Modular storage unit comprising subunits

Abstract

Various embodiments of a storage device are provided. The storage device includes one or more storage compartments slidable relative to a sidewall of the storage device. The container is also rotatable relative to the side wall of the storage device, allowing for improved accessibility to the storage compartment in the container.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 301,721, filed on January 21, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to storage compartments, units and / or devices. The present disclosure also relates to modular systems, such as modular storage systems. The present disclosure specifically relates to modular storage units that can be coupled within a modular system and include subunits that slide outwardly along a path that provides improved accessibility to an internal storage compartment.

[0004] Modular systems, such as modular storage systems, include utility modules that have multiple functions. Storage units are generally used to store and / or organize tools, equipment, and other items. Modular storage units include one or more containers that are actuated between a stowed position, in which storage compartments are inaccessible, and one or more open positions, in which tools, equipment, and other items can be removed. Utility Model Content

[0005] One embodiment of the utility model relates to a storage device, which includes: a shell, the shell defining a front surface and an opposite rear surface; a plurality of male connectors extending from the rear surface; a plurality of female connectors extending from the front surface; a plurality of containers each defining a storage compartment, each of the plurality of containers being slidably coupled to the shell; and a locking mechanism coupled to the shell. Each of the male connectors is configured for locking engagement with an upper surface of a first utility module, and each of the female connectors is configured for locking engagement with a lower surface opposite to the upper surface of the first utility module. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the plurality of containers within the shell when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

[0006] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to a storage device, which includes: a shell defining a front surface and an opposite rear surface; a plurality of male connectors extending from the rear surface; a plurality of containers each defining a storage compartment, each of which is slidably connected to the shell; and a locking mechanism connected to the shell. The plurality of male connectors each include a first tongue, a second tongue, and a body extending from the rear surface, both of which extend from the body and both deviate from the rear surface and are above the rear surface. The first tongue defines a first channel between the rear surface and the first tongue, and the second tongue defines a second channel between the rear surface and the second tongue. The first channel and the second channel each extend on opposite sides of the body, and each channel includes a front open end and a rear closed end. The locking mechanism is configured to fix the plurality of containers in the shell when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

[0007] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to a storage device, which includes: a shell, which defines a front surface and an opposite rear surface; a plurality of concave couplers extending from the front surface; a plurality of containers each defining a storage compartment, each of which is slidably coupled to the shell; and a locking mechanism coupled to the shell. Each of the plurality of concave couplers includes a recessed surface, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a first rib extending above the recessed surface and deviating from the recessed surface. The rear wall, the first side wall, and the front wall extend upward from the recessed surface. The first rib extends from the rear wall toward the front wall and extends from the first side wall. The plurality of containers each define a storage compartment, and the plurality of containers each are slidably coupled to the shell. The locking mechanism is coupled to the shell. The locking mechanism is configured to fix the plurality of containers in the shell when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

[0008] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to a storage device, which includes a shell, a plurality of male couplers, a plurality of female couplers, a plurality of containers that can slide relative to the shell, and a locking mechanism. The shell defines a front surface and an opposite rear surface. A plurality of male couplers extend from the rear surface, and each of the male couplers is configured to be locked and engaged with the upper surface of the first utility module. A plurality of female couplers extend from the front surface, and each of the female couplers is configured to be locked and engaged with the lower surface of the first utility module. A plurality of containers each define a storage compartment, and each of the plurality of containers is slidably engaged with the shell so that the container is actuated between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the shell. The locking mechanism is coupled to the shell, and the locking mechanism is configured to fix the plurality of containers in the shell when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

[0009] In various embodiments, each of the plurality of containers includes a protrusion extending from the container, the storage device includes a slot configured to receive the protrusion, and the protrusion slides within the slot while the container slides relative to the housing. In various embodiments, the slot extends laterally from the rear portion to the front portion. When the storage device is arranged in an upright orientation, the front portion is lower than the rear portion.

[0010] In various different embodiments, the storage device includes a first bottom wall, which is positioned below a first container among a plurality of containers when the first container is retracted within the shell, and the first container includes a bottom wall, which defines a recessed portion, which is configured to receive the first bottom wall when the first container extends from the shell and the top of the first container slides and tilts forward.

