阅读说明：本技术 工具储存装置 (Tool storage device ) 是由 克里斯托弗·S·霍佩 迈克尔·约翰·卡埃尔瓦特斯 塞缪尔·A·古尔德 亚伦·M·威廉斯 亚伦 于 2019-01-24 设计创作，主要内容包括：本文中描述了与选择性地联接和断开联接的储存单元一起使用的各种联接系统。联接系统可以与可堆叠的和/或可运输的储存单元一起使用,由此允许储存单元在大型固定环境、比如地下室内良好地起作用,并且还允许储存单元的子集被选定且容易地移动至另一位置。(Various coupling systems are described herein for use with selectively coupling and decoupling storage units. The coupling system may be used with stackable and/or transportable storage units, thereby allowing the storage units to function well in large fixed environments, such as within a basement, and also allowing a subset of the storage units to be selected and easily moved to another location.)

1. A container assembly, the container assembly comprising:

a first container, the first container comprising:

a first coupling extending from a first face of the first container, the first coupling comprising a body and an overhang extending from the body above the first face; and

a latch; and

a second container, the second container comprising:

a latch receiver configured to connect with the latch;

a coupling wall extending perpendicularly outwardly away from the first outer wall of the second container, the coupling wall including a rib wall extending from a corner of the coupling wall, the coupling wall configured to engage with the first coupling member.

2. The container assembly of claim 1, the coupling wall comprising two coupling walls, the two coupling walls each comprising a rib wall, and the two coupling walls configured to collectively engage the first coupling.

3. The container assembly of claim 1, a coupler comprising a first coupler and a second coupler, the coupler walls comprising a first coupler wall, a second coupler wall, and a third coupler wall, the first and second coupler walls configured to collectively engage with the first coupler, and the third and third coupler walls configured to collectively engage with the second coupler.

4. The container assembly of claim 1, the coupler comprising at least four couplers, the coupler walls comprising at least six coupler walls, the first coupler configured to collectively engage a first coupler wall and a second coupler wall, the second coupler configured to collectively engage the second coupler wall and a third coupler wall, the third coupler configured to collectively engage a fourth coupler wall and a fifth coupler wall, and the fourth coupler configured to collectively engage the fifth coupler wall and a sixth coupler wall.

Background

The present invention relates generally to the field of storage units, and more particularly to tool storage units.

Tool storage units are often used for transporting tools and tool attachments. Some tool storage units are designed for easy transport, some are designed to be stationary, and some are designed to take into account either possibility. The tool storage unit includes walls that may be soft-sided (e.g., strong fabric) or hard-sided (e.g., plastic).

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, the container assembly includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a latch and a coupling extending from a face of the first container. The first coupling member includes a body and an overhang extending from the body above a face of the first container. The second container includes a latch receiver configured to connect with the latch and a coupling wall extending outwardly away from an outer wall of the second container. The coupling wall includes one or more rib walls extending from an end of the coupling wall opposite the outer wall, the coupling wall configured to engage with the first coupling member. In another embodiment, the coupling wall comprises two coupling walls, each comprising a rib wall, and the two coupling walls are configured to collectively engage the first coupling member.

In another embodiment, the coupling comprises a first coupling and a second coupling, and the coupling walls comprise a first coupling wall, a second coupling wall, and a third coupling wall. The first and second coupling walls are configured to collectively engage the first coupling member, and the second and third coupling walls are configured to collectively engage the second coupling member.

In another embodiment, the coupling comprises at least four couplings and the coupling walls comprise at least six coupling walls. The first coupling member is configured to commonly engage the first coupling wall and the second coupling wall, the second coupling member is configured to commonly engage the second coupling wall and the third coupling wall, the third coupling member is configured to commonly engage the fourth coupling wall and the fifth coupling wall, and the fourth coupling member is configured to commonly engage the fifth coupling wall and the sixth coupling wall.

In one embodiment, the container assembly includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first coupling member extending over a first face of the first container. The first link includes a body and an overhang extending from the body above the first face. The second container includes a second face defining a recess in a second face. The second container also includes a locking plate disposed over the recess, the locking plate defining an opening configured to receive the first coupler. To engage the first container and the second container, the first coupler is disposed through the opening and rotated 90 degrees such that the overhang rotates to be disposed between the second face of the second container and the locking plate. The first container also includes a latch that connects with the latch receiving portion of the second container, thereby locking the two containers together.

