Modular storage system
AssigneeOlympia Tools International, Inc.
InventorsJonathan S. Beckwith, Cecil Wilson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A modular storage system includes a unit body having a first lateral end, a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, and an upper surface extending between the first and second lateral ends. The unit body includes a first groove formed in the upper surface at the first lateral end and a first groove connector in the first groove. The system includes a tongue piece having a first and second side. Each of the first and second sides of the tongue piece has a shape corresponding to the first groove and a tongue connector configured to releasably engage the first groove connector.
Claims20
A modular storage system, comprising:
- a unit body having a first lateral end, a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, and an upper surface extending between the first and second lateral ends, the unit body including:
- a first groove formed in the upper surface at the first lateral end, and
- a first groove connector in the first groove;
- a tongue piece having a first side having:
- a shape corresponding to the first groove, and
- a tongue connector configured to releasably engage the first groove connector;
- and
- a work surface configured to be removably placed on the upper surface of the unit body;
- wherein the upper surface of the unit body includes a plurality of pins extending therefrom, wherein the work surface includes a plurality of openings disposed in a unit body facing surface thereof, and wherein the plurality of openings are in registration with corresponding ones of the pins.
A modular storage system, comprising:
- a unit body having a first lateral end, a second lateral end opposite the first lateral end, and an upper surface extending between the first and second lateral ends, the unit body including:
- a first groove formed in the upper surface at the first lateral end, and
- a first groove connector in the first groove;
- a tongue piece having a first side having:
- a shape corresponding to the first groove, and
- a tongue connector configured to releasably engage the first groove connector;
- wherein the first groove connector is a ball plunger comprising a housing, an axially movable ball disposed in the housing, and a spring disposed between the housing and the ball, wherein the spring applies a biasing force to the ball to releasably engage the ball plunger with the tongue connector.
A method of using a modular storage system, the method comprising:
- attaching a tongue piece to a first unit body using a plurality of fasteners so that a portion of the tongue piece extends from a first lateral end of the first unit body;
- moving the first lateral end of the first unit body relative to a second opposing lateral end of a second unit body;
- engaging the portion of the tongue piece extending from the first lateral end with a groove formed in the second lateral end;
- and
- applying a pushing force above a threshold value for releasably engaging a groove connector of the groove with a tongue connector of the tongue piece to connect the first and second unit bodies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.