Carrying Case Patents (Class 312/902)
  • Patent number: 11964377
    Abstract: A tool arrangement includes a tool management device with a body and a lid which, by a hinge connection, is configured pivotably relative to the body for selectively covering or releasing a receiving space of the body, and a receiving device for receiving tool elements. The receiving device is mounted or mountable in the receiving space of the body such that, by the hinge connection, the receiving device is co-pivoted when the lid is pivoted. The lid is detachable from the hinge connection, such that, after detaching the lid from the hinge connection, the receiving device is pivotable by actuating the hinge connection without the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: Würth International AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hohl, Marcel Hopf, Johannes Starke
  • Patent number: 9962825
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, a toolbox includes a housing, one or more drawers received in the housing, and a handle extending from the housing. The handle comprises a pair of spaced grasping surfaces connected by a central grasping surface, the spaced grasping surface and the central grasping surface each spaced from the housing. According to another embodiment, a toolbox includes a housing and one or more drawers slidably received in the housing. The one or more drawers each comprise an integral latch, and the housing comprises an integral latch receptacle. Closing the drawer of the toolbox with a first amount of force does not engage the integral latch with the latch receptacle, while closing the drawer of the toolbox with a second amount of force automatically engages the integral latch with the latch receptacle, securing the one or more drawers within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry L. Gonzales, John C. Murray, Megan E. McNeill, Chih-Hung Chen, Tolga Caglar, Jin Chi Huang, Oaty A. Frye, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9038820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to utility surfaces. Specifically, the invention relates to a utility surface, generally a table or other flat surface, with drawers attached to the utility surface. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the utility surface and attached drawers may be folded into a collapsed format that is convenient for portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Mohamed Ashry
  • Patent number: 8991599
    Abstract: A device for holding and carrying various items, e.g., hand tools or other small items, is disclosed. It includes a lower tray, an upper tray, a pair of foldable strut assemblies and a handle. Each strut assembly includes a pair of leg sections pivotably connected together. The strut assemblies are located at diagonally located corners of the trays with their leg sections arranged to be pivoted to an open position, whereupon the upper tray is spaced above said lower tray to provide ready access to any items in said lower tray. Torsion springs are provided to hold the tray in that position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Roger F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8851585
    Abstract: A tool cabinet structure has four columns standing on four corners of a platform. The top of each of the columns has a covering part and a support part. A cover board rests on four support parts at the tops of the four columns and is restricted by four covering parts. Two sideboards and one backboard are fixed to the sides of the platform to form an accommodating space. Several drawers are inserted into the accommodating space in a sliding way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ting-Yu Chang
  • Patent number: 8752912
    Abstract: A method for converting a watertight carrying case into a desk that includes mounting a bracket onto rearward projections from the case for permitting the case to serve as a desk without compromising its watertightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Extundo Incorporated
    Inventors: Clifford L. Johns, Munaf Chasmawala, Dennis McAndrews, Matthew Laughlin, Douglas K. Cornett
  • Patent number: 8434834
    Abstract: A tool identification and location system for a tool containing cabinet. The system includes a plastic sheet having a surface with cross sectional outlines of the cabinet drawers as well as multiple, parallel tool receiving compartments in each of the drawers. The sheet is connected to a sidewall of the cabinet so that the outlines of each drawer are in horizontal alignment with corresponding drawers of the cabinet, and tool cross sections, called profiles, are mounted to the sheet, such as by magnets or hook and loop fasteners, for indicating to an operator the exact location, drawer and compartment, of each tool in the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Versatility Tool Works & Manufacturing Company, Inc
    Inventor: Edward K. Freimuth
  • Patent number: 8360538
    Abstract: A toolbox with drawers for holding tools and the like and a display rack for holding and displaying such tools. The display rack is movable vertically relative to the toolbox and may assume a first tool accessible and tool visible position and a second position where the tools are not accessible and are not visible. A locking mechanism maintains the inaccessible tool position of the display rack. Preloaded struts operate to extend the display rack to its tool accessible and tool visible condition when the retaining force on the display rack is released. A retaining mechanism is used to hold the display rack in its elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: Barry Kane Retchloff
  • Patent number: 8342841
    Abstract: A storage device is provided for holding bone implant surgery articles. The storage device includes a body defining a plurality of openings capable of holding at least one rotatable drill bit that may be mounted on a drill and used to form a bore in bone and at least one implant container that holds an implant capable of being placed in the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Zimmer Dental, Inc.
    Inventors: Tyson Vogel, Charles Howlett, Mojtaba Esfahni
  • Patent number: 8033620
    Abstract: A toolbox with drawers for holding tools and the like and a display rack for holding and displaying such tools. The display rack is movable vertically relative to the toolbox and may assume a first tool accessible and tool visible position and a second position where the tools are not accessible and are not visible. A locking mechanism maintains the inaccessible tool position of the display rack. Preloaded struts operate to extend the display rack to its tool accessible and tool visible condition when the retaining force on the display rack is released. A retaining mechanism is used to hold the display rack in its elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Barry Kane Retchloff
  • Patent number: 7823991
    Abstract: A storage unit having a frame, drawers and a carrying handle. When the unit is lifted by the handle, or the handle is moved to a position suitable for lifting the storage unit, the handle arms lift the bottom drawer of the stack of drawers which in turn lifts each of the above drawers relative to the frame. As each drawer rises, the clearance gap between adjacent drawers is reduced and the drawers are moved to a locked position where they are blocked by detents mounted on the inside of the frame. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the handle is coupled to drawer locking slides instead of the bottom drawer and detents on the drawer locking slides engage with the drawers to lock them in the closed position as the drawer locking slides are moved relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: PDY Systems LP
    Inventor: Paul Douglas Purdy
  • Patent number: 7784887
    Abstract: A toolbox assembly 10 which is adapted to allow material to be easily and securely stored and retrieved and which is aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventors: Larry Mitchell Grela, Edwin Dizon Manalang
  • Patent number: 7530459
    Abstract: A tool box includes a main body, a tool holder, a tool handle, a plurality of tool tips, and a cover. Thus, when the cover is removed from the main body, the tool handle is released from the cover and is movable outwardly relative to the main body to drive the tool holder to pivot outwardly from the main body to expose the tool handle and the tool tips for use with a user, thereby facilitating the user operating the tool handle and the tool tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Shu-Hui Yeh
  • Patent number: 7497328
    Abstract: A portable container, particularly for professional equipment and instruments, comprising a first half-shell and a second half-shell, which are mutually associated so as to form at least one compartment for containing and protecting equipment and instruments, at least one of the first and second half-shells comprising, along at least one of the internal lateral walls, a distribution of receptacles for respective fixing brackets for at least one support for instruments and equipment, each one of the brackets being provided with locking devices for removable locking within the receptacle and with elements for detachable connection to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: GT Line S.r.l.
    Inventor: Massimo Tonelli
  • Patent number: 7334680
    Abstract: A toolbox having modular components for additional storage and functionality includes modular attachments that are adapted to removably fit various attachments, such as a cooler, cup holder, saw blades holder, drill bit holders, and the like. In addition, the toolbox includes a three-quarter length tray that allows the craftsman to overstuff the inside of the toolbox and additional storage compartments in the lid of the toolbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Ian W. Cunningham, Craig Roberts
  • Patent number: 7293489
    Abstract: A carrying case device for a circular saw and the method of interconnecting the circular saw with the carrying case device when the circular saw is in use. A case is provided having a top surface, wherein the case defines an internal area large enough to store the circular saw. A miter assembly is provided that is attached to the top surface of the case. The miter assembly can be rotated on the case. The miter assembly also includes a guide arm that can be lifted and closed about a hinge connection. The guide arm contains a mounting receptacle for selectively receiving and engaging the circular saw. As a result, the circular saw can be raised and lowered against a work piece as though it were a power miter saw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Wood
  • Patent number: 7108131
    Abstract: The invention is based on a case, in particular a power tool case, having a housing (10, 12) that has at least one housing part (46, 48) with a storage space (14) for carrying and/or storage of a power tool (18), in particular a manual power tool. It is proposed that the housing (10, 12) forms at least of a part of a base (20) to stand on for a stationary operating mode of the power tool (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Dreher, Juergen Stoeger
  • Patent number: 7017740
    Abstract: A tool container includes a case portion defining a storage space and a cover portion movably attached to the case portion moveable between a closed position in which the cover portion covers an opening into the storage space and an open position in which access to the storage space is permitted. The cover portion is securable in the closed position. The cover portion has an elongated level storage space for storing a level therein, and a secondary cover portion movably mounted to the cover portion for movement between a closed position wherein the secondary cover portion covers the elongated level storage space to retain the level therein and an open position wherein access to the level stored in the elongated storage space is permitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Zag Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Guy Itzkovitch
  • Patent number: 6840376
    Abstract: A tool box includes a left cover and a right cover which are pivotably connected on the left sidewall and the right sidewall respectively. The left cover, the right cover, the left sidewall and the right sidewall each have grooves defined in an inside thereof so that a first layer and a second layer connected by two rods are movably received between the left cover, the right cover, the left sidewall and the right sidewall by engaging protrusions on the first layer and the second layer in the grooves. The grooves each have two recesses defined in an inside thereof so that the protrusions can be shifted into the recesses to set the first layer and the second layer in position. Casters are connected to an under side of the tool box and allow the tool box to be moved in a convenient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Chin-Hui Chen
  • Publication number: 20040129658
    Abstract: A tool display and storage panel assembly (29) having three vertical panels (10, 11, 12) arranged into a three-sided enclosure of open display walls which hold a unique arrangement of several shelf-like racks of specific sizes, attached horizontally to the faces of the display walls in specific locations. Each of these racks contain specific numbers of either pegs or holes of specific sizes and in specific locations and arrangements which securely hold groups or sets of the most commonly used automotive hand tools for easy selection, removal and replacement. This display panel assembly is uniquely designed to be installed on, and attached to, the top tray of a standard mechanic's work cart (13) for easy movement of the tools to the immediate work area. The tools in this display panel are secured from theft when not in use by means of a lockable rigid security cover (30) that encloses the open areas of the tool display panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventor: Gene Ronald LeClerc
  • Patent number: 6736265
    Abstract: A general purpose mechanics toolbox that is able to withstand external environmental conditions and abuse is disclosed. Typically, the toolbox includes a main body having a front and top cover. Tubular gaskets run between the top and front covers and the body, thereby providing a watertight seal. The body is typically constructed of a high durability plastic. The toolbox can be closed and latched with a latch mechanism that can optionally be locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Toolbox Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome Kipper, Steve LaCroix Ramos
  • Patent number: 6637592
    Abstract: A combination tool case is constructed to include a front frame unit, a back frame unit, a front frame and back frame fastening structure, a storage box supported on the front frame unit and the back frame unit at a top side, a plurality of drawers mountable in space surrounded by the front frame unit, the back frame unit, and the storage box, and a drawer positioning structure adapted for locking the drawers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Eagle Tool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Hsiang Lai
  • Patent number: 6612435
    Abstract: A tool case has multiple side plates, a bottom plate, an upper cover and multiple side covers. The side plates are connected with each other to define a containing space for storing large tools. Multiple recesses are defined in the outer side of each respective side plate for receiving tools. Each side cover is pivotally connected to one of the side plates and has an inner side with multiple recesses to receive tools. Accordingly, the space for storing tools in the tool case is large and many, and the use of the tool case is versatile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Yeh-Ching Chang
  • Patent number: 6601930
    Abstract: A rolling containers assembly including (a) a base cabinet including wheels and a pulling handle for locomoting the rolling containers assembly; and (b) at least one additional cabinet being removably connectable on top of the base cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: 500 Group Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo B. Tiramani, Soohyun Ham, John A. Bozak
  • Patent number: 6578937
    Abstract: A toolbox that has an outer housing, an inner housing and a number of storage trays. The outer housing is removable from the inner housing. To use the toolbox, the outer housing is removed and placed on top of the inner housing. Then, alternate drawers are removed from the inner housing and placed in the upper housing. This creates a number of drawers that have spaces between them. The spaces are large enough to see into the drawers and to reach in and obtain tools. Once the tools have been positioned, they are readily accessible for use. When the job is done, the drawers are returned to the inner housing, the outer housing is removed and fitted over the inner housing for storage. Once locked into place, the complete toolbox can then be transported as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Fred Thoman
  • Publication number: 20020125159
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for use in the installation of floor covering and, more particularly, to a tool carrier and seam weight effective for carrying working tools as well as for operating as a seaming weight during installation of floor covering. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box for applying pressure along a newly formed seam and having a covering plate mounted thereon which is effective for dissipating heat from the seam. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool carrier and seam weight comprises a tool box having a tool tray for applying pressure along a newly formed seam and having a covering plate mounted thereon which is effective for dissipating heat from the seam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kelly J. Hann
  • Patent number: 6422386
    Abstract: A blow molded carrying chest which includes a frame and a lid is provided. The frame includes a base frame member, and left and right end frame members attached to the base frame member. A top frame member is rigidly attached to the left and right end frame members, and defines only a portion of a top surface of the chest. A lid is hingedly connected to the frame, and defines a remainder of the top surface of the chest not defined by the top frame member. The lid is pivotable from a closed position to an open position to provide access to an interior of the chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Custom-Pak, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Wiese, Peter T. Schurman
  • Patent number: 6375289
    Abstract: An organizing cabinet for storing relatively small, loose items in sorted fashion configured to facilitate sorting and storing of the items. The organizing cabinet features a cabinet holding a plurality of storage bins and a sorting plate disposed at an upper portion of the cabinet. The sorting plate is pivotally connected to the cabinet at a pivot axis. The sorting plate has a flat sorting surface and a retaining wall extending along the sorting surface. The retaining wall extends generally parallel to or aligned with the pivot axis and has a dispensing port formed through which sorted items are poured either directly into a selected receptacle or into a user's hand simply by pivoting the sorting plate upwardly about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Zag Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Yemini
  • Publication number: 20020030425
    Abstract: A rolling containers assembly including (a) a base cabinet including wheels and a pulling handle for locomoting the rolling containers assembly; and (b) at least one additional cabinet being removably connectable on top of the base cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: 500 GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Paolo B. Tiramani, Sookhyun Ham, John A. Bozak
  • Patent number: 6347847
    Abstract: A rolling containers assembly including (a) a base cabinet including wheels and (b) at least one additional cabinet being removably connectable on top of the base cabinet, the additional cabinet having a pulling handle for locomotins the rolling containers assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: 500 Group Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo B. Tiramani, Sookhyun Ham, John A. Bozak
  • Publication number: 20010035704
    Abstract: A ball bearing roller and ball bearing slide assembly for use in an article of manufacture, for example a toolbox having drawers, is disclosed. The ball bearing slide assembly can comprise a first slide element, a second slide element and a carriage, wherein the carriage couples, in combination with a ball bearing roller, the first slide member to the second slide member such that the second slide member moves relative to both the first slide member and the carriage. The ball bearing roller is swaged on a side of the roller that is attachable to the article of manufacture. The ball bearing slide assembly can be used, for example, as a drawer slide assembly. The ball bearing slide assembly enhances lateral stability. The invention decreases the likelihood of bearing fatigue, and ultimate bearing failure, due to lateral movement. The present invention provides a cost effective way to align, for example, shelves or drawers, with respect to the article of manufacture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce E. Dierbeck
  • Patent number: 6305049
    Abstract: A compressed air distribution and battery recharger is provided in a tool bar handle for a tool cabinet. The tool cabinet handle provides outlets for compressed air which is regulated, dried and lubricated for use with pneumatic tools along with a battery charger for recharging power packs for portable electric tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Robert D. Koch
  • Patent number: 6264030
    Abstract: A tool box includes a first part and a second part. The first part is composed of two boards foldably connected with each other and in a form of L-shaped part. The second part is composed of three boards pivotally connected with each other and in a form of an U-shaped member. The second part is mounted to the first part by engaging connection rods on the first part with recesses in the second part so as to form a tool box with an opening defined in a front side of the tool box. A plurality of drawers slidably engaged with rails on two insides of the second part from the front opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Yao-Lin Tsou
  • Patent number: 6260701
    Abstract: A drill case (10) includes a case box (20) having a longitudinally elongated rectangular cross-sectional shape closeable at one transverse end thereof by a lid (23). The case includes a slidably removable longitudinally elongated drill stand base (50) having in the upper surface thereof a plurality of longitudinally disposed, laterally spaced apart grooves (51) for receiving rectangular block-shaped drill stands (60) having longitudinally spaced apart vertical bores (61) for receiving drill bits (1). Stand base (50) has protruding outwardly from opposite lateral sides thereof a pair of parallel longitudinally disposed ribs (52) which are slidably receivable in a pair of upper or lower grooves (27) and (28) formed in the inner side walls of box (20), depending on whether short or long shank drill bits are contained in stands (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Union Tool Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Katayama, Yoshiharu Shinbo
  • Patent number: 6260700
    Abstract: A detachable spare-parts container mountable with a tool container, comprising a body having a plurality of drawers to contain spare-parts and being slidable, the body being insertable to the tool container, characterized in that a plurality of holes are provided to the top section of the body and an urging block is protruded from the external end at the top section of the hole, and the drawer is at a box body slidably engaged at the hole, thereby various types and a larger number of spare-parts can be stored within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Yao-Ju Huang
  • Patent number: 6193062
    Abstract: A tackle box for storing items, such as fishing tackle, in an organized manner. The tackle box includes a base container with a front panel having a plurality of slidably mounted drawers. The bottom of a top container is detachably attached to a top panel of the base container. The top container has a bottom portion and upper lid portion pivotally coupled to the bottom portion of the top container. The top of the top container has a depression therein defining an upper compartment. A generally transparent window substantially covers the upper compartment of the top of the top container. The top of the top container also has a handler pivotally coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventors: Robert Rysgaard, Clayton Scheuer
  • Patent number: 6176559
    Abstract: A rolling containers assembly including (a) a base cabinet including wheels and a pulling handle for locomoting the rolling containers assembly; and (b) at least one additional cabinet being removably connectable on top of the base cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: 500 Group Inc.
    Inventors: Paolo B. Tiramani, Soohyun Ham, John A. Bozak
  • Patent number: 6138840
    Abstract: A storage closet and rack apparatus for holding and storing fishing accessories. The storage closet and rack apparatus includes a housing. The housing has a back wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a bottom wall, a top wall and a front side. The front side comprises a plurality of panels. The plurality of panels includes drawers, doors and a desk. The housing has a plurality of compartments therein. A portion of the compartments has fishing reel mountings therein. Each of the fishing reel mountings is coupled to a wall of the compartments. Each of the fishing reel mountings is adapted for holding a fishing reel. A pair of securing means releasably secures fishing poles to the housing. Each of the securing means is fixedly coupled to both of the first and second side walls of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Duncan B. Seip
  • Patent number: 6129229
    Abstract: A parts pack for accommodating a plurality of pocket boxes is composed of two identical one-piece casings connected with a plurality of hinges. The parts pack can be used to store one or at least one hand tool as a screwdriver. The pocket box for accommodating various small hardware is removable from the parts pack and can be carried easily with a user for remote applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Pro-Pack International Corporation
    Inventors: Lydia Dunn, James R. Dunn
  • Patent number: 6105769
    Abstract: A tool box includes a housing for receiving tool members and one or more drawers slidably received in a base of the housing for receiving small objects, such as the nuts, screws, bolts etc. A plate and a cover are secured to the front portion of the base for slidably receiving the drawers. The base and the plate and the cover include one or more guide channels for guiding the drawers to slide relative to the base, and include one or more protrusions for retaining the drawers in the base, and includes one or more stops for preventing the drawers from being disengaged from the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Kuen Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 6068355
    Abstract: A portable workstation or office foldable into a transportable unit including top and bottom parts hingedly connected to one another so that the top part is pivotable with respect to the bottom part between open and closed positions. A table top is disposed atop the bottom part and defines an upwardly facing work surface. The table top and bottom part together define an interior compartment for storing objects therein. The top part includes compartments configured for displaying and storing objects such as documents therein, and the workstation is adapted to secure objects on the work surface and adjacent the compartments during transport or storage of the workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Haworth, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarkson S. Thorp
  • Patent number: 6068123
    Abstract: A drawer assembly includes a drawer retractably received in a receiving portion of a tool box and a driving device is located beside one of two opposite side walls of the drawer. A rack is attached to the inside of one of the two side walls and the driving device has a motor to rotate a gear which is engaged with the rack. A resilient link is disengagably engaged with the rack and connected to a button. When the button is pushed to disengage the resilient link from the rack, the motor rotates the gear to let the drawer slide out from the receiving portion. When the drawer is pushed into the receiving portion, the resilient link is engaged with the rack to position the drawer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Shwu Ruu Chen
  • Patent number: 6039417
    Abstract: An easy to assemble storage unit is disclosed. A method of assembly that utilizes an interlocking scheme of tabs, catches and openings is also disclosed. The connection comprises a catch within a tab extending from a wall of the container that locks into a receiving opening on a top wall or floor panel. The storage unit utilizes similar components for the side walls and similar components for the top wall and floor panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Steven R. Snoke, Gary Silvis, Thomas E. Howland
  • Patent number: 5961191
    Abstract: A picnic caddy is provided having first and second upright support pillars arranged in a parallel spaced apart relationship with respect to one another. A clamping mechanism is arranged at one end of the first and second upright support pillars for securing the picnic caddy to a picnic table or other horizontal surfaces. A first tray extends laterally away from one side of the upright support pillars. A second tray extends laterally away from another side of the upright support pillars. The first and second trays are provided with compartments for holding various picnic items and can include storage boxes for utensils, napkins and the like. In this manner, an advantageous and efficient picnic caddy is provided for picnic usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Inventor: Charles M. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5931318
    Abstract: A tool bit holder includes a rectangular hollow base, and a swivel holder mounted within the hollow base and turned in and out of the hollow base about an axis, wherein the swivel holder has a finger strip at an outer side thereof for turning with the hand, the finger strip having two opposite ends respectively protruded from the outer side wall of the swivel holder in reversed directions, one end of the finger strip being stopped at an edge at the hollow base when the swivel holder is turned out of the hollow base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Shu-Shing Shauo
  • Patent number: 5893457
    Abstract: A tool box includes a base portion with two side walls, two sliding plates slidably disposed to the two side walls and a plurality of receiving members pivotally connected between the two side walls at two ends of a front side thereof. The receiving members further are pivotally connected to the two sliding plates at the two ends of a rear side thereof. An actuating member is pivotally connected between the two side walls at two ends of a front side thereof, and between the two sliding plates at the two ends of a rear side thereof so that when pivoting the actuating member about the two ends of the front side thereof, the two sliding plates and the rear side of each the receiving members are moved upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Yong Lung Wei
  • Patent number: 5887715
    Abstract: A tool case with a storage space which is accessed from the underside of the tool case. 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 rectangular opening is defined within the bottom surface of the box 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Maxtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 5873463
    Abstract: A tool box in which tools, hardware, parts, and the like stored therein can be displayed, accessed, and retrieved in a quick, convenient, and efficient manner. Tools, hardware, and the like can be displayed and distinguished one from the other, accessed, removed, and stored quickly, and easily. The tool box has mating hinged container portions and mating hinged cover portions that may be pivotally opened for display, access, and retrieval of tools, hardware, and the like stored therein in a quick, convenient, and efficient manner and distinguished one from the other, accessed, removed, and stored quickly, and easily or closed for storage and transport, and display storage cases that may be removably and pivotally adjoined one to the other. The tool box is durable, light weight, inexpensive, safe to use, attractive, sturdy, and of simple construction, and may be of metal, such as aluminum or steel, thermoplastics, thermosetting polymers, rubber, or other suitable material or combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen Purcell
  • Patent number: 5857757
    Abstract: A tool chest is provided which includes a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall and two substantially parallel side walls. Each side wall connects the top and bottom walls. The bottom wall has an interior surface facing the top wall and an exterior surface facing away from the top wall. The chest also includes a pair of legs connected to the exterior surface of the bottom wall for supporting the housing on a support surface with the bottom wall disposed above the support surface, and a tray slidably supported on the legs. A drawer is supported on drawer supports which are connected to the bottom wall and spaced from the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Company
    Inventors: Bart K. Bieker, Walter K. Krahenbuhl, Kevin E. McGuire, Adron S. Moen, Henry P. Ricke
  • Patent number: RE38905
    Abstract: A tool box includes a base portion with two side walls, two sliding plates slidably disposed to the two side walls and a plurality of receiving members pivotally connected between the two side walls at two ends of a front side thereof. The receiving members further are pivotally connected to the two sliding plates at the two ends of a rear side thereof. An actuating member is pivotally connected between the two side walls at two ends of a front side thereof, and between the two sliding plates at the two ends of a rear side thereof so that when pivoting the actuating member about the two ends of the front side thereof, the two sliding plates and the rear side of each the receiving members are moved upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Maxtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Lung Wei