CN116963875A - Coupling platform for utility modules - Google Patents

Abstract

Various embodiments of the coupling platform described herein may be used to couple a storage unit, such as a modular storage unit, to a structure, such as to the underside of a work table or desk. One or more of the coupling platforms described herein facilitate a user to support a just disengaged support unit. For example, one or more of these coupling platforms allows a user to place his or her hands on both sides of the storage unit to complete the disengagement between the coupling platform and the storage unit.

Description

Coupling platform for utility modules

Cross-reference to related patent applications

The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional application number 63/174,293, filed on day 13 4 of 2021, and U.S. provisional application number 63/213,320, filed on day 22 of 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of storage units. The present disclosure relates specifically to a coupling platform for a modular storage unit.

Storage units are commonly used for vehicles and tool accessories. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices, and/or containers may provide a variety of different functions, such as a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit. The coupling platform is fixed to an object, such as to the underside of a table or workbench.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present application relate to a coupling platform for a connectable utility module. The coupling platform includes: a base portion having a front face and a bottom surface; a plurality of male couplers extending from a bottom surface of the base portion; a first elongate structure pivotally coupled to the base portion; a fastening element slidably coupled to the base portion; and a first protrusion slidably coupled to the fastening element. Each of the plurality of male couplers includes a body and a first tongue extending from below the body and offset from the bottom surface. Each of the plurality of male couplings is configured to engage with the female coupling of the first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform such that a portion of the female coupling is received between the bottom surface and the first tongue of the male coupling. The first tab is actuated between a secured position in which the first tab prevents the first container from being slidably disengaged from the base portion, and an unsecured position in which the first container is allowed to be slidably disengaged from the base portion. The first protrusion is actuated between a secured position and an unsecured position in response to the securing element sliding upward relative to the base portion.

Another embodiment of the application relates to a coupling platform for a connectable utility module. The coupling platform includes: an upper base portion; a lower base portion slidably coupled to the upper base portion, the lower base portion including a front face and a bottom face; a plurality of male couplers extending from a bottom surface of the lower base portion; and a fastening element coupled to the lower base portion and releasably engageable with the first container. Each of the plurality of male couplers includes a body and a first tongue extending from below the body and offset from the bottom surface. Each of the plurality of male couplings is configured to engage with the female coupling of the first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform such that a portion of the female coupling is received between the bottom surface and the first tongue of the male coupling. The securing element is actuated between a secured position in which the securing element prevents the first container from being slidably disengaged from the lower base portion, and an unsecured position in which the first container is allowed to be slidably disengaged from the lower base portion. The fastening element is actuated from the fastened position to the unfastened position in response to the lower base portion sliding towards the upper base portion.

Another embodiment of the application relates to a coupling platform for a connectable utility module. The coupling platform includes: a lower base portion comprising a front face, a bottom surface, and opposite sides; a plurality of male couplers extending from a bottom surface of the lower base portion; and a latch pivotally coupled to the lower base portion. Each of the plurality of male couplers includes a body and a first tongue extending from below the body and offset from the bottom surface. Each of the plurality of male couplings is configured to engage with the female coupling of the first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform such that a portion of the female coupling is received between the bottom surface and the first tongue of the male coupling. The latch extends from a first end to an opposite second end. The latch pivots about an axis relative to the lower base portion. The latch includes a protrusion that protrudes downward and is received within a latch recess of the first container such that the latch prevents the first container from sliding out of engagement with respect to the lower base portion. The latch includes a connection portion coupled to a second end of the latch, and the latch is configured to translate a downwardly directed force acting on the connection portion into the protrusion pivoting upward and away from the latch recess, thereby disengaging the protrusion from the first container.

Another embodiment of the present application is directed to a coupling platform comprising: an upper base portion; a lower base portion slidably coupled to the upper base portion, the lower base portion including a front face and a bottom surface; a plurality of male couplings; a fastening element. A plurality of male couplers extend from a bottom surface of the lower base portion. Each of the plurality of male couplers includes a tongue that is biased away from the bottom surface and extends in a first direction away from the front face. The male coupling is engageable with a female coupling of a storage unit (such as the first container) when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform. A fastening element is coupled to the lower base portion and is releasably engageable with the first container. The fastening element is actuated between a fastened position in which the first container is prevented from sliding relative to the lower base portion and an unfastened position in which the first container is allowed to slide relative to the lower base portion. The fastening element is actuated from the fastened position to the unfastened position in response to the lower base portion sliding towards the upper base portion.

In a particular embodiment, the coupling platform includes a latch. The latch is positionable in a locked position in which a projection of the latch projects downwardly relative to the bottom surface and is received in a latch recess of the first container. When engaged with the latch recess, the latch prevents sliding displacement of the first container relative to the coupling platform, thereby preventing disengagement of the male coupling from the female coupling. In particular embodiments, when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform, the tongue of each of the plurality of male couplings may engage under the rib of the female coupling of the first container. In a particular embodiment, the fastening element comprises a pinion gear in engagement with the rack. In a particular embodiment, the fastening element comprises a cam follower.

Another embodiment of the application is directed to a coupling platform that includes an upper base portion, a lower base portion, a plurality of male couplings, and a latch. The lower base portion is rigidly coupled to the upper base portion. The lower base portion includes a bottom surface and opposite sides. A plurality of male couplers extend from a bottom surface of the lower base portion. Each of the plurality of male couplers includes a tongue that is biased away from the bottom surface and extends in a first direction away from the front face. The male coupling is engageable with the female coupling of the first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform. The latch is pivotally coupled to the lower base portion. The latch extends from a first end to an opposite second end. The latch pivots about an axis relative to the lower base portion. The latch includes a protrusion that protrudes downward and is received within a latch recess of the first container such that the latch prevents sliding displacement of the first container relative to the coupling platform. The latch includes a connecting portion coupled to a second end of the latch opposite the first end. In response to the user moving the connecting portion upward, the latch protrusion pivots out of the latch recess of the first container.

Another embodiment of the present application is directed to a coupling platform for a connectable utility module that includes a base portion, a plurality of male couplings, an elongated structure (such as an arm), and a fastening element. The base portion includes a front face and a bottom surface. A plurality of male couplers extend from the bottom surface of the base portion. Each of the plurality of male couplers includes a tongue that is biased away from the bottom surface and extends in a first direction away from the front face. The male coupling is engageable with the female coupling of the first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform. An elongate structure is pivotally coupled to the base portion. The fastening element is coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the elongated structure. The fastening element is releasably engageable with the first container such that the fastening element is actuated between a fastened position in which the first container is prevented from sliding relative to the base portion and an unfastened position in which the first container is allowed to slide relative to the base portion. The fastening element is actuated from the fastened position to the unfastened position in response to the elongate structure pivoting relative to the base portion.

In a particular embodiment, the coupling platform comprises a first connector element and a second connector element coupled to the elongated structure at opposite sides of the base portion. In a particular embodiment, the coupling platform is configured to be coupled to the second container and the third container simultaneously, and each of the second container and the third container has a width that is about half the width of the base portion.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and drawings, which include. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Drawings

The present application will become more fully understood from the detailed description given below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and in which:

fig. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the storage unit of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the coupling platform of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the coupling platform of fig. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the coupling platform of fig. 1 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the coupling platform of fig. 1, according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of a section of a portion of the coupling platform of FIG. 1 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a side view of the coupling platform of fig. 1 according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a side view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a side view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a side view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a side view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a side view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a coupling platform coupled to a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the coupling platform of fig. 14 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the coupling platform of fig. 14, viewed from below and from the front, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the coupling platform of fig. 14, viewed from below and from behind, according to an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of coupling structures, such as coupling platforms, are shown. Modular storage units are used for storing and transporting vehicles and equipment. Various embodiments of the coupling platform described herein provide a mechanism for securely coupling and decoupling a modular storage unit to a work surface, such as the underside of a work table or desk. According to some embodiments of the modular storage unit, the coupling platform is uncoupled from the storage unit by disengaging the latch with one hand and sliding the storage unit with the other hand of the user.

