U.S. patent application number 11/130966 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for case and organizer tray for a power tool.
Invention is credited to John R. Brown, William Mark Feldmann.
Application Number | 20060260964 11/130966 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37447339 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060260964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feldmann; William Mark ; et
al. |
November 23, 2006 |
Case and organizer tray for a power tool
Abstract
A case for a power tool includes a cover member and base member
coupled together along a hinge line. The cover and base members are
configured to fold together along the hinge line to form an
enclosed cavity. A first opening is provided in the case for
receiving a first end of a power tool and a second opening is
provided in the case for receiving a second end of a power tool.
The handle of the power tool serves as the handle for the case. A
storage tray includes a plate member having a first and a second
half. A plurality of coupling elements are disposed on a surface of
the plate member. The plate member is configured to fold along a
hinge line such that the coupling elements face outwardly. A
carrying case system is also described.
Inventors: |
Feldmann; William Mark;
(Fairfild, OH) ; Brown; John R.; (Harrison,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPHEN D. SCANLON
JONES DAY
901 LAKESIDE AVENUE
CLEVELAND
OH
44114
US
|
Family ID: |
37447339 |
Appl. No.: |
11/130966 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/373 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/006 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/373 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/28 20060101
B65D085/28 |
Claims
1. A case for a power tool comprising: a first casing section; and
a second casing section coupled to the first casing section along a
casing hinge line, wherein said first and second casing sections
are configured to fold together along the casing hinge line to form
an enclosed cavity between the first and second casing sections,
with at least one of said first and second casing sections
including a first opening and a second opening, said first opening
configured to capture a first end of a power tool and said second
opening configured to capture a second end of a power tool such
that when a power tool is captured at its first and second ends by
the first and second openings, the power tool serves as a handle
for the case.
2. The case of claim 1, wherein the first and second casing
sections are made of a plastic material.
3. The case of claim 1, wherein the first casing is a cover member
and the second casing is a base member, the first opening is
defined in the base member, and the second opening is defined in
the base member.
4. The case of claim 1, wherein at least one capturing member is
associated with one or both of the first and second openings for
assisting in capturing the power tool in the corresponding
opening.
5. The case of claim 4, wherein the capturing member is a rib that
is positioned inside the cavity and is configured to mate with a
part of a power tool.
6. The case of claim 3, wherein the first opening is defined on a
side surface of the base member, near the top thereof, and the
second opening is defined on an upwardly facing surface of the base
member, near the bottom thereof.
7. The case of claim 3, wherein the first opening is further
defined in the cover member such that the first opening extends
between the cover member and the base member.
8. The case of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of hinges
disposed along the casing hinge line and a plurality of latching
components disposed between the first and second casing sections to
lock the first and second casing sections together when the
latching components are in a latched position.
9. The case of claim 8, wherein each latching component includes a
movable latch portion coupled to one of the first or second casing
sections and a catch coupled to the other of the first or second
casing sections, said catch having a surface for lockingly mating
with the movable latch portion.
10. The case of claim 9, wherein each latch portion is attached to
the respective casing by a hinge, and each latch portion includes a
lip for mating with the corresponding catch.
11. The case of claim 10, wherein the hinges along the casing hinge
line are living hinges, and the hinges of the latch portions are
living hinges.
12. The case of claim 8, wherein three latching components are
provided in spaced relation to one another around at least a
portion of an outer periphery of the case.
13. The case of claim 1, further comprising at least one coupling
member defined in the cavity, said at least one coupling member
being associated with at least one of the first and second casing
sections and being configured for receiving a storage tray.
14. The case of claim 13, wherein the coupling member includes
opposed channels configured to accept the ends of a storage tray to
hold the tray in a fixed position within the cavity.
15. The case of claim 1, wherein the cavity defined by the first
and second casing sections in the vicinity of the second opening is
configured to receive a battery pack of a power tool.
16. The case of claim 1, wherein the power tool is a cordless drill
having a chuck and a collar at a first end and a battery pack at a
second end, with a handle of the drill being positioned between the
first and second ends, the first opening is configured to capture
the chuck and collar of the drill, and the second opening is
configured to capture the battery pack of the drill.
17. The case of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a plurality of
recesses for storing accessories.
18. A storage tray for use with a power tool comprising: a plate
member having a first half and a second half, with a plurality of
coupling elements disposed on at least one of an outer surface of
the first half and an outer surface of the second half, wherein a
hinge line is defined between the first and second halves, with the
first and second halves being configured to fold upon one another
along the hinge line such that the outer surfaces of the first and
second halves face away from one another, said plate member having
an open position in which all the coupling elements are positioned
in substantially the same plane and a folded position in which the
coupling elements on the first half face away from the coupling
elements on the second half.
