Patent Description:
Rolling tool container assemblies are commonly used to carry a plurality of working tools to the working location. However, such tool container assemblies typically have side walls that contribute to the weight of the assembly or have drawers that cannot be moved independently. Tool container assemblies also typically do not have removable storage containers that are easily connectable after being removed. <CIT> discloses an apparatus for transporting articles comprising drawers.

There is a need in the art for an improved storage system.

One aspect of this disclosure provides an apparatus for transporting articles between working locations. The apparatus includes a base container having an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored and one or more rotatable ground engaging wheels mounted towards the bottom of the apparatus for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus. The apparatus further includes at least one removable container having a container portion with an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored. A lid is connected (e.g. pivotally) to the container portion, preferably a latch arrangement is constructed to secure the lid in covering relation with respect to the container portion, and a carrying handle is attached to the lid and is manually graspable to enable carriage of the removable container. The apparatus also includes a container engaging region disposed above the base container and an automatic lock interacting between the at least one removable container and the container engaging region, the automatic lock including a lock member that moves from a first position to a second position to lock the at least one removable container to the container engaging region in response to the at least one removable container being engaged with the container engaging region. The automatic lock is releasable so that the at least one removable container can be released from the container engaging region to enable the at least one removable container to be carried by the carrying handle and transported separately from the base container. The apparatus also includes a manually engageable pulling handle, the pulling handle and the one or more ground engaging wheels being arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle in a desired direction.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for transporting articles between working locations. The apparatus includes a lower drawer having an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored, one or more rotatable ground engaging wheels mounted towards the bottom of the apparatus for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus. The apparatus further includes an upper drawer disposed above the lower drawer and slidable between open and closed positions. The lower drawer is slidable between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position, an upwardly facing opening of the lower drawer is disposed beneath the upper drawer. The lower drawer and upper drawer are independently movable between their respective open and closed positions. The apparatus further includes a central frame structure carrying a lock member that enables the upper drawer to be locked in the closed position and a manually engageable pulling handle, the pulling handle and the one or more ground engaging wheels being arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle in a desired direction.

The apparatus of the invention preferably comprises a support structure providing a generally downwardly facing fixed ground engaging surface, the ground engaging surface being located forwardly of said one or more rotatable ground engaging wheels and being constructed and arranged to engage the ground. The support structure may comprise slide rails on which the lower drawer slides between open and closed positions. The upper drawer preferably slides between open and closed positions on slides, for example ball bearing slides, located on the upper drawer and the lower drawer beneath said upper drawer. The central frame structure may carry a second lock member that enables the lower drawer to be locked in the closed position. When the lower drawer is in the closed position, an upwardly facing opening of the lower drawer may be disposed beneath the second lock member. The lock member preferably comprises an engaging member to engage the upper and lower drawers to enable the upper and lower drawers to be locked in the closed position. The handle preferably is attached to a telescoping member. The apparatus preferably comprises an actuator, the actuator being actuatable to move a locking member of the handle from a lock position to a release position wherein the handle can be extended or retracted.

According to the invention there is provided an apparatus for transporting articles between working locations, as defined in claim <NUM>. The apparatus includes one or more rotatable ground engaging wheels mounted towards the bottom of the apparatus for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a lower drawer having an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored and an upper drawer disposed above the lower drawer. The apparatus further includes a slide structure having a first portion mounted to the upper drawer and a second portion mounted to the lower drawer to facilitate movement of the upper and lower drawers between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position, an upwardly facing opening of the lower drawer is disposed beneath the upper drawer. The lower drawer and upper drawer are independently movable between their respective open and closed positions. The apparatus also includes a manually engageable pulling handle. The pulling handle and the one or more ground engaging wheels are arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle in a desired direction.

These and other aspects of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures.

<FIG> shows a rolling container assembly <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a base container <NUM>, a removable container <NUM> having a container portion <NUM> and a lid <NUM> pivotally attached to the container portion <NUM>, a container engaging region <NUM> on which the removable container <NUM> is engaged, and a manually engageable pulling handle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The embodiment of <FIG> also includes two rotatable ground engaging wheels <NUM> (although only one can be seen in <FIG>) mounted toward the bottom of the rolling container assembly <NUM> for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the rolling container assembly <NUM>. The number and configuration of wheels <NUM> is not intended to be limiting, and other embodiments may have more or fewer wheels <NUM> and in different locations on the rolling container assembly <NUM>. The wheels <NUM> may have treads on its outer surface and may be fabricated of rubber or other anti-slip material.

