Storage device with power supply

Abstract

1 illustrates various power supply units that couple with a modular storage unit. In one example, the power supply unit includes a power storage device and one or more power outlet interfaces. One surface of the power supply unit includes a coupling mechanism that allows the power supply unit to couple with the modular storage unit. In one embodiment, the power supply unit includes a frame and wheels coupled to the frame, allowing the power supply unit to be more easily transported.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 026,515, filed May 18, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 075,582, filed Sep. 8, 2020, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Background Art

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of storage units. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a modular, portable storage unit with a power supply.

[0003] Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to be incorporated into a modular storage system. Within a modular storage system, different units, devices, and / or containers can provide various functions, such as being adapted to provide a power supply.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a power supply unit including a housing, an upper surface of the housing, a first coupler located along the upper surface, a battery, and an electrical outlet in electrical communication with the battery. The first coupler is configured to couple the upper surface of the power supply unit to the bottom surface of a modular storage unit. In various embodiments, the power supply includes a storage compartment at least partially defined by the housing.

[0005] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a power supply unit including a housing, an upper surface of the housing, a first interface located along the upper surface, a first power outlet configured to provide alternating current (AC) electricity, and a second power outlet configured to provide direct current (DC) electricity. The first interface is configured to couple the upper surface of the power supply unit to the bottom surface of a modular storage unit.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a power supply unit assembly including a power supply unit and a power tool battery charger. The power supply unit includes a housing, an upper surface of the housing, a battery, a plurality of coupling components located along the upper surface, and a mount configured to couple to the power tool battery charger. The plurality of coupling components are configured to couple the upper surface of the power supply unit to the bottom surface of a modular storage unit. The power tool battery charger is physically coupled to the mount and electrically coupled to the battery. The power tool battery charger includes a docking station configured to physically couple to the power tool battery and provide electricity from the battery to the power tool battery.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a power device, container or power unit includes a housing, a top surface, and a first coupler defined by the top surface, the first coupler being engageable with a storage unit. The power unit includes one or more power storage devices such as batteries and one or more power outlets. In certain embodiments, the power unit is coupled to a frame and a plurality of wheels are coupled to the frame. In certain embodiments, the power unit includes a top plate coupled to the housing, the top plate and the housing collectively defining a storage compartment. In certain embodiments, the power unit includes a display indicating one or more characteristics of the power storage device, such as the current charge of the power storage device. In certain embodiments, a mount is coupled to the power device, the mount having a battery charging interface.

[0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments set forth in the specification, as well as the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive.

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

[0010] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it may be practiced, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0012] Referring to the figures as a whole, various embodiments of a power supply device, a container with a power supply, and / or a power unit are shown. One of the power units is configured to selectively couple and decouple with a modular storage unit. The power unit includes a power supply and one or more power outlets configured to provide electricity to other devices. The top surface of the power unit includes one or more coupling components. The coupling components couple the top surface of the power unit to other devices, containers, or units such as a modular storage unit. In some embodiments, the power unit is movable via, for example, a housing coupled to a frame with wheels. The applicant has noticed that it may be difficult to find a power supply at a construction site. The power unit described herein provides a power supply integrated with a modular storage unit system such as the Milwaukee PACKOUT® modular storage unit system, and provides the user with the ability to more easily carry the power supply and one or more modular tool storage units to the construction site.

[0013] Referring again to the figures as a whole, various embodiments of a power supply device, a container with a power supply, and / or a power unit are shown. The power unit includes a power supply and one or more power outlets configured to provide electricity to other devices. The power unit includes a surface with coupling components for coupling the power unit to other devices, containers, or units such as a modular storage unit. In some embodiments, the power unit includes a handle that facilitates carrying both the power unit and another device coupled to the bottom of the power unit, and provides the user with the ability to more easily carry the power supply and one or more modular tool storage units to the construction site.

[0014] Referring to FIGS. 1 - 6, various aspects of power units, power supplies, and / or containers with power supplies, shown as power units 810, 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710, are shown. The power units 810, 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710 are substantially the same as power unit 10 or power unit 110, except for the differences described herein. In various embodiments, the power units 810, 310, 410, 510, 610, and 710 include a power supply and one or more outlets through which other devices can receive power (e.g., electricity) from a battery within the power unit.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 4, power unit 510 includes one or more storage areas, shown as storage compartment 560, at least partially defined by the housing of power unit 510. Referring to FIG. 6, power unit 810 includes a plurality of wheels 862 rotatably coupled to the housing and a handle 864 coupled to the housing.

[0016] Turning to FIGS. 7 - 10, various aspects of power unit 110 are shown. Power unit 110 is substantially the same as power unit 10, except for the differences described herein. The top surface 112 includes one or more coupling components 114. In certain embodiments, the coupling components 114 are compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629.

