BACKGROUND

Technical Field [0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to storage apparatus, and, more particularly, a storage apparatus for organizing and storing containers and lids in a single universal stand by means of T-shape slot.

Description of the Related Art [0001] Storage is a very important part of the overall function of a kitchen. Kitchens that have limited storage space are typically cluttered and disorganized. The lids of plastic containers are often misplaced and/or disorganized. The containers and lids are often thrown into various cabinets and cupboards based on where they can be fitted or, in some cases, crammed in. Most of the time, these containers are not consistently placed in one area as more items are added to the kitchen. In such a scenario, users must then operate like they are playing a puzzle game in which they need to constantly find a place where each container or set of containers will fit. Furthermore, this also leads to the separation of lids from their relevant containers. Users then must not only hunt for the containers, but also hunt for the corresponding lids. Containers and lids are may not be perfectly fitted with each other. [0002] Large number of containers that are typically used in either a normal household, a garage, or other typical place of use is scattered, unorganized and not typically well managed. Multiple sizes of containers can take up a large amount of space when being stored. Lids of such containers when not in use, tend to get lost or misplaced due to the aforementioned point of not having a storage system that is well-managed. When the containers are in use, and filled with solid/semi-solid/liquid food, juices, or other items/products that may be required for storage, it is difficult or inconvenient to stack the containers on top of each other to a large height (e.g. 2-3 containers or more). Because of the fear that the top container may accidentally topple over, fall and its contents may scatter all over. This is also not safe when stacked similarly on top of shelves/racks or other organizational units as removing one container may cause all the other containers to topple over as well creating a safety issue. The need to use separate measuring jars and shift contents from storage during use/consumption may be tedious and inconvenient.

[0003] Side-lock containers with flexible projections on their side for locking may be very inconvenient to organize and take up a significantly larger volume of space than regular storage containers when not in use. For smaller households / kitchens / garages or other workspaces where space is a premium, it wastes a lot of usable area in dormant storage during non-use. Side lock containers also tend to be unstable when stacking on top of each other which leads to accidental spills and drops when multiple containers are stacked onto each other. Simply collecting, and bundling them up in drawers and shelves along with other materials may also cause damage to the containers or lids or both rendering them ineffective for actual use when required

[0004] Accordingly, there remains a need for a storage apparatus for organizing and storing of containers and lids in a single universal stand effectively.

SUMMARY

[0005] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a storage apparatus for storing lids and containers. The storage apparatus for storing lids and containers includes a container, a lid, a universal stand, a first projection, and a second projection. The container includes an external projection. The lid adapted to fit over the container. The lid includes lid comprises a lid slot. The universal stand includes a stand slot. The first projection is adapted to attach with the lid for storing the lid on the universal stand when the first projection slides on the stand slot of the universal stand. The second projection is adapted to attach with the container for storing the container on the universal stand when the second projection slides on the stand slot of the universal stand.

[0006] In one embodiment, the storage apparatus includes a base includes an internal guide and an outer groove guide. In another embodiment, the lid includes a fitting groove is adapted to fit over the base for attaching the lid with the base.

[0007] In yet another embodiment, the container includes sealed and gasketed side- locking mechanism which have a rotation lock mechanism via a moulded mechanism on bottom of the container.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the lid includes a reverse groove on top of the lid allows the container to be interlocked with the lid for better stability while stacking.

[0009] In another aspect, storage apparatus for storing lids and containers is provided.

The apparatus includes a container, a lid, a universal stand, a first projection, a second projection, a fitting groove, and a base. The container includes an external projection. The lid is adapted to fit over the container. The lid includes a lid slot. The universal stand includes a stand slot. The first projection is adapted to attach with the lid for storing the lid on the universal stand when the first projection slides on the stand slot of the universal stand. The second projection is adapted to attach with the container for storing the container on the universal stand when the second projection slides on the stand slot of the universal stand. The fitting groove is adapted to fit over the base for attaching the lid with the base. The base includes an internal guide and an outer groove guide.

[0010] In one embodiment, the container includes sealed and gasketed side-locking mechanism which have a rotation lock mechanism via a moulded mechanism on bottom of the container. In another embodiment, the lid includes a reverse groove on top of the lid allows the container to be interlocked with the lid for better stability while stacking.

[0011] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a lid according to an embodiment herein;

[0014] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the container according to an embodiment herein;

[0015] FIG. 2B depicts a front view of the container of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment herein; [0016] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the storage apparatus according to an embodiment herein;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a universal stand of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a base of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the lid that is connected with the universal stand according to an embodiment herein;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the container that is connected with the universal stand according to an embodiment herein;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting strip for storing one or more containers and one or more lids according to an embodiment herein;

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of both the lid and the container that are coupled with the universal stand according to an embodiment; and

[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the container and the lid that are coupled with a reverse lock mechanism according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non -limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0025] As mentioned, there needs a storage apparatus for organizing and storing of containers and lids. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a storage apparatus that includes a mounting strip, a universal stand and a base. The mounting strip may be attachable to (i) a flat surface, (ii) a rigid surface, (iii) a firm surface, and (iv) a non-porous surface. The universal stand includes a T-shaped slot to slide one or more lids or one or more containers into the T-shaped slot. One or more lids and one or more containers slide over the T-shaped slot, so that one or more containers and one or more lids may be conveniently and easily stored. The base includes an internal guide and an outer groove guide. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 10, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, preferred embodiments are shown.

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a lid 100 according to an embodiment herein. The lid 100 includes a first projection 102 and a lid slot 104. The first projection 102 is adapted to slide on a first slot of the universal stand. A shape of the first projection 102 may be varied based on a storage application. In one embodiment, the shape of the first projection 102 is T-shape. In one embodiment, the lid 100 includes one or more first projections and one or more lid slots. The one or more lid slots may be fitted with one or more second projections of a container. The lid 100 includes a gasket. The gasket is adapted to fit over the container effectively to avoid leakage of material stored in the container. The dimensions of the container initially targets the use of containers with gaskets and standard side lock mechanism to ensure high quality leak-proof storage for standard use requirements.

[0027] The size and the thickness of the first projection 102 may be predetermined. The lid 100 includes a fitting groove 106. The fitting groove 106 is adapted to fit over an internal guide of the base to avoid tremor. In one embodiment, the fitting groove 106 is fitted over an external projection of the container. The lid 100 may be made of any other suitable material for kitchen appliances. In one embodiment, the lid 100 is made of plastic. In another embodiment, the lid 100 is made of fiber. The shape of the lid 100 may be varied based on the applications. In one embodiment, the shape of the lid 100 is circular. The one or more first projections and the one or more lid slots may be placed in a corner of the lid 100. The one or more first projections and the one or more lid slots may be placed with perpendicular each other in direction. The first projection 102 may be folded along with the lid slot 104.

[0028] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the container 200 according to an embodiment herein. The container 200 includes a second projection 202 and the external projection 204. In one embodiment, the shape of the second projection 202 is T-shape. The second projection 202 is adapted to fit over the lid slot 104. The dimensions of the second projection 202 may be varied based on the dimensions of the lid slot 104. Matching the lid slot 104 and the second projection 202 built in or as a fix -on clip may be a common design element on both the container 200 and the lid 100. Matching the lid slot 104 and the second projection 202 may be used as either: (i) projections on the container 200 and the lid 100, (ii) removable clip pieces on the container 200 or the lid 100 or (iii) built into features of either the container 100, the base, or the first projection 102 of the lid 100, as a part of a locking mechanism to minimize wastage of material and to build in features that blend with the current perceived standard designs of regular containers and lids. The container 200 may be made of any other suitable material for kitchen appliances. In one embodiment, the container 200 is made of plastic. In another embodiment, the container 200 is made of fiber.

[0029] The container 200 includes the one or more second projections. In one embodiment, the one or more second projections are fitted over the one or more lid slots. The size of the second projection 202 may be varied based on the size of the lid slot 104.

[0030] FIG. 2B depicts a front view of the container 200 of FIG. 2A according to an embodiment herein. The shape of the container 200 may be varied based on the applications.

[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the storage apparatus 300 according to an embodiment herein. The storage apparatus 300 includes the base 302, the universal stand 304 and the mounting strip. The base 302 is removably coupled with the universal stand 304. The universal stand 304 may be detached from the base 302. The universal stand includes a first slot 306. The shape of the first slot 306 may be T-shape. The first projection 102 of the lid 100 slides on the first slot 306 to store the one or more lids. The second projection 202 of the container 200 slides on the slot 306 to store the one or more containers.

[0032] In one embodiment, both the container 200 and the lid 100 slide on the first slot 306 using the second projection 202 and the first projection 102. This type of storage may avoid tremor, shake or any vibration during transportation. The storage apparatus 300 may be a modular unit. The modular unit (e.g. the base 302 and the universal stand 304) may be taken apart and fixed again to provide easy installation, a stable and strong structure, and a convenient way to replace any worn out parts for minimal cost without having to replace the entire modular unit. A modular fixable stand (e.g. the universal stand 304) also allow for easier cleaning and maintenance without the use of any tools which is not easy in other systems that use a carousel or fixed guides.

[0033] The mounting strip is removably coupled with the universal stand 304. The universal stand 304 may be coupled with a flat surface. The base 302 has a unique mathematically arrived projection (e.g. the internal guide 308 and the outer groove guide 310) on the inner surface, and a step on the border which together allow the common base to serve as a universal placeholder for both the container 200 and the lid 100. The base 302 eliminates storage of the container 200 and the lid 100 in different bases. Since, the bases for the container 200 and the lid 100 have significantly different (e.g. dimensions) owing to the projections of a side lock of the lid 100. When required to not be affixed onto any available flat surface, the universal stand 304 may be used stand alone by having the universal stand 304 fixed onto another base stand by using a standard non -proprietary simple press-fit or click-lock system to hold it in place and keep the column upright. The universal stand 304 which may house the lid 100 or the container 200. The universal stand 304 is also wall- mountable or mountable onto any flat surface either on kitchen cabinets, doors, refrigerators and any other attachments.

