FOOD AND CRAYON SNAP-LOCKING CONTAINERS AND ADJUSTABLE SHELVING

Abstract

The inventions are a food and crayon snap locking container and adjustable shelving system for containers for use in bags. The food snap locking container invention allows for multiple containers to lock together so one hand can be used to move them. The crayon snap locking box invention allows for one hand to search for and remove a crayon without the box tipping over, and it allows for easy access to the favorite crayon. The adjustable shelving system allows for food containers of all sizes to be placed in a bag in an orderly manner that prevents leakage and fixes the containers in place.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/112,891 filed on Feb. 6, 2015 and entitled "Food and Crayon Snap-Locking Containers and Adjustable Shelving", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Multiple food containers require using both hands and/or stacking containers to move them. The snap lock container allows for multiple containers to be carried with one hand.

[0003] Crayon boxes require two hands to reach for and pick out a crayon without the box tipping over. The snap lock crayon box allows for one hand to pick out a crayon and easily find the favorite crayon without searching. Carrying food containers in a bag requires a haphazard storage in a soft material bag which may lead to spillage or loss of storage space for books. The adjustable shelving system for bags allows for purposeful storage of food containers of any shape.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a plurality of storage containers, each storage container including a container body, the container body including at least one wall including a slot, the slot configured to receive a protrusion from another of the plurality of storage containers, at least one wall including a protrusion, wherein the protrusion extends outward from an exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion, and a lid configured to engage a top surface of the container body. Receipt of a protrusion of a first storage container by a slot of a second storage container at least partially prevents movement in at least one direction of the first storage container and the second storage container relative to one another.

[0005] In some embodiments, each protrusion includes one or more connecting arms and an outer plate, each connecting arm positioned generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion, wherein a proximal end of each connecting arm extends from the exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion, and wherein the distal end of each connecting arm extends to the interior surface of the outer plate. In some embodiments a cavity is defined by an interior surface of the protrusion and the exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion, wherein the at least one wall including a slot further includes at least one locking tab configured to extend into the cavity. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of storage containers includes at least two protrusions and at least two slots. In some embodiments, the at least one wall including a protrusion further includes at least one locking tab extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion, wherein the at least one wall including a slot further includes at least one locking tab receptacle configured to receive the at least on locking tab extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion. In some embodiments, the receipt of the at least one locking tab of the first container by the locking tab receptacle of the second container at least partially prevents movement in at least one direction different from the at least one direction at which movement is partially prevented by the receipt of the protrusion of the first storage container by the slot of the second storage container. In some embodiments, the at least one wall including a slot includes a plurality of slots and the at least one wall including a protrusion includes a plurality of protrusions. In some embodiments, each storage container is configured to engage four other storage containers. In some embodiments, the outer plate extends at an angle from the one or more connecting arms such that the outer plate is not parallel to the exterior surface of the at least one wall including a protrusion.

[0006] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a storage container is provided. The storage container includes a container body including a plurality of walls, wherein a protrusion extends from at least one wall, and a removable lid including a slot configured to engage with the protrusion, wherein upon engagement of the slot with the protrusion, movement of the lid and storage container relative to one another is at least partially prevented in at least one direction.

[0007] In some embodiments the protrusion is t-shaped. In some embodiments, the lid includes a connection surface configured to detachably engage a top surface of the container body by a press fit. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the lid includes a recessed portion for storage of one or more items. In some embodiments, the recessed portion is configured to removably secure one or more writing instruments. In some embodiments, when the slot is engaged to the protrusion, a long axis of the lid is positioned generally perpendicular to a long axis of the container body. In some embodiments, the lid is sized to prevent tipping of the container body when the slot is engaged to the protrusion and the container body is positioned on a flat surface. In some embodiments, the container body includes a stop configured to prevent movement of the lid in at least one direction along a length of the protrusion, the stop being wider than an opening of the slot in at least one dimension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 shows ISO view of backpack with structure, lunch bag, and shelving visible inside.

[0009] FIG. 2 shows top view of food compartment structure assembly.

[0010] FIG. 3 shows section view with detail of food compartment with lunch bag.

[0011] FIG. 4 shows ISO view of lunch bag opened with shelving inside.

[0012] FIG. 5 shows ISO view of adjustable shelving assembly.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows ISO view of adjustable shelving with breakout of track.

[0014] FIG. 7 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers and shelf on center.

[0015] FIG. 8 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers moved.

[0016] FIG. 9 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers out and shelf at top.

[0017] FIG. 10 shows front view of adjustable shelving dividers moved and shelf at top.

[0018] FIG. 11 shows ISO view with detail of adjustable shelving with locked divider.

[0019] FIG. 12 shows ISO view with detail of adjustable shelving with unlocked divider.

[0020] FIG. 13 shows top (hidden wire frame) view of adjustable shelf

[0021] FIG. 14 shows section view with details of divider section in locked position.

[0022] FIG. 15 shows top view of adjustable shelving.

[0023] FIG. 16 shows section view with details of divider section in unlocked position.

[0024] FIG. 17 shows detail view of break out of sliding mechanism of shelf.

[0025] FIG. 18 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with lid on.

[0026] FIG. 19 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with lid on.

[0027] FIG. 20 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with top exploded above in ISO view.

[0028] FIG. 21 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in side view with details.

[0029] FIG. 22 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in bottom view with details.

[0030] FIG. 23 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container with top exploded above in ISO view.

[0031] FIG. 24 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in side view with details.

[0032] FIG. 25 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall container in bottom view with details.

[0033] FIG. 26 shows 4 3.times.3.times.3 and a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall containers connected in top view.

[0034] FIG. 27 shows 8 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall containers connected with lids in top view.

[0035] FIG. 28 shows 8 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock 90 degree wall containers connected in bottom view.

[0036] FIG. 29 shows a container section detail view of the t-boss/t-slot locking interface.

[0037] FIG. 30 shows a container section detail view of the lock boss/lock detent interface.

[0038] FIG. 31 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container with lid on.

[0039] FIG. 32 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container with lid on.

[0040] FIG. 33 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container exploded in ISO view.

[0041] FIG. 34 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in side view with details.

[0042] FIG. 35 shows a 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in detail bottom view.

[0043] FIG. 36 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container exploded in ISO view.

[0044] FIG. 37 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in side view with details.

[0045] FIG. 38 shows a 6.times.6.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted wall container in bottom view with details.

[0046] FIG. 39 shows 4 3.times.3.times.3 and a 6.times.6.times.3 inch drafted wall containers connected in top view.

[0047] FIG. 40 shows 8 3.times.3.times.3 inch drafted wall containers connected with lids in top view with details.

[0048] FIG. 41 shows 8 3.times.3.times.3 inch drafted wall containers connected in bottom view.

[0049] FIG. 42 shows a container section view of the t-boss/t-slot locking interface with detail.

[0050] FIG. 43 shows a container section view of the snap hook lock interface with detail.

[0051] FIG. 44 shows the drafted wall crayon container with lid on and favorite crayon holder.

[0052] FIG. 45 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid and favorite crayon holder.

[0053] FIG. 46 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid with crayons and favorite crayon holder.

[0054] FIG. 47 shows a top view with details of the crayon container with lid and favorite crayon holder.

[0055] FIG. 48 shows a front view of the crayon container with lid.

[0056] FIG. 49 shows a section view with details of the crayon container with crayons.

[0057] FIG. 50 shows an ISO view of the crayon container and lid locked on the side with crayons.

[0058] FIG. 51 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container with lid and crayons.

[0059] FIG. 52 shows another embodiment of the drafted wall crayon container with lid on and favorite crayon holder.

[0060] FIG. 53 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid and favorite crayon holder.

[0061] FIG. 54 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container and lid with crayons and favorite crayon holder.

[0062] FIG. 55 shows a top view with details of the crayon container with lid and favorite crayon holder.

[0063] FIG. 56 shows a front view of the crayon container with lid.

[0064] FIG. 57 shows a section view with details of the crayon container with crayons.

[0065] FIG. 58 shows an ISO view of the crayon container and lid locked on the side with crayons.

[0066] FIG. 59 shows an exploded ISO view of the crayon container with lid and crayons.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] FIG. 1 shows item 1, the backpack, used to house the "food compartment structure," and carry the "lunch bag" within bottom pocket. Item 2, the food compartment structure, is used to house the "lunch bag" and distribute backpack's upper load around lunch bag, enabling bag to be removed if pack is loaded. Item 3, the lunch bag, is used to house the "adjustable shelving" and allow portability of contained items without backpack. Item 4, the adjustable shelving is used to support and help restrain food items, containers of various sizes, or other items within "lunch bag."