In another embodiment, the container assembly includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first face and a cylindrical portion extending above the first face. In one embodiment, the cylindrical portion is coupled to the first face. In another embodiment, the cylindrical portion is coupled to a sidewall of the first container. The first container also includes a threaded member, such as a helical screw, that extends through the cylindrical portion. In one embodiment, the first container includes two cylindrical portions at opposite ends of the first container, and the threaded member extends through the two cylindrical portions. The second container includes a second face defining a threaded receptacle. In one embodiment, the threaded receptacle defines a plurality of threaded apertures configured to receive the threads of the helical screw. The threaded member defines a locked position in which the threaded member is received within the threaded receptacle and rotated to couple the two containers together. The threaded member also defines an unlocked position in which the first and second containers can be selectively coupled and uncoupled.

In one embodiment, the container assembly includes a first container and a second container. The first container includes a first face, a retractable cleat extending from the first face, a frame configured to be coupled to the retractable cleat, and a lock button configured to be coupled to the frame to switch the retractable cleat between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second container includes a second face and a recessed receptacle defined by the second face, the recessed receptacle configured to receive the retractable cleat.

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

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

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a top perspective view of a pair of stacked storage units according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a perspective top view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a top perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the coupling component of fig. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the coupling component of fig. 5 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 8 is various views of a coupling component of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a top perspective view of the storage unit of fig. 9 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a top perspective view of a coupling component for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of a female coupling component for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a male coupling component for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a top perspective view of a female coupling component for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a male coupling member for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 19 is various views of a storage unit connected with the storage unit of fig. 18, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a coupling member of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 21 is various perspective views of a storage unit connected with the storage unit of fig. 20 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a perspective side view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a coupling member of the storage unit of fig. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 24 is various views of the storage unit of fig. 22 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 25 is a top perspective view of a storage unit coupled to the storage unit of fig. 22, according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 26 is a top perspective view of a storage unit coupled to the storage unit of fig. 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a top perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a perspective view of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 29 is a bottom view of the coupling system of the storage unit in an unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 30 is a bottom view of the coupling system of the storage unit in a locked position according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 31 is a bottom view of the coupling system of the storage unit in an unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 32 is a bottom view of the coupling system of the storage unit in a locked position according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 33 is a perspective view of a storage unit having the coupling system of fig. 28-32, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a storage unit having the coupling system of fig. 28-32, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 35 is various views of a coupling system for storage units according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 36 is various perspective views of a coupling system for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 37 is various perspective views of a coupling system for a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 38 is various views of a coupling system for storage units according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 39 is various views of a coupling system for storage units according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 40 is various views of a coupling system for storage units according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 41 is a perspective view of a coupling system of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a side view of a coupling system of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 43 is a side view of a coupling system of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a male component of the coupling system of FIG. 43 according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 45 is a perspective view of a coupling system of a storage unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring generally to the drawings, various embodiments of stackable tool storage units are shown. Various embodiments of stackable and movable tool storage units are described herein. One or more units are configured to be selectively coupled and decoupled from other units. The coupling mechanism to couple the units includes a cleat depression system, a cleat projecting wall system, horizontal ribs, and cleats that are coupled to the recesses and rotate under the locking plate to couple the containers. Other coupling mechanisms described herein include a spring-loaded rail, a wire pivot, a threaded aperture configured to receive a threaded member, and a retractable cleat, such as a pivot portion extending from the cleat and such as a retractable protrusion extending from the cleat. Other coupling mechanisms include: a disc-shaped splint having a telescopic extension; a teardrop splint configured to couple with the recess, the recess defining an undercut connected with the teardrop splint; a cleat with telescoping legs that uses a ball stop rather than a spring to bias the telescoping members; and a rotatable locking cleat.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a stacked storage container 8 according to the embodiment of fig. 1-4. According to various embodiments, two or more storage containers 8 are selectively coupled together.

