General mechanic's toolbox

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6736265
  • Patent Number
    6,736,265
  • Date Filed
    Thursday, December 20, 2001
    23 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 18, 2004
    20 years ago
Abstract
A general purpose mechanics toolbox that is able to withstand external environmental conditions and abuse is disclosed. Typically, the toolbox includes a main body having a front and top cover. Tubular gaskets run between the top and front covers and the body, thereby providing a watertight seal. The body is typically constructed of a high durability plastic. The toolbox can be closed and latched with a latch mechanism that can optionally be locked.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




I. Field of the Invention




The present invention relates generally to the field of toolboxes, and more particularly to highly durable and all-weather toolbox.




II. Description of the Related Art




Many professions require toolboxes for storing tools and other tool-related equipment. Toolboxes can come in a variety of forms ranging from toolboxes that can be carried to toolboxes that can be rolled on wheels. Toolboxes can also come in a variety of materials such as plastic and metal. Often times toolboxes can be subject to extreme environmental conditions in addition to much external abuse. These conditions and abuse tend to deform and damage toolboxes. For example plastic can break or deform and metal can rust, bend or break. In addition, many toolboxes do not insulate the contents from external moisture and dust, thereby damaging expensive and valuable tools inside the toolbox.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




In accordance with the present invention and the contemplated problems which have and continue to exist in this field, the invention features a general purpose mechanics toolbox that is able to withstand external environmental conditions and abuse.




In general, in one aspect, the invention features a toolbox, including a main body, a top cover connected to the main body, a front cover connected to the main body, one or more drawers located within the main body; and a seal located between the front cover and the main body and between the top cover and the main body.




In one implementation, the toolbox includes handles depressed within a portion of the main body.




In another implementation, the toolbox includes feet connected to the bottom of the main body.




In another implementation, the toolbox includes depressions on the top cover.




In another implementation, the toolbox includes a telescopic handle connected to the main body.




In another implementation, the toolbox includes wheels connected to the bottom of the main body.




In another implementation, the toolbox includes compartments located on the front cover.




In still another implementation, the toolbox includes a latch mechanism connected to the toolbox, including a latch and a latch lock.




In yet another implementation, the toolbox includes a bracket formed when the toolbox is in a closed position, the bracket having an upper portion connected to the top cover and a lower portion connected to the front cover.




In another implementation, the latch mechanism is located within the bracket.




In another implementation, the latch is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the bracket.




In another implementation, the latch lock includes a substantially J-shaped body having a long portion and a short portion, an end cap connected to the end of the long portion and a spring wrapped around the long portion and located between the end cap and the lower portion.




In another implementation, the seal includes a ridged edge connected to the top cover and a ridged edge connected to the front cover.




In another implementation, the seal further includes a gasket located with in a trench that runs along a lip of the main body and a gasket located within a trench that runs along a lip of the front cover.




In another implementation, the ridged edge of the top cover is adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket and the front cover gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position and the ridged edge of the front cover is adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position.




In another implementation, the seal further includes a gasket located with in a trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the ridged edges of the top and front covers, the trench running along a lip of the main body and a gasket located within a trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the ridged edge of the front cover, the trench running along a lip of the front cover.




In another implementation, the ridged edge of the top cover and the ridged edge in opposition are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket and the front cover gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position and the ridged edge of the front cover and the opposing gasket are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position.




In another aspect, the invention features a latch lock including a substantially J-shaped body having a long portion and a short portion, an end cap connected to the end of the long portion and a spring wrapped around the long portion and proximate the end cap.




In another aspect, the invention features a latch mechanism, including a latch having a main body having inner protrusions and an outer protrusion and a latch lock adapted to engage and interlock with the latch.




In one implementation, the latch lock includes a substantially J-shaped body having a long portion and a short portion, an end cap connected to the end of the long portion and a spring wrapped around the long portion and proximate the end cap.




In another implementation, the long portion is adapted to engage on of the inner protrusions and the short portion is adapted to engage and lock with another one of the inner protrusions.




In still another aspect, the invention features a moisture seal for a toolbox having a cover comprising a gasket running within a trench running along a lip of the toolbox, and a ridge having a tip running along a lip of the cover wherein the tip is adapted to connect with and deform the gasket and the ridge is adapted to fit into the trench, the trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the trench ridged edge, the additional ridged edge being adapted to connect with and deform the gasket.




In yet another aspect, the invention features a shatter resistant tool box, including a main body having spherical corners and one at least one cover connected to the main body, the cover having spherical corners.




In another aspect, the invention features a storage box, including a main body, a top cover connected to the main body, a front cover connected to the main body, one or more drawers located within the main body and a sealing mechanism, including a ridged edge connected to the top cover and a ridged edge connected to the front cover, a gasket located with in a trench that runs along a lip of the main body and a gasket located with in a trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the top cover and front cover ridges, the trench running along a lip of the main body and a gasket located within a trench having an additional ridged edge in opposition to the ridged edge of the top cover, the trench running along a lip of the front cover, wherein the ridged edge of the top cover and the opposing ridged edge are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket and the front cover gasket when the toolbox and a latch mechanism connected to the toolbox, including a latch and a latch lock.




In another aspect, the invention features a general purpose storage box, including a main body having one or more covers, means for creating a seal between the covers and the main body and means for connecting and locking the covers to the main body.




One advantage of the invention is that the toolbox can withstand a wide range of temperatures without becoming weakened or damaged.




Another advantage is that the invention can be dropped from a wide range of heights without sustaining any damage.




Another advantage is that the toolbox can receive a large number of high force impacts and be subject to various external motions that do not damage the toolbox or affect the contents.




Another advantage is that the toolbox is water resistant.




Another advantage is that the invention provides compact and customizable storage.




Other objects, advantages and capabilities of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

illustrates perspective view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox in an open state;





FIG. 2

illustrates perspective view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox in a closed state;





FIG. 3

illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox;





FIG. 4

illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox;





FIGS. 5A-5D

illustrate several views of an embodiment of a latch mechanism having an embodiment of a latch lock;





FIG. 6A

illustrates a view of two gaskets within trenches; and





FIG. 6B-6C

illustrate ridge and gasket configurations.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION




Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several figures, reference is made first to

FIG. 1

that illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox


100


in an open state. The toolbox


100


includes a body


105


having a front cover


110


and a top cover


120


. The front cover


110


is connected to the body


105


by hinges


115


. The top cover


120


is connected to the body


105


by hinges


125


. The body


105


can includes one or more tool drawers


140


in which various tools or other equipment can be stored. Four drawers


140


are shown contained within the body


105


. However, various drawer configurations can be assembled. For example, a drawer having the depth of two of the drawers


140


can replace two of the drawers, or two such double deep drawers can replace the four drawers


140


. A triple depth drawer can replace three of the drawers


140


. A quadruple depth drawer can replace all four of the drawers


140


. It is understood that various assemblies are contemplated in other embodiments. A flat surface


141


is typically included so that tools, other equipment or a drawer


140


can be can be laid on it. Furthermore, an additional drawer (not shown) can be laid on the surface


141


for additional storage. In such an arrangement the top cover


120


can close over the additional drawer.




The front cover


110


can include one or more compartments


150


of various sizes and depths for further storage of tools and equipment. One or more of the compartments


150


can include a hinged cover


151


. When the front cover


110


is opened in this manner, it can rest on the ground because the feet (discussed below) raise the body


105


off the ground giving the front cover


110


clearance to rest and the ground without tilting the toolbox


100


.




The body


105


includes a trench


107


that runs continuously along the lip


106


of the top of the body


105


and the front of the body


105


. The trench


107


further includes a tubular gasket


108


within the trench


107


typically manufactured of a durable rubber material. The tubular gasket


108


can be hollow or solid and typically has a circular cross section. The tubular gasket


108


is rigid but deformable and resilient. The tubular gasket


108


runs continuously along the continuous trench


107


.




The front cover


110


includes a trench


112


that runs on the lip


111


of the front cover


110


. The trench


112


is not continuous like trench


107


. The trench


112


includes a length of tubular gasket


113


similar to the tubular gasket


108


described above. Typically the tubular gasket


113


runs slightly off from the edges of the trench


112


. The front cover also includes ridged edge


114


that runs along the inner edge of the front cover


110


. Similarly, the top cover


120


includes a ridged edge


122


that runs the entire lip


121


of the top cover


120


.




