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.

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.