STORAGE BOX

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to storage boxes commonly used to organize and store items such as school-related supplies that may be carried by a student. The storage boxes generally include a lid and a base. The base optionally includes a divider which provides for two or more storage portions within an interior of the base, while also acting as a functional grip on the outside of the box. A latch mechanism is provided which securely latches the lid and base together in a closed configuration.

Claims

1-19. (canceled)

20. A storage box, comprising: a base; said base includes an open interior, a bottom portion, a side wall and top base flange; said top base flange spaced below a top edge of said base; said top base flange extending outwardly from an exterior surface of said side wall; said rim including a top surface and a bottom surface; said rim extending about at least a portion of a periphery of said side wall; a lid that is permanently hingedly connected to said base by a hinge; said lid movable between a closed position and an open position; said lid having a bottom surface; a latch mechanism configured to secure said lid said closed position; said latch mechanism including a flexible member disposed on said lid; said flexible member configured to releasably engage said bottom surface of said flat rim to releasably secure said lid in said closed position; said latch mechanism includes an engagement structure that is positioned on a rear surface of said latch mechanism and extends rearwardly from said rear side of said latch mechanism; said flexible member configured to overlie a portion of said rim when said lid is in said closed position; said latch mechanism spaced from said hinge; at least a portion of said engagement structure is positioned under said bottom surface of said rim when said lid is in said closed position; and, a latch stop configured to limit lateral movement of said latch mechanism relative to said base when said lid is in said closed position; said latch stop is positioned at least partially below said bottom surface of said rim; at least a portion of said flexible member is configured to overlie at least a portion of said latch stop when said lid is in said closed position; said engagement structure limited in lateral movement relative to same base by said latch stop when said lid is in said closed position.

21. The storage box as defined in claim 20, wherein said base further incudes a permanent divider; said divider separates said open interior of said base into at least two storage areas; said divider extending upwardly from a top surface of said bottom portion of said base.

22. The storage box as defined in claim 20, wherein said base further incudes a recessed grip; the recessed grip is comprised of one or more channels formed on said bottom portion of said base.

23. The storage box as defined in claim 20, wherein said base further includes a ruler permanently formed in said side wall of said base.

24. The storage box as defined in claim 23, wherein said ruler includes two or more of a plurality of indentations, a plurality of rim and numbering.

25. The storage box as defined in claim 20, wherein said lid includes a stop wall; said stop wall is position on said bottom surface of said lid; said stop wall positioned rearwardly of said latch mechanism; at least a portion of said stop wall extends downwardly from said bottom surface of said lid; said stop wall is configured to limit both a) downward movement of at least a portion of said lid when said lid is in a closed position and b) outward movement of at least a portion of said lid from said base when said lid is in a closed position.

26. The storage box as defined in claim 25, wherein said stop wall includes a first retaining structure; at least a portion of said first retaining structure extends below said top edge of said base said lid when said lid is in said closed position; said first retaining structure is configured to limit movement of said latch mechanism outwardly from said side wall of said base when said lid is in said closed position.

27. The storage box as defined in claim 25, wherein said stop wall includes a lid stop structure; said lid stop structure configured to overlie at least a portion of a top surface of said side wall when said lid is in said closed position; a bottom surface of said stop wall configured to engage said top surface of said side wall to limit downward movement of at least a portion of said lid relative to said base when said lid is in said closed position.

28. The storage box as defined in claim 26, wherein said stop wall includes a lid stop structure; said lid stop structure configured to overlie at least a portion of a top surface of said side wall when said lid is in said closed position; a bottom surface of said stop wall configured to engage said top surface of said side wall to limit downward movement of at least a portion of said lid relative to said base when said lid is in said closed position; said bottom surface of said stop wall terminates at said first retaining structure.

29. The storage box as defined in claim 25, further including one or more stacking features configured to enable a stacked configuration of a plurality of said storage boxes in said open position.

30. The storage box as defined in claim 29, wherein said one or more stacking features include one or more apertures located on said lid and above said flexible member of said latch mechanism; said one or more apertures configured to receive at least a portion of said stop wall of a lid of a stacked storage box when said lid of said stacked storage box is stacked on said bottom surface of said lid.

31. The storage box as defined in claim 20, wherein said rim extends fully about said periphery of said side wall.

32. The storage box as defined in claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism fully overlies said latch stop when said lid is in said closed position.

33. A storage box, comprising: a base; said base includes an open interior, a bottom portion, a side wall and top base flange; said top base flange spaced below a top edge of said base; said top base flange extending outwardly from an exterior surface of said side wall; said rim including a top surface and a bottom surface; said rim extending about at least a portion of a periphery of said side wall; a lid that is permanently hingedly connected to said base by a hinge; said lid movable between a closed position and an open position; said lid having a bottom surface; said lid includes a stop wall; said stop wall is position on said bottom surface of said lid; said stop wall positioned rearwardly of said latch mechanism; at least a portion of said stop wall extends downwardly from said bottom surface of said lid; said stop wall is configured to limit both a) downward movement of at least a portion of said lid when said lid is in a closed position and b) outward movement of at least a portion of said lid from said base when said lid is in a closed position; and, a latch mechanism configured to secure said lid said closed position; said latch mechanism including a flexible member disposed on said lid; said flexible member configured to releasably engage said bottom surface of said flat rim to releasably secure said lid in said closed position; said latch mechanism includes an engagement structure that is positioned on a rear surface of said latch mechanism and extends rearwardly from said rear side of said latch mechanism; said flexible member configured to overlie a portion of said rim when said lid is in said closed position; said latch mechanism spaced from said hinge; at least a portion of said engagement structure is positioned under said bottom surface of said rim when said lid is in said closed position.

34. The storage box as defined in claim 33, wherein said stop wall includes a first retaining structure; at least a portion of said first retaining structure extends below said top edge of said base said lid when said lid is in said closed position; said first retaining structure is configured to limit movement of said latch mechanism outwardly from said side wall of said base when said lid is in said closed position.

35. The storage box as defined in claim 33, wherein said stop wall includes a lid stop structure; said lid stop structure configured to overlie at least a portion of a top surface of said side wall when said lid is in said closed position; a bottom surface of said stop wall configured to engage said top surface of said side wall to limit downward movement of at least a portion of said lid relative to said base when said lid is in said closed position.

36. The storage box as defined in claim 34, wherein said stop wall includes a lid stop structure; said lid stop structure configured to overlie at least a portion of a top surface of said side wall when said lid is in said closed position; a bottom surface of said stop wall configured to engage said top surface of said side wall to limit downward movement of at least a portion of said lid relative to said base when said lid is in said closed position; said bottom surface of said stop wall terminates at said first retaining structure.

37. The storage box as defined in claim 33, further including a latch stop configured to limit lateral movement of said latch mechanism relative to said base when said lid is in said closed position; said latch stop is positioned at least partially below said bottom surface of said rim; at least a portion of said flexible member is configured to overlie at least a portion of said latch stop when said lid is in said closed position; said engagement structure limited in lateral movement relative to same base by said latch stop when said lid is in said closed position.

38. The storage box as defined in claim 33, further including one or more stacking features configured to enable a stacked configuration of a plurality of said storage boxes in said open position; said one or more stacking features include one or more apertures located on said lid and above said flexible member of said latch mechanism; said one or more apertures configured to receive at least a portion of said stop wall of a lid of a stacked storage box when said lid of said stacked storage box is stacked on said bottom surface of said lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:

[0069] FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, where FIG. 1A shows a top perspective view of an exemplary storage box and

[0070] FIG. 1B shows a bottom perspective view, where the storage box in both FIGS. 1A and 1B is in a closed configuration;

[0071] FIG. 2 is a detailed illustration of the storage box illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing a close-up view of a latch mechanism thereof;

[0072] FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the storage box illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing the storage box in an open configuration;

[0073] FIG. 4 is a detailed illustration of the storage box illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing a close-up view of a resiliently biased tab member of the latch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 2;

[0074] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the storage box illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B showing a detailed view of the latch mechanism when the storage box is in a closed configuration;

[0075] FIG. 6 is an illustration according to one non-limiting aspect of the present embodiment showing a partial cross-sectional side view of two storage boxes having the features of the storage box illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B wherein the two storage boxes are in a stacked/nested configuration;

[0076] FIG. 7 is an illustration showing another view of the two storage boxes from FIG. 6;

[0077] FIG. 8 is an illustration according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a plurality of storage boxes are in a stacked configuration on storage shelves, each having the features of the storage box illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

[0078] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a plurality of storage boxes in a stacked configuration;

[0079] FIG. 10 a bottom perspective view of the storage box of FIGS. 1-7 which includes stops to limit movement of the latch mechanism when the storage box is in the closed configuration;

[0080] FIG. 11 is a perspective bottom view of the storage box illustrated in FIG. 10 which shows the storage box in an open configuration; and,

[0081] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the stops and latch mechanism illustrated in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] A more complete understanding of the articles/devices, processes, and components disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. These figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and are, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

[0083] Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawings and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawings and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

[0084] The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0085] As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” may include the embodiments “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that require the presence of the named ingredients/steps and permit the presence of other ingredients/steps. However, such description should be construed as also describing compositions or processes as “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” the enumerated ingredients/steps, which allows the presence of only the named ingredients/steps, along with any unavoidable impurities that might result therefrom, and excludes other ingredients/steps.

