US20190300245A1

US20190300245A1 - Transformable storage container

Info

Publication number: US20190300245A1
Application number: US16/370,364
Authority: US
Inventors: Erin Smith Wright; Brian Roderman; David Singer; Justin Pendleton; Sara Roueche Dulski; Kevin Shin
Original assignee: Electrolux Home Products Inc
Current assignee: Electrolux Home Products Inc
Priority date: 2018-03-30
Filing date: 2019-03-29
Publication date: 2019-10-03

Abstract

A transformable storage container may comprise: an end wall; a support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the end wall and the support frame, the support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity defined by the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support frame, the support frame further comprising: a first channel substantially parallel to the end wall; and a second channel substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween; and an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable within the channel interface.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/650,797 filed Mar. 30, 2018, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage containers and, more specifically, to a transformable storage container positionable in multiple configurations for storing laundry.

BACKGROUND

Storage containers, and laundry hampers or baskets in particular, are used for varying purposes. Although a laundry basket having a high width-to-height ratio may be preferable for carrying folded garments without causing excessive wrinkling, a taller and thinner laundry hamper may be preferable for fitting into a corner of a small room or a closet. There exists a need for an improved container that provides multiple configurations depending on the varying requirements of the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all embodiments, nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
A transformable storage container is provided in one embodiment, the transformable storage container comprising: an end wall; a support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the end wall and the support frame, the support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity defined by the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support frame, the support frame further comprising: a first channel substantially parallel to the end wall; and a second channel substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween; and an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable within the channel interface, wherein the end door is moveable between a closed position and an open position, wherein in the closed position, the end door substantially covers the opening, wherein in the closed position, the protrusion is configured to be positioned in the first channel, and wherein the protrusion is configured to travel from the first channel to the second channel during movement of the end door from the closed position to the open position.
In one particular embodiment, an outer wall of the first channel is of sufficient length to maintain engagement of the protrusion. In another particular embodiment, in the open position, the end door is positioned substantially perpendicular to the support frame. In yet another particular embodiment, the protrusion is not positioned within the first channel or the second channel in the open position.
In yet another particular embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to another of the plurality of sides, the first side door positionable within a second opening providing access to the interior cavity. In yet another particular embodiment, the first side door is collapsible into the interior cavity to provide access to the interior cavity.
In yet another particular embodiment, the support frame comprises a locking mechanism for securing the first side door in a closed position. In yet another particular embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the support frame and the first side door, wherein in a first position, the latch is configured to engage a surface of the first side door opposite the second opening, and in a second position, the latch is configured to not engage the first side door. In yet another particular embodiment, the first side door comprises a channel for receiving the latch in the first position. In yet another particular embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises at least one magnetic element. In yet another particular embodiment, at least one of the end wall and the support frame comprises an overhang extending partially over the second opening, the overhang further comprising the locking mechanism, and wherein at least one of the overhang and the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the first side door from collapsing inward or opening outward when the locking mechanism is engaged with the first side door.
In yet another particular embodiment, the end wall comprises an additional support frame defining an additional opening to the interior cavity, wherein an additional door is movably positioned in the additional opening.
A transformable storage container is provided in another embodiment, the transformable storage container comprising: a first end wall; and a second end wall operatively coupled to the first end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first and second end walls defining an interior cavity, wherein a first side of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side door being moveable between an open position and a closed position, the first side door being configured to at least partially cover an opening to the interior cavity in the closed position, wherein the first side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity toward the open position to provide access to the interior cavity, and wherein at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side door and preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and opening outward when the feature is engaged with the first side door.
In one particular embodiment, the feature comprises at least one of an overhang or a locking mechanism configured for detachably coupling the first side door to the feature and removably positioning the first side door within the opening. In another particular embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the end wall and the first side door, wherein in a first position, the latch is configured to engage a surface of the first side door opposite the opening, and in a second position, the latch is configured to not engage the first side door. In yet another particular embodiment, the first side door comprises a channel for receiving the latch in the first position. In yet another particular embodiment, the feature comprises at least one magnetic element.
In yet another particular embodiment, at least one of the first wall and the second wall comprises a support frame defining an additional opening to the interior cavity, wherein an additional door is movably positioned in the additional opening. In yet another particular embodiment, the first side further comprises a second side door hingedly coupled to a third side of the plurality of sides, the second side door being moveable between an open position of the second side door and a closed position of the second side door, the second side door being configured to at least partially cover the opening to the interior cavity in the closed position of the second side door, wherein in the closed position of the second side door, the second side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity.
A transformable storage container is provided in another embodiment, the transformable storage container comprising: a first end wall; a second end wall comprising a support frame, the second end wall being operatively coupled to the first end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first and second end walls defining an interior cavity, the support frame defining a first opening to the interior cavity, the support frame further comprising: a first channel substantially parallel to the second end wall; and a second channel substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween; and an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable within the channel interface, wherein the end door is moveable between a closed end door position and an open end door position, wherein in the closed end door position, the end door substantially covers the first opening, wherein in the closed end door position, the protrusion is configured to be positioned in the first channel, and wherein the protrusion is configured to travel from the first channel to the second channel during movement of the end door from the closed end door position to the open end door position, wherein a first side of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side door being moveable between an open side door position and a closed side door position, the first side door being configured to at least partially cover a second opening to the interior cavity in the closed side door position, wherein the first side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity toward the open side door position to provide access to the interior cavity, and wherein at least one of the first end wall and the support frame comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side door and preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and opening outward when the feature is engaged with the first side door.
The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present invention or may be combined with yet other embodiments, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an open transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a transformable storage container having a door, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1D illustrates a view of a base of a transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1E illustrates a side view of a transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1F illustrates a side view of an end of a transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a partially open transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a container door, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C illustrates a door hinge, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hinge, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2E illustrates an interior view of door locking mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2F illustrates a portion of a door locking mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of an open transformable storage container positioned in an alternative configuration, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a transformable storage container with an open container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C illustrates a container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3D illustrates a side view of a channel interface, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3E illustrates an engaged container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3F illustrates an intermediate container end door position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3G illustrates a side view of an engaged container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3H illustrates a side view of a container end door in an intermediate position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3I illustrates a container end door in an open position, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3J illustrates a detailed view of a door retaining protrusion, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a configuration of the transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a configuration of the transformable storage container, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a top view of a transformable storage container and container door latch, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a container door locking mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5C illustrates a container door locking mechanism, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A illustrates a side view of an engaged container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6B illustrates a perspective view of an engaged container end door, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention now may be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure may satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
It should be understood that “operatively coupled,” as used herein, means that the components may be formed integrally with each other, or may be formed separately and coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” means that the components may be formed directly to each other, or to each other with one or more components located between the components that are operatively coupled together. Furthermore, “operatively coupled” may mean that the components are detachable from each other, or that they are permanently coupled together. Furthermore, operatively coupled components may mean that the components retain at least some freedom of movement in one or more directions or may be rotated about an axis (i.e., rotationally coupled, pivotally coupled).
Also, it will be understood that, where possible, any of the advantages, features, functions, devices, and/or operational aspects of any of the embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein may be included in any of the other embodiments of the present invention described and/or contemplated herein, and/or vice versa. In addition, where possible, any terms expressed in the singular form herein are meant to also include the plural form and/or vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise. Accordingly, the terms “a” and/or “an” shall mean “one or more.”
