FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dual latching adaptor which provides a manner for securing stackable storage containers of different sizes onto a grid system.
BACKGROUND
Stackable storage containers are known, for example, the rolling container assembly shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,132,819 and 9,132,543, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The assembly disclosed therein includes a base storage container which is disposable on a cart which is provided with wheels and an integral handle system. At least one further storage container may be removably attached on top of the base container, allowing for multiple containers to be jointly transported. The mechanism for attaching the containers to each other in such systems may include a stacking latch mechanism, for example, as shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2020/0025229 and 2020/0298392 and U.S. Pat. No. 11,486,427, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The mechanism includes a spring loaded pivotable latch having a hook disposed on the lid of the container and a step formed on the lower housing of the container. The latch hook is selectively disposable over the step to thereby secure the containers together. U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,729 discloses a stackable container system in which each container includes a latch member and a ledge formed on the outer surface. The latch of a lower container is foldable over the ledge of an upper container to secure the upper and lower containers together.
With further reference to Prior Art FIG. 26, components of a known stackable system are shown. Container 300 includes base 395 having an interior storage volume and cover 396 pivotably attached to base 395. Base 395 includes step 393 extending downwardly from a lower side edge thereof. Though not shown, a second step having the same structure extends downwardly from the opposite lower side edge. Spring biased latch 392 extends upwardly from the upper side edge of cover 396. Though not shown a second spring biased latch having the same structure would extend upwardly from the opposite side edge of cover 396. T-Tab 391 extends upwardly from a central region of cover 396 and has two overhanging ledges. T-Tab may be raised or lowered from the upper surface of cover 396. Conventional accessory box 394 includes base 398 and pivotable cover 397 disposed thereon. Step 393′ having the same structure as step 93 extends downwardly from a lower long side edge thereof. Though not shown a second step having the same structure would extend from the opposite long side edge thereof. Spring biased latch 392′ having the same structure as spring biased latch 392 extends upwardly from the front side edge of cover 397. To secure accessory box 394 onto container 390, step 393′ is inserted beneath a ledge of raised T-Tab 391, and the opposite side step is secured beneath the second spring biased latch of container 390. The not shown second step 393′ contacts the hook of the not shown second latch 392 to rotate latch 392 outwardly until step 393′ clears the hook to allow latch 392 to rotate back inwardly under the spring bias such that the hook overlies step 393′. Alternatively, T-Tab 391 could be lowered and a container having substantially the same overall lower surface area as the upper surface of cover 396 of container 390 could be secured between spring biased latch 392 and the not shown second latch 392. A further container could be secured on cover 397 between spring biased latches 392′. The structure of latches 392,392′ and steps 393,393′ could, for example, have the structure as shown in the above-referenced published patent applications and patents.
With reference to Prior Art FIG. 27 a further known stackable storage system is disclosed. The stackable storage system includes a plurality of stackable storage containers 360(a), 630(b) and 3360(c), of substantially the same surface area but having varying depth, each of which includes a cover having latch mechanisms 92 disposed thereon. Containers 360(b) and 360(c) each have steps 3393. Chest 360(a) is the lowest container of the stack and may be integrally formed with wheels and an upright pull handle to allow the stackable storage system to be transported by tilting and rolling. Upper container 360(c) has the same structure as container 90 described above. The incorporation of latches 392, steps 393, and a T-Tab not shown in (FIG. 27) allows containers of various depths and surface areas to be incorporated into and secured in the stackable storage system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a first embodiment the invention is directed to an adaptor having a main body. A first peripheral ledge is formed on the main body and extends adjacent one lateral side of the main body. A second peripheral ledge is formed on the main body and is disposed laterally inwardly of the first peripheral ledge. A slider is slidably disposed on an opposite lateral side of the main body. The slider has a slider body slidable between an outer position relative to the main body and an inward position relative to the main body. The slider body includes a first laterally inwardly extending tab and a second laterally inwardly extending tab. The second tab is disposed at a location which is laterally inward of the first tab. A first container has a first container first step extends downwardly from a lateral side and a second container second step extending downwardly from an opposite lateral side. The first container can be secured to the main body with the first container first step secured beneath the first peripheral ledge and the first container second step secured beneath the first tab. A second container has a second container first step extending downwardly from a lateral side and a second container second step extending downwardly from an opposite lateral side. The second container can be secured to the main body with the second container first step secured beneath the second peripheral ledge and the second container second step secured beneath said second tab.
