WO2018144092A2

WO2018144092A2 - Modular container

Info

Publication number: WO2018144092A2
Application number: PCT/US2017/059913
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Jackson CRAWFORD
Original assignee: OutSol, Inc.
Priority date: 2016-11-04
Filing date: 2017-11-03
Publication date: 2018-08-09
Also published as: WO2018144092A3

Abstract

A modular container, such as a cooler or ice chest, is provided for storing items. The modular container includes two rigid end modules with, optionally, one or more rigid inner modules. Each module attaches to an adjacent module along mated channels with seals. A locking system engages between each module to resist the separation of one module from another. The mated modules provide for a water tight container sufficient for use as a cooler or ice chest. The size of the container is increased or decreased by adding or removing inner modules, respectively.

Description

SPECIFICATION

TITLE OF INVENTION: Modular Container

INVENTOR: Christopher Jackson Crawford

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 62/417,960 filed on November 4, 2016, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Field of the invention: This invention relates to the general field of containers, and more specifically toward a modular container, such as a cooler or ice chest, for storing items. The modular container includes two rigid end modules with, optionally, one or more rigid inner modules. Each module attaches to an adjacent module along mated channels with seals. A locking system engages between each module to resist the separation of one module from another. The mated modules provide for a water tight container sufficient for use as a cooler or ice chest. The size of the container is increased or decreased by adding or removing inner modules, respectively.

[0003] Coolers are an important tool in preserving foods and keeping drinks cold when away from powered refrigeration. Items are stored with ice to keep them cool within a container. The more insulated the container, the longer the container will keep stored items cold. In addition to insulation, keeping the container sealed as much as possible reduces the transfer of heat into the container through convection. Thus, having a sealed container is beneficial when using it as a cooler to store cold items. [0004] Over time, even with a tightly sealed system and significant insulation, heat may transfer into the container causing any ice or other frozen items to melt. The melted ice will pool at the bottom of the container. If the container is not appropriately sealed, water will leak out, which in many instances, is undesirable. For example, if the container is in a vehicle, water leaking out of the container could damage the upholstery. Therefore, when storing frozen items, a sealed container, at least at or around the bottom, is important.

[0005] Hard coolers, that is, coolers that have a rigid body, often provide better insulation and sealed properties compared to soft coolers. However, hard coolers are generally unable to collapse when not in use, or when the full volume of the container is not required. When space is at a premium, such as when camping or on road trips, having a hard cooler unnecessarily using up that valuable space is undesirable.

[0006] Thus there has existed a long-felt need for variably sized container for storing cold or frozen items that can has superior insulating properties and is sealed to retain liquids stored therein.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The current invention provides just such a solution by having a modular container, such as a cooler or ice chest, for storing items. The modular container includes two rigid end modules with, optionally, one or more rigid inner modules. Each module attaches to an adjacent module along mated channels with seals. A locking system engages between each module to resist the separation of one module from another. The mated modules provide for a water tight container sufficient for use as a cooler or ice chest. The size of the container is increased or decreased by adding or removing inner modules, respectively.

[0008] It is a principal object of the invention to provide a rigid modular container for storing cold items.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a modular sealed container system for retaining liquids. [0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide a variably sized cooler.

[0011] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such

technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future. Furthermore, the use of plurals can also refer to the singular, including without limitation when a term refers to one or more of a particular item; likewise, the use of a singular term can also include the plural, unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0012] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

[0013] As used herein, the terms "cooler" and "ice chest" are interchangeable, and refer to a container for storing items at a temperature that is different than the surrounding, environmental temperature. [0014] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will also form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. The features listed herein and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this invention.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a partial side view of channels from two modules of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a partial side view of mated channels from two modules of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0019] Fig. 4 is a side view of a locking system according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0020] Fig. 5 is a side view of a module mating with a second module of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure.

[0021] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0022] Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with the references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings.

[0023] Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. A modular container 10 has two end modules 11. Each end module 11 includes a base 15, two side walls 14, an end wall 12, and a lid 13. A channel extends along the sides of the side walls 14, lid 13, and base 15 opposite from the end wall 12. The channel of one of the end modules is an upward channel 16, that is, the channel faces towards the inside of the container. The channel of the other end module is a downward channel 17, that is, the channel faces away from the inside of the container. The base 15, two side walls 14, and end wall 12 are rigidly secured to each other as shown in this Fig. 1. The lid 13 of each end module is secured to one of the side walls 14 by a hinge 26.

[0024] The modular container 10 of Fig. 1 also includes an inner module 19. The inner module includes a base 15, two side walls 14, and a lid 13. Furthermore, the inner module includes channels extending along each of its sides. A downward channel 17 extends along one side of the side walls 14, lid 13, and base 15, and an upward channel 16 extends along another side of the side walls 14, lid 13, and base 15.

[0025] One of the two end modules 11 as well as each inner module 19 include a locking system 22. The locking systems 22, described in more detail below with respect to Fig. 4, resist the dislodgment of one module from another module. The locking systems are shown as being affixed to a side wall of the module. An alternative embodiment provides for the locking systems being affixed to the base of the module.

[0026] As disclosed herein, the modular container is a sealed vessel that can retain a liquid, such as water. A drain 20 is provided in a least one of the modules to drain water from the container. In Fig. 1, the drain extends through an end wall 12 of one of the end modules 11. A drain plug 21 is provided to releasably seal the drain 20 such that fluid does not flow therethrough. [0027] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that multiple inner modules may be used to extend the length and therefore overall size of the container. Likewise, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that no inner modules may be used. It is this modularity that provides for the variable size of the container.

[0028] Fig. 2 is a partial side view of channels from two modules of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. Fig. 3 is a partial side view of mated channels from two modules of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The base 15 of one module has an upward channel 16. The base 15 of another module has a downward channel 17. The upward channel and downward channel mate together as shown in Fig. 3. The upward channel 16 and downward channel 17 each have a seal 18. When the two channels are mated together as shown in Fig. 3, each seal 18 comes in contact with the lip 27 of the opposing channel. This creates a fluid tight seal that resists fluids and gases (such as water and air) from passing between the two modules. Such configuration applies equally to the mating of two end modules, mating of an end module to an inner module, or the mating of two inner modules. Furthermore, this channel configuration applies not only to the base, but to the side walls and lid as well.

[0029] While Figs. 2 and 3 show both the upward channel 16 and downward channel 17 having their own seals, the current disclosure also contemplates having a seal in the upward channel 16 only, or the downward channel 17 only. It is further contemplated by the current disclosure that a seal may be included in a location other than within the upward channel or downward channel. For example, a seal may be placed on one or both of the lips adjacent to each channel, or on another edge of each module, so long as the seal comes in contact with the opposing module when the channels of the modules are mated together.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a side view of a locking system according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. Once the two modules are mated together using the mating upward and downward channels, a locking system is used to restrict one module from dislodging from the other module. The locking system 22 includes a pin 23 the extends from one module, referred to as the supporting module, through an opening 25 in the mated module. A spring 24 provides a restoring force that pushes the pin outward from the supporting module. Thus, once the opening 25 of the mated module is in line with the pin 23 of the locking system 22, the spring causes the pin 23 to extend through the opening 25. To release one module from the mated module, a user pulls on the pin 22 with a force sufficient to overcome the force of the spring 24, thereby causing the pin 23 to withdraw from the opening 25 of the mated module. The modules may then be dislodged from each other.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a side view of a module mating with a second module of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The inner module 19 is moved downward towards the end module 11 until the channels of each module mate with the other and are sealed together. The lids 13 of each module also mate together in a similar fashion; however, the lids must be in an open position while the modules are being mated together. Also shown in this figure is the shape of each module. More specifically, the side walls 14 and end wall (if it is an end module) angle away from the inside of the container. This not only provides for a wedge functionality when mating modules together, it also allows unused modules to be stacked beneath the container. For example, an unused inner module may be placed beneath two end modules that are mated together, where the lid of the inner module is rotated completed around such that it is near or adjacent to the side wall of the inner module.

[0032] Once the modules are mated and secured together using the locking system, certain lids may nonetheless be separated from the other during normal use and without dislodging one module from another. For example, the end module that includes the upward channel has a lid that may be opened and closed without forcing the other lids to be opened or closed. However, the end module that includes the downward channel has a lid that may only be opened if the other lids of the other modules are opened as well.

[0033] The modular container discussed herein can be used as a cooler of varying capacity. For example, a family may go on a camping trip and pack supplies for its three-day trip. Because of the large storage requirements for their provisions, a modular container with two end modules and two inner modules is selected. The modules are mated and secured together to form a cooler to store food items with ice to keep everything cold. Through their camping trip, the family consumes the food stored within the cooler. By the end of the trip, most, but not all, of the provisions stored within the cooler have been consumed. On the return trip, the two inner modules are removed, and the two end modules are mated and secured together. The lids of the unused inner modules are fully opened, and the inner modules are stored beneath the container formed by the two end modules.

[0034] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a modular container according to selected embodiments of the current disclosure. The modular container 10 is shown with three sections, one inner module and to two end modules 11. Each the inner module 19 is secured to each end module 11 by locking systems 22 that are integrated into the walls of each module. These locking systems are similar to those shown in Fig. 4; however, the locking system is integrated within the wall such that a user may slide a latch that is flush with the side wall 14 of the module. The side walls 14 also include protruding strips 31 or tongues that run vertically from the top to the bottom of the module. A wall 29 has a groove running along at least its outer side edges. The groove mates with the protruding strips 31 in the side walls and separate the internal compartment of the modular container 10. By including seals along the outer edges of the wall, including in the groove of the outer side edges and along the bottom of the wall, a water tight sub-compartment within the modular container is created that may hold liquids such as water, while the other compartment does not. Thus, dry items may be stored on one side of the modular container, and wet items stored on the other side. By including multiple protruding strips on the side walls of the modules, the position of the wall, and thus the size of each sub-compartment may be varied. Furthermore, multiple walls may be used with each modular container to create multiple sub- compartments.

[0035] The modular container in Fig. 6 also shows a pump 32. The pump is secured to the side wall 14 of a module along one of its protruding strips 31. The pump 32 has a hose 33 connected thereto such that a liquid within the sub-compartment can be pumped out of the modular container through the hose via the pump. Wheels 28 are secured to one of the end modules of the module container 10. The lid 13 of the end module 11 on the opposite end of the modular container 10 includes a handle 30, whereby a user may grasp and lift the handle 30 and pull the modular container 10 on its wheels 28 when the lid is latched shut.

[0036] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is provided to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations.

[0037] Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional

configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0038] Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS That which is claimed:

1. A modular container comprising

two end modules, where each end module comprises two side walls, a base, an end wall, and a lid, where a channel extends along an edge of each end module, where the lid of each end module is secured to a side wall of that respective end module by a hinge, where one of the two end modules further comprises a locking system;

an inner module, where the inner module comprises two side walls, a base, and a lid, where a first channel extends along a first edge of the inner module, where a second channel extends along a second edge of the inner module, where the inner module further comprises a locking system, and where the lid of the inner module is secured to a side wall of that respective inner module by a hinge.

2. The modular container of claim 1, where the first channel of the inner module is an upward channel, where the second channel of the inner module is a downward channel.

3. The modular container of claim 1, wherein the locking systems of one of the two end modules comprises a pin and spring.

4. The modular container of claim 1, wherein the channel of each end module comprises a seal.

5. The modular container of claim 1, wherein the first channel and second channel of the inner module each comprises a seal.

6. The modular container of claim 1, wherein the side walls of each end module and the side walls of each inner module angle away from an inside portion of the modular container.