EP2240377B1 - Multi-function storage bin - Google Patents
Multi-function storage bin Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2240377B1 EP2240377B1 EP09701234A EP09701234A EP2240377B1 EP 2240377 B1 EP2240377 B1 EP 2240377B1 EP 09701234 A EP09701234 A EP 09701234A EP 09701234 A EP09701234 A EP 09701234A EP 2240377 B1 EP2240377 B1 EP 2240377B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- channel
- storage bin
- foot
- bin
- bins
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
- B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
- B65D21/04—Open-ended containers shaped to be nested when empty and to be superposed when full
- B65D21/048—Identical stackable containers specially adapted for retaining the same orientation when nested, e.g. the upper container being fixed or slightly rotatable during the nesting operation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B87/00—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units
- A47B87/02—Sectional furniture, i.e. combinations of complete furniture units, e.g. assemblies of furniture units of the same kind such as linkable cabinets, tables, racks or shelf units stackable ; stackable and linkable
- A47B87/0207—Stackable racks, trays or shelf units
- A47B87/0261—Independent trays
- A47B87/0269—Independent trays without separate distance holders
Definitions
- This invention relates to storage bins according to the preamble of claim 1 and, more particularly, to multi-function storage bins that can be interlocked with one another when the bins are stacked on top of one another or nested together.
- Storage bins or containers are used to store loose objects such as screws, nuts, bolts, nails, pegs, etc.
- Storage bins may be hung from or mounted to a perforated support panel, perf-board, bin rail, bin rack, bin cabinet, or louvered panel, for example.
- Storage bins also may be stacked on top of one another or nested together.
- Known storage bins of one type generally have two side walls separated by front, back and bottom surfaces.
- the top edges of the side walls typically include a ledge and the bottoms of the side walls include feet.
- Several bins can be stacked together by resting the feet of one bin on the ledges of another bin, and unstacked by lifting the bins off of each other. Due to the relative ease with which the bins can be stacked and unstacked, a stack of bins is relatively cumbersome or difficult to move because the bins easily separate if the stack is toppled or knocked over, causing the contents of the bins to spill and/or intermix. Thus, in order to move the bins they must either be lifted by the bottommost bin in the stack or moved individually.
- Stackable storage bins of another known type incorporate slotted feet that are configured to engage pins or tabs in the area of the ledge.
- One such bin incorporates two triangular tabs at the ledge. Inserting the pins into the slots in the feet provides guidance for stacking the bins, but does provide suitable retention.
- these bins suffer from the same problems as their unslotted counterparts, namely, they are difficult to move because they separate easily if they are knocked over.
- Other storage bins are designed to nest together in order to consolidate space, for example, when shipping the bins.
- the nesting bins have a ledge along the upper edges of the side walls.
- the side walls of the bin have a horizontal ridge that separate the bin into an upper portion and a slightly narrower lower portion.
- the bins are nested together by placing one bin into another such that the narrower bottom portion of one bin rests in the wider, upper portion of a second bin. When the bins are nested together, the ridge of the upper bin is supported by the ledge of the lower bin.
- Known storage bins with this configuration do not have feet and therefore cannot be stacked on top of one another.
- the bins can be separated or pulled apart by lifting one bin from another bin, and consequently, the bins may be difficult to move because they easily separate if the stack of nested bins is knocked over. Furthermore, given the flexibility of the side walls, the bins sometimes may undesirably collapse into one another, for example, if a heavy load is placed an upper bin.
- Nesting bins of another variety have a pair of feet that are insertable into a channel in the side walls. These bins are nested together by inserting the feet of one bin into a respective channel of another bin. In order to hold the feet in place, the width of the channel is slightly narrower at the channel entrance or opening. Thus, the side walls of the channel must be flexed slightly outwardly to allow the feet to pass through the opening and into the channel. The repeated flexing of the side walls creates stress in the areas of the openings and eventually may cause the bin to crack, split, break or otherwise fail.
- FR 2 078 901 relates to a drawer-type storage bin having a channel disposed in the respective side walls and defines the preamble of claim 1.
- an aspect of the invention relates to improvements in storage bins that overcome the previously mentioned ned drawbacks.
- a storage bin includes a pair of side walls separated from each other by a rear portion and a bottom portion, the rear portion and the bottom portion extending between the side walls.
- One or more channels in each side wall have a point of entry and a tab partially blocking a portion of at least one oh the channels such that the tab impedes the removal of a foot of a second storage bin when the foot is inserted in the channel.
- the channel extends from a front portion of the storage bin towards the rear portion of the storage bin, and the point of entry is near the front portion of the storage bin.
- the channel has an upper wall having an upper front edge and a lower wall having a lower front edge, and the upper front edge is offset from the lower front edge.
- the channel is tapered such that it is wider near the point of entry and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin.
- the channel is tapered such that the channel is wider near the point of entry facilitating insertion of a foot of a second storage bin into the channel and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin tending to retain in the channel the feet of a second storage bin.
- the upper wall of the channel is sloped relative to the lower wall of the channel to center the foot of the second storage bin in the channel.
- the upper wall of the channel further includes a lateral portion to restrict the vertical movement of the foot in the channel.
- the tab partially blocks the point of entry of at least one channel.
- the foot of a second storage is insertable into the channel to stack the storage bins on top of one another or to nest one storage bin at least partially within the other storage bin.
- the storage bin includes a cover that is insertable into the channel to at least partially close the storage bin.
- a storage bin includes a pair of side walls separated from each other by a rear wall and a bottom surface, the rear wall and bottom surface extending between the side walls.
- An upper channel in each side wall has a point of entry and a tab partially blocking the point of entry. The tabs impede removal of a pair of feet on a second storage bin when the feet are inserted into the upper channels to stack the storage bins on top of one another.
- a lower channel in each side wall has a point of entry and a tab partially blocking the point of entry such that the tabs impede removal of the feet on the second storage bin when the feet are inserted into the lower channels to at least partially nest the storage bins together.
- At least one of the upper or lower channels has an upper wall having an upper front edge and a lower wall having a lower front edge and the upper front edge is offset from the lower front edge.
- At least one upper or lower channel is tapered such that the channel is wider near the point of entry and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin.
- the tab extends from the lower front edge of the channel to restrict the horizontal movement of the foot in the channel.
- the upper wall of the at least one channel further includes a lateral portion to restrict the vertical movement of the foot in the channel.
- the lateral portion is a flange-like lateral extension of the side walls.
- the upper wall of at least one channel is angled relative to the lower portion of the channel.
- the storage bin includes a cover that is insertable into the upper channel or the lower channel to at least partially close the storage bin.
- a storage bin includes a pair of side walls separated from each other by a rear portion and a bottom portion, the rear portion and bottom portion extending between the side walls, and a channel in each side wall, each channel having an upper portion having an upper front edge and a lower portion having a lower front edge.
- a point of entry defined by the upper front edge and the lower front edge, and a tab at least partially blocks the point of entry of at least one channel such that the tab impedes removal of a foot on a second storage bin when the foot is inserted into the channel.
- the tab extends from the lower front edge of the channel.
- the upper front edge is offset from the lower front edge.
- the upper portion of the channel is sloped relative to the lower portion of the channel.
- the upper portion of the channel has a lateral portion.
- the lateral portion is a flange-like lateral extension of the side walls.
- the foot is comprised of an angular portion and a lateral portion.
- the bin includes a second channel in each side wall.
- a method of arranging storage bins includes the steps of inserting a foot of a first storage bin into a channel of a second storage bin and impeding the movement of the first storage bin at least partially blocking a point of entry to the channel.
- the storage bins are stacked on top of one another. According to an embodiment, the storage bins are at least partially nested within each other.
- the method includes the step of lifting the foot to unblock it from removal from the channel.
- the method further includes the step of inserting a cover into a second channel in at least one of the storage bins to at least partially close the storage bin.
- FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate a multi-use storage bin 10.
- the storage bin 10 has two sides 11, 12, each having a pair of upper channels 13 and a pair of lower channels 14.
- Each upper channel 13 has a point of entry 15 that is partially blocked by a tab 16.
- the each of the lower channels 14 have a point of entry 17 that also is partially blocked by a tab 18.
- a pair of feet 20 are disposed at the bottom of each side 11, 12 and are used for stacking several bins on top of one another or nesting several bins together.
- two or more bins are stackable on top of one another by inserting the feet 20 of a first or upper storage bin 22 into the upper channels 13 of a second or lower storage bin 23. Because the tab 16 partially blocks the point of entry 15 to the upper channel 13, it interferes with or impedes removal of the foot 20 from the channel 13. Thus, removal of the foot 20 from the channel 13 requires a vertical force to lift the foot 20 over the tab 16 and a lateral force to slide the foot 20 from the channel 13.
- two or more storage bins can be nested together by inserting the feet 20 of the upper storage bin 22 into the lower channels 14 of the second storage bin 23. Because the tab 18 partially blocks the point of entry 17 to the lower channel 14, it interferes with or impedes removal of the foot 20 from the channel 14. Like the upper channel, removal of the foot 20 from the lower channel 14 requires a vertical force to lift the foot 20 over the tab 18 and a lateral force to slide the foot 20 from the channel 14.
- the channel and tab configuration and the combination of the lateral and vertical forces to remove the feet 20 of the upper storage bin 22 from the upper channel 13 or lower channel 14 of the lower storage bin 23 allows the storage bins to be interlocked with one another when stacked or nested. This further allows the storage bins to be moved easily without separating from one another, and prevents or inhibits the accidental sliding or removal of the feet 20 from the channels.
- the channel and tab configuration also reduces the risk that the bins will fall or collapse into one another, tip over and separate, or crack from placing unnecessary stress on the side walls of the bin when inserting and removing the feet from the channels.
- the storage bin 10 has two sides 11, 12 that are spaced from each other by a front portion 30, a bottom portion 31 and a rear portion 32. Together, the sides 11, 12, front 30, bottom 31 and rear 32 portions form a cavity that can be used for storage of miscellaneous loose items, such as, e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, nails, etc., sewing materials, powder, or virtually anything that will fit in the bin.
- miscellaneous loose items such as, e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, nails, etc., sewing materials, powder, or virtually anything that will fit in the bin.
- the pair of upper channels 13, also referred to as stacking channels, are disposed on or molded in the sides 11, 12 of the storage bin 10.
- the upper channels 13 are used to stack two storage bins on top of one another as described above with respect to FIG. 2 and as will be described in more detail below.
- the pair of lower channels 14, also referred to as nesting channels, are disposed on or molded in the sides 11, 12 of the storage bin 10.
- the lower channels 14 are used to nest two or more storage bins together as described above with respect to FIG. 3 and as will be described in more detail below.
- the storage bin 10 is shown with both upper channels and lower channels 14, it will be appreciated that the bin 10 alternatively may have only a single pair of channels. For example, if the storage bin only has a pair of upper, stacking channels 13, several storage bins could be stacked on top of one another, but not nested together. Likewise, if the storage bin only has a pair of lower, nesting channels 14, then several bins could be nested together, but not stacked on top of one another. If desired, the storage bin also may have more than two pairs of channels. It will be appreciated that either or both of the channels can be located at any desired height to achieve any variation and/or combination of nesting and/or stacking.
- the front portion of the upper channel 13 is shown in more detail in FIG. 1B .
- the upper channel 13 has an upper wall 33, which also may be referred to as a locking lip.
- the upper wall 33 has an upper front edge 34.
- the upper channel 13 has a lower wall 35, which has a lower front edge 36.
- the upper front edge 34 and the lower front edge 36 define the point of entry 15 to the upper channel 13.
- the upper front edge 34 is horizontally offset from the lower front edge 36.
- the tab 16 is molded or otherwise attached to the lower front edge 36 of the upper channel 13.
- the tab 16 partially obstructs or blocks the point of entry 15.
- a rear face 37 of the tab 16 inhibits the horizontal movement of the foot 20 when the foot 20 is fully inserted in the upper channel 13. Sliding the foot 20 from the upper channel 13 is impeded by the tab 16, thus tending to block removal of the foot 20 from the channel 13 unless the foot 20 is lifted vertically and slid over the tab 16.
- the lower channel 14 has an upper wall 40 having an upper front edge 41 and a lower wall 42 having a lower front edge 43.
- the upper front edge 41 and the lower front edge 43 define the point of entry 17 to the lower channel 14.
- the upper front edge 41 and lower front edge 43 are horizontally offset from one another to facilitate the insertion and removal of a foot 20 from the channel 14.
- a tab 18 extends from the front edge 43 of the lower wall 42 to partially block the point of entry 17. As described above with respect to the upper channel 13, the tab 18 at the lower front edge 43 has a rear face 44. The rear face 44 of the tab 18 inhibits the horizontal movement of the foot when the foot is fully inserted in the lower channel 14. Sliding the foot 20 from the lower channel 14 is impeded by the tab 18, thus tending to block removal of the foot 20 from the channel 14 unless the foot 20 is lifted vertically and slid over the tab 18.
- the two forces in different directions that are required to remove the feet 20 from the channels 13, 14 reduce the likelihood that several stacked or nested storage 22, 23 bins will separate from one another should they be knocked or toppled over, and also reduces the likelihood that the bins may be accidentally slid apart.
- the offset between the upper 34 and lower 36 edges of the upper channel 13 and the upper 41 and lower 43 edges of the lower channel 14 is approximately 1/8 inch, however it will be appreciated that the size of the channels, and points of entry may be increased or decreased to accommodate the feet of larger or smaller storage bins or feet having different profiles, etc.
- the tabs 16, 18 are shown extending vertically to partially block a portion of the points of entry 15, 17 to the upper 13 and lower channels 14, it will be appreciated that the tabs 16, 18 may be oriented at other positions on or within the channel.
- the tabs may extend from the front edges 34, 41 of the upper walls 33, 40 of the channels 13, 14 or may be disposed at another position along the length of the channels.
- FIG. 16 shown as a tab 16, 18 partially blocking the point of entry 15, 17, it will be appreciated that another implement may be used to inhibit or interfere with the removal of the feet from the channels.
- one or more tabs may be incorporated into the channel or may block part of the channel, as may be desired.
- the foot 20 in FIG. 1D is a flared foot.
- the foot 20 has a sloped portion 45 and a lateral portion 46.
- the sloped portion 45 and lateral portion 46 cooperate with the upper walls of the channels to center stacked or nested bins with respect to one another and also distribute the forces in the feet and channels when several stacked or nested bins are lifted, as described in more detail below.
- the bottom surface 47 of the foot 20 is generally planar along the length of the bin 10.
- the bottom surface 47 rests on the lower wall 35 of the upper channel 13 when two or more bins are stacked on top of one another ( FIG. 2 ).
- the bottom surface 47 rests on the lower wall 42 of the lower channel 14 when two or more bins are nested together ( FIG. 3 ).
- the foot 20 also has a front face 48.
- the front face 48 engages or abuts the rear face 37 of the tab 16 to prevent or to impede the foot 20 from sliding out of the channel 13.
- a vertical lifting force is required to raise the bottom 47 of the foot 20 over the tab 16.
- the front face 48 of the foot 20 and rear face 44 of the tab 18 interact in a similar manner when the bins are nested together, and a vertical force is required to lift the bottom 47 of the foot 20 over the tab 18 to remove the foot from the channel 14.
- the front face 48 therefore, prevents or inhibits accidental removal of the feet from the channels.
- the flared foot 20 is insertable into a variety of different profile channels.
- the channel may have a sloped profile, a rectangular profile or a profile that has a sloped component and a lateral component similar to the profile of the flared foot 20.
- the sloped portion 45 of the foot 20 may be any desired angle, for example, to accommodate different channel profiles, or to vary the distribution of the forces in the feet and channels, etc.
- FIGS. 5A and 5B depict a sectional view of the storage bin 10 looking generally along the line 5A-5A in FIG. 4 , the profiles of the upper channel 13 and lower channel 14 are shown in greater detail.
- the feet 20 generally are freely slidable into the channels 13, 14 with limited friction.
- the upper channel 13 extends generally along the length of the storage bin 10 and has an upper wall 33 and a lower wall 35.
- the upper wall 33 is a flange-like lateral extension of the side wall that has two general regions, a front region 50 and a rear region 51.
- the front region 50 shown in greater detail in FIG. 5B is generally tapered or sloped while the rear region 51 is generally horizontal or untapered.
- the lower wall 35 of the channel 13 is generally horizontal or untapered along the entire length of the storage bin 10.
- the height of the upper channel 13 at the front region 50 is greater than the height of the upper channel 13 at the rear region 51.
- the wider front region 50 of the upper channel 13 allows more freedom of movement for the foot 20, to facilitate insertion and removal of the foot 20 from the channel 13 and lifting the foot 20 over the tab 16 when the foot is inserted and/or removed from the channel 13.
- the rear region 51 of the upper channel 13 restricts the movement of the foot 20 when the foot 20 is fully inserted into the channel 13 and generally retains the foot 20 in the upper channel 13.
- the rear region 51 is narrow enough to create a friction fit with the foot 20.
- the point of entry 15 to the upper channel 13 is defined by the front edge 34 of the upper wall 33 and the front edge 36 of the lower wall 35.
- the upper front edge 34 is offset from lower front edge 36 to allow greater freedom of movement for inserting and removing the foot 20 from the channel 13.
- the lower channel 14 extends generally along the length of the storage bin 10 and has the same general profile as the upper channel 13, including a tapered region near the point of entry 17 for facilitating the insertion and removal of the foot 20 from the lower channel 14 and an untapered region near the rear region 51 of the bin.
- the upper front edge 41 of the channel 14 is sloped.
- the combination of the front portion 50 of the channel 14 and sloped upper front edge 41 allow greater freedom of movement to lift the foot 20 over the tab 18 when the foot 20 is inserted or removed from the lower channel 14. It will be appreciated that the front edge 41 need not be sloped, as shown in FIG. 1C but instead may have a similar profile to the upper channel 13.
- the point of entry 17 to the lower channel 14 is defined by the front edge 41 of the upper wall 40 and the front edge 43 of the lower wall 41.
- the upper front edge 41 is offset from lower front edge 43 to allow greater freedom of movement for inserting and removing the foot 20 from the lower channel 14.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a sectional view of the storage bin 10 looking generally along the line 6A-6A of FIG. 4 , and in particular detail a cross-section of the upper channel 13 and the lower channel 14.
- the upper channel 14 has an upper wall 33 or locking lip and a lower wall 35.
- the locking lip 33 extends along the length of the sides 11, 12 and generally engages a top portion of the foot 20.
- the lateral portion 46 of the flared foot 20 engages the locking lip 33 and retains the foot 20 in the upper channel 13.
- Other varieties of feet also may be inserted and retained in the upper channel 13.
- the foot 20 may be a flared foot as depicted in FIG. 1D or the foot may have a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a spherical cross-section, etc.
- the lower channel 14 also is configured to receive a foot 20 having a flared cross-section.
- the lower channel 14 has a sloped upper wall 52 and a lateral upper wall 53.
- the sloped upper wall 52 cooperates with the sloped portion 45 of the foot 20 to center the foot 20 in the lower channel 14, and to evenly distribute any lifting forces in the foot 20 and the lower channel 14.
- the lateral upper wall 53 cooperates with the lateral portion 46 of the flared foot 20 in the same manner.
- the feet of other storage bins such as those described in the Background, also may be inserted and retained in the channels 13, 14 of the storage bin 10 as described herein.
- the upper channel 13 and lower channel 14 have been described as having specific configurations, the upper channel 13 may be flared and lower channel 14 may be rectangular, or, the channels may have a different profile, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the upper walls may be configured to allow feet with a multitude of different profiles or cross-sections to be inserted and retained in the channel 14, for example, feet with triangular, rectangular, or circular cross-sections, etc., may be inserted and generally retained in the channels.
- two or more storage bins 22, 23 are stackable on top of one another.
- the bins 22, 23 are stacked by inserting the feet 20 of one bin 22 into the upper or stacking channel 13 of a second bin 23.
- the upper channel 13 is tapered at the point of entry 15 and upper front edge 34 and lower front edge 36 are horizontally offset from one another to facilitate insertion and removal of the foot 20 from the channel 13.
- the foot 20 initially is inserted into the upper channel 13 at an angle, e.g., along the angle of the tapered front region 50 of the upper channel 13 ( FIGS. 5A - 5B ).
- the angled trajectory of insertion allows the bottom surface 47 of the foot 20 to clear or be slid over the tab 16, which partially blocks the point of entry 15.
- the foot 20 is then slid along the front, tapered region 50 of the channel into the rear, untapered region 51 of the upper channel 13 ( FIGS. 5A - 5B ).
- tab 16 which partially blocks the point of entry 15, generally limits the horizontal movement of the foot 20 in the channel 13 when the foot 20 is slid over the tab 16 and fully inserted into the channel 13. When fully inserted, the foot 20 cannot be slid horizontally out of the channel 13 and, therefore, is retained in the channel 13 during normal usage.
- the narrower rear region upper wall or locking lip 33 of the upper channel 13 inhibits removal of the foot 20 in the vertical direction and allows the stacked bins to be lifted as a unit without separating from one another, for example, an entire stack of bins can be lifted without falling apart by grabbing and lifting the stack by the topmost bin.
- the bottom surface 47 of the foot 20 is supported by the bottom wall 35 of the upper channel 13 when the bins are stacked thereby decreasing the likelihood that the upper bin 22 will collapse into the lower bin 23, for example, if a heavy load is placed into an upper bin 22.
- the stacked bins 22, 23 are interlocked with one another and separating the bins requires a combination of a vertical force to lift the bottom 47 of the foot 20 over the tab 16 and a horizontal force to slide the foot 20 from the channel 13.
- the combination of the vertical and horizontal movement necessary to remove the foot 20 from the upper channel 13 keeps the bins together and decrease the likelihood that the bins will separate during normal usage or if the stack of bins tips or topples over.
- the length of the upper channel 13 is slightly greater than the length of the foot 20 such that there is a small gap between the front face 48 of the foot 20 and the rear face 37 of the tab 16 when the foot 20 is fully inserted into the upper channel 13.
- the gap allows the foot 20 to move slightly in the upper channel 13, which facilitates lifting the foot 20 over the tab 16 to separate one bin from another.
- the gap between the front face 48 of the foot 20 and the rear face 37 of the tab 16 is between 1/8-inch and 1/16-inch, however, it will be appreciated that the clearance or gap may be larger or smaller based upon the size of the storage bins and the tolerance needed to insert and remove the foot from the channel.
- several storage bins 22, 23 also are nestable within each other by sliding the foot 20 of one storage bin 22 into the lower or nesting channel 14 of a second bin 23.
- the offset and taper of the channel 14 facilitate insertion of the foot 20 over the tab 18 and into the lower channel 14.
- the tab 18 partially blocks the point of entry 17 of the lower channel 14, thereby limiting the horizontal movement of the foot 20 in the channel 14 when the foot 20 is fully inserted into the lower channel 14.
- the foot 20 generally is maintained in the lower channel 14 during normal usage and ordinarily cannot be slid out of the lower channel 14 without a combination of a vertical force to lift the bottom 47 of the foot 20 over the tab 18 and a horizontal force to slide the foot 20 out of the lower channel 14.
- the sloped potion 52 and lateral portion 53 of the upper wall of the lower channel 14 limit the vertical movement of the foot 20 in the channel 14.
- the sloped portion of the upper wall 52 cooperates with and provides a surface for engaging the sloped portion 45 of the flared foot 20.
- the lateral portion of the upper wall 53 cooperates with and engages the lateral portion 46 of the flared foot 20.
- the sloped upper wall 52 and the lateral upper wall 53 maintain the bins together. It will be appreciated that if the foot has a triangular cross-section, then only the sloped upper wall will engage the foot or if a foot with a rectangular cross-section is inserted then only the lateral portion of the channel will engage the foot, etc.
- the bottom surface 47 of the foot 20 is supported by the lower wall 42 of the lower channel 14 when the bins are nested together thereby decreasing the likelihood that the upper bin 22 will collapse into the lower bin 23, for example, if a heavy load is placed into an upper bin 22.
- the combination of the vertical and horizontal movement necessary to remove the foot from the lower channel keep the bins together during normal usage and decreases the likelihood that the bins will separate if they tip over.
- the length of the lower channel 14 is slightly greater than the length of the feet 20 such that there is a small gap or clearance between the front face 48 of the foot and the rear face 44 of the tab 18. The gap facilitates the insertion and removal of the foot 20 from the channel 14.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the stacking and nesting of bins that are the same size
- different sized bins may be stacked on top of one another or nested together.
- a shorter bin may be stacked on top of or nested within a larger storage bin, etc.
- multiple bins including the same and different sized bins, may be stacked on top of each other and/or nested together.
- the internal cavity of the storage bin 10 has several divider slots into which a divider may be inserted to divide the bin into one or more smaller areas or compartments.
- the bin 10 has a rear divider slot 60, a bottom divider slot 61 and a front divider slot 62.
- the slots are aligned such that a divider may be inserted into the bin and held in place by each of the slots at the same time.
- the divider may be shaped to match the contour of the bin 10, including the contour of the front portion 30, bottom portion 31 and rear portion 32.
- the configuration of the slots and dividers also may be varied any number of ways to divide bin 10 into multiple compartments of any desired size.
- the slots may be located on the sides 11, 12 to divide the cavity of the bin 10 laterally or the slots may be located on both the side walls and front and back walls to divide the bin into quadrants.
- the slots also may be arranged to divide the bin 10 into thirds, or into a combination of larger and smaller regions, etc.
- the divider may be formed from plastic, cardboard, or another other suitable material, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art.
- the storage bin 10 also has a label holder 63 disposed or formed on the front portion 30.
- a label or card is insertable into the holder 63 and may be used to label or identify the contents of the storage bin 10.
- the holder 63 has an opening 64 into which an identification card may be inserted.
- the identification card is supported by the card holder sides 65, 66 and bottom 67.
- the label or identification card may be removed from the holder 63 by sliding the card through the opening 64, allowing the identification card to be replaced or changed as desired.
- a hanger 70 or other hanging implement is attached or molded to the top edge 71 of the rear portion 32 of the storage bin 10 to allow the bin to be hung.
- the storage bin may be hung from louvered panels or racks, bin rails, perforated panels, perf-board, or on cabinet doors or walls, etc.
- the hanger 70 may be molded to the top edge 71 of the rear portion 32, as shown in FIG. 1 , or alternatively may be a strap or other hanging implement that may be attached by a rivet, screw, button or other fastener to the rear portion 32 of the bin 10.
- the storage bin 10 may be hung from or more BinClips, pegboard hooks, louvered panels, louvered racks, Bin Rail systems, Bin Rail racks, and hanging Bin Rail carts or other hanging systems or mechanisms.
- the storage bin 10 may be constructed from a rigid and/or flexible material such as metal or plastic and may be welded or be formed by an injection molding process. Some suitable materials include polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, or polypropylene, however, other suitable material may be used based on the size of the bins and the desired strength of materials, etc., as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. While the storage bin has been described as being constructed from materials that form solid walls, it will be appreciated that the storage bins may instead be constructed from other materials including for example, flexible materials that may be stretched over a solid frame, metal, or a combination thereof, such as, mesh stretched over rigid frame.
- PVC polyvinylchloride
- polyethylene polyethylene
- polypropylene polypropylene
- the bins also may vary in shape, including height, width and depth. Additionally, the height of the front portion 30 is less than the height of the side walls 11, 12 and rear wall 32 to provide a space for access to the lower bins, for example, if several bins are stacked on top of one another.
- the bin 10 is illustrated with a cover 90 that at least partially covers the cavity or opening 91 to the bin 10.
- the cover 90 includes a top portion 92 and a front portion 93 connected to the top portion 92. In the closed position, the top portion 92 of the cover 90 is supported by the lower wall 35 of the upper channel 13.
- the cover 90 may be inserted into the channels 13, 14 to at least partially cover the storage bin 10 and protect the stored items from dust or other contaminants as well as to prevent the contents of the storage bins from spilling and/or intermixing.
- the cover 90 may be manufactured from a clear, rigid material that allows the contents of the storage bin to be seen when the bin 10 is covered.
- the cover 90 may be constructed from a rigid frame and a flexible material, such as plastic or fabric, which is supported by the rigid frame, e.g., to be stretched across and to cover the opening of the storage bin.
- the front portion 93 of the cover 90 may be rigidly attached or molded to the cover or alternatively may be attached via a hinge or a flexible member.
- the front portion 93 therefore, may be a flap or flap-like to provide access the contents of the storage bin 10 when the cover 90 is in the closed position.
- the front portion 93 also may have a securing member to maintain it in a closed position. Possible securing members include, for example, Velcro, a latch, a hook, a snap, or another suitable mechanism.
- the front portion 93 may be configured slide along the inside of the front portion 30 of the bin 10 or to be inserted and/or secured into the label holder 63.
- the cover 90 also may include a handle 94 extending from the front portion 93.
- the handle 94 can be used to open and close the cover 90, for example, by sliding the cover 90 in and out of the upper channel 13 as shown in FIG. 9B , or by lifting the cover, as shown in FIG. 9C .
- the cover 90 is shown in an open position, for example, the position that the cover 90 would be in when it initially is installed in the channel 13 or when the cover 90 is slid open to allow access to the contents of the bin 10.
- the front portion 93 of the cover 90 includes a pair of notches 95.
- the notches 95 provide a space to allow the front portion 93 of the cover 90 to be slid over the tabs 18 and fully into the upper channel 13. After the cover 90 is slid over the tabs 18, the front portion 93 may be slid behind the tabs 18 such that the tabs 18 interfere with the removal of the cover 90 from the channel 13.
- the tabs 18 may require the cover 90 to be lifted or raised over the over the tabs 18 before the cover 90 can be removed from the channel 13.
- the combination of the notches 95 and the tabs 18, therefore, may allow the cover 90 to be slid back and forth in the channel 13 to open and close the bin while also reducing the likelihood that the cover 90 may be accidentally opened or removed from the channel, for example, when accessing the contents of the bin.
- the cover 90 is shown with one or more members 96 that allow the cover 90 to rotate relative to the bin to an open position.
- the members 96 may include one or more hinge(s), pin(s), or other hardware elements.
- the members 96 may be pins or other projections that extend from both sides of the cover 90 and into the channel 13 between the upper wall 33 and the lower wall 35.
- the pins allow the cover to be opened and closed by rotating the cover 90 open as shown in FIG. 9C and/or by sliding the cover 90 in and out of the channel 13 or back and forth in the channel 13, as shown generally in FIG. 9B .
- the cover 90 may be inserted into the lower channel 14 to substantially enclose the lower half of the bin cavity. In such an embodiment, the cover 90 may not include a front portion 93.
- the storage bin 10 also may be fixed or attached to a surface, for example, a work bench or table.
- a track or channel shaped like the upper or lower channels described above, e.g., a tapered channel having an offset, point of entry, and a tab partially blocking the front edge of the point of entry, may be integrated or attached to the work surface.
- the channel may be molded to the work bench or attached to the work bench by screws, nails, glue, etc.
- the feet of the storage bin 10 may be inserted into the channel at a slight angle with the configuration of the channel and tab limiting the vertical and horizontal movement of the foot in the channel, as described above.
- Additional storage bins may be stacked on or nested in the storage bin that is attached to the work surface. By attaching the bins to the work surface, the bins are less likely to tip or be accidentally knocked over.
- the tracks may be inclined relative to the surface of the work bench thereby causing the contents of the storage bins to migrate or slide towards the front of the bin.
- the storage bins may be arranged on a shelving unit or a separate rack, for example a gravity shelf having, which have inclined tracks or channels into which the feet of storage bins may be slid.
- bins may be standalone units and may, for example, be placed in a drawer or cabinet or on a cart, shelf, rack, gravity shelf, etc.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Stackable Containers (AREA)
Description
- This invention relates to storage bins according to the preamble of claim 1 and, more particularly, to multi-function storage bins that can be interlocked with one another when the bins are stacked on top of one another or nested together.
- Storage bins or containers are used to store loose objects such as screws, nuts, bolts, nails, pegs, etc. Storage bins may be hung from or mounted to a perforated support panel, perf-board, bin rail, bin rack, bin cabinet, or louvered panel, for example. Storage bins also may be stacked on top of one another or nested together.
- Known storage bins of one type generally have two side walls separated by front, back and bottom surfaces. The top edges of the side walls typically include a ledge and the bottoms of the side walls include feet. Several bins can be stacked together by resting the feet of one bin on the ledges of another bin, and unstacked by lifting the bins off of each other. Due to the relative ease with which the bins can be stacked and unstacked, a stack of bins is relatively cumbersome or difficult to move because the bins easily separate if the stack is toppled or knocked over, causing the contents of the bins to spill and/or intermix. Thus, in order to move the bins they must either be lifted by the bottommost bin in the stack or moved individually.
- Stackable storage bins of another known type incorporate slotted feet that are configured to engage pins or tabs in the area of the ledge. One such bin incorporates two triangular tabs at the ledge. Inserting the pins into the slots in the feet provides guidance for stacking the bins, but does provide suitable retention. As a result, these bins suffer from the same problems as their unslotted counterparts, namely, they are difficult to move because they separate easily if they are knocked over.
- Other storage bins are designed to nest together in order to consolidate space, for example, when shipping the bins. Like the stackable bins, the nesting bins have a ledge along the upper edges of the side walls. Additionally, the side walls of the bin have a horizontal ridge that separate the bin into an upper portion and a slightly narrower lower portion. The bins are nested together by placing one bin into another such that the narrower bottom portion of one bin rests in the wider, upper portion of a second bin. When the bins are nested together, the ridge of the upper bin is supported by the ledge of the lower bin. Known storage bins with this configuration do not have feet and therefore cannot be stacked on top of one another. The bins can be separated or pulled apart by lifting one bin from another bin, and consequently, the bins may be difficult to move because they easily separate if the stack of nested bins is knocked over. Furthermore, given the flexibility of the side walls, the bins sometimes may undesirably collapse into one another, for example, if a heavy load is placed an upper bin.
- Nesting bins of another variety have a pair of feet that are insertable into a channel in the side walls. These bins are nested together by inserting the feet of one bin into a respective channel of another bin. In order to hold the feet in place, the width of the channel is slightly narrower at the channel entrance or opening. Thus, the side walls of the channel must be flexed slightly outwardly to allow the feet to pass through the opening and into the channel. The repeated flexing of the side walls creates stress in the areas of the openings and eventually may cause the bin to crack, split, break or otherwise fail.
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FR 2 078 901 - Briefly, an aspect of the invention relates to improvements in storage bins that overcome the previously mentioned ned drawbacks.
- According to an illustrative aspect a storage bin includes a pair of side walls separated from each other by a rear portion and a bottom portion, the rear portion and the bottom portion extending between the side walls. One or more channels in each side wall have a point of entry and a tab partially blocking a portion of at least one oh the channels such that the tab impedes the removal of a foot of a second storage bin when the foot is inserted in the channel.
- In an example of the storage bin, the channel extends from a front portion of the storage bin towards the rear portion of the storage bin, and the point of entry is near the front portion of the storage bin.
- In aN example of the storage bin, the channel has an upper wall having an upper front edge and a lower wall having a lower front edge, and the upper front edge is offset from the lower front edge.
- In an example of the storage bin, the channel is tapered such that it is wider near the point of entry and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin.
- In an example of the storage bin, the channel is tapered such that the channel is wider near the point of entry facilitating insertion of a foot of a second storage bin into the channel and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin tending to retain in the channel the feet of a second storage bin.
- In an example of the storage bin, the upper wall of the channel is sloped relative to the lower wall of the channel to center the foot of the second storage bin in the channel.
- In an example of the storage bin, the upper wall of the channel further includes a lateral portion to restrict the vertical movement of the foot in the channel.
- In an example the storage bin, the tab partially blocks the point of entry of at least one channel.
- In another example, the foot of a second storage is insertable into the channel to stack the storage bins on top of one another or to nest one storage bin at least partially within the other storage bin.
- In another example? the storage bin includes a cover that is insertable into the channel to at least partially close the storage bin.
- According to another illustrative aspect? a storage bin includes a pair of side walls separated from each other by a rear wall and a bottom surface, the rear wall and bottom surface extending between the side walls. An upper channel in each side wall has a point of entry and a tab partially blocking the point of entry. The tabs impede removal of a pair of feet on a second storage bin when the feet are inserted into the upper channels to stack the storage bins on top of one another. A lower channel in each side wall has a point of entry and a tab partially blocking the point of entry such that the tabs impede removal of the feet on the second storage bin when the feet are inserted into the lower channels to at least partially nest the storage bins together.
- In an example of the storage bin, at least one of the upper or lower channels has an upper wall having an upper front edge and a lower wall having a lower front edge and the upper front edge is offset from the lower front edge.
- In an example of the storage bin, at least one upper or lower channel is tapered such that the channel is wider near the point of entry and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin.
- In an example of the storage bin, the tab extends from the lower front edge of the channel to restrict the horizontal movement of the foot in the channel.
- In an example of the storage bin, the upper wall of the at least one channel further includes a lateral portion to restrict the vertical movement of the foot in the channel.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the lateral portion is a flange-like lateral extension of the side walls.
- In an example of the storage bin, the upper wall of at least one channel is angled relative to the lower portion of the channel.
- In another example the storage bin includes a cover that is insertable into the upper channel or the lower channel to at least partially close the storage bin.
- According to the invention, a storage bin includes a pair of side walls separated from each other by a rear portion and a bottom portion, the rear portion and bottom portion extending between the side walls, and a channel in each side wall, each channel having an upper portion having an upper front edge and a lower portion having a lower front edge. A point of entry defined by the upper front edge and the lower front edge, and a tab at least partially blocks the point of entry of at least one channel such that the tab impedes removal of a foot on a second storage bin when the foot is inserted into the channel.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the tab extends from the lower front edge of the channel.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the upper front edge is offset from the lower front edge.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the upper portion of the channel is sloped relative to the lower portion of the channel.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the upper portion of the channel has a lateral portion.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the lateral portion is a flange-like lateral extension of the side walls.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the foot is comprised of an angular portion and a lateral portion.
- In an embodiment of the storage bin, the bin includes a second channel in each side wall.
- According to another illustrative aspect, a method of arranging storage bins includes the steps of inserting a foot of a first storage bin into a channel of a second storage bin and impeding the movement of the first storage bin at least partially blocking a point of entry to the channel.
- According to an example, the storage bins are stacked on top of one another. According to an embodiment, the storage bins are at least partially nested within each other.
- According to an example, the method includes the step of lifting the foot to unblock it from removal from the channel.
- According to another example, the method further includes the step of inserting a cover into a second channel in at least one of the storage bins to at least partially close the storage bin.
- These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed, but the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims.
- Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment or example may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.
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FIG. 1A is an isometric view of a storage bin according to an embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 1B is a fragmentary view of an upper channel of the storage bin. -
FIG. 1C is a fragmentary view of a lower channel of the storage bin. -
FIG. 1D is a fragmentary view of a foot of the storage bin. -
FIG. 2 is an isomeric view of two stacked storage bins. -
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of two nested storage bins. -
FIG. 4 is a top view of the storage bin ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5A is a sectional view of the storage bin looking generally in the direction of thearrow 5A-5A inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5B is a fragmentary view of a front region of the storage bin ofFIG. 5A . -
FIG. 6A is a sectional view of the storage bin looking generally in the direction of thearrow 6A-6A inFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6B is a fragmentary view of a portion of the side wall of the storage bin ofFIG. 6A . -
FIG. 7A is a front view of the stacked storage bins ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7B is a fragmentary front view of the stacked bins ofFIG. 2 with a foot of the upper bin fully inserted in the upper channel. -
FIG. 7C is a fragmentary sectional view of the stacked bins ofFIG. 2 with a foot of the upper bin fully inserted in the upper channel. -
FIG. 8A is a front view of the nested storage bins ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 8B is a fragmentary front view of the nested bins ofFIG. 3 with a foot of the upper bin fully inserted in the lower channel. -
FIG. 8C is a fragmentary sectional view of the nested bins ofFIG. 3 with a foot of the upper bin fully inserted in the lower channel. -
FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a storage bin with a cover in a closed position. -
FIG. 9B is an isometric view of a storage bin with a cover in an open position. -
FIG. 9C is an isometric view of a storage bin with a cover lifted to an open position. - In the following description, with reference to the drawings, like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. It will be appreciated that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Certain terminology is used herein to describe the different embodiments of the invention. Such terminology is used only for convenience when referring to the figures. For example, "vertically" or "horizontally" merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. The components can be oriented in any direction and the terminology should therefore be interpreted to include such variations
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FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate amulti-use storage bin 10. Thestorage bin 10 has twosides upper channels 13 and a pair oflower channels 14. Eachupper channel 13 has a point ofentry 15 that is partially blocked by atab 16. Similarly, the each of thelower channels 14 have a point ofentry 17 that also is partially blocked by atab 18. A pair offeet 20 are disposed at the bottom of eachside - With additional reference to
FIG. 2 , two or more bins are stackable on top of one another by inserting thefeet 20 of a first orupper storage bin 22 into theupper channels 13 of a second orlower storage bin 23. Because thetab 16 partially blocks the point ofentry 15 to theupper channel 13, it interferes with or impedes removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 13. Thus, removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 13 requires a vertical force to lift thefoot 20 over thetab 16 and a lateral force to slide thefoot 20 from thechannel 13. - Similarly, with additional reference to
FIG. 3 , two or more storage bins can be nested together by inserting thefeet 20 of theupper storage bin 22 into thelower channels 14 of thesecond storage bin 23. Because thetab 18 partially blocks the point ofentry 17 to thelower channel 14, it interferes with or impedes removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 14. Like the upper channel, removal of thefoot 20 from thelower channel 14 requires a vertical force to lift thefoot 20 over thetab 18 and a lateral force to slide thefoot 20 from thechannel 14. - The channel and tab configuration and the combination of the lateral and vertical forces to remove the
feet 20 of theupper storage bin 22 from theupper channel 13 orlower channel 14 of thelower storage bin 23 allows the storage bins to be interlocked with one another when stacked or nested. This further allows the storage bins to be moved easily without separating from one another, and prevents or inhibits the accidental sliding or removal of thefeet 20 from the channels. The channel and tab configuration also reduces the risk that the bins will fall or collapse into one another, tip over and separate, or crack from placing unnecessary stress on the side walls of the bin when inserting and removing the feet from the channels. These as well as other features of the storage bin are described more fully below. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 1A and4 , thestorage bin 10 has twosides front portion 30, abottom portion 31 and arear portion 32. Together, thesides front 30, bottom 31 and rear 32 portions form a cavity that can be used for storage of miscellaneous loose items, such as, e.g., screws, nuts, bolts, nails, etc., sewing materials, powder, or virtually anything that will fit in the bin. - The pair of
upper channels 13, also referred to as stacking channels, are disposed on or molded in thesides storage bin 10. Theupper channels 13 are used to stack two storage bins on top of one another as described above with respect toFIG. 2 and as will be described in more detail below. The pair oflower channels 14, also referred to as nesting channels, are disposed on or molded in thesides storage bin 10. Thelower channels 14 are used to nest two or more storage bins together as described above with respect toFIG. 3 and as will be described in more detail below. - Although the
storage bin 10 is shown with both upper channels andlower channels 14, it will be appreciated that thebin 10 alternatively may have only a single pair of channels. For example, if the storage bin only has a pair of upper, stackingchannels 13, several storage bins could be stacked on top of one another, but not nested together. Likewise, if the storage bin only has a pair of lower,nesting channels 14, then several bins could be nested together, but not stacked on top of one another. If desired, the storage bin also may have more than two pairs of channels. It will be appreciated that either or both of the channels can be located at any desired height to achieve any variation and/or combination of nesting and/or stacking. - The front portion of the
upper channel 13 is shown in more detail inFIG. 1B . Theupper channel 13 has anupper wall 33, which also may be referred to as a locking lip. Theupper wall 33 has an upperfront edge 34. Theupper channel 13 has alower wall 35, which has a lowerfront edge 36. The upperfront edge 34 and the lowerfront edge 36 define the point ofentry 15 to theupper channel 13. To facilitate insertion and removal of a foot from theupper channel 13, for example, a flaredfoot 20, the upperfront edge 34 is horizontally offset from the lowerfront edge 36. - The
tab 16 is molded or otherwise attached to the lowerfront edge 36 of theupper channel 13. Thetab 16 partially obstructs or blocks the point ofentry 15. Arear face 37 of thetab 16 inhibits the horizontal movement of thefoot 20 when thefoot 20 is fully inserted in theupper channel 13. Sliding thefoot 20 from theupper channel 13 is impeded by thetab 16, thus tending to block removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 13 unless thefoot 20 is lifted vertically and slid over thetab 16. - Referring to
FIG. 1C , the front portion of the lower channel is shown in greater detail. Thelower channel 14 has anupper wall 40 having an upperfront edge 41 and alower wall 42 having a lowerfront edge 43. The upperfront edge 41 and the lowerfront edge 43 define the point ofentry 17 to thelower channel 14. The upperfront edge 41 and lowerfront edge 43 are horizontally offset from one another to facilitate the insertion and removal of afoot 20 from thechannel 14. - A
tab 18 extends from thefront edge 43 of thelower wall 42 to partially block the point ofentry 17. As described above with respect to theupper channel 13, thetab 18 at the lowerfront edge 43 has arear face 44. Therear face 44 of thetab 18 inhibits the horizontal movement of the foot when the foot is fully inserted in thelower channel 14. Sliding thefoot 20 from thelower channel 14 is impeded by thetab 18, thus tending to block removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 14 unless thefoot 20 is lifted vertically and slid over thetab 18. - The two forces in different directions (e.g., one up and one out) that are required to remove the
feet 20 from thechannels storage - In one embodiment, the offset between the upper 34 and lower 36 edges of the
upper channel 13 and the upper 41 and lower 43 edges of thelower channel 14 is approximately 1/8 inch, however it will be appreciated that the size of the channels, and points of entry may be increased or decreased to accommodate the feet of larger or smaller storage bins or feet having different profiles, etc. - Although the
tabs entry lower channels 14, it will be appreciated that thetabs front edges upper walls channels tab entry - Referring to
FIG. 1D , one embodiment of thefoot 20 is shown in more detail. Thefoot 20 inFIG. 1D is a flared foot. Thefoot 20 has a slopedportion 45 and alateral portion 46. The slopedportion 45 andlateral portion 46 cooperate with the upper walls of the channels to center stacked or nested bins with respect to one another and also distribute the forces in the feet and channels when several stacked or nested bins are lifted, as described in more detail below. - The
bottom surface 47 of thefoot 20 is generally planar along the length of thebin 10. Thebottom surface 47 rests on thelower wall 35 of theupper channel 13 when two or more bins are stacked on top of one another (FIG. 2 ). Thebottom surface 47 rests on thelower wall 42 of thelower channel 14 when two or more bins are nested together (FIG. 3 ). - The
foot 20 also has afront face 48. When thefoot 20 is fully inserted into theupper channel 13 and the bins are stacked together, thefront face 48 engages or abuts therear face 37 of thetab 16 to prevent or to impede thefoot 20 from sliding out of thechannel 13. To remove thefoot 20 from thechannel 13, a vertical lifting force is required to raise the bottom 47 of thefoot 20 over thetab 16. Thefront face 48 of thefoot 20 andrear face 44 of thetab 18 interact in a similar manner when the bins are nested together, and a vertical force is required to lift the bottom 47 of thefoot 20 over thetab 18 to remove the foot from thechannel 14. Thefront face 48, therefore, prevents or inhibits accidental removal of the feet from the channels. - The flared
foot 20 is insertable into a variety of different profile channels. For example, the channel may have a sloped profile, a rectangular profile or a profile that has a sloped component and a lateral component similar to the profile of the flaredfoot 20. Although illustrated as having approximately a 45-degree slope, it will be appreciated that the slopedportion 45 of thefoot 20 may be any desired angle, for example, to accommodate different channel profiles, or to vary the distribution of the forces in the feet and channels, etc. - Referring now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B , which depict a sectional view of thestorage bin 10 looking generally along theline 5A-5A inFIG. 4 , the profiles of theupper channel 13 andlower channel 14 are shown in greater detail. Thefeet 20 generally are freely slidable into thechannels upper channel 13 extends generally along the length of thestorage bin 10 and has anupper wall 33 and alower wall 35. Theupper wall 33 is a flange-like lateral extension of the side wall that has two general regions, afront region 50 and arear region 51. Thefront region 50, shown in greater detail inFIG. 5B is generally tapered or sloped while therear region 51 is generally horizontal or untapered. Thelower wall 35 of thechannel 13 is generally horizontal or untapered along the entire length of thestorage bin 10. Thus, the height of theupper channel 13 at thefront region 50 is greater than the height of theupper channel 13 at therear region 51. The widerfront region 50 of theupper channel 13 allows more freedom of movement for thefoot 20, to facilitate insertion and removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 13 and lifting thefoot 20 over thetab 16 when the foot is inserted and/or removed from thechannel 13. Conversely, because it is not tapered, therear region 51 of theupper channel 13 restricts the movement of thefoot 20 when thefoot 20 is fully inserted into thechannel 13 and generally retains thefoot 20 in theupper channel 13. In one embodiment, therear region 51 is narrow enough to create a friction fit with thefoot 20. - As described above, the point of
entry 15 to theupper channel 13 is defined by thefront edge 34 of theupper wall 33 and thefront edge 36 of thelower wall 35. The upperfront edge 34 is offset from lowerfront edge 36 to allow greater freedom of movement for inserting and removing thefoot 20 from thechannel 13. - The
lower channel 14 extends generally along the length of thestorage bin 10 and has the same general profile as theupper channel 13, including a tapered region near the point ofentry 17 for facilitating the insertion and removal of thefoot 20 from thelower channel 14 and an untapered region near therear region 51 of the bin. To further facilitate insertion and removal of thefoot 20 from thelower channel 14, the upperfront edge 41 of thechannel 14 is sloped. The combination of thefront portion 50 of thechannel 14 and sloped upperfront edge 41 allow greater freedom of movement to lift thefoot 20 over thetab 18 when thefoot 20 is inserted or removed from thelower channel 14. It will be appreciated that thefront edge 41 need not be sloped, as shown inFIG. 1C but instead may have a similar profile to theupper channel 13. - The
rear region 51 of thelower channel 14, which is not tapered, restricts the movement of thefoot 20 when thefoot 20 is fully inserted into thelower channel 14. As described above with respect to theupper channel 13, therear region 51 may be narrow enough to create a friction fit with thefoot 20. - As described above with respect to the
upper channel 13, the point ofentry 17 to thelower channel 14 is defined by thefront edge 41 of theupper wall 40 and thefront edge 43 of thelower wall 41. The upperfront edge 41 is offset from lowerfront edge 43 to allow greater freedom of movement for inserting and removing thefoot 20 from thelower channel 14. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a sectional view of thestorage bin 10 looking generally along theline 6A-6A ofFIG. 4 , and in particular detail a cross-section of theupper channel 13 and thelower channel 14. Theupper channel 14 has anupper wall 33 or locking lip and alower wall 35. The lockinglip 33 extends along the length of thesides foot 20. When a stack of bins is lifted, thelateral portion 46 of the flaredfoot 20 engages the lockinglip 33 and retains thefoot 20 in theupper channel 13. Other varieties of feet also may be inserted and retained in theupper channel 13. For example, thefoot 20 may be a flared foot as depicted inFIG. 1D or the foot may have a triangular cross-section, a rectangular cross-section, a spherical cross-section, etc. - The
lower channel 14 also is configured to receive afoot 20 having a flared cross-section. Thelower channel 14 has a slopedupper wall 52 and a lateralupper wall 53. When a flaredfoot 20 is fully inserted in thechannel 14, the slopedupper wall 52 cooperates with the slopedportion 45 of thefoot 20 to center thefoot 20 in thelower channel 14, and to evenly distribute any lifting forces in thefoot 20 and thelower channel 14. The lateralupper wall 53 cooperates with thelateral portion 46 of the flaredfoot 20 in the same manner. The feet of other storage bins, such as those described in the Background, also may be inserted and retained in thechannels storage bin 10 as described herein. It also will be appreciated that while theupper channel 13 andlower channel 14 have been described as having specific configurations, theupper channel 13 may be flared andlower channel 14 may be rectangular, or, the channels may have a different profile, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. Furthermore, the upper walls may be configured to allow feet with a multitude of different profiles or cross-sections to be inserted and retained in thechannel 14, for example, feet with triangular, rectangular, or circular cross-sections, etc., may be inserted and generally retained in the channels. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 2 , and7A - 7C , two ormore storage bins bins feet 20 of onebin 22 into the upper or stackingchannel 13 of asecond bin 23. As described above with respect to the bin 10 (FIG. 1 ), theupper channel 13 is tapered at the point ofentry 15 and upperfront edge 34 and lowerfront edge 36 are horizontally offset from one another to facilitate insertion and removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 13. - The
foot 20 initially is inserted into theupper channel 13 at an angle, e.g., along the angle of the taperedfront region 50 of the upper channel 13 (FIGS. 5A - 5B ). The angled trajectory of insertion allows thebottom surface 47 of thefoot 20 to clear or be slid over thetab 16, which partially blocks the point ofentry 15. Thefoot 20 is then slid along the front, taperedregion 50 of the channel into the rear,untapered region 51 of the upper channel 13 (FIGS. 5A - 5B ). - As shown in
FIG. 7B ,tab 16, which partially blocks the point ofentry 15, generally limits the horizontal movement of thefoot 20 in thechannel 13 when thefoot 20 is slid over thetab 16 and fully inserted into thechannel 13. When fully inserted, thefoot 20 cannot be slid horizontally out of thechannel 13 and, therefore, is retained in thechannel 13 during normal usage. - As shown in
FIG. 7C , the narrower rear region upper wall or lockinglip 33 of theupper channel 13 inhibits removal of thefoot 20 in the vertical direction and allows the stacked bins to be lifted as a unit without separating from one another, for example, an entire stack of bins can be lifted without falling apart by grabbing and lifting the stack by the topmost bin. Thebottom surface 47 of thefoot 20 is supported by thebottom wall 35 of theupper channel 13 when the bins are stacked thereby decreasing the likelihood that theupper bin 22 will collapse into thelower bin 23, for example, if a heavy load is placed into anupper bin 22. - Thus, the
stacked bins foot 20 over thetab 16 and a horizontal force to slide thefoot 20 from thechannel 13. The combination of the vertical and horizontal movement necessary to remove thefoot 20 from theupper channel 13 keeps the bins together and decrease the likelihood that the bins will separate during normal usage or if the stack of bins tips or topples over. - The length of the
upper channel 13 is slightly greater than the length of thefoot 20 such that there is a small gap between thefront face 48 of thefoot 20 and therear face 37 of thetab 16 when thefoot 20 is fully inserted into theupper channel 13. The gap allows thefoot 20 to move slightly in theupper channel 13, which facilitates lifting thefoot 20 over thetab 16 to separate one bin from another. In one embodiment, the gap between thefront face 48 of thefoot 20 and therear face 37 of thetab 16 is between 1/8-inch and 1/16-inch, however, it will be appreciated that the clearance or gap may be larger or smaller based upon the size of the storage bins and the tolerance needed to insert and remove the foot from the channel. - With additional reference to
FIGS. 3 and8A-8C ,several storage bins foot 20 of onestorage bin 22 into the lower ornesting channel 14 of asecond bin 23. As described above, the offset and taper of thechannel 14 facilitate insertion of thefoot 20 over thetab 18 and into thelower channel 14. With specific reference toFIG. 8B , thetab 18 partially blocks the point ofentry 17 of thelower channel 14, thereby limiting the horizontal movement of thefoot 20 in thechannel 14 when thefoot 20 is fully inserted into thelower channel 14. As a result, thefoot 20 generally is maintained in thelower channel 14 during normal usage and ordinarily cannot be slid out of thelower channel 14 without a combination of a vertical force to lift the bottom 47 of thefoot 20 over thetab 18 and a horizontal force to slide thefoot 20 out of thelower channel 14. - Referring specifically to
FIG. 8C , the slopedpotion 52 andlateral portion 53 of the upper wall of thelower channel 14 limit the vertical movement of thefoot 20 in thechannel 14. For example, when the bins are lifted from an upper bin in a stack of nested bins, the sloped portion of theupper wall 52 cooperates with and provides a surface for engaging the slopedportion 45 of the flaredfoot 20. Likewise, the lateral portion of theupper wall 53 cooperates with and engages thelateral portion 46 of the flaredfoot 20. Thus, the slopedupper wall 52 and the lateralupper wall 53 maintain the bins together. It will be appreciated that if the foot has a triangular cross-section, then only the sloped upper wall will engage the foot or if a foot with a rectangular cross-section is inserted then only the lateral portion of the channel will engage the foot, etc. - Continuing to refer to
FIG. 8C , thebottom surface 47 of thefoot 20 is supported by thelower wall 42 of thelower channel 14 when the bins are nested together thereby decreasing the likelihood that theupper bin 22 will collapse into thelower bin 23, for example, if a heavy load is placed into anupper bin 22. - The nested
bins foot 20 over thetab 18 and a horizontal force to slide thefoot 20 out of thechannel 14. The combination of the vertical and horizontal movement necessary to remove the foot from the lower channel keep the bins together during normal usage and decreases the likelihood that the bins will separate if they tip over. - Like the
upper channel 13, the length of thelower channel 14 is slightly greater than the length of thefeet 20 such that there is a small gap or clearance between thefront face 48 of the foot and therear face 44 of thetab 18. The gap facilitates the insertion and removal of thefoot 20 from thechannel 14. - Although the figures illustrate the stacking and nesting of bins that are the same size, it will be appreciated that different sized bins may be stacked on top of one another or nested together. For example, a shorter bin may be stacked on top of or nested within a larger storage bin, etc. Although illustrated with respect to two bins, it will be appreciated that multiple bins, including the same and different sized bins, may be stacked on top of each other and/or nested together.
- Referring back to
FIGS. 1 and4 , the internal cavity of thestorage bin 10 has several divider slots into which a divider may be inserted to divide the bin into one or more smaller areas or compartments. Thebin 10 has arear divider slot 60, abottom divider slot 61 and afront divider slot 62. The slots are aligned such that a divider may be inserted into the bin and held in place by each of the slots at the same time. The divider may be shaped to match the contour of thebin 10, including the contour of thefront portion 30,bottom portion 31 andrear portion 32. The configuration of the slots and dividers also may be varied any number of ways to dividebin 10 into multiple compartments of any desired size. For example, the slots may be located on thesides bin 10 laterally or the slots may be located on both the side walls and front and back walls to divide the bin into quadrants. The slots also may be arranged to divide thebin 10 into thirds, or into a combination of larger and smaller regions, etc. The divider may be formed from plastic, cardboard, or another other suitable material, as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. - The
storage bin 10 also has alabel holder 63 disposed or formed on thefront portion 30. A label or card is insertable into theholder 63 and may be used to label or identify the contents of thestorage bin 10. Theholder 63 has anopening 64 into which an identification card may be inserted. The identification card is supported by the card holder sides 65, 66 and bottom 67. The label or identification card may be removed from theholder 63 by sliding the card through theopening 64, allowing the identification card to be replaced or changed as desired. - A
hanger 70 or other hanging implement is attached or molded to thetop edge 71 of therear portion 32 of thestorage bin 10 to allow the bin to be hung. For example, the storage bin may be hung from louvered panels or racks, bin rails, perforated panels, perf-board, or on cabinet doors or walls, etc. Thehanger 70 may be molded to thetop edge 71 of therear portion 32, as shown inFIG. 1 , or alternatively may be a strap or other hanging implement that may be attached by a rivet, screw, button or other fastener to therear portion 32 of thebin 10. Thestorage bin 10 may be hung from or more BinClips, pegboard hooks, louvered panels, louvered racks, Bin Rail systems, Bin Rail racks, and hanging Bin Rail carts or other hanging systems or mechanisms. - The
storage bin 10 may be constructed from a rigid and/or flexible material such as metal or plastic and may be welded or be formed by an injection molding process. Some suitable materials include polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyethylene, or polypropylene, however, other suitable material may be used based on the size of the bins and the desired strength of materials, etc., as will be appreciated by one of skill in the art. While the storage bin has been described as being constructed from materials that form solid walls, it will be appreciated that the storage bins may instead be constructed from other materials including for example, flexible materials that may be stretched over a solid frame, metal, or a combination thereof, such as, mesh stretched over rigid frame. - The bins also may vary in shape, including height, width and depth. Additionally, the height of the
front portion 30 is less than the height of theside walls rear wall 32 to provide a space for access to the lower bins, for example, if several bins are stacked on top of one another. - Referring to
FIGS. 9A-9C , thebin 10 is illustrated with acover 90 that at least partially covers the cavity or opening 91 to thebin 10. Thecover 90 includes atop portion 92 and afront portion 93 connected to thetop portion 92. In the closed position, thetop portion 92 of thecover 90 is supported by thelower wall 35 of theupper channel 13. - The
cover 90 may be inserted into thechannels storage bin 10 and protect the stored items from dust or other contaminants as well as to prevent the contents of the storage bins from spilling and/or intermixing. Thecover 90 may be manufactured from a clear, rigid material that allows the contents of the storage bin to be seen when thebin 10 is covered. Alternatively, thecover 90 may be constructed from a rigid frame and a flexible material, such as plastic or fabric, which is supported by the rigid frame, e.g., to be stretched across and to cover the opening of the storage bin. - The
front portion 93 of thecover 90 may be rigidly attached or molded to the cover or alternatively may be attached via a hinge or a flexible member. Thefront portion 93, therefore, may be a flap or flap-like to provide access the contents of thestorage bin 10 when thecover 90 is in the closed position. Thefront portion 93 also may have a securing member to maintain it in a closed position. Possible securing members include, for example, Velcro, a latch, a hook, a snap, or another suitable mechanism. Alternatively, thefront portion 93 may be configured slide along the inside of thefront portion 30 of thebin 10 or to be inserted and/or secured into thelabel holder 63. - The
cover 90 also may include ahandle 94 extending from thefront portion 93. Thehandle 94 can be used to open and close thecover 90, for example, by sliding thecover 90 in and out of theupper channel 13 as shown inFIG. 9B , or by lifting the cover, as shown inFIG. 9C . - Referring to
FIG. 9B , thecover 90 is shown in an open position, for example, the position that thecover 90 would be in when it initially is installed in thechannel 13 or when thecover 90 is slid open to allow access to the contents of thebin 10. Thefront portion 93 of thecover 90 includes a pair ofnotches 95. Thenotches 95 provide a space to allow thefront portion 93 of thecover 90 to be slid over thetabs 18 and fully into theupper channel 13. After thecover 90 is slid over thetabs 18, thefront portion 93 may be slid behind thetabs 18 such that thetabs 18 interfere with the removal of thecover 90 from thechannel 13. For example, thetabs 18 may require thecover 90 to be lifted or raised over the over thetabs 18 before thecover 90 can be removed from thechannel 13. The combination of thenotches 95 and thetabs 18, therefore, may allow thecover 90 to be slid back and forth in thechannel 13 to open and close the bin while also reducing the likelihood that thecover 90 may be accidentally opened or removed from the channel, for example, when accessing the contents of the bin. - In
FIG. 9C , thecover 90 is shown with one ormore members 96 that allow thecover 90 to rotate relative to the bin to an open position. For example, themembers 96 may include one or more hinge(s), pin(s), or other hardware elements. In one example, themembers 96 may be pins or other projections that extend from both sides of thecover 90 and into thechannel 13 between theupper wall 33 and thelower wall 35. In such an embodiment, the pins allow the cover to be opened and closed by rotating thecover 90 open as shown inFIG. 9C and/or by sliding thecover 90 in and out of thechannel 13 or back and forth in thechannel 13, as shown generally inFIG. 9B . - Although illustrated as being inserted into the
upper channel 13, it will be appreciated that thecover 90 may be inserted into thelower channel 14 to substantially enclose the lower half of the bin cavity. In such an embodiment, thecover 90 may not include afront portion 93. - The
storage bin 10 also may be fixed or attached to a surface, for example, a work bench or table. A track or channel, shaped like the upper or lower channels described above, e.g., a tapered channel having an offset, point of entry, and a tab partially blocking the front edge of the point of entry, may be integrated or attached to the work surface. The channel may be molded to the work bench or attached to the work bench by screws, nails, glue, etc. - The feet of the
storage bin 10 may be inserted into the channel at a slight angle with the configuration of the channel and tab limiting the vertical and horizontal movement of the foot in the channel, as described above. Additional storage bins may be stacked on or nested in the storage bin that is attached to the work surface. By attaching the bins to the work surface, the bins are less likely to tip or be accidentally knocked over. It also will be appreciated that the tracks may be inclined relative to the surface of the work bench thereby causing the contents of the storage bins to migrate or slide towards the front of the bin. Similarly, the storage bins may be arranged on a shelving unit or a separate rack, for example a gravity shelf having, which have inclined tracks or channels into which the feet of storage bins may be slid. - It also will be appreciated that the bins may be standalone units and may, for example, be placed in a drawer or cabinet or on a cart, shelf, rack, gravity shelf, etc.
- Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope, but includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the scope of the claims.
Claims (11)
- A storage bin (10) comprising:a pair of side walls (11, 12) separated from each other by a rear portion (32) and a bottom portion (31), the rear portion (32) and bottom portion (31) extending between the side walls (11, 12),a channel (13, 14) in each side wall, each channel (13, 14) having an upper portion having an upper front edge (34, 41) and a lower portion having a lower front edge (36, 43),a point of entry (15, 17) defined by the upper front edge (34, 41) and the lower front edge (36, 43),characterized by further comprisinga tab (16, 18) at least partially blocking the point of entry (15, 17) of at least one channel (13, 14) such that the tab (16, 18) impedes removal of a foot (20) on a second storage bin (10) when the foot (20) is inserted into the channel (13, 14).
- A storage bin (10) according to claim 1, wherein the tab (16, 18) extends from the lower front edge (36, 43) of the channel (13, 14).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the upper front edge (34, 41) is offset from the lower front edge (36, 43).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the upper portion of the channel (13, 14) is sloped relative to the lower portion of the channel (13, 14).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the upper portion of the channel (13, 14) has a lateral portion.
- A storage bin (10) according to claim 5, wherein the lateral portion is a flange-like lateral extension of the side walls (11, 12).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the foot (20) is comprised of an angular portion (45) and a lateral portion (46).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a second channel (13, 14) in each side wall (11, 12).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-8, further comprising a cover (90) that is insertable into the channel (13, 14) to at least partially close the storage bin (10).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the channels (13, 14) are tapered such that the channels (13, 14) are wider near the point of entry (15, 17) and narrower near the rear portion (32) of the storage bin (10).
- A storage bin (10) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the channels (13, 14) are tapered such that the channels (13, 14) are wider near the point of entry (15, 17) facilitating insertion of respective feet (20) of a second storage bin (10) into respective channels (13, 14) and narrower near the rear portion (32) of the storage bin (10) tending to retain in the channels (13, 14) the feet (20) of a second storage bin (10).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US2028208P | 2008-01-10 | 2008-01-10 | |
US12/110,636 US20090178989A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 | 2008-04-28 | Multi-function storage bin |
PCT/US2009/030718 WO2009089520A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 | 2009-01-12 | Multi-function storage bin |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2240377A1 EP2240377A1 (en) | 2010-10-20 |
EP2240377B1 true EP2240377B1 (en) | 2012-09-12 |
Family
ID=40849749
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP09701234A Not-in-force EP2240377B1 (en) | 2008-01-10 | 2009-01-12 | Multi-function storage bin |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20090178989A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2240377B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2711602C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009089520A1 (en) |
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CN102137795B (en) * | 2009-06-29 | 2013-03-06 | Tts工具技术系统股份两合公司 | Stackable container assembly with reciprocal locking of the stacked containers |
ATE545599T1 (en) * | 2009-06-29 | 2012-03-15 | Tts Tooltechnic Systems Ag | STACKING CONTAINER ARRANGEMENT WITH MUTUAL LOCKING OF STACKED CONTAINERS |
EP2485874B1 (en) * | 2009-09-15 | 2017-12-06 | TTS Tooltechnic Systems AG & Co. KG | Container arrangement |
US8342329B2 (en) * | 2010-09-29 | 2013-01-01 | Akro-Mils, Inc. | Stackable storage bin |
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USD669273S1 (en) | 2011-08-24 | 2012-10-23 | Wilmar Corporation | Open-ended container |
USD666829S1 (en) * | 2011-10-27 | 2012-09-11 | Ying-Chieh Liao | Storage box |
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DE102012107955A1 (en) * | 2012-08-29 | 2014-03-06 | SORTIMO INTERNATIONAL AUSRÜSTUNGSSYSTEME FÜR SERVICEFAHRZEUGE GmbH | container |
USD743714S1 (en) * | 2012-11-15 | 2015-11-24 | Interdesign, Inc. | Mat |
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-
2008
- 2008-04-28 US US12/110,636 patent/US20090178989A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-01-12 CA CA2711602A patent/CA2711602C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2009-01-12 EP EP09701234A patent/EP2240377B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-01-12 WO PCT/US2009/030718 patent/WO2009089520A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2240377A1 (en) | 2010-10-20 |
US20090178989A1 (en) | 2009-07-16 |
CA2711602A1 (en) | 2009-07-16 |
WO2009089520A1 (en) | 2009-07-16 |
CA2711602C (en) | 2013-11-19 |
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