U.S. patent application number 13/759637 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-07 for mobile, modular tool cart.
This patent application is currently assigned to JPL INVESTMENTS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is JPL INVESTMENTS, LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph W. Cole.
Application Number | 20140217044 13/759637 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51258424 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140217044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cole; Joseph W. |
August 7, 2014 |
MOBILE, MODULAR TOOL CART
Abstract
A tool cart includes tool containing or supporting features as
well as workbench features, such as a work surface. The tool cart
is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In
addition, the tool cart is preferably modular, permitting the
configuration thereof to be user-configurable. In one
configuration, the tool cart includes a frame defining an interior
space. The tool cart further includes a generally planar work
surface located in the interior space and dividing the interior
space into a work space above the work surface and a storage space
below the work surface. A number of storage elements such as
shelves, drawers or bins, the location, number and type of which
may be changed, are preferably located in the storage space.
Inventors: |
Cole; Joseph W.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JPL INVESTMENTS, LLC |
Las Vegas |
NV |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
JPL INVESTMENTS, LLC
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
51258424 |
Appl. No.: |
13/759637 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/85.8 ;
211/13.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/85.8 ;
211/13.1 |
International
Class: |
A47F 5/00 20060101
A47F005/00 |
Claims
1. A modular tool cart comprising: a frame having a front, a rear,
a first end and a second end and defining an interior space, a
generally planar work surface located in said interior space, said
generally planar work surface dividing said interior space into a
work space above said work surface and a storage space below said
work surface, a vertically extending work back extending upwardly
from said work surface at said rear of said frame and a plurality
of removable tool-supporting storage elements located in said
storage space below said work surface, whereby one or more tools
may be mounted on said work back for use by a user of said work
surface and whereby one or more tools may be stored in said storage
space.
2. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
frame comprises four vertically extending supports.
3. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
removable tool-support storage elements are selected from the group
consisting of shelves and drawers.
4. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein at
least one of said storage elements is movable outwardly of said
storage space towards said rear of said frame and at least one of
said storage elements is movable outwardly of said storage space
towards said front of said frame.
5. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 2 wherein said
removable tool-support storage elements are connected to said
supports.
6. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
work back comprises a generally planar peg board.
7. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 2 wherein said
posts have a top and a bottom and a plurality of mounting points
there between and a position of said work surface relative to said
top and bottom of said posts may be changed by changing a mounting
point of said work surface.
8. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
frame includes a generally planar top which is positioned above
said work surface.
9. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
frame is mounted on a plurality of wheels.
10. The modular tool cart in accordance with claim 1 wherein said
first end and/or said second end is generally closed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to work benches and tool
chests.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Commonly, tool users store their tools in tool chests or
boxes. Such tool boxes generally comprise a housing having a
plurality of drawers or compartments. The user places their tools
in those compartments. The tool box often includes a handle or the
like, permitting the user to transport the tools therein by picking
up and carrying the tool box.
[0003] A tool user may also have a work bench. Such a workbench
often comprises a raised work surface. For example, the workbench
may include a generally planar work top which is supported in an
elevated position by four legs. The user may place work elements,
tools and the like on the work top, whereby they are supported in
an elevated position.
[0004] While tool boxes and work benches each have beneficial
features, they also each have substantial limitations. For example,
tool boxes are generally heavy, particularly when the tool box is
fairly large and/or contains more than a few tools. This makes it
difficult for a user to transport their tools. In addition, tool
boxes house the tools inside the housing thereof. Thus, a user can
not readily see the tools which are in the toolbox.
[0005] Work benches provide a convenient work surface. Like tool
boxes, however, work benches cannot conveniently be moved or
transported. In addition, work benches are not designed to contain
tools. Thus, a user's tool box may be in one location while the
user's workbench may be in another location.
