U.S. patent application number 11/190730 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for storage and work system.
Invention is credited to Wyatt A. Cline, Travis M. Perkins, Christine A. Serrino, Todd C. Starr, Mark A. Stout.
Application Number | 20070022921 11/190730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37692890 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070022921 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Perkins; Travis M. ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Storage and work system
Abstract
A removable panel sized to overlie and connect at least two
modules each having a top. The removable panel can include a work
surface comprising the top surface of the panel and a mating
surface on the bottom surface of the panel. The mating surface can
include at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top
of a first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with
the top of a second module. The removable panel and modules can
form a storage and work system. The modules can be mobile or can be
stationary. A number of mating surface arrangements are disclosed
that cooperate with a number of module top surfaces.
Inventors: |
Perkins; Travis M.;
(Granger, IN) ; Starr; Todd C.; (St. Joseph,
MI) ; Stout; Mark A.; (Evansville, IN) ;
Serrino; Christine A.; (Niles, MI) ; Cline; Wyatt
A.; (Niles, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WHIRLPOOL PATENTS COMPANY - MD 0750
Suite 102
500 Renaissance Drive
St. Joseph
MI
49085
US
|
Family ID: |
37692890 |
Appl. No.: |
11/190730 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/00 20130101; A47B
96/18 20130101; B25H 1/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/064 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00 |
Claims
1. A removable panel sized to overlie and connect at least two
modules each having a top comprising: a work surface comprising the
top surface of the panel; 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; and a second portion arranged to
cooperate with the top of a second module.
2. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the first
portion and second portion are positioned to connect the at least
two modules in side by side position.
3. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the removable
panel is sized to overlie and connect at least three modules and
the mating surface includes at least a third portion arranged to
cooperate with the top of a third module.
4. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the at least
first and second portions are arranged to engage the tops of the
modules.
5. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the top of
each module includes a recess, and the at least first and second
portions are arranged to be received in the recess in the at least
two modules.
6. The removable panel according to claim 5, wherein the first and
second portions comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface
arranged to be received in the recess in the at least two
modules.
7. The removable panel according to claim 5, wherein the top of
each module comprises a perimetrical flange extending above and
around at least a portion of a top wall defining the recess.
8. The removable panel according to claim 7, wherein the first and
second portions are formed by grooves formed in the mating surface
arranged to receive at least a portion of the perimetrical flange
of each module allowing the first and second portions to be
received in the recess in the at least two modules.
9. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the at least
first and second portions are arranged to surround the tops of the
modules.
10. The removable panel according to claim 9, wherein the first and
second portions comprise a frame attached to the bottom surface
arranged to surround the tops of the modules.
11. The removable panel according to claim 9, wherein the first and
second portions comprise recesses in the mating surface arranged to
receive the tops of the modules.
12. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the first and
second portions comprise a plurality of connectors arranged to be
received in a plurality of recesses in the tops of the modules.
13. The removable panel according to claim 12, wherein the
connectors comprise pins in the mating surface of the removable
panel.
14. The removable panel according to claim 12, wherein the
connectors comprise threaded fasteners carried by the removable top
arranged to be fastened into openings in the top of modules.
15. The removable panel according to claim 4, wherein the first and
second portions comprise a plurality of recesses in the mating
surface arranged to receive a plurality of connectors in the tops
of the modules.
16. The removable panel accord to claim 15, wherein the connectors
comprise threaded fasteners arranged in the tops of the modules to
be fastened into recesses in the mating surface.
17. The removable panel according to claim 1, wherein the removable
top includes at least one overlap portion that extends beyond at
least one sidewall of a module.
18. The removable panel according to claim 17, wherein the at least
one overlap portion is pivotally connected to the removable panel
and arranged to be positioned to extend the work surface in one
position and to be folded down in a second position.
19. A storage and work system comprising: at least two movable
modules each having a top; a removable panel sized to overlie the
at least two movable modules and having a work surface comprising
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; and a second portion
arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module.
20. The storage and work system according to claim 19, further
comprising a power strip having a plurality of electrical outlets
on the work surface.
21. A modular workbench system comprising: a workbench having an
elongated workbench top supported on a plurality of legs, the
workbench defining an open space bounded by the floor, the
plurality of legs and the workbench top for docking a plurality of
mobile modules; and at least two modules having cabinet including a
top and movably mounted on wheels; and a removable panel sized to
overlie the at least two movable 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 and a second portion
arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module to connect
the at least two modules into an assembly; wherein the modules and
removable panel assembly are sized for docking underneath the
workbench top for storage and access, and for movement of the
assembly from underneath the workbench top for rearrangement of the
modules, for access to the modules away from the workbench and for
use of the assembly as a mobile worksurface or for cleaning under
the workbench.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to co-pending patent application
US20020165-4 filed concurrently with this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Generally, the invention relates to a workroom storage
system for organizing the tools and supplies found in workrooms,
especially garages. More specifically, the invention relates to a
removable top or panel to connect multiple storage cabinets into a
storage and work system that can be movable.
[0004] 1. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Stationary and mobile storage cabinets are known for use
independently and with other storage cabinets or workbenches. Prior
art desks and storage systems include multiple modules linked
together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention relates to a removable panel sized to overlie
and connect at least two modules each having a top. The removable
panel can have 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 and a second portion arranged to cooperate
with the top of a second module.
[0007] The first portion and second portion are positioned to
connect the at least two modules in side by side position.
[0008] The removable panel can be sized to overlie and connect at
least three modules and the mating surface can include at least a
third portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a third
module.
[0009] At least the first and second portions of the mating surface
can be arranged to engage the tops of the modules. The top of each
module can include a recess, and the at least first and second
portions can be arranged to be received in the recess in the at
least two modules.
[0010] The first and second portions can comprise a frame attached
to the bottom surface arranged to be received in the recess in the
at least two modules. The top of each module can include a
perimetrical flange extending above and around at least a portion
of a top wall defining the recess.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention the at least first and
second portions can be arranged to surround the tops of the
modules. The first and second portions can include a frame attached
to the bottom surface arranged to surround the tops of the modules.
Alternately, the first and second portions comprise recesses in the
mating surface arranged to receive the tops of the modules.
[0012] In another aspect of the invention the first and second
portions can be a plurality of connectors arranged to be received
in a plurality of recesses in the tops of the modules. The
connectors can be pins in the mating surface of the removable
panel. Alternately, the connectors can be threaded fasteners
carried by the removable top arranged to be fastened into openings
in the top of modules.
[0013] In another aspect of the invention the first and second
portions can be a plurality of recesses in the mating surface
arranged to receive a plurality of connectors in the tops of the
modules. The connectors comprise threaded fasteners arranged in the
tops of the modules to be fastened into recesses in the mating
surface.
[0014] In another aspect of the invention the removable top can
include at least one overlap portion that extends beyond at least
one sidewall of a module. The at least one overlap portion can be
pivotally connected to the removable panel and arranged to be
positioned to extend the work surface in one position and to be
folded down in a second position.
[0015] In another aspect the invention relates to a storage and
work system having at least two movable modules each having a top,
a removable panel sized to overlie the at least two movable
modules. The removable panel can have 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 at least a first portion
arranged to cooperate with the top of a first module and a second
portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a second module.
[0016] In another aspect the invention relates a modular workbench
system including a workbench having an elongated workbench top
supported on a plurality of legs. The workbench can define an open
space bounded by the floor, the plurality of legs and the workbench
top for docking a plurality of mobile modules. The modular
workbench system can include a plurality of mobile modules having
cabinet including a top and movably mounted on wheels. The mobile
modules can have a removable panel sized to overlie the at least
two movable modules forming a removable panel assembly having 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
at least a first portion arranged to cooperate with the top of a
first module and a second portion arranged to cooperate with the
top of a second module to connect the at least two modules into an
assembly. The modules and removable panel assembly can be sized for
docking underneath the workbench top for storage and access, and
for movement of the assembly from underneath the workbench top for
rearrangement of the modules, for access to the modules away from
the workbench and for use of the assembly as a mobile worksurface
or for cleaning under the workbench.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
removable panel according to the invention installed on movable
modules positioned under a modular workbench;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the removable panel and
movable modules of FIG. 1 withdrawn and parked adjacent the
workbench;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a removable panel according to the invention installed on movable
modules;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the removable panel as
shown in FIG. 2 with the removable panel tipped upwardly to a
vertical position to show the underside of one embodiment of the
removable panel;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a schematic front view illustrating the embodiment
of the removable panel as shown in FIGS. 1-4 installed on movable
modules;
[0022] FIG. 5A is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view illustrating another
embodiment of a removable panel according to the invention
installed on movable modules;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a front view of another embodiment of a removable
panel according to the invention installed on modules having
leveling legs;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a movable drawer
module that can be used with a removable panel according to the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a movable cabinet
module that can be used with a removable panel according to the
invention;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a movable
refrigerator module that can be used with a removable panel
according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] A storage and work system according to the invention can be
used alone or in conjunction with a modular workbench that can
include storage space for one or more movable modules that can dock
underneath the workbench. The storage and work system can be used
with a workbench system as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/334,078, "Arent et. al., '078" and in
conjunction with the slotwall panel storage system disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,043, "Perkins et. al., '043". U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/334/078 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,811,043 are
fully incorporated herein by reference.
[0034] In accordance with the present invention, a removable top or
panel can be provided to overlie and connect at least two modules
to form a storage and work system. In a preferred embodiment the
modules can be movable modules that can be combined with a
removable panel to form a movable storage and work system. Turning
to FIGS. 1 and 2 a modular workbench 10 can be seen with a movable
storage and work system 20. Modular workbench 10 can include a leg
assembly 12, a top 14 and a power strip 16 all as described in
detail in Arent et. al. '078. The storage and work system 20 can
include two or more movable cabinet modules 40 and a removable
panel 22. In this application removable panels will be referred to
as a "panel" although they could also be referred to as a "top" or
a "cover". A removable panel 22 can be sized to overlie and connect
two or more modules 40 that, as described above, can be movable. As
will be described in detail below, removable panel 22 can connect
two or more movable modules 40 so that the modules can be moved
together from a docked position under modular workbench 10 (see
FIG. 1) to a position away from the modular workbench 10 (see FIG.
2). Removable panel 22 can have a work surface 24 on the top
surface of removable panel 22. The storage and work system 20 can
provide a large and stable work surface that can be mobile. If
desired, the storage and work system can be a user's workbench
without having to purchase a separate workbench such a modular
workbench 10. As will be described in greater detail below, the
storage and work system can allow the user to mix and match modules
that can be used with a removable panel 22 based on their
preference. Likewise as will be described below modules having
leveling legs can be used with a removable panel to provide a
stationary storage and work system. Similarly, the removable panel
22 can be offered with different materials on or forming the
removable panel 22 (maple laminate, particle board, laminate or
metal skin on particle board, molded plastic, etc.) as will be
described in greater detail below. Thus consumers can create a
storage and work system of their preference (both module type and
panel material and work surface material and mobile or stationary
modules). As noted above, a storage and work system can be used
alone as a stationary or movable work surface or can be movable for
docking under a modular workbench for storage and access to the
modules.
[0035] Modules 40 are described in Arent et. al. '078 and can
include a plurality of wheels 42 at the front of cabinet modules
40. Wheels 42 can be fixed for movement parallel to the side walls
of modules 40. Casters 47 can be provided at the rear of modules 40
(FIG. 13) as described below and described in detail in Arent et.
al. '078. The storage and work system 20 can be arranged to include
two movable modules 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or can be
arranged to include three movable modules 40 as illustrated in FIG.
3. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modular workbench
10 can be sized to dock two modules as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2
or to dock three or more modules as described in Arent et. al.
'078. The storage and work system 20' illustrated in FIG. 3 can be
similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 but can have
a removable panel 22' arranged to overlie and connect three movable
modules 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that a storage
and work system can be arranged to include more than three movable
modules if desired, particularly if one or more movable modules are
narrower than the movable modules illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and
13-15.
