Abstract:
A mobile illuminating tool tray includes upper and lower compartments and wheels attached to the tray for mobility purposes. The lower compartment includes a lighting fixture and bulb used to illuminate the upper compartment and the underside of a vehicle while the vehicle is being repaired. A floor member separates the lower compartment from the upper compartment, which is used to support tools during the repair process. The floor member is translucent and/or transparent to allow the light to shine upwardly during use thereby illuminating the upper tray compartment, repair tools and the underside of the vehicle.

Description:
[0001]     This patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/592,637 filed Jul. 30, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to light sources for work related environments and more specifically, to mechanic&#39;s assistants that provide underbody lighting and that are capable of supporting tools and parts as may be needed by the mechanic.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     The existence and use of mechanic&#39;s creepers and assistants is known in the art. The primary use of mechanic&#39;s creepers and assistants arises from working on a vehicle, such as an automobile or truck, especially as related to the underbody repair of a vehicle, although creepers and assistants find other uses in homes and commercial buildings, such as, for example, the repair of certain types of machinery. Due to the nature of underbody repair, artificial lighting is typically required. While the mechanic uses a creeper to support himself/herself in a horizontal position under the work piece, certain devices exist that include a light source for illuminating the work area on the underside of the work piece.  
         [0004]     One aspect of these illuminating devices relates to the limited amount of lighting available and the interference of the available light with respect to the mechanic. In response to these situations, various mechanic&#39;s assistants have arisen. Still, problems remain with the existing prior art for mechanic&#39;s assistants. For example, the prior art lacks the ability to provide adequate lighting for illuminating the entire underside work area while maintaining necessary tool and parts storage capacity. Moreover, the prior art does not directly illuminate or highlight all the various tools being employed in the work area so that when each tool is needed it can be readily accessed.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY  
       [0005]     The improvements in lighting output and distribution, and the effectiveness and efficiency of storage design, and other aspects of the present invention are directed to an apparatus that satisfies diverse lighting needs, including vehicle underbody service needs, in residential and commercial applications. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a wheeled structure with an enclosed directed light source where the apparatus is suitable and convenient for resting and storing tools, and where the apparatus&#39; upper surface is sturdy enough to withstand dropped tools, as described in detail below.  
         [0006]     The automotive lighting apparatus may be an illuminating tool holding device that includes a generally shallow open top housing having one or more side walls and a bottom section. The side walls and the bottom section define a cavity, wherein the side walls include a recess fashioned around the perimeter of the top of the one or more side walls. The illuminating tool holding device may also comprise a tool tray having shallow sides, a light permeable base section and a lip projecting outwardly from the shallow sides. The lip extends around the perimeter of the tool tray for use in being mounted to the recess. The base section spans the area between the side walls at a midpoint of the side walls segmenting the cavity into an upper open top tray and a lower enclosed compartment. The illuminating tool holding device may further comprise a gasket disposed around the recess. The gasket is pliable to create a seal between the housing and the tool tray. Also included in the device is an electrical light bulb receptacle, one or more light bulbs operatively connected to the electrical light bulb receptacle, a current carrying power cord having a electrical plug at one end of the electrical power cord, wherein the current carrying power cord operatively connects to the electrical light bulb receptacle, and a power switch electrically communicated between the electrical light bulb receptacle and the plug of the current carrying power cord. The power switch is mounted to an upper surface of the housing so as to allow the user to turn on the device with a hand or foot. An electrical outlet may be mounted to an exterior surface of the housing and is electrically communicated to the power cord to provide power to accessories such as a power drill.  
         [0007]     One aspect of the present invention includes a handle extending from a first end of the housing and a plurality of caster wheels operatively connected to the housing for use in providing mobility to the illuminating tool holding device.  
         [0008]     Another aspect of the present invention includes an automotive lighting apparatus having an overall height that is substantially in the range of about 1 to 6 inches, but may be between 1 and 10 inches.  
         [0009]     Another aspect of the present invention includes a seal mounted between a light permeable tool tray and the recess fashioned in a top edge of the one or more side walls of the housing for use in preventing material from passing into a lower enclosed compartment.  
