Patent Description:
This application relates generally to storage containers. More specifically, this application relates to a system of multiple storage boxes that easily stack and automatically lock in place.

The drawings, when considered in connection with the following description, are presented for the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected.

The invention refers to a portable storage system with the features of claim <NUM> and a stackable container with the features of claim <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses a shelf module unit having side wall perforated plates and connecting structure.

<CIT> discloses a horizontal tool staging system and tool staging accessories with secure enclosure and tool locating capabilities.

While the present disclosure is described with reference to several illustrative embodiments described herein, it should be clear that the present disclosure should not be limited to such embodiments. Therefore, the description of the embodiments provided herein is illustrative of the present disclosure and should not limit the scope of the disclosure as claimed. In addition, while following description references particular toolbox configurations, it will be appreciated that the disclosure may be used with other types of containers or storage boxes that may be stacked on top of each other or otherwise attached together.

Briefly described, a system is disclosed including a storage container having a body with a top lid, a bottom surface, and side walls enclosing a volume within the body and connecting the top lid with the bottom surface. In various embodiments, the storage container may further include a set of stacking locks that may be deployed automatically to lock the storage boxes together when a first storage container is placed upon the top of a second storage container. The stacking lock is a tri-state lock mechanism. Deep chamfers at bottom surfaces and top lids of storage boxes allow automatic alignment of the first (top) storage container with the second (bottom) storage container. Additionally, protrusions in bottom storage container fit into detent slots that allow automatic locking of containers when placed on top of other containers and help further align stacked containers. A lock status indicator automatically indicates the state of the stacking locks (unstacked-unlocked, stacked-locked, stacked-unlocked) at all times. The lock status indicator may also have an added function to allow a user to unlock the stacked storage containers to detach and remove them from the stack. In various embodiments, the user may not manually lock the storage containers but the user may unlock them manually, as noted above. In various embodiments, the set of stacking locks may include a front set and rear set of locks. The locks may be actuated via various linkages upon alignment of the storage containers.

In various embodiments, a portable storage system is disclosed including a first stackable container having a locking system, and a lock status indicator on the first stackable container that automatically indicates a particular present state, as one of a locked state and an unlocked state, of the locking system of the first stackable container when placed on top of a second stackable container and when removed from the second stackable container.

In various embodiments, a stackable container including a protrusion on a lid of the stackable container usable to stack and lock an upper stackable container and automatically align the upper stackable container with the stackable container when the stackable container and the upper stackable container are misaligned. The protrusion on the lid of the stackable container fits into a self-aligning slot at a bottom of the upper stackable container to help align the two stacked containers.

In various embodiments, a container locking system is disclosed including a lock mechanism assembly having three locking states including an unstacked unlocked state, a stacked locked state, and a stacked unlocked state. The lock mechanism assembly is deployed on a first container and is actuated by a second container stacked on the first container.

In various industrial applications, including construction projects, repair shops, plumbing service providers, auto repair facilities, and the like, a multitude of various hand and power tools are employed. The number and weight of all the tools that may have to be carried to a job site and back or keep organized in a repair shop may become unmanageable without effective storage, causing loss of tools, missing the tools needed for a job, and making it difficult to carry all the tools needed for a project. Tools may be organized based on their type of function or application, based on size or weight, based on being manual or powered, and the like. So, each set of tools may be stored in a separate container to keep them organized and easily accessible. There is a need for an effective, quick, and easy way to attach all such storage containers together, for example, by stacking them, that allows the user to quickly and securely attach and detach the storage containers.

It is to be noted that directions, orientations, and other relative terms such as "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", "interior", "exterior", "downward", "upward", "front-facing", "down-facing", "vertical", "horizontal", "diagonal", and the like are described with respect or relative to a distinguishing feature of the system or device body itself. For example, if the front part or surface of a system body or an object is identified in the description, then rear or back is defined as the part or surface opposite the front surface, left is defined as the left side when looking into the front surface, and so on. As long as directions are unambiguously identifiable based on the descriptions and figures, how the orientations are defined is immaterial.

It is further to be noted that values of various quantities and parameters, and/or differences between systems or mechanisms or processes, may be expressed as estimated values with reference to another similar quantity or system, using terms such as "substantially," "approximately," "almost," "materially," "nearly," "about," and the like. In many fields, such as engineering, chemistry, finance and others, differences between two similar entities or quantities that are equal to or less than fiver percent (<NUM>%) are considered as insignificant, forming a reasonable approximation of the quantity. In the context of systems, insignificant difference is defined as difference between the outputs of the systems being less than or equal to <NUM>%.

<FIG> shows an example stack of multiple storage boxes with sliding lock indicator levers. In various embodiments, stack <NUM> includes a wheeled base container or box <NUM>, other intermediate boxes <NUM>, a top or upper box <NUM>, each box having a handle <NUM> and a lock status indicator <NUM>, corner slots <NUM>, and a lid <NUM>. The base box <NUM> may include wheels <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the boxes are stacked one on top of another and lock together via a lock mechanism assembly, described later. In some embodiments, the lid <NUM> of each box forms a concave or recessed surface with slanted/sloped inner sides to automatically center an upper box placed on it. The bottom of each box forms a convex surface with slanted/sloped outer sides, matching an angle of the inner slope of the lid <NUM>. The respective slanted sides cause the upper box <NUM> to move to center of the lid <NUM> and sit on top of a bottom or lower box. In various other embodiments, the lid <NUM> may be convex and the bottom of the upper box <NUM> may be concave to perform the same function of centering the upper box onto a lower box.

It is to be noted that throughout this disclosure, the direction up extends from the wheels <NUM> towards upper box <NUM>. The direction down is opposite to direction up. The front of the box is the face or side on which the lock status indicator <NUM> appears and the back is opposite of front. The exterior of a side or panel or bar of a box is the surface that faces away from an interior center of the box enclosed by its sides, and the interior of the side or panel or bar is the surface that faces towards the center of the box. So regardless of the orientation of the stack or individual boxes, the directions disclosed herein are unambiguously specified with respect to the stack or box itself.

As used herein, the terms box, container, storage box, case, chest, enclosure, and other similar terms are used interchangeably, unless otherwise differentiated explicitly or by context.

In various embodiments, the stackable boxes stacked together on a wheeled base, as disclosed herein, create a mobile or portable storage system that allows carrying many tools, equipment, materials, and other objects in a secure and organized manner.

<FIG> shows an example base box having a drawer, handle and wheels. In various embodiments, the base box arrangement <NUM> includes a base box <NUM> having a drawer <NUM> an extendable handle <NUM>, and a concave lid <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the base box <NUM> may have a full size drawer covering the entire inner volume of the base box <NUM>. Access to the internal volume of the base box <NUM> may be from the drawer when pulled out and/or from the top lid <NUM>. In some embodiments, the top lid may not provide access to the interior of the base box <NUM>, but be used to receive upper boxes.

<FIG> shows an example base box having multiple drawers, handle and wheels. In various embodiments, the base box arrangement <NUM> includes a base box <NUM> having multiple drawers <NUM> an extendable handle <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the base box <NUM> is similar in use and operation to base box <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows example detached upper and lower boxes. In various embodiments, the arrangement <NUM> includes a first, top or upper box <NUM>, a second, bottom or lower box <NUM>, each box in turn including a concave lid <NUM>, lock status indicators <NUM> and <NUM>, lid protrusions 135a, 135b, 135c, and 135d, front latch or cleat receivers 136a, 136b, rear latch or cleat receivers 136c and 136d, short slanted (or chamfered or beveled) side <NUM> and long slanted side <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the upper box <NUM> may be placed on top of lower box <NUM> to be centered and locked in place to the lower box <NUM>. The details of this stacking operation and also unstacking operation are described later herein.

In various embodiments, the cleat receivers 136a-136b are recessed slots with rigid walls deployed within the lid of the lower box to receive and rigidly hold the latches or cleats extended from the upper box. The recessed slots are substantially shaped and sized to closely fit the size of the latches or cleats they receive.

<FIG> shows a bottom view of a storage box with locking latches or cleats. In various embodiments, the bottom view <NUM> includes the upper box <NUM>, the lock status indicator <NUM>, a bottom slanted sides141, front latch or cleat assemblies 142a and 142b, rear fixed latches or cleats 143a and 143b, detent receptacles or slots 144a and 144b, and indicator sliding path <NUM>.

In various embodiments, when the upper box <NUM> is placed on a lower box <NUM>, the rear fixed cleats 143a and 143b engage and are received into cleat receivers 136c and 136d (see <FIG>), respectively, and the front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b engage and are received into 136a and 136b, respectively. The bottom slanted sides <NUM>, extending around the bottom perimeter of the upper box <NUM>, engage the short slanted sides <NUM> and long slanted sides <NUM>, forcing the upper box <NUM> towards the center of the lid of lower box <NUM> from all directions.

