POWER STRIP FOR STORAGE CONTAINERS
A storage container and power strip assembly is described in which the storage container has an opening that provides access between an interior and an exterior of the storage container. The storage container further has a cover attached to the storage container and positioned to cover the opening. The power strip has a cord attached thereto, and a fastener is associated with one or both of the storage container and the power strip and configured to position and fasten the power strip within the interior of the storage container, and allow extension of the cord through the opening.
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This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to Provisional Patent Application 60/840,815, filed Aug. 29, 2006, titled “POWER STRIP FOR STORAGE CONTAINERS,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis description relates to storage containers.
BACKGROUNDMany different types of storage containers are used to safeguard or otherwise maintain various types of items or possessions. For example, jobsite storage boxes are types of storage containers that may be used, for example, at a construction site or other jobsite, so that workers at the site may store tools, construction materials, or other building materials. Accordingly, such tools or materials may safely be left onsite, thereby minimizing a required movement or transportation thereof, and providing a convenience to the workers.
Of course, many other types of storage containers exist, as well. For example, such storage containers may include various types of chests, boxes, or cabinets, which may range in size, for example, from the handheld to the size of a shed. Such storage containers may include various features, such as, for example, shelving, hinged lids or doors, or casters (or other type of wheels).
SUMMARYAccording to one general aspect, an apparatus includes a storage container having an opening that provides access between an interior and an exterior of the storage container, and having a cover attached to the storage container and positioned to cover the opening. The apparatus further includes a power strip having a cord attached thereto, and a fastener associated with one or both of the storage container and the power strip, the fastener configured to position and fasten the power strip within the interior of the storage container and allow extension of the cord through the opening.
According to another general aspect, an apparatus includes a storage container having an opening, a cover associated with the storage container and configured to cover the opening, and a fastener attached to one or both of the storage container and a power strip, and configured to fasten and position the power strip within the storage container and allow extension of a cord of the power strip through the opening.
According to another general aspect, an opening is provided within a storage container that provides access between an interior and an exterior of the storage container. A cover associated with the storage container and configured to cover the opening is provided, and an attachment point is provided within the storage container for receiving a fastener attachable to one or both of the storage container and a power strip, where the fastener is configured to position the power strip within the interior of the storage container.
The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
The power strip 102 is illustrated as including a plurality of in-line sockets, into which the various electrical devices just referenced may be plugged. Of course, this is just an example, and the power strip 102 should be understood to include many other variations. For example, the power strip 102 also may include, or refer to, any distribution board, power board, or multi-plug device that may be used to provide power to one or more electrical devices. The power strip 102 may have multiple rows of sockets, or may have sockets arranged in virtually any convenient or useful manner, e.g., in a square or other shape. Further, the power strip 102 may include various features, such as surge protection or other safety features, not necessarily illustrated or described in detail herein.
The storage container 104, as described above, may include virtually any type of storage container, including, for example, a chest, a box, or a cabinet. In the example of
The storage container 104 also may include various other features or components, such as, for example, a shelf 112. In
Further, it should be understood that the storage container 104 may have many other shapes than that illustrated in
The storage container 104 may be formed, for example, of steel sheeting, and may be formed of one or more sheets bent into a desired shape, or may be formed of a plurality of sheets that are welded, bolted, or otherwise joined together. The storage container 104 also may contain legs or other supports, and such supports may be associated with casters or other wheels (not shown in
In many cases, the storage container 104 may be used in settings in which electrical power is not readily or easily available. For example, as referenced above, the storage container 104 may represent a jobsite box that is anticipated to be situated at a construction site or other location, particularly exterior locations, where the storage container 104 may be subject to weather or other environmental concerns, or where the storage container 104 may possibly be subject to theft or other unauthorized access.
In such environments, and other environments, users of the storage container 104 may have different needs for electrical power. For example, at a construction site, users may need to provide power to job-related construction tools, such as drills or nail guns. At most sites, users may wish to provide power to personal devices, as well, such as cell phones or other personal communications devices. Still further, users may wish to plug in radios, televisions, or other entertainment-related devices. The power strip 102 provides users with the ability to power these and other electrical devices, in a manner that is convenient, adaptable, adjustable, theft-resistant, and weather-resistant.
For example, in
In other implementations, however, the backing 114 may include other techniques and components for attaching or otherwise fastening the power strip 102 within the storage container 104. For example, the backing 114 may represent a Velcro backing that may be attached to corresponding Velcro strips positioned within the storage container.
Other fasteners may be used to position the power strip 102. For instance, in other examples, a degree of mobility may be sacrificed in exchange for potentially enhanced stability of the positioning of the power strip 102, e.g., by using a fastener that includes metal brackets or mounts, into which the power strip 102 may slide and/or otherwise be secured. Various other fasteners may be used, as would be apparent, e.g., screws, rivets, and/or adhesives.
Some fasteners may be used to fasten the power strip 102 within the storage container 104, while still providing a degree of mobility in the fastened position. For example, a spring (not shown in
In example implementations, the power strip 102 and the backing 114 may be sold, perhaps with the storage container 104, as a packaged or integrated product. In additional or alternative example implementations, some or all of these components may be sold separately. For example, the backing 114 may be separable from the body of the power strip 102, so that different types of backing may be used in different circumstances, or so that the same type of backing may be replaced when necessary, e.g., due to normal wear-and-tear.
In
As shown, the cord 116 may extend through an opening 118. The opening 118 may be coverable by a cover 120. The combination of the opening 118 and the cover 120 may be constructed as part of the manufacturing process of the storage container 104, so that a user of the storage container 104 may immediately install and use the power strip 102 (which may be manufactured/sold together or separately from the storage container 104) within the storage container 104.
As illustrated in more detail below, the opening 118 and the cover 120 may be constructed to be theft-resistant and/or weather-resistant. For example, when the storage container 104 and/or the power strip 102 are not in use, the cord 116 may be retracted through the opening 118, and the cover 120 may be closed over the opening 118. The cover 120 may be formed from molded plastic or other suitable material, and may include suitable insulating rubber or other material that provides a seal with an outer perimeter of the opening 118.
The cover 120 may be locked or otherwise secured, so as to reduce the possibility of theft or other unauthorized access. For example, the cover 120, when closed, may be secured from within an interior of the storage container 104, so that the cover 120 may only be opened after the storage container 104 itself is opened. For example, a complementary piece to the cover 120 (not shown in
Other suitable techniques may be used to secure the cover 120, and, in any case, the cover 120 and opening 118 may be formed of a size that is too small for potential thieves to easily access an interior of the storage container 104. For example, in some implementations, the power strip 102 may be of a size that is too large to fit through the opening 118, so that only the cord 116 may only be threaded through the opening 118 from an interior of the storage container.
Then, in practice, use of the power strip 102 may be initiated by opening the cover 120, and threading the cord 116 through the opening 118 for plugging into an available power source (e.g., an extension cord leading to a gas-powered generator). When finished with the power strip 102 and/or the storage container 104, the user may retract the cord 116 through the opening 118, and close and secure the cover 120. The cord 116 may be stored in a provided cord storage container (not shown in the example of
Further in
The battery charging station 122 may be associated with a variety of shapes, forms, and implementations usable with the power strip 102. For example, the battery charging station 122 may rest on the shelf 112. In other example implementations, the battery charging station 122 may be mounted separately to the interior of the storage container 104.
The battery charging station 122 may be joined to, or formed with, the power strip 102, in an integrated manner, so that the battery charging station 122 may be easily moved and positioned in conjunction with the power strip 102. For example, the battery charging station 122 may have the same or similar magnetic backing 114 as the power strip 102, and so may be mounted anywhere that the power strip 102 itself may be mounted. More generally, it should be appreciated that whether the power strip 102 and the battery charging station 122 are combined or separate, the battery charging station 122 may be configured with/for any of the fasteners described herein, including, for example, the magnetic mount just mentioned, metal brackets or mounts (into which the battery charging station 122 may slide and/or otherwise be secured), screws, rivets, and/or adhesives.
In additional or alternative implementations, the power strip 102 and the battery charging station 122 may be combined or integrated and may include one or more ports to receive one or more batteries. For example, the power strip 102 and battery charging station 122 may receive various batteries and battery types, including, for example, batteries of various voltages that may be used with corresponding electrical equipment, e.g., cordless power tools. For example, the battery charging station 122 may be used to charge batteries having a range of voltages, e.g., 7.2-18V, or a more specific voltage, e.g., 24V or 36V.
Then, a cover may be provided for the opening (204). For example, the cover 120 may be provided, and may be attached to an exterior of the opening 118, as shown in
An attachment point may be provided within the storage container for receiving a power strip (206). For example, a metallic surface of the storage container 104 may serve as an attachment point for receiving the (e.g., magnetic) backing 114 of the power strip 102, or for receiving an adhesive (e.g. glue) that is on the power strip 102. More generally, as described herein, various fasteners may be used to position the power strip 102 within the storage container 104, and these fasteners may be associated with one or both of the storage container 104 and the power strip 102. Thus, the attachment point of the storage container 104 may be considered to provide some or all of the fastener(s), such as when the attachment point includes a metal bracket or mount for receiving the power strip 102, or when the attachment point includes a Velcro strip for receiving a mating Velcro strip positioned on the power strip 102.
A backing for a power strip may be provided (208). For example, the backing 114 may be provided as a magnetic backing, or a Velcro backing. The backing 114 may be detachable from the power strip 102, and therefore may be replaceable, e.g., with a different, improved, or repaired backing. In other example implementations, the backing 114 may be integral with the power strip 102.
It should be apparent that in the operations (206) and (208), a number of implementations exist for manufacturing and/or producing the various components. For example, the storage container 104 may be made by one manufacturer or producer, with the intent of receiving conventional power strip(s) 102. In other example implementations, a manufacturer may make all of the storage container 104, the power strip 102, and a fastener (e.g., the backing 114) for positioning the power strip 102 within the storage container 104. In other implementations, a first manufacturer may make the storage container 104, while a second manufacturer may make the power strip 102 with integrated (e.g. magnetic) backing 114.
As should be apparent, many other variations may be included; for example, as referenced above, a mount for a battery charging station may be provided (210), e.g., for the battery charging station 122. For example, as referenced above, the battery charging station 122 may be integrated with, or attachable to, the power strip 102, and may have its own fastener(s), e.g., may have its own (magnetic) backing for positioning of the battery charging station 122 within the storage container 104.
As referenced above, various other examples of storage containers may be used, of varying shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, the storage container may be made of plastic, or of structured foam. Similarly, many additions and alternatives to the power strip 102 may be used. For example, the power strip 102 may have, or be associated with, a surge protector, or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
Thus, while certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the embodiments.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a storage container having an opening that provides access between an interior and an exterior of the storage container, and having a cover attached to the storage container and positioned to cover the opening;
- a power strip having a cord attached thereto; and
- a fastener associated with one or both of the storage container and the power strip, the fastener configured to position and fasten the power strip within the interior of the storage container and allow extension of the cord through the opening.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cord and power strip are of a size to fit through the opening and not to fit through the opening, respectively.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the storage container comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces, and wherein the opening is formed in one of the side surfaces.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover is attached to the exterior of the storage container and is secured from the interior of the storage container so as to be opened only with access to the interior of the storage container.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover is configured to close over the opening and provide a weather-resistant seal therewith.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener is configured to fasten and position the power strip to an interior surface of the storage container.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener is configured to provide detachment and re-attachment of the power strip at different locations within the interior of the storage container.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener includes a backing of the power strip that is detachable from the power strip.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener includes a first fastener at an attachment point within the interior of the storage container and a second fastener connected between the attachment point and the power strip, the second fastener configured to constrain a mounting location of the power strip within the storage container and relative to the attachment point.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener includes a magnetic backing of the power strip that is attachable to a metallic surface within the interior of the storage container.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fastener includes a mount that is attached to the interior of the storage container and that joins with the power strip to position the power strip within the interior of the storage container.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 comprising a battery charging station that is mountable within the storage container within a proximity of the power strip.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the battery charging station is integrated with the power strip.
14. An apparatus comprising:
- a storage container having an opening;
- a cover associated with the storage container and configured to cover the opening; and
- a fastener attached to one or both of the storage container and a power strip, and configured to fasten and position the power strip within the storage container and allow extension of a cord of the power strip through the opening.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the fastener is configured to provide detachment and re-attachment of the power strip at different locations within the interior of the storage container.
16. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the fastener includes a magnetic backing that is attachable to the power strip and to a metallic surface within the storage container.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the fastener includes a mount that is attached to an interior of the storage container and that joins with the power strip to position the power strip within the interior of the storage container.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 comprising a battery charging station that is mountable within the storage container within a proximity of the power strip, when the power strip is positioned with the fastener.
19. A method comprising:
- providing an opening within a storage container that provides access between an interior and an exterior of the storage container;
- providing a cover associated with the storage container and configured to cover the opening;
- providing an attachment point within the storage container for receiving a fastener attachable to one or both of the storage container and a power strip, the fastener configured to position the power strip within the interior of the storage container.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein providing the opening comprises:
- providing the opening sized to pass a cord of the power strip between an interior and exterior of the storage container, without allowing the power strip to pass therethrough.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 29, 2007
Publication Date: Mar 6, 2008
Applicant: Black & Decker Inc. (Newark, DE)
Inventors: Terry Rakosky (Ellicott City, MD), Taryn E. Zlatin (Baltimore, MD)
Application Number: 11/846,763
International Classification: B65D 77/00 (20060101);