Patent Publication Number: US-2023150725-A1

Title: Container system and coupling mechanism therefore

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure is directed to a container system and more specifically the disclosure is directed to a coupling mechanism for a container system. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:
         WO2016142935   WO2019239404       

     Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     WO2016142935 is directed to a container assembly comprising a container for storage and transport of goods comprising at least one side wall and a bottom wall defining together an interior space and a cover for closing the opening, having a top surface, wherein the cover comprises at least one latch member movable between at least a first position and a second position and wherein the container comprises a retaining member on the at least one side wall and positioned parallel to the latch member such that the latch member is configured for engaging with a retaining member of another container to connect the container to the at least one other container. 
     WO2019239404 discloses a coupling mechanism for detachably attaching two or more utility modules to one another, utility assembles, mobile carriers and other attachable modules and articles. 
     GENERAL DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure provides a container assembly and a coupling mechanism for detachably articulating a first container over a second container. 
     The term container as used herein denotes any type of utility item, such as a storage article comprising a storage compartment e.g. a tool box, a tool caddy, sewing box, cooler box, etc.; or utility items and tools such as a power bank, a hand tool, etc.; or a mounting device, such as a mounting platform, mounting rack, a dolly, etc. 
     According to a first aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a container assembly comprising at least a first container and at least a second container, said first container comprising a mounting surface configured with at least one locking port, and at least one locking latch pivotally articulated to the first container; the second container comprises at least one laterally extending locking tab configured at a bottom surface near a rear portion thereof, and a locking latch engaging lug laterally projecting from a front side of the second container; wherein the least one locking port is configured with a locking tab arresting space extending between a bottom surface of an arresting bridge and a facing surface of the mounting surface, said locking tab arresting space having a tab inlet opening facing a side of the container; and the locking latch is pivotable between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking latch engaging lug, and an unlocked position at which it is disengaged from a locking latch engaging lug; and wherein the thickness of the locking tab is slightly less than the distance between the bottom surface and the facing surface of the locking port, and wherein the locking tab is spaced from the bottom surface of the container at least the thickness of the arresting bridge. 
     A designated container can be configured to be a first container and a second container, such that the designated container can be articulated over another first container and respectively another second container can be articulated over the designated container. 
     According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is container comprising at least a mounting surface configured with at least one locking port, and at least one pivotally articulated locking latch; wherein the least one locking port is configured with a locking tab arresting space extending between a bottom surface of an arresting bridge and a facing surface of the mounting surface, said locking tab arresting space having a tab inlet opening facing the locking latch; said locking latch is pivotable between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking latch engaging lug of another container, and an unlocked position at which it is disengaged from a locking latch engaging lug. 
     According to a third aspect of the disclosure there is container comprising at least one laterally extending locking tab configured at a bottom surface near a rear portion thereof, and a locking latch engaging lug laterally projecting from a front side; and wherein the locking tab is engageable with a locking port of another container, and the locking latch engaging lug is configurable for locking arresting a locking latch of the other container. 
     According to a particular configuration of the disclosure there is a mounting platform comprising a mounting surface configured with at least one locking port, and at least one pivotally articulated locking latch; wherein the least one locking port is configured with a locking tab arresting space extending between a bottom surface of an arresting bridge and a facing surface of the mounting surface, said locking tab arresting space having a tab inlet opening facing the locking latch; said locking latch is pivotable between a locked position at which it is engageable with a locking latch engaging lug of another container, and an unlocked position at which it is disengaged from a locking latch engaging lug. 
     An imaginary path of insertion of the first container extends between a side of the container and a middle portion thereof, in direction from the locking latch engaging lug towards the locking port; an imaginary path of insertion of the second container extends between a front side of the container and a rear side thereof, in direction from the locking latch towards the locking tab. 
     Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be applied to any of the aspects of the present disclosure, separately or in various combinations:
         The at least one locking latch can be pivotally articulated to the mounting surface or to a side wall of the first container;   The at least one locking latch can be articulated to a side wall portion of the mounting surface, or over the mounting surface;   The at least one locking latch can be pivotally articulated to a side wall portion of a container body;   The at least one locking port can be configured over a top surface of a lid of the container, and the at least one locking latch can be pivotally articulated to a side wall portion of the lid;   Two or more locking ports facing in the same orientation over the mounting surface are disposed in alignment;   A mounting surface of a container can be configured with two sets of at least one locking port, wherein the locking ports of each set are oriented at opposite sides, and wherein each of the two sets extends opposite a respective pivotable locking latch;   The two sets of at least one locking port can be disposed symmetrically over the mounting surface of the container, whereby each set is articulable with a unitary sized second container mounted thereover;   The two sets of at least one locking port can be disposed asymmetrically over the mounting surface of the container, such that one set of at least one locking port extends closer to a respective side end than the other set of at least one locking port, whereby each set is articulable with a different sized second container mounted thereover;   The locking latch can be pivotally articulated to a side wall portion of the first container; wherein at both the locked position and the unlocked position it is disposed substantially parallel to said side wall.   The locking latch can be a handle of the container;   The locking latch can be used for lifting an articulated container assembly;   The locking latch can be gripped from below, by fingers of an individual, at least at the locked position;   The locking latch is spaced from a side wall of the container, at least at the locked position, for gripping the locking latch;   The width of the locking tab is slightly less than the inside minimal width of the arresting bridge;   The bottom surface and the facing surface of the locking port can be substantially parallel to one another;   The locking latch engaging lug can be configured with a locking latch arresting mechanism, for preventing spontaneous displacement of the locking latch from the locked position into the unlocked position;   The locking latch arresting mechanism can be an upward projection at a free end portion of the locking latch engaging lug;   A locking latch catch mechanism can be configured for arresting the locking latch at the unlocked position;   The locking port can extend from a depression configured at the mounting surface;   A top surface of the arresting bridge is substantially coplanar with a top surface of the mounting surface;   The locking port can be configured with side walls, at least partially confining the locking tab arresting space;   The arresting bridge can be a cantilever portion extending from a back wall of the locking port towards a tab inlet opening, facing the locking latch;   The locking port can have a U-like section shape;   The mounting surface of the first container can further be configured with one or more foot rests for receiving respective support feet extending from a bottom face of a second container mountable over the first container;   When the second container is articulated over the first container, a bottom surface of the support feet and the bottom surface of the locking tabs rest over the mounting surface of the first container;   The at least one locking tab is spaced from a base surface of the container and laterally extends and facing outwards towards a nearby side wall of the container;   The second container can be configured with one or more support feet projecting from the bottom surface;   A bottom surface of the locking tab is substantially coplanar with a bottom surface of the support feet, giving rise to an imaginary surface, over which the container is supported;   the facing surface of the locking ports is substantially coplanar with a bottom surface of the foot rests, to ensure parallel articulation of a second container over a first container;   The locking latch engaging lug laterally projects from a front side wall of the second container;   The footprint of the second container can be half the footprint of the first container;   Where two second containers are articulated over a first container at a back-to-back orientation, there resides a small gap between said two second containers;   At an assembled position of the container assembly, the second container is articulated over the first container at an orientation rotated by 90°;   At its locked position the one or more locking latch extends above the locking latch engaging lug;   The locking latch engaging lug can extend above a base surface of the container;   The at least two locking latch engaging lugs can be spaced apart, giving rise to a gripping space, facilitating a user to obtain good grip of the handle/locking latch;   The number, size and shape of locking tabs as well as of support feet extending from a bottom face of a container, and likewise the number of locking ports, locking latch engaging lugs and locking latches, can vary.   The one or more locking tab are in register with respective one or more locking port;   The locking latch engaging lugs are in register with the locking latch;   The locking latch can be pivotally articulated to the mounting surface; wherein at the locked position it is disposed upright over the mounting surface, and at the unlocked position it is disposed over the mounting surface;   The distance between the tab inlet opening of the locking tab arresting space and the pivoting axis of the locking latch, is substantially similar to the distance between a free end of the locking tab and an arresting portion of the locking latch engaging lug.       