[0036] In FIGS. 1-11, the modules are illustrated as movable
cabinet modules 40. Three embodiments of movable modules that can
be used in conjunction with the invention are illustrated in FIGS.
13-15, and are described in more detail in Arent et. al. '078.
Movable modules can include other configurations within the scope
of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that
other movable module configurations can be used with a removable
top according to the invention in lieu of or addition to the
cabinet modules 40 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 13-15. Movable modules
having wheels, rollers, casters and the like to allow the module to
be readily moved by a user can be used. Similarly, the embodiments
of FIGS. 1-4 and 13-15 illustrate movable modules with certain
surfaces having a pattern on the surface. Those skilled in the art
will understand that movable modules having plane surfaces or other
forms of patterned surfaces can be used in conjunction with a
removable panel according to the invention. In addition, one or
more movable modules can be individually docked under workbench 10
without a removable panel 22 as described in Arent et. al.
'078.
[0037] In FIG. 12 a storage and work system 20'' is illustrated
with modules 100 having a plurality of leveling legs 89 instead of
a plurality of wheels as in the embodiments having movable modules
illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. Modules 100 can be connected by
removable panel 22''' to form storage and work system 20''. Modules
100 can have a plurality of leveling legs 89 instead of wheels
although those skilled in the art will understand that wheels 42
and casters 47 can be provided as in the modules illustrated in
FIGS. 13-15. Modules 100 can have four leveling legs 89. Modules
100 can have one or more doors 87 for closing a lower portion of
module 100 and one or more drawers 88 slidably mounted in the top
portion of module 100. Those skilled in the art will understand
that drawers 88 can be eliminated providing an open storage space
in the top portion of module 100 if desired. Those skilled in the
art will also understand that the modules illustrated in FIGS.
13-15 can be provided with leveling legs 89 as used with module 100
illustrated in FIG. 12 instead of wheels 42 and casters 47.
[0038] Turning to FIG. 4, a storage and work system 20 is shown
with one embodiment of a removable panel 22 according to the
invention tipped upwardly to the generally upright position to show
the mating surface 26 of removable panel 22 and the top of movable
modules 40. Removable panel 22 can have a mating surface 26
arranged to connect two or more movable modules 40. In this
embodiment mating surface 26 can have a plurality of strips 28, 30,
32, 34, 36 and 38 arranged around the periphery of removable panel
22. Strips 28 and 34 can define a gap 35 and strips 32 and 38 can
define gap 37. Those skilled in the art will understand that strips
28 & 34 and strips 32 & 38 can each be a single strip with
gaps 35 and 37 formed by removing material such as by routing gaps
35 and 37 from the strip material. Movable modules 40 can have
perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 extending above and
around a portion of the top wall 41 of movable cabinet module 40.
Perimetrical flange elements 44, 46, and 48 can define a recess
that can receive the plurality of strips 28, 30, 32, 36 and 38.
Strips 28, 30 and 32 can define a first portion 29 of the mating
surface 26 arranged to be received in a recess defined by the
perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 of one movable cabinet
40. Strips 34, 36 and 38 can define a second portion 31 of the
mating surface 26 arranged to be received in a recess defined by
the perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 of another movable
cabinet 40. Gaps 35 and 37 can be arranged to receive perimetrical
flange elements 44 and 48 and thereby allow removable panel 22 to
connect the front and rear edges of the perimetrical flanges on
movable modules 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that
additional strips can be provided on mating surface 26 extending
from strips 28 and 32 on one edge of gaps 35 and 37 and from strips
34 and 38 along the other edge of gaps 35 and 37. Movable modules
40 can include bumpers 43 as described in Arent et. al. '078.
Bumpers 43 can help maintain movable modules 40 spaced apart when
they are connected by a removable panel 22. Those skilled in the
art will understand that a plurality of spaced apart blocks can be
used instead of strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 to form the first
and second portions 29, 31 of the mating surface 26. Those skilled
in the art will also understand that blocks used in place of strips
28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 can be rectilinear, circular, triangular
or other shape as may be desired to provide a surface to interact
with perimetrical flanges 44, 46, and 48 on modules 40. Further,
parallel strips running from side to side or from front to back can
be used to form first and second portions 29 and 31 if desired in
lieu of the strips disclosed in FIG. 4.
