U.S. patent application number 13/385887 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for tool box storage assembly.
Invention is credited to Larry Mitchell Grela, Edwin Dizon Manalang.
Application Number | 20120176008 13/385887 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42711950 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120176008 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Grela; Larry Mitchell ; et
al. |
July 12, 2012 |
Tool box storage assembly
Abstract
A storage assembly 10 which has a plurality of unique storage
components 12, 14, and 800 which may be selectively connected in
order to provide an optimal storage solution for a wide variety of
applications.
Inventors: |
Grela; Larry Mitchell;
(Plainfield, IL) ; Manalang; Edwin Dizon;
(Burbank, IL) |
Family ID: |
42711950 |
Appl. No.: |
13/385887 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12456414 |
Jun 16, 2009 |
8157337 |
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13385887 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/109 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/021 20130101;
B25H 3/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
312/109 |
International
Class: |
A47B 81/00 20060101
A47B081/00; A47B 88/04 20060101 A47B088/04 |
Claims
1) A toolbox assembly comprising a first cabinet assembly; a
plurality of wheels which are operatively coupled to said first
cabinet assembly; a second cabinet assembly which is removably and
selectively coupled to a first surface of said first cabinet
assembly; and a hutch which is removably and selectively coupled to
a second surface of the first cabinet assembly; and an electrical
power outlet disposed within said assembly, wherein said cabinet
assembly includes a pair of internal pockets; at least one door; a
pair of linearly coextensive and substantially similar tracks of
fasteners which are disposed upon said at least one door; and a
member having a first flat surface with at least one opening, a
second open surface, and a third surface having openings which are
complementary to said fasteners which are deployed upon said tracks
and which cooperatively allow said member to be selectively and
removably attached to a desired location upon said part of fastener
tracks in one of two distinct and selected positions and wherein
said The toolbox assembly further comprising a first trough member
which removably resides within a first of said pair of internal
pockets; and a second trough member which removably resides within
a second of said pair of internal pockets.
2) The toolbox assembly of claim 1 wherein said first cabinet
assembly includes a hollow cubic shaped body having a raised edge
and said assembly further includes a plate having a hooked edge
which receives said raised edge and wherein said plate is coupled
to said first cabinet assembly and to said side cabinet assembly,
thereby coupling said first cabinet assembly to said side cabinet
assembly.
3) The toolbox assembly of claim 2 wherein said hutch includes a
hollow body including a first side drawer which is removably
deployed which said hollow body and a second side drawer which is
movably deployed with said hollow body and which is selectively and
removably nestled with said first side drawer and which contains an
electrical power outlet.
4) The toolbox assembly of claim 3 wherein said second side drawer
contains a source of electrical power which is coupled to said
electrical power outlet.
5) The toolbox assembly of claim 4 wherein said first side drawer
contains a pegboard which selectively overlays said electrical
power outlet when said second side drawer is nestled into said
first side drawer.
6) The toolbox assembly of claim 5 wherein said first cabinet
assembly includes a movable back door having a bottom edge and
wherein said first cabinet assembly further comprises a trough
member which is coupled to said bottom edge of said back door and
which provides a tool reception groove which resides below said
first cabinet assembly.
7) The toolbox assembly of claim 6 wherein said back door includes
two opposed side surfaces and wherein each of said two opposed side
surfaces include a unique pair of tracks, of identical fasteners
and wherein each of said identical fasteners including a flat base
and a second portion which cooperates with said flat base to form a
groove and wherein said toolbox assembly further includes a storage
member having two opposed and notched ends, said notched ends being
adapted to frictionally fit within unique grooves which are
respectively formed by a unique pair of said tracks.
8) The toolbox assembly of claim 7 further comprising a third
movable drawer which is deployed within said hutch and which
includes a flat front surface and an angled portion which has a
flat reception surface and which forms an acute angle with said
flat front surface and which has a trough portion into which said
flat reception portion terminates, wherein said flat reception
surface includes a plurality of substantially identical holes; and
a bracket having a plurality of fasteners which are each
respectively, selectively, fixedly, and removably are placed with a
unique one of said plurality of substantially identical holes on
said flat reception portion and wherein said bracket includes a top
storage portion.
9) The toolbox assembly of claim 8 wherein said top portion
comprises a plurality of substantially identical pins.
10) The toolbox assembly of claim 9 wherein said plurality of
substantially identical pins has a flat top portion.
11) A toolbox assembly comprising a first cabinet; a plurality of
wheels which are operatively coupled to said first cabinet
assembly; and a side cabinet assembly which is couples to said
first cabinet assembly and which includes an internal storage
cavity and a door which is selectively movable from a first closed
position to a second extended position and wherein said door
includes a back surface which communicates with said internal
storage cavity when said door is placed in said closed position and
which includes a pair of substantially similar, parallel and
linearly coextensive tracks of fasteners which are disposed upon
said back surface of said door; and a first and second storage tray
which are selectively and removably coupled to said tracks of
fasteners and wherein each of said first and second trays include a
flat attachment surface having openings which are complementary to
said fasteners and which respectively allow said first and second
trays to be placed at any respectively desired location upon said
tracks and wherein said first tray has pairs of flexible arms which
terminate into and which project from said respective flat
attachment surface and wherein said second tray includes a flat
surface having a plurality of openings which integrally terminate
into said respective flat attachment surface.
12) The toolbox assembly of claim 11 wherein said first cabinet
includes an internal storage cavity; a second door having a back
surface and wherein said door is movable from a first open position
in which access to said cavity is allowed to a second closed
position; a second pair of tracks of said fasteners deployed upon
said back surface of said second door; and at least a third tray
which is selectively and removably coupled to said second pair of
fastener tracks.
13) The toolbox assembly of claim 12 further comprising a hutch
which is coupled to said first cabinet and wherein said side
cabinet assembly includes a second drawer having a top pegboard
surface and movable from a first closed position to a second open
position.
14) The toolbox assembly of claim 13 wherein said hutch includes a
storage cavity and further comprises a drawer which is movably
disposed within said storage cavity and which contains a
pegboard.
15) The toolbox assembly of claim 14 further comprises a second
drawer which is movably disposed wherein said hutch and which
contains an electrical power outlet and which is selectively
received by said drawer.
16) A toolbox assembly comprising a base storage assembly having a
hollow body with an internal cavity, said assembly having movable
top drawer and a movable top member wherein said top drawer
includes a storage cavity which is accessible when said top drawer
is selectively moved out of said internal cavity and when said top
member is selectively moved away from said body; a side storage
assembly which is coupled to said base assembly; and a hutch which
is removably coupled to said base storage assembly and which
includes a flat shelf; and a bracket having a first flat top
surface which is coupled to said flat shelf and further having a
first surface forming an obtuse angle which said top surface and
including a plurality of dissimilar openings, said bracket further
having a ledge portion which angularly projects from said first
surface and which includes a plurality of notches which each have a
center which is each respectively aligned with a unique center of
one of said plurality of dissimilar openings, and wherein said
bracket includes a second surface which terminate into and projects
from said top surface and which forms an acute angle with said top
surface; and said bracket further including a member which couples
said first and second surface.
17) The toolbox assembly of claim 16 further comprising a second
bracket disposed within said hutch and having a flat bottom surface
and three distinct surfaces which are each respectively positioned
at a unique distance above said bottom surface and which each
include a plurality of openings.
18) The toolbox assembly of claim 17 wherein said bottom surface
comprises two portions which are joined by a hinge.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/456,414 which was filed on Jun. 16, 2009
and from which priority is claimed.
GENERAL BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a tool box
storage assembly and more particularly to a tool box storage
assembly having components which cooperatively allow the assembly
to be selectively formed in a wide variety of configurations to
meet the needs of a diverse group of users and applications.
[0004] 2. General Background
[0005] Toolbox storage assemblies are generally used to selectively
store tools and other items in order to allow these stored tools
and other items to be selectively retrieved for use in certain
applications. After use they must be restored until needed again.
One non-limiting example of such an application involves the
selective storing and use of automotive tools.
[0006] While such toolbox assemblies do allow certain items to be
stored and later retrieved, they suffer from some drawbacks. By way
of example and without limitation, these prior and current toolbox
assemblies are usually of a fixed configuration and while this
storage configuration may be fine for a certain type or amount of
items, it may be unsuitable for other applications having different
numbers and shapes of tools and implements. Change over time and a
"fixed type" configuration may need to be replaced over time,
thereby undesirably increasing cost and expense to the user. These
prior and current toolbox assemblies are not readily adapted to
address the needs of a wide variety of dissimilar applications and
therefore their overall utility is impaired.
[0007] There is therefore a need for and it is a non-limiting
object of the present inventions to provide a tool box assembly
which may have a variety of selectable storage configurations which
allow the tool box assembly to serve the needs of a wide variety of
dissimilar applications and users and to meet the ever-changing
needs of a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is a first non-limiting object of the present invention
to provide a tool box assembly which overcomes some or all of the
previously delineated drawbacks of prior and currently utilized
tool box assemblies.
[0009] It is a second non-limiting object of the present invention
to provide a tool box assembly which overcomes some or all of the
previously delineated drawbacks of prior and currently utilized
tool box assemblies and which, by way of example and without
limitation, allow a variety of dissimilar applications and needs to
be addressed.
[0010] It is a third non-limiting object of the present invention
to provide a tool box assembly which allows for the selective use
of a base storage component and at least one of a top and a side
storage component, each of the top and side components being
adapted to be easily and removably attached to the base storage
component.
[0011] According to a first non-limiting aspect of the present
invention, a tool box assembly is provided and includes a first
cabinet assembly; a plurality of wheels which are operatively
coupled to the first cabinet assembly; a second cabinet assembly
which is removably and selectively coupled to a first surface of
the first cabinet assembly; and a hutch which is removably and
selectively coupled to a second surface of the first cabinet
assembly.
[0012] According to a second non-limiting aspect of the present
invention, a tool box assembly is provided and includes a first
cabinet assembly; a plurality of wheels which are operatively
coupled to the first cabinet assembly; and a side cabinet assembly
which is selectively coupled to the first cabinet assembly and
which includes an internal storage cavity and a door which is
selectively movable from a first closed position to a second
extended position and wherein the door includes a back surface
which communicates with the internal storage cavity when the door
is placed in the closed position and which includes a pair of
substantially similar and linearly coextensive tracks; and a
plurality of trays which are selectively and removably coupled to
the tracks, and wherein at least one of the plurality of trays has
a first top surface which has a plurality of holes and a second
open bottom surface.
[0013] According to a third non-limiting aspect of the present
invention, a tool box assembly is provided and includes a base
portion having a plurality of stacked drawers which are each
selectively movable from a first respective closed position to a
second respective open position, wherein the base portion includes
an internal cavity into which the plurality of drawers are movably
disposed; a side door which is selectively movable from a first
closed position in which the door overlays the plurality of drawers
and cooperates with the plurality of drawers to form an internal
storage cavity, to second open position in access to the internal
storage cavity is allowed; a plurality of wheels which are coupled
to the base portion; and a top hutch portion which is removably
attached to the base portion.
[0014] These and various other aspects, advantages, and objects of
the various inventions will become apparent from a reading of the
detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention,
including but not limited to the subjoined claims, and by reference
to the included drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool box storage assembly
which is made in accordance with the teachings of a preferred,
although non-limiting, invention and which further depicts the
selective combination of a bottom cabinet and a side cabinet
assembly which are each made in accordance with the teachings of
the preferred embodiment of the inventions.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the side cabinet assembly
which is shown in FIG. 1 in a selective open position.
[0017] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a side cabinet assembly which
is made in accordance with the teachings of an alternate embodiment
of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the side cabinet which is
shown in FIG. 3 in a selective open position.
[0019] FIG. 5 is perspective unassembled view of the bottom and
side cabinets which are shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective unassembled view of the bottom and
side cabinets which are made in accordance with the teachings of an
alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a fragmented enlarged view taken around Fragment
"7".
[0022] FIG. 8 is a fragmented enlarged view taken around Fragment
"8".
[0023] FIG. 9 is a fragmented enlarged portion of the mated side
and bottom cabinets.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a partially unassembled perspective view of the
bottom cabinet which is shown in FIG. 1 and further shown in a
selective open position.
[0025] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective and unassembled view of a
portion of the bottom cabinet which is shown in FIG. 10.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a view taken in the direction of view arrow
"12".
[0027] FIG. 13 is a view similar to that which is shown in FIG. 10
but with the drawers removed.
[0028] FIG. 14 is an unassembled perspective view of a first
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 15 is an unassembled perspective view of a second
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 16 is an unassembled perspective view of a third
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0031] FIG. 17 is an unassembled and perspective view of a fourth
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0032] FIG. 18 is an unassembled and perspective view of a fifth
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0033] FIG. 19 is an unassembled and perspective view a sixth
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0034] FIG. 20 is an unassembled and perspective view of a seventh
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0035] FIG. 21 is an unassembled and perspective view an eighth
portion of a locking assembly which may be selectively and
operatively deployed within the bottom cabinet portion which is
shown in FIG. 13.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the bottom cabinet which is
shown in FIG. 10 and further showing the back door being
selectively opened.
[0037] FIG. 23 is an unassembled perspective view of back door
portion which is shown in FIG. 22.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a tool box assembly which
is made in accordance with the teachings of an alternate and
non-limiting embodiment of the inventions.
[0039] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the tool box assembly which
is shown in FIG. 24 and shown in a selective open position.
[0040] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the top or hutch portion of
the tool box assembly which is made in accordance with the
teachings of an alternate and non-limiting embodiment of the
invention.
[0041] FIG. 27 is a perspective and enlarged view of a portion of
the hutch portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0042] FIG. 28 is a perspective and enlarged view of a second
portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0043] FIG. 29 is a perspective and enlarged view of a third
portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0044] FIG. 30 is a side view of the third portion which is shown
in FIG. 29.
[0045] FIG. 31 is a perspective and enlarged view of a fourth
portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0046] FIG. 32 is a side view of the fourth portion which is shown
in FIG. 31.
[0047] FIG. 33 is a perspective and enlarged and unassembled view
of a fifth portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG.
26.
[0048] FIG. 34 is a side view of the fifth portion which is shown
in FIG. 33.
[0049] FIG. 35 is a perspective and enlarged and unassembled view
of a sixth portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG.
26.
[0050] FIG. 36 is a side view of the sixth portion which is shown
in FIG. 35.
[0051] FIG. 37 is a perspective and enlarged and unassembled view
of a seventh portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG.
26.
[0052] FIG. 38 is an enlarged view of a portion of the seventh
portion which is shown in FIG. 37.
[0053] FIG. 39 is a perspective and unassembled view of an eighth
portion of the hutch portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0054] FIG. 40 is a top and unassembled view of a ninth portion of
the hutch portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0055] FIG. 41 is a side view of a tenth portion of the hutch
portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0056] FIG. 42 is a top view of an eleventh portion of the hutch
portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
[0057] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a twelfth portion of the
top portion which is shown in FIG. 26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a tool box assembly
10 which is made in accordance with the teachings of the preferred,
although non-limiting embodiment of the invention.
[0059] In this non-limiting preferred embodiment, the assembly 10
includes a base or central cabinet or storage portion 12 and a side
cabinet or storage cabinet 14 which is selectively and removably
coupled to the portion 12 as will be more fully explained or
delineated later. That is, each portion 12, 14 may respectively be
used on a "stand-alone" basis or selectively joined in order to
meet a wide range of ever changing user needs.
[0060] Particularly, the portion 12 includes a hollow and generally
cubic shaped body 16 having a bottom surface 18 to which a
plurality of substantially identical wheels 20 are coupled. In the
most preferred embodiment of the invention, four such wheels 20 are
deployed upon the surface 18 (i.e., each unique corner of the
surface 18 has a unique one of the wheels 20 operatively deployed
upon it).
[0061] As is perhaps shown best in FIG. 10, the hollow body 16 of
base or central cabinet 12 forms a central storage cavity 22 which
is adapted to allow various items to be removably placed, for
storage, and then to be retrieved for use in a particular
application. After use, these items may be returned to the storage
cavity 22. The body 16 includes a generally flat top portion 26
which is coupled to the edge 30 of the body 16 by a pair of
substantially identical hinges 28, 30 and is therefore selectively
movable from a first open position, shown in FIG. 10, in which the
top portion 26 exposes the central cavity 22, to a closed position
in which the top portion 26 overlays and closes the cavity 22.
[0062] The body 16 further includes a first generally flat side
door 31 which is coupled to the body 16 along edge 40 by the use of
a pair of substantially identical hinges 42, 44, and a second side
door 48 which is substantially identical to the side door 31 and
which is also hingedly coupled to the body 16. Side door 31 is
selectively movable from first open position, shown in FIG. 10 in
which the door 31 is remote from the body 16, to a second closed
position in which the door 31 wholly lies in a plane which is
perpendicular to the plane containing the top 26 when the top 26 is
in a selectively closed position. Similarly, the side door 48 is
also selectively movable from a first open position which is shown
in FIG. 10 and in which the side door 48 is remote from the body
16, to a second closed position in which the door 48 wholly lies in
a plane which is perpendicular to the plane which contains the top
26 when the top 26 is in a selectively closed position. The side
doors 31, 48 lie upon opposite sides of the body 16.
[0063] Further, in the most preferred although non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, a rib panel 60 is formed and/or
disposed within the body 16 to prevent communication between the
internal storage cavity 22 and the door 31. That is, when the door
31 is in a selective open position, the panel 60 prevents
communication with and access to the internal storage cavity 22,
through the open door 31. A similar panel (not shown) is also
disposed within the body 16 to prevent communication between the
internal storage cavity 22 (through the door 48) and the door 48
and to prevent access to the internal storage cavity 22 when the
door 48 is placed in a selective open position. Moreover, it should
be apparent that the door 31 and the panel 60 cooperate to form a
second storage compartment located between the internal door
surface 61 and the panel 60, and that a similar side storage
compartment is formed between the internal surface 49 of the door
48 and the panel with which it communicates (not shown). These two
secondary storage compartments increase the mount of overall
storage space provided by the assembly or component 12.
[0064] Additionally, in the most preferred although non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, a pair of substantially identical
pockets 64, 66 are formed within the body 16 and these pockets 64,
66 are generally rectangular and are adapted to selectively and
removably receive an insert 68. Each insert 68 is selectively and
removably placed within one of the pockets 64, 66 and these
removable inserts are adapted to selectively receive and store
parts and items for use within one or more applications. The
removable nature of the inserts or troughs 68 allows the contained
items and material to be easily and quickly transported to the
place where the contained items are needed or to a place where
items are located which are to be placed in the insert(s) 68. The
removable nature of the inserts or troughs 68 enhances the
usefulness of the assembly 12.
[0065] The body 16 further includes a generally flat front door 70
which is coupled to the body 16 along edge 72 by a hinge member 74
and which is movable from a first open position (shown in FIG. 10)
in which access to the central storage compartment 22 is allowed,
to a second closed position in which the door 70 overlays the
storage compartment 22. The body 16 also includes drawers 80, 81,
82, 83, and 84 which are each movably deployed within the body 16
by the use of respective tracks 3, 5 and which are each
independently movable from a respective closed position in which
the drawers respectively 80-84 reside within the internal storage
cavity 22, to a respective open position in which the respective
containment cavity 86 is removed from the internal storage cavity
22 and exposed. It should be apparent that even when all the
drawers 80-84 are respectively in a selectively closed position,
when the top member 26 is placed in a selectively opened position,
the storage compartment 86 of the drawer 84 is accessible.
[0066] Further, as is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 1, 10, 11, and 12
in the most preferred although non-limiting aspect of the
invention, upon the internal surface 61 there is deployed a pair of
substantially identical and linearly coextensive tracks 91, 93. The
tracks 91, 93 are equidistantly spaced, linearly coextensive, and
parallel to each other. Each track 91, 93 include equidistantly
spaced and substantially identical clips 100. Each clip 100 on
track 91 is linearly aligned with a unique clip on track 93. Each
clip 100 includes a pair of flexible and substantially identical
arms 101, 102 which are deployed upon a generally flat and flexible
base 103. Each base 103 may be welded or otherwise coupled to a
track 91, 93 by a conventional technique and each respective pair
of arms 101, 102 of a clip 100 are linearly aligned and
substantially identical.
[0067] The assembly 12 includes at least one member 105 which has a
generally flat bottom surface 107 having a plurality of holes 109
and side portions 110, 111, 112, and 113 which cooperate with the
surface 107 to form a cavity 115. Side surface 113 includes a first
plurality of generally "cross shaped" openings 120 which are
aligned along a first axis 121 and a second plurality of openings
122 which are aligned along a second axis 123. The openings 122 and
120 are each substantially identical and each opening 120 is
linearly aligned with a unique one of the openings 122.
[0068] Each opening 122 and 120 is adapted to allow for receipt and
retention of arms 101, 102 and in this manner the openings 120 are
each respectively adapted to receive clips 100 of track 91 while
openings 122 are each respectively adapted to receive clips 100 of
track 93, thereby allowing the member 105 to be placed upon a
desired location on the tracks 91, 93 and the placement is
removable in that the clips 100, once received by and retained
within the openings 120, 122 may be dislodged. That is, each
opening 120 includes a slit 141 through which arms 101, 102 are
placed and then the arms 101, 102 are made to contact surface 113
and the length 123 of the slit 121 is only slightly larger than the
length 125 of the substantially identical clips 100, thereby
ensuring that once a pair arms 101, 102 are selectively placed
through a slit 141, the clip 100 is not readily removable (e.g., it
is not likely that the arms 101, 102 will "slide out" of the slit
141 due to the contact with surface 113 and due to the fact that
the length 123 is only slightly larger than length 125).
[0069] Importantly, the openings 120, 122 may be attached to the
clips 100 in the manner which is shown in FIG. 11 (with the surface
107 positioned as shown). In this selective configuration, the
surface 107 (namely the openings 109) are adapted to receive tools
and other implements (such as by way of example and without
limitation screw drivers) and to allow the received implements to
be easily removed for later use. Alternatively, the surface 107, in
the shown position, may be used to contain loose parts and material
which are larger than holes 109. In another non-limiting
embodiment, the holes 109 are not formed in the surface 107.
[0070] In another selectable configuration, as is best shown in
FIG. 10, the surface 107 may be made to face downward (in a
direction toward the surface 200 upon which the assembly 10 rests).
This is accomplished by selectively rotating the member 105, shown
in FIG. 11, by about one hundred and eighty degrees in a clockwise
manner. In this manner, screw drivers and other implements may be
easily placed and removed from the formed holes 109.
[0071] As is further shown in FIG. 10, another non-limiting body of
a storage tray or member is represented by member 212 which has a
flat base portion 214 which is substantially similar to surface 113
(i.e., the portion 214 is generally flat and has openings 120,
122). The member 212 further includes a generally flat ledge
portion 215 which orthogonally protrudes from the portion 214 and
away from surface 61. The member 212 includes a plurality of
equidistantly spaced and substantially similar flexible arms 217
which all wholly reside in the same plane and this plane is
parallel to the plane which wholly contains the portion 214. The
member 212 also includes a plurality of second flexible members 220
which are substantially similar and equidistantly positioned along
edge 221. The members 220 are orthogonally positioned with respect
to portion 212 and protrude away from surface 61. Each arm 217 is
positioned above a unique one of the members 220.
[0072] It should be apparent that the tools and other implements
may be selectively placed between adjacent arms 217 and/or between
adjacent arms or members 220, thereby further facilitating the
storage of a plurality of dissimilar implements and members. It
should be apparent that the two track system (i.e., columns 91, 93)
allows a user to select which, if any type or number of members 212
and/or 105, they desire to utilize and then to determine the
respective amount and placement of the selected members 212, 105.
The configurations can be easily hanged at any time by simply
removing a member 105, 212, putting another member 105, 212 in its
place, moving the removed member 105, 212 to a different location,
or turning the member 105 to a new position. This feature allows
the assembly 12 to be utilized in a wide variety of applications
and to meet the needs of ever changing applications which require
new and different implements and tools. This "two track" system
thus increases the versatility and usefulness of the entire tool
box assembly 12.
[0073] In another non-limiting embodiment, as is best perhaps shown
in FIG. 22, a back door 302 is coupled to the edge 304 by the use
of hinge 306 and his door 302 is selectively movable from a first
open position (which is shown in FIG. 22) in which access to the
internal cavity 22 is allowed to a second closed position in which
the door 302 overlays the cavity 22 and prevents access to the
cavity 22, through the door passage. In one non-limiting
embodiment, the door 302 includes a generally flat back surface 308
and two substantially identical side surfaces 310,312 which
orthogonally extend from and integrally terminate into the back
surface 308 along respective edges 314, 316. Each side surface 310,
312 may have two tracks 91, 93, thereby allowing members 105 and
212 to be placed upon the surfaces 310, 312. A handle 320 may be
deployed upon the surface 308 to facilitate the selective movement
of the door 302.
[0074] Referring now to FIG. 23, there is shown an alternate
embodiment of the door 302. In this alternate and non-limiting
embodiment, two tracks 400, 401 of substantially identical clips
404 appear on each of the respective side surfaces 310, 312. Each
clip 404 includes a back portion 405 which is attached to one of
the surfaces 310, 312 by glue or some other conventional technique,
and a front portion 407 which cooperates with the back portion 405
to form a groove 409. The tracks 400, 401 on surface 312 are
linearly coextensive and of equal length and are parallel to each
other. The tracks 400, 401 on surface 310 are similarly linearly
coextensive and of equal length and are parallel to each other.
Each clip 404 of track 401 on surface 312 is aligned with a unique
one of the clips 404 on track 401 on surface 310 and each clip 404
of track 401 on surface 312 is aligned with a unique one of the
clips 404 on track 401 on surface 310.
[0075] A container 430 may be selectively attached and removed from
the back door 302. As shown, container or member 430 includes a
generally flat top surface 432 having a plurality of holes 434,
opposed and generally flat side surfaces 436, 438 which
orthogonally terminate into and project from the surface 432, and
opposed short side surfaces 440, 444 which orthogonally terminate
into and project from the top surface 432. The surfaces 440, 444
are substantially identical. Moreover, each surface 440, 444
includes a pair of substantially similar notches 446, 448.
[0076] In operation, notches 446, 448 from the side portion 440 are
made to be respectively placed in groove 409 of a clip 404 on track
400 of surface 310 and within a groove 409 of a clip 404 on track
401 of surface 310. Particularly, the respective clips 404 which
receive the notches 446, 448 are linearly aligned. Then notches
446, 448 from the side portion 444 are made to be respectively
placed in groove 409 of a clip 404 on track 400 of surface 312 and
within a groove 409 of a clip 404 on track 401 of surface 312. The
grooves 409 which are formed by clips 404 residing on the surface
312 a linearly aligned. In this manner, the container 430 is made
to be selectively and removably attached to surfaces 310, 312 and
to abut door surface 460. Additional members 430 may be similarly
and removably deployed between the surfaces 310, 312 in a
substantially similar manner. In this manner, additional and
configurable storage may be created within the tool box assembly
12.
[0077] Further, in a non-limiting alternative embodiment, a plate
490 may be attached to edge 492 and, as shown perhaps best in FIG.
23, the plate 490 includes a reception trough 494 and this trough
494 is adapted to selectively and removably receive relatively long
tools and other implements which may be placed within the holes 434
and increases the overall useable length 499 of the back door 302
and reduces the likelihood that these relatively long implements
and tools will protrude from the tool box assembly 12 above the top
member 26.
[0078] In yet another non-limiting alternate embodiment of the
invention, a handle 502 may be deployed above the door 31 to
facilitate the movement of the tool box assembly component 12. It
should be realized from the foregoing, that tool box assembly
component or portion 12 may function as a stand alone tool box
assembly having an easily configurable storage profile and may be
easily maneuvered and placed at a desired location.
[0079] To further enhance the overall usefulness of the tool box
assembly 10, a side tool box or cabinet or storage portion 14 may
be selectively attached and detached from the component or assembly
12. In one non-limiting embodiment, as is perhaps best shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage portion 14 includes a generally cubic
shaped and hollow body 500 having an internal storage cavity 502.
The body 500 further includes a front door 504 which is selectively
movable, by the use of handle 505, from a closed position (shown in
FIG. 2) in which access to the cavity 502 through the front door
passageway 504 is prevented, to an open position (not shown) in
which such access is allowed. The door 504 is movably coupled to
the body 500 by a hinge member 507, or by any other conventional
strategy or technique.
[0080] In another non-limiting embodiment, the body 500 may also
include a side door 510 which is movably coupled to the body 500 by
a hinge member 511 or by any other conventional strategy or
technique. The door 510 is selectively movable, by the use of
handle 513, from a first closed position in which access to the
internal cavity 502 through the passageway of the side door 510 is
prevented, to an open position, shown in FIG. 2, in which such
access is allowed. Further, the internal door surface 517 may have
the two tracks 91, 93 of clips 100 which have been previously
explained. These two tracks 91, 93 may receive members or
components 105 and/or 212 which have also been previously
explained, thereby increasing the amount of storage provided by the
assembly 14.
[0081] The assembly or component 14, in another non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, includes a top member 530 which has a
first generally flat portion 531 which is coupled to the body 500
by a hinge member 533, and a second generally flat portion 534
which is coupled to the first generally flat portion 531 by a hinge
member 535. In this manner, the top 530 may be made to selectively
overlay or cover the top of the cavity 502 by causing the portions
531 and 534 to cooperatively overlay the top of the cavity 502
(portion 534 is made to extend from the member 531) as these
members 531, 534 are moved down toward the cavity 502. When it is
desired to selectively open or allow top access to the cavity 532,
the members or portions 531, 534 are lifted upwards away from the
cavity 502, in the manner shown in FIG. 2, and member 534, by the
use of hinge 535, folds back against the portion 531, as shown.
[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a second and
alternate embodiment of a side cabinet or storage assembly 14. In
this non-limiting configuration, a second front door 550 is added
to that which has been previously described and a handle 551 is
disposed upon the front door 550. The door is movable from a first
closed position, which is shown in FIG. 3, to a second open
position which is shown in FIG. 4.
[0083] The door 550 includes a generally rectangular body 553
having a top trough or storage portion 554 and a pegboard side
portion 555 which is adapted to selectively receive "U-shaped" pins
or members 556 and/or hook type members 557. Tools and other
implements may be selectively hung on and easily removed from these
members 556, 557 and the side portion 555 facilitates additional
storage. Various loose type items may be placed within the trough
554 and later taken away for use in various applications. The door
550 selectively slides within and frictionally fits within the
formed pocket 570 within the cavity 502. Moreover, a storage tray
579 may be placed within the body 500 and overlay the cavity 502
and this tray or trough 579 is adapted to store various loose items
for later use in a variety of applications. A shelf 580 may also be
formed within the body 500 and within the internal cavity 502 to
facilitate the storage of items. Further, a single top member 583
may be utilized and is coupled, by use of hinge 584 to body 500. In
this manner, the single top member 583 is selectively movable from
a first open position, shown in FIG. 4, in which the cavity 502 or
the tray 579 is exposed, to a closed position in which the top
member 583 covers the tray 579 or cavity 502.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a first non-limiting
strategy or technique for selectively coupling the storage assembly
or member 12 to the storage assembly or member 14. According to
this first non-limiting strategy, handle 502 is removed from the
body 500 or not utilized and door 30 is closed or not utilized.
Then surface 600 of component 12 abuts surface 602 of component 14
and a plurality of bolts, such as bolt 604 are used to selectively
secure the two components 12, 14 by being made to pierce surfaces
600 and 602. Other conventional securing techniques and strategies
may be utilized. Each bolt 604 may be received by a unique one of
the nuts 605 to further strengthen the connection.
[0085] Referring now to FIGS. 6-9 there is shown an alternate
connection strategy for selectively securing the components 12 and
14. In this alternate strategy, a raised edge 690 is formed on
surface 692 of the component 12 and the door 48 is not used or
closed. The door 510 is closed or not used and a member 700 having
a generally flat body 702 and a longitudinal hooked edge 704 is
used to connect component or assembly 12 to component or assembly
14.
[0086] Particularly, the hooked edge 704 receives the edge 690 and
the edges 704 and 690 are linearly coextensive. Then the flat body
702 is coupled to surfaces 692 and 706 by the use of a plurality of
bolts 707, thereby securing component or assembly 12 to component
or assembly 14.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25, there is shown a hutch
assembly 800 which is made in accordance with the teachings of an
alternate embodiment of the invention and shown in selective
assembled relationship with the storage compartment or assembly 12.
The hutch assembly 800 may or may not be used, depending upon the
storage needs of a user and it can also be used on a "stand-alone"
basis. As shown perhaps best in FIGS. 24, 25, and 26, the hutch 800
includes a generally hollow body 802 to which opposed and
substantially identical handles 804, 806 are attached. The handles
804, 806 are adapted to cooperatively allow the hutch 800 to be
lifted off of the assembly 12 and easily transported to a certain
location in which a certain application is being accomplished which
needs or utilizes the various items contained within the hutch 800.
The handles 804, 806 also cooperatively allow the hutch 800 to be
easily transported back onto the top of the assembly 12, or to be
used without portions 12, 14.
[0088] Particularly, the hollow body 802 forms an interior cavity
810 and the interior cavity, as is more fully described below
includes several features which greatly enhances the storage
capability of the provided storage system. As can be readily seen,
a user of the inventions can mix and match the various components
12, 14, 800 to achieve various levels or amounts and types of
storage capabilities. For example and without limitation, component
12 may be used on a stand-alone basis or it may be used in
combination with hutch 800 and/or component 14. Similarly, hutch
800 may be used on a stand alone basis as can component 14. The
combination of hutch 800 and component 14 may also be used together
in another non-limiting configuration. Further, the desired or
selected storage configuration can be readily altered or changed by
adding or removing various components to meet the wide ranging
storage needs of a wide variety of users, thereby making storage
assembly 10 truly a "mix and match" storage system.
[0089] The hutch 800, as is best shown perhaps in FIGS. 26, and 40,
includes a movable top 820 having a first generally flat portion
822 which is coupled to portion 823 by the use of a hinge 824. The
hinge 824 allows the portion 822 to selectively articulate or
rotate in directions toward and away from the "L" shaped portion
823 and the portion 823 may have a crease 9 which forms two
separate selectively articulable portion 7, 17 and these portions
may allow portion 823 to form a selectable "1" shape. Further, the
shaped or angled portion 823 is pivotally coupled by opposed pins
827, 828 to the body 802 and by hinge 21. In this manner, the top
member 820 is movable from a first open position (shown in FIG. 25)
in which access to the cavity 810 is allowed, to a second closed
position (shown in FIG. 24) in which access to the cavity 810 is
blocked. This movement is accomplished by moving the top 820 in a
downward motion, towards the surface 200. This downward movement
causes the portion 822 to pivot about the hinge 824 and to abut
side members 831, 833, as does the angled portion 823. To allow
access to the cavity 810, the top member 820 is moved upwards away
from the surface 200.
[0090] The hutch 800 includes a first side drawer 840 which
selectively emanates from the side member 831 and which is
selectively movable from a first closed position in which it is
contained within the cavity 810 (see, for example and without
limitation FIG. 24), to an open position (see, for example and
without limitation FIG. 26) in which the drawer 840 selectively
emanates from the member 831. The drawer allows various items to be
selectively stored and removed for use, and includes a grasping
depression 842 which facilitates the described drawer movement.
[0091] The hutch 800 includes a second side drawer 851, opposed to
the first side drawer 840, and this second side drawer 851 contains
a peg board 857 upon which various items may be securely and
removably placed and stored. As best shown in FIG. 43, drawer 840
is selectively received by drawer 851 and in the selectively closed
position; drawer 840 nestles within drawer 851. Such nestling
allows the drawers 840, 851 to have respective and relatively long
lengths then they would if they only abutted within the hutch
800.
[0092] Hutch 800 includes a back wall 866 and in the interior
cavity 810 are placed opposed walls 867, 869 which cooperatively
define a cavity 871 into which drawer 870 is movably disposed and
frictionally fits The drawer 870 is selectively movable from a
first closed position in which the drawer 870 is made to reside
within the cavity 871, to an open position, shown perhaps best in
FIG. 27, in which the drawer 870 is exposed and removed from the
cavity 871. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the
drawer 870 includes a double sided peg board body 875 which is
adapted to receive hooks, such as hook or U shaped member 876 and
these members 876 may secure tools and other implements upon the
body 875. Attached to the body 875 is bracket or member 890.
[0093] As shown best in FIG. 27, bracket 890 includes a flat base
portion 900 which terminates into an orthogonally extending portion
902 which lies along the longitudinal axis of symmetry 903 of the
base portion 900. Along the edge 904 of the orthogonally extending
portion 902 is a generally flat portion 906 which is parallel to
and longitudinally coextensive to the flat body portion 900 and
which further includes a plurality of openings, such as opening 910
and opening 911. It should be apparent that openings 910, 911 are
dissimilar in size and could even be dissimilar in shape. The
openings, such as openings 910 and 911 are adapted to selectively
and removably receive implements and tools of varying sizes and
shapes. Further, the bracket 890 includes another generally flat
portion 915 which orthogonally terminates into and projects from
the edge 917 and which is parallel to the portion 902. Another
generally flat portion 920 terminates into and projects from the
edge 921 of portion 915 and the portion 920 includes a plurality of
openings, such as opening 920. The portion 920 is parallel to the
body 900. Additionally, the bracket 890 includes yet another
generally flat portion 932 which terminates into and orthogonally
projects from edge 934 of the portion 915 and the portion 932
includes a plurality of openings, such as opening 932, which may be
dissimilar in size and in shape. It should be apparent that
openings, such as openings 932 and 920 are adapted to selectively
receive tools and other implements for use in various
applications.
[0094] In operation, the back surface 950 of portion 915 is
attached to the surface 875 by an adhesive, by a pin or by another
conventional fastener technique. Additionally or alternatively, the
base 900 may be segmented along longitudinal axis of symmetry 903
and actually comprise two segments 970, 972. Segment 970 may be
folded such that it is parallel to the portion 902 and then
attached to the surface 875 by pins, bolts, or other conventional
fastener techniques and assemblies.
[0095] Hutch 800 further includes, as is perhaps best described in
FIGS. 28 and 25, a storage bracket 978 which includes a generally
flat top portion 979 having a plurality of substantially identical
openings 980. Terminating and angularly projecting from edge 981 is
generally flat portion 982 having a plurality of dissimilarly sized
holes, such as holes 983. Particularly, each of these dissimilarly
sized holes have dissimilar diameters.
[0096] Terminating and angularly projecting from edge 986 is
generally flat portion 987 which forms an acute angle 989 with the
edge 986. Portion 982 forms an obtuse angle with edge 981. A
reinforcing member 993 couples portion 987 to portion 982. A ledge
member 1000, having a plurality of substantially identical notches
1001, angularly projects from the edge 1002 of the portion 982 and
the center of each notch 1001 is aligned with the center of a
unique one of the holes 983.
[0097] In operation, the top portion 979 is attached to a plate
1004 which spans the interior cavity 810 of the hutch 800 and is
attached to the end portions 831, 833 and includes dissimilarly
sized holes, such as hole 1005, for storage. Particularly, the
surface 979 is made to be attached to the underside surface 1007 of
the plate 1004 and bolts or other fasteners are made to traverse
openings 980 and attach to the surface 1007, thereby attaching
bracket 978 to plate 1004. In this manner, tools and other
implements may be easily and removably placed within the holes 983
and supported in such placement by the notches 1001.
[0098] Hutch 800 further includes three drawers 1011, 1012, and
1013 which are each movably disposed within the internal cavity 810
and which are respectively and selectively movable from a
respective first position in which the respective drawer 1011,
1012, and 1013 are wholly contained within the internal cavity 810,
to a respective and selectable and second extended position in
which the respective drawers 1011, 1012, and 1013 are extended out
of the internal cavity 810 in a direction opposite or away from
surface 802. Each of the drawers 1011, 1012, and 1013 may and does
provide respective storage space in which tools, implements and/or
other items may be deposited for use in a variety of
applications.
[0099] In one non-limiting and alternate embodiment of the
inventions, a bracket 1020 (see, for example FIGS. 29, 30 and 25)
is attached to the front of each of the drawers 1011, 1012, and
1013. The bracket 1020 has body 1021 having a U shaped cross
sectional area with a top surface 1022 having a plurality of
dissimilarly sized holes, such as hole 1023. The plurality of
holes, such as hole 1023 may even be dissimilarly shaped. A groove
1029 is formed in the bottom surface 1030 and the back row of holes
1033, such as hole 1023, have a depth which is less than the depth
of the front row of holes 1035 due to the member 1040 which is
linearly coextensive to the length of the surface 1022 and which Is
parallel to the surfaces 1022 and 1030. The member 1040 is coupled
to the top surface 1022 and to the side surface 1042.
[0100] In operation, the bottom surface 1030 of a bracket 1020 is
attached to a planar member 1050 and the member 1050 is coupled to
and forms an acute angle 1052 with a drawer 1011, 1012, and 1013.
The front row 1035 and the back row 1033 of holes are adapted to
selectively, cooperatively, and removably receive tools and
implements of various sizes and shapes. The angled attachment of a
bracket 1020 to a drawer 1011, 1012, and 1013 makes it relatively
easy for a user to selectively place and remove an implement from
the bracket 1020. Further, in an alternate and non-limiting
embodiment of the invention, a tray 1060 is attached to and
protrudes from each bracket 1020 and provides yet more storage
space for a variety of loose items and implements and tools.
[0101] More particularly, as is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 37 and
38 and in a non-limiting and alternate embodiment of the invention,
a drawer, such as drawer 1011 the angled portion 1050 is integrally
formed with the tray or trough portion 1060 and the bracket 1020 or
a pin assembly 1100 (which will be described later) may be attached
to a planar or generally flat member 1101. The flat member 1101 has
four shoulder type rivets (i.e., rivets 1102, 1103, 1105, and 1107)
which respectively and operatively reside at a respectively unique
corner. Member 1050 includes substantially identical tear drop
shaped slots 1109, 1110, 1111, and 1113 which are each respectively
located at a respective unique corner. Each tear drop shaped slot
1109, 1110, 1111, and 1113 has a large opening portion 1120 and a
narrow opening portion 1121. The narrow portions 1121 of each slot
1109, 1110, 1111, and 1113 each point to side 833. In the most
preferred although non-limiting embodiment of the invention, the
portion 1050 is substantially similar in size and shape to the
portion 1101, although portion 1050 is slightly longer along length
1104. Thus, when portion 1101 overlays and fully covers portion
1050, each rivet 1102, 1103, 1105, and 1107 easily reside within
the large open portion 1120. Once the rivets 1102, 1103, 1105, and
1107 selectively and respectively reside within a unique one of the
open portions 1120, the portion 1101 is moved in the direction of
side 833, thereby causing each captured rivet 1102, 1103, 1105, and
1107 to be moved to a unique one of the small openings 1121 and
preventing the portion 1101 to be easily dislodged from its
assembled position on the portion 1050. One advantage of this
non-limiting embodiment is that various dissimilar brackets or pin
assemblies or any other desired assembly may be formed or placed on
a portion 1101 and selectively used on any one of the drawers 1011,
1012, and 1013, thereby making the storage hutch 800 very malleable
to meet ever changing needs.
[0102] Further, in a non-limiting alternate embodiment of the
invention, the portion 1050 is pivotally coupled to the drawer
surface 1151, by the use of connecting pins 1170, 1171, such that
the portion 1050 is movable from a first position in which the
trough 1060 is extended away from the surface 1151 to a second
position in which the trough 1060 moves in the arcuate direction
1155 toward the interior 1157 of the drawer, such that the trough
1060 resides within the interior 1157. Such movement can be done
manually.
[0103] As shown best in FIG. 39, a single pin assembly 1200 may be
utilized on the portion 1101 and the assembly 1200 includes a
plurality of identical pins 1201 which are adapted to selectively
receive hollow parts and other implements. Such a pin assembly 1200
may also be deployed on the top shelf 1203 of the hutch 800.
[0104] In yet another non-limiting embodiment, an assembly 1205 may
be deployed on the portion 1050, as is perhaps best shown in FIGS.
26, 33, and 34. This assembly 1205 includes a flat bottom surface
1207 upon which a plurality of substantially identical pins 1209
are deployed and second portion 1210 comprising a dual stepped
surface having a plurality of substantially identical holes 1211 on
each step 1212, 1213. The pins 1209 may receive hollow implements
or other tools or items and the holes 1211 may receive elongated
type implements, tools, and/or other items. A guide 1240 may be
received by a single row 1241, 1242 of pins and is effective to
reduce the length of a row of pins 1241, 1242 which is received by
an item, tool and implement. Such a guide 1240 makes it easier for
a relatively small or short type implement, tool, or item to be
placed on a row of pins 1241, 1242. That is, if a relative small or
short implement, tool, or item is received by a long pin there
exists the requirement for a user to place their hands or fingers
within the two rows of pins 1241, 1242 which might cause injury and
these long rows of pins 1241, 1242 might even make it appear that
the small or short implement is missing, since these rows 1241,
1242 might appear to hide the short or small implement, tool or
item. The guide raises the received tool, implement, and/or item
closer to the user.
[0105] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a
full pin assembly 1260 might be selectively attached to the portion
1050 (perhaps best shown best in FIGS. 35, 36). This assembly 1260
includes a first row 1261 and a second row 1262 of pins 1259 and a
guide 1263 might be selectively deployed on a row 1261, 1262. In
this non-limiting embodiment, each pin 1259 has a bent top 1268
which reduces the likelihood of a received item, implement, or tool
to be easily removed.
[0106] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a
full pin assembly 1270 may be utilized on the portion 1050 (as is
perhaps best shown in FIGS. 31, 32). This assembly 1270 is
substantially similar to assembly 1260, except that the plurality
of substantially identical pins 1280 each have a linearly body and
a non-bent top 1281. Assembly 1270 may even be operatively deployed
on the shelf 1005.
[0107] In yet another alternate and non-limiting embodiment of the
invention, the storage assembly or storage component 12 includes a
centralized locking system, which will now be explained in greater
detail.
[0108] In this non-limiting embodiment, the back surface 1300 of
the drawer 70 includes two substantially identical corner brackets
1301, 1303 (see, for example FIGS. 15 and 16). Each bracket 1301,
1303 has a slot 1305 and the inside lip 1307 of top 26 includes
another bracket 1309 which is substantially similar to brackets
1301, 1305. Further, the top 26 has an inside surface 1310,
including a groove 1311. A rod 1313 operatively resides within the
groove 1311 by the use of pin 1314 and a nut 1314. Between the nut
1314 and the rod 1313 resides a biasing spring 1320 which biases
the rod 1313 in a direction away from the surface 1310. A plate
1322 is attached to the inside surface 1310, by a conventional
fastening strategy, and covers the rod 1313 and the groove 1311.
The panel 1322 includes a slot 1325.
[0109] Further, as is perhaps best shown in FIGS. 13 and 18, each
side door 40, 48 includes substantially identical side brackets
1340, 1342 and each drawer 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84 have respective
and opposed brackets 1360 (partially shown in FIG. 17). That is,
more specifically, each drawer 81-84 respectively includes a
bracket 1360 on the corner nearest the side door 40 and on the
corner nearest the side door 48.
[0110] In this alternate and non-limiting embodiment, there is
disposed within the component 12 two stationary guides or channels
1400, 1401, which are linearly coextensive, substantially similar,
and have a respective longitudinal axis of symmetry which is
perpendicular to surface 200. Further, a member 1405 is movably
disposed within channel 1400 and a member 1407 is movably disposed
within channel 1401. The channels 1400 and 1401 respectively
constrain the members 1405 and 1407 to generally and only
reciprocally move in directions which are perpendicular to the
surface 200.
[0111] The component includes a selectively rotatable lock member
1410 having a key slot 1411 and, as should be understood, upon
reception of a proper key within the slot, the member 1410 may be
selectively rotated in a counterclockwise or clockwise direction.
The lock member 1410 is coupled to members 1430 and 1432 and the
member 1430 is coupled to the guide 1400 while member 1432 is
coupled to guide 1404.
[0112] Particularly, the coupling of lock member 1410 to member
1432 Is accomplished by an assembly 1440 (see, for example, FIGS.
16 and 19) which includes a generally flat member 1442 having a
slot 1443. The flat member 1442 is coupled to a cam assembly 1450
which turns in the direction of lock member 1410 and which imparts
the received rotation onto member 1442. Further, member 1432 is
coupled to the guide member 1401 (see, for example, FIGS. 16 and
20) by arcuate shaped member 1470 and the member is coupled to
member 1432 by pin 1471 and is coupled to guide member 1402 by pins
1472 and 1473. The member 1470 selectively pivots at these pins
1471, 1472, and 1473 in response to the selectively rotation of the
lock member 1410, such lock member rotation begin transferred to
the member 1470 by the cooperative arrangement of member 1432 and
the cam assembly 1450.
[0113] Further, as is perhaps shown best in FIGS. 21 and 16, guide
members 1400 and 1401 each have respective and protruding flanges
1500, 1501 and flange 1501 is coupled to a biasing spring 1502
which couples the flange 1501 to a member 1510 which is stationary
disposed within the component 12. The biasing spring 1502 biases
the guide member 1401 upward, in a direction opposite of surface
200. Each member 1405, 1407 respectively includes a plurality of
substantially similar and equidistantly placed slots 1503. The
operation of the spring 1502 and the other locking components will
now be described.
[0114] In operation, each bracket 1360 of each drawer 80-84 resides
within a unique one of the openings 1503. The brackets 1360 closest
to the door 40 reside within openings 1503 which are positioned on
the member 1407 while those closes to the door 48 reside within
openings 1503 which are formed within member 1405. When the
assembly 12 is unlocked, the brackets 1360 may easily be moved in
and out of the respective openings that they reside within. When
the lock member 1410 is turned counter-clockwise, then the members
1405, 1407 are raised (moved in a direction opposite to surface
200) and this causes the respective edges 1575 formed at the bottom
of each respective opening 1503 to catch or engage or be received
in the slot 1576 of the respective bracket 1360 that the openings
1503 respectively contain or receive and such selective engagement
prevents the drawers 80, 81, 82, 83, and 84 from being moved
outwardly or opened.
[0115] Further, in the selective open position, the portion 1442
resides within the slot 1325 without engagement. In this manner,
the top 26 is allowed to be selectively opened and closed. When the
lock member 1410 is turned counter-clockwise, the portion 1442
moves within the slot 1325 such that the grove 1443 engages the
edge 1600 and prevents the top 26 from being opened. In this
non-limiting embodiment, the biasing spring 1320 allows the top 26
to remain in an open position unless forced to become locked,
because the spring 1320 normally prevents engagement of slot 1443
with the edge 1600.
[0116] Further, in this non-limiting embodiment and when the
locking member is in an unlocked state, the brackets 1340 each
respectively receive a unique one of the flanges 1501 and these
flanges 1501 do not prevent movement of the brackets 1340. When the
lock member 1410 is moved to a locked position (i.e., when it is
selectively rotated in a counter-clockwise manner) then each
bracket 1501 contacts the respective edge 1690 of the bracket 1340
in which it resides and such contact prevents the respective doors
40, 48 from moving outwardly away from the interior cavity 22. The
spring 1502 prevents contact between a flange 1501 and an edge 1690
until and unless the lock member 1410 is turned in a
counter-clockwise direction.
[0117] Further, as is perhaps best shown in FIG. 16, the flanges
1301, 1303 usually and respectively reside within the bottom
openings 1503 on members 1405, 1407 (the term "bottom" means those
closest to the surface 200). When the assembly 12 is in an
"unlocked" state, the flanges 1301, 1303 are free to move in and
out of the respective openings 1503 that they reside within. When
the lock member 1401 is selectively turned counterclockwise, the
members 1405, 1407 move upwards in a direction opposite the surface
200 and such selective upward movement causes the edge 1710 of each
such opening to engage a respective flange 1301, 1303 and prevent
outward movement of the drawer 70. Thus, as described, a
centralized locking system may lock all the movable drawers 70,
80,81,82,83,84; the top 26; and the side doors 40, 48 of the
component 12 and this is achieved by a selective counter-clockwise
turning of the lock member 1410.
[0118] Turning now to FIG. 41, it should be appreciated, as shown,
that in an alternate embodiment of the invention, at least one gas
spring 1800 may be deployed to assist the user in opening the top
820.
[0119] It is to be understood that the inventions are not limited
to the exact construction which has been delineated above, but that
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
and the scope of the inventions as are more fully detailed in the
following claims. Moreover, while the assembly 10 may be referred
to as a "toolbox" assembly, it should be appreciated that a wide
variety of dissimilar items, not just tools, may be stored within
assembly 10.
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