WO2007067160A1

WO2007067160A1 - Portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container

Info

Publication number: WO2007067160A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/039396
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chanwa Nguy; Pei Ying Lin
Original assignee: Steelworks Hardware, L.L.C.
Priority date: 2005-10-26
Filing date: 2005-10-26
Publication date: 2007-06-14
Also published as: CA2627470C; AU2005338922A1; EP1945520A4; CN101304924A; US20080197040A1; CN101304924B; US7607550B2; CA2627470A1; EP1945520A1

Abstract

Portable and stackable multipurpose containers are disclosed. The containers have an oval base and an oval top in communication with sides of the wall extending perpendicularly from the base. The oval top is slidably positioned to open from both sides, which are perpendicular to the oval sides; the top is slidable.The multipurpose container is adapted for storing nails, screws, and similar items useful to craftsmen.

Description

PORTABLE AND STACKABLE PLASTIC MULTIPURPOSE CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container having a plastic boxlike structure, an oval base and an oval top and is suitable for stacking.

These portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers are suitable for storing nails, screws, and other small items used by craftsmen. For convenient storage, these portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers are stacked.

BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART

A variety of tool cases have been disclosed. The present invention provides a versatile portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container suitable for holding nails, screws, and other similarly sized related items. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container can be opened from both sides of the top, thus facilitating the use of the container. An advantage of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of this invention is that the containers are designed to be stackable. This property saves space, since only a relatively small space is needed to store many of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of this invention.

The following references are of interest, but are clearly unrelated to the claimed invention.

U.S. Patent 5,383,556 to Van Loo discloses a container for small objects that is provided with a glide closure.

U.S. Patent 6,478,204 B2 to Lange, et al. discloses a receptacle having a translatably-guidable cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to a portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers suitable to be stacked. The portable stackable and plastic multipurpose container comprises: (a) an oval base, (b) an oval top, (c) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from the base with an oval upper portion, the oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side. A pair of opposed sidewalls are extended perpendicularly from the oval base, where the oval top of the container meets the bottom side of the oval upper portion of the wall. The oval top is slidably positioned to form at least two sides. Suitably, the oval top is slidably positioned to open from either side of the pair of opposed sides. Preferably, each side of the oval top has a plastic connecting member to close each side to the pair of opposed sidewalls. Advantageously, a plurality of supporting structures strengthen the base of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container. Preferably, these supporting structures are located on the base inside the container. The stacking of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers is facilitated by providing the oval top with two tenons, which engage the two mortise apertures at the bottom of the oval base thus securing the stack. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of this invention are particularly suitable for carrying nails, screws, and other similarly sized items used by craftsmen.

The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of this invention are used independently. However, to save space in storage, a stack of portable and stackable multipurpose containers comprising a plurality of portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of this invention are stacked. This is suitably accomplished wherein for each set of two containers the two tenons on the oval top of one container have been inserted in the two mortise apertures of the bottom of the oval base of the other container. Suitably, the stacks of plastic, portable and multipurpose containers have oval rectangular bases, oval square bases or oval bases having a different configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container viewed from the top with both sides closed showing two tenons.

FIG. 2 is a view of the container of FIG. 1 viewed from the top with both sides open showing the support structures located on the base inside the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

FIG. 3 is a view of the container of FIG. 1 from the top and the aperture, which facilitates the closing of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the rectangular, stackable plastic multipurpose container from the longer side with the top closed showing the closing mechanism and stacking.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container from the longer side with the top open.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container from the shorter side showing the oval upper portion, the oval base and a connecting system whereby the top is fastened to the bottom oval sidewall.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container from the shorter side opposite the shorter side shown in FIG. 6 showing the oval upper portion and the protruding flange, which supports the stacking of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

FIG. 8 is the back view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container showing two mortise apertures where the tenons of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container connects to assist in stacking the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers. Also shown is a supporting structure for the base.