Fig. 2 illustrates a tool storage container 8, the tool storage container 8 having a lid 10. The lid 10 includes a receptacle 12 (fig. 4), the receptacle 12 receiving a cleat 14 on the bottom of the container for stacking and attaching multiple containers. The receiving portion 12 is recessed into the housing of the container.

Fig. 3 illustrates the lid 10 of fig. 2, the lid 10 having a latch receiving portion 16. The latch 18 (fig. 4) and latch receiver 16 prevent the two containers from sliding from engagement to disengagement of the cleat system. In another embodiment, the container does not include a latch and a latch receiver. Rather, the container includes a ball stop (or other similar mechanism) for snapping the two containers or bins together. The ball stop does not prevent the two tanks from sliding and disengaging, but the ball stop provides a frictional force that will secure the tanks until a sufficient force is applied to slide the tanks into position. The stops may be located at any suitable location, such as at the four corners of the lid/bottom surface.

Fig. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the cap 10 of fig. 2. Instead of having a female receptacle, the cover 20 has a tabbed male guide 22. Each receptacle will not include a front wall.

Fig. 6 and 7 show an alternative lid for the container 8 of fig. 2. The cover of fig. 6 and 7 includes a protruding boss 130 instead of a recessed receiver.

In the embodiment of fig. 5-7, rather than the receptacle 12 being recessed into the top surface 24 of the storage container 8, the boss 130 and coupling wall 30 extend perpendicularly outwardly away from the top surface 24 (shown as a wall). Such as the clamp plate 14 of fig. 4, is coupled with the boss 130, allowing the embodiment(s) of fig. 1-4 and the embodiment(s) of fig. 5-7 to engage with each other. In the embodiment shown in fig. 5-7, there is no back wall 30 between the rib walls 26, although it is contemplated herein that in a given receptacle 12, there may be a vertical wall extending between the rib walls 26.

In one embodiment, a single attachment wall 30 is configured to engage a single cleat 14. In another embodiment, two coupling walls 30 are configured to collectively engage a single cleat 14. In another embodiment, the first and second coupling walls 30 are configured to collectively engage a single cleat 14, and the second and third coupling walls 30 are configured to collectively engage a second cleat 14.

In another embodiment, a single cleat 14 is configured to commonly engage the first and second coupling walls 30, a second cleat 14 is configured to commonly engage the second and third coupling walls 30, a third cleat 14 is configured to commonly engage the fourth and fifth coupling walls 30, and a fourth cleat 14 is configured to commonly engage the fifth and sixth coupling walls 30.

Fig. 8 illustrates a cover for a case that includes raised rails 80 in one direction and has rails 82 running through and perpendicular to the rails. The bottom of the tank will include feet that engage the rails and secure the tank in a direction normal to the top and bottom surfaces of the tank. The outer dimensions of the legs may be about the same as the width between the rails (slightly smaller) to prevent the bin from sliding side-to-side (e.g., the axial direction of the rails). A slide lock in the top box may engage one of the rails to prevent the box from sliding in a direction parallel to the rails. Thus, once locked, the bins will not be able to move relative to each other. One beneficial aspect of this concept is that the top and bottom tanks can be of almost any size and still engage each other. For example, in the example above, the lid may engage four red bins. Furthermore, the simplicity of the track will make it easy to adapt other items to the box (e.g., the items may be tied or tied using the track).

The slide lock 84 includes a spring that biases the slide lock 84 toward the track 82 (from the perspective of fig. 8). The feet 86 of the top storage container 8 are engageably coupled to the rails 82 when the top storage container 8 is slid into the bottom storage container 8 and pivoted relative to the bottom storage container 8 (from the perspective of fig. 8). Then, the slide lock 84 engages the track 82, and to decouple the top storage container 8 from the bottom storage container 8, the slide lock 84 is first decoupled from the track 82, allowing the top storage container 8 to slide and pivot away from the bottom storage container 8.

Fig. 9 to 12 show a storage container or bin according to another embodiment. Typically, this concept works by lowering the top tank onto the bottom tank while the two tanks are rotated 90 ° from each other. The oval splint passes through the oval hole in the cover and into the circular interior recess. The boxes are then rotated 90 ° relative to each other so that the boxes are aligned (in the embodiment shown, the boxes are rectangular, but the boxes may be square) and the oval apertures and oval cleats are at 90 ° to each other. In this position, the latches engage the latch receivers to prevent the cases from rotating relative to each other.

