Modular storage box

Abstract

A modular storage box, comprising a base, a first and a second walls, and a lid, capable of increasing its capacity longitudinally by way of the connection, by way of bridge elements, of additional first walls and second walls and bases, the bridge elements being mutually connected by a cross-member, all of the components being connected by way of reversible interlocking elements.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A modular storage box, comprising: first and second walls; a base; detachable connection means for coupling, on longitudinal edges, said base and said first and second walls; a lid; side walls; bridge elements; a cross-member; detachable articulation and connection means for connecting said lid to a said second wall; and fixing elements provided at perimetric regions of said first and second walls and said base, for fixing therebetween and upon requirements selected ones of said side walls and bridge elements with additional said first and second walls and bases so as to form a desired modular box configuration, said bridge elements being mutually connected by said cross-member.  
     
     
         2 . The modular storage box of  claim 1 , wherein said fixing elements comprise first engagement means for engagement on said first and second walls, and complementarily shaped seats provided on lateral edges of said base.  
     
     
         3 . The modular storage box of  claim 1 , further comprising: complementary elements for connecting adjacent lateral edges of a plurality of bases connected by way of said bridge elements.  
     
     
         4 . The modular storage box of  claim 3 , wherein said complementary elements are provided with detachable, complementary connection means for rigid coupling thereof to adjacent lateral edges of said bases.  
     
     
         5 . The modular storage box of  claim 4 , wherein each one of said bridge elements is constituted monolithically by a vertical portion, by a footing, and by a substantially triangular element arranged for reinforcement and connection between said vertical portion and said footing.  
     
     
         6 . The modular storage box of  claim 5 , wherein said first engagement means comprise a plurality of lugs provided monolithical with vertical edges of said first and said second walls.  
     
     
         7 . The modular storage box of  claim 6 , wherein one of said lugs has a flexible chamfered stud.  
     
     
         8 . The modular storage box of  claim 7 , wherein said bridge elements comprise contoured centering and connection portions, said lugs with studs interlocking reversibly in corresponding and preset ones of said contoured centering and connection portions.  
     
     
         9 . The modular storage box of  claim 8 , wherein said bridge elements further comprise second engagement means and third engagement means.  
     
     
         10 . The modular storage box of  claim 9 , wherein said second engagement means comprise first flexible tabs with an anchoring tooth, which protrude downward and monolithically with respect to said footing of said bridge elements.  
     
     
         11 . The modular storage box of  claim 10 , wherein said third engagement means comprise second flexible tabs with an anchoring tooth that protrude monolithically from the lower sides of said side walls.  
     
     
         12 . The modular storage box of  claim 11 , wherein said first tabs and said second tabs engage by reversible interlocking in said seats shaped complementarily in lateral edges of said bases.  
     
     
         13 . The modular storage box of  claim 12 , wherein said detachable connection means are constituted by third flexible tabs with an anchoring tooth, said third tabs protruding monolithically from lower edges of said first and second walls so as to engage by reversible interlocking in slots that are shaped complementarily on longitudinal edges of said bases.  
     
     
         14 . The modular storage box of  claim 13 , wherein said detachable, complementary connection means are constituted by fourth flexible tabs with an anchoring tooth, said fourth tabs protruding downward, being monolithic with said complementary elements, and interlocking reversibly in said seats shaped complementarily on the lateral edges of said bases.  
     
     
         15 . The modular storage box of  claim 14 , wherein said complementary connection means are provided, proximate to said first tabs, said second tabs, said third tabs and said fourth tabs with centering and reinforcement elements, which enter complementarily shaped holes on the lateral edges and longitudinal edges of said bases.  
     
     
         16 . The modular storage box of  claim 1 , wherein said cross-member has T-shaped ends for accommodation in complementarily shaped cavities provided above vertical portions of said bridge elements.  
     
     
         17 . The modular storage box of  claim 16 , wherein said cross-member comprises a drainage channel that runs longitudinally with respect to said cross-member.  
     
     
         18 . The modular storage box of  claim 17 , wherein said cavities are shaped so as to form a raised edge to prevent overflow.  
     
     
         19 . The modular storage box of  claim 18 , wherein said vertical portion has a drainage opening at the upper end of an outer wall thereof.  
     
     
         20 . The modular storage box of  claim 15 , comprising, as a basic configuration, one of said bases, one of said first and said second walls, one of said lids, and two of said side walls.  
     
     
         21 . The modular storage box of  claim 15 , comprising, as a combined configuration, two of said bases and of said first and said second walls, two of said lids, two of said side walls, two of said bridge elements, a cross-member and a complementary element.  
     
     
         22 . The modular storage box of  claim 20 , comprising, below one of said lateral edges of said base, two wheels for moving the modular box in assembled condition.