INTERLOCKING MOBILE STORAGE SYSTEM

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to an interlocking mobile storage system.

Description of the Related Art

Embodiments herein generally relate to an interlocking mobile storage system, more particularly, embodiments relating to an interlocking mobile storage system having containers comprising attachment components wherein the containers themselves are stackable and interlockable with one another atop a movable cart. Although there are many different types of mobile storage systems, there is a need for an improved interlocking mobile storage system.

SUMMARY

An interlocking mobile storage system, comprising a first storage container and a second storage container. The first storage container comprises a latch disposed on a side of the first storage container. The latch comprises a biasing member and a pivot, wherein the latch is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the biasing member biases the latch to the engaged position. The second storage container comprises a recess comprising an overhang. The first storage container is disposed on a top of the second storage container and the latch is in the engaged position, is engaged with, and is disposed in the overhang of the recess.

An interlocking storage container, comprising a top and a latch. The top comprising a first recess on a side of the interlocking storage container, wherein the first recess comprises an overhang. The latch is disposed on the side of the interlocking storage container and the latch is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The latch comprises a grip, a locking tab, and a biasing member. The locking tab is moved towards a centerline of the interlocking storage container in the engaged position and is moved away from the centerline in the disengaged position. The biasing member is disposed between the grip and the interlocking storage container, wherein the biasing member biases the latch towards the engaged position.

A method for interlocking storage containers, comprising: disposing a first storage container on a top of a second storage container, wherein the first storage container comprises a latch on a side of the storage container, the latch comprising a biasing member, wherein the latch is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the biasing member biases the latch to the engaged position; and configuring the latch in the engaged position, wherein the latch is engaged with and is disposed within an overhang of the second storage container.

An interlocking mobile storage system, comprising a first storage container and a cart. The first storage container comprises a latch disposed on a side of the first storage container. The latch comprises a biasing member and a pivot, wherein the latch is pivotable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and the biasing member biases the latch to the engaged position. The cart comprises a recess comprising an overhang. The first storage container is disposed on a top of the cart and the latch is in the engaged position, is engaged with, and is disposed in the overhang of the recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of an interlocking mobile storage system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a rear view of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a front detail view of an attachment point of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2B is a side detail view of the attachment point of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the attachment point of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a top view of storage container of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3B is a top perspective view of the top of the storage container of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of the bottom of the storage container of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B is a detail view of the cross-section view of the interlocking mobile storage system as indicated in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a cart of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of an interlocking mobile storage system, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a storage container of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top perspective view of an interlocking mobile storage system, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of a storage container of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 6C;

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of an interlocking mobile storage system, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a front view of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is a top perspective view of a cart of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A. is a top perspective view of an accessory attached to an attachment point of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A; and

FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of another accessory attached to an attachment point of the interlocking mobile storage system of FIG. 1A.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to welding, interference fitting, and/or fastening such as by using bolts, threaded connections, pins, clips, and/or screws. The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to integrally forming. The disclosure contemplates that terms such as “couples,” “coupling,” “couple,” and “coupled” may include but are not limited to direct coupling and/or indirect coupling, such as indirect coupling through components such as links.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an interlocking mobile storage system 100, according to one embodiment.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a top perspective and rear view of the interlocking mobile storage system 100 respectively.

The interlocking mobile storage system 100 comprises at least one storage container 101 and a cart 102. The storage containers 101 and cart 102 are removable from the interlocking mobile storage system 100 such that they may operate as separate components or be part of the whole system 100.

When assembled into the interlocking mobile storage system 100, the storage containers 101 are stacked atop and interlocked with the cart 102. In embodiments containing multiple storage containers 101, the storage containers 101 are stacked atop one another and are configured to interlock with one another. Thus, the system 100 comprises one or more storage containers 101 stacked atop and interlocked with each other and stacked atop and interlocked with the cart 102. This permits the storage containers 101 and the cart 102 to be movable as a single unit. The interlocking features will be described further below.

In one or more embodiments, the storage containers 101 are rectangular prisms, have consistent lengths and widths, and have chamfered edges and corners. In one or more embodiments, the storage containers 101 comprise drawers 103. The drawers 103 are configured to slide in and out of the storage containers 101 for easy access to contents stored inside the storage containers 101. The drawers 103 may further comprise ergonomically designed handles 104 that allow a user to pull on the drawers 103 to slide them out of the storage container 101 to access the contents inside of the storage container 101. The storage containers 101 may also comprise cut outs 105 and handles 106 on the sides of the storage container 101 to aid a user in lifting and carrying the storage container 101 outside of the system 100, or assembling the storage container 101 into the system 100.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate front, side, and cross-sectional views of an attachment point 107 of the storage containers 101, according to one or more embodiments.

The storage containers 101 further comprise attachment points 107. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the attachment points 107 are disposed on the sides and rear of the storage containers 101 (As indicated in FIGS. 1A-1B). However, it should be understood that the present disclosure includes embodiments containing any number of attachment points 107 disposed anywhere on system 100 so long as they do not interfere with other operations of the system 100. The attachment points 107 comprise an extrusion 108 from the storage container 101 and an indention 109 in the storage container 101. The extrusion 108 from the indention 109 in the storage container 101 has a T-shaped cross section. In other words, the extrusion 108 has two shoulders that protrude from it. The extrusion 108 is hollow but comprises a top 110 with chamfered corners and may include an internal brace 111 for rigidity. See the description below of FIGS. 8A-BB for detail regarding the operation of the attachment points 107, and exemplary accessories utilizing the attachment points 107.

FIGS. 3A-3C are top, top perspective, and bottom perspective views of one storage container 101 of the interlocking mobile storage system 100, according to one embodiment.

As stated previously, the storage containers 101 are interlockable with one another and with a cart (such as cart 102 of FIG. 1A). The storage containers 101 are interlockable by interlocking features 112. The interlocking features 112 comprise the top of the storage container 113, the bottom of the storage container 114, and the one or more latches 115.

The top of the storage container 113 comprises a first recess 116, a central rail 117, a second recess 118, and a third recess 119. The first recess 116 spans most of the surface area of the top of the storage container 113.

The first recess 116 is generally rectangular in shape, but its sides each comprise an inwardly protruding trapezoidal shape where the second and third recesses 118, 119 are located. Further, all of the edges and corners of the first recess 116 are rounded or chamfered.

The second recess 118 and third recess 119 are mirror images of each other and are disposed on each side of the top of the storage container 113. The second recess 118 and third recess 119 are generally rectangular in shape and extend completely to the sides of the top of the storage container 113. The inner side of the second 118 and third 119 recesses comprise an overhang 120. The overhang 120 may also comprise a support 121. In the illustrated embodiment, there are only two recesses 118, 119 on the sides of the storage container 101. However, it should be understood that there may be two or more recesses 118, 119.

The central rail 117 spans the width of the top recess 116 and is located at the center of the top of the storage container 113. The central rail 117 extends from the first recess 116 and is the same height as the non-recessed portion of the top of the storage container 113. The central rail 117 comprises supports 122 coupling the central rail 117 to the first recess 116. In between the supports 122 are gaps. Therefore, the central rail 117 comprises overhung portions and supported portions.

The bottom of the storage container 114 is shaped complementary to the top of the storage container 113 allowing for one storage container 101 to stack atop another storage container 101. The bottom of the storage container 114 comprises a first extrusion 123 and a second extrusion 124 which mirror each other about the center of the bottom of the storage container 114. Each of the first extrusion 123 and second extrusion 124 fit within the first recess 116 on either side of the central rail 116 of a bottom storage container 101. In the presently illustrated embodiment, the first extrusion 123 and second extrusion 124 are not complete extrusions and are made of a grid pattern to reduce weight of the storage containers 101.

Also on the bottom of the storage container 114 are latches 115. In the presently illustrated embodiment, there is a first latch 115 on one side of the storage container 101 and a second latch 115 on the other side of the storage container 101. The latches 115 are recessed into the sides of the storage container 101 so that they do not extend beyond the sides of the storage container 101 and so that they do not extend below the extrusions 123,124 which would prevent the storage container 101 from being set down on a flat surface. The interlocking features 112 and their operation are further discussed below.

