Patent Description:
<CIT> concerns a coupling mechanism for detachably attaching two or more utility modules to one another, utility assembles, mobile carriers and other attachable modules and articles.

<CIT> concerns a storage container with various aspects is described herein. The storage container may have cleats or cleat receptacles to interact with other storage containers and/or accessories. The storage container may also include rails for attachment of various accessories. Some versions of the storage container may further include telescopic uprights connected to a handle. Many of the versions of the storage containers may further include wheels for transporting the storage containers and their contents.

<CIT>, discloses the preamble of claim <NUM> and concerns a case arrangement with at least two stackable cases (<NUM>, <NUM>'), each case (<NUM>, <NUM>') consisting of a box-shaped lower part (<NUM>) which is connected to a pivotable lid (<NUM>) via a horizontal pivot axis (<NUM>), a first connecting device between the cases (<NUM>, <NUM>') being formed by a hanging tab (<NUM>) arranged parallel to the pivot axis (<NUM>) on the top wall (<NUM>) of the lid, into which hooks (<NUM>') on the bottom side and pointing towards the rear of the case (<NUM>') arranged above engage, and a second manually operated connecting device is arranged next to the front side of the cases (<NUM>, <NUM>') for positive coupling between mutually associated surfaces of the cases (<NUM>, <NUM>') stacked on top of one another, a folding handle (<NUM>) which can be pivoted about a horizontal pivot axis (<NUM>) and which has a recess (<NUM>, <NUM>), in the area of which a manually operable, pivotable pressure plate (<NUM>; 23a, 23b) is arranged, on which locking hooks (<NUM>) are formed which can be brought into engagement with a hanging tab (<NUM>) on the top wall side of the opposite case (<NUM>, <NUM>').

The term utility module as used herein the specification and claims is used in its broad sense. A utility module can be any article of utility articulatable to any other utility module. Examples of utility modules are tool boxes, containers, power generators, cooler boxes, tools and hand tools of any kind, organizers, work benches, carrying and mounting platforms and mounts, communication modules, locomotion platforms, etc., all of which can assume any shape and size, and wherein any utility module can be detachably attached to any other utility module. The term utility module system is used to denote at least two utility modules according to the present disclosure, and being be detachably attachable to one another.

According to the present disclosure there is a utility module system comprising at least a first utility module and a second utility module;.

A utility module according to the disclosure can be configured with one or both of a top portion and a base portion, both extending between a front side and a back side of the utility module; the top portion is configured at a back portion thereof with at least one back locking bar and at a front portion thereof with at least one front locking bar extending parallel to said back locking bar; said back locking bar and said front locking bar disposed parallel to a top surface of the top portion and being spaced from the top surface; the base of the utility module is configured at a back portion thereof with a back bar coupling recess facing towards the back side and having a back under-bar arresting surface; and a front bar locking arrangement comprising a front facing barrier wall and a locking lever comprising an arresting tongue extendable in front of said barrier wall and having a front under-bar arresting surface, said locking lever displaceable between a locked position at which the front under-bar arresting surface extends at a front locking bar arresting space in front of the barrier wall, and an open position at which the locking lever is displaced to facilitate passage of a front locking bar into and from the front locking bar arresting space.

Articulation of a second utility module to a first utility module is facilitated by positioning the base portion of the second utility module over the top portion of the first utility module and displacing it along a locking path extending between the front side and the back side so that the back bar coupling recess faces in close proximity the back locking bar, allowing the second utility module to further displace so that the under-bar arresting surface of the back bar coupling recess engages below the back locking bar, and then a front portion of the second utility module is depressed downwards against the first utility module such that the barrier wall extends behind the front locking bar and then allowing the locking lever to displace into the locked position wherein the front under-bar arresting surface of the arresting tongue extends above the front locking bar, and obstructing a path of the front locking bar arresting space in front of the barrier wall, thus preventing disengagement of the front locking bar from said front locking bar arresting space.

Detaching the second utility module from the first utility module takes place in a reverse sequence of operations. Namely, first the locking lever is displaced into its open position and then only the front portion of the second utility module can be displaced such that the front locking bar disengages from the front locking bar arresting space, and further then the second utility module can be displaced along the locking path facilitating withdrawal from coupling engagement with the first utility module.

