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 general...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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