EP1728599A2 - Tool box - Google Patents

Tool box Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1728599A2
EP1728599A2 EP06356060A EP06356060A EP1728599A2 EP 1728599 A2 EP1728599 A2 EP 1728599A2 EP 06356060 A EP06356060 A EP 06356060A EP 06356060 A EP06356060 A EP 06356060A EP 1728599 A2 EP1728599 A2 EP 1728599A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool box
housing
housings
cavities
latching device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06356060A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1728599A3 (en
Inventor
Fang-Kun Hu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Positec Power Tools Suzhou Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Positec Power Tools Suzhou Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Positec Power Tools Suzhou Co Ltd filed Critical Positec Power Tools Suzhou Co Ltd
Publication of EP1728599A2 publication Critical patent/EP1728599A2/en
Publication of EP1728599A3 publication Critical patent/EP1728599A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25HWORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
    • B25H3/00Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
    • B25H3/003Holders for drill bits or the like
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25HWORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
    • B25H3/00Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
    • B25H3/02Boxes
    • B25H3/021Boxes comprising a number of connected storage elements
    • B25H3/023Boxes comprising a number of connected storage elements movable relative to one another for access to their interiors
    • B25H3/025Boxes comprising a number of connected storage elements movable relative to one another for access to their interiors by rotation about a common axis

