GB2462869A

GB2462869A - Power tool case with offset handle

Info

Publication number: GB2462869A
Application number: GB0902340A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alan George Bell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-22
Filing date: 2009-02-13
Publication date: 2010-02-24
Also published as: GB0815351D0; GB0902340D0; GB2462855A

Abstract

A power tool case 10 comprises two portions 14, 16 which are connected together to form the tool case. The case is provided with a handle 24 that comprises an edge lying on one of the major side surfaces 12 and optionally also with a centrally positioned handle 124 which is either aligned (Figs.1-3) or offset (Figs. 4-5) from the major side surfaces. Complementary attachment means 30, 32 and 30. 34, 36 are provided on the side surfaces, which permit attachment of like cases side by side, so that further cases can be carried con one or both sides when gripping one case. The handle 124 may be pivotable (224, Fig.5) either on fixed points or on slots which allow the pivot points to move transversely with respect to the major surfaces, therefore allowing the position of the handle to be varied from being aligned with a major surface to being offset and centrally located. The handle can also be arranged to slide on the slots to vary its relative position also by mere translation, without necessarily being pivoted. In the latter two cases the fixed handle 24 may be dispensed with and replaced by the repositionable handle.

Description

Power Tool Case The present invention relates to a power tool case having two spaced handles and/or case attachment means.

It is often the case that a worker or trades person will need more than one power tool for any particular job. Each power tool is housed in its own carry case, thereby keeping chargers, batteries and bits together in one place. Transporting multiple power tool cases to and from a work site takes time, and thus increases costs. A standard power tool case is typically formed from moulded plastics to provide a clam-shell type housing. The handle is provided centrally along one narrow side of the housing, opposite the hinges. It thus becomes difficult or impossible to carry two or more cases, because a user's hand cannot easily span the distance between the handles of the two cases. Consequently, the cases are carried in an awkward splayed out manner, or separate trips to fetch and carry the required tools become necessary.

The present invention seeks to provide solutions to this problem.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool case comprising a rigid housing having two container elements which are closeable together to close the housing, and at least one handle, each container element having a major surface defining an outer side of the power tool case, and at least one perimeter wall which projects laterally from the major surface and which at least in part defines an edge of the power tool case, the at least one handle being level or substantially level with the major surface of the respective container element.

Preferable and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 20, inclusive.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power tool case comprising a rigid housing having two container elements which are closeable together to close the housing, at least one handle, and attachment means for releasably attaching another like power tool case.

Preferable and/or optional features of the second aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 20 to 33, inclusive.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of a power tool case, in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the power tool case, shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of two said power toot cases being transported together; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second embodiment of a power tool case, in accordance with the invention; and Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a third embodiment of a power tool case, in accordance with the invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, there is shown a first embodiment of a power tool case 10 which comprises a rigid, typically moulded plastics, clam-shell housing 12 having two container elements 14, 16 which are hingably interconnected.

Each container element 14, 16 includes a planar or substantially planar major surface 18 which defines an outer side of the power tool case 10, and a continuous perimeter wall which extends laterally around a perimeter edge of the major surface 18 of the container element 14, 16. The perimeter wall 20 of each container element 14, 16, when abutting the other perimeter wall 20, defines an edge 22 of the closed power tool case 10.

One of the container elements 14 functions as a base and typically includes moulded interior recesses for receiving a power tool and its accessories, such as battery charger and bits. The other container element 16 functions as a cover and typically includes a large single interior recess which, when closed onto the other container element 14, simply holds the tool and accessories in their respective recesses.

Each container element 14, 16 also includes a dedicated handle 24 which is provided in line with an edge between the major surface 18 and the contiguous perimeter wall 20, SO as to be level or substantially level with the major surface 18. A longitudinal extent of the handle 24 extends in parallel with the plane of the major surface 18. The major surface 18 and the perimeter wall 20 include a recess 26 across which the respective handle 24 spans to allow access for a user's hand to grip the handle 24. A grip of the handle 24 also preferably includes a contoured portion 27 for accepting fingers of a user's hand. In this embodiment, the contoured portion 27 faces the contoured portion 27 of the handle 24 on the other container element. Although the remaining portion 28 of the handle 24 is smooth, the contouring may be included across the whole of the handle 24.

Each handle 24 is rigid and integrally moulded as one-piece with the container element 14, 16. The handles 24 extend in parallel with each other and, with the housing 12 closed and the container elements 14, 16 abutting each other, are spaced from each other.

The power tool case 10 is also provided with attachment means 30 for attaching a like or similar power tool case 10. Preferably, the attachment means 30 includes matable male and female elements. In the present embodiment, the male element is in the form of a plurality of tongues 32, in this case two, which are formed on the major surface 18 of one of the container elements 14, 16 to project outwardly therefrom and upwardly in the general direction of the handle 24. Preferably, the tongues 32 are provided on the container element 14 which acts as the said cover.

The female element is in the form of a plurality of openings 34 which are complementarily shaped to receive the tongues 32. In this embodiment, the openings 34 are recesses which are provided in the major surface 18 of the container element 16, acting as the said base. This is beneficial, since the base then remains flat and stable when placed on a surface.

Each tongue-receiving recess 34 includes a mouth portion 36 and a cavity portion. A respective tongue 32 is offered up to the mouth portion 36 at a slight angle, and then slid into the cavity. In this way, like power tool cases 10 can be releasably attached in a side-by-side fashion. Since the handles 24 are at the edges 22 of the housing 12, with two abutting power tool cases 10, two handles 24 also abut, allowing a user to grip and safely carry two cases 10 simultaneously without them splaying or kicking out.

Referring to Figure 4, a second embodiment of a power tool case will now be described.

Like references refer to similar parts, and flirther detailed description is omitted.

The power tool case 10 includes the housing 12 having the two hinged container elements 14 and 16. Two fixed or non-pivotable handles 24, 124 are provided as in the first embodiment. However, one handle 124 is inwardly offset from the major surface of its container element 16. The other handle 24 is as described in the first embodiment.

The one handle 124 is centrally or substantially centrally positioned relative to a central plane of the case 10, to prevent or limit tilting of the case when being carried on its own. The other handle 24 is offset and preferably spaced from the central plane.

In this embodiment, both handles 24 and 124 lie in the same or substantially same plane which is at right angles to the central plane which is parallel or substantially parallel with the major surfaces of the container elements. However, one or other handle 24, 124 may be offset so as to be in a plane which is parallel and spaced from the plane of the other handle 24, 124. This may make access and gripping by a user easier.

Furthermore, the inwardly offset handle 124 may have two parts 124a and 124b, with each part being provided on a respective container element 14, 16 SO as to abut when closed.

The container elements 14, 16 may be wedge-shaped to better accommodate the tool and accessories being carried.

Although preferably centrally or substantially centrally positioned, the offset handle may be positioned between and spaced from the central plane and the outside edge of its container element.

Referring to Figure 5, a third embodiment of a power tool case is shown and described.

Again, like references refer to similar parts, and further detailed description is omitted.

The only difference between this embodiment and the case 10 of the second embodiment is that the offset handle 224 is pivotable so as to be raiseable from the housing 12. The recess for a user's hand may therefore be dispensed with on the container element 16 on which the pivotable handle 224 is provided. Other attachment means can be envisaged. For example, the tongue may be in the form of a T-shaped key, and the tongue-receiving recess can include a mouth portion and a keyway which extends from the mouth portion to receive and hold the T-shaped key. Other options also include hook and loop fasteners, and magnetic strips.

Although the openings of the attachment means are suggested as being provided in the major surface of one of the container elements, they could be provided in the perimeter wall, allowing the tongues of a similar power tool case to be slidably received therein.

The use of the attachment means conveniently allows two or more like power tool cases to be interconnected for transportation.

In the event that the attachment means is not provided, then having the handle at one edge enables two like power tool cases to be simultaneously gripped in one hand and safely carried without the cases splaying or kicking out.

The attachment means can be beneficially applied to a power tool case which has a standard centralised carrying handle. This is particularly convenient when three cases must be carried in one hand. By connecting a case to both sides of a central case, the three cases can be lifted and carried without skewing by the handle of the central or middle case.

The power tool case described in the first embodiment includes two spaced fixed and rigid handles or grips which are located so as to be level with the outside major surfaces of their respective container elements. However, additionally or alternatively, it may be convenient to include a pivotable handle which thus allows positioning to be level with a major surface when two like power tool cases are being carried, and positioning to be central when three or an odd number of like power tool cases are being carried. In this latter case, the attachment means must be utilised.

It is of course feasible to include the fixed and spaced rigid handles which are located to be level with the major surfaces of the container elements, and a fixed and rigid central handle. In this case, although the central handle is preferably fixed and rigid, it could be pivotable as mentioned above.

It may be that the fixed handles can be dispensed with or supplemented by a pivotable handle having pivot points which are repositionable in the width direction of the container elements. This would allow the pivotable handle to be piovtably positioned on the central plane, or offset to or towards one or either of the major surfaces of the container elements. Channels having notches for the pivot points to disengagably locate within can be provided.

Rather than being pivotable, in the above modification, the handle may be slidable instead. Similar spaced parallel channels in the width direction with notches can again be utilised.

Furthermore, two pivotable handles may be provided which pivot at or adjacent to the central plane and which can thus be splayed in a V-shape to allow positioning of the grip at the major surface.

Alternatively, two slidable handles can be provided which allow positioning together to act as a single grip at the central plane or movement to one or both major surfaces when carrying more than one case.

If only an odd number of power tool cases are to be carried, then only a single handle need be provided in addition to the attachment means. In this case, the handle may be fixed and rigid, and is preferably provided centrally along the edge of the power tool case. The handle may be formed as two parts, with each part being provided on a respective container element. The handle is thus formed when the container elements are brought together to close the housing. Alternatively, the pivotable handle can be utilised, and in this case the pivotable handle is typically provided on one of the container elements.

It is thus possible to easily and safely carry two or more power tool cases in one hand.

Transportation of a number of power tools to and from a work site is thus simplified, reducing wasted time and consequently also cost.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A power tool case comprising a rigid housing having two container elements which are closeable together to close the housing, and at least one handle, each container element having a major surface defining an outer side of the power tool case, and at least one perimeter wall which projects laterally from the major surface and which at least in part defines an edge of the power tool case, the at least one handle being level or substantially level with the major surface of the respective container element.
2. A power tool case as claimed in claim 1, wherein the major surface of each container element is planar.
3. A power tool case as claimed in claim 2, wherein the handle is in or on a plane of the respective major surface.
4. A power tool case as claimed in claim I or claim 2, further comprising another handle which is inwardly offset from the major surface of the other said container element.
5. A power tool as claimed in claim 4, wherein each said handle is fixed.
6. A power tool as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein each said handle is or substantially is coplanar.
7. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the or each said handle is provided on a separate said container element.
8. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the or each said handle is integrally formed as one-piece with its container element.
9. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two container elements are hingably interconnected together.
10. A power tool case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each said handle includes a contoured grip portion which faces the contoured grip portion of the other handle.
11. A power tool case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each said handle is rigid.
12. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the said at least one handle is pivotable.
13. A power tool case as claimed in claim 12, wherein the or each said handle ispivotable.
14. A power tool case as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the pivot axis of the said pivotable handle is displaceable to or towards the major surface of at least one said container element.
15. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the said at least one handle is slidable.
16. A power tool case as claimed in claim 15, wherein the or each said handle is slidable.
17. A power tool case as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the said slidable handle is displaceable to or towards the major surface of at least one said container element.
18. A power tool case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said at least one perimeter wall includes a recess across which the respective handle spans.
19. A power tool case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third handle which is intermediate the other said two handles.
20. A power tool case as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising attachment means for releasably attaching another like power tool case.
21. A power tool case substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
22. A power tool case comprising a rigid housing having two container elements which are closeable together to close the housing, at least one handle, and attachment means for releasably attaching another like power tool case.
23. A power tool case as claimed in claim 22, wherein each container element has a major surface defining an outer side of the power tool case, and at least one perimeter wall which projects laterally from the major surface and which at least in part defines an edge of the power tool case, the attachment means being provided on the said major surfaces.
24. A power tool case as claimed in claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the attachment means includes at least one tongue provided on the major surface of one of the container elements, and at least one complementary opening for receiving the said tongue on the other container element.
25. A power tool case as claimed in claim 24, wherein the said at least one complementary opening is a recess in the major surface of the said other container element.
26. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the said handle is entirely provided on a respective container element.
27. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the said handle is offset from a central plane of the case towards the attachment means.
28. A power tool case as claimed in claim 27, further comprising another handle which is centrally or substantially centrally provided on the housing so that, when the attachment means is not in use, the case can be carried without or substantially without tilt.
29. A power tool case as claimed in claim 28, wherein both handles are in the same or substantially same plane.
30. A power tool case as claimed in claim 28, wherein one of the handles is in a plane which is parallel and spaced from the plane of the other handle.
31. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the said is handle is level or substantially level with an outer surface of its container element.
32. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 31, wherein the saidhandle is pivotable.
33. A power tool case as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the or a handle is formed of two parts, each said part being provided on a respective container element.
34. A power tool case substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.