GB2429008A

GB2429008A - Extendable toolbox

Info

Publication number: GB2429008A
Application number: GB0615864A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Raymond Deer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-11
Filing date: 2006-08-10
Publication date: 2007-02-14
Also published as: GB0516498D0; GB0615864D0

Abstract

The toolbox comprises a base unit 9 to which is attached a box section 1, and within this section, a plurality of concentric box sections 2, that can extend in telescopic fashion in vertical direction A plurality of guide rails 4 and engagements means 8 are attached to and co-operate between the interior and exterior surfaces of the box sections enabling the toolbox to be extended and collapsed. Each box section has stop means (10, Fig. 5) that form a flange or a shelf extending horizontally towards the adjacent box section and this flange may be used to support tools at each box section level on the exterior vertical surfaces of each box section 2. The device has also a double box lid 6 for enclosing box section 1 and all inner box sections 2 when they are collapsed, and it can also be equipped with castors 7 and handles 5.

Description

I

EXTENDABLE TOOLBOX

1. The invention relates to a vertically extendable, rotatable and collapsible toolbox.

2. (The essential features of the invention may also be applicable to wide ranging alternative applications such as collapsible display stands, sewing boxes and fishing tackle containers.)

EXTENDABLE TOOLBOX

Common problems applicable to all professional and DIY users of tools, and therefore toolboxes, are mainly those of accessibility and tool location.

According to the present invention, these and other fundamental problems may be overcome. It is proposed that a vertically extending and collapsible toolbox operating on a telescopic principle will provide a plurality of graded box sections where tools are mounted vertically on the exterior faces. The topmost box section may be provided with an interior handle. The unit is extended and collapsed to facilitate effective storage and transportation. Preferably the bottom box section is provided with a swivel handle. The bottom box section may also be provided with a double box lid. In order that the tools may be securely stored vertically, retaining systems including those of the plastic moulded variety are well known and may be incorporated in the final product.

The extendable and collapsible means are preferably achieved by the provision of guide rails co-operating between the vertical faces of the box sections. Said guide rails to also form the necessary spaces separating the box sections. Each guide rail also to incorporate at least 2 engagement means. The engagement means may be for example ball catches or similar devices. On extending and collapsing the unit, in order that the box sections do not over-ride the engagement means, upper and lower stop means are provided for each adjacent box section.

With the toolbox extended the upper and lower stop means engage to form a shelf or flat surface between the top and bottom of adjacent box sections.

The toolbox may be provided with a releasably secured base section wherein cordless drills and similar heavier devices may be stored. The latter would then aid stability when extending and collapsing the unit. Preferably the base section is provided with castors.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the extended toolbox.

Figure 2 shows a cutaway side view of the guide rails and engagement means.

Figure 3 shows a cutaway side view of the guide rails and engagement means in the extended position.

Figure 4 shows a cutaway plan view of a guide rail and engagement means.

Figure 5 shows a perspective cutaway view of 2 box sections in the closed position including the upper and lower stop means.

Figure 6 shows as in figure 5 a perspective cutaway view of 2 box sections in the extended position.

In figure 1, a vertically extendable and rotatable toolbox includes a base unit 9. Castors 7 are provided for the base unit. The first box section 1 is releasably secured to the base unit. A double box lid 6 is provided for the lower box section. A plurality of box sections 2 extend and collapse in co-operation with guide rail means 4. A handle is provided for the topmost box section. The guide rails and engagement means are fitted to at least 2 opposing faces of the box sections. In an alternative embodiment the guide rails and stop means may be mounted between the interior and exterior corners of Adjacent box sections.

In figure 2, guide rail means 4 are provided with upper and lower engagement means 8. Said engagement means may be ball catches or similar devices.

In figure 3, on extending the box sections, the ball catches disengage.

In the extended position the lower ball catch male on one guide rail connects with the upper ball catch female on the adjacent guide rail thus retaining the box sections in the extended mode.

Figure 4 shows the juxtaposition of a guide rail 4 in conjunction with the engagement means 8 and the relative positions of the faces of adjacent box sections 2.

Figure 5 illustrates the location of the upper stop means 10, which are connected to the to inner top corners of the bottom box. The lower stop means 11 are connected to the bottom outer edges of the top box. Figure 6 shows the box sections in the extended mode with both stop means engaged. This action in co-operation with the guide rails and engagement means secures the box sections in the extended position.

Claims

1. A vertically extendable toolbox comprises a plurality of graded box sections.

A plurality of guide rails and engagement means are attached to and cooperate between the interior and exterior surfaces of the box sections enabling the toolbox to be extended and collapsed. Tools are mounted on the exterior vertical surfaces of each box section

2. A toolbox according to claim I in which the box sections are provided with a base unit.

3. A toolbox according to claim 2 wherein the base unit is releasably secured to The lower box section.

4. A toolbox according to claim 2 in which castors are provided for the base unit.

5. A toolbox according to claim I in which the lower box section is provided with a swivel handle.

6. A toolbox according to claim I in which the lower boxes section is provided with a hinged double box lid.

7. A toolbox according to claim I in which a handle is fitted to the topmost box section.

8. A toolbox according to claim one in which at least 2 opposing guide rails are provided between each of the box sections.

9. A toolbox according to claim I where the engagement means are provided by the use of single or double ball catches, roller or magnetic catches, or any other similar device.

1O.A toolbox according to claim 9 in which the guide rail and the engagement means are combined in an integrated single unit.

II. A toolbox according to claim 3 in which the releasably secured means may be achieved by the use of toggles, sash fasteners or similar devices.

12. A toolbox according to claim I in which upper and lower stop means are provided between the box sections to prevent the engagement means from over-riding.

13. A toolbox according to claim 8 in which the guide rails may alternatively be mounted at the corners of the box sections.