TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with a utility connectivity system configured to facilitate detachable attaching of utility modules to one another.

The term 'utility module' is used hereinafter in its broad meaning and is meant to denote a variety of articles such as, containers of any type, travel luggage, bags of any type (including but not limited to soft side storage items such as backpacks, sporting & recreational equipment bags and gear), tool boxes, organizers, compacted work benches, cable storage, tools (e.g. hand tools, power generators and power sources), communication modules, carrying/mounting platforms, racks, locomotion platforms, electric and electronic appliances, cups, vessels etc., of any shape and size, and wherein any utility module can be detachably attached to other one or more utility modules.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

- US20210221561

- US20210316909

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

US20210221561 is concerned with a stackable storage system includes a first container, a second container, and a latch moveable between a first position and a second position. The first container includes a projection extending away from the first container along a stacking direction. An edge portion extends from the projection along a plane substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction. The second container includes a recess. The recess receives the projection when the first container and the second container are stacked relative to one another in the stacking direction. The latch overlaps the edge portion with respect to the stacking direction while in the first position to secure the first container and the second container. The latch and edge portion are positioned in a non-overlapping manner relative to one another while the latch is in the second position to permit separation of the first container from the second container.

US20210316909 discloses a modular storage unit including a detachable top panel that can itself be coupled to other objects, such as a building wall or a vehicle. The top panel includes a coupling mechanism that faces away from the building wall or vehicle, thereby allowing the housing to be coupled to the top panel. In another example, a drinking container includes a coupling mechanism to couple the drinking container to a modular storage unit.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a coupling system configured for detachably attaching a first utility module to a second utility module, wherein a base face of the first utility module is articulable with a mounting face of the second utility module.

The term 'utility module' is used hereinafter in its broad meaning and is meant to denote a variety of articles such as, containers of any type, travel luggage, bags of any type (including but not limited to soft side storage items such as backpacks, sporting & recreational equipment bags and gear), tool boxes, organizers, compacted work benches, cable storage, tools (e.g. hand tools, power generators and power sources), communication modules, carrying/mounting platforms, racks, locomotion platforms, electric and electronic appliances, cups, vessels etc., of any shape and size, and wherein any utility module can be detachably attached to other one or more utility modules.

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting face of the second utility module comprises at least one of at least a pair of locking recesses and at least one of a pair of locking latches; said locking recesses and locking latches are fixedly disposed on a locking plate rotatably articulated to the mounting face; the locking plate being selectively rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein rotating the locking plate entails corresponding angular displacement of the respective locking recesses and locking latches about a circular arc-shaped locking/unlocking path, between engagement and disengagement from other one of corresponding at least one of at least a pair of locking recesses and at least one of a pair of locking latches fixedly configured at base face of the first utility module.

It is appreciated that either of the first utility module and the second utility module can be configured with one or more locking latches and locking recesses, and the other one of the first utility module and the second utility module can be configured with other one or more locking latches and locking recesses configured for mating with each other.

The term 'base face ' as used herein denotes any face of the second first utility module, regardless of whether it is a support base, bottom base, etc.

A locking latch disposed at one of the base face and the mounting face, and a corresponding locking recess disposed at the other one of the base face and the mounting face, at the same locking/unlocking path, form together a locking couple, wherein said locking latch is detachably engageable with said locking recess. At the engaged position, the base face is locked over the mounting face.

Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a utility assembly comprising first utility module and a second utility module; wherein a base face of the first utility module is configured with at least one of at least a pair of fixed locking recesses and at least one of a pair of fixed locking latches, said fixed locking recesses and fixed locking latches being angularly separated over a circular arc-shaped locking/unlocking path; and wherein the mounting face of the second utility module comprises at least one of at least a pair of locking recesses and at least one of a pair of locking latches; said locking recesses and locking latches are fixed at an angular spaced apart relation over a locking plate rotatably articulated to the mounting face; the locking plate being selectively rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position; wherein rotating the locking plate entails corresponding angular displacement of the respective locking recesses and locking latches about the circular arc-shaped locking/unlocking path, between engagement and disengagement from other one of corresponding fixed locking recesses and fixed locking latches of the first utility module.

