Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to storage systems, and more particular to modular multi-component storage systems for tools and the like.

The preamble of claim <NUM> is shown in <CIT>. Other storage systems are known from <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

Hand tools, power tools, and associated accessories such as batteries, tool bits, fasteners, and the like, may be moved frequently between a storage space and a workspace. One aspect of accessibility is a user's ability to quickly store an object and remove the object from storage. Another aspect of accessibility is the storage system's ability to engage many objects with a standardized connection mechanism between the system and the object. This may also permit an object to engage the storage system at a plurality of locations. Storage systems may also be accessible for extension or expansion.

A common user workflow for handling of hand tools, power tools, and associated accessories for a project includes three phases: (<NUM>) static organization of the tools and accessories in a workshop; (<NUM>) organization for transit; and (<NUM>) organization for "job site". While tools and accessories may be thoughtfully organized in a static organization system in a workshop, they must be condensed down to a mobile volume for transit. However, existing storage systems for organization of tools and accessories for transit to a job site leave much to be desired. For instance, open volume and bag storage systems commonly used for transit can be chaotic and disorganized without intentional storage zones to hold each item in place. After transit to a "job site," the tools and accessory organization may be expanded back out to create a usable work space. However, due to poor or non-existent organizational solutions during transit, organization at a job site may be difficult as well. Moreover, mobile organizational solutions for setting up a job site in a functional and usable work space may be insufficient to both provide easy functional access to tools and accessories while maintaining organization.

Accordingly, improved storage systems are desired in the art. In particular, storage systems which provide an interface on internal and/or external surfaces of storage containers to be secured together for both static storage and transportable storage would be advantageous.

Aspects and advantages of the invention in accordance with the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

In accordance with one embodiment, a storage system is provided. The storage system includes a primary storage component and a secondary storage component. The primary storage component includes a body surrounding a storage area, the body having a plurality of support ribs extending therefrom, the plurality of support ribs including at least one pair of support ribs on opposing sides of the body. The primary storage component includes at least one open side. The secondary storage component is configured to be inserted within the storage area of the primary storage component through the at least one open side and aligned with the at least one pair of support ribs. And the body further comprising at least one alignment protrusion extending from a side of the body and configured to align the primary storage component with one or more wall rails.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode of making and using the present systems and methods, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:.

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation, rather than limitation of, the technology. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present technology without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive- or and not to an exclusive- or.

Terms of approximation, such as "about," "generally," "approximately," or "substantially," include values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. When used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within ten degrees of vertical in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise.

When used to describe a shape, the term "generally" is used to describe an object having the overall appearance of a shape and may include slight deviations from the exact shape, such as including one or more protrusions or indentations in the outline of the shape. For example, the term "generally rectangular" may be used to describe an object having the overall appearance of a rectangle having two sets of parallel sides and four right angles, but may include one or more indentations and/or protrusions along the parallel sides and/or slight variations in the right angles at the corners. For instance, a rectangular shape having slightly rounded corners may be described as "generally rectangular" as used herein. As a further example, a "generally rhomboid" or "generally diamond" shape may have the characteristics of a rhomboid or diamond (a quadrilateral of which only the opposite sides and angles are equal) but may have additional minor (e.g., shorter) sides interposed between the equal opposite angles and sides.

Additionally, unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "lower," "upper," and variations thereof are used broadly for the purposes of describing relative positions of elements of the illustrated embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems are described below with regard to specific embodiments.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to improved multi-component storage systems, e.g., slotted storage systems. Storage systems of the present invention include a primary storage component (e.g., container, toolbox, cabinet, or the like) having a plurality of rails and slots therein, and at least one secondary storage component (e.g., accessory case, tool case, small parts organizer, and others described throughout this disclosure) having an insertion element complementary to the rails and slots of the primary storage component. The primary storage component may include at least one mounting interface or coupling interface to enable stacking, mounting to a storage rail, work table, or the like. The present inventors have found that the multi-component storage system of the present invention facilitates convenient storage and organization of materials between a static organization system, e.g., a garage, and a job site, including during transit to and from a job site.

A slotted storage system may include at least one primary storage component (e.g., container, toolbox, and/or the like) configured to receive and/or be coupled to a secondary storage component and secured relative to one another. The primary storage component may include at least two sides, e.g., forming a V-shaped, U-shaped, rectangular, rectangular prism, or any other suitable shaped storage component. In some embodiments, the primary storage component may include at least three sides, at least four sides, at least five sides, or the like. In some aspects of the disclosure, the primary storage component may include four sides in a generally open rectangular arrangement. In further aspects of the disclosure, the primary storage component may contain five to six sides in a generally rectangular prism arrangement to form, e.g., a container. For example, a sixth side may be removably coupled to form a lid or top of the storage container to optionally enclose a volume of the primary storage component.

The primary storage component includes at least one slotted receiving system. The slotted receiving system may include a pair of ribs protruding from an internal or external surface of at least one side of the primary storage component. The pair of ribs may extend parallel to each other. For instance, the pair of ribs may include a first parallel rib protruding from an internal surface of a first side of the primary storage component and a second parallel rib protruding from an internal surface of a second side of the primary storage component. The first and second sides of the primary storage component may be parallel in a first (e.g., vertical) plane and the first and second parallel ribs may be parallel to each other in a second (e.g., horizontal) plane. In this arrangement, the secondary storage component can extend between the first side and the second side of the primary storage component and be supported by the pair of parallel ribs.

The pair of parallel ribs may include a retaining feature configured to receive a complementary insertion component of a secondary storage component. For instance, the pair of parallel ribs may each include a receiving surface extending downward from a parallel upper surface of each parallel rib. A complementary wing or protrusion of the secondary storage component may have a complementary shape to the receiving surface and can be inserted into or onto the receiving surface to be supported by the parallel ribs. The complementary wing or protrusion may be in the form of a rim or lip around at least a portion of a lid or outer surface of the secondary storage component.

Additionally, the pair of parallel ribs may include a locking feature configured to secure the secondary storage component relative to the primary storage component. For instance, the locking feature may include a slot extending downward from a top surface of each of the parallel ribs. Where the parallel ribs may extend in a longitudinal direction, the slot may have a longest dimension extending in a direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction (e.g., generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction). Additionally or alternatively, the slot may form a receiving opening for a complementary locking protrusion on the secondary storage component such that the secondary storage component can slide onto the pair of parallel ribs and then the locking protrusion is inserted, e.g., by sliding or any other suitable insertion mechanism, into the receiving opening such that the secondary storage component is secured into place relative to the pair of parallel ribs.

Additionally or alternatively, the locking feature may employ one or more locking plates configured to be locked and unlocked by depressing a latch. For instance, a locking plate may extend along one or more of the parallel ribs. The locking plate may be retracted to an unlocked position by depressing a latch in communication with the locking plate. The secondary storage component may include a complementary receiving opening, e.g., formed as part of the complementary wing or protrusion described above, configured to receive the locking plate when the secondary storage component is supported by the pair of parallel ribs. When the latch is released, the locking plate may be received by the complementary receiving opening of the secondary storage component and secure or lock the secondary storage component in place. Then, when the latch is depressed, the locking plate is retracted into an unlocked position and the secondary storage component can be moved relative to the pair of parallel ribs.

In addition to the slotted receiving system, the primary storage component may include one or more means for coupling the primary storage component to a storage mount system. For instance, the.

The drawings and accompanying descriptions illustrate slotted storage systems in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates a multi-component, multi-level storage and organization system including a slotted storage system <NUM> that includes several embodiments 100a, 100b and 100c of a primary storage component <NUM> in accordance with the present invention. Each primary storage component <NUM> has a body <NUM> surrounding a storage area <NUM>. The body <NUM> may have at least one open side <NUM> configured to enable insertion of one or more secondary storage components <NUM> within the storage area <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates secondary storage components <NUM> in the form of small part organizers <NUM> inserted within one or more primary storage components 100e, <NUM>. Additionally, <FIG> illustrates various examples of support surfaces <NUM> to which a primary storage component <NUM> may be coupled, locked, or mounted to. For instance, a support rail, e.g., a wall rail, <NUM> or 12a may be mounted to a wall or other vertical surface and a primary storage component may be coupled thereto. A workbench <NUM> may include one or more workbench mounts <NUM> configured to receive a primary storage component 100e, as will be described in further detail below. A mobile support, e.g., a dolly <NUM>, hand truck <NUM>, rolling toolbox <NUM>, or other wheeled mobile transport support, may further be configured to receive a primary storage component <NUM>. However, it is to be understood that additional support surfaces <NUM> not illustrated in <FIG> are contemplated by the present invention. The mobile support(s) may include an interface for receiving one or more stacked primary storage components <NUM>. Each primary storage component <NUM> may include at least one feature for mating the primary storage component <NUM> to an adjacent primary storage component <NUM> and/or a support surface <NUM>. Some exemplary mating features for the primary storage components <NUM> and support surfaces <NUM> are disclosed in <CIT>. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated by reference herein.

<FIG> illustrates a slotted storage system <NUM> that includes several embodiments 100a, 100b and 100c of a primary storage component <NUM> in accordance with the present invention. Examples of primary storage components <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a toolbox, a shelf (e.g., a wall-mounted shelf), a cabinet, a storage tote, a tote bag, and a crate. Each primary storage component <NUM> has a body <NUM> surrounding a storage area <NUM>. The body <NUM> may have at least one open side <NUM> configured to enable insertion of one or more secondary storage components <NUM> within the storage area <NUM>. The body <NUM> has first and second opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM>. In some aspects of the invention, the first and second opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM> may extend generally parallel to one another; however, it is not required for the opposing sides to be parallel. Each of the opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM> include at least one support rib <NUM>. The support ribs <NUM> may extend generally parallel to each other. The support ribs <NUM> are illustrated in detail in <FIG>.

