Modular Storage System Crate with Accessory

Abstract

Various embodiments of accessories and devices for use in conjunction with a modular storage system crate are provided. In a specific embodiment, a crate includes a front wall, an opposing rear wall, and side walls that extend between and connect front wall and rear wall that together define a cavity. One or more inserts are positioned within the cavity. The insert includes one or more channels configured to receive and support a retaining rod.

Claims

1. A modular storage system comprising: a crate comprising: a front wall; a rear wall opposing the front wall; side walls extending between and connecting the front wall and the rear wall, the front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls together defining a cavity; an insert positioned within the cavity along one of the side walls, the insert comprising: an exterior surface facing the one of the side walls; an interior surface facing the cavity; a plurality of walls positioned on the interior surface, the plurality of walls comprising one or more pairs of adjacent walls; and one or more channels defined between the one or more pairs of adjacent walls, each of the one or more channels comprising an end where one of the one or more pairs of adjacent walls meet.

2. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the one or more channels are recessed relative to the interior surface of the insert.

3. The modular storage system of claim 1, further comprising a retaining rod positioned within and supported by the one or more channels of the insert.

4. The modular storage system of claim 3, wherein the retaining rod is configured to rotatably support one or more reels.

5. The modular storage system of claim 4, further comprising a snap positioned at the end of each of the one or more channels to secure the retaining rod within each of the one or more channels.

6. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the end of each of the one or more channels is rounded.

7. The modular storage system claim 1, further comprising a second insert, wherein the second insert is positioned along the other of the side walls.

8. The modular storage system of claim 7, wherein the second insert comprises: an exterior surface facing one of the side walls; an interior surface facing the cavity; a plurality of walls positioned on the interior surface; and one or more channels defined between one or more pairs of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls, each of the one or more channels comprising an end where one of the one or more pairs of adjacent walls meet.

9. The modular storage system of claim 1, wherein the crate further comprises; a bottom surface; and one or more couplers extending outward from the bottom surface.

10. A modular storage system comprising: a crate comprising: a front wall; a rear wall opposing the front wall; side walls extending between and connecting the front wall and the rear wall, the front wall, the rear wall, and the side walls together defining a cavity; an insert positioned within the cavity along one of the side walls, the insert comprising: an interior surface; a plurality of walls positioned on the interior surface; and one or more channels defined between one or more pairs of adjacent walls of the plurality of walls; a retaining rod positioned within and supported by the one or more channels of the insert, the retaining rod configured to support a reel having wire.

11. The modular storage system of claim 10, wherein the crate comprises one or more bores extending through the front wall.

12. The modular storage system of claim 11, wherein, when the reel is rotated, the wire is unrolled from the reel and extended through the one or more bores of the crate.

13. The modular storage system of claim 10, wherein the insert has a longitudinal axis, and wherein the each of the one or more channels comprises: a first portion that extends along the longitudinal axis; and a second portion that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

14. The modular storage system of claim 13, wherein each of the one or more channels comprise an end where one of the one or more pairs of the adjacent walls meet.

15. The modular storage system of claim 14, wherein the end of each of the one or more channels is connected to the second portion of the one or more channels.

16. A wire pulling insert configured to be supported by a utility module, the wire pulling insert comprising: an exterior surface; an interior surface opposing the exterior surface; a plurality of walls positioned on the interior surface, the plurality of walls comprising adjacent walls; and one or more channels defined between adjacent walls of the plurality of walls, each of the one or more channels comprising: a channel surface recessed relative to the interior surface; an opening where the adjacent walls are spaced apart; and an end where the adjacent walls meet.

17. The wire pulling insert of claim 16, wherein the wire pulling insert further comprises a longitudinal axis, and wherein the each of the one or more channels comprises: a first portion that extends along the longitudinal axis; and a second portion that extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

18. The wire pulling insert of claim 17, wherein the first portion is connected to the opening and wherein the second portion is connected to the end.

19. The wire pulling insert of claim 16, wherein the end of each of the one or more channels comprises an end wall that is concave relative to the relative channel.

