WO2015196238A1

WO2015196238A1 - A modular unit system

Info

Publication number: WO2015196238A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000362
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert LEDERER
Original assignee: Rtl Group Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-26
Filing date: 2015-06-23
Publication date: 2015-12-30

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a unit (10A; 10B; 10C) of a modular unit system (1), the unit (10A, 10B; 10C) having a front surface (20A; 20B; 20C) and a rear surface (30A; 30B; 30C) arranged in spaced relation with the front surface (20A; 20B; 20C), wherein the front surface (20A; 20B; 20C) has a first aperture (21A) therein and a first part (40A) of a two-part connector embedded in the first aperture; and the rear surface (30A) has a second aperture (31A) therein and wherein a second part (70A) of a two-part connector is embedded in the second aperture (31A).

Description

A MODULAR UNIT SYSTEM

Field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a unit of a modular system, a modular unit system and a magnetic connector for use in connecting together first and second units of a modular unit system.

Background

[0002] Items of luggage such as suitcases are generally transported by either lifting, pushing or pulling the suitcase on a set of wheels or stacking multiple suitcases on a luggage trolley. However, whichever method the luggage items are to be transported, the items are handled as individual units. This makes it difficult to transport two suitcases or more in an environment in which no luggage trolley is available. If a luggage trolley is available, such as in an airport environment, it is often necessary to leave the items of luggage to one side in order to find a trolley. The trolley is typically coin operated and it can be difficult to lift and balance multiple luggage items on the trolley for transportation. Doing so can require some physical effort and can result in a user straining his or her back. Using a trolley to transport multiple items of luggage can therefore be inconvenient, costly and potentially dangerous, particularly for a single user.

[0003] In the past, users of multiple luggage items have addressed some of the above issues by binding the luggage items together using strapping or rope to make them more easily transportable as a unit. However, this method invariably results in the strapping or string coming loose or riding up and down the luggage items, such that transporting the items on a trolley over any bumps can cause them to come apart. It also requires some time and effort to bind multiple luggage items together.

Objection of the Invention

[0004] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is disclosed herein a unit of a modular unit system, the unit having a front surface and a rear surface arranged in spaced relation with the front surface, wherein the front surface has a first aperture therein and a first part of a two-part connector arranged in the first aperture; and the rear surface has a second aperture therein and wherein a second part of a two-part connector is arranged in the second aperture.

[0006] An advantage of the above unit is that multiple units, such as suitcases, other items of luggage or other storage units can be quickly and easily locked together for transportation as a single unit.

[0007] Preferably, the front surface includes two of the first apertures arranged therein in spaced relation from one another, each first aperture receiving a first part of the two-part connector.

[0008] Preferably, the rear surface includes two of the second apertures arranged therein in spaced relation from one another, each second aperture receiving a second part of the two-part connector.

[0009] Preferably, the unit is a piece of luggage, more preferably it is a suitcase. Preferably, the unit has wheels that enable movement of the suitcase along the ground. The units can therefore be connected together and transported without the need for lifting the units or the use of a trolley.

[0010] Preferably, the suitcase has an upper surface and a retractable handle mechanism embedded in the upper surface, the retractable handle mechanism having a handle including a pair of telescopic arms and a gripping portion connecting the pair of telescopic arms. More preferably, the gripping portion spans a lateral dimension of the suitcase. Preferably, the telescopic arms include a pivotable hinge at a base thereof for pivotal movement of the retractable handle. Preferably, the retractable handle mechanism is tiltable away from the suitcase. [001 1 ] Preferably, the two-part connector is a magnetic connector for connecting together a first unit and a second unit of the modular unit system.

[0012] Preferably, the first part of the magnetic connector comprises a housing having an end wall at a proximal end thereof, at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, an endcap attached to the housing at a distal end thereof, and a resilient biasing means arranged over the housing between the end wall and the endcap, the second part of the magnetic connector having a housing and at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, whereby in use of the magnetic connector, the resilient biasing means is adapted to bias the housing and end wall of the first part in a first retracted position relative to the second part when the first part and second part are unconnected and, as the first part and the second part are connected together, to contract under a magnetic force emitted by the second part to cause the housing and end wall of the first part to move to a second extended position relative to the second part for engagement therewith.

[0013] Preferably, the first part of the magnetic connector is installed in the front surface of the unit such that the front plate lies on the front surface of the unit and the end wall lies flush with the front surface in the retracted position thereof.