In various embodiments, the lock status indicator <NUM> indicates the status of the lock between the stacked boxes, as further described below with respect to other figures.

In various embodiments, the parts at the bottom of each box, which are matching or complementary with other parts of the lid or top of another box, may switch places. More specifically, in such embodiments, the convex bottom of the top box and the concave top of the bottom box may be reversed with bottom of the top box being concave to receive the convex top of the bottom box. Similarly the cleats at the bottom of the top box may be switched with the cleat receivers at the top of the bottom box. These embodiments create a stack of locking boxes with reversed locking parts and configurations while performing substantially the same function. Additionally, some of the upper and lower boxes stacked together may be interchangeable.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in various embodiments, lid protrusions 135a-135d are arranged to make them symmetrical such that the upper box <NUM> may be rotated <NUM> degrees about a vertical axis passing through the center of lid <NUM>, and still be locked onto the lower box <NUM> the same way. This is because facing opposite directions, protrusions 135a-135d of lower box <NUM> will match detent slots 144a and 144b. Similarly, front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b and rear cleats 143a and 143b will match cleat receivers 136a-136b, on the opposite site of the lower box <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with a rotating lock indicator lever. In various embodiments, the stacking box arrangement <NUM> includes an upper box <NUM>, cleat assemblies 142a and 142b, bottom slanted sides <NUM>, rotational lock status indicator <NUM>, lower box <NUM>, and cleat receivers 136a and 136b.

In various embodiments, the arrangement <NUM> is similar in use and operation to upper box <NUM>, but with a different lock status indicator. The lock status indicator <NUM> on upper box <NUM> is a sliding bar, while the lock status indicator <NUM> is a rotational bar. The lock mechanism assembly may also be different in ways described later to work with the rotational lock status indicator. In some embodiments, a vertical orientation of the lock status indicator <NUM> indicates an unlocked state, while a horizontal orientation indicates a locked state.

<FIG> shows example misaligned upper and lower boxes. In various embodiments, the misaligned stacking arrangement <NUM> includes an upper box <NUM> with a bottom slanted side <NUM>, a lower box <NUM> with short slanted side <NUM>, cleat receivers 136a and 136b, and misalignment gap <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the upper box <NUM> may be placed on top of the lower box <NUM> with misalignment gap <NUM> that results in misalignment of the two boxes in the stack ,as shown. The misalignment is automatically corrected when the short slanted side <NUM> of lower box <NUM> exerts a force onto bottom slanted side <NUM> of the upper box <NUM>, pushing the upper box <NUM> towards the center of lower box <NUM>. The self-alignment of the stacked boxes is further enhanced by the detent slot 144a, as further described below with respect to other figures.

<FIG> shows example aligned upper and lower boxes. In various embodiments, the aligned stacking arrangement <NUM> includes the upper box <NUM> with a bottom slanted side <NUM>, and the lower box <NUM> with short slanted side <NUM>.

This figure shows that the upper box <NUM> is aligned with the lower box <NUM> via the short slanted side <NUM> of lower box <NUM> exerting a force onto bottom slanted side <NUM> of the upper box <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of detent actuation mechanism with no protrusion inserted. In various embodiments, the closeup view <NUM> includes a lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, a detent slot entry <NUM> having a slanted wide section <NUM> and a straight narrow section <NUM>, a detent <NUM>, and a detent stop <NUM>. This figure shows the back side of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> facing towards the interior of the box.

In various embodiments, when a box is in an unlocked state (not locked to other boxes in the stack), the detent <NUM> is exposed and accessible at the detent slot entry <NUM>. The detent is rotationally spring-loaded for its proper operation as further described with respect to other figures below. The detent slot 144b (see <FIG>) of an upper box receives protrusion 135b on the lid or top of the lower box and activates automatic locking process of two adjacent stacked boxes, when the upper box is placed on the lower box. In this figure, the detent is shown in the unlocked position. The detent stop <NUM> stops the detent <NUM> from moving towards right side of the figure as shown. In this figure, the lock status indicator <NUM> (not shown) is at the left side of the figure.

In various embodiments, the slanted wide section <NUM> is wider than a width of the protrusion 135b on the lid <NUM> of the lower box. The straight narrow section <NUM> is slightly bigger than the width of the protrusion 135b to snugly enclose the protrusion. The difference in size between the slanted wide section <NUM> and the straight narrow section <NUM> serves to automatically align the protrusion 135b with the narrow. When the upper box is placed on the lower box, a slight misalignment between the protrusion 135b and detent slot entry <NUM> may be corrected because the protrusion 135b may fall within the slanted wide section <NUM> and be guided into its final resting location within the straight narrow section <NUM>. This action further helps to self-align the upper box over the lower box in addition to the self-alignment action of the short slanted sides <NUM> and bottom slanted side <NUM>, described above with respect to <FIG> and <FIG>. Hence, the self-aligning action of the detent slot entry <NUM> and the slanted sides of the boxes assist each other to quickly and positively align an upper and lower box in a stack for locking. This arrangement makes detent slot 144b (and 144a) a self-aligning slot in the context of helping align upper and lower boxes when initially stacked.

In various embodiments, the detent slot entry <NUM> self-alignment may also serve to hold the upper and lower boxes together more strongly and positively and prevent any slop or shifting around of the boxes because even though the slanted wide section <NUM> is angled, but the straight narrow section <NUM> encloses the protrusion 135b along part of its length, as shown in <FIG> described below, preventing movement of the boxes with respect to each other in a lateral direction along the planes of the bottom of the upper box and the lid of the lower box.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of detent actuation mechanism with a protrusion inserted. In various embodiments, the closeup view <NUM> includes the lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, the detent slot entry <NUM> having the expanded section <NUM>, the detent <NUM>, the detent stop <NUM>, the lower box lid <NUM> having a protrusion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the protrusion <NUM> pushes the detent away while also rotating it, as further described below with respect to other figures. The state of the detent shown in this figure is in an unlocked position while the upper box lies on the lower box with the protrusion <NUM> inserted into the detent slot 144a. As described above with respect to <FIG>, the insertion of the protrusion <NUM> into straight narrow section <NUM> of the detent slot 144a holds the upper and lower boxes together and prevents lateral movement of the boxes with respect to each other.

<FIG> shows an example abstract structure of a lock mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, the abstract structure <NUM> includes a detent actuation mechanism <NUM>, a lock actuation mechanism <NUM>, and a lock mechanism <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the mechanisms included in the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> may be implemented as three different and detached mechanisms or be partially or fully integrated as one or two mechanisms, while each performing its own function. In some embodiments, the three mechanisms may share some parts that perform multiple functions for one or more mechanisms. In the descriptions of the various figures below, different or alternative designs for each of the three mechanisms are described.

In various embodiments, the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> may be a three-state (or tri-state) locking system having three distinct states as defined by the position of the upper and lower boxes with respect to each other and the state of the lock that locks the boxes together in the stack. A first lock state is an unstacked unlocked state when the upper box is physically separate from the lower box, the lock is not engaged (boxes unlocked from each other), and the lock status indicator <NUM> (see <FIG>) is in an intermediate position along its indicator sliding path <NUM> (see <FIG>), partially away from each end of the indicator sliding path <NUM>. A second lock state is a stacked locked state when the upper box is physically placed on top of the lower box and the protrusion 135b of the lower box is received within the detent slot 144b, has pushed the detent <NUM> into a position that allows the locking of the boxes together, as detailed later. In the second lock state, the lock status indicator is at the end of the indicator sliding path <NUM>. A third lock state is a stacked unlocked state when a user manually slides the lock status indicator <NUM> lever away from the interior center of the box towards its closest side of the box. In the third state, the lock status indicator <NUM> is at the end of the indicator sliding path <NUM> farthest away from the interior center of the box (closest to side of the box). Lock mechanism assembly cannot transition from stacked unlocked state to stacked locked state by using the lock status indicator <NUM> lever without first going through the unstacked unlocked state. The status lock indicator <NUM> automatically indicates a present state or configuration of the locking system, in which the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> is at any given time.

In various embodiments, lock status indicator <NUM> may show two states including locked and unlocked states and not differentiate between boxes being stacked or not. In these embodiments, both the stacked unlocked state and the unstacked unlocked state are indicated as a single unlocked state and are not distinguished by the lock status indicator <NUM> as two separate states.

<FIG> shows an example lock mechanism assembly as part of an upper box and a lid of a lower box. In various embodiments, view <NUM> shows the lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, slanted side walls <NUM> of lower box, concave lid <NUM> of the lower box, and front cleat receivers 136a and 136b.

