Modular utility assembly

Abstract

An apparatus for use with a plurality of interchangeable modules comprising a frame and a plate provided on the frame and comprising a plurality of mounting locations for mounting interchangeable modules relative to the plate. The mounting locations are configured to allow for selective attachment of a first interchangeable module to the plate, removal of the first interchangeable module from the plate after the selective attachment to the plate, and selective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the plate after the removal of the first interchangeable module without reconfiguring the mounting locations of the plate.

1 . An apparatus for use with a plurality of interchangeable modules comprising: 
 a frame; and    a plate provided on the frame and comprising a plurality of mounting locations for mounting interchangeable modules relative to the plate;    wherein the mounting locations are configured to allow for 
 selective attachment of a first interchangeable module to the plate in a first configuration  
 removal of the first interchangeable module from the plate after the selective attachment to the plate and  
 selective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the plate in a second configuration after the removal of the first interchangeable module without reconfiguring the plurality of mounting locations of the plate.  
   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first configuration comprises a different mounting location on the plate than the second configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame comprises a compartment configured to receive at least one receptacle.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein a removable receptacle is provided in the compartment.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein the plate is provided above the compartment.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plate is integrally formed with the frame.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plate comprises an interface.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mounting locations of the plate comprise a plurality of apertures.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mounting locations of the plate comprise fasteners provided in the plate.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the fasteners comprise fastener inserts molded in the plate.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the plate comprises fastener inserts provided on the plate.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the frame comprises a mounting area configured to couple to a base in a first configuration to provide the plate at a first position and couple to the base in a second configuration to provide the plate at a second position.  
   
   
       13 . A service center configured for use with a plurality of interchangeable modules comprising: 
 a frame comprising an interface and a compartment;    wherein the interface is configured for 
 selective attachment of a first interchangeable module to the interface in a first mounting configuration  
 removal of the first interchangeable module from the interface after the selective attachment to the interface and  
 selective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the interface in a second mounting configuration after the removal of the first interchangeable module; and  
   wherein the first mounting configuration comprises a different mounting location on the interface than the second mounting configuration.    
   
   
       14 . The service center of  claim 13  wherein the compartment comprises at least one removable receptacle provided in the compartment.  
   
   
       15 . The service center of  claim 13  wherein the interface comprises a plate comprising apertures for mounting interchangeable modules having different mounting points.  
   
   
       16 . The service center of  claim 13  wherein the interface comprises means for interchanging a plurality of different modules.  
   
   
       17 . The service center of  claim 13  wherein the frame is configured to couple to a base in a first configuration to provide the interface at a first position and couple to the base in a second configuration to provide the interface at a second position and wherein the first position comprises a first height and the second position comprises a second height which is greater than the first height.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus for use with a plurality of interchangeable modules comprising: 
 a base comprising a member and an opening;    wherein an interchangeable module is attached to the member;    wherein the member comprises a plurality of attachment points configured for attachment of one of a plurality of interchangeable modules;    wherein at least one bucket is provided in the opening;    wherein the attachment points are configured for 
 selective attachment of a first interchangeable module to the member in a first configuration  
 removal of the first interchangeable module from the member after the selective attachment to the member and  
 selective attachment of a second interchangeable module to the member in a second configuration after the removal of the first interchangeable module without reconfiguring the attachment points of the member;  
   wherein the first configuration comprises at least one different attachment point on the member than the second configuration.    
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the attachment points comprise apertures provided in the member.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 18  wherein the member comprises a mounting plate.