[0011] In various embodiments, each of the plurality of male couplers includes a first tongue and a second tongue. The first tongue extends in a first direction above the rear surface and offset from the rear surface. The second tongue extends in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the second tongue extends above the rear surface and offset from the rear surface. In various embodiments, each of the plurality of female couplers includes a first rib extending in the first direction. The first rib extends above the front surface and offset from the front surface.

[0012] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and some of these additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or will be recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0013] 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 principles and operations of various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of the storage device.

[0017] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a storage device as seen from the rear.

[0018] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed perspective view of the storage unit as seen from the rear.

[0019] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a storage device as seen from the rear.

[0020] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed rear view of a portion of a storage device of , the storage device being shown in an unlocked configuration.

[0021] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed side view of a portion of a storage device, the storage device being shown in an unlocked configuration.

[0022] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed rear view of a portion of a storage device shown in a locked configuration.

[0023] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Detailed side view of a portion of a storage device shown in a locked configuration.

[0024] Fig.10 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A schematic side view of a portion of a storage device.

[0025] Fig.11 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A perspective view of a container of a storage device.

[0026] Fig.12 It includes utility modules and Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of a modular system of storage devices. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, various different embodiments of storage compartments, devices and / or units are shown. In various different embodiments, the storage device includes a coupling element that couples the storage device within the modular system, such as a female coupling on a first side of the storage device and a male coupling on an opposite second side of the storage device. The storage device is coupled within the modular storage system and provides one or more compartments that are actuated between being locked within the storage device and making the contents of the compartment accessible.

[0028] In various embodiments, a storage device includes: a container slidably engaged with a housing along a downwardly angled path; one or more female couplers (such as a plurality of female couplers) located at a front portion of the housing, each female coupler including a rib extending above a recessed surface; and one or more male couplers (such as a plurality of male couplers) located at a rear portion of the housing, each male coupler including a body and a tongue extending from above the body and offset from a surface, a corresponding male coupler extending from the surface, the female coupler and the male coupler being configured to couple to opposite sides of a utility module. In various embodiments, one or more portions of the female coupler are arranged along opposite sides of a front opening of the housing through which the container slidably extends. Applicants have observed that the combination and configuration of the male coupler, the female coupler, and / or the sliding path of the container provides a storage device that can be integrated within a modular system and the contents of the storage device are actuated between being easily accessible and locked within the storage device.

[0029] In various embodiments, the compartments within the storage device are actuated from a stowed position in which the compartments are fully and / or substantially received within the housing and a forward / extended position in which the compartments partially extend beyond the front of the housing. When extended forward, the compartments slide forward to expose an upper opening of the storage compartment, thereby allowing easier access to the storage compartment. The storage device includes a locking mechanism to secure the compartments within the storage device, such as when the storage device is moved.

[0030] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , a container, unit and / or device is shown according to an exemplary embodiment, which is shown as a storage device 110. The storage device 110 includes one or more containers 190, which define a storage compartment 191 within the container 190. The container 190 is slidably coupled to the housing 120. When the storage device 110 is positioned in an upright orientation ( Figure 1 ), the container 190 can slide laterally relative to the shell 120 to actuate the container 190 between the retracted configuration and the extended configuration, and the path is angled downward to position the upper opening 194 of the container 190 at a certain angle so that the storage compartment 191 is accessible.

[0031] When container 190 is actuated from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration, container 190 moves relative to housing 120 in direction 240. When female coupler 150 couples storage device 110 to another unit (e.g., a utility module), storage device 110 moves relative to the utility module in direction 252. When male coupler 160 (see FIG. 2 ) on the rear of housing 120 is actuated to the extended configuration, container 190 moves relative to housing 120 in direction 240. Figure 3 to Figure 4) When storage device 110 is coupled to another unit (e.g., a utility module), storage device 110 moves relative to the utility module in direction 250. In various embodiments, direction 250 is parallel to and opposite to direction 252. In various embodiments, direction 240 is perpendicular to direction 250 and / or direction 252.

[0032] The storage device 110 includes a housing 120 that defines a front surface 122 and an opposite rear surface 124, the front surface 122 defining an opening 123 through which the container 190 extends when the container is in the extended configuration. A handle 126 is coupled (e.g., pivotally coupled) to the housing 120 (e.g., a top 121 of the housing 120, such as the upper surface 116).

[0033] The storage device 110 includes a locking mechanism 170 coupled to the housing 120, the locking mechanism 170 being configured to secure a plurality of containers 190 within the housing 120 when the locking mechanism 170 is arranged in a locked configuration. The storage device 110 includes a user interface 171 for a user to actuate the locking mechanism 170. As will be explained, the locking mechanism 170 is configured to constrain the containers 190 within the housing 120 when the locking mechanism 170 is in the locked configuration.

[0034] The storage device 110 may also be oriented horizontally (eg, rotated so that the rear surface 124 rests against the floor). Orienting the storage device 110 horizontally facilitates coupling the storage device 110 within a modular system.

[0035] In use, the storage device 110 is coupled within the modular system (e.g., when the storage device 110 is oriented horizontally) and then transported to a destination (such as a construction site). The storage device 110 is decoupled from the modular system and arranged in an upright orientation (e.g., when the storage device 110 is oriented horizontally). Figure 1 ). The locking mechanism 170 that constrains the container 190 within the housing 120 is transitioned to an unlocked configuration, and the contents of the container 190 can then be accessed. To move the storage device 110, the container 190 is slid within the housing 120 and the locking mechanism 170 is transitioned to a locked configuration, thereby securing the container 190 within the housing 120. In this configuration, the storage device 110 can be reoriented to another location without the container 190 losing its contents. For example, the storage device 110 can be oriented horizontally and coupled to the modular system for transportation.

[0036] Storage device 110 includes one or more female couplers 150 (e.g., a plurality of female couplers 150) extending from front surface 122 of housing 120, each of which is configured to engage with a lower surface (e.g., Fig.12150 is provided in locking engagement with a lower surface 226 of a utility module 222 in the utility module, the lower surface being opposite to the upper surface of the utility module. One or more of the female couplers 150 include a recessed surface 156 and a rib 152 extending in a direction 154 above and offset from the recessed surface 156 of the corresponding female coupler 150. Each of the female couplers 150 is configured for locking engagement with a lower surface of a utility module.

[0037] In various embodiments, each of the plurality of female couplers 150 includes a recessed surface 156, a front wall 151, a rear wall 153, a first side wall 155, and a first rib 152 extending above and offset from the recessed surface 156. The rear wall 153, the first side wall 155, and the front wall 151 extend upward from the recessed surface 156. The first rib 152 extends from the rear wall 153 toward the front wall 151 and from the first side wall 155.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 , a first female coupler of the plurality of female couplers 150 (e.g., one of the female couplers 157) is positioned on the left side 117 of the front surface 122 of the housing 120, and a second female coupler of the plurality of female couplers 150 (e.g., one of the female couplers 159) is positioned on the opposite right side 119 of the front surface 122 of the housing 120. The storage device 110 includes: a panel 142 extending horizontally within the housing 120, the panel 142 extending above the first row 207 of the plurality of containers 190 and below the second row 206 of the plurality of containers 190; and a second panel 142 extending horizontally within the housing 120, the second panel extending above the second row 206 of the plurality of containers 190 and below the first row 205 of the plurality of containers 190.

[0039] refer to Figure 3 to Figure 4 , storage device 110 includes one or more male couplers 160 (e.g., a plurality of male couplers 160) extending from rear surface 124 of housing 120, and each of male couplers 160 is configured to be coupled to an upper surface (e.g., Fig.12 The male coupler 160 is configured to be in locking engagement with an upper surface 224 of a utility module 222 in the utility module 220. The male coupler includes a first tongue 162 that deviates from the rear surface 124 and extends above the rear surface in a first direction 164; and a second tongue 166 that extends in a second direction 168 opposite to the first direction 164. The second tongue 166 deviates from the rear surface 124 and extends above the rear surface. Each of the male couplers 160 is configured to be in locking engagement with an upper surface of a utility module.

[0040] The plurality of male couplers 160 each include a body 161 extending from the rear surface 124 and including a first tongue 162 and a second tongue 166. Both the first tongue 162 and the second tongue 166 extend from the body 161 and both are offset from and above the rear surface 124. The first tongue 162 defines a first channel 230 between the rear surface 124 and the first tongue 162, and the second tongue 166 defines a second channel 235 between the rear surface 124 and the second tongue 162, the first channel 230 and the second channel 235 each extending on opposite sides of the body 161, and each channel 230, 235 includes a front open end 231, 236 and a rear closed end 232, 237, respectively.

[0041] Storage device 110 includes a latch 128 coupled (e.g., slidably coupled) to housing 120. Latch 128 is configured to provide a locking engagement between storage device 110 and the utility module when a plurality of male couplers 160 are engaged with the utility module (e.g., corresponding female couplers extending from the utility module).

[0042] In various embodiments, the latch 128 and handle 126 are coupled to the top 121 of the housing 120, such as the upper surface 116 of the top 121 of the housing 120. In various embodiments, the latch 128 and handle 126 are coupled to the top 121 of the housing 120 above the opening 123 and the user interface 171.

[0043] In various embodiments, the female coupler 150, the male coupler 160, and / or the latch 128 are compatible with the coupling mechanisms described in International Patent Publication No. WO 2017 / 191628, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] refer to Figures 5 to 9 , various aspects of the locking mechanism 170 of the storage device 110 are shown. To help describe the locking mechanism 170, Figures 5 to 9 The housing 120 is not shown in FIG. The locking mechanism 170 is coupled to the housing 120. The locking mechanism 170 is actuated between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The locking mechanism 170 is configured to fix and / or constrain a plurality of containers 190 within the housing 120 when the locking mechanism 170 is arranged in the locked configuration.

[0045] The locking mechanism 170 includes an arm 172 coupled to the user interface 171 (e.g., rigidly coupled to the user interface 171). The arm 172 is coupled to the housing 120, such as slidably coupled to the housing 120. In various embodiments, the user pushes the user interface 171 to slide the user interface 171 relative to the housing 120, and the arm 172 thereby slides relative to the housing 120 along the axis 174. For example, when the locking mechanism 170 is actuated from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the arm 172 slides along the direction 175.

[0046] The storage device 110 includes one or more walls 130 extending between the containers 190, such as walls 130 extending vertically within the housing 120. As will be explained, the walls 130 include structures such as slots within which a portion of the container 190 slides when the container 190 slides relative to the housing 120.

[0047] The arm 172 includes one or more protrusions 176 configured to engage with the arm 178. In various embodiments, the arm 178 extends vertically to facilitate interfacing the arm 178 with the container 190 at different locations (e.g., heights) within the housing 120. The arm 178 includes an aperture 180 configured to receive and / or interface with the protrusion 176 of the arm 172.

[0048] In use, to lock the storage device 110, the user pushes or pulls the user interface 171. The user interface 171 then applies a force on the arm 172 to slide the arm 172 relative to the housing 120 in the direction 175. As a result, the arm 178 slides in the direction 183, due to the protrusion 176 of the arm 172 interfacing with the angled orientation of the aperture 180, thereby biasing the arm 178 in the direction 183. In various embodiments, when the storage device 110 is arranged in the upright orientation, the aperture 180 extends longitudinally in the angled orientation relative to gravity.

[0049] refer to Figure 6 to Figure 7 , various aspects of the locking mechanism 170 are shown. In particular, Figure 6 to Figure 7 The locking mechanism 170 is depicted arranged in an unlocked configuration.

[0050] The arm 178 is coupled to the housing 120, such as slidably coupled to the housing 120. In various embodiments, when the locking mechanism 170 is actuated between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration, the arm 178 slides along the axis 182 relative to the housing 120. In particular, when the locking mechanism 170 is actuated from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the arm 178 slides along the axis 182 in the direction 183.

[0051] One or more locking elements 184 extend from the arms 178. The locking elements 184 are configured to restrain the container 190 within the housing 120 when the locking mechanism 170 is arranged in the locked configuration (eg, when the storage device 110 is being transported).

[0052] When the locking mechanism 170 is arranged in the unlocked configuration ( Figure 7 ), the protrusion 176 is positioned at the unlocking end 186 of the aperture 180 and the locking element 184 is positioned above the container 190. As a result, the container 190 is allowed to be removed and / or extended from the housing 120.

[0053] refer to Figures 8 to 9 , various aspects of the locking mechanism 170 are shown. In particular, Figures 8 to 9 The locking mechanism 170 is depicted arranged in a locked configuration.

[0054] When the locking mechanism 170 is actuated from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration, the arm 178 slides along the axis 182 in the direction 183. When the locking mechanism 170 is arranged in the locked configuration ( Fig. 9 ), the projection 176 is positioned at the locking end 188 of the aperture 180 and the locking element 184 is positioned within the container 190. As a result, the locking element 184 restricts the container 190 from being removed and / or extended from the storage device 110.

[0055] refer to Figure 10 to Figure 11 , showing various aspects of a container 190 that slides relative to the housing 120. The container 190 includes one or more protrusions 192 (e.g., multiple protrusions 192) extending from the container 190, such as two protrusions 192 extending laterally outward from rear portions of opposite side walls of the container 190.

[0056] The storage device 110 includes a plurality of slots 132 configured to receive a plurality of protrusions 192. The protrusions 192 of the container 190 slide within the slots 132 while the container 190 slides relative to the housing 120. In use, the protrusions 192 slide within the slots 132 while the container 190 slides relative to the housing 120. In various embodiments, the slots 132 are coupled to the interior surface of the housing 120 and the interior surface of the sidewall 130 of the housing 120. In particular, the sidewall 130 includes one or more slots 132, each of which is configured to slidably engage with the protrusions 192 of the container 190 when the container is extended and retracted relative to the housing. In various embodiments, when the storage device 110 is arranged in an upright orientation, the slots 132 extend laterally from the rear portion 134 to the front portion 136 below the rear portion 134. In use, to open the container 190, the user slides the container 190 forward in direction 240 relative to the housing 120 along a path that is angled downward (e.g., the front portion 136 is lower than the rear portion 134) to position the upper opening 194 of the container 190 at a certain angle, thereby making the storage compartment 191 accessible.

[0057] The container 190 includes an upper opening 194 through which the storage compartment 191 is accessible. Fig.10 ), the upper opening 194 faces in a direction 195 upward and forward away from the housing 120.

[0058] In various embodiments, the panel 142 is coupled (e.g., rigidly coupled) to the housing 120. When the container 190 is extended forward from the housing 120 ( Fig.10 ), the recess 200 of the bottom wall 196 of the container 190 receives the panel 142 positioned below the container 190. As can be seen, the recess 200 in the container 190 allows the upper opening 194 of the container 190 to be positioned lower than if the bottom wall 196 of the container 190 did not include the recess 200, and thus makes it easier to access the contents within the storage compartment 191.

[0059] The container 190 is actuated between a retracted position 202 and an extended position 203. When the container 190 is positioned in the retracted position 202, the protrusion 192 of the container 190 is positioned in the rear portion 134 of the slot 132. When the container 190 is positioned in the extended position 203, the protrusion 192 of the container 190 is positioned in the front portion 136 of the slot 132. In various embodiments, when the storage device is arranged in the upright configuration, the rear portion 134 is positioned higher than the front portion 136. When the container 190 is positioned in the extended position 203, at least a portion (e.g., at least 50%) of the upper opening 194 is positioned in front of the front surface 122 of the housing 120.

[0060] To actuate the container 190 from the retracted position 202 to the extended position, the protrusions 192 are slid forward until at least one of the protrusions 192 engages the front wall 138 of the slot 132. Thus, the front wall 138 of the slot 132 biases the container 190 and prevents the container from being accidentally removed from the housing 120. The plurality of slots 132 include apertures 140 through which the plurality of protrusions 192 slide when entering and exiting the respective slots 132. To remove the container 190 from the housing 120, the container 190 is lifted so that the protrusions 192 move through the apertures 140 of the slots 132, thereby decoupling the container 190 from the housing 120.

[0061] Container 190 is moved relative to housing 220 in direction 240 to actuate container 190 from the retracted position to the extended position. To engage housing 120 with another object (e.g., a utility module) via male coupler 160, housing 120 is moved relative to the other object in direction 250. To engage housing 120 with another object (e.g., a utility module) via female coupler 150, housing 120 is moved relative to the other object in direction 252. In various embodiments, direction 250 is parallel to and opposite to direction 252. In various embodiments, direction 240 is perpendicular to direction 250 and / or direction 252. When direction 240 is perpendicular to direction 250 and / or direction 252, a user extending container 190 is less likely to disengage housing 120 from an object engaged and coupled to housing 120 than when direction 240 is not perpendicular to direction 250 and / or direction 252.

[0062] refer to Fig.11 In various embodiments, the container 190 includes a first leg 198 extending downward, and a second leg 199 extending downward and defining a plane extending laterally along the rear of the container 190. The first leg 198 and the second leg 199 are configured to jointly support the container 190. A recess 200 is defined between the first leg 198 and the second leg 199.

[0063] refer to Fig.12 , various aspects of a modular system 220 including a storage device 110 are shown. Modular system 220 includes storage device 110 and utility module 222. Utility module 222 includes an upper surface 224 and an opposing lower surface 226. In various embodiments, the utility module is a storage device that includes a storage compartment. In various embodiments, upper surface 224 of utility module 222 includes a plurality of female couplers, each female coupler including two ribs extending above the recessed surface. In various embodiments, lower surface 226 of utility module 222 includes a plurality of male couplers, each male coupler including one or two tongues, similar to Figure 3 A male coupler extending from storage device 110 is shown in FIG.

[0064] 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 descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0065] According to this specification, other modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the present disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be 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 (e.g., the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) can be made without actually departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the element can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of the discrete element can be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of various exemplary embodiments.

[0066] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is by no means intended that any method set forth herein be interpreted as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Accordingly, in the absence of an actual listing of the order in which the steps of a method claim should be followed or of a specific statement in the claim or specification that the steps should be limited to a particular order, it is by no means intended that any particular order can be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more parts or elements and is not intended to be interpreted as only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" means that two parts are coupled in such a way that the parts move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to force.

[0067] Various different 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.

[0068] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection may be fixed in nature, or removable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed with each other as a single unitary body, or by the two components or the two components and any additional components being attached to each other. Such connection may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0069] Although the present application describes a specific combination of features in the appended claims, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such combination is currently required), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or in future applications. 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.

[0070] In various different exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angles, lengths, and radii) shown in the drawings are proportional. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and ratios of the various exemplary embodiments. Various different exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and ratios that can be determined from the drawings. Various different exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by using ratios of dimensions measured in the drawings in combination with explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. A storage device, comprising: a housing defining a front surface and an opposite rear surface; a plurality of male couplers extending from the rear surface, each of the male couplers being configured for locking engagement with an upper surface of the first utility module; a plurality of female couplers extending from the front surface, each of the female couplers being configured for locking engagement with a lower surface opposite the upper surface of the first utility module; a plurality of containers each defining a storage compartment, the plurality of containers each being slidably coupled to the housing; as well as A locking mechanism is coupled to the housing, the locking mechanism being configured to secure the plurality of containers within the housing when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

2. The storage device of claim 1, each male coupler of the plurality of male couplers comprising: a first tongue portion extending in a first direction, the first tongue portion extending above the rear surface and offset from the rear surface; and a second tongue portion extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second tongue portion extending above the rear surface and offset from the rear surface.

3. The storage device of claim 2, each of the plurality of female couplers comprising a recessed surface extending in a first direction and a first rib extending above and offset from the recessed surface.

4. The storage device of claim 2, wherein a first concave connector among the plurality of concave connectors is positioned on a left side of a front surface of the shell, and a second concave connector among the plurality of concave connectors is positioned on an opposite right side of the front surface of the shell.

5. The storage device of claim 1, each of the plurality of female couplers comprising a first rib extending in a first direction, the first rib extending above and offset from the front surface.

6. The storage device of claim 5, wherein a first female connector of the plurality of female connectors is positioned on a left side of a front surface of the shell, and a second female connector of the plurality of female connectors is positioned on an opposite right side of the front surface of the shell.

7. The storage device of claim 1, comprising a panel extending horizontally within the housing, the panel extending above a first row of the plurality of containers and below a second row of the plurality of containers.

8. The storage device of claim 1, comprising a handle coupled to the top of the housing.

9. The storage device of claim 1, comprising a latch coupled to the housing and configured to provide a locking engagement between the storage device and the first utility module when the plurality of male couplers are engaged with the first utility module.

10. The storage device of claim 1, the plurality of containers each comprising a plurality of protrusions extending from a respective container, the storage device comprising a plurality of slots configured to receive the plurality of protrusions, wherein The plurality of protrusions slide within the plurality of slots while the corresponding containers slide relative to the housing.

11. The storage device according to claim 10, wherein: The plurality of slots include apertures through which the plurality of protrusions slide when entering and exiting the respective slots.

12. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein: When the plurality of containers are positioned in the extended position, at least 50% of the upper openings of the respective containers are positioned forward of the front surface of the housing.

13. A storage device, comprising: a housing defining a front surface and an opposite rear surface; a plurality of male couplers extending from the rear surface, each of the plurality of male couplers comprising a first tongue, a second tongue, and a body extending from the rear surface, the first tongue and the second tongue both extending from the body and both offset from and above the rear surface, the first tongue defining a first channel between the rear surface and the first tongue, the second tongue defining a second channel between the rear surface and the second tongue, the first channel and the second channel each extending on opposite sides of the body, each channel comprising a front open end and a rear closed end; a plurality of containers each defining a storage compartment, the plurality of containers each being slidably coupled to the housing; as well as A locking mechanism is coupled to the housing, the locking mechanism being configured to secure the plurality of containers within the housing when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

14. A storage device as described in claim 13, comprising a plurality of concave connectors extending from the front surface, each of the concave connectors being configured for locking engagement with a lower surface opposite to the upper surface of the first utility module, each of the plurality of concave connectors comprising a recessed surface and a first rib extending in a first direction, the first rib extending above the recessed surface and deviating from the recessed surface.

15. The storage device of claim 13, comprising a latch coupled to the housing and configured to provide a locking engagement between the storage device and the first utility module when the plurality of male couplers are engaged with the first utility module.

16. The storage device according to claim 13, comprising: a panel extending horizontally within the housing, the panel extending above a first row of the plurality of containers and below a second row of the plurality of containers; as well as a handle coupled to a top portion of the housing; Wherein, when the plurality of containers are positioned in the extended position, at least 50% of the upper openings of the corresponding containers are positioned in front of the front surface of the shell.

17. A storage device, comprising: a housing defining a front surface and an opposite rear surface; a plurality of female couplers extending from the front surface, each of the plurality of female couplers comprising a recessed surface, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a first rib extending above and offset from the recessed surface, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the front wall extending upwardly from the recessed surface, the first rib extending from the rear wall toward the front wall and from the first side wall; a plurality of containers each defining a storage compartment, the plurality of containers each being slidably coupled to the housing; as well as A locking mechanism is coupled to the housing, the locking mechanism being configured to secure the plurality of containers within the housing when the locking mechanism is arranged in a locked configuration.

18. The storage device of claim 17, comprising a plurality of male couplers extending from the rear surface, each of the male couplers being configured for locking engagement with an upper surface of the first utility module, each male coupler of the plurality of male couplers comprising: a first tongue portion extending in a first direction, the first tongue portion extending above the rear surface and offset from the rear surface; and a second tongue portion extending in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second tongue portion extending above the rear surface and offset from the rear surface.

19. The storage device of claim 17, comprising a handle coupled to the top of the housing.

20. The storage device of claim 17, comprising: a first female coupler of the plurality of female couplers, the first female coupler being positioned on a left side of a front surface of the housing; and a second female coupler of the plurality of female couplers, the second female coupler being positioned on an opposite right side of the front surface of the housing.

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