Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02303551 2000-03-30
TOOL CASE WITH SNAP-IN MODULES
This invention relates to a tool case, particularly of the type used to
display a tool set at the point of sale, and to subsequently store the tool
set. Such tool
cases are commonly referred to as "gift cases".
Cases of the general type are well known, and typically include a base in
the form of an open-topped box, and a lid hinged or otherwise mated with the
box
portion, with a clip or other means to secure the lid in the closed position.
The case
typically also contains a panel with a number of recesses to accommodate
various tools
and components, such as a screwdriver and various bits therefor, for example.
However, this conventional configuration does not efficiently use the
available space in the case because a large volume of unused space is left
between
the panel and the bottom of the box portion of the case.
In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved
tool case with one or more additional storage space areas which is/are
accessed from
the inside of the tool case. For greater flexibility, the storage space may be
fitted with
various pre-assembled snap-in storage modules to provide the user with the
flexibility
of storing a wide variety of items in a wide variety of ways, depending on the
user's
needs. For example, the compartment may be fitted with a snap-in module
comprising
a series of rotating storage containers according to the preferred embodiment
of the
invention. Alternatively, the snap-in modules can comprise a series of sliding
drawers,
or a single rotating storage container, or any other tool or component holder.
In the invention, a preferably rectangular opening is defined within the
inside surface of the box portion of the tool case. Alternatively, the opening
is defined
in the inside surface of the lid portion of the tool case. Interior walls
project upwardly
from the edge of the opening to preferably define a storage space which
accommodates a snap-in module. The module is secured within the storage space
by
any suitable means, such as by inserting two tabs projecting outwardly from
the first
side of the module into corresponding slits located within the adjacent
interior wall. The
module is then rotated into the recess so that a plastic arm projecting away
from the
second side of the module engages a lip protruding from the adjacent interior
wall. The
lip is engaged by a jaw molded to the distal end of the arm.
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A preferred tool case according to the invention comprises a box portion,
a lid pivotably connected to the box portion, a storage space defined within
the inside
surface of the box portion, and at least one storage module securable within
the storage
space.
The storage module is either removably securable within the storage
space or non-removably securable within the storage space.
The storage space further advantageously comprises an opening defined
within the inside surface of the box portion and a plurality of integrally
molded interior
walls projecting upwardly from the opening.
The at least one module further preferably comprises at least one tab
projecting outwardly from a first side of the module, an arm flexibly
connected to a
second side of the module, a jaw defined within the distal end of the arm. The
tool case
further comprises at least one slit defined within one of the interior walls
adjacent to the
first side of the module, a lip protruding from one of the interior walls
adjacent to the
second side of the module, whereby the module may be secured within the
storage
space by inserting the at least one tab projecting from the module into the
slit defined
within the interior wall, and the jaw defined within the distal end of the arm
engages the
lip.
In a further embodiment, the at least one module further comprises a
module body, a recess defined within the module body, a plurality of
containers
pivotably mounted inside the recess connected along at least one side by a
gang bar,
the containers configured to pivot in unison between open and closed
positions, such
that in the closed position, an outer face of each container is coplanar and
flush with
the inner surface of the box portion, and in the open position, the outer face
projects
outwardly, exposing openings into the containers.
In yet a further embodiment, the at least one module further comprises
a module body, a recess defined within the module body to form a storage
container,
and a door pivotably connected to the body.
In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one module further
comprises a module body, a recess defined within the module body and a
plurality of
drawers slidably mounted within the recess.
Still a further embodiment has a module further comprising a module
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body, a recess defined within the module body, a plurality of wedge-shaped
storage
containers pivotably mounted within the recess, the containers configured to
pivot
individually between open and closed positions, such that in the closed
position, an
outer face of each container is coplanar and flush with the inner surface of
the box
portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects outwardly, exposing
openings
into the containers.
In still a further embodiment, the at least one module further comprises
a module body, a recess defined within the module body, a multi-compartment
storage
container comprising: three integral rectangular faces, two integral identical
parallel
four-sided outer walls joining the three rectangular faces, an open fourth
face to provide
access to the container, and two integral dividing walls defining three
storage
compartments. The container is pivotably mounted within the recess, the
container
configured to pivot between open and closed positions, such that in the closed
position,
an outer face of the container is coplanar and flush with the inner surface of
the box
portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects outwardly, exposing
opening
into the compartments.
Further, the at least one module advantageously comprises a module
body, a recess defined within the module body, a door pivotably connected to
the body,
and a plurality of integrally molded shelves projecting outwardly from the
inner face of
the door. The door is configured to pivot between open and closed positions,
such that
in the closed position, an outer face of the door is coplanar and flush with
the inner
surface of the box portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects
outwardly,
exposing the shelves.
A further embodiment of a tool case advantageously comprises a large
box portion, a lid pivotably connected to the box portion, multiple tool and
component
storage spaces defined within interior or exterior surfaces of the box portion
and the lid,
and at least one storage module securable within at least one of the storage
spaces.
Yet a further embodiment of a tool case according to the invention
comprises a box portion defining a main storage area, a lid pivotally
connected to the
box portion, a recess defined in at least one interior surface of the tool
case, and at
least one removable module, each removable module being removably securable in
the
recess and configured to provide a secondary storage area, the at least one
removable
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module having a plurality of separate storage compartments accessible when the
at least
one removable module is secured in the recess. One of the compartments is
preferably
pivotable relative to the module, between open and closed positions.
Preferably, the tool
case is arranged such that in the closed position, an outer face of each of
the
compartments is coplanar and flush with one the interior surface in which the
recess is
defined. Advantageously, there are plural compartments pivotable relative to
their
module, between open and closed positions. The compartments are preferably
ganged
together for ganged movement between the open and closed positions, for
instance by
virtue of a gang bar connecting each of the compartments.
A further embodiment of the invention has a tool case comprising a box
portion defining a main storage area, a lid pivotally connected to the box
portion, a recess
defined in at least one exterior surface of the tool case, and at least one
non-removable
module, each removable module being securable in the recess and configured to
provide
a secondary storage area, the at least one non-removable module having a
plurality of
separate storage compartments accessible when the at least one non-removable
module
is secured in the recess.
In yet a further embodiment, there is provided a tool case comprising a box
portion; a lid pivotably connected to said box portion for pivoting between a
case-closed
position covering an otherwise open top of said box portion and a case-open
position
providing access to said box portion; a panel secured across at least a
substantial portion
of said box portion, said panel having mounting means for a plurality of tools
or tool
components; at least one removable storage module secured within said box
portion,
each said removable storage module being accessible only when said lid is in
said case-
open position, and having a plurality of storage compartments pivotally
mounted therein
for pivoting between compartment-open and compartment-closed positions, said
storage
compartments having outer faces which are substantially coplanar with said
panel when
in their compartment-closed positions, wherein said pivotally mounted storage
compartments are ganged to each other, for pivotal movement in unison.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred
embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with
reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the tool case showing the storage
space and the snap-in module according to one embodiment of the
invention;
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Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view from the top of the tool case showing a
tool and component holding panel;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view from the underside of the tool case;
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a "drop-bin module" installable
in the storage space;
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Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the removal of the drop-bin module;
Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism for the module;
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the drop-bin module and case;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative storage container module in the
case;
Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative storage container
module and case;
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a sliding drawer module in the case;
Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding drawer module in the
case;
Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a wedge-shaped container module in the case;
Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the wedge-shaped container module
and the case;
Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the wedge-shaped container module;
Fig. 13A is cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism for the wedge-
shaped
containers;
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a multi-compartment container module in the
case
in the closed position;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the multi-compartment container module in the
case in the open position;
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Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-compartment container
module;
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a multiple shelf module in the case;
Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view ofthe multiple shelf module and the
case;
Fig. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
invention, showing the snap-in modules connected to a tool box;
Fig. 20 is a schematic top view of a tool case according to a further
embodiment
of the invention, showing a snap-in module inside a tool box;
Fig. 21 is a schematic top view of a tool case according to still a further
embodiment of the invention, showing a snap-in module inside a tool box;
Fig. 22 is a schematic sectional side view along line A-A of Fig. 21, showing
the
tool box with its lid closed;
Fig. 23 is a schematic sectional side view along line A-A of Fig. 21, showing
the
tool box with its lid opened and removed and the storage containers in
their outwards pivoted position;
Fig. 24 is a schematic top view of a tool case according to yet a further
embodiment of the invention, showing a snap-in module inside a tool box;
Fig. 25 is a schematic sectional side view along line B-B of Fig. 24, showing
the
tool box with its lid closed;
Fig. 26 is a schematic sectional side view along line B-B of Fig. 24, showing
the
tool box with its lid opened and removed and the storage containers in
their outwards pivoted position;
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Fig. 27 is a top view of even still a further embodiment of the invention,
showing
a tool box with a slide-in module fully slid inside the tool box;
Fig. 28 is a schematic sectional side view along line C-C of Fig. 27, showing
the
tool box with its lid opened and removed and the slide-in storage
container in position to be slid inside the tool box; and
Fig. 29 is a schematic sectional side view along line D-D of Fig. 27, showing
the
tool box with its lid opened and removed and the slide-in storage container
fully inserted into the tool box.
Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows the tool case which includes a
main box portion 1 with a handle 2 molded to the front edge thereof, as well
as a
preferably transparent lid 3 hinged to the box portion, for example, by two
hinges 4, and
secured to the box portion by a clip 5. Preferably, the tool case is made
entirely from
plastic.
A generally rectangular opening 6 defined within the bottom surface of the
box portion. Molded interior walls 7 project upwardly from the edges of the
rectangular
opening into the box portion to define a storage space 15 which accommodates a
snap-
in module 8, such as the "drop bin assembly" shown in Figs. 1-6.
Fig. 2 shows a plastic panel 9, preferably molded with a raised portion 10
located over the rectangular opening to provide extra space for the snap-in
module.
However, a flat panel could be used in the tool case, although the space
available for
a snap-in module would, of course, be smaller. The panel is secured to the box
portion
by any suitable means, such as, for example, by inserting posts 11 protruding
from the
panel into corresponding sleeves 12 molded onto the box portion. For
additional
support, the panel rests on preferably three support members 13 along the side
of the
box portion adjacent to the hinges. Various shapes 14 are molded within the
panel to
accommodate corresponding tools with substantial depth, as well as components
such
as screwdriver bits and sockets. The shapes defined within the raised portion
of the
panel and components retained therein have little depth, and are, therefore,
only
adapted to retain components such as screwdriver bits and sockets. The shapes
are
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molded in such a way that the corresponding tools and components can be
secured by
snapping same into the corresponding shapes 14 in a conventional manner, so
that if
the tool case is oriented with the lid facing downward, the tools stored in
the first panel
do not fall out of their designated shapes .
Figs. 1-5 show an embodiment of the invention where a "drop-bin" module
8 is secured within the storage space 15 by snapping the module into the
interior walls
7 by any suitable means. For example, two tabs 16 extending outwardly from a
first side
19 of the of the module are inserted into corresponding slits 20 located
within an
adjacent interior wall. The module is then rotated into the storage space so
that a
flexible molded plastic arm 21 projecting upwardly and away from the second
side 22
of the module engages a lip 23 protruding from the adjacent interior wall. The
lip is
engaged by a jaw 24 located at the distal end of the arm which snaps onto said
lip to
secure the module to the box portion. A semi-circular depression 27 is defined
within
the box portion surrounding the lip.
As best shown in Fig. 5, the module is removed by the user sliding his/her
finger into the semi-circular depression 27 which allows the finger to engage
the arm
21 and pull it away from the box portion, freeing the module to be rotated out
of the
storage space 15.
Fig. 6 shows the preferably five identical drop-bin storage containers 28,
each having two identical parallel five-sided walls 17 which are joined by
three generally
rectangular faces 18 to form the container. The two remaining faces are open
to provide
access to the storage container. The storage containers are preferably molded
from
clear plastic to permit the user to examine the contents without opening the
containers.
In the closed position, the faces of the storage containers preferably form
a single plane flush with the bottom surface of the box portion so that the
bottom of the
tool case can rest flat on a work surface when the user has opened the lid 3
to access
the tools in the panel 9.
The storage containers locate within a recess 90 defined within the body
91 of the module, and each container is joined to the sides of the recess by a
male
connection pin 25 which extends outwardly at a right angle from the two walls
of each
storage container. A corresponding recessed female connection means 26 adapted
to
receive the pins of each storage container is molded into both sides of the
recess
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adjacent to the walls of the containers. The pin of each storage container is
inserted
into the corresponding female connection means, such that the containers are
prevented from falling out of the recess, but are permitted to freely rotate.
Alternative
methods of pivotally connecting the storage containers to the box portion will
be
apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the
invention.