The base container <NUM> of the embodiment shown in <FIG> is a drawer that slides from an open position to a closed position. In other embodiments of the present invention, the base container <NUM> may comprise a pivotal bin or a door connected to the base container <NUM>. In such other embodiments, the pivotal bin or door may be connected to the base container <NUM> via hinges, screws, bolts, fasteners, or any other mechanism as appreciated by one skilled in the art. Further details relating to the construction and features of the base container in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention are found in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> also includes smaller, intermediate drawers (two are shown as 19a and 19b) above the base container <NUM>. The drawers 19a and 19b each has a front portion <NUM>, a back portion <NUM>, and two side portions <NUM>. The removable container <NUM> has a lid <NUM> and a container portion <NUM>. The container portion <NUM> includes a front portion <NUM>, a back portion <NUM>, two side portions <NUM>, and a lower portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM>, back portion <NUM>, and side portions <NUM> of the removable container <NUM> may be made of metal. The lower portion <NUM> may be fabricated of plastic. It is contemplated that the container portion <NUM> in other embodiments may be made of metal, wood, or any other materials or combination of materials known to a person skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, only one intermediate drawer is provided. In another embodiment, three or more intermediate drawers are provided.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the removable container <NUM> has the aforementioned lid <NUM> and a handle <NUM> located in a hollowed out portion <NUM> of the lid <NUM> of the removable container <NUM>. The lid <NUM> is pivotally connected to the container portion <NUM>. The lid <NUM> can be latched onto the container portion <NUM> of the removable container <NUM> via latches <NUM>. The container latches <NUM> may vary in numbers (there may be one or more) and may be pivotable latches, buckles, or any other latching mechanism as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The lid <NUM> may be pivotally connected to the container portion <NUM> using hinges, pins, screws, fastenings, bolts, or any other connection mechanism as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The lid <NUM> may also be a slide-on lid which is slid on to container portion <NUM> or a snap-on lid that is snapped on to the container portion <NUM>. It is contemplated that the methods of mounting the lid <NUM> on to the container portion <NUM> may vary and the number of lids <NUM> may vary. For example, there may be two lids <NUM> pivotally connected to the container portion <NUM> wherein each lid <NUM> may be opened or closed independently of the other. The removable container <NUM> will be discussed in further detail later.

The removable container <NUM> is selectively latched to the container engaging region <NUM> of the rolling container assembly <NUM>. In one embodiment, the rolling container assembly <NUM> includes a first actuator <NUM> that is actuatable to release an automatic lock <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) interacting between the removable container <NUM> and the container engaging region <NUM> so that the removable container <NUM> can be disengaged from the container engaging region <NUM> and carried separately.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container engaging region <NUM> comprises, among other things, a platform or shelf having a top surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) for engaging the removable container. However, this is but a non limiting example, as the container engaging region <NUM> can take the form of any structure or configuration that can be used to carry a portion of a latch or lock arrangement, that can cooperate with a portion of a latch or lock arrangement carried by the removable container <NUM> to enable selective latching of the removable container <NUM> to the container engaging region <NUM>. The particular structure of the container engaging region <NUM> illustrated herein is disclosed later in more detail.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is a push button and is located between two recesses <NUM> formed in a projection <NUM> extending from the container engaging region <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> may be large enough so that fingers may be placed in the recess <NUM> for counter support when actuating the actuator <NUM> with the thumb.

In one embodiment, the rolling container assembly <NUM> includes slides 54a (shown in <FIG>), 54b, 54c, and 54d that enable the drawers 19a and 19b and the base container <NUM> to slide between an open position wherein the contents of the drawers 19a and 19b and the base container <NUM> may be accessed and a closed position wherein the contents of the drawers 19a and 19b and the base container <NUM> may not be accessed (as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the drawer 19a is slidably held between two slides 54a at the top of drawer 19a and two slides 54b at the bottom of drawer 19a, the drawer 19b is slidably held between two slides 54b at the top of drawer 19b and two slides 54c at the bottom of drawer 19b, and the base container <NUM> is slidably held between two slides 54c at the top of the base container <NUM> and two slides 54d at the bottom of the base container <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The slides 54a, 54b, and 54c may be two-way extension ball bearing slides that allow movement of both the inner and outer slide members. Details of the slides 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d and their attachment to the drawers 19a and 19b and to the base container <NUM> will be described later.

In one embodiment, the base container <NUM> and the drawers 19a and 19b can be supplemented with handles <NUM>. It is contemplated that the location and size of the handles <NUM> may vary. For example, the handles <NUM> may be located on the left or to the right rather than in the center of the front of the drawers 19a and 19b and base container <NUM>, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>. The handles <NUM> will be described in further detail later.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the base container <NUM> has a front portion <NUM>, two side portions <NUM>, and a back portion <NUM>. The base container <NUM> also has lower portion <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> may be located forwardly of the rotatable ground engaging wheels <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> engages a support structure <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) of the rolling container assembly <NUM>. The lower portion <NUM> may include two protruding legs <NUM>, each leg <NUM> may be located on a side portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> and in close proximity to a wheel. In one embodiment, the protruding legs <NUM> extend laterally outwards further from the side portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>, thus creating a ledge <NUM>. The base container <NUM> also has an upwardly facing opening or interior space <NUM> (shown in <FIG>), which may be accessed when the base container <NUM> is in the open position.

The construction and configuration of the rolling container assembly <NUM> shown is an example and not intended to be limiting. For example, the number of removable containers <NUM> and drawers 19a and 19b may vary. It is also contemplated that the drawers 19a and 19b may vary in size and may not be uniform in size. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the drawers 19a and 19b and base container <NUM> are made of plastic. The use of plastic is not intended to be limiting, and the drawers 19a and 19b and base container <NUM> may be made of metal, wood, a combination of materials thereof, or any other suitable material as is well known in the art.

<FIG> is a perspective rear view of the rolling container assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, and as shown more clearly in <FIG>, the rolling container assembly <NUM> has a chassis <NUM> comprising of a handle <NUM>, a central frame structure <NUM>, the container engaging region <NUM>, the two rotatable ground engaging wheels <NUM>, and a horizontal bar <NUM> extending between the two ground engaging wheels <NUM>. In this embodiment, the horizontal bar <NUM> is held within a recess <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) formed in a lower end portion <NUM> of the central frame structure <NUM>. It is contemplated that the horizontal bar <NUM> may be attached to the central frame structure <NUM> by other known methods, such as the use of adhesive, friction fit, snap fit, fasteners, pins or rivets, or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the rolling container assembly <NUM> also includes a handle actuator <NUM>, which may be considered a second actuator, that is actuatable to release a locking member <NUM> of the handle <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) from a lock position to a release position wherein the handle <NUM> can be extended or retracted.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the chassis <NUM> of the rolling container assembly <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is connected to a telescopic handle member <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) that is held within the hollow central frame structure <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is to be extended, the handle <NUM> may be pulled upwards, thereby causing the telescopic handle member <NUM> to move out from within the central frame structure <NUM>. In this embodiment, the handle <NUM> is made of plastic and has a hollow portion <NUM>, wherein the hollow portion <NUM> has strengthening ribs <NUM> formed therein. The ribs <NUM> form triangular shapes along the outer edge <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. This configuration of the handle <NUM> allows for the handle <NUM> to be of lightweight and yet durable material. It is contemplated that the handle <NUM> may have other shapes. It is contemplated that the handle <NUM> may also be solid or may be fabricated of other materials, such as metal, wood, or any other materials known to a person skilled in the art. It is also contemplated that the handle <NUM> may be completely detachable from the rolling container assembly <NUM> to allow for separation of the components thereof for transportation or storage in confined spaces, i.e. closets or car trunks.

In one embodiment, the container engaging region <NUM> is connected to the central frame structure <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the container engaging region <NUM> is a shelf. The container engaging region <NUM> has the aforementioned top surface <NUM>, which serves as a support base on which removable container <NUM> may be disposed when the removable container <NUM> is engaged to the container engaging region <NUM>; a front portion <NUM>; a back portion <NUM>; and the two lower side portions <NUM>. In one embodiment, the container engaging region <NUM> has a protrusion <NUM> located on the back portion <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM>, wherein the protrusion <NUM> is generally between the handle <NUM> and the central frame structure <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the telescopic handle member <NUM> extends from the central frame structure <NUM>, passes through a hole <NUM> in the protrusion <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM>, and connects to the handle <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the container engaging region <NUM> has two mounting structures <NUM>, respectively located near the two lower side portions <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM>. The mounting structures <NUM> extend from the top surface <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM>, and each mounting structure <NUM> houses a lock member <NUM> of the automatic lock <NUM> that is capable of releasably locking the removable container <NUM> to the container engaging region <NUM>. The mounting structures <NUM> may also include depressions <NUM> on laterally outward sides thereof, wherein the depressions <NUM> may serve as hand grips to facilitate lifting of the entire rolling container assembly <NUM> from opposite sides thereof.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the rolling container assembly <NUM> includes lock members <NUM> (two are shown) for the drawers 19a and 19b and the base container <NUM>. In this embodiment, the lock members <NUM> each comprise an elongated bar or plank <NUM> that extends in cantilevered fashion from the central frame structure <NUM>. Each lock member has spaced apart openings <NUM> along the length of the bar <NUM>. In one embodiment, one of the lock members <NUM> (not shown) may be attached to the bottom of the container engaging region <NUM> to lock the drawer 19a and 19b underneath the container engaging region <NUM>. The lock members <NUM> have engaging members <NUM> that lock the associated drawers 19a and 19b in the closed position. The engaging members <NUM> will be discussed in further detail later. In one embodiment, the lock members <NUM> may be made of metal. It is contemplated that the lock members <NUM> may be fabricated of other materials, such as plastic, wood, or other materials known to a person skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the support structure <NUM> of the rolling container assembly <NUM> comprises the horizontal bar <NUM> and two support legs <NUM> extending downward from the horizontal bar <NUM> in spaced relation to the wheels <NUM>. Each of the support legs <NUM> has an inside surface <NUM>, an outside surface <NUM>, and a bottom surface <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> engages the ground and is located forwardly of the rotatable ground engaging wheel <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the rolling container assembly <NUM> is in an upright position, the bottom surface <NUM> of the support legs <NUM> and the wheels <NUM> engages the ground. In this embodiment, when the rolling container assembly <NUM> is tilted rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the rolling container assembly <NUM> to be rolled by the wheels <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM> of the support legs <NUM> is lifted from the ground so that only the wheels <NUM> engage the ground. In another embodiment, the legs <NUM> are replaced by wheels, so that the rolling container assembly <NUM> has four wheels, permitting it to roll when standing upright.

In one embodiment, each of the support legs <NUM> has slides 54d on the inside surface <NUM> thereof the support legs <NUM>. Slides 54d enable the lower portion <NUM> of the base container to slide relative to the support legs <NUM>. Slides 54d will be discussed in more detail later.

The configuration and features of the chassis <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is not intended to be limiting. For example, there may be two horizontal bars <NUM> connecting the wheels <NUM> to the chassis <NUM>. The container engaging region <NUM> may also be connected to the chassis <NUM> via other attachment mechanisms, such as, for example, screws, bolts, fasteners, welding, or any other mechanism as appreciated by one skilled in the art.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate the independent movement of the drawer 19a using slides 54a and 54b, the independent movement of the drawer 19b using slides 54b and 54c, and the independent movement of the base container <NUM> using slides 54c and 54d. Slides 54a, 54b, and 54c may be two-way extension ball bearing slides. Examples of ball bearing slides are shown in detail in <FIG>.

The slides 54a, 54b, and 54c are essentially identical, and slides 54a is shown in <FIG>, although slides 54b and 54c are essentially the same. Slides 54d may also be identical to slides 54a or may have different configurations and arrangements (which will be described later). As shown in <FIG>, slides 54a includes an inner slide <NUM> and an outer slide <NUM>. In one embodiment, the outer slide <NUM> has upper and lower curved flanges <NUM> that receive the upper and lower portions <NUM> of inner slide <NUM> (see <FIG>). In one embodiment, a bearing structure is disposed between the engaging regions <NUM> and <NUM> to facilitate sliding movement therebetween. The bearing structure may comprise ball bearing slides, rollers, wheels, or reduced friction materials as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The inner slide <NUM> and outer slide <NUM> may also have ears <NUM> provided along the inner slide <NUM> and outer slide <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inner slide <NUM> slides through the associated outer slide <NUM> in the direction of A. When a drawer 19a or 19b is pulled open, the associated slides 54a, 54b, or 54c connected thereto are in an extended position, for example as shown in <FIG>. When a drawer 19a or 19b is pushed closed, the associated slides 54a, 54b, or 54c connected thereto are retracted or compacted, for example as shown in <FIG>. The slides 54a-54d allow for the independent movement of the drawers 19a and 19b and the base container <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The slides 54a-54d may have stop elements (not shown) wherein the stop elements prevent the inner slide <NUM> from being dislocated and completely sliding out of the outer slide <NUM> or vice versa.

It is contemplated that in some embodiments, slides 54d may have different configurations and arrangements from slides 54a, 54b, and 54c such that slides 54d are not two-way extension slides. In other words, one of the slide members is fixed relative to the frame and is thus a "one-way" slide rather than a two-way slide. For example, in one embodiment, the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54d are attached (fixed) to the support legs <NUM> and thus remain stationary. Only the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54d enable movement of the base container <NUM> by sliding along the inner slides <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the drawer 19a is shown in the open position wherein the contents of the drawer 19a may be accessed. Slides 54a and 54b enable the drawer 19a to move between the closed position and the open position. The inner slides <NUM> of slides 54a are attached to the upper side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19a, and their associated outer slides <NUM> (shown in more detail in <FIG>) are attached (and remain fixed) to the lower side portions <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM>. Meanwhile, the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54b are attached to the lower side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19a, and their associated inner slides <NUM> are attached to the upper side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19b. The container engaging region <NUM>, to which the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54a are attached, may be restrained by the chassis <NUM>, thereby enabling the inner slides <NUM> attached to the drawer 19a to slide past their associated outer slides <NUM> into the extended position (for example as shown in <FIG>) when the drawer 19a is pulled to the open position. The drawer 19b, to which the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54b are attached, may be restrained and locked in the closed position by the lock member <NUM> (see <FIG>), thereby enabling the outer slides <NUM> attached to the drawer 19a to slide past their associated inner slides <NUM> into the extended position when the drawer 19a is pulled to the open position. This arrangement allows for the independent movement of the drawer 19a.

When the drawer 19a is pushed to the closed position from the open position, the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54b slide along their associated inner slide <NUM>, so that the outer slides <NUM> and inner slides <NUM> of slides 54b are in the retracted position, for example as shown in <FIG>. At the same time, the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54a slide along their associated outer slides <NUM>, so that the outer slides <NUM> and inner slides <NUM> of slides 54a are also in the retracted position.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the drawer 19b is in the open position wherein the contents of the drawer 19b may be accessed. Slides 54b and 54c enable the drawer 19b to move between the closed position and the open position. The inner slides <NUM> of slides 54b are attached to the upper side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19b, and their associated outer slides <NUM> are attached to the lower side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19a. Meanwhile, the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54c are attached to the lower side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19b, and their associated inner slides <NUM> are attached to the upper side portions <NUM> of the base container <NUM>. The drawer 19a, to which the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54b are attached, may be restrained and locked in the closed position by the lock member <NUM>, thereby enabling the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54b to slide past their associated outer slides <NUM> when the drawer 19b is pulled to the open position. Similarly, the base container <NUM>, to which the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54c are attached, may be restrained and locked in the closed position by the lock member <NUM> (see <FIG>), thereby enabling the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54c to slide past their associated inner slides <NUM> when the drawer 19b is pulled to the open position. This arrangement allows for the independent movement of the drawer 19b. It can be appreciated that when both drawers 19a and 19b are unlocked, then both can be slidable at the same time.

When the drawer 19b is pushed to the closed position from the open position, the outer slides <NUM> of 54c slide along the inner slide <NUM> of 54c, so that the outer slides <NUM> and inner slides <NUM> are in the retracted position. At the same time, the inner slides <NUM> of 54b slides into the outer slides <NUM> of 54b so that the outer slide <NUM> and inner slide <NUM> are also in the retracted position.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the base container <NUM> is in the open position wherein the contents of the base container <NUM> may be accessed. Slides 54c and 54d enable the base container <NUM> to move between the closed position and the open position. The inner slides <NUM> of slides 54c are attached to the upper side portions <NUM> of the base container <NUM>, and their associated outer slides <NUM> are attached to the lower side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19b. Meanwhile, the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54d are attached to the support legs <NUM> of the chassis <NUM>, and their associated inner slides <NUM> (not shown) are attached to the side portions <NUM> of the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>. The inner slides <NUM> of slides 54d may be attached to the base container <NUM> in hollow portions <NUM> (two are shown in <FIG>) located in the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>. The drawer 19b, to which the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54c are attached, may be restrained and locked in the closed position by the lock member <NUM> (see <FIG>), thereby enabling the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54c to slide past their associated outer slides <NUM> when the base container <NUM> is pulled to the open position. The support legs <NUM>, to which the outer slides <NUM> of slides 54d are attached, may be restrained by the chassis <NUM>, thereby enabling the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54d to slide past their associated outer slides <NUM> when the base container <NUM> is pulled to the open position. This arrangement allows for the independent movement of the base container <NUM> with respect to drawers 19a and 19b. It should be appreciated that only one, two, or all three of the slidable drawers 19a and 19b and base container <NUM> can be movable or locked at any given time.

When the base container <NUM> is pushed to the closed position from the open position, the inner slides <NUM> of 54d slide along the outer slides <NUM> of 54d, so that the outer slides <NUM> and inner slides <NUM> are in the retracted position. At the same time, the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54c slide along the outer slides <NUM> of 54c so that the outer slides <NUM> and inner slides <NUM> are also in the retracted position.

The earlier description of the configuration and arrangement of the slides 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d and their attachment to the rolling container assembly <NUM> is an example and is not intended to be limiting. It is contemplated that the arrangement and configuration of the slides 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d may vary. For example, the slides 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d may be attached to other portions of the rolling container assembly <NUM>. Also, the inner slides <NUM> and outer slides <NUM> may be interchangeable in the manner in which they are attached to the rolling container assembly <NUM>. For example, the inner slides <NUM> of slides 54b may be attached to the lower side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19a, instead of to the upper side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19b (as shown in <FIG>), and their associated outer slides may be attached to the upper side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19b, instead of to the lower side portions <NUM> of the drawer 19a (as shown in <FIG>).

It is contemplated that the inner slides <NUM> and outer slides <NUM> may be attached to the container engaging region <NUM>, the drawers 19a and 19b, and the base container <NUM> using attachment mechanisms, such as, for example, adhesive, snap fit, fasteners, pins or rivets, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the inner slides <NUM> and outer slides <NUM> of slides 54a and 54b may be attached to the container engaging region <NUM>, the drawers 19a and 19b, and the base container <NUM> using the ears <NUM> (shown in more detail in <FIG>) provided along the inner slides <NUM> and the outer slides <NUM>. The ears <NUM> may be engaged to corresponding attachment hooks or receiving members (not shown) on the container engaging region <NUM>, the drawers 19a and 19b, and the base container <NUM>.

In one embodiment, when the base container <NUM> is locked in the closed position, the support legs <NUM> may be hidden from view by the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The hollow portions <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) in the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> receive the support legs <NUM> such that when the base container <NUM> is in the closed position, the support legs <NUM> are hidden from view by the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the base container <NUM> is in the open position, the support legs <NUM> are no longer in the hollow portions <NUM> in the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the support legs <NUM> may be visible from the side when the base container <NUM> is in the closed position. For example, the slides 54d may be attached to the outside of the base container <NUM> such that the support legs <NUM> are astride the side portions <NUM> of the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>.

The slides 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d of the base container <NUM> and the drawers 19a and 19b may be used to support the base container <NUM> and the drawers 19a and 19b so that they are disposed in a stacked relation. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the drawer 19a is supported by slides 54a and slides 54b, the drawer 19b is supported by slides 54b and slides 54c, and the base container <NUM> is supported by slides 54c and 54d. As such, in one embodiment, the chassis <NUM> does not require walls to support the drawers 19a and 19b and the base container <NUM> and to enable them to move between the closed and open positions. When the drawers 19a and 19b are slid into the open position, there may be a space <NUM> in the container rolling assembly <NUM>.

In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the base container <NUM> is supported by the support legs <NUM>, and the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> does not engage the ground. It is contemplated that in other embodiments, the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> may engage the ground. There may also be wheels connected to the lower portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM> that engage the ground.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of the lower intermediate drawer 19b in a locked position and being unlocked from the locked position to an unlocked position. In these Figures, the upper intermediate drawer 19a has been removed to better illustrate the lock arrangement. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lower intermediate drawer 19b is locked in the closed position. In this embodiment, the drawer 19b has an upwardly facing opening <NUM> that enables the contents of the drawer 19b to be accessed. When the drawer 19b is locked in a closed position, the upwardly facing opening <NUM> is disposed beneath the removable container <NUM>. A protrusion <NUM> in the handle <NUM> engages the lock member <NUM>. Specifically, in the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lock member <NUM> comprises an aperture <NUM>, and the protrusion <NUM> from the handle <NUM> can be inserted into the aperture <NUM> to lock the drawers 19a and 19b in the closed position. In one embodiment, the drawers 19a and 19b each has a mounting portion <NUM> on which the handle <NUM> is attached. When the drawers 19a and 19b are being unlatched, the handle <NUM> is pulled so as to be pivoted in an upwards direction against the bias of an internal spring. In other embodiments, the handle <NUM> may be directly connected to the front portion <NUM> of the drawers 19a and 19b having no mounting portion <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be attached via various mechanisms, such as, for example, screws, pins, bolts, fasteners, or any other mechanism or hinges as appreciated by one skilled in the art. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the drawers 19a and 19b are made of plastic. It is contemplated that the drawers 19a and 19b may be fabricated of other materials, such as metal, wood, or any other materials or combination of materials known to a person skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the handle <NUM> is pulled upwards against the spring bias, the handle <NUM> pivots and the protrusion <NUM> of the handle <NUM> exits the opening <NUM>. The drawer 19b is thus able to be slid to the open position, as shown in <FIG>. To once again close and lock drawer 19b, drawer 19b is simply manually slid back towards the closed position. During this movement, the front edge <NUM> of the lock member <NUM> engages a cam surface <NUM> on the protrusion <NUM>. The front edge <NUM> thus comprises a first cam surface that engages and moves the cam surface <NUM> on the handle <NUM> against the bias of the internal handle spring (not shown) so as to move the handle in a pivotal direction (clockwise in <FIG> and <FIG>) until the protrusion <NUM> finds the aperture <NUM>, whereupon the handle <NUM> springs back to the locked configuration with the protrusion <NUM> in the aperture <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the base container <NUM> has an upwardly facing opening <NUM>. When the drawer 19b and the base container <NUM> are in the closed position, the upwardly facing opening <NUM> of the base container <NUM> is disposed beneath the upper drawer 19b. In one embodiment, there may be strengthening ribs <NUM> extending along the inside surface <NUM> of the back portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>. The ribs <NUM> may also be in the shape of a depression <NUM> formed in the back portion <NUM> of the base container <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, each lower side portion <NUM> of the drawers 19a and 19b is a projection that hangs over the edge of the drawers 19a and 19b. A recess <NUM> may be located in the lower portion of the drawers 19a and 19b. It is contemplated that the lower side portion <NUM> of the drawers 19a and 19b and the lower side portion <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM> may have other shapes, such as sleeves that enclose the top portion <NUM> of the drawer 19a or 19b below.

<FIG> depicts removing the removable container <NUM> from the rolling container assembly <NUM>. In an embodiment, the removable container <NUM> may be removed from the container engaging region <NUM>. After the removable container <NUM> has been disengaged from the container engaging region <NUM>, the removable container <NUM> may be pulled in the direction of B. The actuator <NUM> may be actuated to release the automatic lock <NUM> so that the removable container <NUM> can be disengaged from the container engaging region <NUM>.

<FIG> are partial sectional views, with the section taken through the center of the container engaging region from front to back to better reveal certain components. As shown in <FIG>, the container engaging region <NUM> has the automatic lock <NUM> constructed and arranged to interact between the removable container <NUM> and the container engaging region <NUM>. In one embodiment, automatic lock <NUM> includes an actuator <NUM> to release the lock <NUM>. The lock <NUM> also includes latch members <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the actuator <NUM> is elongated and extends along a track <NUM> rearwardly and through a center region of engaging region <NUM>. In this embodiment, the actuator <NUM> has a camming portion <NUM> that rotates a cam portion <NUM> of the automatic lock <NUM>, which in turn rotates the latch members <NUM> of the automatic lock <NUM> to release lock <NUM>. In one embodiment, the automatic lock <NUM> includes a rod <NUM> that extends laterally across the container engaging region <NUM>, beneath platform surface <NUM>. The rod <NUM> is connected to latch members <NUM> on opposite ends of rod <NUM>. Each latch member <NUM> has a notch <NUM> to receive a lock engaging member or locking pin <NUM> located on the removable container <NUM> (shown in <FIG>).