[0068] FIGS. 2 and 3 show item 2-1, the structure half, the same component used on top and bottom. Item 2-2, the structure corrugation, allows structure to maintain its shape while backpack is loaded above and distribute forces around lunch bag; to provide a lead-in on the front for inserting lunch bag. Item 2-3, the structure side plates and fasteners, are used to assemble structure in an efficient manner and help distribute loads from top to bottom. Item 2-4, the structure clearance, allows structure to deflect while under load, and minimize backpack load from preventing removal/insertion of lunch bag.

[0069] FIGS. 4 and 5 show item 3-1, the front flap, used to aid in heat transfer and allow access to adjustable shelving and items inside. Item 4-1, the slide plate, is used to support and guide adjustable shelf and to hold assembly together. Item 4-2, the track plate, is used to support and guide the dividers, which move along specific rails running the length of the plate; also to allow rigid locking of the dividers in predefined positions. Item 4-3, sliding divider, is used to provide horizontal adjustability in the shelving system, specifically to change the side to side width between the divider and the side plate to allow various sized items to be confined within the space. Item 4-4, the sliding shelf, is used to support the weight of the items inside the lunch bag, and also provide vertical adjustability in the shelving system, specifically to change the top-bottom height between the track plate and shelf to allow various sized items to be confined within the space. Item 4-5, the linear pull, is used to allow end-user ease of use in unlocking the dividers

[0070] FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 show the range of movement of the shelf and dividers. Item 4-6, the divider track, is used to constrain dividers to side to side motion only, and allow traversing the entire length of the track plate. Item 4-7, the shelf slide, is used to constrain the shelf to up-down motion only, and allow predetermined vertical movement along the slide plate.

[0071] FIGS. 11 and 12 show item 4-8, the divider lock plate, used to allow the engagement and disengagement of the divider lock pins, which fix the side to side position of the divider and helps secure items. Item 4-9, the divider lock hole, is used to allow the divider lock pin to engage the track plate at predetermined locations and transfer side to side forces from the divider to the track plate. Item 4-10, the divider position indicator, is used to allow the end-user to easily see where the divider must be positioned before engaging lock; indicators located at location of lock holes.

[0072] FIGS. 13 and 14 again show item 4-3, the sliding divider, as an assembly. The sliding divider is assembled from multiple parts, but specifically a sliding body and cover plate, which together support the internal locking features. Item 4-11, divider shelf slot-C, is used to allow divider to move when shelf is at center position. Item 4-12, divider shelf slot-V, is used to allow shelf to move when divider is at outside position. Item 4-13, divider shelf slot-T, is used to allow divider to move when shelf is at top position. Item 4-14, divider slide pad, is used to constrain divider to only move within divider track; specific design helps minimize divider tilt while moving. Item 4-15, lock stop rib, is used to prevent motion of lock plate beyond lock/unlock position. Item 4-16, divider/cover ribs, are used to increase rigidity of assembly and also to support and constrain motion of lock pins and lock plate. Item 4-17, lock pin spring, is used to provide a restoring force to move pins to unlock position. Item 4-18, upper lock pin, when engaged with lock hole, prevents divider motion and transfers side to side force to top track plate. Item 4-19, lower lock pin, acts the same as upper lock pin; but transfers force to bottom plate. Item 4-20, lock detent-top, is used to allow upper lock pin to maintain engagement with track plate lock hole and minimize accidental unlocking. Item 4-21, lock detent-bottom, is used as lock detent-top; but to maintain lower pin lock.

[0073] FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 show item 4-22, lock pin ramp, used to allow lock pins to smoothly transition from disengaged to engaged; specifically, gradually transmitting the lock spring forces to end user through the lock plate. Item 4-23, lock pin and divider clearance, is used to allow free movement of divider when lock pins are disengaged and provide space for allowable tilt of divider when in motion by end user. Item 4-24, shelf slide boss, is used to constrain shelf to move vertically within shelf slide. Item 4-25, shelf slide detents, are used to allow shelf to snap into position and free hands of end-user to move dividers to desired positions. Item 4-26, shelf divider gap, is used to allow shelf to move vertically when dividers are in the outside position.

