WO2015025244A1

WO2015025244A1 - A storage system

Info

Publication number: WO2015025244A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/063790
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brendan Jon Lindsay; Saleh GHIYATH
Original assignee: Sistema Plastics Limited
Priority date: 2013-08-20
Filing date: 2014-08-08
Publication date: 2015-02-26
Also published as: AU2014310300B2; AU2014310300A1; NZ718143A

Abstract

A storage system including an open topped container and lid wherein the container includes at least one securing clip removably engageable with the lid, such that the clip secures the lid so that it cannot be translated with respect to the container but allows rotation of the lid relative to the container, and a file suspension system comprising removable members adapted to engage with the upper perimeter lip portion of opposing parallel side walls of the container body, the container further comprising a bottom wall with a removable wheel assembly comprising a hub body engaged to the container body by a second axle and a wheel engaged to the hub body by a first axle, wherein the first and second axles are identical.

Description

A STORAGE SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage system. In particular, the invention relates to a multi-purpose modular storage system with a number of unique independent features.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Plastic moulded storage boxes are known in the art, and often include lids. However, it has been found that known mechanisms for securing the lids to the containers are often inadequate in terms of the robustness of securing. Known clips are typically prone to damage and/or alignment problems that make it difficult to quickly and easily slip an item into the container for storage (or remove it), without fully removing the lid for example.

Further, the types of items that a customer might want to store in such a container, can be incredibly diverse. Therefore, there is a need for a storage container system that is flexible and adaptable.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved storage container system and/or individual components therefor, or at least to provide a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly consists in a storage container system comprising :

an open topped container body defining an upper perimeter lip portion, a lid for closing the open top of the container body defining a perimeter shoulder portion,

at least one securing clip pivotably engaged with one of said container body or lid, and removeably engaged with the other of said container body or lid, and wherein said clip:

i) secures said perimeter shoulder portion of said clip over said perimeter lip portion of said container so that it cannot be translated, and

ii) allows rotation of said lid relative to said container about said pivotal engagement.

According to another aspect, said securing clip is pivotably engaged with said container.

According to another aspect, said removable engagement forms a substantially rigid connection.

According to another aspect, the profile shape of said clip substantially matches the profile shape of the perimeter shoulder of said lid.

According to another aspect, said removable engagement includes at least one pair of complimentary protrusions and detents.

According to another aspect, said clip includes at least one undercut hook extending around said pivotal connection, and said hook is oriented such that the open section of said hook is facing inward.

According to another aspect, there are a pair of said hooks located at opposing ends of said clip.

According to another aspect, said clip can rotate (at least when not engaged with a said lid) and take up a position that is, substantially, under an overhang portion of said upper perimeter lip or can rotate approximately 250°.

According to another aspect, there are a pair of said securing clips arranged on opposed sides of said storage container. According to another aspect, all components of said system are of a moulded polymer material.

According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in a storage container system comprising :

an open topped container body defining an upper perimeter lip portion, and having four side walls, wherein

at least two opposing side walls each include a removable member adapted to engage with, and be supported by said upper perimeter lip portion,

said removable members each providing an upwardly facing linear support edge edge, and

wherein said support edges are parallel and spaced to support a suspension file.

According to another aspect, said support edges are spaced by substantially 385 mm.

According to another aspect, each of said at least two opposing side walls includes two said removable members.

According to another aspect, each of said at least two opposing side walls includes three or more said removable members.

According to another aspect, said engagement with said upper perimeter lip portion by each said removable member includes at least one hook feature.

According to another aspect, each said removable member includes a plurality of hook portions.

According to another aspect, said removable members include a plurality of rib portions on a rear surface (opposing side to said support edge).

According to another aspect, the container system is a container system according to any one of the above clauses.

According to another aspect, said hook portions are spaced apart, sufficiently to allow a respective said clip to take up a position between said hook portions. According to another aspect, said removable members do not interfere with the closing of the open top container body by said lid.

an open topped container body defining an upper perimeter lip portion, and having four side walls, and a bottom wall, wherein

said bottom wall includes a removable wheel assembly comprising :

a hub body,

at least one wheel, wherein said wheel is pivotably engaged with said hub body by a first axle member about a first axis of rotation, and

wherein said hub body is pivotably engaged with said container body by a second axle member about a second axis of rotation, and

said first axle member is identical to said second axle member.

