U.S. patent application number 11/478071 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-10 for apparatus for positioning tools and parts at a point of use.
Invention is credited to Jeff Counterman, Derek Craig, Denver Patrick.
Application Number | 20080006183 11/478071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38918021 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080006183 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patrick; Denver ; et
al. |
January 10, 2008 |
Apparatus for positioning tools and parts at a point of use
Abstract
An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and
an instructional manual at a point of use includes an arm formed by
a plurality of elongated sections which are pivotable and
adjustable in a horizontal plane. A rack and pinion device with a
manually operable crank is provided for mounting and moving the arm
in a vertical direction. A tray is attached to a distal end of the
arm.
Inventors: |
Patrick; Denver; (LaGrange,
IN) ; Counterman; Jeff; (Angola, IN) ; Craig;
Derek; (Angola, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES RAY & ASSOCIATES
2640 PITCAIRN ROAD
MONROEVILLE
PA
15146
US
|
Family ID: |
38918021 |
Appl. No.: |
11/478071 |
Filed: |
June 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60695284 |
Jun 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/042 |
International
Class: |
A47B 37/00 20060101
A47B037/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and
an instructional manual at a point of use, said apparatus
comprising: (a) an arm means; (b) means engageable with a first end
of said arm means for connecting said arm means to a vertical
stationary structure and for selectively moving said arm means in a
predetermined direction; and (c) means connected to a second end of
said arm means for operatively storing such at least one of a tool,
part and instructional manual.
2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said arm means
includes an elongated base member and a plurality of telescopic
elongated sections, wherein said elongated base member includes
said first end of said arm means and wherein one of said plurality
of telescopic elongated sections includes said second end of said
arm means.
3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said arm means
further includes a locking means for selectively securing each
telescopic section in one of an extended and a collapsed
position.
4. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
includes a first plurality of elongated sections and a second
plurality of pivot means for pivotally attaching said plurality of
elongated sections together, said plurality of elongated sections
are movable anywhere between an extended position wherein each of
said plurality of elongated members are positioned along a common
longitudinal axis and a folded position wherein each of said
plurality of elongated sections are positioned adjacent such
stationary structure.
5. The apparatus, according to claim 4, wherein said arm means
further includes a plurality of locking means for securing each
elongated section in at least said extended position.
6. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
includes a pivot means for pivotally attaching said first end of
said arm means to said mounting and moving means.
7. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said pivot means
includes a pin member having a base secured to one of said mounting
and moving means and said arm means and a threaded stem which
extends outwardly from said base and through an opposed one of said
mounting and moving means and said arm means.
8. The apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said apparatus
further includes a lever having a threaded aperture engaging said
threaded stem, said lever manually operable for securing said first
end of said arm means to said pivot and mounting means.
9. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said connecting and
moving means includes: (a) a toothed rack; (b) a pair of brackets
for positioning said toothed rack in a vertical direction and for
attaching said toothed rack in a spaced relationship to such
stationary structure; (c) a pinion means operatively coupled to
said toothed rack and to said first end of said arm means; and (d)
a crank means connected to said pinion means for selectively moving
said arm means in a vertical direction.
10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said connecting
and moving means includes: (a) a toothed rack; (b) a pair of guide
rails; (c) a mounting means for attaching said pair of rails to
such stationary structure and for horizontally positioning said
pair of rails in a parallel spaced relationship with each other;
(d) an attachment means for positioning said toothed rack in a
vertical direction and for attaching said toothed rack to said pair
of rails for movement in a horizontal direction; (e) a pinion means
coupled to said toothed rack and to said first end of said arm
means; and (f) a crank means connected to said pinion means for
selectively moving said arm means in a vertical direction.
11. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein such stationary
structure is one of a wall, a column, a partition and a
workbench.
12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
further includes at least one electric outlet secured to one of
said arm means and said storage means and an electric cord
connected to said at least one electric outlet and extending
towards said connecting and moving means for connection to a source
of electric current.
13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
further includes a light fixture secured to one of said arm means
and said storage means and an electric cord connected to said light
fixture and extending towards said connecting and moving means for
connection to a source of electric current.
14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus
further includes at least one air chuck secured to one of said arm
means and said storage means and an air hose connected to said at
least one air chuck and extending towards said connecting and
moving means for connection to a source of pressurized air.
15. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said storage means
includes a tray having each of a predetermined shape and a
predetermined size.
16. The apparatus, according to claim 15, wherein said tray
includes a shaft portion attached to a bottom surface thereof and
pivotally engaging a bore disposed in said second end of said arm
means.
17. The apparatus, according to claim 15, wherein said tray
includes at least one cavity formed therein for storing at least
one of a plurality of tools and a plurality of parts.
18. An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and
an instructional manual at a point of use, said apparatus
comprising: (a) a base means for moving and stabilizing said
apparatus; (b) an elongated member vertically attached to said base
means; (c) an arm means which is one of telescopic and foldable;
(d) means engageable with a first end of said arm means for
connecting said arm means to said elongated member and for
selectively moving said arm means in a vertical direction; and (e)
means connected to a second end of said arm means for storing such
one of tools, parts and instructional manuals.
19. An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and
an instructional manual at a point of use, said apparatus
comprising: (a) an arm having a predetermined length; (b) means
engageable with a first end of said arm means for connecting said
arm means to a stationary structure; and (c) means connected to a
second end of said arm means for storing such one of tools, parts
and instructional manuals.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and claims priority from
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/695,284 filed Jun. 30,
2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to mechanic tool
trays and, more particularly, this invention relates to an
apparatus employing an adjustably mounted tool tray for operatively
positioning tools, parts and the like at a point of use.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] As is generally well known, mechanics performing repairs and
maintenance on equipment such as vehicles and machinery experience
difficulties with storing tools and parts in close proximity to a
point of their use. Placing tools and parts on a portion of a
vehicle or machinery being worked on often results in such tools
falling to the floor or into the equipment potentially causing
damage to equipment and creating hazards to the person performing
such repair and maintenance work.
[0004] Efforts have been made to alleviate difficulties in placing
tools and parts in close proximity to their location of use. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,374,019 to Fischer, U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,264 to
Wiederrich et al and U.S. Pat. No. 4,728,065 to Coote disclose
various types of tool trays which are attached, by way of a
vertical member, to a movable base and which are adjustable in
order to be placed over an engine compartment of the vehicle, for
example, for conveniently storing tools and required parts.
However, these devices can only be moved as close as the wheel or a
bumper when working on a vehicle and furthermore limit the ability
of the mechanic to freely move around the three sides of the engine
compartment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to a first embodiment, the invention provides an
apparatus for positioning at least one of tools, parts and an
instructional manual at a point of use. The apparatus includes an
arm means and a means engageable with a first end of the arm means
for connecting the arm means to a rigid structure and for
selectively moving the arm means in a predetermined direction.
There is also a means connected to a second end of the arm means
for operatively storing such at least one of tools, parts and
instructional manuals.
[0006] According to a second embodiment, the invention provides an
apparatus which includes a base means for moving and stabilizing
the apparatus. An elongated member is vertically attached to the
base means. There is an arm means either telescopes or folds. A
means is engageable with a first end of the arm means for
connecting the arm means to the elongated member and for
selectively moving the arm means in a vertical direction. There is
also a means connected to a second end of the arm means for storing
at least one of tools, parts and instructional manuals.
[0007] According to a third embodiment, the invention provides an
apparatus which includes an arm means having a predetermined
length, a means engageable with a first end of the arm means for
connecting the arm to a stationary structure and means connected to
a second end of the arm means for storing at least one of tools,
parts and instructional manuals.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present
invention to provide an apparatus for positioning at least one of a
tool, a part and an instructional manual at a point of use.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus that employs a simple tray for positioning at least one
of a tool, part and instructional manual at a point of use.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus which employs a simple tray for positioning tools, parts
and instructional manuals at a point of use and which is adjustable
in a vertical and a horizontal direction.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus for positioning tools, parts and instructional manuals at
a point of use which is simple to operate.
[0012] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus for positioning tools, parts and instructional manuals
at a point of use which can be mounted to a remotely disposed
stationary structure.
[0013] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus which employs a simple tray attached to a movable base
for positioning tools, parts and instructional manuals at a point
of use.
[0014] In addition to the several objects and advantages of the
present invention which have been described with some degree of
specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the
invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who
are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such
description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing
Figures and with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an apparatus for
positioning tools and parts at a point of use according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the apparatus for
positioning tools and parts at a point of use according to another
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the apparatus for
positioning tools and parts at a point of use according to a
presently preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken
along the lines 5-5 of FIG. 3 illustrating a pivot member of the
presently preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken
along the lines 6-6 of FIG. 3 illustrating a tray member of the
presently preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 3
illustrating its use in combination with a vehicle;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus for
positioning tools and parts at a point of use according to yet
another embodiment of the invention; and
[0023] FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the apparatus for
positioning tools and parts at a point of use according to a
further embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the
present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity
and understanding, identical components which have identical
functions have been identified with identical reference numerals
throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing
figures.
[0025] Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-7. Illustrated therein is
an apparatus, generally designated 10, for positioning at least one
of a tool, part and instructional manual 2 at a point of use. A
first essential element of the apparatus 10 is an arm means,
generally designated 20.
[0026] A second essential element of the apparatus 10 is a means,
generally designated 70, engageable with a first end 22 of the arm
means 20 for connecting arm means 20 to a rigid structure 4 and for
selectively moving the arm means 20 in a predetermined
direction.
[0027] A final essential element of apparatus 10 is a means,
generally designated 100, connected to a second end 24 of arm means
20 for storing such one of tools, parts and manuals 2.
[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, best
illustrated in FIG. 1, arm means 20 includes an elongated arm
member 26 having each of a predetermined length and a predetermined
cross-section. The predetermined length is based on a distance
between stationary structure 4 and the point of use. The
predetermined cross-section is based on the distance and the weight
of the elongated member 26 and the weight to be carried by such
elongated member 26. Preferably, such elongated arm member 26 is
made from a tubular material.
[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIG. 2, arm means 20 includes an elongated base member 32 and a
plurality of telescopic elongated sections 34 and 36. Such base
member 32 includes the first end 22 of arm means 20 and one of the
plurality of elongated sections, such as the end section 36,
includes the second end 24 of the arm means 20. By way of example
of FIG. 2, the arm means 20 includes a total of three elongated
sections 32, 34, and 36, however it should be understood that
another quantity of telescopic elongated sections may be employed
for positioning at least one of the tools, parts and instructional
manuals 2 at a point of use.
[0030] The arm means 20 may further include a locking means 40 for
selectively securing each telescopic section in one of an extended
and a collapsed position. For example, such locking means 40 may
include a bifurcated member 42 attached at one end of the elongated
members 32 and 34 and a lever 44 pivotally attached to the
bifurcated member 42 with a pin 46 and having a cam portion 48
engageable with an outer surface of elongated members 34 and 36,
respectively.
[0031] Now in particular reference to FIGS. 3-5, the apparatus 10,
of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, includes a
plurality of elongated sections 33, 35 and 37 and a plurality of
pivot means, generally designated 50, for pivotally attaching the
plurality of elongated sections 33, 35 and 37 together for movement
anywhere between an extended position wherein each of the plurality
of elongated members 33, 35 and 37 are positioned along a common
longitudinal axis and a folded position wherein each of the
plurality of elongated sections are positioned adjacent the
connecting and moving means 70. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 4
illustrates the arm means 20 in a partially extended position.
[0032] The pivot means 50 preferably includes a pin 52 which has a
first portion 54 secured to one end of elongated member and a
threaded stem 56 which extends through the outer surface of the
adjacent elongated member. Advantageously, a locking member 60
having a threaded aperture 62 is engageable with the threaded stem
56 provided for securing elongated sections together at least in
the extended position. A washer 38 may be provided for aiding in
pivotal movement between the elongated sections. The preferred
material of such washers 38 is plastic and, more particularly,
Delrin RTM.
[0033] When the rigid structure 4 is a stationary vertical
structure, such as a wall, column, bench and the like, connecting
and moving means 70 of one embodiment of the invention may include
an elongated member 72 and a pair of brackets 74 for positioning
the elongated member 72 in a vertical direction and a member 76
coupled to the elongated member 72 in one of a rigid and movable
manner and connected to the first end 22 of the arm means 20.
[0034] When the member 76 is movable along the elongated member 72
and is securable by a pin 78 and a plurality of apertures 79
disposed in spaced relationship within the elongated member 72, the
arm means 20 is selectively movable in a vertical direction. The
pivot means 50 may be further employed to pivotally attach the
elongated section, having such first end 22 disposed therein, to
the member 76 enabling horizontal movement of the arm means 20.
[0035] In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the
connecting and moving means 70 includes a toothed rack 80, a pair
of brackets 82 for positioning the toothed rack 80 in a vertical
direction and for attaching the toothed rack in a spaced
relationship to such rigid structure 4, a pinion means 84 is
coupled to the toothed rack 80 and to the first end 22 of arm means
20. A crank 86 is connected to the pinion means 84 and is operable,
preferably manually, for selectively moving the arm means 20 in a
vertical direction. The pinion means 84 and the crank 86 may be of
a type manufactured by Dutton-Lainson Company of Hastings, Nebr.
under model number 22622.
[0036] The connecting and moving means 70 may be further equipped
with an optional pair of guide rails 90, best shown in FIG. 7,
which are horizontally positioned to the rigid structure 4 in a
parallel and spaced relationship and a pair of bushing 92 each
attached to a respective end of the toothed rack 80 and coupled to
a respective one of the pair of guide rails 90 for moving the
toothed rack 80 in a horizontal direction. It will be understood
that a second pair of brackets 82 will be employed to attach the
pair of rails 90.
[0037] The storage means 100 of the presently preferred embodiment
of the invention includes a tray 102 preferably having a plurality
of lips 104. Such tray 102 may be rigidly attached to the second
end 24 of the arm means 20 and preferably, shown in FIG. 6, the
tray 102 includes a shaft portion 106 attached to a bottom surface
of the tray 102 and which pivotally engages a bore 108 disposed in
the second end 24 of arm means 20. Tray 102 may further include
plurality of cavities 109 formed therein for storing the plurality
of tools or parts 2.
[0038] The apparatus 10 may be further provided with various
accessories for aiding a user of such apparatus 10. For example,
the apparatus 10 may include at least one electric outlet 110
secured to one of the arm means 20 and the storage means 100 and an
electric cord 112 connected to the at least one electric outlet 110
and extending towards the connecting and moving means 70 for
connection to a source of electric current (not shown). Preferably,
such electrical cord 112 is at least partially routed internal to
the arm means 20. Advantageously, the pin 52 is adapted with an
aperture 58 for routing such electrical cord 112.
[0039] The apparatus 10 may further include a light fixture 114
secured to one of the arm means 20 and the storage means 100 and
the electric cord 112 may be further connected to the light fixture
114.
[0040] The apparatus 10 may additionally include at least one air
chuck 118 secured to one of the arm means 20 and the storage means
100 and an air hose 120 which is connected to the at least one air
chuck 118 and extending towards the connecting and moving means 70
for connection to a source of pressurized air (not shown).
[0041] Such accessories are taught for example in U.S. Pat. No.
5,116,264 issued on May 26, 1992 to Wiederrich et al and teachings
of the U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,264 are incorporated into this document
by reference thereto.
[0042] The operation of the apparatus 10 is best illustrated in
FIG. 7 in combination with a vehicle 6. The user of the apparatus
10 adjusts the arm means 20 in a horizontal direction by way of the
pivot means 50 and locking member 60 and adjusts arm means 20 in a
vertical direction by way of pinion 84 and crank 86 to position the
tray 102 over the engine compartment 8 of such vehicle 6. The area
around the engine compartment 8 and, more particularly, adjacent
the wheels and bumper of such vehicle 6 is unobstructed thus
enabling such user to freely move around the engine compartment
8.
[0043] Although the present invention has been shown in terms of
the apparatus 10 attached to a rigid structure, it will be apparent
to those skilled in the art that the present invention is
advantageous for improving existing tool trays having a movable
base.
[0044] Now in reference to FIG. 8, there is shown an apparatus,
generally designated 200, which includes a base means 210 for
moving and stabilizing the apparatus 200. Elongated member 212 is
vertically attached to the base means 210. An arm means 214, being
either a foldable or telescopic type, has a first end 215 connected
to the elongated member 212. Optionally, a connecting and moving
means 218 of various types described above may be provided
intermediate the elongated member 212 and the arm means 214. A tray
220 is connected to a second end 217 of the arm means 214 for
operatively storing such tools, parts and manuals 2.
[0045] Now in reference to FIG. 9, the present invention further
contemplates that an apparatus, generally designated 300, for
positioning at least one of a tool, a part and an instructional
manual 2 at a point of use, includes an arm 302, having a
predetermined length, which may be attached to a mounting bracket
304 at one end with fasteners 306 and 307, or may be pivotally
connected to the mounting bracket 304 with a pivot means 50
described supra.
[0046] Alternatively, such connection may be achieved with a pin
(not shown) attached to the arm 32 and a bore (not shown) provided
within the mounting bracket 304. In accordance with the above
embodiments, a tray means 308 having a predetermined size and a
predetermined shape is attached to a second end of the arm 302. It
is further contemplated that the mounting bracket 304 is formed
integrally with the arm 302. Such embodiment is advantageous in
economically and temporarily positioning the tray 308 at the point
of use. Alternatively, a telescopic or foldable arm 308 may be
rigidly connected to the stationary structure 4 by way of mounting
bracket 304.
[0047] Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that an electrically powered winch may be employed in the present
invention in combination with a switch mounted on the arm or the
tray and operable by the user for selectively moving the arm in the
vertical direction.
[0048] Additionally, the frictional collar and a nut may be
employed for securing the telescopic arm sections or for securing
the arm to a vertically positioned guide rail.
[0049] When a foldable arm construction of the presently preferred
embodiment is employed in the present invention, each section may
be connected with a swivel joint for moving such section in both
vertical and horizontal directions. Furthermore, a cord reel may be
provided with a telescopic arm for forming continuous tension in
the electrical cord.
[0050] Thus, the present invention has been described in such full,
clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in
the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be
understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and
substitutions for components of the specifically described
embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *