Stackable storage containers with quick-release attachments

Abstract

A stackable storage container with quick-release attachments is disclosed. A method and system including stackable storage containers are also disclosed. In various embodiments, the stackable storage containers include a stacking lock that automatically deploys to lock the stackable storage containers together when a first storage container is placed on top of a second storage container. A three-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 containers allow for automatic alignment of the containers. When the storage containers are stacked and aligned, a lock status indicator is activated to indicate the status of the stacking 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 they can manually unlock them.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference with related applications

[0002] This application is a full continuation-to-file of U.S. Patent Application 18 / 385,918, filed November 1, 2023, entitled “Stackable Storage Container with Stacking Locking Function,” and claims the benefit of its filing date, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 422,398, filed November 3, 2022, entitled “Stackable Storage Container with Stacking Locking Function,” the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety under 35 U.S.SC §119(e). Technical Field

[0003] This application broadly relates to a storage container. More specifically, this application relates to a system of multiple storage boxes that are easily stacked and automatically lock into place. Attached Figure Description

[0004] These accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate understanding of the subject matter for which protection is sought, when considered in conjunction with the following description.

[0005] Figure 1A An exemplary stack of multiple storage boxes with a sliding lock indicator bar is shown;

[0006] Figure 1B An exemplary pedestal-type box with a drawer, handle, and wheels is shown;

[0007] Figure 1C An exemplary pedestal-type box with multiple drawers, handles, and wheels is shown;

[0008] Figure 1D An exemplary disassembled upper and lower box is shown;

[0009] Figure 1E A bottom view of a storage box with a locking latch or cleat is shown;

[0010] Figure 1F An exemplary storage box with a rotating locking indicator lever is shown;

[0011] Figure 2A An exemplary misaligned upper and lower box is shown;

[0012] Figure 2B An exemplary aligned upper and lower box is shown;

[0013] Figure 2C An exemplary close-up diagram of a detent actuation mechanism with the protrusion not inserted is shown;

[0014] Figure 2D An exemplary close-up view of a stop actuator mechanism with a protrusion insertion is shown;

[0015] Figure 3A An exemplary abstract structure of a locking mechanism component is shown;

[0016] Figure 3B An exemplary locking mechanism assembly is shown, comprising a portion of an upper box and a lid for a lower box;

[0017] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3B An exemplary back side of the locking mechanism component;

[0018] Figure 3D It shows Figure 1A An exemplary view of the sliding locking lever;

[0019] Figure 3E The image shows the locked state. Figure 3B An exemplary locking mechanism component;

[0020] Figure 3F It shows the unlocked state. Figure 3B An exemplary locking mechanism component;

[0021] Figure 4A An exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism component in the unlocked state, with the slider removed, is shown.

[0022] Figure 4B An exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism component in the locked state, with the slider removed, is shown;

[0023] Figure 4C An exemplary close-up view of the clamp assembly is shown;

[0024] Figure 4D An exemplary bottom view is shown of the slider and clamp assembly in the unlocked position, which is in contact with (stacked) the lower and upper boxes;

[0025] Figure 4E An exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in the unlocked position is shown, not in contact with the lower and upper boxes (not stacked).

[0026] Figure 4F An exemplary bottom view is shown of the slider and clamp assembly in a locked position, which is in contact with (stacked) the lower and upper boxes;

[0027] Figure 5A An exemplary configuration of the lower box and upper box locking mechanism components is shown;

[0028] Figure 5B An exemplary cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly and the first stop actuation mechanism is shown;

[0029] Figure 6A An exemplary second stop actuation mechanism is shown, which, in a one-piece form, is compatible with [other mechanisms] in a first functional state. Figures 1A to 1F Used together with storage boxes;

[0030] Figure 6B It shows the second functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop actuator;

[0031] Figure 6C It shows the state in the third functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop actuator;

[0032] Figure 6D It shows the fourth functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop actuator;

[0033] Figure 6E It shows the fifth functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop actuator;

[0034] Figure 7A An exemplary storage box type III front latch mechanism in the open state is shown;

[0035] Figure 7B An exemplary storage box type 3 front latch mechanism in the closed state is shown;

[0036] Figure 7C An exemplary storage box type 4 front latch mechanism in the closed state is shown;

[0037] Figure 7D An exemplary storage box type 4 front latch mechanism in the open state is shown;

[0038] Figure 7E An exemplary storage box type 5 front latch mechanism in the open state is shown;

[0039] Figure 7F An exemplary storage box type 5 front latch mechanism in the closed state is shown;

[0040] Figure 7G An exemplary storage box type 6 front latch mechanism in the open state is shown;

[0041] Figure 7H An exemplary storage box type 6 front latch mechanism in the closed state is shown;

[0042] Figure 8AAn exemplary large pedestal cart is shown;

[0043] Figure 8B An exemplary small pedestal-type trolley is shown;

[0044] Figure 8C An exemplary storage box with corner attachment slots is shown;

[0045] Figure 9A An exemplary single stack of storage boxes is shown on a small pedestal trolley with a maintenance platform on top;

[0046] Figure 9B An exemplary single stack of storage boxes is shown on a large pedestal trolley with a maintenance platform on top;

[0047] Figure 9C An exemplary double stack of storage boxes is shown on a large pedestal trolley with a maintenance platform on top;

[0048] Figure 9D An exemplary stack of storage boxes with detachable stacking handles is shown;

[0049] Figure 9E An exemplary stack of storage boxes with attached long-handled tools is shown;

[0050] Figure 10A An exemplary storage box with a device holder attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0051] Figure 10B An exemplary storage box with a work light attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0052] Figure 10C An exemplary storage box with a magnifying glass attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0053] Figure 10D An exemplary magnifying glass that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0054] Figure 11A An exemplary storage box with a soft panel attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0055] Figure 11B An exemplary flexible panel that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0056] Figure 11C An exemplary hook is shown that attaches to a corner attachment slot;

[0057] Figure 11D An exemplary storage box with a floodlight attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0058] Figure 11EAn exemplary floodlight base that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0059] Figure 12A An exemplary tool holder that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0060] Figure 12B An exemplary tool holder attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0061] Figure 12C An exemplary basket that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown;

[0062] Figure 12D An exemplary basket is shown that can be attached to a hanging accessory strip and is attached to a corner attachment slot;

[0063] Figure 12E An exemplary magnetic attachment strip is shown attached to a corner attachment slot;

[0064] Figure 13A It shows Figure 12E An exemplary exploded view of the magnetic attachment strip;

[0065] Figure 13B An exemplary close-up view of the back of a magnetic attachment strip with a closed latch is shown;

[0066] Figure 13C An exemplary close-up view of the back of a magnetic attachment strip with an open latch is shown;

[0067] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12D An exemplary suspended attachment strip that can be attached to a corner attachment slot;

[0068] Figure 15 An exemplary detachable rope retainer assembly attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0069] While this disclosure has been described with reference to several illustrative embodiments described herein, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed disclosure. Furthermore, although the following description refers to specific toolbox constructions, it should be understood that this disclosure can be used with other types of containers or storage boxes that may be stacked or otherwise attached together.

[0070] In summary, a system is disclosed comprising a storage container having a body with a top cover, a bottom surface, and sidewalls, the sidewalls surrounding a volume within the body and connecting the top cover to the bottom surface. In various embodiments, the storage container may further include a set of stacking locks that automatically deploy to lock the storage containers together when a first storage container is placed on top of a second storage container. The stacking locks are a three-state locking mechanism. Deep chamfers on the bottom surface and top cover of the storage containers allow the first (top) storage container to automatically align with the second (bottom) storage container. Furthermore, a protrusion in the bottom storage container engages in a detent slot, which, when placed on top of other containers, enables automatic locking of the containers and facilitates further alignment of the stacked containers. A lock status indicator automatically indicates the state of the stacking lock at all times (not stacked—unlocked, stacked—locked, stacked—unlocked). The lock status indicator may also have additional functionality to allow a user to unlock the stacked storage containers to remove them from the stack. In various implementations, as described above, the user does not need to manually lock the storage container, but can manually unlock it. In various implementations, the stacked locking mechanism may include a front locking mechanism group and a rear locking mechanism group. When the storage container is aligned, the locking mechanism can be actuated via various linkages.

[0071] In various embodiments, a portable storage system is disclosed, including a first stackable container having a locking system and a lock status indicator located on the first stackable container, which automatically indicates a specific current state of the locking system of the first stackable container, such as a locked state and an unlocked state, when placed on top of a second stackable container and when removed from the second stackable container.

[0072] In various embodiments, the stackable container includes a protrusion on its lid for stacking and locking an upper stackable container, and for automatically aligning the upper stackable container with the stackable container when they are not aligned. The protrusion on the lid of the stackable container engages in a self-aligning slot at the bottom of the upper stackable container to aid in aligning the two stacked containers.

[0073] In various embodiments, a container locking system is disclosed, including a locking mechanism component having three locking states: an unlocked state without stacking, a locked state after stacking, and an unlocked state after stacking. The locking mechanism component is deployed on a first container and actuated by a second container stacked on the first container.

[0074] A wide variety of hand and motorized tools are used in various industrial applications, including construction projects, repair shops, plumbing service providers, and auto repair facilities. Without efficient storage, the sheer number and weight of all the tools that must be carried to the work site and returned or kept organized in the repair shop can become unmanageable, leading to tool loss, shortages of necessary tools, and difficulties in carrying all the tools required for a project. Tools can be managed based on their function or type of application, size or weight, manual or motorized operation, etc. Therefore, each set of tools can be stored in a separate container to maintain its organization and ease of use. An efficient, fast, and simple method is needed to attach all such storage containers together, for example, by stacking them, allowing users to quickly and safely attach and detach the storage containers.

