Coupling mechanisms for utility modules, interface coupling modules, and utility assembly including the same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides coupling mechanisms, an interface coupling module, and a utility assembly.

Description

[0001] COUPLING MECHANISMS FOR UTILITY MODULES, INTERFACE COUPLING MODULES, AND UTILITY ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE SAME

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to coupling mechanisms, and more particularly to coupling mechanisms for detachably coupling two or more utility modules, interface coupling modules, and a utility assembly including the same.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Utility modules, such as storage containers, travel luggage, toolboxes, organizers, compacted work benches, cable storage, communication modules, carrying platforms, locomotion platforms, and the like, are often used at worksites to carry tools (e.g. hand tools, power generators, power sources, etc.) and other equipment. Frequently, multiple such utility modules are brought to a given worksite in order to accommodate a large amount of cargo. Coupling mechanisms are therefore relied upon to detachably couple the utility modules to one another and allow users to conveniently transport the utility modules in unison.

[0006] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0007] The present disclosure provides coupling mechanisms, an interface coupling module, and a utility assembly.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling a first utility module with a second utility module. The coupling mechanism comprises a first male coupler pivotally connectable to one side of a face of one of the first utility module and the second utility module, the first male coupler having at least one first locking protrusion supported by a first shaft; a second male coupler pivotally connectable to another side, opposite to the one side, of the face of one of the first utility module and the second utility module, the second male coupler having at least one second locking protrusion supported by a second shaft; a female coupler defined at each of two opposing sides of a face of another one of the first utility module and the second utility module, the female coupler having a locking portion defined with at least one groove, wherein each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler is disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engages with the at least one groove of the respective female coupler at the two opposing sides for attaching the first utility module and the second utility module.

[0009] The coupling mechanism facilitates articulating the first utility module with a second utility module by direct attaching to one another, i.e. without sliding displacement with respect to one another. Accordingly, when placed on a ground surface, coupling / detaching the utility modules from one another takes place by vertical displacement.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first male coupler and the second male coupler face at opposite directions.

[0011] According to some embodiments, one or both of the female couplers at each of two opposing sides of a face of the utility modules are in the form of an open groove that comprises side walls and a top wall engageable by a top surface of a locking protrusion. According to other embodiments, one or both of the female couplers at each of two opposing sides of a face of the utility modules are in the form of a closed groove that comprises side walls, a back wall and a top wall engageable by a top surface of a locking protrusion.

[0012] In some embodiments, each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler is provided at a bottom face of the second utility module, and the female coupler is provided at a top face of the first utility module.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first male coupler comprises two first locking protrusions supported by the first shaft, and the first shaft is pivotally coupled to the bottom face of the second utility module.

[0014] In some embodiments, one or both of the first male coupler and the second male coupler are hook-shaped.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the coupling mechanism further comprises a release lever coupled to the first shaft. The release lever may be operable to pivot the first shaft to displace the first locking protrusions out of a respective at least one groove of the female coupler for disengaging the first utility module and the second utility module. In some embodiments, the first male coupler comprises a resilient member coupled to one of the release lever and the first shaft. In some embodiments, the resilient member is configured to impart torque to displace the first locking protrusions into the corresponding at least one groove, when the first locking protrusions contact the locking portion of the female coupler. In some embodiments, the resilient member is an integrated spring or a coil spring.

[0016] In some embodiments, each first locking protrusion of the first male coupler is defined with a locking tab having a top surface and a bottom surface. In some embodiments, the top surface of the locking tab converges upwardly from outer edges thereof toward a pinnacle at a center of the top surface of the locking tab, such that the center of the top surface of the locking tab is closer to the first shaft than the outer edges of the top surface of the locking tab.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first male coupler comprises a coupling element fixedly attached to the first shaft, such that rotation of the first shaft causes corresponding rotation of the coupling element, and the coupling element comprises spring-loaded extension member movably disposed within the coupling element.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the first male coupler is configured to rotatably switch between two or more operating positions in response to movement of a release lever of the first male coupler that is coupled to the first shaft, the two or more operating positions including at least (i) a locked position in which the spring-loaded extension member is located outside of an extension member cavity of the female coupler and the first locking protrusions are located inside of the corresponding at least one groove, such that the first utility module is attached to the second utility module, and (ii) a “lock-in” position in which the spring-loaded extension member is located inside of the extension member cavity of the female coupler and the first locking protrusions are located outside of the corresponding at least one groove, such that the first utility module is detached from the second utility module.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the at least one first locking protrusion is defined with said locking tab, and a bottom surface of the locking tab may be tapered.

[0020] In some embodiments, a top surface of the locking tab of the first male coupler and of the second male coupler extend coplanar, equally spaced from a face of the first container.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the at least one groove is defined with a tapered profile that complements the tapered bottom surface of the locking tab.

[0022] In some embodiments, the at least one groove is formed with a passageway extending therethrough, the passageway defining a front opening with which each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler rotatably engages and a rear opening.

[0023] When a first utility module is coupled over a face of the second utility module, and a release lever of the first shaft is manipulated into an unlocked / lock position, displacement of the first male coupler into the unlocked position results. This entails disengagement of the locking tabs from the corresponding grooves, and simultaneously the coupling element engages into an arrested position engaged with a cavity of the second utility module, remaining at the arrested position until the first utility module is displaced from the second utility module. The first male coupler then spontaneously displaces into its normally locked position, and the coupling element displaces into a rest position. The arrangement is such that a user can manipulate the release lever into unlocking of the first male couplers, and the system remains at the unlocked position, facilitating for a user to use both hands to lift a top container from a bottom container, such that only upon detaching the utility modules from one another the first male coupler displaced to its normally locked, standby position.

[0024] In some embodiments, when either one of the first male coupler or the second male coupler rotatably engages with the front opening of the at least one groove, the one of the first male coupler or the second male coupler extends only partially into the passageway without reaching the rear opening.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the second male coupler comprises two second locking protrusions supported by a second shaft, and the second shaft is pivotally attached to the bottom face at the other side, opposite to the one side, of one of the first utility module and the second utility module.

[0026] In some embodiments, each second locking protrusion of the second male coupler is defined with one said locking tab having a top surface and a bottom surface. According to some embodiments, the top surface of the locking tab converges upwardly from its outer edges toward a pinnacle at a center of the top surface of the locking tab, such that the center of the top surface of the locking tab is closer to the second shaft than the outer edges of the top surface of the locking tab. In some embodiments, when the second male coupler rotatably engages with the at least one groove, the center of the top surface of the locking tab is configured to contact an inner surface of the at least one groove and produce a snap effect.

[0027] In some embodiments, when the first utility module is detachably coupled to the second utility module, the first and second utility modules can be arranged in opposite orientations, i.e. the first utility module can be rotated at 180° about the top face of the second utility module

[0028] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a utility assembly. The utility assembly comprises at least one first utility module; at least one second utility module; and a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling the at least one first utility module with the at least one second utility module, the coupling mechanism being configured between the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module. The coupling mechanism comprises a first male coupler pivotally connectable to one side of a face of one of the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, the first male coupler having at least one first locking protrusion supported by a first shaft, a second male coupler pivotally connectable to another side, opposite to the one side, of the face of one of the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, the second male coupler having at least one second locking protrusion supported by a second shaft, and a female coupler defined at each of two opposing sides of a face of another one of the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, the female coupler having a locking portion defined with at least one groove, wherein each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler is disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engages with the at least one groove of the respective female coupler at the two opposing sides for attaching the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module.

[0029] In some embodiments, a top face of the at least one first utility module interlocks with a bottom face of the at least one second utility module, such that the top face of the at least one first utility module either fully overlaps or only partially overlaps with the bottom face of the at least one second utility module.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the at least one second utility module includes two or more second utility modules that are mounted over the at least one first utility module, each second utility module being independently detachable from the at least one first utility module.

[0031] By another aspect, the disclosure provides an interface coupling module includes at least one engagement surface compatible for interlocking engagement in a detachable manner with a first engagement surface of a utility module. The first engagement surface of the utility module comprises a first male coupler pivotally connectable to one side of a face of the utility module, the first male coupler having at least one first locking protrusion, and a second male coupler pivotally connectable to another side, opposite to the one side, of the face of the utility module, the second male coupler having at least one second locking protrusion. The interface coupling module further comprises a female coupler having a locking portion defined with at least one groove extending on both sides of the at least one engagement surface, wherein the at least one first locking protrusion of the first male coupler and the at least one second locking protrusion of the second male coupler are disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engage with the at least one groove for detachably coupling the first engagement surface with the at least one engagement surface.

[0032] In some embodiments, the interface coupling module is a cargo interface module for a utility vehicle configured for attaching one or more utility modules to the utility vehicle, a tool mount, or a tool rack.

[0033] By another aspect, the present disclosure provides coupling mechanisms allowing for efficiently and conveniently coupling together multiple utility modules such that the modules can be transported as a single integrated unit. The disclosed coupling mechanisms may detachably couple adjacent utility modules in opposite orientations so the user can stack utility modules without having to pay strict attention to the orientation of each module. The disclosed coupling mechanisms comprises a release lever for easily decoupling any of the utility modules to remove and transport a single module as necessary. The coupling mechanisms may further comprise rounded locking protrusion configured to naturally displace debris and grime as the locking protrusion is rotatably inserted into a corresponding groove, which itself may be open-ended to allow for displacement of build-up and resist clogging therein.

[0034] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0035] Referring now to embodiments of the present disclosure, a coupling mechanism as disclosed herein is configured for detachably coupling multiple utility modules with one another. Furthermore, a utility assembly as disclosed herein comprises two or more detachably coupled utility modules. Even further, an interface coupling module as disclosed herein is configured for detachably interlocking multiple engagement surfaces with one another.

[0036] As used herein, the term “utility module” may be broadly construed to denote a variety of articles such as storage containers, travel luggage, tool boxes, organizers, compacted work benches, cable storage, tools (e.g., hand tools, power generators, power sources, etc.), communication modules, carrying platforms, locomotion platforms, and the like, of any shape and size. Furthermore, any utility module can be detachably coupled to any other utility module, as described in further detail below.

[0037] As used herein, the term “first utility module” may be broadly construed to denote a container bearing over a top face of at least one other container, said at least one other container denoted herein as a “second utility module.”

[0038] As used herein, the term “utility assembly” may be broadly construed to denote any set of utility modules configured for articulation to one another, either as a stationary unit or locomotive.

[0039] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The embodiments herein may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate identically or functionally similar elements, of which:

[0041] Fig- 1 illustrates an exploded view of a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling a first utility module with a second utility module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig- 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first male coupler of the coupling mechanism of Fig. 1 having a first configuration;

[0043] Fig- 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second male coupler of the coupling mechanism of Fig. 1 having a first configuration;

[0044] Figs. 4A-4C illustrate perspective, front, and side views, respectively, of at least one locking protrusion of the second male coupler of Fig. 3;

[0045] Figs. 5A-5C illustrate perspective, front, and side views, respectively, of the second male coupler of Fig. 3 in rotatable engagement with a female coupler of the coupling mechanism of Fig. 1;

[0046] Fig- 6 illustrates a sectional view of the first and second utility modules of Fig. 1 in an engaged condition and the second male coupler of Fig. 3 having a second configuration;

[0047] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the first and second utility modules of Fig. 1 in an engaged condition and the second male coupler of Fig. 3 having a third configuration;

[0048] Figs. 8A-8C illustrate perspective views of the first and second utility modules of Fig. 1 in which a lever of the first male coupler of Fig. 2 is shown in different operating positions;

[0049] Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the second utility module of Fig. 1 and the first male coupler of Fig. 2 having a second configuration;

[0050] Figs. 10A-10C illustrate sectional views of the second utility module and first male coupler of Fig. 9 in which the first male coupler is shown in different operating positions;

[0051] Fig. 11 illustrates another sectional view of the first and second utility modules of Fig. 1 in an engaged condition;

[0052] Fig. 12 illustrates yet another sectional view of the first and second utility modules of Fig. 1 in an engaged condition;

[0053] Figs. 13A-13B illustrate perspective and sectional views, respectively, of the first male coupler of Fig. 2 having a third configuration;

[0054] Figs. 14A-14B illustrate perspective and front views, respectively, of the first male coupler of Fig. 2 having a fourth configuration;

[0055] Fig. 15 illustrates a sectional view of the first and second utility modules of Fig. 1 in an engaged condition;

[0056] Figs. 16A-16B illustrate perspective views of a utility assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 17 illustrates containers of different sizes forming a utility assembly, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0058] Fig. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an interface coupling module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a container module containing therein a sub-container module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 20 illustrates a perspective view of a sub-container module of the container module of Fig. 19 detachably coupled with a utility module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0061] Figs. 21A-21B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0062] Figs. 22A-22B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0063] Figs. 23A-23B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0064] Figs. 24A-24B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0065] Figs. 25A-25B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0066] Figs. 26A-26B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0067] Figs. 27A-27B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0068] Figs. 28A-28B illustrate schematic views of a utility assembly having various stacking sizes, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0069] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0070] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0071] Referring now to the figures, Figs. 1-8B are directed to a first configuration of a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling a first utility module with a second utility module, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. For sake of convenience, the utility modules are exemplified as containers. It is, however, appreciated that the utility modules can be of any type, shape, or size, as discussed hereinabove and as will be exemplified below.