[0006] A solution to these and other problems with existing tool
boxes and work benches is desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One aspect of the invention is a tool cart. In general, the
tool cart includes tool containing or supporting features as well
as workbench features, such as a work surface. The tool cart is
preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In
addition, the tool cart is preferably modular, permitting the
configuration thereof to be user-configurable.
[0008] In one embodiment, the tool cart includes a frame having a
front, a rear, a first end and a second end and defining an
interior space. The tool cart further includes a generally planar
work surface located in the interior space and dividing the
interior space into a work space above the work surface and a
storage space below the work surface.
[0009] In one embodiment a vertically extending work back extends
upwardly from the work surface at a rear of the frame. A plurality
of movable and/or removable tool-supporting storage elements are
located in the storage space below the work surface. In one
embodiment, the number of storage elements and their location
and/or configuration within the storage space, may be varied so as
to custom-configure the tool cart.
[0010] One or more tools may be mounted on the work back for use by
a user of the work surface and whereby one or more tools, parts or
other elements may be stored at the work back and/or in the storage
space.
[0011] The tool cart may include other features, such as closeable
and/or lockable areas, power and lights.
[0012] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed
description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the
attached figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a modular tool cart in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the modular tool cart illustrated
in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3A is a front view of a lower portion of a modular tool
cart of the invention having an alternate configuration;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a side view of the lower portion of the modular
tool cart illustrated in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 3C is an enlarged image of a mount of the modular tool
cart;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front view of a lower portion of a modular tool
cart of the invention having yet another alternate
configuration;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front view of an upper portion of a modular tool
cart of the invention having an alternate configuration;
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates the use of templates with the tool cart
of the invention; and
[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates the use of marked inserts for storage
elements of the tool cart of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the
present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in
the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not
been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
[0023] One embodiment of the invention is a tool cart. In general,
the tool cart includes tool containing or supporting features as
well as workbench features, such as a work surface. The tool cart
is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In
addition, the tool cart is preferably modular, permitting the
configuration thereof to be user-configurable.
[0024] One embodiment of a modular tool cart 20 in accordance with
the present invention will be described first with reference to
FIG. 1. As illustrated, the tool cart 20 includes a frame 22. The
frame 22 may have a number of configurations. In a preferred
embodiment, the frame 22 comprises four upwardly extending supports
24. Each support 24 has a top end and a bottom end. In the
preferred configuration where the tool cart 24 is mobile, the
supports 24 are rollably supported. For example, a caster or wheel
36 may be located at the bottom end of each support 24. Of course,
the supports 24 might be movably supported by two or more wheels,
roller-balls, tracks or other elements.
[0025] In one embodiment, the frame 20 may include one or more
connecting elements or braces. As described below, in other
embodiments, the supports 24 may be joined by one or more shelves.
In a preferred embodiment, the supports 24 are arranged in a
generally rectangular configuration with the supports 24 generally
located at the corners. In such a configuration, the tool cart 20
generally has a front 26, an opposing rear 32 (see also FIG. 2), a
first side 28 and an opposing second side 30.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the frame 22 supports one or more
other elements. One such element is a work surface 34. The work
surface 34 is preferably supported by the supports 24 between their
first and second ends, so as to be supported in a raised position.
In one embodiment, the work surface 34 is positioned at between
30-42 inches, and most preferably about 37 inches above the bottom
of the tool cart 20 (including the wheels 36, if any). Preferably,
the work surface 34 separates the tool cart 20 into a work space
portion or area 38 which is generally above the work surface 34,
and a tool storage portion or area 40 which is generally below the
work surface 34.
[0027] In one embodiment, the work surface 34 has a top 46 which is
generally planar and solid. The work surface 34 might be defined,
for example, by a sheet of wood. However, the work surface 34 could
be plastic, metal or the like. As indicated, the work surface 34 is
supported by the supports 24. In one embodiment, the work surface
34 is supported by a shelf 42. The shelf 42 preferably comprises
one or more supporting members which are connected to one or more
of the supports 24 by mounts 44.
[0028] As illustrated, the shelf 42 comprises a generally
rectangular frame member which is supported at four corners thereof
by mounts 44 which attach to each of the supports 24. The frame
portion of the shelf 42 may have various configurations. For
example, the shelf 42 might include four peripheral beams which are
configured to support the work surface 34 about its periphery. In
other embodiments, the frame portion of the shelf 42 may include
various cross-members or elements which generally extend from the
first side 28 to the second side 30 of the tool car 20, and/or from
the front 26 to the back 32 thereof, whereby one or more portions
of the bottom of the work surface 34 are supported. For example,
the shelf 42 might comprise front and back frame members which are
connected by a plurality of spaced cross-members. Such a shelf 42
may be constructed of metal or other elements.
[0029] In an embodiment where the supports 24 comprise rod-like
members, the mounts 44 may comprise sleeves. Each sleeve preferably
comprises a body having a passage there through which is configured
to accept the support 24 therein. The mount 44 also includes a
locking or connecting member. For example, the locking member might
comprise a screw which extends through a passage in the sleeve.
During assembly, the mounts 44 of the shelf 42 may be slid along
the supports 24 to the desired mounting location of the work
surface 34. The locking members may then be engaged (such as by
tightening the screws into engagement with the supports 24), thus
fixing the position of the shelf 42, and thus the work surface
34.
[0030] Of course, the work surface 34 and/or shelf 42 might have
other configurations. For example, the work surface 34 might
include one or more mounts which allows the work surface to be
directly mounted to the supports 24. As one example, if the work
surface 34 were metal, the mounts 44 might comprise metal sleeve
which are welded to the work surface.
[0031] The work surface 34 might connect to the supports 24 in
other manners as well. For example, instead of using screws, the
mounts might support pins which slide into and out of engagement
with mounting holes in the supports. In another embodiment, the
work surface 34 might include tabs which are configured to fit
within slots which are formed in the supports 24. The slots might
extend at an angle downwardly into the supports and the tabs may be
aligned with the slots so that gravity maintains the work surface
34 in place in the slots.
[0032] Preferably, the work surface 34 is adjustably mounted to the
supports 24. In this manner, a user may adjust the position of the
work surface 34. This permits for example, users of different
heights to change the height of the work surface 34.
[0033] As indicated, a work space 38 is preferably defined above
the work surface 34. Preferably, the work space 38 has a generally
open front which corresponds to the front 26 of the tool cart 20.
The open front permits a user to engage or use the work surface 34
and a space above the work surface 34.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a generally vertical work back 48
is defined at the work space 38. The work back 48 is preferably
located at the back 32 of the tool cart 20. In one embodiment, the
work back 48 is associated with the rear supports 24. In a
preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the work back 48 extends
generally from the first side 28 to the second side 30 of the tool
cart 20, and upwardly from the top 46 of the work surface 34 to at
or near the top of the tool cart 20.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the work back 48 comprises one or
more generally planar panels. Preferably, the panels are configured
to support one or more tools, work pieces or other elements. As one
example, the work back 48 may comprise one or more peg boards.
These boards are generally planar and define a plurality of
apertures 50 there through. The apertures 50 are configured to
accept tool mounts, such as pins, hangers or the like.
[0036] The work back 48 may be constructed from various materials,
including wood. In a preferred embodiment, the work back 48 is
generally opaque. However, in other embodiments, the work back 48
might be generally transparent, thus permitting light from behind
the tool cart 20 to illuminate the work space 38 and permitting a
user to see through the work back 48 to the area behind the tool
cart 20.
[0037] The work back 48 may be mounted or connected to the rear
supports 24, such as by one or more connectors. The one or more
connectors may permit the position of the work back 48 to be
adjusted, such as to raise or lower it to correspond to the desired
position of the work surface 34.
