[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.
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.