DE29816574U1 - Containers for holding and transporting tools - Google Patents

Description

PATENT ATTORNEY II · . II*,.I . '..J .**, EUROPEAN PATENT ATTORNEY* *..· ..'..*·..'

DiPL.-PHYs. DR. WALTHER JUNIUS Hannover WOLFSTRASSE 24 TEL. (OSIl) 834530

30519 HANOVER FAX. (0511) 842124

14.September 1998 My file:1416

Carl Hanns Ottens De-Haen-Platz 6, 30163 Hanover

Containers for storing and transporting tools

The invention relates to a portable container for holding and transporting tools, in particular a tool case or a tool bag, with at least one removable insert plate inserted into lateral vertical guides, which is provided with holders for the various tools.

Such a container in the form of a tool bag similar to a briefcase is known from DE 70 43 492 U. This has a foldable front and a slide-in plate that can be inserted into guides attached to the side walls and is provided with rubber band loops for inserting tools. The slide-in ability of the slide-in plate makes it possible to equip the container with different slide-in plates and different tools depending on the needs of the respective tradesman. The foldable ability of the front of the container gives the tradesman quick access to the tools. In addition, if there are several slide-in plates in a container, the tradesman has the option of removing the slide-in plates, together with the tools attached to them, from the container and

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to lay it flat next to the container in order to have better access to the tools. However, the craftsman often does not have enough space for this. This tool bag is therefore designed so that one of the panels containing the required tool can be pulled up by half its height and locked in this position by a built-in spring, making access to the tool easier. However, the design of this spring mechanism is so unfortunate that the insert panel can only be pushed back into the bag with great difficulty from its position locked by the spring.

DE 70 35 251 U has made known a tool case that contains several panels with pockets for tools, which are connected to one another in such a way that when the case is opened, the panels are spread out at almost the same angle for tool removal. The disadvantage of this tool case is that it takes up a lot of space when opened.

DE 72 30 306 U has made known another tool case which has foldable panels with pockets for tools inside, which can be adjusted to an angle using a folding support to make it easier to remove the tools. However, such a folding support does not provide reliable support.

The invention avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. It is the object of the invention to improve the use

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plates should be designed in such a way that they can be removed from the bag when required and can stand freely vertically, thus making the tool very easily accessible for removal in a small space.

The invention consists in that at least one insert plate is provided with feet at its lower end on which the insert plate removed from the container stands freely vertically, that the insert plate is provided with a strip with holes for receiving the tools on at least one side and that the strip is arranged in such a way that the lower edge of the tools is at a height not lower than the feet, or that a further strip is arranged above the feet on which the lower edges of the tools stand or are prevented from slipping.

This makes it possible to lift the individual insert plates out of the container together with their tools and to place them vertically anywhere. This saves a lot of space and gives the craftsman particularly good and free access to the tools.

The compartments of the container formed by the insert plates with feet are conveniently equipped with tools that belong together, e.g. one compartment with metalworking tools, another compartment with carpentry tools, a third compartment with plumbing tools, etc., or one compartment with

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Screwdrivers and files, another with pliers and chisels, another with wrenches and Allen keys, etc. A common color coding of the insert and the tools belonging to it can help to maintain exemplary order in the tool container.

It gives the container a high level of stability if the insert plates are arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the container.

The stability of the insert plates can be increased considerably by adding bevels to the sides (for insert plates made from sheet metal) or angled, molded side parts (for insert plates made using the injection molding process). These beveled or molded side parts can also have a further function of increasing the stability of the container if they engage with guides on its side walls.

The insert plates are particularly easy to remove from the container if the insert plates have a handle hole at their upper end.

The insert plates can be made from sheet metal or as plastic moldings. The strips can be attached to them using rivets or screws, unless they are molded in one piece using the injection molding process or are formed by punching and bending sheet metal plates.

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For reasons of efficient production, it may be advisable not to form the insert plates together with the strips, but to produce the insert plates separately and the strips separately. For connecting the strips to the plastic plates, it is advantageous that the strips are provided with at least one angled or U-shaped clamp that is open at the bottom, that the insert plates are provided with at least one recess into which the clamp is inserted, and that the clamp is pushed down over the lower edge of the recess so far that its horizontal part rests on the lower edge of the recess.

For reasons of rational production, it is advantageous if the recess into which the clamp is inserted is the handle hole.