Applicant has developed various coupling platforms to facilitate a user to support a storage unit that has been uncoupled from the coupling platform shortly before. According to one embodiment, the coupling platform comprises fastening elements that disengage as a result of a user placing both hands on both sides of the storage unit and sliding the lower part of the coupling platform towards the upper part of the coupling platform. Because the user has gripped both sides of the storage unit, the user can more easily support the just disengaged storage unit.

Referring to fig. 1-8, a coupling structure (shown as coupling platform 10) coupled to a container, unit, and/or device (shown as storage unit 80) is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. An upper component (shown as upper base portion 20) is coupled to the work surface. For example, the work surface is the bottom of the underside of a table, shelf or cart.

The lower component (shown as lower base portion 30) is slidably coupled to upper base portion 20. The lower base portion 30 includes a bottom surface 34 facing away from the upper base portion 20, a front surface 32, and opposite side surfaces 36. One or more coupling elements (shown as a plurality of male couplings 40) extend from the bottom surface 34 of the lower base portion 30. The tongue 42 of the male coupling 40 is offset from the bottom surface 34. The tongue 42 extends away from the front face 32 of the lower base portion 30 in a direction 94. In various embodiments, the male coupling 40 has a similar structure to the male coupling 640, which will be described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 1 to 2, the plurality of male couplers 40 can be engaged with the plurality of female couplers 82 of the storage unit 80. A coupling mechanism (shown as latch 60) is coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to the lower base portion 30 and releasably couples the lower base portion 30 to the storage unit 80. The tab 62 of the latch 60 extends into the latch recess 86 of the storage unit 80 to maintain engagement between the male coupling 40 and the female coupling 82.

The storage unit 80 includes one or more recesses (shown as female couplings 82). One or more protrusions (shown as ribs 84) extend above the female coupling.

The latch 60 is actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the latch 60 is in the locked position, the latch 60 biases the storage unit 80 against slidable disengagement with the lower base portion 30. In other words, the latch 60 may be positioned to a locked position in which the protrusion 62 of the latch 60 protrudes downward relative to the bottom surface 34 and is received in the latch recess of the storage unit such that the latch 60 prevents sliding displacement of the storage unit 80 relative to the coupling platform 10. Thus, when the storage unit 80 is blocked, the male coupling 40 is disengaged from the female coupling 82.

Referring to fig. 3-5, an exemplary method of coupling the storage unit 80 to the coupling platform 10 is depicted. The user moves the storage unit 80 to a position below the lower base portion 30 (fig. 3), such as by moving the storage unit 80 in a direction 94 to position the female coupling of the storage unit 80 below the male coupling of the lower base portion 30. The storage unit 80 is moved into connection with the lower base portion 30 (fig. 4), such as by moving the storage unit 80 in a direction 96 relative to the lower base portion 30. The male and female couplings are then engaged (fig. 5), such as by moving the storage unit 80 relative to the lower base portion 30 in a direction 92 until the latched protrusion 62 is received within the latching recess 86 of the storage unit 80.

Referring to fig. 6-7, various aspects of the latch 60 are shown. The latch 60 includes a protrusion 62 that interfaces with a recess, such as a latch recess in a storage unit. The user connects with a first connection portion (shown as lever 64) to actuate the tab 62 into and out of the latch recess.

Referring to fig. 8, various aspects of decoupling a storage unit 80 from a coupling platform 10 are shown. Initially, the user actuates the latch 60, such as by pivoting the lever 64 upward, such that the tab 62 is no longer connected with the latch recess 86 in the storage unit 80.

The fastening element 50 is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the lower base portion and is releasably engageable with the storage unit 80. To disengage the storage unit 80 from the lower base portion 30, the user moves the storage unit 80 in the direction 94 until the protrusions 56 of the fastening element 50 bias the storage unit 80 against further sliding relative to the lower base portion 30.

