions 54 (e.g., corrugations) extending out from a respective side wall outer surface 58 in a direction generally along an axis 62. The protrusions 54 may also extend along a width 60 of the receptacle 18 along the side wall outer surface 58 generally in a direction of gravity and / or along an axis 66. Further, the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may both include one or more recesses 70 extending into a respective side wall inner surface 74. For example, each protrusion 54 extending out from the respective side wall (e.g., first side wall 34, second side wall 38) may have a corresponding recess 70 extending into an opposite surface (e.g., side wall inner surface 74) in a direction generally along the axis 62. As such, the recesses 70 may also extend along a width 60 of the receptacle 18 along the side wall outer surface 58 generally in a direction of gravity and / or along an axis 66. The protrusions 54 may provide the reusable container 10 with increased rigidity and strength, further protecting the object(s) 14 disposed within.

[0024] Additionally, the protrusions 54 and the recesses 70 may enable intercoupling (e.g., nesting, stacking) of two or more reusable containers 10. For example, a first reusable container 10A may be placed or inserted at least partially into or within the internal space 22 of a second reusable container 10B in a nesting configuration, illustrated in FIG. 2. In other words, the receptacle 18 of the first reusable container 10A may be at least partially inserted into the receptacle 18 of the second reusable container 10B. Indeed, in the nesting configuration, any number of reusable containers 10 may be nested together, further reducing an overall volume to increase space efficiency.

[0025] In the nesting configuration, one or more recesses 70 of the second reusable container 10B defined within the first side wall 34 and / or the second side walls 38 may receive one or more protrusions 54 from the first reusable container 10A. For example, during nesting, the first reusable container 10A may translate or move down, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66, into the internal space 22 of the second reusable container 10B, where the protrusions 54 of the first reusable container 10A may detachably couple to the recesses 70 of the second reusable container 10B in a secured (e.g., friction fit and interlocking) manner. The protrusions 54 and / or recesses 70 may provide increased stability and interlockability between multiple reusable containers 10 in the nested configuration. Indeed, in some embodiments, additional locking or coupling mechanisms may be used in addition or alternative to the coupling mechanism provided by the protrusions 54 and the corresponding recesses 70.

[0026] To facilitate nesting between multiple reusable containers (e.g., the first reusable container 10A and the second reusable container 10B), each protrusion 54 of the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include a tapered shape (e.g., angled). For example, a width 76 of the protrusion 54 may change (e.g., decrease) along a length 78 of the protrusion 54 extending generally along the axis 66. Similarly, each recess 70 corresponding to a respective protrusion 54 may also include a tapered shape. For example, a width 82 of the recess 70 may change (e.g., decrease) along the length 78 of the recess 70 and / or protrusion 54. In an embodiment, a bottom portion of the protrusion 54 may include narrower width 76 compared to a top portion of the protrusion 54, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66. Similarly, a bottom portion of the recess 70 may include a narrower width 82 compared to a top portion of the recess 70, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66. During nesting, the bottom portion of each of the protrusions 54 (e.g., narrow portion) may enter into the top portion of each of the recesses 70 (e.g., wider portion), and may extend downward, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66, until a friction fit is achieved between the protrusion 54 and a corresponding recess 70 of an additional reusable container 10.