19. The storage tray of claim 18, wherein the plate member has an
"H-shaped" profile, with a bridge member positioned in the center
of the "H-shape," with the hinge line being positioned on the
bridge member, with the coupling elements being configured to
accept tools; and the plate member and coupling elements are made
of a plastic material, wherein when the plate is folded in half
along the hinge line, the bridge member forms a tab that is
configured for gripping by the user.
20. A carrying case system for a power tool comprising: the case of
claim 1; and at least one storage tray according to claim 18,
wherein the case includes at least one coupling member defined in
the cavity between the first and second casing sections that is
configured to couple the at least one tray with the cavity when the
tray is in a folded position.
21. The carrying case system of claim 20, wherein the at least one
coupling member is a pair of channels disposed in the cavity, said
channels being positioned in opposite relation to one another and
configured to mate with first and second ends of the storage tray.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This technology relates to a case and an organizer tray for
a power tool. In particular, the technology concerns a case that is
configured such that the power tool forms a handle of the case and
to an organizer tray for the case.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Carrying cases for tools are known. They generally include a
front cover and a base member that is made of a hard plastic
material. The cover fold upon the base member along a hinge line in
order to form a case. The cover and/or the base typically have
molded inner surfaces that are shaped to accept and hold a power
tool, such as a drill, driver, saw, nailer, or other tool. Many
cases also provide storage openings inside the case for storing
accessories, such as drill bits, saws, nails, screws, dust covers,
power cords, etc. One or both of the cover and base member
typically include a handle. In some cases, the handle is a molded
opening that is formed in both the cover and the base member such
that when the cover is closed upon the base member, the openings
come together to provide a handle. In other cases, a separate
handle is hinged, or otherwise attached, to one or both of the
cover and base member.
[0003] Trays for holding power tool accessories are known. One type
of tray includes a flat base with a plurality of openings for
receiving drill bits of various sizes. The tray is formed of a
pliable material to allow the drill bits to be inserted into and
removed from individual openings formed in the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example case with a power
tool coupled to the case;
[0005] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of an example case with a
power tool coupled to the case;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a side view of the case of FIG. 1 with a power
tool coupled to the case;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the case of FIG. 1 with a power
tool coupled to the case;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a top view of the case of FIG. 1 with a power tool
coupled to the case;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective view like that of FIG. 1, but with
the power tool removed;
[0010] FIG. 7 is a side view of the case shown in FIG. 4;
[0011] FIG. 8 is a top view of the case shown in FIG. 4;
[0012] FIG. 9 is an example organizer tray for use with the example
case of FIGS. 1-8;
[0013] FIG. 10 is a front view of the example tray;
[0014] FIG. 11 is a right side view of the example tray;
[0015] FIG. 12 is a left side view of the example tray;
[0016] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the tray of FIG. 10
folded in half;
[0017] FIG. 14 is a top view of the folded tray shown in FIG.
13;
[0018] FIG. 15 is a left side view of the folded tray shown in FIG.
13;
[0019] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the case of FIG. 1 shown in
an open position with the folded tray of FIG. 13 aligned for
positioning in the case;
[0020] FIG. 17 is a front view of the case shown in FIG. 16 with
the folded tray inserted in a retaining slot within the case;
[0021] FIG. 18 is a top view of the case shown in FIG. 16;
[0022] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the case of FIG.
16 with a power tool ready for insertion into the case; and
[0023] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the case and power tool
shown in FIG. 19, but with the power tool inserted into the
case.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In accordance with the teachings described herein, a case
for a power tool comprises a first casing section and a second
casing section coupled to the first casing section along a casing
hinge line. The first and second casing sections are configured to
fold together along the casing hinge line to form an enclosed
cavity between the first and second casing sections. At least one
of the first and second casing sections includes a first opening
and a second opening. The first opening is configured to capture a
first end of a power tool and the second opening is configured to
capture a second end of a power tool such that when a power tool is
captured at its first and second ends by the first and second
openings, the power tool serves as a handle for the case. At least
one capturing member may be associated with one or both of the
first and second openings for assisting in capturing the power tool
in the corresponding opening. The capturing member may be a rib
that is positioned inside the cavity and is configured to mate with
a part of a power tool. The first and second casing sections may be
made of a plastic material
[0025] In one embodiment, the first casing is a cover member and
the second casing is a base member, with the first opening being
defined in the base member and the second opening being defined in
the base member. The first opening may be defined on a side surface
of the base member, near the top thereof, and the second opening
may be defined on an upper surface of the base member, near the
bottom thereof. The first opening may be further defined in the
cover member such that the first opening extends between the cover
member and the base member.
[0026] A plurality of hinges may be disposed along the casing hinge
line and a plurality of latching components may disposed between
the first and second casing sections to lock the first and second
casing sections together when the latching components are in a
latched position. Each latching component may include a movable
latch portion coupled to one of the first or second casing sections
and a catch coupled to the other of the first or second casing
sections. The catch may have a surface for lockingly mating with
the movable latch portion. Each latch portion may be attached to
the respective casing by a latch hinge, and each latch portion may
include a lip for mating with the corresponding catch. The hinges
along the casing hinge line may be living hinges, and the hinges of
the latch portions may be living hinges. In one embodiment, three
latching components are provided in spaced relation to one another
around an outer periphery of the case.
[0027] The case may include at least one coupling member defined in
the cavity of the case. The at least one coupling member is
associated with at least one of the first and second casing
sections and is configured for receiving a storage tray. The
coupling member includes a plurality of channels configured to
accept the ends of a storage tray to hold the tray in a fixed
position within the cavity. The cavity defined by the first and
second casing sections in the vicinity of the second opening is
configured to receive a battery pack of a power tool. The cavity
may further include a plurality of recesses for storing
accessories.
[0028] In one embodiment, the power tool is a cordless drill having
a chuck and a collar at a first end and a battery pack at a second
end. The handle of the drill is positioned between the first and
second ends of the drill. The first opening is configured to
capture the chuck and collar of the drill, and the second opening
is configured to capture the battery pack of the drill.
[0029] In another embodiment, a storage tray for use with a power
tool comprises a plate member having a first half and a second
half, with a plurality of coupling elements disposed on at least
one of an outer surface of the first half and an outer surface of
the second half. A hinge line is defined between the first and
second halves. The first and second halves are configured to fold
upon one another along the hinge line such that the outer surfaces
of the first and second halves face away from one another. The
plate member has an open position in which all the coupling
elements are positioned in substantially the same plane and a
folded position in which the coupling elements on the first half
face away from the coupling elements on the second half.
[0030] The plate member may have an "H-shaped" profile, with the
hinge line being positioned at the center of the H-shape, and the
coupling elements being configured to accept tools. The plate
member and coupling elements may be made of a plastic material.
[0031] In yet another embodiment, a carrying case system for a
power tool comprises the case, described above, and at least one
storage tray, as described above. The case includes at least one
coupling member defined in the cavity between the first and second
casing sections that is configured to couple the at least one tray
with the cavity when the tray is in a folded position. The coupling
member may be a pair of channels disposed in the cavity, with the
channels being positioned in opposite relation to one another and
configured to mate with first and second ends of the storage
tray.
[0032] With reference now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 and 16-20
depict an example case 10 for a power tool 12. The case 10 has an
"L-shape", with an upper vertical leg 14 and a lower horizontal leg
16. The case 10 includes a first casing section 18 and a second
casing section 20. Openings 22, 24 are provided in the case 10 for
accepting the ends 26, 28 of a power tool 12. The main body 30 of
the power tool 12 is exposed to the exterior while the ends 26, 28
of the power tool 12 are captured within the case 10. The handle 32
of the power tool 12 serves as a handle for the case 10.
[0033] The first casing section 18 is a cover member and the second
casing section 20 is a base member. The cover member 18 and base
member 20 are coupled together along a common hinge line 34 to form
a case 10 having an interior. In the depicted embodiment, a
plurality of hinges 36 are disposed along the casing hinge line 34
in the form of living hinges. Alternatively, mechanical hinges that
are attached to the casing sections 18, 20 may be utilized, or
other known hinges.
[0034] The interior of the case 10 includes a cavity 38 that is
defined between the inner surface 40 of the first casing section 18
and the inner surface 42 of the second casing section 20. The
interior of each casing section includes a plurality of individual
recesses 44 that are separated by ribs 46, shown best in FIGS. 16
and 17. The ribs 46 help to strengthen the casing sections 18, 20.
The recesses 46 are configured to allow the case 10 to mate with
the first and second ends 26, 28 of a power tool 12. In the
depicted embodiment, a cordless hand-held power drill is described.
Other types of tools may be utilized with the example case 10, such
as a driver, a polisher, a reciprocating saw, and other known power
tools. Cordless and corded power tools may derive a benefit from
the example case 10. The cordless drill is depicted herein as an
example of one use of the storage case 10. As is evident, different
configurations of cases can be manufactured for different power
tools, according to the example described herein.
[0035] The individual recesses 44 that are formed on the interior
of the casing sections 18, 20 are used to capture part of the power
tool 12 between the first and second casing sections 18, 20, as
will be discussed in greater detail below. The recesses 44 may also
be utilized for storing accessories for use with the power tool 12,
such as a charger for a cordless power tool, screw and drill bits,
power cords, covers, tool kits or trays, and other accessories as
known by those of skill in the art.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 16, the base member 20 has a depth and the
cover member 18 has a depth. In the depicted embodiment, the base
member 20 has a depth that is greater than the depth of the cover
member 18. As a result, the base member 20 is configured to accept
a greater portion of the power tool 12 in its interior than is the
cover member 18. In alternative embodiments that are not shown, the
cover member 18 and base member 20 may be approximately the same
depth, or the cover member 18 may be deeper than the base member
20. The size and configuration of the first and second casing
sections 18, 20 are dependent upon the particular application.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the storage case 10 has a first
opening 22 for capturing a first end 26 of the power tool 12 and a
second opening 24 for capturing a second end 28 of the power tool
12. In the case of a cordless drill 12, the first opening 22 is
defined near the top end 48 of the case 10 for coupling with the
output end 50 of the drill 12 and the second opening 24 is defined
near the bottom end 52 of the case 10 for coupling with the battery
pack 54 of the drill 12. Other power tools may require different
positions for the openings, the example case 10 not being limited
to a particular location for the openings.
[0038] As depicted in FIGS. 6, 7, 19 and 20, the first opening 22
has a size to allow the collar 56 and chuck 58 of the drill 12 to
enter the interior of the base member 20. The first opening 22
includes an outer aperture 60 on the base member 20 that surrounds
a portion of the collar 56 of the drill 12 and an inner capture rib
62 on the base member 20 that is positioned between the chuck 58
and the collar 56. The inner capture rib 62 is positioned inside
the base member 20, is formed integrally as one of the interior
ribs 46 in the cavity 38 of the case 10, and partially surrounds
the drill 12 between the collar 56 and the chuck 58. Both the inner
capture rib 62 and the outer aperture 60 are semicircular in shape.
In addition, part of the first opening 22 is formed through the
cover member 18, in the form of a semi-circular cut out 64 on the
edge of the cover member 18. The cut out 64 is adjacent the outer
aperture 60 on the base member 20 when the cover and base members
18; 20 are folded together in a closed position. The semi-circular
cut out 64 on the cover member 18 mates with the semi-circular
outer aperture 60 on the base member 20 to provide an opening 22
that is sized to accept the entire collar 56 of the cordless drill
12.
[0039] The second opening 24 has a size to accommodate the base of
the handle portion 32 of the power tool 12, at a point where the
battery pack 54 mates with the handle portion 32. The second
opening 24 is semi-circular and is positioned above a recess within
the interior of the base member 20 that is sized to accept the
battery pack 54. The first and second openings 22, 24 are
configured to capture the first and second ends 26, 28 of the power
tool 12 within the case 10. When the cover member 18 is folded onto
the base member 20 to close the case 10, the power tool 12 is
fixedly held within the case 10 at its ends 26, 28 and the handle
portion 32 and part of the main body 30 of the power tool 12 extend
from the case 10. The handle 32 of the power tool 12 serves as a
handle for the case 10.
[0040] The disclosed example case 10 depicts the cordless drill 12
as being captured at certain positions on the drill 12. The case 10
could be altered in size and configuration to capture the cordless
drill 12 at other locations on the tool 12. For instance, the drill
12 could be captured at a point on its main body 30 instead of
around its collar 56. As is evident, variations of the disclosed
example are possible based upon the teachings provided herein.
[0041] The first and second casing sections 18, 20 may include a
lip 66 around the peripheral edges of each section. The lip 66 may
be configured to mate with a complementary lip 66 on the opposing
casing section.
