U.S. patent application number 12/022562 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-31 for electrician's bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to Union Rich USA. Invention is credited to Matthew G. Williams.
Application Number | 20080179370 12/022562 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39666809 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080179370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Matthew G. |
July 31, 2008 |
ELECTRICIAN'S BAG
Abstract
An electrician tool bag configured to retain tools in a readily
accessible manner. In particular, the electrician tool bag may be
formed from a tool bag body defining a main compartment formed from
a plurality of outer sidewalls and a bottom wall. The electrician
tool bag may include a support structure that maintains the
sidewalls in a generally erect position in which the main
compartment maintains an opening opposite to the bottom wall. The
electrician tool bag may include a first sidewall having a first
breakline about which the first sidewall is foldable and a second
sidewall that is opposite to the first sidewall includes a second
breakline about which the first sidewall is foldable thereby
enabling the first and second sidewalls to be folded to reduce the
size of the main compartment by moving third and fourth sidewalls
toward each other.
Inventors: |
Williams; Matthew G.;
(Lighthouse Point, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AKERMAN SENTERFITT
P.O. BOX 3188
WEST PALM BEACH
FL
33402-3188
US
|
Assignee: |
Union Rich USA
Pompano Beach
FL
|
Family ID: |
39666809 |
Appl. No.: |
12/022562 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60887479 |
Jan 31, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/682 ;
224/191 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/02 20130101; A45C
3/00 20130101; A45C 2013/026 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/682 ;
224/191 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1. An electrician tool bag, comprising: a tool bag body defining a
main compartment formed from a plurality of outer sidewalls and a
bottom wall that is generally orthogonal to the outer sidewalls; a
support structure included within the tool bag body that maintains
the sidewalls in a generally erect position in which the main
compartment maintains an opening opposite to the bottom wall;
wherein a first sidewall includes a first breakline about which the
first sidewall is foldable and a second sidewall that is opposite
to the first sidewall includes a second breakline about which the
first sidewall is foldable thereby enabling the first and second
sidewalls to be folded to reduce the size of the main compartment
by moving third and fourth sidewalls that separate the first and
second sidewalls toward each other.
2. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, wherein the first breakline
is positioned generally at a midpoint of the first sidewall and
extends generally from an intersection of the first sidewall and
the bottom wall to an upper edge of the first sidewall.
3. The electrician tool bag of claim 2, wherein the second
breakline is positioned generally at a midpoint of the second
sidewall and extends generally from an intersection of the second
sidewall and the bottom wall to an upper edge of the second
sidewall.
4. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall is
flexible thereby enabling the bottom wall to be folded when the
first and second sidewalls are folded to reduce the size of the
main compartment.
5. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, wherein the support
structure in the tool bag is a plurality of rigid boards that
retain a planar configuration and wherein each of the outer
sidewalls includes at least one rigid board attached to the outer
sidewall.
6. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, further comprising a
removable compartment wall in the main compartment.
7. The electrician tool bag of claim 6, wherein the removable
compartment wall is attached to the sidewalls forming the main
compartment with hook and loop connectors.
8. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, wherein the removable
compartment wall further comprises a PE board and bamboo.
9. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of exterior compartments extending outwardly from an
outer surface of the outer sidewalls.
10. The electrician tool bag of claim 9, wherein exterior
compartments are formed from double layers of fabric.
11. The electrician tool bag of claim 1, wherein the tool bag is
formed from four outer sidewalls, wherein first and second
sidewalls are positioned opposite each other and third and fourth
sidewalls are positioned opposite each other and generally
orthogonal to the first and second sidewalls, wherein the first and
second sidewalls are shorter than the third and fourth
sidewalls.
12. The electrician tool bag of claim 11, wherein the first and
second sidewalls are formed from rigid boards formed of fabric
covered three millimeter PE boards, and wherein the third and
fourth sidewalls are formed from rigid boards formed from fabric
covered two millimeter PE boards.
13. The electrician tool bag of claim 12, further comprising a
bottom support wall that is attached to the tool bag body at an
intersection between an outer sidewall and the bottom wall, thereby
permitting the bottom support wall to be pivoted relative to the
intersection to place the bottom support wall in a support position
in which the bottom support wall is generally aligned with the
bottom wall and in a collapsible position in which the bottom
support wall extends generally orthogonal from the bottom wall,
thereby permitting the main compartment to be reduced.
14. The electrician tool bag of claim 13, wherein the bottom
support wall is formed from a fabric covered 1.5 millimeter PE
board.
15. The electrician tool bag of claim 11, wherein the third and
fourth sidewalls each have an upper edge that is generally aligned
with the bottom wall of the tool bag and includes tapered corners
forming a three-sided upper edge.
16. An electrician tool bag, comprising: a tool bag body defining a
main compartment formed from a plurality of outer sidewalls and a
bottom wall that is generally orthogonal to the outer sidewalls; a
support structure included within the tool bag body that maintains
the sidewalls in a generally erect position in which the main
compartment maintains an opening opposite to the bottom wall;
wherein a first sidewall includes a first breakline about which the
first sidewall is foldable and a second sidewall that is opposite
to the first sidewall includes a second breakline about which the
first sidewall is foldable thereby enabling the first and second
sidewalls to be folded to reduce the size of the main compartment
by moving third and fourth sidewalls that separate the first and
second sidewalls toward each other; wherein the bottom wall is
flexible thereby enabling the bottom wall to be folded when the
first and second sidewalls are folded to reduce the size of the
main compartment; a removable compartment wall in the main
compartment; and a bottom support wall that is attached to the tool
bag body at an intersection between an outer sidewall and the
bottom wall, thereby permitting the bottom support wall to be
pivoted relative to the intersection to place the bottom support
wall in a support position in which the bottom support wall is
generally aligned with the bottom wall and in a collapsible
position in which the bottom support wall extends generally
orthogonal from the bottom wall, thereby permitting the main
compartment to be reduced.
17. The electrician tool bag of claim 16, wherein the first
breakline is positioned generally at a midpoint of the first
sidewall and extends generally from an intersection of the first
sidewall and the bottom wall to an upper edge of the first
sidewall, and the second breakline is positioned generally at a
midpoint of the second sidewall and extends generally from an
intersection of the second sidewall and the bottom wall to an upper
edge of the second sidewall.
18. The electrician tool bag of claim 16, wherein the tool bag is
formed from four outer sidewalls, wherein first and second
sidewalls are positioned opposite each other and third and fourth
sidewalls are positioned opposite each other and generally
orthogonal to the first and second sidewalls, wherein the first and
second sidewalls are shorter than the third and fourth
sidewalls.
19. The electrician tool bag of claim 16, wherein the third and
fourth sidewalls each have an upper edge that is generally aligned
with the bottom wall of the tool bag and includes tapered corners
forming a three-sided upper edge.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/887,479, filed Jan. 31, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention is directed generally to a tradesman's tool
bag, and more particularly to a tool bag configured to organize and
contain tools commonly used by electricians.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Tradesman have typically used many different devices to
contain their tools. Some of these devices include metal tool
boxes, wooden tool boxes, five gallon buckets and other such
devices. While the rigidity and ruggedness of these devices has
proved useful for the rough environment in which these devices are
used, these devices lack individualized compartments. In addition,
the rigid devices are often not easy to store within vehicles and
other areas because of the rigidity. Thus, an improved tradesman
tool system is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention is directed to an electrician tool bag
configured to retain tools in a readily accessible manner. In
particular, the electrician tool bag may be formed from a tool bag
body defining a main compartment formed from a plurality of outer
sidewalls and a bottom wall that is generally orthogonal to the
outer sidewalls. The outer sidewalls may form a rectangular
structure, and, in at least one embodiment, may form a square
structure. The electrician tool bag may include a support structure
within the tool bag body that maintains the sidewalls in a
generally erect position in which the main compartment maintains an
opening opposite to the bottom wall. The electrician tool bag may
include a first sidewall that includes a first breakline about
which the first sidewall is foldable. The electrician tool bag may
also include a second sidewall that is opposite to the first
sidewall and includes a second breakline about which the first
sidewall is foldable thereby enabling the first and second
sidewalls to be folded to reduce the size of the main compartment
by moving third and fourth sidewalls that separate the first and
second sidewalls toward each other. The flexibility of the
electrician tool bag to reduce the size of the main compartment
enables a greater number of electrician tool bags to be packed in a
shipping box and reduces the amount of costly shelf space needed
for the electrician tool bag.
[0005] The first breakline may be positioned generally at a
midpoint of the first sidewall and may extend generally from an
intersection of the first sidewall and the bottom wall to an upper
edge of the first sidewall. The second breakline may be positioned
generally at a midpoint of the second sidewall and extends
generally from an intersection of the second sidewall and the
bottom wall to an upper edge of the second sidewall. The bottom
wall may be flexible thereby enabling the bottom wall to be folded
when the first and second sidewalls are folded to reduce the size
of the main compartment. The support structure in the tool bag may
be a plurality of rigid boards that retain a planar configuration
and wherein each of the outer sidewalls may include at least one
rigid board attached to the outer sidewall.
[0006] The electrician tool bag may also include a removable
compartment wall in the main compartment. The removable compartment
wall may be attached to the sidewalls forming the main compartment
with hook and loop connectors. The removable compartment wall may
include a PE board and bamboo. A plurality of exterior compartments
may extend outwardly from an outer surface of the outer sidewalls.
The exterior compartments may be formed from double layers of
fabric.
[0007] The tool bag may be formed from four outer sidewalls,
wherein first and second sidewalls are positioned opposite each
other and third and fourth sidewalls are positioned opposite each
other and generally orthogonal to the first and second sidewalls,
wherein the first and second sidewalls are shorter than the third
and fourth sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls may be formed
from rigid boards formed of fabric covered three millimeter PE
boards, and the third and fourth sidewalls may be formed from rigid
boards formed from fabric covered two millimeter PE boards.
[0008] The electrician tool bag may also include a bottom support
wall that is attached to the tool bag body at an intersection
between an outer sidewall and the bottom wall, thereby permitting
the bottom support wall to be pivoted relative to the intersection
to place the bottom support wall in a support position in which the
bottom support wall is generally aligned with the bottom wall and
in a collapsible position in which the bottom support wall extends
generally orthogonal from the bottom wall, thereby permitting the
main compartment to be reduced. The bottom support wall may be
formed from a fabric covered 1.5 millimeter PE board. The third and
fourth sidewalls may each have an upper edge that is generally
aligned with the bottom wall of the tool bag and may include
tapered corners forming a three-sided upper edge.
[0009] An advantage of the electrician tool bag is that the sides
are rigid yet include breaklines enabling the electrician tool bag
to be folded for easier storage, shipping, and display while on
sale.
[0010] Another advantage of the electrician tool bag is that the
tool bag includes a removable compartment wall in the main
compartment that enables the size of the main compartment to be
customized.
[0011] These and other advantages and components will be described
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the
presently disclosed invention and, together with the description,
disclose the principles of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrician tool bag with
aspects of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the electrician
tool bag shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a left side view of the electrician tool bag.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the electrician tool bag.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the electrician tool bag.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top view of the electrician tool bag.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the electrician tool bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, this invention is directed to an
electrician tool bag 10 configured to retain tools in a readily
accessible manner. In particular, the electrician tool bag 10 may
be formed from a tool bag body 12 defining a main compartment 14
formed from a plurality of outer sidewalls 16 and a bottom wall 18
that is generally orthogonal to the outer sidewalls 16. The outer
sidewalls 16 may form a rectangular structure, and, in at least one
embodiment, may form a square structure. The electrician tool bag
10 may include a support structure 34 within the tool bag body 12
that maintains the sidewalls 16 in a generally erect position in
which the main compartment 14 maintains an opening 20 opposite to
the bottom wall 18. The electrician tool bag 10 may include a first
sidewall 22 that includes a first breakline 24 about which the
first sidewall 22 is foldable. The electrician tool bag 10 may also
include a second sidewall 26 that is opposite to the first sidewall
22 and includes a second breakline 28 about which the first
sidewall 22 is foldable thereby enabling the first and second
sidewalls 22, 26 to be folded to reduce the size of the main
compartment 14 by moving third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 that
separate the first and second sidewalls 22, 26 toward each other.
The flexibility of the electrician tool bag 10 to reduce the size
of the main compartment 14 enables a greater number of electrician
tool bags 10 to be packed in a shipping box and reduces the amount
of costly shelf space needed for the electrician tool bag 10.
[0021] The electrician tool bag 10 may be formed from one or more
layers of a fabric. For instance, the electrician tool bag 10 may
be formed from a durable fabric such as, but not limited to,
CORDURA, SPUNTUFF, and other appropriate fabrics. The multiple
layers of fabric may be stitched, welded, or attached together
through other appropriate manners. The tool bag body 12 may be
constructed such that the fabric layers form the outer surfaces of
the electrician tool bag 10 and enclose the support structure
34.