For easy, safe and quick fastening of the strip, it can be advantageous if the clamp is made or shaped from a springy material.

The strip can also be part of a connected pair of strips which has a slot in its middle, which is pushed over the lower edge of the recess after the pair of strips has been pushed into the recess of the insertion plate.

To ensure that the strip is firmly seated on the insert plate, an additional screw connection can be advantageous. For reasons of efficient production, it can be advantageous if at least one

Ottens - 6 - 14 September 1998

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clamp made of resilient material has a projection that falls into a hole in the insert plate or if at least one clamp made of resilient material has a hole into which a projection on the insert plate falls. The projection will expediently be arranged at the lower end of the clamp.

The bar can have a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes. It is particularly advantageous if the bar has an angled or hollow cross-section. When manufacturing the angled bar from plastic, it can be advantageous to make the bar from a thick ^- walled plastic, e.g. a foamed plastic, for reasons of improved stability and a more secure fit of the tool in the bar. The surface of the bar can be arranged at a right angle to the side surfaces of the insert plate, particularly if the tools are to hang parallel to the insert plate. The surface of the bar can also be arranged at an angle to the side surface of the insert plate if the tools are to be stored at an angle to the insert plate so that their lower end touches the insert plate. The angled attachment makes it easier to remove short and small tools, in particular.

In the case of a hollow bar, it is advantageous if the holes for holding the tools are arranged slightly diagonally one above the other, so that the tools are at a slight acute angle to the insert plate and rest with their lower edge on this

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In the case of a thick-walled angled strip, however, it is advantageous if the axis of the hole runs at a slight acute angle to the insert plate.

The angle, position and shape of the holes for the tool holder on the strips must be adapted to the tools and their size. By ensuring that the holes are at the right (usually small) distance from the insert plate, the tool handle or tool tip generates the necessary tension for a firm fit.

The stability of the container is increased by the fact that the edges of the insert plates lying in the guides have side parts that are angled or beveled by 90° and that grip behind protruding parts, preferably strips, of the guides.

The insert plates can be easily manufactured by forming the feet with bevelled or molded projections that protrude outwards.

It is advantageous for the stability of the container if the projections are strip-shaped.

In order to ensure that the tools are positioned and arranged safely in the container even if the container falls over, it is advantageous to provide the container with a lid and to arrange the strips and tools in such a way that the strips are arranged at a height that the upper edge of the tools inserted into the holes in the

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Tools inserted into the bars rest against the lid of the container when the container is on its lid, without slipping out of the holes in the bars.

In order to give buyers of this container the opportunity to initially purchase the container without insert plates or only with one or a few insert plates or only with insert plates equipped with tools that are suitable for their trade, it is advantageous if the insert plates together with the tools used are stored separately from the container in packaging for initial transport.

To accommodate a large range of tools in this container, it is advantageous if the insert plates are provided with strips on both sides and are equipped with tools.

The use of this container becomes more versatile if in addition to the insert plates equipped with strips, at least one insert plate is provided or another insert plate is arranged which is equipped with small containers for holding nuts, screws, dowels and similar small parts and/or a winding drum for wire, cables, etc. on one or both sides.

As a transport safety device, it can be advantageous if a flat spring that is bent at least once is attached or formed onto at least one insert plate and rests against at least one tool.

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A transport lock for the insert plates can be implemented by attaching or molding a flat spring to at least one insert plate that falls into a recess in the guide or by attaching or molding a flat spring to at least one guide that falls into a recess in the insert plate.

The essence of the invention is explained in more detail below using an embodiment shown schematically in the drawing. They show:

Fig.1 a perspective view of an opened tool case, equipped with inserts,

Fig.-2 a perspective view of a free-standing insert,

Fig.3 a perspective view of a free-standing insert, equipped with screwdrivers,

Fig.4 a view of a free-standing insert, equipped with strips,

Fig.5 a side view of the free-standing insert, equipped with strips,

Fig.6 a cross section through a hollow double bar ,

Fig.7 a cross section through an angled strip ,

Fig.8 a cross-section through a double small parts container,

Fig.9 a cross section through a hollow strip,

Fig.10 a view of a part of the insert with spring locking,

Fig.11 a plan view of a side wall of the container

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ters with guided tours.