The mounting face of the second utility module can further comprise at least one second positioning member for engagement with a corresponding at least one first positioning member at the base face of the first utility module, configured for true positioning of the first utility module over the second utility module and preventing rotational displacement therebetween. According to a particular configuration the second positioning member is at least one projection extending from one of the mounting face and the base face, and the first positioning member is a corresponding at least one depression disposed at the other one of the mounting face and the base face, wherein at an assembled position the projection is snugly received within the depression.

The arrangement is such that the first utility module can be placed over the second utility module at a preset orientation, and further wherein upon mounting the first utility module over the second utility it is rotatably arrested. However, lifting the first utility module from the second utility is facilitated as long as the locking plate is at the unlocked position, wherein neither locking couple is engaged. Once the locking plate is displaced into the locked position, the first utility module and the second utility are engaged with one another.

In use, the first utility module is placed over the second utility module, and attaching engagement therebetween takes place by manipulating the locking plate into its locked position, without any displacement of the utility modules with respect to one another.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be applied to any one or more of the aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure, separately or in various combinations thereof

• the locking plate can be configured with a manipulating lever, radially projecting beyond a radius of the locking/unlocking path, and configured for displacing the locking plate between its locked position and unlocked position;

• the first utility module can comprise, in addition to the base face, a mounting face configurable for articulating thereto an other first utility module;

• the mounting face of the first utility module can be a detachably attachable to the first utility module;

• the first utility module can be a container, wherein a bottom base thereof constitutes the base face and a lid thereof constitutes the mounting face;

• the second utility module can be a mounting plate;

• the locking latch and the locking recess of a locking couple can assume a variety of features, designs and combinations: • the locking latch and the locking recess are configured with an arc-shaped cross section, the arc derived out of a radius extending from the axis of rotation;

• the locking latch and the locking recess of a locking couple are disposed on the circular arc-shaped locking/unlocking path, at the same distance from the axis of rotation of the locking plate;

• the base face and the mounting face can comprise two or more locking couples, each couple disposed on a common circular arc-shaped locking/unlocking path, or having one or more locking couples disposed at a different distance from the axis of rotation;

• each of the locking latch and the locking recess of a locking couple can be configured with a recessed portion facing each other;

• a recessed portion of a pair of locking recesses or a pair of locking latches can be configured with a recessed portion facing each other or facing away from each other;

• a pair of locking recesses or locking latches can comprise a first locking couple having a recessed portion with an opening facing each other, and a second locking couple having a recessed portion with an opening facing away from each other;

• a pair of locking recesses or locking latches can comprise a first locking couple having a recessed portion with an opening facing each other (radially inwards) and a first locking couple having a recessed portion with an opening facing away from each other (radially outwards);

• the recessed portion of the one or more locking latches and the one or more locking recesses can be configured with engaging lips extending parallel to the rotation plane;

• the recessed portion of the one or more locking latches and the one or more locking recesses can be configured with engaging lips extending inclined with respect to the rotation plane;

• one or both lips of a lips of locking couple can be configured with a friction enhancing arrangement, for increasing contact engagement between the locking latch and the locking recesses at the locked position; • the locking plate is rotatably displaceable in a rotation plane parallel to a plane of the mounting face, with an axis of rotation (Z) extending normal through said plane;

• when a first utility module is not placed over the second utility module, the locking plate can be biased into its unlocked position;

• the locking plate can be rotatably secured under a face of the second utility module, with the locking recesses / locking latches extending through opening formed at said face, and projecting upwards therefrom;

• the locking plate can be configured with an arresting mechanism for arresting it at distinct locked position or unlocked position;

• the arresting mechanism can be a snap arrangement configured between one or both of the manipulating lever and the locking plate, and a surface of the mounting face;

• the locking plate is configured with lock-end stopper and an unlocked-end stoper, limiting angular displacement of the locking plate about a sector extending between said end stopers;

• the locking plate can be configured with an anti-tamper locking arrangement;

• the anti-tamper locking arrangement can be a locking eye configured at the lever of the locking plate and a corresponding locking eye at an end stopper of the mounting face, configured for locking by a lock; the lock can be a pad lock;

• the mounting face can be configured with openings for fastening it to a bearing surface;

• the mounting face can be configured with strap openings for securing the it to a bearing surface;

• any locking latch can be replaced by a locking recess, providing that at least one pair of locking latch /locking recess is disposed on one of the first utility module and the second utility module, and a mating at least one pair of another one of locking latch /locking recess is disposed on the other one of the first utility module and the second utility module;