[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrician tool bag 10 may
be formed from four outer sidewalls 16. In particular, the outer
sidewalls 16 may be formed from a first sidewall 22 that is
opposite to a second sidewall 26. The outer sidewalls 16 may also
include third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 that are opposite to each
other and generally orthogonal to the first and second sidewalls
22, 26. The first sidewall 22 may be attached to the third and
fourth sidewalls 30, 32, and the second sidewall 26 may be attached
to the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 or opposite to the first
sidewall 22. One or more of the outer sidewalls 16 may include
portions of the support structure 34. In at least one embodiment,
the support structure 34 may be rigid boards that retain a planar
configuration. One or more of the outer sidewalls 16 may be formed
from an inner fabric layer, an outer fabric layer, and a rigid
board positioned between the inner and outer fabric layers. The
support members may be formed from materials, such as, but not
limited to, a polyethylene (PE) board, such as, but not limited to,
a high density polyethylene (HDPE) board. In one embodiment, the
first and second sidewalls 22, 26 may be formed from rigid boards
formed of fabric covered three millimeter thick PE boards, and the
third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 may be formed from rigid boards
formed from fabric covered two thick millimeter PE boards.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the first sidewall 22 may
include the first breakline 24. The first breakline 24 may extend
from an intersection of the first sidewall 22 and the bottom wall
18 to an upper edge 36 of the first sidewall 22. The first
breakline 24 may be positioned at a midpoint of the first sidewall
22. The first breakline 24 may be formed from fabric and may be a
break in the support structure 34 contained in the fabric forming
the first sidewall 22. For instance, the first sidewall 22 may be
formed from layers of fabric covering two boards. The boards may be
aligned with each other and separated by a small gap that forms the
first breakline 24. Similarly, the second breakline 28 may extend
from an intersection of the second sidewall 26 and the bottom wall
18 to an upper edge 38 of the second sidewall 26. The second
breakline 28 may be positioned at a midpoint of the second sidewall
26. The second sidewall 26 may be formed from fabric and may be a
break in the support structure 34 contained in the fabric forming
the second sidewall 26. For instance, the second sidewall 26 may be
formed from layers of fabric covering two boards. The boards may be
aligned with each other and separated by a small gap that forms the
second breakline 28. The bottom wall 18 may be formed from fabric
that is flexible that enables the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32
to be moved toward each other to reduce the size of the main
compartment 14.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrician tool bag 10 may include
a removable compartment wall 40 in the main compartment 14. The
removable compartment wall 40 may act as a divider to divide the
main compartment 14 to organize tools. The removable compartment
wall 40 may be removably attached to the sidewalls 16 forming the
main compartment 14 with devices such as, but not limited to, hook
and loop connectors and other appropriate connectors. The hook and
loop connectors may be attached to side and bottom edges of the
removable compartment wall 40. The removable compartment wall 40
may be formed from a fabric covered board. The removable
compartment wall 40 may also include one or more tool loops 42 and
a tool pouch 44. In one embodiment, the removable compartment wall
40 may be formed from a PE board or bamboo, or a combination of
both. The PE board may be about 1.5 millimeters in thickness. Inner
surfaces of the main compartment 14 may also include tool loops
42.
[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the electrician tool bag 10 may
include one or more exterior compartments 46 extending outwardly
from an outer surface of the outer sidewalls 16. In one embodiment,
each side of the electrician tool bag 10 may include exterior
compartments 46 protruding from the electrician tool bag 10. In one
embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 22, 26 each may include
a single exterior compartment 46 with a lid. The single exterior
compartments 46 may also include a logo display panel 48 that may
include an embroidered logo. The third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32
may include a plurality of exterior compartments 46. In particular,
the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 may each include a first row
of two compartments attached to the sidewalls 30, 32 and a second
row of two compartments attached to an outer surface of the first
row of compartments. The exterior compartments 46 may be
constructed from double layers of fabric. In addition, the exterior
compartments 46 may be constructed such that a length of the fabric
used to create each compartment 46 is longer than a distance
between points of attachment of the fabric, thereby causing
openings 50 of the exterior compartments 46 to stand open. As shown
in FIGS. 2 and 3, the electrician tool bag 10 may also include
other attachment implements, such as, a tape measure connector 52,
a D-ring 54, a releasable snap loop 56, and other appropriate
implements.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 6, the electrician tool bag 10 may further
include a bottom support wall 58 that is attached to the tool bag
body at an intersection 60 between an outer sidewall 16 and the
bottom wall 18, thereby permitting the bottom support wall 58 to be
pivoted relative to the intersection 60. The bottom support wall 58
may be rigid and may be formed from a fabric covered 1.5 millimeter
PE board. The bottom support wall 58 may be moved between a support
position in which the bottom support wall 58 is generally aligned
with the bottom wall 18 and a collapsible position in which the
bottom support wall 58 extends generally orthogonal from the bottom
wall 18, thereby permitting the size of the main compartment 14 to
be reduced by moving the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 towards
each other. When the bottom support wall 58 is moved into the
downward position that is generally aligned with the bottom wall
18, the bottom support wall 58 forms a rigid bottom surface for the
main compartment 14.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32
may each have an upper edge 62 that is generally aligned with the
bottom wall 18 of the tool bag 10 and includes tapered corners 64,
66 forming a three-sided upper edge. Handles 68 may be attached to
the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32 proximate to the upper edges
62 of the third and fourth sidewalls 30, 32. The handles 68 may be
formed from a fabric. The handles 68 may also include a portion in
the middle of the handles 68 in which the fabric is folded onto
itself and wrapped around a cushion material for comfort while
carrying the tool bag 10.
[0028] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of this invention.
* * * * *