[0039] The storage and work system of the embodiment of FIG. 3 can
have a removable panel 22' arranged to overlie and connect three
movable modules 40. Removable panel 22' can have a plurality of
strips on the mating surface, not shown, arranged similar to the
strips on the mating surface 26 of removable panel 22 as described
above. In addition two or more additional strips can be provided on
the mating surface, not shown, that can form a third portion,
similar to the first and second portion, that can be received in
the recess formed by a perimetrical flange around a portion of the
top wall of the third movable module 40. The additional strips, not
shown, can be parallel strips arranged side to side or front to
back or other arrangements as described in the previous
paragraph.
[0040] Removable panels 22 and 22' can be formed of particle board
and can have laminate work surface 24 on the top surface. Strips
28, 30, 32, 34, 36 and 38 can likewise be particle board and can be
fastened to removable panel 22. When removable panel 22 is formed
of particle board the strips can be glued and fastened with a
plurality of screws or other fasteners 39 to form the mating
surface including a first portion 29 and a second portion 31. Those
skilled in the art will understand that strips 28, 30, 32, 34, 36
and 38 can be affixed to removable panel 22 in other ways such as
gluing or fastening with mechanical fasteners only and by using
other known mechanical fasteners appropriate to the material being
used to form removable panel 22. Those skilled in the art will
understand that removable panel 22 can be formed of other materials
such as a laminated wood top as described in Arent et. al. '078.
The work surface 24 can be laminate material similar to laminate
material used on residential and commercial work surfaces and
countertops. The work surface 24 can also be other material such as
sheet metal or other rugged and/or resilient sheet material as
desired by consumers.
[0041] Removable panel 22''' illustrated in FIG. 12 can be similar
to removable panel 22 described above in connection with FIG. 4.
Likewise combination cabinet module 100 can have a perimetrical
flange (not shown) similar to flange elements 44, 46 and 48
illustrated in FIG. 4. Those skilled in the art will understand
that removable panel 22''' can be formed similar to removable panel
22 described above.
[0042] Turning to FIGS. 5-11 schematic outline drawings of storage
and work systems according to the invention can be seen. Those
skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments of a
storage and work system illustrated in FIGS. 5-11 can include three
or more modules, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 as
well as two modules as illustrated in FIGS. 5-11. The embodiments
described in FIGS. 5-11 will be described in combination with
movable modules generally similar to movable modules 40 having
wheels 42 and casters 47 (not shown) as described above. Those
skilled in the art will understand that other movable modules such
as illustrated in FIGS. 13-15 or other movable modules can be used
with the removable panel embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-11.
Likewise, those skilled in the art will understand that stationary
modules 100 as illustrated in FIG. 12 can be used with the
removable panel embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-11. FIG. 5 is a
schematic front view outline showing two modules 40 connected by a
removable panel 22 overlying the modules. As described above, a
plurality of strips can be attached to mating surface 26 to form
first and second portions 29, 31 that can be arranged to cooperate
with the top of the movable modules 40. As described above, the top
of movable modules 40 can include a top wall 41 that can have
perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 (see FIG. 4) and 48 extending
upwardly around at least a portion of the perimeter of top wall 41.
In the embodiment of FIG. 5A removable panel 22'' can have a first
portion 29' and a second portion 31' that can be integral with
removable panel 22''. For example, removable panel 22'' can be a
laminated maple top or other solid material having a gap formed by
removing panel material to form a channel 33 that can cooperate
with perimetrical flange elements 44, 46 and 48 to connect two
movable modules 40. Those skilled in the art will understand that
removable panel 22'' can be particle board, plywood or other sheet
material capable of having a channel 33 formed in the mating
surface 26'. Those skilled in the art will also understand that, if
desired, removable panels for the embodiments of the invention
described in this application can be molded plastic material with
mating surfaces according to the invention formed in, or attached
to, the removable panel.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 6 another embodiment of a removable panel 52
according to the invention can be seen connecting two movable
modules 40'. Movable modules 40' can be similar to movable modules
40 with a top wall 41' that can be a substantially flat surface or
a substantially flat frame around the perimeter of module 40'.