• the second utility module can be a wheeled platform;

• the wheeled platform can be a hand cart, hand truck, a trolly, etc.; • the second utility module can be applied to a back harness or backpack;

• The second utility module can be a mounting platform articulable to or integral with a wall, car/truck bed, work table, etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig- 1 is a top perspective view of a utility assembly according to an example of the disclosure, comprising a first utility module in form of a container and a second utility module in form of mounting plate, the second utility module at a locked position;

Fig. 2A is a top perspective view of only the first utility module (container) of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the first utility module (container) of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2C is a section along line 2C - 2C in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2D is a section along line 2D - 2D in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2E is an enlarged, planar view, of the portion marked 2E in Fig. 2C;

Fig. 2F is an enlarged, planar view, of the portion marked 2F in Fig. 2D;

Fig. 2G is an enlarged, sectioned perspective view, of the portion marked 2F in Fig. 2D;

Fig. 2H is the same as Fig. 2G, however illustrating a modification thereof;

Fig. 3A is a top perspective view of only the second utility module (mounting plate) of Fig. 1, at an unlocked position;

Fig. 3B is a section along line 3B - 3B in Fig. 3 A;

Fig. 3C is a section along line 3C - 3C in Fig. 3A;

Fig. 4A is a top perspective view of the second utility module, at a locked position;

Fig. 4B is a section along line 4B - 4B in Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C is a section along line 4C - 4C in Fig. 4A;

Fig- 5 is a perspective exploded view of the second utility module (mounting plate); Fig- 6 is an enlargement of the portion marked 6 in Fig. 4B, illustrating rotational coupling of a locking plate to the mounting face;

Fig. 7A is a section of the assembly of Fig. 1, sectioned along line 7A - 7A;

Fig. 7B is an enlargement of the portion marked 7B in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7C is an enlargement of the portion marked 7C in Fig. 7A;

Fig. 7D is a section of the assembly of Fig. 1, sectioned along line 7D - 7D;

Fig. 7E is an enlargement of the portion marked 7E in Fig. 7D;

Fig- 8 is the same as Fig. 1, however with the second utility module at an unlocked position;

Fig. 9A is a section along line 9A - 9A in Fig. 8;

Fig. 9B is an enlargement of the portion marked 9B in Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9C is an enlargement of the portion marked 9C in Fig. 9A;

Fig. 9D is a section along line 9D - 9DA in Fig. 8;

Fig. 9E is an enlargement of the portion marked 9E in Fig. 9D;

Figs. 10A to 101 are schematic illustrations of different combinations of the locking latch and the locking recess of a locking couple;

Fig. 11 illustrates another example of a locking plate mechanism used in a utility assembly according to an example of the disclosure

Fig. 12 is a front perspective view of a hand cart couplable with a utility module according to an example of the disclosure;

Fig. 13 illustrates attaching a utility module according to the disclosure to a hand cart according to Fig. 12;

Figs. 14A and 14B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, of the hand cart Seen in Fig. 12, with a utility module articulated thereto;

Figs. 15A and 15B are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, of a second utility module according to the disclosure, being a modular mounting plate; and

Fig. 16 is a side view of a second utility module in the form of a backpack, with a first utility module container articulated thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 illustrates a utility assembly according to an example of the disclosure, generally designated 20, and comprising a first utility module generally designated 22 articulated over a second utility module generally designated 24. In the illustrated example the first utility module 22 is a container and the second utility module 24 is a mounting platform. However, it should be realized that the term 'utility module' is used hereinafter in its broad meaning and is meant to denote a variety of articles such as, containers of any type, travel luggage, tool boxes, organizers, compacted work benches, cable storage, tools (e.g. hand tools, power generators and power sources), communication modules, carrying/mounting platforms, racks, locomotion platforms, electric and electronic appliances, cups, vessels etc., of any shape and size, and wherein any utility module can be detachably attached to other one or more utility modules.

As seen, best in Figs. 2A to 2D, the first utility module, namely container 22, comprises a body 30 and a lid 32 articulated thereto, wherein the body 30 has a bottom base 36 with side walls 38 extending therefrom. A base face 40 of the bottom base 36 is configured integrally therewith (e.g., at an injection molding procedure) with a pair of first locking recesses 42 each with an opening 43, facing radially inwardly, namely facing each other and disposed near respective opposite side ends of the bottom base 36. Concentrically disposed, the base face 40 is further configured with a pair of second locking recess 46, each with an opening 47 facing radially outwards, i.e. away from each other, and disposed at a right angle (90°) with respect to said first locking recesses 42. The axis between the first locking recesses 42 and the axis between the second locking recesses 46 traverse and extend along the main (X-Y) axes of the bottom base 36 (the axes are illustrated in Fig. 2A).

As seen, best in Figs. 2E and 2F, each of the first locking recesses 42 and the second locking recesses 46 has a bottom lip 48 and 50, respectively, extending parallel to a rotation plane (parallel with the plane of base face 40), and with a flat top surface 48T; 50T and a flat bottom surface 48B; 50B, also parallel with the base face 40. Also noted, the free edge of the locking recesses is chamfered at 52, to facilitate easy engaging with a corresponding locking latch, as will be explained herein after. The bottom surfaces 48B; 50B of lips 48 and 50 coplanar extend with a bottom most, resting surface 52 of the first utility module 22, and a top surface 50T of the lip(s) is configured with a friction enhancing, namely knurling or ridges 58 (Fig. 2G) for increasing contact engagement over the locking recesses, as will be discussed hereinafter. Also noted in Fig. 2G is a stopper wall 62, configured for foolproof mounting and coupling over a like first utility module (as opposed to mounting over a second utility module according to the disclosure, as will become apparent hereinafter).

Fig. 2H illustrates a modification of the of the locking recess 46', wherein the bottom surface 50B' is flat and extends parallel with the base face 40, however wherein the top surface 50T slightly tapers at angle a° with respect to base face 40, thereby constituting a friction enhancing arrangement for increasing locking engagement with a mating locking latch, as will be explained hereinafter.

The base face 40 of the first utility module 32 is further configured with a pair of first positioning members, namely depressions 64 having a trapezoid-like section, corresponding in shape and size with a positioning member disposed over the second utility module 24, for preventing rotational displacement therebetween (about the Z axis), or sliding displacement (at the X - Y plane), as will be discussed herein after.

The lid 32 of the first utility module 22 (container) is articulable over the side walls 38 of the body 30, and is configured for locking arresting thereover by side clasps/latches 70. A pair of carrying handles 72 are pivotally secured to the lid 32.

Further seen, lid 32 is configured with a set of complimentary pairs of first locking lathes 82 and second locking latches 84 disposed on traversing (at 90°) axes of the lid, however corresponding with the first locking recesses 42 and the second locking recesses 46 disposed at the bottom face of the first utility module 22. The arrangement being such that any first utility module configured at its base face with a corresponding set of first locking recesses 42 and second locking recesses 46 can be articulated over the lid of the first utility module 22. However, in order for articulation to take place, a top of the two utility modules is placed centrally over the bottom of the two utility modules, rotated at 90 ° (i.e. such that an axis between the two locking recesses 46 of the top utility module traverses an axis between the locking latches of the bottom utility module), and then said top utility module is rotated by 90°, so as to facilitate engagement of the respective locking latched and locking recesses. Disengagement of the two utility modules takes place at a reverse sequence of operations.

Furter attention is now directed to the second utility module 24, best seen in Figs.

3 A to 6. The second utility module 24, namely the mounting platform, has a generally flat rectangular body 90 with a flat bottom surface 92 suitable for placing over any bearing surface (not shown), such as a wall, car/truck bed, work table, etc. The mounting platform 24 comprises a plurality of openings 96 such that it can be secured to the bearing surface by fasteners (not shown), and/or by fastener straps extendable through strap openings 98 and 100. A top, mounting face 102 of the second utility module 24 is predominantly flat, and is configured, at each of its opposite ends, with a second positioning member, namely a trapezoid-like projection 110 elevated from the mounting face 102, said second positioning member 110 conforming in shape and size with the first positioning members, (depressions 64 at the base of the first utility module 22), such that when base face 40 of the first utility module 22 is positioned over the mounting face 102 of the second utility module 24, it is prevented from rotation about the Z axis, or displacing about the X and Y axes (Figs. 2A and 4A).

A locking plate 120 (seen isolated in Fig. 5) is received within a space of the second utility module 24, under the mounting face 102, and snapingly articulated to a central opening 124 by snap winglets 126, facilitating reciprocal rotation of the locking plate 120 about the Z axis, between an unlocked position (Fig. 3 A) and a locked position (Fig. 4A).

The locking plate 120 is fitted with a manipulating lever (handle) 130 (seen isolated in Fig. 5) secured thereto at a fixed position, said lever 130 projecting from the mounting face 102 through an arc-shaped opening 132 configured at the mounting face 102, and wherein the lever 130 laterally projects and extends almost to a side edge of the mounting plate 24. The manipulating lever 130 serves for reciprocally displacing the locking plate 120 between the unlocked position and the locked position.

A distal end of the lever 130 is configured with a finger grip 136, which projects at all times, also at the provision of a first utility module over the first utility module (e.g., as seen in Figs. 1, 7D and 8) for readily locking/unlocking of the assembly, as will be discussed below.

Locking plate 120 is further configured with a first pair of locking latches 140A and 140B, disposed along a first diameter DI of the locking plate and both disposed along an inner radial path 145 (Fig. 5 and Figs. lOA - 101), said first locking latches projecting radially inwards from respective arc-shaped openings 147 and 132 at the mounting face 102, and facilitating the reciprocal rotation of the locking plate 120, and wherein said locking latches 140A and 140B have their tongue/lip facing radially inwards, towards one another, and being disposed at a height suitable for arresting engagement within the opening 47 of the first locking recesses 46. It is seen that the locking latch 140B extends at a proximal end of the lever 130.

A second pair of locking latches 148A and 148B are set on a second diameter D2 of the locking plate 120, traversing the first diameter DI at 90° (e.g. Fig. 3 A; in Fig. 4A the diameters DI and D2 coextend with axes X and Y). The second locking latches 148A and 148B are both disposed along an outer radial path 149 (Fig. 3C, 4A and Figs. lOA - 101), and face radially outwards, namely away from each other.

The first pair of locking latches 140A and 140B and the second pair of locking latches 148A and 148B are disposed with a locking tongue/lip 152 extending in register with a respective first locking recess 42 or second locking recess 46. Accordingly, a locking tongue/lip 152 is configurable for articulation (i.e. arresting engagement) with a corresponding locking recess, as the locking plate 120 displaces from the unlocked position into the locked position.

The locking latches are distributed in register with the locking recess, as far as direction of facing of locking tongue/lip, angular distribution, and radial distance.

The arrangement is such that the locking plate 120 is reciprocally rotatable by the lever 130 (about the Z axis) between a respective unlocked position (e.g. Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C), and a locked position (e.g. Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C), wherein at the unlocked position the locking plate 120 is displaced in a clockwise direction (arrow 160) such that all locking latches 140A, 140B, 148A and 148B are disposed at a respective unlocked position, i.e. angularly shifted from the respective X - Y axes, not facing a locking recess. However, when the locking plate 120 is angularly displaced in a counter-clockwise direction (arrow 162) all locking latches 140A, 140B, 148A and 148B are disposed at a respective locked position, i.e. disposed along the respective X - Y axes, facing a locking recess.

Furthermore, the mounting platform 24 is configured with an arresting mechanism for arresting the locking plate 120 at its distinct locked position or unlocked position, respectively. Accordingly, the body 90 is configured with two projecting bulges 170 and 172, disposed over a radius of displacement of the manipulating lever 130 and corresponding with the locked position and the unlocked position, respectively. In turn, the manipulating lever 130 is configured with a corresponding depression at 176, snapingly arrestable by either of projecting bulges 170 and 172. In addition, an arrangement is provided for limiting angular displacement of the locking plate 120 about a sector over the mounting face 102 of the second utility module 24, by way of a lockend stopper 180 and an unlocked-end stoper 182 projecting from the mounting face 102.

The locking plate 120 is configured with an anti-tamper locking arrangement, wherein the manipulating lever 130 can be locked at its locked position by means of a pad lock (not shown) insertable through lock-eye 186 extending through the manipulating lever 130 and a corresponding lock-eye 188 extending through the lock-end stopper 180. Once locked, the manipulating lever 130 and the locking plate 120 can not be manipulated into its unlocked position, whereby a first utility module can not be detached from the second utility module.

According to the disclosure, articulating a first utility module (container 22) over a second utility module (mounting platform 24) takes place as follows:

- ensuring that the locking plate 120 is at its unlocked position, i.e. disposed clockwise until the manipulating lever encounters the unlocked-end stoper 182;

- placing the first utility module 22 over the second utility module 24 oriented such that the X - Y axes of the two utility modules coextend, and wherein first positioning members (the trapezoid-like depressions 64) accommodate the second positioning members (trapezoid-like projections 110 of the mounting face 102), hence preventing rotational displacement therebetween (about the Z axis), and sliding displacement (at the X - Y plane);

- manipulating the manipulating lever 130 in a counter-clockwise direction (arrow 162), so as to displace the locking plate 120 into its locked position, displaced against the lock-end stopper 180, whereupon the first utility module 22 is articulated over the second utility module 24 at a locked position, and can not be removed therefrom, unless the locking plate is manipulated back into its unlocked position.

It is worth noting that articulating/detaching a first utility module with respect the second utility module does not require rotating or performing any other manipulation of the first utility module, but rather requires manipulating the lever.

In the illustrated example, the base face 40 of the first utility module 22 is configured with two pairs of locking recesses 42 and 46, wherein the locking recesses 42 face radially inwardly and the locking recesses 46 face radially outwards, and respectively, the mounting face 102 of the second utility module 24 is configured with two pairs of complimentary, matching locking latches 140A ;140B and 148A ;148B, wherein locking latches 140A ;140B are facing radially inwards and locking latches 148A and 148B are facing radially outwards.

Any locking latch can be replaced by a locking recess, providing that at least one pair of locking latch /locking recess is disposed on one of the first utility module and the second utility module, and a mating at least one pair of another one of locking latch /locking recess is disposed on the other one of the first utility module and the second utility module.

It is thus appreciated that different combinations and setups of the locking recesses and locking latches are possible, as exemplified in Figs. 10A tolOI, schematically representing several combinations, wherein for sake of clarity same reference numbers are used for some elements and wherein an radially inwards facing element (locking latch or locking recess) is identified by a radially inwardly facing arc shape, and likewise, a radially outwards facing element (locking latch or locking recess) is identified by a radially outwardly facing arc shape. In Figs. 10A tolOI only the second utility module is illustrated, whereby it is appreciated that the first utility module (not shown in Figs. 10A to 101) is configured with an opposing/matching locking latch or locking recess, configured for articulation therewith, as explained hereinabove. Accordingly, in Figs. 10A to 101 the locking latch and locking recess are collectively referred to as locking elements. Furthermore, all locking elements in the following examples are illustrated at their respective locked position.

In Fig. 10A a first pair of locking elements 202A and 202B is disposed about the inner radial path 145, wherein locking element 202A faces radially inwards and locking element 202B faces radially outwards. A second pair of locking elements 204A and 204B is disposed about the outer radial path 149, wherein locking element 204A faces radially outwards and locking element 204B faces radially inwards.

In Fig. 10B a first pair of locking elements 206A and 206B is disposed about the inner radial path 145, wherein both locking element 206A and 206B face radially inwards. A second pair of locking elements 208A and 208B is disposed about the outer radial path 149, wherein both locking element 208A and 208B face radially outwards.

In Fig. 10C a first pair of locking elements 210A and 210B is disposed about the inner radial path 145, wherein both locking element 210A and 210B face radially inwards. A second pair of locking elements 212A and 212B is disposed about the outer radial path 149, wherein both locking element 212A and 212B face radially inwards.

In the examples of Figs 10A to IOC the respective locking elements are disposed (at their locked position) coaxial with the normal axis X - X and Y - Y in Fig. 10D the locking elements are disposed (at their locked position) at an offset angle about axes X' - X' and Y’ - Y’, respectively. In Fig. 10D a first pair of locking elements 214A and 214B is disposed about the inner radial path 145, wherein both locking element 214A and 214B face radially inwards. A second pair of locking elements 216A and 216B is disposed about the outer radial path 149, wherein both locking element 216A and 216B face radially outwards.

In Figs. 10A to 10D the first pair of locking elements is disposed offset at 90° with respect to the second pair of locking elements. In Fig. 10E a first pair of locking elements 218A and 218B is disposed about the inner radial path 145, wherein both locking element 218A and 218B face radially outwards. A second pair of locking elements 220A and 220B is disposed about the outer radial path 149, collinear with the first pair of locking elements 218A and 218B, wherein both locking element 220A and 220B face radially outwards.

In Fig. 10F there is only one (first) pair of locking elements 214A and 214B, disposed about the outer radial path 149, wherein both locking element 214A and 214B face radially outwards, about the X - X axis.

In Fig. 10G there is only one (first) pair of locking elements 216A and 216B, disposed about the outer radial path 149, wherein both locking element 216A and 216B face radially inwards, about the X - X axis.

In Fig. 10H there is only one (first) pair of locking elements 218A and 218B, disposed about the inner radial path 145, wherein both locking element 218A and 218B face radially inwards, about the Y - Y axis.

In Fig. 101 the first set of locking elements comprises three locking elements 220A, 220B and 220C disposed about the inner radial path 145 (spaced 120° apart), wherein locking element 220B and 220C face radially outwards whilst locking element 220A faces radially inwards. A second set of locking elements 222A, 222B and 222C disposed about the outer radial path 149 (spaced 120° apart), wherein locking element 222A and 222B face radially outwards, whilst locking element 222C faces radially inwards. Fig. 11 of the drawings illustrates a utility assembly generally designated 230 comprising first utility module 232 (namely a container similar with that disclosed herein above), and a second utility module 234, namely a mounting plate, however being a modification of the disclosure.

The mounting plate 234 of Fig. 11 has a The second utility module 24, namely the mounting platform, has a generally flat rectangular body 236, similar to that previously disclosed, namely having a flat bottom surface 238 suitable for placing over any bearing surface (not shown), such as a wall, car/truck bed, work table, etc. The mounting platform 234 comprises a plurality of openings 240 such that it can be secured to the bearing surface by fasteners (not shown), and/or by fastener straps extendable through strap openings 242 and 244. A top, mounting face 248 of the second utility module 234 is predominantly flat, and is configured, at each of its opposite ends, with a second positioning member, namely a trapezoid-like projection 250 elevated from the mounting face 248, said second positioning member 250 conforming in shape and size with the first positioning members, (depressions 255 at the base of the first utility module 232), such that when base face 235 of the first utility module 232 is positioned over the mounting face 248 of the second utility module 234, it is prevented from rotation about the Z axis, or displacing about the X and Y axes.

As opposed to the previously illustrated example, a locking plate 260 is secured over the mounting face 248, configured for reciprocal angular rotation about the Z axis, by a laterally projecting manipulating lever 264, between a respective unlocked position (Fig. 11) and a locked position (not shown).

The locking plate 260 is configured with a pair of first locking latched 266A and 266B, disposed on a diameter and inwardly facing each other, and a pair of second locking latched 270A and 270B, disposed on a traversing diameter and outwardly facing away from each other.

Apart for the locking plate 260 mounted over the mounting face 248, articulating a first utility module 232 over the second utility module 234 takes place in a similar way as discussed herein before.

Turning now to Figs. 12 to 16 of the drawings, there are illustrated several examples second utility modules according to the present disclosure.

In Fig. 12 there is illustrated a wheeled hand cart 280 comprising a frame 282, the front face of which being a mounting platform 284 configured in accordance with the second utility module 24 described herein before. FSrame 282 comprises a pair of wheels 286 at a bottom portion thereof, and a retractable locomoting handle 288 at a top portion thereof (in Fig. 13 handle 288 is at its retracted position).

An assembly 290 is illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14A 14B, the assembly comprising a first utility module according to the present disclosure namely a container 22, similar to that discussed hereinabove, and a hand cart 280, wherein mounting and detaching the container 22 over the hand cart 280 takes place as discussed in connection with the previous examples.

Further attention is made to Figs. 15A and 15B, illustrating a mounting platform generally designated 294, said platform configured at a front face 296 with a second utility module 294 connectivity system, similar to the disclosure of the second utility module 24, as discussed hereinabove. A back face 298 of the mounting platform 294 is configured with a plurality of articulation straps 302 and storage compartments 304 and, optionally with harness straps for converting mounting platform 294 into a backpack 310, as illustrated in Fig. 16, further showing a first utility module according to the present disclosure namely a container 22, similar to that discussed hereinabove.