Tool case

Abstract

A tool case including modular storage compartments. In one aspect, the tool case includes a translucent cover and the modular storage compartments can be removed from the tool case and displayed or mounted to a surface. In another aspect, the case may be configured such that the gravitational load of the contents of the case does not flow through the cover when the case is lifted by a handle, thus facilitating the cover to be made from lightweight translucent material. This configuration is achieved by connecting the handle to the floor of the base of the case, allowing the handle to protrude through an opening in the cover, the cover being separately removable.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 121,905, filed May 3, 2005, which is incorporated herein entirely by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to devices for storing and carrying items and more particularly, to a case for receiving and retaining tools.[0003]Tool boxes have been used for many years to store tools, tool parts and fasteners. Tool boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be portable or fixed structures. Certain tool boxes are designed to hold a particular tool or components thereof. Other devices are configured to store a plurality of different devices.[0004]Generally, tool boxes or cases are designed to maximize storing capacity. Tool boxes sometimes include trays and compartments utilized to retain tools. Typically, the tool box will have a cover configured to protect the tools or to aid in holding the tools in place. With the cover open...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is embodied in a tool case for storing tools and other items. The tool case is specifically designed to facilitate versatile storing capacity as well as tool display. Moreover, the tool case provides a light weight device with the capability of viewing stored items using a modular system. In one aspect of the invention, the tool case is structurally configured to reduce gravitational load in components that are designed to be light weight and therefore of reduced structural strength. Specifically, an embodiment is disclosed in which gravitational loads are almost completely eliminated from the cover which is made of lightweight translucent material.

[0011]In a further aspect, the tool case includes a plurality of storage racks or trays stored beneath the cover. The storage racks each include multilayered recesses for receiving tools of various sizes and configurations. One or more of the racks can be removed from the tool case. The storage racks can be equipped with a handle and mounting holes so that the racks can be easily handled and hung on a wall or other vertical support.

[0013]In yet a further aspect of the invention, the base of the tool case may have a floor to which two support elements may be attached. A handle is mounted to the two support elements. The cover of the tool case defines an opening sized to permit the handle to pass through the opening when the cover is mated with the base. In another aspect, the handle may be rotatable while mounted on the support elements. Further, the cover may define a recess whereby the handle may be rotated to rest on the cover within the recess, the handle remaining mounted on the support elements. In a preferred aspect, when the handle is rotated to rest on the cover within the recess, the handle is located entirely inside an outer profile of the cover. This configuration has the advantage that substantially all the gravitational load of the contents of the tool case may pass through the handle without passing through the cover. This aspect permits greater flexibility in choosing an appropriate lightweight material for the cover that is translucent, permitting the user to inspect and inventory the contents of the case.

Problems solved by technology

Prior devices, however, can lack features which enhance utility.

For example, conventional tool boxes include covers which do not allow for a quick inventory to be taken of the container's contents.

Also, the storage bins are generally affixed to the box and lack structure for displaying items held thereby separate from the tool box.

Moreover, conventional tool cases are formed from durable but heavy materials which adds unnecessarily to the weight of the device.

This aspect may create structural problems where the cover of a toolbox is desired to be of lightweight translucent material not optimally suited for a loadbearing function.

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