CN118025629A

CN118025629A - Stackable storage container with attachment slots

Info

Publication number: CN118025629A
Application number: CN202311457668.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·H·帕诺蒂安; J·M·凯勒
Original assignee: J MKaile; M HPanuodian
Current assignee: J MKaile; M HPanuodian
Priority date: 2022-11-03
Filing date: 2023-11-03
Publication date: 2024-05-14

Abstract

Stackable storage containers with attachment slots are disclosed. A method and system including stackable storage containers is disclosed. In various embodiments, the stackable storage containers include a stack lock that can be automatically deployed to lock the stackable storage containers together when the first storage container is placed on top of the second storage container. A tri-state locking system is used to lock the containers in the stacked configuration. Deep chamfers at the bottom surface and top cover of the storage container allow for automatic alignment of the container. When the storage containers are stacked and aligned, the lock status indicator is activated to indicate the status of the stack lock. The lock status indicator may also have additional functionality to allow a user to unlock the stacked storage containers to detach and remove them from the stack. The user may not manually lock the storage containers, but the user may manually unlock them.

Description

Stackable storage container with attachment slots

Cross-reference to related applications

The present application is based on 35U.S. c. ≡120, the full continuation of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application serial No. 18/385,918 entitled "stackable storage container with stacked self-locking functionality" filed on month 1 of 2023, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63/422,398 entitled "stackable storage container with stacked self-locking functionality" filed on month 3 of 2022, the contents of both of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in accordance with 35U.s.c. ≡119 (e).

Technical Field

The present application relates broadly to a storage container. More particularly, the present application relates to a system of multiple storage bins that are easily stacked and automatically locked in place.

Drawings

These drawings are provided to facilitate an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected when considered in connection with the following description.

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary stack of multiple storage bins with sliding lock indicator bars;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary pedestal box having one drawer, handle, and wheel;

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary pedestal box having a plurality of drawers, handles, and wheels;

FIG. 1D illustrates exemplary disassembled upper and lower tanks;

FIG. 1E shows a bottom view of a storage box with a locked latch or clip (cleat);

FIG. 1F illustrates an exemplary bin having a rotated lock indicator lever;

FIG. 2A illustrates exemplary misaligned upper and lower bins;

FIG. 2B illustrates exemplary aligned upper and lower bins;

FIG. 2C shows an exemplary close-up view of the stop actuation mechanism (detent actuation mechanism) with the tab not inserted;

FIG. 2D illustrates an exemplary close-up view of a tab inserted stop actuation mechanism;

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary abstract structure of a locking mechanism assembly;

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism assembly as part of an upper case and a cover of a lower case;

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary back side of the locking mechanism assembly of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary view of the slide lock bar of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3E illustrates the exemplary locking mechanism assembly of FIG. 3B in a locked state;

FIG. 3F illustrates the exemplary locking mechanism assembly of FIG. 3B in an unlocked state;

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism assembly in an unlocked state and with the slider removed;

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism assembly in a locked state and with the slider removed;

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the clamp assembly;

FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in an unlocked position in contact (stacked) with the lower and upper cases;

FIG. 4E shows an exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in an unlocked position without contact (unstacking) with the lower and upper cases;

FIG. 4F shows an exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in a locked position in contact (stacked) with the lower and upper cases;

FIG. 5A illustrates an exemplary configuration of lower and upper case locking mechanism assemblies;

FIG. 5B illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly and the first detent actuation mechanism;

FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary second detent actuation mechanism that may be used with the storage bin of FIGS. 1A-1F in a first functional state in a one-piece configuration;

FIG. 6B illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of FIG. 6A in a second functional state;

FIG. 6C illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of FIG. 6A in a third functional state;

FIG. 6D illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of FIG. 6A in a fourth functional state;

FIG. 6E illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of FIG. 6A in a fifth functional state;

FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary storage bin third type front latch mechanism in an open state;

FIG. 7B illustrates an exemplary storage case third type front latch mechanism in a closed state;

FIG. 7C illustrates an exemplary storage bin fourth type front latch mechanism in a closed state;

FIG. 7D illustrates an exemplary storage bin fourth type front latch mechanism in an open state;

FIG. 7E illustrates an exemplary fifth type of front latch mechanism of the storage bin in an open state;

FIG. 7F illustrates an exemplary fifth type of front latch mechanism of the storage bin in a closed state;

FIG. 7G illustrates an exemplary storage bin sixth type front latch mechanism in an open state;

FIG. 7H illustrates an exemplary storage bin sixth type front latch mechanism in a closed state;

FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary large pedestal cart (cart);

FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary compact pedestal-type cart;

FIG. 8C illustrates an exemplary storage bin having corner attachment slots;

FIG. 9A illustrates an exemplary single stack of storage bins on a small pedestal cart with a maintenance platform on top;

FIG. 9B illustrates an exemplary single stack of storage bins on a large pedestal cart with a maintenance platform on top;

FIG. 9C illustrates an exemplary dual stack of storage bins on a large pedestal cart with a maintenance platform on top;

FIG. 9D illustrates an exemplary stack of storage cases with removable stack handles;

FIG. 9E illustrates an exemplary stack of storage bins with long handle tools attached;

FIG. 10A illustrates an exemplary storage case having a device holder attached to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary storage bin having a work light attached to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 10C illustrates an exemplary storage bin with a magnifying glass attached to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 10D illustrates an exemplary magnifier attachable to the corner attachment slot;

FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary storage bin having a soft panel (molle panel) attached to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary soft panel attachable to a corner attachment groove;

FIG. 11C illustrates an exemplary hook attached to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 11D illustrates an exemplary storage bin having floodlights attached to corner attachment slots;

FIG. 11E illustrates an exemplary floodlight base attachable to a corner attachment groove;

FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary tool holder attachable to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 12B illustrates an exemplary tool holder attached to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 12C illustrates an exemplary basket attachable to a corner attachment slot;

FIG. 12D illustrates an exemplary basket attachable to a corner attachment slot attachable to a suspended accessory bar;

FIG. 12E illustrates an exemplary magnetic accessory bar attached to the corner attachment slot;

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary exploded view of the magnetic accessory bar of FIG. 12E;

FIG. 13B illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the back side of a magnetic accessory bar with a closed latch;

FIG. 13C illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the back of a magnetic accessory bar with an open latch;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary hanging accessory bar of FIG. 12D attachable to the corner attachment slot;

fig. 15 shows an exemplary disassembled rope holder set attached to the corner attachment groove.

Detailed Description

While the present disclosure is described with reference to several illustrative embodiments described herein, it should be clear that the present disclosure should not be limited to these embodiments. Accordingly, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed. Furthermore, while the following description refers to a particular tool box configuration, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be used with other types of containers or storage boxes that may be stacked in sequence or otherwise attached together.

In summary, a system is disclosed that includes a storage container having a body with a top cover, a bottom surface, and a sidewall surrounding a volume within the body and connecting the top cover to the bottom surface. In various embodiments, the storage containers may further include a set of stack locks that may be automatically deployed to lock the storage bins together when a first storage container is placed on top of a second storage container. The stack lock is a tri-state locking mechanism. Deep chamfers on the bottom surface and top cover of the storage box enable automatic alignment of the first (top) storage container with the second (bottom) storage container. Furthermore, the tabs in the bottom storage container fit into detent slots that enable automatic locking of the containers when placed on top of other containers and help to further align the stacked containers. The lock status indicator always automatically indicates the status of the stack lock (unstacked-unlocked, post-stack-locked, post-stack-unlocked). The lock status indicator may also have additional functionality to enable a user to unlock the stacked storage containers to detach and remove them from the stack. In various embodiments, as described above, the user does not have to manually lock the storage container, but the user can manually unlock it. In various embodiments, the set of stacked locks may include a front lock set and a rear lock set. When the storage containers are aligned, the locking member may be actuated via various linkages.

In various embodiments, a portable storage system is disclosed that includes a first stackable container having a locking system, and a locking status indicator located on the first stackable container that automatically indicates a particular current state of the locking system of the first stackable container, such as one of a locked state and an unlocked state, when placed on top of a second stackable container and when removed from the second stackable container.

In various embodiments, the stackable container includes a tab on the lid of the stackable container that can be used to stack and lock the upper stackable container and automatically align the upper stackable container with the stackable container when the stackable container and the upper stackable container are misaligned. The tabs on the lid of the stackable container fit into self-aligned slots in the bottom of the upper stackable container to help align the two stacked containers.

In various embodiments, a container locking system is disclosed that includes a locking mechanism assembly having three locking states, including an unstacked unlocked state, a stacked locked state, and a stacked unlocked state. The locking mechanism assembly is disposed on the first container and is actuated by a second container stacked on the first container.

A large number of different hand and motor tools are employed in a variety of industrial applications including construction projects, repair shops, plumbing service providers, automotive repair facilities, and the like. Without efficient storage, the number and weight of all tools that may have to be carried to the job site and returned or kept in order at the repair shop may become unmanageable, resulting in tools missing, lacking tools required for work and making it difficult to carry all tools required for the project. The tools may be managed based on the type of function or application thereof, based on size or weight, based on manual or motorized, etc. Thus, each set of tools may be present in a separate container to maintain their ordering and ease of use. There is a need for an efficient, quick and simple method of attaching all such storage containers together, such as by stacking them, so that a user can quickly and safely attach and detach the storage containers.

