US20060021985A1

US20060021985A1 - Suspendable tool box

Info

Publication number: US20060021985A1
Application number: US10/900,621
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Jasper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-28
Filing date: 2004-07-28
Publication date: 2006-02-02

Abstract

A storage receptacle for suspension from a horizontal support comprises a plurality of walls defining an interior compartment and includes an open top and at least one lid including first and second ends. The first end is pivotally connected to one of the walls for rotation between a closed position, wherein said lid covers the open top of said receptacle, and an open position, wherein the second end of said lid is disposed outwardly from the first pivotally connected end, thereby allowing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle. At least one handle is disposed on the one of the plurality of walls adjacent the first end of the lid and projects outwardly therefrom to support the lid in a generally horizontal position when in an open position, and at least one bracket is disposed on the receptacle and is adapted to suspend the receptacle from the horizontal support.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to storage receptacles, and in particular to a tool box.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lift manufacturers, as for example manufacturers of scissor lifts and/or aerial lifts, and scaffolding typically supply these lifts with an elevated platform having a guard rail or the like. In general, workers put the working materials and/or tools on the floor of the elevated platform of the lift or scaffolding when not in use, and utilize the floor of the platform as a working surface. Therefore, the worker is required to constantly bend over when either using or storing the tools, or when utilizing the floor as a work surface. Further, by storing tools and/or materials on the floor of the lift or scaffolding, these items are prone to being knocked off of the lift, whereby the tools and/or materials may be damaged. On the other hand, if the items are not damaged, the lift operator must then lower the lift to retrieve the fallen items, thereby taking time away from the job at hand. Further yet, once the worker's shift is over the worker must collect and remove these items from the lift or scaffolding in order to secure them from being stolen and/or used by unauthorized personal.
In an effort to avoid the above-described problems, workers have rigged or attached boxes, wood and other supports to the lifts to hold their materials/tools. However, these rigs may get in the way of the worker and may not adequately address the various needs of workers using the lift.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for suspension from a horizontal support including a plurality of walls arranged to define an interior compartment and includes an open top and at least one lid including a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotally connected to one of the walls for rotation between a closed position wherein the lid covers the open top of the receptacle, and an open position wherein the second end of the lid is disposed outwardly from the first pivotally connected end, thereby allowing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle. At least one handle is disposed on the one of the plurality of walls adjacent the first end of the lid and projects outwardly therefrom to support the lid in a generally horizontal position when the lid is in the open position and at least one support member is adapted to suspend the receptacle from a horizontal support.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a storage receptacle for suspension from a horizontal support comprising including a plurality of walls arranged to define an interior compartment includes an open top, a first wall, a second wall, opposite end walls and an aperture disposed within one of the walls. The receptacle also includes a pair of lids having first and second ends, wherein the first ends are pivotally connected to the opposite end walls of the receptacle for rotation from a closed position wherein the lids close off at least a substantial portion of the open top of the receptacle, and an open position wherein the second ends of the lids are disposed outwardly from the first pivotally connected ends, thereby allowing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle. A pair of handles is disposed at the opposite end walls of the receptacle and project outwardly therefrom to support the pair of lids in a generally horizontal position when the lids are in the open position. At least one support member is adapted to suspend the receptacle from the horizontal support and at least one tray is disposed within the interior compartment and includes a plurality of sides. The tray includes at least one extension extending beyond at least one of the sides and disposed through the aperture in the receptacle such that when the extension is extended through the aperture, the extension and the support member at least partially surround the horizontal support to prevent the removal of the receptacle from the horizontal support.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a locking storage receptacle which is adapted to be suspended from a horizontal support. The storage receptacle includes a plurality of walls which define an interior compartment, at least one aperture is disposed on one of the plurality of walls and at least one support member is adapted to suspend the receptacle from the horizontal support. A locking mechanism is disposed at least partially within the interior compartment and includes at least one extension which extends through the aperture in the receptacle such that when the extension is inserted through the aperture, the extension extends outwardly from the aperture, whereby the extension and the support member at least partially surround the horizontal support to prevent the removal of the receptacle from the horizontal support.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a tool box according to one aspect of the present invention, wherein the tool box is supported on a horizontal railing of an aerial lift;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the tool box of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the tool box of FIG. 1 with a pair of lids in an open position and a tray disposed therein;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the tool box of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the tool box of FIG. 3 with the tray removed;
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool box of FIG. 1 with the tray being inserted therein;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tool box along line VII-VII of FIG. 2 illustrating a tray locking feature;
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a tool box according to another aspect of the present invention; and
FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the locking feature of the tool box of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of preferred embodiment, wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding features throughout the several figures of the drawings.
For the purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
The reference numeral 2 (FIG. 1) generally designates a suspendable tool box according to one aspect of the present invention. In the illustrated example, tool box 2 includes a storage receptacle or box 10 comprising a pair of lids 12 and 14 hingedly connected thereto for pivoting between an open and closed position. A pair of handles 16 and 18 are disposed on storage receptacle 10 to provide a support for lifting tool box 2 as well as for supporting lids 12 and 14 when in the open position. A pair of brackets 20 and 22 are secured to a rear wall of storage receptacle 10 and support storage receptacle 10 along a horizontal bar, railing or support 4, off of a floor surface of an aerial lift 5. Vertical support brackets 24 and 26 extend downwardly from storage receptacle 10 and abut a horizontal support 4B, thereby preventing tool box 2 from swinging or rotating when suspended. A tray 28 is disposed within storage receptacle 10 for supporting accessories thereon.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, storage box 10 includes a plurality of side walls 30-33 defining an interior compartment 34 having an open top 35 and a closed or partially closed bottom 36. With reference to FIG. 3, bottom 36 may be fabricated to include a plurality of apertures 37, thereby creating a partially closed bottom.
Storage receptacle 10 may be fabricated from numerous materials. Generally a ridged material is used such that receptacle 10 is capable of supporting items, for example tools and other work related items may be stored therein, as well as preventing the unauthorized access to the items disposed therein when the tool box is closed. Storage receptacle 10 may be fabricated from aluminum sheets which are welded or otherwise secured together. However, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and storage receptacle 10 may be fabricated from any known method, including machining, bending, molding or the like and from any known materials including plastics, metals, ceramics and or composites thereof.
With reference to FIG. 3, at least one lid is pivotally connected to one of the plurality of walls 30-33 thereby allowing open top 35 to be closed by the at least one lid. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of lids 12 and 14 are hingedly connected by pair of hinges 38 and 40 disposed on opposite end walls 30 and 32 of storage receptacle 10. Lids 12 and 14 comprise first ends 42 and 44, wherein hinges 38 and 40 are attached for pivotal movement of lids 12 and 14, respectively, and opposite second ends 46 and 48. Lids 12 and 14 rotate between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position lids 12 and 14 cover open top 35 of receptacle 10, whereby ends 46 and 48 of lids 12 and 14, respectively, are adjacent and/or abuttingly adjoin one another (FIG. 2). When in the open position (FIG. 3), ends 46 and 48 are disposed outwardly from the first pivotally connected end, thereby allowing access to the interior compartment 34 of receptacle 10. When lids 12 and 14 are in their respective open positions, each is supported by an associated handle 16 and 18, respectively, as described in more detail below.
The aforementioned lids 12 and 14 are supported, when in an open position, by handles 16 and 18. Handles 16 and 18 may be disposed on opposite end walls 30 and 32 of receptacle 10 and protrude outwardly therefrom. When lids 12 and 14 are in their respective open positions, top surfaces 50 and 51 of lids 12 and 14, respectively, are supported on a horizontal handle surface 52 and 53 of handle 16 and 18, respectively, thereby supporting lids 12 and 14 in a generally horizontal open position. Lids 12 and 14 may also include side flanges 54. When lids 12 and 14 are in their respective open positions, surfaces 56 and 57 of lids 12 and 14, respectively, are oriented upwardly and generally horizontally thereby providing one or more work surfaces upon which tools may be placed and/or work functions completed. Flanges 54 are upwardly turned when lids 12 and 14 are in their open position and aid in the retention of materials and/or tools disposed on work surfaces 56 and 57. As described in more detail below, when lids 12 and 14 are in their respective closed positions, the lids 12 and 14 prevent access to the interior compartment 34.
With reference to FIG. 4, brackets 20 and 22 are disposed on one of the plurality of walls 30-33 of storage receptacle 10 and in a preferred embodiment are disposed on a rear wall 31. Brackets 20 and 22 are rigidly secured to storage receptacle 10 and are configured to support storage receptacle 10 upon a horizontal support 4 of an aerial lift 5. In a preferred embodiment, brackets 20 and 22 comprise a U-shaped member which is rigidly affixed to rear wall 31 of receptacle 10, wherein the U-shaped member is sized so as to be able to overlie the railing 4 thereby supporting receptacle 10. Although not required, brackets 20 and 22 may also contain vertical support brackets 24 and 26 which extend downwardly below bottom 36 of receptacle 10 such that the vertical support brackets 24 and 26 will rest upon a horizontal support 4B thereby suspending storage receptacle 10 in a generally horizontally configuration and preventing the rotation or swinging of storage receptacle 10 which would otherwise occur due to rotation of storage receptacle 10 about horizontal support 4 on brackets 20 and 22. For example, a typical scissor lift may include a lower rail 4B which is separated from the upper rail 4 by about 18 inches. In this case, vertical support brackets 24 and 26 will extend downwardly below bottom 36 of receptacle 10 by about 2.0 feet to ensure that brackets will extend over the rail 4B, thereby preventing the aforementioned rotation. By extending vertical support brackets 24 and 26 across horizontal support 4 B storage receptacle 10 is prevented from this rotation, thereby providing a stable storage receptacle and work surface.
With reference to FIG. 3, a tray 28 is closely received within an upper portion of storage receptacle 10 for supporting items thereon. Tray 28 may include a plurality of upstanding sides 60-63 and a bottom surface 64 (FIG. 5). Bottom surface 64 may be configured to have a plurality of apertures 65 such that debris and/or other small particles may fall therethrough. For example, a wire mesh or other material having a plurality of apertures may be used for bottom surface 64 thereby supporting items disposed within tray 28 while simultaneously allowing dirt and debris to fall therethrough. With respect to FIGS. 5-7, tray 28 is supported within storage receptacle 10 by a plurality of supports 66-69. Typically, each side 60-63 will rest upon a single support 66-69, respectively. Tray 28 may be removed from storage receptacle 10 by utilizing a handle 29 disposed therein, thereby allowing access to a lower interior portion of receptacle 10.
FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a locking system to lock the tool box 2 to the railing 4 of lift 5. The locking system is incorporated into tray 28 and includes a pair of rods 80 and 81 transversely disposed along a bottom surface 82 of tray 28 and extending rearwardly therefrom. Rods 80 and 81 can be positioned within apertures 84 and 85, respectively, to prevent the removal of tool box 2 from rail 4. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, rod 81 is illustrated being inserted into an aperture 85 disposed in rear wall 31 of receptacle 10 such that when tray 28 is disposed within receptacle 10 (FIG. 7) a rear portion 86 of rod 81 extends from rear surface 31, below a bottom surface 6 of horizontal support 4 and bracket 22, thereby preventing removal of receptacle 10 without first removing tray 28 as discussed in more detail below. Front side 63 of tray 28 also includes an upwardly-extending tab 88 having an aperture 89 disposed therethrough. Upwardly-extending tab 88 and corresponding aperture 89 are disposed on side 63 of tray 28 such that aperture 89 is co-linear with an aperture 90 disposed in front side 33 of receptacle 10, thereby allowing a locking device (not shown) to be inserted therethrough to lock receptacle 10 and prevent it from being removed from rail 4.
In use, suspendable tool box 2 is disposed on horizontal support 4 by opening lid members 12 and 14 to their respective open positions and removing tray 28 from interior compartment 34 of storage receptacle 10. Lids 12 and 14 are then closed to allow access to handles 16 and 18 which are used to lift receptacle 10. Brackets 20 and 22 are disposed over support 4 and vertical support brackets 24 and 26, extending from rear surface 31 of storage receptacle 10, are disposed against a lower support railing 4B, thereby supporting storage receptacle 10 in an upright configuration off of a floor surface. Lids 12 and 14 will be again moved to their respective open positions allowing access to interior compartment 34 of receptacle 10 as well as inside surface 56 and 57 of lids 12 and 14, respectively, which may be utilized independently or in conjunction with one another as a work surface. Tray 28 will typically be reinserted into interior compartment 34 and supported on supports 66-69 while tool box 2 is in use thereby providing an additional surface 64 for support and/or use. Of course, tray 28 may be removed to allow access to a lower portion of interior compartment of 34.
To secure tool box 2 on horizontal support 4, tray 28 must be disposed within interior compartment 34 as illustrated in FIG. 7, i.e. by inserting tray 28 into storage receptacle 10 such that rods 80 and 81 extend through apertures 84 and 85 thereby preventing receptacle 10 from being removed from rail 4. In this manner, rods 80 and 81 disposed below horizontal support 4 prevent tool box 2 from being removed therefrom by at least partially surrounding or capturing horizontal support 4 between rods 80 and 81 and brackets 20 and 22, respectively. Therefore, tray 28 must be removed in order to lift storage receptacle 10 off of horizontal support 4. To prevent tray 28 from being removed, a locking device is inserted through aperture 89 of tab 88 and aperture 90 of storage receptacle 10, thereby preventing the unauthorized removal of tray 28. In the preferred embodiment, apertures 89 and 90 are sized to accommodate a padlock or similar locking device (not shown). With respect to FIG. 2, each lid 12 and 14 includes a notch 92 and 93 respectively so that the locking device may be inserted through apertures 89 and 90 while allowing pivotal movement of lids 12 and 14. In this configuration, tray 28 can be removed from receptacle 10 and the work materials and/or tools can be stored within interior compartment 34 below tray 28. Tray 28 may then be reinstalled and locked, thereby preventing access to the items disposed within the interior compartment below the tray. However, lids 12 and 14 may still be pivoted to their open configuration allowing the use of the associated work surfaces disposed thereon while preventing access to the items disposed within receptacle 10.
The reference numeral 2A (FIG. 8) generally designates a tool box according to another aspect of the present invention wherein the lid of the tool box 2A is locked. Because tool box 2A is similar to the previously-described tool box 2, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 8-9, respectively, are represented by the same, correspondence reference numeral, except for the suffix (A) is added to the reference numerals. In tool box 2A, lids 12A and 14A include an L-shaped bracket 96 and 97, respectively, and include apertures 98 and 99. Apertures 98 and 99 are disposed so as to be co-linear when lids 12 and 14 are in their respective closed positions such that a locking device such as a padlock can be inserted through apertures 98 and 99 to prevent the opening of the lids, thereby ensuring that storage box 2A cannot be removed from railing 4 without the lock being removed, as described in detail above. Brackets 96 and 97 may be disposed along edges 46A and 48A of lids 12 and 14 and are welded or otherwise attached to inside surface 56 and 57, respectively. Of course, this configuration may be changed according to specific requirements. For example, lids 12 and 14 may be fabricated to include apertures 98 and 99 integrally formed therein.
In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