[0086] Numerical values in the specification and claims of this application should be understood to include numerical values which are the same when reduced to the same number of significant figures and numerical values which differ from the stated value by less than the experimental error of conventional measurement technique of the type described in the present application to determine the value.

[0087] All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the recited endpoint and independently combinable (for example, the range of “from 2 grams to 10 grams” is inclusive of the endpoints, 2 grams and 10 grams, and all the intermediate values).

[0088] The terms “about” and “approximately” can be used to include any numerical value that can vary without changing the basic function of that value. When used with a range, “about” and “approximately” also disclose the range defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints, e.g. “about 2 to about 4” also discloses the range “from 2 to 4.” Generally, the terms “about” and “approximately” may refer to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, there is illustrated a first non-limiting embodiment of a storage box 100. The primary components of the storage box 100 include, but are not limited to, a lid 102 and a base 104. A connection arrangement 150 attaches the lid 102 to the base 104 on at least one side of the lid and base. The lid 102 and base 104 are configurable between an open configuration (as shown in FIG. 3) and a closed configuration (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B). The closed configuration is maintained by a latch mechanism 154. The latch mechanism 154 is adapted to temporarily secure the lid 102 to the base 104, generally on the side opposite to the connection means 150; however, such a configuration is non-limiting. The connection arrangement 150 is generally formed of a flexible and/or bendable material (e.g., plastic material, fabric material, etc.).

[0090] The hollow interior portion 138 of the base 104 optionally includes a divider 140 configured to separate the interior of the box 100 into two or more interior storage portions. In some non-limiting configurations, when the lid 102 and base 104 are in the closed configuration, the divider 140 is adapted to prevent items stored in one of the two or more interior storage portions from moving into another one of the two or more interior storage portions; however, this is not required. In this regard, the exemplary box 100 advantageously maintains the organization of items stored in the box when in the closed configuration. Generally, the top of the divider 140, when the divider 140 is used, is positioned at or below the base edge 134 of the base 104. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the top of the divider 140 is positioned below the base edge 134 of the base 104. In one non-limiting arrangement, the maximum height of the divider 140 is 10-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the maximum depth of the hollow interior portion 138, and typically about 25-75% of the maximum depth of the hollow interior portion 138.

[0091] Additional features of lid 102 and base 104 of the box 100 will now be discussed. The lid 102 illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 has a generally rectangular shape. However, the shape of the lid 102 is non-limiting and the lid 102 can have any desired shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The lid 102 is generally comprised of a top wall 106 with a top wall surface 108, first and second sidewalls 110 and 112, and front and back walls 114 and 116. A lid edge 118 outlines a lid perimeter defined by the bottoms of walls 110, 112, 114, and 116. The lid 102 provides a hollow interior portion 120.

[0092] The base 104 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7 as having a generally rectangular shape similar to lid 102; however, the particular shape of the base 104 is non-limiting and the base can have any desired shape without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The base 104 is generally comprised of a bottom wall 122 with a bottom wall surface 123, first and second sidewalls 126 and 128, and front and back walls 130 and 132. A base top edge 134 outlines a top perimeter of the base 104 that is generally defined by the tops of walls 126, 128, 130, and 132. The base 104 provides a hollow interior portion 138. An outwardly extending flange or rim 136 is disposed around substantially the entire perimeter of the base 104 adjacent to the tops of walls 126, 128, 130, and 132. The outwardly extending flange or rim 136 is generally positioned below the base top edge 134. Generally, the outwardly extending flange or rim 136 is generally positioned closer to the base top edge 134 than to the bottom wall surface 123.

[0093] An optional divider 140 is formed in the interior surface 124 of the bottom wall 122 and extends into the hollow interior portion 138 of the base 104, thereby dividing the base interior into two or more interior portions, such as first interior portion 142 and second interior portion 144. However, such a configuration is non-limiting, and it should be understood that divider 140 can optionally divide the interior portion 138 of the base 104 into any desired number of interior portions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the storage box 100 includes an optional ruler 172. While the specific location of the ruler 172 on the storage box 100 is non-limiting, the ruler 172 is typically disposed on an exterior surface of one of the walls of the base or lid. For example, in the non-limiting configuration shown in FIG. 1B, the ruler 172 is on the exterior of back wall 132 of the base 104 and disposed adjacent a lower portion thereof. In this regard, it is generally advantageous to position the ruler 172 near the lower portion of the base so that items on the same surface as the base can easily be measured. Moreover, while the upper measurable length limit of ruler 172 is non-limiting, the total measurable length is generally directly proportional to the size of the storage box 100. For example, large storage boxes could accommodate a ruler which measures up to 12 in. or more, medium storage boxes could accommodate a ruler which measures up to 6-8 in., and small storage boxes could accommodate a ruler which measures up to 3-4 in.