It should be noted that direction, orientation, and other related terms such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "downward", "upward", "forward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", "diagonal", etc. are described with respect to distinguishing features of the body of the system or device itself. For example, if the front or front surface of the system body or object is identified in the description, the back or rear is defined as the portion or surface opposite the front surface, the left is defined as the left side when viewing the front surface, and so on. It is not important how the orientation is defined as long as the direction is clearly identifiable based on the description and the graphic.

It should also be noted that the values of the various quantities and parameters (and/or differences between systems or mechanisms or processes) may be expressed as estimated values with reference to another similar quantity or system using terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "nearly," "substantially," "nearly," "about," and the like. In many fields such as engineering, chemistry, finance, etc., a difference of five percent or less (5%) between two similar entities or quantities is considered trivial, forming a reasonable approximation of the quantity. In the context of a system, an insignificant difference is defined as a difference between the outputs of the system of less than or equal to 5%.

I. stacked storage container

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary stack of multiple storage bins with sliding lock indicator bars. In various embodiments, the stack 100 includes a wheeled base container or case 101, other intermediate cases 102, a top or upper case 103, each having a handle 108 and a locking status indicator 104, an angular slot 105, and a cover 106. The pedestal box 101 may include wheels 107.

In various embodiments, the bins are stacked in sequence and locked together via a locking mechanism assembly described later. In some embodiments, the lid 106 of each bin forms a concave or concave surface with an oblique/sloped inner side to automatically center the upper bin placed thereon. The bottom of each bin forms a convex surface with a beveled/sloped outer side that matches the angle of the inner bevel of the lid 106. Each diagonal side allows the upper tank 103 to move to the center of the lid 106 and to be at the bottom or top of the lower tank. In various other embodiments, the cover 106 may be convex and the bottom of the upper tank 103 may be concave to perform the same function of centering the upper tank onto the lower tank.

It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the upward direction extends from the wheel 107 toward the upper tank 103. The downward direction is opposite to the upward direction. The front of the box is the face or side on which the lock status indicator 105 appears and back to front. The outside of the sides or panels or strips of the box is the surface that is remote from the center of the inside of the box surrounded by its sides, and the inside of the sides or panels or strips is the surface that faces the center of the box. Thus, regardless of the orientation of the stack or individual bins, the directions disclosed herein are explicitly specified relative to the stack or bin itself.

As used herein, the terms bin, container, bin, housing, case, housing, and other like terms may be used interchangeably unless clearly distinguished or contextually distinguished otherwise.

In various embodiments, stackable bins stacked together on a wheeled base, as disclosed herein, create a mobile or portable storage system that enables carrying many tools, equipment, materials, and other objects in a safe and orderly manner.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary pedestal box having one drawer, handle, and wheel. In various embodiments, the pedestal box configuration 110 includes a pedestal box 111 having a drawer 112, an extendable handle 113, and a recessed cover 106.

In various embodiments, the pedestal box 111 may have a full-sized drawer covering the entire interior volume of the pedestal box 111. When pulled out, the interior volume of the pedestal box 111 may be accessed from the drawer and/or from the top cover 106. In some embodiments, the top cover may not provide access to the interior of the pedestal box 111, but rather is used to receive an upper box.

FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary pedestal box having a plurality of drawers, handles, and wheels. In various embodiments, the pedestal box configuration 120 includes a pedestal box 121 having a plurality of drawers 122 and extendable handles 113.

In various embodiments, the pedestal box 121 is similar in use and operation to the pedestal box 111 of fig. 1B.

FIG. 1D illustrates exemplary disassembled upper and lower tanks. In various embodiments, the arrangement 130 includes a first, top or upper bin 131, a second, bottom or lower bin 132, each comprising, in order, a female cap 106, lock status indicators 104 and 134, cap tabs 135a, 135b, 135c and 135d, front latch or clip receiving portions 136a, 136b, rear latch or clip receiving portions 136c and 136d, a short angled (or chamfered or sloped) side 137, and a long angled side 138.

In various embodiments, the upper tank 131 may be placed on top of the lower tank 132 to center and lock in place to the lower tank 132. Details of such stacking operations and unstacking operations are described later herein.

In various embodiments, the clip receiving portions 136 a-136 b are concave slots with rigid walls that are disposed within the cover of the lower case to receive and rigidly retain latches or clips that protrude from the upper case. The concave grooves are basically shaped and sized to closely fit the size of the latches or clips they receive.

Fig. 1E shows a bottom view of a storage box with a locked latch or clamp. In various embodiments, the bottom view 140 includes an upper box 131, a locked status indicator 104, a bottom bevel 141, front latch or clip assemblies 142a and 142b, rear fixed latches or clips 143a and 143b, stop sockets or slots 144a and 144b, and an indicator slide path 145.

In various embodiments, when the upper case 131 is placed on the lower case 132, the rear fixing jigs 143a and 143b are engaged and received into the jig receiving parts 136c and 136D, respectively (see fig. 1D), and the front jig assemblies 142a and 142b are engaged and received into the jig receiving parts 136a and 136b, respectively. The bottom diagonal side 141 extending around the bottom periphery of the upper tank 131 engages the short diagonal side 137 and the long diagonal side 138 forcing the upper tank 131 from all directions toward the center of the lid of the lower tank 132.

In various embodiments, the lock status indicator 104 indicates the status of a lock between stacked bins, as described further below with respect to other figures.

In various embodiments, the portion of each tank bottom that mates or complements the other portion of the lid or top of another tank may be swapped in place. More specifically, in such an embodiment, the convex bottom of the top tank and the concave top of the bottom tank may be reversed such that the bottom of the top tank is concave to receive the convex top of the bottom tank. Similarly, the clamps of the bottom of the top box may be exchanged with clamp receptacles of the top of the bottom box. These embodiments construct a stack of locking boxes with reverse locking components and configurations while performing substantially the same functions. Further, some of the upper and lower tanks stacked together may be interchanged.

Referring to fig. 1D and 1E, in various embodiments, the lid protrusions 135 a-135D are arranged such that they are symmetrical, such that the upper tank 131 can be rotated 180 degrees about a vertical axis passing through the center of the lid 106, and still be locked to the lower tank 132 in the same manner. This is because the protrusions 135a to 135d of the lower case 132 will match the stopper grooves 144a and 144b facing in the opposite direction. Similarly, in the opposite position of the lower box 132, the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and the rear clamps 143a and 143b will mate with the clamp receptacles 136 a-136 b.

FIG. 1F illustrates an exemplary bin having a rotated lock indicator lever. In various embodiments, the stacked bin arrangement 150 includes an upper bin 151, clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, a bottom bevel 153, a rotating lock status indicator 152, a lower bin 154, and clamp receptacles 136a and 136b.

In various embodiments, the arrangement 150 is similar in use and operation to the upper tank 131, but with a different lock status indicator. The lock status indicator 104 on the upper case 131 is a sliding bar and the lock status indicator 152 is a rotating bar. The locking mechanism assembly may also operate in a different manner than the rotary lock status indicator described below. In some embodiments, the vertical orientation of the locked state indicator 152 indicates an unlocked state while the horizontal orientation indicates a locked state.

Fig. 2A shows exemplary misaligned upper and lower bins. In various embodiments, the misaligned stacked configuration 200 includes an upper box 131 having a bottom diagonal side 153, a lower box 132 having a short diagonal side 137, clamp receptacles 136a and 136b, and a misaligned void 201.

In various embodiments, the upper tank 131 may be placed on top of the lower tank 132, with a misalignment void 201 that causes the two tanks to be misaligned in the stack, as shown. Misalignment is automatically corrected when the short angled side 137 of the lower tank 132 exerts a force on the bottom angled side 153 of the upper tank 131 pushing the upper tank 131 toward the center of the lower tank 132. The self-alignment of the stacked bins is further enhanced by the stop slot 144a, as described below with reference to other figures.

Fig. 2B illustrates exemplary aligned upper and lower bins. In various embodiments, the aligned stacked configuration 210 includes an upper tank 131 having a bottom diagonal side 153 and a lower tank 132 having a short diagonal side 137.

The figure shows that the upper tank 131 is aligned with the lower tank 132 via the short oblique side 137 of the lower tank 132 exerting a force on the bottom oblique side 153 of the upper tank 131.

Fig. 2C shows an exemplary close-up view of the stop actuation mechanism with the tab not inserted. In various embodiments, close-up view 220 includes a locking mechanism assembly 221, a detent slot entry 222 having a beveled wide portion 223 and a straight narrow portion 224, a detent 225, and a detent stop 226. The figure shows the rear side of the locking mechanism assembly 221 facing the interior of the tank.

In various embodiments, when the cassette is in an unlocked state (unlocked to other cassettes in the stack), the stop 225 is exposed and accessible at the stop slot entrance 222. The stop is spring loaded for proper operation thereof as described further below with reference to the other figures. When the upper case is placed on the lower case, the stop groove 144b (see fig. 1E) of the upper case receives the tab 135b on the lid or top of the lower case and activates the automatic locking process of two adjacent stacked cases. In this figure, the stop is shown in the unlocked position. As shown, the stop 226 prevents the stop 225 from moving toward the right side of the figure. In this figure, the lock status indicator 104 (not shown) is located on the left side of the figure.

In various embodiments, the beveled wide portion 223 is wider than the width of the tab 135b on the lid 106 of the lower tank. The straight narrow portion 224 is slightly larger than the width of the tab 135b to snugly surround the tab. The dimensional difference between the beveled wide portion 223 and the straight narrow portion 224 serves to automatically align the tab 135b with the narrow portion. When the upper tank is placed on the lower tank, slight misalignment between the tab 135b and the detent entrance 222 may be corrected because the tab 135b may fall within the beveled wide portion 223 and be guided into its final resting orientation within the straight narrow portion 224. In addition to the self-aligning movement of the short bevel side 137 and the bottom bevel side 153, this movement also aids in the self-alignment of the upper tank on the lower tank, as described above with reference to fig. 2A and 2B. Thus, the self-aligning movement of the sloped sides of the detent slot entrance 222 and the bin cooperate with each other to quickly and positively align the upper and lower bins in the stack for locking. This configuration makes the stop slot 144b (and 144 a) a self-aligning slot that helps align the upper and lower bins when initially stacked.

In various embodiments, the detent groove entrance 222 self-alignment may also be used to hold the upper and lower cases together more securely and positively and prevent any tilting or shifting of the cases because even the beveled wide portion 223 is angled, the straight narrow portion 224 surrounds the tab 135b along a portion of its length, as shown in fig. 2D described below, preventing the cases from moving relative to each other in a lateral direction along the plane of the bottom of the upper case and the lid of the lower case.

Fig. 2D shows an example close-up view of the tab insertion stop actuation mechanism. In various embodiments, close-up view 230 includes locking mechanism assembly 221, detent slot entry 222 with expanded portion 223, detent 225, detent stop 226, lower lid 106 with tab 135.

In various embodiments, the tab 135 pushes away the stop while also rotating it, as described further below with reference to other figures. The state of the stopper is shown in the figure in the unlocked position while the upper tank is on the lower tank as the protrusion 135 is inserted into the stopper groove 144 a. As described above with reference to fig. 2D, insertion of the tab 135 into the straight narrow portion 224 of the detent groove 144 holds the upper and lower tanks together and prevents the tanks from moving laterally relative to each other.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary abstract structure of a locking mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, abstraction 300 includes a detent actuation mechanism 301, a lock actuation mechanism 302, and a lock mechanism 303.

In various embodiments, the mechanisms included in the locking mechanism assembly 221 may be implemented as three distinct and detachable mechanisms or partially or fully integrated into one or two mechanisms, with each mechanism performing its own function. In some implementations, three mechanisms may share some components that perform multiple functions with respect to one or more mechanisms. In the following description of the various figures, different or alternative designs for each of the three mechanisms are described.

In various embodiments, the locking mechanism assembly 221 may be a three state (or tri-state) locking system having three different states, defined by the position of the upper and lower bins relative to each other and the state of the locks that lock the bins together in the stack. The first locked state is an unstacked unlocked state as follows: when the upper bin is physically separated from the lower bin, the locking members are not engaged (the bins are unlocked from one another), and the lock status indicator 104 (see fig. 1A) is in an intermediate position along its indicator slide path 145 (see fig. 1E), partially away from each end of the indicator slide path 145. The second lock is a post-stack lock state as follows: when the upper tank is physically placed on top of the lower tank and the tab 135b of the lower tank is received within the detent groove 144b, the detent 225 has been pushed into a position that enables locking the tanks together, as detailed later. In the second locked state, the locked state indicator is located at the end of the indicator slide path 145. The third locked state is an unlocked state after stacking as follows: when the user manually slides the lock status indicator 104 bar away from the interior center of the case toward its closest side of the case. In the third state, the lock state indicator 104 is located at the end of the indicator sliding path 145 that is furthest from the center of the interior of the case (closest to the side of the case). The locking mechanism assembly is unable to transition from the stacked unlocked state to the stacked locked state using the locking state indicator 104 bar without first undergoing an unstacked unlocked state. The state-locked indicator 104 automatically indicates the current state or configuration of the locking system of the locking mechanism assembly 221 at any given time.

In various embodiments, the lock status indicator 104 may show two states including a locked state and an unlocked state and not distinguishing between cases being stacked or not stacked. In this embodiment, both the stacked unlocked state and the unstacked unlocked state are indicated as a single unlocked state and are not distinguished as two separate states by the locked state indicator 104.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism assembly as part of an upper case and a cover of a lower case. In various embodiments, view 310 shows the locking mechanism assembly 221, the locking status indicator 104, the sloped side wall 137 of the lower case, the female cover 106 of the lower case, and the front clip receiving portions 136a and 136b.

In various embodiments, the locking mechanism assembly 221 includes a detent actuation mechanism, a lock actuation mechanism, and a locking mechanism, each of which is described with reference to the following figures. This figure shows the front or exterior surface of the locking mechanism assembly 221. The other figures described below illustrate the rear or interior surfaces of the locking mechanism assembly 221 to better describe the constituent components and operation of the mechanism employed.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary back side of the locking mechanism assembly of FIG. 3B. In various embodiments, the rear view 320 includes a locking mechanism assembly 221, a lower case cover 106, protrusions 135a and 135b, front clip receivers 136a and 136b, front clip assemblies 142a and 142b, a slider spring 321, stop slots 144a and 144b, a slider 324, and a slider handle 325. In this view, the slider handle 325 is in an open or unlocked position.

In various embodiments, when the upper case is placed on top of the cover 106 of the lower case, the tabs 135a and 135b are received into the stop slots 144a and 144b, respectively. The tab 135a pushes onto the stop 225 (see fig. 2C) and triggers a set of motions to lock the upper and lower bins together in the stack by transmitting forces between the stop, lock and lock mechanisms.

In various embodiments, the force exerted by the tab 135b on the stop 225 (see fig. 2C) causes the stop 225 to move and clear the stop 226 and enables the slider spring 321 to pull the slider 324 toward the center of the case into the locked position. Further described in more detail below with reference to various figures.

In various embodiments, the stop actuation mechanism 301 includes a tab 135b on the lid 106 of the lower case, a stop slot 144b, a stop 225 and its particular components such as a stop spring described later, and a stop described below with reference to other figures. The lock actuation mechanism 302 includes a slider 324 and its particular structure described below with reference to other figures, such as a slider groove, a slider handle 325, a lock status indicator 104 bar, and components of the front clamp assembly 142b, such as clamp pins described below with reference to other figures. The locking mechanism includes rear clamps 143a and 143b, front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, and latches or clamp receptacles 136 a-136 d. Various forms of the three mechanisms may be used and combined to perform the same function.

Fig. 3D shows an exemplary view of the slide lock bar of fig. 1A. In various embodiments, view 330 includes lock status indicator 104, locking mechanism assembly 221, stop slot 144b and front clamp assembly 142b, and indicator slide path 145. The figure shows the front surface (away from the interior of the case) of the locking mechanism assembly 221.

In various embodiments, the lock status indicator 104 may be a lever that may be in one of three positions or states, as described above with reference to fig. 3A. In the first locked state (unstacked unlocked state), the front clamp is retracted into the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and is not engaged with the front clamp receptacles 136a and 136b, respectively. In the second locked state (post-stack locked state), the clips protrude from the front clip assemblies 142a and 142b and engage the front clip receivers 136a and 136b, respectively. In the third locked state (the unlocked state after stacking), the front clamp is retracted into the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and is not engaged with the front clamp receptacles 136a and 136b, respectively.

FIG. 3E illustrates the exemplary locking mechanism assembly of FIG. 3B in a locked state. In various embodiments, the rear view 340 of the locking mechanism assembly 221 includes the tab 135b of the lower case, the clamp assembly 142b, the stop slot 144b, the stop 225, the slider 324, and the slider handle 325. The figure shows the locking mechanism assembly 221 in a locked state after stacking.

In various embodiments, tab 135b is received in stop slot 144b and moves stop 225 past stop 226 (see fig. 2D) and places locking mechanism assembly 221 in a stacked, locked state. The slider handle 325 coupled to the lock status indicator 104 is in a position to indicate the locked status after stacking. In this locked state, the slider 324 is pulled by the slider spring 321 in a direction away from the indicator slide path 145 (see fig. 3D) and rests at one end of the indicator slide path 145 near the center of the case (midpoint between the two parallel sides). In this state, the front clamps protrude from the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and enter the front clamp receiving parts 136a and 136b, respectively, thereby locking the upper and lower cases together. The locking mechanism assembly may be moved from the stacked locked condition to the stacked unlocked condition by a user pulling the locking condition indicator 104 bar or strip toward the end of the indicator slide path 145 opposite the end in the current condition.

In various embodiments, the stop 225 is attached to the slider 324 and moves back and forth with the slider 324. The stop 225 is also rotationally movable and has a radial spring, as described further below with reference to other figures. The stop 225 may be rotated to clear some obstruction within the housing.

FIG. 3F illustrates the exemplary locking mechanism assembly of FIG. 3B in an unlocked state. In various embodiments, the rear view 350 of the locking mechanism assembly 221 includes the tab 135b of the lower case, the stop 225, the slider 324, and the slider handle 325. The figure shows the locking mechanism assembly 221 in an unlocked state after stacking.

In various embodiments, in this configuration, the user has pulled the locked state indicator 104 toward the other end of the indicator slide path 145 to place it in the stacked unlocked state. In this state, the front jigs are retracted into the front jig assemblies 142a and 142b and are disengaged from the front jig receiving portions 136a and 136b, respectively. In this state, as shown in the figure and compared to fig. 3E, the stopper 225 moves to the other side of the protrusion 135 b. When the user moves the slider 324 using the lock status indicator 104, the stop 225 also moves in the same direction. At this point, the upper bin is unlocked from the lower bin and can be removed from the stack of bins.

In various embodiments, in this state, the user cannot switch to the post-stack locked state by using the locked state indicator 104 bar because the stopper 225 is not in contact with the tab 135b and cannot be pushed out of the way of allowing the slider 324 to be pulled to the post-stack locked state by the slider spring 321. The upper bin must be removed from and repositioned on top of the lower bin to allow the stop 225 to return to its unstacked position and the tab 135b pushes it again over the stop 226 to enter the stacked locked condition.

In various embodiments, the allowed state transitions are as follows:

1. Unstacked unlocked state→stacked locked state

2. Locked state after stacking → unlocked state after stacking

3. Unlocked state after stacking → unlocked state without stacking

FIG. 4A illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism assembly in an unlocked state with the slider removed. The close-up view 400 includes a locking mechanism assembly 221, a clamp assembly 142b, a stop slot 144b, a stop 225, a stop 226, a stop spring 401 (torsion spring), a first clamp pin 402a, a second clamp pin 402b, a first pin slot 403a, a second pin slot 403b, and a slider coupling 404. The figure shows the locking mechanism assembly 221 in an unstacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, the slider coupling 404 couples the slider 324 to the lock status indicator 104 bar. When the user moves the lock status indicator 104, the slider also moves in the same direction. When stacking the upper and lower cases, the user can lock or unlock the stacked cases from each other by moving the lock state indicator 104.

In various embodiments, the first and second clamp pins 402a, 403a move back and forth within the first and second pin slots 403a, 403b, respectively, to extend and retract the front clamp from the front clamp assembly 142 b. The same actions occur simultaneously on the clamp assembly 142a (not shown in this figure). The front clamp is shown in a retracted state at a first end of the pin slots 403a and 403b to unlock the stacked bins. The clamp pin engages a groove disposed on the underside of the slider 324 as further described below with reference to other figures. As the slider 324 moves, the clamp pins (402 a and 402 b) engaged with the slider 324 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the slider 324, thereby moving the front clamp in the same direction as the clamp pins. These movements of the front clamp function to extend or retract the front clamp from the clamp assemblies 142a and 142 b.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism assembly in a locked state with the slider removed. Close-up view 410 includes locking mechanism assembly 221, tab 135b, clamp assembly 142b, stop 225, stop 226, first clamp pin 402a, first pin slot 403a, and slider coupling 404. The figure shows the locking mechanism assembly 221 in a locked state after stacking.

In various embodiments, the first and second clamp pins 402a, 403a move back and forth within the first and second pin slots 403a, 403b, respectively, to extend and retract the front clamp from the front clamp assembly 142 b. The same actions occur simultaneously on the clamp assembly 142a (not shown in this figure). The front clamp is shown in an extended state at the second ends of the pin slots 403a and 403b, thereby locking the stacked bins. The clamp pin engages a groove disposed on the underside of the slider 324 as further described below with reference to other figures. As the slider 324 moves, the clamp pins (402 a and 402 b) engaged with the slider 324 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the slider 324, thereby moving the front clamp in the same direction as the clamp pins. These movements of the front clamp function to extend or retract the front clamp from the clamp assemblies 142a and 142 b.

Fig. 4C shows an exemplary close-up view of the clamp assembly. In various embodiments, close-up view 420 includes a locking mechanism assembly 221, a slider handle 325, a front clamp assembly 142b with a clamp shroud or shell 422, a clamp spring 423, a slider 324, and a front clamp 421 enclosed within the clamp shell 422. The figure shows a cross section of the clamp assembly 142b in a stacked, locked state within the locking mechanism assembly 221.

In various embodiments, the front clamp assembly 142b has a clamp guard 422 to protect the front clamp 421 from external forces such as the impact of a heavy tank, a tank falling on top of other tanks in the stack, rough handling, etc. The clamp pins 402a and 402b and the corresponding pin slots 403a and 403b, respectively, are hidden below the slider 324 and are not shown in this figure. The clamp spring 423 urges the front clamp 421 to protrude from the front clamp assembly 142b and lock the stacked cases together. The clamp guard 422 is fixed relative to the slider 324 and the locking mechanism assembly 221, while the front clamp 421 can move in and out of the clamp guard 422 in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the slider 324. The clamp pins 402a and 402b allow the front clamp 421 to move in the vertical direction described above within the clamp guard 422, while the clamp guard 422 itself remains stationary. The clamp operation is further described below with reference to other figures.

Fig. 4D shows an exemplary underside of the slider and clamp assembly in an unlocked position with the lower and upper bins in contact (stacked). In various embodiments, the slider bottom view 430 includes the slider 324, the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, the slider spring 321, the clamp pins 402a and 402b, the front clamp 421, the clamp spring 423, the stop 225, the slider rail or groove 431a around the clamp pin 402a, the slider groove 431b around the clamp pin 402b, the slider groove 432a around the clamp pin 433a, and the slider groove 432b around the clamp pin 433 b. In this figure, the locking mechanism assembly 221 (see fig. 3C) is in an unlocked state after stacking.

In various embodiments, lateral movement of the slider 324 (parallel to the front side of the case) causes vertical movement of the front clamp 421. The movement of the front clamp 421 is caused by wedge action or cam action of the slide grooves 431a, 431b, 432a and 432b on the clamp pins 402a, 402b, 433a and 433b, respectively, as a result of the lateral movement of the slide 324. As the slider 324 moves to the left in the figure, for example, as pulled by the slider spring 321, each clamp pin passes through its respective groove from left to right relative to the groove. As each pin advances through its groove and along its path, the pin moves its inclined section of the groove (which has a component of motion perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slider 324) upward and pulls its front clamp 421 with it in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slider 324.

In various embodiments, the positioning of each clamp pin along its respective sliding groove determines the locked state of the locking mechanism assembly 221. With the pin in the leftmost position in the figure (closest to the slider spring 321), the front clamps (e.g., front clamp 421) retract into their respective front clamp assemblies 142a and 142 b. The configuration defines and/or is associated with the post-stack unlocked state. Other positions of the clamp pin define other locking conditions, as described below.

In various embodiments, the stop 225 is coupled to the slider 324 and moves with the slider 324 as the slider 324 moves laterally.

FIG. 4E shows an exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in an unlocked position with the upper and lower cases not in contact (unstacked). In various embodiments, the slider bottom view 440 includes a slider 324, a slider spring 321, clamp pins 402a and 402b, a front clamp 421, a clamp spring 423, a stop 225, a slider track or groove 431a around clamp pin 402, a slider groove 431b around clamp pin 402b, a slider groove 432a around clamp pin 433a, and a slider groove 432b around clamp pin 433 b. In this view, the locking mechanism assembly 221 (see FIG. 3C) is in an unstacked, unlocked state.

In various embodiments, the front clamps (e.g., front clamp 421) retract into their respective front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b when the pin is in the neutral position in the figure (at the bend or corner between the small straight section and the angled section). The configuration defines and/or is associated with an unstacked unlocked state.

FIG. 4F shows an exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in a locked position with the lower and upper tanks in contact (stacked). In various embodiments, the slider bottom view 450 includes a slider 324, a slider spring 321, clamp pins 402a and 402b, front clamps 421 and 451, clamp springs 423, a stop 225, a slider track or groove 431a around clamp pin 402a, a slider groove 431b around clamp pin 402b, a slider groove 432a around clamp pin 433a, and a slider groove 432b around clamp pin 433 b. In this figure, the locking mechanism assembly 221 (see fig. 3C) is in a locked state after stacking.

In various embodiments, front clamps (e.g., front clamp 421) extend from their respective front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b when the pin is in the top position in the figure (at the top end of the angled section furthest from the sliding spring 321). This configuration defines and/or is associated with a post-stack locked state.

Fig. 5A illustrates an exemplary configuration of the lower case and upper locking mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, the arrangement 500 is a top view of the locking mechanism assembly 221 of the upper tank 131 resting on the lower tank cover. The section A-A is described below with reference to fig. 5B.

Fig. 5B illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly and the first detent actuation mechanism. In various embodiments, the cross-sectional A-A view 510 includes the locking mechanism assembly 221 of the upper case, the tab 135b of the lower case, the clamp assembly 142b, the stop 225, the slider handle 325, and the stop shaft 511. In this figure, the locking mechanism assembly 221 is shown in an unstacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, the stop 225 is rotationally coupled with the slider 324 (see fig. 3C). The stop 225 may also rotate about the stop shaft 511 in a plane orthogonal (perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of the slider 324 (parallel to the front side of the upper bin) as the stop 225 follows the lateral movement of the slider 324 (parallel to the front side of the upper bin). When the tab 135b on the lid on the lower tank is received in the detent groove 144b (see fig. 3C), the tab 135b pushes against the detent 225 arm and rotates it counterclockwise (CCW) about the detent shaft 511 to clear and ride over the detent stop 226 (not visible in this view; see fig. 2C), the detent stop 226 preventing the detent 225 and the slider 324 from moving in the direction of the slider spring 321 (see fig. 3C). Once the stop stops 226 are cleared, the slider springs 321 pull the slider 324 toward the center of the upper bin to place the locking mechanism assembly in a stacked, locked condition. Upon transition to the unlocked state, the stopper spring 401 (see fig. 4A) functions to rotate and return the stopper 225 to its original position before inserting the protrusion 135 b.

It should be noted that fig. 6A-7H relate to the locking mechanism assembly of fig. 1F having a rotational locking state indicator 152. However, with some design modifications, these mechanisms may also be employed by the locking mechanism assembly 221 with the sliding lock status indicator 104 of FIG. 1E.

Fig. 6A shows an exemplary second detent actuation mechanism that can be used with the storage bin of fig. 1A-1F in a one-piece configuration in a first functional state. In various embodiments, the one-piece stop mechanism 600 includes a slider 601 having a rear end 605, a transition surface 611 angled relative to a narrower front end 606, a slider catch piece or hook 603, a recessed surface 612, a slider return spring 602, and a spring seat 604. The one-piece stop mechanism 600 also includes a stop 607, the stop 607 having a rear end 608, a front end 609, a spring rod 616 embedded within a compression torsion spring 613, and a top end 610. The one-piece stop mechanism 600 also includes a stop tab 615 attached to the lower storage case lid 614.

In various embodiments, the one-piece stop mechanism 600 has a single component, i.e., the slider 601, that is different from the stop 607. The slide 601 has a plurality of control surfaces for moving the stop 607 and the slide 601 in various directions, i.e. in translational and rotational movements. Such as an upward or downward direction or orientation, is defined with respect to natural gravity during normal operation of the stacked tool kit. These directions may also be defined relative to the direction from the lid of the bin toward the bottom surface of the bin with the latch embedded to engage the lid of another bin.

In various embodiments, the control surfaces include an angled transition surface 611, a concave surface 612, and a lower surface of the stopper nose 609. Additional control components that control the movement of the various components of the one-piece stop mechanism 600 include a slider return spring 602 and a compression torsion spring 613. These control mechanisms are described separately further below. These control surfaces and components work in a coordinated manner, some of which may operate simultaneously. The overall operation of the one-piece stop mechanism 600 is also described below.

In various embodiments, the transition surface 611 is located between the wider rearward end 605 and the narrower forward end 606. The transition is located between the wide portion and the narrow portion. As the slider 601 moves forward (pulled by the slider return spring 602) the angled transition surface 611 pushes the stop 607 away from the slider 601 (to the right as shown in fig. 6A), compressing the compression torsion spring 613 in the process.

In various embodiments, the concave surface 612 limits rotational movement of the stop 607 about the spring rod 616 in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction under the force of the compression torsion spring 613 acting on the stop 607.

In various embodiments, when the upper and lower storage tanks are stacked on top of each other, the lower surface of the stopper front end 609 is pushed upward by the stopper tab 615, causing the stopper 607 to rotate Clockwise (CW) enough to clear the edge of the recessed surface 612 and slide off under the rear end 605 as the slider 601 moves forward.

In various embodiments, the slider return spring 602 operates under tension to pull the slider 601 forward (toward itself). The slider catch piece 603 and the angled transition surface 611 move in the same direction as the slider 601 and perform their respective functions. The slider catch piece 603 engages and actuates the locking mechanism.

In various embodiments, the compression torsion spring 613 performs two different functions that may occur independently or simultaneously. If the stop 607 is urged away from the slider 601 by the angled transition surface 611 along the spring rod 616, the compression torsion spring 613 may be compressed straight. If the stopper 607 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the compression torsion spring 613 may also be compressed in a rotating manner. As the stopper 607 is free to rotate, the compression torsion spring 613 forces it to rotate counterclockwise.

In various embodiments, in operation, the one-piece stop mechanism 600 operates as follows. As noted elsewhere herein, one-piece detent mechanism 600 is a linkage between detent tab 615 of lower storage case lid 614 and a latch on the upper storage case, with the detent mechanism embedded in the bottom surface of the upper storage case. The linkage is used to automatically lock the upper and lower bins together when the upper bin is placed on the lower bin (see fig. 1A). With continued reference to fig. 6A and the orientation of the illustrated components, the stop tab 615 pushes the front end 609 of the stop 607 upward under the weight of the upper bin when the upper bin is stacked on the lower bin. As a result, the stop 607 rotates clockwise and clears the concave surface 607, allowing the slider 601 to move over the rear end 608 of the stop 607 and slide forward (toward the front end 606 thereof). As the stopper 607 rotates clockwise, the compression torsion spring 613 is also compressed clockwise in a rotating manner. As the slider 601 slides forward, the angled transition surface 611 pushes the tip 610 away from the slider 601 and compresses the compression torsion spring 613 linearly. At the same time, the slider catch piece 603 also slides forward as part of the slider 601 and pushes the lock or latch (not shown in this figure) into the locked position. The locking operation is described below with reference to fig. 6B to 6E. At this point, the compression torsion spring 613 is linearly and rotationally compressed. As the stop is pushed away from the slider 601, the front end 609 slides out of the stop tab 615, causing the stop 607 to rotate counterclockwise under the torsional force of the compression torsion spring 613. When the front end 609 slides out of the stop tab 615, the stop tab 615 resists the stop 607 from being pushed back toward the slider 601 by the compression torsion spring 613.

At this point, the user may unlock the latch that holds the upper bin to the lower bin. Unlocking of the latch allows the slider 601 to slide rearward. When the slider moves sufficiently rearward, the rear end 608 of the stop 607 clears the lower surface of the rear end 605, rotates counterclockwise, and begins to rest on the concave surface 612, preventing the slider 601 from sliding forward again. In this regard, the upper tool case may be lifted up and away from the lower tool case by the user, thereby removing contact with the stop tab 615 from the front end 609 of the stop 607, thereby allowing the stop 607 to be pushed back toward the slider 601 by the compression torsion spring 613. In this regard, the stop and the locking mechanism.

Fig. 6B illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of fig. 6A in a second functional state. In various embodiments, the stop mechanism described with reference to fig. 6A includes the same components in different states when the stop tab 615 contacts the front end 609 of the stop 607. These components include a slider 601 having an angled transition surface 611, a concave surface 612, side latches 603, a lower storage case cap 614, stop tabs 615, compression torsion springs 613, front ends 609 of stops 607, top ends 610 of stops 607, and slider return springs 602.

The operation is as described above with reference to fig. 6A.

Fig. 6C illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of fig. 6A in a third functional state. The construction is the same as shown in fig. 6A. These components include a slider 601, a concave surface 612, a rear end 608 of a stop 607, a front end 609 of a stop 609, a compression torsion spring 613, and a stop tab 615.

Fig. 6C shows the one-piece stop mechanism 600 in a state where the upper and lower storage bins are initially stacked but not yet locked together. The figure shows one state encountered in the operation described with reference to fig. 6A.

Fig. 6D illustrates the example stop mechanism of fig. 6A in a fourth functional state. The construction is the same as shown in fig. 6A. These components in configuration 640 include a slider 601, a concave surface 612, a rear end 608 of the stop 607, a front end 609 of the stop 607, a compression torsion spring 613, and a stop tab 615.

Fig. 6D illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of fig. 6A in a fourth functional state. Configuration 640 shows one-piece stop mechanism 600 in a state where the upper and lower storage bins are stacked and locked together. The figure shows one state encountered in the operation described with reference to fig. 6A.

Fig. 6E illustrates the example detent actuation mechanism of fig. 6A in a fifth functional state. The construction is the same as shown in fig. 6A. These components include a slider 601, a concave surface 612, a rear end 608 of the stop 607, a front end 609 of the stop 607, a compression torsion spring 613, and a stop tab 615.

Fig. 6E shows the one-piece detent mechanism 600 in a state where the upper and lower bins are stacked but not unlocked by the user here in preparation for lifting the upper bin from the lower bin. The figure shows one state encountered in the operation described with reference to fig. 6A.

Fig. 7A illustrates an exemplary bin third type front latch mechanism in an open state. In various embodiments, the third type of front latch mechanism 700 includes a lock receiver 701 having a body 705 and a lock receiver edge 706, a latch 702, a latch pivot 703, a lock edge 704, a lock status indicator 707, a cam 709 having a short end 710 and a long end 711, and a cam pivot 708.

In various embodiments, the cam 709 is coupled with the lock status indicator 707 via a cam pivot 708. Fig. 7A shows a third type of front latch mechanism 700 in an open state (unlocked). When the long end 711 of the cam 709 engages a tab extending from the latch 702, it causes the locking edge 704 to lift upward about the latch pivot 703 and disengage the locking edge 704 from the lock receiver edge 706 and open or unlock the latch 702. Similarly, when the short end 710 of cam 709 engages a tab extending from latch 702, it causes locking edge 704 to move downward about latch pivot 703 and cause locking edge 704 to engage with locking receiver edge 706 and close or lock latch 702.

Fig. 7B illustrates an exemplary bin third type front latch mechanism in a closed state. The third type of front latch mechanism 720 is identical to that shown in fig. 7A and has identical components, some of which are latch pivot 703, long end 711 of cam 709, short end 710 of cam 709, locking edge 704, and locking state indicator 707.

Fig. 7C illustrates an exemplary bin fourth type front latch mechanism in a closed state. In various embodiments, the fourth type of front latch mechanism 730 includes a lock receiver 731, a lock receiver edge 739, a latch 732, a lock edge 733, a latch pivot 734, a slider 735 having a slider slot 736, a lock tab 740, a slider narrow portion 738, and a slider wide portion 737.

In various embodiments, the slider 735 has one or more of two distinct portions, each of the narrow portion 738 and the wide portion 737. As the slider 735 slides back and forth to lock and unlock the latch, the narrow portion 738 and the wide portion 737 begin to contact the lock tab 740, respectively. Upon contact with the locking tab 740, the narrow portion 738 allows the locking edge 733 to rotate downward about the latch pivot 734 and engage the locking receiver edge 739 and lock the latch. Similarly, upon contact with the locking tab 740, the wide portion 737 forces the locking edge 733 to rotate upward about the latch pivot 734 and disengage from the locking receiver edge 739 and unlock the latch.

Fig. 7D illustrates an exemplary bin fourth type front latch mechanism in an open state. The fourth type front latch mechanism 750 shown in this figure includes the same components as shown in fig. 7A and includes a lock receiver 731, a lock receiver edge 739, a latch 732, a lock edge 733, a slider 735 having a slider slot 736, a lock tab 740, and a slider wide portion 737.

The operation of the latch mechanism shown in this figure is the same as that described above with reference to fig. 20A.

Fig. 7E shows an exemplary bin fifth type front latch mechanism in an open state. In various embodiments, the fifth type front latch 760 includes a lock receiver 761, a lock receiver block 762, a lock receiver cavity 763, a slider 764, a lock bolt 766, a slider coupling 767, a lock status indicator 768, a slider link 769, a link tab 773, a slider groove 770, a rotational arrow 771, and a sliding arrow 772.

In various embodiments, in the open or unlocked state, the locking pin 766 is not inside the cavity 763. The lock status indicator 768 is rotated into the unlocked position via the slider coupling 767, the link tab 773 and the slider link 769. When the slider 764 is in the open position, the link tab 773 slides up the slider groove 770 as indicated by arrow 772, which translates into counterclockwise rotation of the slider link 769 via the link tab 773 as indicated by rotational arrow 771, thereby placing the lock state indicator 768 to explicitly indicate an open lock state. Similarly, when the slider 764 is in the closed position as shown in fig. 7F, the link tab 773 slides down the slider groove 770 as indicated by arrow 772, which translates into a clockwise rotation of the slider link 769 as indicated by rotational arrow 771, thereby placing the lock state indicator 768 to explicitly indicate a closed lock state.

Fig. 7F shows an exemplary bin fifth type front latch mechanism in a closed state. The fifth type of front latch mechanism 770 shown in this figure includes the same components as shown in fig. 7E and includes a lock receiving block 762, a slider 764, a lock bolt 766, a slider coupling 767, a lock status indicator 768, a slider link 769, and a slider groove 770.

In various embodiments, in the closed state, the locking pin 766 enters the locking receiving cavity 763, thereby locking the latch. As described above with reference to fig. 7E, when the slider 764 is in the closed position, the link tab 773 slides down the slider groove 770 as indicated by arrow 772, which translates into a clockwise rotation of the slider link 769 as indicated by rotational arrow 771, thereby placing the lock state indicator 768 to explicitly indicate a closed lock state.

Fig. 7G illustrates an exemplary bin sixth type front latch mechanism in an open state. In various embodiments, the sixth type of front latch mechanism configuration 780 includes a lock receiver 781, a lock receiver block 782, a receiver recess 783, a lock receiver stop 788, a slider 784, a lock status indicator 789, a slider link 276, a link tab 792, a rotational arrow 791, and a sliding arrow 795, wherein the slider 784 has a narrow portion 793, a wide portion 794, a raised portion 785, a slider coupling 786, and a sliding slot 787.

In various embodiments, the narrow portion 793 of the slide 784 is not inside the receiving recess 783 when in the open state. The lock status indicator 789 rotates into the unlocked position via the slider coupling 786, the link tab 792, and the slider link 276. When the slider 784 is in the open position, the link tab 792 slides up the slider slot 787 as indicated by arrow 795, which translates into counterclockwise rotation of the slider link 276 via the link tab 792 as indicated by rotational arrow 791, thereby placing the lock status indicator 789 to clearly indicate an open lock status. The raised portion 785 engages a lock-receiving stop 788 to prevent the slide 784 from moving too far in one or the other direction. Similarly, when the slider 784 is in the closed position shown in fig. 7H, the wide portion 794 of the slider 784 moves inside the receiving recess 783 to lock the latch. The link tab 792 slides down the slide slot 787 as indicated by arrow 795, which translates into a clockwise rotation of the slide link 791 as indicated by rotational arrow 791, thereby placing the locking state indicator 789 clearly indicating a closed locking state. The raised portion 785 engages a lock-receiving stop 788 to prevent the slide 784 from moving too far in one or the other direction.

FIG. 7H illustrates an exemplary storage bin sixth type front latch mechanism in a closed state. In various embodiments, a sixth type of front latch mechanism configuration 797 shown in this figure has the same components as shown in fig. 7G, including a lock receiving block 782, a receiving recess 783, a slide 784, a lock status indicator 789, a slide link 790, and a link tab 792, wherein the slide 784 has a narrow portion 793, a wide portion 794, and a slide slot 787.

In various embodiments, the wide portion 794 of the slider 784 moves within the receiving recess 783 to lock the latch when the slider 784 is in the closed position as shown in fig. 7H. The link knob 792 slides down the slide slot 787 as indicated by arrow 795, which translates into a clockwise rotation of the slider link 791 as indicated by the rotational arrow 791, thereby placing the locking state indicator 789 clearly indicating a closed locking state. The raised portion 785 engages a lock-receiving stop 788 to prevent the slide 784 from moving too far in one or the other direction.

II. Attachment slot

Fig. 8C shows an exemplary bin with corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, storage case construction 830 includes stackable case 831, front handle 832, side handle 833, case cover 836, clip receiving portion 838, tab 839, attachment strap or slot 834, attachment slot 835, fastener 837, lock status indicator 840, corner wall 841, front wall 842, side wall 843, front wall angle 844, and side wall angle 845.

In various embodiments, stackable boxes 831 can include corner walls 841 that are not perpendicular to front wall 842 or side walls 843 connected via the corner walls. The angles 844 and 845 of the corner walls relative to the front wall 842 and the side wall 843, respectively, may be any angle, such as 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angles may be equal, while in other embodiments the angles may be different. In various embodiments, the slot strap 834 is attached to the corner wall 841 to create a hooked void (not visible in this figure) between the corner wall 841 and the slot strap 834. In this configuration, the slot 834 is not in physical contact with the corner wall 841. The hook-like void is used to receive hooks or other similar devices attached to various tools and objects to quickly attach/detach hooked objects to/from the stackable bin 831. This is described further below with reference to other figures.

In various embodiments, the slot 834 has two parallel vertical (relative to the orientation of the stackable bin 831) posts of perforations or slots, as shown. This slot symmetry allows for symmetrical attachment to the corners of stackable boxes 831 with or without corner walls 841. The slot 834 also has two parallel edges on the outside of the slot 835, which are used to attach the slot 834 to the wall of the stackable box 831. The parallel edges are curved at the same angle as the front wall angle 844 and the side wall angle 845.

In various embodiments, the slot 834 can be in the form of a perforated plate of various shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, circular, irregularly shaped (non-geometric), and the like. Perforations in the plate, such as slots 835, may also have different forms, sizes and shapes, such as oval, circular, rectangular, horizontally oriented, vertically oriented, etc. The configuration of slots 835 may also be in various forms such as evenly spaced, staggered rows and columns, or specifically placed at specific orientations on a perforated plate to attach specific tools and accessories. The term "grooved belt" as used throughout this disclosure is defined and is to be construed as a generic perforated plate of various sizes and shapes (not just rectangular belts) with any type of perforations or holes (not just elongated grooves).

In various embodiments, multiple stacked bins locked together may form a longer column of vertically aligned slot bands 834 and pass vertically through the multiple stacked bins, as shown in fig. 1A. In fact, this configuration creates longer posts of perforations or slots that allow for the attachment of long shank tools attached to the stacked bins, which may have to be secured at more than one point along the slot band 834 on the stacked bins.

In some embodiments, the slot 834 may be attached to the planar wall of the stackable bin 831 near or on the planar wall away from the corner. In all embodiments, a hook-like void is left to allow hanging or attaching objects to the slot belt 834.

In various embodiments, the channel strips 834 may be used to strengthen corners and/or walls of the stackable boxes 831. In these embodiments, the channel 834 may be made of a strong material, such as a metal, metal alloy, high strength nylon, high strength plastic, resin, etc. of steel, aluminum, titanium, etc. for additional reinforcement. The stiffening function is generally practical when the mechanical strength of the slot 834 significantly exceeds that required to support the tool or accessory attached thereto. Examples of tools and accessories that may be attached to the slot 834 are lights, baskets, hand tool holders, etc., which typically weigh no more than a few hundred grams or kilograms. The strong grooved strips add strength including compressive strength, tensile strength and torsional strength to the structure of the stackable bin 831 in a variety of mechanical ways and orientations. These stiffening means help maintain the shape and integrity of the stackable case 831 when subjected to high strength use and various loads and forces. These loads and forces may include static weight applied to or within the stackable box 831, impact forces of the stackable box 831 falling onto a hard surface such as the ground or a table, and rough handling forces.

In some embodiments, stackable boxes 831 can have corner walls 841 that create an oblique angle, while in other embodiments front wall 842 and side walls 843 intersect at an angle of 90 degrees without intermediate corner walls 841 therebetween, creating a square angle. In embodiments where the slot ribbons 834 are attached to the stackable boxes 831 at corners, half of the slot ribbons 834 are attached to the front (or rear) wall 842, and the other half are attached to the side walls 843. This angular configuration of the notch 831 allows the notch 835 to be used with or without the corner wall 841. In both cases, one slot post falls on the front wall 842 side and the other slot post falls on the side wall 843 side with sufficient clearance from the walls of the stackable box 831 to receive an attachment hook. Thus, the slot belt 841 can be used in the same manner for both cases. However, the shape of the slot 834 is different for bevel and square angles to accommodate different geometries. The parallel edges of the slot 834 may have different bend angles and different dimensions for square and bevel angles.

In various embodiments, the channel 834 may be attached to the corner wall 841 using screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, industrial glue, heat staking, welding, and other similar attachment means. In some embodiments, the slot 834 may be permanently attached to the stackable box 831, while in other embodiments it may be removably attached, such as by nuts and bolts.

Fig. 11A shows an example of a storage box with a soft panel attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, construction 1100 includes a channel 834, a flexible panel 1101, and a panel perforation 1102.

In various embodiments, the soft panel or soft board is a flexible system, similar to a hook board, for quick attachment of various tools and objects. The flexible panel 1101 may be quickly attached to and/or detached from adjacent channel strips 834, as shown. The slot 834 may be attached to a corner wall 841 (see fig. 8C) or a flat portion of the tank wall.

In various embodiments, the flexible panel 1101 may be used with tools or accessories designed for use with flexible panels other than the channel strip 834. In some cases, the accessories or attachments may be physically too large to be attached to a single slot belt 834 and thus have to be distributed over a larger span. In this case, a soft panel or other type of strip or panel may be required. Examples of large items include large baskets or containers.

Fig. 11B shows an example of a soft panel attachable to the corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the disassembled construction 1110 includes a soft panel 1101 and a channel 834.

As described above with reference to fig. 11A, the soft panel 1101 may be attached to two adjacent channel strips 834. In some embodiments, soft panel 1101 may have angled ends that match front wall angle 844 and side wall angle 845, and may be attached to channel strip 834 on corner wall 841.

Fig. 12A shows an example of a tool holder attachable to a corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the construct 1200 includes a tool holder 1201, an attachment strip 1202, a strip end 1203, a strip latch 1204, a tool divider 1205, a divider track 1206, and a tool slot 1207.

In various embodiments, the tool holder 1201 may be quickly attached to/detached from the slot belt 834. In various embodiments, different sized tool dividers 1205 may be used to accommodate different sized tools. The tool slot 1207 may be used to carry a long and thin tool such as a screwdriver. The bar end 1203 may have angled ends that match the front wall angle 844 and the side wall angle 845, and may be attached to a slot strap 834 on the corner wall 841. The strap latch 1204 may be used to secure the attachment strap 1202 to the slot strap 834.

Fig. 12B shows an example of a tool holder attached to the corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, construct 1210 includes tool holder 1201, attachment bar 1202, tool slot 1207, stackable box 1211, screwdriver 1212, and pliers 1213.

In various embodiments, different tool holders 1201 with different tool sets for different applications may be prepared and bundled onto the stackable box 1211. This allows different tool sets to be quickly changed for a particular application.

Fig. 12C shows an example of a basket attachable to the corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the construct 1220 includes baskets 1221 and 1222 having attachment hooks 1223 that may be used to attach the baskets 1221, 1222 to the slot strip 834.

Fig. 12D shows an example of a basket attachable to a hanging accessory bar attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, the construction 1230 includes a stackable case 1231, a slot 834, a basket 1232, an attachment strap 1234, an angled strap end 1233, and a strap latch 1235.

In various embodiments, attachment bars 1234 may be attached to adjacent channel strips 834, and then basket 1232 may be attached to stackable bins 1231 via attachment bars 1234.

Fig. 12E shows an example of a magnetic accessory bar attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, the configuration 1240 includes a stackable case 1241, a slot 834, a magnetic strip 1242, a hand tool 1244, a strip latch 1243, and a lock status indicator 1245.

In various embodiments, magnetic strips 1242 may be attached to adjacent slot straps 834, and then a hand tool 1244 may be attached to stackable boxes 1241 via magnetic strips 1242.

Fig. 13A shows an example of an exploded view of the magnetic accessory bar of fig. 12E. In various embodiments, construction 1300 includes magnetic bar 1242, bar frame 1302, magnet 1301, bar frame end 1303, and bar latch 1243.

In various embodiments, the magnetic strips 1242 can be quickly attached to/detached from the slot belt 834. In various embodiments, strip frame end 1303 may have angled ends that match front wall angle 844 and side wall angle 845, and may be attached to a slot strip 834 on corner wall 841. A strap latch 1243 may be used to secure the magnetic strap 1242 to the slot 834. This configuration allows for quick attachment and detachment of the magnetic strip 1242 to and from the slot 834, as well as quick attachment and detachment of tools from the magnetic strip.

FIG. 13B illustrates an example of a close-up view of the back of a magnetic accessory bar with a closed latch. In various embodiments, the close-up view 1310 includes a strip frame 1302, a strip frame end 1303, a strip latch rear view 1312, and a strip hook 1311.

In various embodiments, the bar hook 1311 may be inserted into the slot 835 of the slot strap 834 and locked in place with the bar latch 1312 in the closed position.

Fig. 13C shows an example of a close-up view of the back of a magnetic accessory bar with an open latch. In various embodiments, the close-up view 1320 includes a bar frame 1302, a bar frame end 1303, a bar latch rear view 1312, and a bar hook 1311.

In various embodiments, the bar hook 1311 may be unlocked from the slot 835 of the slot strap 834 and may be removed with the bar latch 1312 in the open position.

Fig. 14 shows an example of a hanging accessory bar attachable to the corner attachment slot of fig. 12D. In various embodiments, the construction 1400 includes a stackable box 1231, a slotted strap 834, an attachment strap 1234 and a strap latch 1235.

In various embodiments, the attachment strip 1234 may be quickly attached to the channel strip 834 and detached from the channel strip 834.

III maintenance platform

Maintenance platforms are commonly used in cleaning services, machine shops, factory sites, hospitals, and anywhere where a large number of tools or supplies are needed and used. The maintenance station makes it easier for tools and supplies to be placed around the location where they are used.

Fig. 8A shows an example of a large pedestal cart. In various embodiments, the large pedestal cart 800 includes a cart frame 801, a beveled edge 802, a clamp receiver 803, a cart wheel 804, a cart connector 805, a cart floor 806, a reinforcement beam 807, a tab 808, a first cart half 809, and a second cart half 810.

In various embodiments, the large pedestal cart 800 may receive and support one or two sets of bins that can be stacked in the same manner as other stackable bins are stacked as shown in fig. 1A. The large pedestal cart 800 is provided with the same clip receiving portions 803 and tabs 808 as provided by the stackable boxes, allowing the stackable boxes to be stacked on top of the large pedestal cart 800.

Fig. 8B shows an example of a small-sized pedestal-type cart. In various embodiments, the compact pedestal cart 820 includes a frame 821, a clamp receiver 822, and a tab 823.

In various embodiments, the compact pedestal cart 820 may receive and support a set of bins that can be stacked in the same manner as other stackable bins are stacked as shown in fig. 1A. The small-sized pedestal-type cart 820 is provided with the same jig receiving part 822 and the protrusion 823 as provided by the stackable box so that the stackable box can be stacked on top of the small-sized pedestal-type cart 820.

Fig. 9A shows an example of a single storage box stack on a small pedestal cart with a maintenance platform on top. In various embodiments, cart based stack 900 includes stacked boxes 901, mini-carts 820, slot belts 834, maintenance platforms 902 with edges 903, cart handles 905, handle attachment points 906, bag frames 907, and bags 908.

In various embodiments, the maintenance platform 902 is attached to the uppermost stackable bin with the bag 908 hanging from the front to carry or collect various items, such as supplies or garbage. The cart handle 905 may be attached to the slot strip 834 and may move the stack up or down to a convenient location based on the height of the user. The maintenance platform 902 may be used to carry various items such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies, and other similar items.

Fig. 9B shows an example of a single storage box stack on a large pedestal cart with a maintenance platform on top. In various embodiments, the cart-based stack 920 includes a stacked case 901, a large cart 800, a maintenance station 921 having edges, cart handles 905, and a bag frame 907.

In various embodiments, the maintenance station 921 is attached to the uppermost stackable bin with the bag frame 907 being positioned in front to carry or collect various items, such as supplies or garbage. The cart handle 905 may be attached to the slot strip 834 and may move the stack up or down to a convenient location based on the height of the user. The maintenance station 921 can be used to carry a variety of items, such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies, and other similar items.

Fig. 9C shows an example of a double storage box stack on a large pedestal cart with a maintenance platform on top. In various embodiments, the cart-based stack 930 includes stacked bins 931, a large cart 800, a large maintenance platform 932 with edges, cart handles 933, handle attachment points 934, and a bag frame 935.

In various embodiments, the maintenance platform 932 is attached to the uppermost stackable bin in the two stacks, with the bag frame 935 hanging from the front to carry or collect various items, such as supplies or garbage. A cart handle 933 may be attached to the slot 834 and may move the stack up or down to a convenient location based on the height of the user. The large maintenance platform 932 may be used to carry a variety of items such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies, and other similar items.

In various embodiments, the cart handle 933 may be an integral part of the maintenance platform 932, while in other embodiments it may be an attachable handle separate from the maintenance platform 932. In some embodiments, the cart handle 933 may be an articulated handle that may swing or rotate up or down, pivoting about its point of attachment to the maintenance platform 932 or point of attachment to the slot 834 to find a comfortable operating position.

Fig. 9D shows an example of a stack of storage bins with detachable stack handles. In various embodiments, the cart-based stack 940 includes a stacked case 901, a cart handle 905, and a handle attachment point 934.

In various embodiments, the cart handle 905 may be integrated with the maintenance platform 902 or be a separate component directly attached to one of the stacked bins 901, which enables the cart handle 905 to move up and down during the stacked cart motion for convenience, control, or better stability. The handle attachment points 934 may include hooks to quickly attach to the channel strip 834 and detach from the channel strip 834.

IV. quick detach accessories (Quick Release Accessory)

In busy work environments, it is highly desirable to be able to quickly access tools, supplies, and various items while maintaining the ordering of the tools and items and avoiding loss or unavailability. Additionally, it is also desirable to be able to retrofit access to various accessories, such as work lights and part baskets, for ease and flexibility of use. In a busy work environment, it is desirable to quickly attach/detach the tool without the use of tools (such as screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.), while maintaining the ordering and safety of the tool so that the user can quickly remove the tool from a portable storage stack (such as a storage box stack having a slot 834). It is also desirable to quickly maneuver the tool from one point to another, such as to move the lamps to different points on the stacked bins, for easier access in changing work environments.

Many common types of accessories that can be quickly attached to/detached from the slot belt 834 are described below.

Fig. 9E shows an example of a stack of storage bins with long handle tools attached. In various embodiments, construction 950 includes stackable case 901 and long handle tool 951.

In various embodiments, long handle tools 951, such as shovels, brooms, umbrellas, some construction tools, etc., may be attached vertically to the channel 834 (see fig. 8C) for ease of transportation and temporary storage, and may also be quickly attached to and detached from the stackable case 901. Long handle tools may also be quickly attached to any available slot 834 that provides for convenient access to these and other tools.

Fig. 10A shows an example of a storage box in which a device holder is attached to a corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the construct 1000 includes a slot 834, a stackable box 1001, a device cage 1002, a device 1003, and a cage base 1004.

In various embodiments, the device holder 1002 may be an articulated arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and can be quickly attached to and configured with the grooved belt 834 at different corners of the stackable box 1001 and at different heights of the stack of boxes. Device 1003 may be a smart phone, a galvanometer, a laser measurement device, an electronic thermometer, and other devices having similar dimensions and form factors. The holder base 1004 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to the slot belt 834.

Fig. 10B shows an example of a storage box in which a work light is attached to a corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the construction 1010 includes a slot 834, a stackable box 1001, a work light arm 1011, a work light 1012, and an arm base 1013.

In various embodiments, the work light arm 1011 may be an articulated arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and can be quickly attached to and configured with the channel 834 at different corners of the stackable box 1001 and at different heights of the stack of boxes. The work light 1012 may be a light of various intensities, colors, and foci to allow a user to read, write, or view items just as when working on a work platform. The work light arm 1011 may be an articulated arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and also quickly maneuvered around the stackable box 1001 to illuminate the most needed area. Arm base 1023 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot belt 834.

Fig. 10C shows an example of a storage box in which a magnifying glass is attached to a corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, construct 1020 includes a slot belt 834, stackable case 1001, amplifier arm 1021, amplifier 1022, and arm base 1023.

In various embodiments, the amplifier arm 1021 may be quickly attached to and configured with the slot tape 834 at different corners of the stackable box 1001 and at different heights of the stack of boxes. The magnifier 1022 may be a magnifying glass having various magnifications at different portions, and also have a partial lamp for better illuminating the workpiece when viewed. The amplifier arm 1021 can be quickly maneuvered around the stackable bin 1001 for use where most needed. Arm base 1023 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot belt 834.

Fig. 10D shows an example of a magnifying glass attachable to the corner attachment groove. Amplifier accessory 1030 includes amplifier 1022, arm base 1023, and attachment hook 1031.

In various embodiments, arm base 1023 may be quickly attached to slot belt 834 and released from slot belt 834 via attachment hooks 1031 inserted into slots 835 (see fig. 8C). Similar to the other attachment portions of the slot 834, the attachment hooks 1031 fit within a hook void or space between the slot 834 and the corner wall 841.

Fig. 11C shows an example of a hook attached to the corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the construct 1120 includes a slotted strap 834, a stackable bin 1121, a clamp plate 1122, a hook 1123, and a hook base 1124.

In various embodiments, the hook base 1124 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for securely and quickly attaching to the slot strap 834. The hook 1123 is a wide hook suitable for hanging various items such as jacket-like clothing, lanyards, loops attached to devices such as flashlights, power tools, and the like.

Fig. 11D shows an example of a storage box in which floodlight is connected to a corner connection groove. In various embodiments, the construction 1130 includes a channel 834, floodlights 1131, and a light base 1132.

In various embodiments, floodlight 1131 may be a compact light source that illuminates the work area and may be moved around the stackable bins to illuminate a desired area around the stack of bins. The lamp base 1132 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for securely and quickly attaching to the slot belt 834.

Fig. 11E shows an example of a floodlight base attachable to a corner attachment groove. In various embodiments, the configuration 1140 includes a slot 834, a floodlight 1131, a light base 1132, and an attachment hook 1141.

In various embodiments, the lamp base 1132 may be quickly attached to the slot belt 834 and released from the slot belt 834 via an attachment hook 1141 inserted into the slot 835 (see fig. 8C). Similar to the other attachment portions of the slot belt 834, the attachment hooks 1141 fit within the hook void or space between the slot belt 834 and the corner wall 841.

Fig. 15 shows an example of a removable cord holder set attached to an angle attachment groove. In various embodiments, construction 1500 includes stackable box 1501, slot belt 834, rope hooks 1503a and 1503b, and rope 1502.

In various embodiments, rope hooks 1503a and 1503b may be physically separated, while in other embodiments rope hooks 1503a and 1503b are attached or coupled together by a strap or strip extending from one hook to the other. Each of rope hooks 1503a and 1503b may be attached to a different and generally adjacent slot strap 834. In this configuration, cord hooks 1503a and 1503b form a spool upon which cord 1502 may be wound as shown.

In various embodiments, the cord 1502 may be a wire, cable, rope, or other similar flexible item.

It will be understood that each step of the processes described above, as well as combinations of steps, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These program instructions may be provided to a processor to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the processor implement the specified actions. The computer program instructions may be executed by a processor to cause a series of operational steps to be performed by the processor to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the processor provide steps for implementing the actions. The computer program instructions may also cause at least some of the operational steps to be performed in parallel. Furthermore, some steps may also be performed on more than one processor, such as might occur in a multiprocessor computer system. Furthermore, one or more steps or combinations of steps described may also be performed concurrently with other steps or combinations of steps, or even in a different order than that described, without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, the steps of the described processes or methods support combinations of techniques for performing the specified actions, combinations of steps for performing the specified actions and program instructions for performing the specified actions. It will also be understood that each step, and combinations of steps described, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems which perform the specified actions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It will be further understood that the steps described in the process are not ordered and do not necessarily have to be performed or occur in the order described or depicted, unless explicitly described or indicated. For example, step a of the process described before step B in the same process may actually be performed after step B. In other words, unless otherwise indicated, the set of steps in the process for achieving the end result may occur in any order.

Modifications may be made to the claimed invention in light of the above detailed description. While the above description describes in detail certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the claimed invention can be practiced in many ways. The details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the claimed invention disclosed herein.

The use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimed invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

Those skilled in the art will understand that terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "comprising" should be read as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be read as "having at least," the term "comprising" should be read as "including but not limited to," etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should generally be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"), the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to containing only one such recitation; the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Further, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, such a construction in general is based on the understanding of the convention expected by one skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include but not be limited to a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B alone, a and C both, B and C both, and/or A, B, C three, etc.). Where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B and C, etc." is used, such a construction in general has been based on the understanding of the convention expected by one skilled in the art (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B and C" would include but not be limited to a system having a alone, B alone, C, A and B alone, a and C both, B and C both, and/or A, B, C three, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "a or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "a" or "B" or "a and B". It is further understood that any phrase in the form of "a/B" shall mean "a", "B", "a or B" or any of "a and B". This structure includes the phrase "and/or" itself.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended. It is further understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various configurations included within the spirit and scope of the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A portable storage system comprising:

stackable containers having walls and corners; and

A channel strap attached to a corner of the stackable container, wherein the channel strap has a plurality of channels.

2. The portable storage system of claim 1, further comprising a corner wall having a non-zero angle relative to the wall of the stackable container.

3. The portable storage system of claim 1, wherein the slot strap has an edge that is curved at an angle.

4. The portable storage system of claim 1, wherein a plurality of stackable containers are provided that when stacked together form a column of vertically aligned slots that is longer than the length of the slot strap on a single stackable container.

5. The portable storage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots are operable to receive attachment hooks.

6. The portable storage system of claim 1, wherein the channel strap structurally stiffens the stackable container.

7. The portable storage system of claim 2, wherein a void is created between the slot strap and the corner wall to receive an attachment hook.

8. The portable storage system of claim 1, wherein the slot strap is made of one of metal, high strength plastic, high strength nylon, and metal alloy.

9. A grooved belt comprising:

A panel having perforations that can be attached to corners of the stackable container; and

Two curved edges that are attachable to different walls of the stackable container.

10. The slot belt of claim 9 wherein the stackable containers are lockable to other stackable containers to create a stack of a plurality of stackable containers.

11. The slot belt of claim 9 wherein perforations are available to receive attachment hooks.

12. The grooved belt of claim 9, wherein the grooved belt structurally reinforces the stackable container.

13. The grooved belt of claim 9, wherein the angled walls of the stackable containers.

14. The grooved belt of claim 9, wherein said grooved belt is made of one of metal, high strength plastic, high strength nylon, and metal alloy.

15. A stackable container comprising:

A front wall and a side wall;

A corner wall located between the front wall and the side wall; and

A channel strap attached to the corner wall.

16. The stackable container of claim 15, further comprising an attachment bar attached across two adjacent grooved strips.

17. The stackable container of claim 16, wherein the attachment bar comprises a magnetic bar.

18. The stackable container of claim 16, wherein the attachment strip comprises a soft panel.

19. The stackable container of claim 16, wherein the attachment bar comprises two latches to lock the attachment bar to the two adjacent grooved strips.

20. The stackable container of claim 15, wherein the grooved strip structurally stiffens the stackable container.