The term 'top portion' as used herein the specification and claims denotes any portion of a utility module configured with the respective at least one back locking bar and at least one front locking bar extending parallel to said back locking bar; said back locking bar and said front locking bar disposed parallel to a surface of the top portion and being spaced from the top surface, and wherein the top portion can be a solid surface or an imaginary surface (e.g. at a top portion of a open container), and configured at any face or surface of the utility module (i.e. not necessarily a top face thereof).

The term 'base portion' as used herein the specification and claims denotes any portion of a utility module configured with the respective back bar coupling recess and front bar locking arrangement, and configured for locking engagement with a respective other utility module, and configured at any face or surface of the utility module (i.e. not necessarily a bottom face thereof).

The terms front and back can be interchanged in a sense that a second utility module can be articulately mounted over/to a first utility module, and vise versa, and in that a utility module can be displaced into articulation over another utility module at an opposite/ reverse direction of the locking path, i.e. the locking path can extend in direction from the front side towards the back side, or from in direction from the back side towards the front side. The arrangement facilitates that a utility module system can comprise two or more utility modules each articulated over a respective utility module at either a front-to-front orientation or a front-to-back/ back-to-front orientation, irrespective of the orientation of any first utility module.

According to a particular configuration the front locking bar arresting space defines a locking path extending between the a front face of the barrier wall and a rear face of a front locking wall, and wherein said locking path is selectively interrupted by the arresting tongue displaceable between the locked position at which it projects into the locking path, and the open position at which it is displaced away from the locking path.

According to an example of the disclosure, the locking path of the front locking bar arresting space has a U-like side projection shape, extending between the front face of the barrier wall and the front locking wall, and having a bottom open portion. The open portion of the U-like shaped locking path can be, at least partially blocked by the arresting tongue at the locked position, whereat the under-bar arresting surface faces a closed portion of the front locking bar arresting space.

The at least one back locking bar and the at least one front locking bar are parallel to one anther and extend perpendicular to the locking path.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be incorporated in a utility module and a utility module system, separately or in various combinations thereof:.

Attention is first directed to <FIG> of the drawings, directed to a utility module assembly generally designated <NUM>, comprising a bottom, first utility module <NUM> and a top, second utility module <NUM>. Both utility modules of the example are rectangle containers, each configured with a body portion 12B and 14B, respectively, and a top portion 12T and 14T respectively, of each container being a lid hingedly articulated to the respective body portion 12B and 14B.

Whilst the present example illustrates two similar utility modules, it is appreciated that the utility modules can be different and assume different function, shape and configuration. For example, the first utility module can be configured with only front and back locking bars at a top portion thereof, whilst the second utility module can be configured with a back bar coupling recess and a front locking bar arrangement as discussed hereinafter. Since in the present example both the first utility module <NUM> and the second utility module <NUM> are configured with full coupling arrangements, facilitating articulation on top and under each other to any other utility module, and for sake of clarity only, some elements are designated only with reference to the first utility module <NUM> and other elements are designated only with reference to the second utility module <NUM>.

The first utility module <NUM> is a rectangular shaped container with the body portion 12B having a front side <NUM> and a back side <NUM>, a right side <NUM> and a left side <NUM>, a bottom base <NUM> and a top opening (not seen), configured with a lid 12T pivotally articulated at a top portion of the back side <NUM>.

The lid 12T is pivotally secured to the container body portion 12B and is displaceable between a closed position, and an open position (not shown), wherein a pair of latches <NUM> are provided for securing the lid 12T at the closed position. The first utility module <NUM> is configured with a first carrying handle <NUM> at the front side <NUM> of the body portion 12B, and a second handle <NUM> at the top side of the lid 12T.

A top surface <NUM> of the top portion, namely lid 12T, is configured at a back portion thereof with a back locking bar <NUM> and at a front portion with a front locking bar <NUM>, extending parallel to said back locking bar <NUM>, where said locking bars are rigid round rods, fixedly supported at their respective ends by an elevated right bar support <NUM>, an elevated left bar support <NUM> and an intermediate elevated central bar support <NUM>.

The right bar support <NUM> and the elevated left bar support <NUM> extend along respective sides of the lid 12T and are disposed substantially parallel to a locking path extending in direction from the front side <NUM> towards the back side <NUM>, represented by arrow marked LP. The locking path can extend in direction from the front side towards the back side, as indicated by the arrow, or in direction from the back side towards the front side.

The right bar support <NUM> and the elevated left bar support <NUM> are substantially parallel to one another and are equally spaced form the top surface of the lid 12T. Likewise, top surfaces of the bar supports <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are substantially equally elevated from the top surface of the lid 12T, defining together an imaginary plane.

Turning now to the second utility module <NUM>, it is also rectangular shaped container, though smaller than the first utility module <NUM>, and is configured with a front side <NUM>, a back side <NUM>, a right side <NUM> a left side <NUM>, a bottom base <NUM> and a top opening (not seen), configured with the lid 14T pivotally articulated at a top portion of the back side <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, the bottom base <NUM> of the second utility module <NUM> is configured a back portion thereof with a back bar coupling recess <NUM>, formed within a U-like shaped bar receiving portion having an opening facing towards the back side <NUM>, and <NUM> having a longitudinal axis X extending substantially parallel to the locking path LP. In the example of <FIG> the bottom base <NUM> has a flat surface <NUM> with depressed side portions <NUM>, wherein at an assembled, articulated position (<FIG>) the flat surface <NUM> portion is configured for bearing over the a top surface <NUM> of the first utility module <NUM>, with the depressed side portions <NUM> accommodating the elevated right bar support <NUM> and the central bar support <NUM>.

A front bar locking mechanism generally designated <NUM> is configured at a bottom front portion of the second utility module <NUM>, the front bar locking mechanism <NUM> comprising a pivotally locking lever <NUM> (seen isolated, in greater detail in <FIG>). The locking lever is pivotally articulated to the container by two laterally projecting axle pins <NUM>, and is displaceable between a locked position (<FIG>) and an open position (Fig. E). The locking lever is normally biased into its locked position by a coiled spring <NUM> bearing against a front portion of the front wall of the container. The locking lever is generally an L-shaped lever with the bottom, short arm <NUM> thereof configured for engaging below a front locking bar, as will be illustrated hereinafter. Further noted, the short arm <NUM> is configured with an inclined gliding surface <NUM>, chamfered in direction so as to temporarily displace the locking lever into its open position upon encountering the front locking bar, to facilitate snap locking thereof. The locking lever <NUM> is manually displaced into the open position, for detaching the utility modules from one another) either by depressing against a push surface <NUM> (<FIG>) extending above the two laterally projecting axle pins <NUM>, or by pulling against a pulling grab <NUM> disposed below the two laterally projecting axle pins <NUM>.

The front bar locking mechanism <NUM> cooperates with an inclined arresting wall portion <NUM> at a bottom portion of the front wall of the base, whereby they constitute together a front locking bar arresting space <NUM> extending between the a top face <NUM> of the short arm <NUM> of the locking lever <NUM>, and the arresting wall portion <NUM>.

At an open position of the locking mechanism, the front locking bar arresting space <NUM> is open from below, allowing the front locking bar <NUM> to pass into and from the arresting space <NUM>, to thereby position or remove the second utility module with respect to the first utility module.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the distance D between the back locking bar <NUM> and the front locking bar <NUM> corresponds with a distance d between the back bar coupling recess <NUM> and the front locking bar arresting space <NUM>. Likewise, the back locking bar <NUM> and the front locking bar <NUM> are spaced form the top surface <NUM> at a distance corresponding with the distance of longitudinal axis X of the back bar coupling recess <NUM> and the center of front locking bar arresting space <NUM> from flat surface <NUM>.

Further attention is directed also to <FIG>, for better understanding how attaching/detaching a second utility module from a first utility module takes place. It is appreciated that in the drawings the utility modules may assume different shapes, within the scope of the claims. For example, in <FIG> the first utility module <NUM> has a greater foot print than that of the second utility module <NUM>, whilst in <FIG> the second utility module <NUM>' has substantially the same foot print as of the first utility module <NUM>'. Also noted, like reference numbers throughout the drawings are designated with like reference numbers.

Articulation of a second utility module <NUM>' over the first utility module <NUM>' is facilitated by positioning the second utility module <NUM>' over the first utility module <NUM>' and displacing it along the locking path LP so that the back bar coupling recess <NUM> faces in close proximity the back locking bar <NUM> (<FIG>) allowing the second utility module <NUM>' to further displace along the locking path LP so that the back bar coupling recess <NUM> engages and partially embraces the back locking bar <NUM>. Then a front portion of the second utility module is depressed downwards (in direction of arrow <NUM> in <FIG>) against the first utility module <NUM>' so as to temporarily displace the locking lever <NUM> into its open position (as it is temporarily pivoted in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>), and as the second utility module <NUM>' comes to rest over the top surface of the first utility module <NUM>', the locking lever <NUM> springs back into its normally locked position, whereby the front locking bar <NUM> is now arrested at the front locking bar arresting space <NUM> (between a top face <NUM> of the short arm <NUM> of the locking lever <NUM>, and the arresting wall portion <NUM> at the bottom portion of the front wall of the base second utility module <NUM>'.

Detaching the second utility module <NUM>' from the first utility module <NUM>' takes place in a reverse sequence of operations. Namely, first the locking lever <NUM> is displaced into its open position (this is manually done either by pressing against a push surface <NUM> or by pulling grab <NUM> of the locking lever <NUM>, against the biasing effect of spring <NUM>, whereby the locking lever <NUM> is pivoted in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow <NUM> in <FIG> ), whereby a path into/from the front locking bar arresting space <NUM> is open, and then only the second utility module <NUM>' can be withdrawn from coupling engagement with the first utility module <NUM>'.

<FIG> illustrate examples of a utility module system according to an example of the disclosure. It is seen that the utility module system, generally designated <NUM> (<FIG>) comprises eight levels of utility modules (designated I to VIII, respectively), a bottom one of which is a wheeled container <NUM> (level I, seen separately in <FIG>), configured with a pair of rear wheels <NUM> and a telescopic manipulating handle <NUM>. At least a top portion of the wheeled container <NUM> is configured with a back locking bar <NUM> and a front locking bar <NUM> extending parallel to said back locking bar <NUM>, as disclosed hereinabove.

In the utility module system <NUM>' of <FIG>, levels VI to VIII were removed, and wherein it can be seen that level V comprises two utility modules, namely V' and V", articulately mounted over the single utility module IV. Thus it is seen that he foot print of the two containers V' and V" is approximately the same as that of the container IV (and of drawer assembly VI seen in <FIG>). However, articulation and detaching of the containers from one another is the same as discussed hereinabove. Also, lateral displacement of the smaller containers V' and V" over the larger utility module IV is prevented by the center bar support <NUM> disposed at the top face of the utility module IV, which at the assembled position extends between the two containers V' and V".

In the utility module system <NUM>" of <FIG> is principally the same as that seen in <FIG>, however with smaller container V" removed as well.

<FIG> illustrate the utility module at level VI of the utility module system <NUM>, and is a two level drawer unit, comprising a housing <NUM> slidingly accommodating two drawers <NUM> and <NUM>, said housing configured at a top portion thereof <NUM> with a back locking bar <NUM> and a front locking bar <NUM> extending parallel to said back locking bar <NUM>, as disclosed hereinabove, and having at bottom portion thereof <NUM> a back bar coupling recess <NUM> and a front bar locking mechanism <NUM> configured with pivotally locking lever <NUM> and an arresting wall portion <NUM> which together constitute the a front locking bar arresting space <NUM> as discussed herein before.

<FIG> are directed to utility modules at level VII and VII of the utility module system <NUM> of <FIG>, wherein level VII is an open-top container, e.g. for storage of tools or other goods or equipment, and level VIII comprise one, two or three small storage containers, designated VIII', VIII" and VIII"', respectively.

The open-top container VII (bucket -type container)comprises a body <NUM> with an open top portion, however comprising a back locking bar <NUM> and a front locking bar <NUM> extending parallel to said back locking bar <NUM>, as disclosed hereinabove, and having at bottom portion thereof <NUM> a back bar coupling recess <NUM> and a front bar locking mechanism <NUM> configured with pivotally locking lever <NUM> and an arresting wall portion <NUM> which together constitute the a front locking bar arresting space <NUM> as discussed herein before.

In <FIG> the three small storage containers VIII', VIII" and VIII‴ are articulated on the open-top container VII, articulated over the back locking bar <NUM> and the front locking bar <NUM>, and with the depressed side portions <NUM> of the small containers resting over the elevated right bar support <NUM>, elevated left bar support <NUM> and intermediate elevated central bar support <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the assembly with only the left small storage container VIII‴ is articulated over the open-top container VII, and in <FIG> only the central small storage container VIII" is articulated over the open-top container VII.

It is apparent from the drawings and explanations herein that any utility module according to any level can be articulately coupled over an other utility module, providing that they are both configured with an articulation system as discussed herein.

Turning now to <FIG> of the drawings there is illustrated a utility module being a wall mounting plate <NUM>, configured for substantially vertical mounting and comprising one or more suspending hooks <NUM> extending from the mounting plate <NUM> and configured for insertion under a back locking bar <NUM> of a utility module, such as container <NUM> of the present example (though it is appreciated that any other utility module configured with a mounting and locking mechanism according to the disclosure can interlock with the mounting plate). The horizontal length H of the suspending hooks <NUM> corresponds with the distance h of the back locking bar <NUM> from the back face <NUM> (as well as the distance h' of the front locking bar <NUM> from the back face <NUM>), whereby when suspended from the suspending hooks <NUM>, the back face <NUM> of container <NUM> bares flush against surface <NUM> of the wall mounting plate <NUM>. To facilitate easy mounting of a utility module (e.g. container <NUM>) on a wall mount, or other suspension system, the top edges thereof can be chamfered.

Yet an example of a mounting plate unillustrated in <FIG> of the drawings, directed to a mounting plate <NUM> configured with a back locking bar <NUM> and a front locking bar <NUM> spaced apart from one another at a distance D, corresponding with the distance D between the back locking bar <NUM> and front locking bar <NUM> of the utility modules disclosed hereinbefore, and further wherein the back locking bar <NUM> and a front locking bar <NUM> are spaced from the surface <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> leaving a gap G, overall mimicking the mounting arrangement of the utility modules (e.g. containers) as discussed herein.

In <FIG> the mounting plate <NUM> is illustrated at a vertical configuration (i.e. so-called 'wall mounting' configuration), wherein a utility module according to an example of the disclosure, e.g. container <NUM> (though it is appreciated that any other utility module configured with a mounting and locking mechanism according to the disclosure can interlock with the mounting plate) is articulated to the mounting plate <NUM> with a front face <NUM> thereof facing upwards, i.e. with a bottom surface thereof <NUM> bearing against surface <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM>, and whereby the back locking bar <NUM> and a front locking bar <NUM> are articulately engaged by the back bar coupling recess <NUM> and the front locking bar arresting space <NUM> of the container <NUM>, as discussed hereinbefore, wherein detaching the container from the mounting plate <NUM> is facilitated by displacing the locking lever <NUM> into its open position.

In the examples illustrated in <FIG> the mounting plate <NUM> is illustrated as a 'horizontal mount', wherein in <FIG> there is articulated thereto a single utility module, namely container <NUM> as in the example of <FIG>, <FIG> illustrates the mounting plate <NUM> supporting two such containers 190A and 190B, side by side, and <FIG> illustrates the mounting plate <NUM> supporting a large container <NUM> and a small container <NUM>, as per the coupling mechanism disclosed herein.

With further attention made to <FIG> there is illustrated a utility module assembly generally designated <NUM>, comprising a first utility module (bottom container) <NUM> and a second utility module (top container) <NUM>, which in the illustrated example are identical containers, however assembled over one another at an inverted orientation, namely wherein the back side of the second utility module <NUM> extends over the front side of the first utility module <NUM>.

Accordingly, the back bar coupling recess <NUM> of the second utility module <NUM> arrests the front bar <NUM> of the first utility module <NUM> and respectively the front locking bar locking arrangement <NUM> (<FIG>) of the second utility module224 is engaged with the back locking bar <NUM> of the first utility module <NUM>.

It can be further seen, best in <FIG>) that both the utility modules <NUM> and <NUM> are each configured with surface engaging feet <NUM>, having a coplanar bottom surface and serving for placing the first utility module <NUM> over a surface and respectively resting the second utility module <NUM> over a top surface <NUM> of the first utility module <NUM>.

