US20060180487A1

US20060180487A1 - Tool carrying case

Info

Publication number: US20060180487A1
Application number: US11/357,507
Authority: US
Inventors: Tracy Chan; John O'Neill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-17
Filing date: 2006-02-17
Publication date: 2006-08-17

Abstract

A tool carrying case comprising a plurality of panel compartments removably attached to each other. Each panel comprises left and right foldable panels connected along a common hinge forming a receptacle for attaching and detaching the left and right foldable panels to each other. The inside face of each panel comprises at least a zippered pocket, an elasticized pocket with or without the security strap orthogonally placed from the elasticized pocket for securing items stored in the elasticized pockets.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/653,832 filed Feb. 17, 2005, which is herein incorporated in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a carrying case, more specifically a carrying case for effectively transporting, holding, storing and accessing various industry tools and instruments, such as those in the culinary, home improvement, carpentry, music related and the like, safely, easily and in an organized and user-friendly manner.
People often carry many items that require a secure case when traveling. These items are usually sharp in nature and can easily cut or puncture ones skin or rip through a generic travel tote bag. Some of these people are also engaged in a profession or trade that entails carrying with them numerous business or trade related items.
It has been found that in the hospitality industry, in particular the culinary industry, it is often necessary for professionals in this field to transport tools of the trade from location to location. It is often the case that chefs/cooks are expected to bring their knives, etc. to their place of work (restaurant, catering operations or culinary events). Additionally, culinary students and such are expected to transport their tools from home to the classroom, as well as potential work environments. People in other fields, such as artists, construction workers etc. also often have to bring their own tools and supplies to work or have the need to travel with their tools.
Although the current market place may possess related carrying devices for such tools and related items, the general effectiveness of previously available cases is limited. Previously available cases are generally not user-friendly or effective in meeting the needs of the end-user. For example, rolled fold tool case designs are impracticable and not viable in certain applications because they take up too much space when accessing tools and do not hold tools securely in place while transporting. Often while transporting, smaller tools may fall out, which can be dangerous for particular sharp objects, such as knives. Additionally, present soft cases (such as roll fold) do not offer enough structure or support to hold tools in place safely. Tools often slide around in such cases. The flap or cover on roll fold tool cases does not hold tools securely in place and prevents quick retrieval of tools. Hard roll fold cases provide structure but do not expand properly when tools occupy all available storage spaces/facilities. Inefficient storage and difficulty in retrieving tools are common problems with hard roll fold cases.
Suitcase/briefcase/luggage style tool case designs are also impractical in the workplace, particularly workplaces limited in space, and pose a cumbersome approach to storing and accessing tools and instruments because they typically do not have separate compartments and items are mixed together and are difficult to retrieve easily. In particular, this type of storage case is often banned from professional kitchens because of its size and does not fit in a standard employee locker.
Tackle/tool box design cases are not lightweight for transport from location to location or storage in a small workspace. Easy and quick accessibility to tools is a problem depending on tools being stored. In particular, this type of storage case is also often banned from professional kitchens because of its size and does not fit in a standard employee locker.
Additionally, a common prevailing problem with previously available tool/instrument carrying cases is easy retrieval, i.e., accessibility, and identification of tools, i.e., enabling the user to quickly view and find the desired tool/instrument. Tools are often mixed together in the case, making quick identification and retrieval difficult. Users have to sort through a quantity of tools to find the particular tool they are looking for, and may poke or hurt themselves with other items in the process. Also missing from previously available tool/instrument carrying cases is the comfort ability and ease on the end user's body. Hard cases swing back and forth in transport, thereby hitting the human body harshly. Soft cases offer no padded protection from tools hitting the body. Often, previously available carrying cases also do not have an attractive design and are not trend-conscious.
Therefore, there is a need for a structured, compact, light weight carrying case that is adaptable to carry many related or unrelated items in an organized and secure manner, has provisions for carrying small tools, provides items in a visible manner, has ease of access in small work spaces, and can be modified to accommodate more or less items. It is desirable to have a tool carrying case with multiple pockets for holding articles of different sizes in a secure manner and that also allows ease of accessibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved carrying case with multiple pockets for holding articles that maximizes the carrying capacity of the case while maintaining its compact size. The carrying case of the present invention provides articles that could have sharp edges of different sizes, in an organized, secure, and readily accessible manner, especially in small workspaces. A plethora of tools can finally be held in a small compact case.
Another object of the present invention is to provide trade professionals and non-professionals, such as cooks, chefs, students, etc. the ability to transport essential tools and instruments from location to location, as well as eliminating the other drawbacks of previously available carrying cases.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tool/instrument carrying case has a unique and practical design, comprising multiple shell panel compartments that are separate from one another and open like a book. The separate panel compartments keep items organized and easily accessible. Hence, when a user goes to retrieve an item, he/she can find the desired item easily and safely. All the items are securely held in a specific place, and the user does not have to rummage through a mass of items, taking the risk of poking or sticking themselves with a sharp item.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tool carrying case comprises a shell panel compartment. The shell panel compartment comprises left and right foldable panels connected along a common hinge forming a receptacle for attaching and detaching the left and right foldable panels to each other. Each panel comprises multiple elasticized pockets oriented in a common direction and one or more security straps orthogonal to the elasticized pockets for securing items stored in the elasticized pockets. The straps and said elasticized pockets being positioned on the inside face of each panel.