FIG. 9 is a view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container viewed from the top with both sides closed showing two tenons. FIG. 10 is a view of the square multipurpose container of FIG. 9 with both sides open showing the support structures located on the base inside thie portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

FIG. 11 is a view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of FIG. 9 from the top with one side open showing the connector and the aperture, which facilitates the closing of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container from one end showing the oval upper portion, the oval base, a connecting system whereby the top is fastened to the bottom oval side wall.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container from the side opposite to the side described in FIG. 12 showing the oval upper portion and the protruding flange, which supports the stacking of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

FIG. 14 is the back view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container showing two mortise apertures where the tenons of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container connects to assist in stacking the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers. Also showing is a supporting structure for the base.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container showing the top open and slidable, moved to one side showing the bottom and the inside walls of the multipurpose container.

FIG. 16 is a side view of a stack of four rectangular, portable and stackable multipurpose containers shown from the shorter side.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a stack of four rectangular, portable and stackable multipurpose containers shown from the longer side.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a stack of two rectangular, portable and stackable multipurpose containers showing the flanges on the shorter side, the wires or related articles pressed through the aperture in the flanges are used to hold together in a stack the multipurpose container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable and stackable multipurpose plastic containers for storing nails, screws, and related items of similar size. The shape of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container is suitably rectangular or square. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container comprises: (a) a base, (b) an oval top, (c) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from the base with an oval upper portion, the oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side, (d) a pair of opposed sidewalls extend perpendicularly from the base to a point where the top side of the container meets the bottom side of the oval upper portion of the wall, and (e) the oval top is slidably positioned to open from at least two sides. Preferably, the oval top is slidably positioned to open from either side of the pair of opposed sidewalls. Suitably, each side of the top has a plastic connecting member to close each side to the pair of opposed sidewalls-. The total top can slidably move over the oval side thus facilitating the removal of the objects stored in the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of this invention.

Advantageously, a plurality of supporting structures are provided to strengthen the base of the container. Suitably, the supporting structures are located on the base inside the container and outside the container. To facilitate stacking, the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers are provided with two tenons on the oval top and two mortise apertures at the bottom of the oval base. The tenons engage the mortise and a viable stack is formed.

In another embodiment, the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container is provided with (a) a rectangular base, (b) an oval top, and (c) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from the shorter side of the rectangular base with an oval upper portion. The oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side. A pair of longer opposed sidewalls is provided. These extend perpendicularly from the longer sides of the rectangular base. The oval top is slidably positioned to open from at least two sides preferably from both sides of the longer pair of opposed sidewalls. Each side of the top of the plastic, portable and stackable multipurpose container is provided with a plastic connecting member to close each side to the pair of the longer opposed sidewalls. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container with the rectangular base is strengthened by a plurality of supporting structures located on the base inside the container and outside the container. To facilitate stacking, the oval top is provided with two tenons, which connect to the mortise aperture located at the bottom of the oval base. The top including both sides are provided with means which enable the top to move to over to the oval side thus facilitating the removal of objects stored in the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of this invention.

An additional embodiment provides a portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container with a square base comprising: (a) an oval top, (b) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from the base with an oval upper portion, the oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side; the oval upper portion has a plurality of tenons which facilitate the stacking of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers since the tenons communicate with the two mortise of the apertures located at the bottom of the oval base, and (c) a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from the base to a point where the top side of the container meets the bottom side of the oval upper portion of the wall. The oval top is slidably positioned to open from at least two sides. Preferably, the oval top is slidably positioned to open from either side of the pair of opposed sidewalls. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container with the square base is strengthened by a plurality of supporting structures located on the base inside and outside the container. Advantageously, the base of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of this invention can be in the configuration of a rectangle and square, or any other recognized shape. In all these configurations, the base of the container is strengthened by the supporting structures and the top and bottom of the container have an oval configuration. In all these configurations, the top, including both sides, are provided with means which enable the top to move over the oval side thus facilitating the removal of objects stored in the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) viewed from the top (21) with both sides (11) and (12) closed, showing two tenons (13), locking one handle (16) long side (19). Also shown is a connector (41) and a latch (42).

