Case Riser

The present disclosure relates generally to a riser, and more particularly to a case riser for stacking and storing of modular cases. Even more particularly, the disclosure may include a case riser for stacking and storing cases housing emergency response or similar materials and equipment.

Cases for transport and storage of emergency response materials are necessarily rugged and large. Such cases are often also heavy and can require lots of storage space. To save space, such cases are often stacked. One of the problems is that stacking can require a lot of manpower or a forklift for stacking and unstacking the cases. Further, the cases may be stacked in multiple levels. While cases may be designed to stack one on top of another, that can cause challenges when stacking multiple cases that may be over the users reach and/or when the weight of the case requires mechanical assistance to lift, transport, access, and/or store.

Also, stacking in a safe manner so that the cases are easy to access and stacked safely, so as not to fall or dislodge can be a challenge and a safety hazard.

Therefore, Applicants desire systems, apparatus, and methods for a case riser to improve case storage and transport, without the drawbacks presented by the traditional systems and methods.

In accordance with the present disclosure, case riser devices, systems, and methods are provided for stacking, storage and transport of cases. This disclosure provides improved systems, kits, and devices that are cost efficient, convenient, space efficient, and safe, particularly when used to store emergency response material cases and the like.

One embodiment of the present disclosure includes a case riser for storing and transport of emergency response equipment in stacked cases. A case riser may include, in some embodiments, a case riser body, at least a set of legs, a top surface and a lower surface, a set of ends and/or a set of sides.

A case riser may include an opening forming an underspace. A case riser may include projections along the top surface. Interior channels may be included within at least a portion of the projections. Interior channels not located within the projections may be included in the case riser. The case riser may include a projection indent.

At least portions of a selected shape of the projections and the projection indent may correspond with one another. The projection indents may be formed in the legs.

The case riser may include an exterior offset in certain examples. The case riser may include recesses in the case riser body. An underspace may be formed in the case riser body that is sized to accommodate a forklift interaction and forms a pocket. The pocket may be a forklift pocket.

In other embodiments, a case riser system may include one or more case risers. The case riser system may include one or more cases. The case riser in the case riser system may be aligned in parallel along a top or bottom, and/or top and bottom of one or more cases. The one or more case risers may be separated one from another along a case surface. The separation between the case risers along a case surface may include a hollow space between each of the case risers.

Embodiments may also include a case riser kit according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. A case riser kit may include one or more cases and one or more case risers. The case riser kit may include a case riser system.

Embodiments may also include a method for storing and transport of cases according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Example may also include a method including providing a forklift pocket for accommodating a forklift interaction. A set of cases may be stored in a vertical alignment without the surfaces of at least a portion of the cases touching due to a case riser. One, two, or more accesses may be provided for forklift interaction between cases. A case may be raised above the floor and stored or transported in a manner including a case riser to raise the bottom case surface off of the floor surface. A second case may be stacked apart but upon the first case without directly touching the two cases, the cases being separated by the case riser/s.

The above summary was intended to summarize certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments will be set forth in more detail in the figures and description of embodiments below. It will be apparent, however, that the description of embodiments is not intended to limit the present inventions, the scope of which should be properly determined by the appended claims.

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

It will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified may be considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, photographs, pictures, and the like. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Referring now toand to the drawings in general, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure or any invention thereto. In, a case riseris shown embodied according to the present disclosure. A case risermay include a case riser body, legs, a top surface, a lower surface, ends,′, and sides,′.show various views of a case riser.

show an example of a case riser systemincluding at least one caseand a set of case risers. The caseincludes a case top, case sides, case endsand a case bottom. The caseis typically designed to hold and store equipment. In some examples, the casemay be a modular case, designed for containing and storing for transport emergency services and response equipment and materials.

