US20160101897A1

US20160101897A1 - Collapsible storage container

Info

Publication number: US20160101897A1
Application number: US14/878,913
Authority: US
Inventors: Nathan Todd Allen; Nathan Malan Mansfield; Jeremy Russell Stander
Original assignee: Wax Stacks LLC
Current assignee: Wax Stacks LLC
Priority date: 2014-10-08
Filing date: 2015-10-08
Publication date: 2016-04-14

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improved collapsible storage container that may be modular and stackable. For example, the container can include side panels and a bottom panel that interlock with each other using tension between the panels of the container. In addition, a user may assemble and disassemble the container without tools and store the panels in a compact manner.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/061,589, filed Oct. 8, 2014. The entire contents of the foregoing patent application are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field
The present disclosure generally relates to storage containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a collapsible storage container that, in some embodiments, may stack with similar storage containers.
2. Background and Relevant Art
Containers, such as boxes, are a useful tool for users in many industries and generally allow users to transport and store items in a relatively inexpensive and efficient way. For example, a user can use a container to move items from one location to another. For instance, a user may fill a container with items such as books, vinyl records, papers, cords, valuables, electronics, clothing, or other items, which the user can then transport via the container. A user can also use a container to store a variety of items.
Conventional containers, however, suffer from a number of limitations and drawbacks. For example, a conventional container can take up large amounts of space when not is use to store or transport items. If an unused container is taking up too much space, a user will discard or destroy the container. In some instances, a user may break the container such that the user cannot reassemble the container again.
Some conventional containers allow a user to disassemble and later reassemble the container. For example, when containers are made out of cardboard, such as a bankers box, a user can flatten and/or otherwise compact the container when not in use. However, conventional containers made of rigid and sturdy materials other than cardboard do not typically break down into flat and/or compact pieces. Additionally, the broken down pieces of conventional containers are often of varying sizes and/or odd or irregular shapes.
Further, conventional containers that can be disassembled and reassembled for later use are often weak and lack adequate sturdiness. For example, conventional containers can easily tear, bend, or otherwise break. In addition, conventional containers often dent, crack, and/or fail (e.g., collapse) when stacked together. As another example, conventional containers can break when being used to transport items (e.g., handles can break, container bottoms can fall out, etc.) Further, many conventional containers can degrade over time, such as in the case of cardboard containers, especially when exposed to the elements.
Accordingly, there are a number of considerations to be made in providing a new and improved container that maintains some or all of the advantageous features of conventional containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improved container design that allows the container to easily be broken down and rebuilt while still providing solid structural support. In one embodiment, the container can easily be assembled as well as broken down in to multiple pieces of the same size and relative dimensions. In addition, the container, when constructed, may provide a durable and sturdy method for users to store or transport items.
In one or more embodiments, the container can include various features that allow a user to easily assemble the container by hand and without tools as well as to collapse the container down into a small compact form when not in use. To illustrate, the container may include interlocking panels that can secure the container together when assembled. For example, the container can include panels that have windows (e.g., holes or cavities) along the panel's edges. Further, the container can include panels that have tabs and ribs (e.g., protrusions). The tabs and ribs can align and interlock with the windows to secure the container together. In particular, the tabs can align the different panels together and the ribs can interlock, secure, and pull the various panels together. In addition, the panels can include additional features that help secure the container together when assembled and provide for increased support when using the container. Furthermore, the design of the edges of the panels provides a unique interlocking feature that allows the container to solidly stack with similar-type containers, regardless of whether the opening of the container is facing horizontally or vertically.
Additional features and advantages of exemplary embodiments will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description, or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above recited and other advantages and features can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It should be noted that the figures are not drawn to scale, and that elements of similar structure or function are generally represented by like reference numerals for illustrative purposes throughout the figures. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore considered to be limiting, such embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible storage container in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the collapsible storage container in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the collapsible storage container in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the collapsible storage container in accordance with one or more embodiments; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the collapsible storage container in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of the present invention include an improved container design that allows the container to easily be broken down and rebuilt while still providing solid structural support. In one example, the container can easily be assembled as well as broken down in to multiple pieces of the same size and dimension. In addition, the container, when constructed, may provide a durable and sturdy method for users to store or transport items. Further, in some embodiments of the present invention the improved container may be compatible and stackable with other similar containers.
In one or more embodiments, the container can include various features that allow a user to easily assemble the container by hand as well as to collapse the container down into a small compact form when not in use. To illustrate, the container may include interlocking panels that can secure the container together when assembled. For example, the container can include a first set of panels that have windows (e.g., holes or cavities) along the panel's edges. Further, the container can include a second set of panels that have tabs and ribs (e.g., protrusions). The tabs and ribs on the second set of panels can align and interlock with the windows on the second set of panels to secure the container together. Further, the tabs can align the different panels together and the ribs can interlock, secure, and pull the various panels together. Moreover, the panels can include additional features that help secure the container together when assembled and provide for increased support when using the container. Additional examples and features are provided in further detail below.
Example embodiments of the container can be further understood by a discussion of the accompanying drawings. For example, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate various views of an example of a collapsible storage container 100 (or simply, “container 100”). In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the container 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIGS. 3-5 each illustrates different views of the container 100 shown in FIG. 1. Reference will be made to each of FIGS. 1-2 in describing various example features of the container 100.
The container 100 can include five panels. In particular, the container 100 includes two handle side panels 110 a-b, two ribbed side panels 120 a-b, and a ribbed bottom panel 130. In some example embodiments, the two handle side panels 110 a-b (or collectively, “handle side panels 110”) may include similar features to each other. Further, in some example embodiments, the two ribbed side panels 120 a-b (or collectively, “ribbed side panels 120”) can also include similar features to each other. In other embodiments, the handle side panels 110 and/or the ribbed side panels 120 can be different from each other.
Each handle side panels 110 can include a cavity 112 a-b (or simply “cavity 112”) near a first edge (e.g., the top open edge when the container 100 is fully assembled) that can serve as a handle. One will appreciate that the first handle side panel 110 a includes the cavity 112 a and the second handle side panel 110 b includes the cavity 112 b. For simplicity, both here and throughout the disclosure, the handle side panels 110 will be described as having features that are included on both the first handle side panel 110 a and the second handle side panel 110 b. For example, as described above, the cavity 112 may refer to the cavity 112 a of the first handle side panel 110 a and the cavity 112 b of the second handle side panel 110 b. Also for simplicity, duplicative and symmetrical features of the container 100 are not all labeled with reference numbers in the figures. Similar considerations (e.g., collectively referring to common elements and not duplicating reference numbering) have been applied to the ribbed side panels 120 and the ribbed bottom panel 130 described herein and as illustrated in the figures.
The cavity 112 on the handle side panels 110 may be located in various positions, shaped in various configurations, and vary in size. In some example embodiments, the handle side panels 110 may have multiple cavities that may be used as handles. As shown, the cavity 112 is located near the first edge (e.g., the top edge) of the handle side panels 110. In one or more embodiments, the cavity 112 is located near one of the side edges of the handle side panels 110, adjacent to where the handle side panels 110 interconnect with the ribbed side panels 120. The cavity 112 is also sized to comfortably fit a user's hand. Alternatively, the cavity 112 can include one or more cavities sized to comfortably fit one or more fingers of a user's hand. Further, the cavity 112 may be shaped to provide an ergonomic way for a user to lift the container 100.
The handle side panels 110 can also include multiple windows (e.g., slots, holes, openings, etc.). The windows on the handle side panels 110 can be located near each edge, other than the edge near where the cavity 112 is located. For example, if the cavity 112 is located on the first edge, the windows can be located (moving in a counter clockwise motion) on the second, third, and fourth edges of the handle side panels 110 (i.e., the side and bottom edges of the panel when the container is assembled). In addition, the windows can be configured in various shapes, such as rectangular, circular, triangular, polygonal, dog bone-like, or another shape. Further, the shape of the windows may include rounded corners or edges, or alternatively, sharp corners or edges. To illustrate, a rectangular shape with circular holes drilled in each corner of the rectangle (e.g., thus, appearing like a dog bone) may allow for increased functionality, as described below.
The windows in the handle side panels 110 may include tab windows 114 a-b (or collectively “tab windows 114”) and rib windows 116 a-b (or collectively “rib windows 116”). The tab windows 114 may correspond to tabs 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 and may allow the handle side panels 110 and the ribbed side panels 120 to join and construct a portion of the container 100, as described below. Similarly, the rib windows 116 may correspond to ribs 126 on the ribbed side panels 120 and may allow the handle side panels 110 and the ribbed side panels 120 to interlock with each other, as also described below.
In some example embodiments, the window sizes may vary. For example, as shown in the figures, one tab window (e.g., the tab window in the center of the edges of the handle side panels 110, such as tab window 114 a) may be larger in size than the other tab windows on the same handle side panel edge. One will appreciate that the size of each window, the number of tab windows, and the location to the windows can vary along each handle side panel edge without departing from the scope of the invention.
Further, in various embodiments, the corners where a tab meets the ribbed side panel 120 from which the tab extends can be indented, hollowed, or tapered. In particular, the two corners where the tab meets the ribbed side panel 120 to which the tab is connected may be drilled out, similar to the dog bone feature associated with the tab windows 114 and the rib windows 116 described above. In this manner, when a tab on a ribbed side panel 120 extends through a window on a handle side panel 110, the inner edges (e.g., the parts of the edge that are not tabbed) of the ribbed side panel 120 do not have sharp corners that jam up with edges of the windows on the handle side panel 110. Further, indenting or tapering the corners where a tab meets the ribbed side panel 120 from which it extends allows the ribbed side panel 120 to better fit, better provide necessary give, and better support the handle side panel 110 when the two panels are interlocked with one another.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the tab windows 114 and the rib windows 116 may alternate with each other. For example, on each side of the handle side panels 110 that include the windows (e.g., the tab windows 114 and the rib windows 116), there may be three tab windows 114 with two rib windows 116 between the three tab windows 114. In alternate embodiments, the configuration of each handle side panel edge may vary. For example, the second and fourth handle side panel edges (i.e., the side edges of a handle side panel) may have a different window configuration than the third handle side panel edge (i.e., the bottom edge of a handle side panel). To illustrate, the third handle side panel edge (i.e., the bottom edge of a handle side panel) may have a single tab window in the center that spans a length equal to at least half the edge and two rib windows on each side of the single tab window, while the second and fourth handle side panel edges (i.e., the side edges of a handle side panel) are configured as described above.
Further, in some example embodiments, the tab windows 114 and the rib windows 116 may be symmetrical along each handle side panel edge on which the windows are located, as illustrated by the figures. Alternatively, the tab windows 114 may be configured in various sizes, shapes, and configurations. For example, the tab windows on one side of a handle side panel may be larger than the tab windows on the other side of the same handle side panel. In another example, the tab windows on one edge (e.g., a first side panel edge) of a handle side panel may be arranged differently from the tab windows on another edge (e.g., of a second side panel edge) of the same handle side panel.
As mentioned above, FIGS. 1-2 also illustrate ribbed side panels 120 a-b (or collectively “ribbed side panels 120”). Each ribbed side panel 120 may include tabs 124 and ribs 126. The tabs 124 and ribs 126 may be located on the second and fourth edges of the ribbed side panels 120 (i.e., the side edges of the ribbed side panels 120, where the first edge of the ribbed side panel is the top open edge when the container 100 is fully assembled). In addition, the tabs 124 and ribs 126 may protrude (e.g., overhang or extend) beyond the second and fourth edges of the ribbed side panels 120. Further, the tabs 124 and ribs 126 on the second edge of the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond to windows on the first handle side panel 110 a, while the tabs 124 and ribs 126 on the fourth edge of the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond to windows on the second handle side panel 110 b.
The tabs 124 along each edge of the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond to tab windows 114 of the handle side panel 110. As such, the position of a tab 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 may correspond to the position of a corresponding tab window 114 on an adjacent handle side panel 110. To illustrate, a tab 124 may slide into, and in some cases, through a corresponding tab window 114 on an adjacent handle side panel 110. Further, when the tabs 124 engage with corresponding tab windows 114, the ribbed side panels 120 may properly align with the handle side panels 110 (e.g., properly form the sidewalls of the container 100).
In addition, the size of each tab 124 may correspond to the size of a corresponding tab window 114. For example, the relationship between a tab 124 and a tab window 114 is such that the tab 124 snugly fits into a tab window 114. For instance, larger tabs 124 may correspond to larger tab windows 114. However, a tab 124 should be able to still engage and disengage from a corresponding tab window 114 to allow the container to be easily assembled and disassembled. To illustrate, the tab 124 may be a rectangular shape while the corresponding tab window 114 may be shaped like a rectangular shape with one or more corners drilled out (e.g., appearing like a dog bone). In this manner, the tab 124 may come in contact with the middle portions of the window edges, which may provide support to the tab 124, while not coming into contact with the corners of the window edge, which may allow the tab 124 to be easily inserted and removed.
In addition, the ribbed side panels 120 may include multiple ribs 126. Each rib 126 may correspond to a rib window 116. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the two ribs on the second edge of the first ribbed side panel 120 a may correspond to the rib windows 116 on the first handle side panel 110 a. Similarly, the two ribs on the fourth edge of the first ribbed side panel 120 a may correspond to the rib windows 116 on the second handle side panel 110 b.
Each rib 126 may include a tooth-like latch (e.g., a cam surface) at the end of the rib 126. The latch may allow the rib 126 to fasten to the rib window 116 on a handle side panel 110. In particular, the latch may have an indentation in the rib that allows the rib to catch on to the rib window 116. For example, a rib 126 may pass through and beyond a corresponding rib window 126, as described above. The rib 126 may pass through the rib window 126 to the extent that the latch on the rib 126 passes through the rib window 116 and contacts the outside surface of the handle side panel 110 (e.g., the area supporting the tab window 116). Accordingly, the tooth-like latch on a rib 126 may allow the ribbed side panels 120 to fasten to the handle side panels 110.
In one or more embodiments, each rib 126 may start at a position away from the edge of a ribbed side panel 120 (e.g., start near, but not at, the middle of the ribbed side panel 120). Further, each rib 126 may extend from the starting point to, or beyond, the edge of the ribbed side panel 120 without contacting other edges or parts of the ribbed side panel 120. In this manner, each rib 126 may flex (e.g., shift back and forth, up and down, and/or side to side) along the edge of the ribbed side panel 120. A flexible rib 126 provides a number of advantages as will be discussed below. For example, a flexible rib 126 allows the rib 126 to securely fasten to a corresponding rib window 116. In addition, the flexible rib 126 allows the rib 126 to detach from the corresponding rib window 116. Moreover, in one or more embodiments, each rib 126 can be curved or straight.
As mentioned above, the tabs 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 may join with the tab windows 114 on the handle side panels 110 to properly align each panel with one another. As such, the tabs 124 on the ribbed side panels 120 align with the tab windows 114 on the handle side panels 110. In contrast, rib windows 116 may be offset from corresponding ribs 126 to require the ribs 126 to first flex outward (e.g., away from the tooth-like latch indentation) before passing though the rib windows 116. Once the ribs 126 pass through the corresponding rib windows 116, the ribs 126 may relax inwards (e.g., unflex) and fasten on the outside of the rib windows 116. In particular, the latch of a rib 126 may catch (e.g., fasten) on the surface area surrounding the rib windows 116 as the rib 126 relaxes after passing through the rib window 116. In this manner, the ribs 126 are secured to corresponding rib windows 116, at least in part, by the tension force of the ribs 126. Accordingly, by requiring the ribs 126 to flex to engage with the rib windows 116, the ribs 126 can securely hold the ribbed side panels 120 to the handle side panels 110.
Further, as mentioned above, the ribs 126 may be required to flex to unfasten the ribs 126 from corresponding rib windows 116. To illustrate, as described above, when the ribs 126 are engaged (e.g., fastened) to corresponding rib windows 116, the ribs 126 remain in place under the tension force exerted by the ribs 126 not being able to return to an unflexed position. Alternatively, a rib 126 may be in an unflexed position, but caught on a rib window by the latch indentation on the rib 126. In any case, because the ribs 126 are fastened to the rib windows 116, the ribs 126 may need to be flexed again to allow the latch on each rib 126 to clear the rib window 116. Thus, by flexing the ribs 126 (e.g., increasing the tension force), and sliding the ribs 126 out of the corresponding rib windows 116, a user may disconnect the ribs 126 from corresponding rib windows 116, and the ribbed side panels 120 and the handle side panels 110 can be separated. In some embodiments, the user may need to disengage two ribs 126 at once to disconnect a rib side panel 120 from a handle side panel 110.
The flex tolerance and/or the tension force of each rib 126 may be determined by a number of factors including the length of the rib 126, the angle the rib 126, the configuration of the rib 126 (e.g., where the rib 126 starts and ends), the thickness of each ribbed side panels 120, the material of which each panel is made, the offset between the rib 126 from a corresponding rib window 116, the latch size of the rib 126, etc. By modifying the various factors of each rib 126, one can adjust the balance between tension force and rib flexibility. Overall, each rib should achieve a high-tension force while still providing a sufficient amount of flexibility to attach and detach the ribs 126 from the rib windows 116. In this manner, the container 100 can be secured such that the panels do not shift or rattle when used, even when the container 100 is used to transport heavy loads.
In some example embodiments, the ribs 126 on one edge of the ribbed side panels 120 may be symmetrical with each other. In particular, the two ribs 126 on the same edge of a ribbed side panel may flex in an opposite directions to provide opposing tension forces when securing the ribbed side panels 120 to the handle side panels 110. Alternatively, the ribs 126 on the same edge of a ribbed side panel may not be symmetrical. For example, one rib 126 may be shorter while another rib 126 may be longer. As another alternative, one rib 126 may be straight while another rib may be curved. In one or more embodiments, an edge of a ribbed side panel may have only one rib 126. In alternative embodiments, an edge of a ribbed side panel may have two or more ribs 126. Additionally or alternatively, an edge of a ribbed side panel may have an odd number of ribs 126. Further, the ribs may have tension forces in the same direction as each other such that the ribs 126 create tension while the tabs 124 on the same ribbed side panel edge hold the container panels in place (e.g., the ribs 126 in connection with the tabs 124 create a tension force sufficient to hold the panels together).
In one or more embodiments, the ribs 126 may include a notch near the end of the rib (i.e., along one side of the rib near the latch end) to allow a user to conveniently detach the ribbed side panel 120 from the handle side panel when the panels are attached. For example, a circular notch may allow a user to easily unflex the rib 126 from the rib window 116 by allowing a user to insert his or her fingers and unflex the rib 126. In some embodiments, the notch on the rib 126 may have a second complementary notch proximate the notch on the ribbed side panel itself. In this manner, if the channel where the rib 126 can flex is too small to fit a finger, the notches may form a circular cutout that allows a user to insert his or her fingers and unflex the rib 126 to detach the ribbed side panel 120 from the handle side panel 110.
As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the ribbed side panels 120 and the handle side panels 110 may be perpendicular to each other. In other words, when the two ribbed side panels 120 are fastened to the handle side panels 110 in a perpendicular manner, the two panels may form the sidewalls of the container 100. Further, in this configuration, the ribbed side panels 120 are parallel with each other and the handle side panels 110 are parallel with each other.
In one or more embodiments, adding a ribbed bottom panel 130 to the remaining panels (e.g., the ribbed side panels 120 and the handle side panels 110) completes the container 100. The ribbed bottom panel 130 may slide into a groove located near or on the third edge of the ribbed side panels 120 (e.g., groove 122 a on the bottom edge of the ribbed side panel 120 a). In particular, the ribbed bottom panel 130 may have a tab 132 along the first edge and a tab 132 along the third edge (i.e., the edges that do not have ribs) that couples with the grooves in each ribbed side panel 120. The single tab 132 and corresponding groove can be any length and/or size.
Further, the ribbed bottom panel 130 may have tabs 134 and ribs 136 along the second and the fourth bottom ribbed panel edges, similar to the tabs 124 and ribs 126 described above. The tabs 134 and ribs 136 may connect to the tab windows 114 and rib windows 116 on the third side (i.e., the bottom edge) of the handle side panels 110, as described above. When the container 100 is formed (e.g., all panels are attached to each other), the ribbed bottom panel 130 may be perpendicular to the ribbed side panels 120 and the handle side panels 110.
In some example embodiments, the handle side panels 110 and/or the ribbed side panels 120 can include interlocking tabs 118 along the sides of the edges. The interlocking tabs 118 allow one container 100 to stack with another container 100 or a shelving rack/system. In other words, the interlocking tabs 118 are patterned such that two containers (e.g., two functionally equivalent containers) can stack on each other, regardless of which direction the opening of the container 100 faces. For example, the interlocking tabs 118 may allow multiple containers 100 to vertically stack, in a secure manner, with the opening facing straight out (e.g., one of the ribbed side panels 120 on the bottom in a horizontal position, the other ribbed side panel 120 on the top in a horizontal position, the handle side panels 110 are on the sides in a vertical position, and the bottom ribbed panel 130 is in the back in a vertical position). In this manner, a user can use multiple containers to facilitate a variety of functions, such as forming a modular shelving system. Further, because each container 100 is strong, sturdy, and secure, the user can stack a number of containers together without worry of the containers collapsing or breaking
In one or more embodiments, the interlocking tabs 118 are divided along the side edge of the handle side panels 110 and/or the ribbed side panels 120. In other words, an interlocking edge 118 can have multiple interlocking tabs, with each alternating interlocking tab being on a different edge side than the previous and/or next interlocking tab (with slight overlap in some embodiments). In this manner, when the interlocking tabs of two containers are joined together, the alternating tabs fasten and/or mate together to provide a secure connection between the two interlocking tabs, and thus, the two containers.
As described above, a user can disassemble (i.e., take apart) the container 100. Each panel can separate from the other panels when the container 100 is not in use. In addition, because each panel is the same relative size, a user may easily store the panels in a compact manner (e.g., stacked in a uniform manner). Further, similar to assembling the container 100, a user can disassemble the container 100 without the need of tools.
FIGS. 3-5 illustrate various perspectives of the container 100 described above. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of the container 100 showing a ribbed side panel 120 a. The front elevational view is similar to the back elevational view of the container 100, which includes the other ribbed side panel 120 b. FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the container 100 showing a handle side panel 110 a. The side elevational view is similar to the other side elevational view of the container 100, which includes the other handle side panel 110 b. FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of the container 100 showing the top surface of the ribbed bottom panel 130. The top plan view is similar to the bottom plan view of the container 100, which includes the bottom surface of the ribbed bottom panel 130.
Regardless of the final design, the container 100 can be made using a variety of materials. In one example, the container 100 includes a high strength laminate wood. Nevertheless, other materials may be used, such as metals, composites, woods, plastics, etc., or derivatives therefrom. Further, the container 100 may be constructed in a variety of sizes and shapes. For example, in some embodiments, the handle side panels 110 and two parallel side of the bottom ribbed panel 130 may be longer than the ribbed side panels 120 (e.g., to form a rectangular box).
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

We claim:

1. A storage container comprising:

a first panel and a second panel, the first panel being parallel to the second panel, wherein the first panel and the second panel each comprise:

four edges, a top surface, and a bottom surface, comprising:

a cavity near a first edge of the four edges and a plurality of windows near the remaining three edges of the four edges, the plurality of windows comprising tab windows and rib windows;

a third panel and a fourth panel, the third panel being parallel to the fourth panel and both the third panel and the fourth panel being perpendicular to the first panel and the second panel, wherein the third panel and the fourth panel each comprise:

four edges, a top surface and a bottom surface, comprising:

a plurality of tabs on the second edge and the fourth edge that align with the plurality of tab windows near the second edge and the fourth edge of the first panel and the second panel;

a plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge that fasten to corresponding rib windows on the second edge and the fourth edge of the first panel and the second panel, wherein the ribs are offset from the corresponding rib windows on the second edge and the fourth edge of the first panel and the second panel, the offset creating tension between the plurality of ribs on the third panel and the fourth panel and the corresponding rib windows on the second edge and the fourth edge of the first panel and the second panel; and

a groove along the third edge; and

a bottom panel, the bottom panel being perpendicular to the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel, wherein the bottom panel comprises:

four edges, a top surface and a bottom surface, comprising:

a first tab on the first edge, the first tab coupling with the groove along the third edge of the third panel;

a second tab on the third edge, the second tab coupling with the groove along the third edge of the fourth panel;

a plurality of tabs on the second edge and the fourth edge that align with the plurality of tab windows near the third edge of the first panel and the third edge of the second panel; and

a plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge that fasten to the plurality of rib windows near the third edge of the first panel and the third edge of the second panel, wherein the ribs are offset from the corresponding rib windows, the offset creating tension between the plurality of ribs on the bottom panel and the corresponding rib windows of the first panel and the second panel.

2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of windows on the first panel and the second panel are rectangular in shape, each window having side walls adjoining at corners, wherein each corner is rounded out and extends beyond the side walls such that a tab or rib being placed in a window of the plurality of windows contacts the side walls of the window without contacting the corners on the window.

3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein one or more windows of the plurality of windows are shaped like a dog bone.

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the first panel and the second panel further comprise interlocking tabs on sides of the four edges.

5. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the interlocking tabs comprise alternating tabs that alternate along the sides of the fourth edges of the first panel and the second panel.

6. The storage container of claim 5, wherein each interlocking tab of the interlocking tabs comprises an odd number of tabs per side edge of the four edges.

7. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the storage container securely interlocks with a second storage container that is functionally identical to the storage container.

8. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the interlocking tabs along the remaining three edges of the first panel and the second panel are aligned with the plurality of windows near the remaining three edges of the first panel and the second panel.

9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel flex away from each other to allow the plurality of ribs to pass through the offset rib windows near the third edge the first panel and the second panel.

10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein the plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel, upon passing through the rib windows near the third edge the first panel and the second panel, unflex towards each other to fasted the bottom panel to the first panel and the second panel.

11. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each rib of the plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel comprise a latch at an end of each rib, and wherein the latch indentation is rounded on one side and indented on an opposite side.

12. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the latch indentation at the second edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel is used to fasten the bottom panel to the first panel and the second panel.

13. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each rib of the plurality of ribs on the second edge and the fourth edge of the bottom panel comprise a notch near the latch along a neck of the each rib.

14. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the storage container is high strength laminate wood.

15. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each panel of the storage container is square.

16. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the storage container can be assembled and disassembled within tools.

17. The storage container of claim 14, wherein each panel of the storage container can stack compactly when the storage container is disassembled.

18. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cavity near the first edge of the first panel and the second panel is a handle for the storage container.

19. A panel of a collapsible storage container, comprising:

a front surface having a first edge, a second edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge;

wherein the first edge is parallel with the second edge, the third edge is parallel with the fourth edge, and the first edge is perpendicularly connected to the third edge and the fourth edge;

wherein the first edge and the second edge each comprise at least one fixed tab;

wherein the first edge and the second edge each comprise a plurality of flexible ribs, each flexible rib of the plurality of flexible ribs comprising an end having a latch;

wherein each flexible rib of the plurality of ribs extends from within the front surface to the end having the latch, the latch being in line with the at least one fixed tab along the first edge and the second edge;

wherein the latch end of each flexible rib of the plurality of flexible ribs can move perpendicularly along the first edge and the second edge; and

wherein the front surface comprises a grove adjacent to and parallel with the third edge, the groove extending the length of the front surface; and

a back surface, which shares the first edge, the second edge, the third edge, and the fourth edge with the front surface, including the at least one fixed tab and the plurality of flexible ribs.

20. The panel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible ribs on each of the first edge and the second edge comprise two flexible ribs, and wherein the two flexible ribs flex away from one another.