US20080230416A1 - Tool tote - Google Patents
Tool tote Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080230416A1 US20080230416A1 US12/043,378 US4337808A US2008230416A1 US 20080230416 A1 US20080230416 A1 US 20080230416A1 US 4337808 A US4337808 A US 4337808A US 2008230416 A1 US2008230416 A1 US 2008230416A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- center panel
- tote
- panel
- open
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920001187 thermosetting polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004634 thermosetting polymer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011499 joint compound Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011449 brick Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004567 concrete Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000806 elastomer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005065 mining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004570 mortar (masonry) Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009428 plumbing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002861 polymer material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005204 segregation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007779 soft material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
- B25H3/02—Boxes
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to devices for containing tools and, more particularly, to a tote for transporting and storing tools.
- hand tools of various shapes and sizes are used to perform various tasks.
- These industries include building and road construction, manufacturing, and maintenance such as those relating to the servicing of the operating systems of buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, plumbing, and the like), heavy equipment (e.g., construction vehicles, railroad vehicles, and the like), aircraft, and industrial infrastructure (e.g., sewer systems, pipelines, refinery equipment, mining equipment, and the like).
- buildings e.g., HVAC systems, plumbing, and the like
- heavy equipment e.g., construction vehicles, railroad vehicles, and the like
- aircraft e.g., and industrial infrastructure
- industrial infrastructure e.g., sewer systems, pipelines, refinery equipment, mining equipment, and the like.
- Storing, organizing, and transporting these tools in an efficient and timely fashion can allow for a user's unencumbered access to the tools when needed, thereby facilitating the efficiency of processes of performing service tasks. Accordingly, devices in which tools are stored and carried can be deemed to be as important as the functions of the tools
- Typical storage devices include five gallon polymer buckets, such as those that are left over from dry wall joint compound. Especially with regard to masonry applications, these buckets become free impromptu tool storage containers for the more macro-sized hand tools such as lump hammers, large pipe wrenches, levering bars, stone and brick chisels, trowels, and accessories such as short sections of rebar to be driven into the ground to stake out footings. Such tools and accessories are sometimes covered with dirt, concrete, or residual mortar and usually not cleaned after each use. This combination of unwanted debris and the sizes and weights of the tools would destroy a conventional tool bag or box, and therefore the ubiquitous five gallon bucket has become an inexpensive choice for carrying tools in the field and on the jobsite.
- five gallon polymer buckets such as those that are left over from dry wall joint compound.
- these buckets become free impromptu tool storage containers for the more macro-sized hand tools such as lump hammers, large pipe wrenches, levering bars, stone and brick chisels, trowels,
- the bucket is a handy but less than efficient device to accommodate the demands of these kinds of tools in real life day-to-day work routines, which are often encountered under extreme conditions or harsh environments.
- the shape of a typical five gallon bucket is cylindrical and typically has a slight taper from the bottom up. While this is usually beneficial for dumping liquids, it generally undesirably allows for tipping and dumping when the bucket is loaded with long-handled tools.
- the handle of a typical five gallon bucket is usually small diameter steel wire that attaches to the bucket via small holes in the rim and swings down on either side when not in use. This requires an unnecessary step of groping retrieval each time the bucket needs to be lifted.
- a grip is usually molded around the wire handle, this grip being the same hard polymer material from which the bucket is fabricated. The grip does not have sufficient diameter to form an ergonomic (or even comfortable) grip by which to move the bucket when loaded with tools, therefore making for a sometimes painful, awkward lift when the bucket is heavily weighted with tools and accessories.
- the inside of the bucket is open without any partitions or panels for tool handles to rest against therefore also causing tools to inadvertently slide around and making tools difficult to access and remove. Tool entanglements sometimes occur resulting in more tools being lifted out of the bucket at one time than was intended. The result is lost efficiency and aggravation.
- the present invention takes into consideration the shortcomings of the use of the five gallon bucket for storing and carrying macro-sized hand tools and provides a better alternative and solutions to the problems described above.
- the present invention would provide a more effective carrying platform for these types of tools and would benefit those that use these types of tools to perform various tasks.
- the present invention resides in a tote for carrying items such as tools or the like.
- This tote includes a center panel around which a bucket-type receptacle is located.
- Outer walls of the receptacle may be integral with a bottom, which may in turn be integral with center panel walls that are attached to the center panel.
- the outer walls define an open top.
- the center panel extends to or through the open top and terminates in an ergonomic handle.
- the material of the receptacle may be rubber or some other elastomer.
- the present invention resides in a tool tote substantially defined by a receptacle.
- the receptacle includes a bottom and an outer wall extending from the bottom.
- a center portion includes a panel that extends through the bottom, divides the receptacle into two compartments, and terminates in a handle proximate the open top.
- a footing on the center portion prevents the panel from being pulled through the receptacle.
- the present invention resides in an open-topped tool tote.
- This tool tote has an open top, a center panel that divides the tote in a longitudinal direction, and a handle at the upper edge of the center panel.
- the inner surfaces of the totes are coated with rubber or a rubber-like material or include rubber or a rubber material.
- the grip portions of the handles (which are preferably ergonomic in design) also include rubber or rubber materials.
- tough, durable characteristics are combined with the benefit of functional ergonomic design to improve on the shortcomings of tool-carrying devices of the prior art, particularly the five gallon bucket.
- the rubber or rubber material used is flexible as well as durable and exhibits a considerable degree of functionality over other materials (e.g., fabric, plastic, and steel) used for tool-carrying devices. The material stands up to wear that results from dropping and removing heavier tools that are covered with dirt, cement, or oil.
- the material helps to prevent tools in the tote from sliding and entangling with other tools. Also, when the material is deposited on the outside of the tote, tipping and dumping of the tote contents is reduced, particularly due to a more “grippy” bottom. Additionally, in totes having rectangular shapes with rounded corners, even more stability is provided. This is especially useful during transportation, for example, when the tote is loaded with tools and placed unsecured in the back of a truck or wagon.
- the present invention makes for a better tool-carrying device with regard to macro-sized tools than tool-carrying devices of the prior art.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool tote, of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the tool tote.
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the tool tote.
- FIG. 4 is a partial view of the bottom of the tool tote.
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the tool tote.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the tool tote.
- a tool tote of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10 and is hereinafter referred to as “tote 10 .”
- Tote 10 is a receptacle having a bottom 12 , at least one outside surface that defines an outer wall 14 that extends substantially perpendicularly from a peripheral edge of the bottom and defines an open top 16 , a center panel 20 extending substantially perpendicularly from the inside surface of the bottom, and a handle 22 .
- An upper end of the center panel 20 terminates in the handle 22 , which is positioned near or at the open top 16 a suitable distance above the top edges of the outer wall 14 to allow the tote 10 to be carried comfortably.
- the tote 10 is especially adapted for the carrying of tools, the present invention is not limited in this regard and other devices, articles, and/or materials may be transported using the tote.
- the center panel 20 extends the substantial length of the tote 10 .
- Horizontally-opposed edges of the center panel 20 may be displaced from (as shown), contiguous with, or attached to inner surfaces of the outer walls 14 .
- the lower end of the center panel 20 includes a footing 26 that forms a portion of the bottom 12 .
- the center panel 20 itself is lined on each side with center panel walls 30 . These center panel walls 30 are contiguous with the bottom 12 and the outer wall(s) 14 .
- a draft angle 32 is provided by the center panel walls 30 on each side of the center panel 20 .
- the draft angle 32 refers to the amount of incline relative to a vertical plane taken through the tote 10 . This vertical plane taken through the center of the tote 10 is coincident with the center panel 20 .
- the draft angles 32 on each side of the center panel 20 are typically between about 1 degree to about 2 degrees. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, as the draft angle may be less than 1 degree or more than 2 degrees. In some embodiments, the draft angle 32 may be zero degrees (i.e., the center panel walls 30 may be parallel to the center panel 20 ).
- a draft angle 34 (still relative to a vertical plane taken through the tote 10 ) of the inner surface of each outer wall 14 is about 3 degrees.
- the present invention is also not limited in this regard, as the draft angles of the inner surfaces of each outer wall 14 may be less than about 3 degrees (including zero degrees) or greater than about 3 degrees.
- the draft angles 34 of the inner surfaces of each outer wall 14 may be about 1 degree to about 5 degrees.
- the center panel walls 30 are attached to the center panel 20 using rivets 36 .
- the attachment means is not limited to the use of rivets 36 , however, as other fasteners may be used.
- Such fasteners include, but are not limited to, bolts, screws, stitching, adhesives, welds, and the like.
- the positioning of the center panel 20 generally divides the space inside the tote 10 into two longitudinally-positioned compartments of equal volume.
- Several additional ancillary panels 38 extend from the sides of the center panel walls 30 to divide each longitudinally-positioned compartment into smaller compartments for the segregation of tools, which assists in organizing and supporting the tools in vertical positions, thereby aiding in identifying and accessing the tools.
- the edges of these ancillary panels 38 are suitably attached to the inside surfaces of the tote 10 as needed to provide structural integrity to the walls that define the smaller compartments.
- the present invention is not limited in this regard as the longitudinally-positioned compartments may be divided into any number of smaller compartments. Additionally, one or both of the longitudinally-positioned compartments may not be divided into smaller compartments, thereby providing a greater amount of unobstructed space along one or both sides of the center panel 20 .
- the handle 22 is located at the midpoint of the upper edge of the center panel 20 .
- the handle 22 is centered over the open top 16 relative to the length and width of the tote 10 , thereby providing substantially symmetrical balance to the tote when the tote is carried by the handle and when tools or the like are substantially evenly distributed (weight-wise) in the tote.
- the bottom 12 is formed around the footing 26 of the center panel 20 .
- the bottom 12 as well as the center panel walls 30 and the outer walls 14 , may be one continuous member through which the center panel 20 is inserted and the center panel walls attached.
- the bottom 12 and the footing 26 may be attached using any suitable means, for example, adhesives, welding, or the like, to provide structural integrity and rigidity to the tote 10 .
- the bottom 12 and the footing 26 may not be attached so that the footing “floats” relative to the bottom, which thereby provides a certain degree of flexibility to the tote 10 .
- the bottom 12 (particularly along the edges thereof) includes channels, grooves, dimples, scoops, reliefs, or some other form of texturing (shown at 40 ) to provide a non-skid attribute to the tote 10 .
- One exemplary material having suitable functional characteristics from which the bottom 12 , the center panel walls 30 , and the outer walls 14 may be formed is rubber.
- the present invention is not limited to the bottom 12 , the center panel walls 30 , and the outer walls 14 being formed of rubber, however, as these surfaces may be coated with a rubber or rubber-like compound.
- This recycled rubber compound is residual rubber left over from tire manufacturing and is capable of being reconfigured into shapes for use in the tote 10 .
- This recycled rubber compound also has the characteristics of being tough, durable, flexible, and substantially unaffected by temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, thereby making the compound usable in devices for use in extreme environments.
- the center panel 20 including the footing 26 and the handle 22 may be fabricated from a material such as a thermosetting polymer or the like.
- the handle 22 is defined by the upper edge of the center panel 20 and is integral therewith.
- This handle 22 is configured to include a grip 44 that is centered over the tote 10 to facilitate dispersing a load in the tote 10 when the tote is carried by a user.
- the grip 44 is defined in part by an aperture 46 formed, molded, or otherwise disposed in the handle 22 by which the user can grasp and carry the tote 10 .
- the portions of the grip 44 around the aperture 46 are ergonomically designed to provide for easier and comfortable carrying of the tote 10 .
- Various configurations may be used to employ the ergonomic designs of the grip 44 .
- Such configurations include, but are not limited to, over-molding a rubber or other soft material to the center panel 20 in the proximity of the aperture 46 (such material being deposited to have a width W and length L suitable for comfortable carrying), configuring the grip 44 to have indentations or grooves to accommodate the fingers of the user when the tote 10 is carried, and the like.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
A tote for carrying items such as tools includes a center panel around which a bucket-type receptacle is located. Outer walls of the receptacle are integral with a bottom, which are integral with center panel walls that are attached to the center panel. The outer walls define an open top. The center panel extends to the open top and terminates in an ergonomic handle. A tool tote defined by a receptacle includes a bottom and an outer wall extending from the bottom. A center panel that extends through the bottom, divides the receptacle into two compartments, and terminates in a handle proximate the open top. A footing on the center portion prevents the panel from being pulled through the receptacle. An open-topped tool tote has an open top, a center panel that divides the tote in a longitudinal direction, and a handle at the upper edge of the center panel.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/905,387, filed on Mar. 6, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
- The present invention relates generally to devices for containing tools and, more particularly, to a tote for transporting and storing tools.