[0072] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling a first utility module 100 with a second utility module 200, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The coupling mechanism is configured between the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. In an illustrated embodiment, two containers 100, 200 are disposed in a double stage configuration and the first stage utility module overlaps with full surface of the second utility module 200. The first utility module 100 is a first container and the second utility module 200 is a second container whilst they function as first containers when discussing coupling mechanism with respect to third stage container. Each of the containers is configured with a lid L constituting a top face of the respective container, said lid being pivotally attached and securely articulated to the respective container through a toggle locking latch (not shown).

[0073] As shown, the coupling mechanism comprises a first male coupler 101 which is pivotally connected to one side 103 of a bottom face 104 of the one of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. As can best be seen in Fig. 2, the first male coupler 101 comprises at least one locking protrusion 110 (also referred to herein as a “first locking protrusion”), supported by a shaft 111 (also referred to herein as a “first shaft”). The shaft Ill is pivotally coupled to the bottom face 104 of the first utility module 100 and / or the second utility module 200. The at least one locking protrusion 110 comprises a locking tab 112, that has a substantially flat top surface 112b and a tapered bottom surface 112a. In the tapered surface, thickness of the at least one locking tab 112 decreases gradually along a length of the at least one locking tab 112 away from the at least one locking protrusion 110. In the illustrated example, as shown in Fig. 2, the at least one locking protrusion 110 is configured with two locking tabs 112, but embodiments are envisioned in which the at least one locking protrusion 110 includes only one locking tab 112, or alternatively, more than two locking tabs 112.

[0074] Further referring to Fig. 2, the first male coupler 101 includes a release lever 113 which is coupled to the shaft 111. The release lever 113 is configured at a substantially central portion between the two locking protrusions 110; however, the release lever 113 may be coupled to the shaft 111 at any location on the shaft 111 between the two locking protrusions 110. The release lever 113 is operable to pivot the shaft 111. In an example, the release lever 113 comprises a bracket which may be defined with a shape suitable for being operated manually to rotate the shaft 111. Further, the first male coupler 101 comprises a resilient member 114, coupled to one of the shaft 111 and the release lever 113. In the illustrated example, the resilient member 114 is coupled to the release lever 113, however, the resilient member 114 may be coupled to the shaft 111 at any location between the two locking protrusions 110. The resilient member 114 is configured to impart torque to displace the at least one locking protrusion 110, when the at least one locking protrusion 110 comes in contact with the locking portion 109 located on the top face 107 of the corresponding first utility module 100 or second utility module 200. As an example, the resilient member 114 may be an integrated spring or a coil spring.

[0075] Turning again to Fig. 1, the coupling mechanism also comprises a female coupler 108. The female coupler 108 is defined at each of two opposing sides 103, 105 of top face 107 (e.g., a lid) of other of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. The female coupler 108 has a locking portion 109 which extends on the face 107 and defined with at least one groove 106. In an embodiment, the at least one groove 106 is defined proximal to an edge of the two opposing sides 103, 105. In an example, a plurality of grooves 106 may be defined along a length of an edge of the two opposing sides 103, 105 of the first utility module. The at least one groove 106 is defined with a tapered profile, with complements the tapered surface 112a of the locking tabs 112, as demonstrated in Fig. 5C.

[0076] Further referring to Fig. 1 , the coupling mechanism further includes a second male coupler 102. The second male coupler 102 is connected to side 105, which is opposite to side 103 of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. As an example, if the first male coupler 101 is connected to front side or right side of the utility module, then the second male coupler 102 is connected to a rear side or a left side of the utility module. In another example, the second male coupler 102 may be coupled to a same face to which the first male coupler 101 is coupled. If the first male coupler 101 is connected to the bottom face of one of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200, the second male coupler 102 is also connected to the bottom face.

[0077] In one example, as shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the second male coupler 102 has a first configuration in which at least one locking protrusion 110’ (also referred to herein as a “second locking protrusion”) are supported by a shaft 111’ (also referred to herein as a “second shaft”) which is pivotally attached to the bottom face of first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. Further, the second male coupler 102 includes a resilient member 116’ (shown in Fig. 5A) which is supported by the shaft 111’. The resilient member 116’ may be located at various positions along the shaft 111’ (e.g. outside to or inside to the two locking protrusions 110’), and is configured to provide force or torque to rotate the shaft 111’ for rotation of the two locking protrusions 110’. That is, the resilient member 116’ provides torque to the two locking protrusions 110’ when they come into contact with the locking portion 109 located on the face 107 of the corresponding first utility module 100 or second utility module 200.

[0078] The second male coupler 102 is shown in closer detail in Figs. 4A-4C which illustrate perspective, front, and side views, respectively, of at least one locking protrusion 110’ of the second male coupler 102. The second male coupler 102 may include any number of second locking protrusions 110’. In the shown example, the second male coupler 102 includes two locking protrusions 110’ mounted on opposing ends of the shaft 111’. The shaft 111’ is pivotally attached to the bottom face at the other side 105, opposite to the one side 103, of one of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200.

[0079] Each locking protrusion 110’ includes a locking tab 112’ that has a top surface 112b’ that can be flat or, preferably, include a curved or rounded shape, and a bottom tapered surface 112a’. As more closely shown in Fig. 4B, the top surface 112b’ converges upwardly from its outer edges 113b’ toward a pinnacle at a center 113a’. By virtue of this shape, the center 113a’ of the top surface 112b’ is closer to the shaft 111’ than the outer edges 113b’ of the top surface 112b’. In other words, according to the illustrated configuration, the distance from the center 113a’ of the top surface 112b’ to the shaft 111’ is less than the distance from the outer edges 113b’ to the shaft 111’. In addition, because the center 113a’ of the top surface 112b’ is higher than the surrounding surface, it is configured to come into contact with the inner surface of the at least one groove 106 of the female coupler 108 and thereby produce a snap effect, as discussed in further detail below.

[0080] Figs. 5A-5C illustrate perspective, front, and side views, respectively, of the second male coupler 102 in rotatable engagement with the locking portion 109 of the female coupler 108. As shown in FIG. 5A, the second male coupler 102 is rotatably engageable with the locking portion 109 by the locking protrusions 110’ rotating into the grooves 106’. In this position, the resilient member 116’ (e.g. coil spring, integrated spring, etc.) of the second male coupler 102 imparts torque to rotate the two protrusions 110’ into the corresponding grooves 106 for detachably engaging the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200.