         [0010]     Yet another aspect of the present invention includes one or more of the ground engaging wheels that are caster wheels.  
         [0011]     Still another aspect of the present invention includes a support stand pivotally connected to the housing at one end of the housing.  
         [0012]     Another aspect of the present invention includes a battery mounted within the lower enclosed compartment of the housing that is electrically communicated to a power cord.  
         [0013]     Yet another aspect of the present invention includes one or more fluorescent light bulbs operatively connected to the lighting fixture and a ballast operatively connected between the power cord and the lighting fixture.  
         [0014]     Another aspect of the present invention includes a selectively removable tool tray insert that includes an insert base portion constructed from a light permeable material. Tool shaped recesses are fashioned in the body of the insert.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the automotive lighting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the housing and lighting source of the automotive lighting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the lens and gasket of the automotive lighting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the insert of the automotive lighting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the automotive lighting apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention, showing the caster wheels.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the automotive lighting apparatus tilted upward showing the support stand, in accordance with an embodiment of present invention, showing the caster wheels. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]     Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIG. 1  shows an automotive lighting apparatus depicted generally at  1 . The automotive lighting apparatus  1  consists of a shallow, low to the ground structure that provides both lighting to the underside of a vehicle and provides a place to hold tools used to work while under the vehicle. Thus, the automotive lighting apparatus  1  is sized to maneuver under objects having low clearance. While the present embodiment discusses the use of the automotive lighting apparatus  1  under a vehicle, like a car or truck, it is to be construed that the present invention may be used on any device or structure having a low clearance that requires illumination and/or maintenance. Accordingly, the automotive lighting apparatus  1  may include a generally shallow box-like structure or housing  2  that functions to support the components of the automotive lighting apparatus  1 . The housing  2  may include walls  5  and a bottom section  7  that are contiguously formed to define an open top cavity  8  as shown in  FIG. 2 . A lighting source  11  may be mounted within the cavity  8  for use in providing light to illuminate the intended objects. As the bottom of the housing is enclosed light emanating from the lighting source  11  is reflected outward through the open top. A break resistant lens  13  may be included that fits within the cavity  8 . The lens  13  may be transparent or translucent, which allows light to pass through the lens  13  thereby illuminating the intended objects.  
         [0022]     With reference to  FIG. 1  and now also to  FIG. 2 , the housing  2  comprises a box-like structure  2 ′ having an opening  16  in its top surface. The opening  16  may encompass a majority of the top surface or any portion thereof. The housing  2  may include one or more sidewalls  5  and a bottom section  7 . The sidewalls  5  may be shallow or short in height to allow to the automotive lighting apparatus  1  to slide under low clearance objects such as a vehicle. In one embodiment, the sidewalls  5  may be five inches in height in anotner embodiment it is contemplated that the height of the sidewalls  5  may be in the range of one to ten inches. However, any height of the sidewalls  5  may be chosen so as to allow for maneuverability under low clearance objects. In this manner the sidewalls  5  and more specifically automotive lighting apparatus  1  may be generally shallow. The housing  2  may be constructed from a polymer material, such as plastic. However, any process and material may be used to construct the housing  2  and the automotive lighting apparatus  1  as chosen with sound engineering judgment including but sheet metal, steel, and the like. The housing  2  may be a single contiguously formed article of which such processes are known in the plastic thermoforming industry. The housing  2  may also be formed from joining or connecting individual parts as is appropriate for the subject invention. As shown in the FIGURES, the housing  2  is depicted to be generally elongate with a rectangular or oval shape. However, any configuration or shape of the housing may be chosen including but not limited to: circular, diamond or triangular shapes. The housing  2  may also include a handle  3  portion fashioned as an aperture in the housing body making it easy to carry the automotive lighting apparatus  1  from place to place. Finally, ground-engaging wheels  4  may be rotatably connected to the housing  2  for use in providing mobility to maneuver the automotive lighting apparatus  1  on the ground. Two wheels  4  may be positioned at a first end of the housing  2 . An additional, a third wheel  4   a,  shown in  FIG. 5 , may be included that is rotatably connected to the housing  2  at a distal end near the handle aperture  3 . While in one embodiment the third wheel  4   a  may be a caster wheel, any of the wheels  4  may be of the caster wheel type.  
         [0023]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a light source, shown generally at  20 , may be included within the automotive lighting apparatus  1 . The light source  20  may include a lighting fixture  21  mounted within the cavity  8  of the housing  2 . Fasteners  24  or other securing means may be used to hold the lighting fixture  21  in place. In one embodiment, the lighting fixture  21  may be a fluorescent bulb lighting fixture  21 . Accordingly, the automotive lighting apparatus  1  may include fluorescent bulbs  26 . Two fluorescent bulbs  26  are shown in the FIGURES, although any number of bulbs  26  may be chosen as is appropriate for use with the subject invention. The light source  20  may further include a ballast  28  to create the requisite voltage needed to operate the fluorescent bulbs  26 . A power cord  30  may be installed and electrically connected to deliver electrical power from an associated power source, such as a typical electrical wall outlet. While the current embodiment, describes fluorescent bulbs and components, it is to be construed that alternate types of lighting sources may be incorporated into the automotive lighting apparatus  1 . Such devices may include incandescent lighting, LED lighting, neon lighting and the like. Any type of illuminating device may be incorporated without departing from the intended purposes of the subject invention. A switch  34  may also be incorporated into the light source circuit between the power cord  30  and the lighting fixture  21  to enable the user to selectively operate the light source  20 . To make it easier to turn the automotive lighting apparatus  1  on and off during use, the switch  34  may be mounted to an upper surface of the housing  2 , although the switch may be positioned at any place on the automotive lighting apparatus  1 . Additionally, an accessory outlet or power outlet  32  may be electrically connected to the light source circuit. The outlet  32  may receive a standard electrical plug as might be found on a power drill cord or other electrically operated device. Conductors from the power cord  30 , connected in parallel with the lighting fixture, may be communicated to the outlet  32  extending the range of the electrically operated device. For convenience, the outlet  32  may be mounted to an exterior upper surface of the housing  2 .  
         [0024]     With reference again to  FIGS. 1 and 2  and now to  FIG. 5 , it is contemplated in an alternate embodiment, that electrical power may be supplied to the light source  20  via an on-board battery  35 . The battery  35  may include conductors, not shown, that electrically connect to the lighting fixture  21  for use in supplying power to the bulbs  11 . The battery  35  may be used in conjunction with the power cord  30 . That is to say that the battery  35  may be electrical communicated to the power cord  30  and to the lighting fixture  21 . In this way, the power cord  30  may supply electrical power from an associated power source to operate the light source  20  and/or to charge the battery  35  as needed. A three-position switch  34 ′ may be incorporated that allows the operator to select power from the either the battery  35  or the power cord  30  as desired. Alternatively, an electrical switching control device, not shown, may be included that automatically switches between the battery power and the power from the power cord  30  responsive to a threshold voltage or current level of the battery  35 . Still, any manner of supplying and switching power to operate the light source  20  may be chosen with sound engineering judgment.  
