Abstract:
A portable container includes a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell to form at least one releasably sealed compartment, wherein each half-shell includes a substantially flat, rectangular portion having walls extending from each edge of the rectangular portion; an opening substantially centered in the first half-shell sized for a cylindrical rod attached to a tripod, the rod having a base portion larger than its extension portion; and a support assembly within the first half-shell having a substantially flat base portion sized to increase strength and rigidity and including a receptacle to the extension portion of the cylindrical rod, the receptacle and extension including corresponding fastener openings so that a fastener device secures the portable container to the cylindrical rod, whereby the portable container is supported by the base portion, the support assembly provides stability to the portable container, and the portable container is rotatable upon the rod.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Invention 
     This invention pertains to transportable workstations. More particularly, this invention pertains to a transportable workstation that is also a container for carrying tools or other useful articles. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Carry cases that include separate half-shells compartments are commonly used for transporting tools of various types. These carry cases are typically blow molded from plastic to form rigid containers that are durable, lightweight, and easily transportable. Additionally, custom fitted compartments can easily be formed within the cases to fit the specific tool to be transported. Multiple compartments can also be formed within the case. 
     A common problem with carrying multiple tools is finding inserts or compartments to fit the particular group of tools that will be used in a specialized occupation. Another common problem is keeping track of a multitude of tools as they are removed from the case for use. It often happens that the carry case serves the purpose of transporting the tools to the site, but then is merely underfoot or otherwise in the way during the work to be performed. This can lead to loss of tools, loss of the case, or even a safety hazard if the case is continually in the way of the worker. 
     Another common need for workers is a temporary workstation at a work site. For jobs of shorter duration, it is often not practical to bring a large workstation, desk, or table to the site. The burden of carrying many of the available workstations to a worksite often offsets any benefit from having the workstation available. The added time involved with moving workstations from place to place, and the added complexity of setup can significantly reduce the amount of work that could otherwise be accomplished in a desired time frame. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable container adapted for storage and transportation of tools and related articles includes (1) a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell to form at least one releasably sealed compartment, wherein each half-shell includes a substantially flat, substantially rectangular portion having walls extending from each edge of the rectangular portion, and wherein the first half-shell forms a base of the portable container, (2) an opening substantially centered in the first half-shell, the opening sized for an extension portion of a corresponding rod, the rod having a base portion with a periphery that is larger than a corresponding periphery of the extension so that the base of the rod forms a stop portion, and (3) a support assembly affixed to the rectangular portion within the first half-shell, the support assembly sized to increase strength and rigidity of the rectangular portion, the support assembly including a receptacle dimensioned to receive the extension portion of the rod, whereby the base of the portable container is supported by the stop portion and the support assembly provides stability to the portable container. 
     In one embodiment, the extension portion of the rod is cylindrical so that the portable container is rotatable upon the rod. In another embodiment, the portable container includes (1) at least one fastener opening in the receptacle, the fastener opening distal to the rectangular portion, and (2) at least one fastener opening in the extension portion distal to the base portion of the rod, so that a fastening device inserted through the corresponding fastener openings secures the portable container to the rod. In another embodiment, the rod is attached to a tripod so that the portable container is supported by the tripod and is rotatable upon the tripod. 
     In another embodiment, the portable container includes a first insert within the first half-shell, that includes at least one section that is a form-fitted opening. In another embodiment, the portable container includes a second insert within the second half-shell so that the second insert secures each tool within each section of the first insert when the second half-shell is closed upon the first half-shell. 
     In another embodiment, the support assembly includes a substantially flat base portion and an opening substantially centered within the flat base portion, so that the receptacle is affixed at the opening. 
     In another embodiment, the portable container includes a skid-resistant surface affixed to the rectangular portion outside of at least one half-shell. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a portable workstation adapted for storage and accessibility of tools and related articles includes (1) a tripod having a centerpost and three legs, where the centerpost is adapted with a rod to extend the centerpost a specified length, wherein the rod includes a base portion and an extension portion, where the base portion has a periphery that is larger than a corresponding periphery of the extension portion so that the base portion of the rod serves as a stop portion, and (2) a container adapted for storage and transportation of tools and related articles, that includes (a) a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell to form at least one releasably sealed compartment, and each half-shell includes a substantially flat, substantially rectangular portion having walls extending from each edge of the rectangular portion, and the first half-shell forms a base of the container, (b) an opening substantially centered in the first half-shell and sized for the extension portion of the rod, and (c) a support assembly affixed to the rectangular portion within the first half-shell and sized to increase strength and rigidity of the rectangular portion, and further including a receptacle dimensioned to receive the extension portion of the rod, so that the base of the container is supported on the tripod by the stop portion of the rod and the support assembly provides stability to the container. 
     In another embodiment, the portable container includes a flap between the first insert and the second insert to form a tool compartment, and a computer compartment. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable container adapted for storage and transportation of tools and related articles includes (1) a first half-shell pivotally connected to a second half-shell to form at least one releasably sealed compartment, wherein each half-shell includes a substantially flat, substantially rectangular portion with walls extending from each edge of the rectangular portion, and the first half-shell forms a base of the portable container, (2) an opening substantially centered in the first half-shell, sized for a cylindrical rod having a base portion and an extension portion, the extension portion including an extension fastener opening distal to the base portion, and the base portion with a circumference greater than the extension circumference so that the base portion of the rod serves as a stop portion, and (3) a support assembly affixed to the rectangular portion within the first half-shell, and including a substantially flat base portion sized to increase strength and rigidity of the rectangular portion, and further including a receptacle affixed to the substantially flat base portion and dimensioned to receive the extension portion of the rod, the receptacle also including a fastener opening corresponding to the extension fastener opening so that a fastener device secures the portable container to the cylindrical rod, so that the base of the portable container is supported by the stop portion and the support assembly provides stability to the portable container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a portable workstation. 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary tripod for use with a carry case in a portable workstation as in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment for an rod for use with a carry case in a portable workstation. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment for a tripod rod for use with a carry case in a portable workstation. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment for an rod secured to a tripod. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment for a mounting base for a carry case. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment for a mounting base for a carry case. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment for a platform for securing a mounting base to a carry case. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a platform and mounting base secured inside a carry case. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a skid-resistant surface secured to a carry case. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an opening for supporting a carry case on a tripod. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an insert for placement of various articles within the carry case. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a carry case for use with a personal computer. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A portable workstation that is also used for transporting tools or other useful articles is disclosed. The design and availability of workstations varies considerably. However, the need to easily access the needed tools while performing jobs of short duration at a job site is a commonly felt need. Further, the need to be able to easily transport the workstation while at the site without misplacing tools or having to dismantle the workstation is another commonly felt need. Toward this end, a workstation is provided that is easily movable by merely closing the lid and transporting the complete workstation assembly within the site. The closed lid also functions as a sturdy work surface or workspace. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a workstation  100  that includes a carry case  110  and a tripod  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the carry case  110  includes a first half-shell  112 , a second half-shell  114 , a first insert  120 , a second insert  124 , and a handle  116 . The carry case  110  is secured to a tripod  130  via a rod  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) attached to the tripod  130 . The workstation  100  is easily portable as an assembled unit. For those circumstances that require disassembly to move the workstation  100  within the site, the carry case  110  is easily removable from the tripod  130  to allow for a temporary reduction in the amount of occupied space. 
     A first insert  120  is situated within the first half-shell  112  and includes a plurality of sections  122  that are form-fitted openings for tools and/or other articles of use. A second insert  124  is situated within the second half-shell  114  so that tools are secured in position within the sections  122  of the first insert  120  when the carry case  110  is closed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the tripod  130  is of a type that is commonly used for cameras, camcorders, and the like. Such a tripod  130  includes a center post and three collapsible telescoping legs. 
     Many occupations, such as preparing insurance estimates in damaged buildings, require that an assortment of tools be readily accessible for the estimator. The damage present in such locations, due to fire or flooding for example, is often prohibitive to situating the necessary tools within the work area due to the amount of debris or other factors. The portable workstation  100  allows an estimator to secure the carry case  110  to a rod  300  (see  FIG. 3 ) on the tripod  130 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the carry case  110  includes an assortment of tools necessary for collecting measurements and other information necessary to prepare an insurance estimate for the cost of damages at a site. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, that various occupations requiring a varied assortment of tools within a location for a job of modest time duration will find use for such a portable workstation  100  via customizing the first insert  120  to the particular circumstances and needs. 
