Abstract:
A machine tool stand and/or workbench, electrical outlet panel, light supply, and modular task box system, combined into an integrated system that includes a support structure having a support base on wheels and side rails disposed on the surface of the support base. The side rails include structure for attaching tool holders, work pieces holders, work surfaces, and the like.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional/Utility Patent Application Ser. No. 60/569,169, filed May 7, 2004 (May 7, 2004). 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not applicable. 
   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to work tool and material transporting and workbench devices, and more particularly to a combination tool and material task box storage, transport, and workbench system. 
   BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART 
   Whether working in the field or in a shop, craftsmen, tradesmen, woodworkers, mechanics, residential handymen, and the like are generally interested in minimizing the inconvenience and time involved in taking tools from storage containers, transporting the tools, setting them up at the work site, finding and connecting to electrical power, setting up a suitable work surface for holding and supporting workpieces, and then taking down the work site and returning the tools to storage when finished. Unfortunately, carrying larger tools, work materials, and multiple small power and hand tools to remote work sites can be an ungainly exercise requiring numerous small trips to and from vehicles and shops. Further, it can take considerable effort to organize and contain material and tools for transport to protect them from damage and to provide for easy access once in the field. Once in the field and at the site, deploying and using connections to power can be a frustrating adventure of untangling cords and hunting for elusive receptacles or extension cord ends. Further, but without nearly exhausting the annoyances of interest, it is a challenge to get adequate light onto a remote work site. 
   Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a system for conveniently storing and transporting tools and work materials and for providing electrical power in the field. To that end, several solutions have been proposed, including that described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,829 B1, to Mueller. This patent discloses a hand-truck-type convertible apparatus for transporting and supporting a work tool at a work site. The apparatus has an extended and a collapsed position, and a vertical work configuration and a horizontal transport configuration. It includes a support frame extending along a longitudinal axis between a first end and a second end. A base member extends from the support frame in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the support frame and stabilizes the support frame in its vertical, working position. A primary wheel assembly is mounted to the support frame opposite the base member such that the primary wheel assembly and the base member stabilize the support frame in its vertical, working position. A work platform is mounted to the second end of the support frame and is movable between an extended position and a collapsed position. The work platform is supported in its extended position by a pair of brace members that extend from opposite sides of the work platform. The brace members are each received within a locking device to secure the work platform in an extended position. The locking devices can be released to allow the work platform to move from the extended position to the collapsed position. The apparatus further includes an electrical outlet box mounted on its rear surface, offering the user multiple individual outlets; it is connected to a power source through a cord. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,472 to Borganti, teaches a combined hand truck and machine stand, wherein one configuration can readily be converted into the other. The device includes a first frame support pivotally coupled to a second frame support for movement between a first position forming a hand truck and a second position forming a machine stand. A machine support is pivotally coupled to the first frame support and is movable between a first position forming the hand truck and a second position forming the machine stand. A base plate is pivotally coupled to a lower portion of the first frame support, and is movable between a first position pivoted outwardly relative to the first frame support and locked in place to prevent the apparatus from toppling when in the form of a hand truck, and a second position pivoted inwardly relative to the first frame support when the apparatus is in the form of a machine stand. The second frame support includes a pair of legs and a cross-piece support extending between and coupled for rotation to each leg. A plate defining a flat surface for engaging the machine support is fixed to the cross-piece support, and a handle is coupled to, and extends outwardly from the plate. When the apparatus is in the form of a hand truck, the plate engages the machine support to thereby prevent rotation of the cross-piece support and allow the handle to be used to move the hand truck. When the apparatus is configured as a machine stand, the cross-piece support forms a buttress for contacting and supporting the machine support. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,322 to Barton, shows a combination transport device and work surface has a collapsible support member and base member. In the collapsed position, the support member and base member are close to a stem of the device to define a transport surface. The transport surface can be easily moved via a handle and wheels. In the extended position, the support member and the base member extend transversely from the stem to define a work surface and a support base respectively. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,531 to Blohm, discloses a portable apparatus for storing tools in an organized fashion and which also converts to a combination saw table, router table and workbench. The apparatus can be readily maneuvered, loaded into a truck bed and stored when folded. It also provides a rigid work surface with easy tool access when in the set-up position. 
   At present in the market place, Ryobi Technologies, Inc., offers a portable toolbox on wheels having sliding drawers for holding it&#39;s 18.0V Six Pack, which includes a drill/driver, compound miter saw, circular saw, reciprocating saw, Speed Saw™, and flashlight, along with three rechargeable battery packs and a one-hour diagnostic charger. The tool box on wheels doubles as a miter saw work stand. 
   The foregoing patents reflect the current state of the art of which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and discussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging Applicant&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be relevant to the examination of claims to the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, suggest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when considered in combination, the invention described and claimed herein. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, the tool and task box storage, transport, and workbench system of the present invention provides a combination hand truck, machine tool support stand or workbench, electrical outlet panel, light supply, modular task box system, and support structure, all of which are gracefully combined into an integrated system that includes an optional winch system for facilitating easy lifting of the apparatus into a pick-up truck or other vehicle. 
   Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention does not reside in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. 
   There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
   Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in the following description “upward,” “downward,” “left,” and “right” would refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made unless otherwise stated. Similarly, words such as “inward” and “outward” would refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise noted. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tool and task box storage, transport, and workbench system of the present invention, showing the inventive apparatus in a working configuration with its hand truck, task box, and workbench components utilized, and having several optional components deployed; 
       FIG. 2  is an upper rear perspective view of the hand truck of the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a rear view in elevation of the hand truck; 
       FIG. 4A  is a side view in elevation of the hand truck; 
       FIG. 4B  is a detailed perspective view showing the upper portion of a side rail of the hand truck; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the hand truck shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a rear view in elevation of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1 and 5 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a front view in elevation thereof; 
       FIG. 8  is a side view in elevation thereof; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a single element of the stackable task box system of the present invention; 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are, respectively, a perspective view of the task box shown with side panels and handle covers removed, and a side view in elevation showing detail of the latching system of the task box; 
       FIG. 10   a  is a side view in elevation showing an integrated plurality of stackable task box units of varying sizes in a stacked configuration; 
       FIG. 10   b  is a side view in elevation showing the stackable task boxes of  FIG. 10   a  separated into discrete boxes; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view in elevation of a task box, showing detail of the locking assembly; 
       FIG. 12  is a front view in elevation of a task box unit; 
       FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view of the task cart component of the present inventive system; 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of the task cart of  FIG. 13 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a side view in elevation thereof; 
       FIG. 16  is a front view in elevation thereof; 
       FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of the task cart showing the side rails removed from the dolly and including a task box installed between the side rails; 
       FIG. 17B  is a perspective view showing the task cart with a working surface attached to and disposed between the vertical supports; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing two task carts deployed in cooperation with one another to function as supports for a scaffolding plank/workbench system; 
       FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of an optional rechargeable task light that forms part of an expanded integrated workbench system; 
       FIG. 20  is a front perspective view thereof, showing the task light with the charger/extension cord removed; and 
       FIG. 21  is a side view in elevation thereof. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved tool and task box storage, transport, and workbench system, generally denominated  100  herein. In its essential form, the system comprises some kind of generally planer support base on wheels, preferably the base of either a hand truck or a dolly, and at least two side rails vertically disposed from the top surface of the support base. The side rails include structure adapted to support a number of selectively attachable tool holders, work surfaces, electrical devices, and lockable, nestable tool storage task boxes. The support base and rails also include retractable power cords, and an array of electrical receptacles extends along one or more sides of the side rails so that tools can be powered in the immediate proximity of the base and rails. 
   In combination, the support base and side rails provide a powerful and compact apparatus for storing, transporting, displaying, and powering tools and equipment employed in the construction, manufacturing, and service and repair trades. 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing selected primary elements of the inventive systems in a working configuration, said elements including: task hand truck  102 ; first through fifth task boxes  104 ,  106 ,  108 ,  110 ,  112 ; and workbench platforms  114 ,  116 , and  118 . Accessories shown include cup holder  120 , and tool holder  122 ,  124 .  FIG. 2  is an upper rear perspective view of the hand truck of the present invention, while  FIGS. 3 and 4  are rear and side views thereof.  FIG. 5  is a top view of  FIG. 1 ;  FIG. 6  is a rear view in elevation of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1 and 5 ; and  FIGS. 7 and 8  are, respectively, front and side views thereof. Collectively, these views show that novel hand truck  102  comprises two vertical side rails  130 ,  132 , terminating at their respective lower ends, in a support platform  134 . The rails, preferably extruded aluminum, include at least one, and preferably three accessory attachment slots  136 ,  138 ,  140 , and  142 ,  144 , and  146 , respectively, running substantially the entire length of the rail. The attachment slots are defined by arcuate extensions  150  of each side forming opposing channels (see esp.  FIGS. 2 and 4B ). 
   The rear slots,  140  and  144  of the respective rails receive a slidable handle  152 ,  154 , each having compression levers  156 ,  158 , that bear upon the slot surface to lock the handle in place and which may be released to allow a selection of handle locations or complete removal of the handle altogether. 
   Preferably, outside rail slots include a plurality of embedded electrical outlets  160 , all of which are provided with electrical power through a retractable extension cord  162 , positioned astride one rail and disposed on a reel (not shown) contained within a housing  163 . This extension cord may be connected to a power source (not shown). A retractable auxiliary extension cord  164 , also disposed on a reel (not shown), is provided at the outside of the other rail to provide power to tools employed remote from the workstation. Again, the reel is contained within a housing  165 . 
   As is customary with hand trucks, two coaxial wheels  166 ,  168  are provided on one or more axles  170 , and one or more cross braces  172  and rear supports  174 ,  176  enhance sturdiness and stability. 
   The interior surfaces of rails  130 ,  132  are characterized by a plurality of horizontal channels  178  adapted for slidably receiving complementary male elements defining the attachment portion of accessories (such as the drawer rails  180  for the task boxes shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , and shown attached in  FIGS. 1 , and  5 - 8 ). Further, channels  178  have incorporated within each electrical terminals (not shown) to provide power to any task box using such electrical feature. Additionally, a simplified version of the vertical rails  130 ,  132  (not shown) which would include channels  178  would be adapted as a mounting system for use inside a truck&#39;s utility box, service van, or a work shop environment to provide further flexibility for the storage and use of the task box system in other environs. 
   Accessories, such as a tool holder  122 ,  124 , cup holder  120 , bin tray  368 , wire spool holder  362 , and work surface platforms  114 ,  116 , and  118 , may be attached to the hand truck by sliding attachment lever elements onto the outside slots  136 ,  138 ,  140 ,  142 ,  144 , or  146 . A middle work surface having rail clamps  182  may be attached by sliding the board over the front, rear, and interior sides of the rails which can then be clamped firmly to the rails an any height (as depicted by platform  116 ). 
   Task boxes may be attached to ball bearing drawer slides  180  (which are, in turn, affixed to channels  178 ) or directly to the channels. As is well known, the roller bearing drawer slides include side mechanisms, one on each side of the drawer. These slide mechanisms slide into the channels  178  of the task cart or task truck. Interposed between the side slide mechanisms of the drawer is a horizontal support tray, preferably fabricated of sheet metal. To allow the boxes to slide into the vertical rails of the cart or truck, they must be elevated to allow the horizontal finger guides or tangs  208  of the box to align with the channels of the rails. 
   Middle work platform  116  preferably includes a plurality of dogs  186  for attaching vises  188  and/or other workholding devices. 
   As will be readily appreciated, virtually any common work bench tool holder or workpiece holding device can be adapted to attach to the hand truck, and trade-specific devices may also be adapted for attachment to and between the side rails. 
     FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a single task box  202  comprising one element of the stackable task box system  200  of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 10   a  and  10   b , which show, respectively, side views in elevation and perspective views of a plurality of stackable task box units of varying sizes in a stacked configuration and as discrete units.  FIGS. 9A and 9B  are, respectively, a perspective view of the task box shown with side panels and handle covers removed, and a side view in elevation showing detail of the latching system of the task box. These views show that the novel latching system includes handles  207  connected to a latch  209  which is biased away from the task box by a leaf spring  211  interposed between the handle and the latch. The latch has a slot engaging portion  213  which is snap inserted into slots or strikes  215  when a task box is stacked atop another task box. To remove the stacked box, the handle is pulled up, which loads the latch and causes the spring to urge the latch out of the slot, thus releasing the upper box. In a first preferred embodiment, each task box includes four latches, two each on each side of a box, and a trigger handle  217  operatively connected to each set of latches, said trigger handle exposed in handle opening  204  and selectively actuated when the latch lock  218  is unlocked. 
     FIG. 11  is a side view in elevation of a task box, showing detail of the locking assembly with handle covers installed, and  FIG. 12  is a front view in elevation of a task box unit. Collectively, these views show a novel task box system characterized by one or more task boxes adapted for use alone or in connection with either the hand truck described above, or with the task cart, described in detail below. If used with the hand truck or cart, the boxes may be attached via drawer slides which enable the boxes to function as drawers. 
   Each task box is preferably fabricated from 6061 aluminum or other high performance aluminum alloy, and is therefore highly rigid, sturdy, and abrasion and corrosion resistant. Task boxes may also be fabricated of high impact plastic for a more economical option for containment. The boxes may come in any suitable size and are generally cuboid. They include recessed or fully open handles  204  and  206  at each side, and tangs  208  adapted for slidable mating with slots  178  in either the hand truck or task cart. The upper perimeter edge  210  of each box is beveled, and the floor  212  is recessed so that the boxes  200   a - c  can be nested (as shown in  FIG. 10   a ). When stacked, the floor of interior boxes in the nested configuration function as the cover for lower boxes. A top  214 ,  216  may be provided for the assembly if desired. A top  214 ,  216  may also be used as a base plate such that when it is bolted to the bed of a truck or service vehicle, it acts as a secure platform from which any number of task boxes can be locked. Each box further includes a keyed lock  218  which activates the locking mechanism that allows locking the box to the box immediately below it. The latch may be automatic or manual, according to the preference of the user via two interior latch mechanisms  220   a  and  220   b . Each nested box locks at all four corners to ensure maximum security. In its preferred embodiment it is also whether resistant and may be made water tight with appropriate seals and gaskets interposed between nested boxes. 
     FIGS. 13-17  are various views of the task cart system of the present invention.  FIG. 13  is an upper perspective view of the task cart component  300  of the present inventive system, while  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16  are, respectively, top, side, and front views thereof.  FIGS. 17A and 17B  are, respectively, a perspective view of the task cart showing the side rails and task box removed from the base dolly, and a perspective view showing the task cart having a work surface  310  disposed on and between the side rails. As will be readily appreciated, the task cart may have task boxes, workbenches, accessories and tool holders, and other accessories installed, just as with the hand truck described above. 
   The task cart  300  comprises a second structural base for a modular tool and task box storage, transport, and workbench system. The task cart, like the hand truck, comprises two rails  302 ,  304 , mounted on a support base  306 . Unlike the hand truck, however, the base does not extend from two wheels, but sits atop at least four lockable caster wheels. Otherwise, the system is essentially identical, including retractable extension cords,  310 ,  312 , and outlet arrays  315 . Furthermore, the functional principles of attaching accessories are identical to those of the hand truck. 
     FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing two task carts  300   a ,  300   b  deployed in cooperation with one another to function as supports for a scaffolding plank  350  interposed between the two carts. Braces or horizontal side rails  352 ,  354 ,  356  can be added for additional stability. Work surfaces and clamping tables  358 , lighting  360 , wire spools  362 , material shoes  368 , task boxes, and power, are all readily accessible. From these views it can be appreciated that considerable material and support can be provided to a tradesman, craftsman, or the like, in the field. 
     FIGS. 19-21  are various views of the rechargeable task light  500  adapted for use with the above-described modular tool and task box system. The light has a high impact case  502 , preferably plastic, and includes a sealed rechargeable battery charging unit  504  having integral electrical receptacles  505 , which may be replaced with 4 D-cell batteries. The lens  506  is generally hemispherical and housed in a sphere  508  that rotates 360 degrees on an axis defined by a pin  510  journaled on two shoulders  512 ,  514  of the case head  516 . An overlapping Velcro handle provides adjustable options for holding or hanging the light, as does clip  518 . The task light includes a novel feature that allows the rechargeable battery charging unit to be connected to an electrical extension cord and to simultaneously function as an alternative outlet for other power devices. 
   The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. 
   Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.