The front locking bar locking arrangement <NUM> of the utility modules illustrated in Figs. 12A to 13E is configured with a front locking bar arresting space <NUM>, with a locking path <NUM> having a U-like shape (when viewed from the side, i.e. at a side projection, as best seen in <FIG>, 14E2, 14D2 and 14E2), extending between a front face <NUM> of a barrier wall <NUM> and a front locking wall <NUM>, and having a bottom open portion. The front locking bar locking arrangement <NUM> further comprises a spring loaded pivotal locking lever <NUM> pivotal about axis <NUM>, biased into a normally locked position (e.g. <FIG>, 14C2 and 14D2), and comprising an arresting tongue <NUM>, such that at the locked position said arresting tongue <NUM> projects into the U-like shaped locking path of the front locking bar arresting space <NUM>, with an under-bar arresting surface <NUM> of the arresting tongue <NUM> closing the locking path <NUM> (and arresting a locking bar <NUM> when received therein).

It is seen (clearly in <FIG>) and in Figs. 14C2, 14D2 and 14E2) that the arresting tongue <NUM> of pivotal locking lever <NUM> has a slanted bottom surface <NUM>, configured for automatic displacing the pivotal locking lever <NUM> into its open position upon encountering a locking bar <NUM> (front or back locking bar, as the case may be), whereby placing the second utility module <NUM> over the first utility module <NUM> and applying moderate downwards oriented force on the second utility module results in automatic pivotal displacement of the pivotal locking lever <NUM> into its open position. However, the pivotal locking lever <NUM> is manually pivotable into its open position, for sake of unlocking the engagement between the second and the first utility module, by manually depressing a push tab <NUM> at a top portion of the pivotal locking lever <NUM> in direction of arrow <NUM> Alternatively, or in addition, the pivotal locking lever <NUM> can be configured with a pull tab at a bottom portion of thereof, whereby the locking lever is displaced into its open position by pulling at the pull tab in a counter clock wise direction (not shown).

Considering the other side of the utility module assembly <NUM>, it is seen (best in <FIG>, and also in <FIG>; though refereeing to a front-to-front utility module assembly) that at the assembled position the back bar coupling recess <NUM> of the second utility module <NUM> accommodates front locking bar <NUM> of the first utility module <NUM>, wherein a back under-bar arresting surface <NUM> of a back bar arresting tongue <NUM> (constituting a bottom wall of the coupling recess <NUM>) engages the back locking bar <NUM> from below.

It is appreciated that at the locked position, both the front locking bar and the rear locking bar of a first utility module (any first utility module baring any second utility module) are arrested by the respective front under-bar arresting surface and back under-bar arresting surface at a tight position, so as to reduce to minimum tolerances and freedom between the utility modules. Optionally, the respective front under-bar arresting surface and back under-bar arresting surface can be slanted for that purpose.

Further attention is now directed to <FIG>, exemplifying assembly versatility of the utility module system, wherein in the illustrated example the utility module system <NUM> comprises a first, bottom-most utility module <NUM>, a second, intermediate utility module <NUM> and another, top-most utility module <NUM> (comprising two utility modules 290A and 290B at a side-by-side orientation), wherein the intermediate utility module <NUM> facilitates as a first utility module for the to-most utility module <NUM>, facilitating as a second utility module. It is seen however, that the intermediate utility module <NUM> is articulated over the bottom-most utility module <NUM> at a front-to-back orientation (as discussed hereinabove in connection with <FIG>) and the top-most utility module <NUM> is articulated over the intermediate utility module <NUM> at a front-to-front (or back-to-back) orientation. It is noted however that articulation and detaching of the utility units, at any orientation, takes place in the same fashion as discussed herein above.

Also noted in <FIG>, the top-most utility modules 290A and 290B are not articulated to one another, but rather are each independently articulated over the top surface of the intermediate utility module <NUM>, and likewise are each independently detachable therefrom, in the same fashion.

The four-level utility module system <NUM> of <FIG> follows the same articulation principals as discussed herein above, wherein each utility module engages a utility module disposed below, respectively. It is seen that the back under-bar arresting surface of any second utility module arrests a respective back bar of any first utility module (regardless of the orientation of the two utility modules), as seen in <FIG> (front-to-back orientation) and in <FIG> (Front-to-front orientation).

Assembling a second utility module over a first utility module takes place following the steps of first placing a second utility module <NUM> over a respective first utility module <NUM> at a slightly inclined position (<FIG>) and displacing it along a locking path <NUM> (extending in direction between a front locking bar and a rear locking bar) so that the back bar arresting tongue <NUM> of the back bar coupling recess <NUM> sides under the back locking bar <NUM> of the first utility module <NUM>, with the back under-bar arresting surface extending below the back locking bar <NUM>. Then, the front portion of the second utility module reaches a position at which the slanted bottom surface <NUM> of the pivotal locking lever <NUM> rests over the front locking bar <NUM> of the first utility module (<FIG>), and then the second utility module is pressed against the first utility module, resulting in automatic/spontaneous momentarily displacement of the pivotal locking lever <NUM> in a clock-wise direction (<FIG>), such that when the second utility module comes to rest over the top surface of the first utility module the pivotal locking lever <NUM> returns to its locked position (under biasing effect), whereby the two utility modules are now articulated to one another.

Turning now to <FIG> there is illustrated a three-level utility module assembly generally designated <NUM>, according to yet an example of the disclosure, however in accordance with the same principals of the disclosure. The utility module assembly <NUM> comprises a bottom most, first utility module <NUM>, an intermediate, second utility module <NUM> and a top, second utility module <NUM>, the later being a half sized utility module. Also noted, the intermediate, second utility module <NUM> is articulated over the bottom most, first utility module <NUM> at a front-to-back orientation, and the top utility module <NUM> is articulated over the intermediate utility module <NUM> at a front-to-front orientation, as already exemplified herein before. However, the main difference resides in the front bar locking mechanism comprises a push-type slider locking lever <NUM>, as will be discussed herein below in greater detail.

As seen in <FIG> displacement of a second utility module over a surface of a respective first utility module (i.e. lateral/side-to-side displacement) is prevented by the surface engaging feet <NUM> (continuous or interrupted) which at an assembled position are disposed between facing side walls 366A and 366B of a locking bar supports, projecting from a top surface of the first utility module. This arrangement can apply at one or both a front side and a back side of a utility module.

Turning now to <FIG> there is illustrated four-level utility module assembly according to an example of the disclosure, generally designated <NUM> and comprising at a first level two half-sized utility modules 392A and 392B, and three more identical full-sized utility modules <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> articulated to one another.

In the present example the half-sized utility modules 392A and 392B, seen isolated in <FIG>, comprises a top lid <NUM> articulated to a container body <NUM>, said lid <NUM> made of injected polymer material and is integrally configured with a front locking bar <NUM> and a back locking bar <NUM>. The a front locking bar <NUM> and a back locking bar <NUM> extend over locking supports <NUM>, supporting the locking bars parallel to one another and equally spaced from a top face of the lid <NUM>. Though integrally molded with the lid <NUM>, the locking bars are flat (as opposed to previously disclosed round locking bars) and function principally similar to the round locking bars disclosed herein before, as will be illustrated.

Similar to disclosure above, each second utility module is configured with a front locking bar arresting space <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>), with a locking path <NUM> having a U-like shape (when viewed from the side, i.e. at a side projection extending between a front face <NUM> of a barrier wall <NUM> and a front locking wall <NUM>, and having a bottom open portion.

Turning now to <FIG>, reference is made to the sliding locking lever <NUM>. It is seen that the locking lever <NUM> is configured for only sliding displacement by sliders <NUM> within a recess <NUM> configured at a side wall of the utility module. The slider <NUM> is configured with a stopper projection <NUM> slidingly received within a restricting groove <NUM>, limiting sliding displacement of the lever, respectively. A coiled biasing spring <NUM> biases the locking lever <NUM> into the closed position (<FIG> and <FIG>). The locking lever <NUM> further comprises a locking tongue <NUM> with a front under-bar arresting surface <NUM> and an inclined locking bar engaging surface <NUM>, and a front push tab <NUM> exposed at a side wall of the utility module.

Assembling a second utility module over a first utility module takes place following the following steps: first (as in <FIG>), the second utility module <NUM> is placed slightly inclined over the first utility module <NUM>, sliding it along a locking path <NUM> (extending in direction between a front locking bar <NUM> and a rear locking bar <NUM>) so as to dispose the back bar arresting tongue of the back bar coupling recess under the back locking bar of the first utility module, with the back under-bar arresting surface extending below the back locking bar, similar to the disclosure if <FIG>.

Then, the front portion of the second utility module reaches a position at which the slanted bottom surface <NUM> of the slider locking lever <NUM> rests over the front locking bar <NUM> of the first utility module, and then the second utility module is pressed against the first utility module, resulting in automatic/spontaneous momentarily sliding displacement of the pivotal locking lever <NUM> in direction of arrow <NUM> (<FIG>), such that when the second utility module <NUM> comes to rest over the top surface of the first utility module <NUM> the locking lever <NUM> returns to its locked position as in <FIG> (under biasing effect of spring <NUM>), whereby the two utility modules are now articulated to one another.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate articulation of a second utility module to the first utility module <NUM>, which as mentioned herein before has oval or flat front locking bar <NUM> and rear locking bar, both integrally molded with the lid <NUM>. It can be seen in <FIG> that the push-type slider locking lever <NUM> is well configured for arresting engagement also with the flat front locking bar <NUM>, by the front under-bar arresting surface <NUM> extending below said front locking bar <NUM> and arresting it at the locked position. In <FIG> one can note the back under-bar arresting surface <NUM> of the back bar arresting tongue <NUM> of the back bar coupling recess <NUM> extending below the back flat locking bar <NUM>, following the same principals discussed herein above e.g. with reference to <FIG>.

It is appreciated, according to any of the examples of the present disclosure, the back bar coupling recess of a utility module can extend in alignment with a front bar locking arrangement or shifted(i.e. along the locking path extending between the front side and the back side) or shifted.

Turning now to <FIG> there is illustrated utility module assemblies according to different examples of the disclosure, however, wherein the first utility module <NUM> is configured with an additional locking bar, namely intermediate locking bar <NUM>, which in the illustrated example is disposed symmetrically between a front locking bar <NUM> and a back locking bar <NUM>, and wherein all three locking bars are parallel to one another, equally spaced from a top surface <NUM> of the lid <NUM> of the utility module <NUM> and extend perpendicular to a mounting/locking path. It is appreciated that when considering extremely large utility modules, more than one intermediate locking bars can be configured, at different locations over a top surface of the utility module.

In <FIG> and <FIG> a second utility module <NUM> is articulated over the first utility module <NUM>, wherein the footprint of the second utility module <NUM> is about half that of the first utility module <NUM>. A bottom face <NUM> of the second utility module <NUM> is configured with a groove <NUM> extending from side to side and disposed in register with the location and size of the intermediate locking bar <NUM> and its side supports <NUM>, and however sufficiently large to facilitate minor sliding displacement required for articulation of the second utility module <NUM> over the first utility module <NUM>, according to the disclosure herein above.

Claim 1:
A utility module system (<NUM>) comprising at least a first utility module (<NUM>) and a second utility module (<NUM>); the first utility module (<NUM>) comprising a top portion (12T) configured at a back portion thereof with at least one back locking bar (<NUM>) and at a front portion thereof with at least one front locking bar (<NUM>) extending parallel to said back locking bar (<NUM>); said back locking bar (<NUM>) and said front locking bar (<NUM>) disposed parallel to a top surface (<NUM>) of the top portion (12T) and being spaced from the top surface (<NUM>); the second utility module (<NUM>) comprising a top portion and a base portion (<NUM>) opposed to its top portion configured at a back portion thereof with a back bar coupling recess (<NUM>) facing towards the back portion and having a back under-bar arresting surface (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a front bar locking arrangement (<NUM>), characterized in that the front bar locking arrangement (<NUM>) comprises a front facing barrier wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) ,being part of a front side of the second utility module (<NUM>), and a locking lever (<NUM>) comprising an arresting tongue (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) extendable in front of said front facing barrier wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and having a front under-bar arresting surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) said locking lever (<NUM>) displaceable between a locked position at which the front under-bar arresting surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) extends at a front locking bar arresting space (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in front of the front facing barrier wall (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and an open position at which the locking lever (<NUM>) is displaced to facilitate passage of the front locking bar (<NUM>) into and from the front locking bar arresting space (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).