In one embodiment, a casemay be a modular case having an interlocking top, and/or bottom. The casetopand/or bottommay interlock one with another. More than one casemay stack one with another. The interlocking topand bottomdesign may allow more secure stacking and storing. The casesmay, by way of example, be rotationally molded. The casesmay include plastic inserts to eliminate leak paths. The casesmay protect contents from the elements, and be dustproof, water-resistant, and/or prevent corrosion and buildup of hazardous materials. The casemay include external hardware. The interiors of the casesmay include 90 degree angled walls to maximize interior volume and stacking efficiency. To appreciate the case situations the cases structured to and may endure, they are often used by fire, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency response, and military during training, deployment and crisis calls, such as experienced in rapidly deployable disasters. Exemplary case specifications may include, exterior dimensions or around 37.38×25×24 in (94.93×63.50×60.96 cm) to at least 101.13×25×24 in (256.86×63.50×60.96 cm), interior dimensions of around 34.10×22.80×22.13 in (86.61×57.91×56.20 cm) to at least 97.90×22.80×22.13 in (248.66×57.91×56.20 cm) and case weights of around 54 lb (24.5 kg) to at least 120 lb (54.4 kg).

The dimensions and structure of the casesmake safe, space efficient, durable, and quick storage between deployments challenging. Case risersare structured to be as rugged and durable as these casesto be able to safely aid in secure, space saving storage and access.

Case risers, in some embodiments, are structured to fit with casesboth under and between the cases to allow for stacking of the cases. Case risermay include projections. Projectionsmay take on a variety of dimensions and shapes.

By way of example, and as shown in, the projectionsmay be octagonal, having 8 sides. The projections may take on any shape, by way of example, square, round, oval, etc. The case risermay include on a lower surface corresponding projection indents(see for example), that correspond to the shape selected X for the projections. The projection indentsmay be partials of the perimeter of the projectionshape selected X. By way of example, and as seen in, the projection indentsmay take on one-half of the perimeter shape of the projection(here seen as 4 sides of an octogen. The projectionmay be located on a case riser top surface. The projection indentmay be located on a leglower surface. The projectionson a first case riserlocated on a top surfacemay correspond in both shape and location and align with projection indentson a leglower surface of a second case riser(and/or in a lower surface of case riser). The projectionand projection indenthaving corresponding shapes, locations and/or dimensions, allows a first case riserto mate securely with a second case riser. This same alignment allows the projections, projections indent, to have a shaping, alignment and shape selected X to not only correspond and mate with each other but also to match the projection shaping found on the casesthe case riseris mating with and securely stacking.

In some examples, the projectionsand projections indentmay be opposite in nature, such that, the top surfacemay have projection indentsand the projectionsmay occur on a lower surfaceand/or legof case riser. It is also contemplated that the projectionsand/or projection indentsmate with shape selected X by accepting and mating portions of the casebetween the projectionsand settling a shape selected X between the projections for securing a case surface with a case riser surface. In other examples, the case riser projections, any projection indents, and/or case projections′ need not coordinate or match, for example, in size shaping, perimeter dimension and/or alignment.

Case risermay include two or more legs. Legson opposite ends,′ may be separated by an opening. The openingmay form an underspace. Openingmay form a bridge along the lower surfaceside of the case riser. The underspacemay extend, by way of example, from one sideof the case riserto the other side′.

shows, in one example, case risersin case riser systemstacking casesin a vertical fashion. Case risersmay be spaced apart one from another along the bottom or top of the casesand may raise the case off of the floor surface and/or above another case. Spacing between the risers along a case surface allows forklift interaction for stacking the cases. The underspace, when the case riseris oriented lengthwise L with end,′ matching with case sides, also provides another, second, forklift interaction space with use of the case risers.

show examples of close up views of a case risernested between two cases. Case top projections′, in this example, mate with the projection indentsalong a case top surfaceand the case legs. The case riser top surfaceprovides a surface to securely support the bottom of the top situated case. The case riser top surfacemay be a flat surface. The case riser top surfacemay have a raised ledge at the ends,′ to guide the top situated case to settle between the ends. The case top surface may include projections. The case top surface may include projection indents.

The openingmay include an edge(see also). The edge may be a chamfered edge. The edge may be an edge set about on a 45 degree angle (with about representing being within 5 degrees above or below 45 degrees). The edge may be any edge that prevents a 90 degree corner along the opening at the angle between the case bodyand the leg. An edge may guide a forklift blade toward the underspaceduring a forklift interaction with the case riser/case.