The fastening element 50 is actuated between a fastened position, in which the fastening element 50 prevents the storage unit 80 from being slidingly disengaged from the lower base portion 30, and a non-fastened position, in which the storage unit 80 is allowed to be slidingly disengaged from the lower base portion 30. When the fastening element 50 is in the fastening position, the protrusion 56 extends within a recess in the storage unit 80 (such as within the female coupling 82). To transition the fastening element 50 to the non-fastened position, the user slides the lower base portion 30 upward relative to the upper base portion 20 in the direction 96. In response to the lower base portion 30 sliding toward the upper base portion 20, such as the lower base portion 30 sliding vertically upward relative to the upper base portion 20, the fastening element 50 actuates from the fastened position to the unfastened position. The user then removes the storage unit 80.

In a particular embodiment, the fastening element 50 includes a rack 52 and a pinion 54 that meshes with the rack 52. The pinion 54 rotates relative to the storage unit 80 in response to the lower base portion 30 sliding upward toward the upper base portion 20 (fig. 8), thereby disengaging the tab 56 of the fastening element 50 from the storage unit 80. Thus, the storage unit 80 is allowed to disengage from the coupling platform 10.

In particular embodiments, the male coupling (e.g., male coupling 40, male coupling 640), female coupling (e.g., female coupling 82), latch (e.g., latch 60), and latch recess (e.g., latch recess 86) described herein are compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in international patent application No. PCT/US2018/044629, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to fig. 9, a coupling platform 110 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The coupling platform 110 is substantially identical to the coupling platform 10, except for the differences discussed herein.

The upper base portion 120 is rigidly coupled to a surface (such as the underside of a table, table or cart). The lower base portion 130 is slidably coupled to the upper base portion 120.

The fastening element 150 fastens the storage unit 80 against disengagement from the lower base portion a 30. In a particular embodiment, the fastening element 150 includes a cam follower.

Referring to fig. 10, a coupling platform 210 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, the coupling platform 210 is substantially identical to the coupling platform 10 or the coupling platform 110.

The upper base portion 220 is rigidly coupled to a surface (such as the underside of a table, table or cart). The lower base portion 230 is pivotally coupled to the upper base portion 220. The lower base portion 230 pivots relative to the upper base portion 220 about an axis 236. The fastening element 250 is actuated between a fastened position and an unfastened position.

Referring to fig. 11, a coupling platform 310 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, the coupling platform 310 is substantially identical to the coupling platform 10, the coupling platform 110, or the coupling platform 210.

The upper base portion is rigidly coupled to a surface (such as the underside of a table, table or cart). The lower base portion 330 is coupled to the upper base portion.

The latch 360 is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the lower base portion 330. The latch 360 extends from a first end 366 to an opposite second end 368. The latch 360 pivots relative to the lower base portion 330 about an axis 370. The latch 360 includes a protrusion (e.g., similar to the protrusion 62 of the latch 60) that protrudes downward and is received within a latch recess of the container such that the latch 360 prevents the container from sliding out of engagement with respect to the lower base portion 330. The latch includes a connecting portion 372 coupled to the second end 368 of the latch 360, and the latch 360 is configured to translate a downwardly directed force acting on the connecting portion 372 into the protrusion pivoting upward and away from the latch recess, thereby disengaging the protrusion from the first container. In various embodiments, the axis 370 extends parallel to the front face of the lower base portion 330, and the first end 366 is located between the axis 370 and the front face 332 of the lower base portion 330.

The latch 360 includes a first rod 364 located at a first end 366 of the latch 360. The user interfaces with the first lever 364 to actuate the release of the latch 360 from a latch recess, such as the latch recess within the storage unit 80. The latch includes a connecting rod, shown as a side connection 372 at a second end 368 of the latch 360 opposite the first end 366.

