A container and a container assembly

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a container and more specifically to container assemblies comprising set of containers that can be stacked and interlocked together. The disclosure is further directed to a latch unit for detachably coupling a set of containers that are on top of each other and to portable container assemblies.

Description

[0001] A CONTAINER AND A CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure is directed to a container, more specifically to container assemblies comprising set of containers that can be stacked and interlocked together. The present disclosure is also directed to portable container assemblies.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] WO2016142935 relates to a container assembly including a container for storage and transport of goods. The container includes at least one side wall and a bottom wall defining together an interior space and a cover for closing the opening, having a top surface. The cover further includes at least one latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position. The container further includes a retaining member on the at least one side wall. The retaining member is positioned parallel to the latch member such that the latch member is configured for engaging with a retaining member of another container, to connect the container to the at least one other container.

[0006] US6371320 relates to a portable workshop container assembly adapted to store tools and other articles. The assembly includes three major components in stacked relation. The lower component is a wheeled bucket, the middle component is a tray nested in the bucket and provided with a rim, and the third component is a toolbox that rests on the rim. The assembly also includes a latching mechanism having a latch which is pivoted by a toggle member to the upper end of the bucket and cooperates with a first catch element mounted at the bottom of the toolbox and a second catch element mounted on the rim of the tray. When the toolbox rests on the rim, the first and second catch elements are then adjacent each other. In one mode of operation, the latch simultaneously engages the first and second latch elements to interlock all three components to form a unitary assembly.

[0007] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present disclosure is directed to a container, and more specifically to container assemblies comprising set of containers that can be stacked and interlocked together. The present disclosure is further directed to a latch unit for detachably coupling a set of containers that are on top of each other. The term 'container' is used herein in its broad meaning and is meant to denote a variety of articles, such as storage containers, travel luggage, toolboxes, organizers, storage bins used in kitchen, compacted work benches, cable storage, tool caddies, carrying platforms, locomoting containers, etc., of any shape and size.

[0009] The term 'container assembly' as used herein denotes a set of containers that are configured for articulation to one another, the assembly being either stationary or locomotive. Such assemblies can be used as a tool cart, workshop, traveling luggage, etc.

[0010] In one of its aspects, the disclosure provides a container that comprises a baseplate and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the baseplate. The baseplate and the plurality of sidewalls define together an interior space. The container further comprises a skirt, that extends downwardly along the periphery of the baseplate. The container further comprises a first rim, that extends outwardly along the periphery of a lower portion of the plurality of the sidewalls. The container further comprises a second rim, that extends outwardly and away from the plurality of the sidewalls and configured to extend peripherally along an upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls. The container comprises one or more stepped sections defined in an upper portion of at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls, said one or more-stepped sections is configured to receive a latch unit.

[0011] By some embodiments, the one or more-stepped sections comprise a main flange that extends outwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls.

[0012] In some embodiments, the one or more-stepped sections comprises one or more protrusions and at least one slot, both of which being defined on an upper surface of the main flange.

[0013] In some embodiments, the one or more-stepped section comprises a pair of secondary flanges extending downwardly from the main flange, and along the at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls. In such embodiments, the one or more-stepped section may further comprise an angled pin defined on an inner surface of each of the pair of secondary flanges. The angled pins of each of the pair of secondary flanges extend inwardly towards each other, and each such angled pin is configured to engage with an aperture of the latch unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the latch unit comprises a housing receivable in the one or more-stepped sections of the container. The housing comprises a pair of lips extending parallelly and inwardly thereof. Each pair of lips is defined with the aperture configured to receive the angled pin. In some embodiments, the latch unit comprises an angled brim, extending between a first end and a second end of the housing. The angled brim comprises one or more locking tabs that extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the angled brim. Further, the one or more locking tabs are configured to engage with one or more protrusions that are defined on the upper surface of the main flange. The angled brim further comprises a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the angled brim.

[0015] In some embodiments, the latch unit is rotatably coupled to the one or more-stepped sections, and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch unit is configured to secure another container to the container when in the engaged position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the container comprises one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt. The one or more extension members extends substantially parallel to the first rim and away from the skirt. Each of the one or more extension members is defined with a slot configured to engage with a latch unit of another container.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first rim is a substantially L-shaped rim, and extends peripherally along the lower portion of the plurality of sidewalls. Further, the substantially L-shaped rim comprises a first portion extending substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls, and a second portion extending substantially parallel to the plurality of sidewalls.