In various embodiments, the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> includes a detent actuation mechanism, a lock actuation mechanism, and a lock mechanism, each described with respect to various figures below. This figure shows the front or exterior surface of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM>. Other figures described below show the back side or interior surface of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> to better describe the components and operation of the mechanisms employed.

<FIG> shows an example back side of the lock mechanism assembly of <FIG>. In various embodiments, the back side view <NUM> includes lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, lower box lid <NUM>, protrusions 135a and 135b, front cleat receivers 136a and 136b, front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b, slider spring <NUM>, detent slots 144a and 144b, slider <NUM>, and slider handle <NUM>. In this figure slider handle <NUM> is in open or unlocked position.

In various embodiments, when the upper box is placed on top of the lid <NUM> of the lower box, the protrusions 135a and 135b are received into detent slots 144a and 144b, respectively. Protrusion 135a pushes on detent <NUM> (see <FIG>) and sets in motion a set of actions by transmitting force between the detent actuation mechanism, the lock actuation mechanism and the lock mechanism to lock the upper box and lower box together in the stack.

In various embodiments, the force exerted on the detent <NUM> (see <FIG>) by protrusion135b causes the detent <NUM> to be moved and clear the detent stop <NUM> and allow the slider spring <NUM> to pull the slider <NUM> towards the center of the box into a locked position. This is further described in more detail below with respect to various figures.

In various embodiments, the detent actuation mechanism <NUM> includes protrusion 135b on the lid <NUM> of lower box, detent slot 144b, detent <NUM> and its specific parts like detent spring described later, and detent stop described below with respect to other figures. The lock actuation mechanism <NUM> includes slider <NUM> and its specific structures such as slider grooves described below with respect to other figures, slider handle <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM> lever, and parts of front cleat assembly 142b such as cleat pins described below with respect to other figures. The lock mechanism includes the rear cleats 143a and 143b, front cleat assembly 142a and 142b, and latch or cleat receivers 136a-136d. Various forms of these three mechanisms may be used and combined to perform the same functions.

<FIG> shows an example view of the sliding lock lever of <FIG>. In various embodiments, view <NUM> includes lock status indicator <NUM>, lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, detent slot 144b and front cleat assembly 142b, and indicator sliding path <NUM>. This figure shows the front surface (away from interior of the box) of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM>.

In various embodiments, lock status indicator <NUM> may be a lever that may take one of three positions or states, as described above with respect to <FIG>. In the first lock state, the unstacked unlocked state, the front cleats are retracted into front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b and are not engaged with the front cleat receivers 136a and 136b, respectively. In the second lock state, the stacked locked state, the cleats are extended from the front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b and engage the front cleat receivers 136a and 136b, respectively. In the third lock state, the stacked unlocked state, the front cleats are retracted into front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b and are not engaged with the front cleat receivers 136a and 136b, respectively.

<FIG> shows the example lock mechanism assembly of <FIG> in locked state. In various embodiments, the rear view <NUM> of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> includes protrusion 135b of lower box, cleat assembly 142b, detent slot 144b, detent <NUM>, slider <NUM>, and slider handle <NUM>. This figure shows lock mechanism assembly <NUM> in the stacked locked state.

In various embodiments, protrusion 135b is received in detent slot 144b and moves the detent <NUM> past detent stop <NUM> (see <FIG>) and puts the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> in the stacked locked state. The slider handle <NUM>, coupled with the lock status indicator <NUM>, is in the position that indicates stacked locked state. In this lock state, slider <NUM> is pulled by the slider spring <NUM> in a direction away from the indicator sliding path <NUM> (see <FIG>) and rests at one endpoint of indicator sliding path <NUM> closer to center of the box (middle point between two parallel sides). In this state, the front cleats extend out from the front cleats assembly 142a and 142b and enter into the front cleat receivers 136a and 136b, respectively, locking the upper and lower boxes together. From the stacked locked state, the lock mechanism assembly can enter into the stacked unlocked state by the user by pulling the lock status indicator <NUM> lever or bar towards the opposite end point of the indicator sliding path <NUM> from the end point in the present state.

In various embodiments, detent <NUM> is attached to slider <NUM> and moves back and forth with slider <NUM>. Detent <NUM> may also move rotationally and has a radial spring, as further described below with respect to other figures. Detent <NUM> may rotate to clear some barriers within the housing.

<FIG> shows the example lock mechanism assembly of <FIG> in an unlocked state. In various embodiments, the rear view <NUM> of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> includes protrusion 135b of lower box, detent <NUM>, slider <NUM>, and slider handle <NUM>. This figure shows lock mechanism assembly <NUM> in the stacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, in this configuration, the user has pulled the lock status indicator <NUM> towards the other end of the indicator sliding path <NUM> to place it in the stacked unlocked state. In this state, the front cleats are retracted back into the front cleat assembly 142a and 142b and disengage from the front cleat receivers 136a and 136b, respectively. In this state, detent <NUM> is moved to the other side of the protrusion 135b as shown in this figure and in comparison with <FIG>. When the user moves slider <NUM>, using lock status indicator <NUM>, detent <NUM> also moves in the same direction. At this point, the upper box is unlocked from the lower box and may be removed from the stack of boxes.

In various embodiments, in this state, the user cannot transition to stacked locked state by using the lock status indicator <NUM> lever because detent <NUM> is not in contact with protrusion 135b and cannot be pushed out of the way to allow slider <NUM> to be pulled by slider spring <NUM> into stacked locked state. The upper box has to be removed from and repositioned on top of the lower box to allow detent <NUM> to revert to its unstacked position and protrusion 135b to push it over detent stop <NUM> again, entering stacked locked state.

In various embodiments, state transitions allowed are as follows:.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of the back side of the lock mechanism assembly in unlocked state and with slider removed. The closeup view <NUM> incudes lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, cleat assembly 142b, detent slot 144b, detent <NUM>, detent stop <NUM>, detent spring <NUM> (torsional spring), first cleat pin 402a, second cleat pin 402b, first pin slot 403a, second pin slot 403b, and slider coupler <NUM>. This figure shows the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> in the unstacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, slider coupler <NUM> couples slider <NUM> to lock status indicator <NUM> lever. When the user moves the lock status indicator <NUM>, the slider also moves in the same direction. When the upper and lower boxes are stacked, the user may lock or unlock the stacked boxes to each other by moving the lock status indicator <NUM>.

In various embodiments, first cleat pin 402a and second cleat pin 403a move back and forth within the first pin slot 403a and second pin slot 403b, respectively, to extend and retract the front cleats from the front cleat assembly 142b. The same actions happen simultaneously on the cleat assembly 142a (not shown in this figure). The front cleats are shown in retracted state, at a first end of pin slots 403a and 403b, unlocking the stacked boxes. The cleat pins engage with grooves deployed on the underside of slider <NUM>, as further described below with respect to other figures. As the slider <NUM> moves, the cleat pins (402a and 402b) engaged with the slider <NUM> are moved in a direction perpendicular to the movement of slider <NUM>, in turn moving the front cleats in the same direction as the cleat pins. These movements of the front cleats function to extend or retract the front cleats from the cleat assemblies 142a and 142b.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of the back side of the lock mechanism assembly in locked state and with slider removed. The closeup view <NUM> incudes lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, protrusion 135b, cleat assembly 142b, detent <NUM>, detent stop <NUM>, first cleat pin 402a, first pin slot 403a, and slider coupler <NUM>. This figure shows the lock mechanism assembly <NUM> in the stacked locked state.

In various embodiments, first cleat pin 402a and second cleat pin 403a move back and forth within the first pin slot 403a and second pin slot 403b, respectively, to extend and retract the front cleats from the front cleat assembly 142b. The same actions happen simultaneously on the cleat assembly 142a (not shown in this figure). The front cleats are shown in extended state, at a second end of pin slots 403a and 403b, locking the stacked boxes. The cleat pins engage with grooves deployed on the underside of slider <NUM>, as further described below with respect to other figures. As the slider <NUM> moves, the cleat pins (402a and 402b) engaged with the slider <NUM> are moved in a direction perpendicular to the movement of slider <NUM>, in turn moving the front cleats in the same direction as the cleat pins. These movements of the front cleats function to extend or retract the front cleats from the cleat assemblies 142a and 142b.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of the cleat assembly. In various embodiments, closeup view <NUM> includes lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, slider handle <NUM>, front cleat assembly 142b having a cleat shroud or case <NUM>, cleat springs <NUM>, slider <NUM>, and front cleat <NUM> enclosed within cleat case <NUM>. This figure shows a cross-section of cleat assembly 142b within lock mechanism assembly <NUM> in a stacked locked state.

