Modular Storage System Crate with Accessory

The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/667,224, filed on Jul. 3, 2024, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/651,529, filed on May 24, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

The present disclosure is directed generally to modular storage systems. The present disclosure relates specifically to accessories and devices for use in conjunction with a modular storage system crate.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a modular storage system. The modular storage system includes a crate and an insert. The crate includes a front wall, a rear wall opposing the front wall, and side walls extending between and connecting the front wall and the rear wall. The front wall, rear wall, and the side walls together define a cavity. The insert is positioned within the cavity along one of the side walls. The insert includes an exterior surface facing the one of the side walls and an interior surface facing the cavity. The insert further includes 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 includes an end where one of the one or more pairs of adjacent walls meet.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a modular storage system. The modular storage system includes a crate and an insert. The crate includes a front wall, a rear wall opposing the front wall, and side walls extending between and connecting the front wall and the rear wall. The front wall, rear wall, and the side walls together define a cavity. The insert is positioned within the cavity along one of the side walls. The insert includes 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. The modular storage system includes a retaining rod positioned within and supported by the one or more channels of the insert. The retaining rod is configured to support a reel having wire.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a wire pulling insert configured to be supported by a utility module. The wire pulling insert includes an exterior surface, an interior surface opposing the exterior surface, a plurality of walls positioned on the interior surface, and one or more channels defined between adjacent walls of the plurality of walls. Each of the one or more channels including 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.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description included, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Referring to, details of a modular storage device, shown as crate, are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Crateincludes a front walland an opposing rear wall. Cratefurther includes a side wallsthat extend between and connect front walland rear wall. Front wall, rear walland side wallstogether define a storage compartment, shown as cavity. In various embodiments, an interior surfaceof cratedefines storage cavity. In various embodiments, one or more handle openingsare defined in crate. In various specific embodiments, one or more handle opening(s) are defined in side walls.

Crateincludes a lower or bottom surface. Bottom surfaceis an outward facing surface. In various specific embodiments, bottom surfaceis a downward facing surface (e.g., in orientation shown in). One or more male couplersextend from bottom surfaceof crate. In various embodiments, crateincludes a latchextending along and downward from front wall. In various specific embodiments, latchextends beyond bottom surfaceof crate. Latchis configured to interface with a latch recess (see e.g.,in) on another storage module (e.g., various storage devices, boxes, crates, drawers, etc.) to secure crateto other objects and/or utility modules (see e.g., utility module).

Referring to, various details of male couplersand female couplersthat allow for engagement between crateand various other utility modules or storage devices are shown. As shown in, male couplerincludes a bodyextending from the surface, a first tongue, and a second tongue. The first tongueand the second tongueboth extend from the bodyand both are offset from and above the surface. The first tonguedefines a first channelbetween the bottom surfaceand the first tongue, and the second tonguedefines a second channelbetween the bottom surfaceand the second tongue. The first channeland second channeleach extend on opposing sides (e.g., first sideand opposing second side) of the body.

Each of first channeland second channelincludes a front open end and a back closed end. For example, first channelincludes a front open endand a back closed end, and second channelincludes a front open endand a back closed end.

Referring to, a utility module, shown as rolling storage moduleis shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Rolling storage moduleincludes a lidwith an upper surface. Lidis coupled to a main bodyof rolling storage module. One or more female couplersextend from and/or are located in upper surfaceof rolling storage module. The one or more female couplersare configured to engage one or more male couplers (see e.g., male couplerin) that extend from a surface such as a lower and/or rear surface of another utility module. Rolling storage moduleincludes a latch recessconfigured to interface with a latch (see e.g.,in) to secure rolling storage moduleto other objects, cratesand/or utility modules.

Referring to, various aspects of a female couplerare shown. Female couplerincludes a recessed surfacebelow a top or uppermost surface. Backwall, opposing front wall, first side wall, and opposing second side wallextend upward from recessed surface. Female couplerincludes a pocketcollectively defined by recessed surface, backwall, front wall, first side wall, and second side wall.

First ribextends from backwalland first side wallabove pocketand/or recessed surface. In particular, first ribextends in directionfrom first side walland first ribextends in directionfrom backwall. Second ribextends from backwalland second side wallabove pocketand/or recessed surface. In particular, second ribextends in directionfrom second side walland second ribextends in directionfrom backwall. To couple female couplerto a male coupler, such as male coupler, the male couplermoves in directionwith respect to the female coupler.

Referring to, details of a modular storage systemthat includes a modular storage device, shown as crate, are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Crateis substantially the same as crateexcept for the differences discussed herein. A front wallof crateincludes a plate, shown as pass through platepositioned within a recessdefined in front wall. A latchpositioned along front wallincludes an engagement endconfigured to engage with a latch recess (see e.g.,in) on another storage module to secure crateto other objects and/or utility modules (see e.g., utility module).

