Tool and task box storage, transport, and workbench system

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.

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'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'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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 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 denominated100herein. 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. 1is a perspective view showing selected primary elements of the inventive systems in a working configuration, said elements including: task hand truck102; first through fifth task boxes104,106,108,110,112; and workbench platforms114,116, and118. Accessories shown include cup holder120, and tool holder122,124.FIG. 2is an upper rear perspective view of the hand truck of the present invention, whileFIGS. 3 and 4are rear and side views thereof.FIG. 5is a top view ofFIG. 1;FIG. 6is a rear view in elevation of the apparatus ofFIGS. 1 and 5; andFIGS. 7 and 8are, respectively, front and side views thereof. Collectively, these views show that novel hand truck102comprises two vertical side rails130,132, terminating at their respective lower ends, in a support platform134. The rails, preferably extruded aluminum, include at least one, and preferably three accessory attachment slots136,138,140, and142,144, and146, respectively, running substantially the entire length of the rail. The attachment slots are defined by arcuate extensions150of each side forming opposing channels (see esp.FIGS. 2 and 4B).

The rear slots,140and144of the respective rails receive a slidable handle152,154, each having compression levers156,158, 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 outlets160, all of which are provided with electrical power through a retractable extension cord162, positioned astride one rail and disposed on a reel (not shown) contained within a housing163. This extension cord may be connected to a power source (not shown). A retractable auxiliary extension cord164, 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 housing165.

As is customary with hand trucks, two coaxial wheels166,168are provided on one or more axles170, and one or more cross braces172and rear supports174,176enhance sturdiness and stability.

The interior surfaces of rails130,132are characterized by a plurality of horizontal channels178adapted for slidably receiving complementary male elements defining the attachment portion of accessories (such as the drawer rails180for the task boxes shown inFIGS. 9-12, and shown attached inFIGS. 1, and5-8). Further, channels178have 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 rails130,132(not shown) which would include channels178would be adapted as a mounting system for use inside a truck'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 holder122,124, cup holder120, bin tray368, wire spool holder362, and work surface platforms114,116, and118, may be attached to the hand truck by sliding attachment lever elements onto the outside slots136,138,140,142,144, or146. A middle work surface having rail clamps182may 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 platform116).

Task boxes may be attached to ball bearing drawer slides180(which are, in turn, affixed to channels178) 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 channels178of 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 tangs208of the box to align with the channels of the rails.

Middle work platform116preferably includes a plurality of dogs186for attaching vises188and/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. 9is a perspective view of a single task box202comprising one element of the stackable task box system200of the present invention, as illustrated inFIGS. 10aand10b, 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 9Bare, 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 handles207connected to a latch209which is biased away from the task box by a leaf spring211interposed between the handle and the latch. The latch has a slot engaging portion213which is snap inserted into slots or strikes215when 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 handle217operatively connected to each set of latches, said trigger handle exposed in handle opening204and selectively actuated when the latch lock218is unlocked.

FIG. 11is a side view in elevation of a task box, showing detail of the locking assembly with handle covers installed, andFIG. 12is 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 handles204and206at each side, and tangs208adapted for slidable mating with slots178in either the hand truck or task cart. The upper perimeter edge210of each box is beveled, and the floor212is recessed so that the boxes200a-ccan be nested (as shown inFIG. 10a). When stacked, the floor of interior boxes in the nested configuration function as the cover for lower boxes. A top214,216may be provided for the assembly if desired. A top214,216may 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 lock218which 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 mechanisms220aand220b. 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. 13-17are various views of the task cart system of the present invention.FIG. 13is an upper perspective view of the task cart component300of the present inventive system, whileFIGS. 14,15, and16are, respectively, top, side, and front views thereof.FIGS. 17A and 17Bare, 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 surface310disposed 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 cart300comprises 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 rails302,304, mounted on a support base306. 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 arrays315. Furthermore, the functional principles of attaching accessories are identical to those of the hand truck.

FIG. 18is a perspective view showing two task carts300a,300bdeployed in cooperation with one another to function as supports for a scaffolding plank350interposed between the two carts. Braces or horizontal side rails352,354,356can be added for additional stability. Work surfaces and clamping tables358, lighting360, wire spools362, material shoes368, 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. 19-21are various views of the rechargeable task light500adapted for use with the above-described modular tool and task box system. The light has a high impact case502, preferably plastic, and includes a sealed rechargeable battery charging unit504having integral electrical receptacles505, which may be replaced with 4 D-cell batteries. The lens506is generally hemispherical and housed in a sphere508that rotates 360 degrees on an axis defined by a pin510journaled on two shoulders512,514of the case head516. An overlapping Velcro handle provides adjustable options for holding or hanging the light, as does clip518. 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.

Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.