[0095] The ruler 172 is also illustrated in FIG. 1B as generally being comprised of a plurality of indentations 174 or other demarcations formed on or into the exterior surface of the base 104. As can be appreciated, the ruler 172 can be formed of raised ribs or other raised demarcations, or a combination of indentions and raised positions. The plurality of indentations 174 are spaced apart from one another at distances representative of any desirable customary system of measuring length. For example, in one non-limiting configuration, the plurality of indentations 174 of the ruler 172 are spaced according to the United States customary system for measuring length. However, other measurement systems (e.g., metric) could also be used. In some non-limiting configurations, the size of individual indentations in the plurality of indentations 174 can correspond to the number type and value that each individual indentation represents. For example, the large elongated indentations in the plurality 174 correspond to whole number measurement intervals (e.g., 1 in., 1 cm, etc.), the small elongated indentations correspond to half-number/smaller unit measurement intervals (e.g., ½ in., ½ cm, etc.), and the small circular indentations correspond to fractional number/smaller unit measurement intervals (e.g., ¼ in., 1 mm, etc.). The ruler 172 can optionally include numerical units 175.

[0096] As mentioned above, the optional divider 140 is formed in the interior surface 124 of the bottom wall 122 and is generally not attached thereto as a separate component. In other words, the divider 140 and base 104 are generally formed as a single, integral component. In this regard, with respect to the interior portion 120 of the base 104, the divider 140 can also be described as one or more raised ridge portions configured to divide the base interior into two or more interior portions. With respect to the exterior surface 125 of the bottom wall 122, however, the divider 140 can be described as one or more recessed channel portions 146. The one or more recessed channel portions 146 can optionally be configured to provide a grip into which a user of the box 100 can place his or her fingers to more securely grasp the box. In other words, the underside of the divider 140 (i.e., the one or more raised ridge portions) provides the recessed grip 146 (i.e., the one or more recessed channels) on the exterior surface 125 of the bottom wall 122. Moreover, since the divider 140 is generally formed integrally with the base, the recessed grip 146 can also be described as being formed integrally with the base. The surface 108 of the top wall 106 can also optionally be provided with one or more surface features 148 configured to provide additional grip for a user of the box 100. For example, the one or more surface features 148 can include a series of raised ridges formed on the top wall surface 108 of the lid 102. However, such a configuration is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the one or more surface features 148 are optionally located in a recessed portion 109. When a recessed portion 109 is used, the walls of the recessed portion 109 can also function as a gripping surface to facilitate in the grasping of the box 100. When the one or more surface features 148 are located in the recess portion 109, the height of the one or more surface features 148 generally does not exceed the depth of the recess portion 109, and is generally less than the depth of the recess portion 109 as illustrated in FIG. 1A.

[0097] The lid 102 and base 104 are attached to one another such that the box 100 is configurable between the open configuration illustrated in FIG. 3 and the closed configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, a connection arrangement 150 is disposed between at least one of the lid walls 110, 112, 114, and 116 and at least one of the base walls 126, 128, 130, and 132. As best illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection arrangement 150 can comprise a flexible and/or bendable hinge 152 rotatably connecting the back wall 116 of the lid 102 to the back wall 132 of the base 104, such that the lid is moveable with respect to the base in the open configuration; however, such a configuration is non-limiting.

[0098] A latch mechanism 154 is configured to temporarily or releasably secure one side of the lid 102 to the base 104. The latch mechanism 154 is generally disposed on a lid wall and/or a base wall that are opposite to the lid and base wall where the connection means 150 is disposed. As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, 2, and 3, the latch mechanism 154 can be located on front wall 114 of the lid 102; however, such a configuration is non-limiting. In some non-limiting embodiments, the latch mechanism 154 can be integrally formed with/on the front wall 114 of the lid 102.

[0099] In one non-limiting configuration, as best illustrated in FIGS. 2-5, the latch mechanism 154 includes a resilient member or tab 156 formed on the front wall of the lid 102. The resilient member or tab 156 of the latch mechanism 154 is configured to interact with a component of the base 104. In some non-limiting embodiments, the resilient member or tab 156 includes a generally wedge-shaped barb 158 located on the inner surface of the resilient member or tab 156 that is configured to interact with the flat, outwardly extending rim 136 of the base 104; however, it will be appreciated that the barb 158 can have other shapes. The barb 158 can be integrally formed on the lid 102 or be connected to the lid 102 by a connector (e.g., adhesive, pin, staple, melted seam, solder, rivet, etc.). Generally, the surface of the barb 158 that is configured to engage the base 104 so as to temporarily or releasably secure one side of the lid 102 to the base 104 has a generally flat surface; however, this is not required. The width W of the generally flat surface of the barb 158 is generally selected to inhibit or prevent inadvertent opening of the lid 102 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration. In one non-limiting specific design, the width W of the generally flat surface of the barb 158 is about 20-100% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the width W1 of the outwardly extending rim 136 of the base 104 where the barb 158 is configured to engage the outwardly extending rim 136 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration, typically the width W of the generally flat surface of the barb 158 is about 30-80% of the width W1 of the outwardly extending rim 136 of the base 104 where the barb 158 is configured to engage the outwardly extending rim 136 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration, and more typically, the width W of the generally flat surface of the barb 158 is about 40-70% of the width W1 of the outwardly extending rim 136 of the base 104 where the barb 158 is configured to engage the outwardly extending rim 136 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration. The length of the barb 158 is generally the same or less than the length of the resilient member or tab 156. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the length of the barb 158 is less than the length of the resilient member or tab 156. As also illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the barb 158 is generally spaced from the bottom edge of the resilient member or tab 156; however, this is not required.

[0100] With reference to FIGS. 3-5, the closing of the lid 102 against the base 104 from the open configuration to the closed configuration is achieved by pushing the lid and resilient member or tab 156 downward and against the outwardly extending rim 136 until the barb 158 engages or snaps into place against the bottom of the outwardly extending rim 136. Thus, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration, barb 158 is latched against the bottom of the outwardly extending rim 136, thereby temporarily securing the lid 102 against the base 104. The resilient member or tab 156 is generally configured to be a deformable or flexible component such that when barb 158 contacts the outwardly extending rim 136 as the lid 102 is moved to the closed configuration, the resilient member or tab 156 is configured to deform or flex outwardly to enable the barb 158 to pass over the outer edge of the outwardly extending rim 136. Once barb 158 has passed over the outer edge of the outwardly extending rim 136, the resilient member or tab 156 is configured to move back to its pre-deformed or pre-flexed shape, thereby causing a portion of the barb 158 to move under a portion of the outwardly extending rim 136 to thereby secure the lid 102 in the closed configuration. When the lid 102 is to be moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, a user merely needs to pull the resilient member or tab 156 forwardly to cause the resilient member or tab 156 to deform or flex outwardly so that the lid 102 can be pivoted upwardly and the barb 158 can passed over the outer edge of the outwardly extending rim 136.

[0101] A stop wall 160 disposed on the rim 136 and one or more corresponding retaining walls 162 disposed on the lid 102 are configured to prevent the lid 102 from over-extending past the base 104 in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The stop wall 160 is generally spaced away from the distal edge of the rim 136 and toward the interior portion 138 of the base 104; however, this is not required. The stop wall 160 is oriented generally perpendicular to the rim such that the stop wall and rim form an L-shape; however, this is not required. The stop wall 160 extends upward from the rim 136 to interact with the one or more retaining walls 162 disposed in the interior portion 120 of the lid 102. The one or more retaining walls 162 generally extend from the top wall 106 and along the front wall 114 of the lid 102.

[0102] The one or more retaining walls 162 optionally include a notch 164 that is configured to act as stop to lid 102. If too much pressure is exerted on lid 102, the top edge of stop wall 160 will engage notch 164 to inhibit or prevent further downward movement of the lid 102 onto the base 104 when the lid 102 is moved to the closed configuration. The depth of the notch 164 from the lid edge 118 is generally equal to or greater than the height the stop wall 160 (e.g., 100-150% the height the stop wall 160). The width of the notch 164 is generally 50-250% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the thickness of the stop wall 160.

[0103] The one or more retaining walls 162 are thus configured to stabilize the front wall 114 of the lid 102 and keep the barb 158 secured to the rim 136 of the base 104.

[0104] The engagement of the stop wall 160 against the notch(es) 164 facilities in inhibiting or preventing the lid 102 from moving excessively downward in the longitudinal direction and from moving excessively sideways in the transverse direction. This longitudinal and transverse movement is inhibited or prevented both during the securing of the lid 102 to the base 104 and after the latch mechanism 154 has secured the lid 102 to the base 104 in the closed configuration. For example, in a situation where a user accidentally drops the box 100, the engagement of the stop wall 160 against the notch(es) 164 of the one or more retaining walls 162 helps inhibit or prevent the lid 102 from moving in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction to such a degree that the integrity of the latch mechanism 154 might otherwise be comprised, which could result in the unintended opening of the box 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. On the other hand, intentional opening of the box 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration is achieved by pulling on the resilient member or tab 156 until the barb 158 disengages from the bottom of the rim 136, at which point the lid 102 can rotate or pivot freely about the hinged connection 152 to open the box 100.

