BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to carrying cases for chain saws and the associated
product packaging.
2. Background Art
[0002] Chain saws are typically packaged for sale at the retail level in cardboard boxes
provided with point of sale graphics on the exterior surfaces thereof. Cardboard boxes
can become quite bulky, particularly when the saws are shipped in their fully assembled
state. In order to minimize shipping and packaging costs, chains saws in the past
have been shipped in the two-part box as shown in Figures 1 and 2, having an enlarged
rectangular box-like section surrounding the chain saw motor housing in a relatively
small box portion affixed thereto enclosing the chain saw bar. When boxes of this
type are placed in a shipping container, boxes are nested in pairs as illustrated
by the second box shown in phantom outline in Figure 1, however, there is still a
fair amount of empty space in the shipping container resulting in unnecessary shipping
costs.
[0003] An objective of the present invention is to improve space utilization in a shipping
container of chain saws, particularly, chain saws which are shipped in a substantially
fully assembled condition.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, a carrying case is provided for a chain saw which includes a motor housing
enclosure portion and an elongate bar cover. The motor housing enclosure is sized
to receive the motor housing portion of a chain saw with the chain saw bar extending
through an opening in the front wall of the motor housing enclosure. An elongate bar
cover is attached to the motor housing enclosure front wall and has a tubular cavity
sized to receive the chain saw bar. The front wall of the motor housing enclosure
is further provided with an elongate slot oriented on the opposite side of the central
axis as the elongate bar cover and sized to receive an elongate bar cover of another
similarly constructed carrying case. This construction enables two chain saws while
in their carrying cases to be nested together with the elongate bar cover of each
projecting into the motor housing enclosure of the other, thereby minimizing cargo
space when a plurality of chain saws and their associated carrying cases are shipped
together.
[0005] Another embodiment of the invention includes a chain saw mounted in a carrying case
which in turn is at least partially enclosed within protective packaging. The carrying
case includes a motor housing enclosure sized to receive the motor housing portion
of the chainsaw and an elongate bar cover out on the front wall of the motor housing
enclosure defining a tubular cavity communicating with the interior cavity of the
motor housing enclosure and sized to receive the bar portion of a chain saw positioned
therein. The carrying case with the chain saw placed therein is enclosed within product
packaging which encircles the motor housing enclosure to seal the carrying case closed
while providing point of sale graphics. Preferably, the carrying case is provided
with a handle which is accessible through the product packaging so that the purchaser
may carry the chain saw within the carrying case of the product packaging suitcase-style
from the point of sale.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006]
FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of a prior art carrying case with an adjacent similarly
constructed carrying case shown in phantom outline;
FIGURE 2 is perspective view of the prior art carrying case of Figure 1;
FIGURE 3 is a top plan view of a chain saw carrying case of the present invention
corresponding to the Figure 1 view of the prior art;
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the chain saw carrying case within its product packaging
corresponding to the Figure 2 view of the prior art;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a carrying case for a chain saw with an alternative
wrap-type product packaging shown in phantom outline;
FIGURE 6 is a cross-sectional top plan view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 5;
FIGURE 7 is a longitudinal end view of the carrying case taken in the direction arrow
7 in Figure 5;
FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the chain saw carrying
case of the of the present invention;
FIGURE 9 is a chain saw carrying case of Figure 8 shown in the open configuration;
and
FIGURES 9a and 9b are enlarged detailed drawings illustrating how the elongate bar
cover of adjacent similarly constructed gearing casing fits into the slot formed in
the motor housing enclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0007] A chain saw and carrying case assembly 8 shown with its point of purchase product
packaging is illustrated in Figure 3, nested together with a similar chain saw 8',
as the two products would be oriented during bulk shipping. Prior art carrying case
shown in Figures 1 and 2 resulted in wasted empty space within the shipping container
although the two-part box design results in a significant space savings vs a single
large rectangular box. Two chain saws when nested together as shown in top plan view
in Figure 1 have a width of X which is the sum of the width of the box surrounding
the motor housing assembly portion of the chain saw and the width of the smaller box
surrounding the saw bar. The chain saw carrying case 10 and the associated product
packaging of the present invention enables the saw bar cover 12 to fit within the
product packaging 14 surrounding the motor housing portion of the chain saw having
a width of X' for a pair of nested carrying cases. This results in about 20 % more
chain saws to fit within a given size shipping container. Since chain saws are relatively
light compared to their volume, the shipping containers are not load limited, therefore,
adding additional chain saws to a shipping container directly reduces one's average
shipping costs when shipping full containers.
[0008] The present invention is utilized to ship a chain saws in a substantially completely
assembled state. Preferably, the chain saw is sold with a reusable plastic carrying
case 18 which, in turn, is placed within product packaging, which prevents the carrying
case from being opened and provides a point of sale graphics. Alternatively, the carrying
case may be a disposable cardboard box or the like which provides a carrying case
at the time of purchase, but is not intended to be repeatedly reused or used in harsh
environmental conditions.
[0009] Preferably, the carrying case as illustrated in Figure 5, includes a plastic motor
housing enclosure 20 sized to receive the housing portion 18 of the chain saw. The
motor housing enclosure 20 has an interior cavity 22 as shown in Figure 6 and a front
wall 24 aligned generally normal to a center line 26. Elongate saw bar cover 12 is
mounted to front wall 24 of the motor housing enclosure 20 and is offset to one side
of central axis 26 as shown. The elongate saw bar cover 12, which is also preferably
made of molded plastic provides a tubular interior cavity which communicates with
the interior cavity 22 of the motor housing enclosure 20 sized to receive the bar
portion 16 of a chain saw placed in a carrying case.
[0010] Front wall 24 of the motor housing enclosure is further provided with an elongate
slot 26 oriented on the other size central axis 26 as the elongate bar cover 12. Slot
26 is sized to receive the elongate bar cover of another similarly constructed carrying
case enabling two chain saws, while in their carrying cases to be nested together
with the elongate bar cover of each projecting at least partially into the motor housing
enclosure of the other. As illustrated in Figure 6 top cross-sectional plan view,
there is space within the motor housing enclosure 20 between the outer wall of the
carrying case and the chain saw motor housing 18 to receive an elongate bar cover
adjacent a saw blade as indicated in phantom outline.
[0011] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, slot 26 is closed by a hinged flap door
mounted to the plastic front wall 24 of the motor housing enclosure 20. Alternatively,
an adhesive patch may be provided with the carrying case of the motor housing enclosure
so that a purchaser of the chain saw may seal the opening to prevent entry of dirt
and debris into the carrying case.
[0012] Preferably, the motor housing enclosure 20 is made of a two-piece hinged design including
a base portion 30 and a hinged cover 32, retained in the closed position by a latch
34. A handle 36 is provided on the top surface of the motor housing enclosure in a
generally above center of gravity 38 of the chain saw and carrying case assembly.
The motor housing enclosure 20 and the elongate bar cover 12 are preferably blow-molded
or injection molded using a suitable plastic material.
[0013] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, a product package 14 surrounds
the motor housing enclosure 20 and is provided with point of sale graphics as illustrated.
In the Figure 4, product package 14 is a generally rectangular cardboard or paperboard
box. Preferably, product package 14 is provided with a slot 40 in the upper surface
thereof adjacent handle 36 in the motor housing enclosure so that the user may grasp
handle 36 through the slot 40 in the protected package 14 and carry the chain saw
and carrying case from the point of sale briefcase style.
[0014] Alternatively, product packaging may be provided by a wrap-type product package 42
which surrounds the motor housing enclosure 20 and circumscribes central axis 26.
The wrap-type package 42 illustrated in phantom outline in Figure 5 can be paperboard
or plastic film wrapped tightly and securely about the motor housing enclosure preventing
the motor housing enclosure from being opened prior to purchase. Wrap-type protective
package 42 can be wrapped solely about the motor housing enclosure as a band as illustrated
in phantom outline or the wrap-type enclosure may extend over the front and back panels
provided that slot 26 is freely accessible. In the case of the box-type protective
package 14 as illustrated in Figure 4, the front wall of the protective package is
provided with a slot 44 aligned with slot 26 in the motor housing enclosure portion
of the carrying case.
[0015] Figure 8, 9, 9a and 9b illustrate an alternative carrying case embodiment 50 having
a multi-panel construction. Carrying case 50 is generally rectangular having six sides
which are preferably formed of molded plastic and most preferably, formed of dual
wall plastic blow molded panels. Carrying case 50 is provided with a top 52, bottom
54, a front panel 56, a back panel 58, a right side panel 60 and a left side panel
62. Preferably, the front 56, back 58, bottom 54, and right side 60, snap or screw
together to form a rigid subassembly as illustrated in Figure 9. Top cover 52 and
left side panel 62 are pivotally connected to the subassembly by hinges as illustrated.
Hinges are formed in a conventional manner with alternating lugs being formed on adjacent
panels with a steel hinge pin projecting through holes formed in the lugs along the
hinge axis. The top cover 52 and left side panel 62 are releasably attachable to one
another by conventional over center latches 64 and 66. Preferably, each of the top
cover and left side panel is provided with adjacently spaced web members 68 and 68'
with aligned holes formed therein so that the carrying case can be locked closed using
a conventional padlock or the like. The top cover 52 is further provided with a handle
70 pivotally connected to the top cover and orientable in a raised position as illustrated
in Figure 8 or in a lower position where it is not recessed in pocket 72 so that the
top cover 52 is substantially flat.
[0016] Elongate bar cover 74 is shown mounted upon front panel 56 providing a tubular cavity
76 sized to receive the saw bar of a chain saw housed within the carrying case. To
facilitate easy installation and removal of the chain saw within the carrying case,
elongate bar cover 74 is oriented within an elongate slot 78 which extends through
a substantial portion of the height of the front cover 56 as illustrated. The portion
of the slot 78 not occupied by the elongate bar cover 74 is filled by a hinged door
80. In the closed storage position, door 80 is closed and is generally planer with
front wall panel 56 as illustrated. In order to remove the chain saw from the carrying
case, door 80 can be opened allowing the elongate bar cover to be lifted vertically
out of slot 78. Although it is not necessary for the elongate slot to have an open
upper end provided it has sufficient length to allow the elongate bar cover to be
raised and inclined sufficiently to allow the chain saw to be removed from the carrying
case.
[0017] The carrying case 50 has a central axis 84. Slot 78 is formed in elongate bar cover
74 which extends therethrough and is offset to the right side of the central axis
84 in front panel 56. Slot 86 in front panel 56 is offset to the left side of central
axis 84 as shown. Slot 86 is sized to receive the elongate bar cover of a similarly
constructed chain saw carrying case. The inside surface of the front cover is preferably
provided with a hinge door 88 shown in Figure 9b. Hinge door 88 only needs to be open
during the bulk shipment of a number of chain saw carrying cases in their nested condition.
Once a product has been purchased by an individual user, door 88 may be closed to
prevent dirt and debris from entering the carrying case enclosure. The rear wall 58
of carrying case 50 is preferably provided with a recess in the wall as illustrated
in Figure 9a in order to further minimize the axial length of the carrying case.
[0018] Carrying case 50 is designed to accommodate a chain saw provided with a side handle
90 illustrated in Figure 9. The side handle 90 is a tubular metal J or D shaped structure
extending outboard from the chain saw away from the saw bar. Slot 86 may be oriented
inboard of the outer edge of the side handle 90 to further facilitate compact packaging
of nested chain saw carrying cases during bulk shipping. The resulting carrying case
is very compact and efficiently uses not only shipping container space, but, efficiently
uses the space within the enclosure allowing the consumer to store accessories such
as tool bar oil and the like. When the carrying case is made using a blow molded construction
technique, tool receding pockets may be easily formed in the carrying case panels
as illustrated in Figure 9 to make an efficient and ergonomically pleasing, lightweight,
but robust product.
[0019] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not
intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the
invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather
than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1. A carrying case for a chain saw , comprising:
a motor housing enclosure sized to receive the motor housing portion of a chainsaw,
the motor housing enclosure having an interior cavity and a front wall aligned generally
normal to a central axis, and;
an elongate bar cover mounted to the front wall of the motor housing enclosure offset
to one side of the central axis, the elongate bar cover defining a tubular cavity
communicating with the interior cavity of the motor housing enclosure and sized to
receive a bar portion of a chainsaw placed in the carrying case;
wherein the front wall of the motor housing enclosure is further provided with
an offset slot oriented on the other side of the central axis as the elongate bar
cover and sized to receive an elongate bar cover of another similarly constructed
carrying case, enabling two chainsaws while in their carrying cases to be nested together
with the elongate bar cover of each projecting at least partially into the motor housing
enclosure of the other thereby minimizing cargo space when a plurality of chainsaws
in their carrying cases are shipped together in bulk.
2. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the slot in the motor housing enclosure front
wall is formed by a hinged flap forming a cover moveable between an open and a closed
position.
3. The carrying case of claim 2 further comprising a retainer for maintaining the flap
in the closed position when the carrying cases are not being shipped together in bulk.
4. The carrying case of claim 1 for a chain saw having a side handle which extends transversely
toward the side of the motor housing enclosure opposite the offset bar portion, wherein
the slot in the motor housing enclosure for receiving the elongate bar cover of a
similarly constructed carrying case is located inboard of the outboard end of the
chain saw side handle.
5. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the motor housing enclosure and the elongate
bar cover are formed of plastic.
6. A chain saw and carrying case assembly comprising:
a chain saw having a motor housing portion, an elongate cutting bar attached to and
extending outwardly from the motor housing portion, and a cutting chain entrained
about the cutting bar;
a carrying case having a motor housing enclosure sized to receive the motor housing
portion of a chainsaw, the motor housing enclosure having an interior cavity and a
front wall aligned generally normal to a central axis, and an elongate bar cover mounted
to the front wall of the motor housing enclosure offset to one side of the central
axis, the elongate bar cover defining a tubular cavity communicating with the interior
cavity of the motor housing enclosure and sized to receive a bar portion of a chainsaw
placed in the carrying case;
wherein the front wall of the motor housing enclosure is further provided with
an offset slot oriented on the other side of the central axis as the elongate bar
cover and sized to receive an elongate bar cover of another similarly constructed
carrying case, enabling two chainsaws while in their carrying cases to be nested together
with the elongate bar cover of each projecting at least partially into the motor housing
enclosure of the other thereby minimizing cargo space when a plurality of chainsaws
in their carrying cases are shipped together in bulk.
7. The chain saw and carrying case of claim 6 wherein the slot in the motor housing enclosure
front wall is formed by a hinged flap forming a cover moveable between an open and
a closed position.
8. The chain saw and carrying case of claim 7 further comprising a retainer for maintaining
the flap in the closed position when the carrying cases are not being shipped together
in bulk.
9. The carrying case of claim 6 for a chain saw having a side handle which extends transversely
toward the side of the motor housing enclosure opposite the offset bar portion, wherein
the slot in the motor housing enclosure for receiving the elongate bar cover of a
similarly constructed carrying case is located inboard of the outboard end of the
chain saw side handle.
10. The chain saw and carrying case of claim 6 wherein the motor housing enclosure and
the elongate bar cover are formed of plastic.
11. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 6 further comprising an individual,
disposable protective package substantially enclosing at least the motor housing enclosure
portion of the carrying case, the product package having an open end formed therein
overlying the carrying case slot providing clearance for an elongate cutting bar to
pass therethrough.
12. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 11 wherein the protective package
is imprinted with point of sale graphics for use as in-store display.
13. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 11 wherein the protective package
further comprises a generally rectangular paperboard box.
14. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 11 wherein the protective package
further comprises a tubular sleeve wrap extending about the motor housing enclosure
portion of the carrying case circumscribing the central axis of thereof.
15. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 11 wherein the carrying case motor
housing enclosure is provided with a handle on an upper surface thereof located generally
above the center of gravity of the chainsaw and carrying case assembly enabling a
user to carry the chainsaw and carrying case briefcase style with the central axis
located generally parallel to the ground.
16. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 15 wherein the protective package
has an opening formed therein adjacent the handle in the carrying case motor housing
enclosure to enable a purchaser to carry the chainsaw and carrying case assembly while
in the product package by simply grasping the handle through the product package opening.
17. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 16 wherein the protective package
comprises a paperboard rectangular box.
18. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 16 wherein the protective package
comprises a tubular sleeve extending about the motor housing enclosure portion of
the carrying case.
19. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 6 wherein the carrying case motor
housing portion is made of paperboard.
20. The chain saw and carrying case assembly of claim 18 wherein the elongate bar cover
comprises a plastic tubular sleeve.