         [0025]     With reference now to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the housing  2  may include a recess  38  fashioned within the housing  2  and around the perimeter of an upper edge  41  of the cavity  8 . In one embodiment, the recess  38  may extend in a continuous unbroken manner about the entire periphery of the upper edge  41 . The recess  38  may comprise a generally U-shaped channel  43  or alternatively an angled flat ledge, not shown, for holding a seal  46  in place as will discussed further below. It is noted at this point that any configuration of recess  38  may be fashioned in the housing  2  as is appropriate for use in creating a sealed barrier against contamination. It is further noted that any cross-sectional configuration of cavity  8  may be chosen as is appropriate for use with the subject invention. As one of the intended uses of automotive lighting apparatus  1  is to assist the user while working under a vehicle, the automotive lighting apparatus  1  may allow for the placement of tools and parts on top the device  2  while retaining the required clearance for use under the work piece. Accordingly, a rigid panel  48  may be connected to the housing  2  to hold the tools used by an operator during repair and/or maintenance of a vehicle. The panel  48  may extend completely across the open cavity  8  of the housing  2 . In one embodiment, the panel  48  may be a tool tray  48 ′ having walls  51 , a base section  53  and a lip  55  protruding laterally from the walls  51  and fashioned about the peripheral edge  49  of the tool tray  48 ′. The tool tray  48 ′ may be attached to the housing  2  by laying the lip  55  on top of the recess  38 . It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the construction of such devices that the dimensions of the panel  48  and/or tool tray  48 ′ may be appropriately sized to correspond to the dimensions and configuration of the recess  38 . It follows then that as the seal  46  may first be inserted into the recess  38 , the underside  56  of the lip  55 , when placed against the recess  38 , creates a barrier that prevents unwanted material from entering into the cavity  8 . Accordingly, the seal  46  may be a gasket  46 ′ made from a resiliently deformable or pliable material. Thus in the specific configuration where the panel  48  is a tool tray  48 ′, the walls  51 , which rigidly extend between the lip  55  and the base section  53 , position the base section  53  downward in the cavity  8  at a midpoint thereof. Of course, any configuration of panel  48 , seal  46  and recess  38  may be chosen with sound engineering judgment as is appropriate for use in sealing unwanted material from entering the cavity  8 . In this way, the panel  48  spans a midpoint of the walls  5  of the cavity  8  thereby separating the cavity  8  into a lower enclosed compartment and an upper open-top tray.  
         [0026]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the panel  48  may function as a see-through lens  13  allowing light emanating from the light source  20  and reflected by the interior cavity  8  of the housing  2  to be directed outward to illuminate the desired area. The panel  48  may be transparent as initially described, although the panel may also be translucent allowing light to penetrate the base section  53  while shrouding the components enclosed in the lower compartment. However, any light permeable material may be used to construct the panel  48  and/or the base section  53  including but not limited to plastic, vinyls or polyvinyls, tempered glass and laminated glass composites. The panel  48  may also be break resistant and/or scratch resistant as tools are placed onto and taken from the panel surface  64 .  
         [0027]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1 through 3  and now especially to  FIG. 4 , the automotive lighting apparatus  1  may include an insert  66  that has a similar shape and dimension to the upper open-top tray area  68  formed by the panel  48 . The inserts  66  may fit into the open-top tray area  68  thereby protecting the panel  48  from damage during use. Clips  70  may be included that hold the panel  48  and/or insert  66  in place during use. The clips  70  may be pivotally connected to the housing at one end and snapped into fastening engagement with the housing  2 . However, it is noted that any type and quantities of fasteners may be used to hold the panel  48  and/or insert  66  in place during use. In one embodiment, the insert  66  may include prefabricated slots or tool-shaped recesses  73  fashioned in the insert  66  for holding associated tools in place when not in use.  
         [0028]     With reference now to  FIG. 6 , the automotive lighting apparatus  1  may include a support stand  75  mounted to the underside of the housing  2 . The support stand  75  may be a rigid rod  76  pivotally connected to the housing at a first end and selectively held in place against the underside of the housing by a latch, not shown. A rubber boot  79  may be inserted over the distal end  77  of the rod  76 . In this manner, when the automotive lighting apparatus  1  is tilted upward and the latch (not shown) is removed, the rod  76  may be swung out away from the housing  2  to support the automotive lighting apparatus  1  in an upright position. In one embodiment, the support stand  75  may include a telescoping rod  76 ′ for adjusting the angle at which the automotive lighting apparatus  1  may be tilted. It is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment, that a different form of support stand  75  be incorporated into the subject invention that includes a scissor-action-type, height adjustable support stand that can adjust the overall height of the automotive lighting apparatus  1 . However, any type of support stand may be included as is appropriate for use with the subject invention.  
         [0029]     The invention has been described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alternations in so far as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof.