EP2095912A1

EP2095912A1 - Container for storing articles

Info

Publication number: EP2095912A1
Application number: EP09250513A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Augustine Degorl
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-02-27
Filing date: 2009-02-26
Publication date: 2009-09-02
Also published as: US20090212056A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a container (100) for string articles. The container (100) includes a base (102), a projection (104), one or more dividing walls, one or more first walls and one or more second walls (108). The projection (104) extends about a periphery of the base to configure a space therewithin. The configured space comprises one or more compartments formed by the one or more dividing walls disposed in the configured space. The one or more compartments are then split into one or more rows (110) by the one or more first walls. Each row (110) of the one or more rows is divided into a plurality of cells by the one or more second walls. Each cell of the plurality of cells is capable of storing articles therein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to containers and, more particularly, to a container for storing of the articles of similar or different kinds.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Storage of articles of everyday use involves grouping and placing of the articles in packages. Examples of the articles include buttons, threads, needles, stationery, medicines, tea bags, and the like. Examples of the package include plastic bags, pouches, and the like. Storage of the articles in such packages involves effort from a user for placing the articles in order due to their varying size and variety of the articles. Further, once occupied with the articles, these packages may use more storage space due to improper storage of the articles therein. Moreover, such improper storage of the articles makes it difficult for the user to keep track of articles that are in shortage and that need to be replenished. Furthermore, certain articles, such as medicines, may be required more often as compared to other articles e.g. buttons and accordingly should be easily accessible.
Accordingly, there is a need for a container that is capable of storing the articles in order. Moreover, there is a need for a container that is structured in a manner to utilize available storage space efficiently. Further, there is a need for a container that is capable of storing the articles in an easily accessible manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a container for storing articles that is configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a container for storing articles.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a container that is structured in a manner to utilize available storage space efficiently.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a container capable of storing similar articles together.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a container capable of giving easy accessibility to the articles stored within the container.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a container for storing articles that is lightweight, thereby enabling easy portability thereof.
In light of the above objects, in one aspect of the present invention, a container for storing one or more articles is disclosed. The container includes a base, a projection, one or more dividing walls, one or more first walls, and one or more second walls. The projection extends about a periphery of the base for configuring a space therewithin. The one or more dividing walls are disposed in the configured space, thereby splitting the configured space into one or more compartments. The one or more first walls are disposed in the one or more compartments to split each compartment of the one or more compartments into one or more rows. The each first wall of the one or more first walls comprises a horizontal portion and an inclined portion. The horizontal portion is configured perpendicular to the base portion, whereas, the inclined portion extends outwardly from the horizontal portion. The one or more second walls are disposed in the one or more rows to configure a plurality of cells in the one or more rows. Each cell of the plurality of cells is capable of storing one or more articles therein.
In another aspect of the present invention, the container further includes a handle configured on the projection, thereby enabling a user to hold or carry the container.
These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container for storing articles, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the container of FIG. 1, the front view is shown as a view that is viewable in a direction of X; and
FIG. 3 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1, the side view is shown as a view that is viewable in a direction of Y.
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The terms "first," "second," and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Similarly, the terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used herein to denote relative and not exact positions.
Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, a container 100 for storing articles is shown. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the container 100 for storing articles. FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the container 100, and FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the container 100.
The container 100 includes a base 102, a projection 104, and one or more dividing walls for example, a dividing wall (hereinafter referred to as a dividing wall 106). The container further includes, one or more first walls (not shown) and one or more second walls 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 108e, and 108f, as shown in FIG. 1. The one or more second walls 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d, 108e, and 108f may be referred to as second walls 108a - 108f. The base 102 forms a back support for the container 100 while the articles are placed in the container 100. The projection 104 extends about a periphery of the base 102 to configure a space therewithin (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, the base 102 is rectangle in shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Accordingly, the projection 104 is shown to include four peripheral walls for example, a pair of longitudinal walls 104a and a pair of lateral walls 104b, extending from the periphery of the rectangular base. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the base 102 may have a circular shape, any polygonal shape, or any other geometrical or random shape.
The dividing wall 106 is disposed in the configured space to split the configured space into one or more compartments (not shown). It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the container 100 may have a plurality of dividing walls capable of splitting the configured space into a plurality of compartments. For example, in the present embodiment, the dividing walls 106 split the configured space into two compartments. The one or more compartments may be split into one or more rows 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d (hereinafter referred to as rows 110a-110d) by the one or more first walls (hereinafter referred to as a first wall) disposed in the configured space. The rows 110a-110d may be spaced apart at a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance between adjacent rows of the rows 110a -110d may be decided, based on the articles that need to be stored in the container 100. By spacing apart the adjacent rows of the rows 110a-110d, the configured space formed within the container 110 may be efficiently utilized for storing the articles. For the purpose of this description, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate four rows such as, the rows 110a - 110d. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the container 100 may include more or lesser number of rows than illustrated in the FIGS. 1 and 2.
Referring to the FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the first wall includes a horizontal portion 112 and an inclined portion 114 extending outwardly from the horizontal portion 112. The inclined portion 114 is inclined at an angle to provide sufficient space so that the articles stored in the container 100 may be easily accessible to a user.
The container 100 further includes the one or more second walls, for example second walls 108a - 108f disposed in each row of the rows 110a - 110d to configure a plurality of cells such as, a cell 116. More specifically, the cell 116 is formed of the second wall 108a, the second wall 108b, a part of the horizontal portion 112, and a part of the inclined portion 114 as shown in FIG.1. Further, each second wall of the second walls 108a - 108f, for example, the second wall 108e, includes a first edge 118, a second edge 120, and a third edge (not shown). The first edge 118 is coupled to the base 102. The second edge 120 extends perpendicularly from the first edge 118 and couples with the horizontal portion 112 of the first wall. The third edge extends from the second edge 120 and couples with the inclined portion 114 of the first wall.
The second wall 108e further includes a fourth edge 122 extending between the first edge 118 and the third edge. The fourth edge 122 is curve in shape. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the fourth edge 122 may posses any shape. Referring back to the cell 116 of the plurality of cells, the cell 116 is capable of storing one or more similar or different kinds of articles. The similar or different kinds of articles may include for example, tea bags, buttons, threads, stationery items, visiting cards, rubber bands, cosmetics, and the like.
The container 100 further includes a handle 124 that enables a user to hold the container 100. Moreover, the handle 124 enables the container 100 to be suspended vertically on the wall. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle 124 may be configured on top of the projection 104. The handle 104 includes two side walls 126a and 126b and a central grip portion 128. The side walls 126a and 126b extend from the projection 104 and are adapted to support the central grip portion 128 that may be disposed between the two side walls 126a and 126b. More specifically, the side walls 126a and 126b extend from a lateral wall 104b of the pair of lateral walls 104b as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the side walls 126a and 126b are structured to taper from the projection 104 to both ends of the central grip portion128.
The central grip portion 128 may be configured at a distance from the projection 104 thereby forming a space therebetween. The space may be used to accommodate a user's hand while holding the container 100. The central grip portion 128 may used by the user to carry the container 100 from one place to another.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the central grip portion 128 may be cylindrical in shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the central grip portion 128 may have any other geometrical or random shape, including square, rectangle, triangle, polygonal, and the like. The central grip portion 128 may be made of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the central grip portion 128 may be covered by a material that is capable of providing friction for gripping the central grip 128 firmly. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that the material for covering the central grip portion 128 may include foam, soft rubbers, polymers, and the like.
The container 100 may further include one or more support members, hereinafter referred as a support member such as, a support member 130. The support member 130 may be coupled to the container 100 to at a lower lateral end portion of the projection 104 as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The support member 130 is capable of providing support to the container 100, when the container 100 is vertically disposed. The support member 130 may have a triangular cross-section as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, such that the support member 130 comprises a back surface (not shown) and a base surface (not shown). The back surface is coupled to the lower lateral end portion of the projection 104. For example, the back surface is configured with a lateral wall 104b of the pair of lateral walls 104b as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the container 100 positioned vertically on a horizontal surface. The base surface along with the bottom lateral wall 104b provides adequate support to the container 100 when the container 100 is disposed on the horizontal surface.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the container 100 may be composed of a plastic material or wooden material. More specifically, components of the container 100, for example, the base 102, the projection 104, the dividing wall 106, and the second walls 108a - 108f may be composed of a wooden or plastic material or a combination thereof. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the container 100 may be composed of any other material, such as a metal. Further, the material of the container 100 may be formed by a combination of plastic and the other material. According, the container 100 may be lightweight, thereby enabling easy portability thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the container may have a dimension of about 18 inches x 14 inches. Further in the present embodiment, the container 100 may include components having the following dimensions: Each inclined portion, such as the inclined portion 114 having a length of about 3 inches and having a height of about 3.5 inches; each second wall of the plurality of second walls 108a - 108f having a dimension of about 3 inches x 3.5 inches x 1/32 inch; the projection 104 along with the support member 130 having a length of about 4 inches.
The container disclosed herein has many advantages. The container 100 may be placed at a suitable location, based upon the articles stored in the plurality of cells. The plurality of cells is capable of storing various articles and has a structure that allows users to easily access the articles. The container is utilized for storing tea bags or any kitchen items and the container may be placed in a kitchen premises. Alternatively, the container may be placed in a study room premises when stationery items are stored in the container. Further, the container may be used for storing frequently used articles separately from rarely used articles. Such provisions provided by the container enable the user to easily access the articles needed. Accordingly, the time required for searching the articles may be considerably reduced. Furthermore, the container 100 may be structured in a manner to utilize available storage space efficiently. Moreover, the container may be lightweight, thereby enabling easy portability thereof
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The disclosures in United States patent application No. 12/038,178 , from which this application claims priority, and in the abstract accompanying this application are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

A container for storing one or more articles, the container comprising: a base;
a projection extending about a periphery of the base portion for configuring a space therewithin;
one or more dividing walls disposed in the configured space, the one or more dividing walls capable of splitting the configured space into one or more compartments;
one or more first walls disposed in the one or more compartments, the one or more first walls capable of splitting each compartment of the one or more compartments into one or more rows, each first wall of the one or more first walls comprising:
a substantially horizontal portion configured substantially perpendicular to the base, and

an inclined portion extending outwardly from the horizontal portion; and,
one or more second walls disposed in one or more rows for configuring a plurality of cells in the one or more rows,
wherein each cell of the plurality of cells is capable of storing the one or more articles therein.
The container of claim 1, comprising a handle configured on the projection, the handle enabling the container to be suspended in a substantially vertical position.
The container of claim 2, wherein the handle is capable of providing a grip portion to a user for holding the container.
The container of claim 1, 2 or 3, comprising one or more support member coupled to the projection, the one or more support members enabling the container to be substantially vertically disposed on a horizontal surface.
The container of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the container is composed of at least one of a plastic material and a wooden material.
Any preceding claim, wherein the each second wall of the one or more second walls comprises:
a first edge coupled to the base of the container,

a second edge extending substantially perpendicularly from the first edge, the second edge coupled to the horizontal portion of a first wall of the one or more first walls,

a third edge extending from the second edge, the third edge coupled to the inclined portion of the first wall of the one or more first walls, and

a fourth edge extending between the first edge and the third edge, wherein the fourth edge is curved in shape.