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EP-4735212-A1 - MODULAR STORAGE SYSTEM WITH SIDE MOUNTS

EP4735212A1EP 4735212 A1EP4735212 A1EP 4735212A1EP-4735212-A1

Abstract

One or more adapters for a modular system are provided. The adapters are configured to couple externally to utility modules in a system, such as modular tool storage units to provide access to tool storage devices, tool, and/or tool accessories. One or more support rails for a modular system are provided. The support rails are configured to couple externally to utility modules in a system, thereby providing access to tools, tool accessories, and/or storage devices.

Inventors

  • NOBLE, Charlie G.
  • QUIROS, Evan Maverick James
  • HILLENBRAND, David R.
  • HOLTZ, Michael R.

Assignees

  • Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation

Dates

Publication Date
20260506
Application Date
20240621

Claims (20)

  1. 1. An adapter system for a utility module comprising: an adapter comprising: a front piece, the front piece comprising: a body extending along a longitudinal axis of the adapter; and one or more recessed sections positioned along the body; a rear clamp, the rear clamp rotatably coupled to the front piece; an engagement end; a clamping end opposing the engagement end; a bore defined by the front piece and the rear clamp, the bore positioned at the clamping end; wherein the bore is configured to engage a corner post of the utility module.
  2. 2. The adapter system of claim 1, further comprising a storage device, the storage device coupled to and supported by the one or more recessed sections.
  3. 3. The adapter system of claim 1, wherein the one or more recessed sections extend inward, away from an outer edge of the body.
  4. 4. The adapter system of claim 1, wherein the body has a first width and the one or more recessed sections have a second width, and wherein the second width is less than the first width.
  5. 5. The adapter system of claim 1, the adapter further comprising a tab positioned at the engagement end of the body.
  6. 6. The adapter system of claim 5, wherein the tab is positioned at a distal end of the one or more recessed sections.
  7. 7. The adapter system of claim 1, wherein the storage device is a clip rail.
  8. 8. The adapter system of claim 7, wherein the clip rail comprises: a first engagement end; a second engagement end; and a rail body extending between the first engagement end and the second engagement end; wherein the first engagement end and the second engagement end each comprise at least one clip.
  9. 9. The adapter system of claim 8, wherein the clip rail further comprises at least one spring loaded clip positioned at the first engagement end or the second engagement end.
  10. 10. A utility module system comprising: a utility module comprising: a plurality of corners, the plurality of corners including upper and lower corners; a side extending between and connecting the plurality of comers; and a plurality of corner posts extending between and connecting the upper corners and the lower corners; and a pair of adapters, each adapter coupled to one of the plurality of comer posts, each adapter comprising: a first piece, the first piece comprising: a longitudinally extending body extending along the side of the utility module; and a recessed section extending along the longitudinally extending body; a clamp, the clamp rotatably coupled to the first piece; an engagement end; and a clamping end opposing the engagement end.
  11. 11. The utility module system of claim 10, wherein a space is defined between the engagement ends of the pair of adapters.
  12. 12. The utility module system of claim 11, further comprising a storage device, the storage device supported by the pair of adapters such that storage device spans the space between the engagement ends.
  13. 13. The utility module system of claim 12, wherein the storage device is at least one of a hook, a tool pouch, and a clip rail.
  14. 14. The utility module system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of comers define the outermost edges of the utility module.
  15. 15. A side mount structure for a utility module comprising: a first engagement end; a second engagement end; a longitudinally extending body extending between and connecting the first engagement end and the second engagement end; a first wall extending outward from the longitudinally extending body; a second wall extending outward from the longitudinally extending body; a gate; a storage compartment defined between the first wall, the second wall, and the gate; wherein the gate is pivotable downward from a bottom surface of the first wall or the second wall; wherein the first engagement end and second engagement end are configured to couple to a utility module.
  16. 16. The side mount structure of claim 15, wherein the gate is pivotable in a counterclockwise direction relative to the longitudinally extending body.
  17. 17. The side mount structure of claim 15, wherein the gate is pivotable between a closed positioned in which the gate extends between the first wall and the second wall such that an accessory is restrained by the gate, and an open position in which the accessory is removable from the storage compartment.
  18. 18. The side mount structure of claim 15, wherein the gate includes a first closed end and a second open end, wherein the open end is coupled to the second wall.
  19. 19. The side mount structure of claim 18, wherein a notch resists movement of the closed end of the gate relative to the first wall.
  20. 20. The side mount structure of claim 15, wherein the gate is a spring.

Description

MODULAR STORAGE SYSTEM WITH SIDE MOUNTS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/510,557 filed on June 27, 2023, and to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/651,526 filed on May 24, 2024, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of the field of containers and related devices. The present disclosure relates specifically to adapters and side support structures (e.g., side support rails) configured to support and detachably couple various items, such as materials, tools and/or tool accessories, to external side surfaces of utility modules (e.g., units) within a modular system. [0003] Tool storage units are often used to transport tools and tool accessories. Some storage units are designed to incorporate into a modular storage system. Various adapters and support structures can be configured to couple externally to units within a modular system making tools and tool accessories available in a working environment with the tools and/or tool accessories storable within the units for transport. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0004] One embodiment of the invention relates to an adapter system for a utility module. The adapter system includes an adapter with a front piece and a rear clamp. The front piece includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis of the adapter and one or more recessed sections positioned along the body. The rear clamp rotatably couples to the front piece. The adapter include an engagement end and a clamping end opposing the engagement end. The adapter further includes a bore defined by the front piece and the rear clamp. The bore is positioned at the clamping end. The bore is configured to engage a corner post of the utility module. [0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a utility module system. The utility module system includes a utility module and a pair of adapters. The utility module includes a plurality of comers, the plurality of comers including upper and lower corners and a side extend between the connecting the plurality of comers. The utility module further includes a plurality of comer posts extend between and connecting the upper corners and the lower corners. Each adapter of the pair of adapters is coupled to one of the plurality of comer posts. Each adapter includes a first piece and a clamp. The first piece includes a longitudinally extending body extending along the side of the utility module and a recessed section extending along the longitudinally extending body. The clamp is rotatably coupled to the first piece. Each adapter further includes an engagement end and a clamping end opposing the engagement end. [0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates a side mount structure for a utility module. The side mount stmcture includes a first engagement end, a second engagement end, and a longitudinally extending body extending between and connecting the first engagement end and the second engagement end. The side mount stmcture further includes a first wall extending outward from the longitudinally extending body, a second wall extending outward from the longitudinally extending body, and a gate. A storage compartment is defined between the first wall, the second wall, and the gate. The gate is pivotable downward from a bottom surface of the first wall or the second wall. The first engagement end and second engagement end are configured to coupled to a utility module. [0007] In a specific embodiment, a pair of adapters are coupled to adjacent corner posts of the utility module. Each of the longitudinally extending bodies extends along a side of the utility module. A space is defined between the engagement ends of the pair of adapters. When the pair of adapters are coupled to the storage device, the storage device extends between and couples to the one or more recessed sections of each adapter. In a specific embodiment, the storage device is an accessory rail. [0008] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and/or shown in the accompany drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary. [0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide 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 principles and operation of the various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompan