Modular Container

Abstract

A modular container assembly includes a base and a lid configured to be removably coupled to the base to form a containment area. At least one corner brace is attached to the base adjacent a first corner to strengthen the base. An access channel is formed in the first corner of the base and extends beneath the corner brace to provide clearance behind the brace.

1 . A modular container assembly comprising:
 a base;   a lid configured to be removably coupled to the base to form a containment area;   a corner brace attached to the base adjacent a first corner to strengthen the base; and   a clearance channel formed in the first corner of the base and extending beneath the corner brace to provide clearance behind the brace.   
     
     
         2 . The modular container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the clearance channel comprises an elongated recess formed in the base to extend at least partially along the first corner. 
     
     
         3 . The modular container assembly of  claim 2  wherein the elongated recess is formed to include an angled surface. 
     
     
         4 . The modular container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the corner brace comprises:
 first and second end sections configured to fixedly attach to adjacent portions of the sidewall of the base; and 
 an intermediate section disposed between the first and second end sections and spanning the clearance channel. 
 
     
     
         5 . The modular container assembly of  claim 4  wherein the first and second end sections are further attached to a bottom surface of the base. 
     
     
         6 . The modular container assembly of  claim 4  further comprising an opening formed in the intermediate section of the brace and over the access cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The modular container assembly of  claim 6  wherein the opening is sized to receive an end of a tie down. 
     
     
         8 . The modular container assembly of  claim 6  wherein the opening provides a lifting point used to lift the container. 
     
     
         9 . The modular container assembly of  claim 1  wherein the base includes an indentation formed in the first corner shaped to receive the corner brace. 
     
     
         10 . The modular container assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a wheel assembly attached to the brace. 
     
     
         11 . The modular container assembly of  claim 10  wherein the wheel assembly comprises:
 a bracket configured to attach to an exterior surface of the corner brace; and 
 a wheel having an axle that rotatably connects the wheel to the base, the corner brace, and the bracket. 
 
     
     
         12 . The modular container assembly of  claim 11  wherein the corner brace and the bracket include corresponding through-holes that receive a terminal end of the axle. 
     
     
         13 . The modular container assembly of  claim 11  further comprising a pair of bushings sized to connect the terminal ends of the axle to the base and the bracket to absorb shock. 
     
     
         14 . The modular connector of  claim 1  further comprising a latch to secure the lid to the base, the latch comprising an arm extending from an actuator on the latch to the container. 
     
     
         15 . The modular connector of  claim 14  wherein the arm comprises slot formed at one end to receive a lock that prevents opening the latch. 
     
     
         16 . The modular connector of  claim 1  wherein the corner brace comprises a first corner brace, and further comprising:
 a second corner brace attached to the base adjacent a second corner to strengthen the base; and 
 a second clearance channel formed in the second corner of the base and extending beneath the second corner brace to provide clearance behind the second brace. 
 
     
     
         17 . The modular connector of  claim 16  further comprising a wheel assembly fixedly attached to the second corner brace. 
     
     
         18 . The modular connector of  claim 1  further comprising an opening formed in the corner brace over the clearance channel configured to receive a tie down. 
     
     
         19 . The modular connector of  claim 1  further comprising a gasket to seal the lid and the base. 
     
     
         20 . A modular container assembly comprising:
 a base having a plurality of corners;   a lid configured to be removably coupled to the base to form a containment area;   a corner brace attached to each corner of the base to strengthen the base;   a clearance channel formed in each corner of the base and extending beneath the corresponding corner brace to provide clearance behind the corresponding corner brace; and   a pair wheels respectively attached to first and second corner braces to permit movement of the container over an underlying ground surface.