Abstract:
A tool case with an additional storage space, which is accessed from the inside of the tool case. The storage space may be fitted with various pre-assembled snap-in storage modules to provide the user with the flexibility of storing a wide variety of items in a wide variety of ways, depending on the user&#39;s needs. For example, the compartment may be fitted with a snap-in module comprising a series of rotating storage containers according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the snap-in modules can comprise a series of sliding drawers, or a single rotating storage container, or any other tool or component holder. In the invention, a rectangular opening is defined within the inner surface of the box portion of the tool case. Interior walls project upwardly from the edge of the opening to preferably define a storage space which accommodates a snap-in module. The module is secured within the storage space by inserting two tabs projecting outwardly from the first side of the module into corresponding slits located within the adjacent interior wall. The module is then rotated into the recess so that a plastic arm projecting away from the second side of the module engages a lip protruding from the adjacent interior wall. The lip is engaged by a jaw molded to the distal end of the arm.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a tool case, particularly of the type used to display a tool set at the point of sale, and to subsequently store the tool set. Such tool cases are commonly referred to as “gift cases”. 
     Cases of the general type are well known, and typically include a base in the form of an open-topped box, and a lid hinged or otherwise mated with the box portion, with a clip or other means to secure the lid in the closed position. The case typically also contains a panel with a number of recesses to accommodate various tools and components, such as a screwdriver and various bits therefor, for example. 
     However, this conventional configuration does not efficiently use the available space in the case because a large volume of unused space is left between the panel and the bottom of the box portion of the case. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved tool case with one or more additional storage space areas which is/are accessed from the inside of the tool case. For greater flexibility, the storage space may be fitted with various pre-assembled snap-in storage modules to provide the user with the flexibility of storing a wide variety of items in a wide variety of ways, depending on the user&#39;s needs. For example, the compartment may be fitted with a snap-in module comprising a series of rotating storage containers according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Alternatively, the snap-in modules can comprise a series of sliding drawers, or a single rotating storage container, or any other tool or component holder. 
     In the invention, a preferably rectangular opening is defined within the inside surface of the box portion of the tool case. Alternatively, the opening is defined in the inside surface of the lid portion of the tool case. Interior walls project upwardly from the edge of the opening to preferably define a storage space which accommodates a snap-in module. The module is secured within the storage space by any suitable means, such as by inserting two tabs projecting outwardly from the first side of the module into corresponding slits located within the adjacent interior wall. The module is then rotated into the recess so that a plastic arm projecting away from the second side of the module engages a lip protruding from the adjacent interior wall. The lip is engaged by a jaw molded to the distal end of the arm. 
     A preferred tool case according to the invention comprises a box portion, a lid pivotably connected to the box portion, a storage space defined within the inside surface of the box portion, and at least one storage module securable within the storage space. 
     The storage module is either removably securable within the storage space or non-removably securable within the storage space. 
     The storage space further advantageously comprises an opening defined within the inside surface of the box portion and a plurality of integrally molded interior walls projecting upwardly from the opening. 
     The at least one module further preferably comprises at least one tab projecting outwardly from a first side of the module, an arm flexibly connected to a second side of the module, a jaw defined within the distal end of the arm. The tool case further comprises at least one slit defined within one of the interior walls adjacent to the first side of the module, a lip protruding from one of the interior walls adjacent to the second side of the module, whereby the module may be secured within the storage space by inserting the at least one tab projecting from the module into the slit defined within the interior wall, and the jaw defined within the distal end of the arm engages the lip. 
     In a further embodiment, the at least one module further comprises a module body, a recess defined within the module body, a plurality of containers pivotably mounted inside the recess connected along at least one side by a gang bar, the containers configured to pivot in unison between open and closed positions, such that in the closed position, an outer face of each container is coplanar and flush with the inner surface of the box portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects outwardly, exposing openings into the containers. 
     In yet a further embodiment, the at least one module further comprises a module body, a recess defined within the module body to form a storage container, and a door pivotably connected to the body. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one module further comprises a module body, a recess defined within the module body and a plurality of drawers slidably mounted within the recess. 