At the bottom surface 94 of the storage container 8, the clamp plate 90 includes a body 108 and an overhang 92 extending from either end 96 of the clamp plate 90. The overhang 92 includes a semi-circular shape and extends over a bottom surface 94. To lock the storage container 8, the cleat 90 from the top storage container 8 is placed into the recess 100 through the opening 110 into the unlocked position 104. The top and bottom storage containers 8, 8 are then rotated 90 degrees relative to each other until the clamp plate 90 is rotated into the locked position 106. In the locked position 106, the end 96 of the clamp plate 90 is disposed between the top surface 98 and the locking plate 102. It is contemplated herein that the clamping plate 90 and the opening 110 may have any shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, etc.) as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It is also contemplated herein that the storage container 8 is rotated greater or less than 90 degrees (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, etc.) to lock the clamp plate 90 within the locking plate 102.

Fig. 13 illustrates a cover that includes the use of a metal wire form 150 to create a tab in a female cleat receptacle (right side of the image of fig. 13) instead of a shaped plastic tab (such as tab 152 on the left side receptacle in fig. 13).

It is contemplated herein that the wire 150 is constructed of any material (e.g., plastic) capable of providing sufficient strength for the coupling of the storage container 8. It is also contemplated herein that the wire 150 may be any shape other than the two-sided shape depicted in fig. 13 (e.g., a linear shape, two-sided shapes at 90 degrees relative to each other, etc.).

Fig. 14 and 15 illustrate a cover and base that replaces the cleat receptacle structure in the case described above with respect to fig. 2 with an E-shaped rail cleat receptacle. Fig. 14 is a cover with a receptacle 160 and fig. 15 is a base with a cleat 170.

It is contemplated herein that a wall (e.g., a rear wall of a pickup truck) includes a receptacle 160 and/or a clip 170 that engages with the clip 170 or receptacle 160, respectively.

Fig. 16 and 17 illustrate an alternative embodiment. The system includes an L-shaped rail cleat receptacle. Fig. 16 is a cover with a receptacle 180 and fig. 17 is a base with a cleat 190.

It is contemplated herein that a wall (e.g., a rear wall of a pickup truck) includes a receptacle 180 and/or a cleat 190 that engages with the cleat 190 or receptacle 180, respectively.

Fig. 18-19 illustrate an alternative embodiment. The concept includes a central tunnel and a track system. The channel has an end portion wider than a main portion of the channel. Similarly, the rail has a projection at the end as wide as the wide end to secure the rail within the channel, and the rail has a boss on an upper surface of the rail that engages the wide end of the channel. The track includes a spring loaded portion that allows the two components to be disconnected from each other.

The bottom storage container 8 includes a receptacle 180, shown as a channel 180, defined by a wall 194 having an end 182. The top storage container 8 includes a track 186, the track 186 having a projection 188 extending laterally from the track 186. Button 196 is pressed causing tab 188 to retract toward track 186, allowing track 186 to be positioned within channel 180. The button 196 is then released, allowing the tab 188 to extend laterally from the track 186 within the channel 180. The boss 192 engages the channel 180 at the end 182 to connect with the channel wall 194.

Fig. 20 and 21 illustrate alternative embodiments. The top box includes metal rails 230 that engage receptacles 232 on the bottom box. The metal track and receiving portion are located on one end of the system, while the other end will be secured using a latch, buckle, lock, or the like.

The track 230 is pivotally coupled to the top storage container 8. The track 230 is rotated to selectively engage with a receptacle 232 on the bottom storage container 8.

Fig. 22-26 illustrate an alternative embodiment. This concept uses a helical screw 250 design to join two components. The screw 250 is mounted to the bottom of the tank at both ends of the screw, and the central section is free to engage with corresponding helical receivers 270 (fig. 25) in the lid. Once the two components are mated (e.g., the tank is placed on top of the lid), the screw may be turned a quarter turn by means of the knob to engage the threads in the screw receptacle. There is sufficient engagement that the screw will be locked within the helical receiver so that the two components do not separate.