The storage containers are joined, preferably, by two gang bars 30 to
allow the containers to only move in unison. The two gang bars are located in
two
corresponding grooves 93 defined within the sides of the recess. The gang bars
are
connected to the storage containers by protruding cylindrical male connections
31
located along their length which fit snugly into female openings 32 in the
side walls of
each storage container. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that
only one gang
bar could be employed.
The storage containers are prevented from freely rotating by a plastic
clasp configuration 35 molded from one piece of plastic, secured to the body
91 of the
module, and preferably located adjacent to the storage container closest to
the handle.
A section of the clasp 38 molded into aperture is snapped by conventional
means onto
a co-operating plastic member 39 extending outwardly from the body. The clasp
configuration also includes a ridge 36 extending over the face of the storage
container
which is flush with the bottom of the tool case to secure the container in the
closed
position, as well as a catch 37 to permit the user to easily grasp the clasp
configuration. To pivot the containers to the open position, the user grasps
the catch
and pulls it away from the storage containers lifting the ridge which extends
over the
adjacent storage container and restricts its rotation. The user can freely
pivot the
storage container adjacent to the clasp into an open position, and when he/she
does
so, he/she also moves the gang bar connected thereto, which gang bar then
imparts
the motion to all the other containers causing them to move in unison. It
should be
noted, however, that other suitable means of securing the storage containers
to the box
portion may be used and such means would be within the scope of the invention.
It should be understood that the above description relates to the preferred
embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be
obvious
to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within
the scope
of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.
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For example, Figs. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the
invention where a recess 90 is defined within the body 46 of the snap-in
module 8 to
define a generally box-shaped storage container 41. A door 42 is rotatably
connected
to the body by any suitable means, such as, for example, a living hinge 45.
The door
is secured to the storage container by a plastic clasp configuration 35
snapped onto a
plastic member 39, as described in the preferred embodiment, such that when
the door
is in the closed position it is flush with the bottom surface of the box
portion. The
module is snapped into the storage space 15 in the same manner as the
preferred
embodiment described above.
Figs. 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the
snap-in module 8 comprises four box-shaped drawers 50 secured within a recess
90
defined within the body 53 of the module. A molded handle 51 defined within
the outer
face 52 of each drawer. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that
the module can
be configured with any number of drawers, and such variations are clearly
within the
scope of this invention. The drawers are slidably connected to the body by any
suitable
means. For example, molded rails 54 projecting outwardly from the bottom face
of each
drawer slide within corresponding channels 55 defined within the inner surface
of the
walls of the body. The drawers are prevented from falling out of the body of
the module
by drawer tabs 56 molded to the top of the inner face of each drawer. In the
closed
position, the outer face of each drawer is flush with the bottom surface of
the box
portion 1. Again, this module is secured within the storage space in the same
manner
as the preferred embodiment described above.
Figs. 11 to 13 show an alternative embodiment of the invention four
wedge-shaped storage containers 60 are secured within a recess 90 defined
within the
body 64 of the snap-in module 8, although any number of storage containers may
be
fitted within the module and such variations are within the scope of this
invention. Each
storage container is defined by a converging outer face 61 and inner face 62
joined by
a rounded container wall 63. A handle 51 is defined within the outer face of
each
container. Each container is rotatably connected to the body by any suitable
means. For
example, a C-shaped channel 65 molded to the edge of the container where the
outer
and inner faces converge, is snapped onto to a molded cylindrical rail 66
running along
the top of the inner face of the body. In the closed position, the outer face
of each
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container is flush with the bottom surface of the box portion and is secured
in place by
a flexible molded button 67 protruding outwardly from the outer face of each
container,
and from an identical button 69 protruding from the side of the body adjacent
to the
rearmost container. The button snaps into a corresponding pocket 68 defined
within the
outer face of an adjacent container, and the button forthe forwardmost
container snaps
into an identical pocket 94 defined within the adjacent side of the body of
the module.
Clearly, alternative methods of securing the containers in the closed position
may be
used and are within the scope of this invention. The module is secured within
the
storage space 15 in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described
above.
Figs. 14-16 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the
snap-in module comprises a multi-compartment storage container 70 having two
identical parallel outer walls 71 which are joined by three rectangular faces.