     Still a further embodiment has a module further comprising a module body, a recess defined within the module body, a plurality of wedge-shaped storage containers pivotably mounted within the recess, the containers configured to pivot individually between open and closed positions, such that in the closed position, an outer face of each container is coplanar and flush with the inner surface of the box portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects outwardly, exposing openings into the containers. 
     In still a further embodiment, the at least one module further comprises a module body, a recess defined within the module body, a multi-compartment storage container comprising: three integral rectangular faces, two integral identical parallel four-sided outer walls joining the three rectangular faces, an open fourth face to provide access to the container, and two integral dividing walls defining three storage compartments. The container is pivotably mounted within the recess, the container configured to pivot between open and closed positions, such that in the closed position, an outer face of the container is coplanar and flush with the inner surface of the box portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects outwardly, exposing opening into the compartments. 
     Further, the at least one module advantageously comprises a module body, a recess defined within the module body, a door pivotably connected to the body, and a plurality of integrally molded shelves projecting outwardly from the inner face of the door. The door is configured to pivot between open and closed positions, such that in the closed position, an outer face of the door is coplanar and flush with the inner surface of the box portion, and in the open position, the outer face projects outwardly, exposing the shelves. 
     A further embodiment of a tool case advantageously comprises a large box portion, a lid pivotably connected to the box portion, multiple tool and component storage spaces defined within interior or exterior surfaces of the box portion and the lid, and at least one storage module securable within at least one of the storage spaces. 
     Yet a further embodiment of a tool case according to the invention comprises a box portion defining a main storage area, a lid pivotally connected to the box portion, a recess defined in at least one interior surface of the tool case, and at least one removable module, each removable module being removably securable in the recess and configured to provide a secondary storage area, the at least one removable module having a plurality of separate storage compartments accessible when the at least one removable module is secured in the recess. One of the compartments is preferably pivotable relative to the module, between open and closed positions. Preferably, the tool case is arranged such that in the closed position, an outer face of each of the compartments is coplanar and flush with one the interior surface in which the recess is defined. Advantageously, there are plural compartments pivotable relative to their module, between open and closed positions. The compartments are preferably ganged together for ganged movement between the open and closed positions, for instance by virtue of a gang bar connecting each of the compartments. 
     A further embodiment of the invention has a tool case comprising a box portion defining a main storage area, a lid pivotally connected to the box portion, a recess defined in at least one exterior surface of the tool case, and at least one non-removable module, each removable module being securable in the recess and configured to provide a secondary storage area, the at least one non-removable module having a plurality of separate storage compartments accessible when the at least one non-removable module is secured in the recess. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the tool case showing the storage space and the snap-in module according to one embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view from the top of the tool case showing a tool and component holding panel; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the underside of the tool case; 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a “drop-bin module” installable in the storage space; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the removal of the drop-bin module; 
     FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism for the module; 
     FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the drop-bin module and case; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative storage container module in the case; 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative storage container module and case; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a sliding drawer module in the case; 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the sliding drawer module in the case; 
     FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a wedge-shaped container module in the case; 
     FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the wedge-shaped container module and the case; 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the wedge-shaped container module; 
     FIG. 13A is cross-sectional view of the securing mechanism for the wedge-shaped containers; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a multi-compartment container module in the case in the closed position; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the multi-compartment container module in the case in the open position; 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the multi-compartment container module; 
     FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a multiple shelf module in the case; 
     FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the multiple shelf module an d the case; 
     FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the snap-in modules connected to a tool box; 
     FIG. 20 is a schematic top view of a tool case according to a further embodiment of the invention, showing a snap-in module inside a tool box; 
     FIG. 21 is a schematic top view of a tool case according to still a further embodiment of the invention, showing a snap-in module inside a tool box; 
     FIG. 22 is a schematic sectional side view along line A—A of FIG. 21, showing the tool box with its lid closed; 
     FIG. 23 is a schematic sectional side view along line A—A of FIG. 21, showing the tool box with its lid opened and removed and the storage containers in their outwards pivoted position; 
     FIG. 24 is a schematic top view of a tool case according to yet a further embodiment of the invention, showing a snap-in module inside a tool box; 
     FIG. 25 is a schematic sectional side view along line B—B of FIG. 24, showing the tool box with its lid closed; 
     FIG. 26 is a schematic sectional side view along line B—B of FIG. 24, showing the tool box with its lid opened and removed and the storage containers in their outwards pivoted position; 
     FIG. 27 is a top view of even still a further embodiment of the invention, showing a tool box with a slide-in module fully slid inside the tool box; 
     FIG. 28 is a schematic sectional side view along line C—C of FIG. 27, showing the tool box with its lid opened and removed and the slide-in storage container in position to be slid inside the tool box; and 
     FIG. 29 is a schematic sectional side view along line D—D of FIG. 27, showing the tool box with its lid opened and removed and the slide-in storage container fully inserted into the tool box. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the tool case which includes a main box portion  1  with a handle  2  molded to the front edge thereof, as well as a preferably transparent lid  3  hinged to the box portion, for example, by two hinges  4 , and secured to the box portion by a clip  5 . Preferably, the tool case is made entirely from plastic. 
