US20220356892A1

US20220356892A1 - Storage container

Info

Publication number: US20220356892A1
Application number: US17/736,035
Authority: US
Inventors: Jason Scott Hudrlik
Original assignee: CARAVAN CANOPY INT'L Inc
Current assignee: CARAVAN CANOPY INT'L Inc
Priority date: 2021-05-04
Filing date: 2022-05-03
Publication date: 2022-11-10
Also published as: US11866934B1

Abstract

A storage container includes: a frame defining a storage space, the frame including a plurality of lower poles extending in a first direction at a bottom of the storage container, a plurality of first side poles coupled to the plurality of lower poles and extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a plurality of second side poles coupled to the plurality of lower poles and extending in the second direction, a plurality of second upper poles coupled to the plurality of first side poles and the plurality of second side poles, and a plurality of first upper poles coupled to the plurality of second upper poles and the plurality of first side poles; a base around the frame and defining an opening; a top attached to the base; and a support member attached to the frame and connected between adjacent ones of the plurality of first upper poles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/183,987, filed on May 4, 2021, entitled “STORAGE CONTAINER,” the entire content of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a storage container.

2. Description of the Related Art

Storage containers such as deck boxes and the like may be used to help maintain a clutter-free environment by providing storage space for assorted items (e.g., tools, toys, games, cushions, and/or the like). Storage containers may come in various sizes and styles to accommodate the needs of a user.
However, some storage containers may not be able to withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, and/or the like). For example, a storage container may not provide a waterproof enclosure protecting the contents of the storage container from rain or snow accumulating on the storage container. Further, rain, snow, and/or other buildup may place a load on the storage container that may adversely affect the structural integrity of the storage container.
The above information disclosed in this Background section is for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute prior art.

SUMMARY

Aspects of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a storage container including support members for strengthening the storage container and/or preventing or reducing accumulation (e.g., pooling) of rain, snow, and/or the like on a top of the storage container
In one or more embodiments, the storage container includes: a frame defining a storage space, the frame including: a lower pole extending in a first direction at a bottom of the storage container, the lower pole having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first side pole coupled to the first end of the lower pole, the first side pole extending in a second direction crossing the first direction; a second side pole coupled to the second end of the lower pole, the second side pole extending in the second direction; a second upper pole coupled to the first side pole and the second side pole, the second upper pole having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end; a first upper pole coupled to the first end of the second upper pole and the first side pole; and a third upper pole coupled to the second end of the second upper pole and the second side pole; a base around the frame, the base defining an opening to provide access to the storage space; a top attached to the base to selectively cover the opening; and a support member to be selectively attached to the frame, the support member including: a first connector to be attached to or detached from the first upper pole or the base; and a second connector to be attached to or detached from the third upper pole or the base. The support member and the second upper pole are parallel to each other and inclined at an angle relative to the bottom of the storage container.
In one or more embodiments, the first side pole is greater in length than the second side pole.
In one or more embodiments, the second upper pole is greater in length than the lower pole.
In one or more embodiments, the first upper pole is greater in length than the second upper pole.
In one or more embodiments, the storage container further includes another lower pole extending in a third direction at the bottom of the storage container.
In one or more embodiments, the lower pole, the another lower pole, and the first side pole are orthogonally connected to each other by a lower corner assembly.
In one or more embodiments, the first side pole, the second upper pole, and the first upper pole are connected to each other by an upper corner assembly such that an acute angle is formed between the first side pole and the second upper pole.
In one or more embodiments, the base has a lip defining an opening to provide access to the storage space when the storage container is in an open configuration.
In one or more embodiments, the support member includes a first connector to reversibly connect the support member to the lip of the base.
In one or more embodiments, the first connector includes a concave structure that encloses a portion of the first upper pole.
In one or more embodiments, the storage container includes another support member to be selectively attached to the frame between the first upper pole and the third upper pole.
In one or more embodiments, the another support member is parallel to the support member.
In one or more embodiments, the another support member includes: a first connector to be attached to or detached from the first upper pole or the base; and a second connector to be attached to or detached from the third upper pole or the base.
In one or more embodiments, storage container includes: a frame defining a storage space, the frame including: a plurality of lower poles extending in a first direction at a bottom of the storage container; a plurality of first side poles coupled to the plurality of lower poles, the plurality of first side poles extending in a second direction crossing the first direction; a plurality of second side poles coupled to the plurality of lower poles, the plurality of second side poles extending in the second direction; a plurality of second upper poles coupled to the plurality of first side poles and the plurality of second side poles; and a plurality of first upper poles coupled to the plurality of second upper poles and the plurality of first side poles; a base around the frame, the base defining an opening to provide access to the storage space; a top attached to the base to selectively cover the opening; and a support member to be reversibly attached to the frame, the support member being connected between adjacent ones of the plurality of first upper poles. The support member and the plurality of second upper poles are parallel to each other. The plurality of second upper poles include an upper pole and another upper pole, the upper pole being farther from the bottom of the storage container than the another upper pole is to the bottom of the storage container.
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first side poles are greater in length than the plurality of second side poles.
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of second upper poles are greater in length than the plurality of lower poles.
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first upper poles are greater in length than the plurality of second upper poles.
In one or more embodiments, the storage device includes another plurality of lower poles extending in a third direction at the bottom of the storage container.
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of lower poles, the another plurality of lower poles, and the plurality of first side poles are orthogonally connected to each other by a plurality of lower corner assemblies.
In one or more embodiments, the plurality of first side poles, the plurality of second upper poles, and the plurality of first upper poles are connected to each other by a plurality of upper corner assemblies such that acute angles are formed between the plurality of first side poles and the plurality of second upper poles.
Aspects of one or more example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a storage container including a frame with removable support members. The support members may be removed from the frame to more easily access a storage space of the storage container and may be reattached, connected, or coupled to the frame of the storage container to strengthen the storage container against a load applied by adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, and/or the like).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by describing in detail some exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a storage container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a storage container including a frame and support members according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a storage container including a frame according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the storage container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a support member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame and support members of a storage container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, some example embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. The present disclosure, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and, thus, descriptions thereof may not be repeated.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a storage container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 1A, a storage container 100 includes a housing including a base 102 and a top 104. The base 102 may define a storage space. In one or more embodiments, the storage space may be covered by the top 104 to protect or substantially protect contents of the storage container from rain, snow, and/or the like. Accordingly, the storage space may be enclosed by the base 102 and the top 104 to protect or substantially protect items in the storage space from an external environment.
The base 102 may be secured to the top 104 using any suitable fastening mechanism 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A, the base 102 may be secured to the top 104 using a plug and socket type mechanism. In this case, the fastening mechanism 106 may include adjustable tension members connected to an upper end of the base 102 and a lower end 108 of the top 104 to adjust the connection between the top 104 and the base 102. The top 104 may cover a lip of the base 102 such that the lower end 108 of the top 104 contacts an outer surface of the base 102 adjacent to the lip to direct runoff outside the storage space.
Although a particular fastening mechanism 106 is shown in FIG. 1A, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and any suitable fastening mechanism may be used to join the top 104 to the base 102.
In one or more embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1A, the top 104 may have an upper surface that is sloped or inclined relative to a bottom 110 of the base 102. For example, a plane of the upper surface of the top 104 and a plane of the bottom 110 of the base 102 may intersect each other. In other words, the upper surface of the top 104 may not be parallel to the bottom 110 of the base 102. Accordingly, rain, snow, and/or other substances contacting an outer surface of the top 104 may flow or slip off the top 104 of the storage container 100.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a storage container including a frame and support members according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a storage container including a frame according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the base 102 may include a plurality of walls including a front wall 112, a rear wall 114 opposite to the front wall 112, a first side wall 116 connected between the front wall 112 and the rear wall 114, and a second side wall 118 opposite to the first side wall 116 and connected between the front wall 112 and the rear wall 114. The plurality of walls 112, 114, 116, 118 and the bottom 110 of the base 102 collectively define an interior volume of the base 102 which is the storage space of the storage container 100.
The position and dimensions of the plurality of walls 112, 114, 116, 118, the bottom 110, and the top 104 are set according to a frame 200. The frame 200 may be a rigid structure for supporting a covering 120 and/or a load pressing against the covering 120. The base 102 and the top 104 may include separate portions of the covering 120 that extend or stretch across the frame 200. Accordingly, the shape of the storage container 100 may correspond to the shape of the frame 200.
In one or more embodiments, as a non-limiting example, the frame 200 may have a width of 180 cm, a depth of 70 cm, and a height ranging (e.g., gradually increasing) from 53 cm to 70 cm from the front of the frame 200 to the rear of the frame 200. As such, in one or more embodiments, the storage container 100 comprising the frame 200 and the covering 120 may also have a width of 180 cm, a depth of 70 cm, and a height ranging from 53 cm to 70 cm. Although specific dimensions for the storage container 100 and the frame 200 are described, dimensions may be set to any suitable value with corresponding changes to the frame 200, the covering 120, and/or the storage container 100.
In one or more embodiments, the covering 120 may include a flexible, water-resistant or waterproof material such as, for example, tarp material. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and any suitable water-resistant or waterproof material may be used.
As shown in FIG. 1C, the covering 120 may be attached to the frame 200 by wrapping the covering 120 around a portion of the frame 200 and attaching a portion of the covering 120 to another portion of the covering 120 using a fastening mechanism 122 such as, for example, a hook and loop type fastener. By wrapping the cover 120 around a portion of the frame 200, a lip 124 of the base 102 may be formed. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable mechanism may be used to attach the covering 120 to the frame 200 and form the lip 124.
Although the base 102 and the top 104 shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C include portions of a single, monolithic covering 120, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of coverings may be provided and coupled or attached to each other to form the base 102 and/or the top 104.
Further, although FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate a lip 124 formed adjacent to an upper end of each of the front wall 112, the first side wall 116, and the second side wall 118, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the lip 124 may be formed adjacent to an upper end of all of plurality of walls 112, 114, 116, 118 or less than all of the plurality of walls 112, 114, 116, 118 depending on the arrangement and configuration of the one or more coverings 120 and the frame 200.
In one or more embodiments, the lip 124 may define an opening providing access to the storage space when the storage container 100 is in an open configuration (e.g., the top 104 is not covering the storage space). When the storage container 100 is in a closed configuration (e.g., the top 104 covers the storage space), the opening and the storage space may not be accessed by a user.
During adverse weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, and/or the like), water, snow, and/or other substances may accumulate on the top 104 when the storage container 100 is in a closed configuration. As such, pooling may occur on an outer surface of the top 104 thereby increasing a load on the top 104 and the frame 200. As the load increases, the frame 200 and/or the top 104 may be adversely affected (e.g., distorted by the load) resulting in damage to the storage container 100 and/or the contents of the storage container 100 if the contents are exposed to the outside or runoff.
As shown in FIG. 1B, in one or more embodiments, one or more support members 300 may be connected to the frame 200. The one or more support members 300 may reinforce the frame 200 and/or support the top 104 resting against or contacting the one or more support members 300. For example, a support member 300 may extend from one portion of the frame 200 to another portion of the frame 200 to provide additional structural support for the frame 200 and/or the top 104 contacting the support member 300.
The one or more support members 300 may be located in an opening defined by the lip 124 of the base 102 to prevent pooling on the outer surface of the top 104. For example, two support members 300 in the opening as shown in FIG. 1B may be spaced from each other and parallel to each other to reduce accumulation of rain, snow, and/or the like on the outer surface of the top 104 when the storage container 100 is in the closed configuration. In this case, two support members 300 are each directly attached to the lip 124 (e.g., the covering 120 wrapped around the frame 200) of the base 102 and the frame 200 (e.g., a portion of the frame 200 adjacent to the opening and/or the rear wall 114). However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any number and arrangement of support members 300 in the opening may be used to reinforce the frame 200 and reduce accumulation of rain, snow, and/or the like on the outer surface of the top 104. Further, the one or more support members 300 may be directly attached to different portions of only the lip 124, different portions of only the frame 200, or portions of the lip 124 and the frame 200 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C) depending on the orientation of the support member 300 and the arrangement and configuration of the one or more coverings 120 and the frame 200. In one or more embodiments, the one or more support members 300 may be directly on the frame 200 or over the covering 120 at, for example, the front and the rear of the storage container 100.
Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, the one or more support members 300 may be selectively removed from the lip 124 of the base 102 or the frame 200 when the storage container 100 is in the open configuration. For example, the one or more support members 300 may be removed by a user to increase the open area of the opening defined by the lip 124 of the base 102 thereby allowing the user to more easily access the storage space to remove and/or insert objects. The user may then secure the storage space by reattaching the one or more support members 300 to the lip 124 of the base 102 or the frame 200 when the storage container 100 is in the open configuration as shown in FIG. 1B. After attaching the one or more support members 300, the user may place the top 104 on the base 102 and engage the fastening mechanism 106 as shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame of the storage container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 2, the frame 200 may include a plurality of lower poles 202, 204, a plurality of side poles 206, 208 coupled to the plurality of lower poles 202, 204, and a plurality of upper poles 210, 212 coupled to the plurality of side poles 206, 208.
The plurality of side poles 206, 208 may include a plurality of first side poles 206 and a plurality of second side poles 208. Each of the plurality of first side poles 206 may be greater in length or height than each of the plurality of second side poles 208.
The plurality of lower poles 202, 204 may include a plurality of first lower poles 202 having the same length as each other and a plurality of second lower poles 204 having the same length as each other. Each of the plurality of second lower poles 204 may be less in length than each of the plurality of first lower poles 202, coupled to one of the plurality of first lower poles 202 and one of the plurality of first side poles 206 at a first end, and coupled to another one of the plurality of first lower poles 202 and one of the plurality of second side poles 208 at a second end opposite to the first end. The plurality of second lower poles 204 may be coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of first lower poles 202 and the plurality of first side poles 206 or the plurality of second side poles 208 by a plurality of lower corner assemblies 214. Each of the lower corner assemblies 214 may orthogonally connect one of the plurality of second lower poles 204, one of the plurality of first lower poles 202, and one of the plurality of first side poles 206 or the plurality of second side poles 208 such that a right angle may be formed between any two of the connected poles. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
For example, the lower corner assemblies 214 may be suitably modified to couple any number of poles to form any suitable angle between the poles depending on the desired arrangement.
In one or more embodiments, two of the plurality of first lower poles 202 may be coupled to each other by a corresponding one of a plurality of support assemblies 216. Each of the plurality of support assemblies 216 may further connect one of the plurality of first side poles 206 or the plurality of second side poles 208 at a right angle to the connected plurality of first lower poles 202 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of support assemblies 216 may be suitably modified to couple any number of poles to form any suitable angle between the poles depending on the desired arrangement.
The plurality of upper poles 210, 212 may include a plurality of first upper poles 210 having the same length as each other and a plurality of second upper poles 212 having the same length as each other. Each of the plurality of second upper poles 212 may be less in length than each of the plurality of first upper poles 210, coupled to one of the plurality of first upper poles 210 and one of the plurality of first side poles 206 at a first end, and coupled to another one of the plurality of first upper poles 210 and one of the plurality of second side poles 208 at a second end opposite to the first end. The plurality of second upper poles 212 may be coupled to corresponding ones of the plurality of first upper poles 210 and the plurality of first side poles 206 or the plurality of second side poles 208 by a corresponding one of a plurality of first upper corner assemblies 218 or a corresponding one of a plurality of second upper corner assemblies 220 respectively. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of second upper poles 212 may be greater in length than the plurality of second lower poles 204.
The first upper corner assemblies 218 may connect one of the plurality of second upper poles 212, one of the plurality of first upper poles 210, and one of the plurality of first side poles 206 such that an acute angle may be formed between one of the plurality of first side poles 206 and one of the plurality of second upper poles 212. The second upper corner assemblies 220 may connect one of the plurality of second upper poles 212, one of the plurality of first upper poles 210, and one of the plurality of second side poles 208 such that an obtuse angle may be formed between one of the plurality of second side poles 208 and one of the plurality of second upper poles 212. The plurality of first upper poles 210 at the rear of the storage container 100 may be at a greater height than the plurality of first upper poles 210 at the front of the storage container 100. For example, the plurality of first upper poles 210 at the rear of the storage container 100 may be farther from the bottom 110 of the storage container 100 than the plurality of the first upper poles 210 at the front of the storage container 100 are from the bottom 110 of the storage container 200. Accordingly, the plurality of second upper poles 212 connected between the plurality of first upper poles 210 may be sloped or inclined.
In one or more embodiments, two of the plurality of first upper poles 210 may be coupled to each other by a corresponding one of a plurality of support assemblies 216. Each of the plurality of support assemblies 216 may further connect one of the plurality of first side poles 206 or the plurality of second side poles 208 at a right angle to a corresponding one of the two of the plurality of first upper poles 210 as shown in FIG. 2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of support assemblies 216 may couple any number of poles to form any suitable angle between the poles depending on the desired arrangement.
In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of first upper poles 210 may be the same in length as the plurality of first lower poles 202.
Although a specific number and arrangement of poles and coupling assemblies are described with reference to FIG. 2, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and any suitable number and arrangement of poles and coupling assemblies may be used to support a top 104 having an upper surface that is sloped or inclined relative to a bottom 110 of the base 102.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a support member according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 3, the support member 300 may include a body 302, a first connector 304 at a first end of the body 302, and a second connector 306 at a second end of the body 302 opposite to the first end.
In one or more embodiments, the first connector 304 and the second connector 306 may each be configured to be attached to and detached from a portion of the frame 200 (e.g., a portion of the plurality of first upper poles 210) and/or a portion of the covering 120 (e.g., the covering 120 wrapped around the frame 200 to form the lip 124) as desired by a user. The first connector 304 and the second connector 306 may use any suitable, reversible connection mechanism such as a snap-fit mechanism to connect the support member 300 to the frame 200 and/or the covering 120 on the frame 200. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first connector 304 and the second connector 306 may each have a concave structure that encloses or rests on or over a portion of one of the plurality of first upper poles 210 or covering 120 wrapped around the plurality of first upper poles 210 and a portion of another one of the plurality of first upper poles 210 or a covering 120 wrapped around the plurality of first upper poles 210. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and any suitable mechanism or structure may be used to attach, connect, or couple the support member 300 to reinforce the frame 200.
Notably, due to the ease at which one or more support members 300 may be attached to the frame 200, a user may introduce any suitable number of support members 300 depending on the size of the storage container 100 and expected load on the top 104 of the storage container 100. Further, the one or more support members 300 may be removed and reattached as desired by the user when the storage container 100 is expected to be subjected to adverse weather conditions. As such, the weight and properties of the storage container may be adapted depending on the situation.
Referring to FIGS. 1A to 3, in one or more embodiments, the frame 200 may define the outer boundaries of the storage space. For example, the base 102 that defines the storage space may be around (e.g., wrap around or surround) an exterior of the frame 200, and the top 104 may rest on or be supported by the one or more support members 300 and the plurality of upper poles 210, 212.
In one or more embodiments, the top 104 may be spaced from the one or more support members 300 when the storage container 100 is in an open configuration. As such, the one or more support members 300 may be removed to access the contents of the storage container 100, realigned or shifted to another position to adjust support for the top 104 when the storage device is in a closed configuration, and/or replaced. Further, the one or more support members 300 may protect the top 104 from contents of the storage container 100 by shielding the top 104 from large items stored in the storage space.
In one or more embodiments, a plurality of support members 300 may be spaced from each other and the plurality of second upper poles 212 at a set or fixed interval (e.g., a set or fixed distance) to provide relatively uniform support for the top 104. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a frame and support members of a storage container according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
Referring to FIG. 4, one or more support members 300 may be attached between a plurality of first upper poles 210. Each of the one or more support members 300 may have a same or substantially same length as the plurality of second upper poles 212 and may be parallel to the plurality of second upper poles 212. In one or more embodiments, two or more support members 300 may be spaced from each other along an extension direction of the first upper poles 210. A top 104 supported by the one or more support members 300, the plurality of first upper poles 210, and the plurality of second upper poles 212 may be inclined or slanted relative to the bottom 110 of the base 102. Accordingly, accumulation (e.g., pooling) of rain, snow, and/or the like on the top 104 of the storage container 100 may be prevented or reduced. Further, a load applied to the top 104 may be further supported by the one or more support members 300.
Accordingly, as disclosed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a storage container including one or more support members to reinforce the storage container and prevent or reduce accumulation (e.g., pooling) of rain, snow, and/or the like on the top of the storage container. Further, the one or more support members may be selectively coupled, decoupled, connected, disconnected, attached, or detached to provide easier access to a storage space of the storage container when the storage container is in an open configuration.
In the drawings, the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions may be exaggerated and/or simplified for clarity.
It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section described below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may be present. In addition, it will also be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “between” two elements or layers, it can be the only element or layer between the two elements or layers, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and “including,” “has,” “have,” and “having,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.
Further, the use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively.
As used herein, the terms “substantially”, “about”, “approximately”, and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and/or the present specification, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
Although some example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications are possible in the example embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments, unless otherwise described. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific example embodiments disclosed herein, and that various modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims, and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A storage container comprising:

a frame defining a storage space, the frame comprising:

a lower pole extending in a first direction at a bottom of the storage container, the lower pole having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;

a first side pole coupled to the first end of the lower pole, the first side pole extending in a second direction crossing the first direction;

a second side pole coupled to the second end of the lower pole, the second side pole extending in the second direction;

a second upper pole coupled to the first side pole and the second side pole, the second upper pole having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end;

a first upper pole coupled to the first end of the second upper pole and the first side pole; and

a third upper pole coupled to the second end of the second upper pole and the second side pole;

a base around the frame, the base defining an opening to provide access to the storage space;

a top attached to the base to selectively cover the opening; and

a support member to be selectively attached to the frame, the support member comprising:

a first connector to be attached to or detached from the first upper pole or the base; and

a second connector to be attached to or detached from the third upper pole or the base,

wherein the support member and the second upper pole are parallel to each other and inclined at an angle relative to the bottom of the storage container.

2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the first side pole is greater in length than the second side pole.

3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the second upper pole is greater in length than the lower pole.

4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the first upper pole is greater in length than the second upper pole.

5. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising another lower pole extending in a third direction at the bottom of the storage container.

6. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the lower pole, the another lower pole, and the first side pole are orthogonally connected to each other by a lower corner assembly.

7. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the first side pole, the second upper pole, and the first upper pole are connected to each other by an upper corner assembly such that an acute angle is formed between the first side pole and the second upper pole.

8. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base has a lip defining an opening to provide access to the storage space when the storage container is in an open configuration.

9. The storage container of claim 8, wherein the support member comprises a first connector to reversibly connect the support member to the lip of the base.

10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein the first connector comprises a concave structure that encloses a portion of the first upper pole.

11. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising another support member to be selectively attached to the frame between the first upper pole and the third upper pole.

12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the another support member is parallel to the support member.

13. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the another support member comprises:

a second connector to be attached to or detached from the third upper pole or the base.

14. A storage container comprising:

a frame defining a storage space, the frame comprising:

a plurality of lower poles extending in a first direction at a bottom of the storage container;

a plurality of first side poles coupled to the plurality of lower poles, the plurality of first side poles extending in a second direction crossing the first direction;

a plurality of second side poles coupled to the plurality of lower poles, the plurality of second side poles extending in the second direction;

a plurality of second upper poles coupled to the plurality of first side poles and the plurality of second side poles; and

a plurality of first upper poles coupled to the plurality of second upper poles and the plurality of first side poles;

a top attached to the base to selectively cover the opening; and

a support member to be reversibly attached to the frame, the support member being connected between adjacent ones of the plurality of first upper poles,

wherein the support member and the plurality of second upper poles are parallel to each other, and

wherein the plurality of second upper poles comprises an upper pole and another upper pole, the upper pole being farther from the bottom of the storage container than the another upper pole is to the bottom of the storage container.

15. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the plurality of first side poles are greater in length than the plurality of second side poles.

16. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the plurality of second upper poles are greater in length than the plurality of lower poles.

17. The storage container of claim 14, wherein the plurality of first upper poles are greater in length than the plurality of second upper poles.

18. The storage container of claim 14, further comprising another plurality of lower poles extending in a third direction at the bottom of the storage container.

19. The storage container of claim 18, wherein the plurality of lower poles, the another plurality of lower poles, and the plurality of first side poles are orthogonally connected to each other by a plurality of lower corner assemblies.

20. The storage container of claim 18, wherein the plurality of first side poles, the plurality of second upper poles, and the plurality of first upper poles are connected to each other by a plurality of upper corner assemblies such that acute angles are formed between the plurality of first side poles and the plurality of second upper poles.