Storage Device with Multi-Function Lid
AssigneeMilwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
InventorsMatthew Vargo, Joshua J. McComb
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various products that couple with modular storage units are shown. In one example, a modular storage unit includes a detachable top panel that can itself be coupled to other objects, such as a building wall or a vehicle. The top panel includes a coupling mechanism that faces away from the building wall or vehicle, thereby allowing the housing to be coupled to the top panel. In another example, a drinking container includes a coupling mechanism to couple the drinking container to a modular storage unit.
Claims20
A method of using a storage unit comprising:
- reversibly mechanically coupling a top panel to a housing of a storage unit, wherein the housing and the top panel collectively define a storage compartment, the top panel defining a top surface that faces away from the storage compartment when the top panel is coupled to the housing in a closed position, the top panel comprising a first coupler, the housing comprising a second coupler defined by a lateral surface of the housing;
- reversibly mechanically decoupling the top panel from the housing;
- securing the top panel to a structure;
- and
- coupling the second coupler of the housing to the first coupler of the top panel such that the storage unit is supported from the structure.
A method of using a storage unit comprising:
- reversibly mechanically coupling a lid to a housing of a storage unit, wherein the housing and the lid collectively define a storage compartment, the lid defining an upper surface that faces away from the storage compartment when the lid is coupled to the housing in a closed position, the lid comprising a first coupler, the housing comprising a second coupler;
- reversibly mechanically decoupling the lid from the housing;
- securing the lid to a structure surface of a structure such that the upper surface of the lid faces away from the structure surface;
- and
- coupling the second coupler of the housing to the first coupler of the lid such that the storage unit is supported from the structure.
A method of using a storage unit comprising:
- securing a top panel to a structure, the top panel defining a first surface that defines a first female coupler;
- coupling a housing to the top panel, the housing defining a lateral surface and a lower surface, the housing comprising a first male coupler defined by the lateral surface, and a second male coupler defined by the lower surface, wherein coupling the housing to the top panel comprises coupling the first female coupler to one of the first male coupler and the second male coupler;
- decoupling the housing from the top panel via disengaging the first female coupler from the one of the first male coupler and the second male coupler;
- and
- reversibly mechanically coupling the top panel to the housing, wherein the housing and the top panel collectively define a storage compartment when the top panel is coupled to the housing, wherein the first surface of the top panel faces away from the lower surface of the housing when the top panel is reversibly mechanically coupled to the housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.