Tool tote

Abstract

A tote for carrying items such as tools includes a center panel around which a bucket-type receptacle is located. Outer walls of the receptacle are integral with a bottom, which are integral with center panel walls that are attached to the center panel. The outer walls define an open top. The center panel extends to the open top and terminates in an ergonomic handle. A tool tote defined by a receptacle includes a bottom and an outer wall extending from the bottom. A center panel that extends through the bottom, divides the receptacle into two compartments, and terminates in a handle proximate the open top. A footing on the center portion prevents the panel from being pulled through the receptacle. An open-topped tool tote has an open top, a center panel that divides the tote in a longitudinal direction, and a handle at the upper edge of the center panel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 905,387, filed on Mar. 6, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates generally to devices for containing tools and, more particularly, to a tote for transporting and storing tools.BACKGROUND[0003]In many industries, hand tools of various shapes and sizes are used to perform various tasks. These industries include building and road construction, manufacturing, and maintenance such as those relating to the servicing of the operating systems of buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, plumbing, and the like), heavy equipment (e.g., construction vehicles, railroad vehicles, and the like), aircraft, and industrial infrastructure (e.g., sewer systems, pipelines, refinery equipment, mining equipment, and the like). Oftentimes the tools used in these industries are larger and more ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In any of the above-described aspects of the present invention, at least some of the inner surfaces of the totes are coated with rubber or a rubber-like material or include rubber or a rubber material. The grip portions of the handles (which are preferably ergonomic in design) also include rubber or rubber materials. Thus, tough, durable characteristics are combined with the benefit of functional ergonomic design to improve on the shortcomings of tool-carrying devices of the prior art, particularly the five gallon bucket. The rubber or rubber material used is flexible as well as durable and exhibits a considerable degree of functionality over other materials (e.g., fabric, plastic, and steel) used for tool-carrying devices. The material stands up to wear that results from dropping and removing heavier tools that are covered with dirt, cement, or oil. Not being as hard and slick as the polymer surfaces of the typical five gallon bucket, the material helps to prevent tools in the tote from sliding and entangling with other tools. Also, when the material is deposited on the outside of the tote, tipping and dumping of the tote contents is reduced, particularly due to a more “grippy” bottom. Additionally, in totes having rectangular shapes with rounded corners, even more stability is provided. This is especially useful during transportation, for example, when the tote is loaded with tools and placed unsecured in the back of a truck or wagon.

Problems solved by technology

The material stands up to wear that results from dropping and removing heavier tools that are covered with dirt, cement, or oil.

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