Toolbox with external compartment

Abstract

A tool box includes a container having a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures being connected to the bottom wall structure and extending upwardly therefrom to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is movable between a closed position in which the lid structure is mounted on the container in covering relation to the opening and an open position in which at least a portion of the lid structure is spaced from the opening to allow movement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening. A latch assembly releasably holds the lid structure in its closed position. Each of the container and the lid structure in its closed position have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox. An external compartment is mounted on an exterior surface portion of the toolbox and provides a compartment storage space and a compartment cover.

Description

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/297,782 filed Jun. 14, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application for all material disclosed therein. The commonly assigned counterpart U.S. Design patent application filed concurrently herewith is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present application for all material disclosed therein.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention generally relates to storage boxes for storing and transporting items. More specifically, the illustrative embodiments of the present invention relate to toolboxes which may be used with tools.

[0004] 2. Background of the Invention

[0005] Storage boxes take many forms (e.g., toolboxes, tackle boxes, sewing boxes) and are often used to store and transport work-related or hobby-related items (e.g., handtools, sewing accessories, fishing tackle). Each storage box generally includes a relatively large container that provides an internal storage space large enough to hold several items. A lid is mounted on the container to cover an opening into the storage space. The lid is usually releasably latched in a closed position when the storage box is transported or is not in use.

[0006] Often the items within the storage space are randomly arranged. Handtools, for example, are frequently randomly arranged within the interior storage space of a toolbox. It may be difficult to find a particular item within the storage space quickly, particularly if the item being sought is relatively small. If several large items are stored in the storage box, it may be undesirable to store a delicate item or an expensive item in the storage space because these may be damaged by the large items.

[0007] For example, it may be undesirable to store a cell phone or a wrist watch in the storage space of a toolbox along with handtools. It is often inconvenient to store items within the interior of a storage box because each time the item is sought, the lid of the box must be unlatched and opened. This is time consuming, particularly for items which are used frequently.

SUMMARY

[0008] The principles of the present invention may be embodied in a toolbox for storing and transporting items, the toolbox comprising a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures extending upwardly from the bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening. The toolbox includes a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold the lid structure in its closed position. A handle is mounted on the lid structure. The container and the lid structure have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox. An external compartment is removably mounted on an exterior surface portion of the toolbox, the external compartment having a compartment storage space and a compartment cover, the compartment cover being movable between an open position in which the storage space is accessible and a closed position.

[0009] The principles of the present invention may also be embodied in a toolbox for storing and transporting items, the toolbox comprising a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures including a front side wall, the side wall structures extending upwardly from the bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening. The toolbox includes a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold the lid structure in its closed position. A handle is mounted on the lid structure. The container and the lid structure have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox. The front side wall structure of the container including a recess. An external compartment is mounted in the recess, the external compartment having a compartment storage space and a compartment cover. The compartment cover is movable between an open position in which the storage space is accessible and a closed position.

[0010] The principles of the present invention may also be embodied in a toolbox for storing and transporting items, the toolbox comprising a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures extending upwardly from the bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening. The toolbox includes a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold the lid structure in its closed position. A handle is mounted on the lid structure. The container and the lid structure have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox and a tool bit case mounted on an exterior surface portion of the container.

[0011] The principles of the present invention may also be embodied in a toolbox for storing and transporting items comprising a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures extending upwardly from the bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening. The toolbox includes a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold the lid structure in its closed position. A handle is mounted on the lid structure. The container and the lid structure have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox and a pouch mounted on an exterior surface portion of the container.

[0012] The principles of the present invention may also be embodied in a toolbox for storing and transporting items comprising a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures extending upwardly from the bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening. A releasable latch assembly can releaseably hold the lid structure in its closed position. A handle is mounted on the lid structure. The container and the lid structure have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox and a foldable wallet structure on an exterior surface portion of the container.

[0013] The principles of the present invention may also be embodied in a toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, the side wall structures extending upwardly from the bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into the storage space. A lid structure is pivotally connected to the container and is movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and removal of items from the storage space through the opening. A releasable latch assembly can releaseably hold the lid structure in its closed position. A handle is mounted on the toolbox. The lid structure includes a plurality of storage wells therein. A plurality of containers are removably mounted in the storage wells. A secondary cover member is movable between (a) a closed position in which the secondary cover member is mounted on the lid structure in covering relation to the storage wells and to the containers therein and (b) an open position to allow placement of the containers into the storage wells and removal of the containers from the storage wells.

[0014] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of a toolbox with an external compartment constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, except showing the external compartment in an open position;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 except showing a secondary cover member of the toolbox in a partially open position and showing a plurality of container structures of the toolbox;

[0018] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the toolbox of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing another illustrative embodiment of an external compartment mounted on the toolbox;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 except showing the external compartment thereof in an open position;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing another illustrative embodiment of an external compartment mounted on the toolbox;

[0022] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 except showing the external compartment thereof in an open position;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a view of the toolbox of FIG. 1 without an external compartment attached thereto and showing a secondary cover member thereof in a partially open position;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 1 except showing another illustrative embodiment of an external compartment mounted on the toolbox;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 except showing the external compartment thereof in an open position;

[0026] FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view of the toolbox and the external compartment as indicated in FIG. 1; and

[0027] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view through the line 13-13 as shown in FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative embodiment of a storage box constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The storage box is illustrated in the form of a toolbox 10 which may be used to store hand tools and related items, but this illustrative embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The principles of the invention can be applied to other types of storage boxes as well. The toolbox 10 includes a container structure 12, a lid structure 14 and a secondary cover member 16. The container structure 12 has a relatively large internal storage space (not visible in the figures) for holding various items such as, for example, hobby-related items, personal items, and/or hand tools, for storage and transport.

[0029] The container structure 12 generally includes a bottom wall structure 19 (see FIG. 13, for example) and a plurality of side wall structures 18 that are connected to the bottom wall structure and extend upwardly from the bottom wall structure 19 to define an interior storage space within the container structure 12 and to define a top opening into the storage space. The wall structures 18, 19 may be integrally connected to one another, or, alternatively, may be separately constructed and then connected to one another in any suitable matter. The container structure 12, the lid structure 14 and the secondary cover member 16 may each be integral molded plastic structures in the illustrative toolbox 10, but any appropriate material can be used in their construction (e.g., wood, metal, a composite material). The molded plastic side wall structures 18 generally define four sides of the container structure 12 and the bottom wall structure 19 provides a support surface for the container structure 12 and for the toolbox 10 when the toolbox 10 is placed on a ground surface.

[0030] The lid structure 14 may be mounted on the container by, for example, a pair of hinges or other appropriate structure or mechanism. The lid structure 14 is movable between a closed position (see FIGS. 1 and 2, for example) in which the lid structure 14 is mounted on the container structure 12 in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position in which at least a portion of the lid structure 14 is spaced from the opening to allow movement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening.

[0031] The lid structure 14 may be permanently movably mounted on the container structure 12 (using hinges, for example) or, alternatively, may be removably mounted on the container structure 12 so that the lid structure 14 can be completely removed from the container structure 12. When hinges are used, for example, the lid structure 14 may be pivotally mounted to a back wall portion of the container structure 12 for pivotal movement between its open and closed positions.

[0032] A pair of latch assemblies 20 are operatively connected to the container structure 12 and to the lid structure 14 and are operable to releasably hold the lid structure 14 in its closed position. The lid structure or lid 14 is shaped to includes a plurality of wells, generally designated 22, on a top portion thereof (see FIG. 3, for example). The wells 22 are accessible when the secondary cover member 16 is moved toward and into its open position (see FIG. 3, for example). The wells 22 may be integrally molded in the lid structure 14 and may be of various sizes, shapes and depths to accommodate various hardware that may be used by a worker, such as fasteners (nails, screws, and so on), small tools (retractable tape measure, etc.) and the like.

[0033] The secondary cover member 16 in the example toolbox 10 is mounted on the lid structure 14 for movement between open (see FIG. 3, for example, which shows the member 16 partially open) and closed (FIG. 1, for example) positions. The secondary cover member 16 can be releaseably latched in its closed position with latch assembly 17. A rear portion of the illustrative embodiment of a secondary cover member 16 is pivotally mounted to a rear portion of the lid structure 14 for pivotal movement of the secondary cover member 16 between its open and closed positions with respect to the lid structure 14. The secondary cover member 16 covers the wells 22 in its closed position and allows access to the wells 22 in its open position. A handle 24 is mounted in a U-shaped well 26 in the lid structure 14. The handle 24 is movable between a retracted storage position (FIG. 1, for example) and an operative, extended position (not shown). In its extended position, the handle 24 can be used to carry the toolbox 10. The secondary cover member 16 includes an opening 28 that allows access to the handle 24 when the secondary cover member 16 is closed.

[0034] A plurality of small container structures 30 may be provided to hold small items (nails, screws, etc.). The container structures 30 are of appropriate size and shape for storage in respective wells 22 of the lid structure 14 and can be removed from the wells 22 of the lid structure 14 of the toolbox 10 for use apart from the toolbox 10 to provide convenient access to nails and other items near, for example, a workpiece or a work site. Each container 30 may be constructed to be self-supporting in an upright position on a level ground surface as illustrated in FIG. 3. The secondary cover member 16 provides the toolbox 10 with an upper surface 32 (FIG. 4, for example) in its closed position. The flat upper surface allows easy stacking of several toolboxes and may provide a support surface on which a worker may stand or which may be used to support a workpiece.

[0035] An illustrative embodiment of an external container or compartment 40 is mounted on the exterior of the toolbox 10. The illustrative external compartment 40 is in the form of a tool bit case for holding and organizing a set of bits for various tools such as a drill bits for a drill, blades for a socket-type screwdriver, and Allen wrenches. Each of the container structure 12 and the lid structure 14 have exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox 10. The external compartment 40 is mounted on an exterior surface portion of the toolbox 10. The external compartment 40 is easily accessible when the lid structure 14 of the toolbox 10 is in its open or closed position. The external compartment 40 defines a compartment storage space 56 and a compartment cover 52. The compartment cover 52 is movable between an open position in which the compartment storage space 56 is accessible (see FIG. 2, for example) and a closed position (see FIG. 1, for example). The external compartment 40 may be mounted on an exterior portion of either the lid structure 14 or of the container structure 12.

[0036] The example toolbox 10 includes a recess 42 integrally formed in the front side wall thereof. The example recess in formed in a center (i.e., the horizontal center in this illustrative embodiment) of the side wall. The recess 42 includes a pair of spaced, opposing walls 44, 46 and a back wall 48. The compartment 40 is mounted within the recess 42. As mentioned, the compartment 40 is in the form of a case or container for storing drill bits 57. The external compartment 40 includes a base portion 50 and a cover portion 52. The base portion 50 may be constructed of a suitable molded plastic or other suitable material and includes a compartment storage space 56 for holding tools such as drill bits 57. The base portion 50 shown includes a wall-like support structure 58 that has a plurality of circular openings 60 sized to receive and support a set of items in the compartment storage space 56 (such as drill bits 57, screwdriver bits, and so on) to organize, storage, and transport the items and to facilitate easy access to the items. It can be appreciated that the compartment storage space 56 of the drill bit case 40 can be accessed whether the lid structure 14 is open or closed.

[0037] The external compartment 40 may be removably secured within the recess 42 so that the external compartment 40 can be completely removed from the toolbox 10 or, alternatively, may be movably secured to the exterior of the toolbox 10 so that the external compartment 40 remains attached to the toolbox 10. The illustrative external compartment 40 shown in FIGS. 1-4 is movably mounted in the recess 42. More specifically, the external compartment 40 is pivotally connected to the toolbox 10 by a pair of recess-projection connections. That is, a projection or leg 61 (see FIG. 12) on a lower portion of each side 62, 64 of the base portion 50 of the external compartment 40 is pivotally mounted within recess or opening 63 formed in each respective wall portion 44, 46 of the container structure 12.

[0038] The compartment 40 is pivotable between a closed or storage position (FIG. 1, for example) and an open or access position (FIG. 2, for example). The range of pivotal movement of the external compartment 40 in the opening direction may be limited so that the drill bits 57 are conveniently positioned when the external compartment 40 is open. The base portion 50 can be pivotally mounted in the recess 42 of the container structure 12 using any appropriate structure. For example, the recesses or openings could be formed on respective sides 62, 64 of the base portion 50 and a pair of projections could be provided on the container structure 12. Hinges could be used, or any other suitable structure or mechanism could be used to pivotally mount the external compartment 40 to the exterior of the toolbox 10.

[0039] An upper portion 66 of the base portion 50 may be constructed to be releasably held in its storage position between the walls 44, 46 so that the external compartment 40 does not move out of its closed position when the toolbox 10 is being moved or is not in use. Any appropriate structure or mechanism can be used to releasably hold the external compartment 40 in its closed position. For example, the width of an upper portion 66 of the base portion 50 may be constructed so that is it slightly wider than the width of the recess 42 so that the external compartment 40 is held in its storage position by interference fit. Alternatively, the external compartment 40 can be constructed so that it is releasably held in its space by a releasable recess/projection engagement between the upper portion 66 and the walls 44, 46. As another alternatively, any other suitable structure (e.g., snaps, Velcro, hand-manipulated threaded fasteners) may be used to releasably hold the external compartment 40 in its closed position when it is not in use such as when the toolbox 10 is being transported.

[0040] The cover portion 52 may be constructed of any suitable material such as a transparent molded plastic (see, for example, FIG. 1). The transparent cover portion 52 allows the user to see the drill bits 57 when the cover is closed, but prevents the bits from falling out. The cover portion 52 may be removable from the base portion 50 or, alternatively, may be movably connected to the base portion 50 (using a hinge, for example) for movement between a covering position with respect to the compartment storage space 56 (see FIG. 1, for example) and an uncovered position with respect to the compartment storage space 56 (see FIG. 2, for example).

[0041] To access the drill bits 57, the upper portion 66 of the compartment 40 is moved out of releasable engagement with the recess 42 and is pivoted to its open access position. As mentioned, the movement of the external compartment 40 in its opening direction may be limited so that the external compartment 40 stops in a predetermined position (such as, for example, the position shown in FIG. 2) relative to the container structure 12 for convenient access to the compartment storage space 56 of the external compartment 40. The movement may be limited by any appropriate structure or mechanism. After the external compartment 40 is moved to an open position, the cover portion 52 may be pivoted to its open position.

[0042] To close the compartment 40 and return it to its storage position, the cover portion 52 is pivoted closed and the user pushes the base portion 50 back into releasable frictional engagement with the walls 44, 46 of the recess 42 by interference fit therewith. The base portion 50 and the cover portion 52 of the compartment 40 may each be of plastic construction and may be constructed such that the cover portion 52 snap-fits into releasably locked covering relation with the base portion 50 and so that the external compartment 40 is in snap-fit engagement with the recess 42 in the closed position of the external compartment 40.

[0043] Embodiments of the toolbox 10 are contemplated in which the drill bit case 40 is removably mounted on the exterior of the toolbox 10, such as within the recess 42. In this instance, the external compartment 40 may be releasably held on the exterior of the toolbox 10 (in the recess 42, for example) for storage and transport, but may be removed from the exterior of the toolbox 10 so that the drill bit case 40 may be used separately from and a at location remote from the toolbox 10. Removability of the case 40 allows the user to remove the drill bit case 40 from the toolbox 10 and move the case 40 near the worksite, for example, where a drill is being used.

[0044] In instances in which the external compartment 40 is completely removable from the toolbox 10, the compartment 40 may be releasably 11 held in the recess 42 (or on any other portion of the exterior surface of the toolbox 10) by any appropriate structure or mechanism. For example, the molded plastic of the compartment 40 and recess 42 may be constructed and arranged so that the compartment 40 snap-fits into the recess 42. Alternatively, the compartment 40 may be held in the recess 42 by an interference fit. Other alternatives include velcro, button-type snaps, and hand manipulated threaded members.

[0045] Another embodiment of an external compartment 100 is shown mounted on a toolbox 101 in FIGS. 5 and 6. The toolbox 101 of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be structurally identical to the toolbox 10 of FIGS. 1-4. Corresponding portions the toolboxes 10, 101 are identified with identical reference numbers and are not commented upon further. The illustrative external compartment 100 is in the form of a pouch constructed of a suitable high strength, flexible material. The external compartment 100 may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials such as cloth, leather, plastic, vinyl, nylon, Kevlar, a textile, a fabric and so on. The pouch 100 may have pleated (that is, “accordion” or bellows-type) folded sides to provide a expandable internal compartment storage space 102. The compartment 100 also includes a foldable, top or cover portion 104 which can be used to cover and to uncover an opening 105 into the storage space 102 of the external compartment 100. The cover portion 104 may be releasably held in its closed position by a velcro structure 106, by a zipper, by a snap or snaps, buttons, a clasp of the type used on handbags and luggage and the like.

[0046] The external compartment 100 may be permanently mounted on the exterior of the toolbox 10 or, alternatively, may be removably mounted on the exterior of the toolbox 10. More specifically, in the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, the compartment 100 may be removably mounted in the recess 42 by, velcro pads as shown in cross section in FIG. 13. Other structures or mechanisms may be used to removably mount the external compartment 100 to the exterior of the toolbox 10, however, such as threaded fasteners, snaps, hand manipulated threaded fasteners, plastic press-fit rivets, and the like. In the instances in which the external compartment 100 is permanently affixed to the exterior of the toolbox 10, the compartment 100 may be permanently affixed thereto by an adhesive, threaded fasteners, permanent rivets, and the like. The external compartment 100 may be sized to receive a cell phone, a wallet, keys, tools, money, food and so on.

[0047] Another example of an external compartment 200 is shown mounted on a toolbox 103 in FIGS. 7 and 8. The compartment 200 is in the form of a flexible, foldable wallet structure. The wallet structure is an elongated structure and may be in the form of an elongated strip of material or elongated structure 203 constructed of a flexible material. One end of the elongated structure 203 may be configured to form the compartment cover 205. Thus, the compartment cover 205 may be mounted to a first end of the elongated structure 203 and a portion of the first end of the elongated structure 203 adjacent the cover 205 may be mounted (permanently or removably) to the exterior of the toolbox 10. Thus, the cover portion 205 and a second end of the wallet structure are not secured to the toolbox 103.

[0048] The wallet structure is constructed and arranged such that when it is in its closed position (see FIG. 7, for example), a second end of the elongated structure 203 is secured to the compartment cover 205 and such that when the wallet structure is in its open position (see FIG. 8, for example), the second end of the elongated structure 203 extends outwardly from the toolbox 10. A plurality of tool holding members 204 are mounted on the elongated structure 203. The tool holding members 204 are constructed and arranged to hold a series of tools (such as drill bits) on the elongated structure 203 for storage. The wallet structure is contained within the recess 42 when the wallet structure is in its closed position.

[0049] The wallet structure is a flexible, high strength folding structure that may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, any suitable cloth, leather, plastic, vinyl, nylon, kevlar, textile, fabric or like material may be used in the construction. The tool holding members 204 may be provided in the form of a series of loops, pockets and/or pouches (or combinations thereof or of like structures) constructed of a flexible and/or elastic material that are secured to the wallet structure to hold a series of tools thereon for storage. The tool holding members 204 may be secured to the wallet structure by any suitable structures or construction such as by stitching, by adhesives, by fasteners (rivets, staples, etc.) or the like.

[0050] The compartment 200 may be permanently mounted on the exterior of the toolbox 103 or, alternatively, may be removably mounted on the exterior of the toolbox 103. A portion of the structure 203 is secureable to an exterior surface portion of the toolbox 10. The structure 203 can be unfolded to its open position in which the second end of the structure 203 extends outwardly from the toolbox and is supported by the ground surface. The structure 203 can be folded into its closed position such that the second end of the structure 203 is releasably secured to the first end 205 of the structure 203.

[0051] Thus, the first end of the structure 203 may form a cover of the compartment 200 that can be releasably secured to the second end of the structure 203 to hold the compartment 200 in its closed position. For convenience, the external compartment 200 is mounted in the recess 42 in the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, but this is illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. The wallet structure may be mounted anywhere on the exterior of the toolbox 10.

[0052] Permanent mounting of the wallet structure 200 to an exterior portion of the toolbox 103 may be accomplished by using fasteners (rivets, threaded fasteners, and the like), an adhesive or adhesives, and so on. Removable mounting of the compartment 200 to the exterior of the toolbox 103 may be accomplished using velcro, plastic rivets, hand manipulated threaded fasteners, and so on. The external compartment 200 generally defines a compartment storage space 207 that is accessible when the external compartment 200 is in its open position.