[0038] In one embodiment, the tool cart 20 may include one or more
side panels 52. The side panels 52 are preferably located at the
work space 38. In one embodiment, a first side panel 52 extends
upwardly from the work surface 34 at the first side 28 of the tool
cart 20, and a second side panel 52 extends upwardly from the work
surface 34 at the second side 30 of the tool cart 20.
[0039] The side panels 52 may have various configurations. Again,
the side panels 52 may be opaque or transparent. Where the side
panels 52 are used to generally enclose the sides of the work space
38, the side panels 52 are preferably opaque. The side panels 52
might comprise, for example, peg boards or other elements which are
preferably designed to store, support and/or mount one or more
tools, work pieces or the like. For example, in the illustrated
embodiment, the side panel 52 at the first side 28 of the tool cart
20 includes one or more shelves 54, while the side panel 52 at the
second side 30 of the tool cart 20 includes one or more mounting
holes or apertures, such as for peg, pins or other tool mounts.
[0040] In one embodiment, the side panels 52 may be mounted to the
supports 24 which are located at either side of the tool cart 20.
The side panels 52 may be adjustably mounted, such as to permit the
position thereof to be adjusted up and down. The side panels 52
might also be replaceable, such as to permit different side panels
52 to be used with the tool cart 20.
[0041] In a preferred embodiment, one or more storage elements are
located in the storage space 40 which is below the work surface 34.
The storage elements may comprise, but are not limited to, one or
more shelves, bins, trays, drawers, or hangers. One or more of the
storage elements may be lockable. Most preferably, the location,
number and type of such storage elements may be changed.
[0042] One configuration of storage elements is illustrated in FIG.
1. As illustrated, a first shelf 60, a second shelf 62 and a third
shelf 64 are located in the storage space 40. Preferably, the
shelves are supported by the supports 24. As with the work surface
34, the shelves may be movably mounted to the supports 24, such as
by one or more movable mounts 66. The mounts 66 may be similar to
those described above, such as comprising sleeves which are mounted
on the supports 24, thus permitting them to be moved linearly along
the supports 24 to one or more different positions. In a preferred
embodiment, each shelf 60-64 is generally rectangular and is
supported at each of the four supports 24 by such mounts 66.
[0043] The shelves 60-64 may have various forms. Preferably, the
shelves 60-64 define one or more supporting surfaces. As with the
shelf 42, these shelves 60-64 may have various formats, such as
comprising solid planar members, wire-mesh members or the like. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shelves 60-64 may be configured
to support other elements. For example, a shelf may be used to
directly support tools, work pieces or the like, such as shown
relative to the bottom shelf 60. A shelf may be used to support
bins, trays 68 or the like, such as shown relative to the second
shelf 62. Other elements may be mounted to a shelf. For example, a
support 70 may be mounted to a shelf 64 and be used to support one
or more trays or the like. As illustrated, the support 70 may
include one or more slides or the like which slidably support
another shelf 72 which may support tools, workpieces or other
storage elements such as trays 68.
[0044] In one configuration, storage elements may be mounted for
movement relative to the frame 22. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 3C, mounts 66 may support slides 74. Of course, as indicated
above, the mounts 66 themselves may be movably mounted to the frame
22, such as for movement linearly along the supports 24.
[0045] In one embodiment, corresponding slides 74 are located at
opposing sides of the frame 22. In such a configuration, a first
slide member 76 may be supported by mounts 66 which are connected
to mounts 66 which are connected to the front and rear supports 24
at each side of the frame 22. The first slide member 76 may be
configured to movably support a second slide member 78 (see FIG.
3B) which is mounted to a storage or support element such as a
drawer, shelf or the like. The first and second slide members 76,78
are preferably connected or connectable in a manner which permits
them to be moved relative to one another. When the first slide
member 76 is fixed, the second slide member 78 can thus be moved
relative to the first slide member 76. In the case of the linear
mounting illustrated in FIG. 3B, this permits an element which is
mounted to the second slide member 78 to be moved linearly, such as
horizontally out of the storage space 40 at the front 26 of the
tool cart 20.
[0046] Of course, a variety of elements may be movably mounted to
the tool cart 20 in such a manner. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 3B, a large drawer or bin 80 may be mounted for movement
relative to the frame 22 via first and second slides 74 at opposing
ends thereof. The bin 80 might, for example, have a generally open
top with a closed bottom and sidewalls defining a large interior
storage area. The open top of the bin 80 may be easily accessed by
sliding the bin 80 out of the front 26 of the tool cart 20 as
illustrated in FIG. 3B. Of course, the bin 80 might have other
configurations, such as having an openable top, a closed top with
an open or openable front, etc.
[0047] As also illustrated in FIG. 3B, a shelf 82 may be mounted
for movement relative to the frame 22 via first and second slides
74 at opposing ends thereof. The shelf 82 might support tools,
workpieces or other storage elements, such as one or more trays 68.
The shelf 82 may be more easily accessed by sliding the shelf 82
out of the front 26 of the tool cart 20 as illustrated in FIG.
3B.
[0048] As indicated, the storage space 40 may be arranged into a
variety of configuration, such as illustrated in FIG. 1 versus the
configuration shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 illustrates yet another
alternate configuration for the tool cart 20. In this
configuration, the work space 40 includes (from top to bottom) a
large drawer or bin 88, a small drawer or bin 90, a first shelf 92
which includes a plurality of bins 94, and a shelf 96. In the
preferred configuration, these elements are mounted to the frame 22
via mounts 66 such as those described above, thus permitting their
position to be changed vertically, as illustrated therein. In
addition, one or more of the elements, such as the large and small
bins 88,90 and the first shelf 92, may be movably mounted, such as
via one or more slides, thus permitting them to be moved generally
horizontally in and out relative to the frame 22.
[0049] Of course, the illustrated configurations are just examples
of the multitude of different configurations of the storage space
40. As indicated, the particular storage space elements and their
location may have a multitude of variations/configurations.
[0050] In one embodiment, the various storage elements may be
configured to be detachably connected to the mounts 66. In this
manner, the mounts 66 may be left on the supports 24 (though their
position may be changed along the supports), while permitting the
different elements to be changed. For example, a shelf might be
disconnected from four mounts and instead two slides might be
connected to those mounts for supporting a bin or drawer. This
permits a user to substitute a bin for a shelf without having to
remove the mounts from the frame.
[0051] Of course, various storage elements might be configured to
be connected to the slides. For example, first slide portions may
be mounted to pairs of mounts. Second slide portions may be mounted
to shelves, bins or other features, thus permitting these elements
to be substituted or changed merely by disconnecting the slides
associated with one storage element (such as a drawer) and
connecting the slides associated with another storage element (such
as a shelf). In one embodiment, various storage elements may be
pre-configured with such mounting features and then sold or
provided to a user in a "ready to use" configuration. For example,
user might purchase a tool cart 20 which is pre-configured with
certain storage elements, such as three shelves. The user might
purchase accessories, such as one or more bins or drawers, which
the user can readily substitute for one or more of the shelves.
[0052] The tool cart 20 may have a variety of other features or
elements. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the tool cart 20
may include a top 82. The top 82 may comprise, for example, a
shelf. The top 82 may be used to support various elements such as
tools, workpieces, storage elements or the like. In addition, other
elements or items might be connected to the top 82 and/or be
supported by the top. For example, one or more work lights might be
mounted to the top. These lights might be arranged to project
downwardly into the work space 38, or to the front, back and/or
sides of the tool cart 20, such as to illuminate a work area which
surrounds the tool cart. Of course the number and type of lights
which are associated with the tool cart 20 might vary (LED,
florescent, incandescent, etc.).
[0053] The top 82 might be solid, such as to fully enclose the top
of the work space 38, or it might be partially open, such as to let
light through the top of the tool cart 20 into the work space 38.
Alternatively, the top 82 might have one or more windows or be
transparent or have transparent portions for allowing light to pass
there though while still enclosing the top of the work space
38.
[0054] The tool cart 20 may include one or more power sources. Such
power source may be self-contained, such as in the case of one or
more batteries which might be mounted to or supported by the tool
cart 20. Such batteries might, for example, provide a 12V DC power
source. In other embodiments, the tool cart 20 might include one or
more power cables or jacks. Power might be supplied to these cables
or jacks, such as from an outside power source, such as via a 120
AC power source. For example, a power jack may be mounted to the
tool cart 20, which power jack may include or be connected to a
power cable which is plugged into an adjacent wall jack.
[0055] As indicated, one or more portions of the tool cart 20 may
be defined by an open frame 22. Portions of the tool cart 20 may be
enclosed. For example, as indicated above, a back panel 48, top 82
and one or more side panels 52 may at least partially enclosed the
work space 38. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more
doors or panels may be provided for selectively closing the front
of the work space 38. In the embodiment illustrated, first and
second front doors 84,86 may be configured to selectively close the
front of the work space 38. In one embodiment, a first door 84 may
be hingedly or rotatably mounted to a front support 24 at the first
side 28 of the tool cart 20, and a second door 86 is similarly
mounted to a front support 24 at the second side 30 of the tool
cart 20.
[0056] In one embodiment, the storage space 40 might be accessible
from the rear of the tool cart 20. For example, one or more of the
shelves, drawers or other storage elements might be configured to
open or slide outwardly of the rear of the tool cart 20. In one
preferred embodiment, the shelves, drawers or other storage
elements may be movable towards the front or rear of the tool cart
20. Such a configuration has a number of advantages. First, if a
user is standing at the front of the tool cart 20 at the work
surface 34, a second user might move the shelves, drawers or other
storage elements to the rear or otherwise access tools or parts in
the storage area 40 from the rear, without interfering with the
first user (without such a feature, the first user would have to
move away from the tool cart 20 in order to provide space to open
the shelves or drawers towards the front of the tool cart 20). In
addition, the ability to access tools or parts in the storage area
40 from the rear of the tool cart 20 provides convenient access
thereto (as opposed to having to reach to the back of the drawer,
shelf or other storage element from the front of the tool cart 20,
which may be a substantial distance). Of course, in such a
configuration the back of the tool cart 20 may include one or more
movable panels or doors for selectively closing/locking the rear
thereof but still permitting access to the storage area 40 from the
rear of the tool cart 20. In such a configuration, certain drawers,
shelves or other storage elements might be accessible from or move
outwardly of the front of the tool cart 20, while others are
accessible from or move outwardly of the rear of the tool cart
20.
[0057] For example, at a particular horizontal location, a first
drawer might extend from approximately the mid-point of the tool
cart 20 to the front thereof and be configured to open to the
front, while a second drawer might extend from approximately the
mid-point of the tool cart 20 to the rear thereof and be configured
to open to the rear (i.e. the drawers are in back-to-back
relationship). One advantage to this configuration is that the
entire depth of the storage area 40 is utilized but access to
thereto is much more convenient.
[0058] The first and second doors 84,86 may be configured to rotate
between a first, closed position and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a
second, open position. When in their closed position, the doors
84,86 may be lockable, such as to prevent access to the interior
work space 38. For example, one or more locking members or elements
might be used to connect the doors 84,86 to one another (such as
via mounts and a padlock, rotating key lock, etc.) and/or such
locking member or elements might be used to lock the doors 84,86 to
the frame 20 and/or associated elements (such as the shelf 42 or
top 82).
[0059] As indicated herein, in a preferred embodiment the tool cart
20 is mobile, such as by mounting it upon one or more wheels. In
one embodiment, one or more brakes or similar elements may be
provided for securing the tool cart 20 in a particular location.
For example, a brake may be provided with one or more of the
wheels, which brake can be engaged or dis-engaged by the user. Of
course, other types of brakes might be used, such as a foot which
may be rotated from a retracted position to a use position in which
a portion thereof engages the ground. In other embodiments, one or
more motors (such as electrically-powered motors) might be provided
for powering one or more of the wheels. One or more user controls
might be provided for controlling the motors, such as to drive
and/or turn the wheels.
[0060] The tool cart 20 of the invention has numerous advantages.
First, the tool cart 20 is configured to store various tools, in a
manner similar to a tool box or chest. For example, the tool cart
20 includes a storage space 40 at which tools may be stored. In
addition, tools may be stored on the work back 48 or the like.
Advantageously, the tools may easily be transported owing to the
mobile configuration of the tool cart 20. For example, the tools
may be rolled along with the tool cart 20 from one location (such
as within a garage) to another location (such as outside a garage
to a driveway to work on a car).
[0061] The tool cart 20 also includes a work surface 34. Thus, the
tool cart 20 can be used to support work elements. Because the work
surface 34 is part of the tool cart 20, the work surface 34 is also
mobile and can thus, unlike conventional work benches, easily be
transported or moved from one location to another.
[0062] Advantageously, the work surface 34 is provided at the same
location where the tools are stored: at the tool cart itself. Thus,
when the tool cart 20 is moved, the work surface 34 and the
associated tools move so that they are, at the same time, at the
same new location.
[0063] Another advantage of the tool cart 20 is the modular
configuration of the cart. As indicated herein, this permits the
configuration of the tool cart 20 to be changeable. First, the
modular construction of the tool cart 20 readily permits a
manufacturer to create and sell tool carts 20 having different
initial configurations without having to substantially change the
design of the tool cart or the manufacturing process thereof. In
addition, the construction of the tool cart 20 permits an end user
to change the configuration of the tool cart 20.
[0064] As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the position of the
work surface 34 may be changed, such as to accommodate users of
different heights. In addition, the configuration of the storage
space 40 may be changed, such as by changing the location, number
and/or type(s) of storage elements within that space.
[0065] In one embodiment, the tool cart 20 may be used to secure
one or more tools or work elements. For example, the work space 38
may be closeable and lockable, such as by using the above-described
lockable doors 84,86. In another configuration, the storage space
40 may also be closeable and/or lockable. For example, the storage
space 40 may include one or more drawers or bins which define
sub-storage spaces which may be closed and/or locked. In another
embodiment, various panels or other members such as doors may be
used to enclose the storage space 40. For example, side and back
panels may enclose portions of the storage space 40 and the front
of the storage space 40 may be selectively closeable and/or
lockable via one or more moveable doors.
[0066] In a configuration where the tool cart 20 is lockable or
defines lockable areas, the tool cart 20 may be used as a "kit"
which can be safely transported from one location to another. For
example, a business may wish to ship a tool cart 20 preloaded with
particular tools and workpieces from a home office to a remote
field location. The business may pre-configure the tool cart 20
into the desired configuration, with the desired tools and
workpieces. The tool cart 20 may then be locked or secured and then
shipped. During shipping, the tools and workpieces are protected
from theft or loss due to the secure nature of the tool cart 20. In
addition, when the tool cart 20 arrives at the field, the user has
all of the necessary tools, workpieces and a work platform to
perform the necessary work. When the job is complete, the user may
replace all of the tools and associated elements (such as replaced
parts, etc.), re-secure the tool cart 20 and ship it back.
[0067] In this manner, the tool cart 20 may be configured for
specific jobs/uses and then be configured for other jobs uses. For
example, a tool cart 20 might be pre-configured for a first job,
such as replacing an airplane oil pump (using a specific first set
of associated tools and parts). After that first job, the tool cart
20 may be returned and then be pre-configured to a second job, such
as replacing an airplane door latch (using a specific second set of
associated tools and parts). This feature permits the tool cart 20
be pre-configured for specific uses, thus ensuring that the proper
tools (and/or parts) are ready for the user and avoiding having
other tools and parts be associated with the tool cart (thus making
it more difficult to determine which tools/parts are needed and
also avoiding the risk of loss of unneeded tools and parts).
[0068] In one embodiment, the tool cart 20 may be configured with
markings, mounts or other elements for specifically tracking tools
and/or parts. For example, in one embodiment, different work backs
48 may be associated with the tool cart 20. Each work back 48 may
have a different configuration, such as different tool mounts,
different brackets or other supports for different tools or the
like, whereby different tools or sets of tools may be readily
associated with different work backs 48. Such different work backs
48 may also include tool or part outlines or the like, such as
printed on the surface(s) thereof. Such markings or outlines may
indicate where particular tools or parts are to be associated with
the work back. The markings or outlines may be similar in shape to
the particular tool or part which is to be stored in that
particular location, thus aiding the user in associating the
correct tool with the correct location.
[0069] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 6, different
templates 98A,B or the like may be associated with a single work
back 48. For example, a template 98A,B may comprise a printed sheet
which can be mounted over the front of the work back 48. The
template may be printed to show a variety of specific tools/parts
and desired locations. Of course, each template may be different
depending upon the desired combination of tools/parts. The
templates may be removed and/or replaced as the tool cart 20 is
prepared for different applications. For example, the work back 48
might include mounts, such as clips, for hanging the templates
98A,B at the front thereof.
[0070] As another aspect of the invention, different storage
elements may be custom-configured for particular applications. For
example, the storage elements may similarly be pre-configured with
markings or mounts for particular tools or be configured to accept
templates or the like. As one example, a template may be located on
the planar surface of the shelf. The template may mark the location
of specific tools or parts.
[0071] In another configuration, the storage elements may include
specifically shaped storage locations for one or more tools/parts.
For example, a drawer may be molded to have different storage
locations for sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches or the like. In other
embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, a drawer 88 may accept
different inserts 100, such as plastic or foam inserts which have
associated storage locations 102 defined in them (such as by
molding, cutting or the like). Of course, different storage
elements and/or different inserts 100 may be used depending upon
the configuration of the tools and/or parts which are to be
associated with the tool cart 20.
[0072] Of course, the work back 48, templates 98A,B, storage
elements or associated inserts, etc. may have other configurations.
For example, they may be printed or include tool numbers, part
numbers or other information for specifically identifying tools,
parts and/or jobs.
[0073] In use, the work back 48 and/or storage elements may be
configured for a specific set of tools and/or parts, such as by
associating the above-described templates. The associated tools
and/or parts are preferably then associated with the tool cart 20
in the indicated positions. The tool cart 20 may then be
transported and/or used, such as to perform a particular task. When
the task is complete, the tools and/or used parts are preferably
returned to the designated locations. One particular advantage of
this aspect of the invention is that a user can see where each tool
and/or part is supposed to go and a visual inspection will readily
reveal if tools or parts are missing (because tools and/or parts
are missing from their designated location(s).
[0074] In this regard, the tool cart 20 can be used not only to
expedite a particular job by being pre-configured with the
necessary tools and parts, but the loss of tools and parts can be
minimized.
[0075] In one embodiment, the overall dimensions of the tool cart
20 may be carefully controlled so that it can readily be moved
and/or shipped. In a preferred embodiment, the tool cart 20 is no
more than about 24-36 inches, and most preferably about 30 inches,
deep from front to back and no more than about 70-82, and most
preferably about 72 inches, high so that it can be rolled through
most doorways.
[0076] It will be understood that the above described arrangements
of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of
applications of the principles of this invention and many other
embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
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