Container and modular storage system

Abstract

There is provided a container comprising: a housing; a first interface positioned along an upper surface of the housing, the first interface configured to couple the housing to a modular tool storage device; a drawer slidably coupled to the housing, the drawer closing the compartment; a cover pivotally coupled to the housing, the cover interfacing with an outer surface of the drawer to limit opening of the drawer when the cover is in a locked position, where the cover engages less than 10% of the front outer surface of the drawer when the cover is in the locked position; and a latch coupled to the housing, the latch removably engaged with the cover, where the latch engages with the cover and retains the cover in the locked position when the cover is in the locked position. A modular storage system is also provided.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application date of November 24, 2020, application number 202080076896.5 (PCT / US2020 / 061962), and invention name “Fixed Compartments for Modular Storage”.

[0002] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 940,393, filed on November 26, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of tool storage systems and related devices. The present disclosure relates specifically to a device or tool storage container including a cover panel for securing a storage compartment and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the device or tool storage container to another such device or container, such as in a modular tool storage system.

[0005] Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to be incorporated into modular storage systems. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices and / or containers may provide different functions, such as being adapted to secure the contents of a storage unit for transport or for safety. Summary of the invention

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a container comprising: a housing; a first interface positioned along an upper surface of the housing, the first interface being configured to couple the housing to a modular tool storage device; a drawer slidably coupled to the housing; a cover pivotally coupled to the housing; and a latch coupled to the housing, the latch removably engaging the cover. The drawer encloses a compartment. When the cover is in a locked position, the latch engages the cover and retains the cover in the locked position. The cover interfaces with an outer surface of the drawer to restrict the drawer from opening when the cover is in the locked position.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a container comprising: a housing; a first interface positioned along an upper surface of the housing, the first interface being configured to couple the housing to a modular tool storage device; a drawer slidably coupled to the housing, the drawer actuated between an open position and a closed position; and a retainer pivotally coupled to the housing. The drawer encloses a compartment. The retainer actuates between at least two positions including a locked position and a stowed position. When in the locked position, the drawer is restricted from moving from an open position to a closed position. When in the stowed position, the retainer retracts into the housing and the drawer can move from an open position to a closed position. The drawer encloses the compartment.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a modular storage system including a container and a storage unit. The container includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a side wall extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and an interior space defined by the top panel, the bottom panel and the side wall. The container includes a first interface positioned along an upper surface of a shell, the first interface being configured to couple the shell to a modular tool storage device. The container includes a drawer slidably coupled to the shell, the drawer extending and retracting from the interior space through the side wall. The drawer encloses the compartment. The storage unit includes a lower surface, a second interface disposed along the upper surface. The second interface is configured to removably engage with the first interface of the container. The storage unit includes a shell defining a storage compartment.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a tool storage device, the tool storage device comprising: a housing; a first coupler extending from a top surface; a top panel coupled to the housing; a compartment within the housing; a drawer enclosing the compartment when the drawer is in a closed position; a cover restricting the drawer from opening when the cover is in a fixed position; a handle coupled to and extending from the cover; and a latch engaging the handle when the cover is in a fixed position. The first coupler is engageable with another tool storage device.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and those skilled in the art will readily understand from the description or will recognize in part these additional features and advantages by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order to better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it may be implemented in practice, embodiments will now be described by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0015] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0017] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0018] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0019] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0020] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a tool storage device.

[0021] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 Detailed side view of the tool storage device.

[0022] Fig.10 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0023] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Front view of the tool storage device.

[0024] Fig.12 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Side view of a tool storage device.

[0025] Fig.13 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3Front view of the tool storage device.

[0026] Fig.14 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 3 Front view of the tool storage device.

[0027] Fig.15 is a performance comparison of various tool storage devices according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 17 to Figure 18 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.16 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0030] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 20 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.19 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0032] Fig.21 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.19 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0033] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Fig.23 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.16 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0035] Fig.24 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 22 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0036] Fig.25 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.19 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0037] Fig.26 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 22 Detailed side view of the tool storage device.

[0038] Fig. 27 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 22 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0039] Fig.28 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.19 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0040] Fig.29 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 22 A perspective view of a tool storage device.

[0041] Figure 30 to Figure 32 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig. 22 A plan view of a tool storage device.

[0042] Fig.33 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 A perspective view of a modular tool storage system of a tool storage device.

[0043] Fig.34 According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 22 A perspective view of a modular tool storage system of a tool storage device.

[0044] Fig.35 is a perspective view of components of a tool storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0045] Figures 36 to 40 According to an exemplary embodiment Fig.35 A three-dimensional diagram of the components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] With reference to the accompanying drawings in general, various embodiments of stackable tool storage related devices, containers or units are shown. One or more devices in these devices are configured to selectively connect and disconnect with the storage unit. The tool storage device includes a retainer or lid (e.g., door and / or wire frame) that fixes the compartment in the stackable tool storage related device, container or unit. In a specific embodiment, during the transportation of the stackable tool storage related device, container or unit, the lid keeps the compartment drawer in place and closes. When the lid is in a fixed position, the lid engages with a latch that is connected to the housing.

[0047] One advantage of this design over units with two cover doors that pivot open to reveal the drawers is that the cover doors are fully immersed in the body and therefore move around the storage unit. Another advantage of this design over a double door design is the increased structural rigidity when closed. Other advantages of this design over a double door design are that fewer parts need to be assembled, making this design easier to use.

[0048] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, shows a container and / or device, such as a tool storage device 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. The tool storage device 10 includes a storage compartment 24 defined by a drawer 22 and / or a housing 20. In a particular embodiment, the drawer 22 encloses the compartment 24. A retainer or cover, shown as a door 28, is movable between various positions relative to the housing 20 and the drawer 22, including a fixed position, an open position, and a retracted position. The door 28 is pivotally coupled to the housing 20 so that the door 28 actuates between at least two positions: a locked position, in which the drawer 22 is restricted from moving from an open position to a closed position; and a stowed position, in which the door 28 is retracted into the housing 20 and the drawer 22 can move from an open position to a closed position. When in a position such as Figure 2 In the depicted secured position, the door 28 limits and / or prevents access to the storage compartment 24 by preventing the drawer 22 from fully opening. The drawer 22 is slidably coupled to the housing 20.

[0049] The door 28 is pivotally coupled to the housing 20 such that the door 28 interfaces with the outer surface 27 of the drawer 22 to restrict the drawer 22 from opening when the door 28 is in the locked position. When the door 28 is in the open and / or retracted position, the drawer 22 can slide out of the front opening of the housing 20. The drawer 22 slides out of the housing 20 by moving in a direction generally parallel to the top panel 26 of the tool storage device 10 and / or by moving in a direction generally perpendicular to the front of the housing 20.

[0050] The tool storage device 10 includes a first interface 80 positioned along the upper surface 25 of the top panel 26 of the housing 20. The first interface 80 is configured to couple the housing 20 to the modular tool storage device, such as via a coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the tool storage device 10 includes a top panel 26, a bottom panel 68, and a side wall 70 extending from the top panel 26 to the bottom panel 68. In certain embodiments, the side wall 70 is a front portion of the housing 20. An interior space 72 is defined by the top panel 26, the bottom panel 68, and the side wall 70. One or more drawers 22 extend from and retract through the side wall 70 from the interior space 72.

[0052] refer to Figures 3 to 5 , depicting different positions of the door 28 for the tool storage device 10 and the tool storage device 12. Aside from the differences discussed herein, the tool storage device 12 is substantially the same as the storage device 10. The tool storage device 12 includes three drawers 23, while the tool storage device 10 includes two drawers 22.

[0053] Figure 5 depicts the door 28 in a fixed position, Figure 4 The door 28 is depicted in an open position, and Figure 3 is in a retracted position within the cavity 58 defined by the housing 20. Figure 5 , the door 28 is in a fixed position that limits and / or prevents access to the storage compartment 24 by preventing the drawer 22 from being fully opened. The handle 30 is coupled to the door 28 and protrudes from the first end 32 of the door 28. The top panel 26 is coupled to the latch 46. The latch 46 is removably engaged with the cover shown as the door 28. When the door 28 is in the fixed position, the handle 30 is engaged with the latch 46 and the second end 34 of the door 28 is just outside the cavity 58 for receiving the door 28. When the door 28 is in the locked position, the latch 46 engages with the door 28 and retains the door 28 in the locked position. When the door 28 is in the open position, the drawer 22 can slide out of the housing 20. When the latch 46 is disengaged from the door 28, the door 28 can be rotated relative to the housing 20 to the open position.

[0054] In certain embodiments, the drawer 22 slides out of the housing 20 in a direction generally perpendicular to the front surface 21 of the housing 20. After the latch 46 is disengaged from the handle 30, the door 28 can be rotated in the direction 52 to the open position ( Figure 4 ). Turn Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the door 28 is rotated until the door 28 is approximately parallel to the top panel 26 (see Figure 4 ), and then insert the door 28 into the cavity 58 of the housing 20 along the direction 60 (see Figure 3 The door 28 is actuated between an open position, a locked position, and a stowed position in which the door 28 is located within a cavity 58 defined by the housing 20 ( Figure 3 ).

[0055] Go to Figure 6 , the tool storage device 10 includes a latch 46, a handle (shown as a metal handle 30), a seal 42, and a corner bumper 44. A fastener, shown as a lock 56, secures the handle 30 to the top panel 26. In a particular embodiment, the lock 56 couples the door 28 to the housing 20. The lock 56 couples the handle 30 to a locking hole 54 defined by the top panel 26. The lock 56 restricts the door 28 from pivoting in the direction 52, thereby preventing the drawer 22 from fully opening.

[0056] Go to Figure 7, the tool storage device 10 includes a top panel 26 and a housing cover 40 that are fixed together and coupled to the housing 20. A latch 46 is pivotally coupled to the top panel 26. A bumper 44 is coupled to the bottom of the storage device 10. The drawer 22 slides in and out of the housing 20. A seal 42 is coupled to the tool storage device 10 and interfaces with the door 28 when the door 28 is in a fixed position. Tracks 38 are coupled to the housing and interface with protrusions 36 that extend laterally from the door 28 away from each other. The protrusions 36 pivotally couple the door 28 to the housing 20. When from a fixed position (see Figure 5 ) to the open position (see Figure 4 ), the door 28 rotates relative to the housing 20 about the rotation axis 66.

[0057] In certain embodiments, door 28 includes an elongated continuous metal frame, such as a wire frame ( Figure 6 ). In certain embodiments, the wire frame is a thin, elongated structure that engages a relatively small portion of the exterior surface 27 of the drawer 22 (e.g., <10% of the surface area of ​​the front exterior surface 27 of the drawer, <5% of the surface area of ​​the front exterior surface 27 of the drawer). In this manner, the front of the drawer 22 and a handle (such as a handle on the drawer 22) surround the wire frame and are exposed and accessible through the open area 31 of the wire frame ( Figure 5 and 6 ).

[0058] Steering Figures 8 to 9 , the latch 46 includes a recess 48 that receives the door 28 when the door 28 is in the locked position. To disengage the latch 46 from the door 28, the latch 46 is rotated relative to the housing 20 to allow the door 28 to be actuated from the locked position to the open position. When the door 28 is in the fixed position, the horizontal rod 62 of the handle 30 interfaces with the recess 48 and rests within the recess. To open the door 28, the latch 46 is rotated relative to the housing 20 about the rotation axis 50 in the direction 64. After the latch 46 is rotated in the direction 64, the door 28 is allowed to rotate in the direction 52. In one embodiment, the latch 46 is engaged with the housing 20, such as via a spring. Fig. 9 The counterclockwise rotation direction 64 from the perspective is oppositely biased.

[0059] Go to Fig.10, the tool storage device 10 includes coupling interfaces 80 and 82 located on the top surface 25 of the top panel 26, which allow the tool storage device 10 to be coupled to a modular storage unit via an interface compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629. In another specific embodiment, a storage device including the features described in the present disclosure has coupling interfaces on both the top and bottom that allow the storage device to be coupled to a modular storage unit via an interface compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629.

[0060] refer to Figure 11 to Figure 12 In a particular embodiment, the tool storage device 10 has a width 94 of 560 mm, a depth 98 of 416 mm, and a height 96 of 346 mm. In a particular embodiment, the drawer 22 has a height 90 of 124 mm. Fig.13 In a particular embodiment, the drawer 23 in the tool storage device 12 has a height 92 of 81 mm. Fig.14 In a particular embodiment, the drawer 23 of the tool storage device 12 has a width 88 of 436 mm.

[0061] In one embodiment, the tool storage device 10 includes a drawer 22 that slides in and out of the housing 20. In another embodiment, the tool storage device 10 includes a door that pivotally opens and defines a compartment 24.

[0062] Fig.15 A performance comparison of a tool storage device made in accordance with the present disclosure and a tool storage device including an opposing pair of doors that pivotally open to reveal a drawer is shown.

[0063] refer to Figures 16 to 18 , depicting a tool storage device 110. The tool storage device 110 is substantially the same as the tool storage device 10 and the tool storage device 12 except for the differences discussed herein. The tool storage device 110 includes a cover, shown as a wire frame 170, instead of the door 28. When transitioning from the fixed position to the retracted position, the wire frame 170 rotates in the direction 152 ( Fig.16 ), and then slides into cavity 158 along direction 160 ( Fig.17 ) until the handle 130 is just outside the cavity 158 ( Fig.18 ).

[0064] refer to Figures 19 to 21, depicting a tool storage device 310. The tool storage device 310 is substantially the same as the tool storage device 10 and the tool storage device 12, the tool storage device 110, except for the differences discussed herein. The tool storage device 310 includes a cover, shown as a wire frame 370, and a door 328. When transitioning from a fixed position to a retracted position, the wire frame 370 slides into a lower portion of the housing 320 proximate the bottom panel 368 along a direction 372, and the door 328 rotates and slides into an upper portion of the housing 320 proximate the top panel 326 along a direction 330. In a particular embodiment, when the wire frame 370 slides into the housing 320, the wire frame 370 interfaces with the bottom panel 368, and when the door 328 slides into the housing 320, the door 328 interfaces with the top panel 326.

[0065] Steering Figure 22 to Figure 23 , except for the differences discussed herein, the tool storage device 112 is substantially the same as the tool storage device 110, the tool storage device 10, and the tool storage device 12. The tool storage device 112 includes three drawers 123, while the tool storage device 110 includes two drawers 122. The wire frame 170 extends from the first end 172 to the second end 174. The drawers 122 and 123 are removed from and inserted into the housing 120.

[0066] Go to Figure 24 to Figure 25 , a fastener, shown as a padlock 156, secures the wire frame 170 to the top panel 126 of the housing, which prevents the wire frame 170 from rotating out of the fixed position along the direction 152. When the wire frame 170 is in the fixed position, the wire frame 170 interfaces with the latch 146. A protrusion 176 extends laterally from the wire frame 170 into the housing 120. When the wire frame 170 is converted from the fixed position to the open position, the wire frame 170 rotates about the protrusion 176 relative to the housing 120. A support rod, shown as an aluminum front brace 184, is vertically positioned at each of the two front corners of the housing 120.

[0067] Steering Figure 26 to Figure 27 , the horizontal rod 162 of the wire frame 170 interfaces with and is seated within the recess 148 of the latch 146. To open the drawer when the wire frame 170 is in the secured position, the latch 146 is rotated in direction 164, thereby releasing the horizontal rod 162 of the wire frame 170 to rotate in direction 152. Fig. 27 In particular, the lock 156 is coupled to the aperture 154 to secure the wire frame 170 in a fixed position. The top panel 126 includes a coupling interface 80 and a coupling interface 82 .

[0068] Go to Figure 28 to Figure 29 , the tool storage device 110 and the tool storage device 112 are shown as having drawers 122 and 123 extending from the housing 120, respectively.

[0069] Steering Figure 30 to Figure 32 In a particular embodiment, the tool storage device 112 has a height 196 of 362 mm, a depth 198 of 410 mm, a width 194 of 560 mm, and the drawer 123 has a width 188 of 458 mm.

[0070] Steering Fig.33 and Fig.34 , depicts a modular tool storage system 220 that incorporates the tool storage device 12 and the tool storage device 112. In a particular configuration, the modular tool storage system 220 includes the tool storage device 12 and a storage unit 222. The storage unit 222 is similar to the tool storage device 10 and the tool storage device 12, except for the differences discussed herein. The storage unit 222 includes a lower surface 224, a second interface positioned along the upper surface, and a housing 226 defining a storage compartment, the second interface being configured to removably engage with the first interface of the tool storage device 12.

[0071] refer to Figures 35 to 40 , depicting a rail 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Various embodiments of the tool storage devices 10, 12, 110, and 112 include one or more rails 200. The rails 200 are coupled to the housing 20, 120 and the drawers 22, 23, 122, 123 to allow the drawers 22, 23, 122, 123 to slide in and out of the housing 20, 120.

[0072] The fixed portion 202 is coupled to the housing 20, 120 and the slidable portion 204 is coupled to the drawer 22, 23, 122, 123. The slidable portion 204 is slidably coupled to the fixed portion such that the slidable portion 204 slides along the longitudinal axis of the fixed portion 202. As a result, the guide rail 200 defines a variety of lengths depending on the relative orientation of the slidable portion 204 and the fixed portion 202.

[0073] The fixed component shown as the stop 208 allows the drawer 22, 23, 122, 123 to be fixed in the housing 20, 120. When the inner end 206 of the slidable portion 204 slides toward the inner end 216 of the fixed portion 202, the protrusion 212 shown as a barb interfaces with the stop 208. The friction between the protrusion 212 and the stop 208 increases the amount of force required to slide the slidable portion 204. As a result, when the guide rail 200 is positioned at its shortest length (e.g., when the inner end 216 is closest to the innermost end 206), additional force is required to disengage the protrusion 212 and move the protrusion 212 past the stop 208 compared to when the protrusion 212 and the stop 208 are not interfaced.

[0074] It should be understood that the drawings show exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0075] In view of this description, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is interpreted as being illustrative only. The construction and arrangement shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc. of various elements) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of discrete elements may be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm or method steps may be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments.

[0076] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, any method described herein is by no means intended to be interpreted as requiring that its steps be performed in a specified order. Accordingly, in the event that a method claim does not actually list the order in which its steps should be followed or in the event that there is no specific statement in the claim or specification that the steps should be limited to a particular order, no particular order is intended to be inferred. In addition, the article "a" used herein is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as only one.

[0077] Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. A container, comprising: case; a first interface positioned along an upper surface of the housing, the first interface configured to couple the housing to a modular tool storage device; a drawer slidably coupled to the housing, the drawer enclosing the compartment; a cover pivotally coupled to the housing, the cover interfacing with an exterior surface of the drawer to restrict opening of the drawer when the cover is in a locked position, wherein the cover engages less than 10% of a front exterior surface of the drawer when the cover is in the locked position; and A latch is coupled to the housing, the latch being removably engaged with the cover, wherein the latch engages with the cover and retains the cover in the locked position when the cover is in the locked position.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein The drawer can slide out of the housing when the cover is in the open position.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein: The drawer slides out of the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to the front surface of the housing.

4. The container according to claim 2, wherein: The cover is actuated between an open position, the locked position, and a stowed position in which the cover is located within a cavity defined by the housing.

5. The container according to claim 2, wherein: When the latch is disengaged from the cover, the cover can be rotated to the open position.

6. The container of claim 1, comprising a top panel coupled to the latch.

7. The container of claim 1, the latch comprising a recess that receives the cover when the cover is in the locked position.

8. The container of claim 2, wherein: To disengage the latch from the cover, the latch is rotated relative to the housing to allow the cover to be actuated from the locked position to the open position.

9. A modular storage system comprising: A container, the container comprising: A housing comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, and a side wall extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and an interior space defined by the top panel, the bottom panel, and the side wall; a first interface located along an upper surface of the housing, the first interface configured to couple the housing to a modular tool storage device; and a drawer slidably coupled to the housing, the drawer extending and retracting from the interior space through the side wall, the drawer enclosing the compartment; and a storage unit comprising a lower surface, a second interface positioned along the upper surface, and a second housing defining a storage compartment, the second interface being configured to removably engage with the first interface of the container; and A retainer is pivotally connected to the shell, the retainer being connected to the outer surface interface of the drawer to restrict the drawer from opening when the retainer is in a locked position, wherein the retainer is actuated between the locked position and a stowed position, wherein when the retainer is in the stowed position, the retainer is located in a cavity defined by the shell and the retainer does not restrict the drawer from opening.

10. The modular storage system of claim 9, wherein: The side wall is the front of the housing.

11. The modular storage system of claim 9, further comprising: A latch is coupled to the housing, the latch being removably engaged with the retainer, wherein the latch engages with the retainer and retains the retainer in the locked position when the retainer is in the locked position.

12. The modular storage system of claim 11, wherein: The retainer is actuated between an open position, the locked position, and the stowed position.

13. The modular storage system of claim 12, wherein: The retainer can be rotated to the open position when the latch is disengaged from the retainer.

14. The modular storage system of claim 12, the latch comprising a recess that receives the retainer when the retainer is in the locked position.

15. The modular storage system of claim 12, wherein: When the latch is engaged with the retainer, the latch rotates relative to the housing to allow the retainer to be actuated from the locked position to the unlocked position.

16. The modular storage system of claim 12, the retainer comprising protrusions extending laterally away from each other and pivotally coupling the retainer to the housing.

17. A container comprising: case; a first interface positioned along an upper surface of the housing, the first interface configured to couple the housing to a modular tool storage device; a drawer slidably coupled to the housing, the drawer enclosing the compartment; a cover pivotally coupled to the housing, the cover interfacing with an outer surface of the drawer to restrict the drawer from sliding out of the housing when the cover is in a locked position; as well as A fastener is coupled to an aperture defined by the housing, the fastener limiting actuation of the lid from the locked position to an open position, wherein the drawer can slide out of the housing when the lid is in the open position.

18. The container according to claim 17, wherein The drawer slides out of the housing in a direction generally perpendicular to the front surface of the housing.

19. The container according to claim 17, wherein: The cover may be rotated to the open position when the fastener is disengaged from the housing.

20. The container according to claim 19, wherein The cover is actuated between the open position, the locked position, and a stowed position in which the cover is positioned within a cavity defined by the housing.

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