[0018] In some embodiments, the one or more stepped sections are defined on a first sidewall and on a second sidewall, opposite to the first sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.

[0019] In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions each have a fillet defined peripherally therearound, the fillet being configured to facilitate sliding and engagement of the one or more locking tabs with the one or more protrusions.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls comprises at least one opening defined therein. The opening is configured to provide access to the interior space of the container.

[0021] By another aspect, there is provided a container assembly that comprises at least one first container and at least one second container, resting and stacked on one another, each of the first and second containers being a container having the features as described hereinabove. The first container is typically a bottom container in the stack, and the second container is stacked thereabove, such that the latch unit of the first container is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to secure the second container to the first container in the engaged position.

[0022] In some embodiments, the latch unit comprises a housing receivable in the one or more-stepped sections of the first container. The housing comprises a pair of lips extending parallelly and inwardly thereof. Further, each pair of lips is defined with the aperture configured to receive the angled pin of the first container. The latch unit further comprises an angled brim that extends between a first end and a second end of the housing, and further comprises one or more locking tabs extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the angled brim. The one or more locking tabs are configured to engage with one or more protrusions defined on the upper surface of the main flange of the first container. The angled brim further includes a plurality of teeth extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the angled brim. At least one tooth of the plurality of teeth overlies and engages with a slot defined in the one or more extension members of the second container.

[0023] In some embodiments, the second container comprises one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt, the one or more extension members extend substantially parallel to the first rim and away from the skirt. Each of the one or more extension members is defined with the slot, the slot being configured to engage with at least one tooth of the plurality of teeth of the latch unit coupled to the first container.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first rim of each of the first container and the second container is a substantially L-shaped rim extending peripherally along the lower portion of the plurality of sidewalls. Each such L-shaped rim comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls and the second portion extending substantially parallel to the plurality of sidewalls.

[0025] In some embodiments, the one or more-stepped sections of each of the first container and the second container are defined on a first sidewall and a second sidewall positioned opposite to the first sidewall of the plurality of the sidewalls.

[0026] In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions have a fillet defined peripherally therearound, configured to facilitate sliding and engagement of the one or more locking tabs of the latch unit with the one or more protrusions.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second container is of same footprint and configured as that of the first container. In other embodiments, the second container has a different footprint from the footprint of the first container.

[0028] In some other embodiments, the second container is substantially half the footprint of the first container. In some such embodiments, each of the first container and the second container is configured to accommodate one or more half footprint containers.

[0029] In some embodiments, each of the first container and the second container is configured to accommodate plurality of smaller footprint containers.

[0030] By another aspect, the disclosure provides a container unit, comprising a container as described herein and a lid configured to cover the interior space of the container when being in a connected condition.

[0031] In some embodiments, the lid comprises a baseplate, a skirt that extends downwardly along a periphery of the baseplate, a flange extending upwardly and outwardly from the baseplate and extending along the periphery of the baseplate, and one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt and configured to engage with the latch unit of the container.

[0032] In some embodiments, the lid comprises a handle extending upward of the baseplate.

[0033] A fifth aspect of the disclosure concerns a portable container assembly, comprising at least one container as described herein, and a wheeled base connectable to the container to facilitate movement of the container in a connected condition.

[0034] In some embodiments, the wheeled base includes a baseplate, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the baseplate, a rim that extends outwardly and away from the plurality of sidewalls and configured to extend peripherally along an upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls, one or more stepped sections defined in an upper portion of at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls and configured to receive a latch unit of the wheeled base, and a plurality of slots defined in a lower portion of the baseplate, each slot of the plurality of slots being configured to receive a wheel unit.

[0035] In some embodiments, the baseplate comprises a window defined at a central region thereof. The window is delimited by a collar extending peripherally along an inner edge of the baseplate. In some embodiments, the plurality of sidewalls extend both upwardly and downwardly relative to the baseplate.

[0036] In some embodiments, the container includes one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt. The one or more extension members extend substantially parallel to the first rim and away from the skirt. Each of the one or more extension members is defined with a slot. The slot is configured to engage with the latch unit of the wheeled base.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Fig- 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a container, according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0040] Fig- 2 illustrates a perspective view of the container of the Fig. 1;

[0041] Figs. 3A-3B illustrate top perspective view of the container of the Fig. 1 (Fig. 3A), with a close-up view of a bottom portion ‘P’ of the container (Fig. 3B);

[0042] Figs. 4A-4B illustrate a bottom perspective view of the container of the Fig. 1 (Fig. 4A), and a close-up view of an underside portion ‘Q’ of the container (Fig. 4B);

[0043] Fig. 5 illustrates a close-up perspective view of a stepped section of the container of the Fig. 1;

[0044] Figs. 6A-6B illustrate a perspective view of the stepped section of the container of the Fig. 1 (Fig. 6A), and a close-up view of a region ‘R’ of the stepped section (Fig. 6B);

[0045] Figs. 7A-7B illustrate a perspective view of the stepped section of the container of the Fig. 1 (Fig. 7A), and a close-up view of a region ‘S’ of the stepped section (Fig. 7B);

[0046] Figs. 8A-8B illustrate, respectively, a bottom perspective view of the stepped section of the container of the Fig. 1 and a sectional view of the container of the Fig. 1, illustrating an angled pin engaged with an aperture of a latch unit of the container;

[0047] Fig. 8C illustrates a close-up view of the angled pin depicted in Fig. 8B;

[0048] Figs. 9A-9B illustrate a perspective view of the stepped section of the container of the Fig. 1 (Fig. 9A), and a close-up view of region ‘T’ of the stepped section (Fig. 9B); Figure 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a latch unit of a container of the disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 11 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the latch unit of the Fig. 10;

[0050] Figs. 12A-12B illustrate, respectively, a side perspective view and a top perspective view of the container with the latch unit disposed in an engaged position;

[0051] Figs. 13A-13B illustrate, respectively, a side perspective view and a top perspective view of the container with the latch unit disposed in a disengaged position;

[0052] Fig. 14 illustrates a container assembly, with latch units disposed in engaged position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 15 illustrates the container assembly of the Fig. 14, with the latch units disposed in the disengaged position;

[0054] Fig. 16A illustrates a sectional view of the container assembly of the Fig. 14, illustrating engagement of a locking tab of the latch unit with a protrusion of a first container;

[0055] Fig. 16B illustrates another sectional view of the container assembly of the Fig. 14, illustrating engagement between an extension member of a second container with a tooth of the latch unit coupled to the first container;

[0056] Fig. 17A illustrates an example of a container assembly, according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 17B illustrates a close-up view of interface region of the latch unit with second containers of the assembly of the Fig. 17A, in a bottom perspective view;

[0058] Fig. 18 illustrates yet another exemplary container assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0059] Fig. 19 illustrates a further exemplary container assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 20 illustrates yet another exemplary container assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0061] Fig. 21 illustrates a top perspective view of another container according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0062] Figs. 22A-22B illustrate, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of a lid of the container of the Fig. 21;

[0063] Figs. 23A-23B illustrate a perspective view of the lid of the Figs. 22A-22B (Fig.

[0064] 23 A), and a close-up view of region ‘U’ of the lid (Fig. 23B); Figs. 24A-24B illustrate a top perspective view of the lid of the Figs. 22A-22B (Fig. 24A), and a close-up view of region ‘V’ of the lid (Fig. 24B);

[0065] Figs 24C-24D illustrate a bottom perspective view of the lid of the Figs. 22A-22B (Fig. 24C), and a close-up view of region ‘W’ of the lid (Fig. 24D);

[0066] Fig. 25 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a lid;

[0067] Fig. 26 illustrates a further container according to an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0068] Fig. 27 illustrates another example of a container assembly including the container of the Fig. 26;

[0069] Fig. 28 illustrates a portable container assembly, according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0070] Fig. 29 illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled base of the portable container assembly of Fig. 28;

[0071] Figs. 30A-30B illustrate, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of the wheeled base of the Fig. 29;

[0072] Figs. 31A-31B illustrate top perspective view of the wheeled base of the Fig. 29 (Fig. 31 A), and a close up view of region ‘L’ of the wheeled base (Fig. 3 IB); and

[0073] Fig. 32 illustrates another bottom perspective view of the wheeled base of the Fig. 29, including wheel units coupled thereto.