In use, to disengage the coupling platform 310 from the storage unit 80, a user grasps both sides of the storage unit 80. On one or both sides of the storage unit 80, the user actuates the side connection 372 in a downward direction 98, such as by a user's thumb. The latch 360 pivots relative to the lower base portion 330 about the axis 370, thereby disengaging the latch 360 from the latch recess in the storage unit 80. The user may then slidably disengage the storage unit 80 from the coupling platform 310 when the user's hands are on both sides of the storage unit 80.

Referring to fig. 12, a coupling platform 410 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, the coupling platform 410 is substantially identical to the coupling platform 10, the coupling platform 110, the coupling platform 210, or the coupling platform 310.

The upper base portion is rigidly coupled to a surface (such as the underside of a table, table or cart). The lower base portion 430 is pivotally coupled to the upper base portion.

In use, to disengage the coupling platform 410 from the storage unit 80, a user grasps both sides of the storage unit 80. On one or both sides of the storage unit 80, the user actuates the side connection 474 in an upward direction 96, such as by the user's thumb. The latch 460 disengages from the latch recess in the storage unit 80. The user may then disengage the storage unit 80 from the coupling platform 410 when the user's hands are on both sides of the storage unit 80.

Referring to fig. 13, a coupling platform 510 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Except for the differences discussed herein, the coupling platform 510 is substantially identical to the coupling platform 10, the coupling platform 110, the coupling platform 210, the coupling platform 310, or the coupling platform 410.

The upper base portion 520 is rigidly coupled to a surface (such as the underside of a table, table or cart). The lower base portion 530 is pivotally coupled to the upper base portion 520. The lower base portion 530 pivots relative to the upper base portion 520 about an axis 536.

In use, the lower base portion 530 is coupled against or nearly against the upper base portion 520 by a fastening element (shown as a lock 570). The user disengages the lock 570 and then rotates the lower base portion 530 in the direction 572 relative to the upper base portion 520. The user then disengages the storage unit 80 from the coupling platform 510 by moving the storage unit 80 in the direction 99.

Referring to fig. 14-17, a coupling platform 610 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The coupling platform 610 is substantially identical to the coupling platform 10, except for the differences discussed herein.

The coupling platform 610 includes a base portion 630. The base portion 630 is coupled to a surface, such as the underside of a structure (e.g., a table), via one or more coupling holes 612, such as a plurality of holes 612 configured to receive fasteners that couple the base portion 630 to an object. In particular embodiments, coupling holes 612 receive coupling elements (such as bolts and/or screws) to couple coupling platform 610 to a structure. The base portion 630 includes a front 636 and a bottom 634.

An elongate structure (shown as first arm 650) is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to one side of base portion 630 such that first arm 650 pivots relative to base portion 630 about axis 664. Another elongate structure (shown as second arm 652) is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to an opposite side of base portion 630 such that second arm 652 pivots relative to base portion 630 about axis 664. In various embodiments, the first arm 650 and the second arm 652 are independently pivotable relative to the base portion 630.

The fastening element 658 is coupled to the base portion 630, such as being slidably coupled to the base portion 630. The fastening element 658 is connected to the first arm 650 and/or the second arm 652. One or more protrusions 660, 662 are slidably coupled to the fastening element 658 and/or the base portion 630 by the fastening element 658. The protrusions 660, 662 (such as the first protrusion 660 and the second protrusion 662) extend downward and engage with recesses in the storage container to couple the storage container to the coupling platform 610.

The first protrusion 660 is actuated between a secured position in which the container 680 is prevented from sliding out of engagement with respect to the base portion 630, and an unsecured position in which the container 680 is allowed to slide with respect to the base portion 630. In various embodiments, the first protrusion 660 actuates between the fastened and unfastened positions in response to the fastening element 658 sliding upward relative to the base portion 630.

The second tab 662 is actuated between a secured position in which the second tab 662 prevents the first receptacle 680 from slidably disengaging from the base portion 630 and a non-secured position in which the first receptacle 680 is allowed to slidably disengage from the base portion 630. In various embodiments, the second tab 662 actuates between a secured position and an unsecured position in response to the securing element 658 sliding upward relative to the base portion 630.

In various embodiments, as the fastening element 658 moves upward, each of the first and second projections 660, 662 slide upward, thereby disengaging each of the first and second projections 660, 662 from any container(s) coupled to the coupling platform 610. For example, a single receptacle (shown as receptacle 680) may extend across the entire width of the coupling platform 610 such that both the first protrusion 660 and the second protrusion 662 restrict the receptacle 680 from sliding relative to the base portion 630 (e.g., thereby securing the receptacle 680 to the base portion 630).

In another example, two different containers are coupled to the coupling platform, each of which has a width that is approximately half the width of the container 680, such that one container (e.g., the leftmost container when viewed in perspective in fig. 14) is connected with the first protrusion 660 and the other container (e.g., the rightmost container when viewed in perspective in fig. 14) is connected with the second protrusion 662. To disengage the two containers, the user actuates the fastening element 658 to bias the two tabs 660, 662 upward, thereby disengaging the tabs 660, 662 from the containers.

As described above, the first arm 650 and the second arm 652 are independently pivotable with respect to the base portion 630. To disengage only the leftmost container, the user actuates the first arm 650, such as by pushing the first connection 654 upward, causing the first protrusion 660 to slide upward relative to both the leftmost container and the fastening element 658. In this way, even when the first tab 660 slides out of the leftmost container, the second tab 662 is still attached within the recess in the rightmost container.

A similar process exists to disengage the rightmost container. In particular, the user actuates the second arm 652, such as by pushing upward on the second link 656, causing the second tab 662 to slide upward relative to both the leftmost container and the fastening element 658. In this way, even when the second tab 662 slides out of the leftmost container, the first tab 660 remains attached within the recess in the leftmost container. The fastening element 658 is actuated from the fastened position to the unfastened position in response to the first arm 650 pivoting relative to the base portion 630.

To uncouple the full width storage container 680 from the coupling platform 610, the user actuates the fastening element 658 located at the front of the coupling platform 610. Alternatively, to uncouple the storage container 680 from the coupling platform 610, the user actuates both the connection 654 and the connection 656 of the coupling platform 610. In a particular embodiment, the link elements 654 and 656 are coupled to the first arm 650 on opposite sides of the base portion 630.

In particular embodiments, coupling platform 610 is configured to couple to a compact-sized storage container (e.g., a storage container having a width that is approximately half the width of storage container 680). In use, a compact size storage container is coupled to one of the two sub-portions (shown as halves 670, 672) of the coupling platform 610.

In other words, to decouple the compact size storage container from the half 670, the user moves the connection 654 and/or the fastening element 658 to actuate the first arm 650. As the first arm 650 is actuated, the protrusion extending from the securing element 658 decouples from the compact size storage container, thereby freeing the compact size storage container for removal from the coupling platform 610. The half 672 of the coupling platform 610 operates in a similar manner to the half 670 to couple and decouple compact size storage containers. In a particular embodiment, the coupling platform 610 is configured to be coupled to both the second container and the third container, and each of the second container and the third container has a width that is about half the width of the base portion 630.

In use, to decouple the storage container from the coupling platform 610, a user moves (e.g., pulls) one or more of the connections 654, 656 and/or the fastening element 658 to actuate the first and second arms 650, 652 and the first and second projections 660, 662. As the protrusions 660, 662 are actuated away from the storage container, the protrusions 660, 662 are no longer connected with the recesses in the storage container, thereby allowing the storage container to be decoupled from the coupling platform 610.

One or more coupling members (shown as male coupling 640) extend from the bottom surface 634 of the base portion 630. The male coupling 640 includes one or more tongues 642, 643 extending from opposite sides of the body 641. The tongues 642, 643 extend in a direction 644 away from the rear face 638 of the base portion 630 towards the front face 636 of the base portion 630. In other words, the first tongue 642 defines a first channel 645 above the first tongue 642 and below the plane 632 of the bottom surface 634, and the second tongue 643 defines a second channel 646 above the second tongue 643 and below the plane 632 of the bottom surface 634, with one or both of the first and second channels 645, 646 extending from a closed end 648 to an opposite open end 647 of the respective channel. The male coupling 640 is engageable with the female coupling of the storage container when the storage container is positioned below the coupling platform 610. In other words, the first channel 645 and the second channel 646 are configured to receive a portion of a male coupling extending from the container 680. In various embodiments, for each channel 645, 646, the open end is closer to the front 636 of the base portion 630 than the closed end.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of male couplers 640 includes a body 641 and a first tongue extending from below the body 641 and offset from the bottom surface 634 of the base portion. Each of the plurality of male couplings 640 is configured to engage with a female coupling of the first container when the first container 680 is positioned below the coupling platform 610 such that a portion of the female coupling is received between a bottom surface (and/or a plane coplanar with the bottom surface, such as plane 632) and one or more tongues of the male coupling(s) 640.

In various embodiments, the plurality of male couplers 640 includes a plurality of rows arranged parallel to one another, each of the rows including at least two male couplers. For example, the first row 676 includes two or more male connectors 640, and the second row 678, which is parallel to the first row 676, includes two or more male connectors 640.

It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that the application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) may be made without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

It is not intended in any way that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in the order specified, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. Furthermore, the article "a" or "an" as used herein is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as having only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to a force.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any features and any such combination of features may be claimed in the present application or in future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly coupled to each other. Such coupling may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional members being attached to one another. Such coupling may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

Although the application has been described in the appended claims with a particular combination of features, various embodiments of the application relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such combination is presently claimed) and any such combination of features may be claimed in the application or in future applications. Any feature, element, or component of any example embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angle, length, and radius) shown in the figures are proportional. Actual measurements on the drawings will reveal the relative dimensions, angles, and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges surrounding the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and proportions that may be determined from the figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the figures. Further, the actual dimensions not explicitly set forth in the specification may be determined by using the ratio of the measured dimensions in the drawings in combination with the explicit dimensions set forth in the specification.

Claims (20)

1. A coupling platform for a connectable utility module, the coupling platform comprising:

a base portion comprising a front face and a bottom surface;

a plurality of male couplings extending from a bottom surface of the base portion, each of the plurality of male couplings comprising a body and a first tongue extending from below the body and offset from the bottom surface, each of the plurality of male couplings configured to engage with a female coupling of a first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform such that a portion of the female coupling is received between the bottom surface and the first tongue of the male coupling;

a first elongate structure pivotally coupled to the base portion;

a fastening element slidably coupled to the base portion; and

a first tab slidably coupled to the fastening element, wherein the first tab is actuated between a fastened position in which the first tab prevents the first container from being slidably disengaged from the base portion, and a non-fastened position in which the first container is allowed to be slidably disengaged from the base portion, wherein the first tab is actuated between the fastened position and the non-fastened position in response to the fastening element sliding upward relative to the base portion.

2. The coupling platform of claim 1, each of the plurality of male couplings comprising a second tongue extending from the body opposite the first tongue.

3. The coupling platform of claim 2, each of the plurality of male couplings defining a first channel above the first tongue and a second channel above the second tongue, the first channel and the second channel configured to receive a portion of a male coupling extending from the first container.

4. The coupling platform of claim 1, each of the plurality of male couplings defining a first channel above the first tongue, the first channel including an open end and a closed end opposite the open end.

5. The coupling platform of claim 4, wherein for each channel, the open end is closer to the front of the base portion than the closed end.

6. The coupling platform of claim 1, each of the plurality of male couplings defining a first channel above the first tongue, the first channel including an open end facing a front face of the base portion.

7. The coupling platform of claim 1, comprising a second elongated structure pivotally coupled to the base portion; and a second tab slidably coupled to the fastening element, wherein the second tab is actuated between a fastened position in which the second tab prevents the first container from being slidably disengaged from the base portion, and a non-fastened position in which the first container is allowed to be slidably disengaged from the base portion, wherein the second tab is actuated between the fastened position and the non-fastened position in response to the fastening element sliding upward relative to the base portion.