[0053] The wallet structure may be held in its folded position by any appropriate structure or structures, e.g., velcro, snaps, buttons, a zipper, a mechanical clasp of the type used on handbags and luggage. When the compartment 200 is removable from the toolbox, the compartment 200 may be moved away from the toolbox 10 so it is within easy reach of a worker using a hand tool.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a toolbox 107 without an external compartment mounted therein. The container structure 12 is shaped to form a recess 42. Optionally openings 63 may be formed in side wall structures of the toolbox 10 to pivotally mount a container such as a drill bit case therein.

[0055] FIGS. 10 and 11 show another example of an external compartment 300 in the form of a drill bit case mounted in the recess 42 of a toolbox 109. External compartment 300 includes a cover structure 302 that is shaped to form a compartment storage space 304. The external compartment 300 may be pivotally mounted to the container structure 12 using a pair of recess-projection connections (not shown, but which may be similar to the recess-projection connections used to mount drill bit case 40 within the recess as shown in FIG. 12). The cover structure 302 is sized to fit into the recess 42 in its closed position. When the cover structure 302 is in its closed position, a back surface 307 of the case 300 is approximately flush with adjacent front wall surfaces 311, 313 on the exterior of the container structure 12.

[0056] The external compartment 300 includes a pair of wall structures 306, 308 that are pivotally mounted to an edge portion 315 of the cover structure 302. In instances in which the external compartment 300 is constructed of a molded plastic material, the wall structures 306, 308 may be pivotally connected to the cover structure 302 by respective integral plastic hinges. The wall structures 306, 308 have structures which may be in the form of a plurality of integral plastic loops 309, for example, for holding a set of drill bits. The external compartment 300 may be constructed of a molded plastic and may be releasably held in its closed position by the interengagement of a tab 310 on the external compartment 300 with a complimentary slot on the toolbox 10.

[0057] It can be appreciated from an examination of FIGS. 1, 5, 7 and 10, for example, that when an external compartment 40, 100, 200, 300 respectively, is in its closed position, it is disposed within the recess 42 of the toolbox 10 so it does not interfere with the use or movement of the toolbox or significantly increase the storage space required for the toolbox 10. It is not required by the principles of the invention, however, that an external compartment be mounted within a recess, or that an external compartment be mounted on the container structure 12. An external compartment could be mounted on the lid structure 14, for example, or on the secondary cover member 16 in instances in which the toolbox on which an external compartment according to the invention is mounted on a toolbox that includes a secondary cover member 16 (which is not required by the invention). The lid structure 14 may, for example, include a recess in those instances in which an external compartment is mounted thereon, to receive the external compartment. In this latter embodiment, for example, the toolbox may not be constructed to include a secondary cover member.

[0058] It can also be understood that the compartments 10, 100, 200, 300 are illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of toolboxes and external compartments are contemplated. For example, an external compartment could be mounted on a toolbox in a location other than a central portion of a front wall of the toolbox. Specifically, an external compartment could be mounted on a side of a toolbox or on top of a toolbox. In instances in which an external compartment is mounted on the front of the toolbox, the external compartment can be mounted anywhere on the front of the toolbox and in any orientation. Furthermore, more than one external compartment can be mounted a single toolbox. It can be appreciated that principles of the present invention are applicable to may different types of storage boxes (such as tackle boxes, sewing boxes, lunch boxes, and so on) and are not limited to use on toolboxes. Toolboxes are discussed for illustrative purposes only. Furthermore, it can be appreciated that external compartments constructed according to the principles of the present invention can be constructed for mounting on many types and styles of toolbox.

[0059] Thus, while the invention has been disclosed and described with reference with a limited number of embodiments, it will be apparent that variations and modifications may be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and various other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the following claims are intended to cover modifications, variations, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising:

a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, said side wall structures extending upwardly from said bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into said storage space;

a lid structure pivotally connected to said container and being movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening;

a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold said lid structure in its closed position;

a handle mounted on said lid structure;

said container and said lid structure having exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox; and

an external compartment removably mounted on an exterior surface portion of the toolbox, said external compartment having a compartment storage space and a compartment cover, the compartment cover being movable between an open position in which the storage space is accessible and a closed position.

2. A toolbox according to claim 1, wherein said external compartment is mounted on an exterior surface of said lid structure.

3. A toolbox according to claim 2, wherein said lid structure includes a recess and wherein said external compartment is mounted in said recess.

4. A toolbox according to claim 1, wherein said external compartment is mounted on an exterior side surface of said container.

5. A toolbox according to claim 4, wherein one of said side wall structures of said container includes a recess and wherein said external compartment is mounted in said recess.

6. A toolbox according to claim 5, wherein said recess is in a center of said one side of said wall structures.

7. A toolbox according to claim 1, said external compartment comprising drill bit case configured to store a plurality of drill bits.

8. A toolbox according to claim 7, wherein said drill bit case is removably mounted to said toolbox.

9. A toolbox according to claim 7, wherein said drill bit case is pivotally mounted to said exterior of said toolbox for movement between an access position in which drill bits stored therein are accessible and a storage position.

10. A toolbox according to claim 9, wherein said drill bit case is mounted on an exterior surface portion of said container.

11. A toolbox according to claim 9, wherein said exterior of said container includes a recess and wherein said drill bit case is mounted within said recess of said container.

12. A toolbox according to claim 1, said external compartment comprising a pouch.

13. A toolbox according to claim 12, wherein said pouch is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of a cloth, a leather, a plastic, a vinyl, a nylon, a Kevlar, a textile, and a fabric.

14. A toolbox according to claim 13, wherein said compartment cover is releasably held in its closed position.

15. A toolbox according to claim 12, wherein said pouch is removably mounted to said exterior surface portion of said toolbox.

16. A toolbox according to claim 12, wherein said exterior of said toolbox includes a recess, and wherein said pouch is mounted within said recess.

17. A toolbox according to claim 16, wherein said pouch is removably mounted within said recess.

18. A toolbox according to claim 17, wherein said recess is formed on said container.

19. A toolbox according to claim 1, said external compartment comprising a foldable wallet structure.

20. A toolbox according to claim 19, wherein said wallet structure is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of a cloth, a leather, a plastic, a vinyl, a nylon, a kevlar, a textile, and a fabric.

21. A toolbox according to claim 19, wherein said wallet structure is an elongated structure, said compartment cover being mounted to a first end of said elongated structure and a portion of said first end of said elongated structure being mounted on the exterior of said toolbox, said wallet structure being constructed and arranged such that when said wallet structure is in its closed position, a second end of said elongated structure is secured to said compartment cover and such that when said wallet structure is in its open position, the second end of said elongated structure extends outwardly from said toolbox;

said elongated structure including a tool holding members mounted thereon, said tool holding member being constructed and arranged to hold a series of tools on said elongated structure for storage.

22. A toolbox according to claim 21, wherein said toolbox includes a recess on the exterior thereof and wherein said wallet structure is mounted within said recess in its closed position.

23. A toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising:

a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, said side wall structures including a front side wall, said side wall structures extending upwardly from said bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into said storage space;

a lid structure pivotally connected to said container and being movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening;

a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold said lid structure in its closed position;

a handle mounted on said lid structure;

said container and said lid structure having exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox;

said front side wall structure of said container including a recess;

an external compartment mounted in said recess, said external compartment having a compartment storage space and a compartment cover, the compartment cover being movable between an open position in which the storage space is accessible and a closed position.

24. A toolbox according to claim 23, wherein said recess is in a center of said front side wall of said container.

25. A toolbox according to claim 24, said external compartment comprising tool bit case configured to store a plurality of bits.

26. A toolbox according to claim 25, wherein said tool bit case is removably mounted in said recess.

27. A toolbox according to claim 25, wherein said tool bit case is pivotally mounted in said recess for movement between a storage position in which said tool bit case is within said recess and an access position in which a portion of said tool bit case extends out of said recess.

28. A toolbox according to claim 23, said external compartment comprising a pouch.

29. A toolbox according to claim 28, wherein said pouch is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of a cloth, a leather, a plastic, a vinyl, a nylon, a kevlar, a textile, and a fabric.

30. A toolbox according to claim 29, wherein said compartment cover is releasably held in its closed position.

31. A toolbox according to claim 28, wherein said pouch is removably mounted to said exterior surface portion of said toolbox.

32. A toolbox according to claim 23, said external compartment comprising a foldable wallet structure.

33. A toolbox according to claim 32, wherein said wallet structure is constructed of a material selected from a group consisting of a cloth, a leather, a plastic, a vinyl, a nylon, a kevlar, a textile, and a fabric.

34. A toolbox according to claim 33, wherein said wallet structure is an elongated structure, said compartment cover being mounted to a first end of said elongated structure and a portion of said first end of said elongated structure being mounted on the exterior of said toolbox, said wallet structure being constructed and arranged such that when said wallet structure is in its closed position, a second end of said elongated structure is secured to said compartment cover and such that when said wallet structure is in its open position, the second end of said elongated structure extends outwardly from said toolbox;

said elongated structure including a tool holding members mounted thereon, said tool holding member being constructed and arranged to hold a series of tools on said elongated structure for storage.

35. A toolbox according to claim 34, wherein said toolbox includes a recess on the exterior thereof and wherein said wallet structure is mounted within said recess in its closed position.

36. A toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising:

a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, said side wall structures extending upwardly from said bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into said storage space;

a lid structure pivotally connected to said container and being movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening;

a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold said lid structure in its closed position;

a handle mounted on said lid structure;

said container and said lid structure having exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox; and

a tool bit case mounted on an exterior surface portion of said container.

37. A toolbox according to claim 36, wherein one of said side wall structures of said container includes a recess and wherein said tool bit case is mounted in said recess.

38. A toolbox according to claim 37, wherein said recess is in a center portion of a front side wall of said container.

39. A toolbox according to claim 38, wherein said tool bit case is removably mounted to said toolbox.

40. A toolbox according to claim 38, wherein said tool bit case is pivotally mounted in said recess for movement between a storage position in which said tool bit case is within said recess and an access position in which a portion of said tool bit case extends out of said recess.

41. A toolbox according to claim 36, wherein said tool bit case is configured to store a plurality of drill bits.

42. A toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising:

a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, said side wall structures extending upwardly from said bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into said storage space;

a lid structure pivotally connected to said container and being movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening;

a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold said lid structure in its closed position;

a handle mounted on said lid structure;

said container and said lid structure having exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox; and

a pouch mounted on an exterior surface portion of the container.

43. A toolbox according to claim 42, wherein a front side wall structure of said container includes a recess and wherein said pouch is mounted in said recess.

44. A toolbox according to claim 43, wherein said pouch is removably mounted to said toolbox.

45. A toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising:

a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, said side wall structures extending upwardly from said bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into said storage space;

a lid structure pivotally connected to said container and being movable between (a) a closed position in which the lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and out of the storage space through the opening;

a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold said lid structure in its closed position;

a handle mounted on said lid structure;

said container and said lid structure having exterior surfaces that provide exterior surface portions of the toolbox; and

a foldable wallet structure on an exterior surface portion of said container.

46. A toolbox according to claim 45, wherein a front side wall structure of said container includes a recess and wherein said wallet structure is mounted in said recess.

47. A toolbox according to claim 46, wherein said wallet structure is removably mounted to said toolbox.

48. A toolbox for storing and transporting items, comprising:

a container including a bottom wall structure and a plurality of side walls structures, said side wall structures extending upwardly from said bottom wall structure to define an interior storage space configured to receive one or more items for storage therein and to define an opening into said storage space;

a lid structure pivotally connected to said container and being movable between (a) a closed position in which said lid structure is in covering relation to the opening and (b) an open position to allow placement of items into and removal of items from the storage space through the opening;

a releasable latch assembly that can releaseably hold said lid structure in its closed position;

a handle mounted on said toolbox;

said lid structure including a plurality of storage wells therein;

a plurality of containers removably mounted in said storage wells; and

a secondary cover member movable between (a) a closed position in which said secondary cover member is mounted on said lid structure in covering relation to said storage wells and to said containers therein and (b) an open position to allow placement of said containers into said storage wells and removal of said containers from said storage wells.

49. A toolbox according to claim 48, wherein said secondary cover member is pivotally mounted to said lid structure.

50. A toolbox according to claim 49, wherein each of said container, said lid structure, said secondary cover member and each said container structure is constructed of a molded plastic.

51. A toolbox according to claim 50, wherein each said storage well is integrally molded in said lid structure.

52. A toolbox according to claim 48, wherein each container structure is mounted in a respective storage well and wherein each container structure has a shape corresponding to the shape of the storage well in which it is removably mounted.

53. A toolbox according to claim 48, wherein each container structure is constructed and arranged to stand in an upright position on a ground surface.

54. A toolbox according to claim 48, wherein said secondary cover member can be releasably latched in its closed position.