Claims

1. A storage receptacle for suspension from a horizontal support comprising:

a plurality of walls arranged to define an interior compartment with an open top;

at least one lid including a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally connected to one of the walls for rotation between a closed position wherein the lid covers the open top of the receptacle, and an open position wherein the second end of the lid is disposed outwardly from the first pivotally connected end, thereby allowing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle;

at least one handle disposed on the one of the plurality of walls adjacent the first end of the lid and projecting outwardly therefrom to support the lid in a generally horizontal position when the lid is in the open position; and

at least one support member adapted to suspend the receptacle from a horizontal support.

2. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

the receptacle further comprises an aperture disposed in at least one of the plurality of walls; and

at least one tray disposed, at least partially within the interior compartment and including a plurality of sides, and at least one extension extending beyond at least one of the sides and disposed through the aperture in said receptacle such that when the extension extends through the aperture, the extension and the support member at least partially surround a horizontal support to prevent the removal of the receptacle from a horizontal support.

3. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

the walls include a bottom portion defining a bottom surface; and

at least one leg extending downwardly below the bottom surface.

4. The storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture; and

the tray includes a tray aperture and the receptacle includes a second aperture disposed collinear with the tray aperture such that when a locking device is disposed through the tray aperture and the second aperture of the receptacle, the tray is prevented from being removed from the receptacle.

5. The storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture;

the tray includes a tray aperture, the lid includes a lid aperture and the receptacle includes a second aperture; and

said tray aperture, lid aperture and second aperture of the receptacle are disposed adjacently such that when a locking device is disposed through the tray aperture, lid aperture and the second aperture of the receptacle, the tray is prevented from being removed from the receptacle while the lid remains pivotal, thereby allowing the lid to be pivoted to the open position while the tray is prevented from being removed from the receptacle by a locking device.

6. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one support member includes a pair of downwardly opening U-shaped members.

7. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

the receptacle further includes a bottom surface extending across a lower portion of the interior compartment, the bottom surface including a plurality of apertures disposed thereon to prevent debris and other matter from collecting within the receptacle.

8. The storage receptacle of claim 2, wherein:

the tray is disposed adjacent an upper portion of the interior compartment and further includes a bottom surface, the bottom surface including a plurality of apertures disposed thereon, whereby debris and other matter is prevented from collecting within said tray.

9. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

said lid comprises a pair of lids; and

each lid including a lid aperture, the lid apertures disposed adjacent one another such that when a locking device is inserted through the lid apertures, the locking device prevents the lids from being pivoted to the open position, thereby preventing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle.

10. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

said lid comprises a pair of lids; and

each lid including a bracket attached thereto, each of the brackets including a bracket aperture, the apertures disposed adjacent one another such that when a locking device is inserted through the bracket apertures, the locking device prevents the lids from being pivoted to the open position, thereby preventing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle.

11. A storage receptacle for suspension from a horizontal support comprising:

a plurality of walls arranged to define an interior compartment including an open top, a first wall, a second wall, opposite end walls and an aperture disposed within one of the walls;

a pair of lids including first and second ends, the first ends pivotally connected to the opposite end walls of the receptacle for rotation from a closed position wherein the lids close off at least a substantial portion of the open top of the receptacle, and an open position wherein the second ends of the lids are disposed outwardly from the first pivotally connected ends, thereby allowing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle;

a pair of handles is disposed at the opposite end walls of the receptacle projecting outwardly therefrom to support the pair of lids in a generally horizontal position when the lids are in the open position;

at least one support member adapted to suspend the receptacle from the horizontal support; and

at least one tray disposed within the interior compartment and including a plurality of sides, the tray including at least one extension extending beyond at least one of the sides and disposed through the aperture in the receptacle such that when the extension is extended through the aperture, the extension and the support member at least partially surround the horizontal support to prevent the removal of the receptacle from the horizontal support.

12. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

the walls include a bottom portion defining a bottom surface; and

at least one leg extending downwardly below the bottom surface.

13. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture; and

14. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture;

15. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

16. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

17. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

18. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

each lid includes a lid aperture, the lid apertures disposed adjacent one another such that when a locking device is inserted through the lid apertures, the locking device prevents the lids from being pivoted to the open position, thereby preventing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle.

19. The storage receptacle of claim 11, wherein:

each lid includes a bracket attached thereto, each of the brackets including a bracket aperture, the apertures disposed adjacent one another such that when a locking device is inserted through the bracket apertures, the locking device prevents the lids from being pivoted to the open position, thereby preventing access to the interior compartment of the receptacle.

20. A locking storage receptacle adapted to be suspended from a horizontal support; the storage receptacle comprising:

a plurality of walls defining an interior compartment, at least one aperture disposed on one of the plurality of walls and at least one support member adapted to suspend the receptacle from the horizontal support; and

a locking mechanism disposed at least partially within the interior compartment and including at least one extension extending through the aperture in the receptacle such that when the extension is inserted through the aperture, the extension extends outwardly from the aperture, whereby the extension and the support member at least partially surround the horizontal support to prevent the removal of the receptacle from the horizontal support.

21. The storage receptacle of claim 20, including:

a tray disposed at least partially within the interior compartment and including a plurality of sides; and

the locking mechanism is disposed on the tray and extending outwardly beyond at least one of the sides of the tray.

22. The storage receptacle of claim 21, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture; and

the tray includes a tray aperture and the receptacle includes a second aperture disposed collinear with the aperture of said tray such that when a locking device is disposed through the tray aperture and though the second aperture of the receptacle, the tray is prevented from being removed from the receptacle.

23. The storage receptacle of claim 21, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture;

the receptacle includes at least one lid pivotally connected to the receptacle;

the tray aperture, lid aperture and second aperture of the receptacle disposed adjacently such that when a locking device is disposed through the tray aperture, lid aperture and the second aperture of the receptacle, the tray is prevented from being removed from the receptacle while the lid remains pivotal, thereby allowing the lid to be pivoted while the tray is prevented from being removed from the receptacle by the locking device.

24. The storage receptacle of claim 1, wherein:

the aperture comprises a first aperture;

the receptacle includes a pair of lids pivotally connected to the receptacle; and