According to another aspect, said first axis of rotation is perpendicular to said second axis of rotation.

According to another aspect, said bottom wall includes two said removable wheel assemblies.

According to another aspect, said bottom wall includes four said removable wheel assemblies.

According to another aspect, said hub body includes two said wheels in a castor wheel configuration.

According to another aspect, said bottom wall includes a plurality of recesses adapted to receive a respective plurality of second axle members.

According to another aspect, said first axle member and said second axle member are made entirely of a polymer material.

According to another aspect, the container system is a container system according to any one of the above clauses. According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in a storage container system substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in a hinging clip for a lidded container substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 1, 2, 5, 6 or 8.

According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in a suspension file support bracket member substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 9 to 12.

According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in a wheel assembly substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 13 to 18.

According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in an axle substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 16 or 17.

According to another aspect the invention broadly consists in an open topped storage container substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lidded storage system container.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of another lidded storage system container shown with the lid in a hinged open position.

Figure 3 as a perspective view of another storage container system (shown without a lid), and with a tray arranged within.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a storage container system including a plurality of different sized containers shown stacked on a pallet.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred hinging clip for a lidded storage system.

Figure 6 is a further perspective view of the clip of figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a preferred lid for a storage container system.

Figure 8 is a cross-section view of the container shown in figure 2 (but shown empty).

Figure 9 as a perspective view of a storage container system configured to store suspension files.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of another storage container system configured to store suspension files.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a support member for a storage container system for suspension files.

Figure 12 is another perspective view of the support member of figure 11.

Figure 13 is a bottom perspective view of another storage container showing (one) optional wheel assembly installed.

Figure 14 is a close-up perspective view of the wheel assembly shown in figure 13.

Figure 15 is another perspective view of the wheel assembly of figure 14.

Figure 16 is a close-up perspective view of a multipurpose axle.

Figure 17 is a side view of the multipurpose axle of figure 16.

Figure 18 is a partially exploded view of the wheel assembly of figure 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an outside perspective view of a storage container system 1 according to one preferred embodiment. The storage container system 1 comprises an open topped container body 2, and corresponding lid 3. The lid 3, has a perimeter shoulder 5 which is adapted to engage with the container body 2. The lid

3 preferably includes a corrugated surface in order to provide a improved rigidity.

Securing clips 4, are preferably provided around the perimeter of the storage container system 1 (at opposed sides), and adapted to secure the container and lid together

Alternatively, it is envisaged that the clip 4 may be provided as part of the lid 3.

However, it is most preferred that the clip 4 is provided as part of the container body 2. In the following examples, the clip 4 is part of the container body 2.

With particular reference to figure 2, it can be seen that the open topped container body 2, defines a upper perimeter lip portion 6. It will be understood that the container lip 6 can be shaped to complement the perimeter shoulder portion 5 of the lid 3. The complimentary engagement may provide a hermetic seal and may, or may not, include an additional flexible seal member (not shown) for this purpose. Alternatively, the seal may be less than completely hermetic. It is preferred that the seal is that least capable of preventing the ingress (or egress) of dust for example.

Preferably, clip 4 includes an unlatching grip portion 13 on a front edge (see figure 6). As shown in figure 1, the unlatching portion 13 provides an edge that is easy to grip, but that is also discrete and low profile by following the contours of the lid 3.

In the most preferred embodiments (like that shown in figure 2), the clips 4 are preferably engaged to the container body 2. Further, the clips 4 are removably engaged with the lid 3. Preferably the removable engagement between the lid 3 and clip(s) 4, provide a substantially rigid connection. Protrusions 7, and corresponding detents 8, may be provided on one or other of the lid 3 and/or clips

4 in order to achieve proper engagement (shown in figures 5 and 7 respectively). Preferably the engagement of the clip 4 to the lid 3, is achieved by the profile of the clip 4 engaging with a complimentary profile 9 of the perimeter shoulder portion 5 of lid 3. It is preferred that the engagement is also 'low profile' such that the clip does not stick out in a way that would allow it to catch all snag and therefore become inadvertently unsecured. That is, the clip (when engaged) lies (for the most part or entirely) within the outline of the lid profile.

The "substantially rigid" connection between the clip 4 and the lid 3, allows for the lid 3 to pivot and hinge open, as shown best in figure 2. In this sense, the "substantially rigid" connection allows the lid 3 and the (left-hand) clip 4, to act as one, and pivot with respect to the container body 2. Obviously the pivoting open of the lid 3 requires the right-hand clip 4 to be unlatched.

It will be appreciated that the clipping system described above also allows both clips 4 to be unlatched, so that the lid 3 can be simply removed.

With particular reference to figure 8, it is preferred that the clips 4 are able to rotate to take up a position where they are substantially under the overhang of the container lip 6 (not shown). In this sense, "substantially under" means for at least the most part. More preferably, it means "to a great extent, or completely". Further, "to a great extent" means "sticking out no more than 10 mm".

For example, it has been found that rotation of approximately 250° provides a significant advantage by allowing the clip to rotate at least almost entirely out of the way when not in use.

Further, it is preferred that the clip 4 configuration includes at least one undercut hook 10. The undercut shape presents a closed side facing outwards which provides a significantly 'cleaner' aesthetic appearance when latched closed (for example shown in figure 1).

With reference to figure 3, a tray 11 may be provided as part of a modular storage solution. The tray may include any number of different configurations and preferably engages with an upper part of the container body 2, thereby providing adequate space for storage of items below the tray 11. Figure 4 illustrates the provision of a container storage system in a number of sizes. It is preferred that the sizes are such that they allow mating together and preferably fit on a standard sized pallet 12 in an efficient manner that utilises as much space as practicable.

Figure 4 shows that the footprint of the top left-hand container is half the size of the footprint of the top right hand container. Similarly, multiple containers with the same footprint may be provided with different depths.

With reference to figures 9 to 12, a further storage container system configuration for storing suspension files will be described. In the described and illustrated embodiments, the container system is preferably the same as that described elsewhere in the specification. However, it will be appreciated that this need not be the case, and less preferred embodiments may include known or other container and/or lid configurations.

Removable members 14, are provided and configured to be supported from upper lip 6. In figure 9, a large container as illustrated in which each of two opposed sidewalls include to removable members 14. In contrast, the figure 10 illustrates a container approximately half the size, and has a single pair of removable members 14 engaged on two opposed edges. It will be appreciated that varying sizes of removable members 14 and/or varying numbers of removable members 14, can be arranged along opposed sides of a storage container in any configuration desirable.

As best illustrated in figure 10, it will be appreciated that removable members 14, provide parallel support edges 15 adapted to support suspension files 16. It is preferred that the spacing between corresponding support edges 15 match standard suspension file dimensions for example, substantially 385mm. alternatively, any other known standard size, or proprietry size may be used.

It will be appreciated that removable members 14 provide an extremely flexible modular storage system that can be quickly converted into a suspension file storage system (and back again). For this reason, it is important that the removable support members 14 do not unduly interfere with the operation of the opening and closing of the lidded container.

In the most preferred embodiments (illustrated in figures 11 and 12), the removable support members 14 include one or more hooks 18, to engage over the container lip 6. It is preferred that the hooks 18 are spaced apart and define a gap 19 there between. Gap 19 accommodates the rotation of clips 4 (as shown in figure 10).

Preferably there are a pair of hooks 18, arranged towards the outer edges of support member 14.

In order to support members 14 (against rotation), ribs 17 are preferably provided at one or more locations along a rear edge of support member 14. It will be appreciated that ribs 17 bear against the inner surface of the container body walls 2 when loaded with suspension files. It is preferable to support the load along the length of the support member 14 (or alternatively at least at a plurality of discrete locations) because suspension files can be quite heavy and it is preferred that the container body walls 2 are not deformed.

With reference to figures 13 to 18, a further storage container system configuration for improved mobility will be described. As shown in figure 13, container body 2 preferably includes a plurality of recesses 20 in the base 21.

Removably fitting into the recesses 20, are wheel assemblies 23 and/or feet 22. It will be appreciated that the container could be fitted with four wheels in order to allow easy rolling and manoeuvrability.

Alternatively, it will also be appreciated that the container may be fitted with only two wheels, and/or may include two feet 22. In this configuration, (particularly if the feet 22 are of the same height as the wheel assemblies 23), the container can be tilted in order to allow it to roll, and returned horizontal to "park".

Alternatively still, four feet 22 may be provided at the corners. The feet 22 may be made of any suitable material, but it is preferred that it is a 'soft' and/or 'non- marking' material such as suitable rubber for example.

With particular reference to figures 14 to 18 a preferred wheel assembly 23 will be described in more detail. Wheel assembly 23 preferably includes a pair of castor style wheels 25. Wheels to 25 are pivotably mounted for rotation on the wheel hub 26. Further, hub 26 is pivotably mounted with respect to the container recesses 25 axle 24. Preferably, axle 24 is adapted to releaseably secure with corresponding recess 20 of container body 2. In this way the container storage system can be easily reconfigured as necessary.

Importantly, wheels 25 are pivotably mounted to hub 26 via a further identical axle 24. The first axle 24 provides rotation to the hub 26 with respect to the container 2, thereby allowing rolling movement of the container system in virtually any direction on the castor wheels. The second axle 24 preferably releasably mounts the pair of castor wheels 25 in the hub 26 for rolling rotation.

It is preferred that the axle 24 is adapted to clip into and out of respective hub 26 and recesses 20, thereby allowing an easily reconfigurable system. In particular, it is most preferred that axle 24 is entirely moulded from a polymer material, and does not include any metal.

In the preferred forms of the invention, the lid 3, the container body 2, the clips 4, are all made of a polymer material. In the most preferred forms of the invention, all the components are made from a polymer material.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying provisional claims.

Claims

1. A storage container system comprising :

ii) secures said perimeter shoulder portion of said clip over said perimeter lip portion of said container so that it cannot be translated, and

2. A storage container system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said securing clip is pivotably engaged with said container.

3. A storage container system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said removable engagement forms a substantially rigid connection.

4. A storage container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile shape of said clip substantially matches the profile shape of the perimeter shoulder of said lid.

5. A storage container system as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein said removable engagement includes at least one pair of complimentary protrusions and detents.

6. A storage container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said clip includes at least one undercut hook extending around said pivotal connection, and said hook is oriented such that the open section of said hook is facing inward.

7. A storage container system as claimed in claim 6, wherein there are a pair of said hooks located at opposing ends of said clip.

8. A storage container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said clip can rotate (at least when not engaged with a said lid) and take up a position that is, substantially, under an overhang portion of said upper perimeter lip or can rotate approximately 250°.

9. A storage container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are a pair of said securing clips arranged on opposed sides of said storage container.

10. A storage container system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein all components of said system are of a moulded polymer material.

11. A storage container system comprising :

12. A storage container system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said support edges are spaced by substantially 385 mm.

13. A storage container system as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein each of said at least two opposing side walls includes two said removable members.

14. A storage container system as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein each of said at least two opposing side walls includes three or more said removable members.

15. A storage container system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein said engagement with said upper perimeter lip portion by each said removable member includes at least one hook feature.

16. A storage container system as claimed in claim 15, wherein each said removable member includes a plurality of hook portions.

17. A storage container system as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein said removable members include a plurality of rib portions on a rear surface (opposing side to said support edge).

18. A storage container system as claimed in any one claims 11 to 17, wherein the container system is a container system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

19. A storage container system as claimed in claim 18, wherein said hook portions are spaced apart, sufficiently to allow a respective said clip to take up a position between said hook portions.

20. A storage container system as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19, wherein said removable members do not interfere with the closing of the open top container body by said lid.

21. A storage container system comprising :

said bottom wall includes a removable wheel assembly comprising :

a hub body,

said first axle member is identical to said second axle member.

22. A storage container system as claimed in claim 21, wherein said first axis of rotation is perpendicular to said second axis of rotation.

23. A storage container system as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein said bottom wall includes two said removable wheel assemblies.

24. A storage container system as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein said bottom wall includes four said removable wheel assemblies.

25. A storage container system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein said hub body includes two said wheels in a castor wheel configuration.

26. A storage container system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein said bottom wall includes a plurality of recesses adapted to receive a respective plurality of second axle members.

27. A storage container system as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein said first axle member and said second axle member are made entirely of a polymer material.

28. A storage container system substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

29. A hinging clip for a lidded container substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 1, 2, 5, 6 or 8.

30. A suspension file support bracket member substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 9 to 12.

31. A wheel assembly substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 13 to 18.

32. An axle substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of figures 16 or 17.

33. An open topped storage container substantially as herein described and with reference to any one or more of the drawings.