FIG. 2 is a view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) viewed from the top with both sides (11) and (12) open showing the bottom of the multipurpose container (14) having a plurality of supporting structures (15). Also shown are the locking mechanisms (16) on the top of each side (11) and (12) and the bottom of the locking mechanism (17) in the middle of the longer side of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10).

FIG. 3 illustrates the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) with both sides (11) and (12) closed showing the two tenons (13), the locking mechanism (16), the long side (19) of the rectangular container (10) and the short oval side (20). Also shown are a connector (41) and a latch (42).

FIG. 4 shows a stack of four rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers (10) with the tops (11) and (12) closed. Also shown are the locking mechanisms (16), two tenons (13) and a flange (43) with an aperture (47) through which can be passed a connecting wire or rod to stabilize the stack (48) if necessary.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) with the top open from the longer side (19).

FIG. 6 is a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) from the shorter side (20) showing the oval shorter side (20) and the oval base (21) and a connecting system whereby the top (21) is fastened to the oval sidewall (22). The top is slidable, movable to open the container (10). FIG. 7 is a side view of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) from the shorter side (20) opposite the shorter side (20) shown in FIG. 6 showing the oval upper portion (46), the flange (43) and the aperture (47) in the flange (43).

FIG. 8 is the back view (45) of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) showing two mortise apertures (48) where the tenons (13) of the other container (10) connects to assist in the stacking of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers (10). Also shown is a supporting structure for the base (49).

FIG. 9 is a top view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28) with both sides (29) and (30) open showing support structures (32).

FIG. 10 is a view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of FIG. 9 with both sides open showing the support structures (33) located in the base (34) inside the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28).

FIG. 11 is a view of the square, portable and stackable multipurpose container (28) of FIG. 9 from the tops (29) and (30) showing the tenons (61) with one side opening showing the connector (35) and the aperture (36), which facilitates the closing of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28).

FIG. 12 is side view (50) of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28) from one end showing the oval upper portion (51), the oval base (52), a connecting system (53) whereby the top (29) and (30) is fastened to the bottom oval side wall (54).

FIG. 13 is a side view of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28) from the side opposite (55) to the side (50) described in FIG. 12 showing the oval upper portion (56) and the protruding flange (17) with an aperture (58). Suitably, wires or other fastening devices are passed through the apertures (58) to form a stack of the square, portable and stackable multipurpose container (28).

FIG. 14 is the back view (59) of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28) showing two mortise apertures (60) where the tenons (61) of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (28) connects to assist in stacking the multipurpose containers (28). Also shown is a supporting structure (62) for the base.

FIG. 15 is the top view (11) and (12) of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) showing the top open and two tenons (13). Also shown are the long side (19), the locking mechanism (16) and the oval side (20), and a latch (42).

FIG. 16 is a side view from the oval side (20) of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container (10) showing the top closed (11) and (12). Also shown is a connector (41) and a latch (42) and four containers (10). FIG. 17 is a side view of a stack of four rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers (10) shown from the longer side (19) and the oval shorter side (20). Also shown is the flange (47) and the aperture (43) in the flange (47).

FIG. 18 is a side view of a stack of two rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers (10) showing both the longer side (19) and the shorter oval side (20). Also shown are the flange (47), the aperture (43) in the flange (47), the locking system (16), two tenons (13) and the top closed (11) and (12).

Various modifications to the invention are contemplated. It is understood, therefore, that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than specifically described.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container comprising:

(a) an oval base;

(b) an oval top;

(c) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from the base with an oval lower portion and an oval upper portion, the oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side;

(d) the oval top portion is slidably connected to the lower walls;

(e) a pair of opposed sidewalls extending perpendicularly from the base where the top side of the container meets the bottom side of the oval upper portion of the wall; and

(f) the oval top slidably positioned to open from at least two sides.

' 2. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 1 , wherein the oval top is slidably positioned to open from either side of the pair of opposed sidewalls.

3. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 2, wherein each side of the top has a plastic connecting member to close each side to the pair of opposed sidewalls.

4. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 1 , wherein a plurality of supporting structures strengthen the base of the container.

5. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 4, wherein the supporting structures are located on the base inside the container and on the base outside the container.

6. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 1 wherein the oval top has a plurality of tenons, which facilitate the stacking of the portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

7. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 1 wherein the bottom of the oval base has a plurality of mortise apertures placed so they are in position to receive a plurality of tenons on top of the oval top to facilitate the stacking of the containers.

8. A portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container comprising:

(a) an oval rectangular base;

(b) an oval top;

(c) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from shorter side of the rectangular base with an oval lower portion and with an oval upper portion, the oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side;

(d) the oval top is slidably connected to the lower walls; (e) a pair of longer opposed sidewalls extending perpendicularly from the longer sides of the rectangular base; and

(f) the oval top slidably positioned to open from at least two sides.

9. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 8, wherein the oval top is slidably positioned to open from either side of the longer pair of opposed sidewalls.

10. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 9, wherein each side of the top has a plastic connecting member to close each side of the pair of the longer opposed sidewalls.

11. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 8, wherein a plurality of supporting structures strengthen the base of the container.

12. The portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 11 , wherein the supporting structures are located on the base inside the container and on the base outside the container.

13. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 8 wherein the oval top has a plurality of tenons, which facilitate the stacking of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

14. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 8 wherein the bottom of the oval base has a plurality of mortise apertures placed so they are in position to receive a plurality of tenons on top of the oval top to facilitate the stacking of the containers.

15. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 8 wherein the container is made of polyolefin.

16. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 15 wherein the container is made of polypropylene.

17. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 15, wherein the container is made of polyethylene.

18. The rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 8 wherein a perpendicular extension is attached to the shorter oval wall, said extension having an aperture through which wires or poles can be inserted to assist in the stacking of the rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.

19. A portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container comprising:

(a) an oval square base;

(b) an oval top;

(c) a pair of opposed substantially identical walls extending perpendicularly from the base with an oval lower portion and with an upper portion, the oval upper portion has a top side and a bottom side; (d) the oval top is slidably connected to the lower walls;

(e) a pair of opposed sidewalls extending from the base to a point where the top side of the container meets the bottom side of the oval upper portion of the wall; and

(f) the oval top slidably positioned to open from at least two sides.

20. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 18, wherein the oval top is slidably positioned to open from either side of the pair of opposed sidewalls.

21. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 18, wherein a plurality of supporting structures strengthen the base of the container.

22. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 21 , wherein the supporting structures are located on the base inside the container and on the base outside the container.

23. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 19, wherein each side of the top has a plastic connecting member to close each side to the pair of opposed sidewalls.

24. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 19, wherein the oval top has a plurality of tenons which facilitates stacking.

25. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 19, wherein the bottom of the oval base has a plurality of mortise apertures placed so they are in position to receive a plurality of tenons on top of the oval top to facilitate the stacking of the containers.

26. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 19, wherein the container is made of polyolefin.

27. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 26, wherein the container is made of polypropylene.

28. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 26, wherein the container is made of polyethylene.

29. A stack of portable and stackable multipurpose containers comprising a plurality of rectangular portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of claim 8, wherein for each set of a plurality of containers the oval top of a plurality of tenons of the container have been inserted in a plurality of mortise apertures of the bottom of the oval base, of the other container.

30. A stack of portable and stackable multipurpose containers comprising a plurality of square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose containers of claim 19, wherein for each set of a plurality of containers is received by a plurality of tenons on the oval top of one container have been inserted in the plurality of mortise apertures of the bottom of the oval base of the other container.

31. The square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container of claim 19, wherein a perpendicular extension is attached to oval wall said extension having an aperture through which wires or poles can be inserted to assist in the stacking of the square portable and stackable plastic multipurpose container.