Storage containers, and laundry hampers or baskets in particular, are used for varying purposes. While a laundry basket having a high width-to-height ratio may be preferable for carrying folded garments without causing excessive wrinkling, a taller and thinner laundry hamper may be preferable for fitting into a corner of a small room or a closet. Typically, users choose a single container having only one configuration and do are not able to receive the benefits of both a basket and hamper unless they purchase multiple containers. Therefore, there exists a need for an improved container that provides multiple configurations depending on the varying requirements of the user. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a transformable storage container having a design and novel features that overcome the challenges as discussed above and herein.
FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a collection of views of a transformable storage container 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As depicted by the illustrated embodiment, the transformable storage container 100 comprises a first support frame 102 and a second support frame 104. The support frames 102 and 104 generally provide shape and structure to the container 100 and provide a platform for which to attach additional components. In the illustrated embodiment, support frames 102 and 104 are positioned substantially parallel to one another and separated by a plurality of panels forming the sides of the container 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, support frame 102 and 104 are operatively coupled together by a plurality of side panels including base 106, side walls 112 and 114, and side door 116. Together, the support frames 102, 104 and the plurality of side panels define an enclosure of the container 100 having an interior cavity 132. Although the container 100 as depicted is hexahedron-shaped having six sides, it should be understood that the container 100 may be configured to include more or fewer panels to be embodied in different shapes. Furthermore, although the support frames 102 and 104 are depicted in the figures as generally square or rectangular-shaped, it should be understood that any shape may be used for the support frames 102 and 104.
Support frames 102 and 104 define openings through which the interior cavity 132 of the container 100 may be accessed by the user. End walls 108 and 110 may be positioned within the openings of the support frames 102 and 104 to provide a surface and/or further define the enclosure of the container 100. In some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, one or more end walls 108 and 110 may be doors operatively coupled to and repositionable with respect to the support frames 102 and 104, respectively, to provide access to the interior cavity 132 of the container 100. Accordingly, a user may be provided with several optional doors besides door 116 through which to access the interior 126 of the container 100. In this way, a user is able to move or reconfigure one or more of the doors (e.g., doors 116, 108, or 110) to provide access to the interior cavity 132 for storage of items such as garments or laundry. Additionally, the container 100 may be repositioned on a surface (e.g., a floor) in several configurations to utilize the various doors of the container 100 (as depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B). The container 100 may be placed on any side and remain operational.
Although the container 100 defines an enclosure, one or more spaces, holes, or perforations may be positioned through portions of the panels of the container 100 for functional and/or aesthetic means. For example, one or more holes 134 in the container 100 may allow for an airflow through the interior cavity 132 of the container 100. In another example, spaces, such as spaces 118, 120, 122A, 122B, 124A, 124B, and 126, may provide handles or points of contact for a user to manipulate, grip, or carry the container 100.
FIGS. 2A-2F illustrate a collection of views depicting a side door 116 and its coupling to a portion of the transformable storage container 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As previously discussed, a user may prefer to position the container 100 to access and utilize side door 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the side door 116 is divided and comprises a first door 116A and a second door 116B each coupled to separate side walls 112 and 114 of the container, respectively. As illustrated, the doors 116A, 116B may collapse into the interior cavity 132 of the container 100 to provide an accessible opening to the user. Upon collapsing inwardly, the doors 116A and 116B may be positioned substantially parallel to the side walls 112 and 114, respectively. As depicted in FIG. 2A, the container 100 may be optionally configured wherein only one of the two doors 116A and 116B is placed inside the container 100.
The doors 116A, 116B are operatively coupled to at least one of the side walls 112, 114 and/or the support frames 102, 104 via an attachment means such as a hinge. As depicted in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the doors 116A, 116B comprise one or more hinge sleeves 202 for receiving pins 204 positioned along an edge of a side wall 112, 114 proximate the doors 116A, 116B, wherein the doors 116A, 116B are operatively coupled to at least one of the side walls 112, 114.
The support frames 102 and 104 may comprise one or more features for preventing the doors 116A, 116B from collapsing inward and/or opening outward from the container 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frames 102 and 104 further comprise overhangs 128 and 130, respectively, which extend at least partially over the opening of the container 100 and the doors 116A, 116B, wherein the doors 116A, 116B may be positioned between the opening of the container 100 and the overhangs 128, 130. In one embodiment, the overhangs 128, 130 may be configured to prevent the doors 116A, 116B from collapsing inward or opening outward from the container 100. In another embodiment, a portion of the doors 116A, 116B may contact and removably couple to a bottom surface 206 of each of the overhangs 128, 130.
The overhangs 128, 130 and/or the doors 116A, 116B may further comprise a locking mechanism 208 for detachably coupling and retaining the doors 116A, 116B in the opening and preventing them from falling into the interior cavity 132 and/or from being opened outward. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 208 comprises a first magnetic element 210 operatively coupled to the bottom surface 206 of the overhang 128, 130 and a second magnetic element 212 operatively coupled to a portion of the door 116A, 116B overlapped by the overhang 128, 130, wherein the interaction between the first and second magnetic elements 210 and 212 retains the door 116A, 116B in position. The first and second magnetic elements 210, 212 may comprise a magnet, ferromagnetic material, or the like.
In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C, the locking mechanism 208 is a latch 402 rotatably coupled to a portion of the support frame 102 such as the overhang 128. The locking mechanism 208 may further comprise a user-actuatable knob 404 operatively coupled to the rotatable latch 402 for manipulating a position of the latch 402 relative to the support frame 102 and/or the doors 116A, 116B. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 402 is repositionable between a first position and a second position. In the first position (FIG. 5A), the latch 402 at least partially engages and secures at least one of the doors 116A, 116B within the opening. In the illustrated embodiment, in the first position, the latch 402 engages a surface of the door 116A, 116B opposite the opening of the container so that the door 116A, 116B is temporarily positioned or retained in the opening. In the second position, the latch 402 does not contact the door 116A, 116B or impede hinged movement of the door 116A, 116B as it opens outward or collapses inward into the container 100.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, the doors 116A, 116B further comprise an arcuate channels 406 which either individually or in-combination receive the latch 402 when the latch 402 is rotated into the first position. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, the latch 402 may contain a magnetic element which is configured to align with a corresponding magnetic element 408 on the door 116A, 116B to provide additional coupling support to the door 116A, 116B when positioned in the opening of the container 100. Specifically, the magnetic elements 408 of the door 116A, 116B and the latch 402 at least partially prevent the door 116A, 116B from collapsing into the interior cavity 132. It should be understood that other means for securing the door 116A, 116B may be used instead of the magnetic elements 408. For example, the locking mechanism could include a structure positioned below the latch 402 when the latch 402 is engaged with the door 116A, 116B. In a specific example, the latch 402 may include a secondary latch structure that is configured to rotate and extend beneath the door 116A, 116B when the latch 402 is engaged with the door 116A, 116B, wherein the door 116A, 116B is positionable between the latch 402 and the secondary latch.
FIGS. 3A-3J illustrate a collection of views depicting the positioning and coupling of an end wall door with respect to a transformable storage container 100, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. As previously discussed, end walls or doors 108 and 110 may be moveably positioned with openings defined by support frames 102 and 104 to provide optional access to the interior cavity 132 in various configurations of the container 100.
In the example provided by the illustrated embodiment, door 108 comprises a proximal edge 324, distal edge 318, and side edges 326A, 326B and is moveably positionable within the opening of support frame 102. As depicted in FIGS. 3G and 3H, the door 108 comprises deformable tabs 302A and 302B proximate the proximal edge 324 of the door 108 which engage frame protrusions 320A and 320B, respectively, positioned on an interior of the support frame 102 to operatively couple the door 108 to the support frame 102 in a closed position. Additionally, the door 108 may engage with deformable protrusion 322 of the support frame 102 for additional support. The door 108 may slidably decouple and disengage the protrusions 320A, 320B, and 322 of the support frame 102, wherein a distal edge 318 of the door 108 may slide toward a distal interior edge 316 of the support frame 102 into an intermediate position (FIGS. 3F and 3H).
The door 108 further comprises protrusions 306 that are received in and move along a first channel 310 of the support frame 102, the first channel being positioned substantially parallel with the door 108 in the closed position. The protrusions 306 may further be received and moveable along a second channel 312 of the support frame 102. The first channel 310 is conjoined with the second channel 312, wherein the second channel 312 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the first channel 310. The first channel 310 and second channel 312 form an interface 314 in which the protrusion 306 is rotatable. This allows the door 108 to move between the first and second channel 310, 312 and move between a closed, first position (FIG. 3G) and an open, second position (FIG. 3I). In the closed position, the door 108 substantially covers the opening of the support frame 102. In the open position, the door 108 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the support frame 102 and substantially parallel to the base 106. The door 108 also includes indentations 308 which provide space for rotational movement of the door 108 between the first and second channels 310, 312. An outer wall 311 of the first channel 310 is of sufficient length to maintain engagement of the protrusion 306 and prevent removal of the door 108 from the support frame 102.
As depicted in FIG. 3I, in the open, second position, the door 108 is at least partially received within the interior cavity 132 of the container 100, wherein the distal edge 318 of the door may be supported by one or more protrusions 304 positioned on the interior of one or more of the panels of the container 100. Additionally, side edges 326A, 326B of the door 108 are at least partially retained within the second channel 312. In this way, while the door 108 is in the open position, the second channels 312 of the support frame 102 prevent the door 108 from falling forward into the interior cavity 132 of the container 100. The door 108 is held in the open, second position by the one or more protrusions 304 and the second channel 312.
FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an alternative embodiment of the end door as described above. In the illustrated alternative embodiment, a support frame 500 may comprise one or more additional support channels 502 in which one or more additional protrusions 504 of and end wall 506 may be positioned. The one or more additional support channels 502 are configured to provide additional support for preventing the end wall 506 from opening when positioned in a first, closed position either alone or in combination with the support of the deformable tabs as previously discussed with respect of FIGS. 3G and 3H. It should be appreciated that support frame 500 and end wall 506 may be substantially similar to the support frames 102, 104 and end walls 108, 110 as depicted in the previous figures other than the specific features discussed herein with respect to FIGS. 6A and 6B.
Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations, modifications, and combinations of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A transformable storage container comprising:

an end wall;

a support frame operatively coupled to the end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the end wall and the support frame, the support frame defining an opening to an interior cavity defined by the end wall, the plurality of sides, and the support frame, the support frame further comprising:

a first channel substantially parallel to the end wall; and

a second channel substantially perpendicular and conjoined to the first channel, the first channel and the second channel forming a channel interface therebetween; and

an end door movably coupled to the support frame by the first channel and the second channel, the end door comprising a protrusion proximate a perimeter of the end door, the protrusion being moveable between the first and second channels and rotatable within the channel interface,

wherein the end door is moveable between a closed position and an open position,

wherein in the closed position, the end door substantially covers the opening,

wherein in the closed position, the protrusion is configured to be positioned in the first channel, and

wherein the protrusion is configured to travel from the first channel to the second channel during movement of the end door from the closed position to the open position.

2. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein an outer wall of the first channel is of sufficient length to maintain engagement of the protrusion.

3. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein in the open position, the end door is positioned substantially perpendicular to the support frame.

4. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to another of the plurality of sides, the first side door positionable within a second opening providing access to the interior cavity.

5. The transformable storage container of claim 4, wherein the first side door is collapsible into the interior cavity to provide access to the interior cavity.

6. The transformable storage container of claim 5, wherein the support frame comprises a locking mechanism for securing the first side door in a closed position.

7. The transformable storage container of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the support frame and the first side door, wherein in a first position, the latch is configured to engage a surface of the first side door opposite the second opening, and in a second position, the latch is configured to not engage the first side door.

8. The transformable storage container of claim 7, wherein the first side door comprises a channel for receiving the latch in the first position.

9. The transformable storage container of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least one magnetic element.

10. The transformable storage container of claim 6, wherein at least one of the end wall and the support frame comprises an overhang extending partially over the second opening, the overhang further comprising the locking mechanism, and wherein at least one of the overhang and the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the first side door from collapsing inward or opening outward when the locking mechanism is engaged with the first side door.

11. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein the protrusion is not positioned within the first channel or the second channel in the open position.

12. The transformable storage container of claim 1, wherein the end wall comprises an additional support frame defining an additional opening to the interior cavity, wherein an additional door is movably positioned in the additional opening.

13. A transformable storage container comprising:

a first end wall; and

a second end wall operatively coupled to the first end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first and second end walls defining an interior cavity,

wherein a first side of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side door being moveable between an open position and a closed position, the first side door being configured to at least partially cover an opening to the interior cavity in the closed position,

wherein the first side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity toward the open position to provide access to the interior cavity, and

wherein at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side door and preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and opening outward when the feature is engaged with the first side door.

14. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein the feature comprises at least one of an overhang and a locking mechanism configured for detachably coupling the first side door to the feature and removably positioning the first side door within the opening.

15. The transformable storage container of claim 14, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch rotatably coupled to a knob manipulatable for repositioning the latch between the at least one of the first and second end walls and the first side door, wherein in a first position, the latch is configured to engage a surface of the first side door opposite the opening, and in a second position, the latch is configured to not engage the first side door.

16. The transformable storage container of claim 15, wherein the first side door comprises a channel for receiving the latch in the first position.

17. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein the feature comprises at least one magnetic element.

18. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first end wall and the second end wall comprises a support frame defining an additional opening to the interior cavity, wherein an additional door is movably positioned in the additional opening.

19. The transformable storage container of claim 13, wherein the first side further comprises a second side door hingedly coupled to a third side of the plurality of sides, the second side door being moveable between an open position of the second side door and a closed position of the second side door, the second side door being configured to at least partially cover the opening to the interior cavity in the closed position of the second side door, wherein in the closed position of the second side door, the second side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity.

20. A transformable storage container comprising:

a first end wall;

a second end wall comprising a support frame, the second end wall being operatively coupled to the first end wall by a plurality of sides extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, the plurality of sides and the first and second end walls defining an interior cavity, the support frame defining a first opening to the interior cavity, the support frame further comprising:

a first channel substantially parallel to the second end wall; and

wherein the end door is moveable between a closed end door position and an open end door position,

wherein in the closed end door position, the end door substantially covers the first opening,

wherein in the closed end door position, the protrusion is configured to be positioned in the first channel, and

wherein the protrusion is configured to travel from the first channel to the second channel during movement of the end door from the closed end door position to the open end door position,

wherein a first side of the plurality of sides comprises a first side door hingedly coupled to a second side of the plurality of sides, the first side door being moveable between an open side door position and a closed side door position, the first side door being configured to at least partially cover a second opening to the interior cavity in the closed side door position,

wherein the first side door is configured to collapse into the interior cavity toward the open side door position to provide access to the interior cavity, and

wherein at least one of the first end wall and the support frame comprises a feature configured for engaging the first side door and preventing the first side door from collapsing inward and opening outward when the feature is engaged with the first side door.