GB2567832A

GB2567832A - Toolbox

Info

Publication number: GB2567832A
Application number: GB1717515.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nona Gazment
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-10-25
Filing date: 2017-10-25
Publication date: 2019-05-01
Also published as: GB201717515D0

Abstract

A hand portable toolbox 10 comprising a first compartment (50, figure 6) with a lockable lid 54 and a second, preferably larger, compartment (52, figure 7) with a lid 66; a power supply socket (94 or 96, figure 6) disposed within the first compartment (50, figure 6); and a power lead (106, figure 4) electrically connected to the power socket (94 or 96, figure 6) for connecting to a power supply. Preferably the power lead is extensible and there could be two power sockets on the exterior of the toolbox covered by a pivotable panel 84. Any of the sockets could be a USB socket (96, figure 5). There could be a digital radio 90 accessible from the exterior of the toolbox 10. There may be a positionable LED light (98, figure 6) source in a lid. The toolbox 10 may have wheels 26 at the same end as the electrical components and it may have handles 30, 38.

Description

TOOLBOX

The present invention relates to a toolbox incorporating a power supply and a lockable container.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

When performing manual work using hand tools, it is common to store the hand tools and other supplies in a tool box so that they can be conveniently stored and moved between work locations. Conventional toolboxes typically comprise a base, a set of side walls and a lid which together provide a closable container. The lid is usually hinged to one side wall and releasably attached to an opposing side wall by means of a latch or clip.

It is common to provide a removable shallow tray which sits within the container below the lid. The tray is used to store small tools and components such as small screwdrivers, screws and drill bits for example. The tray may be supported near the top of the container, leaving a larger space below the tray for storage of medium sized tools such as hammers or large screwdrivers.

If power tools are to be used at a working location far from any power sockets, an extension lead may be employed to provide a power supply at the working location. Conventional extension leads comprise a power plug for inserting into a power socket in a wall, a long flexible lead connected to the power plug at one end, and a power supply unit connected to the other end of the lead. The power supply unit is typically a block made of plastics and comprising a number of power sockets.

It is also known to provide an extension lead in which the flexible lead is retractable into the power supply unit, for example on a sprung reel.

If the worker’s mobile telephone needs charging, the extension lead may be used to supply power. The mobile telephone may be vulnerable to damage from tools, debris or other workers while charging, particularly if at a busy worksite. Alternatively, the mobile telephone may be charged in a different location, but this renders the worker uncontactable via the mobile telephone, and may introduce a risk of theft as the mobile telephone may have to be left unsupervised to allow the worker to return to the working location.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved toolbox to address these problems and to simplify the equipment used by manual workers.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hand portable toolbox comprising:

a base and side walls;

a first compartment and a second compartment disposed within the toolbox;

a lockable first lid for closing the first compartment;

a second lid for closing the second compartment;

a power supply socket disposed within the first compartment; and a power lead electrically connected to the power supply socket for connecting to a power supply.

This toolbox allows a rechargeable device to be protected from damage or soiling from tools or debris while charging. The provision of the second compartment allows the rechargeable device to be protected from tools that are stored within the toolbox to avoid scratching or other damage or soiling of the rechargeable device. It also allows easy access to tools while the first compartment is locked. The lockable first lid prevents theft of the rechargeable device in the event that the worker is distracted or is obliged to leave the toolbox momentarily unattended.

The power lead may be an extensible power lead. This allows the toolbox to be transported more conveniently. The power lead may be adapted to automatically or manually retract.

The second compartment may be larger than the first compartment. This provides an efficient use of the interior space of the toolbox, as the rechargeable device is likely to be small in volume compared to the tools stored in the second compartment.

At least one power socket may be provided on an exterior surface of the toolbox. This allows the toolbox to be used to provide power to other appliances at the work location, for example a power tool such as a power drill. This avoids the need for a separate extension lead, reducing the amount of equipment required by the worker. Preferably the power socket on the exterior surface is supplied by the same power source as the power supply in the first compartment.

Two power sockets may be provided on the exterior surface of the toolbox.

The power sockets may be provided on a first side wall.

The power lead may extend from the first side wall. Providing the power sockets and power lead on the same side wall simplifies the configuration of the toolbox, reducing the extent of the electrical connections required.

The power sockets and the extensible power lead may be covered by a movable panel. This allows the power sockets and extensible power lead to be protected from ingress of dust or liquid or from damage when not in use, for example in transit.

The movable panel may be pivotably attached to the first side wall.

The toolbox may further comprise a radio, the radio including a control panel accessible from the exterior of the toolbox. This eliminates the need for the worker to provide a separate radio, reducing the amount of equipment that must be purchased and transported by the worker. It also simplifies the working location by reducing the number of separate objects and cables required, which may otherwise be trip hazards if placed on the ground. The radio may be powered from the power lead.

The control panel may be continuous with the exterior surface of the toolbox. This simplifies the configuration of the toolbox and allows the radio to be operated conveniently.

The control panel may be part of the first side wall. This causes the radio to be situated close to the power sockets and power lead, reducing the complexity of the toolbox and minimising the extent of the electrical connections required.

A light source may be provided on one of the lids. This provides illumination in dark working conditions, reducing the need for separate lighting. For example, a floodlight may otherwise have been provided to illuminate the work area, or a torch may have been used.

The light source may be provided on a lower surface of the lid. This allows the light source to be moved to provide illumination at different angles as required, as the lid is pivotally mounted to the toolbox. For example, the light source could be provided on a lower surface of the first lid.

A USB socket may be provided on an interior surface. Many rechargeable devices utilise charging cables with a USB plug at one end. The provision of a USB socket allows these charging cables to be used without an adapter.

The USB socket may be provided within the first compartment. This allows a rechargeable device to be charged from the USB socket within a lockable container, preventing theft of the device.

At least one wheel may be provided for rolling the toolbox. This makes movement of the toolbox easier.

A pair of wheels may be provided, one wheel being disposed at each side of an end of the base. This provides greater stability to the toolbox in motion and allows the toolbox to be immobilised by resting the other end of the base on the ground.

The pair of wheels may be disposed at an end of the base adjacent to the first side wall. The radio, power sockets and reel for the power lead are all provided in the first side wall. When empty, the weight of the toolbox is distributed predominantly at the first side wall. Providing the wheels adjacent to the first side wall therefore minimises the effort required to manoeuvre the toolbox.

A first carry handle may extend from the first side wall and a second carry handle may extend from a second side wall opposite the first side wall. The provision of two carry handles allows the toolbox to be lifted with both hands.

The second carry handle may be extendable for varying a distance between a grip portion of the carry handle and the second side wall. This allows the toolbox to occupy a small space when stationary while providing a longer carry handle when required for moving the toolbox. The extendable carry handle may then allow the toolbox to be towed or pushed by a standing person while rolling on the ground.

The toolbox may include means for detecting incoming calls to a mobile telephone disposed within the first compartment. The means may include a Bluetooth (RTM) or other wireless connection to the mobile telephone. Alternatively, the means may include a microphone adapted to detect a ringtone of the mobile telephone. The toolbox may further include means for automatically unlocking the lockable lid when an incoming call is detected. This allows a worker to answer the incoming call quickly, as he would otherwise be delayed by the need to unlock the lockable lid to retrieve the mobile telephone. The toolbox may further include means for alerting the worker that there is an incoming call, such as a loudspeaker. The loudspeaker may be adapted to emit a sound which is louder than noise that may be produced by a power tool, or other ambient noise at the worksite. This reduces the chance that the worker will unintentionally miss a call. The loudspeaker may be adapted to relay and amplify sound from a microphone disposed within the first compartment.

The toolbox may include a sound vent for allowing sound to escape from the first compartment. This allows the sound of a ringtone of a mobile telephone disposed within the first compartment to be audible outside the box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a toolbox in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the toolbox of Figure 1, in which a pair of storage compartments disposed on the second lid is open;

Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of the toolbox of Figure 1 with an extendable carry handle in an extended position;

Figure 4 shows a front perspective view of a lower front portion of the toolbox of Figure 1, with the movable panel raised;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view from above of the interior of the first compartment of the toolbox of Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a front perspective view of an upper front portion of the toolbox of Figure 1 with the first lid raised; and

Figure 7 shows a rear perspective view of the toolbox of Figure 1 with the second lid raised and a removable storage tray.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a toolbox is indicated generally at 10. The toolbox includes a base and four side walls 12, 14, 16, 18. The side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 are flat over a majority of their extent. The side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 are joined to form a prism of roughly quadrilateral cross section. The side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 curve at the joins so that the quadrilateral has rounded comers. Two of the side walls 14, 18 are long and are the same length. The other two of the side walls 12, 16 are short and are the same length. The two long side walls 14, 18 are mutually parallel. The two short side walls 12, 16 are mutually parallel. The short side walls 12, 16 are at 90 degrees to the long side walls 14, 18. The quadrilateral is therefore substantially a rectangle.

The base closes one end of the quadrilateral. The base is a flat rectangle. The side walls include a bevel 20 at their bottom edges 12, 14, 16, 18. The bevel 20 extends around the perimeter of the base. The bevels 20 of all side walls 12, 14, 16, 18 are collectively referenced 20 in the figures. The base includes a foot 22 at one end.

One of the short side walls, the first side wall 12, is of smaller vertical extent than the other short side wall 16. The first side wall 12 is at a front end of the toolbox 10. The portion of the bevel 20 that joins the first side wall 12 to the base is wider than the rest of the bevel.

A pair of wheels 26 is provided. The wheels 26 are disposed at the front of the toolbox

10. The wheels 26 are near the bottom of the toolbox 10. One wheel 26 is disposed in the plane of each long side wall 14, 18. The axis of rotation of the wheels 26 is therefore parallel to the short side walls 12, 16. The long side walls 14, 18 each include a cut-out 28 in the form of a segment of a circle to accommodate the wheels. Each cut-out 28 is at a bottom front corner of a respective long side wall 14, 18.

A first carry handle 30 is provided. The first carry handle 30 extends from the first side wall 12. The first carry handle 30 includes a grip portion 32. The grip portion 32 is an elongate body. The grip portion 32 is parallel to the first side wall 12. The first carry handle 30 also includes first and second joining portions 34, 36. Each joining portion 34, 36 has a first end connected to a respective end of the grip portion 32 and a second end connected to the first side wall 12. Each second end of a joining portion 34, 36 is connected to the first side wall 12 at a point close to the edge of the side wall 12. Each joining portion 34, 36 is an elongate body. The joining portions 34, 36 are at a shallow angle to the first side wall 12.

A second carry handle 38 is provided on a second side wall 16. The second side wall 16 is a short side wall. The second side wall 16 is opposite the first side wall 12. The second carry handle 38 is similar to the first carry handle 30 and further includes first and second extension shafts 40, 42. The extension shafts 40, 42 are parallel to the long side walls 14, 18. The joining portions 44, 46 of the second carry handle 38 are joined to respective ends of the extension shafts 40, 42 rather than to a side wall.

The extension shafts 40, 42 are slidably received in a pair of sleeves (not shown). The sleeves are disposed parallel to the long side walls 14, 18. Each sleeve includes an opening in the second side wall 16 through which an extension shaft 40, 42 passes.

The toolbox 10 includes a dividing wall 48. The dividing wall 48 is situated within the toolbox 10. The dividing wall 48 is parallel to the short walls 12, 14. The dividing wall 48 is not situated centrally within the toolbox 10. The dividing wall 48 divides the interior of the toolbox 10 into two compartments. The dividing wall 48 is situated closer to the first side wall 12 than to the second side wall 16. A first compartment 50 is situated between the dividing wall 48 and the first side wall 12. A second compartment 52 is situated between the dividing wall 48 and the second side wall 16. The second compartment 52 is larger than the first compartment 50.

The first compartment 50 includes a floor 50a which is disposed above the base of the toolbox 10. A radio, cable reel and other electronics later described are accommodated between the floor 50a of the first compartment and the base of the toolbox 10.

The toolbox 10 includes a first lid 54. A first edge 56 of the first lid 54 is pivotally attached to a top edge 58 of the dividing wall 48. The first lid 54 closes the first compartment 50. A second edge 60 of the first lid 54 opposite the first edge 56 of the first lid 54 includes a tab 62 which overlies a portion of the first side wall 12. The tab 62 includes a lock 64 for locking the tab 62 to the first side wall 12. This prevents the first lid 54 from being opened when locked.

The toolbox includes a second lid 66. A first edge 68 of the second lid 66 is pivotally attached to a top edge 70 of one of the long side walls 14, 18. The second lid 66 closes the second compartment 52. The second lid 66 includes a pair of tabs 72. Each tab 72 is disposed at a second edge 74 of the second lid 66 opposite the first edge 68. Each tab overlies a portion of a long side wall 14, 18. The tabs 72 include clips which engage with reciprocal clips 72a on the side wall 14.

The first lid 54 and the second lid 66 include storage compartments 76. The storage compartments 76 are accessible via movable panels 78 on an upper surface of each lid 54, 66. Each movable panel 78 is pivotally attached to its respective lid 54, 66.

The first lid 54 and the second lid 66 include bevelled outer edges 80. The edges of each lid 54, 66 that are adjacent to the dividing wall 48 are not bevelled. The upper surfaces of the lids 54, 66 are continuous with each other and with the top edge 58 of the dividing wall 48.

Referring now to Figure 4, the toolbox 10 includes first and second exterior power sockets 82. The exterior power sockets 82 are located on a vertical surface 24. The vertical surface 24 is part of the first side wall 12. The vertical surface 24 is recessed from the bevel 20. The upper edge of the vertical surface 24 is behind the bevel 20. The bevel 20 is joined to the upper edge of the vertical surface 24 by a horizontal strip of material.

The horizontal strip of material and bevel 20 form a lip 106. The lip 106 protects the power sockets 82 from falling debris or other impacts from above. While in this embodiment the lip is fixed, in other embodiments the lip 106 may be movable. This allows plugs with larger bodies, such as DC adapter plugs, to be accommodated.

The exterior power sockets 82 are covered by a movable panel 84. The movable panel 84 is hinged to the toolbox 10 at its top edge. In this embodiment the movable panel 84 is hinged to the lip 106.

The toolbox 10 includes an extensible power lead 106. The extensible power lead 106 is electrically connected to the exterior power sockets 82. The extensible power lead 106 is connected at a first end to a wall plug 86. The extensible power lead 106 is connected at a second end to a reel (not shown). The reel is within the toolbox 10. The reel is behind the vertical surface 24. The extensible power lead 106 passes through an aperture (not shown) in the vertical surface 24. The vertical surface 24 includes a recess for accommodating the wall plug 86. The opening of the recess 88 is larger than the wall plug 86 to provide clearance around the wall plug 86. The aperture is within the recess 88. The recess 88 is disposed between the exterior power sockets 82. The recess 88 is also covered by the movable panel 84.

The toolbox 10 includes a radio 90. The radio 90 is Bluetooth (RTM) enabled. The radio 90 is a digital radio. The radio 90 is disposed behind the first side wall 12. The first side wall 12 includes an opening for accommodating a control panel 92 of the radio 90. The control panel 92 closes the opening. The control panel 92 is continuous with an outer surface of the first side wall 12. Part of the control panel 92 of the radio is curved to follow the curved joins between the first side wall 12 and the long side walls 14, 18. The radio 90 includes a battery (not shown). The battery is electrically connected to the extensible power lead. The battery is adapted to be recharged when the extensible power lead is connected to a power supply.

Referring now to Figure 5, the toolbox 10 includes an interior power socket 94. The interior power socket 94 is disposed within the first compartment 50. The interior power socket 94 is electrically connected to the extensible power lead.

The toolbox 10 includes a USB socket 96. The USB socket 96 is disposed within the first compartment 50. The USB socket 96 is electrically connected to the extensible power lead.

The toolbox includes a light source 98. The light source 98 is an LED light. The light source 98 is disposed on an underside of the first lid 54. The light source 98 may be powered by a battery (not shown) or may be electrically connected to the extensible power lead. The battery may be connected to the extensible power lead. This protects the light source when not in use, for example in transit, allowing a larger or less resilient light source to be provided.

In some embodiments, the angle of the lid 54 to the toolbox 10 may be fixable. For example, the mounting of the lid 54 to the toolbox 10 may be stiff or a ratchet mechanism may be provided. This allows the lid 54 to be fixed in position, so that light may be steadily shed at the desired angle. If the worker needs to work on a ceiling, the lid 54 may be orientated so that the light points upwards, or if the worker is working on a wall, the lid 54 may be orientated so that the light points substantially horizontally.

A switch (not shown) is provided to activate and deactivate the light source 98. The switch is a button. The switch is located within the first compartment 50. The switch is located on the dividing wall 48. The switch is proximal to the top edge 58 of the dividing wall 48.

Referring now to Figure 7, a tray 102 is provided. The tray 102 is sized to fit within the second compartment 52. The tray 102 is shallow. The tray 102 includes a circumferential lip 104. The circumferential lip 104 rests on the top edges of the side walls. The tray 102 includes a carry handle 110.

The toolbox provides a space for a rechargeable device to be charged while protecting the device from the work environment. The device is also protected from tools within the box by the dividing wall. This embodiment also provides a radio, light and power sockets to provide greater functionality and reduce the amount of equipment that must be transported to the site.

This embodiment is provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hand portable toolbox comprising:

a base and side walls;

a first compartment and a second compartment disposed within the toolbox;

a lockable first lid for closing the first compartment;

a second lid for closing the second compartment;

2. A toolbox as claimed in claim 1, in which the power lead is an extensible power lead.

3. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second compartment is larger than the first compartment.

4. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one power socket is provided on an exterior surface of the toolbox.

5. A toolbox as claimed in claim 4, in which two power sockets are provided on the exterior surface of the toolbox.

6. A toolbox as claimed in claim 5, in which the power sockets are provided on a first side wall.

7. A toolbox as claimed in claim 6, in which the power lead extends from the first side wall.

8. A toolbox as claimed in claim 7, in which the power sockets and the extensible power lead are covered by a movable panel.

9. A toolbox as claimed in claim 8, in which the panel is pivotably attached to the first side wall.

10. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a radio, the radio including a control panel accessible from the exterior of the toolbox.

11. A toolbox as claimed in claim 10, in which the control panel is continuous with the exterior surface of the toolbox.

12. A toolbox as claimed in claim 11, in which the control panel is part of the first side wall.

13. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a light source is provided on one of the lids.

14. A toolbox as claimed in claim 13, in which the light source is provided on a lower surface of the lid.

15. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, in which aUSB socket is provided on an interior surface.

16. A toolbox as claimed in claim 15, in which the USB socket is provided within the first compartment.

17. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least one wheel is provided for rolling the toolbox.

18. A toolbox as claimed in claim 17 in which a pair of wheels are provided, one wheel being disposed at each side of an end of the base.

19. A toolbox as claimed in claim 18, in which the pair of wheels is disposed at an end of the base adjacent to the first side wall.

20. A toolbox as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a first carry handle extends from a first side wall and a second carry handle extends from a second side wall opposite the first side wall.

21. A toolbox as claimed in claim 20, in which the second carry handle is extendable for varying a distance between a grip portion of the carry handle and the second side wall.