AU2008100170A4

AU2008100170A4 - Toolbox tray cover

Info

Publication number: AU2008100170A4
Application number: AU2008100170A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Trenoweth
Original assignee: GREENWOOD SALES Pty Ltd
Current assignee: GREENWOOD SALES Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2008-02-25
Filing date: 2008-02-25
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-25

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Toolbox tray cover The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: OO 2 FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a toolbox tray cover. In particular, the invention is directed to a toolbox tray cover which prevents items from being dislodged from toolbox tray(s) during movement of the toolbox.

BACKGROUND ART [Mere reference to background art herein should not be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in relation to the invention.] Toolboxes, particularly large aluminium toolboxes designed to be mounted on

OO

10 utility vehicles, often have an internal shelf extending from a wall in an upper region of the toolbox. The shelf is designed to hold small items. It is common practice to place several trays on the shelf, for holding different types of small items. These trays are typically in the form of open-topped plastic bins which can be purchased at low cost, and arranged along the shelf. These open-topped bins are more favoured than sliding drawer compartments, as the items in the open-topped bins can be accessed more easily and readily than drawers.

However, a disadvantage of such trays is that small items are easily dislodged from the open-topped bins during movement of the toolbox, particularly when the toolbox is on a vehicle. As the trays normally sit on the shelf without being secured thereto, the trays themselves can be dislodged as a result of rough handling or sudden movements of the toolbox.

It is an aim of this invention to provide a toolbox tray cover which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one broad form, the invention provides a cover for an internal shelf of a toolbox. The shelf typically is fixed to a wall of the toolbox, and is adapted to support thereon at least one tray for holding small items. In use, the cover is pivotally connected to the wall above the shelf and is pivotable between a closed position whereat the cover substantially covers the tray(s) to prevent the items being dislodged from the tray(s) during movement of the toolbox, and an open position whereat access is provided to the tray(s).

00 J O Preferably, the underside of the cover is of complementary shape to the upper side of the tray(s) so that the cover fits closely over the tray(s).

STypically, closure means are provided for securing the cover in its closed Iposition. The closure means may comprise a loop on the cover which can be latched S onto a projection on the shelf.

The cover may be inserted in the toolbox during its manufacture, or retrofitted to existing toolboxes.

SIn order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practice, 00one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with 00 reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cover according to one embodiment of the invention, shown in a closed position over a shelf.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the cover of Fig. 1, shown in an open position.

Fig. 3 is a sectional end view of the cover of Fig. 1 in its closed position over the shelf.

Fig. 4 is a sectional end view of the cover of Fig. 1 in an open position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in the drawings, a cover 10 is adapted to be used in conjunction with a shelf 11 in a toolbox (not shown). The shelf 11 is fixed to a wall 13 of the toolbox, and extends horizontally. The shelf 11 is typically located in an upper portion of the toolbox where it is easily accessible. The shelf 11 may be provided with a retaining lip 12 along its free end.

In use, the shelf 11 supports a plurality of trays 14. The trays 14 are typically open-topped plastic bins of the type commonly used to store small items, such as nuts, bolts, screws and other fasteners and fittings. The trays 14 may also be used to store small tools.

The cover 10 is fixed to the wall 13 by hinges 15, which permit it to pivot up and down about the hinge axis. However, any other flexible or pivotable fasteners may be used.

Preferably, the cover 10 has a shape which is complimentary to the shape of the upper portion of the trays 14, so that the cover fits closely to the trays. As shown in the 00 drawings, the free end of the cover is angled to match the angled sides of the trays 14.

i The angled free end of the cover also assists in fitting the cover under the angled lid of (some toolboxes.

A closure mechanism is provided to secure the cover 10 to the shelf 11. In the 5 illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism comprises an elastic loop 16 fixed to the free end of the cover 10, which engages a knob 17 or similar projection on the front lip 12 of the shelf 11. However, other suitable devices can be used to secure the cover 10 in its closed position.

0As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, in its closed position, the cover 10 retains the trays 14 00 on the shelf securely, and also retains the items within the trays 14 during rough handling or movement of the toolbox. In its open position, illustrated in Fig. 4, the cover provides easy access to the contents of the trays 14.

The cover 10 has several advantages, including It can be manufactured economically; It is simple to manufacture; It can be made of a lightweight material, such as a plastics material, and thereby does not add significantly to the weight of the toolbox; The cover can be retrofitted to existing toolboxes simply by attachment of the hinges It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The foregoing embodiment is illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not to be limited to the exact construction and operation described and illustrated, but only by the following claims which are intended, where the applicable law permits, to include all suitable modifications and equivalents within the spirit and concept of the invention.

Claims

2. A toolbox as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside of the cover is of complementary shape to the upper side of the tray(s) so that the cover fits closely over the tray(s).
3. A toolbox as claimed in claim 1 or 2, further comprising closure means at a front side thereof for securing the cover to the shelf.
4. A toolbox having an internal shelf adapted to support thereon a plurality of trays for holding small items; a hinged cover above the shelf, the cover being pivotable between a closed position whereat the cover substantially covers the trays to prevent the items being dislodged from the trays during movement of the toolbox, and an open position whereat access is provided to the tray(s); and closure means for securing the cover in its closed position. A cover for a toolbox shelf adapted to support at least one tray thereon, the cover having means at a rear side thereof for hingedly connecting the cover to a wall of the toolbox, and closure means at a front side thereof for securing the cover to the shelf. By the patent attorneys for the applicant CULLEN CO.