Protecting items transiting a scanner

Abstract

Scanners, and scanner systems, are used in various situations, often for security purposes or for detection of contraband. A scanner generally uses a conveyor system to transit articles through the scanner. The scanner may have radiation curtains at the ingress and the egress of the scanner to block x-rays or radiation generated within the scanner. The present technology provides for an open container with an interlock that allows for one open container to be inverted and placed securely over another open container to form a closed container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 inverting a first container, wherein the first container comprises one or more first positive features;   placing the inverted first container on a second container, wherein the second container comprises one or more second positive features; and   interlocking the inverted first container with the second container using the one or more first positive features and the one or more second positive features.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first container further comprises one or more first empty spaces corresponding with the one or more first positive features, wherein the second container further comprises one or more second empty spaces corresponding with the one or more second positive features, and wherein the interlocking the inverted first container with the second container comprises:
 engaging each of the one or more first positive features with each of the one or more second empty spaces; and   engaging each of the one or more second positive features with each of the one or more first empty spaces.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first container further comprises one or more first negative features corresponding with the one or more first positive features, wherein the second container further comprises one or more second negative features corresponding with the one or more second positive features, and wherein the interlocking the inverted first container with the second container comprises:
 engaging each of the one or more first positive features with each of the one or more second negative features; and   engaging each of the one or more second positive features with each of the one or more first negative features.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more first positive features and the one or more second positive features are rounded rectangle protrusions, and wherein the one or more first negative features and the one or more second negative features are rounded rectangle concave depressions. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein each of the one or more first positive features and each of the one or more second positive features is a protrusion with sides sloped inward, and wherein each of the one or more first negative features and each of the one or more second negative features is a concave depression with sides sloped inward. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 placing one or more articles in the second container prior to placing the inverted first container on the second container; and   placing the inverted first container and the second container on a conveyer system subsequent to interlocking the inverted first container with the second container.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first container and the second container are rectangular open containers with sloped sides. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first container further comprises one or more holders on one or more sides of the first container and ribs on the bottom of the first container. 
     
     
         9 . A container comprising:
 a base;   one or more walls; and   a mechanism on a top edge of the container, wherein the mechanism facilitates a connection with another container.   
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanism includes one or more positive features, the container further comprising:
 one or more empty spaces corresponding with the one or more positive features on the top edge of the container, wherein the interlock with the other container is further facilitated by the one or more empty spaces.   
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanism includes one or more positive features, the container further comprising:
 one or more negative features corresponding with the one or more positive features on the top edge of the container, wherein the interlock with the other container is further facilitated by the one or more negative features.   
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more positive features and the one or more negative features are aligned with the one or more walls. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein each of the one or more positive features is a protrusion and each of the one or more negative features is a concave depression, and wherein first dimensions and first shape of the one or more positive features correspond with second dimensions and second shape of the one or more negative features. 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the container interlocks with the other container by engaging the one or more positive features of the container with one or more positive features of the other container and by engaging the one or more negative features of the container with one or more positive features of the other container. 
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the container stores one or more articles for transit through a scanner. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the mechanism is a non-slip mechanisms that includes a non-slip material or a gripping mechanism that includes a gripping material. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 one or more supportive structures on the bottom of the container.   
     
     
         18 . A system comprising:
 a scanner;   a first container comprising a first mechanism to connect the first container to a second container; and   a second container comprising a second mechanism to connect the second container to the second container.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the first container is inverted and placed over the second container, and wherein the first mechanism and the second mechanism prevent displacement of the first container off the second container as the first container and the second container transit the scanner. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a conveyer, wherein the first container or the second container transits the scanner on the conveyer.