The screw 250 rotates within a cylindrical portion 226, shown as a tube, which cylindrical portion 226 is fixed to either end of the storage container 8 along the longitudinal axis of the screw 250. The user engages the lever 220 to rotate the screw 250. To couple the top storage container 8 and the bottom storage container 240, the top storage container 8 is positioned above the bottom storage container 240 and the screw 250 is positioned within the threaded receptacle 270. After the screw 250 is rotated (e.g., by 90 degrees), the screw 250 is displaced within the threaded receptacle 270 such that the screw 250 cannot be removed from the threaded receptacle without counter-rotating the screw 250 into the unlocked position.

In one embodiment, the screw 250 and the threaded receiver 270 are locked by the threaded receiver 270, the threaded receiver 270 including a plurality of threaded apertures 244 that are inclined (e.g., not perpendicular in context) relative to the top surface 242 of the bottom storage container 240. In the locked position, the engagement screw 250 cannot slide from the threaded receiving portion 270 because the cylindrical portion 226 of the top storage container 8 is connected against the locking surface 246, thereby preventing lateral sliding of the top storage container 8 relative to the bottom storage container 240.

Fig. 27 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the locking mechanism. The tabs or protrusions of the female receiver slide in and out to selectively lock the male cleat. The male cleat is similar to the cleat of fig. 4, but will have the same length and width as the female receptacle so that the two components will not slide in the same direction as the direction of tab movement. That is, once the flaps are retracted, the top box will lift away in the vertical direction, but the two boxes will not slide in the horizontal direction. A rib is attached to the front rod. The ribs retract and the top box is accessible from the top. The rib will spring out and lock the bin. The rib can be spring loaded and tilted so that another bin will snap in and what you have to do is push in the front bar to disengage the rib.

Fig. 28-34 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a tool storage container that may be attached to multiple containers. Attached to the unlock button is a steel frame 310, which steel frame 310 passes through a male cleat 320 having locking bars 312, 314. The locking lever may include a pivot member 312 and/or a wedge member 314. In the unlocked position (fig. 29), the top box will be able to be lifted off the bottom, and the two boxes will not slide in a horizontal position relative to each other. Although not shown, the male splint would be longer to fill the recess in the female receptacle. In one embodiment, either may be used. The pivot profile 312 has a stem that pivots from an extended position engaging the female rib (locking of fig. 30) to a retracted position moving away from the female rib. The wedges have the shape of wedges which move inward (away from the concave ribs) and move the steel frame as the top box is pushed down onto and into the bottom box until the wedges pass over the concave ribs as they extend the box and lock the box in place.

The lock button 280 is spring loaded so that the pivoting and wedge-type lock levers 312, 314 are extended (best shown in fig. 30 and 32) or retracted (best shown in fig. 29 and 31). The lock button 280 is biased by a spring such that the pivot-type lock lever 312 and the wedge-type lock lever 314 extend in the locked position (fig. 30 and 32). In one embodiment, the frame 310 has protrusions and recesses that allow the pivot (e.g., pivot-type rod 312) and wedge (e.g., wedge-type rod 314) to alternately retract and extend from the clamp plate 286.

It is contemplated herein that the frame 310 may include a plurality of frames 310 and locking buttons 280 (e.g., one retractable cleat 286 per row). It is also contemplated herein that the tool storage container 8 may include any combination of a pivot-type lever 312, a wedge-type lever 314, and a male cleat 320, including but not limited to all of the lever 312, the lever 314, and the male cleat 320 or including but not limited to any of the lever 312, the lever 314, and the male cleat 320.

Fig. 35-40 depict alternative embodiments of tool storage containers that may be attached to multiple containers.

Fig. 35 depicts a retractable cleat 286 with a retractable extension 288. The retractable extension 288 is biased (e.g., spring biased) to protrude from the retractable cleat 286. Retractable clamp plate 286 is configured to selectively engage aperture 350. The aperture 350 includes an opening 352 having a width less than the width of the base 354. When the retractable clamp 286 is initially positioned within the aperture 350, the opening 352 forces the retractable extension 288 into the retractable clamp 286. When the retractable clamp 286 is fully disposed within the aperture 350, the retractable extension 288 is fully extended from the retractable clamp 286.