     A generally rectangular opening  6  defined within the bottom surface of the box portion. Molded interior walls  7  project upwardly from the edges of the rectangular opening into the box portion to define a storage space  15  which accommodates a snap-in module  8 , such as the “drop bin assembly” shown in FIGS. 1-6. 
     FIG. 2 shows a plastic panel  9 , preferably molded with a raised portion  10  located over the rectangular opening to provide extra space for the snap-in module. However, a flat panel could be used in the tool case, although the space available for a snap-in module would, of course, be smaller. The panel is secured to the box portion by any suitable means, such as, for example, by inserting posts  11  protruding from the panel into corresponding sleeves  12  molded onto the box portion. For additional support, the panel rests on preferably three support members  13  along the side of the box portion adjacent to the hinges. Various shapes  14  are molded within the panel to accommodate corresponding tools with substantial depth, as well as components such as screwdriver bits and sockets. The shapes defined within the raised portion of the panel and components retained therein have little depth, and are, therefore, only adapted to retain components such as screwdriver bits and sockets. The shapes are molded in such a way that the corresponding tools and components can be secured by snapping same into the corresponding shapes  14  in a conventional manner, so that if the tool case is oriented with the lid facing downward, the tools stored in the first panel do not fall out of their designated shapes. 
     FIGS. 1-5 show an embodiment of the invention where a “drop-bin” module  8  is secured within the storage space  15  by snapping the module into the interior walls  7  by any suitable means. For example, two tabs  16  extending outwardly from a first side  19  of the of the module are inserted into corresponding slits  20  located within an adjacent interior wall. The module is then rotated into the storage space so that a flexible molded plastic arm  21  projecting upwardly and away from the second side  22  of the module engages a lip  23  protruding from the adjacent interior wall. The lip is engaged by a jaw  24  located at the distal end of the arm which snaps onto said lip to secure the module to the box portion. A semi-circular depression  27  is defined within the box portion surrounding the lip. 
     As best shown in FIG. 5, the module is removed by the user sliding his/her finger into the semi-circular depression  27  which allows the finger to engage the arm  21  and pull it away from the box portion, freeing the module to be rotated out of the storage space  15 . 
     FIG. 6 shows the preferably five identical drop-bin storage containers  28 , each having two identical parallel five-sided walls  17  which are joined by three generally rectangular faces  18  to form the container. The two remaining faces are open to provide access to the storage container. The storage containers are preferably molded from clear plastic to permit the user to examine the contents without opening the containers. 
     In the closed position, the faces of the storage containers preferably form a single plane flush with the bottom surface of the box portion so that the bottom of the tool case can rest flat on a work surface when the user has opened the lid  3  to access the tools in the panel  9 . 
     The storage containers locate within a recess  90  defined within the body  91  of the module, and each container is joined to the sides of the recess by a male connection pin  25  which extends outwardly at a right angle from the two walls of each storage container. A corresponding recessed female connection means  26  adapted to receive the pins of each storage container is molded into both sides of the recess adjacent to the walls of the containers. The pin of each storage container is inserted into the corresponding female connection means, such that the containers are prevented from falling out of the recess, but are permitted to freely rotate. Alternative methods of pivotally connecting the storage containers to the box portion will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of the invention. 
     The storage containers are joined, preferably, by two gang bars  30  to allow the containers to only move in unison. The two gang bars are located in two corresponding grooves  93  defined within the sides of the recess. The gang bars are connected to the storage containers by protruding cylindrical male connections  31  located along their length which fit snugly into female openings  32  in the side walls of each storage container. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that only one gang bar could be employed. 
     The storage containers are prevented from freely rotating by a plastic clasp configuration  35  molded from one piece of plastic, secured to the body  91  of the module, and preferably located adjacent to the storage container closest to the handle. A section of the clasp  38  molded into aperture is snapped by conventional means onto a co-operating plastic member  39  extending outwardly from the body. The clasp configuration also includes a ridge  36  extending over the face of the storage container which is flush with the bottom of the tool case to secure the container in the closed position, as well as a catch  37  to permit the user to easily grasp the clasp configuration. To pivot the containers to the open position, the user grasps the catch and pulls it away from the storage containers lifting the ridge which extends over the adjacent storage container and restricts its rotation. The user can freely pivot the storage container adjacent to the clasp into an open position, and when he/she does so, he/she also moves the gang bar connected thereto, which gang bar then imparts the motion to all the other containers causing them to move in unison. It should be noted, however, that other suitable means of securing the storage containers to the box portion may be used and such means would be within the scope of the invention. 
     It should be understood that the above description relates to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described. 
     For example, FIGS. 7 and 8 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where a recess  90  is defined within the body  46  of the snap-in module  8  to define a generally box-shaped storage container  41 . A door  42  is rotatably connected to the body by any suitable means, such as, for example, a living hinge  45 . The door is secured to the storage container by a plastic clasp configuration  35  snapped onto a plastic member  39 , as described in the preferred embodiment, such that when the door is in the closed position it is flush with the bottom surface of the box portion. The module is snapped into the storage space  15  in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described above. 
     FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the snap-in module  8  comprises four box-shaped drawers  50  secured within a recess  90  defined within the body  53  of the module. A molded handle  51  defined within the outer face  52  of each drawer. It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the module can be configured with any number of drawers, and such variations are clearly within the scope of this invention. The drawers are slidably connected to the body by any suitable means. For example, molded rails  54  projecting outwardly from the bottom face of each drawer slide within corresponding channels  55  defined within the inner surface of the walls of the body. The drawers are prevented from falling out of the body of the module by drawer tabs  56  molded to the top of the inner face of each drawer. In the closed position, the outer face of each drawer is flush with the bottom surface of the box portion  1 . Again, this module is secured within the storage space in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described above. 
     FIGS. 11 to  13  show an alternative embodiment of the invention four wedge-shaped storage containers  60  are secured within a recess  90  defined within the body  64  of the snap-in module  8 , although any number of storage containers may be fitted within the module and such variations are within the scope of this invention. Each storage container is defined by a converging outer face  61  and inner face  62  joined by a rounded container wall  63 . A handle  51  is defined within the outer face of each container. Each container is rotatably connected to the body by any suitable means. For example, a C-shaped channel  65  molded to the edge of the container where the outer and inner faces converge, is snapped onto to a molded cylindrical rail  66  running along the top of the inner face of the body. In the closed position, the outer face of each container is flush with the bottom surface of the box portion and is secured in place by a flexible molded button  67  protruding outwardly from the outer face of each container, and from an identical button  69  protruding from the side of the body adjacent to the rearmost container. The button snaps into a corresponding pocket  68  defined within the outer face of an adjacent container, and the button for the forwardmost container snaps into an identical pocket  94  defined within the adjacent side of the body of the module. Clearly, alternative methods of securing the containers in the closed position may be used and are within the scope of this invention. The module is secured within the storage space  15  in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described above. 
     FIGS. 14-16 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the snap-in module comprises a multi-compartment storage container  70  having two identical parallel outer walls  71  which are joined by three rectangular faces. The fourth face  73  is open to provide access to the container. Two integrally molded dividing walls  74  are located within the container to define three equal compartments  75 . The container is rotatably mounted within a recess  90  defined within the body  76  of the module by any suitable means, such as male connection pins  25  projecting outwardly from the outer walls which mate with female connection means (not shown), as described in the preferred embodiment. A handle  51  is defined within the outer face  77 . In the closed position, the outer face of the container is flush with the bottom surface of the box portion  1 , and in the open position, the open face is rotated away from the box portion to allow the user access to the contents of the compartments. The container  70  is secured in the closed position by a plastic clasp configuration  35  snapped onto a plastic member  39 , as described in the preferred embodiment. The module is secured within the storage space  15  in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described above. 
     FIGS. 17 and 18 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the snap-in module  8  comprises three storage shelves  80  molded to a door  81  which is rotatably connected to the body  82  of the module by a conventional hinge  83 . It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any number of shelves may be molded to the door, and such variations are within the scope of this invention. A recess  90  within the body accommodates the shelves when the door is in the closed position. The door is secured to the storage container by a plastic clasp configuration  35  snapped onto a plastic member  39 , as described in the preferred embodiment, such that when the door is in the closed position it is flush with the bottom surface of the box portion. The module is snapped into the storage space  15  in the same manner as the preferred embodiment described above. 
     It should be clear to those skilled in the art that the storage space and the snap-in module  8  securable within same can extend over the entire surface the bottom surface of the box portion, or alternatively, it could occupy only a section of the bottom surface of the box portion, and such variations are clearly within the scope of this invention. 
     FIG. 19 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention where the snap-in module  8 , as described in the above embodiments detailing outside snap-in modules, is snapped into a recess  90  defined within the side or a lid of a tool box  91 . The module is snapped into the recess in the same manner as described in the preferred embodiment above. There may be multiple recesses, defined in inner and/or outer surfaces of the box portion and/or the lid, substantially as has been described in conjunction with the earlier described embodiments. 
     FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the invention where at least one storage module  8 ′, as described above and including several storage compartments, is snapped inside a tool box  100 , having no external snap-in modules. The tool box has a box portion  101  with a handle portion  103 , a lid  102  with a handle portion  104 , and a locking mechanism  107  for securing the lid against the box portion. Further, at least a first tool holding recess  105  and a second tool holding recess  106  are arranged in a panel across an upper part of the box portion. 
     FIGS. 21 to  23  show another embodiment of the invention where plural snap-in modules  8 ″ are arranged inside a tool box  200 . The modules are as described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6 above. The tool box  200  preferably has a handle  201 , a box portion  202  and a lid  203 . The modules  8 ″ are arranged to be held in a recess  19 ′. Preferably, tool holders  110 ,  111  are arranged inside the tool box, in areas not occupied by the recess  19 ′. Further technical features of the modules have the same reference numerals as described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     FIGS. 24 to  26  show a further embodiment of the invention where plural snap-in modules  8 ′″ are arranged inside a tool box  200 ′. The modules are as described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6 above. The tool box  200 ′ preferably has a handle  201 ′, a box portion  202 ′ and a lid  203 ′. The modules  8 ′″ are arranged to be held in a recess  19 ″. Preferably, tool holders (not shown) are arranged inside the tool box, in areas not occupied by the recess  19 ′. Further technical features of the modules have the same reference numerals as described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     FIGS. 27 to  29  show yet another embodiment of the invention where plural snap-in modules  81   v  are arranged to slide inside a tool box  200 ″. The modules are preferably as described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6 above. The tool box  200 ″ preferably has a handle  201 ′″, a box portion  202 ″ and a lid (not shown). The modules  81   v  are arranged to be held in removable holder  20 , which is slidably mountable in the tool box on slide rails  210 . The slide rails are arranged on an inner surface of the tool box. Preferably, tool holders (not shown) are arranged inside the tool box, in areas not occupied by the slide rails  210  or the holder  20  when it is mounted in the tool box. Further technical features of the modules have the same reference numerals as described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     In general, selected technical features relating to the individual modules and their fastening to the tool box described in relation to FIGS. 1 to  18  also relate to the fastening and arrangement of modules inside the tool box, as described in conjunction to FIGS. 19 to  29 . 
     It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiment by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.