Removable panel 52 can have a work surface 54 and a mating surface
55. Mating surface can have a plurality of strips 56, 58 and 60
attached to mating surface 55 at the periphery of mating surface
55. Strip 58 can extend the full width of the modules 40', or if
desired can extend only a portion of the width of modules 40'
sufficient to keep modules 40' in side by side relation. In the
embodiment of FIG. 6 the mating surface 55 of the removable panel
52 can comprise a recess having a first portion 51 defined by
strips 58 and 60 and a second portion 53 defined by strips 56 and
58. Thus, removable panel 52 can overlie and connect two or more
movable modules 40'. If desired, one or more partial strips or a
full strip, not shown, can be attached to mating surface 55 to
extend across the front of movable modules 40' if desired to more
securely hold modules 40' in side by side relation when removable
panel 52 is positioned over the movable modules 40'. Alternately,
first portion 51 and second portion 53 of the removable panel 52
can be formed by removing material to form recesses on the mating
surface 55 arranged to receive the top walls 41' of modules
40'.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 7 another embodiment of a removable panel 62
according to the invention can be seen connecting two movable
modules 40''. Movable modules 40'' can be similar to movable
modules 40 with a top wall 41'' that can have a plurality of pins
67 provided on top wall 40''. Removable panel 62 can have a work
surface 64 and a mating surface 66. Mating surface 66 can include a
plurality of recesses 68 arranged in a pattern as desired. Those
skilled in the art will understand that first portion 63 and second
portion 65 can have at least two recesses 68 provided in mating
surface 66 to align with two or more pins 67 provided on top wall
41'' of module 40''. The number of corresponding pins 67 and
recesses 68 for each of the first portion 63 and second portion 65
can be selected to provide the connection between removable panel
62 and the movable modules 40''. Similarly, those skilled in the
art will understand that instead of extending a portion of the way
through removable panel 62, recesses 68 can extend through
removable panel 62 to allow removable panel to be secured to two or
more movable modules 40'' with mechanical fasteners if desired.
Alternately, pins 67 could be replaced by threaded fasteners
screwed into recesses 68 to attach removable panel 62 to two or
more modules 40''. As described above removable panel 62 can be
formed of particle board, laminated wood, molded plastic or other
sheet material as desired, and can have a laminate or other sheet
material work surface 64 as desired. Pins 68 can be formed
integrally in top wall 41'' or can be removably or permanently
attached to top wall 41'', again as desired. By way of example,
pins 68 can be cylindrical in form having a center bore to receive
a threaded fastener to mount the pins 68 to the top wall 41''. In
the event pins 68 are cylindrical, recesses 67 can be bore holes
sized to receive pins 68. Those skilled in the art will understand
that pins 68 can take any shape and recesses 67 can be formed to
receive the pins 68.
[0045] Turning to FIG. 8 another embodiment of a removable panel 72
according to the invention can be seen connecting two movable
modules 40'''. Movable modules 40''' can be similar to movable
modules 40 with a top wall 41''' that can have a plurality of
recesses 78 provided on top wall 40'''. Removable panel 72 can have
a work surface 74 and a mating surface 76. Removable panel 72 can
have a plurality of pins 77 positioned on mating surface 76 to be
received in recesses 78 to connect movable modules 40'''. The
plurality of pins 77 positioned on mating surface 76 can be
arranged in a first portion 73 and a second portion 75. Each of
first portion 73 and second portion 75 can have two or more sets of
pins 77 and recesses 78. Recesses 78 can be integrally formed in
top wall 41''' or can be sockets inserted and fastened into
openings in top wall 41'''. Pins 77 can be pressed into openings in
mating surface 76 or can have a threaded portion arranged to be
screwed into removable panel 72. Those skilled in the art will
understand that pins 77 and recesses 78 can be formed in other ways
within the scope of the invention. Similar to the embodiment of
FIG. 7, the shape of recesses 78 and pins 77 can be cylindrical or
other shapes as desired. Likewise, the number and pattern of
recesses 78 and pins 77 included in the first portion 73 and second
portion 75 can be selected as desired to provide a desired degree
of security in the connection of movable modules 40''' when
removable panel 72 is installed. Similar to the embodiment
disclosed in FIG. 7, pins 78 can be replaced by openings to receive
screws or threaded fasteners to fasten removable panel 72 to two or
more modules. If screws of threaded fasteners are employed recesses
78 can be replaced by holes to receive such screws of threaded
fasteners. Those skilled in the art will understand that retainers
for threaded fasteners can be mounted on top wall 40'''. As
described above, removable panel 72 can be formed of particle
board, laminated wood, molded plastic or other sheet material as
desired, and can have a laminate or other work surface material as
desired.