[0075] It should be noted that direction, orientation, and other related terms, such as "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "inside," "outside," "internal," "external," "downward," "upward," "forward," "downward," "vertical," "horizontal," and "diagonal," are used to describe distinguishing features relative to the main body of the system or device itself. For example, if the front or front surface of the main body of the system or object is identified in the description, then "back" or "rear" is defined as the part or surface opposite to the front surface, "left" is defined as the left side when observing the front surface, and so on. How orientation is defined is not important as long as the direction can be clearly identified based on the description and figures.

[0076] It should also be noted that the values ​​of various quantities and parameters (and / or differences between systems, mechanisms, or processes) can be expressed as estimates by reference to another similar quantity or system using terms such as “substantially,” “approximately,” “almost,” “truly,” “nearly,” and “about.” In many fields such as engineering, chemistry, and finance, a difference between two similar entities or quantities equal to or less than five percent (5%) is considered negligible, forming a reasonable approximation of the quantity. In the context of systems, an insignificant difference is defined as a difference between the outputs of the systems that is less than or equal to 5%.

[0077] I. Stacked storage containers

[0078] Figure 1A An exemplary stack of multiple storage boxes with sliding locking indicator bars is shown. In various embodiments, the stack 100 includes a wheeled base container or box 101, other intermediate boxes 102, and a top or upper box 103, each box having a handle 108 and a locking status indicator 104, corner slots 105, and a cover 106. The base box 101 may include wheels 107.

[0079] In various embodiments, the boxes are stacked sequentially and locked together via a locking mechanism assembly described later. In some embodiments, the lid 106 of each box forms a concave or recessed surface with a sloping / inclined inner side to automatically center an upper box placed thereon. The bottom of each box forms a convex surface with a sloping / inclined outer side that matches the angle of the inner sloping surface of the lid 106. The respective sloping sides cause the upper box 103 to move to the center of the lid 106 and be positioned at the bottom or top of the lower box. In various other embodiments, the lid 106 may be convex and the bottom of the upper box 103 may be concave to achieve the same function of centering the upper box onto the lower box.

[0080] It should be noted that in this disclosure, the upward direction extends from wheel 107 toward upper box 103. The downward direction is the opposite of the upward direction. The front of the box is the face or side where the locking status indicator 105 appears, and the rear is opposite to the front. The exterior of the sides, panels, or strips of the box is a surface away from the interior center of the box surrounded by its sides, and the interior of the sides, panels, or strips is a surface facing the center of the box. Therefore, regardless of the stacking or orientation of individual boxes, the directions disclosed herein are explicitly specified relative to the stack or the box itself.

[0081] As used herein, the terms box, container, storage box, shell, box, enclosure and other similar terms may be used interchangeably unless otherwise expressly distinguished or contextually distinguished.

[0082] In various implementations, as disclosed herein, stackable boxes stacked together on wheeled bases construct mobile or portable storage systems that enable the safe and orderly transport of numerous tools, equipment, materials, and other objects.

[0083] Figure 1B An exemplary pedestal case is shown, having a drawer, a handle, and wheels. In various embodiments, pedestal case configuration 110 includes a pedestal case 111 having a drawer 112, an extendable handle 113, and a recessed cover 106.

[0084] In various embodiments, the pedestal case 111 may have a full-size drawer covering the entire internal volume of the pedestal case 111. When pulled out, the internal volume of the pedestal case 111 can 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 case 111, but instead serve to receive an upper case.

[0085] Figure 1C An exemplary pedestal case with multiple drawers, handles, and wheels is shown. In various embodiments, pedestal case configuration 120 includes a pedestal case 121 having multiple drawers 122 and extendable handles 113.

[0086] In various embodiments, the base-type box 121 is similar in use and operation to Figure 1B The base-type box 111.

[0087] Figure 1D Exemplary disassembled upper and lower boxes are shown. In various embodiments, configuration 130 includes a first, top, or upper box 131 and a second, bottom, or lower box 132, each box sequentially including a recessed cover 106, locking status indicators 104 and 134, cover protrusions 135a, 135b, 135c, and 135d, front latch or clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b, rear latch or clamp receiving portions 136c and 136d, a short beveled (or chamfered or sloped) side 137, and a long beveled side 138.

[0088] In various embodiments, the upper box 131 can be placed on top of the lower box 132 to be centered and locked into place. Details of this stacking operation and the destabilization operation will be described later herein.

[0089] In various embodiments, clamp receiving portions 136a to 136b are concave grooves with rigid walls, disposed within the cover of the lower housing to receive and rigidly hold latches or clamps extending from the upper housing. The shape and size of the concave grooves are substantially configured to closely fit the dimensions of the latches or clamps they receive.

[0090] Figure 1E A bottom view of a storage box with a locking latch or clamp is shown. In various embodiments, the bottom view 140 includes an upper box 131, a locking status indicator 104, a bottom sloping side 141, front latch or clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, a rear locking latch or clamp 143a and 143b, stop sockets or slots 144a and 144b, and an indicator sliding path 145.

[0091] In various embodiments, when the upper box 131 is placed on the lower box 132, the rear fixing clamps 143a and 143b engage and are received in the clamp receiving portions 136c and 136d, respectively (see Figure 1D ), and the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b engage and are received in 136a and 136b, respectively. The bottom bevel 141 extending around the bottom periphery of the upper box 131 engages the short bevel 137 and the long bevel 138, forcing the upper box 131 toward the center of the lid of the lower box 132 from all directions.

[0092] In various embodiments, the locking status indicator 104 indicates the status of the locking elements between stacked boxes, as further described below with reference to other figures.

[0093] In various embodiments, portions of the bottom of each box that match or complement other portions of the lid or top of another box can be interchanged. More specifically, in this embodiment, the convex bottom of the top box and the concave top of the bottom box can be reversed so that the bottom of the top box is concave to receive the convex top of the bottom box. Similarly, the clamps at the bottom of the top box can be interchanged with the clamp receiving portions at the top of the bottom box. These embodiments construct a stack of locking boxes with reversible locking components and configurations, while performing substantially the same function. Furthermore, some of the upper and lower boxes stacked together can be interchanged.

[0094] Reference Figure 1D and Figure 1E In various embodiments, the cover protrusions 135a to 135d are arranged symmetrically such that the upper box 131 can rotate 180 degrees about a vertical axis passing through the center of the cover 106 and still lock onto the lower box 132 in the same manner. This is because, facing opposite directions, the protrusions 135a to 135d of the lower box 132 will mate with stop grooves 144a and 144b. 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 clamp receiving portions 136a to 136b.

[0095] Figure 1F An exemplary storage box with a rotating locking indicator lever is shown. In various embodiments, the stacked box configuration 150 includes an upper box 151, clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, a bottom sloping side 153, a rotating locking status indicator 152, a lower box 154, and clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b.

[0096] In various embodiments, configuration 150 is similar in use and operation to upper housing 131, but has different locking status indicators. The locking status indicator 104 on upper housing 131 is a sliding bar, while the locking status indicator 152 is a rotating bar. The locking mechanism assembly may also work differently from the manner described later with the rotating locking status indicator. In some embodiments, the vertical orientation of the locking status indicator 152 indicates the unlocked state, while the horizontal orientation indicates the locked state.

[0097] Figure 2A An exemplary misaligned upper and lower box is shown. In various embodiments, the misaligned stacking configuration 200 includes an upper box 131 with a bottom sloping side 153, a lower box 132 with a short sloping side 137, clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b, and a misalignment gap 201.

[0098] In various embodiments, the upper box 131 may be placed on top of the lower box 132, with a misalignment gap 201 that causes the two boxes to be misaligned in the stack, as shown. The misalignment is automatically corrected when the short, sloping side 137 of the lower box 132 applies force to the bottom sloping side 153 of the upper box 131, pushing the upper box 131 towards the center of the lower box 132. The self-alignment of the stacked boxes is further enhanced by a stop groove 144a, as described below with reference to other figures.

[0099] Figure 2B An exemplary aligned upper and lower box is shown. In various embodiments, the aligned stacking configuration 210 includes an upper box 131 with a bottom bevel 153 and a lower box 132 with a short bevel 137.

[0100] The figure shows the force exerted by the upper box 131 on the bottom slope 153 of the upper box 131 via the short slope 137 of the lower box 132, aligning the upper box 131 with the lower box 132.

[0101] Figure 2C A close-up view of an exemplary stop actuation mechanism with the protrusion not inserted is shown. In various embodiments, close-up view 220 includes a locking mechanism assembly 221, a stop groove inlet 222 having a sloping wide portion 223 and a straight narrow portion 224, a stop portion 225, and a stop stop portion 226. The figure shows the rear side of the locking mechanism assembly 221 facing the interior of the housing.

[0102] In various embodiments, when the box is in the unlocked state (not locked to other boxes in the stack), the stop 225 is exposed at the stop slot inlet 222 and is accessible. The stop is spring-loaded for proper operation, as further described below with reference to other figures. When the upper box is placed on top of the lower box, the stop slot 144b of the upper box (see...) Figure 1E The protrusion 135b is received on the lid or top of the lower box and activates the automatic locking process of two adjacent stacked boxes. In this figure, the stop is shown in the unlocked position. As shown, the stop 226 prevents the stop 225 from moving towards the right side of the figure. In this figure, the locking status indicator 104 (not shown) is located on the left side of the figure.

[0103] In various embodiments, the sloping wide portion 223 is wider than the protrusion 135b on the lower box lid 106. The straight narrow portion 224 is slightly larger than the width of the protrusion 135b to closely surround the protrusion. The dimensional difference between the sloping wide portion 223 and the straight narrow portion 224 is used to automatically align the protrusion 135b with the narrow portion. When the upper box is placed on the lower box, slight misalignment between the protrusion 135b and the stop groove inlet 222 can be corrected because the protrusion 135b can fall within the sloping wide portion 223 and be guided to its final resting position within the straight narrow portion 224. In addition to the self-aligning movement of the short sloping side 137 and the bottom sloping side 153, this movement also aids in the self-alignment of the upper box on the lower box, as referenced above. Figure 2A and 2B As described. Therefore, the self-aligning motion of the stop slot inlet 222 and the inclined side of the box cooperates with each other to quickly and actively align the upper and lower boxes in the stack for locking. This configuration makes the stop slots 144b (and 144a) self-aligning slots, which help align the upper and lower boxes during the initial stacking.

[0104] In various embodiments, the self-alignment of the stop groove inlet 222 can also be used to more firmly and actively hold the upper and lower boxes together and prevent any tilting or displacement of the boxes, because even the sloping wide portion 223 is angled, but the straight narrow portion 224 surrounds the protrusion 135b along a portion of its length, as described below. Figure 2D As shown, this prevents the boxes from moving relative to each other in the lateral direction along the plane of the bottom of the upper box and the lid of the lower box.

[0105] Figure 2D A close-up view of an example stop actuation mechanism with a protrusion is shown. In various embodiments, close-up view 230 includes a locking mechanism assembly 221, a stop groove inlet 222 with an extended portion 223, a stop portion 225, a stop stop portion 226, and a lower cover 106 with a protrusion 135.

[0106] In various embodiments, the protrusion 135 pushes open the stop and simultaneously rotates it, as further described below with reference to other figures. The stop is shown in the unlocked position in this figure, with the upper housing positioned on top of the lower housing as the protrusion 135 is inserted into the stop groove 144a. (Referring to the above figures...) Figure 2D The protrusion 135 is inserted into the straight narrow portion 224 of the stop groove 144 to keep the upper and lower boxes together and prevent the boxes from moving laterally relative to each other.

[0107] Figure 3A An exemplary abstract structure of a locking mechanism component is shown. In various embodiments, the abstract structure 300 includes a stop actuation mechanism 301, a locking actuation mechanism 302, and a locking mechanism 303.

[0108] In various embodiments, the mechanism included in the locking mechanism assembly 221 can be implemented as three different and detachable mechanisms or partially or wholly integrated into one or two mechanisms, with each mechanism performing its own function. In some embodiments, the three mechanisms may share some components that perform multiple functions for one or more mechanisms. Different or alternative designs for each of the three mechanisms are described in the following description of the various figures.

[0109] In various embodiments, the locking mechanism assembly 221 may be a three-state (or tri-state) locking system with three distinct states, defined by the relative positions of the upper and lower boxes and the state of the locking elements that lock the boxes together in a stack. The first locking state is an unlocked, unstacked state where the locking elements are not engaged (the boxes are unlocked from each other) when the upper box is physically separated from the lower box, and the locking state indicator 104 (see...) Figure 1A ) is located along its indicator sliding path 145 (see Figure 1E The upper box is positioned at the middle of the lower box, partially away from each end of the indicator sliding path 145. The second locking state is a stacked locking state where, when the upper box is physically placed on top of the lower box and the protrusion 135b of the lower box is received within the stop groove 144b, the stop 225 has been pushed to a position capable of locking the boxes together, as detailed later. In the second locking state, the locking indicator is located at the end of the indicator sliding path 145. The third locking state is a stacked unlocked state where, when the user manually slides the locking indicator 104 lever toward its side closest to the box away from the interior center of the box, the locking indicator 104 is located at the end of the indicator sliding path 145, furthest from the interior center of the box (closest to the side of the box). The locking mechanism assembly cannot transition from the stacked unlocked state to the stacked locked state by using the locking indicator 104 lever without first experiencing the unstacked unlocked state. The status lock indicator 104 automatically indicates the current state or configuration of the locking system at any given time for the locking mechanism component 221.

[0110] In various embodiments, the lock status indicator 104 may indicate two states, including a locked state and an unlocked state, without distinction between stacked and unstacked boxes. 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 lock status indicator 104.

[0111] Figure 3BAn exemplary locking mechanism assembly is shown as part of the upper compartment and the lid of the lower compartment. In various embodiments, view 310 shows the locking mechanism assembly 221, the locking status indicator 104, the sloping sidewall 137 of the lower compartment, the recessed cover 106 of the lower compartment, and the front clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b.

[0112] In various embodiments, the locking mechanism assembly 221 includes a stop actuation mechanism, a locking actuation mechanism, and a locking mechanism, each of which is described with reference to the following figures. This figure shows the front or outer surface of the locking mechanism assembly 221. Other figures described below show the rear or inner surface of the locking mechanism assembly 221 to better illustrate the components and operation of the employed mechanism.

[0113] Figure 3C It shows Figure 3B An exemplary rear view of the locking mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, rear view 320 includes locking mechanism assembly 221, lower cover 106, protrusions 135a and 135b, front clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b, front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, slider spring 321, stop grooves 144a and 144b, slider 324, and slider handle 325. In this figure, slider handle 325 is in the open or unlocked position.

[0114] In various embodiments, when the upper box is placed on top of the lower box's cover 106, protrusions 135a and 135b are received into stop grooves 144a and 144b, respectively. Protrusion 135a pushes against stop 225 (see...). Figure 2C And by transmitting force between the stop actuator, the locking actuator and the locking mechanism, a set of movements is triggered to lock the upper box and the lower box together in the stack.

[0115] In various embodiments, the protrusion 135b is applied to the stop 225 (see...). Figure 2C The force on the stop 225 causes the stop 225 to move and clears the stop 226, allowing the slider spring 321 to pull the slider 324 toward the center of the box into the locked position. The following description is further detailed with reference to the various figures.

[0116] In various embodiments, the stop actuation mechanism 301 includes a protrusion 135b on the cover 106 of the lower housing, a stop groove 144b, a stop portion 225, and specific components thereof such as a stop spring described later, as well as a stop stop portion described below with reference to other figures. The locking actuation mechanism 302 includes a slider 324 and specific structures thereof such as a slider groove, a slider handle 325, a locking status indicator 104 lever, and components of the front clamp assembly 142b such as a clamp pin 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 receiving portions 136a to 136d. Various forms of combining these three mechanisms can be used to perform the same function.

[0117] Figure 3D It shows Figure 1A An exemplary view of the sliding locking lever. In various embodiments, view 330 includes a locking status indicator 104, a locking mechanism assembly 221, a stop groove 144b, a front clamp assembly 142b, and an indicator sliding path 145. This figure shows the front surface of the locking mechanism assembly 221 (away from the interior of the housing).

[0118] In various embodiments, the lockout status indicator 104 may be a lever that can be in one of three positions or states, see reference. Figure 3A As described above. In the first locked state (unlocked state without stacking), the front clamps retract into the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and do not engage with the front clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b, respectively. In the second locked state (locked state after stacking), the clamps extend from the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and engage with the front clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b, respectively. In the third locked state (unlocked state after stacking), the front clamps retract into the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and do not engage with the front clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b, respectively.

[0119] Figure 3E The image shows the image in a locked state. Figure 3B An exemplary locking mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, the rear view 340 of the locking mechanism assembly 221 includes a protrusion 135b of the lower housing, a clamp assembly 142b, a stop groove 144b, a stop 225, a slider 324, and a slider handle 325. This figure illustrates the locking mechanism assembly 221 in a locked state after being stacked.

[0120] In various embodiments, the protrusion 135b is received in the stop groove 144b and the stop 225 moves past the stop stop 226 (see...). Figure 2DAnd the locking mechanism assembly 221 is in the stacked locked state. The slider handle 325, which is connected to the lock state indicator 104, is in the position indicating the stacked locked state. In this locked state, the slider 324 is pulled by the slider spring 321 in a direction away from the indicator sliding path 145 (see...). Figure 3D The upper and lower boxes are positioned at one end of the indicator sliding path 145, near the center of the box (midpoint between the two parallel sides). In this state, the front clamps extend from the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and enter the front clamp receiving portions 136a and 136b respectively, thereby locking the upper and lower boxes together. The locking mechanism assembly can be moved from the locked state to the unlocked state after stacking by the user pulling the locking status indicator 104 lever or bar towards the end of the indicator sliding path 145 opposite to the end point of the current state.

[0121] In various embodiments, the stop 225 is attached to the slider 324 and moves back and forth together with the slider 324. The stop 225 can also move rotatably and has a radial spring, as further described below with reference to other figures. The stop 225 can rotate to clear some obstructions within the housing.

[0122] Figure 3F It shows the unlocked state. Figure 3B An exemplary locking mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, the rear view 350 of the locking mechanism assembly 221 includes a protrusion 135b of the lower housing, a stop 225, a slider 324, and a slider handle 325. This figure illustrates the locking mechanism assembly 221 in its unlocked state after being stacked.

[0123] In various embodiments, in this configuration, the user has pulled the locking status indicator 104 toward the other end of the indicator sliding path 145 to place it in the stacked unlocked state. In this state, the front clamps retract into the front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b and disengage from the front clamp receivers 136a and 136b, respectively. In this state, as shown in the figure, and Figure 3E In contrast, the stop 225 moves to the other side of the protrusion 135b. 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 box is unlocked from the lower box and can be removed from the stack of boxes.

[0124] In various embodiments, in this state, the user cannot transition to the stacked locked state by using the locking status indicator 104 lever because the stop 225 does not contact the protrusion 135b and cannot be pushed out from the path that allows the slider 324 to be pulled by the slider spring 321 to the stacked locked state. The upper box must be removed from the top of the lower box and repositioned on top of the lower box to allow the stop 225 to return to its unstacked position, and the protrusion 135b to push it again over the stop stop 226, thereby entering the stacked locked state.

[0125] In various implementations, the allowed state transitions are as follows:

[0126] 1. Unlocked state before stacking → Locked state after stacking

[0127] 2. Locked state after stacking → Unlocked state after stacking

[0128] 3. Unlocked state after stacking → Unlocked state before stacking

[0129] Figure 4A An exemplary close-up view of the back of the locking mechanism assembly in the unlocked state with the slider removed is shown. Close-up view 400 includes the locking mechanism assembly 221, clamp assembly 142b, stop groove 144b, stop portion 225, stop stop portion 226, stop spring 401 (torsion spring), first clamp pin 402a, second clamp pin 402b, first pin groove 403a, second pin groove 403b, and slider connection portion 404. This figure shows the locking mechanism assembly 221 in the unlocked state without being stacked.

[0130] In various embodiments, the slider connector 404 connects the slider 324 to the locking status indicator 104 lever. When the user moves the locking status indicator 104, the slider also moves in the same direction. When the upper and lower boxes are stacked, the user can lock or unlock the stacked boxes by moving the locking status indicator 104.

[0131] In various embodiments, the first clamping pin 402a and the second clamping pin 403a move back and forth within the first pin groove 403a and the second pin groove 403b, respectively, to extend and retract the front clamp from the front clamp assembly 142b. The same action occurs simultaneously on the clamp assembly 142a (not shown in the figure). The front clamp is shown in its retracted state at the first ends of the pin grooves 403a and 403b, thereby unlocking the stacked boxes. The clamping pins engage with recesses deployed on the underside of the slider 324, as further described below with reference to other figures. As the slider 324 moves, the clamping pins (402a and 402b) engaging the slider 324 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the slider 324, thereby causing the front clamp to move in the same direction as the clamping pins. These movements of the front clamp serve to extend or retract the front clamp from the clamp assemblies 142a and 142b.

[0132] Figure 4B An exemplary close-up view of the rear side of the locking mechanism assembly in a locked state with the slider removed is shown. Close-up view 410 includes the locking mechanism assembly 221, protrusion 135b, clamp assembly 142b, stop 225, stop stop 226, first clamp pin 402a, first pin groove 403a, and slider connection 404. This figure shows the locking mechanism assembly 221 in a locked state after being stacked.

[0133] In various embodiments, the first clamping pin 402a and the second clamping pin 403a move back and forth within the first pin groove 403a and the second pin groove 403b, respectively, to extend and retract the front clamp from the front clamp assembly 142b. The same action occurs simultaneously on the clamp assembly 142a (not shown in the figure). The front clamp is shown in its extended state at the second ends of the pin grooves 403a and 403b, thereby locking the stacked boxes. The clamping pins engage with grooves deployed on the underside of the slider 324, as further described below with reference to other figures. As the slider 324 moves, the clamping pins (402a and 402b) engaging the slider 324 move in a direction perpendicular to the movement of the slider 324, thereby causing the front clamp to move in the same direction as the clamping pins. These movements of the front clamp serve to extend or retract the front clamp from the clamp assemblies 142a and 142b.

[0134] Figure 4C An exemplary close-up view of the clamp assembly is shown. 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 guard or housing 422, a clamp spring 423, a slider 324, and the front clamp 421 enclosed within the clamp housing 422. The figure shows a cross-section of the clamp assembly 142b in a locked, stacked state within the locking mechanism assembly 221.

[0135] In various embodiments, the front clamp assembly 142b has a clamp housing 422 to protect the front clamp 421 from external forces such as heavy boxes, impacts from boxes falling on top of other boxes in the stack, and rough handling. Clamp pins 402a and 402b, and corresponding pin slots 403a and 403b, are concealed beneath the slider 324 and are not shown in this figure. A clamp spring 423 pushes the front clamp 421 to extend from the front clamp assembly 142b and lock the stacked boxes together. The clamp housing 422 is fixed relative to the slider 324 and the locking mechanism assembly 221, while the front clamp 421 can move into and out of the clamp housing 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 within the clamp housing 422 in the aforementioned vertical direction, while the clamp housing 422 itself remains stationary. The clamp operation is further described below with reference to other figures.

[0136] Figure 4D An exemplary lower side of the slider and clamp assembly in the unlocked position with the lower and upper boxes in contact (stacked) is shown. In various embodiments, the bottom view 430 of the slider includes a slider 324, front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b, 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 surrounding the clamp pin 402a, a slider groove 431b surrounding the clamp pin 402b, a slider groove 432a surrounding the clamp pin 433a, and a slider groove 432b surrounding the clamp pin 433b. In this figure, the locking mechanism assembly 221 (see...) Figure 3C It is in the unlocked state after being stacked.

[0137] In various embodiments, the lateral movement of slider 324 (parallel to the front side of the box) causes vertical movement of front clamp 421. The movement of front clamp 421 as a result of the lateral movement of slider 324 is caused by the wedge or cam action of slider grooves 431a, 431b, 432a, and 432b on clamp pins 402a, 402b, 433a, and 433b, respectively. As slider 324 moves to the left in this figure, for example, when pulled by slider spring 321, each clamp pin passes through its corresponding groove from left to right relative to the groove. As each pin travels through its groove and along its path, the pin causes the inclined segment of its groove (which has a motion component perpendicular to the direction of movement of slider 324) to move upward and, together with it, pull its front clamp 421 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of slider 324.

[0138] In various embodiments, the positioning of each clamp pin along its respective sliding groove determines the locking state of the locking mechanism assembly 221. When the pin is 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 142b. This configuration defines and / or is associated with the stacked unlocked state. Other positions of the clamp pins define other locking states, as described below.

[0139] In various embodiments, the stop 225 is connected to the slider 324 and moves with the slider 324 when the slider 324 moves laterally.

[0140] Figure 4E An exemplary bottom view of the slider and clamp assembly in the unlocked position when the upper and lower boxes are not in contact (not stacked) is shown. 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 surrounding the clamp pin 402, a slider groove 431b surrounding the clamp pin 402b, a slider groove 432a surrounding the clamp pin 433a, and a slider groove 432b surrounding the clamp pin 433b. In this figure, the locking mechanism assembly 221 (see...) Figure 3C It is in an unlocked state that is not stacked.

[0141] In various embodiments, when the pin is in the middle position shown in the figure (at the bend or corner between the short straight section and the inclined section), the front clamps (e.g., front clamp 421) retract into their respective front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b. This configuration defines and / or is associated with an unstacked unlocked state.

[0142] Figure 4F An exemplary bottom view of a slider and clamp assembly in a locked position when the lower and upper boxes are in contact (stacked) is shown. 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, a clamp spring 423, a stop 225, a slider track or groove 431a surrounding the clamp pin 402a, a slider groove 431b surrounding the clamp pin 402b, a slider groove 432a surrounding the clamp pin 433a, and a slider groove 432b surrounding the clamp pin 433b. In this figure, the locking mechanism assembly 221 (see...) Figure 3C It is in a locked state after being stacked.

[0143] In various embodiments, when the pin is in the top position shown in the figure (at the tip of the inclined segment furthest from the sliding spring 321), the front clamps (e.g., front clamp 421) extend from their respective front clamp assemblies 142a and 142b. This configuration defines and / or is associated with a locked state after stacking.

[0144] Figure 5A An exemplary configuration of the lower compartment and the upper locking mechanism assembly is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 500 is a top view of the locking mechanism assembly 221 of the upper compartment 131 resting on the lower compartment cover. See below for reference. Figure 5B Describe section AA.

[0145] Figure 5B An exemplary cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism assembly and the first stop actuation mechanism is shown. In various embodiments, cross-sectional view AA 510 includes the locking mechanism assembly 221 of the upper box, the protrusion 135b of the lower box, 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 unlocked, unstacked state.

[0146] In various embodiments, the stop 225 is rotatably connected to the slider 324 (see...). Figure 3C When the stop 225 follows the lateral movement of the slider 324 (parallel to the front side of the upper box), the stop 225 can also rotate about the stop axis 511 in a plane orthogonal to (perpendicular to) the longitudinal axis of the slider 324 (parallel to the front side of the upper box). The protrusion 135b on the cover of the lower box is received in the stop groove 144b (see...). Figure 3C When the stop 225 arm is in motion, the protrusion 135b pushes against the stop 225 arm and rotates it counterclockwise (CCW) around the stop shaft 511 to clear and pass over the stop stop 226 (not visible in this view; see...). Figure 2C The stop stop 226 prevents the stop 225 and the slider 324 from moving in the direction of the force of the slider spring 321 (see...). Figure 3C Once the stop stop 226 is cleared, the slider spring 321 pulls the slider 324 toward the center of the upper housing to place the locking mechanism assembly in the stacked locked state. When transitioning to the unlocked state, the stop spring 401 (see...) Figure 4A It serves to rotate the stop 225 and return it to its original position before inserting the protrusion 135b.

[0147] It is important to note that Figures 6A to 7H and Figure 1F This relates to a locking mechanism assembly with a rotation lock status indicator 152. However, with some design modifications, these mechanisms can also be configured to have... Figure 1EThe locking mechanism assembly 221 of the sliding lock status indicator 104 is adopted.

[0148] Figure 6A An exemplary second stop actuation mechanism is shown, which, in a one-piece form, is compatible with [other mechanisms] in a first functional state. Figures 1A to 1F The storage box is used together. 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 latch 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 portion 607 having a rear end 608, a front end 609, a spring rod 616 embedded in a compression torsion spring 613, and a top end 610. The one-piece stop mechanism 600 also includes a stop protrusion 615 attached to the lower storage box cover 614.

[0149] In various embodiments, the one-piece stop mechanism 600 has a single component, namely a slider 601, which is different from the stop 607. The slider 601 has multiple control surfaces for moving the stop 607 and the slider 601 in various directions, i.e., in translational and rotational movements. Directions or orientations, such as upward or downward, are defined relative to natural gravity during normal operation of the stacked toolboxes. These directions can also be defined relative to the direction from the lid of a storage box toward the bottom surface of the storage box, which is fitted with a latch to engage the lid of another storage box.

[0150] In various embodiments, the control surfaces include an angled transition surface 611, a recessed surface 612, and a lower surface of the stop front end 609. Additional control components controlling the movement of the various members of the one-piece stop mechanism 600 include a slider return spring 602 and a compression torsion spring 613. These control mechanisms are further described separately below. These control surfaces and components work in a cooperative manner, and some may operate simultaneously. The overall operation of the one-piece stop mechanism 600 is also described below.

[0151] In various embodiments, the transition surface 611 is located between the wider rear end 605 and the narrower front end 606. The transition portion is located between the wide and narrow portions. As the slider 601 moves forward toward the slider return spring 602 (pulled by the spring), the angled transition surface 611 pushes the stop portion 607 away from the slider 601 (towards...). Figure 6A (As shown on the right), during this process, the compression torsion spring 613 is compressed.

[0152] In various embodiments, the concave surface 612 restricts the rotational movement of the stop 607 about the spring rod 616 in the counterclockwise (CCW) direction under the force of the compression torsion spring 613 acting on the stop 607.

[0153] In various embodiments, when the upper and lower storage boxes are stacked on top of each other, the lower surface of the front end 609 of the stop is pushed upward by the stop protrusion 615, causing the stop 607 to rotate clockwise (CW) to the edge of the recessed surface 612 and slide away below the rear end 605 as the slider 601 moves forward.

[0154] In various embodiments, the slider return spring 602 operates under tension to pull the slider 601 forward (towards itself). The slider locking member 603 and the angled transition surface 611 move in the same direction as the slider 601 and perform their respective functions. The slider locking member 603 engages and actuates the locking mechanism.

[0155] In various embodiments, the compression torsion spring 613 performs two different functions that can occur independently or simultaneously. If the stop 607 is pushed away from the slider 601 by the angled transition surface 611 along the spring rod 616, the compression torsion spring 613 can be linearly compressed. If the stop 607 rotates clockwise, the compression torsion spring 613 can also be compressed in a rotational manner. When the stop 607 rotates freely, the compression torsion spring 613 is forced to rotate counterclockwise.

[0156] In various embodiments, during operation, the one-piece stop mechanism 600 functions as follows. As noted elsewhere herein, the one-piece stop mechanism 600 is a linkage between the stop protrusion 615 of the lower storage box cover 614 and the latch on the upper storage box, wherein the stop mechanism is embedded in the bottom surface of the upper storage box. This linkage is used to automatically lock the upper and lower storage boxes together when the upper storage box is placed on top of the lower storage box (see...). Figure 1A (Continue to refer to...) Figure 6AAs shown, with the upper storage box stacked on top of the lower storage box, the stop protrusion 615 pushes the front end 609 of the stop 607 upward under the weight of the upper storage box. As a result, the stop 607 rotates clockwise and clears the recessed surface 607, allowing the slider 601 to move above the rear end 608 of the stop 607 and slide forward (towards its front end 606). As the stop 607 rotates clockwise, the compression torsion spring 613 is also compressed clockwise in a rotational manner. As the slider 601 slides forward, the angled transition surface 611 pushes the tip 610 away from the slider 601 and linearly compresses the compression torsion spring 613. Simultaneously, the slider latch 603 also slides forward as part of the slider 601 and pushes the locking member or latch (not shown in the figure) into the locked position. See below for reference. Figures 6B to 6E To describe the locking operation, the compression torsion spring 613 is compressed linearly and rotationally. As the stop is pushed away from the slider 601, the front end 609 slides out from the stop protrusion 615, causing the stop 607 to rotate counterclockwise under the torsional force of the compression torsion spring 613. As the front end 609 slides out from the stop protrusion 615, the stop protrusion 615 prevents the stop 607 from being pushed back towards the slider 601 by the compression torsion spring 613.

[0157] At this point, the user can unlock the latch holding the upper storage box to the lower storage box. Unlocking the latch allows the slider 601 to slide backward. As the slider moves fully backward, 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 recessed surface 612, thereby preventing the slider 601 from sliding forward again. At this point, the upper toolbox can be lifted upward and away from the lower toolbox by the user, thereby removing the contact between the front end 609 of the stop 607 and the stop protrusion 615, allowing the stop 607 to be pushed back towards the slider 601 by the compression torsion spring 613. At this point, the stop and locking mechanism are complete.

[0158] Figure 6B It shows the second functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop actuation mechanism. In various embodiments, when the stop protrusion 615 contacts the front end 609 of the stop portion 607, refer to Figure 6A The described stop mechanism includes the same components in different states. These components include a slider 601 having an angled transition surface 611, a recessed surface 612, a side locking element 603, a lower storage box cover 614, a stop protrusion 615, a compression torsion spring 613, a front end 609 of a stop 607, a top end 610 of a stop 607, and a slider return spring 602.

[0159] The operation is as described above. Figure 6A As stated above.

[0160] Figure 6C It shows the state in the third functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop-actuation mechanism. Components and Figure 6A The same as shown. 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 protrusion 615.

[0161] Figure 6C The figure shows a one-piece stop mechanism 600 in its initial stacked but not yet locked state with the upper and lower storage boxes. The figure also shows a reference... Figure 6A A state encountered during the described operation.

[0162] Figure 6D It shows the fourth functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop mechanism. Components and Figure 6A The same as shown. These components in configuration 640 include slider 601, recessed surface 612, rear end 608 of stop 607, front end 609 of stop 607, compression torsion spring 613, and stop protrusion 615.

[0163] Figure 6D It shows the fourth functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop actuation mechanism. Configuration 640 illustrates a one-piece stop mechanism 600 in a state where the upper and lower storage boxes are stacked and locked together. This figure shows a stop mechanism 600 in reference to... Figure 6A A state encountered during the described operation.

[0164] Figure 6E It shows the fifth functional state. Figure 6A An exemplary stop-actuation mechanism. Components and Figure 6A The same as shown. 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 607, a compression torsion spring 613, and a stop protrusion 615.

[0165] Figure 6E The figure shows a one-piece stop mechanism 600 in a stacked state with the upper and lower storage boxes, but not unlocked by the user in preparation for lifting the upper storage box from the lower storage box. The figure also shows a stop mechanism 600 with reference to the upper storage box. Figure 6A A state encountered during the described operation.

[0166] Figure 7AAn exemplary storage box in the open state is shown with a third type front latch mechanism. In various embodiments, the third type front latch mechanism 700 includes a locking receiver 701 having a body 705 and a locking receiver edge 706, a latch 702, a latch pivot 703, a locking edge 704, a locking status indicator 707, a cam 709 having a short end 710 and a long end 711, and a cam pivot 708.

[0167] In various embodiments, cam 709 is connected to lockout indicator 707 via cam pivot 708. Figure 7A A third type of front latch mechanism 700 in the open (unlocked) state is shown. When the long end 711 of the cam 709 engages the tab extending from the latch 702, it causes the locking edge 704 to rise upward around the latch pivot 703 and disengage from the locking receiving edge 706, thus opening or unlocking the latch 702. Similarly, when the short end 710 of the cam 709 engages the tab extending from the latch 702, it causes the locking edge 704 to move downward around the latch pivot 703 and engage with the locking receiving edge 706, thus closing or locking the latch 702.

[0168] Figure 7B An exemplary storage box with a third-type front latch mechanism in the closed state is shown. The third-type front latch mechanism 720 is... Figure 7A The same as shown and having the same 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 status indicator 707.

[0169] Figure 7C An exemplary storage box type 4 front latch mechanism in a closed state is shown. In various embodiments, the type 4 front latch mechanism 730 includes a locking receiver 731, a locking receiver edge 739, a latch 732, a locking edge 733, a latch pivot 734, a slider 735 with a slider groove 736, a locking tab 740, a slider narrow portion 738, and a slider wide portion 737.

[0170] In various embodiments, the slider 735 has one or more of two distinct portions, namely a narrow portion 738 and a 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 initially contact the locking 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 receiving edge 739, thus locking 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 receiving edge 739, thus unlocking the latch.

[0171] Figure 7D An exemplary storage box type 4 front latch mechanism in the open state is shown. The type 4 front latch mechanism 750 shown in the figure includes... Figure 7A The same components shown include a locking receiver 731, a locking receiver edge 739, a latch 732, a locking edge 733, a slider 735 with a slider groove 736, a locking tab 740, and a slider width portion 737.

[0172] The operation of the latching mechanism shown in the figure is the same as described above. Figure 7A The operations described are the same.

[0173] Figure 7E An exemplary storage box type 5 front latch mechanism in the open state is shown. In various embodiments, the type 5 front latch 760 includes a locking receiver 761, a locking receiver block 762, a locking receiver cavity 763, a slider 764, a locking bolt 766, a slider connection 767, a locking status indicator 768, a slider link 769, a link protrusion 773, a slider groove 770, a rotation arrow 771, and a sliding arrow 772.

[0174] In various embodiments, the locking bolt 766 is not inside the cavity 763 in the open or unlocked state. The locking status indicator 768 is rotated to the unlocked position via the slider connection 767, the connecting rod shank 773, and the slider connecting rod 769. When the slider 764 is in the open position, the connecting rod shank 773 slides upward along the slider groove 770 as indicated by arrow 772. This translates into a counterclockwise rotation of the slider connecting rod 769 via the connecting rod shank 773 as indicated by rotation arrow 771, thereby positioning the locking status indicator 768 to clearly indicate the unlocked state. Similarly, when the slider 764 is in the open position... Figure 7F In the closed position shown, the connecting rod shank 773 slides downward along the slider groove 770 as indicated by arrow 772, which translates into a clockwise rotation of the slider connecting rod 769 as indicated by rotation arrow 771, thereby positioning the lock status indicator 768 to clearly indicate the closed locked state.

[0175] Figure 7F An exemplary storage box type 5 front latch mechanism in the closed state is shown. The type 5 front latch mechanism 770 shown in the figure includes... Figure 7E The same components shown include a locking receiving block 762, a slider 764, a locking bolt 766, a slider connecting part 767, a locking status indicator 768, a slider link 769, and a slider groove 770.

[0176] In various embodiments, in the closed state, the locking bolt 766 enters the locking receiving cavity 763, thereby locking the latch. (Refer to the above text) Figure 7E When the slider 764 is in the closed position, the connecting rod shank 773 slides downward along the slider groove 770 as indicated by arrow 772. This translates into a clockwise rotation of the slider connecting rod 769 as indicated by rotation arrow 771, thereby positioning the lock state indicator 768 to clearly indicate the closed and locked state.

[0177] Figure 7G An exemplary storage box type 6 front latch mechanism in the open state is shown. In various embodiments, the type 6 front latch mechanism configuration 780 includes a locking receiver 781, a locking receiver block 782, a receiver groove 783, a locking receiver stop 788, a slider 784, a lock status indicator 789, a slider link 276, a link protrusion 792, a rotation 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 connection portion 786, and a sliding groove 787.

[0178] In various embodiments, when in the open position, the narrow portion 793 of the slider 784 is not within the receiving groove 783. The locked position indicator 789 rotates to the unlocked position via the slider coupling 786, the connecting rod shank 792, and the slider connecting rod 276. When the slider 784 is in the open position, the connecting rod shank 792 slides upward along the slider groove 787 as indicated by arrow 795, which translates into a counterclockwise rotation of the slider connecting rod 276 via the connecting rod shank 792 as indicated by rotation arrow 791, thereby positioning the locked position indicator 789 to clearly indicate the unlocked state. The raised portion 785 engages the locking receiving stop 788 to prevent the slider 784 from moving too far in one or the other direction. Similarly, when the slider 784 is in the open position... Figure 7H In the closed position shown, the wide portion 794 of slider 784 moves within the receiving groove 783 to lock the latch. The connecting rod shank 792 slides downward along the slider groove 787 as indicated by arrow 795, which translates into a clockwise rotation of slider link 791 as indicated by rotation arrow 791, thereby positioning the locking status indicator 789 to clearly indicate the closed locked state. The raised portion 785 engages the locking receiving stop 788 to prevent slider 784 from moving too far in one or the other direction.

[0179] Figure 7H An exemplary storage box type 6 front latch mechanism in a closed state is shown. In various embodiments, the type 6 front latch mechanism configuration 797 shown in the figure has a... Figure 7GThe same components shown include a locking receiving block 782, a receiving groove 783, a slider 784, a locking status indicator 789, a slider link 790, and a link protrusion 792, wherein the slider 784 has a narrow portion 793, a wide portion 794, and a sliding groove 787.

[0180] In various embodiments, when slider 784 is in such a position Figure 7H In the closed position shown, the wide portion 794 of slider 784 moves within the receiving groove 783 to lock the latch. The connecting rod shank 792 slides downward along the sliding groove 787 as indicated by arrow 795, which translates into a clockwise rotation of slider link 791 as indicated by rotation arrow 791, thereby positioning the locking status indicator 789 to clearly indicate the closed locked state. The raised portion 785 engages the locking receiving stop 788 to prevent slider 784 from moving too far in one or the other direction.

[0181] II. Attachment Groove

[0182] Figure 8C An exemplary storage box with corner attachment slots is shown. In various embodiments, the storage box configuration 830 includes a stackable box 831, a front handle 832, a side handle 833, a box lid 836, a clamp receiving portion 838, a protrusion 839, an attachment strap or groove 834, an attachment slot 835, a fastener 837, a lock status indicator 840, corner walls 841, a front wall 842, a side wall 843, a front wall angle 844, and a side wall angle 845.

[0183] In various embodiments, the stackable box 831 may include a corner wall 841 that is not perpendicular to the front wall 842 or side wall 843 connected via the corner wall. The angles 844 and 845 of the corner wall relative to the front wall 842 and side wall 843, respectively, can be any angle, such as 45 degrees. In some embodiments, the angles may be equal, while in others they may be different. In various embodiments, a groove 834 is attached to the corner wall 841 to create a hook-like gap (not visible in this figure) between the corner wall 841 and the groove 834. In this configuration, the groove 834 does not physically contact the corner wall 841. The hook-like gap is used to receive hooks or other similar devices attached to various tools and objects for quick attachment / removal of hooked objects from / from the stackable box 831. This is further described below with reference to other figures.

[0184] In various embodiments, the slot strip 834 has two parallel, vertical (relative to the orientation of the stackable box 831) posts with perforations or slots, as shown. This symmetry of the slot allows for symmetrical attachment to the corners of the stackable box 831 with or without corner walls 841. The slot strip 834 also has two parallel edges on the outer side of the slot 835 for attaching the slot strip 834 to the walls of the stackable box 831. The parallel edges are curved at the same angles as the front wall angle 844 and the side wall angle 845.

[0185] In various embodiments, the slotted strip 834 can be in the form of a perforated plate of various shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, circular, irregular (non-geometric), etc. The perforations on the plate, such as slots 835, can also have different forms, sizes, and shapes, such as elliptical, circular, rectangular, horizontally oriented, vertically oriented, etc. The arrangement of the slots 835 can also be various, such as evenly spaced, staggered rows and columns, or specifically placed in particular locations on the perforated plate for attaching specific tools and accessories. Throughout this disclosure, the term "slotted strip" is defined and interpreted as a general perforated plate having various sizes and shapes (not just rectangular strips) and having any type of perforation or hole (not just elongated slots).

[0186] In various implementations, multiple stacked boxes locked together can form a longer column of vertically aligned slots 834 that passes vertically through the multiple stacked boxes, such as... Figure 1A As shown. In practice, this construction creates a longer post with perforations or slots that allow for the attachment of long-handled tools to the stacked boxes, which may have to be secured at more than one point along the slotted band 834 on the stacked boxes.

[0187] In some embodiments, the slotted band 834 may be attached to the flat wall of the stackable box 831 near a corner or away from a corner. In all embodiments, hook-shaped gaps are retained to allow objects to be suspended or attached to the slotted band 834.

[0188] In various embodiments, the groove 834 can be used to reinforce the corners and / or walls of the stackable box 831. In these embodiments, for the additional function of reinforcement, the groove 834 can be made of robust materials such as metals, metal alloys, high-strength nylon, high-strength plastics, resins, etc. The reinforcement function is often practical when the mechanical strength of the groove 834 significantly exceeds the mechanical strength required to support the tools or accessories attached thereto. Examples of tools and accessories that can be attached to the groove 834 are lamps, baskets, hand tool holders, etc., which typically weigh no more than a few hundred grams or a few kilograms. The robust groove adds strength, including compressive strength, tensile strength, and torsional strength, to the structure of the stackable box 831 in a variety of mechanical ways and directions. These reinforcements help maintain the shape and integrity of the stackable box 831 under high-intensity use and various loads and forces. These loads and forces can include static weight applied to or inside the stackable box 831, impact force from the stackable box 831 falling onto a hard surface such as the ground or a workbench, and rough handling forces.

[0189] In some embodiments, the stackable box 831 may have corner walls 841 that create an angled bevel, while in other embodiments the front wall 842 and side wall 843 intersect at a 90-degree angle without an intermediate corner wall 841 between them, thus creating a square corner. In embodiments where the slot strip 834 is attached to the stackable box 831 at a corner, half of the slot strip 834 is attached to the front (or rear) wall 842, and the other half is attached to the side wall 843. This corner configuration of the slot strip 831 allows the slot 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 between it and the wall of the stackable box 831 to accommodate the attachment hook. Therefore, the slot strip 841 can be used in the same way for both cases. However, the shape of the slot strip 834 is different for the angled and square corners to accommodate different geometries. The parallel edges of the grooved strip 834 can have different curvature angles and different dimensions for square and beveled corners.

[0190] In various embodiments, the grooved strip 834 can be attached to the corner wall 841 using screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, industrial adhesives, heat fusion, welding, and other similar attachment methods. In some embodiments, the grooved strip 834 can be permanently attached to the stackable box 831, while in other embodiments it can be attached in a removable manner, for example, by nuts and bolts.

[0191] Figure 11AAn example of a storage box is shown, which has a flexible panel attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, configuration 1100 includes a slot strip 834, a flexible panel 1101, and panel perforations 1102.

[0192] In various embodiments, the flexible panel or board is a flexible system, similar to a hook plate, for quick attachment of various tools and objects. The flexible panel 1101 can be quickly attached to and / or detached from adjacent slotted strips 834, as shown. Slotted strips 834 can be attached to corner walls 841 (see Figure 1). Figure 8C (or the flat part of the box wall.)

[0193] In various embodiments, the flexible panel 1101 can be used for tools or accessories designed to be used with a flexible panel rather than the slotted strip 834. In some cases, the accessory or attachment may be too large to be attached to a single slotted strip 834 and thus must be distributed over a larger span. In such cases, a flexible panel or other type of strip or panel may be required. Examples of large items include large baskets or containers.

[0194] Figure 11B An example of a flexible panel that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, the detachable configuration 1110 includes a flexible panel 1101 and a slot strip 834.

[0195] As mentioned above Figure 11A As described, the flexible panel 1101 can be attached to two adjacent grooves 834. In some embodiments, the flexible panel 1101 may have angled ends that match the front wall angle 844 and the side wall angle 845, and may be attached to the grooves 834 on the corner wall 841.

