Tool organizer

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/667,251, filed Sep. 19, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,546, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to portable tool boxes, chests, containers and organizers for storing, transporting and organizing sets of tools. Specifically, the present invention relates to a wheeled tool organizer having vertical tool supports which may be disposed in an open or closed configuration, facilitating a visual inspection of all tools when disposed in the open configuration.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Portable tool boxes and tool cabinets are well known for storing and transporting tool sets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,005 describes a portable tool truck invented by George Norton. The ′005 device comprises a plastic body with a compartment formed in the front face of the body adapted to retain tools therein, and two doors mounted on either side of the body. The doors pivot in opposite directions into an overlapping arrangement that seals off the compartment formed by the face of the body. While the invention of Norton is adequate for retaining and transporting tools, it does not facilitate taking a visual inventory of all of the tools retained therein. Further, the invention of Norton fails to provide a specific place for each tool of a tool set.

[0006] Advantages of the Invention

[0007] The present invention provides numerous advantages and benefits over prior art tool organizers. Specifically, the present invention facilitates more efficient off-site maintenance activities by reducing the need for multiple trips due to lost or forgotten tools. The present invention provides a uniform standard for tool sets. The present invention further facilitates reduced theft, loss and inventory shrinkage.

[0008] It is another advantage of the present invention that it may be disposed in an open configuration to enable a visual inspection and inventory of tools stored within the tool organizer.

[0009] It is a further advantage of the present invention that the tool organizer includes a tool fastener and tool indicia for each specific tool of a particular tool set. This enables the owner or manager of a tool set to quickly visually inspect the contents of the tool organizer to determine whether the tool set is complete. Specifically, one may determine and precisely identify any missing tools.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a first example tool organizer is provided. The tool organizer includes a frame and a plurality of wheels attached to the frame. The tool organizer also includes a tool storage structure supported by the frame. The tool storage structure comprises a plurality of storage panels. Each storage panel includes at least one tool fastener for securing a tool. The plurality of storage panels are movable with respect to one another between a closed configuration and an open configuration.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a second example tool organizer is provided. The second example tool organizer is modular and includes a modular frame comprising a plurality of removably assembled frame components, and at least one tool module adapted to be removably attached to the modular frame. Each tool module comprises at least one tool fastener and at least one corresponding tool indicia associated with each tool fastener.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a tool set transportation system is provided. The tool set transportation system includes a frame component, a travel base and at least one tool module. The frame is a portion of a modular frame. The travel base is adapted to support the frame component, and the tool module is adapted to be removably attached to the frame component.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a tool bag is provided. The tool bag includes a plurality of tool fasteners and a means for attaching the tool bag to a tool organizer. Each tool fastener of the tool bag includes an associated tool indicia.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring a tool set is provided. The method includes configuring a tool organizer, containing at least a portion of a tool set, in an open configuration. The method also includes visually inspecting the contents of the tool organizer to determine a first level of completeness of the tool set. The first level of completeness is recorded, and the tool organizer and its contents are released to a third party.

[0015] The method further includes receiving the tool organizer and returned contents from the third party, configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration and visually inspecting the returned contents of the tool organizer to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set. The second level of completeness is compared to the first level of completeness to determine whether one or more tools from the tool set are missing.

[0016] The objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The following reference characters identify the associated elements depicted in the drawings describing the present invention

[0035]

	100	Tool organizer
	110	Frame
	112	Handle
	114	Rear wheel
	116	Front wheel
	118	Parts box
	120	Load bearing step
	124	Storage bin
	130	Vertical tool support
	132	Retaining means
	140	Tool fastener
	142	Tool indicia
	144	Tool
	150	Protrusion
	155	Retaining means
	400	Tool belt
	410	Belt portion
	412	First belt end
	414	Second belt end
	416	Pad
	418	Tool belt handle
	420	Tool support
	1000	Modular tool organizer
	1012	Handle
	1014	Tray
	1016	Pin
	1018	Hinge
	1020	Rear wheel
	1022	Front wheel
	1024	Storage box
	1030	Tool support handle
	1032	Tool support retainer
	1040	Tool fastener
	1042	Tool indicia
	1112	First tool module
	1114	Second tool module
	1116	Upper frame component
	1118	Lower frame component
	1120A/B	Knob
	1122	Tool support
	1124A/B	Bracket
	1126A/B	Supporting cross-member
	1202	Step
	1204	Brake lever
	1302	Travel base
	1304	Seat
	1306	Seat belt
	1308A/B	Prongs
	1310A/B	Receptacles
	1402	Removable tool carrier
	1404	Storage compartment
	1406	Handle
	1502	Handle
	1504A/B	Attachment hooks
	1506	Shoulder strap

[0036] Referring now to the drawing figures, there is illustrated in FIG. 1, a first example tool organizer 100 embodying the present invention. Tool organizer 100 is intended to contain a predetermined set of tools for use by a professional or hobbyist at a location within or away from a work shop. Tool organizer 100 comprises a frame 110 including a handle 112. The frame 110 is supported by two rear tires 114 and two front casters 116. The frame 110 supports several parts storage boxes 118 for containing miscellaneous tools, machine parts, work pieces and/or accessories that may be commonly needed by the user.

[0037] Tool organizer 100 includes a set of storage panels or vertical tool supports 130 for storing a specific set of tools. The specific set of tools may be selected based on the typical activities of the user. For example, the tool organizer 100 may be populated with a first set of tools for a plumber, a second set of tools for an electrician, or a third set of tools for a general maintenance worker. In the illustrated embodiment, each vertical support includes a rigid inner structure and an outer fabric covering which forms one or more tool fasteners 140 to hold a tool 144. Each tool fastener 140 has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain a specific tool 144 and includes a tool indicia 142 indicating the specific tool 144 which is associated with the tool fastener 140. Each tool fastener 140 of the example tool organizer 100 is a pocket into which a specific tool 144 may be placed and stored. Of course, other types of tool fasteners 140 may be contemplated, such as loops, straps, velcro, and hooks, for example.

[0038] The tool organizer 100 may be disposed in a closed configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, or in an open configuration, as described more fully below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6. The tool organizer may be disposed in the closed configuration by securing the vertical tool panels 130 using a panel retaining means 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel retaining means 132 are straps that employ hook and loop fasteners, commonly referred to as velcro. Of course, retaining means of other types, including snap fasteners, buckles and hasps, for example, are acceptable substitutes.

[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 6, by releasing the retaining means 132, the user can open the vertical tool panels 130 of the tool organizer 100. This enables the user to visually detect every tool 144 of the particular tool set contained within the tool organizer 100, and note any missing tools using the associated indicia.

[0040] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is presented for using the example tool organizer 100 to facilitate an inspection and/or inventory process to efficiently determine a first level of completeness, i.e. to identify any missing tools from the set of tools. The method begins with disposing the tool organizer 100 in an open configuration and visually inspecting each tool fastener 140 to determine whether a tool 144 is disposed therein. The visual inspection further includes determining whether the each tool 144 disposed within a tool fastener 140 is associated with the tool indicia 142. Preferably, the tool indicia 142 is a printed tool name, although it may be an alpha-numeric code or other indicia such as bar-code.

[0041] The method also includes recording the first level of completeness of the tool set, such as by noting the missing tools or tool indicia. The further includes releasing the tool organizer and contents to a third party and, at some future time, receiving the tool organizer 100 and returned contents from the third party. Again, the user configures the tool organizer 100 in an open configuration and visually inspects the returned contents of the tool organizer 100 to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set. The first and second levels of completeness are compared to determine whether one or more tools 144 from the tool set were not returned with the tool organizer 100.

[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, respective side and rear views of the example tool organizer 100 are depicted. As illustrated, the tool organizer 100 includes an integrated tool belt 400 which may be detached from tool organizer 100 and used to carry a subset of the tool set apart from the tool organizer 100. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the tool belt 400 may be replaced by a tool bag or tool box to maintain the same accountability as the tool organizer 100.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is illustrated the tool belt 400 detached from the tool organizer 100. Tool belt 400 includes a belt portion 410 having a first end 412 and a second end 414. A retaining means 415 is disposed at belt end 414. Tool belt 400 also includes a tool support 420 for holding the subset of tools and a handle 418. Like the tool fasteners of the panels of the tool organizer 100, each tool fastener of the tool belt has a particular size and shape to securely hold a specific tool, and each tool fastener of the tool belt 400 has an associated indicia of the specific tool to be stored.

[0044] When integrated with the tool organizer, the retaining means 415 of belt end 414 cooperates with a corresponding strap 155 attached to the tool organizer. Likewise, belt end 412 cooperates with a retaining means (not shown) also attached to the tool organizer 100. The weight of the tools in the tool belt 400 is further supported by handle 418 which may be looped over a correspondingly place protrusion 150 formed within the frame 110 of tool organizer 100.

[0045] When the tool belt 400 is not integrated with tool organizer 100, retaining means 415 may cooperate with belt end 412 to form a loop which may be placed around a user's waist or over a user's shoulder, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Tool belt 400 also includes a pad 416 to distribute pressure and provide a cushion for the user when the tool belt 400 is worn over the shoulder. Alternatively, the user may use handle 418 to carry tool belt 400.

[0046] Modular Tool Organizer

[0047] There is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, a second example tool organizer 1000 embodying the present invention. Tool organizer 1000 is particularly useful for professionals who may be required to supply a set of tools at a remote worksite. Modular tool organizer 1000 is designed to be easily placed in and removed from a passenger vehicle or truck. Modular tool organizer 1000 comprises four major components which may be disassembled to facilitate transportation and reassembled at a remote workplace. The four major components are a first tool module 1112, a second tool module 1114, an upper frame component 1116, and a lower frame component 1118.

[0048] Upper frame component 1116 includes a handle 1012 and a tray 1014. Handle 1012 and tray 1014 are integrated into the upper frame 1116 by a hinge 1018, and they may be adjusted to any of several positions using an adjustment mechanism, such as a spring-loaded pin 1016. For example, handle 1012 may be positioned at a roughly 45 degree angle to accommodate moving and tilting the fully assembled tool organizer 1000, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Handle 1012 may be positioned horizontally, as illustrated in FIG. 12, to serve as a work surface to hold tools or spare parts during a job. In yet another example, handle 1012 may also be positioned vertically to conserve space during transporting the components of the tool organizer 1000, as illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0049] Referring back to FIG. 11, the two tool modules 1112 and 1114 attach to and are supported by the upper frame component 1116. Tool module 1112, for example, attaches to the upper frame 1116 using brackets 1124A and 1124B which engage corresponding cross-members 1126A and 1126B of the upper frame component 1116. Each of the two tool modules 1112 and 1114 may be lifted and maneuvered using a tool support handle such as handle 1030, and each includes two vertical tool supports, such as tool support 1122 of tool module 1112. As in the first example embodiment, the vertical tool supports may be retained by tool support closure 1032, and each vertical support includes one or more tool fasteners 1040 to hold a tool, and each tool fastener 1040 has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain a specific tool. Each tool fastener 1040 further includes a tool indicia 1042 indicating the specific tool which is associated with the tool fastener.

[0050] Lower frame component 1118 includes two rear wheels 1020 and two front casters 1022. The lower frame component 1118 supports several parts storage boxes 1024 for holding various machine parts, work pieces and/or accessories that may be commonly needed by the user, but are typically not considered part of the tool inventory. Lower frame component 1118 includes two apertures for receiving two corresponding prongs 1308A and 1308B of upper frame component 1116. When the upper frame component 1116 is received by lower frame component 1118, the two may be secured by tightening corresponding knobs 1120A and 1120B. These attachment mechanisms enable the tool organizer 1000 to be assembled and disassembled as desired.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 12, tool organizer 1000 is illustrated with both tool modules 1112 and 1114 removed. The removal of the tool modules facilitates the use of step 1202 which is integrated into the lower frame component 1118. The tool organizer 1000 may be stabilized using brake 1204 which prevents rotation of the rear wheels 1020.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated a travel base 1302 which adapted to fit in a passenger seat of a car or truck, such as seat 1304. Travel base 1302 may be secured to seat 1304 using a standard passive restraint, such as seatbelt 1306. Travel base 1302 includes receptacles 1310A and 1310B which are adapted to receive corresponding prongs 1308A and 1308B of upper frame 1116. Upon securing travel base 1302 to seat 1304 and attaching upper frame component 1116 to travel base 1302, tool modules 1112 and 1114 may be attached to upper frame component 1116. The modular nature of tool organizer 1000 enables the tool organizer to be easily inserted and removed from a car or truck. By breaking the tool organizer into several modules, the weight of the assembled tool organizer and its contents may be distributed over all of the modules, each of which may be more easily lifted and maneuvered.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 14, a rear perspective view of tool organizer 1000 is illustrated. As shown, the lower frame 1118 includes a rear storage compartment 1404, saw horse support 1408 and a handle 1406. Handle 1406 may be used to facilitate lifting the lower frame component 1118 into and out of a transporting vehicle. Saw horse support 1408 may be used to support a piece of wood or other workpiece to facilitate cutting the wood or other workpiece. A removable tool carrier 1402, more clearly illustrated in FIG. 15, is shown attached to the rear of tool organizer 1000.

[0054] Removable tool carrier 1402 includes a handle 1502, two attachment hooks 1504A and 1504B and an adjustable shoulder strap 1506. Removable tool carrier 1402 further includes a plurality of tool fasteners. Each tool fastener has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain a specific tool. Each tool fastener further includes a tool indicia indicating the specific tool which is associated with the tool fastener.

[0055] Method for Using Tool Organizer

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 16, there is illustrated an example methodology for using the example tool organizer to track, maintain and account for a set of tools which may be checked out to a third party for use. Examples of such third parties include, for example, in-house maintenance personnel and independent contractors. At block 1605, the methodology includes configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration. By so configuring the tool organizer, every tool retained therein may be visually inspected (1610) by flipping through the vertical tool supports, similar to leafing through the pages of a book.

[0057] Upon or during the visual inspection, a level of completeness of the tool set is recorded (1615). The level of completeness may be any of a number of representations of the tool set, including a list of tools missing from the tool set, a list of tools present in the tool set, a grade according to a predetermined scale, or a set of check marks in an inventory list, for example. At block 1620, the tool organizer may be checked out or released to the third party for use.

[0058] Once the third party returns the tool organizer (1625), the contents are once again visually inspected to determine a level of completeness at the time of check-in (1630). The first and second levels of completeness are then compared to determine any changes in the tool set (1635). Appropriate actions may be taken by the owner of the tool set based on any changes to the tool set. For example, the third party may be charged for any missing tools.

[0059] Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.