Patent Application
20140217044
The present invention relates to work benches and tool chests.
Commonly, tool users store their tools in tool chests or boxes. Such tool boxes generally comprise a housing having a plurality of drawers or compartments. The user places their tools in those compartments. The tool box often includes a handle or the like, permitting the user to transport the tools therein by picking up and carrying the tool box.
A tool user may also have a work bench. Such a workbench often comprises a raised work surface. For example, the workbench may include a generally planar work top which is supported in an elevated position by four legs. The user may place work elements, tools and the like on the work top, whereby they are supported in an elevated position.
While tool boxes and work benches each have beneficial features, they also each have substantial limitations. For example, tool boxes are generally heavy, particularly when the tool box is fairly large and/or contains more than a few tools. This makes it difficult for a user to transport their tools. In addition, tool boxes house the tools inside the housing thereof. Thus, a user can not readily see the tools which are in the toolbox.
Work benches provide a convenient work surface. Like tool boxes, however, work benches cannot conveniently be moved or transported. In addition, work benches are not designed to contain tools. Thus, a user's tool box may be in one location while the user's workbench may be in another location.
A solution to these and other problems with existing tool boxes and work benches is desired.
One aspect of the invention is a tool cart. In general, the tool cart includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface. The tool cart is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the tool cart is preferably modular, permitting the configuration thereof to be user-configurable.
In one embodiment, the tool cart includes a frame having a front, a rear, a first end and a second end and defining an interior space. The tool cart further includes a generally planar work surface located in the interior space and dividing the interior space into a work space above the work surface and a storage space below the work surface.
In one embodiment a vertically extending work back extends upwardly from the work surface at a rear of the frame. A plurality of movable and/or removable tool-supporting storage elements are located in the storage space below the work surface. In one embodiment, the number of storage elements and their location and/or configuration within the storage space, may be varied so as to custom-configure the tool cart.
One or more tools may be mounted on the work back for use by a user of the work surface and whereby one or more tools, parts or other elements may be stored at the work back and/or in the storage space.
The tool cart may include other features, such as closeable and/or lockable areas, power and lights.
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
One embodiment of the invention is a tool cart. In general, the tool cart includes tool containing or supporting features as well as workbench features, such as a work surface. The tool cart is preferably mobile, permitting it to be moved or transported. In addition, the tool cart is preferably modular, permitting the configuration thereof to be user-configurable.
One embodiment of a modular tool cart 20 in accordance with the present invention will be described first with reference to
In one embodiment, the frame 20 may include one or more connecting elements or braces. As described below, in other embodiments, the supports 24 may be joined by one or more shelves. In a preferred embodiment, the supports 24 are arranged in a generally rectangular configuration with the supports 24 generally located at the corners. In such a configuration, the tool cart 20 generally has a front 26, an opposing rear 32 (see also
In a preferred embodiment, the frame 22 supports one or more other elements. One such element is a work surface 34. The work surface 34 is preferably supported by the supports 24 between their first and second ends, so as to be supported in a raised position. In one embodiment, the work surface 34 is positioned at between 30-42 inches, and most preferably about 37 inches above the bottom of the tool cart 20 (including the wheels 36, if any). Preferably, the work surface 34 separates the tool cart 20 into a work space portion or area 38 which is generally above the work surface 34, and a tool storage portion or area 40 which is generally below the work surface 34.
In one embodiment, the work surface 34 has a top 46 which is generally planar and solid. The work surface 34 might be defined, for example, by a sheet of wood. However, the work surface 34 could be plastic, metal or the like. As indicated, the work surface 34 is supported by the supports 24. In one embodiment, the work surface 34 is supported by a shelf 42. The shelf 42 preferably comprises one or more supporting members which are connected to one or more of the supports 24 by mounts 44.
As illustrated, the shelf 42 comprises a generally rectangular frame member which is supported at four corners thereof by mounts 44 which attach to each of the supports 24. The frame portion of the shelf 42 may have various configurations. For example, the shelf 42 might include four peripheral beams which are configured to support the work surface 34 about its periphery. In other embodiments, the frame portion of the shelf 42 may include various cross-members or elements which generally extend from the first side 28 to the second side 30 of the tool car 20, and/or from the front 26 to the back 32 thereof, whereby one or more portions of the bottom of the work surface 34 are supported. For example, the shelf 42 might comprise front and back frame members which are connected by a plurality of spaced cross-members. Such a shelf 42 may be constructed of metal or other elements.
In an embodiment where the supports 24 comprise rod-like members, the mounts 44 may comprise sleeves. Each sleeve preferably comprises a body having a passage there through which is configured to accept the support 24 therein. The mount 44 also includes a locking or connecting member. For example, the locking member might comprise a screw which extends through a passage in the sleeve. During assembly, the mounts 44 of the shelf 42 may be slid along the supports 24 to the desired mounting location of the work surface 34. The locking members may then be engaged (such as by tightening the screws into engagement with the supports 24), thus fixing the position of the shelf 42, and thus the work surface 34.
Of course, the work surface 34 and/or shelf 42 might have other configurations. For example, the work surface 34 might include one or more mounts which allows the work surface to be directly mounted to the supports 24. As one example, if the work surface 34 were metal, the mounts 44 might comprise metal sleeve which are welded to the work surface.
The work surface 34 might connect to the supports 24 in other manners as well. For example, instead of using screws, the mounts might support pins which slide into and out of engagement with mounting holes in the supports. In another embodiment, the work surface 34 might include tabs which are configured to fit within slots which are formed in the supports 24. The slots might extend at an angle downwardly into the supports and the tabs may be aligned with the slots so that gravity maintains the work surface 34 in place in the slots.
Preferably, the work surface 34 is adjustably mounted to the supports 24. In this manner, a user may adjust the position of the work surface 34. This permits for example, users of different heights to change the height of the work surface 34.
As indicated, a work space 38 is preferably defined above the work surface 34. Preferably, the work space 38 has a generally open front which corresponds to the front 26 of the tool cart 20. The open front permits a user to engage or use the work surface 34 and a space above the work surface 34.
In a preferred embodiment, a generally vertical work back 48 is defined at the work space 38. The work back 48 is preferably located at the back 32 of the tool cart 20. In one embodiment, the work back 48 is associated with the rear supports 24. In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the work back 48 extends generally from the first side 28 to the second side 30 of the tool cart 20, and upwardly from the top 46 of the work surface 34 to at or near the top of the tool cart 20.
In a preferred embodiment, the work back 48 comprises one or more generally planar panels. Preferably, the panels are configured to support one or more tools, work pieces or other elements. As one example, the work back 48 may comprise one or more peg boards. These boards are generally planar and define a plurality of apertures 50 there through. The apertures 50 are configured to accept tool mounts, such as pins, hangers or the like.
The work back 48 may be constructed from various materials, including wood. In a preferred embodiment, the work back 48 is generally opaque. However, in other embodiments, the work back 48 might be generally transparent, thus permitting light from behind the tool cart 20 to illuminate the work space 38 and permitting a user to see through the work back 48 to the area behind the tool cart 20.
The work back 48 may be mounted or connected to the rear supports 24, such as by one or more connectors. The one or more connectors may permit the position of the work back 48 to be adjusted, such as to raise or lower it to correspond to the desired position of the work surface 34.
In one embodiment, the tool cart 20 may include one or more side panels 52. The side panels 52 are preferably located at the work space 38. In one embodiment, a first side panel 52 extends upwardly from the work surface 34 at the first side 28 of the tool cart 20, and a second side panel 52 extends upwardly from the work surface 34 at the second side 30 of the tool cart 20.
The side panels 52 may have various configurations. Again, the side panels 52 may be opaque or transparent. Where the side panels 52 are used to generally enclose the sides of the work space 38, the side panels 52 are preferably opaque. The side panels 52 might comprise, for example, peg boards or other elements which are preferably designed to store, support and/or mount one or more tools, work pieces or the like. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the side panel 52 at the first side 28 of the tool cart 20 includes one or more shelves 54, while the side panel 52 at the second side 30 of the tool cart 20 includes one or more mounting holes or apertures, such as for peg, pins or other tool mounts.
In one embodiment, the side panels 52 may be mounted to the supports 24 which are located at either side of the tool cart 20. The side panels 52 may be adjustably mounted, such as to permit the position thereof to be adjusted up and down. The side panels 52 might also be replaceable, such as to permit different side panels 52 to be used with the tool cart 20.
In a preferred embodiment, one or more storage elements are located in the storage space 40 which is below the work surface 34. The storage elements may comprise, but are not limited to, one or more shelves, bins, trays, drawers, or hangers. One or more of the storage elements may be lockable. Most preferably, the location, number and type of such storage elements may be changed.
One configuration of storage elements is illustrated in
The shelves 60-64 may have various forms. Preferably, the shelves 60-64 define one or more supporting surfaces. As with the shelf 42, these shelves 60-64 may have various formats, such as comprising solid planar members, wire-mesh members or the like. As illustrated in
In one configuration, storage elements may be mounted for movement relative to the frame 22. For example, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, corresponding slides 74 are located at opposing sides of the frame 22. In such a configuration, a first slide member 76 may be supported by mounts 66 which are connected to mounts 66 which are connected to the front and rear supports 24 at each side of the frame 22. The first slide member 76 may be configured to movably support a second slide member 78 (see
Of course, a variety of elements may be movably mounted to the tool cart 20 in such a manner. For example, as illustrated in
As also illustrated in
As indicated, the storage space 40 may be arranged into a variety of configuration, such as illustrated in
Of course, the illustrated configurations are just examples of the multitude of different configurations of the storage space 40. As indicated, the particular storage space elements and their location may have a multitude of variations/configurations.
In one embodiment, the various storage elements may be configured to be detachably connected to the mounts 66. In this manner, the mounts 66 may be left on the supports 24 (though their position may be changed along the supports), while permitting the different elements to be changed. For example, a shelf might be disconnected from four mounts and instead two slides might be connected to those mounts for supporting a bin or drawer. This permits a user to substitute a bin for a shelf without having to remove the mounts from the frame.
Of course, various storage elements might be configured to be connected to the slides. For example, first slide portions may be mounted to pairs of mounts. Second slide portions may be mounted to shelves, bins or other features, thus permitting these elements to be substituted or changed merely by disconnecting the slides associated with one storage element (such as a drawer) and connecting the slides associated with another storage element (such as a shelf). In one embodiment, various storage elements may be pre-configured with such mounting features and then sold or provided to a user in a “ready to use” configuration. For example, user might purchase a tool cart 20 which is pre-configured with certain storage elements, such as three shelves. The user might purchase accessories, such as one or more bins or drawers, which the user can readily substitute for one or more of the shelves.
The tool cart 20 may have a variety of other features or elements. For example, as illustrated in
The top 82 might be solid, such as to fully enclose the top of the work space 38, or it might be partially open, such as to let light through the top of the tool cart 20 into the work space 38. Alternatively, the top 82 might have one or more windows or be transparent or have transparent portions for allowing light to pass there though while still enclosing the top of the work space 38.
The tool cart 20 may include one or more power sources. Such power source may be self-contained, such as in the case of one or more batteries which might be mounted to or supported by the tool cart 20. Such batteries might, for example, provide a 12V DC power source. In other embodiments, the tool cart 20 might include one or more power cables or jacks. Power might be supplied to these cables or jacks, such as from an outside power source, such as via a 120 AC power source. For example, a power jack may be mounted to the tool cart 20, which power jack may include or be connected to a power cable which is plugged into an adjacent wall jack.
As indicated, one or more portions of the tool cart 20 may be defined by an open frame 22. Portions of the tool cart 20 may be enclosed. For example, as indicated above, a back panel 48, top 82 and one or more side panels 52 may at least partially enclosed the work space 38. In addition, as illustrated in
In one embodiment, the storage space 40 might be accessible from the rear of the tool cart 20. For example, one or more of the shelves, drawers or other storage elements might be configured to open or slide outwardly of the rear of the tool cart 20. In one preferred embodiment, the shelves, drawers or other storage elements may be movable towards the front or rear of the tool cart 20. Such a configuration has a number of advantages. First, if a user is standing at the front of the tool cart 20 at the work surface 34, a second user might move the shelves, drawers or other storage elements to the rear or otherwise access tools or parts in the storage area 40 from the rear, without interfering with the first user (without such a feature, the first user would have to move away from the tool cart 20 in order to provide space to open the shelves or drawers towards the front of the tool cart 20). In addition, the ability to access tools or parts in the storage area 40 from the rear of the tool cart 20 provides convenient access thereto (as opposed to having to reach to the back of the drawer, shelf or other storage element from the front of the tool cart 20, which may be a substantial distance). Of course, in such a configuration the back of the tool cart 20 may include one or more movable panels or doors for selectively closing/locking the rear thereof but still permitting access to the storage area 40 from the rear of the tool cart 20. In such a configuration, certain drawers, shelves or other storage elements might be accessible from or move outwardly of the front of the tool cart 20, while others are accessible from or move outwardly of the rear of the tool cart 20.
For example, at a particular horizontal location, a first drawer might extend from approximately the mid-point of the tool cart 20 to the front thereof and be configured to open to the front, while a second drawer might extend from approximately the mid-point of the tool cart 20 to the rear thereof and be configured to open to the rear (i.e. the drawers are in back-to-back relationship). One advantage to this configuration is that the entire depth of the storage area 40 is utilized but access to thereto is much more convenient.
The first and second doors 84,86 may be configured to rotate between a first, closed position and, as illustrated in
As indicated herein, in a preferred embodiment the tool cart 20 is mobile, such as by mounting it upon one or more wheels. In one embodiment, one or more brakes or similar elements may be provided for securing the tool cart 20 in a particular location. For example, a brake may be provided with one or more of the wheels, which brake can be engaged or dis-engaged by the user. Of course, other types of brakes might be used, such as a foot which may be rotated from a retracted position to a use position in which a portion thereof engages the ground. In other embodiments, one or more motors (such as electrically-powered motors) might be provided for powering one or more of the wheels. One or more user controls might be provided for controlling the motors, such as to drive and/or turn the wheels.
The tool cart 20 of the invention has numerous advantages. First, the tool cart 20 is configured to store various tools, in a manner similar to a tool box or chest. For example, the tool cart 20 includes a storage space 40 at which tools may be stored. In addition, tools may be stored on the work back 48 or the like. Advantageously, the tools may easily be transported owing to the mobile configuration of the tool cart 20. For example, the tools may be rolled along with the tool cart 20 from one location (such as within a garage) to another location (such as outside a garage to a driveway to work on a car).
The tool cart 20 also includes a work surface 34. Thus, the tool cart 20 can be used to support work elements. Because the work surface 34 is part of the tool cart 20, the work surface 34 is also mobile and can thus, unlike conventional work benches, easily be transported or moved from one location to another.
Advantageously, the work surface 34 is provided at the same location where the tools are stored: at the tool cart itself. Thus, when the tool cart 20 is moved, the work surface 34 and the associated tools move so that they are, at the same time, at the same new location.
Another advantage of the tool cart 20 is the modular configuration of the cart. As indicated herein, this permits the configuration of the tool cart 20 to be changeable. First, the modular construction of the tool cart 20 readily permits a manufacturer to create and sell tool carts 20 having different initial configurations without having to substantially change the design of the tool cart or the manufacturing process thereof. In addition, the construction of the tool cart 20 permits an end user to change the configuration of the tool cart 20.
As indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the position of the work surface 34 may be changed, such as to accommodate users of different heights. In addition, the configuration of the storage space 40 may be changed, such as by changing the location, number and/or type(s) of storage elements within that space.
In one embodiment, the tool cart 20 may be used to secure one or more tools or work elements. For example, the work space 38 may be closeable and lockable, such as by using the above-described lockable doors 84,86. In another configuration, the storage space 40 may also be closeable and/or lockable. For example, the storage space 40 may include one or more drawers or bins which define sub-storage spaces which may be closed and/or locked. In another embodiment, various panels or other members such as doors may be used to enclose the storage space 40. For example, side and back panels may enclose portions of the storage space 40 and the front of the storage space 40 may be selectively closeable and/or lockable via one or more moveable doors.
In a configuration where the tool cart 20 is lockable or defines lockable areas, the tool cart 20 may be used as a “kit” which can be safely transported from one location to another. For example, a business may wish to ship a tool cart 20 preloaded with particular tools and workpieces from a home office to a remote field location. The business may pre-configure the tool cart 20 into the desired configuration, with the desired tools and workpieces. The tool cart 20 may then be locked or secured and then shipped. During shipping, the tools and workpieces are protected from theft or loss due to the secure nature of the tool cart 20. In addition, when the tool cart 20 arrives at the field, the user has all of the necessary tools, workpieces and a work platform to perform the necessary work. When the job is complete, the user may replace all of the tools and associated elements (such as replaced parts, etc.), re-secure the tool cart 20 and ship it back.
In this manner, the tool cart 20 may be configured for specific jobs/uses and then be configured for other jobs uses. For example, a tool cart 20 might be pre-configured for a first job, such as replacing an airplane oil pump (using a specific first set of associated tools and parts). After that first job, the tool cart 20 may be returned and then be pre-configured to a second job, such as replacing an airplane door latch (using a specific second set of associated tools and parts). This feature permits the tool cart 20 be pre-configured for specific uses, thus ensuring that the proper tools (and/or parts) are ready for the user and avoiding having other tools and parts be associated with the tool cart (thus making it more difficult to determine which tools/parts are needed and also avoiding the risk of loss of unneeded tools and parts).
In one embodiment, the tool cart 20 may be configured with markings, mounts or other elements for specifically tracking tools and/or parts. For example, in one embodiment, different work backs 48 may be associated with the tool cart 20. Each work back 48 may have a different configuration, such as different tool mounts, different brackets or other supports for different tools or the like, whereby different tools or sets of tools may be readily associated with different work backs 48. Such different work backs 48 may also include tool or part outlines or the like, such as printed on the surface(s) thereof. Such markings or outlines may indicate where particular tools or parts are to be associated with the work back. The markings or outlines may be similar in shape to the particular tool or part which is to be stored in that particular location, thus aiding the user in associating the correct tool with the correct location.
In another embodiment, referring to
As another aspect of the invention, different storage elements may be custom-configured for particular applications. For example, the storage elements may similarly be pre-configured with markings or mounts for particular tools or be configured to accept templates or the like. As one example, a template may be located on the planar surface of the shelf. The template may mark the location of specific tools or parts.
In another configuration, the storage elements may include specifically shaped storage locations for one or more tools/parts. For example, a drawer may be molded to have different storage locations for sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches or the like. In other embodiment, as illustrated in
Of course, the work back 48, templates 98A,B, storage elements or associated inserts, etc. may have other configurations. For example, they may be printed or include tool numbers, part numbers or other information for specifically identifying tools, parts and/or jobs.
In use, the work back 48 and/or storage elements may be configured for a specific set of tools and/or parts, such as by associating the above-described templates. The associated tools and/or parts are preferably then associated with the tool cart 20 in the indicated positions. The tool cart 20 may then be transported and/or used, such as to perform a particular task. When the task is complete, the tools and/or used parts are preferably returned to the designated locations. One particular advantage of this aspect of the invention is that a user can see where each tool and/or part is supposed to go and a visual inspection will readily reveal if tools or parts are missing (because tools and/or parts are missing from their designated location(s).
In this regard, the tool cart 20 can be used not only to expedite a particular job by being pre-configured with the necessary tools and parts, but the loss of tools and parts can be minimized.
In one embodiment, the overall dimensions of the tool cart 20 may be carefully controlled so that it can readily be moved and/or shipped. In a preferred embodiment, the tool cart 20 is no more than about 24-36 inches, and most preferably about 30 inches, deep from front to back and no more than about 70-82, and most preferably about 72 inches, high so that it can be rolled through most doorways.
It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