[0196] Figure 12A An example of a tool holder that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1200 includes a tool holder 1201, an attachment bar 1202, a bar end 1203, a bar latch 1204, a tool divider 1205, a divider track 1206, and a tool slot 1207.

[0197] In various embodiments, the tool holder 1201 can be quickly attached to and detached from the slotted strip 834. In various embodiments, tool dividers 1205 of different sizes can be used to accommodate tools of different sizes. The tool slot 1207 can be used to hold long and thin tools such as screwdrivers. The strip end 1203 can have angled ends that match the front wall angle 844 and the side wall angle 845, and can be attached to the slotted strip 834 on the corner wall 841. The strip latch 1204 can be used to secure the attachment strip 1202 to the slotted strip 834.

[0198] Figure 12B An example of a tool holder attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1210 includes a tool holder 1201, an attachment strip 1202, a tool slot 1207, a stackable box 1211, a screwdriver 1212, and pliers 1213.

[0199] In various implementations, different tool holders 1201 with different tool sets for different applications can be prepared and bundled onto a stackable box 1211. This allows for quick changes to different tool sets for specific applications.

[0200] Figure 12C An example of a basket that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1220 includes baskets 1221 and 1222 with attachment hooks 1223 that can be used to attach baskets 1221, 1222 to slotted strap 834.

[0201] Figure 12D An example of a basket that can be attached to a suspended attachment strip is shown, the attachment strip being attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, construction 1230 includes a stackable box 1231, a slotted strap 834, a basket 1232, an attachment strip 1234, angled strip ends 1233, and a strip latch 1235.

[0202] In various embodiments, attachment strip 1234 can be attached to an adjacent slot strip 834, and then basket 1232 can be attached to stackable box 1231 via attachment strip 1234.

[0203] Figure 12E An example of a magnetic attachment strip attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1240 includes a stackable box 1241, a slotted strip 834, a magnetic strip 1242, a hand tool 1244, a strip latch 1243, and a lockout status indicator 1245.

[0204] In various embodiments, the magnetic strip 1242 can be attached to an adjacent slot strip 834, and then the hand tool 1244 can be attached to the stackable box 1241 via the magnetic strip 1242.

[0205] Figure 13A It shows Figure 12E An example of an exploded view of a magnetic attachment strip. In various embodiments, construction 1300 includes a magnetic strip 1242, a strip frame 1302, a magnet 1301, a strip frame end 1303, and a strip latch 1243.

[0206] In various embodiments, the magnetic strip 1242 can be quickly attached to and detached from the slotted strip 834. In various embodiments, the strip frame end 1303 may have an angled end that matches the front wall angle 844 and the side wall angle 845, and may be attached to the slotted strip 834 on the corner wall 841. The strip latch 1243 may be used to secure the magnetic strip 1242 to the slotted strip 834. This configuration allows for quick attachment and detachment of the magnetic strip 1242 to and from the slotted strip 834, as well as quick attachment or detachment of tools from the magnetic strip.

[0207] Figure 13B An example close-up view of the back of a magnetic attachment bar with a closed latch is shown. In various embodiments, close-up view 1310 includes a bar frame 1302, a bar frame end 1303, a rear view of the bar latch 1312, and a bar hook 1311.

[0208] In various embodiments, the bar hook 1311 can be inserted into the slot 835 of the slotted band 834 and locked in place when the bar latch 1312 is in the closed position.

[0209] Figure 13C An example close-up view of the back of a magnetic attachment bar with an open latch is shown. In various embodiments, close-up view 1320 includes a bar frame 1302, a bar frame end 1303, a rear view of the bar latch 1312, and a bar hook 1311.

[0210] In various embodiments, the bar hook 1311 can be unlocked from the slot 835 of the slotted band 834 and can be removed with the bar latch 1312 in the open position.

[0211] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12D Examples of suspended attachment strips that can be attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, construction 1400 includes stackable boxes 1231, slotted strips 834, attachment strips 1234, and strip latches 1235.

[0212] In various embodiments, the attachment strip 1234 can be quickly attached to and removed from the groove strip 834.

[0213] III. Maintenance Platform

[0214] Maintenance benches are commonly used in cleaning services, machine shops, factory sites, hospitals, and anywhere that requires and uses a large number of tools or supplies. Maintenance benches make it easier to place tools and supplies around the locations where they are used.

[0215] Figure 8AAn example of a large pedestal trolley is shown. In various embodiments, the large pedestal trolley 800 includes a trolley frame 801, a bevel 802, a clamp receiving portion 803, trolley wheels 804, a trolley connector 805, a trolley base plate 806, a reinforcing beam 807, a protrusion 808, a first half-trolley 809, and a second half-trolley 810.

[0216] In various implementations, the large pedestal-mounted trolley 800 can receive and support one or two sets of [equipment / facilities] that can be used with [other devices]. Figure 1A The boxes are stacked in the same way as other stackable boxes shown. The large pedestal trolley 800 is provided with the same clamp receiving portion 803 and protrusion 808 as those provided with the stackable boxes, allowing the stackable boxes to be stacked on top of the large pedestal trolley 800.

[0217] Figure 8B An example of a small pedestal trolley is shown. In various embodiments, the small pedestal trolley 820 includes a frame 821, a clamp receiving portion 822, and a protrusion 823.

[0218] In various implementations, the small pedestal-type trolley 820 can receive and support a set of devices capable of operating in conjunction with, for example... Figure 1A The boxes are stacked in the same way as other stackable boxes shown. The small pedestal trolley 820 is provided with the same clamp receiving portion 822 and protrusion 823 as those provided by the stackable boxes, so that the stackable boxes can be stacked on top of the small pedestal trolley 820.

[0219] Figure 9A An example of a single storage box stack on a small pedestal trolley with a maintenance platform on top is shown. In various embodiments, the trolley-based stack 900 includes stacked boxes 901, a small trolley 820, a trough belt 834, a maintenance platform 902 with edges 903, a trolley handle 905, handle attachment points 906, a bag frame 907, and a bag 908.

[0220] In various embodiments, maintenance table 902 is attached to the top stackable bin, and bags 908 are suspended in front to hold or collect various items, such as supplies or trash. A trolley handle 905 can be attached to a conveyor belt 834 and can move the stack up or down to a convenient location based on the user's height. Maintenance table 902 can be used to hold various items, such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies, and other similar items.

[0221] Figure 9B An example of a single storage box stack located on a large pedestal trolley with a maintenance platform on top is shown. In various embodiments, the trolley-based stack 920 includes stacked boxes 901, a large trolley 800, a maintenance platform 921 with edges, trolley handles 905, and bag frames 907.

[0222] In various embodiments, a maintenance table 921 is attached to the topmost stackable bin, with a bag frame 907 positioned at the front to hold or collect various items, such as supplies or trash. A trolley handle 905 can be attached to a conveyor belt 834 and can move the stack up or down to a convenient location based on the user's height. The maintenance table 921 can be used to hold various items, such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies, and other similar items.

[0223] Figure 9C An example of a stack of dual storage boxes on a large pedestal trolley with a maintenance platform on top is shown. In various embodiments, the trolley-based stack 930 includes stacked boxes 931, a large trolley 800, a large maintenance platform 932 with edges, a trolley handle 933, handle attachment points 934, and a bag frame 935.

[0224] In various implementations, a maintenance platform 932 is attached to the top stackable bin of two piles, with bag frames 935 suspended in front to hold or collect various items, such as supplies or trash. A trolley handle 933 can be attached to a conveyor belt 834 and can move the piles up or down to a convenient location based on the user's height. The large maintenance platform 932 can be used to hold various items, such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies, and other similar items.

[0225] In various embodiments, the trolley handle 933 may be an integral part of the maintenance table 932, while in other embodiments it may be an attachable handle detachable from the maintenance table 932. In some embodiments, the trolley handle 933 may be a hinged handle that can swing up or down or rotate about the point where it is attached to the maintenance table 932 or to the groove belt 834 to find a comfortable operating position.

[0226] Figure 9D An example of a stack of storage boxes with removable stack handles is shown. In various embodiments, the trolley-based stack 940 includes stacked boxes 901, trolley handles 905, and handle attachment points 934.

[0227] In various embodiments, the trolley handle 905 may be integrated with the maintenance table 902 or be a separate component directly attached to one of the stacked boxes 901, allowing the trolley handle 905 to move up and down during the movement of the stacked trolleys for purposes of convenience, control, or better stability. The handle attachment point 934 may include a hook for quick attachment to and removal from the slotted strap 834.

[0228] IV. Quick Release Accessory

[0229] In busy work environments, there is a strong desire for quick access to tools, supplies, and various items while maintaining their order and preventing loss or unavailability. Additionally, for ease of use and flexibility, there is a need for improved access to various accessories, such as work lights and parts baskets. In busy work environments, there is a need for quick attachment / removal of tools without the use of tools (such as screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.), while maintaining tool order and security, allowing users to quickly retrieve tools from portable storage stacks (such as storage box stacks with slotted straps 834). There is also a need for rapid tool movement from one point to another, such as moving lights to different points on a stack of boxes, for easier access in constantly changing work environments.

[0230] The following describes many common types of accessories that can be quickly attached to / removed from the groove 834.

[0231] Figure 9E An example of a stack of storage boxes with attached long-handled tools is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 950 includes stackable boxes 901 and long-handled tools 951.

[0232] In various embodiments, long-handled tools 951, such as shovels, brooms, umbrellas, and some construction tools, can be vertically attached to the grooved band 834 (see...). Figure 8C This facilitates transportation and temporary storage, and allows for quick attachment to and removal from stackable cases 901. Long-handled tools can also be quickly attached to any available slotted strap 834, providing convenient access to these and other tools.

[0233] Figure 10A An example of a storage box is shown, in which a device holder is attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, configuration 1000 includes a slotted strip 834, a stackable box 1001, a device holder 1002, a device 1003, and a holder base 1004.

