Receptacles – End wall structure – One-piece side and end wall
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-07
2001-10-30
Pollard, Steven (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
End wall structure
One-piece side and end wall
C220S669000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06308858
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a storage container adapted to store and transport objects therein.
BACKGROUND ART
Containers used for transport and storage typically have flat bottoms. When such a container is made of plastic, the flat bottom may not provide adequate strength, support and stability to the container. Particularly, when the container is used to store and transport relatively heavy items, these items exert a load upon the already flat bottom surface, sometimes causing the bottom surface to suffer creep deformation and bow downward over time, thus limiting the life and reusability of the container. This is particularly true when the container is made to stack on a similar container. Under these circumstances, it may be more difficult for the container having a deformed bottom to stack with like containers in a stable manner. When a flat bottom container is inverted and is washed or otherwise exposed to the elements, water and other liquid may also tend to collect on the bottom of the container.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,636 issued to Coskery discloses a refuse recycling box having a flat bottom which is separated by flow channels. This flat bottom, like other flat bottom containers, will tend to creep, deform and bow downward under a given load, especially as a long-term consequence.
Thus, there is a need for an improved storage container which is capable of withstanding the loads exerted upon it during transport and storage of objects. The storage container should be robust, durable, and have strength and stability. The container should be able to support loads without great deformation. The container should also be capable of stacking and nesting with like containers. Further, the container should allow for drainage of water and other liquids when in an inverted orientation.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
It is a principal object according to the present invention to provide a storage container which is robust, strong, and durable under a given load.
It is another object according to the present invention to provide a plastic storage container which is relatively inexpensive and easy to manufacture.
It is yet another object according to the present invention to provide a storage container which is capable of stacking and nesting with a like container.
It is still another object according to the present invention to provide a storage container which is designed to reduce the likelihood of creep and deformation.
It is still yet another object according to the present invention to provide a storage container which allows for drainage when in an inverted position.
Accordingly, a plastic storage container is provided which includes at least one side wall portion and a bottom portion integrally formed with the at least one side wall portion. The bottom portion has an outer surface with a generally concave shape. The outer surface includes at least one recessed portion formed therein for allowing drainage from the outer surface when the container is in an inverted orientation. The at least one side wall portion may be a substantially cylindrical side wall portion, or it may also be two pairs of opposed side wall portions which are integrally formed with each other as well as the bottom portion. The at least one recessed portion includes a second recessed portion formed therein for allowing drainage from the outer surface when the container is in an inverted orientation.
In another embodiment, a storage container is provided which includes a first pair of opposed side walls and a second pair of opposed side walls which are integrally formed to each other. The container also includes a bottom portion which is formed integrally with the first and second pairs of opposed side walls. The bottom portion has an outer surface defining a generally concave shape. The outer surface includes at least one recessed portion extending between the first pair of opposed side walls. The at least one recessed portion bisects the bottom portion. The at least one recessed portion includes a second recessed portion which extends between the second pair of opposed side walls. Moreover, the at least one recessed portion defines a plurality of downwardly projecting portions. The bottom portion includes an inner surface which has a corresponding convex surface.
In still another embodiment provided according to the present invention includes a first pair of opposed side walls, and a second pair of opposed side walls which are integrally formed with the first pair of opposed sidewalls. Also included is a bottom portion which is integrally formed with both the first pair of opposed side walls and the second pair of opposed side walls and which together define a compartment area. The bottom portion has an outer surface with a recessed channel portion which extends between one of the first and second pairs of opposed sidewalls and also includes a recessed central portion. The bottom surface is bowed gradually inward toward the compartment area such that the bottom portion is angled inward from its outboard portion toward the central portion. In a preferred embodiment, the first pair of opposed side walls and the second pair of opposed side walls are vertically tapered.
The plastic container also preferably includes a lid which is cooperable with the container for enclosing the storage compartment, as well as a handle portion on at least one side wall. Moreover, the bottom portion may include a second recessed channel portion which extends between the second pair of opposed side walls. The recessed channel portion defines a plurality of downwardly projecting portions. The bottom portion of the container includes an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface has a corresponding convex surface.
And in yet still another embodiment, provided is a plastic container which is adapted to be nested with a like container and includes a first pair of opposed side walls and a second pair of opposed side walls which are integrally formed with the first pair of opposed sidewalls. Also included is a bottom portion which is integrally formed with both the first pair of opposed side walls and the second pair of opposed side walls, together defining a compartment therein. The bottom portion has an outer surface which is defined by a generally concave shape and has at least one recessed channel portion formed therein which extends between one of the first and second pairs of opposed side walls. In a nested orientation the compartment of the plastic container receives a like container therein. To enhance the nesting, the first pair of opposed side walls and the second pair of opposed side walls are vertically tapered, being larger at the upper portions, and smaller in the lower portions.
The plastic container may also include a lid which is cooperable with the container for enclosing the compartment. The lid has an upper surface which corresponds to the outer surface of the bottom portion, such that in a stacked orientation, the lid is disposed on the plastic container and receives in a mating manner the bottom of a like container thereon. The container also preferably includes a handle portion on at least one sidewall which is adapted to be grasped in both a palm-up and palm-down orientation. The bottom portion includes a second recessed portion which extends between the second pair of opposed side walls. The recessed channel portion defines a plurality of downwardly projecting portions. The recessed channel portion is integrally formed with and open at its corresponding side wall.
The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to like components.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 312573 (1990-12-01), Poirier
patent: D. 319016 (1991-08-01), Kahl
patent: D. 326815 (1992-06-01), Meisner
patent: D. 326945 (1992-06-01), Howitt
patent: D. 351284 (1994-10-01), Kruger
patent:
Brooks & Kushman PC
Pollard Steven
Rehrig Pacific Company
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