MXPA96001462A - Bank that has compartments of storage materials integra - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bench having integral storage means, characterized in that it comprises: an integral body having a central upper platform and peripheral skirt extending down from the peripheral edges of the platform, a plurality of separate support legs supporting opposite sides of this platform, between them in an elevated position, each of the support legs having an upper end connected to the platform and a lower end for positioning on a floor surface, thereby supporting the body in a raised condition, and at least one storage receptacle located between and extending outwardly beyond a first and second support legs on one side of the bank body, and the receptacle being connected to the peripheral skirt on an internal side and which extends outwardly from the same in a cantilevered manner, the receptacle having a lower surface placed to make contact with the floor surface to stop the destabilizing inclination of the bench body in the direction of the receptacle

Description

BANK THAT HAS INTEGRAL SIDE STORAGE COMPARTMENTS BACKGROUND PE THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to molded plastic banks and, more particularly, to banks having integral storage compartments for storing and transporting small articles.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Banks that have integral storage compartments are well known in the art. Such articles are typically formed of plastic material and comprise a central storage compartment suspended between four molded plastic legs. The storage compartment is enclosed at the top by a pivotable lid which also serves, in the lower position, as a support platform for the bench. The lid has a handle attached pi to the upper surface with which the bench is transported from one location to another and from one job to another. Such products find application in elevating users a distance above the ground surface to perform various tasks. US Patent Nos. 347,527 and 4, 7? - +, 613 show state-of-the-art banks having centrally placed, integral storage containers. Such products are well accepted and have had commercial success. However, several disadvantages in the available banks have prevented them from meeting all the needs of the market. First, banks that have a central storage compartment enclosed by a pivotable lid require the user to step off the bank in order to open the lid and access the contents of the compartment. This procedure is uncomfortable, particularly when the nature of the task requires repeated access to the storage compartment. In second play, banks that have a central storage compartment, a pivotable lid, and a pivotable handle are relatively expensive and, therefore, for reasons of cost are less than optimal. In addition, the central compartments of such banks are generally not very deep, thus preventing them from storing large objects such as cleaning bottles. Likewise, commercially available, fully charged banks are relatively heavy, and therefore are inconvenient to move a substantial distance. Even unloaded, such benches due to their construction are relatively heavy and can be difficult to manage to transport them repeatedly from one job site to another. Another deficiency in conventional banks is that a user can cause the bank to bend under certain conditions. The weight of the bank and its contents can be overcome by a user leaning on the four legs of the bank, causing the bank to tilt in that direction. Therefore, from a security point of view, such banks represent a less than optimal product for the end user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies in the tool boxes of the conventional bank by providing a lightweight bench having integral side storage receptacles. The receptacles are open at the top to accommodate large items such as cleaning bottles, and items stored therein that can be accessed without being lowered from the central platform and without the need to manipulate a lid. The present invention comprises an integrally molded body having a central upper platform and a peripheral skirt extending downward from the peripheral edges of the platform. Four support legs are connected at the upper ends of the upper platform and have lower ends for 1? Placement is on a floor surface, where the platform elevates an interval above the floor surface. A couple of storage receptacles are provided, each extending in a cantilevered manner from opposite sides of the dependent skirt. Each receptacle is uncovered and forms an upwardly open compartment capable of receiving relatively large items for storage and transportation. Each receptacle acts as a counterweight for tilting the bank body in a direction away from the receptacle, increasing the stability of the bank inclination. In addition, a lower surface of each receptacle is raised a nominal distance above the lower ends of the support legs with the receptacle in a discharged condition. Therefore, the lower surface of the receptacle engages the floor surface when the bench body begins to tilt in the direction of the receptacle and the receptacle acts as a positive detent against the slope in that direction. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a lightweight portable bank that has integral storage compartments capable of accommodating relatively large objects. An additional objective is to provide a bank that has integral storage compartments and integral means to prevent the bank from tipping over the support legs. Even an additional objective is to provide a bank that has integrated counterbalance means for inclination stability. Even an additional objective is to provide a bank that has integral storage compartments accessible to a user from a position on the bank. Another objective is to provide a bank that has a light transportation weight in the discharged condition. Even an additional objective is to provide a bank that has integral storage capacity that does not require assembly or assembly tool. These and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved by a preferred embodiment which is described in detail below and which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of the bank in question. Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view thereof. Figure 3 is a top plan view thereof. The figure is a longitudinal sectional view thereof taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view thereof taken along line 5-5 of the figure. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring first to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the bench 10 is shown to comprise an integrally molded body 12, formed of conventional plastic material such as polyethylene by conventional processing such as injection molding. Part 10 is of unitary construction that does not require assembly or assembly tools. The body component elements 12 are described to include a raised flat surface platform, 14 having a pattern of slit notches 15 formed therein to provide a user with greater traction. The platform 14 is generally square and is flat on top for use as a support surface with conventional benches. The platform to the surface is level and uninterrupted so that a user does not trip or fall. The upper part of the platform terminates in portions of outer peripheral edge 16 and an oblong hand opening 17 extending through the center of platform 14 to allow a user to manually grasp and transport the bench from one work site to another .

The outwardly extending flare skirt 16 extends downwardly dependently from the peripheral edge portions 16, which extend downward on two opposite sides of the body 12 for a purpose explained below. The body 12 is provided with 4 support legs 20, 22, 24 and 26, each having a lower end support cushion 28 and an upper end 30 connecting to a respective corner of the platform 14. The support legs as shown in FIG. shown are generally of a W-shaped cross section, each having an inner edge portion 31, converging surface portions 32, 34, a bridge portion 33, and an outer edge portion 35. The legs are widened outwardly. from the upper platform 14. A pair of storage receptacles 36, 36 are provided on opposite sides of the body 12, each receptacle comprising an outer wall C 40, an inner wall 42, a floor 44, and side walls 45. The floor 44 it is formed so as to have a central opening 46 therein. The side walls 45 and the walls 40, 42 extend upwardly from the floor 44 to define a storage compartment 46 therebetween. It will be appreciated that the inner wall 42 of each receptacle 36, 36 is a lower portion of the peripheral skirt 16, which extends between two support legs 20, 22 on one side, and 24, 26 on the opposite side. Each receptacle extends outwardly & & < / i > the skirt 16 in a cantilevered manner, between the two associated support legs. It will be seen that the upper parts of the receptacles 36, 36 are open, allowing the reception of articles in the compartments 48. Relatively large items, such as bottles of cleaning fluids, can thus be placed on the floor 44 and extend towards up from it without being hindered by a lid or other obstruction. The receptacles 36, 36 are conveniently located adjacent the platform 14 so that a user, who remains on the platform, can reach downward and insert and remove items from the storage receptacles 36, 38 without getting off the platform. The receptacles therefore provide convenient storage of items that a user requires in the development of common tasks. The receptacles (36, 38) are suspended close to the floor but nominally separated from it. Suspended in this way, the receptacles do not make contact with the floor and therefore do not interfere with the bank obtaining a level support on its four legs. The symmetrical placement of the two receptacles on opposite sides of the bank body acts to balance a bench for easy lifting and transportation. The bank is manually held by a user by placing a hand through the opening 17 and below the edge defining said opening. The bank can be elevated and relocated. Once placed on a surface, the bench is supported only by the support legs with the receptacles (36, 38) fixed in suspension on the floor surface. Continuing with the reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the inner wall 42 of each receptacle 36, 38 advances inward to the middle of the distance between its upper and lower part, along a horizontal projecting surface 50. Extending through the surface 50 is a central opening or blonga 52 and a pair of circular openings 54. The purpose of the openings 52 and 54 is to receive the handle portions of inverted benches such as screwdrivers, for storage and use . As shown in Figures 2 and 5, a pair of tapered tapered receptacles 56 extends downwardly from the circular apertures 54, each pocket 56 divided into sections by vertical slots 58. The pocket 56 flexes outwardly according to the sleeve of a Tool is inserted into them and hooked around the handle to securely hold the tool inside the receptacle. A pair of internal reinforcing tabs 60 extend vertically along the inner side of the inner receptacle wall from opposite ends of the aperture or blonga 52 downward. The flanges 60 reinforce the inner wall, providing sufficient strength to support a fully charged receptacle. A grid of additional reinforcement tabs 61 are molded on the hidden side of platform 14, adding additional strength to the platform. Referring next to Figures 1, 2 and, it will be seen that the cushion members 62 are fixed to the lower surfaces of the support legs 20.26 by adhesive preferably, or by mechanical means if desired. The lower surface 64 of each receptacle 36, 38 is positioned vertically in a nominal manner on cushion members 62 so that the receptacles 36, 38 will not contact the floor surface on which the fitting members 62 rest. receptacles 36, 38 thus project outwardly from opposite sides of the dependent skirt 18, with a lower surface of the receptacles nominally spaced on the bottom of the legs of the bench. It will be appreciated that, in the particularly loaded condition and even in the discharged state, the receptacles 36, 38 add stability to the bench. Located below and on the side of the support platform 14, the receptacles lower the center of gravity and make the inclination less likely to occur. In addition, each receptacle is located a substantial distance from the pair of support legs on the opposite side of the bench, maximizing its effective co-effective force moment to the bank's inclination on those two support legs. The placement of cJos 13 symmetrical receptacles for the bank therefore stabilizes the bank of the inclination in each direction. And, you should start tipping the bank on each side, the receptacle on that side will make contact with the floor and end the movement of the bank in that direction. The presence of the opening 46 in the lower floor t? of each receptacle 36, 38 makes the receptacle components lightweight. Unloaded, the receptacles 36, 38 increase only marginally the weight of the complete bench, making it light to transport it from one place to another. In addition, the compartments 46, as described above, are open and can be accessed from a user position on the bank, increasing the utility thereof. Finally, the bench is of a one-piece construction, integrally formed and that does not require assembly or assembly tools. This minimizes the cost of manufacturing the bank and therefore increases its usefulness and commercial appeal. While the foregoing describes the preferred embodiment of the bank in question, the invention is not intended to be limited in that way. Other modalities, which will be obvious to someone skilled in the art and who use the teachings set forth herein, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (20)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A bank having integral storage means, characterized in that it comprises: an integral body having a central upper platform and peripheral skirt that extends downwards from the peripheral edges of the platform; a plurality of separate support legs supporting opposite sides of this platform, between them in an elevated position, each of the support legs having an upper end connected to the platform and a lower end for positioning on a floor surface, thus supporting the body in a high condition; and at least one storage receptacle located between and extending outwardly beyond a first and second support legs on one side of the bank body, and the receptacle being connected to the peripheral skirt on an internal and extending side. outwardly from it in a cantilevered manner; the receptacle having a lower surface positioned to make contact with the floor surface to stop the destabilizing inclination of the bench body in the direction of the receptacle.

2. A bench according to claim 1, further characterized in that the storage compartment has a floor surface and an inner side, an outer side, and separate side walls extending upwardly from the floor surface and they define between them an internal storage chamber to receive and retain storage items.

3. A bench according to claim 2, further characterized in that the platform skirt extends between the first and second support legs.

4. A bench according to claim 3, further characterized in that the inner side of the storage receptacle comprises a lower portion of the platform skirt.

5. A bench according to claim 1, further characterized in that the receptacle balances the tilting movement of the bench body in a direction away from the receptacle.

6. A bench according to claim 5, further characterized in that the storage receptacle is placed between the lower portions of the first and second support legs on one side of the bench, and the lower surface of the receptacle is raised at a distance nominal on the lower ends of the support legs.

7. A bench according to claim 6, further characterized in that it comprises a second storage container also configured, complementary on a side opposite the side of the bench body.

8. The bench according to claim 7, further characterized in that the second receptacle balances the tilting movement of the bench body in a direction away from the second receptacle.

9. A bench that has integral storage means, characterized in that it comprises: an integral body having a raised central upper platform, a skirt portion that depends downwardly from the peripheral edges of the upper platform, a plurality of legs of separate support for supporting the platform, each leg having an upper end connected to a respective corner of the platform and a lower end for positioning on a floor surface; and at least one storage container at the top located outwardly of the support legs on one side of the bench, the receptacle extending from the skirt in a cantilevered manner and a bottom surface of the receptacle is positioned to engage the floor surface to prevent the inclination of the bench body in the direction of the receptacle.

10. A bench according to claim 9, further characterized in that the receptacle further comprises a floor surface and an exterior wall, a bottom wall, and separate side walls extending upwards from the exterior surface and defining between them a compartment for the reception and storage of articles.

11. A bank in accordance with the claimed ion 10, further characterized in that the inner receptacle wall comprises an integrally formed lower portion of the bench body skirt.

12. A bench according to claim 10, further characterized in that the receptacle extends between lower portions of the first and second support legs on a base body side, and the lower surface of the receptacle is raised to a nominal distance. on the lower ends of the support legs.

13. A bank according to claim 12, characterized in that the receptacle balances the movement of i. ncl i. Nation of the bank body in a direction away from the receptacle. 14.- A bank in accordance with the rei indication 13, further characterized in that the upper platform has a digital size aperture extending therethrough to facilitate manual hold and relocation of the tray. 15. A bench according to claim 13, further characterized in that the inner wall of the receptacle has a horizontal protruding surface extending transverially formed therebetween between a lower end and an upper end, and the surface of shoulder having at least one opening extending through it for receiving the first sleeve of a manual tool for storage. 16. A bank having storage means or integrals, sided because it comprises: an integral body having a flat upper platform, the platform having a plurality of peripheral corners and edge portions and a dependent skirt portion downwardly. from the peripheral edges of the upper platform, a plurality of spaced support legs to support an equal number of corners of the platform in an elevated position, each leg having an upper end connected to a respective corner of the platform and a lower end for laying on a floor surface; at least one upwardly open storage container having a lower side connected to the peripheral skirt portion and extending therethrough in a cantilevered manner between a first support leg and a second support leg, the receptacle projecting towards out substantially beyond the first and second support legs, this balance balancing the bank body from the tilt in a direction away from the receptacle. 17. A bench according to claim 16, further characterized in that the receptacle is connected to a lower portion of the skirt portion and the receptacle has a lower surface that is raised a nominal distance above the lower ends of the legs of the foot. support. 18. A bench according to claim 17, further characterized in that the receptacle is positioned to engage the floor surface on the tilting movement of the bench body toward the receptacle wherein the receptacle prevents further tilting movement of the body of the body. Bank. 19. A bench according to claim 16, further characterized in that the receptacle has a floor surface, and a bottom wall, and an exterior wall, and side walls that extend upwardly from the floor surface and define between they have a storage compartment substantially open at the upper end. 20.- A bank in accordance with the claim 17, further characterized in that the bank body has a second, if substantially complementary, receptacle positioned to extend in a cantilevered manner from the peripheral skirt portion on an opposite side of the bank body. BANK THAT HAS COMPREHENSIVE SIDE STORAGE COMPARTMENTS / SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A bench (10) having a central flat top platform (14), four support legs (20, 22, 24, 26) to support the platform and a pair of storage receptacles (.36, 38) is described which extend outwardly from opposite sides of the bench; the receptacles (36, 36) are open at the top to accommodate the reception of large bottles or the like, and act as a counterbalance of weight thereby stabilizing the bench against tilting; the bench receptacles are suspended above floor level at a nominal distance that does not interfere with the bench level positioning on the floor surface. RM / crm * mvs *