[0014] Preferably, the endcap of the first part includes a second part engagement portion and the housing of the second part includes a first part engagement portion for engaging the second part engagement portion of the first part.

[0015] Preferably, the second part engagement portion of the first part is a male component and the first part engagement portion is a female component.

[0016] Preferably, the second part of the magnetic connector is installed in the rear surface of the unit such that the female engagement portion protrudes therefrom.

[0017] Preferably, the second part engagement portion of the first part comprises a peripheral flange of the end wall.

[0018] Preferably, the first part engagement portion of the second part comprises at least one resilient member. More preferably, the first part engagement portion comprises a plurality of the resili ent members spaced from one another around a portion of a sidewall of the housing, the plurality of resilient members together subtending an angle of no more than about 270 degrees.

[0019] Preferably, the endcap further includes a housing engagement member that extends away from the endcap.

[0020] Preferably, the housing of the first part has a sidewall with an aperture therein for receiving the housing engagement member of the endcap.

[0021 ] Preferably, a distal end of the housing engagement member is arranged to abut the magnet inside the housing of the first part.

[0022] Preferably, the distal end of the housing engagement member comprises a cam surface, the cam surface tenninating in a rebate at a distance away from the distal end so as to form a lug. More preferably, the lug is engageable in the aperture of the sidewall of the housing.

[0023] Preferably, the first part includes a face plate having a central aperture therein, the face plate being arranged to fit over the housing sidewall in abutment with the peripheral flange of the end wall.

[0024] Preferably, the housing of the second part includes a sidewall and the magnet is arranged within the sidewall. Preferably, the housing further includes an endcap arranged over the housing to retain the magnet inside the housing.

[0025] Preferably, the resilient biasing means is a helical spring. More preferably, the helical spring is made of spring steel.

[0026] Preferably, the housing and endcap of the first part and the housing and endcap of the second part are made of plastic, more preferably nylon.

[0027] According to a second aspect, there is provided herein a modular unit system, comprising a plurality of units in accordance with the first aspect. [0028] Preferably, the plurality of units comprises at least a first unit and a second unit and the position of the first part of the two-part connector on the front surface of the first unit and the position of the second part of the two-part connector on the rear surface of the second connector lie on an axis that passes through each of the first and second unit when the units are placed adjacent one another. Preferably, where the front surface of the first unit includes two of the first parts spaced from one another and the rear surface of the second unit includes two of the second parts spaced from one another, correspondingly spaced first parts and second parts lie along respective first and second axes that are laterally spaced from one another and which pass through each of the first and second units when the units placed adjacent one another.

[0029] There is further disclosed herein a method of locking together a first unit and a second unit of a modular unit system, the first and second units each having a front surface and a rear surface, each front surface having an aperture therein and at least one first part of a magnetic connector embedded in the aperture, each rear surface having an aperture therein and at least one second part of a magnetic connector embedded in the aperture, the method comprising the steps of: placing the first unit adjacent the second unit such that the front surface of the first unit is adjacent the rear surface of the second unit, and the first part of one magnetic connector is adjacent a second part of a magnetic connector, so as to cause the resilient biasing means of the first part to contract under the magnetic force of the magnet of the second part, thereby placing the first part in an extended position relative to the second part whereby the male engagement portion of the first part locks into the female engagement part of the second part, thereby locking the units together.

[0030] There is still further disclosed herein a magnetic connector for connecting together a first unit and a second unit of a modular unit system, comprising a first part including a housing having an end wall at a proximal end thereof, at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, an endcap attached to the housing at a distal end thereof and a resilient biasing means arranged over the housing between the end wall and the endcap, the magnetic connector further including a second part having a housing and at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, whereby the resilient biasing means is adapted in use to bias the housing and endcap of the first part in a first retracted position relative to the second part and to contract under a magnetic force emitted by the second part to cause the housing and endcap of the first part to move to a second extended position relative to the second part for engagement therewith. Brief Description of Drawings

[0031 ] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of an example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0032] Figure 1 is a side view of three units of a modular unit system in accordance with an embodiment, in which the units are separated from one another;

[0033] Figure 2 is a side view of the three units of Figure 1 in which the units are locked together;

[0034] Figure 3 is a front view of the three units of Figure 2;

[0035] Figure 4A is a side view of a first part of a magnetic connector in accordance with an embodiment, shown in a retracted position;

[0036] Figure 4B is a side view of the first part of the magnetic connector of Figure 4A, shown in an extended position;

[0037] Figure 5 A is an isometric top view of the first part of the magnetic connector of Figure 4A, shown in a retracted position;