The fourth
face 73 is open to provide access to the container. Two integrally molded
dividing walls
74 are located within the container to define three equal compartments 75. The
container is rotatably mounted within a recess 90 defined within the body 76
of the
module by any suitable means, such as male connection pins 25 projecting
outwardly
from the outer walls which mate with female connection means (not shown), as
described in the preferred embodiment. A handle 51 is defined within the outer
face 77.
In the closed position, the outer face of the container is flush with the
bottom surface
of the box portion 1, and in the open position, the open face is rotated away
from the
box portion to allow the user access to the contents of the compartments. The
container
70 is secured in the closed position by a plastic clasp configuration 35
snapped onto
a plastic member 39, as described in the preferred embodiment. The module is
secured
within the storage space 15 in the same manner as the preferred embodiment
described above.
Figs. 17 and 18 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where
the snap-in module 8 comprises three storage shelves 80 molded to a door 81
which
is rotatably connected to the body 82 of the module by a conventional hinge
83. It will
be understood by those skilled in the art that any number of shelves may be
molded to
the door, and such variations are within the scope of this invention. A recess
90 within
the body accommodates the shelves when the door is in the closed position. The
door
is secured to the storage container by a plastic clasp configuration 35
snapped onto a
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plastic member 39, as described in the preferred embodiment, such that when
the door
is in the closed position it is flush with the bottom surface of the box
portion. The
module is snapped into the storage space 15 in the same manner as the
preferred
embodiment described above.
It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the storage space and the
snap-in module 8 securable within same can extend over the entire surface the
bottom
surface of the box portion, or alternatively, it could occupy only a section
of the bottom
surface of the box portion, and such variations are clearly within the scope
of this
invention.
Fig. 19 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention where the snap-in
module 8, as described in the above embodiments detailing outside snap-in
modules,
is snapped into a recess 90 defined within the side or a lid of a tool box 91.
The module
is snapped into the recess in the same manner as described in the preferred
embodiment above. There may be multiple recesses, defined in inner and/or
outer
surfaces of the box portion and/or the lid, substantially as has been
described in
conjunction with the earlier described embodiments.
Fig. 20 shows a further embodiment of the invention where a snap-in
module 8', as described above, is snapped inside a further tool box 100,
having no
external snap-in modules. The further tool box has a bottom portion 101 with a
handle
portion 103, a lid portion 102 with a handle portion 104, and a locking
mechanism 107
for securing the lid portion against the bottom portion. Further, at least a
first tool
holding recess 105 and a second tool holding recess 106 are arranged in a top
surface
of the bottom portion of the tool box.
Figs. 21 to 23 show another embodiment of the invention where plural
snap-in modules 8" are arranged inside a tool box 200. The modules are as
described
in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6 above. The tool box 200 preferably has a
handle 201,
a bottom portion 202 and a lid portion 203. The modules 8" are arranged to be
held in
a recess 19'. Preferably, tool holders 110,111 are arranged inside the tool
box, in areas
not occupied by the recess 19'. Further technical features of the modules have
the
same reference numerals as described in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6.
Figs. 24 to 26 show a further embodiment of the invention where plural
snap-in modules 8"' are arranged inside a tool box 200'. The modules are as
described
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in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6 above. The tool box 200' preferably has a
handle 201',
a bottom portion 202' and a lid portion 203'. The modules 8"' are arranged to
be held
in a recess 19". Preferably, tool holders (not shown) are arranged inside the
tool box,
in areas not occupied by the recess 19". Further technical features of the
modules have
the same reference numerals as described in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6.
Figs. 27 to 29 show yet another embodiment of the invention where plural
snap-in modules 8'~ are arranged to slide inside a tool box 200". The modules
are
preferably as described in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6 above. The tool box
200"
preferably has a handle 201 "', a bottom portion 202" and a lid portion (not
shown). The
modules 8"' are arranged to be held in removable holder 20, which is slidably
mountable in the tool box on slide rails 210. The slide rails are arranged on
an inner
surface of the tool box. Preferably, tool holders (not shown) are arranged
inside the tool
box, in areas not occupied by the slide rails 210 or the holder 20 when it is
mounted in
the tool box. Further technical features of the modules have the same
reference
numerals as described in conjunction with Figs. 5 and 6.
In general, selected technical features relating to the individual modules
and their fastening to the tool box described in relation to Figs. 1 to 18
also relate to the
fastening and arrangement of modules inside the tool box, as described in
conjunction
to Figs. 19 to 29.
It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred
embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be
obvious
to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within
the scope
of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.
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