Storage and work system

Abstract

A storage and work system including at least three modules having a top and a removable panel sized to overlie at least three modules and connect two of the modules in a removable panel assembly. The removable panel includes a work surface on the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel. The mating surface can include a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module, a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module and a third portion arranged to allow docking a third module under the removable panel without engaging the removable panel. The removable panel assembly can be movable and can be used as a workbench storage and work system with a modular workbench arranged to dock the removable panel assembly underneath the workbench top.

1 . A storage and work system including: 
 at least three modules having a top; and    a removable panel sized to overlie at least three modules and connect two of the of modules comprising: 
 a work surface comprising the top surface of the panel;  
 a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel including: 
 a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module;  
 a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module; and  
 a third portion arranged to allow docking a third module under the removable panel without engaging the removable panel.  
 
   
   
   
       2 . The storage and work system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first portion and second portion are positioned to connect the first and second modules in spaced apart side by side position.  
   
   
       3 . The storage and work system according to  claim 2 , wherein the third portion is positioned between the first portion and the second portion to allow docking a third movable module between the first and second modules.  
   
   
       4 . The storage and work system according to  claim 3 , wherein the first and second modules are movable.  
   
   
       5 . The storage and work system according to  claim 1 , wherein the first and second portions are arranged to engage the tops of the first and second modules in a removable panel assembly.  
   
   
       6 . The storage and work system according to  claim 5 , wherein the tops of at least the first and second modules include a recess, and the first and second portions are arranged to be received in the recess in the first and second modules.  
   
   
       7 . The storage and work system according to  claim 6 , wherein the first and second portions comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface arranged to be received in the recess in the first and second modules.  
   
   
       8 . The storage and work system according to  claim 6 , wherein the tops of the plurality of modules comprises a perimetrical flange extending above and around at least a portion of a top wall defining the recess.  
   
   
       9 . The storage and work system according to  claim 5 , wherein the first and second portions are arranged to surround at least a portion of the tops of the first and second modules.  
   
   
       10 . The movable storage and work system according to  claim 9 , wherein the first and second portions comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface arranged to surround at least a portion of the tops of the first and second modules.  
   
   
       11 . A workbench storage system for a modular workbench having an elongated workbench top supported on legs and defining an open space bounded by the floor, the legs and the workbench top for docking a plurality of mobile modules comprising: 
 a plurality of movable modules having a top and sized for docking underneath the workbench top for storage and access, for movement from underneath the workbench top for rearrangement of the modules, for access to the modules away from the workbench, for use as a mobile worksurface or for cleaning under the workbench; and    a removable panel sized to overlie at least three movable modules and connect two of the plurality of movable modules in a removable panel assembly comprising: 
 a work surface comprising the top surface of the panel;  
 a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel including: 
 a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module;  
 a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module; and  
 a third portion arranged to allow docking a third module under the removable panel without engaging the removable panel.  
 
   
   
   
       12 . The workbench storage system according to  claim 11 , wherein the third portion is positioned between the first portion and the second portion to allow docking a third module between the first and second modules.  
   
   
       13 . The workbench storage system according to  claim 12 , wherein the tops of the plurality of movable modules include a recess, and the first and second portions are arranged to be received in the recess in the first and second movable modules.  
   
   
       14 . The workbench storage system according to  claim 13 , wherein the top of the plurality of movable modules comprises a perimetrical flange extending above and around at least a portion of a top wall defining the recess.  
   
   
       15 . The workbench storage system according to  claim 11 , wherein the plurality of movable modules include a top wall having a perimetrical flange extending above and around at least a portion of a top wall defining a recess and a removable wood top arranged to be received and retained in the recess, and wherein the removable panel is arranged to be received in the recess in place of the removable wood top.  
   
   
       16 . A workbench system including a workbench and a movable work and storage system comprising: 
 a workbench having an elongated workbench top supported on legs and defining an open space bounded by the floor, the legs and the workbench top for docking at least three modules movably mounted on wheels; and    a removable panel sized to overlie the at least three modules having a work surface on the top surface of the panel and a mating surface on the bottom surface of the panel including at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module, a second portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module to connect the first and second modules in a removable panel assembly, and a third portion arranged to allow docking a third module under the removable panel between the first and second modules without engaging the removable panel;    wherein the removable panel assembly is sized for docking underneath the workbench top for storage and access, for movement of the movable work and storage system from underneath the workbench top for rearrangement of the modules, for access to the modules away from the workbench, for cleaning under the workbench or for use of the movable work and storage system as a mobile worksurface, and the third module is sized for docking underneath the removable panel whether removable panel assembly is positioned underneath the workbench top or away from the workbench.    
   
   
       17 . The workbench system according to  claim 16 , wherein the at least three modules are selected from the group including, but not limited to, a drawer module having a plurality of pullout drawers, a storage cabinet module having at least one door to close said storage cabinet, a refrigerator module for providing refrigerated storage, and a combination cabinet module having at least one door and at least one drawer.  
   
   
       18 . The workbench system according to  claim 16 , wherein the first and second portions are arranged to engage the tops of the first and second modules.  
   
   
       19 . The workbench system according to  claim 18 , wherein the tops of the plurality of modules include a recess, and the first and second portions are arranged to be received in the recess in the first and second movable modules.