[0027] Although three protrusions 54 and three corresponding recesses 70 for each respective side wall (e.g., the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38) are shown in the illustrated embodiments, it will be appreciated that any number of protrusions 54 and recesses 70 may be included in the reusable container 10. Additionally, the location and / or orientation of the protrusions 54 and recesses 70 may be at any desirable location and / or at any desirable orientation. Indeed, in some embodiments, other walls or surfaces of the reusable container 10, such as the back wall 46 and / or the front wall 42 may include additional protrusions and / or recesses to facilitate intercoupling between multiple reusable containers 10.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, the receptacle 18 may include tapered walls to facilitate intercoupling (e.g., nesting, stacking) of multiple reusable containers 10. For example, the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, or both may widen or extend away from the base 50 at an angle 84, relative to the axis 66 (e.g., a longitudinal axis). In other words, the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, or both may taper towards the base 50. The tapered or angled first side wall 34 and / or second side wall 38 may enable an additional reusable container 10 (e.g., the first reusable container 10A) to nest at least partially within the internal space 22 of the second reusable container 10B. In some embodiments, the angle 84 of the wall orientation relative to the base 50 and / or the axis 66 may be in the range of 0° to 10°, or more preferably in the range of 3° to 5°, however, any suitable angle is contemplated to facilitate intercoupling. In embodiments, the angle 84 may be based on a wall texture (smooth, matte, etc.), a wall thickness, a reusable container 10 dimension, a desired nesting depth, and / or another suitable parameter.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of an embodiment of a reusable container system 11 including multiple reusable containers (e.g., a first reusable container 10A, a second reusable container 10B) is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the reusable container 10 may include one or more features to facilitate stacking of multiple reusable containers 10. For example, the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include one or more stacking protrusions 86 extending out from a respective side wall outer surface 58 in the direction generally along the axis 62. Further, the first side wall 34 and / or the second side wall 38 may include one or more stacking recesses 90 (as shown in greater detail in FIG. 1) extending into a respective side wall inner surface 74. For example, where each stacking protrusion 86 extends out from the respective side wall (e.g., first side wall 34, second side wall 38) a corresponding stacking recess 90 may extend into an opposite surface (e.g., side wall inner surface 74) in a direction generally along the axis 62. The stacking recess 90 may enable additional reusable containers to tower, rest, or otherwise stack at least partially on top of the reusable container 10, facilitating secure storage of multiple reusable containers 10.

[0030] For example, in the stacking configuration of multiple reusable containers 10, the protrusions 54 of the first reusable container 10A may be placed at least partially into the stacking recesses 90 of the second reusable container 10B to enable resting of the first reusable container 10A on and / or in the second reusable container 10B. As such, to facilitate coupling, the stacking recesses 90 may be shaped and / or sized based on the shape and / or size of the protrusions 54 (e.g., a bottom portion or a distal end of the protrusions 54). For example, a length 93 of the stacking recesses 90 may be such that only a portion of the protrusion 54 (e.g., the distal end) rests within the stacking recess 90. Indeed, in the stacking configuration, any number of reusable containers 10 may be stacked together, further reducing an overall volume to increase space efficiency. As will be appreciated, the reusable container 10 may stack in the coupled configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, in the uncoupled configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, or a combination (e.g., the first reusable container 10A may be in the uncoupled configuration, the second reusable container 10B may be in a coupled configuration, and a third reusable container may be in a uncoupled configuration). That is, reusable containers 10 may stack with or without the lids 26.

[0031] In some instances, the reusable container 10 may include an opening 92 (also illustrated in FIG. 1) to enable access (e.g., side access) to the objects(s) 14 within the internal space 22. For example, the opening 92 may be defined by the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, and the front wall 42 of the reusable container 10. In the stacking configuration, the opening 92 may be defined by the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, and the front wall 42 of the second reusable container 10B and the base 50 and / or the front wall 42 of the first reusable container 10A. In the closed configuration of the lid 26, the opening 92 may be substantially shut, isolating the internal space from the environment 30.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, a back view of an embodiment of the reusable container 10 is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the reusable container 10 may include one or more features to detachably couple the reusable container 10 to another object (e.g., louver, shelf, surface). In the illustrated embodiment, the reusable container 10 includes a latching mechanism 94 (e.g., hook) operable to detachably couple the reusable container 10 to an object, such as a louver or shelf. The latching mechanism 94 may extend from the back wall 46 such that in the coupled configuration of the reusable container 10 and the object, the back wall 46 may abut the object, and the front wall 42 may extend outward generally along an axis 98. Although one embodiment of the latching mechanism 94 is illustrated, it will be appreciated other positions, shapes, and / or orientations of the latching mechanism 94 may be utilized. For example, the latching mechanism 94 may extend from the first side wall 34, the second side wall 38, and / or the front wall 42.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, a front view of an embodiment of the reusable container 10 is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the front wall 42 may include a holder 102 to hold or store identifying information associated with the object(s) 14 which may be stored within the reusable container 10. For example, the holder 102 may contain a label 103 including information pertaining to the object(s) 14, such as a product number, a price, a quantity, and so forth. In some embodiments, the label 103 may include a QR code which may enable virtual information pertaining to the objects(s) 14 to be relayed to a device upon scanning, such as the mobile device. The holder 102 may include one or more holder lips 106 defining a holder recess 110 to receive the label 103. The holder 102 may include an opening 114 (e.g., a side with no holder lip 106) to receive the label 103. The opening 114 may be positioned at any side of the holder 102, such as a top of the holder 102, a side or the holder 102, and / or a bottom of the holder 102. In some embodiments, the holder 102 may receive the label 103 in an open configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18. In the closed configuration of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the opening 114 may be closed, and the label 103 may be secured within the holder recess 110. Upon opening the reusable container 10 (e.g., transitioning the lid 26 into the open configuration), the label may be removed from the holder 102. As will be appreciated, in the closed configuration, the lid 26 may not cover or otherwise conceal the holder 102 and / or the label 103 within, enabling identification of the object(s) 14 during secure storage / transportation.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of an embodiment of the lid 26 is illustrated, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As discussed above, the lid 26 may detachably couple to the receptacle 18 in the coupled configuration 20 to enable opening (e.g., open configuration) and closing (e.g., closed configuration) of the reusable container 10, protecting the object(s) 14 within. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include a first portion 118 and a second portion 122 extending from the first portion 118 at an angle in a direction generally along the axis 66. In some embodiments, lid 26 may include a hinge at a connection 124 between the first portion 118 and the second portion 122 to facilitate movement (e.g., rotation) of the second portion 122. The first portion 118 and / or the second portion 122 may include one or more corrugations 126 (e.g., ribs) extending along a length 130 of the lid 26 in a direction generally along the axis 98. However, in some embodiments, the corrugations 126 may extend along the width 134 of the lid 26 in a direction generally along the axis 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 26 includes four corrugations 126 extending along the length 130 of the lid 26, however, it will be appreciated any number of corrugations 126 may be included in the lid 26. The corrugations 126 may provide increased rigidity to the lid 26, increasing the protection provided to the object(s) 14 within the reusable container 10.

[0035] The lid 26 may include a shape and dimensions (e.g., the length 130, the width 134) to at least partially cover the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include one or more extensions pieces to cover the recesses 70 and / or the stacking recesses 90. For example, the first portion 118 of the lid 26 may include one or more first extensions 138 (e.g., recess 70 covering extensions) to cover the recesses 70 of the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. Additionally or alternatively, the first portion 118 of the lid 26 may include one or more second extensions 142 (e.g., stacking recess 90 covering extensions) to cover the stacking recesses 90 of the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. The first extensions 138 and / or the second extensions 142 may provide increased protection to the object(s) 14 by isolating the object(s) 14 within the reusable container 10 from the environment 30. Further, the second portion 122 may be configured (e.g., angled, oriented) to at least partially cover the opening 92 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. In some embodiments, the lid 26 may include a gasket or seal to further seal the internal space 22 from the environment 30 in the closed configuration of the lid 26.

[0036] In some embodiments, the lid 26 may further include a latching mechanism 146 to lock or secure the lid 26 in the closed configuration with the receptacle 18. For example, the latching mechanism 146 may interact with one or more features of the receptacle 18 to secure or hold the lid 26 against the receptacle 18. To help illustrate the latching mechanism 146, FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the reusable container 10 with the lid 26 in the closed configuration with the receptacle 18. To facilitate securing, the latching mechanism 146 of the lid 26 may include one or more attachment flanges 150 to interact with one or more features of the receptacle 18 in the closed configuration of the lid 26. The attachment flanges 150 may extend out from the second portion 122 in a direction generally along the axis 62. During closing or securing of the lid 26, the attachment flanges 150 may contact one or more guiding flanges 154 disposed on the receptacle 18 (e.g., the front wall 42). Contact between the attachment flanges 150 and the guiding flanges 154 during closure of the lid 26 may cause elastic deformation of the second portion 122 of the lid 26, biasing the second portion 122 away from the receptacle 18. During closing of the lid 26, the attachment flanges 150 may translate down, in a direction generally along the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66, a respective guiding flange 154 towards an end 158 (e.g., distal end) of the guiding flanges 154. In a fully closed configuration of the lid 26, the attachment flanges 150 may extend substantially past the ends 158 of the guiding flanges 154, such that the guiding flanges 154 no longer impart the compressive force on the second portion 122 (e.g., via contact with the attachment flanges 150), and the second portion 122 may transition back to an undeformed shape. In this way, the attachment flanges 150 may be secured under the ends 158, relative to the direction of gravity or the axis 66, blocking the lid 26 from movement (e.g., vertical movement) generally along the axis 66. The latching mechanism 146 may enable improved (e.g., easier) securing of the lid 26 to the receptacle 18 without additional fastening mechanisms.

