Container with stool in lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Carpenters and handy persons face the challenge of needing both a toolbox and a stool/step stool at job sites, which requires transporting two separate items, increasing burden and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A container designed to function as both a toolbox and a stool/step stool, featuring a leg assembly that can be moved between non-support and support positions, and a step assembly that can be deployed or stowed, allowing the lid to serve as a work surface or step, with a triple axis hinge and snap lock mechanisms for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a carpenter transports both a toolbox and a stool to a jobsite, then tool storage and elevated work capabilities are provided, but transportation burden and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a toolbox and a stool into a single integrated unit. The stool is positioned within the toolbox structure, with its legs foldable into the toolbox interior when not in use. This merging of two separate tools into one unified device directly reduces transportation burden while maintaining both tool storage and elevated work capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it acts as a toolbox for tool storage, a stool for elevated work, and combines both functions in a single unit. The lid of the toolbox can serve as a work surface when the stool is deployed, and the interior space provides tool storage. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace two separate tools, reducing the overall transportation burden
2Adaptability or versatility
If a carpenter transports both a toolbox and a stool to a jobsite, then tool storage and elevated work capabilities are provided, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stool is nested within the toolbox structure. When the stool is not in use, its legs fold into the interior space of the toolbox, and the stool seat is positioned within the toolbox interior. This nesting arrangement allows the stool to occupy minimal additional space when stowed, while the toolbox interior provides tool storage space, effectively combining both functions in a compact form
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lid is designed to support a stool structure, then elevated work capability is provided, but the lid structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stool legs are designed to be foldable and movable between an extended position (when the stool is in use) and a retracted position (when stowed in the toolbox). This dynamic design allows the lid to support the stool structure when needed, while maintaining a simpler overall structure when the stool is not deployed. The hinge mechanisms enable the legs to be positioned as needed without requiring a permanently complex structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a container or toolbox having a selectively removable lid. When the user is in need of a stool or step stool, she may unfold a leg assembly and step assembly contained within the lid. When the leg assembly is unfolded into its support position, the lid operates as a stool. Moreover, a step assembly may also be unfolded from the lid. In its deployed position, the step assembly provides an intermediate step beneath the upper surface of the lid. When the job is finished, the leg assembly and step assembly may be folded back into the lid such that the container may be used as a regular toolbox.