The toolbox


100


further includes latches


130


connected to the front part of the top cover


120


. The latches


130


are adapted to connect and lock with the front cover


110


as described further below. The locking mating pairs


131


,


132


are adapted to line up so that a padlock can optionally be used to lock the top and front covers


110


,


120


to each other when they are in a closed position thereby locking the interior of the body


105


.




The toolbox


100


further includes handles


170


on either side of the toolbox


100


. The handles


170


are typically recessed within the body


105


so that when they are not in use they are protected from glancing blows and the like. The handles


170


are typically spring-loaded so that when they are not engaged by a user, they retract within the recesses on the body


105


.




An additional handle


175


runs along the bottom of the toolbox


100


. The handle


175


is described further below.





FIG. 2

illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox


100


in a closed state. The toolbox


100


includes the main body


105


having the front cover


110


and the top cover


120


. The covers


110


,


120


are shown interconnected by one or more latching mechanisms


135


. The latching mechanism


135


includes a bracket section


133


that is formed when the top cover


110


and front cover


110


are in contact. The latch


130


is held within the bracket and is locked into position with a latch lock


134


. The latching mechanism


135


is described in further detail below.




When in the closed state, the toolbox


100


is sealed from outer environmental conditions. One seal


140


is formed between the lip


111


of the front cover


110


and the lip


121


of the top cover


120


when the toolbox


100


is in the closed state. Another seal


141


is formed between the lip


106


of the main body


105


and the lip


11


of the front cover


110


. Another seal


142


is formed between the lip


121


of the top cover


120


and the lip


106


of the main body


105


. All of the seals


140


,


141


,


142


are formed when the top and front covers


110


,


120


are closed. As is further discussed below, the latching mechanism


135


aids in creating the water resistant seals


140


,


141


,


142


.




The toolbox


100


also includes feet (shown below). The feet typically raise the body


105


of the toolbox


100


a distance from the ground and provide support for the toolbox


100


. The toolbox


100


also includes depressions


160


on the top surface of the top cover


120


. The depressions


160


are adapted to receive the feet of another toolbox so that various toolboxes can be stacked. The depressions


160


prevent lateral sliding motion of stacked toolboxes.




The handle


175


is shown in a further extended position than in FIG.


1


. The handle


175


includes an elongated C-shaped bar


175




a


in a telescopic arrangement with tabular bodies


175




b


. The C-shaped bar


175




a


can extend and retract out of the tubular bodies


175




b


to make the handle


175


longer and shorter as needed.




The toolbox


100


also includes protrusions


179


on the front cover


110


. The protrusions


179


are discussed in further detail below.




The corners


180


of the toolbox


100


are typically spherically constructed which is described further below. The spherical shape contributes to the high durability of the toolbox


100


. It has been experimentally determined that the spherical construction of the corners


180


allows the corners


180


to withstand the largest amount of external forces, impulses, stresses and other related physical interactions on the corners


180


. For example, if the toolbox


100


is dropped on one of the corners


180


, the forces are most efficiently dissipated along the surface of the sphere that is formed into the corners


180


.





FIG. 3

illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox


100


in the closed state. The main body


105


includes the feet


150


as mentioned above. The feet


150


are generally constructed in pairs and can be placed along the understood of the main body


105


as needed. The tubular bodies


175




b


intersect the feet


150


and run along the length of the main body


105


. The C-shaped body


175




a


is shown retracted into the tubular bodies


175




b


. Wheel brackets


186


having wheels


185


are connected at one end of the main body


105


near one of the feet


150


.




The protrusions


179


connected to the front cover


120


are interconnected to the feet


150


forming the hinges


115


that connect the front cover


120


and the main body


105


. As mentioned above, the toolbox is in the closed state thereby forming the seal


141


between the lip


111


of the front cover


120


and the lip


106


of the main body


105


.





FIG. 4

illustrates a side view of an embodiment of a general purpose mechanics toolbox


100


in a closed state. The lip


121


of the top cover


120


is in contact with the lip


111


of the front cover


110


forming the seal


140


. The latching mechanism


135


including the bracket section


133


, the latch


130


and the latch lock


134


, is engaged. From the side view, the depressions


160


on the top cover


120


are shown. The side view of the feet


150


are also shown. The tubular body


175




b


runs through the feet


150


along the length of the main body


105


. The C-shaped body


175




a


is extended from the tubular body


175




b


. In this arrangement, the tool box


100


can be angled with respect to the ground


190


. At this angle the wheels


185


can be used to easily move the toolbox


100


. When desired, the toolbox


100


can then be laid on the ground


190


on the feet


150


. The C-shaped body


175




a


can be retracted back into the tubular body


175




b


, and the toolbox


100


can be opened and used.




The Latch Mechanism Embodiment




A description of the latch mechanism


135


is now discussed.

FIGS. 5A-5D

illustrate several views of an embodiment of a latch mechanism


135


.





FIG. 5A

illustrates a close up view of an embodiment of a latch mechanism


135


. The latch mechanism


135


includes a bracket section


133


that is formed when the tool box


100


is closed and lips


111


,


121


are in contact with one another. The bracket includes an upper portion


133




a


and a lower portion


133




b


. The latch


130


is held within the upper portion


133




a


of the bracket


133


. The latch


130


is pivotally connected to the upper portion


133




a


of the bracket


133


and is shown in an open and unlocked position.

FIG. 5A

also illustrates the locking mating pairs


131


,


132


. The latch lock


134


is held within the lower portion


133




b


of the bracket


133


. The latch lock


134


is typically a “J” shape, including a short portion


134




a


, a long portion


134




c


, substantially parallel to the short portion


134




a


and a middle portion


134




b


connected to and substantially perpendicular to the short and long portions


134




a


,


134




c


. A spring


134




d


is wrapped around the outer end of the long portion


134




c


. An end cap


134




e


is connected to the end of the long portion


134




c


. The spring


134




d


is positioned between the end cap


134




e


and the lower portion


133




b


of the bracket


133


. The latch lock


134


is therefore spring loaded within the lower portion


133




b


of the bracket


133


. The short portion


134




a


intersects one of the lower portions


133




b


through a hole


136


. The long portion


334




c


intersects on the lower portions


133




b


through a hole


137


and the other lower portion


133




b


through a hole


138


.




Referring still to

FIG. 5A

, the latch lock


134


typically has two positions. The first position is the neutral (engaged) position as pictured in FIG.


5


A. In the neutral position, the spring


134




d


is extended, the short portion


134




a


protrudes within the bracket


133


in between the two lower portions


133




b


and the middle portion


134




b


rests against one of the lower portions


133




b


of the bracket


133


. The latch


130


is shown in an open position in FIG.


5


A. However, the neutral position of the latch lock


134


typically locks the latch


130


in the closed and locked position as discussed below with respect to FIG.


5


D.





FIG. 5B

illustrates a side view of the latch mechanism


135


in the open and unlocked position. The mechanism


135


is shown with one of the brackets


133


removed for ease of discussion. The bracket


133


is formed with the upper and lower portions


133




a


,


133




b


and the upper and lower lips


111


,


121


in contact with each other respectively. One of the holes


138


is shown in the lower portion


133




b


. The latch


130


is pivotally connected to the upper portion


133




a


of the bracket


133


by hinge pivot


130




f.






Referring still to

FIG. 5B

the latch


130


includes a main body


130




a


and three inner protrusions


130




b


,


130




c


,


130




d


. The latch


130


also includes an outer protrusion


130




e


. The first inner protrusion


130




b


is typically a locking edge, the second inner protrusion


130




c


is typically a connection edge and the third inner protrusion


130




d


is typically a rest edge. The outer protrusion


130




e


is typically a user grip.





FIG. 5C

illustrates a close up view of an embodiment of a latch mechanism


135


in a closed and locked position. The latch


130


is secured within the bracket


133


. The latch lock


134


is shown in a loaded position. In this loaded position, the spring


134




d


is contracted, the short portion


134




a


does not protrude within the bracket


133


and the middle portion no longer rests against one of the lower portions


133




b


of the bracket


133


. The loaded position is typically attained when a user applies a force against the end cap


134




e


. Although the latch is fully secured within the bracket


133


, it is not yet locked when the latch lock


134


is in the loaded position. The long portion


134




c


is partially shown in phantom behind the latch


130


and through the holes


137


,


138


. The hole


136


is also shown in phantom.





FIG. 5D

illustrates a side view of the latch mechanism


135


in the closed and locked position. The protrusion


130




d


rests against lip


121


. The protrusion


130




c


is engaged with the long portion


134




c


. The protrusion


130




c


also engages the lip


111


. The protrusion


130




b


is engaged with the short portion


134




a


. The latch lock


134


in the neutral position. In the neutral position, the short portion


134




b


is engaged with the protrusion


130




b


. When the latch lock


134


is in the loaded position, the protrusion


130




b


and the short portion


134




a


are not engaged. It is the engagement between the protrusion


130




b


and the short portion


134




c


that locks the latch


130


within the bracket


133


. In both the neutral position and the loaded position, the long portion


134




c


is engaged with the protrusion


130




c


. There is typically enough flexibility so that the protrusion


130




c


can slide over the long portion


134




c


when forces are applied at the outer protrusion


130




e


. This ability of the protrusion


130




c


to slide over the long portion


134




c


allows a secure fit of the latch


130


into the bracket before the latch lock


134


is put into the neutral position thereby locking the latch


130


into place within the bracket


133


. Furthermore, when the protrusion


130




c


engages both the long portion


134




c


and the lip


111


, tighter seals are created at seals


140


,


141


,


142


(see FIG.


2


).




Toolbox Seal Operation





FIG. 6A

illustrates a top view of a portion of the main body


105


and front cover


110


. In the main body


105


, the gasket


108


is within the trench


107


that runs the length of lip


106


. In the front cover


110


, the gasket


113


is within the trench


117


that runs along the lip


111


. However, the gasket


113


protrudes from the trench


112


. When the toolbox is closed and the front cover


110


is closed against the main body, the protruding part of the gasket


113


overlaps with the gasket


108


and the trenches


107


,


112


meet with each other, effectively creating a continuous gasket and trench.




Referring again to

FIG. 1

, the toolbox


100


can be closed by first by closing the front cover


110


which pivot about hinges


115


. When the front cover


110


is closed in this manner, the ridged edge


114


comes into contact with the portion of the tubular gasket


108


in trench


107


on the front of the body


105


. The ridged edge


114


begins to deform that part of the gasket


108


in trench


107


thereby creating a water resistant seal.




Next, the top cover


120


is closed by pivoting the cover


120


about hinges


125


. When the top cover


120


is closed the ridged edge


122


comes into contact with the portion of the tubular gasket


108


in trench


107


. The ridged edge


122


begins to deform the tubular gasket


108


in trench


107


thereby creating a water resistant seal. Furthermore, the ridged edge


122


also comes into contact with the tubular gasket


113


that is in trench


112


and deforms it creating a water resistant seal in that area. The ridged edge


122


also pushes the protruding portion of the gasket


133


against the gasket


108


further creating a seal between the gaskets


108


,


113


.




As described above, the seals


140


,


141


,


142


are enhanced when the latch mechanisms


135


are locked. When the latch mechanisms


135


are locked into place, the ridged edges


114


,


122


are pushed deeper into their respective tubular gaskets


108


,


113


creating a further seal, virtually locking out all external moisture as well as dust and other foreign matter. This air tight quality, along with a low density material used in the manufacturing of the toolbox


100


allows the toolbox


100


to float in most circumstances.




The above descriptions discussed the gasket and ridged edge configurations responsible for creating the water resistant and foreign matter resistant seal.

FIG. 6B-6C

illustrate the ridge edge


122


and gasket


108


on the top cover


120


and main body


105


respectively. The ridged edge


122


and gasket


108


are representative of the other ridged edges and gaskets on the toolbox.





FIG. 6B

illustrates a close up cross-sectional view of the ridged edge


122


on lip


121


in proximity to and slightly deforming the gasket


108


within the trench


107


formed within the lip


106


. The ridged edge


122


includes a tip


122




a


. The gasket


108


is shown hollow. In other embodiments the gasket


108


can be solid. When the toolbox


100


is closed and locked, the seal is formed.

FIG. 6B

further illustrates an additional ridged edge


109


having a tip


109




a


and located within the trench


107


, and oriented in opposition to the ridged edge


122


. The tips


109




a


,


122




a


are adapted to engage with the gasket at seal points


108




a


. The trench


107


can have a generally concave cross section adapted to receive the gasket


108


having a particular diameter. In an implementation, the gasket


108


is typically connected to the trench


107


with glue or other suitable adhesive.