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a modular container assembly according to an example of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  1 B  is perspective view of a second sub-assembly of the assembly of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2 A  is perspective view of a first sub-assembly of the assembly of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  2 B  is an exploded front view of the containers of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 C  is an exploded rear view of the containers of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 D  is a section along line  2 D- 2 D in  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 E  is an enlargement of the portion marked  2 E in  FIG.  2 D ; 
         FIG.  2 F  is an enlargement of the portion marked  2 F in  FIG.  2 E ; 
         FIG.  3    is an enlargement of the portion marked  3 , sectioned along line  3 - 3  in  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  4    is an enlargement of the portion marked  4  in  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a section along line  5 A- 5 A in  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  5 B  is an enlargement of the portion marked  5 B in  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a section along line  6 A- 6 A in  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  6 B  is an enlargement of the portion marked  6 B in  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a section along line  7 A- 7 A in  FIG.  1 B ; 
         FIG.  7 B  is an enlargement of the portion marked  7 B in  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  7 C  is a section along line  7 C- 7 C in  FIG.  1 B ; 
         FIG.  7 D  is an enlargement of the portion marked  7 D in  FIG.  7 C ; 
         FIG.  7 E  is an enlargement of the portion marked  7 E in  FIG.  7 C ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is perspective view of a second sub-assembly of the assembly of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a section along line  8 B- 8 B in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 C  is a section along line  8 C- 8 C in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 D  is a section along line  8 D- 8 D in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 E  is a section along line  8 E- 8 E in  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of a wheeled container according to another example of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 B  illustrates the container of  FIG.  9 A  with a second container articulated thereover, according to an example of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  9 C  is an enlargement of the portion marked  9 C in  FIG.  9 B ; 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a dolly, according to an example of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a top perspective view of a modular container assembly according to another example of the disclosure; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a first level exploded view of  FIG.  11 A , however with a second container illustrated at a bottom perspective view; 
         FIG.  12 A  is an enlargement of the portion marked  12 A in  FIG.  11 B ; 
         FIG.  12 B  is an enlargement of the portion marked  12 A in  FIG.  12 A ; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a portion of a section taken along line  13 A- 13 A in  FIG.  11 A ; and 
         FIG.  13 B  is a portion of a section taken along line  13 B- 13 B in  FIG.  11 A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Attention is first directed to  FIG.  1 A , illustrating a modular container assembly according to an example of the present disclosure, generally designated  20 . In this example the assembly comprises a first, base container  22 , a pair of half foot-print, second containers  24 A and  24 B articulated over the first container at a back-to-back orientation, a second large container  26  mounted over the half foot-print containers  24 A and  24 B, yet a half foot-print container  28  articulated over the second large container  26 , and a still another half foot-print container  30  articulated over the half foot-print container  28 . 
     In the example of  FIG.  1 A  each of the containers is a utility container for storage and handling of articles, each comprising a body with a lid articulated thereto. However, it is appreciated, and as will be exemplified below, that the term container as includes other configurations as well, and can be any type of utility item such as a storage article comprising a storage compartment, e.g. a tool box, a tool caddy, sewing box, cooler box, etc.; or utility items and tools such as a power bank, a hand tool, etc.; or a mounting device, such as a mounting platform, mounting rack, a dolly, etc. 
     Further, it is appreciated that the term first container and second container are respective definitions, used to distinguish any container (‘first container’) having articulated thereover another container (‘second container’). Accordingly, in a tower assembly of the type illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , base container  22  is a first container with respect to second half foot-print  24 A and  24 B. Likewise, second large container  26  constitutes a first container with respect to half foot-print container  28 , being a second container, whilst half foot-print container  28  constitutes a first containers with respect to half foot-print container  30 , being a second container. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a sub-assembly illustrating the assembly  36  comprising the large container  26  and the half foot-print container  28 . As can be seen, with further reference to  FIGS.  2 B and  2 C , each of the containers  26  and  28  comprises a base portion, namely a compartment portion  40 A and  40 B, respectively, and a lid  42 A and  42 B, pivotally articulated to the respective compartment portion  40 A and  40 B. 
     The lids  42 A and  42 B of the containers  26  and  28  are each configured with a mounting surface  44 A and  44 B respectively. Mounting surface  44 A is configured with two locking ports  48  facing in one direction and two locking ports  49  facing in an opposite direction, however symmetrically positioned at a central portion of the lid  42 A. Mounting surface  44 B is configured with a pair of locking ports  52 , disposed at a rear portion of the container  28  (namely, on the lid  42 B). It is noted that the locking ports  48  each extend from a depression  53  configured at the mounting surface  44 . 
     Lid  42 A of container  26  is configured at each of its respective walls  50  with a pivotally articulated locking latch  64  displaceable between an upright, locked position (as in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ), and an unlocked position (left side in  FIG.  2 C ), where the locking latch  64  is disposed against the side wall of the lid  42 A. Locking latch  64  facilitates also as a carrying handle, as will be discussed hereinafter. 
     A bottom base of the compartment portion  40 B of the second container  28  is configured, near a rear portion thereof, with two locking tabs  58  ( FIG.  2 C ), spaced from the base surface  59  and laterally extending, facing outwardly towards a near side wall. 
     Extending from the compartment portion  40 B, of the second container  28 , there are a pair of locking latch engaging lugs  62 , laterally projecting from a side of the second container and above the base surface  59 . It is noted that container  26  is also configured with locking latch engaging lugs  62 , for articulation over another container by a pivotal locking latch  64 , however not using a locking port  52  and locking tab  58  mechanism, as per the present disclosure. Such a configuration is useful, in the example of  FIG.  1 A , for articulating the large container  26  over the half foot-print containers  24 A and  24 B by the locking latch  64 , or otherwise for articulating two such containers  26  and  22  over one another (not shown). It is appreciated that the space between the two locking latch engaging lugs  62  gives rise to a gripping space, facilitating a user to obtain good grip of the handle/locking latch. 
     Also extending from base surface  59  of the second container  28 , there is a pair of support feet  66 , having a bottom surface  61  which together with a bottom surface  67  of the locking tabs  58  give rise to an imaginary planar surface over which the container  28  can be levelled supported over a surface. 
     It is further appreciated that the number, size and shape of locking tabs as well as of support feet extending from a bottom face of a container, and likewise the number of locking ports, locking latch engaging lugs and locking latches, can vary. However, it is of importance that one or more locking tab be in register with respective one or more locking port, and also that the locking latch engaging lugs be in register with the locking latch. 
     Further attention is now made to the above disclosed elements, in greater detail. Referring first to the locking ports  48  of the first container (best seen in  FIG.  2 F ), these are configured with a locking tab arresting space  70  extending between a bottom surface  72  of an arresting bridge  74  and a facing surface  78  of the mounting surface  44 . The locking tab arresting space  70  extends between side walls  75  and has a tab inlet opening  81  facing a side  82  of the container. The above description applies also to locking ports of the second container. 
     An imaginary path of insertion POI 1 , of the first container, extends between a side  82  and a middle portion thereof (namely towards the locking ports  48 ), in direction from the locking latch engaging lug towards the locking port. 
     The thickness t of the locking tab, measured from a bottom most surface to a top surface is slightly less than the distance d between the bottom surface  72  and the facing surface  78  of the locking port, and the distance S of the locking tab from the bottom surface of the container is at least the thickness T of the arresting bridge  74 . Also, as best seen in  FIG.  6 B , the width W of a locking tab is slightly less than the inside minimal width w of the arresting bridge  74 . 
     An imaginary path of insertion POI 2 , of the second container, extends between a front side of the container and a rear side thereof, in direction from the locking latch  64  towards the locking tab  58 , wherein at articulation of a second container over a first container, the POI 1  and POI 2  are parallel. 
     A mounting surface  44 A of the first container  26  is configured with foot rests  80  disposed in register with support feet  66  extending from base surface  59  of the second container  28 , wherein when the second container is articulated over the first container said support feet are received in and supported by the foot rests  80 . 
     Best seen in  FIG.  4   , the at least one locking latch  64  is pivotally articulated about axis X to the side wall  50  of the first container, and comprises a central thickened grip portion G, with bare side portions arrestable by locking latch engaging lugs  62  of the second container. A locking latch arresting mechanism, in the form of an upward projection  86  near a free end of the locking latch engaging lugs  62 , is provided for retaining the locking latch  64  engaged over the latch engaging lugs  62  and preventing spontaneous displacement of the locking latch  64  from the locked position into the unlocked position. Also at its unlocked position the locking latch  64  is arrested by downwards facing hooked portions  88 , configured for retaining the locking latch  64  at its unlocked position. 
     It is seen that the locking latch  64  is spaced from the side wall  50 B of the second container  28 , and further, the two locking latch engaging lugs  62  are spaced apart, thus facilitating gripping of the locking latch buy users fingers (not shown), as said locking latches  64  facilitate both as a locking latch for articulating and locking the two containers over one another, and as a handle used for lifting an articulated container assembly. Also, the locking latch  64  is substantially parallel to the side wall of the container at both the locked position and the unlocked position. 
     Articulating any second container over any first container takes place in three easy steps:
         a. Introducing the locking tabs  58  of the second (top) container into the respective locking tab arresting space  70  of the locking ports  48  of the first (bottom) container;   b. positioning the support feet  66  of the second container into rest within the foot rests  80  of the first container; and   c. pivoting the locking latch  64  of the first container from its unlocked position into its locked position and arresting it at the locked position over the locking latch engaging lugs  62  of the second container.       

     Disengaging the articulated containers takes place in a reverse sequence of operations. 
     If yet a container (a ‘next container’) is now to be articulated over the top (second) container, then the same sequence of operations takes place, wherein the next container is now the so-called second container and the second container serve as a first container. 
     Noting the tolerance between the locking tabs  58  and the respective locking tab arresting space  70  of the locking ports  48 , and that between the support feet  66  and the foot rests  80 , the second container is placed almost planar over the second container, with only little tilt required, if any. 
     Taking a look at the assembly  20  of  FIG.  1 A , it is apparent that the two half foot-print containers  24 A and  24 B (disposed in a back-to-back orientation as in  FIGS.  8 A to  8 E ) are individually and independently articulated over the base container  22  in the manner described herein above and wherein like reference numbers have been designated, for sake of clarity. 
     The arrangement is such that the lid  42 A and  42 B of each container  24 A and  24 B respectively, can be independently opened (if they are top level containers). For that purpose, the mounting surface  44 A of container  22  is configured with two locking ports  48  facing in one direction and two locking ports  49  facing in an opposite direction. 
     The two containers  24 A and  24 B are equally leveled and are each configured with a locking latch  64  (disposed at their respective front side wall) thus facilitating articulating there above a large container  26  (full foot-print, similar to that of container  22 ), however wherein articulating thereof takes place only with the two locking latches  64 , one of each of containers  24 A and  24 B (i.e. without participation of locking ports  48  and locking tabs  58  in the articulation process). 
     However, if required, a next half foot-print container can be mounted over one or each of the two containers  24 A and  24 B. Such articulation (half foot-print container over half foot-print container) is exemplified by sub-assembly  37  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A,  1 B and  7 A to  7 E , wherein like elements are given like reference numbers, though shifted by 100. In this example the first (bottom) container is designated  102  and the second (top) container is designated  104 . 
     The second (top) container  104  is identical to container  28  disclosed herein before. In fact, the first (bottom) container  102  is identical to second container  104 . However, theses containers  102  and  104  differ from the first container  26  discussed above, in that the locking latches  164  are pivotally articulated a side wall portion  151  of the compartment portion  140 A and  140 B of each container  102  and  104 , respectively (rather than to the lid portion). 
     Articulating and locking second container  104  over first container  102  takes place similar to the disclosure above, namely following the following steps:
         a. Introducing the locking tabs  158  of the second (top) container into the respective locking tab arresting space  170  of the locking ports  148  of the first (bottom) container;   b. positioning the support feet  166  of the second container into rest within the foot rests  180  of the first container; and   c. pivoting the locking latch  164  of the first container from its unlocked position into its locked position and arresting it at the locked position over the locking latch engaging lugs  162  of the second container.       

     Disengaging the articulated containers takes place in a reverse sequence of operations. 
     Each container, whether a first container or a second container, whether a large container or a half foot-print container, is configured with at least one, typically two, closing latches  55 . 
       FIGS.  9 A to  9 C  are directed to a modification of the disclosure, however following the essential features thereof. In the example of  FIGS.  9 A  to- 9 C there is illustrated a first (base) container generally designated  200 , configured with a pair of rear wheels  202  and a telescopic manipulating handle  208  (displaceable between a retracted position and an extended position, as in the drawings). The container  200  has a compartment portion  210  and a lid  214  pivotally articulated thereto. 
     The lid  214  is has a top mounting surface  216 , configured with a pair of locking ports  220  at a rear portion of the lid  214 , and a locking latch  224  over a top, front portion of the lid  214 . Each of the locking ports  220  is similar to locking ports disclosed hereinbefore (i.e. locking ports  48 ,  52  and  148 ), and the locking latch  224  is similar to the locking latch disclosed hereinbefore (i.e. locking latch  64  and  164 ), however with a difference residing in that the locking latch  224  is pivotally secured at the top surface of the lid  214 , wherein at the unlocked position it is flush within a depression  226  over the lid (in a direction facing the handle  208 ), and at the locked position it is pivoted by 90° into articulating with locking latch engaging lugs of a second container  250  articulated over the container  200 . 
     The second container  250  is configured at a rear bottom face thereof with a pair of locking tabs (not seen) of identical structure as locking tabs ( 58 ;  158 ) in the previous examples. A front, bottom portion of the second container  250  is configured with a pair of locking lugs  254  laterally extending and facing outwardly. 
     Articulating the second container  250  over the first container  210  takes place similar to the previous examples, namely:
         a. Introducing the locking tabs of the second (top) container  250  into the respective locking tab arresting space of the locking ports  220  of the first (bottom) container;   b. positioning the bottom face of the second container  250  over the top face  216  of the first container  210 ; and   c. pivoting the locking latch  224  of the first container  210  from its unlocked position into its locked position and arresting it at the locked position over the locking latch engaging lugs  254  of the second container  250 .       

     Disengaging the articulated containers takes place in a reverse sequence of operations. 
     It is appreciated that the bottom face of the second container can be configured with support feet similar to the disclosure of the previous examples, and likewise the first container would be configured with respective foot rests disposed in register over its top surface. 
       FIG.  10    illustrates a dolly  280  configured as a first container according to the present disclosure, whereby a second container (not shown) according to the present disclosure is articulable thereover. The dolly  280  comprises a rigid cargo bed  282  fitted at a bottom thereof with four swivel wheels  286 . A top, mounting surface  288  of the cargo bed  282  is configured at one side thereof with a pair of locking ports  290 , of same configuration as discussed hereinabove with respect to previous examples. A pivotally articulated locking latch  296  is pivotally secured within a niche  298  at a side wall  300 , and is displaceable between an upright, locked position (as in  FIG.  10   ) and an unlocked position (not shown) rotated by 180°, facing down. 
     The arrangement is such a container (not shown) comprising a pair of locking tabs and locking latch engaging lugs can be articulated over the dolly  280 , as discussed herein before. 
     An additional example is illustrated in  FIGS.  11 A to  13 B , showing a sub-assembly modular container assembly generally designated  320 , comprising a wheeled base (first) container  322 , and a top (second) container  324 . 
     The second container  324  is identical, for example to the half foot-print container  28  exemplified above, and reference is made thereto. The first container  322  is similar to container  200  of  FIGS.  9 A- 9 C  as far as the locking latch disposed over the top mounting surface of the lid, however, is configured with a different locking port. 
     Container  322  is a wheeled, base container, configured with a lid  328  pivotally articulated thereto. A top mounting face  330  of the lid  328  is configured with a locking latch  332  near its respective ends, each said locking latch  332  disposed within a depressed portion  336  (the latch being accessible from below at a depression  337 ) and being pivotable between an unlocked position ( FIG.  12 A ) and a locked position ( FIGS.  11 A and  11 B ), at the unlocked position the locking latch  332  is retained by a latch arresting member  338 . 
     Particular attention is directed to the locking ports disposed at a mid-portion of the mounting face  330 . Two locking ports  346  are disposed facing in one direction and two locking ports  348  are disposed facing in an opposite direction, at a back-to-back orientation. Each of the locking ports  346  and  348  has a U-like cross section, without side walls, and wherein the arresting bridge  350  is a cantilever like portion, extending from a back wall  352  of the locking port towards a tab inlet opening  354 , facing the locking latch  332  and defining therein a locking tab arresting space  356 . Apart for that, the locking ports  346  and  348  are functionally similar to the locking ports of the previous examples, as far as size ratio. 
     The lid  328  is configured with several foot rests  370  having sliding surface  372  and  374  for directing support feet  376  of the second container ( FIG.  13 B ) into position within the foot rests  370 . 
     The articulation arrangement of the second container  324  over the first container  322  is facilitated exactly as disclosed hereinabove with reference to the previous examples, wherein a locking tab  380  (same as disclosed above; at a bottom face  382  of the second container  324 ) is engageable within the locking tab arresting space  356  ( FIG.  13 A ), with support feet  376  received over and within the foot rests  370  ( FIG.  13 B ), upon which the locking latch  332  of the first container is pivoted into its locked position, to thereby engage locking latch engaging lugs  386  of the second container  324  (locking latch engaging lugs  386  are similar to locking latch engaging lugs  62  of the previous examples, and reference is made thereto).