Multi-function storage bin

Abstract

A storage bin having two side walls, each having an upper channel and a lower channel. The upper and lower channels have a point of entry that is partially blocked by a tab. The storage bin also has a pair of feet, which are insertable into the upper channels to stack the bins, or the lower channels to nest the bins. The tabs partially block the points of entry and act as a barrier to inhibit removal of the feet from the channels. Removal of the feet from the channels generally requires a vertical force to lift the feet over the tab and a horizontal force to slide the feet out of the channel. The channel and tab configuration therefore reduces the risk that the bins will fall into one another, tip over and separate or crack from placing unnecessary stress on the side walls of the bin when inserting and removing the feet from the channel. These as well as other features of the storage bin, are described more fully below.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 020,282 filed Jan. 10, 2008, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to storage bins and, more particularly, to multi-function storage bins that can be interlocked with one another when the bins are stacked on top of one another or nested together.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0003]Storage bins or containers are used to store loose objects such as screws, nuts, bolts, nails, pegs, etc. Storage bins may be hung from or mounted to a perforated support panel or perf-board. Storage bins also may be stacked on top of one another or nested together.[0004]Known storage bins of one type generally have two side walls separated by front, back and bottom surfaces. The top edges of the side walls typically include a ledge and the bottoms of the side walls include feet. Several bins can be stacked ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]In an embodiment of the storage bin, the channel is tapered such that the channel is wider near the point of entry facilitating insertion of a foot of a second storage bin into the channel and narrower near the rear portion of the storage bin tending to retain in the channel the feet of a second storage bin.

[0021]In an embodiment of the storage bin, the tab extends from the lower front edge of the channel to restrict the horizontal movement of the foot in the channel.

Problems solved by technology

One or more channels in each side wall have a point of entry and a tab partially blocking a portion of at least one oh the channels such that the tab impedes the removal of a foot of a second storage bin when the foot is inserted in the channel.

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