US20220203157A1

US20220203157A1 - Exercise box

Info

Publication number: US20220203157A1
Application number: US17/646,627
Authority: US
Inventors: Shane Patrick ROGERS; Joshua Rogers; Brandon Inclan; William H. Bull
Original assignee: RPM Fitness Inc
Current assignee: RPM Fitness Inc
Priority date: 2020-12-30
Filing date: 2021-12-30
Publication date: 2022-06-30

Abstract

According to an aspect of an embodiment, a box may include a frame, multiple panels, and a hatch door. The frame may include multiple corner elements and multiple elongated sides. The multiple corner elements may include three vertices with a coupling mechanism disposed at each vertex of the three vertices. The multiple elongated sides may include a first end configured to be coupled to a first corner element and a second end configured to be coupled to a second coupling mechanism of a second corner element. The multiple panels may be configured to be coupled to the frame via a first surface of the multiple panels. An exterior-facing surface of the multiple panels may be flush with the frame and an interior cavity may be formed within the multiple panels and the frame. The hatch door may be configured to provide access to the interior cavity.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/132,018, filed on Dec. 30, 2020, titled “EXERCISE BOX”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is generally directed towards exercise equipment and, in particular, to an exercise box.

BACKGROUND

Boxes have long been used to store and transfer various objects, often making handling the various objects easier by having the objects confined to the box. Boxes have also been used in various forms of exercise including strength training, endurance training, and plyometrics.
Plyometric boxes are a specific type of box or platform that may often be used in various exercise training. Plyometrics are a relatively newer form of exercise which is sometimes referred to as jump training. Some forms of plyometrics include an exerciser jumping up onto a plyometric box and back to the ground. Plyometric boxes may provide varying heights suitable for exercisers with varying levels of ability. For example, someone new to the exercise may use a smaller box or box with a reduced height, while a more experienced exerciser may opt for a taller box that may provide a greater challenge.
Other exercises that may incorporate a box include step training. Step training may be directed at combining the benefits of cardiovascular exercises and strength training. In step training, an exerciser repeatedly steps up and down on a box or platform. In some circumstances, the repetition may increase an exerciser's heart rate, which may provide cardiovascular exercise benefits and may provide strength training benefits for the exerciser's legs and core.
The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a box includes a frame, multiple panels, and a hatch door. The frame includes multiple corner elements and multiple elongated sides. The multiple corner elements include three vertices and a coupling mechanism disposed at each vertex of the three vertices. Each elongated side of the multiple elongated sides includes a first end configured to couple to a first coupling mechanism of a first corner element and a second end configured to couple to a second coupling mechanism of a second corner element. The multiple panels are configured to be coupled to the frame via a first surface of the multiple panels. When the multiple panels are coupled to the frame, an exterior-facing surface of the multiple panels is flush with the frame and an interior cavity is formed within the multiple panels and the frame. The hatch door is configured to provide access to the interior cavity.
In another embodiment, a frame element includes an elongated body, a first lateral support member, a second lateral support member, and a rib. The elongated body include a first length and includes an external component, a first component, and a second component. The elongated body is arranged such that a cavity is formed between the external component, the first component, and the second component. The first lateral support member includes a second length that is shorter than the first length and is coupled orthogonally to the first component. The second lateral support member includes the second length and is coupled orthogonally to the second component. The rib is coupled to the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member.
In another embodiment, a corner element includes a first vertex, a second vertex, a third vertex, an external surface, and one or more reinforcing portions. The first vertex includes a coupling element disposed on an end thereof. The second vertex includes a coupling element disposed on an end thereof. The second vertex includes a first lateral edge connected to the first vertex. The third vertex includes a coupling element disposed on an end thereof. The third vertex includes a second lateral edge connected to the second vertex and a third lateral edge connected to the third vertex. The external surface includes a rounded shape and is coupled to the first vertex, the second vertex, and the third vertex. The one or more reinforcing portions are disposed on an interior portion of the corner element.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings, the detailed description of preferred embodiments and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of preferred embodiments to further illustrate and clarify the above and other aspects, advantages and features of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit its scope. Additionally, it will be appreciated that while the drawings may illustrate preferred sizes, scales, relationships and configurations of the invention, the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

One or more example aspects of the exercise box is described below with respect to the figures.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example exercise box;

FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of an example exercise box;

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a portion of an example exercise box, illustrating a frame;

FIG. 2A is an interior perspective view of a corner element;

FIG. 2B is an exterior perspective view of the corner element shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is an interior perspective view of a frame element;

FIG. 3B is an exterior perspective view of the frame element shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of the frame element shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the frame element shown in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4 is an interior partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of an example exercise box; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example exercise box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally directed towards an exercise box. The principles of the present disclosure, however, are not limited to exercise boxes. It will be understood that, in light of the present disclosure, the exercise box disclosed herein can be successfully used in connection with other types of exercise equipment.
In some existing exercise boxes, the edges thereof may be substantially square such that a user may be exposed to injury in the event of a misstep or errant jump onto the exercise box. For example, in instances in which the user jumps on a front portion of the exercise box and slips off, the square edges of the exercise box may injure the shins of the user. Alternatively, or additionally, existing exercise boxes may be assembled using hardware disposed on external surfaces of the exercise box which exposed hardware may pose an additional risk to a user. For example, the exposed hardware may pose a risk to the user that fabric or clothing may become caught and may increase a tripping risk and/or other injuries.
In some existing exercise boxes, the exercise boxes may be prone to damage and decay through use. For example, some exercise boxes may include foam or wooden materials that may break down through repeated and/or routine use, such as jumping on the exercise box. Alternatively, or additionally, some exercise boxes may be disposed of once any damage has been incurred as the exercise box may no longer be safe for use.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an exercise box may include rounded edges and/or corners which may reduce the risk of injury to a user upon a misstep or errant jump onto the exercise box. Alternatively, or additionally, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure may include hardware that may be disposed on the internal portions of the exercise box, which may reduce risks associated with the user becoming entangled in exposed hardware.
In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the exercise box may include panels and a frame that may include reinforced portions such that the exercise box may be configured to withstand repeated use over a long period of time. Alternatively, or additionally, in instances in which a portion of the exercise box becomes damaged, the damaged portion of the exercise box may be replaceable such that the damaged portion may be replaced, and the exercise box may continue to be used.
Additionally, to assist in the description of the exercise box, words such as top, bottom, front, rear, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure can be located in a variety of desired positions, including various angles, sideways and even upside down. A detailed description of the exercise box now follows.
These and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures. It is to be understood that the figures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of such example embodiments, and are not limiting, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale. In the figures, features with like numbers indicate like structure and function unless described otherwise.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example exercise box 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The exercise box 100 may include a frame 102, panels 130, a hatch door 135, and handles 145. The frame 102 may include corner elements 105 and frame elements 115. In some embodiments, the corner elements 105 and/or the frame elements 115 may be rounded. Alternatively, or additionally, the corner elements 105 and/or the frame elements 115 may be chamfered or beveled.
In some embodiments, the exercise box 100 may include a plurality of attachment mechanisms and the attachment mechanisms may allow at least a portion of the exercise box 100 to be assembled or connected from inside or within the exercise box 100. For example, one or more attachment mechanisms may be configured to couple the frame elements 115 to the panels 130 of the exercise box 100, and the attachment mechanisms may be configured to be connected to the frame elements 115 of the exercise box 100 from inside the exercise box 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the attachment mechanisms may be configured to couple the corner elements 105 to the frame elements 115. In these and other embodiments, the attachment mechanisms may include screws, fasteners, connectors, and the like.
In some embodiments, the exercise box 100 may be substantially cuboidal in shape. In some embodiments, the lengths of each side of the exercise box 100 may be substantially equal, which may result in the exercise box 100 having a cubic shape. Alternatively, or additionally, the exercise box 100 may include some frame elements 115 that may be longer than the other frame elements 115 which may cause the exercise box 100 to be shaped similar to a rectangular prism. Additional details related to one or more elements of the frame of the exercise box 100 may be discussed relative to other figures, such as FIGS. 1B, 2A, 3A, and the like. The exercise box 100 may have other suitable shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or arrangements depending, for example, upon the intended use of the exercise box 100. In these and other embodiments, the exercise box 100 may include an interior cavity on an interior portion of the frame 102 and the panels 130.
In some embodiments, the frame 102 may be made of glass filled nylon, plastic, various polymers, metal, wood, carbon fiber, and/or any other suitable material, which may contribute to the exercise box 100 being sturdy and/or durable. Additional details regarding the frame 102, including the corner elements 105 and/or the frame elements 115, may be shown and/or described relative to FIGS. 1B-1C, 2A-2B, and/or 3A-3D.
In some embodiments, the exercise box 100 may include one or more panels 130 that may be configured to be affixed to the frame 102 of the exercise box 100. In some embodiments, the panels 130 of the exercise box 100 may be made of similar materials as the frame 102. Alternatively, or additionally, the panels 130 of the exercise box 100 may be made of materials that differ from the frame 102. For example, the panels may include wood, plastic, glass filled nylon, carbon fiber, various polymers, and/or any other suitable material. In these and other embodiments, the panels 130 of the exercise box 100 may be made of a durable material that may be capable of withstanding repeated use, including jumping.
In some embodiments, the panels 130 may include a non-slip texture that may provide improved traction and/or grip on the exercise box 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the panels 130 may include an adhesive or a layer, such as a grip tape or similar device, applied to the surface of the panels 130 such that traction and/or grip on the exercise box 100 may be improved. In some embodiments, the panels 130 may include one or more openings or holes, such as pilot holes, that may be disposed on an interior surface of the panels 130. The pilot holes may be sized and configured to receive various mechanical devices such as screws, self-tapping screws, and/or other similar fasteners or mechanisms. Alternatively, or additionally, the pilot holes may include threaded holes or threaded inserts. Additional details regarding the panels 130 may be shown and/or described relative to FIG. 1B.
In some embodiments, one or more panels 130 may include a cutout for the handles 145. For example, one or more of the panels 130 may be configured to receive the handles 145. As shown in FIG. 1A, a first side of the exercise box 100 may include a panel 130 that includes two cutouts sized and configured to receive two handles 145. The exercise box 100 may include a generally symmetric configuration. For example, a second side of the exercise box 100, which may be opposite the first side shown in FIG. 1A, may include a panel that includes two cutouts sized and configured to receive two handles 145. The exercise box 100 may also have an asymmetric configuration and, while the exercise box 100 may include any suitable number of handles 145, the handles 145 may not be required.
In some embodiments, the hatch door 135 may be disposed on one side of the exercise box 100. In some embodiments, the hatch door 135 may be configured to allow a user to access the interior cavity of the exercise box 100. For example, the user may remove the hatch door 135 and access the interior cavity of the exercise box 100, which interior cavity may be used for storage. Alternatively, or additionally, in embodiments in which the hatch door 135 is not included in the exercise box 100, the opening may provide the user access to the interior cavity of the exercise box 100. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more panels 130 may be configured to be removeable such that the user may be able to access the interior cavity of the exercise box 100. In these and other embodiments, the interior cavity of the exercise box 100 may be accessed and/or usable as a storage location via the opening, the removeable hatch door 135, and/or a removeable panel 130.
In some embodiments, the hatch door 135 may be attached to the frame 102 using attachment mechanisms that may be substantially or fully recessed in the hatch door 135. For example, the hatch door 135 may include attachment mechanisms, such as screws, fasteners, or connectors, that may be aligned with or recessed below the surface of the hatch door 135. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door 135 may include latches, such as screw turn latches, that may secure the hatch door 135 to the frame 102. In some embodiments, the hatch door 135 may be configured to be attached to a hatch door frame 140. In these and other embodiments, the hatch door frame 140 may be part of the frame 102 or it may be configured to be attached to the frame 102. Additional details regarding the hatch door 135 and/or the hatch door frame 140 may be shown in connection with subsequent figures, such as FIGS. 1B and/or 5.
FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of an example exercise box 100. FIG. 1B illustrates various components and arrangement of components that may be used as part of the exercise box 100. For example, the exercise box 100 may include a first corner element 105 a, a second corner element 105 b, a third corner element 105 c, a fourth corner element 105 d, a fifth corner element 105 e, a sixth corner element 105 f, a seventh corner element (not illustrated), an eighth corner element (not illustrated), referred to collectively as corner element(s) 105, a first element1 115 a-1, a second element1 115 a-2, a third element1 115 a-3, a fourth element1 115 a-4, referred to collectively as element1(s) 115 a, a first element 2 115 b-1, a second element2 115 b-2, a third element2 115 b-3, a fourth element2 115 b-4, referred to collectively as element2(s) 115 b, a first element3 115 c-1, a second element3 115 c-2, a third element3 115 c-3, a fourth element3 115 c-4, referred to collectively as element3(s) 115 c, all referred to collectively as frame element(s) 115, a first panel 130 a, a second panel 130 b, a third panel 130 c, a fourth panel 130 d, a fifth panel 130 e, referred to collectively as the panel(s) 130, a hatch door 135, and a hatch door frame 140.
In some embodiments, the frame elements 115 may be coupled with the corner elements 105 to form the frame 102. Additional details related to the coupling between the frame elements 115 and the corner elements 105 may be further described herein, in relation to other figures. In some embodiments, the frame elements 115 may be arranged to form a cuboidal shape, such as a box. Alternatively, or additionally, various other shapes may be formed using the frame elements 115 and the corner elements 105, such as a pyramidal frustrum, a rhomboid, a parallelepiped, and/or other shapes that may be used as a box-like structure.
In some embodiments, each corner element 105 may be configured to receive one element1 115 a, one element2 115 b, and one element3 115 c. In some embodiments, the frame 102 may be formed by arranging the corner elements 105 with the element1s 115 a, the element2s 115 b, and the element3s 115 c, where each corner element 105 is coupled to one of the element1s 115 a, the element2s 115 b, and the element3s 115 c.
In some embodiments, each of the element1s 115 a may include a similar length and/or may include a similar orientation in the exercise box 100. For example, as illustrated, each of the element1s 115 a may be the same length and may be oriented in a z-direction of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Alternatively, or additionally, each of the element2s 115 b may include a similar length and/or may include a similar orientation in the exercise box 100. For example, as illustrated, each of the element2s 115 b may be the same length and may be oriented in an x-direction of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. Alternatively, or additionally, each of the element3s 115 c may include a similar length and/or may include a similar orientation in the exercise box 100. For example, as illustrated, each of the element3s 115 c may be the same length and may be oriented in a y-direction of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.
In some embodiments, the length of the element1s 115 a, the length of the element2s 115 b, and the length of the element3s 115 c may be substantially the same. For example, the exercise box 100 may be substantially cuboidal such that each side of the exercise box 100 is substantially the same length. Alternatively, or additionally, the element1s 115 a may include a first length, the element2s 115 b may include a second length, and the element3s 115 c may include a third length, where each of the first length, the second length, and the third lengths are different. For example, the exercise box 100 may include a rectangular prism shape that may include three different heights measured from the ground based on the orientation of the exercise box 100. Alternatively, or additionally, any combination of lengths associated with the element1s 115 a, the element2s 115 b, and the element3s 115 c may be the same. For example, the first length associated with the element1s 115 a may be substantially the same as the second length associated with the element2s 115 b and may differ from the third length associated with the element3s 115 c.
In some embodiments, the panels 130 may be sized and shaped to fit within the frame 102 defined by the frame elements 115 and the corner elements 105. In some embodiments, the first panel 130 a, the second panel 130 b, and the third panel 130 c may include different sizes. For example, in instances in which the exercise box 100 is a rectangular prism such that the length of the element1s 115 a, the length of the element2s 115 b, and the lengths of the element3s 115 c differ, the size of the first panel 130 a, the size of the second panel 130 b, and the size of the third panel 130 c may differ. Alternatively, or additionally, some of the panels 130 may include a similar sized as other panels 130 and may differ in size from yet other panels 130. For example, the first panels 130 a may include a first size, the second panels 130 b may include a second size, and the third panels 130 c may include the second size, where the first size and the second size may be a different size. Alternatively, or additionally, the first panel 130 a, the second panel 130 b, and the third panel 130 c may include substantially the same sizes. For example, in instances in which the exercise box 100 is substantially cuboidal, the size of the first panel 130 a may be substantially the same as the size of the second panel 130 b and may also be substantially the same size as the third panel 130 c.
In some embodiments, the panels 130 may be mirrored across a central point of the exercise box 100. For example, the first panel 130 a, in an xz-plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, may be substantially the same as another panel that may be parallel to and in the xz-plane of the Cartesian coordinate system. Alternatively, or additionally, the panels 130 may be configured to differ from another panel that may be mirrored with respect to a central point and/or in the same plane in a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. For example, the third panel 130 c, in an xy-plane, may differ from another panel in the xy-plane, such as a panel that is the hatch door 135.
In some embodiments, the panels 130 may include a reinforcing structure that may be disposed on an interior portion of the panels 130. For example, an interior surface of the panels 130 may include one or more strengthening members, that may include raised portions relative to the interior surface of the panels 130. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure may be arranged and configured to increase a durability and/or sturdiness of the panels 130. In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure of the panels 130 may include a covering that may cause the interior surface of the panels 130 to be substantially smooth.
In some embodiments, the hatch door 135 may be similar to the panels 130 such as configured to provide a wall structure to the exercise box 100. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the hatch door 135 may include one or more attachment mechanisms. For example, one or more attachment mechanisms on the exterior of the hatch door 135 may be used to attach the hatch door 135 to the exercise box 100, such as via the hatch door frame 140. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door 135 and/or the hatch door frame 140 may include one or more magnetic devices such that the hatch door 135 may be configured to be magnetically coupled to the hatch door frame 140. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door 100 may not be present in the exercise box 100 such that at least one side of the exercise box 100 may include an opening.
In some embodiments, the edge portions of the hatch door 135 may differ from the edge portions of the panels 130. For example, in some embodiments, the edge portions of the panels 130 may be configured to be positioned under a portion of the frame elements 115 and the edge portions of the hatch door 135 may be configured to be situated on a portion of the hatch door frame 140. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the hatch door 135 may be configured to be attached to the frame 102 via one or more external fasteners configured to couple to the hatch door frame 140 and the panels 130 may be configured to be attached to the frame 102 via one or more internal fasteners configured to couple to the frame elements 115.
In some embodiments, the hatch door frame 140 may be configured to interface with the frame elements 115 in a similar manner as the panels 130 may interface with the frame elements 115. For example, an exterior edge of the hatch door frame 140 may include a tenon-like projection that may be configured to interface with a portion of the frame elements 115, such as under a lip thereof and/or abutting one or more surfaces thereof. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door frame 140 may include one or more apertures that may be configured to receive a fastener, which may attach the hatch door frame 140 to the frame elements 115 and/or may be similar to an interior surface of the panels 130. In these and other embodiments, an exterior surface of the hatch door frame 140 may be configured to be substantially flush with an exterior surface of the frame elements 115 and/or substantially flush with an exterior surface of the hatch door 135.
In some embodiments, the hatch door frame 140 may be sized and shaped such that the hatch door frame 140 may be oriented on any side of the exercise box 100. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door frame 140 may include a size and/or shape that may limit which side of the exercise box 100 the hatch door frame 140 may be located. For example, the hatch door frame 140 may be sized to fit within a large opening within the frame 102 and may not be sized to fit within a small opening within the frame 102. In some embodiments, the hatch door frame 140 may include a narrow width which may result in an increased size of the hatch door 135. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door frame 140 may include a wide width which may result in a decreased size of the hatch door 135. In these and other embodiments, a combination of the hatch door 135 and the hatch door frame 140 may be substantially similar in size to a panel in a parallel plane. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1B, a combination of the hatch door 135 and the hatch door frame 140 may be substantially similar in size to the third panel 130 c, which third panel 130 c is in a parallel plane to the hatch door 135 and the hatch door frame 140.
FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a portion of an example exercise box 100, illustrating a frame 102, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The exercise box 100 may include a first handle 145 a, a second handle 145 b, a third handle 145 c, and a fourth handle 145 d, referred to collectively as handle(s) 145.
In some embodiments, the exercise box 100 may be assembled as the frame 102 (e.g., with no panels attached, such as the panels 130 of FIG. 1B). Alternatively, or additionally, the exercise box 100 may be assembled in different arrangements and/or configurations. For example, the frame 102 may be assembled with one or more panels, such that the exercise box 100 may be an open box having one or more panels not included in the exercise box 100.
In some embodiments, the handles 145 may be located on opposite sides of the exercise box 100 from one another. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1C, the second handle 145 b and the third handle 145 c are arranged on opposite sides of the exercise box 100. In some embodiments, the handles 145 may be configured to be disposed on a smaller of the sides of the exercise box 100. For example, the handles 145 may be configured to be disposed on a shortest side of the frame 102. Alternatively, or additionally, the handles 145 may be configured to be disposed on any side of the exercise box 100. For example, the handles 145 may be configured to be disposed on a longest side, an intermediate side, and/or a shortest side of the exercise box 100.
In some embodiments, the handles 145 may be configured to be attached to one or more elements of the frame 102, such as the frame elements 115 of FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the frame 102 may include one or more modifications to accommodate the handles 145. For example, in some embodiments, one or more portions of the frame 102 may be recessed, removed, or otherwise modified such that the handles 145 may be configured to retained by the frame 102. For example, one or more portions of the frame 102 may include lateral support members and/or ribs, such as the lateral support members 123 and the ribs 118 as illustrated in FIG. 3C, respectively, both of which may be not present, may be removed, and/or modified from the frame 102 which may accommodate the handles 145. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the portion of the frame 102 configured to receive the handle 145 c may include one or more modifications to the lateral support members and/or ribs which may accommodate the handle 145 c.
In some embodiments, the handles 145 may include a recessed portion that may be configured to interface with a panel, such as the panels 130 of FIG. 1B. For example, the handles 145 may include a recessed portion and one or more associated lips such that a portion of the panel may interface with the recessed portion where a portion of the panel may fit under the one or more lips such that an exterior surface of the panel may be substantially flush with the handles 145. In some embodiments, a panel configured to interface with the handles 145 may include a cutout including a matching shape to the handles 145. In these and other embodiments, one or more panel cutouts may contribute to maintaining the handles 145 in a fixed location.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are an interior perspective view and an exterior perspective view, respectively, of a corner element 105, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The corner element 105 may include a first coupling element 106 a, a second coupling element 106 b, a third coupling element 106 c, referred to collectively as coupling element(s) 106, a first fastening aperture 107 a, a second fastening aperture 107 b, a third fastening aperture 107 c, referred to collectively as fastening aperture(s) 107, reinforcing portions 108, an external surface 109, a first lateral edge 110 a, a second lateral edge 110 b, referred to collectively as lateral edge(s) 110, a first traction element 111 a, and a second traction element 111 b, referred to collectively as traction elements 111.
In some embodiments, the corner elements 105 may include a substantially triangular or three-sided shape. For example, the corner elements 105 may include three vertices where each vertex may include one of the coupling elements 106. In some embodiments, the three vertices may be arranged such that the first vertex, the second vertex, and the third vertex may each be orthogonal to the other vertices. In other words, the first vertex may be orthogonal to the second vertex and the third vertex, the second vertex may be orthogonal to the first vertex and the third vertex, and the third vertex may be orthogonal to the first vertex and the second vertex.
In some embodiments, the coupling elements 106 may include a projection that may be configured to couple with a complementary receptacle. For example, a projection of the coupling elements 106 may be configured to be received in a receptacle of a frame element, such as the cavity 125 of the frame elements 115 as shown in FIG. 3A. In some embodiments, one or more portions of the coupling elements 106 may be recessed. For example, in instances in which the coupling elements 106 include projections, the projections may be narrowed such that when coupled with a frame element, the frame element may be substantially flush with an exterior portion of the corner element 105.
In some embodiments, the coupling elements 106 may include the fastening apertures 107 disposed therein. In some embodiments, the fastening apertures 107 may include predrilled holes or bores, that may be configured to facilitate an attachment of the corner elements 105 to frame elements, such as the frame elements 115 shown in FIG. 1B. In some embodiments, the fastening apertures 107 may include threaded inserts.
In some embodiments, an interior portion of the corner elements 105 may include the reinforcing portions 108. In some embodiments, the reinforcing portions 108 may include a structured pattern, and/or one or more strengthening members that may be configured to provide increased rigidity and durability to the corner elements 105. Alternatively, or additionally, the reinforcing portions 108 of the interior portion of the corner elements 105 may be covered with a smooth surface so as to appear smooth to a user.
In some embodiments, the reinforcing portions 108 may include three raised linear elements running from the each of the three vertices to the opposite side of the corner elements 105. The reinforcing portions 108 may include equally spaced, raised concentric circles emanating from a central intersection point of the three raised linear elements. In some embodiments, one or more aspects of the reinforcing portions 108 may be raised relative to an attachment surface of the corner elements 105 and/or relative to other portions of the reinforcing portions 108. For example, the reinforcing portions 108 may be raised more near the central intersection point and less near the coupling elements 106. Alternatively, or additionally, the reinforcing portions 108 may be substantially uniform in a raised amount relative to the attachment surface of the corner elements 105. For example, the reinforcing portions 108 may include the same shape as the corner elements 105 by raising a uniform amount from the attachment surface of the corner elements 105, or the reinforcing portions 108 may include a substantially flat surface by raising varying amounts relative to the attachment surface of the corner elements 105. In some embodiments, the reinforcing portions 108 may be disposed in a generally uniform or symmetric arrangement. Alternatively, or additionally, the reinforcing portions 108 may be disposed in an asymmetric or nonuniform arrangement.
In some embodiments, the external surface 109 of the corner elements 105 may be substantially round and/or smooth. Alternatively, or additionally, the external surface 109 may include a honeycomb pattern and or portions of geometric shapes, such as various polyhedra. For example, the external surface 109 may include a portion of an octahedral geodesic polyhedron.
In some embodiments, the lateral edges 110 of the corner elements 105 may be configured to extend between coupling elements 106, such as between the first coupling element 106 a and the second coupling element 106 b. In some embodiments, the lateral edges 110 may be curved between the coupling elements 106. For example, the lateral edges 110 may include a concave shape between the coupling elements 106. Alternatively, or additionally, the lateral edges 110 may include a sloped edge between the coupling elements 106. In these and other embodiments, the lateral edges 110 may include a complementary shape to a portion of a panel, such as the corner of the panel 130 shown in FIG. 1B. For example, in instances in which the corner of a panel is curved, the lateral edges 110 may be curved.
In some embodiments, the traction elements 111 may be configured to be coupled to the lateral edges 110 In some embodiments, the traction elements 111 may include a substantially non-slip component or element. For example, the traction elements 111 may include a piece of rubber that may be attached to the lateral edges 110. In some embodiments, the traction elements 111 may be raised relative to an exterior portion of the corner elements 105 and/or the elements 115 (which frame elements 115 may be substantially flush with the corner elements 105) such that the traction elements 111 are configured to contact a surface that the exercise box 100 is on. It may be appreciated that rubber is only one example of traction elements 111 and that other elements may also be suitable to be attached to the lateral edges 110 of the corner elements 105 of the exercise box 100. For example, the traction elements 111 may include rubberized PVC, neoprene, silicone foam, urethane, cork, and/or other materials configured to provide a non-slip surface.
FIG. 3A is an interior perspective view of a frame element 115, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The frame element 115 may include a first end 116 a, a second end 116 b, referred to collectively as end(s) 116, a first coupling aperture 117 a, a second coupling aperture 117 b, referred to collectively as coupling aperture(s) 117, ribs 118, panel apertures 119, lateral support members 123, and cavity 125.
In some embodiments, the frame element 115 may include an elongated body having a first length. As described relative to FIG. 1B, the frame elements 115 may include varying lengths relative to one another. For example, a first group of frame elements 115 may include a first length and a second group of frame elements 115 may include a second length that may be different than the first length.
In some embodiments, the lateral support members 123 may be coupled to an interior portion of the frame element 115. Alternatively, or additionally, the lateral support members 123 may be constructed from the same material as the frame elements 115. In some embodiments, the lateral support members 123 may include a length that may be shorter than the length of the frame element 115. For example, in instances in which the frame element 115 includes a first length, the lateral support members 123 may include a second length that may be shorter than the first length. Alternatively, or additionally, the lateral support members 123 may include a length that is the same or substantially the same as the frame element 115. Additional details related to the lateral support members 123 may be described relative to FIG. 3C herein.
In some embodiments, any number of ribs 118 may be disposed between the lateral support members 123 such that the ribs 118 may support the lateral support members 123 in a fixed position, and the lateral support members 123, in turn, may support the panels 130 and/or the hatch door 135. For example, the lateral support members 123 may be approximately orthogonal to each other and the ribs 118 may include a right triangle shape which may support the orientation of the lateral support members 123. In some embodiments, the ribs 118 may include only a single rib that may be located at any point on the lateral support members 123. Alternatively, or additionally, two or more ribs 118 may be disposed between the lateral support members 123 and/or may be arranged to extend from near the first end 116 a to near the second end 116 b. In instances in which more than one rib 118 is present in the frame element 115, the ribs 118 may be uniformly distributed from near the first end 116 a to near the second end 116 b. Alternatively, or additionally, the ribs 118 may include a non-uniform distribution. For example, a higher concentration of the ribs 118 may be disposed near the center of the frame element 115 and a lower concentration of the ribs 118 may be disposed near the ends 116 of the frame element 115. Additional details related to the ribs 118 may be described relative to FIG. 3C herein.
In some embodiments, the panel apertures 119 may be disposed at one or more locations in the lateral support members 123. For example, the panel apertures 119 may be located near the first end 116 a, near the second end 116 b, and/or near the center of the lateral support members 123. In some embodiments, the panel apertures 119 may be mirrored between the lateral support members 123. For example, in instances in which a first set of the panel apertures 119 are disposed near the first end 116 a and near the second end 116 b of a first lateral support member of the lateral support members 123, a second set of the panel apertures 119 may be disposed in a similar location on the second lateral support member of the lateral support members 123 (e.g., near the first end 116 a and near the second end 116 b). In some embodiments, the panel apertures 119 may be configured to align with corresponding apertures on an interior surface of a panel, such as the panels 130 of FIG. 1B. In such instances, the panel apertures 119 may be configured to contribute to attaching the panels 130 to the frame 102 via the frame element 115 and the lateral support members 123. For example, a fastener may be used in conjunction with the panel apertures 119 which may contribute to coupling the panels 130 with the frame 102 via the frame element 115 and the lateral support members 123. In some embodiments, the panel apertures 119 may include predrilled bores, threaded holes, and/or threaded inserts.
In some embodiments, the cavity 125 may be disposed on the first end 116 a. Although not explicitly illustrated, a cavity 125 may be disposed on the second end 116 b, such that the frame element 115 may be substantially symmetric, at least regarding the ends 116 and the cavity 125. In some embodiments, the cavity 125 may be configured to interface with another coupling mechanism of the exercise box 100, such as the coupling elements 106 shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the cavity 125 may be configured to receive and/or encase a projection of the coupling elements 106.
In some embodiments, the first coupling aperture 117 a may be disposed at the first end 116 a and the second coupling aperture 117 b may be disposed at the second end 116 b of the frame element 115. In some embodiments, the coupling apertures 117 may be configured to contribute to the frame element 115 being coupled to another portion of the frame 102, such as the corner element 105 shown in FIGS. 1B and 2A. For example, in instances in which the cavity 125 has received a projection of the coupling elements 106, the coupling aperture 117 may align with another aperture, such as the coupling element 106 of FIG. 2A, and both may be configured to receive a fastener which may contribute to coupling the frame element 115 with the corner element 105. In some embodiments, the fastener configured to be received in the coupling apertures 117 may include a screw, a bolt, a locking pin, and/or other similar fasteners. Alternatively, or additionally, the coupling apertures 117 may include predrilled bores, threaded holes, and/or threaded inserts.
FIG. 3B is an exterior perspective view of the frame element 115 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The frame element 115 may include an external component 120.
In some embodiments, the external component 120 of the frame element 115 may be rounded and/or curved. For example, the frame element 115 may be curved between the elongated sides of the frame element 115, such that the external component 120 may include a uniform curved surface between the first end 116 a and the second end 116 b. Alternatively, or additionally, the external component 120 may be square, chamfered, beveled, and/or other edges or arrangements. In some embodiments, the external component 120 may include a padded element (not illustrated) that may be affixed to the external component 120 and/or may be removable or replaceable. For example, in instances in which the external component 120 is chamfered, some or all of the chamfered edge may include the padded element.
FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of a frame element 115, such as the frame element 115 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The frame element 115 may include a rib 118, an external component 120, a first lip 121 a, a second lip 121 b, referred to collectively as lip(s) 121, a first component 122 a, a second component 122 b, a third surface 122 c, referred to collectively as surface(s) 122, a first lateral support member 123 a, a second lateral support member 123 b, referred to collectively as lateral support member(s) 123, and a support structure 124.
In some embodiments, a cross-section of the frame element 115 may include a triangular shape which may be formed by the external component 120, the first component 122 a, and the second component 122 b. In some embodiments, the first component 122 a may be orthogonal to the second component 122 b. Alternatively, or additionally, the first component 122 a may include an angle greater or less than ninety degrees relative to the second component 122 b. In some embodiments, a joint between the first component 122 a and the second component 122 b may include a right angle. Alternatively, or additionally, in instances in which the connection between the first component 122 a and the second component 122 b is not a right angle, the joint may include a sloped portion that may be coupled the first component 122 a and to the second component 122 b, which may include the third surface 122 c. In some embodiments, the surfaces 122 may be configured to abut a portion of a panel, such as the panels 130 of FIG. 1B. For example, in instances in which the panels are positioned relative to the frame element 115, such as in an installed arrangement, an edge of the panels 130 may be configured to abut the first component 122 a and the second component 122 b.
In some embodiments, the first lateral support member 123 a may be orthogonal to the first component 122 a and/or the first lateral support member 123 a may be parallel to the second component 122 b. Alternatively, or additionally, the second lateral support member 123 b may be orthogonal to the second component 122 b and/or the second lateral support member 123 b may be parallel to the first component 122 a. In some embodiments, a length of the surfaces 122 may be defined as a distance between the lateral support members 123 and the lips 121. Alternatively, or additionally, the length of the surfaces 122 may be defined as a distance between the lateral support members 123 and the external component 120. In these and other embodiments, the length of the surfaces 122 may correlate with a thickness of at least a portion of the panels 130. For example, in instances in which the panels 130 include a tenon-like projection on an end thereof, the length of the surfaces 122 may be similar to a thickness of the tenon-like projection.
In some embodiments, the first lateral support member 123 a may be offset in alignment with the second component 122 b and/or the second lateral support member 123 b may be offset in alignment with the first component 122 a. For example, a first plane defined by a cross-section of the first lateral support member 123 a may not aligned with a second plane defined by a cross-section of the second component 122 b. Alternatively, or additionally, the first lateral support member 123 a may be linearly aligned with the second component 122 b and/or the second lateral support member 123 b may be linearly aligned with the first component 122 a. For example, a first plane defined by a cross-section of the second lateral support member 123 b may substantially align with a second plane defined by a cross-section of the first component 122 a.
In some embodiments, the rib 118 may be configured to be disposed between and/or coupled to the first lateral support member 123 a and the second lateral support member 123 b. For example, in instances in which the first lateral support member 123 a is orthogonal to the second lateral support member 123 b, the rib 118 may include at least two sides that may be orthogonal to one another. In these and other embodiments, the rib 118 may be configured to support maintaining the angle between the first lateral support member 123 a and the second lateral support member 123 b. In some embodiments, the rib 118 may be configured to be flush with a distal surface of the lateral support members 123. For example, the portion of the rib 118 that extends between the first lateral support member 123 a and the second lateral support member 123 b may be configured to attach to an outermost (or distal) portion of the first lateral support member 123 a and/or an outermost (or distal) portion of the second lateral support member 123 b, such that the rib 118 may be flush with the first lateral support member 123 a and/or the second lateral support member 123 b. Alternatively, or additionally, the rib 118 may be configured to extend beyond the outermost portion of the lateral support members 123, such that the rib 118 may cover and/or encase the outermost portions of the lateral support members 123. Alternatively, or additionally, the rib 118 may not extend fully to the outermost portion of the lateral support members 123 such that there may be a gap between the outermost portion of the lateral support members 123 and the rib 118.
In some embodiments, the first lip 121 a may be arranged parallel to the first lateral support member 123 a and/or orthogonal to the first component 122 a. Alternatively, or additionally, the second lip 121 b may be arranged parallel to the second lateral support member 123 b and/or orthogonal to the second component 122 b.
In these and other embodiments, the lips 121 may be configured to extend a distance beyond the surfaces 122, such as an extension of the external component 120. In some embodiments, the distance the lips 121 extend from the surfaces 122 may correlate with a depth of a tenon-like projection on an end portion of the panels 130. For example, in instances in which the panels 130 include a tenon-like projection having a first depth, the lips 121 may be configured to extend beyond the surfaces 122 at least an amount equal to the first depth of the panels 130. In some embodiments, a combination of the lips 121 and a tenon-like projections of the panels 130 may be configured to maintain a coupling between the panels 130 and the frame element 115. Alternatively, or additionally, a fastener may be configured to couple the panels 130 to the frame element 115, such as through the panel apertures 119, as described herein.
In some embodiments, the lips 121 may be configured to interface with the panels 130 such that an exterior surface of the lips 121 may be substantially flush with an exterior surface of the panels 130. Alternatively, or additionally, in some embodiments, the lips 121 may not be included in the frame element 115. In instances in which the lips 121 are not included, the exterior surface of the panels 130 may be substantially flush with the external component 120.
In some embodiments, the support structure 124 may be disposed within a cavity defined by the external component 120, the first component 122 a, and the second component 122 b, such as the cavity 125. In some embodiments, the support structure 124 may include a trident-shape and may be configured to be coupled to the external component 120, the first component 122 a, the second component 122 b, and/or the third surface 122 c. For example, the support structure 124 may include a first prong coupled orthogonally to the first component 122 a and to the external component 120, a second prong coupled orthogonally to the second component 122 b and to the external component 120, and/or a third prong coupled to the third surface 122 c. In instances in which the third surface 122 c includes an angle, the third prong may be configured to be orthogonally coupled to the third surface 122 c. Although the support structure 124 is illustrated as having three prongs, more prongs or less prongs may be included in the support structure 124. For example, the support structure 124 may include less than three prongs, such as two prongs, which may be coupled to the surfaces 122 and to the external component 120. Alternatively, or additionally, the support structure 124 may be arranged such that the cavity defined by the external component 120, the first component 122 a, and the second component 122 b may be substantially filled with one prong as the support structure 124 (e.g., the one prong substantially fills the cavity). In these and other embodiments, the support structure 124 may vary based on one or more characteristics of the frame element 115. For example, the frame element 115 that may be light may include less prongs in the support structure 124 and/or the frame element 115 that may be heavy may include more prongs in the support structure 124 and/or a solid fill for the support structure 124.
FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the frame element 115 shown in FIG. 3A, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The frame element 115 may include the support structure 124 and the cavity 125.
In some embodiments, the support structure 124 may be disposed within the cavity 125. In some embodiments, the support structure 124 may be recessed within the cavity 125 such that a gap may be present between the end of the frame element 115 and the support structure 124 such that the gap may be configured to receive a portion of a coupling element, such as a projection of the coupling elements 106 shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the support structure 124 may be recessed within the cavity 125 from the edge of the frame element 115 a distance that may be the same or greater than a length of a projection of the coupling elements 106 shown in FIG. 2A.
FIG. 4 is an interior partially cutaway perspective view of a portion of an example exercise box 100. The exercise box 100 may include a corner element 105, a frame element 115, a panel 130, a hatch door frame 140, first attachment mechanisms 150 a, and second attachment mechanisms 150 b, referred to collectively as attachment mechanism(s) 150.
In some embodiments, the frame element 115 may be coupled to corner element 105 by the first attachment mechanisms 150 a. In some embodiments, the first attachment mechanisms 150 a may include screws, bolts, fasteners, and/or other similar devices. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 150 may be located in an interior portion of the exercise box 100, such as the interior cavity of the exercise box 100. For example, the attachment mechanisms 150 may include fasteners configured to pass through the frame element 115 and the corner element 105 of an exercise box 100, which attachment mechanisms 150 may be configured to secure the frame element 115 together with the corner element 105. In at least one embodiment, none of the one or more fasteners are visible on an exterior surface of the box. This may be achieved where all of the one or more fasteners are accessible by the interior cavity such that none of the one or more fasteners are visible on an exterior surface of the box. Additionally or alternatively, the fasteners may be capped or any holes for fasteners may be filled or capped.
Alternatively, or additionally, the panel 130 and/or the hatch door frame 140 of the exercise box 100 may be affixed to the frame element 115 and/or the corner element 105 by the attachment mechanisms 150, such as the second attachment mechanisms 150 b. In some embodiments, the attachment mechanisms 150 may be located in the interior cavity of the exercise box 100. For example, a panel 130 may be configured to be attached to one or more frame elements 115 and/or one or more corner elements 105 by one or more attachment mechanisms 150, and the attachment mechanisms 150 may only be accessible via the interior cavity of the exercise box 100.
In these and other embodiments, some or all of the attachment mechanisms 150 may be accessible by the interior cavity and/or may be interior-facing relative to the exercise box 100. For example, the first attachment mechanisms 150 a may be disposed and/or accessible via the interior cavity and the second attachment mechanisms 150 b may be disposed and/or accessible via the interior cavity. In some embodiments, all of the attachment mechanisms 150 may be disposed and/or accessible via the interior cavity such that no attachment mechanisms 150 may be on an exterior-facing portion of the exercise box 100. The arrangement of attachment mechanisms 150 within the interior cavity may be in conjunction with a hatch door of the exercise box 100, such as the hatch door 135 shown in FIG. 1A, that may include no exterior-facing attachment mechanisms such that the exercise box 100 may include no exterior-facing attachment mechanisms. Alternatively, or additionally, the one or more of the attachment mechanisms 150 may be exterior-facing and/or the hatch door may include one or more exterior-facing attachment mechanisms such that one or more attachment mechanisms of the exercise box 100 may be exterior-facing.
In some embodiments, the first attachment mechanism 150 a and the second attachment mechanism 150 b may be different. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first attachment mechanism 150 a and the second attachment mechanism 150 b include different fasteners having different heads (e.g., a Phillips head and a hex head). Alternatively, or additionally, the first attachment mechanism 150 a and the second attachment mechanism 150 b may include the same type of fastener. Various combinations of attachment mechanisms 150 (e.g., screws, bolts, fasteners, etc.) may be used in the exercise box 100 which may contribute to easier use and/or improved structure and durability for the exercise box 100.
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an example exercise box 200. The exercise box 200 may include panels 130, a hatch door 136, a hatch door frame 141, hatch door handles 146, a first box support 160 a, and a second box support 160 b, referred to collectively as box support(s) 160.
In some embodiments, the exercise box 200 may include some of the same or similar elements as the exercise box 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C, described herein. For example, the exercise box 200 may include a frame with frame elements and corner elements, and handles which may be the same or similar to the frame 102 with frame elements 115 and corner elements 105, and handles 145, respectively, of the exercise box 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. In some embodiments, the hatch door 136 and the hatch door frame 141 may be the same or similar as the hatch door 135 and the hatch door frame 140, respectively, of the exercise box 100 of FIGS. 1A-1C. Alternatively, or additionally, the hatch door 136 and the hatch door frame 141 may differ from the hatch door 135 and the hatch door frame 140, respectively. For example, the dimensions of the hatch door 136 of the exercise box 200 may be smaller than the dimensions of the hatch door 135 of the exercise box 100. Correspondingly, the dimensions of the hatch door frame 141 of the exercise box 200 may be larger than the dimensions of the hatch door frame 140 of the exercise box 200, which may be to accommodate the smaller hatch door 136.
In some embodiments, the exercise box 200 may include the hatch door handles 146 disposed in the hatch door 136. For example, a first side of the hatch door 136 may include a first opening and a second side opposite the first side of the hatch door 136 may include a second opening, such that the handles 146 may include first opening and the second opening. In some embodiments, the handles 146 may be included with other handles, such as the handles 145 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C. Alternatively, or additionally, the handles 146 may be the only handles in the exercise box 200. Alternatively, or additionally, any combination of the handles 146 and other handles, such as the handles 145 shown in FIGS. 1A-1C may be implemented in the exercise box 200.
In some embodiments, the box supports 160 may be disposed in an interior portion of the exercise box 200. In some embodiments, the box supports 160 may include the first box support 160 a configured to be coupled with the second box support 160 b. For example, the first box support 160 a may include a first channel and the second box support 160 b may include a second channel, such that the first box support 160 a may interface and/or interconnect with the second box support 160 b via the first channel interfacing with the second channel. In some embodiments, the first box support 160 a may be configured to traverse the interior of the exercise box 200 in a first direction and the second box support 160 b may be configured to traverse the interior of the exercise box 200 in a second direction. For example, the first box support 160 a may be orthogonal to the second box support 160 b. In these and other embodiments, the box supports 160 may be configured to support the structure of the exercise box 200 such as during use. In some embodiments, an interior surface of the panels 130 may include one or more recesses configured to interface with the box supports 160. For example, the box supports 160 may include one or more projections that may be configured to interface with one or more recesses disposed on an interior surface of the panels 130. In some embodiments, the interfacing between the projections on the box supports 160 and the recesses on the panels 130 may contribute to the box supports 160 maintaining a position within the exercise box 200. Alternatively, or additionally, the interfacing between the projections on the box supports 160 and the recesses on the panels 130 may contribute to providing an indication that the exercise box 200 is assembled in a correct orientation.
In some embodiments, the box supports 160 may include recessed portion that may be configured to be aligned with the handle of the exercise box 200, such that the handle openings may not be obstructed by the box supports 160. Although illustrated as only two box supports 160 that may be configured to interlink, it will be appreciated that multiple box supports 160 may be configured to interlink using more than one channel, as described herein. For example, the box supports 160 may include more than one first box support 160 a in the first direction and more than one second box support 160 b in the second direction. Alternatively, or additionally, all of the first box supports 160 a in the first direction may be configured to interlink with all of the second box supports 160 b in the second direction, such that all of the first box supports 160 a in the first direction may be orthogonal to all of the second box supports 160 b in the second direction.
Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).
Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.
In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc.
Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” This interpretation of the phrase “A or B” is still applicable even though the term “A and/or B” may be used at times to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosure are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the present disclosure and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A box, comprising:

a frame comprising:

a plurality of corner elements where each corner element of the plurality of corner elements comprises three vertices, and a coupling mechanism disposed at each vertex of the three vertices; and

a plurality of elongated sides, each elongated side of the plurality of elongated sides including a first end configured to couple to a first coupling mechanism of a first corner element and a second end configured to be coupled to a second coupling mechanism of a second corner element; and

a plurality of panels configured to be coupled to the frame via a first surface of the plurality of panels such that an exterior-facing surface of the plurality of panels is flush with the frame and an interior cavity is formed within the plurality of panels and the frame,

wherein at least one panel of the plurality of panels is configured to provide access to the interior cavity.

2. The box of claim 1, wherein an external surface of the plurality of corner elements is rounded and an external surface of the plurality of elongated sides is rounded.

3. The box of claim 1, wherein the interior cavity is configured to provide a storage location within the box.

4. The box of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are configured to be removeable and interchangeable.

5. The box of claim 1, further comprising:

a hatch door disposed on a side of the box, in place of a panel of the plurality of panels, the hatch door configured to provide access to the interior cavity; and

a hatch door frame configured to be coupled to the frame and to the hatch door.

6. The box of claim 1, further comprising one or more fasteners configured to couple the interior-facing surface of the plurality of panels to the frame.

7. The box of claim 6, wherein all of the one or more fasteners are accessible by the interior cavity such that none of the one or more fasteners are visible on an exterior surface of the box.

8. A frame element, comprising:

an elongated body having a first length and comprising:

an external component;

a first component; and

a second component, arranged such that a cavity is formed between the external component, the first component, and the second component;

a first lateral support member coupled orthogonally to the first component and having a second length that is shorter than the first length;

a second lateral support member coupled orthogonally to the second component, having the second length; and

a rib coupled to the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member.

9. The frame element of claim 8, further comprising:

a first lip configured to extend from a first edge of the external component; and

a second lip configured to extend from a second edge of the external component.

10. The frame element of claim 8, further comprising a support structure disposed within the cavity.

11. The frame element of claim 8, further comprising:

a first set of panel apertures disposed in the first lateral support member; and

a second set of panel apertures disposed in the second lateral support member.

12. The frame element of claim 8, further comprising a third surface angularly coupled to the first component and the second component, the third surface including a coupling aperture.

13. The frame element of claim 8, wherein the external component is rounded or chamfered.

14. The frame element of claim 8, wherein the first component is orthogonal to the second component.

15. The frame element of claim 8, wherein the rib is angularly coupled to the first lateral support member and the second lateral support member, where the rib is flush with a distal surface of the first lateral support member and the rib is flush with a distal surface of the second lateral support member.

16. The frame element of claim 8, wherein the first lateral support member is parallel to the second component and the second lateral support member is parallel to the first component.

17. A corner element, comprising:

a first vertex having a first coupling element disposed on an end thereof;

a second vertex having a second coupling element disposed on an end thereof and having a first lateral edge connected to the first vertex;

a third vertex having a third coupling element disposed on an end thereof and having a second lateral edge connected to the second vertex and a third lateral edge connected to the first vertex;

an external surface having a rounded shape and coupled to the first vertex, the second vertex, and the third vertex; and

one or more reinforcing portions disposed on an interior portion of the corner element.

18. The corner element of claim 17, wherein the first vertex is orthogonal to the second vertex and the third vertex, the second vertex is orthogonal to the first vertex and the third vertex, and the third vertex is orthogonal to the first vertex and the second vertex.

19. The corner element of claim 17, wherein the first coupling element includes a first projection, the second coupling element includes a second projection, and the third coupling element includes a third projection.

20. The corner element of claim 17, wherein the first coupling element includes a first fastening aperture, the second coupling element includes a second fastening aperture, and the third coupling element includes a third fastening aperture.