20. The wire pulling insert of claim 16, further comprising one or more locks positioned at the end of each of the one or more channels, the one or more locks configured to secure a retaining rod within the respective channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a crate, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the crate of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a male coupler, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a detailed side perspective view of the male coupler of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a rolling modular storage unit, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of a female coupler, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a crate with a wire pulling system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a wire pulling insert, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a top view of a crate with a wire pulling system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a crate, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a crate, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a crate system, according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a wire length counter, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of accessories and devices for use in conjunction with a modular storage system crate are provided. In various embodiments, a wire pulling insert configured to be supported by a modular storage system crate is shown. In various embodiments, one or more wire pulling insert(s) are coupled to an interior of a crate. As will be generally understood, such wire pulling insert(s) allow for the crate to quickly and easily be transformed from a general storage function to a specific wire storage and wire pulling arrangement.

[0023] In various embodiments, a locking bar for use with a modular storage system crate, specifically a compact crate, is shown. In various embodiments, a wire length counter configured to be supported by a modular storage system crate is provided.

[0024] In specific embodiments, accessories and/or devices configured for use with a crate that include coupling mechanism(s) (e.g., male and/or female coupling component(s)) configured to engage with units of a modular storage system, such as a modular or stackable tool storage system, a modular worksite storage system, a modular transit storage system, etc.

[0025] In specific embodiments, the crates that support the devices and/or accessories discussed herein include one or more female couplers and/or one or more male couplers located on a surface of the crate and that are configured to engage one or more corresponding mating couplers of an adjacent modular unit (e.g., a modular tool storage container, a modular utility module, a modular support component, etc.) In various embodiments, the male and female couplers described herein and shown in the figures are compatible with the coupling mechanism(s) described in International Patent International Patent Publication No. WO 2017/191628, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In various embodiments, the female couplers and male couplers described herein engage with each other to rigidly couple together various components including such coupling structures. In a specific embodiment, the crate that utilizes the devices and/or accessories discussed herein includes an open top end without a lid, and male couplers extending from the bottom surface of the crate.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-2, details of a modular storage device, shown as crate 10, are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Crate 10 includes a front wall 12 and an opposing rear wall 14. Crate 10 further includes a side walls 16 that extend between and connect front wall 12 and rear wall 14. Front wall 12, rear wall 14 and side walls 16 together define a storage compartment, shown as cavity 18. In various embodiments, an interior surface 26 of crate 10 defines storage cavity 18. In various embodiments, one or more handle openings 24 are defined in crate 10. In various specific embodiments, one or more handle opening(s) are defined in side walls 16.

[0027] Crate 10 includes a lower or bottom surface 20. Bottom surface 20 is an outward facing surface. In various specific embodiments, bottom surface 20 is a downward facing surface (e.g., in orientation shown in FIG. 2). One or more male couplers 28 extend from bottom surface 20 of crate 10. In various embodiments, crate 10 includes a latch 22 extending along and downward from front wall 12. In various specific embodiments, latch 22 extends beyond bottom surface 20 of crate 10. Latch 22 is configured to interface with a latch recess (see e.g., 68 in FIG. 5) on another storage module (e.g., various storage devices, boxes, crates, drawers, etc.) to secure crate 10 to other objects and/or utility modules (see e.g., utility module 60).

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3-6, various details of male couplers 28 and female couplers 70 that allow for engagement between crate 10 and various other utility modules or storage devices are shown. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, male coupler 28 includes a body 30 extending from the surface 20, a first tongue 32, and a second tongue 40. The first tongue 32 and the second tongue 40 both extend from the body 30 and both are offset from and above the surface 20. The first tongue 32 defines a first channel 34 between the bottom surface 20 and the first tongue 32, and the second tongue 40 defines a second channel 42 between the bottom surface 20 and the second tongue 40. The first channel 34 and second channel 42 each extend on opposing sides (e.g., first side 48 and opposing second side 50) of the body 30.

[0029] Each of first channel 34 and second channel 42 includes a front open end and a back closed end. For example, first channel 34 includes a front open end 36 and a back closed end 38, and second channel 42 includes a front open end 44 and a back closed end 46.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, a utility module, shown as rolling storage module 60 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Rolling storage module 60 includes a lid 61 with an upper surface 62. Lid 61 is coupled to a main body 66 of rolling storage module 60. One or more female couplers 64 extend from and/or are located in upper surface 62 of rolling storage module 60. The one or more female couplers 64 are configured to engage one or more male couplers (see e.g., male coupler 28 in FIGS. 2-4) that extend from a surface such as a lower and/or rear surface of another utility module. Rolling storage module 60 includes a latch recess 68 configured to interface with a latch (see e.g., 22 in FIG. 1) to secure rolling storage module 60 to other objects, crates 10 and/or utility modules.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, various aspects of a female coupler 70 are shown. Female coupler 70 includes a recessed surface 72 below a top or uppermost surface. Backwall 74, opposing front wall 76, first side wall 78, and opposing second side wall 80 extend upward from recessed surface 72. Female coupler 70 includes a pocket 82 collectively defined by recessed surface 72, backwall 74, front wall 76, first side wall 78, and second side wall 80.