[0105] As illustrated in FIGS. 11-13, the box 100 can optionally include one or more latch stops 180 used to limit the lateral movement of the barb 158 relative to the rim 136 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration. The limiting or prevention of the lateral movement of the barb 158 relative to the rim 136 helps inhibit or prevent the lid 102 and/or the barb 158 from moving in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction to such a degree that the integrity of the latch mechanism 154 might otherwise be compromised, which could result in the unintended opening of the box 100 from the closed configuration to the open configuration. The latch stops 180 can also or alternatively be used to properly orient the lid 102 and/or latch mechanism 154 relative to the base 104 when moving the lid 102 to the closed position. Generally, the one or more latch stops 180 are positioned on rim 136; however, it can be appreciated that a portion or all of the one or more latch stops 180 are positioned on the front surface of the base wall.

[0106] As best illustrated in FIG. 12, the box 100 includes two latch stops 180 that are spaced from one another and positioned on rim 136. The spacing between the two latch stops 180 is sufficient to enable a portion of the barb 158 to be positioned between the two latch stops 180 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration. Generally, the spacing between the two latch stops 180 is 100-150% (and all values and ranges therebetween) the length of the portion of the barb 158 that is to be positioned between the two latch stops 180 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration, and typically 101-130% the length of the portion of the barb 158 that is to be positioned between the two latch stops 180 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration, and more typically 101-110% the length of the portion of the barb 158 that is to be positioned between the two latch stops 180 when the lid 102 is in the closed configuration.

[0107] The latch stop 180 includes a stop wall 184 and an optional wall reinforcement 182. The stop wall extends downwardly from the rim 136. The size and configuration of the stop wall 184 is non-limiting. The front surfaces of each of the two stop walls 184 that are facing one another are generally flat; however, this is not required. The height of the stop wall 184 is non-limiting. The back surfaces of each of the two stop walls 184 are connected to an optional wall reinforcement 182. The optional wall reinforcement 182 is configured to provide support and/or structural rigidity to the stop wall 184. The size and configuration of the optional wall reinforcement 182 is non-limiting. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the optional wall reinforcement 182 is located on the rim 136 and slopes downwardly from the stop wall 184.

[0108] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, the exemplary storage box 100 includes one or more features which allow for the stacking of a plurality of storage boxes in the open configuration. Referring now to FIGS. 6-7, there are illustrated two storage boxes in a stacked or nested configuration, where lids 102a and 102b are shown in stacked relation to one another. As another example, FIGS. 8-9 illustrates a stack 200 of 10+ storage boxes 100 in a stacked or nested configuration, where multiple stacks 206a-206d of storage boxes 100 are shown on a shelf unit 202. When a plurality of storage boxes 100 is provided, the one or more stacking features are generally configured to interact and engage with one another to enable stacking in a stable, space-saving manner. That is, with a plurality of storage boxes 100, generally the one or more stacking features on an upper lid (such as upper lid 102a in FIGS. 6 and 7) in a stack of boxes (such as box stacks 206a-206d in FIG. 8) are configured to engage with the one or more stacking features on a lower lid (such as lower lid 102b in FIGS. 6 and 7) in the stack of boxes. Various non-limiting embodiments of the one or more stacking features are discussed in greater detail below. A novel feature of the one or more stacking features used in each of the storage box 100 is that the stacked storage boxes 100 can be stacked to form a vertical tower of stacked storage boxes 100 as illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates a set of storage boxes 100 stacked while in the open configuration, and a set of storage boxes 100 stacked while in the closed configuration. When prior art storage boxes do not include stacking features, the storage boxes must be stacked while in the closed position. Such a stacking arrangement significantly limits the number of stacked storage boxes that can be positioned on a certain volume of shelf space. As illustrated in FIG. 9, eight stacked storage boxes 100 stacked while in the closed configuration takes up the same shelf volume as 24 storage boxes 100 stacked while in the open configuration, or in this non-limiting example, three times as many storage boxes 100 stacked while in the open configuration can be positioned on a shelf of a certain volume than when the storage boxes 100 are stacked while in the closed configuration. Such a space savings is a significant advantage in the retail market where shelf space is limited. As can be appreciated, most prior art storage boxes can be stacked in some form while in the open position; however, such stacking of more than two-to-eight prior art storage boxes typically results in 1) an unstable tower and/or unstable leaning tower of prior art stacked boxes that is prone to fall thereby potentially damaging the prior art storage boxes and/or resulting in the stacked prior art storage boxes falling off of the shelves, and/or 2) aesthetically displeasing presentation of the prior art stacked boxes in the shelves thereby resulting in perceived lower quality and/or reduced sales of the prior art storage boxes. The unstable tower and/or unstable leaning tower of prior art stacked boxes is a result of the base and/or lid of the prior art storage boxes not being able to be both stacked such that the planes of bases of the prior art stacked storage boxes are parallel to one another and the planes of the lids of the prior art stacked storage boxes are parallel to one another. If either or both of the bases and the lids can be stacked such that the planes are parallel to adjacently prior art stacked storage boxes, the stacked prior art storage boxes begin to form a leaning tower of stacked prior art storage boxes until the center of gravity of the stacked prior art storage boxes shifts a significant amount off-center from the bottom prior art storage boxes to cause the stacked tower to become unstable and fall. The stacking features of the storage boxes in accordance with present disclosure overcome these past stacking problems associated with prior art storage boxes and results in 1) enabling 10+ storage boxes 100 to be stacked vertically while in the open configuration without resulting in an unstable and/or leaning tower of stacked boxes, and 2) creates a clean nesting profile of the stacked storage boxes 100 while in the open configuration to create an aesthetically pleasing presentation of the stacked storage boxes 100. As illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, the bottom surface 122 of the base 104 of each of the stacked boxes 100 lies in a plane that is parallel to one another. This allows the base 104 of each of the stacked boxes 100 to be stacked vertically without causing a leaning tower of boxes.