In various embodiments, front cleat assembly 142b has a cleat case <NUM> to protect front cleat <NUM> from external forces, such as heavy boxes, impact of boxes dropped on top of other boxes in the stack, rough handling, and the like. The cleat pins 402a and 402b and corresponding pin slots 403a and 403b, respectively, are hidden below slider <NUM> and are not shown in this figure. Cleat springs <NUM> push front cleat <NUM> to extend out of front cleat assembly 142b and lock the stacked boxes together. Cleat case <NUM> is fixed with respect to slider <NUM> and lock mechanism assembly <NUM>, while front cleat <NUM> may move in and out of cleat case <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the motion of slider <NUM>. Cleat pins 402a and 402b allow the movement of front cleat <NUM> within cleat case <NUM> in the above-mentioned perpendicular direction, while cleat case <NUM> itself remains motionless. The cleat operations are further described below with respect to other figures.

<FIG> shows an example underside of the slider and cleat assemblies in unlocked position with lower and upper boxes touching (stacked). In various embodiments, the slider underside view <NUM> includes slider <NUM>, front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b, slider spring <NUM>, cleat pins 402a and 402b, front cleat <NUM>, cleat springs <NUM>, detent <NUM>, slider rails or groove 431a enclosing cleat pin 402a, slider groove 431b enclosing cleat pin 402b, slider groove 432a enclosing cleat pin 433a, and slider groove 432b enclosing cleat pin 433b. In this figure, lock mechanism assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>) is in stacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, lateral movement (parallel to a front side of a box) of slider <NUM> causes perpendicular movement of front cleats <NUM>. The movement of the front cleats <NUM> as a result of lateral movement of slider <NUM> is caused by wedge or cam action of slider grooves 431a, 431b, 432a, and 432b on cleat pins 402a, 402b, 433a, and 433b, respectively. When slider <NUM> moves to the left in this figure, for example, when pulled by slider spring <NUM>, each cleat pin traverses its respective groove from left to right with respect to the groove. As each pin travels through its groove and follows its path, the pin moves up the sloped segment (which has a motion component perpendicular to the direction of movement of slider <NUM>) of its groove and pulls its front cleat <NUM> along with it in the direction perpendicular to the motion of slider <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the location of each cleat pin along its respective slider groove determines the lock state of the lock mechanism assembly <NUM>. When the pin is in the left-most position in this figure (nearest to slider spring <NUM>) the front cleats (for example, front cleat <NUM>) are retracted into their respective front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b. This configuration defines and/or is associated with the staked unlocked state. Other positions of the cleat pins define other lock states, as described below.

In various embodiments, detent <NUM> is coupled with slider <NUM> and moves with slider <NUM> when slider <NUM> makes a lateral movement.

<FIG> shows an example underside of the slider and cleat assemblies in unlocked position with lower and upper boxes not touching (unstacked). In various embodiments, the slider underside view <NUM> includes slider <NUM>, slider spring <NUM>, cleat pins 402a and 402b, front cleat <NUM>, cleat springs <NUM>, detent <NUM>, slider rails or groove 431a enclosing cleat pin 402a, slider groove 431b enclosing cleat pin 402b, slider groove 432a enclosing cleat pin 433a, and slider groove 432b enclosing cleat pin 433b. In this figure, lock mechanism assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>) is in unstacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, When the pin is in the intermediate position in this figure (at the bent or angle between the small straight segment and the sloped segment) the front cleats (for example, front cleat <NUM>) are retracted into their respective front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b. This configuration defines and/or is associated with the unstacked unlocked state.

<FIG> shows an example underside of the slider and cleat assemblies in locked position with lower and upper boxes touching (stacked). In various embodiments, the slider underside view <NUM> includes slider <NUM>, slider spring <NUM>, cleat pins 402a and 402b, front cleats <NUM> and <NUM>, cleat springs <NUM>, detent <NUM>, slider rails or groove 431a enclosing cleat pin 402a, slider groove 431b enclosing cleat pin 402b, slider groove 432a enclosing cleat pin 433a, and slider groove 432b enclosing cleat pin 433b. In this figure, lock mechanism assembly <NUM> (see <FIG>) is in stacked locked state.

In various embodiments, When the pin is in the top position in this figure (at the top end of the slopped segment farthest away from slider spring <NUM>) the front cleats (for example, front cleat <NUM>) are extended out from their respective front cleat assemblies 142a and 142b. This configuration defines and/or is associated with the stacked locked state.

<FIG> shows an example arrangement of lower box and upper lock mechanism assembly. In various embodiments, arrangement <NUM> is a top view of lock mechanism assembly <NUM> of an upper box <NUM> resting on a lower box lid. Cross-section A-A is described below with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example cross-section of the lock mechanism assembly and a first detent actuation mechanism. In various embodiments, cross-section A-A view <NUM> includes lock mechanism assembly <NUM> of an upper box, protrusion 135b of lower box, cleat assembly 142b, detent <NUM>, slider handle <NUM>, and detent axle <NUM>. In this figure, lock mechanism assembly <NUM> is shown in unstacked unlocked state.

In various embodiments, detent <NUM> is rotationally coupled with slider <NUM> (see <FIG>). While detent <NUM> follows the lateral movement (parallel to front side of upper box) of slider <NUM>, detent <NUM> can also rotate around detent axile <NUM> in a plane normal (perpendicular) to longitudinal axis (parallel to front side of the upper box) of slider <NUM>. When protrusion 135b on the lid of the lower box is received in the detent slot 144b (see <FIG>), protrusion 135b pushes against detent <NUM> arm and rotates it counterclockwise (CCW) about detent axle <NUM> to clear and pass over detent stop <NUM> (not visible in this view; see <FIG>), which is stopping detent <NUM> and slider <NUM> from moving in the direction of slider spring <NUM> force (see FIGUIRE 3C). Once the detent stop <NUM> is cleared, the slider spring <NUM> pulls slider <NUM> towards center of the upper box to place the lock mechanism assembly in the stacked locked state. Detent spring <NUM> (see <FIG>) functions to rotate and return detent <NUM> back to its original position prior to insertion of protrusion 135b, when transitioning to unlocked states.

It is to be noted that <FIG> are related to the lock mechanism assembly with rotational lock status indicator <NUM> of <FIG>. However, with some design modifications these mechanisms may also be employed by lock mechanism assembly <NUM> with sliding lock status indicator <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example second detent actuation mechanism with one part in a first functional state useable with the storage boxes of <FIG>. In various embodiments, the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> includes a slider <NUM> having a rear end <NUM>, an angled transition surface <NUM> to a narrower front end <NUM>, a slider catch or hook <NUM>, a lower recessed surface <NUM>, a slider return spring <NUM>, and spring receptacle <NUM>. The one-part detent mechanism <NUM> further includes a detent <NUM> having a rear end <NUM>, a front end <NUM>, a spring rod <NUM> embedded within a compression-torsional spring <NUM>, and a top end <NUM>. The one-part detent mechanism <NUM> further includes a detent protrusion <NUM> attached to a lower storage box lid <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> has a single part, the slider <NUM>, other than the detent <NUM>. The slider <NUM> has several control surfaces that serve to move the detent <NUM> and slider <NUM> in various directions, both in translational motion and rotational motion. The directions or orientations, such as up or down, are defined with respect to natural gravity in normal operation of the stacking toolboxes. These directions may also be defined with respect to the direction leading from a lid of a storage box towards the bottom surface of the storage box having latches embedded therein to engage the lid of another storage box.

In various embodiments, the control surfaces include the angled transition surface <NUM>, the lower recessed surface <NUM>, and the lower surface of detent front end <NUM>. Additional control components that control the motions of various components of the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> include slider return spring <NUM> and the compression-torsional spring <NUM>. These control mechanisms are further described below individually. These control surfaces and components work in a coordinated fashion, some of which may operate simultaneously. The overall operation of the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> is also described below.

In various embodiments, the transition surface <NUM> is located between the wider rear end <NUM> and the narrower front end <NUM>. The transition is between the wide section and the narrow section. As the slider <NUM> moves forward towards the slider return spring <NUM> (pulled by this spring), the angled transition surface <NUM> pushes detent <NUM> away from the slider <NUM> (to the right as shown in <FIG>), compressing the compression-torsional spring <NUM> in the process.

In various embodiments, the lower recessed surface <NUM> limits the rotational motion of the detent <NUM> about the spring rod <NUM> in a counterclockwise (CCW) direction under the force of the compression-torsional spring <NUM> acting on the detent <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the lower surface of the detent front end <NUM> is pushed up by the detent protrusion <NUM> when upper and lower storage boxes are stacked on top of each other causing the detent <NUM> to rotate clockwise (CW) sufficiently to clear an edge of the lower recessed surface <NUM> and slip under the rear end <NUM> as the slider <NUM> moves forward.

In various embodiments, the slider return spring <NUM> works in tension to pull the slider <NUM> forward (towards itself). The slider catch <NUM> and the angled transition surface <NUM> move in the same direction as the slider <NUM> and perform their respective functions. The slider catch <NUM> engages and actuates the locking mechanism.

In various embodiments, the compression-torsional spring <NUM> performs two distinct functions that may occur independently or simultaneously. the compression-torsional spring <NUM> may be linearly compressed if the detent <NUM> is pushed away from the slider <NUM> by the angled transition surface <NUM> along the spring rod <NUM>. The compression-torsional spring <NUM> may be also be rotationally compressed if the detent <NUM> rotates in CW direction. When the detent <NUM> is free to rotate, the compression-torsional spring <NUM> forces it to rotate CCW.

In various embodiments, in operation, the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> works as follows. As noted elsewhere herein, the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> is a linkage between the detent protrusion <NUM> of lower storage box lid <NUM> and the latches on the upper storage box with the detent mechanism embedded in the bottom surface of the upper storage box. This linkage is used to automatically lock the upper and lower storage boxes together upon placing the upper storage box on the lower one (see <FIG>). With continued reference to <FIG> and the orientation of components as shown, when the upper storage box is stacked on the lower box, the detent protrusion <NUM> pushes up the front end <NUM> of detent <NUM> under the weight of the upper storage box. As a result, the detent <NUM> rotates CW and clears the lower recessed surface <NUM>, allowing the slider <NUM> to move above rear end <NUM> of the detent <NUM> and slide forward (towards its front end <NUM>). As the detent <NUM> rotates CW, the compression-torsional spring <NUM> is rotationally compressed CW also. As the slider <NUM> slides forward, the angled transition surface <NUM> pushes the top end <NUM> away from the slider <NUM> and linearly compresses the compression-torsional spring <NUM>. At the same time, the slider catch <NUM> also slides forward as part of the slider <NUM> and pushes a lock or latch (not shown in this figure) into a locked position. The locking operation is described below with respect to <FIG>. At this point the compression-torsional spring <NUM> is compressed both linearly and rotationally. As the detent is pushed away from the slider <NUM>, the front end <NUM> slides off the detent protrusion <NUM> causing the detent <NUM> to rotate CCW under the torsional force of the compression-torsional spring <NUM>. When the front end <NUM> slides off the detent protrusion <NUM>, the detent protrusion <NUM> blocks the detent <NUM> from being pushed back by the compression-torsional spring <NUM> towards the slider <NUM>.

At this point, a user may unlock the latches holding the upper storage box to the lower one. The unlocking of the latch allows the slider <NUM> to slide backwards. When the slider goes sufficiently backwards, the rear end <NUM> of detent <NUM> clears the lower surface of the rear end <NUM>, rotates CCW, and comes to rest on the lower recessed surface <NUM>, preventing the slider <NUM> from sliding forward again. At this point, the upper toolbox may be lifted up and away from the lower one by the user, removing the contact between the detent protrusion <NUM> from the front end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, allowing the detent <NUM> to be pushed back towards the slider <NUM> by the compression-torsional spring <NUM>. At this point, the detent and locking mechanisms.

<FIG> shows the example detent actuation mechanism of <FIG> in a second functional state. In various embodiments, the detent mechanism described with respect to <FIG> includes the same components in a different state when the detent protrusion <NUM> touches the front end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>. The components include the slider <NUM> with angled transition surface <NUM>, lower recessed surface <NUM>, sider catch <NUM>, lower storage box lid <NUM>, detent protrusion <NUM>, compression-torsional spring <NUM>, front end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, top end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, and slider return spring <NUM>.

The operation is as described above with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the example detent actuation mechanism of <FIG> in a third functional state. The components are the same as shown in <FIG>. These components include the slider <NUM>, the lower recessed surface <NUM>, the rear end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, the front end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, the compression-torsional spring <NUM>, and the detent protrusion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> in a state that the upper and lower storage boxes are initially stacked but not locked together yet. This figure illustrates one state encountered in the operations described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the example detent mechanism of <FIG> in a fourth functional state. The components are the same as shown in <FIG>. These components in arrangement <NUM> include the slider <NUM>, the lower recessed surface <NUM>, the rear end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, the front end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, the compression-torsional spring <NUM>, and the detent protrusion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the example detent actuation mechanism of <FIG> in a fourth functional state. The arrangement <NUM> shows the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> in a state that the upper and lower storage boxes are stacked and locked together. This figure illustrates one state encountered in the operations described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the example detent actuation mechanism of <FIG> in a fifth functional state. The components are the same as shown in <FIG>. These components include the slider <NUM>, the lower recessed surface <NUM>, the rear end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, the front end <NUM> of the detent <NUM>, the compression-torsional spring <NUM>, and the detent protrusion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the one-part detent mechanism <NUM> in a state that the upper and lower storage boxes are stacked but now unlocked by the user in preparation for lifting the upper storage box off of the lower one. This figure illustrates one state encountered in the operations described with respect to <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example storage box third type front latch mechanism in an open state. In various embodiments, the third type front latch mechanism <NUM> includes lock receiver <NUM> having body <NUM> and lock receiver edge <NUM>, latch <NUM>, latch pivot <NUM>, lock edge <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, cam <NUM> having a short end <NUM> and a long end <NUM> and a cam pivot <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the cam <NUM> is coupled with the lock status indicator <NUM> via cam pivot <NUM>. <FIG> shows the third type front latch mechanism <NUM> in an open state (unlocked. ) When the long end <NUM> of the cam <NUM> engages tabs extending from latch <NUM>, it causes the lock edge <NUM> to lift up around the latch pivot <NUM> and disengage lock edge <NUM> from lock receiver edge <NUM> and open or unlock the Latch <NUM>. Similarly, when the short end <NUM> of the cam <NUM> engages tabs extending from latch <NUM>, it causes the lock edge <NUM> to move down around the latch pivot <NUM> and engage lock edge <NUM> with lock receiver edge <NUM> and close or lock the Latch <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the example storage box third type front latch mechanism in a closed state. The third type front latch mechanism <NUM> is the same as shown in <FIG> and has the same components, some of which are the latch pivot <NUM>, long end <NUM> of cam <NUM>, short end <NUM> of cam <NUM>, lock edge <NUM>, and lock status indicator <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example storage box fourth type front latch mechanism in a closed state. In various embodiments, the fourth type front latch mechanism <NUM> includes lock receiver <NUM>, lock receiver edge <NUM>, latch <NUM>, lock edge <NUM>, latch pivot <NUM>, slider <NUM> having slider slot <NUM>, lock tab <NUM>, slider narrow section <NUM>, and slider wide section <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the slider <NUM> has one or more of each of two distinct sections, narrow sections <NUM> and wide sections <NUM>. When the slider <NUM> slides back and forth to lock and unlock the latch, the narrow sections <NUM> and wide sections <NUM> come into contact with lock tabs <NUM>, respectively. The narrow sections <NUM>, when in contact with the lock tabs <NUM> allow the lock edge <NUM> to rotate down around the latch pivot <NUM> and engage the lock receiver edge <NUM> and lock the latch. Similarly, the wide sections <NUM>, when in contact with the lock tabs <NUM> force the lock edge <NUM> to rotate up around the latch pivot <NUM> and disengage from the lock receiver edge <NUM> and unlock the latch.

<FIG> shows the example storage box fourth type front latch mechanism in an open state. The fourth type front latch mechanism <NUM> shown in this figure includes the same components as shown in FIGURE 20A and includes lock receiver <NUM>, lock receiver edge <NUM>, latch <NUM>, lock edge <NUM>, slider <NUM> having slider slot <NUM>, lock tab <NUM>, and slider wide section <NUM>.

The operation of the latch mechanism shown in this figure is the same as described above with respect to FIGURE 20A.

<FIG> shows an example storage box fifth type front latch mechanism in an open state. In various embodiments, the fifth type front latch <NUM> includes lock receiver <NUM>, lock receiver block <NUM>, lock receiver cavity <NUM>, slider <NUM>, lock bolts <NUM>, slider coupler <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, slider link <NUM>, link knob <NUM>, slider slot <NUM>, rotational arrow <NUM>, and sliding arrow <NUM>.