Turning to, a case risermay include interior channelsformed in the projections. Interior channelsmay serve to strengthen the overall case riser with additional surface area supports. Case risermay include interior channels not located in the projections′. Likewise, interior channels′ may provide additional strength and durability to the case riser, increasing the load potential without break of the case riser.

shows one example of a case riser systemwhere casesare situated on pallets along a floor surface and then case risersare employed and spaced between casesfor stacking.

A case risermay include an exterior offset, referencing. An exterior offsetmay extend from a lower surface. An exterior offset, in one example, may extend between opposite edges. An exterior offset may extend the length of the lower surfaceand terminate at the edges. There may be one or more exterior offsets. Exterior offsetsmay increase the durability and strength of case riser. Exterior offsetsmay increase the load strength of case riser. In some embodiments, a case risermay include interior channelsand/or′ and exterior offsets. The interior channelsand/or′ may be located in alternating positioning across the width of the case riser sideto side′.

In some embodiments, interior channels/′ may not extend all the way through from a top surfaceto a lower surface. Dimples may be formed as shown in. The dimples may be recesses formed in the lower surfacethat recess toward the interior channels/′. The dimples may or may not align with the interior channels/′. The dimples may serve to provide added wall strength.

show embodiments of case riser. Case risermay include an interior channel′ in legs. One or more recessesmay be located along the ends,′ and/or sides,′ of case riser.

show examples of a cross sectional view along the length of a case riserwith the edge, underspace, interior channels,′ structures clearly shown in the interior of an example of case riser.show examples of a cross sectional view along a width of one embodiment of a case riser, with projectionsand interior channels,′ shown in the body of case riser.

Various embodiments of case riserand a case riser systemare shown in.

A case riser, in some examples, may be considered a riser compatible with vertical stacking of cases. The case risermay allow picking of cases by a forklift from two different directions. The case risermay allow picking of cases by a forklift from two different locations along the same plane. The underspacemay be considered a forklift pocket. The space between case risersin a case riser systemmay be considered a forklift pocket.

Examples of a case risermay include an exemplary height establishing a space between stacked cases of between 4 inches and 5 inches. In some examples, the height of the case riser from top to bottom (projection to leg bottom surface for example) of 5 inches or less. Other heights are considered within the scope of this disclosure. Consideration on a case risermay be given to a height that allows forklift interaction between boxes (often difficult with boxes stacked directly upon one another), but that does not include excess height resulting in wasted space between cases.

Some case riserexamples, may include a double row structure (see). A first row may form a top surface portion along the length l and a second row may form a lower surface portion along the length L that is merged one with another.

Examples may include a case riserstructured to form a stacking space between stacked casesso that the two cases do not touch surfaces.

Methods of stacking casesaccording to any of the embodiments disclosed herein are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. Methods of separating and supporting stacked cases are considered withing the scope of the embodiments. Methods of palleting cases for storage are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Embodiments may include a kit for stacking cases including at least one caseand at least one case riseraccording to any of the embodiments disclosed herein. Case riser kits may include a case riser system.

In some embodiments, a cart riser may be considered a riser that does not extend the full length of a case the riser supports. The cart riser may extend from one side to another side of the case being supported. In some instances, the case riser may extend from one end of a case to the opposite end of a case. The case riser may, in this example, extend less than the full end to end length of the case. More than one care riser may be used in cooperation to support a case.

Those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will recognize that a variety of configurations, shaping and sizing of the case risersand any number of case risersin a case riser system, along with other examples including a variety of case and coordinating case riser overall shapes, styles, and sizes for the convenience of its user are contemplated. It is to be further understood that case riserand case riser systemmay also be employed and useful during transport of cases. It is also contemplated that a case riser could be structured to extend any portion of up to and including the full length and width of a case surface, such that one case riser would support and form a space between a first case and a second case, etc. A case risermay extend beyond the dimensions of a case.

A forklift interaction, in one example, may be considered stacking one and/or a set of cases in a manner that allows them to be placed and picked by way of a forklift. Forklift prongs may be allowed to fit around, above and/or under the cases and/or case risers allowing forklift interaction.

Embodiments may include ornamental design elements for a case riser.

Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of structure and function. Many of the novel features are pointed out in the appended claims. The disclosure, however, is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of parts, within the principle of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the general claims are expressed. It is further noted that, as used in this application, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.