These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In addition, it should be appreciated that structural features shown or described in any one embodiment herein can be used in other embodiments as well. As used in the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an overhead perspective view of a dual adaptor according to the invention.
FIG. 1A is an overhead perspective view of a dual adaptor according to a second embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 1B is a close up perspective view of a the right side of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1A
FIG. 2 is an underside perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1 and extending longitudinally from the lower left to the upper right.
FIG. 2A is an underside perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2B is a second underside perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 3 is an overhead perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1 with the latch mechanism not shown.
FIG. 3A is an underside perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 3.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is an overhead view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is an overhead perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1 with the slider locking mechanism not shown.
FIG. 7 is an underside perspective view of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1 extending laterally from the left side to the right side.
FIG. 8 is a close up underside perspective view of the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a projection support forming part of the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a latch mechanism forming part of the dual adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a right side view of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 10.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the latch mechanism shown in FIG. 10 with the cover push plate removed.
FIG. 13 is a close up view of the underside of the adaptor and in particular showing the slider.
FIG. 13A is perspective view of the slider forming part of the adaptor shown in FIG. 1
FIG. 14 is perspective view of the slider and slider lock forming part of the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 14A is perspective view of the slider and slider lock forming part of the adaptor shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 14B is perspective view of the slider and slider lock forming part of the adaptor shown in FIG. 1A with the lock cover not shown.
FIG. 15 is an underside perspective view of the slider and slider lock shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 15A is an underside perspective view of the slider and slider lock shown in FIG. 14A.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the slider lock shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the slider lock shown in FIG. 16 with the cover not shown.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the safety lock forming part of the slider lock shown in FIG. 16.
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the slider lock element shown in FIG. 14A.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a storage case.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the storage case shown in FIG. 19 from the opposite side.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the storage case shown in FIG. 19 disposed on the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 22 is an opposite perspective view of the storage case shown in FIG. 19 disposed on the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 23 is an underside perspective view of a second embodiment of a storage case.
FIG. 24 is perspective view of the storage case shown in FIG. 23 disposed on the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 25 is an opposite perspective view of the storage case shown in FIG. 23 disposed on the adaptor shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 26 is a view of a stackable storage system according to the prior art.
FIG. 27 is a view of a second stackable storage system according the prior art.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a panel on which the adaptor of FIG. 1 may be secured.
FIG. 28A is an under side view of the panel shown in FIG. 28.
FIG. 28B is a close up view of the panel shown in FIG. 28A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS. 1-6, dual adaptor 1 includes main body 1(a) having left lateral short edge or wall 3, right lateral short edge or wall 5, front longitudinal long edge or wall 7 and rear longitudinal long edge or wall 9. Main body 1(a) is stamped out of sheet metal. The use of the terms front, rear, left, right, short and long are for the sake of description only and are not intended to limit the invention. Additionally, for the sake of convenience of description only, the direction extending between left lateral short edge 3 and right lateral short edge 5 shall be referred to as the longitudinal direction, and the direction between front longitudinal long edge 7 and rear longitudinal long edge 9 shall be referred to as the lateral direction. Dual adaptor 1 further includes upper surface 11 and lower surface 13. Upper surface 11 includes a perimeter region 2 which extends inwardly from the edges. Left outer peripheral ledge 15 extends inwardly and slightly upwardly from perimeter region 2 at left lateral short ledge 3, above through opening 16 formed through dual adaptor 1. Left inner peripheral ledge 17 extends inward from opening 16 in the longitudinal direction, and is disposed slightly below outer peripheral ledge 15. Ledge 17 extends above through opening 18. Ledge 17 extends at generally the same level as perimeter 2. With reference to FIG. 6, right lateral short edge 5 includes wall portion 7 extending to the right and defining right through opening 30. Slot 7(a) is formed through wall portion 7.
Depressed left flat surface 20(a) extends inwardly of opening 18 and substantially laterally across upper surface 11, at a level below perimeter 2 and ledges 15 and 17. Dual adaptor 1 further includes four pairs of rectangular though holes 19 extending through left flat surface 20(a). The undersides of through holes 19 include rims 19(a) which extend about the perimeter of holes 19 and project downwardly from lower surface 13. Front and rear left side depressions 60(a) are formed in the left front and rear side corners of adaptor 1. One depression 60(a) is disposed in front of ledges 15 and 17, and one is disposed behind ledges 15 and 17. Depressions 60(a) each include through opening 65 extending through adaptor 1. With reference to FIG. 2, securing projection 61 extends downwardly and leftward into each opening 65 and includes bent wings 61(a) on the lateral sides. Securing projection 61 is integrally formed as part of main body 1(a). A pair of slots 67 are formed though the surface of each depressions 60(a) to the right of securing projection 61, and a second pair of slots 66 are formed through securing projection 61. With reference to FIG. 9, projection support leg 62 has a u-shaped cross-section and an upwardly extending tab 62(a) formed near each corner. Projection support leg 62 is stamped out of sheet metal. The rightward surface of support leg 62 forms wall 63. Projection support leg 62 is secured beneath securing projection 61 with tabs 62(a) fitting within respective slots 66 and 67. With reference to FIG. 4, securing projection 61 extends leftward of projection support leg 62 and is spaced below opening 65.
Front and rear central depressions 60(b) extend to the right of holes 19 and have substantially the same structure as depressions 60(a), except they are wider and longer. However, the structures of openings 65, securing projections 61 and projection support legs 62 are the same as for depression 60(a). Front and rear right depressions 60(c) are also identical in structure to depression 60(a) including identical openings 65, securing projections 61 and projection support legs 62. Depressions 60(c) extend inwardly from perimeter region 2 at right lateral short edge 5. Front depressions 60(a), (b) and (c) are aligned in the longitudinal direction across the front of adaptor 1 while rear openings 60(a), (b) and (c) are aligned in the longitudinal direction across the rear of adaptor 1. A pair of through holes 19 is formed between each of front central depressions 60(b) and front right depression 60(c), and a pair of through holes is formed between rear central depression 60(b) and rear right depression 60(c).
With reference to FIG. 3, central through opening 70 extends longitudinally between the front and rear central depressions 60(b). Central through opening 70 is formed through a portion of upper surface 13 which is raised above depressions 60(b). A first pair of front and rear tabs 72(a) extend downwardly from upper surface 13 into central through opening 70, to the left of a transverse bisector of opening 70. Central through opening 70 includes a second pair of front and rear tabs 72(b) extending downwardly from upper surface 13 into central through opening 70, to the right of the transverse bisector of opening 70. Central through opening 70 further includes a depressed bridge 73 extending between the left and right sides and between first pair of tabs 72(a) and second pair of tabs 72(b). Depressed bridge 73 includes through opening 73(a). Lateral tab 74 extends rightward of bridge 73.
With reference to FIGS. 10-12, latch mechanism 80 includes center lock lever 81, center lock 82 and snap lock 88. Center lock lever 81 is disposed generally above and laterally about center lock 82. Center lock lever pivot rod 83 extends through openings 81(b) formed in tabs 72(a) on opposite sides of opening 70 and through openings 81(b) formed at the leftward edge of front and rear tabs 81(f) of center lock lever 81 to allow center lock lever 81 to pivot thereabout between the raised (as seen in FIG. 1) and depressed (as seen in FIG. 1A) conditions. Plate center lock rod 85 extends through openings formed in hollow cylinder 82(a) located at the right side of center lock 82 and through tabs 72(b) extending downwardly from upper surface 13 to allow center lock 82 to pivot thereabout between the raised and depressed conditions. Center lock lever 81 and center lock 82 pivot in opposite clockwise directions. Center lock 82 further includes rectangular through opening 86 formed to the left of hollow cylinder 82(a). Center lock 82 includes downwardly projecting lock tooth 87 formed on the opposite side of dividing wall 82(b) from opening 86. Lock tooth 87 is cup-shaped with an overall rectangular cross section. The cross section of tooth 87 decreases in the downward direction so at the lowest-most region it has a substantially square cross section. Two flanges 89 are formed at the left side of center lock 82 and receive sliding rod 84 therethrough.
Center lock lever 81 include front and rear oval channels 81(a) formed on downwardly extending tabs 81(f). Sliding rod 84 also extends through oval channels 81(a) in addition to flanges 89 of center lock 82 so as to allow center lock 82 to move laterally with respect to center lock lever 81 when lever 81 is moved between raised and lowered positions. Center lock lever 81 further includes rectangular through hole 81(c) extending therethrough.
Latch mechanism 80 further includes snap lock 88 having central cup-shaped depressed area 88(a). Downward hook 89 extends from the right edge of depressed area 88(a), and upward hook 90 extends from the left side thereof. Cup-shaped depressed area 88(a) is disposed below through hole 81(c) of center lock lever 81. Coil spring 91 includes a left hook which is disposed about center plate pivot rod 83 and a right hook received in upward hook 90 to bias snap lock 88 leftward. Downward hook 89 extends through channel 81(d) formed to the right of through hole 81(c) and upward hook 90 extends through channels 81(d) formed to the left of hole 81(c) formed in the upper surface of lock lever 81 to secure snap lock 88 to lock lever 81, with hooks 89 and 90 disposed beneath the upper surface of lock lever 81.
When center lock lever 81 is pushed it pivots downwardly about pivot rod 83 to a position where lever 81 is substantially flush with upper surface 11. Plater center lock 82 simultaneously pivots downwardly about pivot rod 85 with sliding rod 84 sliding in oval slots 81(a) to a position where plate center lock 82 extends substantially parallel and beneath center lock lever 81. Coil bias spring 91 biases snap lock 88 towards the left, with downward hook 89 fitting beneath tab 74 to secure center lock lever 81 and therefore center lock 82 in the downward position, in which lock tooth 87 projects downwardly of lower surface 13 to the maximum extent. To release latch mechanism 80, the user pushes snap lock 88 rightward against the bias provided by spring 91 until downward hook 89 clears tab 74. The spring bias then pulls snap lock 88 towards the left and thus causes center lock lever 81 to pivot upwardly. Sliding rod 84 slides back towards the right in oval slots 81(a) which causes center lock 82 to pivot upwardly as well, raising tooth 87 to an upper position.
With further reference to FIG. 6 in particular, slider through opening 30 extends through main body 1(a) from portion 7 of right edge 5 at a location between right side openings 65. Opening 5(a) is formed through edge 5 at the location of portion 7 and center opening 30. Slider walls 31 project downwardly from upper surface 11 on either side of opening 30 and include oval openings formed therein. Rightward of walls 31, rightward and leftward opening hooks extend downwardly from upper surface 11 and define slide channel 33.
With reference to FIG. 14, slider 40 includes laterally inward raised surface 43 at the left edge. Slider 40 is stamped out of sheet metal. Front and rear projection tabs 44 extend leftward from raised surface 43 in a direction parallel to upper surface 11. Front and rear tabs 45 extend downwardly from the lateral edges of raised surface 43 and receive sliding rod 46 through openings formed therein. Rightward of raised surface 43, slider 40 includes wall 43(a) which extends towards laterally inward lower surface 41. Surface 41 is substantially parallel to surface 43. Front and rear lateral tabs 47 extend upwardly and outwardly from and parallel to surface 41. Rightward of inward lower surface 41, slider 30 includes wall 43(b) which extends into laterally inward upper surface 48 which is substantially parallel to surfaces 41 and 43. Front and rear slider locking tabs 48(a) extend leftward from upper surface 48 substantially parallel to upper surface 11. The overall lateral distance between the left edge of front tab 48(a) and the right edge of rear tab 48(a) is less than the overall lateral distance between the left edge of front tab 44 and the right edge of rear tab 44. In other words, the lateral span of tabs 48(a) is less than that of tabs 44. Rightward of surface 48, slider 40 includes wall 42(a) which extends into laterally outward lower surface 42 which is substantially parallel to surface 41 and 43. Wall 42(a) includes through opening 42(b). Vertically disposed slider wall 49 is formed at the outer most edge of lower surface 42. A channel is formed between walls 42(a) and 49. Wall 49 serves as a slider push/pull surface. Slider lock 50 is disposed in the channel.
Slider 40 is secured on main body 1(a) with the extending edges of sliding rod 46 fitting within the oval openings in walls 31, tabs 47 fitting within slide channel 33 and upper surface 48 resting on edge portion 7. The width of surface 48 is greater than that of edge portion 7 to thereby allow slider 7 to be pushed or pulled from an innermost position to an outermost position with the travel distance defined by the length of the oval openings in walls 31. Accordingly, the locations of tabs 44 and 48(a) relative to the lateral center of main body 1(a) are moved to the same extent. Tabs 44 and 48(a) are disposed opposite ledges 15 and 17 formed on left edge 3.
With further reference to FIGS. 14-18, slider lock 50 is disclosed. Slider lock 50 includes slider lock cover latch button 51 having projection 51(a) extending rearwardly from main body portion 51(b). Button 51 has an open leftward face, and the rearward face of projection 51(a) is also open. H-shaped latch lever tooth 52 is secured beneath cover 51 by rivets and includes main body portion 52(a) and slider lock element tab 53 extending leftward from main body portion 52(a). Latch lever tooth 52 extends leftward outward of the open face of cover latch button 51 and also is disposed through both opening 7(a) in wall portion 7 and opening 42(b) in slider 40 such that main body portion 52(a) extends adjacent slider wall 42(a) and tab 53 extends adjacent wall portion 7. That is, both wall portion 7 and slider wall 42(a) fit within the h-shaped defined by tooth 52.
Slider lock 50 further includes secondary latch 54 pivotably disposed on pivot screw 56 which also extends through lever tooth 52 and into channel 42(c) to allow latch 54, tooth 52 and button 51 to jointly slide along surface 42 of slider 40. Latch 54 includes pivoting lock arm 54(a) and push surface 54(b) extending at substantially right angles thereto. Lock cover latch button 51 is secured over both tooth 52 and secondary latch 54, with push surface 54(b) extending though the open face of projection 51(a) and tab 53 extending through the leftward face of main body portion 51(b). Coil spring 55 is disposed between push surface 54(b) and an inner surface of projection 51(a) to bias push surface 54(b) outwardly of button 51 and thus to bias lock arm 54(a) inwardly with respect to and within opening 7(a). The lower portion of pivot screw 56 extends in channel 42(c) formed in outward lower surface 42 to allow slider lock 50 to be slid laterally with respect to the surface.
When slider 40 is pushed to its inward (leftward) position lock 50 can be slid in the frontward direction such that tab 53 is disposed behind wall portion 7. In particular, with reference to FIG. 13, wall portion 7 and vertical surface 42(a) of slider 40 fit within the channel formed between main body 52(a) and tab 53 of tooth 52. Therefore, slider 70 cannot be retracted to its outward position. In order to retract slider 40 to its outer position, slider lock 50 must be slid rearward such that tab 53 aligns with opening 7(a) in wall portion 7. In this position, slider 70 can be retracted to its maximum extent with tab 53 sliding through opening 7(a). However, secondary latch 54 is biased such that lock arm 54(a) also is disposed in opening 7(a) adjacent with the area bridging main body 52(a) and tab 53, and prevents sliding motion of slider lock 50. Therefore, prior to sliding slider 70, push surface 54(b) of secondary latch 54 must first be pressed against the bias of spring 55 to retract lock arm 54(a) from opening 7(a). Therefore, since the user must first press surface 54(b) prior to sliding lock button 51, lock 50 provides a double locking action against unintentional outward sliding of slider 40. When slider 40 is pushed inwardly from an outer position, the bias provided by coil spring 55 will automatically bias secondary latch 54 inwardly into opening 7(a) to provide the double locking action.
With referenced to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 14A, 14B, 15A and 18A, alternative embodiments of the dual adaptor are shown. Dual adaptor 1′ includes slider 40′ which is substantially identical to slider 40 with several exceptions. Slider 40′ includes forwardly projection tab 55′ formed at its left end and disposed below tabs 44′ which are disposed at the same location as tabs 44 described above. Slider 40′ further includes front and rear tabs 47′ which extend outwardly and upwardly in place of tabs 47 described above. Tabs 47′ extend through channel 33′ and have an upward portion which slides behind channels 33′ formed in adaptor main body 1(a)′. Adaptor main body 1(a)′ further includes right projection 17′ extending into opening 30′. Projecting tabs 17(a)′ extend rightward from right projection 17′ and bend downwardly. Forward projection tab 55′ fits between tabs 17(a)′ to provide laterally stabilization for slider 40′ ![text missing or illegible when filed]()
Slider lock 50′ is disposed on slider 40′. Slider lock 50′ includes slider lock cover latch button 51′ which has an open leftward face. Slider 40′ includes a tab 57′ extending rightward. Latch lever tooth 52′ has a truncated H-shape and is secured beneath cover 51′ by rivets 58′ and includes slider lock element tab 53′ extending inwardly from a main body portion. Tab 53′ is disposed through opening 7(a) such that slider lock element tab 53′ extends behind wall portion 7′. Spring 55′ is disposed within an open area of latch button 51′ and biases button 51′ and thus latch lever tooth 52′ to the left thus dis-aligning tab 53′ from opening 7(a)′ and preventing slider 50′ from being pulled outwardly. When latch button 51′ and thus tooth 52′ are moved to the rear against the bias of spring 55′, tab 53′ and opening 7(a)′ are aligned and slider 40′ can be slid rearwardly.
