A collapsible, modular container is provided which facilitates ease of storage, ease of transport and is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. The container is an improvement over current containers known in the art by providing a solution to bulky containers which are difficult to store and transport due to their large size and rigid structure which requires significant space even when the container is empty.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
. A collapsible storage box comprising:
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the modular design enables quick replacement of individual components without requiring tools.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the interlocking mechanism allows for stable assembly while maintaining ease of disassembly for storage or transport.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the modular design allows for multiple TOBs to be stacked on a single BOB for expanded storage capacity.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the TOB and BOB are made from durable materials that maintain modular compatibility across different sizes and models.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the interlocking design provides enhanced stability on uneven surfaces, such as sandy beaches.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the storage box is constructed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastics, metals, and composites.
. The collapsible storage box of, further comprising an integrated storage compartment within the TOB for holding small items.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the BOB includes a drainage system for moisture release when used in beach environments.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the hinges are made from corrosion-resistant materials to withstand outdoor and marine conditions.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the lid is reinforced with an insulated layer for temperature-sensitive storage applications.
. The collapsible storage box of, further comprising an optional handle mechanism for easier transportation when collapsed.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the TOB and BOB feature a locking mechanism to prevent unintended disassembly during transport.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the BOB includes reinforced corners for improved durability and impact resistance.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the TOB and BOB can be attached with additional accessories, such as cup holders, trays, or mounting brackets.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the TOB and BOB feature UV-resistant materials for prolonged outdoor exposure.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the side panels of the TOB include air vents for ventilation.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the bottom panel of the BOB includes non-slip feet for enhanced stability on various surfaces.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the entire structure is designed to be water-resistant and sealed against environmental exposure.
. The collapsible storage box of, further comprising a quick-release mechanism that allows the TOB to detach from the BOB efficiently.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the hinges are designed with self-lubricating materials to reduce maintenance requirements.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the TOB and BOB are manufactured using recyclable or biodegradable materials for eco-friendly applications.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the storage box can be expanded with modular extensions to increase storage capacity.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the internal surfaces are coated with an antimicrobial layer for hygiene-sensitive applications.
. The collapsible storage box of, wherein the TOB and BOB include reinforced mounting points for securing to vehicles, boats, or outdoor fixtures.
Complete technical specification and implementation details from the patent document.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/571,627 filed Mar. 29, 2024. The entire contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
The present invention relates to the storage containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a modular, portable, and durable storage solution for outdoor and recreational use.
Portable storage containers are often used in relation to a variety of outdoor activities. Traditional storage containers are often bulky, non-collapsible, and difficult to transport, which can make them challenging to place and use where space and weight efficiency are crucial. Existing collapsible storage solutions are typically fabric-based, which lack durability, or rigid plastic bins, which are not designed for easy carrying and compact storage. Therefore, there is a need for a high-quality, collapsible, and modular storage container which is durable, stackable, and easy to transport.
It is sometimes desirable to have a storage device that is convertible between an expanded position and a collapsed position. In the expanded position, the storage device is capable of retaining objects within an interior space. In the collapsed position, the storage device has less or even no storage capability but is more convenient to store because it takes up less space. In some embodiments, the storage device may be configured for transportation singly or in combination with one or more other containers (e.g., in stacks), either manually or by one or more automated systems.
The invention accomplishes this first by creating two separate primary assemblies—a top assembly and a bottom assembly. The top assembly comprises a rectangular lid panel which is attached to a top frame via hinges, and two short-side panels on the opposite ends of the top frame which are also attached to the top frame via hinges. The lid panel is configured to fold down and seal against the top frame to close the container or to swing open for packing and unpacking. The short-side panels are configured to hang vertically, extend downward from the top frame, and attach to a rectangular bottom frame. The short-side panels are also configured to fold into the top frame.
The bottom assembly comprises a rectangular bottom panel which is attached to a bottom frame via hinges, and two long-side panels which are also attached to the bottom frame via hinges. The bottom panel is typically sealed against the bottom frame and in combination with the bottom frame, may comprise a means to drain liquid from the container. The long-side panels are configured to extend vertically from the bottom frame and attach to the rectangular top frame. The long-side panels are also configured to fold into the bottom frame.
When the container is in the expanded position, the side panels are attached to the top and bottom frames to provide the container with structural integrity. The lid panel may swing open and closed.
To facilitate efficient storage, the long-side panels detach from the top frame, and the short-side panels detach from the bottom frame. The long-side panels fold inward so they rest within the bottom frame against the bottom panel. The short-side panels fold inward so they rest within the top frame against the lid panel which is in the closed position. The top frame bottom frame are then removably attached so the container height is approximately five to ten inches to facilitate easy transport and storage.
As a result, the invention may be used for a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, boating, and beachgoing. The invention may also be used for personal storage, medical and emergency kits, and commercial applications such as warehouse and delivery services.
The embodiments of the disclosure will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations or be entirely separate. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the disclosure, as represented in the Figures is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure.
shows one embodiment of containerin an expanded and fully assembled position. For this embodiment, containerincludes top assemblyand bottom assembly. Top assemblyincludes top frame, lid panel, short-side panels, and lid hinges. Bottom assemblyincludes bottom frameand long-side panels. Short-side panelsare removably attached to bottom frameand long-side panelsremovably attached to top frame.shows lid panelin the open position for packing and unpacking container. Lid hingesare attached to top frameand lid paneland configured to facilitate opening and closing of container. A user may open or close containerby rotating lid panelvia lid hinges.
In another embodiment, short-side panelsand long-side panelsare removably interlocked to support structural integrity of containerby a variety of means known in the art, such as tongue-and-groove or interlocking tab configurations. In another embodiment, slip-resistant devices or materials known in the art may be attached to bottom frameor bottom panel. In another embodiment, short-side panels, lid panel, or long-side panelsmay comprise a venting means commonly known in the art.
In another embodiment, the joints where the panels meet the frames and the panels meet each other may be lined with materials known in the art to create a waterproof or airtight seal or otherwise configured to create such seals against intrusion by substances on the exterior. Any drainage assembly or configuration known in the art may be added to bottom assemblyto allow the user to drain liquid or remove unwanted soil from the inside of container. In another embodiment, a interior storage means such as a box or a pouch may be attached to an interior surface of a panel to create a separate interior storage means. In another embodiment, the panels and frames may be lined with insulating materials or anti-microbial materials known in the art. In another embodiment, top frameor any of the panels may be outfitted with cup holders, straps, or other means known in the art to facilitate use of containerwith exterior devices such as cups, cans, trays or speakers. In another embodiment, any point on the exterior of containermay be configured with reinforced mounting devices for securing containerto vehicles, boats, outdoor fixtures, or the like.
In the closed position, lid panelmay be configured to rest upon or within top frame. Myriad attachment or locking means known in the art may be added to lid paneland top frameto attach or lock containerwhen it is in the closed position.
Containermay be disassembled and converted into a storage position.shows one embodiment of top assemblyin an almost-closed storage position. To convert top assemblyinto a storage position, top assemblyis detached from bottom assemblyby detaching short-side panelsfrom bottom frameand detaching long-side panelsfrom top frame. Short-side panelsare then folded into top framevia short-side panel hinges. Lid panelis folded into top framevia lid hinges. Top assemblywould then be fully collapsed for easy storage and transport as shown inand
shows an embodiment of bottom assemblyin an almost-closed storage position. To convert bottom assemblyinto a storage position, bottom assemblyis detached from top assemblyby detaching short-side panelsfrom bottom frameand detaching long-side panelsfrom top frame. Long-side panelsare then folded into bottom framevia long-side panel hinges. Bottom assemblywould then be fully collapsed for easy storage and transport as shown inand
shows one embodiment of containerin the storage position with top assemblystacked on top of bottom assembly, with lid panelin a partially open position. Short-side panelsare folded into the collapsed storage position and long-side panelis folded in and on top of the other long-side panel, which rests on bottom panel, the latter of which is not depicted because it is covered by long-side panels.
Also shown inare short-side panelsfolded into the storage position. In one embodiment, top frameis stacked on top of bottom frameto minimize the space occupied when containeris in the storage position. Top framemay be removably connected to bottom frameby myriad means known in the art, such as straps, clasps, locks, peg-in-hole configurations, or a variety of bracket configurations. Likewise, lid panelmay be closed and held in place by any viable configuration commonly known in the art.
show containerin the fully collapsed position. Any common means known in the art may be used to facilitate transport of containerin the fully collapsed position, such as handles attached to top frameor bottom frame, or both. Likewise, handles may be molded into top frameor bottom frame. Brackets which are known in the art may be attached to top frameor bottom frame. The height of containerin the fully collapsed position may range from five inches to ten inches.
Top assemblyand bottom assemblymay be interchangeable such that any top assemblyfits with any bottom assembly, which should allow for easy replacement if one of the top or bottom assemblies breaks or is lost. Likewise, top assemblyand bottom assemblymay be scalable to accommodate any intended use.
In one embodiment, the components of top assemblyand bottom assemblycomprise durable materials which may withstand environmental elements, such as polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, other plastics, metals, or other corrosion-resistant materials.
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the invention (and components of the individual operating components of the invention) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections may be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
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October 2, 2025
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