Support structure and utility module

Abstract

Support structures and utility modules are provided. The support structures include a coupling interface comprising: a rear wall; a front wall opposite the rear wall; a first side wall extending between the rear wall and the front wall; a second side wall opposite the first side wall, the second side wall extending between the rear wall and the front wall; a first rib extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall and extending from the rear wall toward the front wall; a second rib extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall and extending from the rear wall toward the front wall; a first movable wing pivotably coupled to the first side wall; and a second movable wing pivotably coupled to the second side wall.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Application No. 63 / 515,657, filed July 26, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally pertains to the field of containers and related devices. Specifically, it relates to coupling mechanisms used for modular units, such as containers. Background Technology

[0004] Tool storage units are commonly used for transport vehicles and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to be integrated into modular storage systems. Various platforms can be configured to support units within modular systems. This paper discusses the structures of support platforms and utility modules used within modular systems, structures that facilitate the connection and disconnection of support platforms from utility modules. Utility Model Content

[0005] One embodiment of this utility model relates to a support structure including a coupling interface. The coupling interface includes: a rear wall; a front wall opposite the rear wall; a first side wall extending between the rear wall and the front wall; a second side wall opposite the first side wall, extending between the rear wall and the front wall; a first rib extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; a second rib extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; a first movable wing pivotally connected to the first side wall; and a second movable wing pivotally connected to the second side wall. The first movable wing pivots relative to the first side wall about a first axis. The first movable wing is actuated between extending from the first axis toward the rear wall, extending from the first axis toward the second side wall, and extending from the first axis toward the front wall, and the first movable wing is biased by a first biasing element to extend from the first axis toward the second side wall. The second movable wing pivots about a second axis relative to the second sidewall. The second movable wing is actuated between extending from the second axis toward the rear wall, extending from the second axis toward the first sidewall, and extending from the second axis toward the front wall, and the second movable wing is biased by a second biasing element to extend from the second axis toward the first sidewall.

[0006] Another embodiment of this utility model relates to a utility module comprising: a housing extending from a front portion to a rear portion opposite to the front portion; a bottom surface defined by the housing; a retractable latch extending from the front portion of the housing below the bottom surface; a first rear convex connector extending from the bottom surface; and a first front convex connector extending from the bottom surface. The first rear convex connector includes a first body extending downward from the bottom surface, a first rib and a second rib extending opposite to each other from the first body, the first rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a first channel, the second rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a second channel, and the first channel and the second channel each extending uninterruptedly toward the front portion of the housing. The first front convex connector includes a second body extending downward from the bottom surface, a third rib and a fourth rib extending opposite to each other from the second body, the third rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a third channel, and the fourth rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a fourth channel. The first front convex connector includes a rear wall that blocks each of the third and fourth channels from extending toward the front of the housing, and the third channel is collinear with the first channel and the fourth channel is collinear with the second channel.

[0007] Another embodiment of this utility model relates to a support structure including a connection interface. The connection interface includes: a rear wall; a front wall opposite the rear wall; a first side wall extending between the rear wall and the front wall; a second side wall opposite the first side wall, extending between the rear wall and the front wall; a first rib extending from the first side wall toward the second side wall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; a second rib extending from the second side wall toward the first side wall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; and a retractable wing. The retractable wing is actuated between an extended position and a retracted position. When the retractable wing is in the extended position, it extends toward the second side wall past the first side wall, and when it is actuated from the retracted position to the extended position, it moves toward the second side wall.

[0008] Another embodiment of this utility model relates to a utility module comprising: a housing extending from a front portion to a rear portion opposite to the front portion; a bottom surface defined by the housing; a latch extending below the bottom surface; a first rear convex connector extending from the bottom surface; and a first front convex connector extending from the bottom surface. The first rear convex connector includes a first body extending downward from the bottom surface, and a first rib and a second rib extending opposite to each other from the first body. The first rib is offset from the bottom surface to define a first channel, and the second rib is offset from the bottom surface to define a second channel. The first channel and the second channel each extend uninterruptedly toward the first rear convex connector. The first front convex connector includes a second body extending downward from the bottom surface, and a third rib and a fourth rib extending opposite to each other from the second body. The third rib is offset from the bottom surface to define a third channel, and the fourth rib is offset from the bottom surface to define a fourth channel. The first front convex connector includes a rear wall that blocks each of the third channel and the fourth channel. The third channel is collinear with the first channel, and the fourth channel is collinear with the second channel.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a support structure including a coupling interface comprising a front portion and a rear portion opposite to the front portion, a rear wall and a front wall opposite to the rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall opposite to the first side wall, a first rib, a second rib, a first movable wing pivotally connected to the first side wall, and a second movable wing pivotally connected to the second side wall. The first and second side walls each extend from the rear wall toward the front wall and the front portion, respectively. The first rib extends from the first side wall toward the second side wall and from the rear wall toward the front wall. The second rib extends from the second side wall toward the first side wall and from the rear wall toward the front wall. The first movable wing is actuated between extending toward the rear wall, toward the second side wall, and toward the front wall, and is biased by a first biasing element to extend toward the second side wall. The second movable wing is actuated between extending toward the rear wall, toward the first side wall, and toward the front wall, and the second movable wing is biased by a second biasing element to extend toward the first side wall.

[0010] In various embodiments, the coupling interface includes a latch recess configured to receive a latch extending from the utility module. A first rib is configured to engage a first convex connector extending from the utility module, a second rib is configured to engage a second convex connector extending from the utility module, a first movable wing is configured to engage a third convex connector extending from the utility module, and a second movable wing is configured to engage a fourth convex connector extending from the utility module. These ribs and the latch together rigidly couple the utility module to the coupling interface.

[0011] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and these additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by practice of the embodiments shown in the written description and / or the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0012] 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 various different embodiments. Additionally, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as can generally be described in the specification. Attached Figure Description

[0013] This application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the support platform according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a utility module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 A detailed 3D view of a portion of the utility module.

[0017] Figure 4 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 A detailed 3D view of a portion of the utility module.

[0018] Figure 5 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 Practical modules and Figure 1 The view of the supporting platform.

[0019] Figure 6 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 Practical modules and Figure 1 The view of the supporting platform.

[0020] Figure 7 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 Practical modules and Figure 1 The view of the supporting platform.

[0021] Figure 8 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 Practical modules and Figure 1 The view of the supporting platform.

[0022] Figure 9 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 Practical modules and Figure 1 The view of the supporting platform.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of another support platform according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A detailed 3D view of a part of the support platform.

[0025] Figure 12 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A detailed 3D view of a part of the support platform.

[0026] Figure 13 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A detailed 3D view of a part of the support platform.

[0027] Figure 14 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 A view of the practical modules and supporting platform.

[0028] Figure 15 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 Practical modules and Figure 10 The view of the supporting platform.

[0029] Figure 16 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 14 Practical modules and Figure 10 The view of the supporting platform.

[0030] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of another support platform according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 18 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 17 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support platform.

[0032] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of another support platform and utility module according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 20 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 19 A schematic side view of part of the support platform and utility modules.

[0034] Figure 21This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 19 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the supporting platform and practical modules.

[0035] Figure 22 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 19 A schematic side view of part of the support platform and utility modules.

[0036] Figure 23 This is a perspective view of a drawer with shelves according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the support platform and utility modules within the modular system, as well as the utility modules themselves, are illustrated. The support platform and utility modules described herein provide connection interfaces that allow users to quickly connect and disconnect the utility modules from the support platform.

[0038] Specifically, this paper provides a utility module that is slidably connected to a support platform, allowing the utility module to be easily slid into engagement with the support platform. The applicant has observed that when the utility module is slid onto the support module, incorrect connectors occasionally engage (e.g., a rear convex connector engages with a front concave connector), requiring the user to disengage these connectors and lift the utility module before re-engaging it to the support platform.

[0039] The design provided herein for the utility module and support platform allows users to slide the utility module and support platform together when they are initially positioned above each other, rather than requiring the user to lift the utility module until its rear connector is ready to engage the support platform's rear connector. For example, the support platform and utility module described herein can be advantageously used in shelving environments where the user may not be able to vertically support the utility module until its rear connector is ready to engage the support platform's rear connector, for example, because the adjacent shelf above does not provide sufficient space for the user.

[0040] The term “utility module” is used in its broad sense below and refers to a variety of items of any shape and size, such as storage containers, travel suitcases, toolboxes, organizers, compaction workbenches, cable storage devices, tools (e.g., hand tools, generators and power supplies), communication modules, carrying platforms, mobile platforms, beverage containers, etc., and any utility module can be detachably attached to the modular system.

[0041] refer to Figures 1 to 4This provides various aspects of a support structure, shown as plate 110, for engaging utility modules within a modular system. Plate 110 includes a latching recess 114 and a coupling interface 112. The coupling interface 112 is configured to slidably and rigidly engage utility modules (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The utility module 210 shown.

[0042] The connection interface 112 includes a rear wall 120, a front wall 126 opposite to the rear wall 120, a first side wall 122 extending between the rear wall 120 and the front wall 126, and a second side wall 124 opposite to the first side wall 122. The second side wall 124 extends between the front wall 126 and the rear wall 120.

[0043] The connection interface 112 includes a first tongue 132 extending along direction 130 from a first sidewall 122 toward a second sidewall 124 and from a rear wall 120 toward a front wall 126. The connection interface 112 also includes a second tongue 134 extending along direction 130 from the first sidewall 122 toward the second sidewall 124 and a third tongue 136 extending along direction 130 from the first sidewall 122 toward the second sidewall 124.

[0044] In various embodiments, the distance 140 from the first tongue 132 to the second tongue 134 and the distance 142 from the second tongue 134 to the third tongue 136 are between 40% and 60% of the distance 138 between the first tongue 132 and the third tongue 136, and more specifically between 45% and 55%, or even more specifically 50%. The applicant has observed that these distances spaced between the tongues 132, 134, and 136 improve the ability to rigidly connect the tongues 132, 134, and 136 of the plate 110 to the ribs of the utility module (e.g., ribs 234, 238, 264, and 268 of the utility module 210), for example, by providing distance between multiple interfaces (e.g., the connection surfaces of the tongues and ribs) between the plate 110 and the utility module.

[0045] The connection interface 112 includes a tongue 152 extending along direction 150 from the second sidewall 124 toward the first sidewall 122 and from the rear wall 120 toward the front wall 126. The connection interface 112 also includes tongues 154 and 156 extending along direction 150 from the second sidewall 124 toward the first sidewall 122. In various embodiments, tongues 152, 154, and 156 are symmetrical with respect to tongues 132, 134, and 136, and are therefore similarly spaced apart from each other.

[0046] refer to Figure 2The utility module 210 is shown in various aspects. The utility module 210 includes a retractable latch 212 extending from the front portion 218 of the housing 224 below the bottom surface 214, and the latch 212 is configured to engage with a latch recess (e.g., latch recess 114).

[0047] The utility module 210 includes a housing 224 extending from a front portion 218 to a rear portion 216 opposite to the front portion 218 in a direction opposite to the direction 222. A handle 220 is attached to the front portion 218 of the utility module 210. The housing 224 defines a bottom surface 214 and a storage compartment 226 configured to receive hand tools and other objects. The utility module 210 includes a rear convex connector 230, a central convex connector 250, and a front convex connector 260, each convex connector extending from the bottom surface 214.

[0048] refer to Figure 3 The rear convex connector 230 (e.g., a first rear convex connector 228 and a second rear convex connector 229) includes a central body 232 extending from a bottom surface 214, and a first rib 234 and a second rib 238 extending from the central body 232 opposite to each other. The first rib 234 is offset from the bottom surface 214 to define a first channel 236, and the second rib 238 is offset from the bottom surface 214 to define a second channel 240. In various embodiments, the utility module 210 includes two rear convex connectors 230, shown as a first rear convex connector 228 and a second front convex connector 229.

[0049] In various embodiments, the rear convex connector 230 does not include the rear wall of interrupting the channel 236 or channel 240. In other words, both channels 236 and 240 extend uninterruptedly toward the front portion 218 of the housing 224. Channel 236 includes a front opening 235 facing the front portion 218 of the utility module 210 and a rear opening 237 facing away from the front portion 218 of the utility module and toward the rear portion 216. Channel 240 includes a front opening 239 facing the front portion 218 of the utility module 210 and a rear opening 241 facing away from the front portion 218 of the utility module and toward the rear portion 216. Reference will be made below. Figures 6 to 9 As described, the front openings 235, 239 and rear openings 237, 241 of channels 236, 240 allow the tongues of the connectors (e.g., tongues 132, 134, 136, 152, 154, 156) to slide past the rear convex connector 230 when the utility module 210 is engaged to another object (e.g., plate 110). In various embodiments, the first front convex connector 258 is located between the first rear convex connector 228 and the retractable latch 212. In various embodiments, the first front convex connector 258 is located between the first rear convex connector 228 and the front portion 218 of the housing 224.

[0050] In various embodiments, each of the central convex connectors 250 includes a single tongue that is opposed to the other central convex connectors 250. In various embodiments, similar to the rear convex connector 230, the central convex connector 250 does not include the rear wall of the channel below the interrupting rib.

[0051] In various embodiments, utility module 210 includes one or more central convex connectors 250 extending from bottom surface 214, such as a first central convex connector 248 and a second central convex connector 249. Central convex connector 248 includes a third body 251 extending downward from bottom surface 214, a fifth rib 252 extending from the third body 251 and offset from bottom surface 214 to define a fifth channel 253, and the fifth channel 253 is collinear with a first channel 236 (of the first rear convex connector 228) and a third channel 266 (of the first front convex connector 258).

[0052] refer to Figure 4 Each of the front convex connectors 260 (e.g., a first front convex connector 258 and a second front convex connector 259) includes a second body 262 extending from a bottom surface 214, a third rib 264 extending from the second body 262 opposite to each other, and a fourth rib 268. The third rib 264 is offset from the bottom surface 214 to define a third channel 266, and the fourth rib 268 is offset from the bottom surface 214 to define a fourth channel 270. The front convex connector 260 includes a rear wall 272 extending from the bottom surface 214 and blocking each of the third channel 266 and the fourth channel 270 from extending toward the front portion 218 of the housing 224. In various embodiments, channel 236 is collinear with channel 266, and channel 240 is collinear with channel 270.

[0053] In various embodiments, utility module 210 includes a second rear convex connector 230, such as a second rear convex connector 229, extending from bottom surface 214. The second rear convex connector 229 includes a third body 232 extending downward from bottom surface 214, a fifth rib 234 and a sixth rib 238 extending from the third body 232 opposite to each other, the fifth rib 234 being offset from bottom surface 214 to define a fifth channel 236, the sixth rib 238 being offset from bottom surface 214 to define a sixth channel 240, and the fifth channel 236 and the sixth channel 240 of the second rear convex connector 229 each extending uninterruptedly toward the front portion 218 of housing 224. In various embodiments, the fifth channel 236 of the second rear convex connector 229 is parallel to each of the first channel 236 and the second channel 240 of the first rear convex connector 228, and the sixth channel 240 of the second rear convex connector 229 is parallel to each of the first channel 236, the second channel 240, and the fifth channel 236 of the second rear convex connector 229.

[0054] In various embodiments, utility module 210 includes a second front convex connector 260 (e.g., a second front convex connector 259) extending from bottom surface 214. The second front convex connector 259 includes a fourth body 262 extending downward from bottom surface 214, a seventh rib 264 and an eighth rib 268 extending opposite to each other from the fourth body 262, the seventh rib 264 being offset from bottom surface 214 to define a seventh channel 266, the eighth rib 268 being offset from bottom surface 214 to define an eighth channel 270, and the second front convex connector 259 including a rear wall 272 that blocks each of the seventh channel 266 and the eighth channel 270 from extending toward the front portion 218 of housing 224. In various embodiments, the seventh channel 266 is collinear with a fifth channel 236 (of the second rear convex connector 229), and the eighth channel 270 is collinear with a sixth channel 240 (of the second rear convex connector 229).

[0055] refer to Figures 5 to 9 This illustrates various aspects of connecting the utility module 210 and the board 110. (Reference) Figures 6 to 8Because the rear convex connector 230 and the central convex connector 250 do not include a rear wall that interfaces with the tongues 132, 134, 152, 154, the utility module 210 slides undisturbed relative to the plate 110 when it is inserted in the direction 290. As can be seen, the tongues 132, 134, 152, 154 slide below the ribs of the rear convex connector 230 and the central convex connector 250 and pass over the tongues of the rear convex connector 230 and the central convex connector 250. When the rear wall 272 of the front convex connector 260 interfaces with the tongues 132, 152 ( Figure 9 ), the utility module 210 stops sliding relative to the plate.

[0056] refer to Figures 10 to 14 The diagram illustrates various aspects of the support structure (shown as plate 110) and the coupling interface 312. Plate 110 includes a latching recess 314 and the coupling interface 312. The coupling interface 312 is configured to slidably and rigidly engage a utility module (e.g., Figure 14 The utility module 410 shown.

[0057] The connection interface 312 includes a rear wall 320, a front wall 326 opposite to the rear wall 320, a first side wall 322 extending between the rear wall 320 and the front wall 326, and a second side wall 324 opposite to the first side wall 322. The second side wall 324 extends between the front wall 326 and the rear wall 320. In various embodiments, the connection interface 312 includes a latching recess 314 defined by the front wall 326.

[0058] The connection interface 312 includes a first rib 332 that extends along a direction 330 from a first sidewall 322 toward a second sidewall 324 and from a rear wall 320 toward a front wall 326. The connection interface 312 also includes a second rib 334 that extends along an opposite direction 130 from a second sidewall 124 toward a first sidewall 122.

[0059] The connection interface 312 includes a first movable wing 340 pivotally connected to a first sidewall 322. The movable wing 340 pivots about an axis 342 relative to the first sidewall 322. The movable wing 340 extends from the axis 342 toward the rear wall 320. Figure 13 ), extending from axis 342 toward the second sidewall 324 ( Figure 11 ), and extending from axis 342 toward front wall 326 ( Figure 12 Actuated between ) . In various embodiments, the movable wing 340 is biased by a first biasing element (shown as rubber band 346) to extend from axis 342 toward rear wall 320, thereby pointing toward second side wall 324. As will be seen, when utility module 410 ( Figure 14When inserted into the connection interface 312, the movable wing 340 rotates along direction 344 about axis 342 toward the rear wall 320.

[0060] In various embodiments, the movable wing 350 is pivotally coupled to the second sidewall 324. In various embodiments, the movable wing 350 is substantially the same as the movable wing 340, except that the movable wing 350 is symmetrical with respect to the movable wing 340. Therefore, the second movable wing 350 is pivotally coupled to the second sidewall 324, and the second movable wing 350 pivots about the second axis 352 relative to the second sidewall 324. The movable wing 350 is actuated between extending from the second axis 352 toward the rear wall 320, extending from the second axis 352 toward the first sidewall 322, and extending from the second axis 352 toward the front wall 326. The movable wing 350 is biased by the second biasing element 356 to extend from the second axis 352 toward the first sidewall 322.

[0061] In various embodiments, the rubber band 346 biases the first movable wing 340 to extend from the first axis 342 toward the second axis 352, and the second biasing element 356 biases the second movable wing 350 to extend from the second axis 352 toward the first axis 342. In various embodiments, the rubber band 346 biases the first movable wing 340 to extend perpendicular to the first sidewall 322, and the second biasing element 356 biases the second movable wing 350 to extend perpendicular to the second sidewall 324. In various embodiments, both the first movable wing 340 and the second movable wing 350 pivot over a range 348 of at least 180 degrees.

[0062] In various embodiments, the first rib 332 is coplanar with the first movable wing 340. In various embodiments, the second rib 334 is coplanar with the first movable wing 340 and the second movable wing 350.

[0063] In various embodiments, the first movable wing 340 is closer to the front wall 326 than the rear wall 320, and therefore the distance 347 between the first movable wing 340 and the rear wall 320 is greater than the distance 349 between the first movable wing 340 and the front wall 326.

[0064] refer to Figures 14 to 15 This illustrates various aspects of inserting utility module 410 into coupling interface 312. Apart from the differences described, utility module 410 is substantially the same as utility module 210. Specifically, the rear convex connector 430 and the central convex connector 450 of utility module 410 extend from the bottom surface 414 and include a rear wall that interrupts the channel beneath the tongue.

[0065] The utility module 410 moves along direction 490 to insert into the coupling interface 312. As the rear convex connector 430 and the central convex connector 450 pass the movable wings 340 and 350, the rear walls of the rear convex connector 430 and the central convex connector 450 cause the movable wings 340 and 350 to rotate toward the rear wall 320. Figure 14 ).

[0066] When the utility module 410 is rigidly connected to the plate 110 via the connection interface 312, the utility module 410 is both laterally and vertically fixed relative to the plate 110. Specifically, the latch 412 is received within the latch recess 314, thereby laterally securing the utility module 410 and the plate 110. Figure 15 Regarding the vertically fixed utility module 410 and plate 110, the rear convex connector 430 engages with ribs 332 and 334, and the front convex connector 460 engages with movable wings 340 and 350. Figure 15 When utility module 410 is removed from plate 110, utility module 410 is moved relative to plate 110 along direction 492, and the rear wall of central convex connector 450 causes movable wings 340, 350 to rotate toward front wall 326. Figure 16 ).

[0067] refer to Figures 17 to 18 This illustrates various aspects of board 510 and connection interface 512. Connection interface 512 is substantially the same as connection interface 312, except as discussed herein. Utility module 580 is substantially the same as utility module 410.

[0068] The connection interface 512 includes a rear wall 520, a front wall 526 opposite to the rear wall 520, a first side wall 522 extending between the rear wall 520 and the front wall 526, a second side wall 524 opposite to the first side wall 522, and a second side wall 524 extending between the rear wall 520 and the front wall 526.

[0069] Specifically, the retractable wing 540 is biased by the spring 546 so as not to protrude through the second sidewall 524. For background, the retractable wing 540 is coupled to an arm 548 that extends between the retractable wing 540 and the arm 550. The retractable wing 540 is actuated between an extended position and a retracted position, and when the retractable wing 540 is in the extended position, it extends toward the second sidewall 524 through the first sidewall 522, and when the retractable wing 540 is actuated from the retracted position to the extended position, it moves toward the second sidewall 524. In various embodiments, when the retractable wing 540 is in the retracted position, it retracts behind the first sidewall 522.

[0070] In use, the retractable wing 540, arm 548, and arm 550 rotate relative to the plate 510 about axis 542. Specifically, when the utility module 580 is inserted into the coupling interface 512, the utility module 580 interfaces with the arm 550, thereby biasing the retractable wing 540, arm 548, and arm 550 relative to the plate 510 and the coupling interface 512 along direction 544 about axis 542. Finally, a latch extending from the utility module 580 engages with a latch recess 514 to laterally secure and rigidly connect the utility module 580 and the plate 510.

[0071] The connection interface 512 includes ribs 532, each extending from the rear wall 520 toward the front wall 526. A first rib 532 extends from a first side wall 522 to a second side wall 524 and from the rear wall 520 to the front wall 526, and a second rib 532 extends from the second side wall 524 to the first side wall 522 and from the rear wall 520 to the front wall 526. Engagement between the tongue of the utility module 580 and the ribs 532 and retractable wing 540 of the connection interface 512 vertically fixes and rigidly connects the utility module 580 and the plate 510.

[0072] In various embodiments, arm 548 is rigidly coupled to retractable wing 540, and arm 548 and retractable wing 540 rotate about axis 542 relative to first sidewall 522. In various embodiments, a biasing element (shown as spring 546) biases retractable wing 540 toward a retracted position and biases arm 548 toward front wall 526 extending through rear wall 520.

[0073] refer to Figures 19 to 21 This illustrates various aspects of board 610 and connection interface 612. Connection interface 612 is substantially the same as connection interface 312 or connection interface 512, except as discussed herein. Utility module 680 is substantially the same as utility module 410.

[0074] Specifically, the retractable wing 640 is biased by spring 646 and does not protrude through the second sidewall 624. For background, the retractable wing 640 is coupled to arm 648, which extends between the retractable wing 640 and arm 650.

[0075] In use, the retractable wing 640, arm 648, and arm 650 rotate relative to the plate 610 about axis 642. Specifically, the utility module 680 is inserted into the coupling interface 612 in direction 690 until the latch 682 of the utility module 680 is inserted into the latch recess 614. The latch 682 then interfaces with the arm 650, thereby causing the retractable wing 640, arm 648, and arm 650 to be offset relative to the plate 610 and the coupling interface 612 in opposite directions 644 about axis 642.

[0076] The connection interface 612 includes ribs 632, each extending from the rear wall 620 toward the front wall 626. One of the ribs 632 extends from the first side wall 622 to the second side wall 624, and the other of the ribs 632 extends from the second side wall 624 to the first side wall 622. The engagement between the tongue of the utility module 680 and the ribs 632 of the connection interface 612 and the retractable wing 640 vertically fixes and rigidly connects the utility module 680 and the plate 610.

[0077] The coupling interface 612 includes a rear wall 620, a front wall 626 opposite to the rear wall 620, a first sidewall 622 extending between the rear wall 620 and the front wall 626, a second sidewall 624 opposite to the first sidewall 622, and a second sidewall 624 extending between the rear wall 620 and the front wall 626. In various embodiments, the coupling interface 612 includes a latching recess 614 defined by the front wall 626, an arm 648 rigidly coupled to a retractable wing 640, and a biasing element that rotates about an axis 642 relative to the first sidewall 622, the biasing element being shown as a spring 646 that biases the retractable wing 640 toward a retracted position and biases the arm 648 into the latching recess 614.

[0078] In various embodiments, the connectors described herein and shown in the figures are compatible with one or more coupling mechanisms described in International Patent Publication No. WO2017 / 191628, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In various embodiments, the concave and convex connectors described herein engage with each other to rigidly connect the concave and convex connectors to utility modules extending therefrom.

[0079] refer to Figure 23 The diagram illustrates various aspects of drawer 90. In various embodiments, one or more of panels 110, 510, or 610 are coupled to one of shelves 92.

[0080] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that this 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 limiting.

[0081] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on this specification. Accordingly, this specification should be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be altered or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in terms of the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0082] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is not intended that any method described herein require its steps to be performed in a particular order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually enumerate the order in which its steps should be followed, or where the claims or specification do not specifically state that the steps should be limited to a particular order, it is by no means implied that any particular order can be inferred. Furthermore, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be construed as having only one.

[0083] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" means that two components are directly or indirectly linked together. Such a connection may be inherently fixed or inherently movable. This connection may be achieved by integrating two components and any additional intermediate components into a single, unified entity, or by attaching two components or two components and any additional components to each other. Such a connection may be inherently permanent or, alternatively, inherently removable or releasable. As used herein, "rigidly connected" means that two components are connected in such a way that they move together in a fixed positional relationship when subjected to forces.

[0084] Although specific combinations of features are recited in the appended claims, various embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such a combination is currently claimed), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or 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.

[0085] In a variety of different exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angles, lengths, and radii) shown in the accompanying drawings are proportional. Actual measurements of the accompanying drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of the various exemplary embodiments. The variety of different exemplary embodiments extends to a wide range of absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and scales that can be determined from the accompanying drawings. The variety of different exemplary embodiments includes any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by using ratios of dimensions measured in the accompanying drawings in combination with explicitly stated dimensions in this specification.

Claims

1. A support structure, characterized in that, The support structure includes a connection interface, which includes: Rear wall; The front wall opposite to the rear wall; A first sidewall extends between the rear wall and the front wall; A second sidewall, which is opposite to the first sidewall, extends between the rear wall and the front wall; A first rib extends from the first sidewall toward the second sidewall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; The second rib extends from the second sidewall toward the first sidewall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; A first movable wing, pivotally connected to the first sidewall, pivoting about a first axis relative to the first sidewall, wherein the first movable wing is actuated between extending from the first axis toward the rear wall, extending from the first axis toward the second sidewall, and extending from the first axis toward the front wall, and wherein the first movable wing is biased by a first biasing element to extend from the first axis toward the second sidewall; and A second movable wing, pivotally connected to the second sidewall, pivots about a second axis relative to the second sidewall, wherein the second movable wing is actuated between extending from the second axis toward the rear wall, extending from the second axis toward the first sidewall, and extending from the second axis toward the front wall, and wherein the second movable wing is biased by a second biasing element to extend from the second axis toward the first sidewall.

2. The support structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support structure includes a latch recess defined by the front wall.

3. The support structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first biasing element biases the first movable wing to extend from the first axis toward the second axis, and the second biasing element biases the second movable wing to extend from the second axis toward the first axis.

4. The support structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first rib is coplanar with the first movable wing.

5. The support structure as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second rib is coplanar with both the first and second movable wings.

6. The support structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first movable wing and the second movable wing can pivot at least 180 degrees.

7. The support structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first movable wing is closer to the front wall than the rear wall.

8. The support structure as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first biasing element biases the first movable wing to extend perpendicular to the first sidewall.

9. The support structure as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second biasing element biases the second movable wing to extend perpendicular to the second sidewall.

10. A practical module, characterized in that, This utility module includes: A housing that extends from the front to the rear opposite the front; The bottom surface, which is defined by the housing; A retractable latch extends from the front of the housing below the bottom surface; A first rear convex connector extending from the bottom surface includes a first body extending downward from the bottom surface, a first rib and a second rib extending opposite to each other from the first body, the first rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a first channel, the second rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a second channel, and wherein the first channel and the second channel each extend uninterruptedly toward the front of the housing; and A first front convex connector extending from the bottom surface includes a second body extending downward from the bottom surface, a third rib and a fourth rib extending away from each other from the second body, the third rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a third channel, and the fourth rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a fourth channel. The first front convex connector includes a rear wall that blocks each of the third and fourth channels from extending toward the front of the housing, wherein the third channel is collinear with the first channel and the fourth channel is collinear with the second channel.

11. The utility module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The housing defines a storage compartment configured to receive hand tools.

12. The utility module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The first front convex connector is located between the first rear convex connector and the front of the housing.

13. The utility module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, This utility module includes: A second rear convex connector extending from the bottom surface includes a third body extending downward from the bottom surface, a fifth rib and a sixth rib extending away from each other from the third body, the fifth rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a fifth channel, the sixth rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a sixth channel, and wherein the fifth channel and the sixth channel each extend uninterruptedly toward the front of the housing.

14. The utility module as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The fifth channel is parallel to each of the first and second channels, and the sixth channel is parallel to each of the first, second, and fifth channels.

15. The utility module as described in claim 13, characterized in that, This utility module includes: A second front convex connector extending from the bottom surface includes a fourth body extending downward from the bottom surface, a seventh rib and an eighth rib extending away from each other from the fourth body, the seventh rib being offset from the bottom surface to define a seventh channel, and the eighth rib being offset from the bottom surface to define an eighth channel. The second front convex connector includes a rear wall that blocks each of the seventh and eighth channels from extending toward the front of the housing.

16. The utility module as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The seventh channel is collinear with the fifth channel, and the eighth channel is collinear with the sixth channel.

17. The utility module as described in claim 10, characterized in that, This utility module includes: A central convex connector extending from the bottom surface includes a third body extending downward from the bottom surface and a fifth rib extending from the third body and offset from the bottom surface to define a fifth channel, wherein the fifth channel is collinear with the first channel and the third channel.

18. A support structure, characterized in that, The support structure includes a connection interface, which includes: Rear wall; The front wall opposite to the rear wall; A first sidewall extends between the rear wall and the front wall; A second sidewall, which is opposite to the first sidewall, extends between the rear wall and the front wall; A first rib extends from the first sidewall toward the second sidewall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; A second rib, the second rib extending from the second sidewall toward the first sidewall and from the rear wall toward the front wall; and A retractable wing, wherein the retractable wing is actuated between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein when the retractable wing is in the extended position, the retractable wing extends toward the second sidewall past the first sidewall, and wherein when the retractable wing is actuated from the retracted position to the extended position, the retractable wing moves toward the second sidewall.

19. The support structure as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The support structure includes: An arm rigidly connected to the retractable wing, the arm and the retractable wing rotating about an axis relative to the first sidewall; and A biasing element that biases the retractable wing toward the retracted position and biases the arm to extend toward the front wall through the rear wall.

20. The support structure as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The support structure includes: The latch recess defined by the front wall; An arm rigidly connected to the retractable wing, the arm and the retractable wing rotating about an axis relative to the first sidewall; and A biasing element that biases the retractable wing toward the retracted position and biases the arm into the latch recess.

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