FIGS. 4A-4B illustrate cross-sectional views of the interlocking mobile storage system 100.

In operation, the storage containers 101 are stacked atop one another and interlocked with each other by the interlocking features 112. The bottom of one storage container 114 fits into the top of another storage container 113. As stated previously, the first recess 116 of the top of the storage container 113 is shaped complementary to the extrusions 123,124 on the bottom of the storage container 114. The central rail 117 is also complementary to the gap between the extrusions 123, 124.

The storage containers 101 are interlocked by the latches 115. The latches 115 of a top storage container 101 interlock with the overhangs 120 of a bottom storage container 101.

The latches 115 comprise a grip 125, side panels 126, supports 127, a locking tab 128, a pivot 129, and a biasing member 130. Only one latch 115 is shown in FIG. 4B for simplicity. The other latch 115 on the other side of the storage container 101 is a mirror image of the illustrated latch 115. It should be noted that these latches 115 may be operated and manipulated independently of one another.

The latch 115 is coupled to the storage container 101 by the pivot 129 coupling the side panels 126 to the storage container 101. The pivot 129 permits the latch 115 to move from the disengaged position (not pictured) to the engaged position (illustrated in FIG. 4B). The latch 115 is pivoted about the pivot 129 by applying an upward force to the grip 125. When force is applied to the grip 125 the latch 115 pivots from the engaged position to the disengaged position along arrow 131. The biasing member 130, in the present case a spring, is coupled to the top of the grip 125 and the storage container 101 and biases the latch 115 into the engaged position. Thus, when forces are not applied to the grip 125, the latch 115 remains in the engaged position.

The latch 115 further comprises the locking tab 128. The locking tab 128 is disposed on the opposite end of the latch 115 from the grip 125 and is attached to the grip 125 by supports 127. When the latch 115 is pivoted into the engaged position, the locking tab 128 moves inward towards the center of the storage container 101. When the latch 115 is pivoted into the disengaged position, the locking tab 128 moves outwardly away from the center of the storage container 101.

When a storage container 101 is assembled atop another storage container 101, the locking tabs 128 of the storage container 101 are aligned with the overhangs 120 of a storage container 101 below. As such, the overhang 120 of the storage container 101 below is configured to receive the locking tab 128. When the latch 115 of the top storage container 101 is in the engaged position atop the below storage container 101, the locking tab 128 of the top storage container 101 contacts and exerts an inward force to secure itself on the underside of the overhang 120 of the bottom storage container 101.

The locking tab 128 further comprises a chamfered end 132. The chamfered end 132 is angled in such a way that the locking tab 128 may be guided into engagement with the overhang 120. Thus, the locking tab 128 does not need to be in the disengaged position in order to slide into engagement under the overhang 120. If the locking tab 128 is in the engaged position and is set down atop the overhang 120, the weight of the storage container 101 and the chamfered end 132 will cause the locking tab 128 to be guided around and under the overhang 120 and into engagement. In one or more embodiments, the locking tab 128 may also comprise a cut-out 133 in its center to avoid interference with the support 121 of the overhang 120.

When assembling the interlocking mobile storage system 100, a user may carry or lift the storage container 101 by the grips 125 thereby exerting an upward force on the grip 125 and holding the latch 115 in the disengaged position. The user may then set the storage container 101 down atop another storage container 101 or the cart 102. When the user releases the storage container 101, the user ceases to exert an upward force on the grip 125 and the latches 115 are biased to the engaged position coupling to the overhang 120, thereby interlocking the storage container 101 with the storage container 101 or cart 102 below. As noted above, even if the user is not carrying the storage container 101 by the grips 125 nor exerting a force on the grips 125, the chamfered ends 132 of the locking tabs 128 will still guide the latches 115 into engagement.

When disassembling the interlocking mobile storage system 100, a user may grip the grip 125 and lift the storage container 101 by said grip 125. In the process, the user exerts an upward force on the grip 125, thereby pivoting the latch 115 to the disengaged position, decoupling the locking tab 128 from the overhang 120, and removing the storage container 101 from being interlocked with the storage container 101 or cart 102 below.

As stated previously, the above description FIG. 4B illustrates only one latch 115 however, it will be noted that in the illustrated embodiment shown elsewhere, there is one latch 115 on either side of the storage container 101. In some embodiments, the storage container 101 may comprise more than two latches 115.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate the cart 102 of the interlocking mobile storage system 100. FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of the cart 102. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the bottom of a storage container 114 interlocked with the cart 102. The cart 102 comprises a rectangular platform 134, one or more handles 135, and casters 136.

The one or more handles 135 are disposed on a side of the cart 102. The illustrated embodiment comprises two handles 135 on the front and back of the cart 102 however, it should be understood that there may be any number of handles 135 oriented in any direction on any side of the cart 102 enabling a user to manually direct and move the cart 102 and the system 100. The casters 136 allow the system 100 to roll. Some of the casters 136 may be rotatable allowing the cart 102 to be steered and some may be fixed in orientation such that the wheels are pointed in a singular direction. The presently illustrated embodiment comprises four casters 136, however, it is to be understood that the invention includes embodiments with any number of casters 136 with any combination of fixed and/or rotatable casters 136.

Storage containers 101 sit atop and interlock with the top of the platform 134. The platform 134 is generally rectangular in shape, but comprises rounded and chamfered edges and corners. As shown in FIG. 5A the rectangular platform 134 may also comprise recesses to allow for handles 135 while still maintaining a total package shape of a rectangle.

The top of the platform 137 is similarly designed to the top of the storage containers 113 to allow for the storage containers 101 to interlock with the platform 134. When interlocked, the storage container 101 is prevented from shifting or being removed from the interlocking mobile storage system 100 without user input.

Similar to the top of the storage container 113, the top of the platform 137 is shaped complementary to the bottom of the storage containers 114. The top of the platform 137 comprises a first recess 138, a central rail 139, a second recess 140, and a third recess 141. For the sake of brevity, these features will not be described in detail, as the discussion regarding the top of the storage container 113 suffices to describe the top of the platform 137.

The top of the platform 137 and the bottom of a storage container 114 interlock the same way as the top of a storage container 113 and the bottom of a storage container 114 interlock. Thus, for the sake of brevity, the method of interlocking and operation will not be discussed in detail, as the discussion regarding the interlockability of the top of a storage container 113 and the bottom of another storage container 114 is applicable here.

The cart 102 may also store extra casters 136 on the bottom of the platform 142. The casters 136 may clip into place. The extra casters 136 may be of a different type or size, or they may just be extras of the type already installed on the cart 136.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a storage container according to another embodiment. The presently illustrated interlocking mobile storage system 200 comprises another embodiment of a storage container, hereinafter the “half box” 201.

The half box 201 is similar to the storage container 101 of FIGS. 1-5, however, it is half the length. Thus, the outer side of the half box 201 is the same as the side of the storage container 101 of FIGS. 1-5. The inner side is substantially flat.

Other than in size, the half boxes 201 differ from the storage containers 101 of FIGS. 1-5 in their interlocking features 212. The interlocking features 212 include a bottom of the half box 214, a latch 215, a foot 243, and may include a top of the half box 213,

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the top of the half box 213 comprises one half of the recess pattern of the top of the storage container 113 of FIGS. 1-5. That is, the top of the half box 213 has a first recess 216 and a second recess 218. The first recess 216 is one half of the first recess 116 of the storage container 101 of FIGS. 1-5. The first recess of the half box 216 is substantially rectangular with one inwardly protruding trapezoidal shape where the second recess 218 is located. The second recess 218 is disposed on the outside of the top of the half box 213 and comprises an overhang 220 with a support 221.

In other embodiments, such as the one shown in FIGS. 6C-6D, the half box 201 includes a bag 256 with a bottom portion 255 attached to (e.g., sewn on, or heat welded on, or other attachment means known in the art) that engages with the top of the system 200 in the same way the half box 201 of FIGS. 6A-6B engages with the system. As can be appreciated, the bag 256 with bottom portion 255 may be, for example, a backpack (as shown), or a tote bag or any similar type bag for convenient mobile storage.

The bottom of the half box 214 comprises one half of the extrusion pattern of the storage container 101 of FIGS. 1-5. That is, the bottom of the half box 214 is substantially complementary with one half of the top of a storage container 113 of FIGS. 1-5. The bottom of the half box 214 comprises a first extrusion 223 which fits within the first recess 116 of a storage container 101 of FIGS. 1-5 on one side of the central rail 117.

The half box 201 comprises one latch 215 that comprises the same components and operates similarly to the latch 115 of the storage containers.

The foot 243 is an extrusion extending below the half box 201 and outwardly from the half box 201 on the opposite side of the half box 201 from the latch 215. The foot 243 is configured to slide under and engage with the central rail 117 of the storage container 101 below the half box 201, thereby interlocking the half box 201 with the top 113 of the storage container 101 below.

In operation, the half box 201 may be assembled into the interlocking mobile storage system 200 as illustrated in FIG. 6A. The half box 201 is assembled atop a storage container 101. In operation, a user carries a half box 201 and first guides the foot 243 underneath and into contact with the underside of the central rail 117 of a storage container 101 beneath the half box 201 and then sets the remaining side of the half box 201 down atop the storage container 101 in the same way described above with reference to a storage container 101 being assembled onto another storage container 101.

While the embodiment presently illustrated only illustrates one half box 201 atop the system 200, it should be appreciated that two half boxes 201 may be assembled atop one storage container 101.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate an interlocking mobile storage system 300, according to another embodiment. The presently illustrated interlocking mobile storage system 300 comprises another embodiment of a storage container, hereinafter the “top opening container” 301, and a different embodiment of the cart, hereinafter “the dolly” 302.

The top opening container 301 comprises a different mode of accessing the contents inside the. Rather than having drawers, the top opening container 301 comprises a flip top 303 pivotably coupled to the top opening container 301 by hinges 344, wherein the flip top 303 is secured closed by clasps 345 disposed on the opposite side of the top opening containers 301 from the hinge.

The interlocking mobile storage system 300 also comprises a dolly 302 rather than the cart 102 of the interlocking mobile storage system 100 of FIG. 1A. The dolly 302 comprises a frame 346 with a handle 347, a cross member 348, container brackets 349. The dolly 302 further comprises wheels 350 connected by an axle 351.

The dolly 302 is coupled to the stacked top opening containers 301 by the container brackets 350 which are coupled by, for example, threaded fasteners to the back of one top opening container 301 of the system 300. The frame 346 supports the weight of the system 300. The handle 347 allows a user to manipulate the dolly 302 to move the system 300.

In operation a user would couple the container brackets 349 to a top opening container 301 of the system 300 and use the handle 347 to tilt the dolly 302 backwards, wherein only the wheels 351 are contacting the ground. The user would then use the handle 347 to balance the system 300 on the wheels and the user could manipulate and roll the system 300.

While the mode of opening and mode of movement of the systems 100 and 300 differ in design, the interlocking features 312 of the top opening containers 301 are the same as those used in the system 100 of FIGS. 1-5.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate exemplary accessories that may attach to an attachment point 107 of the interlocking mobile storage system 100. FIG. 8A illustrates a hanger 451. The hanger 451 may be slid onto an attachment point 107 by a mounting plate 452 of the hanger 451 that is shaped to complement the T-shaped section of an attachment point 107. The hanger 451 allows a user to hang objects from the system 100. FIG. 8B illustrates a bucket 453. The bucket 453 may be slid onto an attachment point 107 by a back 454 of the bucket 453 that is shaped to complement the T-shaped section of an attachment point 107. The bucket 453 allows a user to store objects on the outside of the system 100 for easy and quick access.

It is contemplated that one or more of these aspects disclosed herein may be combined. Moreover, it is contemplated that one or more of these aspects may include some or all of the aforementioned benefits.

As an example, the present disclosure contemplates that one or more of the aspects, features, components, operations, and/or properties of the systems 100, 200, and 300 may be combined.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding embodiments are exemplary and not limiting. It is intended that all modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the scope of the disclosure. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims may include all such modifications, permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements. The present disclosure also contemplates that one or more aspects of the embodiments described herein may be substituted in for one or more of the other aspects described. The scope of the disclosure is determined by the claims that follow.