[0081] As shown in Figs. 5B and 5C, the at least one groove 106 is formed with a passageway 106a extending therethrough. The passageway 106a defines a front opening 106b and a rear opening 106c, as seen in Fig. 5C. As the second male coupler 102 rotatably engages with the at least one groove 106 of the female coupler 108, the locking tab 112’ extends through the front opening 106b into the passageway 106a. As shown in Fig. 5C, the locking tab 112’ of the second male coupler 102 extends only partially into the passageway 106a, such that the locking tab 112’ penetrates the front opening 106b but does not reach the rear opening 106c. It is expressly envisioned that the first male coupler 101 interacts with the corresponding at least one groove 106 on the opposite side of the first and second utility module 100, 200 in a similar manner.

[0082] Additionally, as the locking protrusion 112’ is inserted through the front opening 106b into the passageway 106a, the center 113a’ of the top surface 112b’ comes into contact with the inner surface of the corresponding groove 106, as demonstrated in Fig. 5B. The contact between these opposing surfaces produce a snap effect, resulting in tactile and / or audible feedback for the user, as well as a secure fit between the second male coupler 102 and the at least one groove 106. It is again expressly envisioned that the first male coupler 101 interacts with the corresponding at least one groove 106 on the opposite side of the first and second utility module 100, 200 in a similar manner.

[0083] Grooves 106 at a rear side of the top face 107 are open grooves, i.e. through passageways, comprising side walls and a top wall engageable by a top surface of a locking protrusion, whilst the opposite grooves at the front side of the top face 107, are closed grooves comprising side walls, a back wall and a top wall engageable by a top surface of a locking protrusion.

[0084] It is seen in the figures that both the first locking protrusion 110 and the second locking protrusion 110’ are hook-shaped, facing at opposite directions, and are swingable between a normally biased position at which the locking tabs 112,112’ project into a respective groove 106, and a retreated position at which the locking tabs 112,112’ displaces out of a respective groove 106. It is appreciated that the coupling mechanism facilitates articulating the first utility module 100 with a second utility module 200 by direct attaching to one another, i.e. without sliding displacement with respect to one another. Accordingly, when placed on a ground surface, the coupling / detaching the utility modules from one another takes place by vertical displacement, as illustrated for example in Fig. 8C.

[0085] Fig. 6 illustrates the first and second utility modules 100, 200 in an engaged position. As shown, when the first male coupler 101 and the second male coupler 102 are disposed in register with the locking portion 109 of the female coupler 108, the first male coupler 101 and the second male coupler 102 rotatably engage with the at least one groove 106 of respective female couplers 108 (as demonstrated in Figs. 5A-5C) located at the two opposing sides of the second utility module 200. Therefore, when detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200 (the former placed over the latter, as shown in Fig. 6), the two locking protrusions 110 of the first male coupler 101 are disposed in register with the locking portion 109 and rotatably engage with a corresponding groove 106 of the respective female coupler 108, by rotating into the groove 106. Similarly, the two protrusions 110’ of the second male coupler 102 are disposed in register with the locking portion 109 of the respective female couplers 108 and rotatably engage with a corresponding groove 106 of the respective female coupler 108, by rotating into the groove 106. Upon contact, the resilient member 114 of the first male coupler 101 and the resilient member 116’ of the second male coupler 102 impart torque to rotate the two protrusions 110 of the male coupler 101 and the two protrusions 110’ of the second male coupler 102, respectively, into the corresponding grooves 106 for detachably engaging the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 6, the second male coupler 102 includes a second resilient member 114’ located in a center portion of the shaft 111’. The second resilient member 114’ may be positioned along the shaft 111’ either instead of or in addition to the resilient member 116’. The structure and function of second resilient member 114’ with respect to the second male coupler 102 corresponds to that of the resilient member 114 with respect to the first male coupler 101.

[0087] In the locked position, the first utility module 100 is attached over the top face of the second utility module 200, such that they can be moved as an integrated unit. Detaching of the first utility module 100 from the second utility module 200 is facilitated by operating the release lever 113 of the first male coupler 101, which causes the two locking protrusions 110 to rotatably disengage the corresponding grooves 106. Once the two locking protrusions 110 of the first male coupler 101 rotate out of the corresponding grooves 106, the first utility module 100 can be displaced with respect to the second utility module 200, causing the two protrusions 110’ of the second male coupler 102 to also rotate out of the corresponding grooves 106, thereby facilitating disengagement of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200.

[0088] By virtue of the above-described configuration of the first male coupler 101 and the second male coupler 102, the first utility module 100 can be directly placed on the second utility module 200 for automatic attachment without requiring user effort to clamp the utility modules.

[0089] Fig. 7 illustrates the first and second utility modules 100, 200 in an engaged position and the second male coupler 102 further includes one or more locking ribs 117. The one or more locking ribs 117 integrally extend from the bottom face 104 or may be external elements which may be rigidly fixed to face 104. Each of the one or more locking ribs 117 is a substantially L-shaped or wedge shaped or hook shaped configuration.

[0090] As further shown in Fig. 7, when the first male coupler 101 and the second male coupler 102 are disposed in register with the locking portions 109 of the female coupler 108, the first male coupler 101 rotatably engages with the corresponding at least one groove 106 of respective female coupler 108, and the one or more locking ribs 117 of the second male coupler 102 are disposed in register and rotatably engage with corresponding at least one groove 106. In other words, when detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200, the former is placed over the latter such that the one or more locking ribs 117 are registered and engaged with the corresponding at least one groove 206. Upon engaging the one or more locking ribs 117, the unengaged portion of the first utility module 100 is placed in register and contact the locking portion 109 of the respective female couplers 108. Upon contact, the two locking protrusions 110 of the first male coupler 101 rotates into the corresponding at least one groove 106 (due to a biasing force from the resilient member 116’, as illustrated in Fig. 5 A) for detachably coupling the first utility module 100 to the second utility module 200. In the locked position, the first utility module 100 is attached over the top face 107 of the second utility module 200, as shown in Fig. 7, such that they can be moved as an integrated unit.

[0091] Operation of the lever 113 of the first male coupler 101 will now be described in greater detail. Figs. 8A-8C illustrate perspective views of the first and second utility modules 100, 200 in which the lever 113 of the first male coupler 101 is shown in different operating positions. As shown in both figures, the first utility module 100 is stacked on top of and coupled to the second utility module 200. Through engagement of the lever 113, as described above, connectivity between the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200 may be controlled by the user.

[0092] Firstly, Fig. 8 A demonstrates the lever 113 in a locked position, whereby the lever 113 is at rest (un-depressed), and the locking protrusions 110 of the first male coupler 101 are in rotatable engagement with the corresponding grooves 106, as described in further detail below. In this position, the locking tabs 112 are inserted into the grooves 106 such that the first and second utility modules 100, 200 are coupled to each other can be moved as an integrated unit.