[0074] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0075] Reference is now being made to Figs. 1 and 2, showing an exemplary embodiment of a container of the present disclosure. For sake of convenience, the container is exemplified as a receptacle or a crate configured to hold articles. The container may be made of any suitable material, such as, but not limited to, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or any other sufficiently hard plastic. Further, it is to be appreciated that the container can be of any type, shape, or size, as discussed hereinabove and as described herein.

[0076] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a container 100 in a top perspective view, and having a baseplate 101 forming a base of container 100, and a plurality of sidewalls 102 extending upwardly from the baseplate 101. Sidewalls 102 extend peripherally along the baseplate 101, i.e. along a perimeter of the baseplate. The baseplate 101 together with the sidewalls 102 define an interior space. Accordingly, it is to be appreciated that a shape and profile of the interior space defined by the plurality of sidewalls 102 depends on shape and profile of the baseplate 101. Sidewalls 102 include sidewalls 102A, 102B, 102C and 102D, which are collectively referred to as 102. While in the illustrated embodiment the baseplate is substantially rectangular shaped, it is appreciated that the baseplate may include more than four edges, and correspondingly, the plurality of sidewalls may comprise more than four sidewalls.

[0077] Turning to Figs. 3A-3B, illustrating, respectively, a top perspective view of the container 100 and a close-up view of portion ‘P’ of the container. Container 100 comprises a skirt 103, extending downwardly along a periphery of the baseplate 101 along the perimeter of the baseplate in the downward direction, for example in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the baseplate 101. Such configuration of the skirt 103 ensures that when the container 100 is placed on a floor / ground, direct contact of the baseplate 101 with the floor is avoided.

[0078] Container 100 further comprises a first rim 104, that extends outwardly along a periphery of the plurality of sidewalls 102, along a lower portion of the plurality of sidewalls 102, thereby defining a beading or a ribbon-like structure therearound. As seen in Figs. 4A- 4B, the first rim 104 is substantially L-shaped, extending peripherally along the lower portion of the plurality of sidewalls 102. The substantially L-shaped rim is typically formed by two portions that are perpendicular to each other - a first portion 104A extending substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls 102, and a second portion 104B that extends from and substantially perpendicular to the first portion 104A. The first rim 104 is configured to support resting and stacking of the container 100 on another container, where such another container is of substantially similar configuration as that of the container 100. The first rim 104 is structured to act as load bearing member, when the container 100 is rested and stacked on another container.

[0079] Container 100 further comprises a second rim 105, defined along an upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls 102 and extending outwardly and away therefrom, peripherally along the upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls. Typically, the second rim 105 is substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls 102. The second rim 105 is configured to support resting and stacking of another container on the container 100, substantially similar configuration of container 100. During such stacking, the second rim 105 engages and supports a first rim of another container when stacked thereupon. The second rim 105 may be planar in profile, so as to support resting of a first rim of another container to be stacked thereupon.

[0080] Container 100 further comprises one or more stepped sections 106, defined in the upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls 102, and at an intermediate portion of the second rim 105. As can be seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the one or more stepped sections 106 are defined on the first and second sidewalls 102A,102B opposite one another. However, in other arrangements (not shown), the one or more stepped sections 106 may be defined on more than two sidewalls or on all four sidewalls. The stepped sections 106 are configured to receive a latch unit 150 in a removable manner, where such latch unit 150 is configured to detachably attach another container to the container 100 during stacking of containers, as will be further described below.

[0081] As seen in Fig. 5, each stepped section 106 comprises a main flange 107 that extends outwardly from and perpendicularly to the plurality of sidewalls 102, and a pair of secondary flanges 108. Secondary flanges 108 extend downwardly from the main flange 107 and along the at least one of the sidewalls 102, and define a space therebetween. The pair of secondary flanges 108 are suitably spaced apart so as to receive at least a portion of the latch unit 150 coupled to the container 100, as will be explained.

[0082] As best seen in Figs. 6A-6B, the main flange 107 comprises one or more protrusions 109 and at least one slot 112 defined on an upper surface of the main flange 107. The protrusions 109 and slot 112 may be capsule shaped, and the slot 112 may be substantially longer than the length of the protrusions 109. The slot 112 can be configured to receive a hook or a locking member of a lid (not shown) that can be disposed on top of the container to restrict access to the interior space thereof.

[0083] As better seen in Figs. 7A-7B, each protrusion 109 may have a fillet 109A defined peripherally therearound, that is configured to facilitate sliding and engagement of a locking tab 154 (of the latch unit 150 coupled to the container 100) with the protrusion 109.

[0084] Fig. 8A illustrates a bottom perspective view of the stepped sections 106 of the container 100. Each stepped section 106 comprises include an angled pin 110 (seen in closeup view in Fig. 8C), defined on an inner surface 115 of each secondary flange 108. The angled pins 110 extend inwardly towards each other from the pair of secondary flanges 108, typically collinear (i.e. positioned along an imaginary straight line). Each pin 110 is configured to engage with an aperture 151 of the latch unit 150, as shown in Fig. 8B. Pin 110 may be comprised of an inclined portion 110A and a planar portion HOB (best seen in Fig. 8C). These portions (110A,110B) guide and facilitate of attachment of the latch unit 150 to the container 100, as will be explained below.

[0085] As can also be seen in Figs. 1 and 2, container 100 comprises one or more extension members 111, extending from a lower portion of the skirt 103. Seen best in Figs. 9A-9B, extension members 111 extend away from a bottom portion of the skirt 103 and substantially parallel relative to the first rim 104. The extension members 111 extend from a portion that lies slightly above the bottommost edge of the skirt 103, ensuring that the extension members

[0086] 111 do not bear load when the container 100 is placed on the floor. That is, the skirt 103 takes up the load while protecting the extension members 111 from breakage, wear and tear. Each extension member 111 is defined with a slot 111A, configured to engage with a latch unit 150 of another container as explained in the following paragraphs. While in the illustrated embodiment of the container includes a pair of extension members, it is to be understood that the container may include only one extension member or more than two such extension members 111.

[0087] Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate, respectively, top and bottom perspective views of the latch unit 150. Latch unit 150 comprises a housing 152 receivable in the stepped sections 106 of the container 100. The length, width, profile and other dimensional parameters of the latch unit 150 may be configured suitably, so as to be receivable in the stepped sections 106 of the container 100. Housing 152 is a substantially C-shaped elongate body extending between a first end 156A and a second end 156B, and includes an angled brim 156 extending along an upper portion of housing 152 between the two ends 156A,156B. At least a portion of the angled brim 156 may have a substantially V-shaped profile, as shown in Fig. 16A; however, said portion of the angled brim 156 may have any other suitable profile such as, but not limited to, U-shaped profile and the like (not shown).

[0088] Housing 152 comprises a pair of lips 153, each being defined with the aperture 151 that is configured to receive the angled pin 110 defined on the inner surface 115 of each of the pair of secondary flanges 108. During coupling of the latch unit 150 to the container 100, the inclined portion 110A and the planar portion HOB of pin 110 guide the lip 153 to slightly bends inward and smoothly slides over the angled pin 110. The lip 153, upon making contact with the planar portion HOB, gradually reverts to its original position (bends backward), and snaps back to into a locked condition, thereby coupling the latch unit 150 to the container 100. Such configuration of the angled pin 110 facilitates attachment of the latch unit 150 to the container 100. The latch unit 150 locked to the container 100, and more specifically by virtue of the configuration of the aperture 151 interfaced with the angled pin 110, gets rotatably coupled to the container 100.

[0089] Brim 156 includes one or more locking tabs 154 that extend downwardly from a bottom surface thereof, and configured to engage with protrusions 109 defined on the upper surface of the main flange 107. Accordingly, the number of locking tabs 154 may correspond to protrusions 109. During engagement of the latch unit 150 with the container 100, the locking tabs 154 make contact with an outward face of the protrusions 109, gradually sliding over the fillet 109A, and down to lockingly engage with an inward face of the protrusions 109. The brim 156 also comprises a plurality of teeth 155 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of brim 156. At least one tooth 155 is configured to overlie and engage with slot 111A defined in the extension members 111 of another container, such that when the latch unit 150 engages the container 100, the latch unit 150 gets rotatably coupled to the stepped sections 106. In such rotatably coupled condition, the latch unit 150 is moveable between an engaged position 113 and a disengaged position 114 (Figs. 12A-13B). In the engaged position 113, the latch unit 150 detachably secures another container to the container 100

[0090] A container assembly 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 14-15, and includes a first container 100A and a second container 100B stacked thereabove. Containers 100A,100B have similar configuration as that of the container 100 as described hereinabove, and in this specific example have the same footprints. The term ‘footprint’ as used herein refers to the size of the container, where such size includes parameters such as, but not limited to, length, width, height, volume, and the like.