[0046] In operation, the removable panel embodiments described in
FIGS. 6-8 can be used to overlie and connect at least two movable
modules substantially similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5.
Removable panels 52, 62, and 72 can be positioned to overlie and
connect at least two movable modules 40', 40'' and 40'''
respectively. The storage and work system can be moved as an
assembly to a position such as shown in FIG. 2 to provide a movable
work surface. As described above, the storage and work system can
be positioned under a modular workbench as illustrated in FIG. 1
for access to the modules as storage space. As also described
above, each of the removable panels 52, 62 and 72 described in
connection with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 can be
arranged to overlie and connect three or more movable modules 40',
40'' and 40''' by providing the mating surface 55, 66 and 76 with a
third portion arranged like the first and second portions to
connect to a third or more module(s) similar to the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 3. Typically it will be preferred to have
similar mating portions on the mating surface of a removable panel.
However, those skilled in the art will understand that a removable
panel can be provided with a mating surface have a first portion
employing one of the embodiments described above and a second
portion employing a different embodiment if desired in order to use
the removable panel with modules having different top surfaces.
[0047] Turning to FIG. 9 another embodiment of removable panel 102
according to the invention can be seen connecting at least two
movable modules 40. Removable panel 102 can have a work surface
104, and a mating surface 106. Mating surface 106 can include a
plurality of strips that can be arranged to form a first portion
129 and a second portion 131 similar to the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1-5. First portion 129 and second portion 131 can include
strips 128 and 134. Removable panel 102 can be similar to removable
panel 22 described above and can have overhang portions 108 that
can extend beyond the sidewalls 49 of movable modules 40. Overhang
portions 108 can be provided on one, two, three or all four sides
of removable panel 102 as desired (overhang portions 108 on two
sides are illustrated in FIG. 9). Overhang portions 108 can
facilitate clamping material to work surface 104 or for clamping
portable tools or fixtures such a portable vice to the work surface
104. Overhang portions 108 can extend 1'' to 12'' or more as
desired. In this regard the embodiment of FIG. 6 can be considered
to include overhang portions consisting of the edges of removable
panel 52 and strips 56, 58 and 60 that extend around the top wall
41' of movable modules 40'.
[0048] Turning to FIG. 10 another embodiment of removable panel 112
according to the invention can be seen connecting at least two
movable modules 40. Removable panel 112 can have a work surface
114, and a mating surface 116. Mating surface 116 can include a
plurality of strips that can be arranged to form a first portion
129 and a second portion 131 similar to the embodiment illustrated
in FIGS. 1-5. First portion 129 and second portion 131 can include
strips 128 and 134. Removable panel 112 can be similar to removable
panel 22 described above and can have overhang portions 118 that
can extend beyond the sidewall 49 of movable module 40. In the
embodiment of FIG. 10 overhang portions 118 can be pivotally
mounted to removable panel 112 using hinges 119 that can latch with
overhang portions in the solid line position as is well known in
the art to provide an expanded work surface or to facilitate
clamping of work material, tools or equipment to removable panel
112. Overhang portions 118 can be released to pivot down on hinges
119 to the dashed line position when not required. As in the
embodiment of FIG. 9, overhang portions 118 can be provided on one,
two, three or all four sides of removable top 112. As in the case
of the embodiment of FIG. 9 overhang portions 118 can extend 1'' to
12'' or more as desired. Typically a hinged overhang extension 118
will extend 2'' or more.