8. The coupling platform of claim 7, wherein the first and second elongated structures are independently pivotable relative to the base portion.

9. The coupling platform of claim 1, the base portion comprising a plurality of holes configured to receive fasteners coupling the base portion to an object.

10. The coupling platform of claim 1, the plurality of male couplings comprising a plurality of rows arranged parallel to one another, each of the rows comprising at least two male couplings.

11. A coupling platform for a connectable utility module, the coupling platform comprising:

an upper base portion;

a lower base portion slidably coupled to the upper base portion, the lower base portion including a front face and a bottom face;

a plurality of male couplings extending from a bottom surface of the lower base portion, each of the plurality of male couplings comprising a body and a first tongue extending from below the body and offset from the bottom surface, each of the plurality of male couplings configured to engage with a female coupling of a first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform such that a portion of the female coupling is received between the bottom surface and the first tongue of the male coupling; and

a fastening element coupled to the lower base portion and releasably engageable with the first container, wherein the fastening element is actuated between a fastened position in which the fastening element prevents the first container from being slidably disengaged from the lower base portion, and a non-fastened position in which the first container is allowed to be slidably disengaged from the lower base portion, wherein the fastening element is actuated from the fastened position to the non-fastened position in response to the lower base portion sliding toward the upper base portion.

12. The coupling platform of claim 11, wherein the fastening element is pivotally coupled to the lower base portion, and wherein the fastening element actuates from the fastened position to the unfastened position in response to the lower base portion sliding vertically toward the upper base portion.

13. The coupling platform of claim 11, comprising a latch coupled to the lower base portion, the latch actuated between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein when the latch is in the locked position, the latch biases the first container against slidable disengagement with the lower base portion.

14. The coupling platform of claim 13, wherein the latch is pivotally coupled to the lower base portion.

15. The coupling platform of claim 11, each of the plurality of male couplings defining a first channel above the first tongue, the first channel including an open end facing a front face of the base portion.

16. The coupling platform of claim 11, each of the plurality of male couplings comprising a second tongue extending from the body opposite the first tongue, each of the plurality of male couplings defining a first channel above the first tongue and a second channel above the second tongue, the first and second channels configured to receive a portion of a male coupling extending from the first container.

17. A coupling platform for a connectable utility module, the coupling platform comprising:

a lower base portion comprising a front face, a bottom surface, and opposite sides;

a plurality of male couplings extending from a bottom surface of the lower base portion, each of the plurality of male couplings comprising a body and a first tongue extending from below the body and offset from the bottom surface, each of the plurality of male couplings configured to engage with a female coupling of a first container when the first container is positioned below the coupling platform such that a portion of the female coupling is received between the bottom surface and the first tongue of the male coupling; and

a latch pivotally coupled to the lower base portion, the latch extending from a first end to an opposite second end, the latch pivoting about an axis relative to the lower base portion, the latch including a protrusion protruding downward and received within a latch recess of the first container such that the latch prevents the first container from sliding out of engagement with respect to the lower base portion, the latch including a connecting portion coupled to the second end of the latch, the latch being configured to translate a downward directed force acting on the connecting portion into the protrusion pivoting upward and away from the latch recess, thereby disengaging the protrusion from the first container.

18. The coupling platform of claim 17, the axis extending parallel to the front face, wherein the first end is located between the axis and the front face of the lower base portion.

19. The coupling platform of claim 17, the base portion comprising a plurality of apertures configured to receive fasteners coupling the base portion to an object, the plurality of male couplings comprising a plurality of rows arranged parallel to one another, each of the rows comprising at least two male couplings.

20. The coupling platform of claim 17, each of the plurality of male couplings comprising a second tongue extending from the body opposite the first tongue, each of the plurality of male couplings defining a first channel above the first tongue and a second channel above the second tongue, the first and second channels configured to receive a portion of a male coupling extending from the first container.