[0091] In Fig. 14, the latch units 150A,150B are in the engaged position 113, while in Fig. 15 the latch units 150A,150B are in the disengaged position 114. In Fig. 14, latch unit 150A is rotatably coupled to the stepped sections 106 of the first container 100A, and moveable between the engaged position 113 and the disengaged position 114. In the engaged position 113, as depicted in the Fig. 14, latch unit 150A mounted detachably secures the second container 100B to the first container 100B. In the assembly 200, latch unit 150A is mounted on to the first container 100A by engaging the aperture 151 of the latch unit 150A with the angled pins 110 of the first container 100A. Similarly, the latch unit 150B is mounted on to the second container 100B by engaging the aperture 151 of the latch unit 150B with the angled pins 110 of the second container 100B. The latch unit 150B would be put to use in case of stacking a third container (not shown) on top of the second container 100B. The latch units 150A,150B have similar configuration as that of the latch unit 150 as described hereinabove.

[0092] The locking tabs 154 of the latch unit 150A are configured to engage with one or more protrusions 109 defined on the upper surface of the main flange 107 of the first container 100A. Such engagement is shown in a sectional view of Fig. 16A. Further, at least one tooth 155 of the latch unit 150A overlies and engages with the slot 111A defined in the extension members 111 of the second container 100B, as shown in Fig. 16B. The articulation between the latch unit 150A and the containers 100A,100B (specifically the engagement between the locking tabs 154 of the latch unit 150A with the protrusions 109 of the first container 100A, and the tooth 155 of the latch unit 150A with the slot 111A of the extension members 111 of the second container 100B) results in detachably stacking the second container 100B over the first container 100A.

[0093] A container assembly 300 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in Figs. 17A-17B. In this example, second containers 120A and 120B (collectively referred to as 120) are stacked on top of the first container 100A, and are substantially half the footprint of the first container 100A. In assembly 300, the locking tabs 154 of the latch unit 150A engage with protrusions 109 of the first container 100A, as seen in the close-up view of Fig. 17B. The two locking tabs 154, which are visible in the Fig. 17b, engage with protrusions 109 of the first container 100A, and teeth 155 of the latch unit 150A engage with the slot 111A of the extension members 111 of the second containers 120A,120B.

[0094] Container assembly 350 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 18. In the assembly 350, the second container 120 stacked on top of the first container 100A is substantially half the footprint of the first container 100A, and is centrally positioned on top of the first container 100A. In such position, in the engaged position 113 of the latch unit 150A, the locking tabs 154 of the latch unit 150A engage with protrusions 109 of the first container 100A, and teeth 155 of the latch unit 150A engage with the slot 111A of the extension members 111 of the second container 120. More specifically, in engaged position 113 of the latch unit 150A, while one tooth 155 on one side of the locking tabs 154 engages with slot 111A of the extension member 111 of the second container 120, another tooth 155 on other side of the locking tabs 154 engage with slot 111A of the extension member 111 of the second container 120. Accordingly, the remaining teeth 155 on either side of the locking tabs 154 would not have any engagement with the second container 120. Furthermore, the slot 111A defined in the extension members 111 of the second container 120, upon engagement with the tooth 155 would facilitate in central positioning (as shown in Fig. 18) or offset positioning (as shown in Fig. 17A) of the second container 120.

[0095] In the assembly 400, shown in Fig. 19, each of the first and second containers 100A,100B is configured to accommodate plurality of smaller (‘mini’) footprint containers 130. Another such example, with a different arrangement of smaller footprint containers is shown in Fig. 20 with respect to container assembly 500 and varied footprint containers 130,140

[0096] Fig. 21 illustrates a container unit 600, comprising a container 100 and a lid 157, configured to be removably connectable to the container for covering the interior space of the container 600.

[0097] Figs. 22A-24D show the lid 157 in isolation. Construction and configurational aspects of the lid 157 is similar to construction and configurational aspects of a lower portion of container 100, so as to facilitate coupling of the lid 157 to the second rim 105 of the container 100. Similar to container 100, the lid 157 includes a baseplate 101A and a skirt 103A that extends downwardly along a periphery of the baseplate 101A. As can be seen in the Figs. 23 A-23B, lid 157 comprises one or more extension members 111A' extending from a lower portion of the skirt 103 A, and are configured to engage with the latch unit 150 of the container 100 in a similar manner that is depicted and described with reference to the Figs. 14-16B. However, the lid 157 includes a flange 162 that extends upwardly and outwardly from the baseplate 101A and along the periphery thereof. As can be seen in Figs. 24A-24D, flange 162 is a substantially U-shaped and comprised of three portions: a first portion 162A extending upwardly from the baseplate 101A, a second portion 162B extending outwardly and substantially perpendicular from the first portion 162A, and a third portion 162C that extends downwardly from the second portion 162B. Third portion 162C may be substantially parallel to first portion 162A. The flange 162 defines a beading or a ribbon-like structure, so as to facilitate in forming a tight fit between the flange 162 and the second rim 105 of the container 100. The flange 162 may also include a plurality of ribs 162D, extending between the first portion 162A and the third portion 162C, for strengthening of the flange 162.

[0098] Another configuration of the lid is shown in Fig. 25. Lid 157a is similar in construction and configuration to lid 157, however also includes an upwardly-extending handle 158 to facilitate lifting of the container unit 600 when lid 157A is coupled to container 100. The handle 158 extends from a ridge 158A defined on the baseplate 101A, and may be centrally positioned on the baseplate 101A.

[0099] Container 650 shown in Figs. 26-27 is similar in construction and configuration to the container 100, as described above, however also including an opening 167, for instance in sidewall 102D of the container. By virtue of including the opening 167, access to the interior space of the container 650 is provided, without having to dislodge the container 100.

[0100] Fig. 28 illustrates a portable container assembly 700, in which second container 100B is mounted over first container 100A, and coupled therewith by latch unit 150A. The second container 100B is provided with the lid 157A, that is coupled with the second container 100B by means of the latch unit 150B. Latch units 150A,150B have configuration similar to the latch unit 150, as described herein. The portable container assembly 700 further includes a wheeled base 159 connectable to the first container 100A, configured to facilitate movement of the portable container assembly 700.

[0101] Figs. 29-32 illustrates wheeled base 159. The wheeled base 159 includes a baseplate 101B, and a plurality of sidewalls 102A', 102B', 1020, 102D' extending from baseplate 101B. Rim 105B extends outwardly and away from the plurality of sidewalls 102A'-102D’ peripherally along an upper portion of the sidewalls.

[0102] As can be seen from the Figs. 30A-30B (showing wheeled base 159 without the latch unit 150B’ and wheels), the sidewalls 102A'-102D’ extend both upwardly and downwardly relative to the baseplate 101B. The baseplate 101B may include a window 163 defined at a central region thereof, delimited by a collar 164 extending peripherally along an inner edge 165 of the baseplate 101B. Wheeled base 159 includes one or more stepped sections 106B defined in an upper portion of at least one sidewall of sidewalls 102A'-102D’, and may be at an intermediate portion of the rim 105B. The stepped sections 106B are configured to receive a latch unit 150B' in a removable manner during stacking of containers 100A,100B to form the portable container assembly 700. The latch units 150B' have configuration similar to the latch unit 150, as described above.

[0103] The stepped sections 106B of the wheeled base 159 have construction and configuration similar to the stepped sections 106 of the container 100. A main flange 107B of the stepped sections 106B includes one or more protrusions 109B defined on the upper surface thereof.

[0104] The wheeled base 159 further includes a plurality of slots 161 defined in a lower portion of the baseplate 101B. Each slot 161 is configured to receive a wheel 160. The wheeled base 159 may also include one or more cross members 166 extending between the collar 164 and each slot 161. The cross members 166 may be configured to impart structural rigidity to the region of the wheeled base 159 defined with the slots 161. The wheeled base 159 including the wheels 160 received therein makes the portable container assembly 700 moveable, and hence making the portable container assembly 700 as the portable container assembly 700.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container, comprising: a baseplate and a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the baseplate defining an interior space; a skirt extending downwardly along a periphery of the baseplate; a first rim extending outwardly along a periphery of a lower portion of the plurality of sidewalls; a second rim extending outwardly and away from the plurality of sidewalls, the second rim configured to extend peripherally along an upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls; and one or more stepped sections defined in an upper portion of at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls, the one or more stepped sections configured to receive a latch unit.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the one or more stepped sections comprise: a main flange extending outwardly and substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls; one or more protrusions and at least one slot defined on an upper surface of the main flange; a pair of secondary flanges extending downwardly from the main flange, and along the at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls; and an angled pin defined on an inner surface of each of the pair of secondary flanges, the angled pin of each of the pair of secondary flanges extending inwardly towards each other, and the angled pin configured to engage with an aperture of the latch unit.

3. The container of claim 1 or 2, wherein the latch unit comprises: a housing receivable in the one or more stepped sections of the container, the housing including a pair of lips extending parallelly and inwardly thereof, wherein each of the pair of lips is defined with the aperture configured to receive the angled pin; and an angled brim extending between a first end and a second end of the housing, wherein the angled brim comprises: one or more locking tabs extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the angled brim, the one or more locking tabs configured to engage with one or more protrusions defined on the upper surface of the main flange; anda plurality of teeth extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the angled brim.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the latch unit is rotatably coupled to the one or more stepped sections, the latch unit moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, the latch unit configured to secure another container to the container, in the engaged position.

5. The container of any one of claims 1 to 4, comprises one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt, the one or more extension members extending substantially parallel to the first rim and away from the skirt, and each of the one or more extension members defined with a slot, the slot configured to engage with a latch unit of another container.

6. The container of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first rim is a substantially L- shaped rim extending peripherally along the lower portion of the plurality of sidewalls, the substantially L-shaped rim including a first portion extending substantially perpendicular to the plurality of sidewalls and a second portion extending substantially parallel to the plurality of sidewalls.

7. The container of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more stepped sections are defined on a first sidewall and on a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls.

8. The container of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the one or more protrusions has a fillet defined peripherally therearound, the fillet configured to facilitate sliding and engagement of the one or more locking tabs with the one or more protrusions.

9. A container assembly, comprising: a first container according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a second container according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the second container resting and stacked on the first container; wherein the latch unit is rotatably coupled to the one or more stepped sections of the first container, and moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position to secure the second container to the first container in the engaged position.

10. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the second container is of same footprint and configuration as that of the first container.

11. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein the second container is of substantially half the footprint of the first container.

12. The container assembly of claim 11, wherein each of the first container and the second container is configured to accommodate one or more half footprint containers.

13. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the first container and the second container is configured to accommodate plurality of smaller footprint containers.

14. The container assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the first container and the second container is configured to accommodate at least one varied footprint container and at least one mini footprint containers.

15. A container unit, comprising: a container according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a lid removably connectable to the container, the lid configured to cover the interior space of the container in a connected condition.

16. The container unit of claim 15, wherein the lid comprises: a baseplate; a skirt extending downwardly along a periphery of the baseplate; a flange extending upwardly and outwardly from the baseplate, the flange extending along the periphery of the baseplate; and one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt, the one or more extension members configured to engage with the latch unit of the container.

17. The container unit of claim 15 or 16, wherein the lid comprises a handle extending upward of the baseplate.

18. A portable container assembly, comprising: a container according to any one of claims 1 to 8; and a wheeled base connectable to the container, the wheeled base configured to facilitate movement of the container in a connected condition.

19. The portable container assembly of the claim 18, wherein the wheeled base comprises: a baseplate and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the baseplate; a rim extending outwardly and away from the plurality of sidewalls, the rim configured to extend peripherally along an upper portion of the plurality of sidewalls;one or more stepped sections defined in an upper portion of at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls, the one or more stepped sections configured to receive a latch unit of the wheeled base; and a plurality of slots defined in a lower portion of the baseplate, each slot of the plurality of slots configured to receive a wheel unit.

20. The portable container assembly of claim 19, wherein the baseplate comprises a window defined at a central region thereof, and wherein the window is delimited by a collar extending peripherally along an inner edge of the baseplate.

21. The portable container assembly of claim 19 or 20, wherein plurality of sidewalls extend both upwardly and downwardly relative to the baseplate.

22. The portable container assembly of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the container comprises one or more extension members extending from a lower portion of the skirt, the one or more extension members extending substantially parallel to the first rim and away from the skirt, and each of the one or more extension members defined with a slot, the slot configured to engage with the latch unit of the wheeled base.

Images