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the handle actuator <NUM> includes a handle actuating arm <NUM>. In this embodiment, a spring <NUM> is disposed between the rear end of actuator <NUM> and the handle actuating arm <NUM>. The rear end of the actuator <NUM> and the rear end of the handle actuating arm <NUM> have respective fingers <NUM> to which the spring <NUM> is attached, by the fingers <NUM> extending into the opposite ends of the spring <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, when the actuator <NUM> of the removable container <NUM> is actuated by being depressed, the rear end of actuator <NUM> compresses the spring <NUM>. This movement of the actuator <NUM> causes the camming portion <NUM> to cam against the ramp portion or cam <NUM> provided on the central bottom portion of rod <NUM> (see <FIG> for better view). This camming action rotates rod <NUM>, which in turn rotates latch members <NUM> in a counter clockwise direction (in the <FIG>) from a first (or "lock") position (as shown in <FIG>) wherein the notches <NUM> are able to grasp the locking pins <NUM> (or "lock engagement portion") of the removable container <NUM> to a second ("release") position wherein the notches <NUM> are no longer able to grasp the locking pins <NUM> of the removable container <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>). When the latch members <NUM> are in the first (or "lock") position, the removable container <NUM> can be locked to the container engaging region <NUM> by the automatic lock <NUM>. When the latch members <NUM> are in the second position, the removable container <NUM> may be disengaged from the container engaging region <NUM> and may be removed to be carried separately. When the actuator <NUM> is released, the spring <NUM> biases the actuator back to its original position, and the cam member <NUM> rotates the latch members <NUM> back to the lock position as shown in <FIG>.

To automatically reattach the containers, the container <NUM> is simply placed on the container engaging region <NUM>. Specifically, the lock engagement portion <NUM> (e.g. pins <NUM>) are aligned with upper cam surfaces <NUM> of the latch members <NUM>. When the pins <NUM> are forced downwards against cam surfaces <NUM>, this action causes the rod <NUM> to rotate in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed in <FIG>) against the bias of the spring <NUM>. After the latch members <NUM> have rotated sufficiently so that openings <NUM> are aligned with the pins <NUM>, the spring <NUM> rotatably snaps the latch members <NUM> back to the lock position to lock the container <NUM> to the engaging region <NUM>. It is contemplated that location and configuration of the automatic lock member <NUM> may vary. For example, the automatic lock member <NUM> may not necessarily be located in the center of the container engaging region <NUM> and may take a different form from the hook configuration as shown. In addition, only a single latch member <NUM> may be used.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the opening <NUM> for the telescopic handle member <NUM> is located between two recesses <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). These recesses <NUM> may be located on extensions <NUM> (one is shown in <FIG>) of the container engaging region <NUM>. These recesses <NUM> may be used as hand grips to facilitate the lifting of the entire rolling container assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of the container engaging region <NUM> from beneath to show other details of the automatic lock <NUM> in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In <FIG>, the container engaging region <NUM> has ridges <NUM> and recessed projections <NUM> located along an inner surface <NUM> of the container engaging region <NUM>. The recesses in projections <NUM> securely receive the rod <NUM>, while allowing rod <NUM> to rotate, as the rod <NUM> extends from one mounting structure <NUM> to the other mounting structure <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> and the handle actuating arm <NUM> are shown within track <NUM> with openings <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the handle actuating arm <NUM> has a tab portion <NUM> located near the opening <NUM> where the telescopic handle member <NUM> passes through the container engaging region <NUM>. The purpose of the tab portion <NUM> will be explained in further detail later.

<FIG> and <FIG> are perspective views of the lock member <NUM> for the handle <NUM> of the rolling container assembly <NUM> in an unlocked position and a locked position, respectively. The lock member <NUM> includes actuator <NUM> and the handle actuating arm <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the tab portion <NUM> of the handle actuating arm <NUM> is in an opening <NUM> located on the telescopic handle member <NUM>. In this embodiment, when the tab portion <NUM> is in this position, the telescopic handle member <NUM> is in a locked position wherein the handle <NUM> cannot be extended or retracted. In this embodiment, the actuator <NUM> can be actuated by being depressed against the bias of spring <NUM> (the actuator <NUM> supporting the opposite end of spring <NUM> and being restrained from movement away from arm <NUM> by a stop member (not shown) in track <NUM>). This actuation allows the handle <NUM> to be unlocked wherein the handle <NUM> may be extended or retracted. That is, when the actuator <NUM> is pressed in the direction of the telescopic handle member <NUM>, the tab portion <NUM> of the handle actuating arm <NUM> emerges out of the opening <NUM> in the telescopic handle member <NUM> and is no longer in an interfering relation with the telescopic handle member <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). With the tab portion <NUM> in this position, the telescopic handle member <NUM> may be extended or retracted. When the telescopic handle member <NUM> is extended or retracted to a desired position and the actuator <NUM> is released, the spring <NUM> biases the handle actuating arm <NUM> back to its original position so that the tab portion <NUM> snaps into the opening <NUM> on the telescopic handle member <NUM> that is aligned with the tab portion <NUM>. With the tab stop portion <NUM> in this position (as shown in <FIG>), the telescopic handle member <NUM> and handle <NUM> are in the locked position wherein they cannot be extended or retracted.

The telescopic handle member <NUM> may be fabricated of metal. It is contemplated that the telescopic handle member <NUM> may be made of plastic, wood, a combination of materials thereof, or any other suitable material as is well known in the art. In some embodiments, the container engaging region <NUM>, the automatic lock <NUM>, the handle actuating arm <NUM>, and the actuator <NUM> for the handle <NUM> may be made of plastic. It is also contemplated that the container engaging region <NUM>, the automatic lock <NUM>, the handle actuating arm <NUM>, and the actuator <NUM> may be made of metal, wood, a combination of materials thereof, or any other suitable material as is well known in the art. It is also contemplated that there may be an opening (not shown) in the central frame structure <NUM> in which the tab portion <NUM> of the handle actuating arm <NUM> passes through when reaching the opening <NUM> in the telescopic handle member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the removable container <NUM> of the rolling container assembly <NUM>, and <FIG> is a perspective bottom view of the removable container <NUM> of the rolling container assembly <NUM>. The removable container <NUM> in one embodiment of the present invention may be found in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>. In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the removable container <NUM> has a depression <NUM> in the lower portion <NUM> of the side portion <NUM>. The locking pins <NUM> are projections located on these depressions <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, there is a locking pin <NUM> on each side portion <NUM> of the removable container <NUM>. It is contemplated that the locking pins <NUM> may have other configurations or designs. For example, the locking pins <NUM> may be a rod that extends from the removable container <NUM> or hooks that hook onto the notches <NUM> of the automatic lock member <NUM>. Furthermore, the locking pins <NUM> may not necessarily extend from the depression <NUM> in the removable container <NUM>. In this embodiment, there are ridges <NUM> located below the locking pin <NUM> on the bottom surface <NUM> of the removable container <NUM>, wherein the ridges <NUM> may be used to stabilize the removable container <NUM> when the removable container <NUM> is engaged to the container engaging region <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the removable container <NUM> has feet <NUM> located on the corners. It is contemplated that the feet <NUM> may be made of plastic, rubber, or any other non-slip materials. The removable container <NUM> may also have a logo plate <NUM> located on the lid <NUM>. There may also be a logo portion <NUM> between the latches <NUM>. In the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the removable container <NUM> has a groove <NUM> located on the lid <NUM>. This asymmetrical groove <NUM> is specifically designed to allow cutting both rectangular wood and round pipe elements. The asymmetry of <NUM>/<NUM> is selected in one embodiment. It is contemplated that the groove <NUM> may be symmetrical or have other asymmetrical dimensions. The lid <NUM> may also have treads on its surface to prevent slipping of the material to be cut on the groove. The treads may be diamond shaped or of other shapes. The removable container <NUM> may also have a ridge <NUM> protruding from the front portion. There may be recesses <NUM> located on the ridge <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the latches <NUM> (or a single latch) of the removable container <NUM> comprise a latch member <NUM> and a receiving portion <NUM>. The latch member <NUM> may be pulled to disengage latch engaging portions <NUM> of the lid <NUM> so that the lid <NUM> may opened to allow access to the contents of the removable container <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrate the removable container <NUM> of one embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, there may be channels <NUM> formed on the lower portion of the removable container <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the lid <NUM> of the removable container <NUM> may be attached to the back portion <NUM> of the removable container <NUM> via hinges <NUM>. It is contemplated that the lid <NUM> may be attached using pins, screws, fastenings, bolts, or any other connection mechanism as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The bottom of the lid <NUM> may comprise strengthening ribs (not shown), which may be deployed crosswise with respect to one another. These strengthening ribs may be used to support the lid so that heavy objects can be placed on top of the lid without the lid collapsing.

As shown in <FIG>, the removable container <NUM> may be a toolbox. In the embodiment of <FIG>, there is an insert <NUM> having a handle <NUM> within the removable container <NUM>, the insert <NUM> being held within an interior space <NUM> of the removable container <NUM>. A container <NUM> having partitions <NUM> may be held in the removable container <NUM>. There may be grooves <NUM> provided near the handle <NUM> on the insert <NUM> to provide grip support when the insert <NUM> is to be carried separately from the removable container <NUM>. It is contemplated that the configuration of the interior space <NUM> may vary. For example, there may not necessarily be an insert <NUM> and container <NUM> having partitions <NUM> in the removable container <NUM>. The insert <NUM> may also be the same size length and width as the removable container <NUM> such that the insert <NUM> must be lifted to access the rest of the interior space <NUM> in the removable container <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for transporting articles between working locations, comprising:
one or more rotatable ground engaging wheels (<NUM>) mounted for rotation about an axis to provide rolling support for the apparatus;
a lower drawer (<NUM>) having an interior space in which articles to be transported can be stored; an upper drawer (19a, 19b) disposed above the lower drawer;
a slide structure having a first portion (54a, 54b) mounted to the upper drawer and a second portion (54c) mounted to the lower drawer to facilitate movement of the upper and lower drawers between open and closed positions, wherein in the closed position, an upwardly facing opening (<NUM>) of the lower drawer is disposed beneath the upper drawer;
the lower drawer and upper drawer being independently movable between their respective open and closed positions;
and a manually engageable pulling handle (<NUM>), the pulling handle and the one or more ground engaging wheels being arranged to enable a user to manually pull the pulling handle generally rearwardly so as to tilt the apparatus rearwardly to a tilted rolling movement position, thereby enabling the user to roll the apparatus to a desired location by pushing or pulling the pulling handle in a desired direction.