Container system with interlock

Abstract

A container system for use with a forklift includes a plurality of containers. Each container includes a container body having corner interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other, a base secured relative to the container body, and dimensioned to support the container body and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof and a cover mountable to the container body.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container system for use with a forklift, which comprises:
 a plurality of containers, each container including:
 a container body having corner interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other; 
 a base secured relative to the container body, the base dimensioned to support the container body and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof; and 
 a cover mountable to the container body. 
   
     
     
         2 . The container system according to  claim 1  wherein each container includes a single pedestal, whereby the distance between the pedestals of adjacent coupled containers is at least equal to the width of the blade of the forklift. 
     
     
         3 . The container system according to  claim 2  wherein each container body includes male and female connector members, the male and female connectors of adjacent containers cooperating to connect the adjacent containers. 
     
     
         4 . The container system according to  claim 3  wherein the male and female connectors each extend for less than half the height of the container body. 
     
     
         5 . The container system according to  claim 4  wherein each container includes two male connectors disposed in diametrical corners of the container body, and two female connectors disposed in diametrical corners of the container body. 
     
     
         6 . The container system according to  claim 5  wherein the cover includes a contoured surface and wherein the base includes a corresponding contoured surface, the contoured surfaces interlocking to couple vertically stacked containers. 
     
     
         7 . The container system according to  claim 1  wherein the interlocking structure is dimensioned and arranged to directly couple three containers.