[0093] Secondly, Fig. 8B demonstrates the lever 113 in an unlocked position. By depressing the lever 113 in a downward direction (see arrow), the locking tabs 112 of the first male coupler 101 are caused to rotate in a first direction (e.g. counter-clockwise) out of the corresponding grooves 106, thus disengaging the locking protrusions 110 from the grooves 106. As a result, the first utility module 100 can be detached and removed from the second utility module 200, as shown in Fig. 8C.

[0094] The connectivity between utility modules is demonstrated in greater detail in Figs. 9-10C. The first utility module 100 and second male coupler 102 are hidden for visibility. As shown in Fig. 9, the first male coupler 101 include one or more locking protrusions 110 attached to a rotating shaft 111, similar to the configuration of Fig. 2. Any number of locking protrusions 110 may be disposed along the shaft 111, in this example four such locking protrusions. Each locking protrusion 110 is configured for rotatable insertion into a corresponding groove 106, as explained above. The first male coupler 101 also includes a movable lever 113 attached to the shaft 111 configured to be depressed and effect rotation of the shaft 111, as shown in Figs. 8 A and 8B.

[0095] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 9, the first male coupler 101 include at least one coupling element 218. The coupling element 218 is fixedly attached to the shaft 111 such that rotation of the shaft 111 resulting from movement of the lever 113 causes corresponding rotation of the coupling element 218. Any number of coupling elements 218 are envisioned depending on the desired operation of the first male coupler 101 (e.g. two coupling elements 218 as shown in Fig. 9). The coupling element 218 is configured to interact with an upper surface of the second utility module 200, as shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, the female coupler 108 of the second utility module 200 includes an extension member cavity 221 (seen in Figs. 10A-10C) defined as a groove or indentation formed in the surface of the second utility module 200. Rotation of the coupling element 218, and also the corresponding interaction between the coupling element 218 and the extension member cavity 221, controls the connectivity between the first and second utility modules 100, 200 (or any other utility modules), as described in greater detail below.

[0096] Figs. 10A-10C illustrate sectional views of the second utility module 200 and first male coupler 101 in which the first male coupler 101 is shown in different operating positions, controlling the connectivity between the first and second utility modules 100, 200. The first male coupler 101 is configured to rotatably switch between two or more operating positions (e.g. a locked position, a releasing position, and a lock-in position) in response to movement of the lever 113, as described hereinbelow.

[0097] First, Fig. 10A shows the first male coupler 101 in a locked position in which the lever 113 is at rest (i.e. un-depressed), similar to the view shown in Fig. 8a. In this position, each locking protrusion 110 may be in engagement with the corresponding groove 106, whereby the locking tab 112 of each locking protrusion 110 is fully inserted into the corresponding groove 106. As a result, the first and second modules 100, 200 are locked to each other, such that the modules are movable as a single integrated unit. Furthermore, in the locked position, the coupling element 218 may be rotated outside of the extension member cavity 221. As shown, the coupling element 218 houses movable elements therein, including a spring-loaded extension member 220 movably disposed within the coupling element 218. For example, the extension member 220 may be configured to move vertically (e.g. up and down) relative to the coupling element 218 by virtue of the resilient member 219 also disposed within the coupling element 218 and operably coupled to the extension member 220. The resilient member 219 in this example includes a coil spring, but it is not limited thereto. As described further below, compression and extension of the resilient member 219 causes corresponding displacement of the movable extension member 220.

[0098] Next, Fig. 10B shows the first male coupler 101 in a releasing position in which the lever 113 is being downwardly depressed, similar to the view shown in Fig. 8B. Downward movement of the lever 113 causes the shaft 111 in a corresponding fashion, further causing the locking protrusions 110 to rotate in a first direction (e.g. counter- clockwise, as shown), and thus causing removal of the locking tabs 112 from the corresponding grooves 106. In this position, the first male coupler 101 rotatably disengages (i.e. release) from the grooves 106. Furthermore, the downward movement of the lever 113, which causes the shaft 111 to rotate, causes corresponding rotation of the coupling element 218 in the first direction (e.g. counter-clockwise). As the coupling element 218 rotates in the first direction, due to depressing the lever 113, a lower surface of the extension member 220 comes into contact with an upper surface of the extension member cavity 221, as shown in Fig. 10B. Such contact as the extension member 220 rotates toward the extension member cavity 221 causes the extension member 220 to temporarily move upwardly into the interior of the coupling element 218, thus causing the resilient member 219 to compress. In the releasing position, the first utility module 100 can be removed from the second utility module 200.

[0099] Lastly, Fig. 10C shows the first male coupler 101 in a lock-in position in which the first utility module 100 is now detachable from the second utility module 200. As shown, the lever 113 is be downwardly depressed fully, causing the shaft 111 to rotate further in the first direction (e.g. counter-clockwise). In turn, the locking protrusions 110 rotates further in the first direction, thus causing complete removal of the locking tabs 112 from the corresponding grooves 106. Furthermore, the coupling element 218 rotates further in the first direction, thus causing the extension member 220 to rotate into the extension member cavity 221. During such rotation, the lower surface of the extension member 220 rotates past the upper surface of the extension member cavity 221, allowing the resilient member 219 to decompress and thus cause the extension member 220 to move downwardly into the extension member cavity 221. In this position, the coupling element 218 is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction (e.g. clockwise) as the extension member 220 contacts the inner surface of the extension member cavity 221, thereby blocking such movement of the coupling element 218.

[0100] Upon lifting the first utility module 100 from the second utility module 200, the lever 113 of the first male coupler 101 resets to the locked position in which the lever 113 is elevated, as shown in Fig. 8 A. As the lever 113 resets to the locked position, the locking protrusions 110 rotates in a second direction opposite the first direction (e.g. clockwise) by virtue of the resilient member 214 biasing the first male coupler 101 toward the locked position (see Fig. 10A). In such position, the first utility module 100 is once again ready for engagement with another utility module (e.g. second utility module 200) via the user placing the first utility module 100 onto the second utility module 200, bringing the locking protrusions 110 into contact with an upper surface of the second utility module

[0101] 200 and causing the locking protrusions 110 to again rotatably engage with the corresponding grooves 106 of the second utility module 200.

[0102] When the first utility module 100 is coupled over a face of the second utility module 200, and a release lever 113 of the of the first shaft 111 is manipulated into an unlocked / lock in position (Fig. 10C), resulting in displacement of the first male coupler 101 into the unlocked position, entailing disengagement of the locking tabs 112 from the corresponding grooves 106. Simultaneously, the coupling element 218 engages into an arrested position engaged with a cavity 221 of the second utility module 200, wherein it remains at this position until the first utility module 100 is displaced from the second utility module 200. At this point, the first male coupler 101 spontanoiusly displaces into its normally locked position (Fig. 10A), and the coupling element 218 displaces into a rest position. The arrangement is such that a user can manipulate the release lever into unlocking of the first male couplers, and the system remains at the unlocked position, facilitating for a user to use both hands to lift a top container from a bottom container, such that only upon detaching the utility modules from one another the first male coupler displaced to its normally locked, standby position.

[0103] Reference is now made to Fig. 11 which illustrates another sectional view of the first and second utility modules 100, 200 in an engaged position. As shown, the first and second utility modules 100, 200 are detachably coupled via first male coupler 201 and second male coupler 202. Unless otherwise specified, first male coupler 201 is configured in an identical manner as first male coupler 101, and second male coupler 202 is configured in an identical manner as second male coupler 102.

[0104] Similar to the configuration described above, when the first male coupler 201 and the second male coupler 202 are disposed in register with the locking portion of the female coupler, the first male coupler 201 and the second male coupler 202 rotatably engage with the grooves 206 of respective female coupler at the two opposing sides for attaching the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. In other words, when detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200 (e.g. the former placed over the latter), the two locking elements 215 of the first male coupler

[0105] 201 and the two locking protrusions 110’ of the second male coupler 202 are disposed in register with the locking portion and rotate into corresponding grooves 206 of the respective female couplers for detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200.

[0106] In the locked position, the first utility module 100 is attached over the top face of the second utility module 200 such that they can be moved as an integrated unit. Detaching the first utility module 100 from the second utility module 200 is facilitated by operating the release lever 213 of the first male coupler 201, which causes the two locking elements 215 to rotate out of the corresponding grooves 206. Once the two locking elements 215 of the first male coupler 201 rotate out of the corresponding grooves 206, the first utility module 100 can be displaced with respect to the second utility module 200, causing the two locking protrusions 110’ of the second male coupler 202 to also rotate out of the corresponding grooves 206, thereby facilitating disengagement of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200.

[0107] Fig. 12 illustrates yet another sectional view of the first and second utility modules 100, 200 in an engaged position. As shown, the first and second utility modules 100, 200 are detachably coupled via first male coupler 301 and second male coupler 302. Unless otherwise specified, first male coupler 301 is configured in an identical manner as first male coupler 101, and second male coupler 302 is configured in an identical manner as second male coupler 102.

[0108] The coupling mechanism shown in Fig. 12 includes a first male coupler 301 which is pivotally connected to one side 303 of bottom face 304 of the one of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200.

[0109] As shown in Figs. 13 Aa and 13Bb, the first male coupler 301 includes two locking protrusions 310, which may be supported on either ends of the shaft 333, which in turn is pivotally coupled to the bottom face 304 of the first utility module 100 and / or the second utility module 200. The locking protrusions 310 comprise a locking tab 312 having a substantially flat top surface 312b and a tapered bottom surface 312a. In the tapered surface, the thickness of the at least one locking tab 312 decreases gradually along its length, away from the at least one locking protrusion 310. As shown in Fig. 13 A, the protrusions 310 comprise with two locking tabs 312, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto, as the at least one protrusion 310 may include only one locking tab 312. Further, the first male coupler 301 includes an extension member 320 that is supported by the shaft 333 and pivotable along with rotation of the shaft 333. In the illustrated arrangement, the extension member 320 is supported by the shaft 333 at a substantially central portion, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto as the extension member 320 may be supported on any location of the shaft 333 between the two protrusions 310.

[0110] Further referring to Figs. 13 A and 13B, the first male coupler 301 comprises a release lever 313 coupled to the shaft 333. The release lever 313 is configured at a substantially central portion between the two protrusions 310. In an example, the release lever 313 and the extension member 320 extends in opposite directions to in reference central axis A-A of the shaft 333. However, the release lever 310 may be coupled to the shaft 333 at any location on the shaft 333 between the two protrusions 310. The release lever 313 is operable to pivot the shaft 333. Further the first male coupler 301 includes a resilient member 314 which may be coupled to one of the shaft 333 and the release lever 313. The resilient member 314 is coupled to the release lever 313, although the resilient member 314 may be coupled to the shaft 333 at any location between the two locking protrusions 310. The resilient member 314 imparts torque to displace the at least one locking protrusion 310, when the at least one locking protrusion 310 come in contact with the face 307 of the corresponding first or second utility module 200. As an example, the resilient member 314 may be one of an integrated spring or a coil spring.

[0111] In alternative embodiments, the first male coupler may include a locking protrusion with a locking tab having a curved or rounded shape similar to that of the second male coupler 102. For example, Figs. 14A and 14B illustrate perspective and front views, respectively, of a first male coupler 351 in which each locking protrusion 360 includes a locking tab 362 having a top surface 362b and a bottom surface 362a. The first male coupler 351 may include any of the aforementioned elements such as the release lever 113, coupling element 218, extension member 220, resilient member 214, and so on, mounted on the shaft 111 and configured to function in the manner described above. As more closely shown in Fig. 14B, the top surface 362b converges upwardly from its outer edges 363b toward a pinnacle at a center 363a of the top surface 362b. By virtue of this shape, the center 363a of the top surface 362b is closer to the shaft 111 than the outer edges 363b of the top surface 362b. According to the illustrated configuration, the distance from the center 363a of the top surface 362b to the shaft 111 is less than the distance from the outer edges 363b to the shaft 111.

[0112] Turning again to Figs. 12 and 15, the coupling mechanism includes a female coupler, e.g. having same configuration as that of female coupler 108. The female coupler is defined at each of two opposing sides 303, 305 of a face 307 of other of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. The female coupler has a locking portion which extends on the face 307 and defined with a plurality groove 306. The at least one groove 306 is defined proximal to an edge of the two opposing sides 303, 305, and along a length of the edge of the two opposing sides 303, 305.

[0113] The coupling mechanism also includes an extension member engaging portion 321 which are defined as a front edge of the face of other one of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. The extension member engaging portion 321 is defined proximal to the female coupler. The extension member engaging portion 321 is configured to receive the extension member 320 corresponding to rotation of the at least one locking protrusion 210.

[0114] Referring still to Fig. 12, the coupling mechanism furthers include a second male coupler 302. The second male coupler 302 is connected to other side 305, which is opposite to the one side 303 of the face 307 of one of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. As seen in Fig. 15 in tandem with Fig. 3, the second male coupler 102 includes two locking protrusions 110’ supported by the shaft 111’. The shaft 111’ is pivotally attached to the bottom face at the other side 105, opposite to the one side 303 of one of first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200. Further, the second male coupler 302 includes the resilient member 116’ supported by the shaft 111’, configured to provide force to rotate the shaft 111’ for rotation of the two locking protrusions 110’ in the manner previously described.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 15 in tandem with Fig. 13B, when the first male coupler 301 and the second male coupler 302 are disposed in register with the locking portion of the female coupler, the first male coupler 301 and the second male coupler 302 rotatably engage with the at least one groove 306 of respective female coupler at the two opposing sides 303, 305 for detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200. In other words, when detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200, the two protrusions 310 of the first male coupler 301 and the two locking elements 115 of the second male coupler 302 are disposed in register and come into contact with the locking portion of the respective female couplers. Upon contact, the resilient member 314 of the first male coupler 301 imparts torque to rotate the two protrusions 310 of the first male coupler 301 into corresponding grooves 306, and the two locking protrusions 110’ under the biasing force rotate into the corresponding grooves 306 for detachably coupling the first utility module 100 with the second utility module 200, whereby the extension member 320 resides over the extension member engaging portion 321.

[0116] In the locked position, the first utility module 100 is attached over the top face of the second utility module 200, such that they can be moved as an integrated unit. Detaching the first utility module 100 from the second utility module 200 is facilitated by operating the release lever 313 of the first male coupler 301, which causes the shaft 333 to pivot and as a result of which the two locking protrusions 310 of the first male coupler 301 rotate out of the corresponding grooves 306. Once the two locking protrusions 310 of the first male coupler 301 rotatably disengage from the corresponding grooves 306, the extension member 320 resides within the extension member engaging portion 321. The extension member 320 residing in the extension member engaging portion 321 causes temporary securement of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200 even after detachment of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200 through the first male coupler 301 and the second male coupler 302. In order to fully detach the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200, the first utility module 100 is displaced relative to the second utility module 200 which causes the extension member 320 to bias out of the extension member engaging portion 321, thereby facilitating disengagement of the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200.

[0117] Turning now to Figs. 16A-17, a utility assembly 400 is described in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Figs. 16A-16B illustrate perspective views of a utility assembly 400, and Fig. 17 illustrates containers of different sizes forming the utility assembly 400. Referring first to Figs. 16A-16B, the utility assembly 400 includes a first utility module 401, a second utility module 402, and a coupling mechanism which is disposed between the first utility module 100 and the second utility module 200 for detachably coupling the first utility module with the second utility module. The coupling mechanism may operate in the same manner as described hereinabove (see, e.g. Figs. 10A-10C). As shown in Fig. 16A, the first utility module 401 and second utility module 402 are detachably coupled to each other while oriented in the same direction; that is, with the front faces of each utility module in alignment. In certain embodiments, either one of the first utility module 401 or the second utility module 402 can be rotated 180°, and the coupling mechanism described herein can detachably couple the utility modules to each other even in opposite orientations, as shown, for example, in Fig. 16B (designated by curved arrows). Accordingly, the first male coupler of the first utility module 401 may be configured to rotatably engage with corresponding grooves formed in the upper surface of the second utility module 402 (as described above), so as to detachably couple the utility modules, regardless of whether the first utility module 401 is placed atop the second utility module 402 in matching orientations (e.g. Fig. 16A) or in opposition orientations (e.g. Fig. 16B).

[0118] Referring next to Fig. 17, the utility assembly can include a first utility module 410 in form of a container which is supporting a second container 411, which overlaps with complete top surface of the first utility module 410 and is detachably engaged with the coupling mechanism of any configuration as described in the preceding sections of the present disclosure. Further the utility assembly 400 includes a plurality of third containers 412, which are detachably engaged with a portion of the top surface of the second container 411. The plurality of third containers 412 may be detachably coupled to each other and one of the third container 412 to the second container 411 through the coupling mechanism as per any of the embodiment described in the present disclosure. Adjacent to the plurality of third containers 412, the utility assembly 400 may include a fourth container 413 which may be detachably attached to the top surface of the second container 411. Further, the utility assembly 400 includes a fifth container 414 detachably engaged to top surface of both one of the third container 412 and the fourth container 413 through the coupling mechanism as per any of the embodiment described in the present disclosure. Furthermore, the utility assembly 400 includes a sixth container 415 detachably engaged to a top surface of the fourth container 413 through the coupling mechanism in accordance with any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. Thus, the coupling mechanism of the present disclosure aids in detachably attaching different sized utility modules one above the other to form a single unitary utility assembly.

[0119] Fig. 18 illustrates a perspective view of an interface coupling module 600, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As an example, the interface coupling module 600 may include, but is not limited to, a cargo interface module for a vehicle, which may be configured for attaching one or more utility modules 100 to the vehicle. In another example, the interface coupling module 600 may be a tool mount or a tool rack. In yet another example, the interface coupling module 600 may be equipped on a carry truck or any other vehicles.

[0120] The interface coupling module 600 includes at least one engagement surface 601 which is configured to detachably engage with a first engagement surface (i.e. a bottom face) of the utility module 100. The first engagement surface 110 of the utility module 100’ comprises a first male coupler 101 pivotally or rotatably connectable to one side 103 and a second male coupler (e.g. second male coupler 102, 202) connectable to other side 105, as shown in Fig. 1, for example, opposite to the one side of the utility module 600, and a female coupler 108 having a locking portion 109 defined with at least one groove 106 extending on both sides of the at least one engagement surface 601 of the interface coupling module 600. Once a locking element or locking protrusion of the first male coupler 101 and the locking element or locking protrusion or rib of the second male coupler 102 are disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engage with the at least one groove 106 for attaching the first engagement surface 110 to the at least one engagement surface 601.

[0121] Referring next to Fig. 19, a perspective view of a container module 700 containing therein a sub-container module 701 is illustrated, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The container module 700 may be configured to removably support one or more sub-container modules 701 within the utility module 100’. The sub-container module 701 stored inside the utility module 100’ may be detachably engaged within the container module 700 or as seen in Fig. 20, which illustrates a perspective view of the sub-container module 701 detachably coupled with a utility module. For example, the sub-container module 701 may be detachably attached on top of the utility module 100’ using the same coupling mechanism of the present disclosure.

[0122] Turning to Figs. 21A-28B, schematic views of the utility assembly 400 having various stacking sizes are illustrated. The coupling mechanisms of various aspects of the present disclosure aid in coupling utility modules of various sizes and configuration one above the other. As seen in Figs. 21A to 28B, each of the plurality of utility modules equipped with the coupling mechanism provides a plurality of connecting points to facilitate coupling of variety of utility modules of different sizes and shapes, one above the other.

[0123] Accordingly, the coupling mechanisms described herein enable a user to easily and conveniently couple multiple utility modules so they can be transported together as a single unitary structure. Furthermore, the described coupling mechanisms allow for efficient detachment of the utility modules once a user needs to access the modules individually.

[0124] The foregoing description has been directed to embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all of their advantages. Accordingly, this description is to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the embodiments herein. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the embodiments herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A coupling mechanism for detachably coupling a first utility module with a second utility module, the coupling mechanism comprising: a first male coupler pivotally connectable to one side of a face of one of the first utility module and the second utility module, the first male coupler having at least one first locking protrusion supported by a first shaft; a second male coupler pivotally connectable to another side, opposite to the one side, of the face of one of the first utility module and the second utility module, the second male coupler having at least one second locking protrusion supported by a second shaft; and a female coupler defined at each of two opposing sides of a face of another one of the first utility module and the second utility module, the female coupler having a locking portion defined with at least one groove, wherein each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler is disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engages with the at least one groove of the respective female coupler at the two opposing sides for attaching the first utility module and the second utility module.

2. The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler is provided at a bottom face of the second utility module, and the female coupler is provided at a top face of the first utility module.

3. The coupling mechanism of claim 2, wherein the first male coupler comprises two first locking protrusions supported by the first shaft, and the first shaft is pivotally coupled to the bottom face of the second utility module.

4. The coupling mechanism of claim 3, further comprising a release lever coupled to the first shaft, the release lever is operable to pivot the first shaft to displace the first locking protrusions out of a respective at least one groove of the female coupler for disengaging the first utility module and the second utility module.

5. The coupling mechanism of claim 4, wherein the first male coupler comprises a resilient member coupled to one of the release lever and the first shaft, the resilient member being configured to impart torque to displace the first locking protrusions into the corresponding at least one groove, when the first locking protrusions contact the locking portion of the female coupler.

6. The coupling mechanism of claim 5, wherein the resilient member is one of an integrated spring or a coil spring.

7. The coupling mechanism of claim 3, wherein each first locking protrusion of the first male coupler is defined with a locking tab having top and bottom surfaces, wherein the top surface converges upwardly from its outer edges toward a pinnacle at a center of the top surface, such that the center of the top surface is closer to the first shaft than the outer edges of the top surface.

8. The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first male coupler comprises a coupling element fixedly attached to the first shaft, such that rotation of the first shaft causes corresponding rotation of the coupling element, wherein the coupling element includes a spring-loaded extension member movably disposed within the coupling element.

9. The coupling mechanism of claim 7, wherein the first male coupler is configured to rotatably switch between two or more operating positions in response to movement of a release lever of the first male coupler coupled to the first shaft, the two or more operating positions including at least a locked position in which the spring-loaded extension member is located outside of an extension member cavity of the female coupler and the first locking protrusions are located inside of the corresponding at least one groove, such that the first utility module is attached to the second utility module, and a lock-in position in which the spring-loaded extension member is located inside of the extension member cavity of the female coupler and the first locking protrusions are located outside of the corresponding at least one groove, such that the first utility module is detached from the second utility module.

10. The coupling mechanism of claim 7, wherein when the first utility module is coupled over the face of the second utility module, and a release lever of the of the first shaft is manipulated into an unlocked / lock in position, resulting in displacement of the first male coupler into the unlocked position entailing disengagement of locking tabs from the corresponding grooves, and simultaneously the coupling element engages into an arrested position engaged with a cavity of the second utility module, wherein it remains at this position until the first utility module is displaced from the second utility module, wherein the first male coupler spontanoiusly displaces into its normally locked position, and the coupling element displaces into a rest position.

11. The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one first locking protrusion is defined with a locking tab, wherein a bottom surface of the locking tab is tapered.

12. The coupling mechanism of claim 10, wherein the at least one groove is defined with a tapered profile that complements the tapered bottom surface of the locking tab.

13. The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove is formed with a passageway extending therethrough, the passageway defining a front opening with which each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler rotatably engages and a rear opening.

14. The coupling mechanism of claim 12, wherein, when either one of the first male coupler or the second male coupler rotatably engages with the front opening of the at least one groove, the one of the first male coupler or the second male coupler extends only partially into the passageway without reaching the rear opening.

15. The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein the second male coupler comprises two second locking protrusions supported by the second shaft, and the second shaft is pivotally attached to the bottom face at the other side, opposite to the one side, of one of the first utility module and the second utility module.

16. The coupling mechanism of claim 14, wherein each second locking protrusion of the second male coupler is defined with a locking tab having top and bottom surfaces, wherein the top surface converges upwardly from its outer edges toward a pinnacle at a center of the top surface, such that the center of the top surface is closer to the second shaft than the outer edges of the top surface.

17. The coupling mechanism of claim 15, wherein, when the second male coupler rotatably engages with the at least one groove, the center of the top surface of the locking tab is configured to contact an inner surface of the at least one groove and produce a snap effect.

18. The coupling mechanism of claim 1, wherein, when the first utility module is detachably coupled to the second utility module, the first and second utility modules are arranged in opposite orientations.

19. A utility assembly comprising: at least one first utility module; at least one second utility module; and a coupling mechanism for detachably coupling the at least one first utility module with the at least one second utility module, the coupling mechanism being configured between the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, wherein the coupling mechanism includes:a first male coupler pivotally connectable to one side of a face of one of the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, the first male coupler having at least one locking protrusion supported by a first shaft, a second male coupler pivotally connectable to another side, opposite to the one side, of the face of one of the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, the second male coupler having at least one second locking protrusion supported by a second shaft, and a female coupler defined at each of two opposing sides of a face of another one of the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module, the female coupler having a locking portion defined with at least one groove, wherein each of the first male coupler and the second male coupler is disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engages with the at least one groove of the respective female coupler at the two opposing sides for attaching the at least one first utility module and the at least one second utility module.

20. The utility assembly of claim 17, wherein a top face of the at least one first utility module interlocks with a bottom face of the at least one second utility module, such that the top face of the at least one first utility module either fully overlaps or only partially overlaps with the bottom face of the at least one second utility module.

21. The utility assembly of claim 17, wherein the at least one second utility module includes two or more second utility modules that are mounted over the at least one first utility module, each second utility module being independently detachable from the at least one first utility module.

22. An interface coupling module comprising: at least one engagement surface compatible for interlocking engagement in a detachable manner with a first engagement surface of a utility module, the first engagement surface of the utility module comprising: a first male coupler pivotally connectable to one side of a face of the utility module, the first male coupler having at least one first locking protrusion, and a second male coupler pivotally connectable to another side, opposite to the one side, of the face of the utility module, the second male coupler having atleast one second locking protrusion; and a female coupler having a locking portion defined with at least one groove extending on both sides of the at least one engagement surface, wherein the at least one first locking protrusion of the first male coupler and the at least one second locking protrusion of the second male coupler are disposed in register with the locking portion and rotatably engage with the at least one groove for detachably coupling the first engagement surface with the at least one engagement surface.

23. The interface coupling module of claim 20, wherein the interface coupling module is a cargo interface module for a utility vehicle configured for attaching one or more utility modules to the utility vehicle, a tool mount, or a tool rack.

Images