U.S. patent application number 11/524137 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-20 for tool case.
Invention is credited to Gwen Willis Mueller.
Application Number | 20080067095 11/524137 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39187450 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080067095 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mueller; Gwen Willis |
March 20, 2008 |
TOOL CASE
Abstract
A tool case including modular storage compartments. In one
aspect, the tool case includes a translucent cover and the modular
storage compartments can be removed from the tool case and
displayed or mounted to a surface. In another aspect, the case may
be configured such that the gravitational load of the contents of
the case does not flow through the cover when the case is lifted by
a handle, thus facilitating the cover to be made from lightweight
translucent material. This configuration is achieved by connecting
the handle to the floor of the base of the case, allowing the
handle to protrude through an opening in the cover, the cover being
separately removable.
Inventors: |
Mueller; Gwen Willis;
(Valencia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON LLP
HOWARD HUGHES CENTER, 6060 CENTER DRIVE, TENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
39187450 |
Appl. No.: |
11/524137 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/373 ;
206/372 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/373 ;
206/372 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/28 20060101
B65D085/28 |
Claims
1. A tool case, comprising: a base having a floor; a cover sized to
removably mate with the base and formed from translucent material;
a plurality of storage racks, each storage rack sized to be
removably retained within the base; and a handle mounted on two
support elements, each support element being connected to the floor
of the base; wherein, the cover defines an opening sized to permit
the handle to pass through the opening when the cover is mated with
the base.
2. The tool case of claim 1, wherein the handle is rotatable while
mounted on the support elements.
3. The tool case of claim 2, wherein the cover defines a recess
whereby the handle may be rotated to reside within the recess, the
handle remaining mounted on the support elements.
4. The tool case of claim 3, wherein, when the handle is rotated to
reside within the recess, the handle is located entirely inside an
outer profile of the cover.
5. The tool case of claim 1, wherein the base includes tubes
integrally formed with the floor of the base, the tubes being
configured to receive the supporting elements.
6. The tool case of claim 1, the base having a generally
rectangular shape and a pair of end portions, and further including
a rotating latching arm attached to each of the end portions.
7. The tool case of claim 1, the plurality of storage racks each
including a plurality of recesses for storing tools.
8. A tool case, comprising: a base having a floor; a cover sized to
removably mate with the base and formed from translucent material;
a plurality of storage racks, each storage rack sized to be
removably retained within the base; a handle; and means for
connecting the handle to the floor of the base; wherein, the cover
defines an opening sized to permit the handle to pass through the
opening when the cover is mated with the base.
9. The tool case of claim 8, wherein the handle is rotatable while
mounted on the means for connecting the handle to the floor of the
base.
10. The tool case of claim 9, wherein the cover defines a recess
whereby the handle may be rotated to reside within the recess, the
handle remaining mounted on the means for connecting the handle to
the floor base.
11. The tool case of claim 10, wherein, when the handle is rotated
to reside within the recess, the handle is located entirely inside
an outer profile of the cover.
12. The tool case of claim 8, wherein the means for connecting the
handle to the floor base includes tubes integrally formed with the
floor of the base.
13. The tool case of claim 8, the base having a generally
rectangular shape and a pair of end portions, and further including
a rotating latching arm attached to each of the end portions.
14. The tool case of claim 8, the plurality of storage racks each
including a plurality of steps, each step including a plurality of
recesses for storing tools.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of
application Ser. No. 11/121,905, filed May 3, 2005, which is
incorporated herein entirely by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to devices for storing and
carrying items and more particularly, to a case for receiving and
retaining tools.
[0003] Tool boxes have been used for many years to store tools,
tool parts and fasteners. Tool boxes come in a variety of shapes
and sizes and can be portable or fixed structures. Certain tool
boxes are designed to hold a particular tool or components thereof.
Other devices are configured to store a plurality of different
devices.
[0004] Generally, tool boxes or cases are designed to maximize
storing capacity. Tool boxes sometimes include trays and
compartments utilized to retain tools. Typically, the tool box will
have a cover configured to protect the tools or to aid in holding
the tools in place. With the cover open, the tools can be viewed
and selected from. Latches are provided to lock the cover in a
closed position.
[0005] Certain of the known tool boxes include trays supported by
hinges. Such trays can be moved to gain access to other areas of
the tool box. These trays can also be supported by hinge assemblies
that are interconnected with a tool box cover which through lateral
movement causes the tray to better display its holdings as the
cover is opened.
[0006] Prior devices, however, can lack features which enhance
utility. For example, conventional tool boxes include covers which
do not allow for a quick inventory to be taken of the container's
contents. Also, the storage bins are generally affixed to the box
and lack structure for displaying items held thereby separate from
the tool box. Moreover, conventional tool cases are formed from
durable but heavy materials which adds unnecessarily to the weight
of the device. Typically, a toolbox with a cover has a handle
affixed to an upper surface of the cover. Thus, any gravitational
load taken by the handle flows through the cover, via clip
attachments to the box, to support the weight of the tools in the
box. This aspect may create structural problems where the cover of
a toolbox is desired to be of lightweight translucent material not
optimally suited for a loadbearing function.
[0007] Accordingly, what is needed is a tool case that allows for a
quick inventory to be taken without removing a cover. A tool box
which includes removable and movable components and one made from
light weight materials is also desirable. The present invention
satisfies these and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is
embodied in a tool case for storing tools and other items. The tool
case is specifically designed to facilitate versatile storing
capacity as well as tool display. Moreover, the tool case provides
a light weight device with the capability of viewing stored items
using a modular system. In one aspect of the invention, the tool
case is structurally configured to reduce gravitational load in
components that are designed to be light weight and therefore of
reduced structural strength. Specifically, an embodiment is
disclosed in which gravitational loads are almost completely
eliminated from the cover which is made of lightweight translucent
material.
[0009] In one aspect, the present invention is embodied in a tool
case body including a removable lid or cover. The tool case further
includes a plurality of removable storage trays or racks. The tool
case device can also have a drawer for further storage.
[0010] In one embodiment, the tool case cover is formed from clear
or translucent material. Being translucent, the items stored under
the cover can be viewed and an inventory of the items can be
conducted without opening or removing the cover. The cover is
affixed to a tool case base by one or more latches and the cover
can be completely removed from the base if desired.
[0011] In a further aspect, the tool case includes a plurality of
storage racks or trays stored beneath the cover. The storage racks
each include multilayered recesses for receiving tools of various
sizes and configurations. One or more of the racks can be removed
from the tool case. The storage racks can be equipped with a handle
and mounting holes so that the racks can be easily handled and hung
on a wall or other vertical support.
[0012] The tool case can be made from light weight, yet durable
plastics. Moreover, a storage drawer can be formed in the base of
the tool case, thereby providing additional space for receiving
other tools.
[0013] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the base of the
tool case may have a floor to which two support elements may be
attached. A handle is mounted to the two support elements. The
cover of the tool case defines an opening sized to permit the
handle to pass through the opening when the cover is mated with the
base. In another aspect, the handle may be rotatable while mounted
on the support elements. Further, the cover may define a recess
whereby the handle may be rotated to rest on the cover within the
recess, the handle remaining mounted on the support elements. In a
preferred aspect, when the handle is rotated to rest on the cover
within the recess, the handle is located entirely inside an outer
profile of the cover. This configuration has the advantage that
substantially all the gravitational load of the contents of the
tool case may pass through the handle without passing through the
cover. This aspect permits greater flexibility in choosing an
appropriate lightweight material for the cover that is translucent,
permitting the user to inspect and inventory the contents of the
case.
[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, depicting a tool case of the
present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, depicting the tool case of
FIG. 1 with a cover removed;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, depicting the tool case of
FIG. 2 with a modular storage component removed from the tool
case;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view, depicting the tool case of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view, depicting the tool case of FIG. 4
with a cover removed;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end view, depicting the tool case of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 7 is an end view, depicting the tool case of FIG. 6
with a cover removed.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view, depicting a further embodiment
of the tool case of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view, depicting the tool case of
FIG. 8 with a cover removed.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view, depicting the tool case of
FIGS. 8 and 9 with modular storage components removed from the tool
case.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a plan view, depicting the tool case of FIG. 8
with a handle folded.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view, depicting the tool case of FIG. 8
with a handle folded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] With reference to the drawings which are provided by way of
example and not limitation, there is shown a tool case
incorporating various features of the present invention. It is to
be understood that a number of different embodiments are
contemplated and that one particular embodiment may include all or
fewer than all of the features of the present invention. The tool
case includes modular components which can be displayed separate
from a base and cover of the tool case. The tool case also embodies
structure lending itself to conducting a quick inventory of its
contents. An additional structural configuration is disclosed which
facilitates the use of light weight translucent materials to enable
inspection of the interior of the case.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiments the present
invention is embodied in a tool case 50 including a base 52 and a
cover 54. Although various configurations are contemplated, the
tool case 50 is generally rectangular in shape with the cover 54
including a pair of angled surfaces 56 extending a length of the
cover 54.
[0029] The cover also includes a top surface 58 configured with a
handle 60. The handle 60 can be made to rotate with respect to the
cover 54 and can be folded within a rectangular recess formed in
the top surface 58. The cover 54 further includes a pair of
projecting surfaces 62 (only one depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2), each
extending from an end of the cover 54. The projecting surface 62 is
keyed and forms one component of a latching assembly used to retain
the cover 54 on the base 52.
[0030] As can be best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4-7, the cover 54 can be
completely removed from the base 52. Moreover, base 52 includes
rotatable latch arms 70 which engage the projecting surface 62 of
the cover 52 in a locking arrangement. When the cover 54 is
attached to the base 52, the latch arms 70 overlap and lock with
the projecting surfaces 62. To remove the cover 54, the latch arms
70 can be rotated out from engagement with the projecting surface
62. Other locking arrangements are contemplated as well for
providing access to an interior of the tool case including a
conventional hinge arrangement (not shown) permitting the cover 54
to be rotated away from the base 52.
[0031] In one particular embodiment, the cover is formed from clear
or translucent material. Thus, the translucent cover allows one to
make a quick inventory of the contents of the tool case. It is also
contemplated, however, that the cover can be made from opaque
materials.
[0032] Referring specifically now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 52
further includes a top surface 80 defining a plurality of
compartments or recesses for receiving storage racks or trays 90.
Various bosses and tabs 91 (See FIG. 3) can be formed on the top
surface 80 to aid in securing the racks 90 in place. The base also
is equipped with a drawer 92 (shown in a closed position). A
cut-out 94 formed in the drawer 90 provides structure for
facilitating grabbing and sliding the drawer to open and closed
positions. The drawer 92 provides a space for storing hand tools or
the like.
[0033] The storage racks or trays 90 define modular components
which can be removed from the tool case 50. Each of the racks can
have different configurations if necessary. That is, one rack 90
can define a two-step structure 96, the steps having various
shapes, sizes and depths of slots, holes and recesses 98. Other
racks 90 can have three or more such steps 100 or can in fact, have
a single platform (not shown). The slots, holes and recesses can
also be of a uniform shape and depth if necessary. Such slots,
holes and recesses are intended to receive and hold various tools
such as drill bits and other rotary tools 110.
[0034] Each of the racks 90 can further be equipped with a handle
112 extending from a top surface. The handle provides a convenient
way of removing the racks 90 from the base 52 of the tool case 50.
The racks 90 are further contemplated to include mounting structure
120 (See FIG. 3) formed on a back surface of the rack 90. The
mounting structure 120 can be in the form of one or more recesses
for receiving a wall mount or can define a conventional hook or
latch or equivalent structure. In this way, the racks or trays 90
can be removed or replaced within the tool case 50 using the handle
112. Further, the racks 90 can be stored or displayed separately at
a work bench or station utilizing the mounting structure 120.
[0035] Therefore, the tool case 50 of the present invention
provides a versatile storage device. The modular components can be
held within and carried to a work site or selected of the
components can be separately displayed at a work bench. The
translucent cover allows one to view the contents of the tool case
and is removable to provide easy access to the stored tools.
Further, the entirety of the tool case can be made from light
weight materials such as plastics or can be formed from various
combinations of materials thus making the device easy to
transport.
[0036] It will be appreciated that, in the embodiment described
above, when a user lifts a closed tool case containing the tools,
the gravitational weight of the entire case and its contents flows,
via rotatable latch arms 70 and projecting surfaces 62 into the
cover, and then into the handle 60 from which the tool case may be
suspended. Where the cover is made of lightweight translucent
material, it is possible that such material may not possess great
structural strength in comparison with more robust conventional but
opaque materials. Thus, where the required structure provides for a
translucent cover, that aspect may limit the maximum weight of the
tool case as in the above embodiment.
[0037] Thus, in a further embodiment, the tool case of the present
invention may be configured to withstand a heavier load than would
otherwise be possible under the configuration of the previous
embodiment, by arranging for the gravitational load that flows in
the structure of the case, when the case is lifted up by the
handle, to substantially bypass the cover and to flow from the base
directly into the handle.
[0038] In order to achieve this advantage, a tool case 200 of a
further preferred embodiment is configured, as exemplified in FIGS.
8-12 to have a base 202 and a removable cover 204 adapted to
lockably engage with the base 202. Engagement between cover and
base may be arranged, as in the previous embodiment, between
rotatable latch arms 70 on the base, and projecting surfaces 62 on
the cover in a locking arrangement. However, in the present
embodiment, the cover 204, instead of having a handle attached to
an upper surface, defines an opening 206 shaped to permit a handle
208 attached to the base 202 to pass through the opening 206. Thus,
when the cover 204 is lifted from the base 202, the handle remains
with the base, as exemplified in FIG. 9.
[0039] In one aspect of the invention exemplified in more detail in
FIG. 10, the handle 208 may be configured in relation to the base
202 as follows. Two vertical elongate support elements 210 may be
rigidly connected to the floor 212 of the base. Such connection is
preferably achieved by one-piece molding of tubes 213 to the base.
Each support element 210 has one end inserted in a tube 213, the
other end extending upward. The lower end of the support element
may be held in place by a bolt or screw (not shown) inserted from
below into the floor 212 of the base 202 upward into the lower tip
of the support element 210. While the bolt or screw provides
structure to carry the weight of the base into the support
elements, the tubes 213 provide structure for resisting bending of
the support elements in relation to the base. In a preferred
aspect, the support elements 210 have a length that allows them to
protrude to a point just beyond an upper surface 214 of the cover
204 when the cover is attached to the base 202. Thus, terminal
points 216 of the support elements are positioned just on the
outside of the cover when the cover is attached to the base. The
handle 208 may be rotatably connected to the terminal points 216 of
the support elements 210 by conventional means 218 such as screws,
rivets, or pins. It will be appreciated that, when the cover 204 is
attached to the base 202, the described configuration permits the
handle to be rotated through an angle of about 180 degrees without
interference from the cover. In a preferred embodiment, the cover
202 defines a recess 220 to permit the handle to be folded
horizontally to rest on the cover within the space of the recess
220. In this folded configuration the handle is located entirely
inside an outer profile of the cover, as exemplified in FIGS. 11
and 12, thus allowing a plurality of cases to be stacked upon one
another during storage or shipping.
[0040] Thus, the described embodiment is configured so that, when
the closed tool case 200 is lifted by the handle 208, the
gravitational load of the case and its contents flows into the
floor 212 of the base, thence into the support elements 210, and
thence into the handle 208 from which it is held by the user.
Accordingly, the gravitational load path of the contents of the
tool case substantially bypasses the cover 204. It will be
appreciated that this characteristic allows the cover to be
manufactured of lightweight translucent material that is not
required to be significantly load bearing. This feature allows
greater flexibility to choose suitable materials for the cover, and
also provides a versatile and robust case capable of carrying
larger loads than would otherwise be possible. It will be
appreciated that the tool case of latter embodiment may include any
of the advantageous features described in the tool case of the
former embodiment, such as removable storage racks 90', configured
to fit the present embodiment, and including steps 96' and recesses
98' for holding tools.
[0041] Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while
particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, various modifications can be made without parting from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *