Improvements in or relating to tool storage

Abstract

 An apparatus (1) for storing tools comprises a platform (2) through which apertures (9,10), for receiving tools such as screwdrivers and chisels extend. The platform (2) can be sup_- ported on the lower cross-ties of a workbench, so that the tools are held clear ofthe ground, and the platform (2) is additionally provided with retractable legs.

Description

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to improvements in or relating to tool storage and, in particular, to apparatus for storing tools, particularly joiners' tools such as screwdrivers, chisels, saws, planes and the like.

[0002] It has previously been proposed for tools such as screwdrivers to be stored loose in a tool box, in pockets of a length of webbing which can be rolled up for carrying, or in an apertured e.g. slotted shelf which is mountable to a wall and into which the tools can be inserted so that their handles can be grasped by a user. None of these arrangements is entirely satisfactory when the tools are in use, in the first instance because a desired tool is difficult to locate, in the second because it is difficult to replace the tools in the pockets quickly and in the third because the site on which the tools are to be used is not necessarily adjacent the place where the shelf has been mounted. Thus, if a repair or construction job is to be carried out, for example in the home, the tools to be used are typically laid on the nearest available surface, such as the floor, which is inconvenient and may be dangerous.

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to enable the provision of apparatus for storing tools whereby the above disadvantage may be overcome or at least mitigated.

[0004] According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for storing tools, which apparatus comprises an apertured platform and detachable and/or collapsible support means for the platform. .

[0005] The advantage of this arrangement is that, as with the previously proposed apertured shelf, tools can be supported and held clear of the floor, but, in addition, the support means can be detached or collapsed and the platform slid onto the lower cross-ties of a workbench, where the tools are easily accessible to the user. The support means may be telescopic, or incorporate a lazy tongs arrangement, but preferably comprise legs which are pivoted to the platform so as to be retractable and fastenable in the collapsed position.

[0006] The tool storage apparatus of the invention is particularly suitable for use by the home handyman and D-I-Y enthusiast.

[0007] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the apparatus of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 (other side corresponds),

Figure 4 is an end view of the apparatus of Figure 1 (other end corresponds),

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in an alternative configuration, and

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an accessory for the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0008] Referring now to the drawings, an apparatus 1 in accordance with the invention comprises a rectangular platform 2 of length about 20 inches (51 cm) and width about 16 inches (4] cm) provided with an approximately 2½ inch (6 cm) deep depending flange 3 on all four sides thereof, the flange 3 being cut away on the long sides, as can be seen in Figure 3. Four stops 4 are also provided. In addition, four legs 5 are provided, each of which is pivotally mounted at the upper end thereof between the flange 3 and a respective rib 6 provided on the platform underside. Thus, the legs 5 can be extended so as to keep the platform 2 raised above a supporting surface therefor, as shown in Figure 5, or retracted as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4, in which case the legs 5 are secured in the retracted position by means of two fastening elements 7 each of which rotates about a pivot pin 8 with respect to the flange 3.

[0009] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 in particular, a plurality of apertures of various shapes and sizes extend through the platform 2 and, in use, receive tools such as screwdrivers so that the handle of each tool projects above the platform 2, where it 'can easily be grasped by a user, the blade or the like of the tool depending below the platform 2. For example, the apertures designated by the reference numeral 9 would receive screwdrivers of various sizes, whilst those designated by the reference numeral 10 would receive chisels.

[0010] The dimensions of the platform 2 and of the flange 3 have been selected so that the flanged platform, with the legs 5 in the retracted position, can be slid, transversely of the length of the platform 2, onto the lower cross-ties of a work bench manufactured and sold by Black & Decker under the Trade Name "Workmate". The stops 4 then locate just inside the cross-ties and prevent accidental sliding of the platform 1 relative to the cross-ties. Tools of short or average length are thus held just clear of the floor on which the "Workmate" is resisting.

[0011] Referring now to Figure 4, in order to accommodate longer tools, a number of apertures 11 extend through the short sides of the flange 3. The bore of each aperture 11 slopes downwardly. In use, a tool is received in each aperture 11 so that the blade or the like of the tool is disposed inside, and the handle) outside, the flange. The handle thus slopes upwardly and is easy to grasp.

[0012] Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, in addition to the apertures, a shallow recess 12 is formed in the surface of the platform 2, for screws and the like. A portion 13 of the platform 2 is left clear of apertures, recesses and the like, so that larger tools such as planes may be supported thereon.

[0013] Referring now to Figures 1 and 6, a saw holder 14 for use with the tool storage apparatus 1 comprises a body 15 which is generally trapezoidal when viewed from one side and of uniform cross section. Pegs 16 extending from the body 15 locate in corresponding holes 17 in the platform 2 so that the saw holder 14 is freely detachable from the tool storage apparatus 1. The holes 17 can be provided on both of the short sides of the platform, for use by both right- and left-handed users, and/or on one or both of the long sides of the platform, to accommodate relatively short saws and, advantageously, to prevent small objects rolling or sliding off the platform.

[0014] When the tool storage apparatus 1 is not in use on the lower cross-ties of a "Workmate", as described above, it may be used in a free standing state, as shown in Figure 5 (in which the details of the platform 2 have been omitted), or the tools may be removed, the legs 5 retracted, and the apparatus 1 stored in a relatively small space.

[0015] The apparatus 1 and the saw holder 14 therefor, can be manufactured in any suitable material such as wood, sheet steel or a rigid moulded plastics material, and can be finished in a variety of different ways, including painting and varnishing.

[0016] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the following claims and/or in the accompanying drawing may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. Apparatus for storing tools, which apparatus comprises an apertured platform and detachable and/or collapsible support means for the platform.

t 2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the platform is provided with at least one aperture for receiving a screwdriver.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the platform is provided with at least one aperture for receiving a chisel.

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is provided with at least one recess.

5. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising detachable means for supporting a saw.

6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform is provided with a depending flange.

7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, wherein the flange is apertured.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the flange is provided with at least one aperture the axis of which is inclined relative to the plane of the platform.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support means are pivotally connected to the platform.

10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for retaining the support means in a collapsed position relative to the platform.

Drawing