[0109] As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, the base 104 of each of the stacked boxes 100 is configured to enable the base 104 of an adjacently stacked box 100 to nest such that 30-99% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the volume of the base 104 of the adjacently stacked box 100 is able to nest in the stacked box 100 that is positioned below the adjacently stacked box 100, typically each of the stacked boxes 100 is configured to enable the base 104 of an adjacently stacked box 100 to nest such that 50-95% of the volume of the base 104 of the adjacently stacked box 100 is able to nest in the stacked box 100 that is positioned below the adjacently stacked box 100, and more typically each of the stacked boxes 100 is configured to enable the base 104 of an adjacently stacked box 100 to nest such that 60-95% of the volume of the base 104 of the adjacently stacked box 100 is able to nest in the stacked box 100 that is positioned below the adjacently stacked box 100.

[0110] Also, as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9, the base 104 of each of the stacked boxes 100 is configured to enable the lid 102 of an adjacently stacked box 100 to nest such that 20-99% (and all values and ranges therebetween) of the volume of the lid 102 of the adjacently stacked box 100 is able to nest in the stacked box 100 that is positioned below the adjacently stacked box 100, typically each of the stacked boxes 100 is configured to enable the base 104 of an adjacently stacked box 100 to nest such that 30-90% of the volume of the lid 102 of the adjacently stacked box 100 is able to nest in the stacked box 100 that is positioned below the adjacently stacked box 100, and more typically each of the stacked boxes 100 is configured to enable the lid 102 of an adjacently stacked box 100 to nest such that 40-85% of the volume of the lid 102 of the adjacently stacked box 100 is able to nest in the stacked box 100 that is positioned below the adjacently stacked box 100.

[0111] In one non-limiting configuration, the one or more stacking features on the lid 102 include one or more apertures 166 (best shown in FIG. 2). The apertures 166 are generally located on the top and front walls 106, 114 of the lid 102 and extend therethrough into the interior portion 120. In such configurations, the storage box 100 includes the one or more retaining walls 162 as discussed above; the apertures 166 are configured to receive a portion of the one or more retaining walls 162 of an adjacently stacked storage box so that the lids 102 of the adjacently stacked storage boxes can lie in planes parallel to one another as illustrated in FIG. 6. As best shown in FIG. 3, the retaining walls 162 are generally disposed adjacent to the apertures 166. In the context of a plurality of storage boxes in a stacked configuration, the apertures of an upper lid (e.g., apertures 166b of upper lid 102b shown in FIG. 7) in the stack are configured to engage with the retaining walls of a lower lid (e.g., retaining walls 162a of lower lid 102a shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). More particularly, at least a portion of the retaining walls 162a of lower lid 102a extend up through the apertures 166b of upper lid 102b, such that the portions of the upper lid wall which are adjacent to the apertures rest on and are supported by the retaining walls. As such, a plurality of storage boxes can be maintained in a stacked configuration in a stable, space-saving manner. Since the lower lid 102a in FIGS. 6 and 7 belongs to the last storage box in the stack, the apertures 166a of the lower lid 102a do not have retaining walls extending therethrough.

[0112] In another non-limiting configuration, the one or more stacking features include a wall ridge 168 extending around at least a portion of the perimeter of the lid 102 in a horizontal fashion. As best seen in FIGS. 1A and 3, the wall ridge 168 is generally formed on at least one of the lid walls 110, 112, 114, 116 such that a ridge is provided on both the interior portion 120 and the exterior portion of the lid 102. The lid walls 110, 112, 114, 116 positioned at or below the wall ridge 168 slope slightly inwardly to facilitate in the nesting of the stacked lids 102. If the lid walls 110, 112, 114, 116 positioned at or below the wall ridge 168 did not slope slightly inwardly, improper stacking of the lids 102 could occur.

[0113] In the context of a plurality of storage boxes in a stacked configuration, the ridge on an upper lid (e.g., ridge 168b of upper lid 102b shown in FIG. 7) in the stack is configured to engage with the ridge of a lower lid (e.g., ridge 168a of lower lid 102a shown in FIG. 7). More particularly, the upper lid 102b is shaped to fit or partially nest inside the lower lid 102a such that the ridge 168b of the upper lid can rest on and be supported by the ridge 168a of the lower lid. As such, a plurality of storage boxes can be maintained in a stacked configuration in a stable, space-saving manner.

[0114] In an additional non-limiting configuration, the one or more stacking features optionally include an indent 170 disposed on the lid 102. As best seen in FIG. 2, the indent 170 is generally located on the exterior of the resilient member or tab 154. However, the specific location of the indent 170 is non-limiting. In such configurations, the one or more stacking features also include the wedge-shaped barb 158 discussed above with respect to the closing of the lid into the closed configuration. Generally, the barb 158 and indent 170 are disposed on opposing sides of a wall of the lid 102, such as front wall 114. In the context of a plurality of storage boxes in a stacked configuration, the indent of an upper lid (e.g., indent 170b of upper lid 102b shown in FIG. 6) in the stack of boxes is configured to engage with the barb of a lower lid (e.g., barb 158a of lower lid 102a shown in FIG. 6). More particularly, the barb 158a of the lower lid 102a is shaped to fit at least partially within the indent 170b of the upper lid 102b, such that the barb of the lower lid can rest on and be supported within the indent of the upper lid. As such, a plurality of storage boxes can be maintained in a stacked configuration in a stable, space-saving manner.

[0115] In an additional non-limiting configuration, the one or more stacking features include inwardly sloped first and second sidewalls 126 and 128, and inwardly sloped front and back walls 130 and 132 on the base 104. As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, the inward slope of the walls generally begins at or below the outwardly extending flange or rim 136. If the base walls 126, 128, 130, 132 positioned at or below outwardly extending flange or rim 136 did not slope slightly inwardly, improper stacking of the bases 104 could occur.

[0116] In an additional non-limiting configuration, the one or more stacking features include recessed channel portions 146 when the base 104 includes a divider 140. When a plurality of bases 104 are stacked together, the recessed channel portions 146 of a base 104 that is stacked on top of another base 104 is configured to receive at least a portion of the divider 140 on the below base 104 such that stacked bases 104 can be properly nested together. If the base 104 includes a divider 140 but is absent a recessed channel portions 146 that is configured to receive the divider 140, improper stacking of the bases 104 could occur.

[0117] In an additional non-limiting configuration, the one or more stacking features optionally include corner indents 129 on the outer surface of the base 104 and corresponding corner ribs 131 in the interior of the base 104 as illustrated in FIG. 11. When a plurality of stack bases 104 are stacked together, the corner ribs 131 in the interior of the base 104 of a lower positioned base are configured to at least partially receive the corner indents 129 on the outer surface of the base 104 nest in the lower base 104. As can be appreciated, the corner ribs 131 in the interior of the base 104 and/or the corner indents 129 on the outer surface of the base 104 can be used to 1) facilitate in the stability of multiple stacked bases 104, and/or 2) provide structural rigidity to the base 104 of each of the storage boxes 100.

[0118] While FIGS. 1-12 generally illustrate the exemplary storage box 100 as including all the one or more stacking features discussed above, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto. That is, the storage box could be provided with only one or a combination of any of the one or more stacking features without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring now to FIG. 8 and as briefly mentioned above, a non-limiting embodiment of a plurality of storage boxes 100 provided in a stacked configuration 200 is shown. More particularly, FIG. 8 illustrates a shelf unit 202 that might be in a store which sells the exemplary storage boxes 100 of the present disclosure. The shelf unit 202 includes one or more shelves 204, each of which can be provided with a plurality of stacked storage boxes 206a-206d. Each storage box 100 in the plurality of stacked storage boxes 206a-206d has identical features to that of exemplary storage box 100 discussed above, including the aforementioned one or more stacking features which enable stacking in a stable, space-saving manner.

[0120] The storage boxes described herein can be made from any desired material, the particular material used being non-limiting. For example, the storage boxes can be made from plastic, polymer, rubber, metal, wood, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, while the storage boxes described herein are particularly suitable to the organization and storing of school-related material such as pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, crayons, markers, etc., any desired item can be stored within the presently described boxes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, the dimensions of the storage boxes described in the present disclosure are non-limiting, and it should be understood that the exemplary storage boxes can be sized to have any desired dimension without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In any event, however, the exemplary storage boxes should at least be dimensioned to be able to store common school-related supplies such as the pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, crayons, markers, etc., listed above.

[0121] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained, and since certain changes may be made in the constructions set forth without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternate embodiments. Modifications and alterations will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed discussion of the invention provided herein. This invention is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. These and other modifications of the preferred embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention will be obvious from the disclosure herein, whereby the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.