Modular interlocking containers

Abstract

The invention includes a scalable, modular interlocking container with a multi-purpose use. Vertical and horizontal interconnectivity are achieved through interlocking mechanisms. An exemplary first use is for transporting and/or storing liquids or solids that can be poured. An exemplary second use is for a sturdy, low cost, easily assembled building block material of a standardized nature. Each modular unit slide-locks with other units to form strong wall and building structures that can be filled with natural earth, sand or other such materials, thereby forming a sturdy structure without the use of mortar, and can adapt to uneven base surfaces typically found in natural terrain.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A modular interlocking container, comprising:
 a top end section and a bottom end section, wherein the top end surface comprises an opening and is formed generally parallel to the bottom end surface;   at least one lateral sidewall connected to the top end and to the bottom end thereby forming a container;   a peg, formed on the top end surface, that extends away from container;   a receptor, located on the bottom end surface, that extends into the container, and formed to receive a second peg on a second container in a vertically interlocking manner;   a ridge, located on the top end surface;   a groove, located on the bottom end surface; and formed to receive a second ridge located on a second container in a vertically interlocking manner; and   at least one horizontal interlocking connection mechanism, formed on the at least one lateral wall.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one horizontal interlocking connection mechanism comprises a tongue laterally connected to the sidewall of the container, and
 a recessed groove formed laterally within the sidewall of the container, wherein the groove is shaped to slidably receive a second tongue formed on a second container in an interlocking manner.   
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the recessed groove is formed with a lateral opening continuing to a lateral indention that is partially covered by a surface of the sidewall such that the groove and a second handle slidably interlock in a tongue-and-groove connection. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one horizontal interlocking connection mechanism comprises a hermaphroditic connector formed laterally on the at least one sidewall such that it can slidably interconnect with a second hermaphroditic connector on a second container in an interlocking manner. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said at least one lateral sidewall comprises a plurality of lateral sidewalls, wherein each lateral edge of a sidewall connects to a lateral edge of an adjacent sidewall, thereby forming a walled unit having a polygonal cross-section. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said ridge rises away from the top end surface without subtracting from the volume of the container, and the bottom portion groove rises into the volume of the container in similar dimensions as the ridge. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein a first wall of the at least one lateral wall comprises a second horizontal connection mechanism positioned in parallel with the first horizontal connection mechanism. 
     
     
         8 . A plurality of containers of  claim 1 , each comprising a plurality of pegs and recesses, wherein said containers are stacked vertically on one another thereby creating an interconnected structure,
 wherein removing, in a vertical direction, a group of containers from the structure does not disturb remaining portions of the structure.   
     
     
         9 . The plurality of containers of  claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of containers form various volumetric capacities while maintaining an identical depth in their own footprint, and
 each of the remaining plurality of containers of various capacities can maintain interconnection vertically and horizontally with any other adjacent containers of the plurality of various capacities.   
     
     
         10 . The plurality of containers of  claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality of said containers can interconnect using a plurality of horizontal connection mechanisms that are slidably connected to one or more horizontal connection mechanisms of an adjacent container or containers, forming a structure that can offset a row of said containers at greater or less than a ninety degree angle. 
     
     
         11 . The plurality of containers of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one horizontal interlocking connection mechanism comprises a tongue laterally connected to the sidewall of the container, and a recessed groove formed laterally within the sidewall of the container, wherein the groove is shaped to slidably receive a second tongue formed on a second container in an interlocking manner. 
     
     
         12 . The plurality of containers of  claim 11 , wherein the recessed groove is formed with a lateral opening continuing to a lateral indention that is partially covered by a surface of the sidewall such that the groove and a second handle slidably interlock in a tongue-and-groove connection. 
     
     
         13 . The plurality of containers of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one horizontal interlocking connection mechanism comprises a hermaphroditic connector formed laterally on the at least one sidewall such that it can slidably interconnect with a second hermaphroditic connector on a second container in an interlocking manner. 
     
     
         14 . The plurality of containers of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one lateral sidewall comprises a plurality of lateral sidewalls, wherein each lateral edge of a sidewall connects to a lateral edge of an adjacent sidewall, thereby forming a walled unit having a polygonal cross-section. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein said ridge rises away from the top end surface without subtracting from the volume of the container, and the bottom portion groove rises into the volume of the container in similar dimensions as the ridge.