Patent 11986946

Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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Prior art

Earlier patents, publications, and products that may anticipate or render the claims unpatentable.

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To identify the most relevant prior art for US Patent 11986946, I will examine the "Citations" section of the patent on Google Patents. This section lists the patents and other publications that the examiner considered during prosecution. "Prior art" refers to any public information that predates the effective filing date of a patent application and can be used to challenge the novelty or non-obviousness of an invention. Under 35 U.S.C. § 102, an invention cannot be patented if it was known or available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.

Based on the provided patent text, here are the citations listed:

Cited Prior Art for US Patent 11986946:

  1. US3648849A

    • Full Citation: US3648849A, "Desk tray arrangement"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1972-03-14 (Filing date: 1970-02-13)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a desk tray arrangement.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Without further detail on the mechanism of the desk tray, it's difficult to definitively state which specific claims of US11986946B2 it might anticipate. However, generally, it could potentially relate to the broad concept of interconnected modules or storage elements. Given its early publication date, it might serve as general background art for modular organization, but its direct relevance to the specific locking and unlocking mechanisms of US11986946B2 would need a deeper analysis of its internal structure.

  2. US3980185A

    • Full Citation: US3980185A, "Cargo container interlock system"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1976-09-14 (Filing date: 1973-08-06)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a cargo container interlock system.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is highly relevant as it explicitly deals with "interlock systems" for "cargo containers". It could potentially anticipate aspects of all independent claims (Claims 1, 11, and 15) of US11986946B2 that broadly describe a connection structure for interlocking storage boxes. A detailed comparison of the specific interlock mechanism in US3980185A with the "first connection part," "second connection part," "locking buckle," "mating part," and particularly the "stop part" and its functions (automatic locking, hold unlocking, automatic reset) as defined in US11986946B2 would be necessary for a precise assessment of anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

  3. US4619363A

    • Full Citation: US4619363A, "Multiple tray-shaped packing and storage unit"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1986-10-28 (Filing date: 1984-02-27)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a multiple tray-shaped packing and storage unit.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This patent's focus on "multiple tray-shaped packing and storage unit" suggests relevance to the concept of modular storage. It could potentially anticipate elements of Claims 1, 11, and 15 that relate to the general assembly of multiple storage elements. The specific details of how these trays are connected and secured would determine its direct bearing on the unique locking, hold-unlocked, and automatic reset features of US11986946B2.

  4. US4736861A

    • Full Citation: US4736861A, "Reel carrier with slip resistant feet"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1988-04-12 (Filing date: 1982-04-29)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a reel carrier with slip-resistant feet.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference appears less directly related to the specific locking mechanisms of US11986946B2. While it involves a "carrier" and "storage," its primary focus on "reel carrier with slip resistant feet" suggests a different technical problem and solution. It might be cited for broader concepts of container design or features that enhance stability when stacked, which could have very general relevance to the idea of a "storage box assembly" in Claim 9.

  5. US5011013A

    • Full Citation: US5011013A, "Portable storage container"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1991-04-30 (Filing date: 1990-04-27)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a portable storage container.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): As a "portable storage container", this could be relevant to the general concept of a storage box as described in US11986946B2, particularly Claim 8, which mentions the first connection part being on a lid of a storage box. The novelty of US11986946B2, however, lies in its specific connection structure with automatic locking, hold-unlocked, and automatic reset functions, which would need to be compared to the details of US5011013A.

  6. EP0555533A1

    • Full Citation: EP0555533A1, "Stackable container"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1993-08-18 (Filing date: 1992-01-18)
    • Brief Description: This European patent application describes a stackable container.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is highly relevant to the core concept of "stackable containers" and could potentially anticipate elements of Claims 1, 11, and 15 related to the interlockable nature of the storage boxes, and Claim 9 specifically regarding "two adjacent storage boxes are interlockable with each other". A careful examination of its stacking and connection mechanism would be required to assess whether it discloses the specific "first connection part," "second connection part," "locking buckle," "mating part," "stop part," and the described locking/unlocking states of US11986946B2.

  7. US5518139A

    • Full Citation: US5518139A, "Portable storage assembly"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 1996-05-21 (Filing date: 1993-11-24)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a portable storage assembly.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference, a "portable storage assembly", is broadly relevant to the overall subject matter of US11986946B2. It could potentially be considered prior art for the general concept of assembling multiple storage units, as implicitly or explicitly claimed in Claims 1, 11, 15, and particularly Claim 9. The specific interlocking and hold-unlocked features of US11986946B2 would need to be thoroughly compared to the disclosed mechanisms of US5518139A.

  8. US6082539A

    • Full Citation: US6082539A, "Locking device of a tool box"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2000-07-04 (Filing date: 1999-01-05)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a locking device specifically for a tool box.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This patent is highly relevant as it describes a "locking device of a tool box", directly addressing the function of locking storage boxes, similar to US11986946B2's objective. It is particularly relevant to Claims 1, 11, and 15, which detail the locking mechanisms. A close examination of US6082539A's locking device's components and operation would be crucial to determine if it anticipates the specific configuration of the "first connection part," "second connection part," "locking buckle," "mating part," and especially the "stop part" and its hold-unlocked and automatic reset features in US11986946B2.

  9. EP1059240A1

    • Full Citation: EP1059240A1, "Container Arrangement"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2000-12-13 (Filing date: 1999-06-02)
    • Brief Description: This European patent application describes a container arrangement.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Similar to EP0555533A1, this reference on "Container Arrangement" is generally relevant to the modularity of storage boxes. It could anticipate aspects of Claims 1, 11, and 15 concerning the connection of modules. Its specific interlocking mechanism needs to be analyzed to determine if it discloses the particular combination of features claimed in US11986946B2, especially the stop part for holding an unlocked state.

  10. US6193062B1

    • Full Citation: US6193062B1, "Tackle box"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2001-02-27 (Filing date: 1999-09-02)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a tackle box.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): While a "tackle box" is a type of storage box, its direct relevance to the intricate connection mechanisms of US11986946B2 would depend on whether it features similar automatic locking, hold-unlocked, and automatic reset functions. It might anticipate the general idea of a storage box (e.g., in Claim 8) but is less likely to anticipate the detailed connection structure of the independent claims without further analysis of its specific locking features.

  11. US20020000440A1

    • Full Citation: US20020000440A1, "Portable workshop container assembly"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2002-01-03 (Filing date: 2000-03-12)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a portable workshop container assembly.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): As a "portable workshop container assembly", this reference is highly relevant to the overall concept of modular and interconnected storage, particularly as it relates to tools. It could potentially anticipate aspects of Claims 1, 11, and 15 regarding the connection of multiple storage units. The detailed connection mechanism, especially the "stop part" and its specific functionality for hold-unlocked and automatic reset states, would need to be directly compared to ascertain anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

  12. EP1238602A2

    • Full Citation: EP1238602A2, "Fast interlockable stackable suitcase"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2002-09-11 (Filing date: 2001-03-08)
    • Brief Description: This European patent application describes a fast interlockable stackable suitcase.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is very relevant due to its title, "Fast interlockable stackable suitcase", which strongly aligns with the problem US11986946B2 aims to solve (interlocking storage boxes for easy movement). It directly addresses the "interlockable" and "stackable" aspects, making it highly pertinent to Claims 1, 11, 15, and 9. A thorough comparison of its interlocking mechanism and any features related to maintaining an unlocked state or automatic reset would be critical to assessing anticipation.

  13. US20030062365A1

    • Full Citation: US20030062365A1, "Domed food container"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2003-04-03 (Filing date: 2001-10-03)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a domed food container.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference, a "domed food container", seems less directly relevant to the specific locking mechanisms for modular storage boxes. While it's a "container," its primary function and design appear different. It might broadly relate to general container features, but it's unlikely to anticipate the detailed connection structure, especially the unique stop part and resilient member arrangements of US11986946B2.

  14. US20030094392A1

    • Full Citation: US20030094392A1, "Tool Box"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2003-05-22 (Filing date: 2000-08-03)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a tool box.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): As a "Tool Box", this reference is relevant to the type of storage box US11986946B2 is intended for. It could potentially anticipate the general concept of a storage box with a connection mechanism, particularly for Claims 1, 11, and 15. However, a detailed analysis would be needed to determine if it discloses the specific "first connection part," "second connection part," "locking buckle," "mating part," and the crucial "stop part" with its described functions of automatic locking, hold unlocking, and automatic reset.

  15. US6761366B1

    • Full Citation: US6761366B1, "Mobile tool carrier"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2004-07-13 (Filing date: 2001-06-04)
    • Brief Description: This patent describes a mobile tool carrier.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): A "mobile tool carrier" is a relevant type of storage assembly, similar to the "storage box assembly" of US11986946B2. It could potentially anticipate aspects of Claims 1, 11, and 15 related to the overall assembly and interconnection of units. The specific mechanisms for achieving automatic locking, hold unlocking, and automatic reset, particularly the design and operation of the "stop part," would need to be critically compared with the disclosures of US6761366B1 for anticipation.

  16. US20040144670A1

    • Full Citation: US20040144670A1, "Variably stackable sterilization tray system"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2004-07-29 (Filing date: 2003-01-29)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a variably stackable sterilization tray system.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference on a "variably stackable sterilization tray system" is relevant to the concept of stackable modules. It could anticipate the broad idea of connecting multiple units, as outlined in Claims 1, 11, 15, and 9. The "variably stackable" aspect might also touch upon the idea of different sized boxes, which is a problem mentioned in the background of US11986946B2. However, the specific locking mechanisms, particularly the "stop part" and its unique functions in US11986946B2, would require detailed comparison.

  17. EP1516703A1

    • Full Citation: EP1516703A1, "Stackable toolbox"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2005-03-23 (Filing date: 2003-09-17)
    • Brief Description: This European patent application describes a stackable toolbox.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is highly relevant as a "stackable toolbox" directly relates to the invention's application. It could potentially anticipate elements of all independent claims (Claims 1, 11, 15) and Claim 9, specifically regarding the interlocking of multiple storage boxes. A thorough analysis of its stacking and connection mechanism, especially any features providing automatic locking, hold unlocking, or automatic reset, is essential to determine anticipation.

  18. JP2005162223A

    • Full Citation: JP2005162223A, "Storage box connecting structure"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2005-06-23 (Filing date: 2003-11-28)
    • Brief Description: This Japanese patent application describes a storage box connecting structure.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is extremely relevant as it explicitly describes a "Storage box connecting structure", directly matching the subject matter of US11986946B2. It has a strong potential to anticipate elements across all independent claims (Claims 1, 11, and 15), as well as claims related to the storage box itself (Claim 8) and the assembly (Claim 9). A detailed analysis of the specific components and functions of its connecting structure, including any locking, unlocking, and reset mechanisms, would be crucial for evaluating anticipation under 35 U.S.C. § 102.

  19. US20050150892A1

    • Full Citation: US20050150892A1, "Collapsible container having recessed lid locking latches"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2005-07-14 (Filing date: 2004-01-09)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a collapsible container with recessed lid locking latches.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is relevant because it concerns a "container" with "lid locking latches", which touches upon the locking part of US11986946B2, particularly for Claims 1, 11, and 15. The "recessed" nature of the latches may also be relevant to how the locking buckle is housed or operates. A detailed comparison of the specific locking and unlocking mechanisms, and the presence of a "stop part" for holding an unlocked state, would be necessary.

  20. US20070012694A1

    • Full Citation: US20070012694A1, "Portable container assembly"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2007-01-18 (Filing date: 2005-05-16)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a portable container assembly.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): As a "portable container assembly", this reference is broadly relevant to the general concept of US11986946B2, especially Claims 1, 11, 15, and 9. The specific means of connection and whether it includes features for automatic locking, hold unlocking, and automatic reset would determine its direct anticipatory effect on the independent claims.

  21. US20070194543A1

    • Full Citation: US20070194543A1, "Portable container assembly"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2007-08-23 (Filing date: 2005-05-16)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a portable container assembly.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): Similar to US20070012694A1, this "portable container assembly" is broadly relevant to the overall invention. Its relevance to Claims 1, 11, 15, and 9 would depend on the specific connection and locking mechanisms employed, and whether they include the unique "stop part" functionality for hold-unlocked and automatic reset states.

  22. US20080121547A1

    • Full Citation: US20080121547A1, "Connection System"
    • Publication/Filing Date: Publication date: 2008-05-29 (Filing date: 2005-02-18)
    • Brief Description: This published application describes a connection system.
    • Potential Anticipated Claim(s): This reference is very broadly titled "Connection System", making it potentially relevant to the fundamental aspect of connecting modules. Without further details on the specific type of connection system, its components, and its application, it's difficult to assess which specific claims of US11986946B2 it might anticipate. However, it could potentially address the broad concept of a first and second connection part (Claims 1, 11, 15) and would require a deep dive into its detailed disclosure to determine if it teaches the automatic locking, hold-unlocked, and automatic reset features of US11986946B2.

Generated 5/22/2026, 12:49:27 PM