Abstract:
An apparatus for storing a chain of a chain saw includes a lower element and an upper element. The lower element includes at least one pair of pegs for receiving a chain. At least one peg of the at least one pair of pegs is moveably mounted with respect to the lower element. The upper element is pivotally coupled to the lower element for movement between an upper position and a lower position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to chain saws. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing the chain of a chain saw that prevents the chain from tangling.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Chain saw operators frequently use multiple chains. This adds convenience to their work as different jobs have different cutting requirements. Multiple chain saws with different bar lengths also require different chains. Furthermore, using multiple chains allows the operator to quickly replace a dull chain. Replacing the dull chain is more efficient than trying to sharpen the dull chain. This allows the operator to complete the work faster. Furthermore, chains are prone to breaking. Most chain saw operators do not have the experience to repair a broken chain. Using multiple chains allows the operator to replace the broken chain quickly.  
         [0003]     The two main issues when dealing with chain saws are storage of the chains, and the safety of the operator. Typically, the chains are stored in buckets, pails, chain saw cases, or with nails. With these storage devices, the chain can tangle. In transportation, a chain is usually placed carelessly in the storage device. Rarely does it survive the trip without becoming coiled up and knotted upon itself. Those who work with chain saws know the danger and inconvenience of untangling a chain.  
         [0004]     A tangled chain exposes the operator to a safety threat. Untangling the chain exposes the operator to the sharp cutting edges of the chain. Therefore, safety and convenience require a new storage device that prevents the chain from tangling.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     This invention relates to an apparatus for storing a chain of a chain saw, the apparatus comprising a lower element including at least one pair of pegs for receiving a chain, at least one peg of the at least one pair of pegs being moveably mounted with respect to the lower element; and an upper element pivotally coupled to the lower element for movement between an upper position and a lower position.  
         [0006]     Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus for storing multiple chains of a chain saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0009]      FIG. 2  is another perspective view of a slightly modified embodiment of the apparatus of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an assembled sliding peg of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0011]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view of one of the locking bolts of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0012]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of one of the locking spools of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0013]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one of the locking handles of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0014]     The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0015]     With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , a case for storing multiple chains for a chain saw constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  10 . As will become more apparent below, the case  10  contains a plurality of pegs arranged in cooperating pairs. Each pair of pegs is adapted to retain and store a chain and includes a stationary peg  12  and sliding peg  14 . The construction and operation of the pegs  12  and  14  will be described further below in connection with the detail views of  FIGS. 3-6 .  
         [0016]     The apparatus  10  is illustrated to generally include a base  16  and a lid  18 . The base  16  and lid  18  cooperate to define an interior compartment for the storage of the chains. The lid  18  is preferably pivotally coupled to the base  16  for relative movement between a closed position and an open position. In the embodiment illustrated, the lid  18  is coupled to the base  16  through a pair of conventional hinge mechanisms  20 .  
         [0017]     In one particular application, the base  16  and lid  18  are constructed of an injection molded plastic. Alternatively, the base  16  and lid  18  may be constructed of other suitable materials well known in the art.  
         [0018]     The apparatus  10  is further shown to include a latch or latching mechanism  22 . The latch  22  is carried by the lid  18  and cooperates with a portion of the base  16  to selectively maintain the lid  18  in its closed position. The latching mechanism  22  will be understood to be conventional in construction insofar as the present invention is concerned.  
         [0019]     The apparatus  10  is further shown to include a floor or panel  24  disposed within the base  16 . The panel  24  is similarly constructed of a plastic material. As will become more apparent below, the pegs  12  and  14  are secured to the plastic panel  24 .  
         [0020]     Turning briefly to  FIG. 2 , an apparatus for storing multiple chains for a chain saw constructed in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified at reference character  10 ′. In view of the similarities between the preferred embodiment and the alternative embodiment, like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate similar elements. The apparatus  10 ′ of the alternative embodiment of the present invention differs from the apparatus  10  of the preferred embodiment by incorporating a handle  30 . The handle  30  is typically coupled to an exterior side of the lid  18 . Attachment of the handle  16  may be accomplished in any manner well known in the art.  
         [0021]     The apparatus  10 ′ further differs from the apparatus  10  in length and width dimensions. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that such variations in length and width are a matter of engineering choice and are within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0022]     With reference again to  FIG. 1 , the lid  18  of the case  10  is shown to integrally define a plurality of tool retaining grooves  26 . These grooves  26  are disposed on an interior side of the lid  18 . The retaining grooves  26  are specifically sized for holding a variety of tools (not shown) of different shapes, sizes, and uses. For example, a groove  26   a  may hold a wrench (not shown), while a groove  26   b  may hold various files (not shown) or other tools associated with repairing chains of chain saws. The resilient nature of the injection molded plastic of the preferred embodiment allows the grooves to retain the various tools without the requirement for discrete fasteners. In this regard, the openings of the grooves are slightly undersized relative to the associated tools. Introduction of a tool into the opening causes slight elastic deformation of the groove.  
         [0023]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and additional reference to  FIGS. 3-6 , the pegs of the present invention will be further described. Additionally, it will be noted that the construction of the stationary pegs  12  and sliding pegs  14  is identical. The stationary pegs  12  are intended to mount within apertures (not specifically shown) defined in the plastic panel  24 . The sliding pegs  14  are adapted to slidably mount within elongated slots  46  defined by the plastic panel  24 .  FIGS. 3-6  specifically illustrate the elements of one of the stationary pegs  12 . Again, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the construction of the sliding pegs  14  is identical thereto and need not be specifically addressed.  
         [0024]     The stationary pegs  12  are illustrated to generally include a bolt  32 , a handle  34  and a spool  36 . The bolt  32  has a head  38  and a shaft  40 . From the underside of the plastic panel, the shaft  40  passes through one of the apertures. The movable pegs similarly pass through one of the elongated slots  46 . The head  38  is formed to include serrations  39 . The serrations abut the plastic panel  24  and assist in preventing relative rotation. The shaft  40  passes through an aperture  50  of the spool  36 . The tolerances between the shaft  40  and the aperture  50  allow free rotation of the spool  36 . The shaft  40  threadably engages an internally machined aperture  42  of the locking handle  34 .  
         [0025]     The locking spool  36  defines a reduced diameter groove  44 . The reduced diameter groove  44  receives a portion of the chain. Opposing portions of the chain are received by cooperating pairs of the stationary and movable pegs.  
         [0026]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, the shafts  40  of the sliding bolts  14  pass through the elongated apertures  46  of the plastic panel  24 . In this regard, the sliding bolts  14  are adjustably secured to the panel  24  to thereby accommodate different lengths of chain.  
         [0027]     The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.