Patent Publication Number: US-2023141683-A1

Title: Modular tool container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/007,581, filed Apr. 9, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The application relates to a tool accessory container or case, and more specifically, to an oscillating multi tool accessory container or case with modular components allowing for user customization. 
     Generally, oscillating multi tool (OMT) accessories and blades are stored within a container or case. Such containers/cases may include holders for supporting accessories and/or blades within the container/case to prevent the accessories and/or blades from moving within the container/case. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, the invention provides a tool case including a base having a lower surface and a tool holder insert supported by the base. The lower surface of the base defines a plurality of guides. The tool holder insert includes a base portion, an insert portion extending from the base portion in a first direction, a main body portion extending from the base portion in a second direction that is opposite the first direction, and a wing extending outwardly from the base portion. The insert portion engages one of the plurality of guides. The main body portion is configured to receive an oscillating multi tool blade, and the wing has a detent that engages another of the plurality of guides. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool case including a base having a lower surface and a tool holder insert supported by the base. The lower surface of the base defines a plurality of guides. The tool holder insert includes a base portion, an insert portion extending from the base portion in a first direction and a main body portion extending from the base portion in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The insert portion engages one of the plurality of guides. The main body portion includes a projection that forms a resting surface configured to support an offset anchor of an oscillating multi tool blade. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a tool case including a base including a lower surface and walls extending away from the lower surface. The lower surface and the walls define a cavity and the lower surface defines a plurality of double bayonet channels. The tool case further includes a lid coupled to the base to selectively enclose the cavity, and a tool holder insert supported by the base and positioned within the cavity. The tool holder insert includes a base portion, an insert portion extending from the base portion in a first direction, and a main body portion extending from the base portion in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. The insert portion has a double bayonet projection that is received in one of the plurality of double bayonet channels. The main body portion includes a plurality of ridges that extend along the main body portion from the base portion to a top of the tool holder insert. The main body portion also includes a projection between two ridges of the plurality of ridges, and the projection forms a resting surface that is configured to support an offset anchor of an oscillating multi tool blade. The tool holder further includes a wing that extends outwardly from the base portion and has a detent that engages another of the plurality of double bayonet channels. 
     In still another embodiment, the invention provides a tool holder insert for use with a tool case. The tool holder insert includes a main body portion and a tool mount portion extending from the main body portion in a first direction. The tool mount portion is configured to receive an oscillating multi tool blade. The tool holder insert also includes an insert portion configured to engage the tool case. The tool holder further includes a spring positioned around a portion of the main body portion, a sleeve that surrounds the spring, and a retaining member for receiving a force from the spring to retain the tool blade. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a tool holder insert for use with a tool case. The tool holder insert includes a casing, an insert portion, a cap, a spring, and a retaining member. The insert portion is configured to engage the tool case. The cap is housed within the casing for supporting an offset anchor of an oscillating multi tool blade. The spring lies between the cap and the casing for urging the cap away from the casing, and the retaining member inhibits the cap from separating from the casing. 
     In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a tool case including a base, a lid, and a tool holder insert. The tool holder insert is repositionable within the tool case. 
     Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a tool container. 
         FIG.  1 B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the tool container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 A  is an end view of the tool container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 B  is a top view of the tool container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 C  is a side view of the tool container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  2 D  is a bottom view of the tool container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of multiple tool containers of  FIG.  1 A  stacked together. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a tool holder insert for the tool container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  5 A  is a bottom view of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  5 B  is a top view of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6 A  is a first side view of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6 B  is a second side view of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  4     
         FIG.  7    is a perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  6 A  taken through section line A-A. 
         FIG.  8    is a bottom view of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  4    mated with a portion of the container of  FIG.  1 A . 
         FIG.  9 A  is a perspective view of an alternative tool holder insert. 
         FIG.  9 B  is an exploded perspective view of the alternative tool holder insert of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view of another alternative tool holder insert. 
         FIG.  10 B  is an exploded perspective view of the tool holder insert of  FIG.  10 A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Use of “consisting of” and variations thereof as used herein is meant to encompass only the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 A -3, a tool container or case  10  includes a base  14  coupled to a lid  18  by a hinge  20 . The case  10  may be stacked with one or more other cases  10 , or even stacked with multiple cases included in Milwaukee Electric Tool Company’s PACKOUT™ platform. The case  10  may also be stored within other, larger tool cases. In general, the case  10  is used for storing oscillating multi tool (OMT) blades and accessories  22  ( FIGS.  1 A and  1 B ). Typically, OMT blades and accessories  22  include a first portion  23  for engaging a work piece and a second portion  24  (e.g., an offset anchor) for engaging and/or accommodating mounting to an OMT. 