For instance, as illustrated in <FIG>, each of the opposing sides <NUM>, <NUM> may include a plurality of support ribs <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the support ribs can extend along a first direction in a generally parallel manner such that a secondary storage component <NUM> can be supported by the parallel support ribs <NUM>. A pair <NUM> of support ribs <NUM> may extend generally parallel to each other in the first direction. (See <FIG> for more detail. ) The pair <NUM> may be coplanar in a first plane. The first plane may be generally perpendicular to a second plane formed by the open side <NUM> of the first storage component <NUM>. In this arrangement, a secondary storage component <NUM> may be inserted into the storage area <NUM> through the open side <NUM> and aligned with a pair <NUM> of support ribs <NUM> such that the secondary storage component <NUM> can be supported by the pair <NUM> of support ribs <NUM> within the storage area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the primary storage component 100a may have an open side <NUM>. The primary storage component 100a may be enclosed on each of its other sides, e.g., the other five sides of a generally rectangular prism shaped storage container 100a as depicted in <FIG>. The open side <NUM> of the primary storage component 100a may be intended to be a top side, as shown in <FIG>. In one embodiment, the primary storage component 100a may be in the form of a storage tote having one or more handles <NUM> along opposing edges of the open side <NUM>, such as a soft-sided material or hard-sided material storage tote. The support ribs <NUM> may extend in a generally vertical orientation when the primary storage component 100a is oriented with the open side <NUM> at the top side, as shown in <FIG>.

Still shown in <FIG>, the primary storage component 100b similarly may include at least one open side <NUM>; however, the primary storage component 100b may be generally oriented in a horizontal direction in comparison to the generally vertical orientation of 100a. An open side <NUM> of the primary storage component 100b may be oriented in a generally vertical plane or direction, and the support ribs <NUM> may be oriented in a generally horizontal direction such that secondary storage components <NUM> may be inserted from a side opening and maintain a horizontal orientation. The primary storage component 100b may have one open side <NUM>, as is visible in <FIG>, or more than one open side <NUM> such as two opposing open sides <NUM>, as is visible in best in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrate a primary storage component 100c, e.g., a storage box or storage tote, in both a closed (<FIG>) and open (<FIG>) configuration. The primary storage component 100c may have an open side <NUM> that is configured to be enclosed by a removable lid <NUM>. In the open configuration (<FIG>), the removable lid <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM> along a side, e.g., by hinges, or may be fully removed from the body <NUM>. When the lid <NUM> is removed from the open side <NUM> and/or opened to expose the open side <NUM> and the storage area <NUM>, one or more secondary storage components <NUM> can be inserted into the storage area <NUM>. In <FIG>, the open side <NUM> is configured to be on the top of the primary storage component 100c in a similar manner to the open-top storage tote 100a. The support ribs <NUM> may extend in a generally vertical orientation, e.g., generally perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the open side <NUM> and the lid <NUM> when in the closed configuration.

In some aspects of the present invention, one or more sides of a primary storage component 100d may include support ribs 120a protruding from an external surface <NUM> of one or more sides, e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>. In a slotted storage system <NUM> of the present invention, two of the primary storage components 100d may be placed near or adjacent to each other such that one or more secondary storage components <NUM> may be supported between the external surfaces <NUM>. Thus, the storage capacity in a slotted storage system <NUM> can be increased beyond the storage area <NUM> within an individual primary storage component <NUM>. Moreover, support ribs <NUM> may extend from one or more sides of a primary storage component to mount the primary storage component to an element of a storage mount.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a primary storage component 100d may be formed from four modular sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> arranged in a generally rectangular configuration. Two of the sides, e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>, may have generally common or standardized dimensions and can form, e.g., a top and bottom of the primary storage component 100d, as shown in <FIG>. The other two of the sides, e.g., <NUM> and <NUM>, may optionally be adjusted to be shorted or longer depending on a user's desired size of the storage area <NUM> of the primary storage component 100d. For example, the sides <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG> are longer or taller than those of <FIG>. Each of the sides <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can include one or more locking features <NUM> configured to secure the sides in place. To form an elongated side such as that shown in <FIG>, the sides <NUM> and <NUM> can be formed from one or more couplable panels <NUM>. For instance, the sides152 and <NUM> shown in <FIG> each have a single panel <NUM>, whereas the elongated sides <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be formed from two panels <NUM> coupled together.

Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, one or more brackets <NUM> can be coupled to a primary storage component <NUM>. The brackets <NUM> may be coupled to a storage rail <NUM>, for instance, to a mount interface of a storage rail <NUM> as described in further detail below. For instance, each bracket <NUM> can have a complementary shape to be received between a pair of adjacent protrusions <NUM> or cleats as shown in <FIG>. The protrusions <NUM> can be provided as part of any suitable storage system, e.g., the wall rail <NUM> configured to be mounted to a vertical surface. Additionally or alternatively, one or more sides of a primary storage component <NUM> may include a plurality of protrusions <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In particular, <FIG> illustrates a top surface of the primary storage component 100b and <FIG> illustrates the lid <NUM> each having a plurality of protrusions <NUM> protruding from an upper surface thereof. As will be described in further detail below, the protrusion <NUM> on one or more sides of a primary storage component <NUM> may match the protrusions <NUM> of the wall rail <NUM> to form a system having universal coupling capability within the system. Moreover (although not illustrated in <FIG>), the bottom surfaces of the primary storage components 100a, 100b of <FIG> may include recesses <NUM> or brackets configured to be received and secured relative to the protrusions <NUM> on the lid <NUM> of 100c.

Turning now to <FIG>, the support ribs <NUM> and <NUM> and an example divider <NUM> are illustrated in greater detail. Several pairs <NUM> of parallel support ribs <NUM> are denoted by dashed lines. The support ribs <NUM> may extend from the body <NUM> of the primary storage component <NUM> in a direction of the storage area <NUM>. Between each adjacent support rib <NUM>, a channel <NUM> may be formed. The channel <NUM> may be generally parallel to the adjacent support rib(s) <NUM> and may be configured to receive an insertion flange <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>) of a secondary storage component <NUM>.

While not shown explicitly, the support ribs <NUM> and <NUM> may include one or more locking features as described previously in order to secure a secondary storage component <NUM> relative to the respective support ribs <NUM>, <NUM>. For instance, the one or more locking features may include but are not limited to a slot <NUM> provided in or along a support rib <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments of the present invention, the slot <NUM> may receive a protrusion extending from a secondary storage component <NUM>. Although the slot <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> as extending parallel to a longitudinal direction of the support rib <NUM>, a slot may be provided in or on any surface of one of the support ribs <NUM>, e.g., extending along a top and/or surface of the support ribs <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or extending cross-wise in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of slots <NUM> may be provided in, on or adjacent to an individual support rib <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, any suitable locking feature configured to secure a secondary storage component <NUM> relative to the respective support ribs <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided in addition to or instead of a slot <NUM>, as described previously.

Optionally, one or more dividers <NUM> can be inserted within the storage area <NUM> of the primary storage component <NUM>, e.g., as shown in <FIG>, to divide the storage area <NUM> into smaller compartments. The dividers <NUM> may be configured to engage with the support ribs <NUM> to be held in place within the storage area <NUM>. Moreover, the dividers <NUM> can be provided with divider support ribs <NUM> on an inner surface or outer surface thereof configured to enable one or more secondary storage components <NUM> to be supported between a support rib <NUM> of the primary storage component and a support rib <NUM> of the divider <NUM>. In this manner, secondary storage components 200b having smaller side-to-side dimensions than a primary storage component <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG>) may be inserted and supported within the slotted storage system <NUM>. One or more dividers <NUM> may divide the storage area <NUM> in a first direction, e.g. generally horizontal, and/or a second direction, e.g., generally vertical. For instance, the first direction and second direction may be generally perpendicular.

Additionally illustrated in <FIG> is an insertion component <NUM> of the divider <NUM>. The insertion component <NUM> is formed to be supported by one of the support ribs <NUM>. For instance, the insertion component <NUM> may be configured to extend between an upper surface of a supporting support rib <NUM> and a lower surface of the next adjacent support rib <NUM> above. While not illustrated, the secondary storage components <NUM> may each include "wings" or insertion components as described above in a similar manner as shown for the insertion component <NUM> of the divider <NUM>. Additionally, while not illustrated, each insertion component <NUM> may include one or more locking features configured to be secured in place relative to the support ribs <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a multi-component storage system of the present invention may include a primary storage component <NUM> and one or more wall rails <NUM>. A wall rail <NUM> may include a plurality of protrusions <NUM> (e.g., hanging structures, projections, cleats, and/or the like) repeated along a length of the wall rail <NUM>, which may be engaged by a modular accessory to mount the modular accessory to the wall rail <NUM>. As best shown in in <FIG> and <FIG> , the protrusions <NUM> may include octagonally-shaped structures with each protrusion <NUM> including a base portion <NUM> that extends from a surface <NUM> of the wall rail <NUM>, a plurality of angled portions <NUM> (e.g., two upper angled sides, two lower angled sides, and/or the like), two or more vertical sides <NUM> joining upper and lower angled portions <NUM>, and two or more substantially horizontal sides <NUM>. The upper angled sides may each define a lip, a ledge, or an overhang portion <NUM> that extends outward from the base portion <NUM> and defines an undercut <NUM> between the overhang portion <NUM> and the surface <NUM> of the wall rail <NUM>. As persons having skill in the art will appreciate, protrusions <NUM> may include any other suitable geometric shape (i.e., a different shape than an octagon) without deviating from the instant disclosure.

One or more mount interfaces may be disposed proximate to and/or adjacent to a single protrusion <NUM> or such mount interfaces may be disposed proximate to and/or between two adjacent protrusions <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, a mount interface is a first mount interface <NUM> (<FIG> ) disposed between edges or sides of two adjacent protrusions <NUM>. Note that wall rail <NUM> may include a variety of differently sized and/or shaped mount interfaces formed thereon, including but not limited to those shown in broken/phantom lines in <FIG>. Such mount interfaces may be in the form of regions, areas (e.g., planar areas), or portions of the wall rail <NUM> that are configured to interface with a modular accessory as described herein. That is, one or more modular accessories may mount or attach to the wall rail <NUM> at one or more mount interfaces, and occupy at least a portion of the area defined by such mount interfaces. In some embodiments, the first mount interface <NUM> may be substantially rectangular in shape for receiving and/or interfacing with an accessory interface (described below) having a predetermined profile that is configured to mount to, attach to, and/or otherwise interface with the first mount interface <NUM>. Other sizes and/or shapes of mounting interfaces are contemplated (e.g., square shapes, polygonal shapes, rhombus shapes, symmetric shapes, asymmetric shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes, and/or the like, may be formed and employed as mount interfaces on the wall rail <NUM>). As <FIG> further illustrates, the first mount interface <NUM> may occupy a space proximate and adjacent to a single protrusion <NUM> and/or a space proximate to and between adjacent protrusions <NUM>. Such spaces and, thus, such mount interfaces may be formed as a rectangular region 46A, an oval region 46B, and/or the like. As persons of skill in the art will appreciate, other sizes and shapes of the mount interfaces described herein may be defined over any given region(s) of the wall rail <NUM> for mounting a modular accessory thereto. That is, a modular accessory may be movable between the wall rail <NUM> and/or other storage components (e.g., a toolbox, a crate, and/or the like) as described herein. In this way, a user may create a customized organizational scheme for modular accessories (e.g., batteries, tools, blades, etc.) at various points or locations (e.g., on a wall rail, in a toolbox) of a storage system.

The wall rail <NUM> may additionally include alignment structures (e.g., horizontal alignment protrusions <NUM> alignable with horizontal alignment recesses <NUM>, vertical alignment protrusions <NUM> alignable with vertical alignment recesses <NUM>) to vertically and horizontal align a plurality of wall rail <NUM>. The alignment structures (<NUM> and <NUM>) may form and/or define mount interfaces to which modular accessories may be mounted or attached.

In some aspects, a wall rail <NUM> may include a plurality of protrusions <NUM> repeated along both a length and a height of the wall rail <NUM>. For instance, the wall rail may have a plurality of rows <NUM> of protrusions <NUM> extending along a length of the rail. In some aspects, the wall rail may be provided with vertical alignment protrusion <NUM> and a vertical alignment recess <NUM> along each respective row <NUM> of the wall rail <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a wall rail 12a having a plurality of rows <NUM> of protrusions <NUM>, for instance, arranged in an array. As shown in <FIG>, the wall rail 12a may have two rows <NUM> of protrusions <NUM>. Across the rows <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> may be arranged in vertical columns. The wall rail 12a may include three protrusions <NUM> along a length of the wall rail 12a. In this arrangement, the wall rail 12a may have approximately equivalent length L and height H dimensions as a wall-mountable open primary storage component 100d. In this manner, the wall-mountable primary storage component 100d can integrate seamlessly with wall rails <NUM>, 12a in a multi-component storage assembly as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> to provide static organization solutions for secondary storage components <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a primary storage component <NUM> in the form of an open cabinet <NUM> similar to that described as primary storage component 100b above (see <FIG>). The open cabinet <NUM> is formed from a body <NUM> having at least a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, a bottom panel <NUM>, and a top panel <NUM>. The open cabinet <NUM> may optionally include a rear panel and/or a front panel (not shown). The first side <NUM>, second side <NUM>, and bottom panel <NUM> may be formed from a singular construction, e.g., by molding, or may be formed as separate panels or pieces and coupled together. A plurality of connectors <NUM> may be provided to couple the sides, bottom panel <NUM>, top panel <NUM>, and, if present, the rear and/or front panels, of the open cabinet <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the connectors <NUM> may form a respective corner of the open cabinet <NUM>. The connectors <NUM> may have a length spanning a distance between the bottom panel <NUM> and the top panel <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be configured to form a swinging locking corner tab, e.g., to lock the sides, top panel <NUM>, and bottom panel <NUM> in place while being able to swing or rotate to open or unlock the connector <NUM>. For instance, the connectors <NUM> may be configured for ambidextrous installation. In other words, each connector <NUM> may form a swinging locking tab configured to swing in both right and left directions relative to its adjacent sides <NUM> or <NUM>. In some embodiments, each of the connectors <NUM> may be identical to each other to enable interchangeable configuration and setup.

As shown in <FIG>, the open cabinet <NUM> forms a slotted primary storage component similar to the primary storage component 100B described above.

Similarly to the primary storage component 100B (<FIG>), the open cabinet <NUM> may have protrusions <NUM> extending upward from an outer-facing surface of the top panel <NUM> and recesses <NUM> formed in an external surface of the bottom pane <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> and recesses <NUM> enable the open cabinet <NUM> to be coupled, e.g., stacked, and locked in place relative to one or more additional primary storage components <NUM> in the manner described above. Further, as illustrated in <FIG>, the top panel <NUM> may include one or more partial protrusions 14A which may take a partial form of the shape of a protrusion <NUM>. For instance, the partial protrusions 14A may form one-half of a protrusion <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. As best illustrated in <FIG>, two or more primary storage components <NUM> may be stacked or placed adjacent to each other in a manner aligning the partial protrusions 14A. In this arrangement, two partial protrusions 14A from different primary storage components <NUM> may take the shape of a full protrusion <NUM>, shown in <FIG> encircled by 14B.

<FIG> illustrate a primary storage component <NUM> having a mounting interface on a rear side, e.g., to engage with projections <NUM> such as on a storage rail <NUM>. For instance, the body <NUM> may include a mounting interface <NUM> integrally formed therewith, e.g., by molding or other suitable manufacture. In this regard, a separate bracket <NUM> may not be necessary to engage the primary storage component <NUM> with a storage rail <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate the mounting interface <NUM> on a rear side of the primary storage component <NUM>, i.e., opposite the open side <NUM> (not shown in <FIG>) so that, when the mounting interface is engaged with a storage rail <NUM> or other support surface <NUM>, the open side <NUM> and storage area <NUM> is accessible to a user to remove or insert secondary storage components <NUM> from the storage area <NUM>. The mounting interface <NUM> provides an advantageous.

The mounting interface <NUM> may be complementary to the storage rail <NUM>. For instance, the mounting interface <NUM> may include one or more integral brackets <NUM> having a complementary shape to a shape of the protrusions <NUM>, e.g., such that a negative space <NUM> shape of the protrusions <NUM> may be formed between adjacent integral brackets <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, the integral brackets <NUM> may have a generally Y-shape to receive an upper portion of generally octagonal protrusions <NUM> therebetween.

<FIG> further illustrate a primary storage component <NUM> configured for stacking (i.e., having protrusions <NUM> on a lid <NUM> and recesses <NUM> formed in a lower surface thereof, as illustrated in at least <FIG> and <FIG> and described above). <FIG> further illustrate a means of locking stacked primary storage components <NUM> in place. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, a latch <NUM> may be provided near the bottom of a primary storage component <NUM> and may engage with a springloaded locking member (not shown) configured to lock stacked storage components in place relative to each other. (Additional detail regarding the locking member are disclosed in <CIT>, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein). In accordance with the present invention, a locking piece <NUM> may additionally be provided with the primary storage component <NUM> to engage with the latch <NUM>. By engaging the latch <NUM>, the locking piece <NUM> may prevent the latch <NUM> from unlocking.

Turning to <FIG> and <FIG>, the locking piece <NUM> may have a body <NUM> with an elongated portion <NUM> extending from an upper end <NUM> to a lower end <NUM> and a tab <NUM> extending from the upper end <NUM>. The tab <NUM> may have a generally same or similar side profile or shape as a portion of a lid <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The locking piece <NUM> may extend through the lid <NUM> and the body <NUM>. The body <NUM> may include one or more retaining features <NUM>, e.g., slots (see <FIG>), to hold the locking piece <NUM> in place. For instance, the slots <NUM> enable the locking piece <NUM> to translate along an axis relative to the body <NUM>, e.g., a vertical axis, while preventing the locking piece <NUM> from moving in other directions. In some embodiments, one or more sides of the body <NUM> may be double-walled (as illustrated in <FIG>); however, the locking piece <NUM> is not required to be enclosed in a double-walled body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the locking piece <NUM> in an engaged (locked) position, and <FIG> illustrates the locking piece <NUM> in a disengaged (unlocked) position. In the engaged position, the locking piece <NUM> is inserted or depressed toward the lid <NUM> and the body <NUM> of the primary storage component <NUM>, e.g., so the tab <NUM> aligns with a portion of the lid <NUM>, e.g., in a coplanar manner. In the disengaged position, the tab <NUM> is raised upward relative to the lid <NUM> and does not align with a portion of the lid <NUM> in a coplanar manner. The locking piece <NUM> may translate along an axis between the engaged position and the disengaged position, e.g., up and down along a vertical axis. The axis may be generally parallel to a stacking direction (e.g., a direction in which primary storage components <NUM> are stacked together, as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>).

In the engaged position of the locking piece <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the lower end <NUM> may abut against or engage with a latch <NUM> to prevent the latch <NUM> from being engaged or activated in an upward direction. Because the latch <NUM> is otherwise configured to activate to slide the locking mechanism out of the way to enable separation of stacked components when the latch <NUM> is lifted, engagement of the lower end <NUM> of the locking piece <NUM> with the latch <NUM> prevents the latch <NUM> from being activated to separate the stacked components, effectively locking the components in the stacked arrangement. To 'unlock' the components from each other, the locking piece <NUM> may be transitioned into the disengaged position, releasing the contact or engagement between the lower end <NUM> and the latch <NUM>. For instance, the locking piece <NUM> may be disengaged manually by a user raising or lifting the tab <NUM> in a direction away from the body <NUM> and the latch <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate a non-exclusive variety of exemplary secondary storage components <NUM> configured to interface with a primary storage component <NUM> in the slotted storage system <NUM>. For instance, the secondary storage components <NUM> may include but are not limited to various sizes of closed or lidded container, open containers or trays, generally planar panels, or the like, such as: accessory cases, e.g., storage case having a removable lid, as illustrated in <FIG>; trays/bin, e.g., open containers without a lid, as illustrated in FIG. 13C; tool specific enclosures, such as a drill enclosure illustrated in <FIG>; various sizes of small parts organizers, e.g., divided organized containers with or without a lid and in various depths, as illustrated in <FIG>; storage components such as trays configured to receive hand tools and other accessories in an open manner, such as the cable holder illustrated in <FIG> and the tool holding tray illustrated in <FIG>; open or closed storage of batteries such as batteries configured to supply tools with power; and other storage items such as an insulated cooler for thermal controlled storage. Each secondary storage component <NUM> may include at least one insertion component, also referred to as a "wing" or a "flange", as described previously which is configured to interface with the support ribs <NUM> and/or <NUM> to be supported within a primary storage component. Moreover, while not illustrated, one or more locking features may be provided to the primary storage component <NUM> and/or secondary storage component <NUM> to secure the secondary storage component <NUM>. For instance, the one or more locking features may be provided to the support ribs <NUM>, <NUM> and/or the "wings" of the secondary storage component <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a secondary storage component <NUM> in the form of a small parts organizer <NUM>. The small parts organizer <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a lid <NUM> configured to enclose a storage volume <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Within the storage volume <NUM>, the body <NUM> may include one or more dividers <NUM> configured to divide the storage volume <NUM> into two or more small parts compartments <NUM>. For instance, there may be one or more first direction dividers <NUM> extending along a first direction of the body <NUM>, and/or one or more second direction dividers <NUM> extending along a second direction of the body <NUM>. The first direction dividers <NUM> and the second direction dividers <NUM> may be removably coupled with the body <NUM>. In this manner, the storage volume <NUM> and the small parts compartments <NUM> may be configurable and/or customizable based on a user's storage needs and/or preferences. The body <NUM> may have one or more receiving slots <NUM> configured to receive the first direction dividers <NUM> and/or the second direction dividers <NUM> therein.

As described above regarding <FIG>, the small parts organizer <NUM> includes an insertion flange <NUM> extending around its perimeter and configure to be complementary with the support ribs <NUM> of a primary storage component <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the body <NUM> may include a body flange <NUM> extending around a perimeter of the body <NUM>, such as around a perimeter of an opening of the body <NUM> to the storage volume <NUM>. The lid <NUM> may include a lid flange <NUM> extending around a perimeter of the lid <NUM> and configured to contact or mate with the body flange <NUM> when the lid <NUM> is closed. In some embodiments, a seal <NUM> such as an O-ring seal may be provided to seal between the lid <NUM> and the body <NUM>. One or more locking features <NUM> such as latches may be provided to secure or lock the lid <NUM> to the body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the storage system of the present invention may further include a variety of secondary storage components <NUM> having similar arrangements as the small parts organizer <NUM> with regard to the insertion flange <NUM> and ability to couple with a primary storage component <NUM> having ribs <NUM> and slots <NUM> formed therebetween, i.e., a slotted storage system, as described above. <FIG> illustrate in further detail additional non-limiting aspects of the secondary storage components <NUM> of the present invention.

<FIG> each illustrate a storage tote 100c (a primary storage component) having a plurality of secondary storage components <NUM> stored therein. The secondary storage components <NUM> are each engaged with the ribs <NUM> within the storage tote 100c to hold each respective secondary storage component <NUM> in place within the storage tote 100c. Each storage tote 100c further includes dividers <NUM> further dividing the storage space within the storage tote 100c into multiple compartments.

<FIG> illustrate, in part, a tool case <NUM>, i.e., a lidded or enclosed container. The tool case <NUM> may have a similar construction to the small parts organizer <NUM> described in detail above, e.g., having a body <NUM>, a lid <NUM>, a storage volume <NUM>. An insertion flange <NUM> surrounds a periphery of the tool case <NUM> and is configured to engage with the ribs <NUM> of the storage tote 100c. In some aspects, the storage volume <NUM> may include a support <NUM> fitted therein, the support having one or more cavities fitted to an outer shape of a respective tool for storing within the tool case <NUM>. For instance, the support <NUM> may be formed of foam or other soft, flexible material configured to support a tool within the storage volume <NUM> while maintaining its shape.

<FIG> illustrates a slot panel <NUM> configured to be inserted into the storage space of the storage tote 100c and engaged with the ribs <NUM>. The slot panel <NUM> may have a panel body <NUM>, a peripheral flange <NUM> surrounding the panel body <NUM> and configured for engagement with the ribs <NUM>, and a grip portion <NUM> configured for a user to grip and pull the slot panel <NUM> out of the storage tote 100c. The grip portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the panel body <NUM> by an opening <NUM>. The panel body <NUM> may be configured to receive one or more clips <NUM> thereon, e.g., to store a tool. For instance, as illustrated in <FIG>, a tool may include a plurality of clips <NUM> (e.g., belt clips) which may slide onto the panel body <NUM> along an edge <NUM> of the panel body <NUM> bordering the opening <NUM>. The tool may be further stabilized by positioning a portion of the tool within the opening <NUM> and abutting against the grip portion <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate a battery holder panel <NUM>. The battery holder panel <NUM> may be configured to be inserted into the storage space of the storage tote 100c and engaged with the ribs <NUM>. The battery holder panel <NUM> may have a panel body <NUM>, a peripheral flange <NUM> surrounding the panel body <NUM> and configured for engagement with the ribs <NUM>, and a grip portion <NUM> or handle configured for a user to grip and pull the battery holder panel <NUM> out of the storage tote 100c. The grip portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the panel body <NUM> by an opening <NUM> to provide ease of handling for a user to grip the grip portion <NUM>. The panel body <NUM> may include one or more openings <NUM> configured to receive a portion of a battery therethrough. For instance, <FIG> illustrates a battery holder panel <NUM> configured to store or hold four batteries, i.e., having four openings <NUM> that receive a portion of a battery therethrough.

<FIG> illustrates a cable or wire storage panel <NUM>. The wire storage panel <NUM> has similar construction to the tool slot panel <NUM> and the battery holder panel <NUM> in its configuration to engage with the ribs <NUM> of a primary storage component <NUM>. The wire storage panel <NUM> further includes one or more rows of spool storage <NUM> formed in a wire storage panel body <NUM> and surrounded by a wire storage panel flange <NUM>. A grip portion <NUM> or handle may be provided for ease of insertion and removal.

<FIG> illustrates another alternative secondary storage component <NUM> configured to store items within a storage space, e.g., a lidded container. In particular, <FIG> illustrates a cooler <NUM> (e.g., a thermal insulating cooler such as those typically used to store cold beverages or perishable food items) having a cooler body <NUM> configured for insertion within a primary storage component such as a storage tote 100c. The cooler body <NUM> may include ribs <NUM> extending or protruding from parallel outer surfaces thereof and configured for engagement with the ribs <NUM> of the storage tote 100c. A lid <NUM> may further be provided to enclose the cooler <NUM>. The cooler <NUM> may be, for instance, formed of a blow-molded construction having the ribs <NUM> integrally formed with the body <NUM>, or formed from any other suitable construction. The present inventors have found that providing a cooler <NUM> as a secondary storage component <NUM> configured to integrate with the storage system of the present invention may improve job site storage, organization, and user satisfaction.

Further aspects of the invention are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:
A storage system includes a primary storage component and a secondary storage component. The primary storage component includes a body surrounding a storage area, the body having a plurality of support ribs extending therefrom, the plurality of support ribs including at least one pair of support ribs on opposing sides of the body. The primary storage component includes at least one open side. The secondary storage component is configured to be inserted within the storage area of the primary storage component through the at least one open side and aligned with the at least one pair of support ribs.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the body comprises a base, a lid, at least two sides extending between the base and the lid, and a connector configured to couple adjacent sides of the body to each other, to the base, and to the lid.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein each connector is identical and configured for ambidextrous installation.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein each connector extends from the base to the lid.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein each connector forms a swinging locking tab configured to lock adjacent sides of the body to each other.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising at least one divider inserted within the storage area and aligned with one or more ribs of the plurality of support ribs, the divider comprising a plurality of ribs on an outer surface thereof and a plurality of ribs on an inner surface thereof.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the at least one divider is configured to divide the storage area in a first direction.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the at least one divider comprises a second divider configured to divide the storage area in a second direction different from the first direction.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the body of the primary storage component comprises at least one mounting interface configured to mount the body to a support surface, the at least one mounting interface extending from an outer surface of the body.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the at least one mounting interface comprises at least two mounting interfaces, wherein a first mounting interface and a second mounting interface of the at least two mounting interfaces extend from different sides of the body.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising at least one alignment protrusion extending from a side of the body and configured to align the primary storage component with one or more wall rails.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising at least one alignment recess along a side of the body configured to align the primary storage component with an alignment protrusion of one or more wall rails.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, the body comprising at least one side comprising a plurality of cleats on an outer surface extending in a direction away from the storage area, the cleats being configured to couple with a complementary bracket.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, the body comprising at least one side comprising a plurality of recesses on an outer surface extending in a direction towards the storage area, the recesses being configured to receive a complementary cleat.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the plurality of recesses each extend in a direction in a direction parallel to a stacking direction of the primary storage component.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the secondary storage component comprises an insertion flange configured to be engaged with the at least one pair of support ribs, the secondary storage component selected from the group consisting of: a lidded container, a panel configured for coupling an item to be stored, an open-sided tray.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, further comprising a storage rail configured to be mounted to a vertical support surface, the storage rail comprising a plurality of cleats, an alignment protrusion on one side of the storage rail and an alignment recess on an opposite side of the storage rail.

The storage system of any one or more of the embodiments, wherein the plurality of cleats are arranged in an array including at least two rows and at least two columns of cleats.

Claim 1:
A storage system (<NUM>) comprising:
a primary storage component (<NUM>) having a body (<NUM>) surrounding a storage area (<NUM>), the primary storage component (<NUM>) having at least one open side (<NUM>), the body (<NUM>) having a plurality of support ribs (<NUM>) extending therefrom, the plurality of support ribs (<NUM>) including at least one pair of support ribs (<NUM>) on opposing sides of the body (<NUM>); and
a secondary storage component (<NUM>) configured to be inserted within the storage area (<NUM>) of the primary storage component (<NUM>) through the at least one open side (<NUM>) and aligned with the at least one pair of support ribs (<NUM>), characterized by further comprising at least one alignment protrusion extending from a side of the body (<NUM>) and configured to align the primary storage component (<NUM>) with one or more wall rails (<NUM>).