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tool box for carrying tool accessories of different sizes and lengths, such as various types of drill bits and screwdrivers, and more particularly to a tool box having at least one latching device selectively and releasably retaining the tool box in a planar locked condition, the tool box being transformable from the locked condition to an erected usage condition by releasing the latching device.
  • US Patent No. 6,685,018 B1 issued on February 3, 2004 discloses a display case, a carry case and a storage stand for elongated tools, such as screwdrivers.
  • the screwdrivers are received in open slots, which cannot stably secure the screwdrivers, so that upon being shaken, the screwdrivers may easily get loosened and drop off the tool box.
  • the tool box is composed of two movable housings, which when in an open status, are secured by a latching mechanism provided at connection between the housings.
  • the latching mechanism provides a locking force to secure the housing in the open status and the locking force acts in a direction substantially the same as the moving direction of the housings in opening or closing the housing. Consequently, mechanical strength of the tool box in the open status is relatively weakened.
  • US Patent No. 5,957,285 issued on September 28, 1999 also discloses a tool box.
  • the tool box comprises two pivotally connected parts, which receive and retain tools, and a bottom part that accommodates the connected parts.
  • Another prior art reference, US Patent No. 6,978,890 B2 issued on December 27, 2005 discloses a screwdriver bit package.
  • the tool boxes of both references contain many parts and complicated structure, making the use thereof inconveniently.
  • One objective of the present invention is to provide a tool box featuring stably retaining tool accessories, improved mechanical strength, and simple structure.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tool box having latching means for allows pivoted portions of the box to selectively switch between a planar locked status and an open usage status for convenience of use.
  • the present invention sets forth a tool box.
  • the tool box comprises a first housing, a second housing and latching devices.
  • the first housing has a first containing space and a first side surface enclosing the first containing space.
  • the second housing has a second containing space and a second side surface enclosing the second containing space.
  • the first and second housings also have opposing jointing edges that are rotatably connected together to pivot the first housing to the second housing about a pivot axis therebetween.
  • At least one Latching device is arranged on the first side surface of the first housing and the second side surface of the second housing.
  • the latching device is movable to lock the first and the second housings to form an aligned arrangement wherein the first housing is co-planar with the second housing when the latching device locks the first housing and the second housing in the aligned arrangement.
  • the latching device comprises a fastening unit slidably received in a latching slot partially extending along the segments of the first side surface and the second side surface that align with each other in the aligned arrangement of the first and second housings to allow the fastening unit to slide along the latching slot to a position to lock the first and the second housings in the aligned arrangement.
  • one of the first and the second containing spaces comprises a plurality of cavities for containing tool accessories.
  • another of the first and the second containing spaces comprises a plurality of recessed regions corresponding in position to the cavities of said one of the first and the second containing spaces.
  • the cavities are of different sizes and wherein the recessed regions are of different sizes.
  • the sizes of the cavities and the recessed regions are decreased progressively from one side surface to an opposite side surface of the first and the second housings.
  • the cavities and the recessed regions of the first and the second housings are alternated and spaced.
  • the tool box further comprises a skid-proof part attached to at least one of the first and second side surfaces.
  • At least one of the first and second side surfaces forms notches for easy handling of the tool box.
  • a back surface of the tool box opposite to at least one of the first and the second containing spaces forms a recessed space and a cover openably closing the recessed space.
  • the advantages of the present invention generally include: (a) a latching device of the tool box that locks the housings in an aligned arrangement to improve the structure strength and to simplify structure of the tool box; and (b) the side surfaces of the second housings having skid-proof parts for convenient use when the tool box is in the open status.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool box, generally designated with reference numeral 10, according to first embodiment of the present invention in a locked/closed status
  • FIG. 2 shows the tool box 10 in an open status
  • the tool box 10 comprises a first housing 1, a second housing 2 and a latching device 3.
  • the first housing 1 is rotatably connected to the second housing 2 by a hinge having a pivot axis 6, whereby the housings (1, 2) are rotatable about the axis 6 with respect to each other between the locked/closed status and the open status.
  • the hinge can be replaced by any device having equivalent function, such as a flexible belt-like portion extending between the housings (1, 2).
  • the first housing 1 has a first containing space 501 and a circumferential side surface 402 partially surrounding and delimiting the first containing space 501.
  • the second housing 2 has a second containing space 502 and a circumferential side surface 403 partially surrounding and delimiting the second containing space 502.
  • the first housing 1 has an jointing edge 404 (shown in FIG. 2) that is not enclosed by the side surface 402, which edge 404 is connected to a corresponding jointing edge 405 (shown in FIG. 2) of the second housing 2 that is not enclosed by the circumferential side surface 403 so as to pivot the first housing 1 to the second housing 2 with the pivot axis 6 extending between and along the connected edges (404, 405).
  • the first and the second containing spaces (501, 502) comprise a plurality of cavities (102, 202) for containing tool accessories (not shown), the cavities 102 and 202 alternating each other.
  • the first containing space 501 comprises a plurality of recessed regions 101 each between adjacent cavities 102 and corresponding in position to the cavities 202 of the second containing spaces 502.
  • the second containing space 502 comprises a plurality of recessed regions 201 each between adjacent cavities 202 and corresponding to the cavities 102 of the first containing spaces 501.
  • a latching slot 302 is defined in and partially co-extending with segments of the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 that are aligned with each other when the tool box is in the locked status.
  • the tool box 10 in the locked status has a rectangular configuration and two latching slot 302 are defined respectively on opposite lateral sides of the box 10.
  • each housing (1, 2) of the rectangular tool box 10 is composed of segments of the lateral sides of the tool box 10 and a remote edge segment that connects between the lateral sides, the remote edge being opposite to the edge that joints between the first and second housings (1, 2).
  • the first housing or the second housing (1, 2) selectively forms, within the first containing space 501 or the second containing space 502, a label position 7 for label attachment.
  • Latching devices 3 are movably mounted on the lateral side segments of the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2.
  • two latching devices 3 are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the tool box 10, but it is apparent one latching device 3 mounted on one lateral side is sufficient for the operation of the tool box 10.
  • Each latching device 3 is selectively movable to a position to lock the first and the second housings (1, 2) to form an aligned housing arrangement, where the tool box 10 is in a planar form as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the first housing 1 is substantially co-planar with the second housing 2 when the latching devices 3 moves along the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to positions where the latching devices 3 straddle over the pivot axis 6.
  • the latching device 3 comprises a fastening unit, such as a bolt, mounted on the latching device 3.
  • the fastening unit is snugly and slidably received in the latching slot 302 so as to partially located in both the first and the second housing (1, 2) to maintain and secure the first and the second housings (1, 2) in the locked, aligned arrangement.
  • the fastening unit is mounted on an inside surface of the latching device 3 adjacent to circumferential side surfaces (402, 403).
  • the latching device 3 is located in the internal sidewall of the first and the second housings (1, 2).
  • the latching device 3 slides along the arrowhead direction 301 thereon to switch the first and second housings (1, 2) from the locked status to the unlocked/open status.
  • the upper surface 103 of the first housing 1 and the upper surface 203 of the second housing 2 are substantially aligned and co-planar with each other.
  • the sizes of the cavities (102, 202) are different and the sizes of at least some of the recessed regions (101, 201) of the first and the second housings (1, 2) are made different.
  • the sizes of the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) are decreased progressively from one side surface to opposite side surface within the first and the second housings (1, 2).
  • the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) of the first and the second housings (1, 2) are alternating and spaced from each other.
  • a trapezoid concave region 5 composed of the first and the second containing space (501, 502) is formed and lower than the upper surfaces 103, 203 of the first and the second housings (1, 2).
  • the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) are arranged in the concave trapezoid region 5.
  • a skid-proof part 4 is formed on and at least partly extending along each circumferential side surface (402, 403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2).
  • the skid-proof part 4 is made of elastic or soft material of high frictional coefficient, such as rubbers or soft plastics. Since the material of the skid-proof part 4 is soft and of substantial friction and since at least a portion of the skid-proof part 4 is formed or mounted on the positioned corresponding to the remote end edge of each housing (1, 2), when the first and second housings (1, 2) of the tool box 10 is rotated about the pivot axis 6 to overlap each other as shown in FIG.
  • a friction force is induced between the side surface 402 (or more specifically, the skid-proof part 4) and the fixture surface so as to stably maintain the first and the second housings (1, 2) of the tool box 10 in the open status for positioning/retrieving tool accessories (not shown) into/from the tool box 10 while the first and second housings (1, 2) are unlocked and folded.
  • a portion of skid-proof material or skid-proof stripes that constitute the skid-proof part 4 can be attached to the first and the second housings (1, 2) or in corresponding positions of the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2).
  • the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first and the second housing (1, 2) comprise shallow recesses 401 for easy handling of the tool box 10.
  • the latching device 3 is moved along the arrowhead direction 301 from the locked status to the open, unlocked status. Then, the first and the second housings (1, 2) are rotated an arbitrary angle, such as 90 degrees, around the pivot axis 6 so that the first and the second housings (1, 2) overlap each other in a back-to-back manner. Afterwards, the tool box 10 in the open status is placed on a fixture surface so that a user can access desired tool accessories.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool box according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a cover-closed status
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tool box 10 in a cover-open status.
  • the back side of the tool box 10 is made recessed, substantially opposite to and corresponding in position to each of the first and second containing spaces (501, 502), and a cover 8 is connected to the pivot axis 6 to openably cover each back side recess of the tool box 10.
  • the cover 8 is releasably buckled to the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2), especially the remote end edge, by a buckle device 9.
  • the buckle device 9 comprises a hook (912, 922) formed on the cover 8 and a protrusion (911, 921) formed on the first or second housing (1, 2) to releasably engage the hook (912, 922).
  • the pivot axis 6 of the cover 8 can be located in other region of the first and the second housing (1, 2).
  • the advantages of the present invention generally include: (a) a latching device of the tool box for selectively locking the first and the second housings in an aligned arrangement by sliding along the side surfaces of housings to improve the structure strength and to simplify the structure of the tool box; and (b) the side surfaces of the second housings having skid-proof parts for convenient use when the tool box is in the open status.

Abstract

This tool box (10), comprises:
a first housing (1) having a first containing space (501) and a first side surface (402) comprising at least one segment enclosing the first containing space (501), and a first jointing edge (404);
a second housing (2) having a second containing space (502) and a second side surface (403) comprising at least one segment enclosing the second containing space (502), and a second jointing edge (405) opposing the first jointing edge (404), wherein the jointing edges (404, 405) are connected to each other in a rotatable manner to pivot the first housing (1) to the second housing (2) about a pivot axis (6) therebetween; and
at least one latching device (3) arranged on both the first side surface (402) and the second side surface (403) to be movable to a locked position, wherein the latching device (3) locks the first and the second housings (1, 2) to form an aligned arrangement with the first housing (1) co-planar with the second housing (2).

Description

    Field of the Invention
  • The present invention relates to a tool box for carrying tool accessories of different sizes and lengths, such as various types of drill bits and screwdrivers, and more particularly to a tool box having at least one latching device selectively and releasably retaining the tool box in a planar locked condition, the tool box being transformable from the locked condition to an erected usage condition by releasing the latching device.
  • Background of the Invention
  • Conventionally, tool accessories, such as drill bits and screwdrivers, are often carried in a box or otherwise packed for use and being displayed at a sale location in a retail store. US Patent No. 6,685,018 B1 issued on February 3, 2004 discloses a display case, a carry case and a storage stand for elongated tools, such as screwdrivers. The screwdrivers are received in open slots, which cannot stably secure the screwdrivers, so that upon being shaken, the screwdrivers may easily get loosened and drop off the tool box. Furthermore, the tool box is composed of two movable housings, which when in an open status, are secured by a latching mechanism provided at connection between the housings. The latching mechanism provides a locking force to secure the housing in the open status and the locking force acts in a direction substantially the same as the moving direction of the housings in opening or closing the housing. Consequently, mechanical strength of the tool box in the open status is relatively weakened.
  • US Patent No. 5,957,285 issued on September 28, 1999 also discloses a tool box. The tool box comprises two pivotally connected parts, which receive and retain tools, and a bottom part that accommodates the connected parts. Another prior art reference, US Patent No. 6,978,890 B2 issued on December 27, 2005 , discloses a screwdriver bit package. The tool boxes of both references contain many parts and complicated structure, making the use thereof inconveniently.
  • Consequently, there is a need to develop a tool box to solve the above-mentioned problems.
  • Summary of the Invention
  • One objective of the present invention is to provide a tool box featuring stably retaining tool accessories, improved mechanical strength, and simple structure.
  • Another objective of the present invention is to provide a tool box having latching means for allows pivoted portions of the box to selectively switch between a planar locked status and an open usage status for convenience of use.
  • According to the above objectives, the present invention sets forth a tool box. The tool box comprises a first housing, a second housing and latching devices. The first housing has a first containing space and a first side surface enclosing the first containing space. The second housing has a second containing space and a second side surface enclosing the second containing space. The first and second housings also have opposing jointing edges that are rotatably connected together to pivot the first housing to the second housing about a pivot axis therebetween.
  • At least one Latching device is arranged on the first side surface of the first housing and the second side surface of the second housing. The latching device is movable to lock the first and the second housings to form an aligned arrangement wherein the first housing is co-planar with the second housing when the latching device locks the first housing and the second housing in the aligned arrangement.
  • In one embodiment, the latching device comprises a fastening unit slidably received in a latching slot partially extending along the segments of the first side surface and the second side surface that align with each other in the aligned arrangement of the first and second housings to allow the fastening unit to slide along the latching slot to a position to lock the first and the second housings in the aligned arrangement.
  • In one embodiment, one of the first and the second containing spaces comprises a plurality of cavities for containing tool accessories.
  • In one embodiment, another of the first and the second containing spaces comprises a plurality of recessed regions corresponding in position to the cavities of said one of the first and the second containing spaces.
  • In one embodiment, the cavities are of different sizes and wherein the recessed regions are of different sizes.
  • In one embodiment, the sizes of the cavities and the recessed regions are decreased progressively from one side surface to an opposite side surface of the first and the second housings.
  • In one embodiment, the cavities and the recessed regions of the first and the second housings are alternated and spaced.
  • In one embodiment, the tool box further comprises a skid-proof part attached to at least one of the first and second side surfaces.
  • In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second side surfaces forms notches for easy handling of the tool box.
  • In one embodiment, a back surface of the tool box opposite to at least one of the first and the second containing spaces forms a recessed space and a cover openably closing the recessed space.
  • The advantages of the present invention generally include: (a) a latching device of the tool box that locks the housings in an aligned arrangement to improve the structure strength and to simplify structure of the tool box; and (b) the side surfaces of the second housings having skid-proof parts for convenient use when the tool box is in the open status.
  • Brief Description of the Drawings
    • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool box according to a first embodiment of the present invention in a planar locked/closed status.
    • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool box of the present invention in an open usage status.
    • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool box according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a cover-closed status.
    • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tool box of the present invention in a cover-open status with covers of the tool box opened.
    Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
  • For a better understanding of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference is to be made to the accompanying drawings.
  • With reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 2, wherein FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool box, generally designated with reference numeral 10, according to first embodiment of the present invention in a locked/closed status, and FIG. 2 shows the tool box 10 in an open status, the tool box 10 comprises a first housing 1, a second housing 2 and a latching device 3. The first housing 1 is rotatably connected to the second housing 2 by a hinge having a pivot axis 6, whereby the housings (1, 2) are rotatable about the axis 6 with respect to each other between the locked/closed status and the open status. The hinge can be replaced by any device having equivalent function, such as a flexible belt-like portion extending between the housings (1, 2).
  • The first housing 1 has a first containing space 501 and a circumferential side surface 402 partially surrounding and delimiting the first containing space 501. The second housing 2 has a second containing space 502 and a circumferential side surface 403 partially surrounding and delimiting the second containing space 502. The first housing 1 has an jointing edge 404 (shown in FIG. 2) that is not enclosed by the side surface 402, which edge 404 is connected to a corresponding jointing edge 405 (shown in FIG. 2) of the second housing 2 that is not enclosed by the circumferential side surface 403 so as to pivot the first housing 1 to the second housing 2 with the pivot axis 6 extending between and along the connected edges (404, 405).
  • The first and the second containing spaces (501, 502) comprise a plurality of cavities (102, 202) for containing tool accessories (not shown), the cavities 102 and 202 alternating each other. The first containing space 501 comprises a plurality of recessed regions 101 each between adjacent cavities 102 and corresponding in position to the cavities 202 of the second containing spaces 502. Similarly, the second containing space 502 comprises a plurality of recessed regions 201 each between adjacent cavities 202 and corresponding to the cavities 102 of the first containing spaces 501.
  • Additionally, a latching slot 302 is defined in and partially co-extending with segments of the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 that are aligned with each other when the tool box is in the locked status. In the embodiment illustrated, the tool box 10 in the locked status has a rectangular configuration and two latching slot 302 are defined respectively on opposite lateral sides of the box 10. However, it is apparent that there can be only one latching slot 302 defined along one lateral side of the tool box 10 that extends across both the first and second housings (1, 2). In the embodiment illustrated, the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of each housing (1, 2) of the rectangular tool box 10 is composed of segments of the lateral sides of the tool box 10 and a remote edge segment that connects between the lateral sides, the remote edge being opposite to the edge that joints between the first and second housings (1, 2).
  • The first housing or the second housing (1, 2) selectively forms, within the first containing space 501 or the second containing space 502, a label position 7 for label attachment.
  • Latching devices 3 are movably mounted on the lateral side segments of the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of both the first housing 1 and the second housing 2. In the embodiment illustrated, two latching devices 3 are arranged on opposite lateral sides of the tool box 10, but it is apparent one latching device 3 mounted on one lateral side is sufficient for the operation of the tool box 10. Each latching device 3 is selectively movable to a position to lock the first and the second housings (1, 2) to form an aligned housing arrangement,
    where the tool box 10 is in a planar form as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the first housing 1 is substantially co-planar with the second housing 2 when the latching devices 3 moves along the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first housing 1 and the second housing 2 to positions where the latching devices 3 straddle over the pivot axis 6.
  • Preferably, the latching device 3 comprises a fastening unit, such as a bolt, mounted on the latching device 3. The fastening unit is snugly and slidably received in the latching slot 302 so as to partially located in both the first and the second housing (1, 2) to maintain and secure the first and the second housings (1, 2) in the locked, aligned arrangement. Preferably, the fastening unit is mounted on an inside surface of the latching device 3 adjacent to circumferential side surfaces (402, 403).
  • In another embodiment of the present invention, the latching device 3 is located in the internal sidewall of the first and the second housings (1, 2). The latching device 3 slides along the arrowhead direction 301 thereon to switch the first and second housings (1, 2) from the locked status to the unlocked/open status. When the latching device 3 is in the locked status, the upper surface 103 of the first housing 1 and the upper surface 203 of the second housing 2 are substantially aligned and co-planar with each other.
  • In one embodiment, the sizes of the cavities (102, 202) are different and the sizes of at least some of the recessed regions (101, 201) of the first and the second housings (1, 2) are made different. The sizes of the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) are decreased progressively from one side surface to opposite side surface within the first and the second housings (1, 2). With respect to positional arrangement, the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) of the first and the second housings (1, 2) are alternating and spaced from each other. Therefore, when the latching device 3 is positioned in the locked status, prolonged tools, such as drill bits or screwdrivers, can be arranged in the cavities (102, 202) of the first and the second containing spaces (501, 502) and partially received in the recessed regions (101, 201).
  • Referring to FIG. 1 again, when the latching device 3 is located in the locked status, a trapezoid concave region 5 composed of the first and the second containing space (501, 502) is formed and lower than the upper surfaces 103, 203 of the first and the second housings (1, 2). Thus, the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) are arranged in the concave trapezoid region 5.
  • A skid-proof part 4 is formed on and at least partly extending along each circumferential side surface (402, 403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2). The skid-proof part 4 is made of elastic or soft material of high frictional coefficient, such as rubbers or soft plastics. Since the material of the skid-proof part 4 is soft and of substantial friction and since at least a portion of the skid-proof part 4 is formed or mounted on the positioned corresponding to the remote end edge of each housing (1, 2), when the first and second housings (1, 2) of the tool box 10 is rotated about the pivot axis 6 to overlap each other as shown in FIG. 2 (or at a configuration that the housings (1, 2) are inclined with respect to each other) and the tool box 10 is positioned on a fixture surface with the portion of the skid-proof part 4 engaging the fixture surface, a friction force is induced between the side surface 402 (or more specifically, the skid-proof part 4) and the fixture surface so as to stably maintain the first and the second housings (1, 2) of the tool box 10 in the open status for positioning/retrieving tool accessories (not shown) into/from the tool box 10 while the first and second housings (1, 2) are unlocked and folded.
  • In one embodiment, a portion of skid-proof material or skid-proof stripes that constitute the skid-proof part 4 can be attached to the first and the second housings (1, 2) or in corresponding positions of the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2). In addition, the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first and the second housing (1, 2) comprise shallow recesses 401 for easy handling of the tool box 10.
  • In operation, the latching device 3 is moved along the arrowhead direction 301 from the locked status to the open, unlocked status. Then, the first and the second housings (1, 2) are rotated an arbitrary angle, such as 90 degrees, around the pivot axis 6 so that the first and the second housings (1, 2) overlap each other in a back-to-back manner. Afterwards, the tool box 10 in the open status is placed on a fixture surface so that a user can access desired tool accessories.
  • Referring now to FIG. 3 and 4, wherein FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tool box according to a second embodiment of the present invention in a cover-closed status, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tool box 10 in a cover-open status. Further, to fully utilize a back side region of the tool box 10 to for example receive and contain more tool accessories in the tool box 10, the back side of the tool box 10 is made recessed, substantially opposite to and corresponding in position to each of the first and second containing spaces (501, 502), and a cover 8 is connected to the pivot axis 6 to openably cover each back side recess of the tool box 10. The cover 8 is releasably buckled to the circumferential side surfaces (402, 403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2), especially the remote end edge, by a buckle device 9. The buckle device 9 comprises a hook (912, 922) formed on the cover 8 and a protrusion (911, 921) formed on the first or second housing (1, 2) to releasably engage the hook (912, 922). In another embodiment, the pivot axis 6 of the cover 8 can be located in other region of the first and the second housing (1, 2).
  • To summarize, the advantages of the present invention generally include: (a) a latching device of the tool box for selectively locking the first and the second housings in an aligned arrangement by sliding along the side surfaces of housings to improve the structure strength and to simplify the structure of the tool box; and (b) the side surfaces of the second housings having skid-proof parts for convenient use when the tool box is in the open status.
  • As is understood by a person skilled in the art, the foregoing preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrative rather than limiting of the present invention. It is intended that they cover various modifications and similar arrangements be included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structure.

Claims (10)

  1. A tool box (10), comprising:
    a first housing (1) having a first containing space (501) and a first side surface (402) comprising at least one segment enclosing the first containing space (501), and a first jointing edge (404);
    a second housing (2) having a second containing space (502) and a second side surface (403) comprising at least one segment enclosing the second containing space (502), and a second jointing edge (405) opposing the first jointing edge (404), wherein the jointing edges (404, 405) are connected to each other in a rotatable manner to pivot the first housing (1) to the second housing (2) about a pivot axis (6) therebetween; and
    at least one latching device (3) arranged on both the first side surface (402) and the second side surface (403) to be movable to a locked position, wherein the latching device (3) locks the first and the second housings (1, 2) to form an aligned arrangement with the first housing (1) co-planar with the second housing (2).
  2. The tool box (10) of claim 1, wherein the latching device (3) comprises a fastening unit slidably received in a latching slot (302) partially extending along the segments of the first side surface (402) and the second side surface (403) that align with each other in the aligned arrangement of the first and second housings (1, 2) to allow the fastening unit to slide along the latching slot (302) to a position to lock the first and the second housings (1, 2) in the aligned arrangement.
  3. The tool box (10) of claim 2, wherein one of the first and the second containing spaces (501, 502) comprises a plurality of cavities (102, 202) for containing tool accessories.
  4. The tool box (10) of claim 3, wherein another of the first and the second containing spaces (501, 502) comprises a plurality of recessed regions (101, 201) corresponding in position to the cavities (102, 202) of said one of the first and the second containing spaces (501, 502).
  5. The tool box (10) of claim 4, wherein the cavities (102, 202) are of different sizes and wherein the recessed regions (101, 201) are of different sizes.
  6. The tool box (10) of claim 5, wherein the sizes of the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) are decreased progressively from one side surface (402) to an opposite side surface (403) of the first and the second housings (1, 2).
  7. The tool box (10) of claim 6, wherein the cavities (102, 202) and the recessed regions (101, 201) of the first and the second housings (1, 2) are alternated and spaced.
  8. The tool box (10) of one of claims 1-7, further comprising a skid-proof part (4) attached to at least one of the first and second side surfaces (402, 403).
  9. The tool box (10) of one of claims 1-7, wherein at least one of the first and second side surfaces (402, 403) forms notches (401) for easy handling of the tool box (10).
  10. The tool box (10) of one of claims 1-7, wherein a back surface of the tool box (10) opposite to at least one of the first and the second containing spaces (501, 502) forms a recessed space and a cover (8) openably closing the recessed space.
EP06356060A 2005-05-25 2006-05-24 Tool box Withdrawn EP1728599A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CNU2005200719618U CN2801419Y (en) 2005-05-25 2005-05-25 Accessory box

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1728599A2 true EP1728599A2 (en) 2006-12-06
EP1728599A3 EP1728599A3 (en) 2007-01-24

Family

ID=36846125

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06356060A Withdrawn EP1728599A3 (en) 2005-05-25 2006-05-24 Tool box

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20060278635A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1728599A3 (en)
CN (1) CN2801419Y (en)

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AU2006236106B2 (en) * 2006-11-21 2008-09-25 Tong Lee Industrial Co., Ltd Toolbox
EP2412495A3 (en) * 2010-07-30 2014-02-19 Hazet-Werk Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co. KG Dual component tool box

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US6626295B1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2003-09-30 Maxtech Manufacturing Inc Tool case with snap-in modules
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AU2006236106B2 (en) * 2006-11-21 2008-09-25 Tong Lee Industrial Co., Ltd Toolbox
EP2412495A3 (en) * 2010-07-30 2014-02-19 Hazet-Werk Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co. KG Dual component tool box

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN2801419Y (en) 2006-08-02
EP1728599A3 (en) 2007-01-24
US20060278635A1 (en) 2006-12-14

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