Tool bag

Abstract

In a tool bag, a bag body defines an interior area and a substantially unobstructed opening at an upper surface of the bag body. The opening is sized to allow for the insertion and extraction of tools to and from the interior area. A plurality of pockets are positioned within the interior area defined by the bag body. At least one of the pockets is positioned within another of the pockets so that an outer surface of one pocket forms an inner surface of at least another of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of pockets are coupled to at least one upstanding wall located in the interior area, and at least one handle is coupled to the bag body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to tool bags and is more specifically directed to a tool bag having a substantially unobstructed opening at an upper surface thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The transport of tools to and from a job site or other location is often an uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous task. The tools can be heavy, or a large number of tools can be required. In addition, the needed tools can be dangerous to carry for a number of reasons. For example, the tools may be cumbersome, heavy or have sharp edges. If one or more of such tools slides out of one's hands, serious injury can result. Moreover, these tools can be very expensive with mishandling having the potential to damage the tools.

Accordingly, tools are generally transported using some sort of container or tool box to carry them. There are presently a variety of carrying devices on the market designed to store and transport tools. For example, many companies sell rigid tool boxes that have a hinged top and a removable tray that lifts out for accessing a lower interior area designed for bulk tool storage. Other, similar tool boxes may include small drawers for storing smaller tools or parts. These types of tool boxes do not readily lend themselves to being quickly organized and re-organized to coincide with the requirements of different jobs. Moreover, such toolboxes are often of an inadequate size to carry larger more unwieldy tools like framing squares, levels, large wrenches and hammers. Therefore, where smaller and larger tools are needed, a worker has to carry the larger tools in his/her arms or some other container as well as the toolbox to the work site.

In an effort to address the above-described issues, a tool storage system was developed that included a bag designed to fit over an empty 5-gallon plastic bucket. This type of bag often has a variety of tool pockets designed to fit both on the inside and outside of the bucket. The bucket provides a frame and supports the tool bag. One disadvantage of this type of tool bag is that the cloth pockets are typically not cut resistant. Therefore, where tools having a sharp edge are needed, they can cut through these pockets resulting in injury due to the sharp edge of the tool being exposed, or in loss of the tool due to its falling out of the cut pocket. To prevent this, these types of tools are often tossed into the bucket where the sharp edge can be damaged due to contact with other tools or the worker can be cut reaching into the bucket.

Another problem associated with these buckets is that the handles are small and usually formed of hard plastic. When the bucket is filled with heavy tools, carrying the bucket via the small handle can be very uncomfortable and even painful.

Cloth bags are known for carrying large tools; however, such bags are usually soft sided making them ungainly when filled with tools. Furthermore, these bags do not typically have areas sufficient to safely and conveniently store smaller tools.

Based on the foregoing, it is the general object of the present invention to provide a tool bag that improves over, or overcomes the problems and drawbacks of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a tool bag wherein a bag body defines an interior area and a substantially unobstructed opening at an upper surface of the bag body. The opening is sized to allow for the insertion and extraction of tools to and from the interior area. A plurality of pockets are positioned within the interior area defined by the bag body. At least one of the pockets is positioned within another of the pockets so that an outer surface of one pocket forms an inner surface of at least another of the plurality of pockets. The plurality of pockets are coupled to at least one upstanding wall located in the interior area, and at least one handle is also coupled to the bag body.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-described upstanding wall takes the form of a panel, at least a portion of which is coupled to the bag body. The panel divides the interior area into at least a first interior area, and a second interior area. In addition, in this embodiment, the handle is coupled to the panel and is movable between a folded position and an upstanding position. At least a portion of the plurality of pockets are tiered so that an outer surface defined by some of pockets forms an inner surface of others of the pockets. The panel defines a first outer surface, at least a portion of which is covered with, or formed from a cut resistant material. The tiered pockets are coupled to the panel so that the cut resistant material forms a rear wall of the rearward most pockets. In this manner tools having a sharp edge, upon insertion into one of the rearward most pockets defined by the first row of tiered pockets, contact the cut resistant material thereby leaving the tool bag substantially undamaged. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention at least a portion of the cut resistant material on the outer surface of the panel is ribbed to provide enhanced frictional engagement for tools. While a cut resistant material has been described, the present invention is not limited in this regard. The first outer surface of the panel or portions of the first outer surface can be formed from, or covered with one or more materials that are not cut resistant, such as, but not limited to fabric.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the above-described panel defines a second outer surface generally opposite the first outer surface. A portion of the plurality of pockets are coupled to the second outer surface. Preferably, at least a portion of the second outer surface is covered with, or formed from a cut resistant material. The cut resistant material defines a rear surface for at least a portion of the pockets coupled to the second outer surface of the panel. While a cut resistant material has been described, the present invention is not limited in this regard. The second outer surface of the panel can be formed from, or covered with one or more materials that are not cut resistant, such as, but not limited to fabric.

The tool bag of the present invention can include an insert releasably attachable to a wall surface located within the interior area. The insert defines at least one receptacle for retaining articles therein, and preferably defines a plurality of pockets. Retaining means are provided for releasably attaching the insert to the wall surface. Preferably, the interior surfaces of the pockets defined by the insert are formed of, or covered by a cut resistant material, however the present invention is not limited in this regard as materials that are not cut resistant such as, but not limited to fabrics can be substituted without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Where cut resistant materials are employed on the inner surfaces of one or more of the pockets defined by the insert, one or more of these inner surfaces can be ribbed to provide enhanced frictional engagement with any items inserted into the pockets.

The above-described retaining means can take any one of a number of forms. For example, snaps, zippers, magnets, clips, or combinations of these elements can be employed. However, the preferred retaining means includes hook and loop fasteners.

In addition to the above-described pockets and their locations, the plurality of pockets can also include pockets positioned in locations other than those described above. For example, one or more pockets can be coupled to upstanding walls or portions of a wall that define the interior area of the tool bag. Moreover, the sizes of all of the above-described pockets can vary depending on the items or tools they are designed to accommodate.

In the preferred embodiment, holding means are provided for releasably retaining a portion of a tool in a substantially upstanding orientation in response to the tool being positioned in the tool bag, the holding means are located in at least one of the first and second interior areas. Preferably, the holding means is in the form of a loop of flexible material coupled to a wall that in part defines one of the first and second interior areas. The loop of flexible material is movable, at least in part, to allow the portion of the tool to be positioned between the wall and the flexible material thereby causing the tool to be releasably retained in the tool bag in a substantially upstanding position. In addition, another tool can be retained in an upstanding position in the tool bag by sliding a portion of the tool through the loop. The tool bag of the present invention can include more than one loop of flexible material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the tool bag of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the tool bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tool bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the tool bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a partly cross-sectional side view of the tool bag taken along lines C-C of FIG. 3,

FIG. 6 is a side view of the tool bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a partly cross-sectional side view of the tool bag taken along lines D-D of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a partly cross-sectional front view of the tool bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a partly cross-sectional rear view of the tool bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an insert that forms part of the tool bag of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the insert of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a tool bag generally designated by the reference number 20 includes a bag body 22 that defines an interior area 24 sized to allow for the insertion and extraction of tools to and from the interior area. A semi-flexible upper edge 26 is coupled to an upper portion of the bag body 22 which defines a substantially unobstructed fixed opening 28 leading into the interior area 24. The semi-flexible upper edge 26 is sufficiently rigid to maintain the shape and integrity of the opening during use of the tool bag. A plurality of pockets generally designated by the reference number 30 are positioned in the interior area

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 8, a portion of the pockets 30 are tiered relative to one another. In the illustrated embodiment pockets 32 and 34 are arranged so that an outer surface of the pockets 32, constitutes an inner surface of the pockets 34. Likewise, and as best seen in FIG. 3, an outer surface of the pockets 34 constitutes an inner surface of the pockets 36. While tiered pockets have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the pockets of the present invention do not have to be tiered. Instead, the pockets can be arranged in non-tiered configurations, such as but not limited to individual rows.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bag body 22 includes a substantially rigid bag bottom 44 that aids in allowing the tool bag 20 to retain its structural integrity and remain in an upstanding position when the tool bag is set down. Preferably, the bag bottom 44 is made from a suitable material, such as, but not limited to a polymer. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the bag bottom does not have to be rigid and can be flexible and formed from other materials such as fabrics, rubbers, or combinations thereof.

The interior area 24 of the bag body 22 is bifurcated by a panel 38 into a first interior area 40 and a second interior area 42, best seen in FIG. 3. The panel 38 is attached to the bag body 22 and extends longitudinally across the interior area 24. A handle 46 is coupled to the panel 38 via fabric section 50 so that the handle is movable relative to the panel between an upstanding position (as shown) and a folded position wherein the handle overlies either of the first and second interior areas, 40 and 42 respectively.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the panel 38 is semi-rigid and includes a first outer surface 50 having a lower portion 52 formed from or covered with a cut-resistant material such as, but not limited to a polymer. As shown, the above-described tiered pockets 32, 34, and 36, are coupled to the lower portion 52 of the first outer surface 50 of the panel 38. The cut resistant material forms an inner surface of the pockets 32 so that tools having a sharp edge, upon insertion into the pockets 32 will not cause appreciable damage to the tool bag 20 due to the sharp edges cutting into the bag.

As best seen in FIG. 8, the first outer surface 50 of the panel 38 also includes an upper portion 54 having a zippered pocket 56 thereon. In addition, a “D” ring 58 is attached to the first outer surface 50 of the panel 38. While a zippered pocket 56 has been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the upper portion 54 can be free of pockets or can have more than one pocket thereon. Moreover, it is not necessary that pocket 56 be a zippered pocket. Instead, pocket 56 can be open, or different closures such as snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners and the like can be used without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Likewise, while a single “D” ring 58 has been shown and described as being attached to the first outer surface 50, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the first outer surface can be free of “D” rings or can have more than one “D” ring attached thereto without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, the panel 38 includes a second outer surface 60 generally opposite the first outer surface 50. Similar to the first outer surface 50, the second outer surface 60 includes a lower portion 62 that, in the illustrated embodiment, is formed from or covered with a cut-resistant material. The cut resistant material on the lower portion 62 defines a plurality of vertical ribs 64. Four pockets 66 are coupled to the lower portion 62 of the second outer surface 60. When a tool is slid into one of the pockets 66, the ribs 64 frictionally engage the tool thereby retaining the tool in the pocket. In addition, if the tool happens to have a sharpened edge, then the cut resistant material protects the tool bag from significant damage. While four pockets 66 have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number of pockets that can be practically positioned on the second outer surface 60 can be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. In addition, while the cut resistant material on the lower portion 62 has been shown and described as including ribs, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the cut resistant material can be free of ribs without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the second outer surface 60 of the panel 38 also includes an upper portion 68 having a zippered pocket 70 thereon. In addition, a “D” ring 72 is attached to the second outer surface 60 of the panel 38. While a zippered pocket 70 has been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the upper portion 68 can be free of pockets or can have more than one pocket thereon. Moreover, it is not necessary that pocket 70 be a zippered pocket. Instead pocket 70 can be open, or different closures such as snaps, magnets, hook and loop fasteners and the like can be used without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. Likewise, while a single “D” ring 72 has been shown and described as being attached to the second outer surface 60, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the second outer surface can be free of “D” rings or can have more than one “D” ring attached thereto without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 10 and 11, the tool bag 20 includes an insert 74, shown in the illustrated embodiment as being removably positioned in the second interior area 42. The insert 74 includes pockets 76 (three shown) attached to a front surface 78 defined by the insert. A rear surface 80 defined by the insert 74 includes hook and loop fasteners 82 thereon. Upon insertion of the insert 74 into the tool bag 20 the hook and loop fasteners 82 are positioned into engagement with mating hook and loop fasteners (not shown) located on a wall surface of the tool bag thereby removably retaining the insert in the second interior area 42. The insert 74 can be made from cut-resistant material, fabric, other suitable materials such as, but not limited to, elastomeric materials or combinations of these materials. While the insert 74 has been shown as including three pockets 76, the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number of pockets that can practically be located on the insert can be employed. Moreover, the insert 74 can include a plurality of tiered pockets thereon. Furthermore, while hook and loop fasteners 82 have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other types of fasteners known to those skilled in the pertinent art to which the present invention pertains can be substituted. For example, snaps, magnet, or clips can be used to removably retain the insert in the tool bag 20. In addition, while the insert 74 has been shown and described as being positioned in the second interior area 42, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the insert can also be positioned in the first interior area 40 without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a bottom surface 84 that in-part defines the second interior area 42 is formed from or covered with a cut-resistant material that, in the illustrated embodiment, defines a plurality of ribs 86. While the bottom surface 84 has been shown and described as being formed from cut-resistant material, the present invention is not limited in this regard as fabric, elastomers, or combinations thereof can be substituted.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bag body 22 includes first side wall 88 having pockets 90 attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, four pockets 90 are positioned on either side of the panel 38. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number and configuration of pockets that can be positioned on the first side wall 88 can be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. In addition, the pockets 90 can be positioned in only one of the first and second interior areas, 40 and 42 respectively, or the first side wall 88 can be free of pockets 90.

Turning to FIG. 7, the bag body 22 includes second side wall 92 generally opposite the first side wall 88 having pockets 94 attached thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, One pocket 94 is positioned on one side of the panel 38 and two pockets 94 are positioned on the other side of the panel. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number and configuration of pockets that can be positioned on the second side wall 92 can be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. In addition, the pockets 94 can be positioned in only one of the first and second interior areas, 40 and 42 respectively, or the second side wall 92 can be free of pockets 94 altogether.

Turning to FIGS. 1, 3 and 7, a piece of flexible material 96 formed into a loop is attached to the second side wall 92, one on either side of the panel 38. Each of the loops 96 is movable, at least in part, relative to the second side wall 92. The loops 96 are positioned to allow a portion of a tool (not shown) to be positioned between the second side wall 92 and the loop 96 thereby causing the tool to be releasably retained in the tool bag 20 in a substantially upstanding position. In addition, each of the loops 96 defines an aperture 98 into which a tool or tool handle can be slid to removably retain the tool in an upstanding or substantially upstanding position. The loops 96 are made from a suitable material, such as nylon, fabric, or plastic. While two loops 96, one on each side of the second side wall 92 have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as only a single loop 96 or no loops can be provided without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. In addition, while the loops 96 have been described as being attached to the second side wall 92, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the loops can also be attached to the first side wall.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the bag body 22 defines an exterior surface generally designated by the reference number 98. As shown in FIG. 1, a first outer surface of the tool bag 20, is generally designated by the reference number 100. The first outer surface 100 includes a zippered pocket 102 located thereon. In addition a D-ring 104 and a loop 106 are attached to the first outer surface 100. While a zippered pocket 102 has been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the pocket 102 can be open with no closure, or other closures, such as, but not limited to, snaps, magnets, and hook and loop fasteners can be employed. Moreover, the first outer surface 100 can be free of pockets. Likewise, the first outer surface 100 can include more than one D-ring 104 or no D-rings without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the bag body 22 also includes a second outer surface 106 generally opposite the first outer surface 100. Similar to the first outer surface 100, the second outer surface 106 includes a zippered pocket 108 and a D-ring 110 attached thereto. While a zippered pocket 108 has been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard. For example, the pocket 108 can be open with no closure, or other closures, such as, but not limited to, snaps, magnets, and hook and loop fasteners can be employed. Moreover, the second outer surface 106 can be free of pockets. Likewise, the second outer surface 106 can include more than one D-ring 110 or no D-rings without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the bag body 22 includes a first side surface 112 having pockets 114 attached thereto. In addition, a pair of D-rings 116 are attached to the first side surface 112 and can be used to accommodate such things as a shoulder strap (not shown). While six pockets 114 have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number of pockets 114 that can be accommodated on the first side surface can be employed. Conversely, the first side surface 112 can be free of any pockets. The same is true of the D-rings 116, while two have been shown and described; the present invention is not limited in this regard as the first side surface can include a single D-ring, more than two D-rings or no D-rings at all without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.

Turning to FIG. 6, the bag body 22 includes a second side surface 118 generally opposite the first side surface 112. The second side surface 118 includes pockets 120 attached thereto. In addition, a D-ring 122 is also attached to the second side surface. A bracket 124 is attached to the second side surface 118 and is configured to receive a clip forming part of a tape measure, thereby removably securing the tape measure (not shown) to the tool bag 20. Preferably, the bracket 124 is made of a suitable material, such as but not limited to metal. However, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other materials such as polymers or composite materials can also be utilized. While three pockets 120 have been shown and described, the present invention is not limited in this regard as any number of pockets 120 that can be accommodated on the second side surface 118 can be employed. Conversely, the second side surface 118 can be free of any pockets. Similarly, while a single D-ring 122 has been shown and described, the second side surface 118 is not limited in this regard as more than one D-ring or no D-rings at all can be attached to the second side surface.

Having now described the invention in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in the art will understand how to make changes and modifications to the present invention to meet their specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A tool bag comprising:

a bag body defining an interior area and a substantially unobstructed opening at an upper surface of the bag body, said opening being sized to allow for the insertion and extraction of tools to and from said interior area;

a plurality of pockets positioned within said interior area, at least one of said pockets being positioned within another of said pockets so that an outer surface of said at least one of said pockets forms an inner surface of at least another of said plurality of pockets;

said plurality of pockets being coupled to at least one upstanding wall located in said interior area; and

at least one handle coupled to said bag body.

2. A tool bag as defined by claim 1, further comprising:

a panel, at least a portion of which is coupled to said bag body, said panel dividing said interior area into at least a first and second interior area.

3. A tool bag as defined by claim 2, wherein said handle is coupled to said panel.

4. A tool bag as defined by claim 2, wherein said panel is substantially rigid.

5. A tool bag as defined by claim 3, wherein said handle is movable relative to said panel.

6. A tool bag as defined by claim 2, wherein said bag body includes a substantially rigid bag bottom.

7. A tool bag as defined by claim 2, wherein said upstanding wall is defined by said panel.

8. A tool bag as defined by claim 2, wherein said pockets are tiered.

9. A tool bag as defined by claim 8, wherein said tiered pockets are configured so that an outer surface defined by one row of pockets forms an inner surface of the next successive row of pockets.

10. A tool bag as defined by claim 9, wherein at least a portion of a first outer surface of said panel defines an inner surface of a first row of said tiered pockets, said at least a portion of said outer surface of said panel being covered with a cut resistant material so that tools having a sharp edge, upon insertion into one of said pockets defined by said first row of tiered pockets, leave the bag substantially undamaged.

11. A tool bag as defined by claim 10, wherein said at least a portion of said outer surface of said panel is ribbed.

12. A tool bag as defined by claim 1, further comprising an insert releasably attachable to a wall surface located within said interior area, said insert defining at least one receptacle for retaining articles therein; and

retaining means for releasably attaching said insert to said wall surface.

13. A tool bag as defined by claim 12, wherein said retaining means include hook and loop fasteners.

14. A tool bag as defined by claim 10, wherein:

said panel defines a second outer surface generally opposite said first outer surface; and

said plurality of pockets includes at least one row of pockets attached to at least a portion of said second outer surface.

15. A tool bag as defined by claim 14, wherein said at least a portion of said second outer surface is formed from a cut resistant material so that tools having a sharp edge, upon insertion into one of said pockets leave the bag substantially undamaged.

16. A tool bag as defined by claim 10, wherein said first outer surface defines at least one selectively closable pocket.

17. A tool bag as defined by claim 15, wherein said second outer surface defines at least one selectively closable pocket.

18. A tool bag as defined by claim 6, further comprising:

holding means for releasably retaining a portion of a tool in a substantially upstanding orientation in response to the tool being positioned in said tool bag, said holding means being located in at least one of said first and second interior areas.

19. A tool bag as defined by claim 18, wherein said holding means includes:

a piece of flexible material coupled to a wall that in part defines one of said first and second interior area; and wherein

said piece of flexible material is movable, at least in part, to allow said portion of said tool to be positioned between said wall and said piece of flexible material thereby causing said tool to be releasably retained in said tool bag in a substantially upstanding position.

20. A tool bag as defined by claim 6, wherein said unobstructed opening is defined at least in part by a semi-flexible edging forming an upper portion of said bag body.

21. A tool bag as defined by claim 2, wherein said handle is coupled to said panel for movement relative to said panel between an upstanding position and a folded position.

22. A tool bag as defined by claim 10, wherein said plurality of pockets includes at least one pocket coupled to an interior wall that defines at least in part an outer periphery of at least one of said first and second interior areas.

23. A tool bag as defined by claim 10, wherein said bag body defines at least one pocket coupled to on an outer surface thereof.

24. A tool bag as defined by claim 23, wherein said at least one pocket includes a plurality of pockets coupled to said outer surface of said bag body.

25. A tool bag as defined by claim 23, further comprising a clip coupled to said outer surface of said bag, said clip being adapted to releasably retain a tape measure thereon.

26. A tool bag comprising:

a bag body defining an interior area and a substantially unobstructed opening at an upper surface of the bag body, said opening being defined at least in-part by a semi-flexible edging and sized to allow for the insertion and extraction of tools to and from said interior area;

a panel positioned in said interior area and attached to said bag body, said panel being positioned so as to divide said bag body into at least a first interior area and a second interior area;

said panel defining a first outer surface having a cut-resistant material thereon;

a handle coupled to said panel and movable between a folded and an upright position;

a plurality of tiered pockets coupled to said first outer surface of said panel so that the cut resistant material defined a rear surface of a first row of said tiered pockets; and wherein

said bag body includes a substantially rigid bag bottom.