FIG. 6C

illustrates a close up and cross-sectional view of the ridged edges


109


,


122


and gasket


108


when the toolbox


100


is closed. In this arrangement, the lips


106


,


121


meet and the ridged edge


122


fits into the trench


107


in a male-female arrangement. In addition, the tips


109




a


,


122




a


deform the gasket


108


at seal points


108




a


. Typically, the gasket


108


is also deformed in such a way that parts of the gasket press against the interior walls of the lips


106


. The meeting of the lips


106


,


121


, the mating of the ridged edge


122


and the trench


107


and the deformation of the gasket


108


by the tips


109




a


,


122




a


all contribute to the water and foreign matter resistant seal.




A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, is will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Several examples are now illustrated. It is understood that the embodiments described above can be modified to be implemented in other used other than a toolbox. For example, the embodiments described above can be used for any storage and utilization such as a fishing tackle box. There is no limit to the types of storage or uses for the embodiments described above.




Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, various modifications may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof and it is desired, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are imposed by the prior art and which are set forth in the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A toolbox, comprising:a main body; a top cover connected to the main body; a front cover connected to the main body; one or more drawers located within the main body; and a seal located between the front cover and the main body and between the top cover and the main body; a latch mechanism connected to the toolbox, the latch mechanism including a latch and a latch lock, the latch lock comprising: a substantially J-shaped body having a long portion and a short portion; an end cap connected to the end of the long portion; and a spring wrapped around the long portion and located between the end cap and the lower portion; a bracket formed when the toolbox is in a closed position, the bracket having an upper portion connected to the top cover and a lower portion connected to the front cover; wherein the latch mechanism is located within the bracket and wherein the latch is pivotally connected to the upper portion of the bracket.
  • 2. The toolbox as claimed in claim 1, further comprising handles depressed within a portion of the main body.
  • 3. The toolbox as claimed in claim 1, further comprising feet connected to the bottom of the main body.
  • 4. The toolbox as claimed in claim 1, further comprising depressions on the top cover.
  • 5. The toolbox as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a telescopic handle connected to the main body.
  • 6. The toolbox as claimed in claim 1, further comprising wheels connected to the bottom of the main body.
  • 7. The toolbox as claimed in claim 1, further comprising compartments located on the front cover.
  • 8. A toolbox, comprising:a main body; a top cover connected to the main body; a front cover connected to the main body; one or more drawers located within the main body; and a seal located between the front cover and the main body and between the top cover and the main body, wherein the seal includes a ridged edge connected to the top cover and a ridged edge connected to the front cover; and wherein the seal further includes a gasket located with in a trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the ridged edges of the top and front covers, the trench running along a lip of the main body and a gasket located within a trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the ridged edge of the front cover, the trench running along a lip of the front cover.
  • 9. The toolbox as claimed in claim 8, wherein the ridged edge of the top cover and the ridged edge in opposition are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket and the front cover gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position and the ridged edge of the front cover and the opposing gasket are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position.
  • 10. A storage box comprising:a main body; a top cover connected to the main body; a front cover connected to the main body; one or more drawers located within the main body; and a sealing mechanism, including: a ridged edge connected to the top cover and a ridged edge connected to the front cover; a gasket located with in a trench having an additional ridged edge oriented in opposition to the top cover and front cover ridges, the trench running along a lip of the main body and a gasket located within a trench having an additional ridged edge in opposition to the ridged edge of the top cover, the trench running along a lip of the front cover, wherein the ridged edge of the top cover and the opposing ridged edge are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket and the front cover gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position and the ridged edge of the front cover and the opposing ridged edge are adapted to connect with and deform the main body gasket when the toolbox is in a closed position; and a latch mechanism connected to the toolbox, including a latch and a latch lock.
Parent Case Info

This application is a utility application claiming priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/272,104, filed on Feb. 28, 2001, entitled “General Mechanic's Toolbox”.

STATEMENT OF UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN THE INVENTION

This invention was made with U.S. Government support under contract DAAE20-02-D-0009 awarded by the U.S. Army. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

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Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
60/272104 Feb 2001 US