In various embodiments, in the open or unlocked state, the lock bolts <NUM> are not inside the cavities <NUM>. The lock status indicator <NUM> rotates into the unlock position via slider coupler <NUM>, link knob <NUM>, and slider link <NUM>. When the slider <NUM> is in the open position, the link knob <NUM> slides up the slider slot <NUM>, as signified by arrow <NUM>, which translates to the rotation of the slider link <NUM> CCW via link knob <NUM>, as signified by rotational arrow <NUM>, placing the lock status indicator <NUM> to positively indicate an open lock status. Similarly, when the slider <NUM> is in the closed position as shown in <FIG>, the link knob <NUM> slides down the slider slot <NUM>, as signified by arrow <NUM>, which translates to the rotation of the slider link <NUM> CW, as signified by rotational arrow <NUM>, placing the lock status indicator <NUM> to positively indicate a closed lock status.

<FIG> shows the example storage box fifth type front latch mechanism in a closed state. The fifth type front latch mechanism <NUM> shown in this figure includes the same components as shown in <FIG> and includes, lock receiver block <NUM>, slider <NUM>, lock bolts <NUM>, slider coupler <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, slider link <NUM>, and slider slot <NUM>.

In various embodiments, in the closed state, the lock bolts <NUM> enter the lock receiver cavities <NUM>, thereby locking the latch. As described above with respect to <FIG>, when the slider <NUM> is in the closed position, the link knob <NUM> slides down the slider slot <NUM>, as signified by arrow <NUM>, which translates to the rotation of the slider link <NUM> CW, as signified by rotational arrow <NUM>, placing the lock status indicator <NUM> to positively indicate a closed lock status.

<FIG> shows an example storage box sixth type front latch mechanism in an open state. In various embodiments, the sixth type front latch mechanism configuration <NUM> includes lock receiver <NUM>, lock receiver block <NUM>, receiver grooves <NUM>, lock receiver stop <NUM>, slider <NUM> having narrow sections <NUM>, wide sections <NUM>, raised section <NUM>, slider coupler <NUM>, slide slot <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, slider link <NUM>, link knob <NUM>, rotational arrow <NUM>, and sliding arrow <NUM>.

In various embodiments, when in open state, the narrow sections <NUM> of slider <NUM> are not inside the receiver grooves <NUM>. The lock status indicator <NUM> rotates into the unlock position via slider coupler <NUM>, link knob <NUM>, and slider link <NUM>. When the slider <NUM> is in the open position, the link knob <NUM> slides up the slider slot <NUM>, as signified by arrow <NUM>, which translates to the rotation of the slider link <NUM> CCW via link knob <NUM>, as signified by rotational arrow <NUM>, placing the lock status indicator <NUM> to positively indicate an open lock status. The raised section <NUM> engages the lock receiver stop <NUM> to prevent the slider <NUM> from moving too far in one direction or another. Similarly, when the slider <NUM> is in the closed position as shown in <FIG>, the wide sections <NUM> of slider <NUM> move inside the receiver grooves <NUM> to lock the latch. The link knob <NUM> slides down the slider slot <NUM>, as signified by arrow <NUM>, which translates to the rotation of the slider link <NUM> CW, as signified by rotational arrow <NUM>, placing the lock status indicator <NUM> to positively indicate a closed lock status. The raised section <NUM> engages the lock receiver stop <NUM> to prevent the slider <NUM> from moving too far in one direction or another.

<FIG> shows the example storage box sixth type front latch mechanism in a closed state. In various embodiments, the sixth type front latch mechanism configuration <NUM> shown in this figure has the same components as shown in <FIG> including lock receiver block <NUM>, receiver grooves <NUM>, slider <NUM> having narrow sections <NUM>, wide sections <NUM>, slide slot <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, slider link <NUM>, and link knob <NUM>.

In various embodiments, when the slider <NUM> is in the closed position as shown in <FIG>, the wide sections <NUM> of slider <NUM> move inside the receiver grooves <NUM> to lock the latch. The link knob <NUM> slides down the slider slot <NUM>, as signified by arrow <NUM>, which translates to the rotation of the slider link <NUM> CW, as signified by rotational arrow <NUM>, placing the lock status indicator <NUM> to positively indicate a closed lock status. The raised section <NUM> engages the lock receiver stop <NUM> to prevent the slider <NUM> from moving too far in one direction or another.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, storage box configuration <NUM> includes stackable box <NUM>, front handle <NUM>, side handle <NUM>, box lid <NUM>, cleat receiver <NUM>, protrusion <NUM>, attachment strip or slot strip <NUM>, attachment slots <NUM>, fasteners <NUM>, lock status indicator <NUM>, corner wall <NUM>, front wall <NUM>, side wall <NUM>, front wall angle <NUM>, and side wall angle <NUM>.

In various embodiments, stackable box <NUM> may include corner wall <NUM> that is not perpendicular to either front wall <NUM> or side wall <NUM> that are connected via the corner wall. The angles <NUM> and <NUM> of the corner wall with respect to the front wall <NUM> and side wall <NUM>, respectively, may be any angle, for example <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the angles may equal, while in other embodiments the angles may be different. In various embodiments, slot strip <NUM> is attached to corner wall <NUM> to create a hook gap, not visible in this figure, between the corner wall <NUM> and slot strip <NUM>. In this configuration, slot strip <NUM> does not physical touch corner wall <NUM>. The hook gap is used to receive hooks, or other similar devices, attached to various tools and objects to quickly attach/detach the hooked objects to/from stackable box <NUM>. This is further described below with respect to other figures.

In various embodiments, slot strip <NUM> has two parallel vertical (with respect to orientation of stackable box <NUM>) columns of perforations or slots, as shown in the figure. This symmetry of slots allow symmetrical attachment to the corners of the stackable box <NUM> with or without corner wall <NUM>. The slot strip <NUM> also has two parallel edges on the exterior side of the slots <NUM> that are used to attach slot strip <NUM> to walls of stackable box <NUM>. The parallel edges are bent at same angles as front wall angle <NUM> and side wall angle <NUM>.

In various embodiments, slot strip <NUM> may be in the form of a perforated panel of various shapes and sizes, such as rectangular, round, irregular shape (non-geometric), and the like. The perforations on the panel, like slots <NUM>, may also have different forms, sizes, and shapes, such as oval, round, rectangular, horizontally oriented, vertically oriented and the like. The arrangement of the slots <NUM> may also be in various forms such as evenly spaced, staggered rows and columns, or specially placed on the perforated panel at specific locations for attachment of specific tools and accessories. The term "slot strip" as used throughout this disclosure is defined and is to be construed as a general perforated panel with various sizes and shapes (not just a rectangular strip) and with any type of perforations or holes (not just an elongated slot).

In various embodiments, multiple stacked boxes locked together may form a longer column of vertically aligned slot strips <NUM> and goes vertically across the multiple stacked boxes, as shown in <FIG>. In effect, this configuration creates a longer column of perforations or slots that allow attachment of long-handled tools attached to the stacked boxes that may have to be secured at more than one point along the slot strips <NUM> on the stacked boxes.

In some embodiments, slot strip <NUM> may be attached to a flat wall of stackable box <NUM> at near a corner or on the flat wall away from the corner. In all embodiments, the hook gap is preserved to allow hanging or attaching object to the slot strip <NUM>.

In various embodiments, slot strip <NUM> may function to reinforce the corners and/or the walls of the stackable box <NUM>. In such embodiments, for the additional function of reinforcement, slot strip <NUM> may be made of a strong material such as metals like steel, aluminum, titanium, metal alloys, high-strength nylon, high-strength plastics, resin, and the like. The reinforcement function is usually practical when the mechanical strength of slot strip <NUM> is significantly more than needed to support tools or accessories that are attached to it. Examples of tools and accessories that may be attached to slot strip <NUM> are lights, bins, hand tool holders, and the like, which usually do not weight more than a few hundred grams or a few kilograms. A strong slot strip adds strength to the structure of stackable box <NUM> in multiple mechanical ways and directions including compression strength, tensile strength, and torsional strength. Such reinforcements help maintain the shape and integrity of stackable box <NUM> when subjected to intense use and various loads and forces. Such loads and forces may include static weight put on or inside stackable box <NUM>, impact force of dropping stackable box <NUM> on a hard surface such as on ground or a workbench, and rough handling forces.

In some embodiments, stackable box <NUM> may have corner wall <NUM> creating a slanted corner, while in other embodiments, front wall <NUM> and side wall <NUM> meet at a <NUM> degree angle without an intermediate corner wall <NUM> between them, creating a square corner. In the embodiments in which slot strip <NUM> is attached to stackable box <NUM> at the corners, half of the slot strip <NUM> is attached to front (or back) wall <NUM> and the other half is attached to side wall <NUM>. This corner configuration of slot strip <NUM> allows slots <NUM> to be used with or without corner wall <NUM>. In both cases, one slot column falls on the side of front wall <NUM> while the other slot column falls on the side of side wall <NUM> with adequate clearance from stackable box <NUM> walls to receive attachment hooks. Hence, slot strip <NUM> is usable the same way with both cases. However, the shape of the slot strip <NUM> is different for slanted corner and square corner to accommodate the different geometries. The parallel edges of slot strip <NUM> may have a different bend angle and different dimensions for the square corner and the slanted corner.

In various embodiments, slot strip <NUM> may be attached to corner wall <NUM> using screws, nuts and bolts, rivets, industrial glue, thermal fusion, welding, and other similar methods of attachment. In some embodiments, slot strip <NUM> may be permanently attached to the stackable box <NUM> while in other embodiments, it may be removably attached, for example, by nuts and bolts.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with a molle panel attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes slot strip <NUM>, molle panel <NUM>, and panel perforations <NUM>.

In various embodiments, a molle panel or molle board is a flexible system, similar to a peg-board, used to quickly attach various tools and objects. Molle panel <NUM> may be attached and/or detached quickly to/from adjacent slot strips <NUM>, as shown. Slot strips <NUM> may be attached to corner walls <NUM> (see <FIG>) or to flat portions of box walls.

In various embodiments, molle panel <NUM> may be used for tools or accessories that are designed to be used with molle panels rather than slot strips <NUM>. In some cases, an accessory or attachment may be physically too large to attach to a single slot strip <NUM> and has to be distributed over a larger span. In such cases, a molle panel or another type of bar or panel may be needed. An example of a large item includes large bins or containers.

<FIG> shows an example molle panel attachable to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, detached configuration <NUM> includes molle panel <NUM>, and slot strip <NUM>.

As described with respect to <FIG> above, molle panel <NUM> may be attached to two adjacent slot strips <NUM>. In some embodiments, molle panel <NUM> may have angled ends that match front wall angle <NUM> and side wall angle <NUM> and can be attached to slot strips <NUM> on corner wall <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example tool holder attachable to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes tool holder <NUM>, attachment bar <NUM>, bar ends <NUM>, bar latch <NUM>, tool dividers <NUM>, divider rails <NUM>, and tool slots <NUM>.

In various embodiments, tool holder <NUM> may be quickly attached/detached from slot strips <NUM>. In various embodiments, different sizes of tool dividers <NUM> may be used to accommodate different size tools. Tool slots <NUM> may be used to carry long and narrow tools such as screw drivers. Bar ends <NUM> may have angled ends that match front wall angle <NUM> and side wall angle <NUM> and can be attached to slot strips <NUM> on corner wall <NUM>. Bar latch <NUM> may be used to fasten attachment bar <NUM> to slot strips <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example tool holder attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes tool holder <NUM>, attachment bar <NUM>, tool slots <NUM>, stackable box <NUM>, screw drivers <NUM>, and pliers <NUM>.

In various embodiments, different tool holders <NUM> with different tool sets for different applications may be prepared and strapped onto stackable box <NUM>. This allows quick changing of different tools sets for a particular application.

<FIG> shows example bins attachable to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes bins <NUM> and <NUM> with attachment hooks <NUM> that may be used to the attach bins <NUM> and <NUM> to slot strips <NUM>.

<FIG> shows example bins attachable to a hanging accessory bar attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes stackable box <NUM>, slot strip <NUM>, bins <NUM>, attachment bar <NUM>, angled bar ends <NUM>, and bar latch <NUM>.

In various embodiments, attachment bar <NUM> may be attached to adjacent slot strips <NUM>, and then bins <NUM> may be attached to stackable box <NUM> via attachment bar <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example magnetic accessory bar attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes stackable box <NUM>, slot strip <NUM>, magnetic bar <NUM>, hand tools <NUM>, bar latch <NUM>, and lock status indicator <NUM>.

In various embodiments, magnetic bar <NUM> may be attached to adjacent slot strips <NUM>, and then hand tools <NUM> may be attached to stackable box <NUM> via magnetic bar <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example exploded view of the magnetic accessory bar of <FIG>. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes magnetic bar <NUM>, bar frame <NUM>, magnets <NUM>, bar frame ends <NUM>, and bar latch <NUM>.

In various embodiments, magnetic bar <NUM> may be quickly attached/detached from slot strips <NUM>. In various embodiments. Bar frame ends <NUM> may have angled ends that match front wall angle <NUM> and side wall angle <NUM> and can be attached to slot strips <NUM> on corner wall <NUM>. Bar latch <NUM> may be used to fasten magnetic bar <NUM> to slot strips <NUM>. This configuration allows quick attachment and detachment of magnetic bar <NUM> to slot strips <NUM>, as well as quick attachment and detachment of tools to the magnetic bar.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of a back side of the magnetic accessory bar with closed latch. In various embodiments, closeup view <NUM> includes bar frame <NUM>, bar frame ends <NUM>, bar latch back view <NUM>, and bar hooks <NUM>.

In various embodiments, bar hooks <NUM> may be inserted into the slots <NUM> of slot strip <NUM> and be locked in place with bar latch <NUM> in closed position.

<FIG> shows an example closeup view of a back side of the magnetic accessory bar with open latch. In various embodiments, closeup view <NUM> includes bar frame <NUM>, bar frame ends <NUM>, bar latch back view <NUM>, and bar hooks <NUM>.

In various embodiments, bar hooks <NUM> may be unlocked from the slots <NUM> of slot strip <NUM> and be removed with bar latch <NUM> in open position.

<FIG> shows the example hanging accessory bar of <FIG> attachable to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes stackable box <NUM>, slot strip <NUM>, attachment bar <NUM>, and bar latch <NUM>.

In various embodiments, attachment bar <NUM> may be quickly attached and detached to/from slot strip <NUM>.

Maintenance tables are often used in janitorial services, machine shops, factory floors, hospitals, and anywhere a large number of tools or supplies are needed and used. Maintenance tables make it easier to carry the tools and supplies around the location they are used.

<FIG> shows an example large base cart. In various embodiments, large base cart <NUM> includes cart frame <NUM>, slanted sides <NUM>, cleat receivers <NUM>, cart wheels <NUM>, cart joint <NUM>, cart floor <NUM>, reinforcement beam <NUM>, protrusions <NUM>, a first half cart <NUM>, and a second half cart <NUM>.

In various embodiments, large base cart <NUM> may receive and support one or two sets of stackable boxes the same way other stackable boxes are stacked, as shown in <FIG>. Large base cart <NUM> provides the same cleat receivers <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> that are provided by stackable boxes, allowing stackable boxes to be stacked on top of large base cart <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example small base cart. In various embodiments, small base cart <NUM> includes frame <NUM>, cleat receivers <NUM>, and protrusion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, small base cart <NUM> may receive and support one set of stackable boxes the same way other stackable boxes are stacked, as shown in <FIG>. Small base cart <NUM> provides the same cleat receivers <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> that are provided by stackable boxes, allowing stackable boxes to be stacked on top of small base cart <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example single stack of storage boxes on a small base cart with a maintenance table at top. In various embodiments, cart-based stack <NUM> includes stacked boxes <NUM>, small cart <NUM>, slot strip <NUM>, maintenance table <NUM> with edges <NUM>, cart handle <NUM>, handle attachment point <NUM>, bag frame <NUM>, and bag <NUM>.

In various embodiments, maintenance table <NUM> is attached to uppermost stackable box with bag <NUM> hanging in front to carry or collect various items such as supplies or trash. Cart handle <NUM> may be attached to slot strips <NUM> and be moved up or down the stack to a convenient position based on a height of a user. Maintenance table <NUM> may be used to carry various items such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies and other similar items.

<FIG> shows an example single stack of storage boxes on a large base cart with a maintenance table at top. In various embodiments, cart-based stack <NUM> includes stacked boxes <NUM>, large cart <NUM>, maintenance table <NUM> without edges, cart handle <NUM>, and bag frame <NUM>.

In various embodiments, maintenance table <NUM> is attached to uppermost stackable box with bag frame <NUM> in front to carry or collect various items such as supplies or trash. Cart handle <NUM> may be attached to slot strips <NUM> and be moved up or down the stack to a convenient position based on a height of a user. Maintenance table <NUM> may be used to carry various items such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies and other similar items.

<FIG> shows an example double stack of storage boxes on a large base cart with a maintenance table at top. In various embodiments, cart-based stack <NUM> includes stacked boxes <NUM>, large cart <NUM>, large maintenance table <NUM> with edges, cart handle <NUM>, handle attachment point <NUM>, and bag frame <NUM>.

In various embodiments, maintenance table <NUM> is attached to uppermost stackable boxes on two stacks, with bag frame <NUM> hanging in front to carry or collect various items such as supplies or trash. Cart handle <NUM> may be attached to slot strips <NUM> and be moved up or down the stack to a convenient position based on a height of a user. Large maintenance table <NUM> may be used to carry various items such as tools, equipment, towels, supplies and other similar items.

In various embodiments, cart handle <NUM> may be an integral part of maintenance table <NUM>, while in other embodiments, it may be an attachable handle separate from maintenance table <NUM>. In some embodiments, cart handle <NUM> may be an articulating handle that can be swung or rotated up or down, pivoted about its point of attachment to maintenance table <NUM> or point of attachment to slot strip <NUM>, to find a comfortable handling position.

<FIG> shows an example stack of storage boxes with a detachable stack handle. In various embodiments, cart-based stack <NUM> includes stacked boxes <NUM>, cart handle <NUM>, and handle attachment point <NUM>.

In various embodiments, cart handle <NUM> may be integrated with maintenance table <NUM> or be a separate part attached directly to one of the stacked boxes <NUM> that enables cart handle <NUM> to be moved up and down for convenience, control, or better stability during motion of the stacked cart. Handle attachment point <NUM> may include hooks to quickly attach and detach to slot strip <NUM>.

In a busy work environment, quick access to tools, supplies, and various items, while also keeping such tools and items organized and safe from loss or unavailability is highly desirable. Additionally, reconfigurability of access to various accessories, such as work lights and parts bins, is also desirable for convenience and flexibility of use. In busy work environments, it is desirable to quickly attach/detach tools without use of tools, such as screw drivers, wrenches, and the like, while also keeping the tools organized and secure, so a user can quickly take a tool from a portable storage stack, such as the stack of storage boxes with slot strip <NUM>. It is also desirable to quickly relocate tools from one point to another, such as moving a light to a different point on the stacked boxes, for easier access in a changing work environment.

Below a number of common types of accessories that may be quickly attached/detached to/from slot strips <NUM> are described.

<FIG> shows an example stack of storage boxes with a long-handle tool attached. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes stackable boxes <NUM>, and long-handle tools <NUM>.

In various embodiments, long handle tools <NUM>, such as shovels, brooms, umbrellas, some construction tools, and the like may be vertically attached to slot strips <NUM> (see <FIG>) for easy transport and temporary storage and also quick release and attachment to stackable boxes <NUM>. The long-handle tools may also be quickly attached to any available slot strip <NUM> that provides convenient access to these and other tools.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with a device holder attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes slot strips <NUM>, stackable box <NUM>, device holder <NUM>, device <NUM>, and holder base <NUM>.

In various embodiments, device holder <NUM> may be an articulating arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and quickly attached to and configured with slot strips <NUM> at different corners of stackable box <NUM> and at different heights on a stack of boxes. Device <NUM> may be a smartphone, an ammeter, a laser measurement device, an electronic thermometer, and other devices with similar sizes and form factors. Holder base <NUM> may have hooks, pins, or other interface suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot strips <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with a work light attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes slot strips <NUM>, stackable box <NUM>, work light arm <NUM>, work light <NUM>, and arm base <NUM>.

In various embodiments, work light arm <NUM> may be an articulating arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and be quickly attached to and configured with slot strips <NUM> at different corners of stackable box <NUM> and at different heights on a stack of boxes. Work light <NUM> may be a light of various intensities, colors, and focus to allow a user to read, write, or view an item closely like working at a workbench. Work light arm <NUM> may be an articulating arm that can be easily readjusted in three dimensions and also be quickly relocated around stackable box <NUM> to illuminate areas most needed. Arm base <NUM> may have hooks, pins, or other interface suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot strips <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with a magnifying glass attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes slot strips <NUM>, stackable box <NUM>, magnifier arm <NUM>, magnifier <NUM>, and arm base <NUM>.

In various embodiments, magnifier arm <NUM> may be quickly attached to and configured with slot strips <NUM> at different corners of stackable box <NUM> and at different heights on a stack of boxes. Magnifier <NUM> may be a magnifying glass with various magnifications at different parts and also have a local light for better illumination of a work piece under observation. Magnifier arm <NUM> may be quickly relocated around stackable box <NUM> to use where most needed. Arm base <NUM> may have hooks, pins, or other interface suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot strips <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example magnifying glass attachable to corner attachment slots. Magnifier assembly <NUM> includes magnifier <NUM>, arm base <NUM>, and attachment hooks <NUM>.

In various embodiments, arm base <NUM> may be quicky attached to and released from slot strips <NUM> via attachment hooks <NUM> inserted into slots <NUM> (see <FIG>). Like other attachments to slot strips <NUM>, attachment hooks <NUM> fit within the hook gap or space between slot strips <NUM> and corner wall <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example hook attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes slot strips <NUM>, stackable box <NUM>, cleat <NUM>, hook <NUM>, and hook base <NUM>.

In various embodiments, hook base <NUM> may have hooks, pins, or other interface suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot strips <NUM>. Hook <NUM> is a wide hook suitable for hanging various items such as articles of clothing like jackets, cords, loops attached to devices such as flashlights, power tools, and the like.

<FIG> shows an example storage box with a flood light attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes slot strips <NUM>, flood light <NUM>, and light base <NUM>.

In various embodiments, flood light <NUM> may be a compact light source that illuminates the work area and may be moved around the stackable boxes to illuminate the desired areas around the stack of boxes. Light base <NUM> may have hooks, pins, or other interface suitable for secure and quick attachment to slot strips <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example flood light base attachable to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, arrangement <NUM> includes slot strip <NUM>, flood light <NUM>, light base <NUM>, and attachment hooks <NUM>.

In various embodiments, light base <NUM> may be quicky attached to and released from slot strips <NUM> via attachment hooks <NUM> inserted into slots <NUM> (see <FIG>). Like other attachments to slot strips <NUM>, attachment hooks <NUM> fit within the hook gap or space between slot strips <NUM> and corner wall <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an example detached cord holder set attached to corner attachment slots. In various embodiments, configuration <NUM> includes stackable box <NUM>, slot strip <NUM>, cord hooks 1503a and 1503b, and cord <NUM>.

In various embodiments, cord hooks 1503a and 1503b may be physically separate, while in other embodiments, cord hooks 1503a and 1503b are attached or coupled together via a strip or bar extended across from one hook to the other. Each of the cord hooks 1503a and 1503b may be attached to a different, and usually adjacent, slot strips <NUM>. In this configuration, cord hooks 1503a and 1503b form a spool on which cord <NUM> may be wrapped around, as shown in the figure.

In various embodiments, cord <NUM> may be an electrical cord, wires, ropes, or other similar flexible items.

It will be understood that each step of the processes described above, and combinations of steps, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These program instructions may be provided to a processor to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the processor, enable implementing the actions specified. The computer program instructions may be executed by a processor to cause a series of operational steps to be performed by the processor to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions, which execute on the processor to provide steps for implementing the actions. The computer program instructions may also cause at least some of the operational steps to be performed in parallel. Moreover, some of the steps may also be performed across more than one processor, such as might arise in a multi-processor computer system. In addition, one or more steps or combinations of steps described may also be performed concurrently with other steps or combinations of steps, or even in a different sequence than described without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Accordingly, steps of processes or methods described support combinations of techniques for performing the specified actions, combinations of steps for performing the specified actions and program instruction for performing the specified actions. It will also be understood that each step, and combinations of steps described, can be implemented by special purpose hardware based systems which perform the specified actions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

It will be further understood that unless explicitly stated or specified, the steps described in a process are not ordered and may not necessarily be performed or occur in the order described or depicted. For example, a step A in a process described prior to a step B in the same process, may actually be performed after step B. In other words, a collection of steps in a process for achieving an end-result may occur in any order unless otherwise stated.

Changes can be made to the claimed invention in light of the above Detailed Description. While the above description details certain embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the above appears in text, the claimed invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its implementation details, while still being encompassed by the claimed invention disclosed herein.

Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the disclosure should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the disclosure with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the claimed invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the claimed invention encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the claimed invention.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. " It is further understood that any phrase of the form "A/B" shall mean any one of "A", "B", "A or B", or "A and B". This construct includes the phrase "and/or" itself.

Claim 1:
A portable storage system comprising:
at least one stackable container (<NUM>) having an attached slot strip (<NUM>); and
at least one accessory having an attachment base quickly attachable to and detachable from the slot strip (<NUM>), characterized in that the at least one stackable container (<NUM>) has a corner wall (<NUM>) between two adjacent walls (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least one stackable container (<NUM>).