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the universal stand 304 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment. The column (e.g. the first slot 306) of the universal stand 304 may be affixed vide screws (steel or plastic), double sided tape, strong glue (e.g. Plastic ABS glue) amongst other forms. In one embodiment, the universal stand 304 stores both lids and containers.

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the base 302 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment. The base 302 serves a dual purpose of being a place holder for the opening mouth or cavity of the lid 100 or the container 200. The base 302 provides separate surfaces (e.g. the internal guide 308 and the outer groove guide 310) for the lid 100 or the container 200 to rest on makes it easier and more convenient to keep the storage area clean and hygienic.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the lid 100 that is connected with the universal stand 304 according to an embodiment herein. The first projection 102 of the lid 100 slides on the first slot 306 to store the lid 100 in the universal stand 304. In one embodiment, the one or more first projections of the lid 100 slide on the first slot 306 to store the one or more lids.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the container 200 that is connected with the universal stand according to an embodiment herein. The second projection 202 of the container 200 slides on the first slot 306 to store the container 200 in the universal stand 304. In one embodiment, the one or more second projections of the container 200 slide on the first slot 306 to store the one or more containers.

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting strip 800 for storing the one or more containers and the one or more lids according to an embodiment herein. The mounting strip 800 includes one or more screws 802 A-B and a double-sided tape. In one embodiment, the mounting strip 800 is attachable to at least one of, but not limited to (i) a flat surface, (ii) a rigid surface, (iii) a firm surface, and (iv) a non-porous surface. In another embodiment, the double-sided tape may be projected outwards to enhance placement accuracy and secure storage of the one or more containers and the one or more lids.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of both the lid 100 and the container 200 that are coupled with the universal stand 304 according to an embodiment. The lid 100 is coupled with the container 200. The first projection 102 of the lid 100 may slide into the universal stand 304 via the first slot 306. In one embodiment, the one or more lids and the one or more containers slide into the universal stand 304. In another embodiment, the one or more first projections of the lid 100 and the one or more second projections of the container 200 slide on the first slot 306 to store the one or more lids and the one or more containers. In yet another embodiment, the one or more lids are folded with the one or more containers to form one or more storage containers using the one or more lid slots, the one or more second projections and one or more gaskets. In one embodiment, the one or more storage containers slide on the first slot 306 using the one or more first projections of the one or more lids.

[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the container 200 and the lid 100 that are coupled with a reverse lock mechanism according to an embodiment herein. The lid 100 is interlocked with the container 200 with minimal requirement to add stability to stacked the one or more containers with side locks using a rotation lock mechanism. The external projection on a bottom rib of the container 200 extends along the bottom rib of the container 200. In one embodiment, the lid 100 includes a reverse groove. The reverse groove may be placed at bottom or top of the lid 100. The reverse groove may be an undercut provided on a top surface of the lid 100 that comes in contact with the bottom rib of the container 200 when stacked the container 200 on top of the lid 100. The external projection sits on the reverse groove. The external projection is guided by the reverse groove on the top of the lid 100 when both the container 200 and the lid 100 rotated to form a tight interlocked fitment. The lid 100 and the container 200 may be rotated anti-clock direction with each other to form the tight interlocked fitment. This holds the container 200 and the lid 100 together with some level of strength that may be adjusted and adapted based on a user. In one embodiment, the strength of the lid 100 and the container 200 are predetermined so as to be strong enough to lift. But so that with enough force, it may be pried away in case of any blockage or when dropped from a standard table top height. The container 200 and the lid may be with stand high pressure. Sealed and gasketed side-locking containers which have the rotation lock mechanism via a moulded mechanism on the bottom of the container 200 and the reverse groove on the top of the lid 100 that allows the containers to be interlocked to one another for better stability while stacking.

[0041] The storage apparatus is easy-to-access location for all the kitchen storage requirements. The storage apparatus provides stands house for different size of containers to suit various requirements. The containers and lids are mounted vertically or horizontally on the mounting strip. The containers are designed to be space efficient both when the containers are in use and not in use. The containers are stackable and placed on top of the each other container when the container not in use. The containers can be nested and placed one inside other container for additional space saving. A single storage container organizing unit that may store either the lids or containers of multiple sizes all together at once in the universal stand 304. The lids have grooves that allow for a rotation lock to ensure better stability of the containers when stacking by locking each container to the one below it to prevent accidental spills. The mounting unit used provides flexibility to be installed on any convenient flat surface like walls & doors or cabinets with minimal effort. They are modular and can be split apart for washing separately if required or may be individually replaced when required to ensure lower maintenance and upkeep costs.

[0042] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.