Rollaway storage cart with collapsible legs
The present invention discloses a portable work station that provides a strong work surface combined with a significant volume of secure tool storage. The disclosed invention allows a single user to collapse, load, transport, unload, assemble and move the apparatus to a specific work area without assistance. Once at the designated work site, the apparatus of the present invention can be locked in place, preventing unwanted motion during use. Further, the disclosed invention provides an adjustable height work surface that includes the ability to transport large construction materials safely.
This case is a Continuation of U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No. 14/708,456, filed May 11, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONThe subject of this invention relates generally to multi-purpose storage devices. Specifically, the present invention provides two primary functions: a portable work surface and storage for tools and materials or other goods. Further, the apparatus is constructed such that a single user is able to load/unload the apparatus from and elevated surface, for example, the bed of a pickup truck, the deck of a flatbed trailer or a bench.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHumans have worked with tools for millennia. Humans have also used work surfaces for the same amount of time. Generally the tools and the work surfaces are co-located such as in a workshop or factory, but from time to time the need arises to accomplish work away from the location of the tools. When that occurs, both the tools and the work surface must be, at least to some extent, portable. The alternative is to have separate sets of tools and work surfaces at one or more remote work sites. This is highly inefficient.
Contemporarily many solutions exist separately. That is, there are numerous examples of work surfaces or work stations that can be collapsed, carried to a remote worksite and then assembled. Some of these devices are small, but some are also sized to handle construction level tasks. While some of these devices are simple “folding table” type devices, others have multiple functions embedded, for example a set of vise jaws to clamp a work item.
Also in existence are many examples of tool carriers and/or storage devices. The classic tool box is an example, but modernly there are a large number of devices that have wheels and handles capable of carrying a large number of tools. Some of these de vices even have a small reinforced surface for standing or, conceivably, providing a small work surface. This class of devices includes the ubiquitous two wheeled dolly used by delivery services and movers.
As noted just above, both portable work surfaces and tool carriers exist, thus it would make sense to combine the devices into a single unit accomplishing both the need for a work surface and the need to store the tools required to accomplish the work. Also as noted, there are. examples of small sized devices which can both transport tools and be. used as a small work surface, but these devices are sized such that the work surface is not practical for even mid-sized tasks and can only carry small tools. By combining the functions of a bench scale work surface and a tool storage device capable of handling larger tools, a user could move about from site to site with only a-single-unit to manage.
Making the above combination portable is also a logical step in the evolution of this type of device. However, at this time, while some examples do exist, they exhibit numerous drawbacks which make them difficult to use and less than optimum for the designated tasks. The primary drawbacks are size and ease of use. Many examples of portable tool storage devices may be found that include a work surface, but unfortunately the surface is neither large enough nor sturdy enough to allow a user to accomplish even simple on-site tasks involving large or heavy materials. A further drawback is the weight of the loaded device. In general, two people are required to load/unload this type of device due to both size and weight.
As a direct result, contemporary examples of combination work surface tool storage devices arc difficult to use or too small to be practical. This is so because supposing that the device is large enough and strong enough to accomplish tasks involving large and/or heavy materials, it is difficult, if not impossible, for a single user to easily move, lift, transport or set up. Given that the device is supposed to be portable, it must necessarily collapse into a size that is able to fit in the bed of a truck or store in the corner of a garage or on-site tool shed.
What would be desirable is a portable apparatus that pros ides a stable, strong work surface capable of holding large material well as providing secure storage for a significant number of tools. What would be additionally desirable is that this apparatus be capable of being collapsed, loaded into a work vehicle, transported, unloaded from the work vehicle, assembled and then moved to the specific work area by a single user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention discloses a portable work station that provides a strong work surface combined with a significant volume of secure tool storage. The disclosed invention allows a single user to collapse, load, transport, unload, assemble and move the apparatus to a specific work area without assistance. Once at the designated work site, the apparatus of the present invention can be locked in place, preventing unwanted motion during use. Further, the disclosed invention provides an adjustable height work surface that includes the ability to transport large construction materials safely.
The apparatus of the present invention consists of a rectangular volume approximately three feet wide by seven feet long with a depth of approximately eight inches. The top surface of the rectangular volume is attached to a first side such that the top may be opened or closed. Within the rectangular volume, and covered by the top are one or more compartments for storing tools or materials. In a first embodiment the top is a single surface. In a second embodiment the top surface is split into three separate pieces, each capable of being opened or closed independently, and each with its own storage compartment.
