Storage container with blow molded inverted rim and ergonomic handle

Abstract

A storage container includes a bottom wall, a pair of side walls extending up from the bottom wall, and a pair of end walls extending up from the bottom wall, the bottom wall, side walls, and end walls being interconnected and defining a cargo space. A side rim is disposed on top of the side walls and includes a bottom portion extending outwardly from the side wall and an arch extending upward and downward from the bottom portion. The arch defines a convex upper surface and a concave interior arch surface. A middle portion extends upwardly from the arch, an upper portion extends inward from the middle portion, and a lip extending downward from the upper portion and outside of the cargo space. A plurality of spaced apart ribs extend downward from and traverse the concave interior arch surface.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A storage container comprising: 
 a bottom wall;    a pair of side walls extending up from the bottom wall;    a pair of end walls extending up from the bottom wall, the bottom wall, side walls, and end walls being interconnected and defining a cargo space;    a side rim disposed on top of the side walls and including a bottom portion extending outwardly from the side wall, an arch extending upward and downward from the bottom portion and defining a convex upper surface and a concave interior arch surface, a middle portion extending upwardly from the arch, an upper portion extending inward from the middle portion, and a lip extending downward from the upper portion, the lip being outside of the cargo space; and    a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending downward from and traversing the concave interior arch surface.    
     
     
         2 . A method of manufacturing a storage container, the method comprising: 
 closing two mold halves about a parison, the mold halves including a fixed portion and an upwardly movable portion and defining a mold cavity;    applying air pressure to blow material against surfaces of the mold cavity; and    moving the movable portion upward during or immediately after the applying step to form at least one hollow handle grip and a side rim having an upward extending concave arch with a plurality of spaced apart ribs traversing the concave arch.