US20130206622A1

US20130206622A1 - Sleeve including a storage tray

Info

Publication number: US20130206622A1
Application number: US13/764,535
Authority: US
Inventors: Rachel Elizabeth Thomas
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-11
Filing date: 2013-02-11
Publication date: 2013-08-15

Abstract

An apparatus including an operatively coupled sleeve and tray. The sleeve includes a void configured for receiving and housing the tray. The tray includes one or more recesses, wherein each recess is configured for receiving at least a portion of at least one tool. The apparatus includes at least one first locking mechanism for securing the sleeve and the tray to one another. An un-locking mechanism may be operatively coupled to the first locking mechanism for un-securing the sleeve and the tray from one another. A second locking mechanism, operatively coupled to the un-locking mechanism, may be provided for enabling and disabling the un-locking mechanism.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/597,766 filed Feb. 11, 2012 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an operatively coupled sleeve and tray. In particular, the invention pertains to a sleeve or a cover having a storage compartment.

BACKGROUND

Cutting boards having a drawer-like tray or storage compartment for storing kitchen utensils, such as knives, are commercially available. However, such commercially available products are not configured for locking the tray or compartment and the cutting board to one another.
Accordingly, there exists a need for a cutting board and a tray that can be secured to one another.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of an apparatus include a sleeve and a tray having one or more recesses. Each recess is configured for receiving at least one tool. The sleeve and the tray are operatively coupled such that a substantial portion of each recess is respectively covered and uncovered by the sleeve when the tray is in a first and a second position. The apparatus includes a first locking mechanism for securing the sleeve and the tray to one another. The first locking mechanism is configured for being movable between a first state for securing the tray and the sleeve to one another and a second state for un-securing the tray and the sleeve from one another. An unlocking mechanism, operatively coupled with the first locking mechanism, is configured for moving the first locking mechanism from the first state to the second state. A second locking mechanism, operatively coupled with the unlocking mechanism, is configured for enabling and disabling operation of the unlocking mechanism. In some embodiments, one or more of the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism, and the un-locking mechanism are spring-biased. In some embodiments, one or more of the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism, and the un-locking mechanism are included in the tray. In certain embodiments, one or more of the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism, and the un-locking mechanism are included in the sleeve. The sleeve and the tray are slidably coupled to one another, and the sleeve includes a void extending from an opening along at least one side of the sleeve. As such, the sleeve is configured for housing the tray received in the void of the sleeve. Accordingly, the sleeve and the tray can be secured to one another at one or more locations. Each recess includes a retention mechanism for retaining the tool received therein and a release mechanism for releasing the retained tool. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the one or more recesses is configured as a sheath for housing at least a portion of the at least one tool. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is a cutting board having at least one substantially planar work surface, and the one or more recesses in the tray are configured for receiving at least one utensil. The apparatus includes at least one hand grip. In some embodiments, one or more of the first locking mechanism, the second locking mechanism and the un-locking mechanism are included in the hand grip.
Certain embodiments of an apparatus include a sleeve and a tray having one or more recesses. Each recess is configured for receiving at least one tool. The sleeve and the tray are operatively coupled such that a substantial portion of each recess is respectively covered and uncovered by the sleeve when the tray is in a first and a second position. The apparatus includes a plurality of first locking mechanisms for securing the sleeve and the tray to one another. Each first locking mechanism is configured for being movable between a first state for securing the tray and the sleeve to one another and a second state for un-securing the tray and the sleeve from one another. At least one unlocking mechanism, operatively coupled with one or more of the plurality of first locking mechanisms, is configured for moving each coupled one or more first locking mechanism from the first state to the second state. At least one second locking mechanism, operatively coupled with the at least one unlocking mechanism, is configured for enabling and disabling the operatively coupled unlocking mechanism. In certain embodiments, the sleeve is a cutting board having at least one substantially planar work surface, and the one or more recesses in the tray are configured for receiving at least one utensil.
Some embodiments of an apparatus include an operatively coupled tray and cover. The tray includes one or more recesses, wherein each recess is configured for receiving at least one tool. The apparatus includes at least one locking mechanism configured for securing the tray and the cover to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus having an operatively coupled sleeve and tray;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 illustrating the sleeve and the tray separated from one another;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an apparatus having an operatively coupled sleeve and tray; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of an apparatus having an operatively coupled sleeve and tray.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While multiple embodiments are described herein, other embodiments will be apparent or obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art using the present teaching as a guide. In the following, certain illustrative and non-limiting embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure in any form or manner to the embodiments illustrated or described herein. All alternative embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.
FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of apparatus 10 having operatively coupled sleeve 12 and tray 14. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, sleeve 12 includes void 16 extending therewithin from opening 18 along side 20 of sleeve 12. As such, sleeve 12 is configured for housing tray 14 received within void 16.
Some embodiments of tray 14 include one or more recesses 22, wherein each recess 22 is configured for receiving at least one correspondingly shaped and sized tool 24. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, tray 14 includes three recesses 22 a, 22 b and 22 c, wherein each recess 22 a-22 c has a shape and size substantially similar to the shape and size of respective knives 24 a, 24 b and 24 c received therewithin. The embodiment of tray 14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 should not be construed as an implicit or explicit limitation. In some embodiments, tray 14 has less than three or more than three recesses 22, wherein each recess 22 is shaped and sized for receiving a similarly shaped and sized tool 24. While recesses 22 are illustrated as aligned in a particular orientation, this should not be considered as an implicit or explicit limitation. For instance, in certain embodiments, recesses 22 are aligned at an orientation different from that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some embodiments, each recess 22 has an orientation different from that of other recesses. In certain embodiments, recesses 22 are oriented and/or aligned in a manner that maximizes or most efficiently uses the surface of tray 14. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, sleeve 12 is a cutting board and tool 24 is a knife, a fork, a spoon, a pizza cutter, a nutcracker, a can opener, a corkscrew, a bottle opener, a grater, a peeler, a measuring spoon, a spatula, a baster, a cheese plane, a spreader, or other utensil. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 is used to house a variety of tools other than utensils.
In an embodiment of tray 14, each recess 22 includes at least one retention mechanism 26 for retaining or engaging tool 24 received therewithin. For example, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, retention mechanism 26 is one or more of a snap joint, tabs, slots, tabbed slots, and tongue slots, or any combinations thereof, configured for releasably engaging at least a portion of tool 24 received in corresponding recess 22. In some embodiments, retention mechanisms 26 are located on one or more surfaces of recess 22. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, retention mechanisms 26 are on opposed longitudinally extending surfaces of recess 22. In certain embodiments, retention mechanism 26 for retaining tool 24 are integrated within the design and/or configuration of recess 22 wherein placing tool 24 over recess 22 and pressing down on a portion of tool 24 engages or secures tool 24 within recess 22. In some embodiments, at least a portion of one or more recesses 22 includes a sheath as the retention mechanism 26 configured for receiving or housing at least a portion of tool 24. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, retention mechanism 26 for one or more recesses 22 includes a sheathing or cover spanning thereacross along a plane of tray 14 so as to house at least a portion of tool 24, for example one or more of blades 28 a-28 c of knives 24 a-24 c. In view thereof, all alternate and/or enhanced embodiments of mechanisms 26 for retaining or engaging tool 24 within recess 22, as will become apparent to one skilled in the art, are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, tray 14 includes release mechanism 30 for releasing tools 24 retained within recesses 22. In some embodiments, each recess 22 includes individual release mechanism 30 for releasing corresponding tool 24 retained therewithin. In certain embodiments, two or more recesses 22 include or share a single release mechanism 30 for releasing corresponding tool 24 retained therewithin. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, tray 14 includes release mechanisms 30 a-30 c for releasing tools 24 a-24 c retained within corresponding or respective recesses 22 a-22 c. In some embodiments, one or more of release mechanisms 30 is a push-button mechanism. As such, pushing down on push buttons 30 a-30 c individually will release respective tools 24 a-24 c retained within corresponding recesses 22 a-22 c. In certain embodiments, release mechanisms 30 are located within recess 22 such that tool 24 is released from recess 22 by pushing down on at least a portion of tool 24. In some embodiments, release mechanism 30 are spring-biased. In some embodiments, release mechanisms 30 for releasing tools 24 include one or more indentations on a perimeter of one or more recesses 22, wherein each indentation is configured for receiving one or more fingers and/or thumb for grasping at least a portion of tool 24 at the location of the indentation. As such, tool 24 is then removed from recess 22 by pulling on the grasped portion of tool 24. In view thereof, all alternate and/or enhanced embodiments of release mechanisms 30 for releasing or removing tool 24 from recess 22, as will become apparent to one skilled in the art, are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
Although not illustrated, some embodiments may include a mechanism configured for both retaining or engaging and releasing tool 24 from recess 22. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of tray 14, one or more recesses 22 includes a spring-biased release mechanism located within recess 22 such that, in response to a first instance of pushing down on at least a portion of tool 24, that tool 24 is retained or engaged within recess 22, and in response to a second instance of pushing down on at least a portion of tool 24, that tool 24 is released from recess 22. Therefore, all alternate and/or enhanced embodiments of combined mechanisms for both retaining and releasing tool 24 from recess 22, as will become apparent to one skilled in the art, are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In some embodiments, sleeve 12 and tray 14 are operatively coupled for sliding movement relative to each other. As such, when tray 14 is retracted to a first location within void 16, a substantial portion of each recess 22 is covered by sleeve 12 so as to inhibit removal of tools 24, and when tray 14 is extracted from void 16 to a second location, a substantial portion of each recess 22 is uncovered so as to permit access to tools 24. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a substantial portion, in this instance almost all, of tray 14 is received within void 16 of sleeve 12 such that the entirety of recesses 22, and tools 24 placed therewithin, are covered by sleeve 12. As will be apparent, when sleeve 12 and tray 14 are co-located at the first location, as shown in FIG. 1, access to any tool 24 is not possible or is inhibited. Therefore, in order to access or remove any one or more tools 24 from tray 14, it becomes necessary to uncover or expose a substantial portion of the corresponding recess 22 (and tool 24). In some embodiments, this is accomplished by extracting at least a portion, or a substantial portion, of tray 14 out of void 16 to a second location relative to sleeve 12 while retaining at least a portion of tray 14 within sleeve 12. In some embodiments, while not a necessity or a requirement, it may be desirable to separate the entirety of tray 14 and sleeve 12 from one another for cleaning purposes. As such, FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting embodiment wherein the entirety of tray 14 is shown as having been extracted or removed out of void 16 and separated from sleeve 12.
Embodiments of sleeve 12 and tray 14 are configured for slidable engagement relative to one another. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, sleeve 12 is configured for slidably receiving and housing tray 14 within void 16. As illustrated, when tray 14 is placed within void 16, the internal surfaces of opposed side walls 32 and 34 of sleeve 12 are in close proximity of and/or in contact with the external surfaces of opposed side walls 36 and 38, respectively, of tray 14. In some embodiments, one or more additional external surfaces of tray 14 are in close proximity of and/or in contact with one or more additional internal surfaces of sleeve 12.
Some embodiments, sleeve 12 and tray 14 include first locking mechanism 40 configured for securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 to one another. In certain embodiments, first locking mechanism 40 is located in one or both sides proximate distal end 42 of sleeve 12. In one such non-limiting exemplary embodiment, first locking mechanism 40 is a tab 44 or similar mechanism extending inwardly through one or both side walls 32 and 34 of sleeve 12 and engages an indent or a notch or a catch or a similar mechanism 46 in one or both side walls 36 and 38 proximate distal end 48 of tray 14. As such, extending tab 44 inwardly towards tray 14 for engagement with indent 46 will secure sleeve 12 and tray 14 to one another, and extracting tab 44 outwardly away indent 46 in tray 14 will un-secure sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another. As can be seen, first locking mechanism 40 is configured for being operable between a first state for securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 to one another, and a second state for un-securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another. As will be apparent, slidable movement of sleeve 12 and tray 14 relative to one another is inhibited when first locking mechanism 40 is in the first state, and slidable movement of sleeve 12 and tray 14 relative to one another is enabled when first locking mechanism 40 is in the second state.
Although not shown, some embodiments of apparatus 10 include an additional first locking mechanism 40 proximate proximal end 50 of sleeve 12 configured for securing tray 14 and sleeve 12 to one another when tray 14 is at least partially extracted out of void 16. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, as distal end 48 of tray 14 approaches proximal end 50 of sleeve 12, the additional first locking mechanism 40 at proximal end 50 will engage indent or catch 46 or similar mechanism near distal end 48 of tray 14. As such, sleeve 12 and tray 14 will again be secured to one another at a second location, thereby inhibiting further separation of sleeve 12 and tray 14.
Although not shown, some embodiments of apparatus 10 include first locking mechanism 40 located in one or both sides 36 and 38 proximate distal end 48 of tray 14. In one such non-limiting exemplary embodiment, first locking mechanism 40 is a tab or similar mechanism extending outwardly through one or both side walls 36 and 38 of tray 14 and engages an indent or a catch or a similar mechanism in one or both side walls 32 and 34 proximate distal end 42 of sleeve 12. As such, extending first locking mechanism 40 outwardly towards sleeve 12 will secure tray 12 and sleeve 12 to one another at the first location, and extracting first locking mechanism 40 inwardly away from sleeve 12 will un-secure tray 14 and sleeve 12. As can be seen, first locking mechanism 40 is configured for being operable between a first state for securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 to one another, and a second state for un-securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another. As will be apparent, slidable movement of sleeve 12 and tray 14 relative to one another is inhibited when first locking mechanism 40 is in the first state, and slidable movement of sleeve 12 and tray 14 relative to one another is enabled when first locking mechanism 40 is in the second state. As will be apparent to one skilled in the art, as tray 14 is slid out of void 16 and distal end 48 of tray 14 approaches proximal end 50 of sleeve 12, first locking mechanism 40 proximate distal end 48 will engage an indent or a catch or a similar mechanism in one or both side walls 32 and 34 proximate proximal end 50 of sleeve 12. As such, sleeve 12 and tray 14 will be secured to one another at the second location, and further relative slidable movement of sleeve 12 and tray 14 will be inhibited.
Although not shown, tab 44 of first locking mechanism 40 can be on a surface of sleeve 12 and/or on a surface of tray 14. In some embodiments, first locking member 40 can include a combined movable member and an engagement member. In certain embodiments, indent 46 is provide at several locations along one or both sides 32 and 34 of sleeve 12 and/or along one or both sides 36 and 38 of tray 14. Having described the desired operation and functionality of first locking mechanism 40, additional and/or different and/or enhanced mechanisms, means, and configurations for providing the same or similar functionalities will become apparent to one skilled in the art. Also, those skilled in the art will realize that several alternatives are known and readily available in the art. Accordingly, all such alternatives and/or enhancements are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
While embodiments of sleeve 12 and tray 14 are implicitly described in the foregoing as having two positions, viz., the first and the second location, whereat they are secured to one another, this should not be considered as a limitation. For instance, in the foregoing, sleeve 12 and tray 14 are described as being secured to one another at the first location whereat their respective distal ends 42 and 48 are proximate one another and at the second location whereat distal end 48 of tray 14 is proximate proximal end 50 of sleeve 12. However, it will be readily apparent that sleeve 12 and tray 14 can be appropriately configured for being secured to one another at any location between those described herein above. Such configurations of apparatus 10 providing multiple engagement or securement locations for sleeve 12 and tray 14 may be useful in embodiments wherein tools 24 are positioned “sideways”, e.g., oriented 90° relative to the illustrated orientation. Accordingly, all alternate embodiments related to securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 at locations other than those described herein are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the disclosure.
In view of the forgoing, it will be apparent that each one of sleeve 12 and tray 14 can include respective first locking mechanisms 40. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, sleeve 12 can include first locking mechanism 40 through side wall 32, and tray 14 can include another first locking mechanism 40 located in side wall 38 on the side opposite side wall 32. Accordingly, all alternate and/or enhanced embodiments for securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 to one another, as will become apparent to one skilled in the art, are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In some embodiments, first locking mechanism 40 is configured to be moved manually between the first and second states by the user. In certain embodiments, sleeve 12 and tray 14 include an un-locking mechanism operatively coupled with first locking mechanism 40 and configured for moving first locking mechanism 40 between the afore described first and second states. As such, the un-locking mechanism is configured for operating first locking mechanism 40 so as to un-secure sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of un-locking member 52 located in or on an internal surface of hand grip or handle 54 of tray 14. As can be seen, un-locking mechanism 52 is in the general vicinity of an internal surface whereat a user's fingers would be placed when hand grip or handle 54 is used for holding tray 14. Accordingly, in some embodiments of tray 14, first locking mechanism 40 is moved from the first state to the second state, thereby un-securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another, by squeezing or applying a pressure on un-locking mechanism 52. It will be readily apparent that un-locking mechanism 52 can be placed at a location and in a manner different from that illustrated in the non-limiting exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For instance, in some embodiments, un-locking mechanism 52 can be located on an outer or external surface of hand grip or handle 54. In certain embodiments, un-locking mechanism 52 is a push-button operatively coupled with first locking mechanism 40 and configured for moving first locking mechanism from the first state to the second state by pressing on the push-button. The components (or parts) necessary for enabling and providing the described mechanical coupling between first locking mechanism 40 and un-locking mechanism 52 are well known and/or will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
While hand grip or handle 54 is illustrated as being associated with tray 14, it should be apparent that this is not a requirement or a necessity. In some embodiments, hand grip 54 is located on a different portion of tray 14 other than that illustrated. In certain embodiments, tray 14 and hand grip or handle 54 are a unitary and integrated single piece components. In some embodiments, tray 14 and hand grip or handle 54 are fixedly and/or removably attached to one another. In certain embodiments, hand grip or handle 54 is associated with sleeve 12. In some embodiments, both sleeve 12 and tray 14 include separate hand grips.
Some embodiments of sleeve 12 and tray 14 include second locking mechanism 56 operatively coupled with un-locking mechanism 52 and configured for enabling and disabling the operation of un-locking mechanism 52. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, second locking mechanism 56 is movable from a locked position whereat it inhibits the operation of un-locking mechanism 52 to an unlocked position whereat it enables the operation of un-locking mechanism 52. As will be apparent, in preventing the operation of un-locking mechanism 52, second locking mechanism 56 also inhibits the movement of first locking mechanism 40 from the first state to the second state and, by extension, inhibits un-securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another. As will also be apparent, in order to operate un-locking mechanism 52 for un-securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another, the user must first reposition second locking mechanism 56 from the locked position to the unlocked position either before or concurrently with operating un-locking mechanism 52.
In view of the forgoing, some embodiments of sleeve 12 and tray 14 include mechanisms that are spring biased that require or necessitate some intervention for certain operations. For instance, some embodiments of first locking mechanism 40 are spring-biased so as to require an external intervention for movement from the first state to the second state, i.e., for un-securing sleeve 12 and tray 14 from one another, but not in the reverse direction wherein a spring force causes the movement from the second state to the first state. Similarly, certain embodiments of un-locking mechanism 52 are spring-biased so as to require an external intervention, e.g., squeezing, for operating the mechanically coupled first locking mechanism 40 from the first state to the second state, but not in the reverse direction wherein a spring force returns un-locking mechanism 52 to its initial un-squeezed state. Likewise, certain embodiments of second locking mechanism 56 are spring-biased so as to require an external intervention for movement from the locked position to the unlocked position, i.e., for enabling operation of un-locking mechanism 52, but not in the reverse direction wherein a spring force causes the movement from the unlocked position to the locked position. In view thereof, it will be apparent that one or more of first and second locking mechanisms 40 and 56 and un-locking mechanism 52 can be spring-biased. Having described the desired operation of first and second locking mechanisms 40 and 56 and un-locking mechanism 52, additional and/or different and/or enhanced mechanisms, means, and configurations for providing the same or similar functionalities will become apparent to one skilled in the art. Also, those skilled in the art will realize that several alternatives are known and readily available in the art. Accordingly, all such alternatives and/or enhancements are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, a non-limiting exemplary embodiments of first locking mechanism 40 is selected from the group consisting of a snap joint, a detent, a pawl, a lever, a tab, a key operated lock, or any combination(s) thereof.
In some embodiments, sleeve 12 is a cutting board and, as such, includes at least one substantially planar work surface 58. In certain embodiments, sleeve 12 includes at least two substantially planar work surfaces in opposed relationship. In some embodiments, tray 14 includes a substantially planar work surface so as to enable the use of tray 14 as a cutting board. In certain embodiments, the substantially planar work surface of tray 14 is opposite relationship to the surface with recesses 22. Accordingly, in such embodiments, sleeve 12 can be a carrying case for tray 14 which can or cannot be used as a work surface.
In some embodiments, sleeve 12 and/or tray 14 are made of a material that is transparent, semi-transparent, opaque, and/or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, sleeve 12 and/or tray 14 are made of a material suitable for use with edible products. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the material used for sleeve 12 and/or tray 14 is one or more of plastic, wood, ceramic, or any combination thereof. While not illustrated, some embodiments of sleeve 12 and/or tray 14 include slip resistant features and/or grips. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, sleeve 12 includes a slip resistant material, such as rubber, on the surface opposite work surface 58 so as to minimize and/or inhibit movement of sleeve 12 during use.
In some embodiments, the operatively coupled sleeve 12 and tray 14 include one or more guides and/or guide rails. For instance, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 4, apparatus 100 includes operatively coupled sleeve 102 and tray 104. In some embodiments, sleeve 102 is configured for receiving tray 104. As shown, sleeve 102 includes opposed pairs of guides 106 and guide rails 108 configured for slidably receiving tray 104. In another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in FIG. 5, apparatus 110 includes operatively coupled sleeve 112 and tray 114. In some embodiments, sleeve 112 is configured for being received by tray 114. As shown, tray 114 includes opposed pairs of guides 116 and guide rails 118 configured for slidably receiving sleeve 112. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of apparatus 100/110, the surfaces of trays 104/114 can be configured with recesses 22 and/or other features that are the same as or similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. All alternate embodiments and/or enhancements are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In some embodiments of apparatus 100/110, guides 106/116 and/or guide rails 108/118 are similar to or substantially the same as drawer rails as used, for example, in kitchen drawers and/or in filing cabinets. In certain embodiments of apparatus 100/110, guides 106/116 and/or guide rails 108/118 are opposed pairs of a mating grove and ridge configured for slidable engagement. In some embodiments of apparatus 100/110, guides 106/116 and/or guide rails 108/118 are slidably engaged pairs of opposing channels. All alternatives and/or enhancements as will become apparent to one skilled in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.
In view of the foregoing, additional and/or alternate configurations may become apparent or obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. All such possibilities are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, while the descriptions and illustrations refer to particular features and/or functions of the various embodiments, the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure is considered to also encompass undisclosed embodiments that provide the same or similar feature and functionalities having combinations of components different from those described and/or illustrated. Accordingly, the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, variations, etc., as may become apparent or obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. The metes and bounds of the disclosure are defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a tray comprising one or more recesses, each recess configured for receiving at least one tool;

a sleeve operatively coupled with said tray such that a substantial portion of each of said one or more recesses is

covered by said sleeve when said tray is in a first location; and

uncovered by said sleeve when said tray is in a second location; and

a first locking mechanism for securing said tray and said sleeve to one another.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first locking mechanism is configured for being movable between a first state for securing said tray and said sleeve to one another and a second state for un-securing said tray and said sleeve from one another.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an unlocking mechanism operatively coupled with said first locking mechanism and configured for moving said first locking mechanism from said first state to said second state.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a second locking mechanism operatively coupled with said unlocking mechanism and configured for enabling and disabling said unlocking mechanism.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein one or more of said first and said second locking mechanisms and said unlocking mechanism is spring-biased.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a hand grip having one or more of said first locking mechanism, said second locking mechanism, and said un-locking mechanism.

7. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a hand grip having said un-locking mechanism.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tray and said sleeve are secured to one another at a location selected from the group consisting of said first location, said second location, and between said first and said second location.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tray and said sleeve are slidably coupled.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a void within said sleeve, said void extending from an opening along at least one side of said sleeve and configured for housing a substantial portion of said tray.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said one or more recesses comprises a retention mechanism for retaining said at least one tool; and

a release mechanism for releasing said at least one tool.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said one or more recesses is configured as a sheath for housing at least a portion of said at least one tool.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hand grip.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said tray includes one or more of said first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and an un-locking mechanism.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sleeve includes one or more of said first locking mechanism, a second locking mechanism, and an un-locking mechanism.

16. An apparatus, comprising:

covered by said sleeve when said tray is in a first location; and

uncovered by said sleeve when said tray is in a second location; and

a plurality of first locking mechanisms, each configured for securing said tray and said sleeve to one another.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein each of said plurality of first locking mechanisms is configured for being movable between a first state for securing said tray and said sleeve to one another and a second state for un-securing said tray and said sleeve from one another.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, comprising at least one unlocking mechanism operatively coupled with one or more of said plurality of first locking mechanisms and configured for moving said operatively coupled one or more first locking mechanisms from said first state to said second state.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising at least one second locking mechanism operatively coupled with said at least one unlocking mechanism and configured for enabling and disabling said operatively coupled unlocking mechanism.

20. An apparatus, comprising:

a tray comprising a first surface comprising one or more recesses, each recess configured for receiving at least one tool;

a cover operatively coupled with said tray; and

at least one locking mechanism configured for securing said tray and said cover to one another.