[0234] In various embodiments, the device retainer 1002 may be a hinged arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and can be quickly attached to and configured with the slotted strip 834 at different corners of the stackable box 1001 and at different heights of the stack. The device 1003 may be a smartphone, galvanometer, laser measuring device, electronic thermometer, and other devices with similar dimensions and form factor. The retainer base 1004 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to the slotted strip 834.

[0235] Figure 10BAn example of a storage box is shown, in which a work light is attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, configuration 1010 includes a slot strip 834, a stackable box 1001, a work light arm 1011, a work light 1012, and an arm base 1013.

[0236] In various embodiments, the work light arm 1011 may be a hinged arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and can be quickly attached to and configured with the slotted belt 834 at different corners of the stackable box 1001 and at different heights of the stack. The work light 1012 may be a light of various intensities, colors, and focal lengths to allow the user to read, write, or view items as if working on a work platform. The work light arm 1011 may be a hinged arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and can also be quickly moved around the stackable box 1001 to illuminate the most needed areas. The arm base 1023 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to the slotted belt 834.

[0237] Figure 10C An example of a storage box is shown, in which a magnifying glass is attached to a corner attachment slot. In various embodiments, configuration 1020 includes a slot strip 834, a stackable box 1001, an amplifier arm 1021, an amplifier 1022, and an arm base 1023.

[0238] In various embodiments, the amplifier arm 1021 can be quickly attached to and configured with the slotted strip 834 at different corners of the stackable box 1001 and at different heights of the stack. The amplifier 1022 can be a magnifying glass with various magnifications at different locations and also has local lights for better illumination of the workpiece during observation. The amplifier arm 1021 can be quickly moved around the stackable box 1001 for use where it is most needed. The arm base 1023 can have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to the slotted strip 834.

[0239] Figure 10D An example of a magnifying glass that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. The amplifier accessory 1030 includes an amplifier 1022, an arm base 1023, and an attachment hook 1031.

[0240] In various embodiments, the arm base 1023 can be quickly attached to and released from the slot belt 834 via the attachment hook 1031 inserted into the slot 835 (see [link]). Figure 8C Similar to other attachments of the grooved band 834, the attachment hook 1031 is fitted into the hook gap or space between the grooved band 834 and the corner wall 841.

[0241] Figure 11CAn example of a hook attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1120 includes a slotted band 834, a stackable box 1121, a clamping plate 1122, a hook 1123, and a hook base 1124.

[0242] In various embodiments, the hook base 1124 may have a hook, pin, or other interface suitable for secure and quick attachment to the slotted belt 834. The hook 1123 is a wide hook suitable for hanging various items, such as clothing like jackets, ropes, loops attached to devices such as flashlights, power tools, etc.

[0243] Figure 11D An example of a storage box is shown, in which a floodlight is connected to a corner connection slot. In various embodiments, configuration 1130 includes a slot strip 834, a floodlight 1131, and a lamp base 1132.

[0244] In various embodiments, floodlight 1131 may be a compact light source that illuminates a work area and can be moved around stackable boxes to illuminate a desired area around the stack of boxes. Lamp base 1132 may have hooks, pins, or other interfaces suitable for secure and quick attachment to slotted strip 834.

[0245] Figure 11E An example of a floodlight base that can be attached to a corner attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1140 includes a slot strip 834, a floodlight 1131, a lamp base 1132, and an attachment hook 1141.

[0246] In various embodiments, the lamp base 1132 can be quickly attached to and released from the slot strip 834 via the attachment hook 1141 inserted into the slot 835 (see [link]). Figure 8C Similar to other attachments of the grooved band 834, the attachment hook 1141 is fitted into the hook gap or space between the grooved band 834 and the corner wall 841.

[0247] Figure 15 An example of a detachable rope retainer assembly attached to an angle attachment slot is shown. In various embodiments, configuration 1500 includes a stackable box 1501, a slotted strap 834, rope hooks 1503a and 1503b, and a rope 1502.

[0248] In various embodiments, rope hooks 1503a and 1503b may be physically separate, while in other embodiments, rope hooks 1503a and 1503b are attached or joined together by a band or strip extending from one hook to the other. Each of rope hooks 1503a and 1503b may be attached to different and generally adjacent grooved bands 834. In this configuration, rope hooks 1503a and 1503b form a spool on which rope 1502 may be wound, as shown.

[0249] In various embodiments, the rope 1502 may be an electric wire, cable, rope, or other similar flexible material.

[0250] It should be understood that each step and combination of steps in the above process can be implemented by computer program instructions. These program instructions can be provided to a processor to produce a machine, such that instructions executed on the processor can perform specified actions. The computer program instructions can be executed by the processor so that a series of operational steps performed by the processor yields a computer-implemented process, thereby providing steps for performing actions. The computer program instructions can also cause at least some operational steps to be executed in parallel. Furthermore, some steps can be executed on more than one processor, as may occur in a multiprocessor computer system. Moreover, without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure, one or more steps or combinations of steps described can be executed simultaneously with other steps or combinations of steps, or even in an order different from that described.

[0251] Accordingly, the steps of the described process or method support combinations of techniques for performing the specified action, combinations of steps for performing the specified action, and program instructions for performing the specified action. It will also be understood that each step, and combinations of the described steps, can be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified action or step, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0252] It will be further understood that, unless explicitly stated or specified, the steps described in a process are not ordered and do not necessarily perform or occur in the order described or depicted. For example, step a described before step B in the same process may actually be performed after step B. In other words, unless otherwise stated, the set of steps in a process used to achieve the final result can occur in any order.

[0253] Modifications can be made to the claimed invention based on the detailed description above. Although the foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the contemplated best mode, the claimed invention can be practiced in a variety of ways, no matter how detailed the description in the text. The details of the system can vary considerably in terms of its implementation details, yet are still covered by the claimed invention disclosed herein.

[0254] Certain terms used in describing certain features or aspects of this disclosure should not be construed as meaning that the term is redefined herein as limited to any particular characteristic, feature, or aspect of this disclosure associated with that term. Generally, terms used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claimed invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless these terms are expressly defined in the foregoing detailed description. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimed invention covers not only the disclosed embodiments but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention.

[0255] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terminology used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), is generally intended as “open-ended” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “comprising but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if an intention is to enumerate a particular number of introduced claims, that intention will be explicitly enumerated in the claims, and without such enumeration, such intention does not exist. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the enumeration of claims. 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 as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”), the use of these phrases should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of a list of claims by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such a list of claims to containing only one of such claims; the same applies to the use of definite articles for introducing a list of claims. Furthermore, even when a specific number of claims is explicitly listed, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a list should generally be interpreted as meaning at least the number listed (e.g., a simple listing of “two items” without other modifications generally means at least two items, or two or more items). Furthermore, when using idioms such as "at least one of A, B, and C," this structure is generally based on the understanding that a person skilled in the art would expect of the idiom (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all three A, B, and C). When using idioms such as "at least one of A, B, and C," this structure is generally based on the understanding that a person skilled in the art would expect of the idiom (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and / or all three A, B, and C). A person skilled in the art will further understand that, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, any extractive words and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms should be understood as considering the possibility of including one of the terms, any one of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” would be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.To understand this further, any phrase in the form "A / B" should mean any one of "A", "B", "A or B", or "A and B". This structure includes the phrase "and / or" itself.

[0256] The foregoing description, embodiments, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the claimed invention can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, the essence of the invention is found in the appended claims. It is further understood that this 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, in order to encompass all such modifications and equivalent configurations.

Claims

1. A portable storage system, comprising: At least one stackable container having an attached slotted band; as well as At least one accessory having an attachment base capable of quick attachment to and quick detachment from the grooved strip. The at least one stackable container has a corner wall between two adjacent walls of the at least one stackable container.

2. The portable storage system of claim 1 further includes a plurality of slots to allow attachment of the attachment strip.

3. The portable storage system of claim 2 further includes latches at both ends of the attachment strip.

4. The portable storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The grooved strip is attached to the corner wall.

5. The portable storage system according to claim 4, wherein, The groove has two curved edges, which are respectively attached to one of two adjacent walls of the at least one stackable container.

6. The portable storage system according to claim 5, wherein, A gap is formed between the groove and the corner wall.

7. The portable storage system according to claim 6, wherein, The attachment base has an attachment hook for insertion into the groove using the gap between the groove and the corner wall.

8. The portable storage system according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one accessory includes one of a device holder, a floodlight, a magnifying glass, a long-handled tool, and a hook.

9. The portable storage system according to claim 2, wherein, Another quick-release accessory is attached to the attachment strip, wherein the other quick-release accessory includes one of a tool holder and a parts basket.

10. A stackable container, comprising: Side walls and corner walls, the corner walls being located between the side walls and another wall adjacent to the side walls; At least two grooves are connected to the corner wall; An attachment strip, which is connected to the at least two grooved strips; and A quick-release accessory, which is connected to the attachment strip.

11. The stackable container of claim 10, further comprising a latch on the attachment strip.

12. The stackable container of claim 10, further comprising an attachment base connected to the quick-release accessory.

13. The stackable container of claim 12, further comprising an arm disposed between the quick-release attachment and the attachment base.

14. The stackable container of claim 10, wherein, The attachment strip includes a magnetic attachment strip.

15. The stackable container of claim 10, wherein, The attachment strip includes a flexible panel.

16. The stackable container of claim 12, wherein, The attachment strip includes attachment hooks for engagement with the grooved strip.

17. The stackable container of claim 10, wherein, The quick-release accessory includes one of a parts basket and a tool holder.

18. The stackable container of claim 10, wherein, The corner wall has an angle relative to the side wall surrounding the corner wall.

19. The stackable container of claim 10, wherein, The ends of the attachment strip are angled to match the corner wall angle.

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