[0017] Power unit 110 includes a handle 134 rotatably coupled to the housing 132. In certain embodiments, the top surface 112 includes a recess configured to receive the handle 134 when the handle is rotated relative to the top surface 112.

[0018] Looking particularly at FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, power unit 110 includes one or more power outlets 116. The one or more power outlets 116 include one power outlet 116 having an interface similar to a wall outlet and / or one power outlet 116 having a USB-compatible interface.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 11-19, various aspects of devices, containers, or units having power, such as a power supply unit shown as power unit 10, are shown. Power unit 10 includes an upper surface 12, which includes coupling components 14 positioned along upper surface 12. The coupling components include one or more couplers, shown as first coupler 15. In certain embodiments, first coupler 15 is positioned along upper surface 12. In certain embodiments, coupling components 14 are compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, coupling components 14 are configured to couple upper surface 12 of power unit 10 to the bottom surface of a modular storage unit. In certain embodiments, first coupler 15 is a first interface configured to couple upper surface 12 of power unit 10 to the bottom surface of a modular storage unit. In certain embodiments, power supply unit assembly 8 includes power supply unit 10 and power tool battery charger 40.

[0020] Power unit 10 includes a housing 32 coupled to a frame 20. A plurality of wheels 52 are rotatably coupled to housing 32 and / or frame 20, enabling power unit 10 to be transported, such as by a user gripping a handle coupled to frame 20 and rolling power unit 10.

[0021] The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply such as one or more batteries 50. In certain embodiments, the one or more batteries are stored in a storage compartment defined by the housing 32. In another particular embodiment, the housing defines two storage compartments, the first of which houses one or more batteries and the second of which is used to store other objects (e.g., tools, consumables). In certain embodiments, the top plate defining the top surface 12 is removable (e.g., via pivotal opening) to allow access to one or more storage compartments within the power supply unit 10. In certain embodiments, the power supply unit 10 includes the battery 50.

[0022] The power supply unit 10 includes one or more power outlets 16. The cover 22 is coupled to the housing 32 to cover the power outlet 16 (best shown in FIG. 11) and can be removed (best shown in FIG. 12) to allow access to the power outlet 16. In certain embodiments, at least one of the power outlets 16 has an interface similar to a wall outlet. In certain embodiments, at least one of the power outlets 16 is a USB-compatible interface. In certain embodiments, at least one of the power outlets 16 is in electrical communication with the battery 50. In certain embodiments, one or more of the power outlets 16 are configured to provide alternating current (AC) electricity and one or more of the power outlets 16 are configured to provide direct current (DC) electricity. In certain embodiments, the outlet configured to provide DC electricity is a USB-compatible outlet.

[0023] The power supply unit 10 includes a display 18 on a surface facing the exterior of the power supply unit 10, etc. The display 18 indicates various aspects of the power supply unit 10, including, for example, the amount of power currently stored and / or the amount of power being output from the power supply unit 10.

[0024] In certain embodiments, mount 54 is coupled to housing 32 and / or frame 20 of power unit 10. A power supply unit, shown as electric tool battery charger 40, is coupled to power unit 10 via mount 54. Charger 40 is electrically coupled to one or more batteries 50 and provides power to a battery such as an electric tool battery coupled to charger 40. In certain embodiments, charger 40 includes a docking station 56 configured to physically couple to the electric tool battery and provide electricity from battery 50 to the electric tool battery.

[0025] Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, chargers 42 and 44 are removably coupled to power unit 10, respectively. Chargers 42 and 44 are similar to charger 40 and to each other, except for the differences discussed herein. Chargers 40, 42, and 44 include different combinations of power outlets for distributing power. For example, charger 40 includes an interface for coupling to a battery different from one or more outlets provided by charger 42 and / or charger 44. In certain embodiments of the power unit, the charger is integrated into the power unit frame and is electrically coupled to a power supply such as one or more batteries.

[0026] Particularly turning to FIGS. 18 and 19, the bottom surface 82 of a modular storage unit, shown as modular tool storage unit 80, is shown coupled to the top of power unit 10. In certain embodiments, modular system 6 includes power unit 10 and modular tool storage unit 80. In certain embodiments, the modular storage unit includes coupling components compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629. In certain embodiments, power supply unit system 84 includes modular tool storage unit 80 and power unit 10, and modular tool storage unit 80 is coupled to the top of power unit 10, such as bottom surface 82 of modular tool storage unit 80 being coupled to top surface 12 of power unit 10.

[0027] Turning to FIG. 20, various aspects of the power supply unit 210 are shown. The power supply unit 210 is substantially the same as the power supply unit 10 and the power supply unit 110, except for the differences described herein. The power supply unit 210 includes a charger 240 on the front surface of the housing 232. The charger 240 is similar to the charger 40, the charger 42, and the charger 44, except for the differences discussed herein. The upper surface 212 of the housing 232 includes one or more coupling components 214.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the coupling component 214 is compatible with the coupling mechanism described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US2018 / 044629. In certain embodiments, a gripping device, shown as a retractable handle 224, is coupled to the rear surface 226 of the housing 232.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the user interface 218 and the charger 240 are attached to the same surface 222 of the housing 232. In another particular embodiment, the power outlet 216 and the charger 240 are attached to the same surface 222 of the housing 232. In another particular embodiment, the user interface 218, the power outlet 216, and the charger 240 are all attached to the same surface 222 of the housing 232. In a particular embodiment as shown in FIG. 20, the surface 222 is the front surface of the housing 232 and is located opposite from the rear wheels and / or the retractable handle 224.

[0030] In certain embodiments, at least one of the power outlets 216 has an interface similar to a wall outlet. In certain embodiments, at least one of the power outlets 216 has a USB-compatible interface.

[0031] It should be understood that the figures illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that the present application is not limited to the details or methodologies set forth herein or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terms are for illustrative purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0032] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of the various aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this specification. Accordingly, this specification should be construed as illustrative only. The configurations and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in the present disclosure, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and ratios of the various elements, the values of the parameters, the mounting arrangements, the use of materials, the colors, the orientations, etc.). Some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of the elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number of individual elements or positions may be modified or changed. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method step may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Unless otherwise expressly specified, it is never intended that any method recited herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a particular order. Thus, when a method claim does not actually recite an order for the steps to follow, or when the steps are not otherwise specifically defined in the claims or specification as being limited to a particular order, no particular order should be inferred. Additionally, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more components or elements and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" refers to two components being coupled in such a way that they move together in a fixed positional relationship when a force is applied.

[0034] The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in the present application or in future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the above exemplary embodiments may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other above embodiments.

Claims

1. A power supply unit, including a housing, an upper surface of the housing, a first coupler positioned along the upper surface, the first coupler having a concave surface facing upward and being configured to couple the upper surface of the power supply unit to a bottom surface of a modular storage unit, a battery, an electrical outlet electrically connected to the battery, and a power supply unit comprising the same.

2. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment at least partially defined by the housing.

3. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the housing and a handle coupled to the housing.

4. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a removable electric tool battery charger coupled to the power supply unit, the electric tool battery charger being electrically coupled to the battery.

5. The power supply unit according to claim 4, further comprising a display for indicating various modes of the power supply unit.

6. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a handle rotatably coupled to the housing, the upper surface being configured to receive the handle.

7. The power supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the electrical outlet is configured to provide alternating current (AC) electricity, and the power supply unit further comprises a second electrical outlet configured to provide direct current (DC) electricity.

8. The power supply unit according to claim 7, wherein the second electrical outlet is a USB-compatible outlet.

9. A power supply unit, including a housing, an upper surface of the housing, the upper surface facing a first direction, a first interface located along the upper surface, the first interface having a concave surface facing the first direction, and being configured to couple the upper surface of the power supply unit to a bottom surface of a modular storage unit, the first interface; a first power outlet configured to provide alternating current (AC) electricity, a second power outlet configured to provide direct current (DC) electricity, and a power supply unit comprising the above.

10. The power supply unit according to claim 9, further comprising a storage compartment at least partially defined by the housing.

11. The power supply unit according to claim 9, further comprising a battery charger for a power tool removably coupled to the power supply unit, the battery charger being electrically coupled to a battery.

12. The power supply unit according to claim 11, further comprising a display for indicating various aspects of the power supply unit.

13. The power supply unit according to claim 9, further comprising a battery.

14. The power supply unit according to claim 9, wherein the second power outlet is a USB-compatible outlet.

15. The power supply unit according to claim 9, further comprising a handle rotatably coupled to the housing, the upper surface being configured to receive the handle.

16. A power supply unit assembly, including a power supply unit, A housing, the upper surface of the housing, a battery, a plurality of coupling components positioned along the upper surface, the plurality of coupling components being configured to couple the upper surface of the power supply unit to the bottom surface of the modular storage unit, a mount configured to couple to an electric tool battery charger, a power supply unit comprising: an electric tool battery charger physically coupled to the mount and electrically coupled to the battery, the electric tool battery charger comprising a docking station configured to physically couple to an electric tool battery and provide electricity from the battery to the electric tool battery, a power supply unit assembly comprising.

17. A first power outlet configured to provide alternating current (AC) electricity and a second power outlet configured to provide direct current (DC) electricity, the second power outlet being a USB-compatible outlet, the power supply unit according to claim 16.

18. The power supply unit according to claim 16, comprising a power outlet.

19. The power supply unit according to claim 16, comprising a storage compartment at least partially defined by the housing.

20. The power supply unit according to claim 16, comprising a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the housing and a handle coupled to the housing.

21. The power supply unit according to claim 1, further comprising a frame coupled to the housing and disposed around the housing.

22. Each of the plurality of coupling components comprises a recess, the power supply unit according to claim 16.

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