     The base  14  includes a first or lower surface  26  and walls  30  extending away from the lower surface  26 . The lower surface  26  and the walls  30  define a cavity  31 . In some embodiments, the lower surface  26  is a separate element from the base  14 , such as a tray, panel, or the like that is selectively insertable into the cavity  31  and removable from the base  14 . A handle  32  is coupled to at least one of the walls  30  or to the lid  18 . The case  10  also includes guides  34  positioned adjacent to the lower surface  26 . The guides  34  form apertures or openings in the lower surface  26 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the guides  34  are formed directly on the lower surface  26 . Each guide  34  is generally circular in shape and includes a channel  35  ( FIG.  8   ). In the illustrated embodiment, the channel  35  is a double bayonet channel  35 , but could alternatively be a single bayonet channel. As shown in  FIG.  2 B , the guides  34  are arranged in rows along the lower surface  26 . The guides  34  may also be aligned in columns and/or arranged in a grid. Each guide  34  may receive a tool holder insert  36 . The tool holder insert  36  may also be referred to as a pin or a peg. Each peg  36 , which will be described further below, includes a projection  37  complementary to the double bayonet channel  35  ( FIG.  6 A -8). Each peg  36  is configured to receive the second portion  24  (i.e., tool mounting portion) of an OMT blade or accessory  22 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  1 A- 2 D , the base  14  further includes a latch  38  disposed on one wall  30 , and the lid  18  includes a latch receiving portion  40 . In some embodiments, the latch  38  may be disposed on the lid  18 , and the latch receiving portion  40  may be formed on the base  14 . The latch  38  is movable (e.g., slidable, pivotable, detachable, etc.) relative to the wall  30  and selectively engaged with the latch receiving portion  40  to retain the lid  18  to the base  14  in a closed position ( FIG.  1   ). When the latch  38  is disengaged from the latch receiving portion  40 , the lid  18  may be pivoted about the hinge  20  into an open position. The lid  18  may be pivoted about the hinge  20  from 0 degrees (i.e., closed position) to 180 degrees. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  2 A -3, the case  10  is stackable with other cases  10  at an interface  39  ( FIG.  3   ) between the base  14  of one case  10  and the lid  18  of another case  10 . In some constructions of the case, the interface is compatible with the PACKOUT™ platform referenced above. The base  14  includes feet  42  for stabilizing the case  10  on a surface. The feet  42  extend away from the base  14  and have a trapezoidal profile. The base  14  also includes a generally rectangular recess  46 . The feet  42  are positioned on the base  14  and form corners of the rectangular recess  46  ( FIG.  2 D ). 
     The lid  18  also includes a generally rectangular recess  50 . Each corner of the recess  50  is formed to match the shape of the feet  42  such that when the base  14  of one case  10  is placed on the lid  18  of another case  10 , the feet  42  of the base  14  may be received in the recess  50  formed on the lid  18  and inhibit movement of the cases  10  in a horizontal plane (i.e., generally parallel to the interface  39 ). The recesses  46 ,  50  are also configured to receive decals and or merchandising/product information. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 8   , each peg  36  includes a base portion  52 , an insert portion  54  extending from the base portion  52  in a downward direction  55 D ( FIG.  6 B ), and a main body portion  58 . At least two wings  62  extend outwardly from the base  52  along a first axis  64  ( FIG.  6 B ). In the illustrated embodiment, the wings  62  are generally planer (e.g., extending in a planer manner relative the first axis). In another embodiment, three or four wings extend outwardly from the base along the first axis. In yet another embodiment, the peg  36  includes a singular, generally circumferential wing that extends outwardly from the base portion  52  in a plane parallel to the first axis  64 . 