[0038] Figure 5 B is an isometric bottom view of the first part of the magnetic connector of Figure 4A, shown in a retracted position;

[0039] Figure 6A is an isometric top view of the first part of the magnetic connector of Figure 4 A, shown in an extended position;

[0040] Figure 6B is an isometric bottom view of the first part of the magnetic connector of Figure 4A, shown in an extended position;

[0041 ] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the first part of the magnet connector;

[0042] Figure 8A is a sectional side view of the first part of the magnetic connector in a retracted position; [0043] Figure 8B is a sectional side view of the first part of the magnetic connector in an extended position;

[0044] Figure 9A is an isometric top view of a second part of the magnetic connector in accordance with an embodiment;

[0045] Figure 9 B is an isometric bottom view of the second part of the magnetic connector of Figure 9 A;

[0046] Figure 10A is a front view of the second part of the magnetic connector of Figure 9 A;

[0047] Figure 10B is a side view of the second part of the magnetic connector of Figure 9A;

[0048] Figure 1 1 is an exploded view of the second part of the magnetic connector of Figure 9A;

[0049] Figure 12A is a sectional front view of the second part of the connector of Figure 9A;

[0050] Figure 12B is a sectional side view of the second part of the connector of Figure 9A;

[0051] Figure 13 shows an engagement sequence of the first part of the connector and the second part of the connector ;

[0052] Figure 14 shows sectional views of the engagement sequence of Figure 13;

[0053] Figure 15 shows another embodiment of three units of the modular unit system in which the units are provided with a wide handle; and

[0054] Figures 16A-16C show three views of one of the units of Figure 15 with the handle in three different positions.

Description of Embodiments

[0055] Figures 1 to 3 and 15, 16 show an embodiment of a modular unit system 1 that comprises of three units 10A, 10B and I OC, each of which is a suitcase. The suitcases lOA, l OB, I OC are of the hard shell type and each has a set of wheels 12A, 12B, 12C at a base 1 1 A, 1 IB, l l C thereof for wheeling the suitcases 10A, 10B, IOC on the ground. Each suitcase 10A, 10B, I OC has a retractable handle 14A, 14B, 14C, 1 14A, 1 14B, 1 14C which can be moved by the user of the suitcase between a retracted position (not shown) and an extended position seen in Figures 1 to 3 in which the handle can be pulled behind a user such that the suitcase can tilt and roll over the ground. Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the retractable handle whilst a more preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 15 and 16. The handles 14A, 14B, 14C, shown in Figures 1 to 3 each include an angled portion 16A, 16B, 16C as an upper end thereof such that it is not necessary for a user to tilt the suitcase in order to pull it behind him or her. The wheels 12 A, 12B, 12C remain on the ground as the suitcase is pulled over the ground. The retractable handles 1 14 A, 1 14B and 1 14C shown in Figures 15 and 16 each consist of an inverted U-shaped handle having a central gripping portion 1 15 that spans a width of the suitcase and a pair of telescopic arms 1 16 that connect the central gripping portion 1 15 to the suitcase at the extremities of the suitcase width. When the handle is in a retracted position as shown in Figure 16A, the telescopic arms 1 16 are retracted such that the gripping portion 1 15 lies flush with an upper surface 1 1 1 of the suitcase. When in an extended vertical position seen in Figure 16B, the telescopic arms 116 are fully extended in an upright position. The telescopic arms 116 each include a pivotable hinge 1 17 at a base thereof. The pivotable hinge 1 17 allows the handle 1 14A to be tilted away from the suitcase so that a user can comfortably pull it behind him or her. The wide handle design of this embodiment provides lateral stability to the suitcase that allows multiple connected suitcases to be transported together as a unit without over-stressing the handle mechanism.

[0056] The suitcases 10A, 10B, I OC shown in Figures 1 to 3 are of different sizes. However they may be of the same size. Regardless of the size of the suitcases, the construction of each is the same for the purpose of the present disclosure. The following description refers to the suitcase 10A for ease of reference.

[0057] The suitcase 10A has a first front surface 20A and a second rear surface 30A. The front surface 20A has a pair of apertures 21 A formed therein, the apertures 21 A being spaced from one another across a lateral dimension of the suitcase 10A and being formed at the same height as each other within the front surface 20A. [0058] The rear surface 30A has a corresponding pair of apertures 31A formed therein, the apertures 31A being spaced from one another across the lateral dimension of the suitcase l OA and being formed at the same height as each other within the rear surface 30A.

[0059] A first part 40A of a two-part magnetic connector is installed in each of the apertures 21 A in the front surface 20A. A second part 70A of a two-part magnetic connector is installed in the apertures 31A in the rear surface 3 OA.

[0060] Referring to Figures 4A to 8B, the first part 40A includes a die cast or injection moulded nylon tubular housing 41 A having an end wall 42A at a distal end thereof having a slightly larger diameter than that of the housing 41 A to create a flange 43 A. The first part 40A further includes an annular face plate 44A having a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the end wall flange 43A and having a central aperture 45A. The face plate 44A includes a tubular stepped side wall 46A extending proximally therefrom. The tubular housing 41 A is fed through the aperture 45A from a distal end 15 of the face plate 44A such that the flange 43 A abuts an interior of the stepped side wall 46A with the tubular housing 41 A protruding proximally therefrom.

[0061] A pair of circular neodymium magnets 60A is housed inside the tubular housing 41 A adjacent the end wall 42A. A helical spring 47A is placed over the housing 41 A such that it rests at a proximal end of the stepped side wall 46 A of the flange plate 43A. The spring 47A is made of spring steel.

[0062] A circular endcap 48 A is adapted to closely fit over the proximal end 15 of the housing 41 A. The endcap 48A has a diameter that is wider than that of the housing 41A to form a peripheral flange portion 49A. An underside of the endcap 48A includes a pair of housing engagement members 50A, each of which consists of a proximally extending arm having a wedge portion 53 A at a distal end thereof. The distal wedge portion 53 A protrudes radially from the proximally extending arm and to a tip at the distal end thereof.

[0063] Upon assembly of the first part 40A of the magnetic connector, the end cap 48A captures the magnets 60A inside the housing 41 A. The tip of the wedge portion 53A abuts one of the magnets 60A, forcing the magnet 60 A into close contact with the end wall 42 A. The helical spring 47 A is also captured between the peripheral flange 49 A of the endcap 48 A and the step side wall 46 A of the flange plate 44 A .

[0064] In use of the magnetic connector, the first part 40A is installed in the aperture 21A on the front surface 20 of the suitcase 1 OA such that the face plate 44A lies over a portion of the first surface 20A surrounding the aperture 21 A. The helical spring 47A is biased in a rest position at whi ch the housing 41A is in a retracted position in which the proximal end 17 of the housing 41A and the endcap 48 A protrude into the suitcase and the end wall 42A lies flush with the first surface 20A. Under the influence of a sufficiently strong magnetic force applied to the magnets 60A, the magnets 60A force the end wall 42A distally into an extended position, overcoming the spring force of the helical spring 47A and contracting the spring as shown in Figures 4A, 6B and 8B.

[0065] The second part 70A of the magnetic connector is shown in Figures 9A to 12B. The second part 70A comprises of a circular base plate 71 A having a sunken central recess 72 A. The base plate 71 A is adapted to be installed at an interior side of the second surface 30A of the suitcase 10A. The base plate 71 A has four equi-spaced fixing holes 73 A drilled therein. The second part 70A further includes an inner housing 74A having a base flange 75 A of the same diameter as the base plate 71 A and a central tubular portion 76A extending proximally towards the base plate 71 A. The base flange 75 A includes four equi-spaced fixing holes 77 drilled therein. A pair of circular magnets 80A is housed one on top of the other in the recess 72A and inside the housing tubular portion 76A, in abutment with the base flange 75A.

[0066] A circular outer housing 78A of the second part 70A has a central raised portion 80A defining a central aperture 81 A, the central raised portion 80A tapering radially outwardly to an outer flange portion 82A having a proximally extending rim 83A. The flange portion 82A includes four equi-spaced pegs 84A for affixing the outer housing 78A to the inner housing 74A, the second surface 30A of the suitcase 10A and the base plate 71 A via fixing holes 73 A, 77A and 130A therein.

[0067] As best seen in Figure 9A, the raised section 80A of the outer housing 78A subtends an angle of no more than about 270 degrees such that the central aperture 81 A is open-sided over about 90 degrees of its circumference. When the second part of the magnetic connector is installed within the rear surface 30A of the suitcase 10A, the open-sided portion is at the top of the second part 70A. The raised section 80A defines a side wall 86A to the central aperture 81 A over the remaining 270 degrees of its circumference.

[0068] The side wall 86A includes three elongate resilient members 85A equi-spaced therearound such that they are spaced by approximately 90 degrees from one another. The resilient members 85 A are wedge shaped and comprise an angled cam surface 90 A that tapers inwardly from a distal end thereof towards a proximal end thereof. The second part 70A is assembled by placing the base plate 71 A at the interior of the rear surface 30A of the suitcase 10A, placing the inner housing 74A over the rear surface 30A such that the tubular portion 76A extends through the aperture 21 A and the fixing holes 73 A, 103 A and 77A line up with each other placing the magnets 80A inside the recess 72A and the tubular portion 76A of the inner housing 74A, and assembling the lugs 84A of the outer housing 78A into the fixing holes 73 A, 77A and 130A.

[0069] Referring now to Figures 1, 13 and 14, the suitcases 10A and 10B of Figure 1 are connected by the magnetic connector as follows.

[0070] The first part 40A of the connector is installed in a front surface 20A of suitcase 10A. The second part 70B is installed in a rear surface 30B of the suitcase 10B of Figure 1, as schematically shown in Figures 13(1 ) and 14(1 ).

[0071] When it is desired to connect the two suitcases 10A, 10B together for transportation, the front surface 20A of suitcase 1 OA is brought into close proximity with the rear surface 70B of suitcase 10B. The first part 40A of the connector and the second part 70B of the connector are installed at the same height above the bases 1 1A, 1 IB of the suitcases 10A, 10B such that they line up with one another when the suitcases 10A, 10B are placed next to one another as shown schematically in Figure 13(1 ) and Figure 14(1 ).

[0072] The magnets 60A and 80B are of opposite magnetic poles such that they attract one another in close proximity.

[0073] As the first part 40A and second part 70B of the magnetic connector are brought into close contact as shown schematically in Figure 13(2) and Figure 14(2), the magnetic force generated on the magnets 60A by the magnets 80B overcomes the spring force of the spring 47A, causing the housing 41A of the first part 40A to be forced into the extended position shown in which the cam surfaces 90B of the resilient members 85B engage the bevelled flange 43A of the end wall 42A until the flange 43 A is captured and engaged by the three resilient members 85B, as seen in Figures 13(3) and 14(3). The suitcases 10A, l OB are thus locked together by the magnetic connector.

[0074] To disengage the suitcase 10A from the suitcase lOB, the suitcase 10A is lifted vertically by a small amount such that the flange 43 A is lifted past the open portion of the raised portion 82A of the outer housing 78B to release it from the resilient members 85B.

[0075] It will be readily apparent that several suitcases can be locked together in this manner for transportation together such that no luggage trolley is required.

[0076] The magnetic connector may be used to lock together other units such as soft shell suitcases, golf bags or other sporting equipment bags or storage units.

[0077] Other types of magnets may be used as appropriate.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment of the unit, the connector is a quick-release connector or latch mechanism.

[0079] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

1. A unit of a modular unit system, the unit having a front surface and a rear surface arranged in spaced relation with the front surface, wherein the front surface has a first aperture therein and a first part of a two-part connector arranged in the first aperture; and the rear surface has a second aperture therein and wherein a second part of a two-part connector is arranged in the second aperture.

2. A unit as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the front surface includes two of the first apertures arranged therein in spaced relation from one another, each first aperture receiving a first part of the two-part connector.

3. A unit as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the rear surface includes two of the second apertures arranged therein in spaced relation from one another, each second aperture receiving a second part of the two-part connector.

4. A unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a piece of luggage, more preferably a suitcase.

5. A unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, including at least one wheel that enables movement of the suitcase along the ground.

6. A unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein the suitcase has an upper surface and a retractable handle mechanism embedded in the upper surface, the retractable handle mechanism having a handle including a pair of telescopic arms and a gripping portion connecting the pair of telescopic arms.

7. A unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the gripping portion spans a lateral dimension of the suitcase.

8. A unit as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the telescopic arms include a pivotable hinge at a base thereof for pivotal movement of the retractable handle.

9. A unit as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the retractable handle mechanism is tiltable away from the suitcase.

10. A unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the two-part connector is a magnetic connector for connecting together a first unit and a second unit of the modular unit system.

11. A unit as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first part of the magnetic connector comprises a housing having an end wall at a proximal end thereof, at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, an endcap attached to the housing at a distal end thereof, and a resilient biasing means arranged over the housing between the end wall and the endcap, the second part of the magnetic connector having a housing and at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, whereby in use of the magnetic connector, the resilient biasing means is adapted to bias the housing and end wall of the first part in a first retracted position relative to the second part when the first part and second part are unconnected and, as the first part and the second part are connected together, to contract under a magnetic force emitted by the second part to cause the housing and end wall of the first part to move to a second extended position relative to the second part for engagement therewith.

12. A unit claimed in claim 1 1, wherein the first part of the magnetic connector is installed in the front surface of the unit such that the front plate lies on the front surface of the unit and the end wall lies flush with the front surface in the retracted position thereof.

13. A unit claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the endcap of the first part includes a second part engagement porti on and the housing of the second part includes a first part engagement portion for engaging the second part engagement portion of the first part.

14. A unit claimed in claim 13, wherein the second part engagement portion of the first part is a male component and the first part engagement portion is a female component.

15. A unit claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the second part of the magnetic connector is installed in the rear surface of the unit such that the female engagement portion protrudes therefrom.

16. A unit claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the second part engagement portion of the first part comprises a peripheral flange of the end wall.

17. A unit claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the first part engagement portion of the second part comprises at least one resilient member.

18. A unit claimed in claim 17, wherein the first part engagement portion comprises a plurality of the resilient members spaced from one another around a portion of a sidewall of the housing, the plurality of resilient members together subtending an angle of no more than about 270 degrees.

19. A unit claimed in claim 13, wherein the endcap further includes a housing engagement member that extends away from the endcap.

20. A unit claimed in claim 19, wherein the housing of the first part has a sidewall with an aperture therein for receiving the housing engagement member of the endcap.

21. A unit claimed in claim 20, wherein a distal end of the housing engagement member is arranged to abut the magnet inside the housing of the first part.

22. A unit claimed in claim 21 , wherein the distal end of the housing engagement member comprises a cam surface, the cam surface terminating in a rebate at a distance away from the distal end so as to form a lug.

23. A unit claimed in claim 22, wherein the lug is engageable in the aperture of the sidewall of the housing.

24. A unit claimed in any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the first part of the magnetic connector includes a face plate having a central aperture therein, the face plate being arranged to fit over the sidewall of the housing in abutment with the peripheral flange of the end wall.

25. A unit claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the housing of the second part includes a sidewall and the magnet is arranged within the sidewall.

26. A unit claimed in claim 25, wherein the housing of the second part further includes an endcap arranged over the housing to retain the magnet therein.

27. A unit claimed in any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the resilient biasing means is a helical spring.

28. A unit claimed in claim 27, wherein the helical spring is made of spring steel.

29. A unit claimed in any one of claims 13 to 28, wherein the housing and endcap of the first part and the housing and endcap of the second part are made of plastic, more preferably nylon.

30. A modular unit system, comprising a plurality of units in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. A modular unit system as claimed in claim 30, wherein the plurality of units comprises a first unit and a second unit, and wherein the positions of the first part of the two-part connector on the front surface of the first unit and of the second part of the two-part connector on the rear surface of the second unit lie on an axis that passes through each of the first unit and the second unit when the front surface of the first unit and the rear surface of the second unit are placed adjacent one another.

32. A method of locking together a first unit and a second unit of a modular unit system, the first and second units each having a front surface and a rear surface, each front surface having at least one aperture therein and a first part of a magnetic connector arranged in the or each aperture, each rear surface having at least one aperture therein and a second part of a magnetic connector arranged in the or each aperture, the method comprising the steps of:

placing the first unit adjacent the second unit such that the front surface of the first unit is adjacent the rear surface of the second unit, and the first part of the magnetic connector of the first unit is adjacent a second part of the magnetic connector of the second unit, so as to cause the resilient biasing means of the first part of the magnetic connector to contract under the magnetic force of the magnet of the second part of the magnetic connector, thereby placing the first part of the magnetic connector in an extended position relative to the second part of the magnetic connector whereby the male engagement portion of the first part locks into the female engagement part of the second part, thereby locking the units together.

33. A magnetic connector for connecting together a first unit and a second unit of a modular unit system, comprising a first part including a housing having an end wall at a proximal end thereof, at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, an endcap attached to the housing at a distal end thereof and a resilient biasing means arranged over the housing between the end wall and the endcap, the magnetic connector further including a second part having a housing and at least one magnet arranged inside the housing, whereby the resilient biasing means is adapted in use to bias the housing and endcap of the first part in a first retracted position relative to the second part and to contract under a magnetic force emitted by the second part to cause the housing and endcap of the first part to move to a second extended position relative to the second part for engagement therewith.