Modular Systems and Components

Abstract

Various components for use within a modular system are provided. In various embodiments, the coupling systems provided herein facilitate coupling modular units, such as by providing different structures and mechanisms to facilitate coupling different units together. The different mechanisms include different coupling arrangements between locking elements and interfaces coupled to the units.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A utility module comprising:
 a housing;   a front face defined by the housing;   a rear face defined by the housing opposite the front face;   a lower surface;   a plurality of locking elements retractably extending from the front face, the plurality of locking elements configured to detachably and rigidly couple the housing to a second utility module and a third utility module; and   a channel defined by the lower surface, the channel comprising a first end at the front face and an opposing second end at the rear face, wherein the channel is configured to receive a side wall extending upward from the second utility module and a side wall extending upward from the third utility module.   
     
     
         2 . The utility module of  claim 1 , wherein the channel is centrally located on the lower surface. 
     
     
         3 . The utility module of  claim 1 , wherein the channel comprises opposing side surfaces extending upward from the lower surface and towards each other. 
     
     
         4 . The utility module of  claim 3 , wherein the channel comprises a horizontal flat surface extending between the opposing side surfaces. 
     
     
         5 . The utility module of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of locking elements extend from the front face on each side of the channel. 
     
     
         6 . The utility module of  claim 1 , wherein the housing defines a first width perpendicular to the front face, and the second utility module defines a second width perpendicular to the front face, and wherein the second width is approximately one-half the second width. 
     
     
         7 . The utility module of  claim 6 , wherein the third utility module defines a third width perpendicular to the front face, and wherein the third width is approximately one-half the first width. 
     
     
         8 . The utility module of  claim 1 , wherein the channel extends uninterrupted between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         9 . A utility module comprising:
 a housing;   a front face defined by the housing;   a first corner extending from the front face, the first corner comprising at least two ribs extending from the housing;   a plurality of locking elements retractably extending from the front face, the plurality of locking elements configured to detachably and rigidly couple the housing to a second utility module; and   a corner wall slidably engaged with the at least two ribs, wherein the corner wall defines at least one aperture configured to detachably couple to an accessory.   
     
     
         10 . The utility module of  claim 9 , the corner wall comprising a plurality of apertures including the at least one aperture, the plurality of apertures configured to detachably couple to an accessory. 
     
     
         11 . The utility module of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged in a grid on the corner wall. 
     
     
         12 . The utility module of  claim 9 , comprising a fastener to rigidly couple the corner wall to the housing. 
     
     
         13 . A utility system comprising:
 a first utility module comprising:
 a first housing; 
 a front face defined by the first housing; 
 a plurality of locking elements retractably extending from the front face; 
 a handle pivotally coupled to the front face of the first housing; and 
 a recess defined by the front face of the first housing below the handle; and 
   a second utility module comprising:
 a second housing; 
 a lid pivotally coupled to the second housing; 
 a female coupler defined by the lid, wherein at least one of the plurality of locking elements engages with the female couple to detachably and rigidly couple the first utility module to the second utility module; and 
 a locking latch configured to secure the lid in a closed position, wherein the locking latch actuates between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the recess is configured to receive the locking latch when the locking latch is actuating from the locked position to the unlocked position while the first utility module is coupled to the second utility module. 
   
     
     
         14 . The utility system of  claim 13 , wherein the handle actuates between an extended position and a retracted position with respect to the first housing, and wherein the recess defines a first surface that is planar with a second surface that interfaces with the handle when the handle is in the retracted position. 
     
     
         15 . The utility system of  claim 13 , wherein no portion of the first housing is directly vertically below the recess. 
     
     
         16 . The utility system of  claim 13 , wherein the handle defines a first width and the recess defines a second width that is at least half the first width. 
     
     
         17 . The utility system of  claim 13 , wherein the locking latch can be extended to interface with the handle. 
     
     
         18 . The utility system of  claim 17 , wherein the locking latch is a toggle locking latch. 
     
     
         19 . The utility system of  claim 13 , the first utility module comprising a second lid pivotally coupled to the first housing and a second locking latch configured to secure the second lid in a closed position. 
     
     
         20 . The utility system of  claim 13 , wherein the handle defines a first width and the recess defines a second width that is at least three fourths the first width.