     The first axis  64  is substantially perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the main body portion  58 . Each wing  62  includes rounded detents, bumps, or nubs  66  that extend from the wings  62  in the downward direction  55 D ( FIG.  6 B ). The insert portion  54  includes the projection  37  that corresponds to the double bayonet channel  35 . In the illustrated embodiment, the projection  37  is a double bayonet projection complimentary to the double bayonet channel  35 . In other embodiments, the projection  37  could be a single bayonet projection complimentary to a bayonet channel or the double bayonet channel  35 . The pegs  36  are removably attachable to the guides  34  via rotational engagement between the double bayonet projection  37  and the double bayonet channel  35 . When the peg  36  is rotated within one of the guides  34 , the nubs  66  may also be rotated to engage (e.g., slide, snap, etc.) with adjacent guides  34  ( FIG.  8   ). In one example construction, the wings  62  may be at least partially flexible such that the wings  62  may deflect away from the tool case  10  until the nubs  66  snap, shift, etc. into adjacent guides  34 . 
     When engaged, the nubs  66  inhibit the peg  36  from unintentionally rotating relative to the guide  34 . In other words, a user may initiate inserting one of the insert portions  54  of the pegs  36  into one of the guides  34 , and then the user may rotate the peg  36  to engage the double bayonet projection  37  with the double bayonet channel  35  to lock/secure the peg  36  into the guide  34 . As the peg  36  is rotated, the nubs  66  are also rotated into adjacent guides  34 , thereby securing the peg  36  to the base  14 . Stated yet another way, engagement between the double bayonet projection  37  and the double bayonet channel  35  inhibits the peg  36  from being moved in the upward-downward direction  55 U- 55 D relative the case  10 , while engagement between the nubs  66  and the adjacent guides  34  resists rotation of the peg  36  relative the case  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 A -8, the double bayonet projection  37  of the insert portion  54 , when taken through section line A-A, has a X-shaped cross section ( FIG.  7   ). The guides  34 , which are recessed from the lower surface  26 , also have a similar X-shaped cross section ( FIG.   8   ). In the illustrated embodiment, the X-shaped cross sections are generally narrow, but could alternately be generally equilateral X-shaped cross sections. As illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the double bayonet channels  35  and the double bayonet projections  37  are configured to correspond with and engage one another. The peg  36  is, therefore, positionable in any channel  35  of the case  10  such that the peg  36  is selectively repositionable within the case  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5 B , the main body portion  58  of the peg  36  is elongated and generally cylindrical and extends in an upward direction  55 U opposing the downward direction  55 D. The main body portion  58  includes ridges  70  that extend along the main body portion  58  between a circular top  71  and the base portion  52  ( FIG.  4   ). In the illustrated embodiment, four ridges  70  extend along the main body portion  58 . In other embodiments, only one ridge may extend along the main body portion  58 . In another embodiment, two opposing ridges may extend along the main body portion  58 . The four ridges  70  are equally spaced about the main body portion  58  ( FIG.  5 B ) and are shaped to receive the tool mounting portion  24  of common OMT blades and accessories  22 . The circular top  71  blends into the ridges  70  to help guide OMT blades/accessories  22  onto the main body portion  58 . The circular top  71  and the ridges  70  also help reinforce the peg  36 . 
     The main body portion  58  of each peg  36  is elongated to fit multiple OMT blades/accessories  22  that are stacked or placed on top of one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion  58  is sized to receive up to five OMT blades/accessories  22 . In other embodiments, the main body portion  58  is sized to receive fewer or more OMT blades/accessories  22 . In some embodiments, the main body portion is configured to receive a single OMT blade/accessory to thereby reduce a depth profile of the case  10 . 
     The main body portion  58  is also sized to inhibit OMT blades/accessories  22  from sliding off of the peg  36  when the peg  36  is supported within the case  10  ( FIG.  1 A ) and the lid  18  is closed. More particularly, an overall length of the main body portion  58  is generally the same as (or only slightly less than) a distance between the lower surface  26  and an inner surface of the lid  18 . When the lid  18  is closed, the circular top  71  of the peg  36  contacts (or is close to) the inner surface of the lid  18  such that an OMT blade/accessory  22  cannot slide off the top of the peg  36 . The circular top  71  may also help support the lid  18 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  4 ,  6 A, and  6 B , the main body portion  58  also includes one or more shelves or projections  72 ,  73  positioned and extending between the ridges  70 . In the illustrated embodiment, the main body portion  58  includes a pair of first projections  72  and a pair of second projections  73 . The projections  72 ,  73  are positioned partway between the base portion  52  and the circular top  71 . In the illustrated embodiment, the projections  72 ,  73  are positioned approximately midway between the base portion  52  and the circular top  71 , but are slightly closer to the base portion  52 . In other embodiments, the projections  72 ,  73  may be positioned at other relative distances between the base portion  52  and the circular top  71 , depending on the size (e.g., length) of the peg  36 . The illustrated projections  72 ,  73  are generally semi-circular and planar. In addition, the first projections  72  extend radially further outward from the central longitudinal axis of the main body portion  58  than the second projections  73 , such that the first projections  72  are generally bigger than the second projections  73 . 
     The first projections  72  form a resting surface or mount  74  for the OMT blades/accessories  22 . For example, some OMT blades/accessories have an offset or raised anchor (such as the offset second portions  24  of the OMT blades  22  shown in  FIG.  1 A ). The resting surface  74  is configured to support the raised second portion  24  of the OMT blade  22 , while the first portion  23  of the OMT blade can still lay flat on the lower surface  26  of the case  10 . Since the main body portion  58  only includes two first projections  72 , a different style OMT blade with an aligned or planar anchor can be positioned on the peg  36  in an orientation rotated 180 degrees relative to the OMT blade with the raised anchor. In this position, the aligned anchor can slide over the second projections  73  (which are smaller than the first projections  72 ) such that the entire blade can lay flat on the lower surface  26  of the case  10 . The projections  72 ,  73 , thereby, provide an option for supporting OMT blades with raised anchors or OMT blades with aligned anchors, yet still provide additional structural support between the ridges  70 . In some embodiments, the peg  36  may only include the first projections  72  or may only include the second projections  73 . In yet another embodiment, the peg  36  may include multiple first or second projections  72 ,  73  and resting surfaces  74  positioned along the upward-downward direction  55 U- 55 D such that multiple OMT blades are supported on multiple resting surfaces  74 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , tool case  10  may also receive an alternative tool holder insert  102 . The illustrated tool holder insert  102  includes a peg  106 , a peg retainer  110 , a retainer sleeve  114 , and a spring  118 . The peg  106  includes a tool mount portion  122  that is generally plus sign-shaped and extends from a main body portion  126  in an upper direction  55 U ( FIGS.  6 B and  9 A ) opposite of the downward direction  55 D. The tool mount portion  122  may also have other shapes such an X-shape, an octagon-shape, a star-shape, or the like. The peg  106  also includes an insert portion  134  that extends from the body portion  126  in the downward direction  55 D. The insert portion  134  includes a double bayonet projection  137  that is complementary to the double bayonet channel  35  of each guide  34  of the case  10 . The double bayonet projection  137  has substantially the same make and function as the double bayonet projection  37  of the peg  36 . Therefore, the tool holder insert  102  may be inserted into and supported by the guides  34  in the same manner as described above for the peg  36  ( FIG.  8   ). 
     Also, similar to the peg  36 , the tool holder insert  102  is configured to fit multiple OMT blades/accessories  22 . Specifically, the plus sign-shaped tool mount portion  122  is elongated to receive the second portion  24  of multiple OMT blades/accessories  22  that are stacked or placed on top of one another. In some embodiments, the tool mount portion  122  may receive up to four OMT blades/accessories  22 . In other embodiments, the tool mount portion  122  may include fewer or more OMT blades/accessories  22 . A tool support surface  138  extends radially from the peg  106  at a base  142  of the tool mount portion  122  to support the blades/accessories  22  when they are placed on the tool mount portion  122 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , the OMT blades/accessories  22  may be retained between the support surface  138  and a top portion  146  of the peg retainer  110  by a spring force from the spring  118 . In the illustrated embodiment, the spring  118  is a coil spring. In other embodiments, the tool holder insert  102  may include alternative or additional biasing members. The spring  118  is retained between a bottom side  150  of the support surface  138  and a lower portion  154  of the peg retainer  110 . The top portion  146  and the lower portion  154  of the peg retainer  110  are spaced apart such that the peg retainer  110  is U-shaped. The peg retainer  110  is translatable in the upward-downward direction  55 U- 55 D and biased in the downward direction  55 D to hold a number of the OMT blades/accessories  22  onto the plus sign-shaped tool mount portion  122 . The top portion  146  of the peg retainer  110  includes and open top  158  having a diameter D. The diameter D is large enough to allow the tool mount portion  122  to extend through the open top  158  in the upwards direction  55 U, yet small enough to retain the tool support surface  138 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG.  9 B , the lower portion  154  of the peg retainer  110  and the spring  118  are both housed within the retainer sleeve  114 . A top surface  162  of the retainer sleeve  114  lies flush with the tool support surface  138  and provides an additional surface for the OMT blades/accessories  22  to contact when being held on the peg  106 . The peg  106  and sleeve  114  are generally constrained from movement in upward-downward direction  55 U- 55 D such that only the peg retainer  110  moves. Since the peg  106  and the sleeve  114  are constrained, the spring  118  provides spring force from the bottom side  150  of the support surface  138  on the stationary peg  106  to the lower portion  154  of the moveable peg retainer  110 . In other words, a user may pull the retainer  110  away from the sleeve  114  and the peg  106  in the upward direction  55 U, place the second portion  24  of the OMT blade/accessory  22  onto the plus sign-shaped tool mount portion  122 , and release the retainer  110  such that the spring  118  pushes the retainer  110  in the downward direction  55 D. Therefore, the top portion  146  of the peg retainer  110  is held against the OMT blade/accessory  22 . 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  illustrate another alternative tool holder insert  202 . The illustrated tool holder insert  202  may also be received in the guides  34 , similarly to the peg  36  and the tool holder insert  102 . The guides  34  may include any of the peg  36  or inserts  202  depending on a user’s preference. In other words, the guides  34  are “universal” in that they may receive a variety of tool holding apparatuses including the peg  36 , the tool holder insert  102  and/or the tool holder insert  202 . 
     The tool holder insert  202  includes a casing  206 , a tool retainer  210 , a tool support cap  214  and a spring  218 . The tool retainer  210  includes an upper portion  222  and a lower portion  226 . The upper portion  222  and the lower portion  226  are spaced apart such that the tool retainer  210  is U-shaped. The upper portion  222  includes a protrusion  230  that fits into the second portion  24  of the OMT blades/accessories  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion  230  is generally plus sign-shaped, but could be have another shape, such as an X-shape. Similar to the plus sign-shaped mount portion  122  and the ridges  70 , the plus sign-shaped protrusion  230  receives the second portion  24  of the OMT blades/accessories  22 , which also includes a substantially X or plus sign-shape aperture for mounting to the OMT. 
     The casing  206  includes a double bayonet projection  237  that is complementary to the double bayonet channel  35  of each guide  34 . The double bayonet projection  237  has substantially the same make and function as the double bayonet projection  37  of the peg  36 . Therefore, the tool holder insert  202  may be inserted into and supported by the guides  34  in the same manner as described above for the peg  36  ( FIG.  8   ). The tool retainer  210 , cap  214  and spring  218  are housed/retained in the casing  206 . 
     The lower portion  226  of the retainer  210  extends below the casing  206  between a lower surface  238  of the casing  206  and the double bayonet projection  237 . The tool retainer  210  is therefore constrained along with the casing  206  in the upward-downward direction  55 U- 55 D. A connecting portion  239  of the tool retainer  210  that connects the upper portion  222  and lower portion  226  fits into a first slot  240  of the casing  206  in a nesting fashion. In this way, the tool retainer  210  is inhibited from rotating relative to the casing  206 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the spring  218  is compressed between the casing  206  and the cap  214  to urge the cap  214  in the upwards direction  55 U. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring  218  is a coil spring. In other embodiments, the tool holder insert  202  may include alternative or additional biasing members. The top portion  222  of the retainer  210  extends above the cap  214  to inhibit the cap  214  from being pushed from the casing  206  either by a user or the spring  218 , for example. The cap  214  includes a generally flat top surface  242  for supporting the OMT blades/accessories  22 . The casing  206  includes a second slot  246  in a portion of the casing  206  for receiving a greater portion of the OMT blade/accessory  22 . 
     The second slot  246  allows space for a user to press the OMT blade/accessory  22  in the downward direction  55 D against the cap  214  and against the spring  218  to create space between the cap  214  and the plus sign-shaped protrusion  230 . In this way, the OMT blade/accessory  22  is placed on the cap  214  between the top surface  242  and the protrusion  230 . The spring  218  urges the cap  214  toward the upper portion  222  of the retainer  210  to hold the OMT blade/accessory  22  on the cap and within the plus sign-shaped protrusion  230 . 
     The embodiment(s) described above and illustrated in the figures are presented by way of example only and are not intended as a limitation upon the concepts and principles of the present disclosure. As such, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications to the elements and their configuration and/or arrangement exist within the spirit and scope of one or more independent aspects as described. Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.