[0074] FIG. 18 shows item 5, the 3.times.3.times.3 slide-lock 90 degree wall container body, used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiple containers to be connected in an array orientation. Item 6, the 3.times.3.times.3 slide-lock 90 degree wall container lid, is used to cover and protect contained items from external contaminants; also to provide a seal to prevent escape of contents.

[0075] FIG. 19 shows item 7, the 6.times.6.times.3 slide-lock 90 degree wall container body, used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiple containers to be connected in an array orientation. Item 8, the 6.times.6.times.3 slide-lock 90 degree wall container lid, is used to cover and protect contained items from external contaminants; also to provide a seal to prevent escape of contents.

[0076] FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 show item 5-1, the 90 degree wall, which enables other containers to lock flush (co-planer) to each other; providing a larger area for force distribution. Item 5-2, the container top face, supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 5-3, the inside drafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturing. Item 5-4, the t-boss, provides a method to lock containers together; specifically, transfers clamping force to 90 degree wall through interface with t-slot. Item 5-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provide the force/locking interface to the t-slot. Item 5-6, the t-boss draft plate, improves manufacturing and wall strength at t-boss. Item 5-7, the lock boss, provides vertical locking between container faces; specifically, minimizes container tendency to slide apart. Item 5-8, the lock detent, provides female interface for lock boss to function. Item 5-9, the t-slot, provides female interface for t-boss to function.

[0077] Item 5-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/locking interface for t-boss. Item 5-11, the t-slot draft plane, improves manufacturing; provides draft plate clearance. Item 6-1, the lid seal surface, provides lid interface with container cavity and enables sealing by use of material compression when in place. Item 6-2, the lid stop flange, helps prevent lid from being pushed inside container. Item 6-3, the lid dome top, provides aesthetic function and volume increase. Item 6-4, the lid finger pocket, enables end user to grasp lid and remove by overcoming material compression. Item 6-5, the lid flex cavity, enables lid to strain along the entire seal surface.

[0078] FIGS. 23, 24, and 25 show item 7-1 the 90 degree wall, which enables other containers to lock flush (co-planer) to each other; providing a larger area for force distribution. Item 7-2, the container top face, supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 7-3, the inside drafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturing. Item 7-4, the t-boss, provides a method to lock containers together; specifically, transfers clamping force to 90 degree wall through interface with t-slot. Item 7-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provide the force/locking interface to the t-slot. Item 7-6, the t-boss draft plate, improves manufacturing and wall strength at t-boss. Item 7-7, the lock boss, provides vertical locking between container faces; specifically, minimizes container tendency to slide apart. Item 7-8, the lock detent, provides female interface for lock boss to function. Item 7-9, the t-slot, provides female interface for t-boss to function.

[0079] Item 7-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/locking interface for t-boss. Item 7-11, the t-slot draft plane, improves manufacturing; provides draft plate clearance. Item 8-1, the lid seal surface, provides lid interface with container cavity and enables sealing by use of material compression when in place. Item 8-2, the lid stop flange, helps prevent lid from being pushed inside container. Item 8-3, the lid dome top, provides aesthetic function and volume increase. Item 8-4, the lid finger pocket, enables end user to grasp lid and remove by overcoming material compression. Item 8-5, the lid flex cavity, enables lid to strain along the entire seal surface.

[0080] FIGS. 26, 27, and 28 show the body walls and lids for the 3.times.3.times.3 and 6.times.6.times.3 containers, items 5, 6, 7, and 8. Also showing, are the t-boss and t-slot, items 5-4 and 5-9. Item 5-12, the 3.times.3.times.3 0 degree co-planer wall interface, provides parallel surface contact between identical containers; enables containers to distribute force more equally and helps increase rigidity when connected. Item 7-12, the 6.times.6.times.3 90 degree co-planer wall interface, provides parallel surface contact between identical containers; enables containers to distribute force more equally and helps increase rigidity when connected.

[0081] FIG. 29 shows item 5-13, the t-boss/t-slot interface 1, which enables locking between two containers by providing interference on the ramp angle between the t-boss tabs and t-slot tabs; this places tabs under tension resulting in a clamping force on the co-planar walls. Item 5-14, the t-boss draft plate interface, provides clearance as needed between the t-boss draft plate and t-slot tabs, so free strain produces calming. Item 5-15, the t-boss/t-slot interface 2, provides clearance as needed between t-boss front and t-slot, so free strain produces clamping. Item 5-16, the lock boss/lock detent interface, provides clearance as needed between lock detent and lock boss, but enables contact at bottom, or top to react to slip force and help maintain t-boss clamping force; contact point provides rotation center when containers are loaded and bending down resulting in a moment that increases t-boss tension to minimize slip. Item 6-6, the lid/cavity interface, enables locking of lid to container cavity through material compression in lid (lid oversized); specifically, compression results in normal force on seal surface providing sealing and stiction to hold lid in place. Also shown are items 5-5, 5-6, 5-10, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5, the t-boss lock tabs, the t-boss draft plate, the t-slot lock tabs, the lid seal surface, the lid dome top, and lid flex cavity.

[0082] FIG. 30 shows items 5-7, 5-8, 5-12, and 5-16, the lock detent, lock boss, co-planar wall interface, and the lock boss/lock detent interface. FIG. 31 shows item 9, the 3.times.3.times.3 inch slide-lock drafted container body, used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiple containers to be connected in an array orientation. Item 10, the 3.times.3.times.3 slide-lock drafted wall container lid, is used to cover and protect contained items from external contaminants; also to provide a seal to prevent escape of contents.

[0083] FIG. 32 shows item 11, the 6.times.6.times.3 slide-lock drafted wall container body, used to house food items, or dry goods, and allows multiple containers to be connected in an array orientation. Item 12, the 6.times.6.times.3 slide-lock drafted wall container lid, is used to cover and protect contained items from external contaminants; also to provide a seal to prevent escape of contents.

[0084] FIGS. 33, 34, and 35 show item 9-1, the drafted wall, which provides improved manufacturability. Item 9-2, the container top face, supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 9-3, the inside drafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturability. Item 9-4, the t-boss, enables containers to lock together through interface with t-slot; specifically, transfers clamping force to draft plate and then drafted wall. Item 9-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provides the force/locking interface to the t-slot tabs. Item 9-6, the t-boss draft plate, improves manufacturability and wall strength at t-boss; provides a co-planer surface at drafted wall connection. Item 9-7, the snap hook lock, provides vertical locking between containers. Item 9-8, the hook lock ramp, provides sliding interface to ease connecting containers. Item 9-9, the t-slot, provides female interface for t-boss tabs. Item 9-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/lock interface for t-boss tabs. Item 10-1, the lid seal surface, provides lid interface with container cavity and enables sealing by use of material compression when in place. Item 10-2, the lid stop flange, helps prevent lid from being pushed inside container. Item 10-3, the lid dome top, provides aesthetic function and volume increase. Item 10-4, the lid finger pocket, enables end user to grasp lid and remove by overcoming material compression and stiction. Item 10-5, the lid flex cavity, enables lid to strain along the entire seal surface. Item 10-6, the snap lock relief, enables lid to fit container over snap lock. Item 10-7, the snap lock ribs, provide rigidity to lid behind snap lock, resulting in increased container wall rigidity for stronger connection.

[0085] FIGS. 36, 37, and 38 show item 11-1, the drafted wall, which provides improved manufacturability. Item 11-2, the container top face, supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 11-3, the inside drafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning), and manufacturability. Item 11-4, the t-boss, enables containers to lock together through interface with t-slot; specifically, transfers clamping force to draft plate and then drafted wall. Item 11-5, the t-boss lock tabs, provides the force/locking interface to the t-slot tabs. Item 11-6, the t-boss draft plate, improves manufacturability and wall strength at t-boss; provides a co-planer surface at drafted wall connection. Item 11-7, the snap hook lock, provides vertical locking between containers. Item 11-8, the hook lock ramp, provides sliding interface to ease connecting containers. Item 11-9, the t-slot, provides female interface for t-boss tabs. Item 11-10, the t-slot lock tabs, provides reaction force/lock interface for t-boss tabs. Item 12-1, the lid seal surface, provides lid interface with container cavity and enables sealing by use of material compression when in place. Item 12-2, the lid stop flange, helps prevent lid from being pushed inside container. Item 12-3, the lid dome top, provides aesthetic function and volume increase. Item 12-4, the lid finger pocket, enables end user to grasp lid and remove by overcoming material compression and stiction. Item 12-5, the lid flex cavity, enables lid to strain along the entire seal surface. Item 12-6, the snap lock relief, enables lid to fit container over snap lock. Item 12-7, the snap lock ribs, provide rigidity to lid behind snap lock, resulting in increased container wall rigidity for stronger connection.

[0086] FIGS. 39, 40, and 41 show the body walls and lids for the 3.times.3.times.3 and 6.times.6.times.3 containers, items 9, 10, 11, and 12. Also showing, are the t-boss and t-slot, items 9-4 and 9-9. And showing in detail are the snap lock relief and snap lock ribs, items 10-6 and 10-7. Item 9-12, the 3.times.3.times.3 drafted wall interface, provides a co-planer surface contact between t-boss draft plate and opposite container wall; enables containers to distribute force more equally and helps increase rigidity when connected. Item 11-12, the 6.times.6.times.3 drafted wall interface, provides co-planer surface contact between t-boss draft plates and opposite container walls; enables containers to distribute force more equally and helps increase rigidity when connected.

[0087] FIG. 42 shows item 9-13, the t-boss/t-slot interface 1, which enables locking between two containers by providing interference on the ramp angle between the t-boss tabs and t-slot tabs; this places tabs under tension resulting in a clamping force on the t-boss draft plate and co-planer connected container wall. Item 9-14, the t-boss draft plate interface, provides sliding face while connecting containers and allows force distribution/transfer to co-planer wall of connected container, once locked in place by hook. Item 9-15, the t-boss/t-slot interface 2, provides clearance as needed between t-boss front and t-slot, to allow free strain of t-boss tabs. Item 10-8, the lid/cavity interface, enables locking of lid to container cavity through material compression in lid (lid oversized); specifically, compression results in normal force on seal surface providing sealing and stiction to hold lid in place. Also shown are items 9-1, 9-4, 9-5, 9-6, 10-3, and 10-7, the drafted wall, the t-boss, t-boss lock tabs, t-boss draft plate, the lid dome top, and the snap lock ribs.

[0088] FIG. 43 shows Item 9-16, the snap hook lock interface, provides vertical locking between connected containers; specifically, prevents slip between t-boss draft plate and connected container wall by providing a parallel and opposite reaction force to slipping force--the snap hook contacts top wall of connected container. Item 9-17, the container radius for hook lock ramp, is a rounded corner to enable smooth locking action when connecting containers together; specifically, allows gradual force transfer to hook lock ramp, thereby gradually deflecting hook as container is connected. Also shown are items 9-7 and 9-8, the snap hook lock and the hook lock ramp.

[0089] FIG. 44 shows item 13, the drafted crayon container body, used to house and allow durable portability of standard sized Crayola crayons; also provides a method to organize them in a standing position to allow ease of removal. Item 14, the drafted crayon container lid, used to cover the contents and prevent spilling of crayons if container is laid on its side; also provides a method to store a single standard sized Crayola crayon for ease of access, and prevents the container from tipping over when in the locked position on the side of the container. Item 15 is the standard Crayola crayon. FIG. 45 shows item 13-1, the drafted wall, which provides improved manufacturability. Item 13-2, the container top face, supports the lid and provides transition to inside. Item 13-3, the inside drafted cavity, improves end use (i.e., cleaning) and manufacturability. Item 13-4, the t-boss, provides male interface to enable lid to slide onto container side through interface with t-slot and allows lid to be secured to container on either side. Item 13-5, the inside compartment divider, provides increased container strength and allows division of the container into four compartments. Item 14-1, the lid rounded top, provides form and strength to lid and crayon support. Item 14-2, the lid drafted wall, provides improved manufacturability. Item 14-3, the lid connection surface, provides lid interface with container top face and allows lid to stay on container body through a press fit. Item 14-4, the favorite crayon opening, provides a large surface to place end user's favorite crayon (i.e., preferred color) and an opening that enables a finger to slide the crayon into the lock tabs. Item 14-5, the favorite crayon stop, provides a surface to stop position of favorite crayon. Item 14-6, the lid t-slot, provides the female interface to enable lid to lock onto container side through interface with t-boss.

[0090] FIG. 46 shows item 15-1, the favorite crayon. Item 15-2 represents the 64 crayons inside the container.

[0091] FIG. 47 shows item 13-6, the t-boss lock tabs, used to provide locking interface with lid t-slot tabs. Item 14-8, the lid t-slot tabs, provides locking interface with container t-boss tabs.

[0092] FIG. 49 shows item 14-7, the favorite crayon lock tabs, which provides a slight press fit to securely hold the favorite crayon in place through stiction; also enables crayon to be removed with finger from exposed area on top. Item 13-7, the container compartment bottom, supports the crayons in a vertical position; also enables crayons to be removed easier by providing a different height for each row. Also shown are items 14-4, 15-1, and 15-2, the favorite crayon opening, the favorite crayon, and the crayons inside the container.

[0093] FIGS. 52-59 show another embodiment of a drafted wall crayon container with a lid 14 on and a favorite crayon holder. In some embodiments, the crayon container can include a T-Boss stop 13-6 that provides a positive stop for the lid 14 when the lid 14 is mounted to the T-Boss 13-4 to prevent the lid 14 from disengaging from the container body 13 when the container body 13 is lifted. In some embodiments one or more ribs may be positioned adjacent to a T-slot 14-6 to decrease flexing of the lid 14 immediately adjacent to the T-slot 14-6, improve lid stiction to the container body 13, reduce stress at the T-slot 14-6 opening on the top of the lid 14, and provide a contact area for the lid 14 when installed on the container body 13. In some embodiments, one or more tabs are located on a surface of the lid bottom to enable fingers to pry the lid 14 off of the container body 13. The one or more tabs may also provide a positive stop against T-bosses to prevent the lid 14 from being pushed too far down with respect to the container body 13.

Claims

1. A storage system comprising: a plurality of storage containers, each storage container comprising: a container body, the container body comprising: at least one wall comprising a slot, the slot configured to receive a protrusion from another of the plurality of storage containers; at least one wall comprising a protrusion, wherein the protrusion extends outward from an exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion; and a lid configured to engage a top surface of the container body; wherein receipt of a protrusion of a first storage container by a slot of a second storage container at least partially prevents movement in at least one direction of the first storage container and the second storage container relative to one another.

2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each protrusion comprises one or more connecting arms and an outer plate, each connecting arm positioned generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion, wherein a proximal end of each connecting arm extends from the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion, and wherein the distal end of each connecting arm extends to the interior surface of the outer plate.

3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein a cavity is defined by an interior surface of the protrusion and the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion, wherein the at least one wall comprising a slot further comprises at least one locking tab configured to extend into the cavity.

4. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of storage containers comprises at least two protrusions and at least two slots.

5. The storage system of claim 1, where the at least one wall comprising a protrusion further comprises at least one locking tab extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion, wherein the at least one wall comprising a slot further comprises at least one locking tab receptacle configured to receive the at least on locking tab extending perpendicularly from the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion.

6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein the receipt of the at least one locking tab of the first container by the locking tab receptacle of the second container at least partially prevents movement in at least one direction different from the at least one direction at which movement is partially prevented by the receipt of the protrusion of the first storage container by the slot of the second storage container.

7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wall comprising a slot comprises a plurality of slots and the at least one wall comprising a protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions.

8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein each storage container is configured to engage four other storage containers.

9. The storage system of claim 2, wherein the outer plate extends at an angle from the one or more connecting arms such that the outer plate is not parallel to the exterior surface of the at least one wall comprising a protrusion.

10. A storage container comprising: a container body comprising a plurality of walls, wherein a protrusion extends from at least one wall; and a removable lid comprising a slot configured to engage with the protrusion, wherein upon engagement of the slot with the protrusion, movement of the lid and storage container relative to one another is at least partially prevented in at least one direction.

11. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the protrusion is t-shaped.

12. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the lid comprises a connection surface configured to detachably engage a top surface of the container body by a press fit.

13. The storage container of claim 10, wherein an exterior surface of the lid comprises a recessed portion for storage of one or more items.

14. The storage container of claim 13, wherein the recessed portion is configured to removably secure one or more writing instruments.

15. The storage container of claim 10, wherein when the slot is engaged to the protrusion, a long axis of the lid is positioned generally perpendicular to a long axis of the container body.

16. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the lid is sized to prevent tipping of the container body when the slot is engaged to the protrusion and the container body is positioned on a flat surface.

17. The storage container of claim 10, wherein the container body comprises a stop configured to prevent movement of the lid in at least one direction along a length of the protrusion, the stop being wider than an opening of the slot in at least one dimension.

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