Extending from the bottom surface of the rectangular volume are two sets of folding legs, one set located near the front surface and one set near the rear surface of the rectangular volume. Each set of folding legs has a plurality of holes along its length to allow the work surface height to be adjusted by a locating means. Each set of legs also has a set of wheels at its extremity to allow the apparatus to be moved easily by a single user. The wheels near the front surface of the rectangular volume are fixed, while the wheels at the rear of the rectangular volume are of the swivel type to allow easy maneuvering by a single user. Lastly, each of these sets of legs is collapsible such that in the closed state they disappear into the underside of the rectangular volume allowing the apparatus to roll on a pair of stationary wheels mounted on the perimeter of the rectangular volume.
In operation, and supposing that the apparatus in sitting in the bed of a vehicle, for example a pickup truck, a user pulls the unit using the pulling bar at the rear of the apparatus until the rear set of legs drops down and locks in place using a locking means. The user continues to pull the apparatus until the front set of legs drops and locks in a similar manner. Once both sets of legs have dropped and locked; the apparatus is ready to be moved to the specific work location.
When the apparatus needs to be reloaded, the user pushes the unit against a transport surface, for example the bed of the pickup truck, while releasing the front leg locking means causing the front legs to collapse into the frame. As the apparatus continues to be pushed forward, the rear leg locking means is released causing the rear legs to collapse, allowing them to be pushed into the frame in the transport condition. Once done, the rectangular volume now rolls on the stationary set of wheels mounted to the rectangular volume until it is completely loaded into the truck.
As well as the advantages discussed above, other advantages of the present invention are discussed below in conjunction with the drawings and FIGS. attached.
truck.
As described briefly above, the apparatus of the present invention provides substantial improvement for the combination of work surface/tool storage devices.
At the front of the rectangular volume a first set of roller wheels 111 are attached. Approximately two thirds of the way from the front surface of the rectangular volume along the long sides of the rectangular volume a second set of roller wheels 112. Each of these sets of roller wheels 111 and 112 are mounted to the rectangular volume of the apparatus in such a way as to avoid interference during loading and unloading. The combination of these wheels function to allow the apparatus to be rolled easily along a transport surface, for example the bed of a pickup truck or a flatbed trailer. At the rear end of the apparatus a handle bar 113 is attached. The handle bar 113 has two functions: first, to allow a user to easily pull or push the apparatus into/out of transport vehicles, and second, to activate the latch mechanism which releases the rear collapsing telescoping legs 130. Also on the rear of the apparatus are two latch buttons 114 that function to release the locking mechanism of the front collapsing telescoping legs 120. These latch buttons 114 are positioned near the ends of the handle bar 113 within easy reach of a user's thumbs.
Both sets of collapsing telescoping legs 120 and 130 have disposed along their length height adjustment holes 122 and 132 respectively. The height adjustment holes 122/132 are used to allow the user to set the working height of the top work surface 110. In a preferred embodiment the height adjustment holes 122/132 are stabilized by a spring-loaded detents. In a second embodiment the height adjustment holes 122/132 arc stabilized by a lynch pins. Since both of these methods are well understood by those of skill in the art they are not shown in detail to aid in clarity; however, the lack of a detailed discussion is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. Further, numerous other means for stabilizing the height adjustment holes could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
Both sets of collapsing telescoping legs 120 and 130 have cross braces to provide lateral stability. Gross braces 126 and 128 serve to stabilize the front set of collapsing telescoping legs 120, while cross braces 136 and 138 serve to stabilize rear set of collapsing telescoping legs 130. Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has a pair of cross braces on each set of collapsing telescoping legs, it will be understood that more or fewer cross braces could be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
The front set of collapsing telescoping legs 120 has a set of fixed wheels 125 attached to the ends. The rear collapsing telescoping legs 130 have a set of swivel wheels 135 attached to the ends. The combination of these wheels 125 and 135 allow a user to easily move the apparatus about when the collapsing telescoping legs are in the deployed position. In the collapsed state the wheels 125/135 disappear into the rectangular volume of the apparatus as discussed below in detail in conjunction with
As well as the set of fixed wheels 125 attached to the ends, the front set of collapsing telescoping legs 120 has a secondary loading wheel 127. This secondary loading wheel 127 is located at the center of the cross brace 128 and serves to prevent the front set of collapsing telescoping legs 120 from hitting the transport surface onto which the apparatus is being loaded, thereby preventing any damage to that surface. This is particularly important when loading the apparatus of the present invention into a pickup truck.
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Note that while a pickup truck was described for this process it is exemplary only and in not meant as a limitation on the scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus could just as easily be loaded onto a flatbed trailer or a stationary work bench.
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In
One advantage of the present invention is the ability of a single user to load/unload a large portable work surface capable of storing tools and moving materials. This is accomplished through the use of locking, collapsing telescoping legs that disappear into a rectangular volume.
A second advantage of the present invention is that it provides secure storage for tools and materials. The apparatus of the present invention has at least two embodiments, each with the capability to securely store tools and materials.
A third advantage of the present invention is the ability to move materials safely about a work site. This is accomplished through the stabilized collapsible telescoping legs and associated cross bracing.
A fourth advantage of the present invention is that the height of the top surface may be adjusted to accommodate a variety of work site situations. Each of the sets of collapsing telescoping legs of the apparatus has a series of holes disposed along its long axis. These holes use a locating means to lock the collapsing telescoping legs at a specific height
A fifth advantage of the present invention is that at no time during the loading/unloading process does the user bear any of the weight of the apparatus. This is accomplished via the two sets of rectangular volume mounted wheels. Thus even if the apparatus is loaded with materials, the user never bears any of the weight significantly improving safety.
Claims
1. A mobile work bench and storage apparatus comprising:
- a rectangular body having a bottom surface and an opposing top surface and a. front surface and an opposing back surface and comprising a. first set of roller wheels fixably mounted to said bottom surface in close proximity to said front surface and a second set of roller wheels fixably mounted to said bottom surface between said first set of roller wheels and said back surface;
- at least one closeable storage compartment disposed within said rectangular body;
- front legs hingedly attached to said rectangular body at said front surface and having a front latch mechanism operable to. lock said set of front legs in a locked position; and
- rear legs hingedly attached to said rectangular body at said rear surface and having a rear latch mechanism operable to lock said set of rear legs in a locked position;
- wherein when said apparatus is being pulled from a transport surface in a transport condition, said rear legs pivot downward until said rear legs are disposed in said locked position and said rear latch mechanism locks said rear legs in said locked position;
- wherein when said apparatus is further pulled from said transport surface, said front legs pivot downward until said front legs are disposed m said locked position and said front latch mechanism locks said front legs in said locked position; and
- wherein when said front legs are locked in said locked position and said rear legs are locked in said locked position, said front legs and said rear legs support said rectangular body.
2. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to said rear surface and configured to pull said apparatus from a transport surface in a transport condition.
3. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 2, wherein said handle is operable to control said rear latch mechanism.
4. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a set of latch buttons operable to control said front latch mechanism.
5. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 4, wherein said set of latch buttons comprises two latch buttons disposed at opposing ends of said rear surface.
6. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein each closeable storage compartment in said at least one closeable storage compartment is closeable via a section cover hingedly attached to said rectangular body.
7. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said front legs comprise two opposing collapsible telescoping front legs.
8. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of said two opposing collapsible telescoping front legs comprise a front outer fixed leg portion and a front inner telescoping leg portion.
9. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 8, wherein said front inner telescoping leg portion comprises a plurality of front mating height adjustment holes.
10. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 9, wherein said front mating height adjustment holes are fixed in place by spring loaded detents.
11. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of said front inner telescoping leg portions comprises a fixed wheel disposed at a distal end thereof.
12. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a secondary loading wheel disposed in the center of said front legs.
13. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said rear legs comprise two opposing collapsible telescoping rear legs.
14. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of said two opposing collapsible telescoping rear legs comprise a rear outer fixed leg portion and a rear inner telescoping leg portion.
15. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 14, wherein said rear inner telescoping leg portion comprises a plurality of rear mating height adjustment holes.
16. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 15, wherein said rear mating height adjustment holes are fixed in place by spring loaded detents.
17. The mobile-work bench and storage apparatus of claim 14, wherein each of said rear inner telescoping leg portions comprises a rotatable wheel disposed at a distal end thereof.
18. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one closeable storage compartment disposed within said rectangular body comprises three separately closeable storage compartments disposed within said rectangular body.
19. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein when said apparatus is in said transport condition, said front legs and said rear legs are generally parallel to the major plane of said rectangular body.
20. The mobile work bench and storage apparatus of claim 1, wherein when said apparatus is in said transport condition, said front legs and said rear legs are disposed within said rectangular body.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 21, 2017
Publication Date: May 3, 2018
Inventors: Gerard Cheff (White Lake, MI), Robert Crump (Manchester, MO)
Application Number: 15/851,182