- In many industries, hand tools of various shapes and sizes are used to perform various tasks. These industries include building and road construction, manufacturing, and maintenance such as those relating to the servicing of the operating systems of buildings (e.g., HVAC systems, plumbing, and the like), heavy equipment (e.g., construction vehicles, railroad vehicles, and the like), aircraft, and industrial infrastructure (e.g., sewer systems, pipelines, refinery equipment, mining equipment, and the like). Oftentimes the tools used in these industries are larger and more cumbersome than other conventionally used hand tools. Storing, organizing, and transporting these tools in an efficient and timely fashion can allow for a user's unencumbered access to the tools when needed, thereby facilitating the efficiency of processes of performing service tasks. Accordingly, devices in which tools are stored and carried can be deemed to be as important as the functions of the tools themselves.
- Because of the variations in size, weight, and shape of tools, the design and configuration of a tool carrying device should be carefully considered. When the tools for a particular industry are larger than conventional hand tools, they sometimes do not fit practically in most bag and box storage devices currently on the market. Also due to the larger sizes, weights, and natures of these tools, the material generally used for these bags, boxes, and sometimes buckets does not lend itself to the practical storage of the tools.
- Typical storage devices include five gallon polymer buckets, such as those that are left over from dry wall joint compound. Especially with regard to masonry applications, these buckets become free impromptu tool storage containers for the more macro-sized hand tools such as lump hammers, large pipe wrenches, levering bars, stone and brick chisels, trowels, and accessories such as short sections of rebar to be driven into the ground to stake out footings. Such tools and accessories are sometimes covered with dirt, concrete, or residual mortar and usually not cleaned after each use. This combination of unwanted debris and the sizes and weights of the tools would destroy a conventional tool bag or box, and therefore the ubiquitous five gallon bucket has become an inexpensive choice for carrying tools in the field and on the jobsite.
- An analysis of the performance of the five gallon bucket in organizing, carrying, and accommodating macro-sized tools reveals that the bucket is a handy but less than efficient device to accommodate the demands of these kinds of tools in real life day-to-day work routines, which are often encountered under extreme conditions or harsh environments. For example, the shape of a typical five gallon bucket is cylindrical and typically has a slight taper from the bottom up. While this is usually beneficial for dumping liquids, it generally undesirably allows for tipping and dumping when the bucket is loaded with long-handled tools. Furthermore, when the previous contents of the bucket were joint compound or the like, a hard and/or slick surface is left behind, which also adds weight (often non-uniformly) to the sides of the bucket, thereby contributing to tipping and spills. Also, tools deposited in the bucket can slide around and become entangled with each other as the bucket is moved or transported.
- The handle of a typical five gallon bucket is usually small diameter steel wire that attaches to the bucket via small holes in the rim and swings down on either side when not in use. This requires an unnecessary step of groping retrieval each time the bucket needs to be lifted. A grip is usually molded around the wire handle, this grip being the same hard polymer material from which the bucket is fabricated. The grip does not have sufficient diameter to form an ergonomic (or even comfortable) grip by which to move the bucket when loaded with tools, therefore making for a sometimes painful, awkward lift when the bucket is heavily weighted with tools and accessories.
- The inside of the bucket is open without any partitions or panels for tool handles to rest against therefore also causing tools to inadvertently slide around and making tools difficult to access and remove. Tool entanglements sometimes occur resulting in more tools being lifted out of the bucket at one time than was intended. The result is lost efficiency and aggravation.
- The present invention takes into consideration the shortcomings of the use of the five gallon bucket for storing and carrying macro-sized hand tools and provides a better alternative and solutions to the problems described above.
- Through a combination of design and specific material selection, the present invention would provide a more effective carrying platform for these types of tools and would benefit those that use these types of tools to perform various tasks.
- In one aspect, the present invention resides in a tote for carrying items such as tools or the like. This tote includes a center panel around which a bucket-type receptacle is located. Outer walls of the receptacle may be integral with a bottom, which may in turn be integral with center panel walls that are attached to the center panel. The outer walls define an open top. The center panel extends to or through the open top and terminates in an ergonomic handle. The material of the receptacle may be rubber or some other elastomer.
- In another aspect, the present invention resides in a tool tote substantially defined by a receptacle. The receptacle includes a bottom and an outer wall extending from the bottom. A center portion includes a panel that extends through the bottom, divides the receptacle into two compartments, and terminates in a handle proximate the open top. A footing on the center portion prevents the panel from being pulled through the receptacle.
- In another aspect, the present invention resides in an open-topped tool tote. This tool tote has an open top, a center panel that divides the tote in a longitudinal direction, and a handle at the upper edge of the center panel.
- In any of the above-described aspects of the present invention, at least some of the inner surfaces of the totes are coated with rubber or a rubber-like material or include rubber or a rubber material. The grip portions of the handles (which are preferably ergonomic in design) also include rubber or rubber materials. Thus, tough, durable characteristics are combined with the benefit of functional ergonomic design to improve on the shortcomings of tool-carrying devices of the prior art, particularly the five gallon bucket. The rubber or rubber material used is flexible as well as durable and exhibits a considerable degree of functionality over other materials (e.g., fabric, plastic, and steel) used for tool-carrying devices. The material stands up to wear that results from dropping and removing heavier tools that are covered with dirt, cement, or oil. Not being as hard and slick as the polymer surfaces of the typical five gallon bucket, the material helps to prevent tools in the tote from sliding and entangling with other tools. Also, when the material is deposited on the outside of the tote, tipping and dumping of the tote contents is reduced, particularly due to a more “grippy” bottom. Additionally, in totes having rectangular shapes with rounded corners, even more stability is provided. This is especially useful during transportation, for example, when the tote is loaded with tools and placed unsecured in the back of a truck or wagon.
- Through a combination of the ergonomic design of the handle and the versatile characteristics of the durable rubber material, the present invention makes for a better tool-carrying device with regard to macro-sized tools than tool-carrying devices of the prior art.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool tote, of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the tool tote. -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the tool tote. -
FIG. 4 is a partial view of the bottom of the tool tote. -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the tool tote. -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the tool tote. - In
FIG. 1 , a tool tote of the present invention is designated generally by thereference numeral 10 and is hereinafter referred to as “tote 10.”Tote 10 is a receptacle having abottom 12, at least one outside surface that defines anouter wall 14 that extends substantially perpendicularly from a peripheral edge of the bottom and defines anopen top 16, acenter panel 20 extending substantially perpendicularly from the inside surface of the bottom, and ahandle 22. An upper end of thecenter panel 20 terminates in thehandle 22, which is positioned near or at the open top 16 a suitable distance above the top edges of theouter wall 14 to allow thetote 10 to be carried comfortably. Although thetote 10 is especially adapted for the carrying of tools, the present invention is not limited in this regard and other devices, articles, and/or materials may be transported using the tote. - As is shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thecenter panel 20 extends the substantial length of thetote 10. Horizontally-opposed edges of thecenter panel 20 may be displaced from (as shown), contiguous with, or attached to inner surfaces of theouter walls 14. - Referring particularly to
FIG. 2 , the lower end of thecenter panel 20 includes afooting 26 that forms a portion of the bottom 12. Thecenter panel 20 itself is lined on each side withcenter panel walls 30. Thesecenter panel walls 30 are contiguous with the bottom 12 and the outer wall(s) 14. Adraft angle 32 is provided by thecenter panel walls 30 on each side of thecenter panel 20. As used herein, thedraft angle 32 refers to the amount of incline relative to a vertical plane taken through thetote 10. This vertical plane taken through the center of thetote 10 is coincident with thecenter panel 20. The draft angles 32 on each side of thecenter panel 20 are typically between about 1 degree to about 2 degrees. The present invention is not limited in this regard, however, as the draft angle may be less than 1 degree or more than 2 degrees. In some embodiments, thedraft angle 32 may be zero degrees (i.e., thecenter panel walls 30 may be parallel to the center panel 20). - Furthermore, a draft angle 34 (still relative to a vertical plane taken through the tote 10) of the inner surface of each
outer wall 14 is about 3 degrees. The present invention is also not limited in this regard, as the draft angles of the inner surfaces of eachouter wall 14 may be less than about 3 degrees (including zero degrees) or greater than about 3 degrees. For example, the draft angles 34 of the inner surfaces of eachouter wall 14 may be about 1 degree to about 5 degrees. - The
center panel walls 30 are attached to thecenter panel 20 usingrivets 36. The attachment means is not limited to the use ofrivets 36, however, as other fasteners may be used. Such fasteners include, but are not limited to, bolts, screws, stitching, adhesives, welds, and the like. - As is shown in
FIG. 3 , the positioning of the center panel 20 (and the center panel walls 30) generally divides the space inside thetote 10 into two longitudinally-positioned compartments of equal volume. Several additionalancillary panels 38 extend from the sides of thecenter panel walls 30 to divide each longitudinally-positioned compartment into smaller compartments for the segregation of tools, which assists in organizing and supporting the tools in vertical positions, thereby aiding in identifying and accessing the tools. The edges of theseancillary panels 38 are suitably attached to the inside surfaces of thetote 10 as needed to provide structural integrity to the walls that define the smaller compartments. Although three larger compartments are illustrated on one side of thecenter panel 20 and four smaller compartments are illustrated on the other side of the center panel, the present invention is not limited in this regard as the longitudinally-positioned compartments may be divided into any number of smaller compartments. Additionally, one or both of the longitudinally-positioned compartments may not be divided into smaller compartments, thereby providing a greater amount of unobstructed space along one or both sides of thecenter panel 20. - Referring back to both
FIGS. 2 and 3 , thehandle 22 is located at the midpoint of the upper edge of thecenter panel 20. Thus, thehandle 22 is centered over the open top 16 relative to the length and width of thetote 10, thereby providing substantially symmetrical balance to the tote when the tote is carried by the handle and when tools or the like are substantially evenly distributed (weight-wise) in the tote. - As is shown in
FIG. 4 , the bottom 12 is formed around thefooting 26 of thecenter panel 20. The bottom 12, as well as thecenter panel walls 30 and theouter walls 14, may be one continuous member through which thecenter panel 20 is inserted and the center panel walls attached. The bottom 12 and thefooting 26 may be attached using any suitable means, for example, adhesives, welding, or the like, to provide structural integrity and rigidity to thetote 10. In the alternative, in some embodiments the bottom 12 and thefooting 26 may not be attached so that the footing “floats” relative to the bottom, which thereby provides a certain degree of flexibility to thetote 10. In any embodiment, the bottom 12 (particularly along the edges thereof) includes channels, grooves, dimples, scoops, reliefs, or some other form of texturing (shown at 40) to provide a non-skid attribute to thetote 10. - One exemplary material having suitable functional characteristics from which the bottom 12, the
center panel walls 30, and theouter walls 14 may be formed is rubber. The present invention is not limited to the bottom 12, thecenter panel walls 30, and theouter walls 14 being formed of rubber, however, as these surfaces may be coated with a rubber or rubber-like compound. There are various rubber compounds on the market, and one category currently used is a form of “recycled” rubber compound. This recycled rubber compound is residual rubber left over from tire manufacturing and is capable of being reconfigured into shapes for use in thetote 10. This recycled rubber compound also has the characteristics of being tough, durable, flexible, and substantially unaffected by temperature changes and exposure to ultraviolet radiation, thereby making the compound usable in devices for use in extreme environments. - The
center panel 20 including thefooting 26 and thehandle 22, on the other hand, may be fabricated from a material such as a thermosetting polymer or the like. - As is shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , thehandle 22 is defined by the upper edge of thecenter panel 20 and is integral therewith. Thishandle 22 is configured to include agrip 44 that is centered over thetote 10 to facilitate dispersing a load in thetote 10 when the tote is carried by a user. Thegrip 44 is defined in part by anaperture 46 formed, molded, or otherwise disposed in thehandle 22 by which the user can grasp and carry thetote 10. The portions of thegrip 44 around theaperture 46 are ergonomically designed to provide for easier and comfortable carrying of thetote 10. Various configurations may be used to employ the ergonomic designs of thegrip 44. Such configurations include, but are not limited to, over-molding a rubber or other soft material to thecenter panel 20 in the proximity of the aperture 46 (such material being deposited to have a width W and length L suitable for comfortable carrying), configuring thegrip 44 to have indentations or grooves to accommodate the fingers of the user when thetote 10 is carried, and the like. - Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (25)
1. A device for containing tools, said device comprising:
a receptacle, comprising,
a bottom, and
at least one outer wall extending from a peripheral edge of said bottom to define an interior volume of said receptacle bounded by said bottom and said at least one outer wall and having an open top;
a center panel extending from said bottom and through an interior portion of said receptacle to substantially bisect said interior volume of said receptacle into two compartments; and
a handle located at a top edge of said center panel and extending longitudinally along a length of said receptacle.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one side panel extends from said center panel to divide one or more of the bisections of said interior volume of said receptacle into separate compartments.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein said at least one side panel is attached to an inner surface of said at least one outer wall.
4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a center panel wall disposed on each side of said center panel, wherein each of said center panel walls is integral with said bottom.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein each of said center panel walls is attached to said center panel using rivets.
6. The device of claim 4 , wherein each of said center panel walls includes a draft angle of between about 1 degree and about 2 degrees.
7. The device of claim 1 , wherein said handle includes a grip centered over said open top.
8. The device of claim 7 , wherein said grip is defined by an aperture extending through said handle and is ergonomic.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein an inner surface of said outer wall includes a draft angle of between about 1 degree to about 5 degrees.
10. The device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the surfaces defining said interior volume of said receptacle is rubber.
11. A tool tote, comprising:
a receptacle, comprising,
a bottom having an opening therein, and
at least one outer wall extending from a peripheral edge of said bottom to define an interior volume of said receptacle bounded by said bottom and said at least one outer wall and having an open top;
a center portion defined by a footing and a panel extending from an edge thereof, said panel being inserted through said opening in said bottom such that said footing is positioned on an outer surface of said bottom and said panel extends through an interior portion of said receptacle to substantially bisect said interior volume of said receptacle into two compartments; and
a handle located at a top edge of said center panel and extending longitudinally along a length of said receptacle.
12. The tool tote of claim 11 , wherein at least one ancillary panel extends from said panel to divide at least one of said two compartments.
13. The tool tote of claim 11 , further comprising a center panel wall disposed on each side of said panel of said center portion, wherein each of said center panel walls is integral with said bottom.
14. The tool tote of claim 11 , wherein said handle includes an ergonomic grip attached thereto.
15. The tool tote of claim 14 , wherein said ergonomic grip is defined by an aperture located in said center portion and includes a material disposed at the periphery of said aperture on at least one side of said center portion.
16. The tool tote of claim 11 , wherein a surface of said interior volume of said receptacle is a rubber material.
17. The tool tote of claim 11 , wherein said center portion is a thermosetting polymer.
18. An open-topped tool tote, comprising:
a receptacle having an open top;
a center panel dividing said receptacle in a longitudinal direction;
a handle mounted at an upper edge of said center panel and proximate said open top;
wherein an inner surface of said receptacle includes a rubber material deposited thereon.
19. The open-topped tool tote of claim 18 , wherein a bottom surface of said receptacle is substantially rectangular in shape and includes rounded corners.
20. The open-topped tool tote of claim 18 , wherein a bottom surface of said receptacle includes texturing on an outside surface thereof to provide a non-skid attribute to said tote.
21. The open-topped tool tote of claim 18 , wherein said handle includes an ergonomic grip.
22. The open-topped tool tote of claim 18 , wherein an inner surface of said receptacle is rubber.
23. The open-topped tool tote of claim 18 , wherein an outer surface of a bottom of said receptacle is rubber.
24. The open-topped tool tote of claim 18 , wherein said center panel is inserted through a bottom surface of said receptacle.
25. The open-topped tool tote of claim 24 , further comprising walls attached to said center panel, said walls being integral with said inner surface of said receptacle.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/043,378 US20080230416A1 (en) | 2007-03-06 | 2008-03-06 | Tool tote |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US90538707P | 2007-03-06 | 2007-03-06 | |
US12/043,378 US20080230416A1 (en) | 2007-03-06 | 2008-03-06 | Tool tote |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080230416A1 true US20080230416A1 (en) | 2008-09-25 |
Family
ID=39496085
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/043,378 Abandoned US20080230416A1 (en) | 2007-03-06 | 2008-03-06 | Tool tote |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080230416A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008109159A2 (en) |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20140239024A1 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2014-08-28 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Supported Composite Tool Pack |
US20140262886A1 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | Lf Centennial Ltd. | Tool storage and transport system |
US9539722B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2017-01-10 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
US9616562B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2017-04-11 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
USD783287S1 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2017-04-11 | Thirty-One Gifts Llc | Convertible organizer |
USD805780S1 (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2017-12-26 | Vitec Holdings Italia Srl | Dividers for a drone case |
US9872547B2 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2018-01-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Handle assembly for a case |
USD810435S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2018-02-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD813543S1 (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2018-03-27 | Wen-Tsan Wang | Storage basket |
USD833784S1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2018-11-20 | Grant Brothers Sales Ltd. | Tissue box holder |
USD834817S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2018-12-04 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD844324S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2019-04-02 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD846282S1 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2019-04-23 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Tool carrier |
US10405624B2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2019-09-10 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Modular configurable tool carrier |
USD871764S1 (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2020-01-07 | Andre A. Woolery | Tool bag |
USD876835S1 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2020-03-03 | The Libman Company | Caddy |
US10792828B2 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2020-10-06 | Magnogrip, Inc. | Magnetic utility knife and holder |
WO2021102180A1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-05-27 | Jeanne Workman | Modular storage container |
US11633027B2 (en) * | 2020-01-31 | 2023-04-25 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Wheeled carrier with telescoping center handle |
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TWI830651B (en) * | 2023-04-19 | 2024-01-21 | 陳王振 | Toolbox |
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US9539722B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2017-01-10 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
US10350746B2 (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2019-07-16 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
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US9345301B2 (en) * | 2013-02-26 | 2016-05-24 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Supported composite tool pack |
US20140262886A1 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2014-09-18 | Lf Centennial Ltd. | Tool storage and transport system |
US8967379B2 (en) * | 2013-03-12 | 2015-03-03 | Lf Centennial Ltd. | Tool storage and transport system |
US10792828B2 (en) | 2013-05-03 | 2020-10-06 | Magnogrip, Inc. | Magnetic utility knife and holder |
US10086508B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2018-10-02 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
US10773374B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2020-09-15 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
US9616562B2 (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2017-04-11 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
USD810435S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2018-02-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD834817S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2018-12-04 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD844324S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2019-04-02 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
US9872547B2 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2018-01-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Handle assembly for a case |
USD783287S1 (en) * | 2015-12-22 | 2017-04-11 | Thirty-One Gifts Llc | Convertible organizer |
USD805780S1 (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2017-12-26 | Vitec Holdings Italia Srl | Dividers for a drone case |
USD835411S1 (en) * | 2016-04-18 | 2018-12-11 | Vitec Holdings Italia Srl | Dividers for a drone case |
USD813543S1 (en) * | 2017-01-11 | 2018-03-27 | Wen-Tsan Wang | Storage basket |
USD846282S1 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2019-04-23 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Tool carrier |
US10405624B2 (en) | 2017-05-02 | 2019-09-10 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Modular configurable tool carrier |
USD833784S1 (en) * | 2017-07-20 | 2018-11-20 | Grant Brothers Sales Ltd. | Tissue box holder |
USD871764S1 (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2020-01-07 | Andre A. Woolery | Tool bag |
USD876835S1 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2020-03-03 | The Libman Company | Caddy |
WO2021102180A1 (en) * | 2019-11-19 | 2021-05-27 | Jeanne Workman | Modular storage container |
US11633027B2 (en) * | 2020-01-31 | 2023-04-25 | Veto Pro Pac, Llc | Wheeled carrier with telescoping center handle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008109159A4 (en) | 2009-02-19 |
WO2008109159A3 (en) | 2008-12-24 |
WO2008109159A9 (en) | 2010-11-11 |
WO2008109159A2 (en) | 2008-09-12 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VETO PRO PAC, LLC, CONNECTICUT Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BROUARD, ROGER;REEL/FRAME:021065/0354 Effective date: 20080606 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FIRST NIAGARA BANK, N.A., NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:BROUARD, ROGER H.;REEL/FRAME:030396/0827 Effective date: 20130422 |