One or more inserts, shown as wire pulling insertsare positioned within cratewithin a cavityand along an interior surface. In various embodiments, the one or more wire pulling insertsare positioned along the interior surfaceof side walls. In a specific embodiment, crateincludes two wire pulling insertssuch that wire pulling insertsare positioned along the interior surfacesof both side walls. In various specific embodiments, wire pulling insertsare coupled to crateand specifically to side walls. In various embodiments, the wire pulling insertsare removably coupled to crate. In various embodiments, the wire pulling insertsmay be permanently coupled to crate. In various embodiments a spanning barextends along at least a portion of front wall.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, wire pulling insertincludes one or more channels. The one or more channelsare configured to receive and support rods, such as a retaining rod. The retaining rodis configured to support reels and/or storage structures.

Referring to, details of wire pulling insertare shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Wire pulling insertincludes a surface, shown as an interior or inward facing surface (in the orientation shown in). An exterior surface that opposes interior surface, faces a side wall(see e.g.,) when wire pulling insertis positioned within crate. A plurality of wallsare positioned on surface. The plurality of wallsdefine the one or more channels. Each channelincludes a portion where the pair of adjacent wallsthat together define a channel end. In various specific embodiments, the endof channelis curved or rounded. In other words, in such an embodiment endincludes a curved end wall that is concave relative to channel. A width of channelis defined between the adjacent wallsand/or one of the pairs of adjacent walls. In various embodiments, channel(s)are recessed relative to interior surface.

The channeland more specifically the endreceives and supports an end of retaining rodwhen a wire pulling system is assembled within crate. In various specific embodiments, each channelincludes one or more locking features, shown as snap features. Snap featuresare configured to secure retaining rodwithin channeland specifically within end. In other words, once a retaining rodis positioned within end, one or more snap featureswill resist movement of retaining rodout of endto secure retaining rodwithin channel. In various specific embodiments, wire pulling insertincludes one or more indicatorsassociated within the one or more channels.

Wire pulling insertincludes a major or longitudinal axis. As shown in, when wire pulling insertis positioned within crate, longitudinal axisextends along a height of side wall. In other words, longitudinal axisor wire pulling insertis generally perpendicular to bottom surfaceof crate. In various specific embodiments, each of the one or more channelsincludes a first portionthat extends at least partially along longitudinal axisand a second portionthat extends at an angle relative to longitudinal axis. In other words, in such embodiments, while some of channelis vertical (e.g., perpendicular to bottom surface) at least a portionis angled relative to the longitudinal axis(i.e., not perpendicular to bottom surface).

Referring to, a top view of modular storage systemwith a wire pulling systemassembled is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, wire pulling systemincludes cratesand two wire pulling insertspositioned within cavity. One or more storage devices, shown as reelsare rotatably coupled to retaining rodsthat are positioned within the channel. The one or more reelseach include wire. The wirecan be unrolled and extending through recessin front walland plate. Wire can be pulled through one or more boresdefined in plate. Each boreis spaced apart from adjacent bores.

Referring to, details of various modular storage system crates, shown as compact crates, are shown according to various exemplary embodiments. Referring to, a compact crateis shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Compact crateincludes a front walland a pair of side wallsthat together along with a rear wall define a cavity. A latchextends along and downward from front wall. In various specific embodiments, latchextends beyond a bottom surfaceof crate. Latchis configured to interface with a latch recess to secure crateto other utility modules. In various specific embodiments, crateincludes one or more male couplers (see e.g.,) extending from bottom surface.

Crateincludes an interior surface. A channelis defined in interior surfaceproximate to the front wall. A locking baris storable within channel. When locking baris in the stored position, locking baris generally vertical. In other words, locking barextends along a height of cratewhen in the stored position. Locking baris movable along interior surfaceand out of channel. Locking barcan then be rotated into a generally perpendicular position (e.g., 90 degrees plus or minus 15 degrees relative to channel. In various embodiments, side wallsinclude one or more recessed portions.

Referring to, details of a crateare shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Crateis substantially the same as crateexcept for the differences discussed herein. Front wallof crateincludes an upper surface. Upper surfaceincludes a detentconfigured to engage locking bar. In various embodiments, locking barhas a U-shape. In various specific embodiments, locking barincludes a pair of armsextending from opposing sides of a bar.

Locking baris movable from a first position in which opposing armsare positioned within opposing channels,defined in interior surfaceof crate. At least one of channel,include a detent. In the first position, the barextends in a generally horizontal orientation relative to crate. Locking barcan be moved to a second position in which the bar portionextends along upper surface.

Referring to, details of crateare shown according to another exemplary embodiment. Crateis substantially the same as crateexcept for the differences discussed herein. Cratecan be utilized with and/or stacked with other modular storage devices such as crate. A barextends along front wall. Barallows for integration with a modular storage system.

Referring to, details of a wire length counterare shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Wire length countercan be utilized with modular storage devices such as crates,,,,. Wire length counterincludes a housingwith an internal cavity. A pair of opposing side wallsat least partially define cavity. One or more through holesextend through side walland connect to cavity. One or more wirescan be extended into cavityfrom a through hole. Specifically, wireis engaged with one or more wheels, shown as flywheels. In various specific embodiments, wireis positioned between a pair of flywheels.

Wire length counterincludes one or more counters, shown as analog counteron side wall. In various specific embodiment, each though holeincludes a corresponding counter. In various embodiments, at least one side wallincludes a coupling mechanism, shown as snap fit. The snap fitallows wire length counterto be removably coupled to and/or supported by modular storage devices such as crates,,,,.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.