Shell panel compartments can be easily added or removed from the carrying case, thereby providing for both growth and reduction of the case's carrying capabilities and storage space, as well as increased mobility, without compromising the structural integrity of the case. This feature also provides cost savings to the user, based on the present invention's ability to add and remove panel compartments, to suit the user's changing needs. This eliminates the necessity for purchasing separate cases of varying size, and eliminates the need to transfer tools from one case to another. This feature of the carrying case of the present invention also allows for easy replacement of damaged and/or worn panel compartments without the necessity of having to purchase a new case.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a small portable pouch (e.g., storing cell phone, wallet, etc.) can be attached inside the main carrying case by conventional means, but is easily removed so a user can carry the pouch to a work station. The carrying case can also have a small transparent pocket suitable for holding an identification card or the like.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a tool carrying case comprises a plurality of panel compartments removably attached to each other. Each panel comprises left and right foldable panels connected along a common hinge forming a receptacle for attaching and detaching the left and right foldable panels to each other. The inside face of each panel comprises at least one of the following: a zippered pocket, an elasticized pocket with or without the security strap orthogonally placed from the elasticized pocket for securing items stored in the elasticized pockets.
The compact size of the tool carrying case allows practical storage and access to tools and instruments in commonly tight work spaces. The tool carrying case be held open for easy insertion and/or retrieval of tools without taking much space. Each panel compartment can be securely closed by known trade means such as zippers, Velcro®, clasps, hooks female/male closures, etc. to keep stored items from falling out of the case.
The overall cosmetics of this tool carrying case, with a hip name and logo design, is one that is youthful and designed to competitive challenge and rivals the trends of previously designed carrying cases in the market today.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary carry case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a view of the exemplary carrying case of the present invention in an open position, and depicts the elasticized secure pockets for holding items and the securing Velcro straps.
FIGS. 3 a-b depict the exemplary carrying case of the present invention with a panel compartment ready to be detached and detached from the main portion of the exemplary carrying case;
FIG. 4 depicts the interior of a panel compartment with transparent zippered pockets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the exemplary carrying case showing all panel compartments attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the exemplary carrying case showing all panel compartments attached, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 7 depicts the various strap connections for the exemplary carrying case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 8 depicts a front view of an exemplary carrying case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The carrying case of the present invention is made from a lightweight, durable grade material (encompassing but not limited to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) backing), nylon, polyester, etc) which is water repellant, making cleaning easy (i.e., with a damp sponge or cloth) and prolonging the life of the carrying case. The material also allows for flexibility and growth of the case/bag when tools are inserted. The material is generally stitched to form the structure, piped sides, zippered connections, security components, etc. of the case. The structural integrity of the carrying case is produced and enforced by known trade means (straps, Velcro, buttons, female/male closures, padding, nylon, polypropylene (pp) web, mesh, PVC, hinge, etc.). Also, the wide gusset or spine of the case is made of malleable material (nylon, polyester, etc.—like the rest of the case) that has expandable qualities when tools/instruments are inserted.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, padding in the carrying case 10 provides for protection of the tools or other articles stored in the case. The soft case features allows for more insertion of tools and instruments and expansion of the carrying case 10. The carrying case 10 contains separate pockets of varying size to accommodate different size items. These pockets have elastic at the opening to aid in keeping articles secure. Velcro is utilized in the carrying case of the present invention to secure straps which hold the articles stored in such pockets in place and the Velcro allows the straps to be opened and closed conveniently and rapidly during use. The securely closed pockets and straps keep tools from falling out and shifting position. The carrying case of the present invention also has shell panel compartments with zippered pockets containing clear view windows, which provide easy view and access to tools/instruments and the like. Since users can easily see the contents of the case through the clear view windows, this feature can help eliminate the potential for injury to the user.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the tool carrying case or bag 10 is rectangular in shape as depicted in FIGS. 1-8, compact enough to handle easily in small spaces, but providing ample storage space to hold a plethora of tools and/or instruments (collectively referred to herein as tools). That is, the tool carrying case 10 of the present invention maximizes the carrying capacity without sacrificing its compact size. It would be appreciated by those skill in the art that other shapes can be used and are contemplated by the present invention. The tool carrying case 10 can be held open for easy insertion and retrieval of tools without taking up much space. Each panel compartment 11-13 can be securely closed by known trade means such as zippers, Velcro, clasps, hooks, female/male closures, etc. to keep stored items from falling out of case. The tool carrying case 10 of the present invention can carry one or more of the following tools: a carpentry tool, a knife, a cooking tool, a musical instrument part, a home repair tool, a plumbing tool, a vehicle repair tool, etc.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tool carrying case 10 for housing and carrying various tools including, but not limited to, culinary, carpentry, home improvement, trade specific and music instruments and alike comprises three expandable zipper compartments as depicted in FIG. 1. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, two of the compartments 11, 12 have elastic secured pockets 16-24 to hold tools in place with two straps 25-28 with Velcro closure to ensure the stability of tools as depicted in FIG. 2. The width of the elastic secured pockets can vary in width to suit the varying size of tools/instrument handles and the like. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the third compartment 13 has three clear PVC (plastic) sectional pockets 31-33 in varying sizes for smaller tools, paperwork, etc., as depicted in FIG. 4. This advantageously enables organization and quick retrieval of small items because they are visible to the user.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the tool carrying case or bag 10 comprises an expandable outer case that opens and closes like a book. A plurality of inserts comprising expandable zipper compartments or pockets can be removably or releasably attached (e.g., by zipper, rivets, snaps etc.) to inner or outer portions of the outer case, as depicted in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b. Alternatively, the plurality of inserts can be removably attached between the left and right shells or panels 40, 41 of one of the panel compartments 11-13 in FIG. 2.
The tool carrying case 10 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is constructed of a pliable material, such as nylon, vinyl, leather, or any of the suitable woven materials, now widely used for cases and the like. The carrying case 10 is comprised of several shell panel compartments 11-13 formed of a pair of substantially identical half shells or panels 40, 41, constructed with an inner lining of foam or the like to provide padding between pocket or panel, hinged together along common sides and forming a primary receptacle. Each shell panel compartment contains a zipper 43 (see FIG. 3 a) which surrounds the top and sides of each panel compartment. Wraparound zipper 14 surrounds all four sides of the carrying case 10, and is used to attach or detach shell panel compartment 13 from carrying case 10. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the outer portion of shell panel compartments 11 and 13, is provided with a common elongated adjustable shoulder strap 15.
FIG. 2 depicts the tool carrying case 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an open position, displaying the inside of panel compartment 12 with elasticized secure pockets 16-24 for holding items such as knives, tools and other instruments and securing straps 25-28.
FIG. 3 a depicts the tool carrying case 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention with a panel compartment 13 ready to be detached. Panel compartment 13 is attached/detached from the tool carrying case 10 by wraparound zipper 14 having male wraparound zipper portion 28 and female wraparound zipper portion 29, at attach/detach point 30. FIG. 3 b depicts the carrying case 10 with panel compartment 13 completely detached from the main portion of carrying case 10.
FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein the panel compartment 13 contains horizontally oriented zippered pockets 31-33 with a transparent face on the inside portion of the left and right face panels of the panel compartment 13.
FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the tool carrying case 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing all panel compartments attached at attach/detach point 30. FIG. 8 depicts a front view of the exemplary carrying case 10 of the present invention. FIG. 6 depicts a top view of the tool carrying case 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing all panel compartments attached.
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the outside of the tool carrying case has two adjustable one inch pp web straps that wrap around the width of the bag, additionally promoting security of tools/instruments from falling out. There is also a convenient clear identification pocket for the user's identification material. The relatively small light weight structure of the bag with adjustable shoulder straps on the outside of the bag, makes this tool/instrument carrying case to be one that is not only user friendly, but comfortable when used as a transporting tool case/bag. The user has the option to carry the case over one's shoulder (like a purse) or over the shoulder across the chest, which would allow the body to absorb the weight more evenly across the body. The weight of items stored in the carrying case is evenly displaced. The soft, padded design of the carrying case hugs the human body comfortably, while securely holding and protecting the tools/instruments in place.
FIG. 7 depicts the various attachments for shoulder strap 15 to an exemplary tool carrying case 10 of the present invention. Panel compartment 13 has a female clip portion 34 on the outside face panel. Panel compartment 12 also has a female clip portion 35 on the outside face panel. One end of shoulder strap 15 has a male clip portion 36. Male clip portion 36 can be joined to female clip portion 34 to attach shoulder strap 15 when panel compartment 13 is attached to the tool carrying case 10. Alternatively, male clip portion 36 can be joined to female clip portion 35 to attach shoulder strap 15 when panel compartment 13 is detached from the carrying case 10. This enables the user to use the shoulder strap 15 to carry the tool carrying case 10 regardless of the number of panel compartments 11-13 utilized.
While we have illustrated and described our invention by means of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A tool carrying case comprising a first panel compartment comprising left and right foldable panels connected along a common hinge forming a first receptacle for attaching and detaching said left and right foldable panels to each other; wherein each panel comprises multiple elasticized pockets oriented in a common direction and one or more security straps orthogonal to said elasticized pockets for securing items stored in said elasticized pockets; and wherein said straps and said elasticized pockets being positioned on the inside face of each panel.

2. The tool carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a second panel compartment comprising left and right foldable panels connected along a common hinge forming a second receptacle for attaching and detaching said left and right foldable panels to each other, each panel comprising at least one zippered pocket with a transparent face; and wherein said second panel compartment is removably attached to said first panel compartment.

3. The tool carrying case of claim 2, wherein each of said first and second panel compartments comprise a wraparound zipper to removably attach said second panel compartment to said first panel compartment.

4. The tool carrying case of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of inserts removably attachable to said first receptacle between said left and right foldable panels of said first panel compartments, each insert having two faces; and wherein each face comprises at least one of the following: a zippered pocket, an elasticized pocket with or without said security strap orthogonally placed from said elasticized pocket for securing items stored in said elasticized pockets.

4. The tool carrying case of claim 1, wherein said receptacle is a zippered receptacle.

5. The tool carrying case of claim 1, wherein said straps are Velcro straps.

6. The tool carrying case of claim 1, wherein said items comprises one or more of the following: a carpentry tool, a cooking tool, a musical instrument part, a home repair tool, a plumbing tool, and a vehicle repair tool.

7. The tool carrying case of claim 1, wherein the tool carrying case is a rectangular shaped case.

8. A tool carrying case comprising a plurality of shell panel compartments removably attached to each other, each panel compartment comprising left and right foldable panels connected along a common hinge forming a receptacle for attaching and detaching said left and right foldable panels to each other; and wherein the inside face of each panel comprises at least one of the following: a zippered pocket, an elasticized pocket with or without said security strap orthogonally placed from said elasticized pocket for securing items stored in said elasticized pockets.

9. The carrying case of claim 8, further comprising a shoulder strap removably attachable to the outside face of two of said panels.

10. The tool carrying case of claim 8, wherein each of said panel compartments comprise a wraparound zipper to removably attach said panel compartments.

11. The tool carrying case of claim 8, wherein said receptacle is a zippered receptacle.

12. The tool carrying case of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of inserts removably attachable to said receptacle between said left and right foldable panels of one or more of said panel compartments, each insert having two faces; and wherein each face comprises at least one of the following: a zippered pocket, an elasticized pocket with or without said security strap orthogonally placed from said elasticized pocket for securing items stored in said elasticized pockets.

13. The tool carrying case of claim 8, wherein each of said panel compartments are rectangular in shape.