Fig. 36 depicts another embodiment of a retractable splint 286. The top storage receptacle 362 includes a male cleat 320 having a permanent extension and a retractable cleat 286 including a retractable extension 288, the retractable cleat 286 being shown as a retractable stem 288. The knob 360 is rotated to retract the retractable extension 288 into the retractable cleat 286. The knob and telescoping extension 288 are spring biased to a default position of the telescoping extension 288 extending from the telescoping clamp 286. To engage the top storage container 362 with the track 230, the retractable extension 288 is retracted into the retractable cleats 286 by turning the knob 360, the male cleats 320 and the retractable cleats 286 are coupled to the track 230 within the receptacle 232, and the knob 360 is released, allowing the spring-loaded bias to extend the retractable extension 288, thereby engaging the track 230.

Fig. 37 depicts another embodiment of a telescoping extension 288. The top storage container 374 includes a knob 360, the knob 360 being spring biased to extend the telescoping extension 288. To retract the retractable extension 288, the knob 360 is rotated against the spring bias. In effect, the top storage container 374 is coupled with the bottom surface of the storage container 8, and the knob 360 is rotated to retract the retractable extension 288, and the retractable extension 288 is seated within the receptacle 370. The knob 360 is released, allowing the spring loaded bias to extend the telescoping extension 288 into the aperture 372. It is contemplated herein that the telescoping extensions 288 are parallel to each other (e.g., fig. 37). It is also contemplated herein that the telescoping extensions 288 are angled (e.g., perpendicular) with respect to one another.

Fig. 38 depicts another embodiment of the male cleat 320, wherein the male cleat 320 is engaged with the receptacle 380. The receiver 380 includes an overhang (similar to fig. 9-12) into which the male cleat 320 engages.

Fig. 39 depicts another embodiment of a retractable clamp 286, the retractable clamp 286 engaging the track 82. The lock button 390 is spring biased such that the telescopic extension 288 extends fully laterally when the lock button 390 is not engaged. When engaged, the ramp 394 of the projection 392 laterally retracts the telescoping extension 288 (best shown in the lower right-hand drawing of fig. 39). In the embodiment of the lock button 390 depicted in 390, two sets of protrusions with two sets of ramps are connected with two sets of retractable cleats 286.

Fig. 40 depicts another embodiment of a retractable splint 286. Engaging the lock button 400 moves the lock button 400 and retractable clamp plate 286 laterally into the storage container 8, thereby disengaging the retractable clamp plate 286 from the track 82, the lock button 400 being spring biased to a default extended position (best shown in the lower right drawing of fig. 40).

Fig. 41 illustrates a front latch of a tool storage container that may be secured in either a locked or unlocked position by a ball detent (as opposed to spring loading).

Fig. 41 depicts a ball stop 410 biasing the retractable cleat 286. It is contemplated that for any of the embodiments described herein, a spherical stop 410 may be used instead of a spring.

Fig. 42-43 illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the posterior splint includes a rib that slides into a female receptacle.

In fig. 42-43, as the top storage container 8 pivots and slides toward the bottom storage container 8, the male cleats 320 slide into the receptacles 420. Fig. 44 depicts an alternative embodiment of a retractable splint 286.

Fig. 45 illustrates a ratchet-type front latch as opposed to spring-loaded for a tool storage container.

In fig. 45, shaft 452 is engaged with rack 450 to bias retractable clamp 286 into an engaged position with clamp 14 (not shown). As the shaft 452 rotates, the arm 454 is biased toward and away from the rack 450. The arm 454 is connected with the retractable cleat 286 to engage the retractable extension 288 in the retractable cleat 286 and to retract the retractable extension 288 from the retractable cleat 286.

It is to be understood that the drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It is also to be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, the description is to be construed as illustrative only. The configurations and arrangements shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be varied or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to include one or more elements or components, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, "rigidly coupled" means that two components are coupled such that when subjected to a force, the components move together in a fixed positional relationship.

Various embodiments of the invention are directed to any combination of any of the features and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. Any of the features, elements or components of the example embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.