[0049] Turning to FIG. 11 another embodiment of removable panel 122
according to the invention can be seen connecting at least two
movable modules 40. Removable panel 122 can have a work surface
124, and a mating surface 126. Mating surface 126 can include a
first portion 129' and a second portion 131' similar to the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5A. First portion 129' and second
portion 131' can be integral with removable panel 122. For example
removable panel 122 can be a laminated maple top or other solid
material having a grooves formed by removing material to form
channel 133 and grooves 135. Channel 133 can be arranged to receive
flanges 44 and 48 of adjoining movable modules 40 as described
above in the embodiment of FIG. 6. In order to provide for one or
more overhang portions 125 additional grooves 135 can be formed in
mating surface 126 to accommodate flanges 44, 46 and 48 depending
on the number of overhang portions desired to be provided.
Removable panel 122 can be similar to removable panel 102 described
above and can have overhang portions 125 that can extend beyond the
sidewall(s) 49 of movable module 40. Overhang portions 125 can be
provided on one, two, three or all four sides of removable panel
122 as desired (overhang portions 125 on two sides are illustrated
in FIG. 11). Those skilled in the art will understand that any of
the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and 6-8 can have a
removable panel having one or more overhang portions similar to the
removable panels illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 if desired.
[0050] Turning to FIGS. 13-15 three embodiments of movable modules
described in more detail in Arent et. al. '078 can be seen. In FIG.
13 a movable drawer module 80 can be seen having a plurality of
drawers 82, 84 and 86 slidably mounted in a cabinet. Similar to the
movable cabinet module 40 described above and shown in FIG. 14,
movable drawer module 80 can have a top wall 41 having perimetrical
flange elements 44, 46 and 48 surrounding a portion of top wall 41
to form a recess to receive a removable panel. Similar to the
movable cabinet module 40, movable drawer module 80 can have wheels
42, casters 47 and bumpers 43.
[0051] In FIG. 15 a movable refrigerator module 90 can be seen
having a refrigerator door 92 for allowing selective access to the
inside of the modular refrigerator. Modular refrigerator 90 is
described in more detail in Arent et. al. '078 and in co-pending
U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 10/744,556, Junge et. al. fully
incorporated in this application by reference. Similar to the
movable cabinet module 40 described above and shown in FIG. 13,
movable refrigerator module 90 can have a top wall 91 having
perimetrical flange elements 94, 96 and 98 surrounding a portion of
top wall 91 to form a recess to receive a removable panel. Similar
to the movable cabinet module 40, movable refrigerator module 90
can have wheels 93, casters 95 and bumpers 97.
[0052] Those skilled in the art will understand that any of the
mating arrangements illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 5-11
can be used in conjunction with the movable modules illustrated in
FIGS. 13-15 and modules 100 having leveling legs 89 illustrated in
FIG. 12. The invention is not limited to the specific mating
arrangements described above which are to be understood as examples
and not the only mating arrangements contemplated by the inventors.
Similarly, the invention is not limited to use with modules having
leveling legs as illustrated in FIG. 12 or movable modules as
illustrated in FIGS. 13-15, but can be used in connection with
storage modules provided with a mating arrangement in accordance
with the invention.
[0053] Removable panels according to the invention and two or more
modules can be provided with a power strip as described in Arent
et. al. '078 incorporated by reference in this application (see
FIGS. 4-4B of Arent et. al. '078). While the power strip described
in Arent et. al. '078 is arranged to be mounted to a workbench 10,
those skilled in the art will understand that a power strip could
be mounted directly to a removable panel according to the invention
for to two or more modules, particularly when a removable panel is
attached to two or more modules using fasteners as described above
in connection with the embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0054] While the invention has been specifically described in
connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be
understood that this is by way of illustration and not of
limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be
construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
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