With further reference to FIGS. 19-20, storage case 200 is shown. Storage case 200 includes container 201 and cover 203 pivotable thereon. Steps 202 descend downwardly and outwardly from case 200 on each of the lateral sides thereof. Spring loaded latches 204 extend upwardly from cover 203 on the lateral sides thereof. With further reference to FIGS. 21-23, storage case 200 is disposable and may be secured to adaptor 1. When slider 40 (or 40′) is pulled into its outer position, storage case 200 is disposed on the upper surface 11 of adaptor 1 with step 202 on one lateral side disposed beneath left outer peripheral raised ledge 15 and into the opening formed beneath ledge 15 to secure step 202 against vertical movement. Thereafter slider 40 (40′) is pushed inwardly until slider locking tabs 48(a) are disposed over step 202 on the opposite lateral side to prevent vertical movement thereof. Since both steps 202 are secured against vertical or horizontal movement relative to adaptor 1, storage case 200 is secured thereon. When slider 40 (or 40′) is pulled outwardly, after locking mechanism 50 or 50′ is moved to the position where it does not preclude movement of slider 40 (or 40′), locking tabs 48(a) are moved from their position overlying step 202, allowing case 200 to be moved such that raised ledge 15 does not overly the other step 202, and case 200 can be removed from adaptor 1.
With reference to FIG. 23-25, storage case 210 is disclose. Case 210 is from a different stackable storage system. Case 210 is similar in structure to case 200 and includes container 211 and cover 213 pivotable thereon. Steps 212 descend downwardly and outwardly from case 210 on each of the lateral sides thereof. Swing latches 214 extend upwardly from cover 213 on the lateral sides thereof. However, the length of case 210 (in the direction between step 212) is less than that of case 200. Similarly, the width of steps 212 is less than that of steps 202 of case 200. When slider 40 (or 40′) is pulled into its outer position, storage case 210 is disposed on the upper surface 11 of adaptor 1 with step 212 on one lateral side disposed beneath left inner peripheral raised ledge 17. Thereafter slider 40 is pushed inwardly until slider locking tabs 48(a) are disposed over step 212 on the opposite lateral side. Since both steps 212 are secured against vertical or horizontal movement relative to adaptor 1, storage case 210 is secured thereon.
In this manner, adaptor 1 (or 1′ in a similar manner) can secure storage cases having two different lengths and/or step widths thereon. Storage case 210 may also include four projections 215 extending downwardly from the lower surface of container 211. Projections 215 fit within corresponding through holes 19 to further secured case 210 against lateral movement relative to adaptor 1.
With reference to FIGS. 28, 28A and 28B, panel 100 is shown. Panel 100 may be for example secured to the surface of a vehicle. Panel 100 includes square though holes 102 formed therethrough. Through holes 102 are formed through the surface of panel 100 in a grid of rows and columns, with their side surfaces disposed substantially diagonally to the edges of panel 100. That is, through holes have a diamond shape with respect to the edges. Panel 100 further includes smaller square though holes 104 which are also formed in a grid of rows and columns which alternate with the rows and columns of holes 102.
Adaptor 1 may be disposed on panel 100, with downward securing projections 61 and securing projection supports 62 fitting through a corresponding through hole 102. Wings 61(a) are moved to a position below and in contact with a lower surface of panel 100 to secure adaptor 1 to panel 100 at the location of each support 62. Thereafter, lever 81 of latch mechanism 80 is pushed into and locked into the lower position, as described above. Plate center lock 82 is also locked in the lower position, with tooth 87 thereof in its lower most extending position, and disposed in through hole 104 which is in the center of the six holes 102. Since the cross section of tooth 87 is substantially the same as that of hole 104, adaptor 1 is secured against lateral motion with respect to panel 100. Therefore, wings 61(a) are secured against lateral movement to a position where they are not beneath the surface of panel 100 and cannot be moved through openings 102. Adaptor 1 is thus secured to panel 100. When it is desired to remove adaptor 1, latch mechanism 80 is release as described above, and tooth 87 is moved out of opening 104. Wings 61(a) can then be moved to a position in which they can move through the opening.
Patent Application
20250197059