The container 1 is used for holding and transporting tools. It is equipped with two flaps 2 that form a lid. This container 1 can be referred to as a tool case. Several removable inserts 3 are placed in this container 1. These inserts 3 are inserted into vertical guides 4 that are attached or molded into the long walls of the container and are provided with holders for the various tools. Each insert plate 3 is provided with a handle hole 5.

The insert plates 3 are provided with feet 6 at their lower end, on which the insert plate 3 removed from the container 1 stands freely vertically. It can thus be taken directly by the craftsman to his workplace and placed there in a vertical position. The craftsman therefore has completely free access to the tools attached to the insert plate 3. The insert plate 3 is provided on at least one side with a strip 9 with holes 7 for the tools 8. This strip 9 is arranged in such a way that the lower edge of the tools 8 is at a height no lower than the height of the feet 6. A further strip 10 is arranged above the feet 6. The lower edges of the tools 8 can stand on this strip 10 in the case of very long tools 8. Slipping tools 8 are thus prevented from slipping. This ensures that the insert plate 3 is always stable. The strip

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The supports 10 can also be designed as a base plate on which the insert plate 3 stands.

In the container 1, the insert plates 3 are arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the container. This gives the container 1 a high level of internal stability.

The strips 9... can be attached to the insert plate 3 in any way possible. It is very advantageous if the strips 9 are provided with at least one angle-shaped or U-shaped clamp 11 that is open at the bottom and the insert plate 3 is provided with at least one recess 5, 12, 13 into which the clamp 11 is inserted and then pushed downwards over the lower edge of the recess 5, 12, 13 so that its horizontal part rests on the lower edge of the recess 5, 12, 13. The recess into which the clamp 11 is inserted can be, for example, the handle hole 5. It is expedient if the clamp 11 is made or formed from a springy material.

In order to give the strip 9 a firm fit on the insert plate 3, it is expedient if at the lower end of at least one clamp 11 made of resilient material there is a projection 14 which falls into a hole in the insert plate, or conversely, that at the lower end of at least one clamp made of resilient material there is a hole into which a projection on the insert plate falls.

The strip 9 can be angular in cross-section (Fig.7), in which case it will preferably be

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thick-walled, e.g. made of foamed plastic, or hollow (Fig.6 and 9).

In the example in Fig. 6, the holes for receiving the shafts 15 of the tools 8 are arranged slightly diagonally one above the other, so that the tools 8 are at a slight acute angle to the insert plate 3 and rest against it with their lower edge.

In the case of angled strips 16 (Fig. 7), the holes for receiving the shafts 15 of the tools 8 will be arranged slightly obliquely, so that the tools 8 are at a slight acute angle to the insert plate 3 and rest against it with their lower edge.

Side parts 17 that are angled or beveled by 90° can be arranged on the edges of the insert plates 3 that lie in the guides 4 and that engage behind projecting parts, preferably strips, of the guides 4.

In the case of insert plates made of sheet metal, the feet can be formed by bevelled or molded projections that protrude outwards.

The insert plates 3 can be provided with strips on both sides and equipped with tools. Double strips (Fig.6) are particularly advantageous here, which are connected to one another by a narrow web 18, whereby a gap 20 open at the bottom is created between the two strips 19. This double strip is inserted into one of the recesses 5, 12, 13 of the insert plate

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3 so that the lower edge of the recess 5, 12,13 of the insert plate 3 slides into the gap 20. The double bar is then pressed downwards until the web 18 rests on the lower edge of the recess 5,12,13 of the insert plate 3.

Small parts containers 21 provided with a lid 22 on an insert plate 3, as shown in Fig. 8 and which can be inserted into the opening 13, are often also useful.

To secure the tools, it is advantageous if a projection 23 is attached or molded onto at least one insert plate, which prevents the tool from slipping out, or a flat spring is attached or molded onto at least one insert plate, which falls into a recess in the guide, or that a flat spring is attached or molded onto at least one guide, which falls into a recess in the insert plate.

The side wall 24 of the container 1 can be provided with guides 4, the lateral projections 25 of which reach behind the angled side parts 17 of the insert plates 3. This ensures that the inserts 3 are seated particularly securely in the container 1, but also increases the stability of the container. (Fig. 11).

The tool container can be further designed using known measures, e.g. by adding brackets on the inside of the lid or on the long sides outside, e.g. for saws, by attaching side pockets, and by attaching wheels.

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List of reference symbols

1 container 2 Lid flap 3 removable insert 4 vertical guidance 5 Handle hole 6 Foot ' ■ ' 7 Mounting holes 8th Tool 9 strip 10 Strip 11 bracket 12 Recess 13 Recess 14 head Start 15 shaft 16 angular bar 17 angled or bevelled side part 18 web 19 strip 20 gap 21 Small parts container 22 Lid 23 head Start 24 Side wall 25 lateral projection

Claims (1)

• ··· JIl! &iacgr; · · · 10.September 1998 My file:1416 EXPECTATIONS 1. Containers for storing and transporting tools, in particular tool cases or tool bags, with at least one removable insert plate inserted into lateral, vertical guides, which is provided with holders for the various tools,
characterized, that at least one insert plate (3) is provided with feet (6) at its lower end, on which the insert plate (3) removed from the container (1) stands freely vertically, that the insert plate (3) is provided on at least its own side with a strip (9) having holes for receiving the tools and that the strip (9) is arranged in such a way in terms of its height that the lower edge of the tools is at a height no lower than the feet, or that a further strip (10) is arranged above the feet (6), on which the lower edges of the tools stand or are prevented from slipping. . ._ . · 2. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the insert plates (3) are arranged transversely to the longitudinal direction of the container (1). 3. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the insert plate (3) is at its upper end with C.H.Ottens - 2 - U.September 1998 My file:1416 a handle hole (5). 4. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the strips (9) are provided with at least one downwardly open angle-shaped or U-shaped bracket (11), that the insert plate (3) is provided with at least one recess (5,12,13) into which the clamp (11) is inserted and that the clamp (11) is pushed downwards over the lower edge of the recess (5,12,13) so far that it rests with its horizontal part on the lower edge of the recess (5,12,13). 5. Container according to claim 1, 3 and 4,
characterized, that the recess into which the clamp (11) is inserted is the handle hole (5). 6. Container according to claim 1 and 4,
characterized, that the clamp (11) is made or formed from resilient material. 7. Container according to claim 1, 3 and 4,
characterized, that at the lower end of at least one clamp (11) made of resilient material there is a projection which falls into a hole in the insert plate
or C.H.Ottens - 3 - U.September 1998 My file:1416 that at the lower end of at least one clamp (11) made of resilient material there is a hole into which a projection on the insert plate falls. 8. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the bar (9) is angular or hollow in cross-section. 9. Container according to claim 1 and 8,
characterized, that the holes for holding the tools (8) are arranged slightly diagonally one above the other, so that the tools (8) are at a slight ' acute angle to the insert plate (3) and rest against it with their lower edge. 10. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that on the edges of the insert plates lying in the guides (4) there are side parts (17) which are angled or bevelled by 90° and which engage behind projecting parts, preferably strips, of the guides (4). 11. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the feet (6) are formed by outward-projecting bent or molded projections. 12. Container according to claim 11,
characterized, C.H.Ottens - 4 - 14.September 1998 My file:1416 that the projections are strip-shaped. 13. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the strips (9) are arranged at a height such that the upper edge of the tools (8) inserted into the holes in the strips (9) rest against the lid (2) of the container when the container (1) is standing on its lid (2) without slipping out of the holes in the strips (9). 14. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the insert plates (3) together with the tools used (9) are housed separately from the container (1) in packaging for the initial transport. 15. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the insert plates (3) are provided with strips (9) on both sides and are equipped with tools (8). 16. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that in addition to the insert plates (3) equipped with strips (9), at least one further insert plate (3) is arranged, which is equipped with small parts containers (21) and/or a winding drum on one or both sides. C.H.Ottens - 5 - H.September 1998 My file:1416 17. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that a flat spring bent at least once is attached or formed on at least one insert plate (3) and rests against at least one tool (8). 18. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that a flat spring is attached or formed on at least one insert plate (3) which falls into a recess in the guide
or that a flat spring is attached or formed on at least one guide, which spring falls into a recess in the insert plate. 19. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the strip is part of a connected pair of strips (19) which has a slot (20) in its middle which is pushed over the lower edge of the recess after the pair of strips (19) has been pushed into the recess (5,12,13) of the insertion plate (3). 20. Container according to claim 1,
characterized, that the sides of the insert plates (3) are provided with bevels (17) (in the case of insert plates made of sheet metal) or angled, molded-on side parts (17) (in the case of insert plates made by injection molding), which