     The portable workstation  100  provides for minimal setup time so that the estimator spends more time performing actual work. If the estimator needs to move to another location within the worksite, the portable workstation  100  is easily movable by lifting the entire assembly from the upper portion of the tripod  130 , or in one embodiment, by lifting the carry case  110 , so that the tripod  130  moves with it. 
       FIG. 2  is an exemplary tripod  130  for use with a carry case  110  in a portable workstation  100 . The tripod  130  includes a post or shaft  200  that extends from the head of the tripod  130 . In one embodiment, the shaft  200  is merely the centerpost of the tripod  130 . In another embodiment, the shaft  200  is an attachment secured to a mount on the head of the tripod  130 . Of course, the tripod  130  may include various type mounts or securing devices to which the shaft  200  may be secured. In other embodiments, the carry case  110  is secured to a portable stand such as a portable work stand, a portable laptop stand, or even to more traditional work tables or workstands. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view illustrating one embodiment for a rod  300  for use with a carry case  110  in a workstation  100 . The rod  300  includes an extension  302  that inserts into a base  304 . The extension  302  includes holes  306 -A that align with companion holes  306 -B in the base  304 . The holes  306  provide for securing the extension  302  to the base  304  via inserting a bolt or pin through the holes. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the particular mechanism for securing the extension  302  to the base  304  is a design choice that does not impact the operability of the rod  300 . 
     In one embodiment, the extension  302  and the base  304  of the rod  300  are formed from aluminum tubing. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other materials may also be selected from which to form the extension  302  and the base  304  of the rod  300 . The rod  300  is of sufficient size and length to extend into a receptacle of the carry case  110  while providing strength and stability to the workstation  100 . 
     Together, the extension  302  and base  304  form a rod  300  that also serves as a stop on which the first half-shell  112  of the carry case  110  rests during use of the workstation  100 . The cylindrical form of the rod  300  also allows the carry case  110  to rotate on the tripod  130 . In this manner, the workstation  100  is never out of position merely due to an incorrect orientation within the worksite. As the user moves about the room, the carry case  110  is easily rotated on the tripod  130  without the need for continually repositioning the workstation  100  amongst the potentially cluttered workspace. 
     In an alternative embodiment, a rod  300  is machined as a single piece formed to fit over a shaft  200 . The singular piece rod  300  includes an offset corresponding to the base  304  that functions as a stop for stabilizing the carry case  110  position with respect to the tripod  130 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment for a rectangular rod  400  for use with a carry case  110  in a portable workstation  100 . In such an embodiment, the rectangular rod  400  includes a rectangular extension  402  and a circular base  404 . The rectangular rod  400  is machined to fit over the shaft  200 . Fastener holes  406  provide for securing the rectangular rod  400  to the carry case  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the circular base  404  of the rectangular rod  400  is machined to include an internal thread adapted for the thumbscrew of a tripod mount. In another embodiment, the circular base  404  includes a nut for fastening to a thumbscrew. The rectangular extension  402  is machined to have four flat surfaces at essentially right angles to each immediately adjacent surface of the rectangular extension  402 . The flat surfaces extend away from the circular base  404 . 
     The rectangular rod  400  is typically machined from a single piece of tubing. In such a circumstance, the circular base  404  is of a generally round configuration and the rectangular extension  402  includes four flat surfaces. Each flat surface is generally perpendicular to the immediately adjacent surfaces. Of course, the circular base  404  can have other shapes as a matter of design choice. 
     The rectangular extension  402  is dimensioned as a generally square or rectangular shape that corresponds to the shape of the receptacle opening  606 ′ (see  FIG. 7 ) in the receptacle  604 ′ of the mounting base  600  within the carry case  110 . In this way, the rectangular extension  402  fits snugly within the receptacle  604  without being so tight as to cause difficulty when removing the carry case  110  from the tripod  130 . In another embodiment, the rectangular extension  402  includes six flat surfaces in a generally hexagonal shape when viewed from the end distal to the circular base  404 . Such an embodiment would correspond to a generally hexagonally shaped receptacle  120  on the mounting base  600  with necessary changes to the corresponding shell opening  1100  (see  FIG. 11 ), the receptacle opening  606 , and the first insert opening  1202  (see  FIG. 12 ) to maintain consistency. It should be readily appreciated that any number of configurations can be chosen for the rectangular extension  402  and the corresponding openings of the carry case  110 . 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment for a rod  300  secured to a tripod  130 . The rod  300  fits over the shaft  200  of the tripod  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, a bolt extends through the holes  306  to secure the rod  300  to the tripod  130 . In such an embodiment, a hole also extends through the shaft  200  of the tripod  130 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that other type fasteners may be used for securing the rod  300  to the tripod  130 . For example, tap screws would extend through the holes  306  of the rod  300  and into the shaft  200 . 
     In one embodiment, a fastener opening  308  is located in the extension  302  of rod  300  distal from the base  304 . The fastener opening  308  includes two holes extending through opposite sides of the extension  302 . The holes of the fastener opening  308  correspond to openings within the carry case  110 . When the rod  300  is within the carry case  110 , a fastener device, such as a pin or a bolt, is extendable through the fastener opening  308  of the extension  302  and the corresponding openings inside the carry case  110 . In this way, the carry case  110  is secured to the tripod  130  in a manner that prevents the carry case  110  from being jarred loose while adding additional stability to the workstation  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the rod  300  is made from aluminum type tubing. In such an embodiment, the rod  300  is lightweight and also provides sufficient strength and durability for a robust workstation  100 . Of course, other materials may be used for fabrication of the rod  300  according to the required strength and weight of the carry case  110  for supporting tools within the workstation  100 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment for a mounting base  600  for a carry case  110 .  FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment for a mounting base  600 ′ for a carry case  110 . The mounting base  600  includes a base portion  602  and a receptacle  604 . The alternative mounting base  600 ′ includes a base portion  602  and a rectangular receptacle  604 ′. The receptacle  604  is joined to the mounting base  600  to form an opening  606  proximate the center of the mounting base  600 . A receptacle opening  606  receives the rod  300 . Similarly for the alternative embodiment, the receptacle opening  606 ′ receives the rectangular rod  400 . 
     The base portion  602  is typically a flat plate that provides added strength and rigidity to the outside wall of the first half-shell  112  of the carry case  110 . In one embodiment, the base portion  602  is aluminum and is of sufficient thickness to provide the desired rigidity. A typical thickness for the base portion  602  is one-fourth inch aluminum. In some embodiments, the base portion  602  is one-eighth inches thick. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the thickness of the base portion  602  is a design choice for the particular use of the carry case  110  and the portable workstation  100 . 
     The receptacle  604  is of sufficient length that the rod  300  fits within the receptacle  604  to provide stability of the carry case  110  such that the carry case  110  is not vulnerable to tipping or wobbling while resting on the tripod  130 . 
     In one embodiment, the receptacle  604  includes a receptacle fastener opening  608 . The receptacle fastener opening  608  includes at least two holes opposite each other near the end of the receptacle  604  distal from the base portion  602 . The two holes of the receptacle fastener opening correspond to optional holes in the rod  300  through which a fastener device is inserted to secure the carry case  110  to the tripod  130 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment for a support assembly or platform  800  for securing the mounting base  600 . The base portion  602  of the mounting base  600  is secured to the platform  800  via fasteners  802  such as screws. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that many type fasteners may be used for securing the base portion  602  to the platform  800 . The base portion  602  is situated generally central to the platform  800  so that the receptacle opening  606  aligns with an opening in the platform  800  and with an opening that is generally central in the first half-shell  112  of the carry case  110 . The platform  800 , with the mounting base  600 , is dimensioned to fit within the length and width of the first half-shell  110 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view illustrating a carry case  110  with a platform  800  and mounting base  600  secured to the inside of the first half-shell  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  800  is situated generally central within the first half-shell  112  and adjacent to the base portion of the first half-shell  112 . In one embodiment, the platform  800  is secured to the first half-shell  112  via screws that are drilled through the first half-shell  112  (from the outside) and into the platform  800 . In the illustrated embodiment, the platform  800  is made of plywood. The plywood is of sufficient thickness to provide for a desired strength and stability level of the workstation  100  while also providing reduced weight. It will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art that other materials of varying thickness and weight may also be selected according to design preferences. 
     In one embodiment, the carrying case  110  is a hard or rigid case formed from blow molded plastic construction. The carrying case  110  includes a first half-shell  112  and a second half-shell  114 . The first half-shell  112  and second half-shell  114  are pivotally connected. Such carrying cases are typically connected via a hinge mechanism, however any of a multitude of conventional hinge constructions may be included as are commonly used for joining a cover to the base of a blow molded plastic case, as will be readily appreciated by those having skill in the art. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first half-shell  112  is the base of the carry case  110  and the second half-shell  114  is the cover of the carry case  110 . When joined via a hinge mechanism, the first half-shell  112  and the second half-shell  114  combine to form a compartment for storage of tools and such like within the carry case  110 . In use, the first half-shell  112  is typically laid flat so that the second half-shell  114  is openable to provide access to the contents of the compartment within the carry case  110 . In the closed position, latches  902  of the second half-shell  114  are fastened to projections  904  of the first half-shell  112  to close and secure the carry case  110 . The first half-shell  112  includes a handle  116  for transporting the carry case  110  in the closed configuration. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a skid-resistant surface  1000 -A secured to a carry case  110 .  FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a shell opening  1100  for supporting a carry case on a tripod.  FIG. 11  also illustrates one embodiment of a skid-resistant surface  1000 -B secured to the outside of the first half-shell  112  of the carry case  110 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a skid-resistant surface  1000 -A is affixed to the outside wall of the second half-shell  114 . In one embodiment, the skid-resistant surface  1000 -A is secured to the outside wall of the second half-shell  114  via an adhesive. Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that many types of adhesive may be selected for affixing a skid-resistant surface  1000  to a half-shell of a carry case  110 . 
     When the carry case  110  is in the closed configuration and secured to the tripod  130 , the skid resistant surface  1000 -A provides a worksurface for notepads, clipboards, and the like. In this way, the likelihood of items sliding or falling off the worksurface is reduced for those situations where the floor or ground of the worksite is so rough that the tripod  130  and/or workstation  100  is not entirely level or stable. 
     A second skid-resistant surface  1000 -B is applied to the outside of the first half-shell  112 . The second skid-resistant surface  1000 -B provides added stability when the carrying case is situated on surfaces aside from a tripod  130 . For example, the carrying case  110  can be placed on an automobile trunk or a truck tailgate with reduced chances of slippage. As an added benefit, the second skid-resistant surface  1000 -B also covers the platform fasteners  1102  (e.g., screws or other fasteners) that are drilled through the first half-shell  112  to secure the platform  800 . 
     The shell opening  1100  is generally centered within the base portion of the first half-shell  112 . When the platform  800  and mounting base  602  is positioned within the first half-shell  112 , the receptacle  120  is adjacent the shell opening  1100 . The receptacle  604  includes a receptacle opening  606  within the receptacle  604 . In one embodiment, the rod  300  of the tripod  130  protrudes through the shell opening  1100  of the first half-shell  112  and the receptacle opening  606  of the receptacle  120  of the carry case  110  so that the carry case  110  is supported by the tripod  130 . The rod  300  protrudes into the receptacle  604  within the first half-shell  112  of the carry case  110 . 
     In one embodiment, the receptacle  604  includes a receptacle fastener opening  608 . The receptacle fastener opening  608  includes at least two holes opposite each other near the end of the receptacle  604  distal from the base portion  602 . The two holes of the receptacle fastener opening correspond to optional holes in the rod  300  through which a fastener device is inserted to secure the carry case  110  to the tripod  130 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a first insert  120  for placement of various tools and/or articles within the carry case  110 . A first insert  120  is configured to fit within the first half-shell  112  of the carry case  110 . The first insert  120  includes a first insert opening  1202  proximate the center of the first insert  120 . The first insert  120  is positioned adjacent the mounting base  602  and within the compartment of the first half-shell  112 . The first insert opening  1202  provides for the receptacle  604  to protrude through the first insert  120 , and also stabilizes the position of the first insert  120  within the compartment of the first half-shell  112 . 
     The first insert  120  includes sections  122  for placement of each respective tool within the carry case  110 . The sections  122  are cut-out or pre-formed openings in the first insert  120  and are customized for the particular tools and/or articles of use. In this way storage is provided for the respective tools or articles in the closed configuration of the carry case  110 , and easy accessibility is provided for the respective tools in the open configuration of the carry case  110 . The sections  122  provide for placement of each tool in a particular location within the first insert  120  of the carry case  110 . In this way, each tool is quickly located in its particular location so that time retrieving tools is minimized. 
     The illustrated example does not include specific tools but rather shows the openings in which tools are placed. Exemplary tools include a work light, an LED cliplight, wipes, a range finder, gloves, a utility knife, a card case, a tape measure, a camera, and utility pliers, among others. Of course, the particular sections  122  for tool shapes and designs vary according to user preferences of the desired tool set. The particular examples in the illustrated embodiment are shown as one exemplary design choice. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the first insert  120  is a foam type insert as is commonly used for carry type cases. The first insert  120  can be any conventional foam material such as is commonly used for blow molded plastic cases. The foam material of the first insert  120  provides protection for those tools that are vulnerable to wear and tear from scratching while also allowing for ease in removing the tools from the carry case  110 . The foam material also provides the user with the capability to customize the first insert  120  for specialized tools that may not otherwise be accounted for in conventional designs. Of course, the first insert  120  can also be made from more rigid materials or plastics. 
     A second insert  124  is configured to fit within the second half-shell  114  of the carry case  110 . The second insert  124  is typically a foam type insert as is commonly used for such cases and can be any conventional foam material such as is commonly used for blow molded plastic cases. In the closed configuration, the second insert  124  provides for stability of the tools within the sections  122  of the first insert  120 . In this way, each tool is maintained in its particular section  122  location during transport of the carry case  110 , for example when the second half-shell  114  is closed to the first half-shell  112 . 
     An insert such as the second insert  124  is typically fitted adjacent the lid portion of the second half-shell  114  within the recess area. The latches  902  are configured to close the carry case  110  by fastening to the projections  904  of the first half-shell  112 , thus securing the second half-shell  114  to the first half-shell  112 . In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism includes generally cylindrical hinge elements integrally formed to the second half-shell  114  for joining the second half-shell  114  to the first half-shell as noted above, and as is commonly known in the art. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a carry case  100  for use with a personal computer. A carry case  110  substantially as described above also includes a computer compartment. The computer compartment corresponding to the second half-shell  114  is separated from the tool compartment corresponding to the first half-shell  112  by a computer flap  1300  attached to the carry case  110  near the hinge mechanism. The computer compartment is suitable for storage and use of a laptop personal computer or similar type device. The computer flap  1300  folds over the first insert  120 ′ to reveal the computer compartment and folds over the second insert  124 ′ to reveal the tools compartment. The first insert  120 ′ and the second inert  124 ′ are of less thickness than for a comparable carry case  110  that does not include a computer flap  1300 . 
     A computer insert  1302  is attached to the computer flap  1300 . The computer insert  1302  comprises any material that is suitable for providing stability and absorbing shock to protect a computer or other electronic device. A computer or other electronic device is placed on the computer insert  1302  and then the carry case  110  is closed to secure both the tools and the computer. 
     During use, the computer is operable from outside the case via removing the computer and placing it on a skid-resistant surface  1000  of the closed carry case  110 , or via operating the computer atop the computer flap  1300  inside the open carry case  110 . 
     In one exemplary use of the workstation  100 , an insurance estimator arrives at a home that has been damaged initially by fire and then by the water used in extinguishing the fire. In such a circumstance, no electricity is generally available and lighting may be poor. There is generally a fair amount of debris on the floor. A portable workstation  100  provides a more stable work environment for such a circumstance. 
     The estimator sets the tripod  130  on the floor or ground area and stabilizes it. Then the carry case  110  is opened and placed on the tripod  130  by guiding the receptacle opening  606  over the extension  302  of the rod  300 . (If fastener openings  308  are included in the rod  300 , then a pin or other fastening device is inserted through the fastener openings  308  and the receptacle  604  to stabilize the portable workstation  100  even further.) Once the carry case  110  is secure to the tripod  130 , the tools are readily accessible from the first insert  120  and the estimator begins gathering the measurements necessary for preparation of the insurance estimate of the repair costs. 
     The portable workstation  100  provides for minimal setup time so that the estimator spends more time performing actual work. If the estimator needs to move to another location within the worksite, the portable workstation  100  is easily movable by lifting the entire assembly from the upper portion of the tripod  130 , or if a fastening device is included, by lifting the carry case  110 , so that the tripod  130  moves with it. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by description of several exemplary embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.