[0032] First rib 84 extends from backwall 74 and first side wall 78 above pocket 82 and/or recessed surface 72. In particular, first rib 84 extends in direction 86 from first side wall 78 and first rib 84 extends in direction 88 from backwall 74. Second rib 90 extends from backwall 74 and second side wall 80 above pocket 82 and/or recessed surface 72. In particular, second rib 90 extends in direction 92 from second side wall 80 and second rib 90 extends in direction 88 from backwall 74. To couple female coupler 70 to a male coupler, such as male coupler 28, the male coupler 28 moves in direction 94 with respect to the female coupler 70.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 7, details of a modular storage system 100 that includes a modular storage device, shown as crate 110, are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Crate 110 is substantially the same as crate 10 except for the differences discussed herein. A front wall 112 of crate 110 includes a plate, shown as pass through plate 136 positioned within a recess 134 defined in front wall 112. A latch 122 positioned along front wall 112 includes an engagement end 128 configured to engage with a latch recess (see e.g., 68 in FIG. 5) on another storage module to secure crate 110 to other objects and/or utility modules (see e.g., utility module 60).

[0034] One or more inserts, shown as wire pulling inserts 130 are positioned within crate 110 within a cavity 118 and along an interior surface 126. In various embodiments, the one or more wire pulling inserts 130 are positioned along the interior surface 126 of side walls 116. In a specific embodiment, crate 110 includes two wire pulling inserts 130 such that wire pulling inserts 130 are positioned along the interior surfaces 126 of both side walls 116. In various specific embodiments, wire pulling inserts 130 are coupled to crate 110 and specifically to side walls 116. In various embodiments, the wire pulling inserts 130 are removably coupled to crate 110. In various embodiments, the wire pulling inserts 130 may be permanently coupled to crate 110. In various embodiments a spanning bar 132 extends along at least a portion of front wall 112.

[0035] As will be discussed in greater detail below, wire pulling insert 130 includes one or more channels 144. The one or more channels 144 are configured to receive and support rods, such as a retaining rod 138. The retaining rod 138 is configured to support reels and/or storage structures.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, details of wire pulling insert 130 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Wire pulling insert 130 includes a surface 140, shown as an interior or inward facing surface (in the orientation shown in FIG. 7). An exterior surface that opposes interior surface 140, faces a side wall 116 (see e.g., FIG. 9) when wire pulling insert 130 is positioned within crate 110. A plurality of walls 142 are positioned on surface 140. The plurality of walls 142 define the one or more channels 144. Each channel 144 includes a portion where the pair of adjacent walls 142 that together define a channel end 146. In various specific embodiments, the end 146 of channel 144 is curved or rounded. In other words, in such an embodiment end 146 includes a curved end wall that is concave relative to channel 144. A width of channel 144 is defined between the adjacent walls 142 and/or one of the pairs of adjacent walls 142. In various embodiments, channel(s) 144 are recessed relative to interior surface 140.

[0037] The channel 144 and more specifically the end 146 receives and supports an end of retaining rod 138 when a wire pulling system is assembled within crate 110. In various specific embodiments, each channel 144 includes one or more locking features, shown as snap features 150. Snap features 150 are configured to secure retaining rod 138 within channel 144 and specifically within end 146. In other words, once a retaining rod 138 is positioned within end 146, one or more snap features 150 will resist movement of retaining rod 138 out of end 146 to secure retaining rod 138 within channel 144. In various specific embodiments, wire pulling insert 130 includes one or more indicators 152 associated within the one or more channels 144.

[0038] Wire pulling insert 130 includes a major or longitudinal axis 147. As shown in FIG. 7, when wire pulling insert 130 is positioned within crate 110, longitudinal axis 147 extends along a height of side wall 116. In other words, longitudinal axis 147 or wire pulling insert 130 is generally perpendicular to bottom surface 120 of crate 110. In various specific embodiments, each of the one or more channels 144 includes a first portion 154 that extends at least partially along longitudinal axis 147 and a second portion 156 that extends at an angle relative to longitudinal axis 147. In other words, in such embodiments, while some of channel 144 is vertical (e.g., perpendicular to bottom surface 120) at least a portion 156 is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 147 (i.e., not perpendicular to bottom surface 120).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 9, a top view of modular storage system 100 with a wire pulling system 158 assembled is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, wire pulling system 158 includes crates 110 and two wire pulling inserts 130 positioned within cavity 118. One or more storage devices, shown as reels 160 are rotatably coupled to retaining rods 138 that are positioned within the channel 144. The one or more reels 160 each include wire 162. The wire 162 can be unrolled and extending through recess 134 in front wall 112 and plate 136. Wire can be pulled through one or more bores 137 defined in plate 136. Each bore 137 is spaced apart from adjacent bores 137.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 10-12, details of various modular storage system crates, shown as compact crates, are shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Referring to FIG. 10, a compact crate 210 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Compact crate 210 includes a front wall 212 and a pair of side walls 214 that together along with a rear wall define a cavity 216. A latch 226 extends along and downward from front wall 212. In various specific embodiments, latch 226 extends beyond a bottom surface 228 of crate 210. Latch 22 is configured to interface with a latch recess to secure crate 210 to other utility modules. In various specific embodiments, crate 210 includes one or more male couplers (see e.g., 28) extending from bottom surface 228.

[0041] Crate 210 includes an interior surface 220. A channel 222 is defined in interior surface 220 proximate to the front wall 212. A locking bar 218 is storable within channel 222. When locking bar 218 is in the stored position, locking bar 218 is generally vertical. In other words, locking bar 218 extends along a height of crate 210 when in the stored position. Locking bar 218 is movable along interior surface 220 and out of channel 222. Locking bar 218 can then be rotated into a generally perpendicular position (e.g., 90 degrees plus or minus 15 degrees relative to channel 222. In various embodiments, side walls 214 include one or more recessed portions 230.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 11, details of a crate 310 are shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Crate 310 is substantially the same as crate 210 except for the differences discussed herein. Front wall 312 of crate 310 includes an upper surface 332. Upper surface 332 includes a detent 334 configured to engage locking bar 318. In various embodiments, locking bar 318 has a U-shape. In various specific embodiments, locking bar 318 includes a pair of arms 319 extending from opposing sides of a bar 321.

[0043] Locking bar 318 is movable from a first position in which opposing arms 319 are positioned within opposing channels 322, 324 defined in interior surface 320 of crate 310. At least one of channel 322, 324 include a detent 330. In the first position, the bar 321 extends in a generally horizontal orientation relative to crate 310. Locking bar 321 can be moved to a second position in which the bar portion 321 extends along upper surface 332.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 12, details of crate 410 are shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Crate 410 is substantially the same as crate 210 except for the differences discussed herein. Crate 410 can be utilized with and/or stacked with other modular storage devices such as crate 210. A bar 426 extends along front wall 412. Bar 426 allows for integration with a modular storage system.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 13, details of a wire length counter 510 are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Wire length counter 510 can be utilized with modular storage devices such as crates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410. Wire length counter 510 includes a housing 512 with an internal cavity 514. A pair of opposing side walls 516 at least partially define cavity 514. One or more through holes 518 extend through side wall 516 and connect to cavity 514. One or more wires 510 can be extended into cavity 514 from a through hole 518. Specifically, wire 510 is engaged with one or more wheels, shown as flywheels 522. In various specific embodiments, wire 510 is positioned between a pair of flywheels 522.

[0046] Wire length counter 510 includes one or more counters, shown as analog counter 524 on side wall 516. In various specific embodiment, each though hole 518 includes a corresponding counter 524. In various embodiments, at least one side wall 516 includes a coupling mechanism, shown as snap fit 526. The snap fit 526 allows wire length counter 510 to be removably coupled to and/or supported by modular storage devices such as crates 10, 110, 210, 310, 410.

[0047] It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for description purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0048] Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article a is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, rigidly coupled refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

[0050] Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0051] For purposes of this disclosure, the term coupled means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0052] While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

[0053] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.