[0037] In some embodiment, the lid 26 may include features to enable movement from the closed configuration to the open configuration upon application of a manual force. For example, the second portion 122 may include a lip 162 to receive a manual force, such as a force from a finger or a hand. Upon application of the manual force to the lip 162, the second portion 122 of the lid 26 may elastically deform to remove the attachment flanges 150 from under the respective ends 158 of the guiding flanges 154, enabling movement of the lid 26 in the vertical direction, relative to the direction of gravity and / or the axis 66.

[0038] As discussed above, the lid 26 may detachably couple to the receptacle 18 to transition the reusable container 10 between the coupled configuration 20 and the uncoupled configuration 21. To facilitate discussion related to the coupling of the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the below disclosure with respect to FIG. 8, illustrating the reusable container 10 in the open configuration, along with FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. To enable detachable coupling between the lid 26 and the receptacle 18, the lid 26 may include one or more pivots 166 (e.g., protrusions, extensions) to couple or interact with one or more pivot apertures 170 (e.g., holes, bearing). For example, the pivot(s) 166 may extend from the first portion 118 of the lid 26 in a direction generally along the axis 62 and may include any suitable shape suitable to be detachably or removably inserted into the pivot aperture(s) 170. In some embodiments, the pivot(s) 166 may be shaped and / or oriented to enable detachment from the receptacle 18 in one lid configuration and may secure the lid 26 to the receptacle 18 in other lid configurations. For example, the pivot(s) 166 may include an oblong shape, where the corresponding pivot aperture(s) 170 may include a shape that enables movement of the pivot(s) 166 into or out of the pivot aperture(s) 170 during a substantially vertical configuration of the lid 26 (e.g., FIG. 8), relative to the axis 66 and / or the receptacle 18. For example, each pivot aperture 170 may include an aperture opening 174 to receive a corresponding pivot 166 in the vertical configuration of the lid 26 and one or more rotating crevices 178, coupled to the aperture opening 174, to receive the pivot 166 from the aperture opening 174. The pivot(s) 166 may be secured within the rotating crevice(s) 178, securing the lid 26 to the receptacle 18. The rotating crevice(s) 178 may enable rotation of the pivot(s) 166 during transition of the lid 26 between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

[0039] While specific embodiments and applications of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the precise configurations and devices disclosed herein. Accordingly, many changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of this disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure should, therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

[0040] Indeed, the embodiments set forth in the present disclosure may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have been described in detail herein. However, it may be noted that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. The disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following appended claims. In addition, the techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ” or “step for [perform]ing [a function] . . . ”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f). For any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, however, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0015]One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0016]When introducing elements of various embodiments of...

Claims

1. A reusable container comprising:a receptacle comprising:a first side wall comprising one or more first protrusions extending from the first side wall and one or more first recesses extending into the first side wall, wherein the one or more first protrusions and the one or more first recesses are configured to enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container;a second side wall;a back wall;a front wall; anda base,wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle, wherein the internal space is configured to hold an object; anda lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, wherein the lid comprises one or more pivot structures configured to enter one or more pivot apertures of the receptacle while the lid is in a first orientation in relation to the receptacle to form a coupled configuration and to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration when the lid is rotated to a second orientation in relation to the receptacle while the lid is in the coupled configuration with the receptacle.

2. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more pivot structures of the lid comprises an oblong shape configured to pass into or out of a corresponding one of the one or more pivot apertures while the lid is in a first orientation to the receptacle.

3. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more pivot apertures comprises an aperture opening configured to enable movement of a corresponding one of the one or more pivot structures into the aperture opening when the lid is in the first orientation in relation to the receptacle but narrow enough to disable movement of the corresponding one of the one or more pivot structures out of the aperture opening when the lid is in the second orientation in relation to the receptacle.

4. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the intercoupling comprises nesting or stacking of the reusable container and an additional reusable container.

5. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the second side wall comprises one or more second protrusions extending from the second side wall and one or more second recesses extending into the second side wall, wherein the one or more second protrusions and the one or more second recesses are configured to enable intercoupling with the additional reusable container.

6. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the additional reusable container comprises one or more third protrusions, wherein the one or more third protrusions are configured to be inserted into the one or more first recesses in a nesting configuration between the reusable container and the additional reusable container.

7. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the additional reusable container comprises one or more third recesses, wherein the one or more third recesses are configured to receive the one or more first protrusions in a nesting configuration between the reusable container and the additional reusable container.

8. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the first side wall extends from the base at an angle, relative to a longitudinal axis.

9. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the back wall comprises a latching mechanism configured to couple the reusable container to a louver.

10. The reusable container of claim 1, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall comprise one or more stacking recesses, wherein the one or more stacking recesses are configured to enable stacking of the reusable container and the additional reusable container in a stacking configuration.

11. The reusable container of claim 10, wherein the one or more stacking recesses are configured to receive one or more third protrusions of the additional reusable container in the stacking configuration.

12. A reusable container system comprising:a first reusable container comprising:a first receptacle comprising one or more first protrusions protruding longitudinally from a first side wall of the first receptacle and one or more first recesses extending longitudinally into the first side wall of the first receptacle; anda second reusable container comprising:a second receptacle comprising one or more second protrusions protruding longitudinally from a first side wall of the second receptacle and one or more second recesses extending longitudinally into the first side wall of the second receptacle,wherein the first reusable container and the second reusable container are configured to detachably couple to one another by registering the one or more first protrusions into the one or more second recesses or by registering the one or more second protrusions into the one or more first recesses, andwherein the first reusable container and the second reusable container are manufactured from an electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding material.

13. The reusable container system of claim 12, wherein the first reusable container comprises:the first side wall of the first receptacle;a second side wall of the first receptacle;a back wall of the first receptacle;a front wall of the first receptacle; anda base of the first receptacle,wherein the first side wall of the first receptacle, the second side wall of the first receptacle, the back wall of the first receptacle, the front wall of the first receptacle, and the base of the first receptacle define an internal space of the first receptacle, wherein the internal space is configured to hold an object.

14. The reusable container system of claim 13, wherein the first reusable container comprises a lid detachably coupled to the first receptacle, wherein the lid is configured to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration during a coupled configuration with the first receptacle.

15. The reusable container system of claim 14, wherein the lid comprises a latching mechanism configured to detachably couple the lid to the front wall in the closed configuration.

16. The reusable container system of claim 13, wherein the front wall of the first receptacle comprises a holder configured to hold identifying information associated with the object.

17. The reusable container system of claim 12, wherein the one or more second protrusions are configured to be inserted into one or more third recesses extending longitudinally into the first side wall of the first receptacle in a first nested configuration of the first receptacle and the second receptacle.

18. The reusable container system of claim 17, wherein the one or more first protrusions are configured to be inserted into one or more fourth recesses extending longitudinally into the first side wall of the second receptacle in a second nested configuration of the first receptacle and the second receptacle.

19. A reusable container comprising:a receptacle comprising:a first side wall comprising:one or more first protrusions extending from a first outer surface of the first side wall; andone or more first recesses extending into a first inner surface of the first side wall, wherein the one or more first protrusions and the one or more first recesses are configured to enable intercoupling with an additional reusable container;a second side wall comprising:one or more second protrusions extending from a second outer surface of the second side wall; andone or more second recesses extending into a second inner surface of the second side wall, wherein the one or more second protrusions and the one or more second recesses are configured to enable intercoupling with the additional reusable container;a back wall comprising a latching mechanism configured to latch the reusable container to a surface;a front wall; anda base,wherein the first side wall, the second side wall, the back wall, the front wall, and the base define an internal space of the receptacle, wherein the internal space is configured to hold an object; anda lid, detachably coupled to the receptacle, wherein the lid comprises one or more pivot structures configured to enter one or more pivot apertures of the receptacle while the lid is in a first orientation in relation to the receptacle to form a coupled configuration and to transition from an open configuration to a closed configuration when the lid is rotated to a second orientation in relation to the receptacle while the lid is in the coupled configuration with the receptaclewherein the receptacle and the lid are manufactured from an electrostatic discharge shielding (ESD) material.

20. The reusable container of claim 19, wherein the receptacle is a first receptacle, and a second receptacle of the additional reusable container is configured to be at least partially inserted into the first receptacle in a nested configuration of the reusable container and the additional reusable container.

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