[0042] When the case 10 is closed so that the cover member 18 is
positioned on the base member 20, the casing sections 18, 20 may be
latched together via latching components 68. The latching
components 68 include a movable latch portion 70 and a fixed catch
72. The movable latch portion 70 is in the form of an elongated
member that extends in length from one casing section to the
adjoining casing section. In the depicted embodiment, the latch
portion 70 is attached to the base member 20 and the catch 72 is
attached to the cover member 18. The latch portion 70 includes a
lip 74 that mates with the catch 72 to maintain the case 10 in a
closed and locked position when the latch portion 70 is mated with
the corresponding catch 72. As shown in FIG. 6, three latching
components 68 are provided and are spaced relative to one another.
A first latch is provided along an upper wall of the case 10, a
second latch is provided at an intermediate position on the side
wall of the case 10, and a third latch is provided at a lower
position on the side wall of the case 10.
[0043] Each latch portion 70 is attached to the cover member 18 via
a hinge 76 and the each catch is attached to the base member 20. In
the depicted embodiment, the hinge 76 is a living hinge, although
alternative types of hinges may be utilized to couple the latch
portions 70 to the cover member 18. Fewer or greater latch portions
70 may be utilized, if desired. In addition, the latch portion 70
may alternatively be positioned on the base member 20, with the
corresponding catch 72 being positioned on the cover member 18. As
shown, the latch portion 70 and corresponding catch 72 are
preferably aligned with one another in order to mate with one
another when the latch portion 70 is in a contact with the catch
72. The latching components 68 may be integrally formed with the
casing sections 18, 20, or may be attached via any known attachment
mechanism.
[0044] The latch portions 70 may all be the same size, or may be
different sizes. In the depicted embodiment, the intermediate latch
portion 70 has a length that is greater than the length of the
upper and lower latch portions 70. The larger latch portion 70
provides greater latching strength than the smaller latch portions
70. In the depicted embodiment, it was preferred that the
intermediate latch portion 70 be stronger than the other latch
portions, although the intermediate latch portion 70 could be the
same size as the other latching portions.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 16-17 and 20, the interior recesses 44
may be configured to mate with a storage organizer tray 80. In the
depicted example, the base member 20 includes opposed channels or
slots 78 that are positioned on inner ribs 46 of the base member
20. The opposed channels 78 are configured to mate with a storage
tray 80 at a top and a bottom end of the tray. The tray 80 has ends
82 that slide into the channels 78 and the channels 78 hold the
tray 80 in position within the base member 20 when installed.
[0046] The interior recesses 44 of the cover and base members 18,
20 may be configured in any known manner to accept items for
storage. For example, coupling elements, such as members for
coupling drill bits or screw bits may be attached or molded into
the inner surfaces of the base and cover members 20, 18. Individual
compartments (not shown) with or without covers may be formed
within the recesses 44 of the base and cover members 20, 18. Lashes
or other connectors (not shown) may be provided. Other alternatives
may also be utilized for storing accessories in the interior cavity
38 of the case 10, the options not being limited to those depicted
in the instant example.
[0047] The base member 20, cover member 18, latches 70 and catches
72, in one embodiment, are made of polypropylene ("PP") and are
integrally formed during the molding process. Other plastic
materials may be alternatively used. Materials other than plastic
may alternatively be used. The base member 20 and cover member 18
may be manufactured using an insert molding method, or via any
known manufacturing method.
[0048] FIGS. 9-12 depict an example insert storage organizer tray
80 that may be utilized for storing accessories, such as drill bits
or other power tool accessories. The tray includes a plate 86 with
a plurality of coupling elements 84 positioned on the plate 86. The
coupling elements 84 extend outwardly from a surface of the plate
86 and are configured to couple tools and accessories to the plate
86.
[0049] The plate 86 includes a first half 88 and a second half 90,
with a bridge 92 positioned between the first and second halves 88,
90. In the depicted embodiment, the profile of the plate 86 is
"H-shaped," with the bridge 92 being formed as the center of the
"H-shape." The bridge 92 includes a hinge line 94 and the plate 86
is configured to bend along the hinge line 94 so that the first and
second halves 88, 90 fold on top of one another. The plate 86 has a
reduced cross-section along the hinge line 94. The folding storage
tray 80 allows for greater storage capacity while allowing the user
to more easily access the components attached to the coupling
elements 84 when the tray 80 is in use and not in storage.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 9, the plate 86 is a substantially flat
member, although a non-flat member could be utilized. The coupling
elements 84 are positioned on an outer side 96 of the plate 86. The
coupling elements 84 includes a plurality of fasteners for coupling
various accessories to the plate 86. Such accessories include drill
bits, screw bits, screws, nails, and other types of tools as known
by those of skill in the art. The coupling elements 84 may be
positioned directly on the flat surface of the plate 86, or may be
positioned on raised platforms 98 that are defined on the plate 86.
By positioning the coupling elements 84 on a single side of the
plate 86, the plate 86 may be folded in half and the inner sides
100 may be positioned directly against one another to provide the
smallest possible width for the tray 80. In addition, the tray 80
may be folded flat because the flat inner surfaces 100 abut one
another when the plate 86 is folded. This is useful for storage
purposes, since trays 80 of this sort are often installed in tight
fitting recesses 44 within cases, as discussed above in connection
with the storage case 10.
[0051] Alternatively, although not shown, the coupling elements 84
may be positioned on both the inner and outer sides 100, 96 of the
plate 86. When the coupling elements 84 are positioned on the inner
sides of the plate 86, care must be taken to ensure that the tray
80 can properly fold in half and that accessories do not bind
against each other when the plate 86 is folded in half for storage.
In this case, the user would be required to flip the tray 80 from
one side to the other to access all the accessories.
[0052] The plate 86 includes outwardly extending shoulders 102 that
extend perpendicularly from the plate 86, near the side edge 82. As
discussed above, the inner side 100 of the plate 86 is flat while
the outer side 96 of the plate 86 includes outwardly extending
coupling elements 84. The shoulders 102 are spaced from the side
edge 82 so that a small section of the flat plate 86 extends
outwardly from the position of the shoulders 102. The shoulders 102
have a height similar to the height of the coupling elements 84 and
may provide protection to the elements from damage. When the plate
86 is folded in half, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the shoulders
102 and flat plate 86 form an "H"-shaped cross-section with
protrusions 104 that extend outwardly from the sides of the "H"
shape and with the coupling elements 84 extending outwardly from
the flat plate surfaces. As shown in FIG. 16, the protrusions 104
are utilized to couple with the opposed channels or slots 78 that
are positioned on the interior of one of the recesses 44 of the
base member 20. The protrusions 104 are shaped to fit into the
channels or slots 78 and the tray 80 may be slid into the channels
or slots 78.
[0053] The bridge 92 includes a hinge 106 in the form of a living
hinge that is molded into the plate 86. The living hinge is
provided by the area of reduced cross-section on the bridge 92.
Other types of hinges, such as mechanical hinges, may alternatively
be used. In addition, the bridge 92 includes several ridges 108
that extend outwardly when the plate 86 is folded in half. When
folded in half, the bridge 92 forms a tab-like structure 110 that
extends outwardly from the side of the storage tray 80. The ridges
108 on the tab-like structure 110 may be useful to the user in
inserting and withdrawing the tray 80 from a storage position
within a storage case 10, as shown in FIG. 17. The ridges 108
provide a gripping surface for the user.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 9, indicia 112 such as stamp art or
illustrations may be positioned on the surface of the plate 86. The
indicia 112 is useful to the user in identifying the types of
accessories that are stored on the tray 80, such as bits or other
parts. Indicia 112 also provides a helpful reminder to the user
when attempting to reinsert accessories that have been removed from
the tray 80.
[0055] The above-described tray 80 and storage case 10 are
convenient for the user and provide portability in carrying a power
tool 12 and associated accessories as one package. Because part of
the power tool 12 is positioned outside the case 10, more room for
storage is provided in the case 10. The case 10 includes the
removable storage tray 80 and includes room for carrying an extra
battery pack and charger.
[0056] In one embodiment, the insert tray 80 may be made of a
Polypropylene ("PP") material and may be manufactured using an
injection molding process. Other types of materials may be utilized
for the insert tray 80. Other types of manufacturing processes may
be utilized in manufacturing the tray 80. The coupling elements 84
may be integrally formed with the plate 86 during the manufacturing
process, or may be attached to the plate 86 using any known
technique.
[0057] While various features of the claimed embodiments are
presented above, it should be understood that the features may be
used singly or in any combination thereof. Therefore, the claimed
embodiments are not to be limited to only the specific embodiments
depicted herein.
[0058] Further, it should be understood that variations and
modifications may occur to those skilled in the art to which the
claimed embodiments pertains. The embodiments described herein are
exemplary. The disclosure may enable those skilled in the art to
make and use embodiments having alternative elements that likewise
correspond to the elements recited in the claims. The intended
scope may thus include other embodiments that do not differ or that
insubstantially differ from the literal language of the claims. The
scope of the example embodiments is accordingly defined as set
forth in the appended claims.
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