US20100275704A1 - Tool Monitoring Method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for monitoring a tool set is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises configuring a tool organizer in an open configuration. The tool organizer contains at least a portion of a tool set. The method further comprises visually inspecting the contents of the tool organizer to determine a first level of completeness of the tool set; recording the first level of completeness of the tool set; releasing the tool organizer and contents for use by a third party; receiving the tool organizer and returned contents from the third party; configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration; visually inspecting the returned contents of the tool organizer to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set; and comparing the first level of completeness with the second level of completeness to determine whether one or more tools from the tool set are missing.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/029,173, filed Feb. 11, 2008, which is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/166,903, filed Jun. 24, 2005, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,905, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/667,251, filed Sep. 19, 2003, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,546. The entirety of the above-referenced applications are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present invention relates generally to portable tool boxes, chests, containers and organizers for storing, transporting and organizing sets of tools. Specifically, the present invention relates to a wheeled tool organizer having vertical tool supports which may be disposed in an open or closed configuration, facilitating a visual inspection of all tools when disposed in the open configuration.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• Portable tool boxes and tool cabinets are well known for storing and transporting tool sets. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,005 describes a portable tool truck invented by George Norton. The '005 device comprises a plastic body with a compartment formed in the front face of the body adapted to retain tools therein, and two doors mounted on either side of the body. The doors pivot in opposite directions into an overlapping arrangement that seals off the compartment formed by the face of the body. While the invention of Norton is adequate for retaining and transporting tools, it does not facilitate taking a visual inventory of all of the tools retained therein. Further, the invention of Norton fails to provide a specific place for each tool of a tool set.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAdvantages of the Invention
• The method of the present application provides numerous advantages and benefits over prior art tool organization methods. Such advantages and benefits will be readily ascertained by those of ordinary skill in the related arts.
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a first method for monitoring a tool set is provided. The method comprises configuring a tool organizer in an open configuration. The tool organizer contains at least a portion of a tool set. The method further comprises visually inspecting the contents of the tool organizer to determine a first level of completeness of the tool set; recording the first level of completeness of the tool set; releasing the tool organizer and contents for use by a third party; receiving the tool organizer and returned contents from the third party; configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration; visually inspecting the returned contents of the tool organizer to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set; and comparing the first level of completeness with the second level of completeness to determine whether one or more tools from the tool set are missing.
• The objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Comprehension of the invention is facilitated by reading the following detailed description, in conjunction with the associated drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example tool organizer disposed in a closed configuration in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1 disposed in an open configuration;
• FIG. 3 is a front view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 4 is a side view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 5 is a rear view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 6 is a front view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1 with a storage drawer removed;
• FIG. 8 is a plan view of the tool belt of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tool belt of the tool organizer ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second example tool organizer in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 10 with a tool module removed;
• FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 10 with both tool modules removed;
• FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a seat bracket and the upper frame of the tool organizer ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the tool organizer ofFIG. 10 with both tool modules removed;
• FIG. 15 illustrates the removable tool carrier of the tool organizer ofFIG. 10;
• FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps of an example method for accounting for a set of tools which may be checked out to a third party for use.
• FIG. 17A is a perspective view of a third example tool organizer in accordance with the present invention;
• FIG. 17B is a side view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A;
• FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A;
• FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A with the tool bag and both tool modules removed;
• FIGS. 20A-20E are side views of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A illustrating various handle positions;
• FIGS. 21A-21D are side views of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A illustrating various handle positions;
• FIG. 22A is a side view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A illustrating the upper frame portion in an open position;
• FIG. 22B is a side view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A illustrating the upper frame portion in a partially folded position; and
• FIG. 22C is a side view of the third example tool organizer ofFIG. 17A illustrating the upper frame portion in a completely folded position.
DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS
• The following reference characters identify the associated elements depicted in the drawings describing the present invention
• 100Tool organizer1122 Tool support
• 110Frame1124A/B Bracket
• 112Handle1126A/B Supporting cross-member
• 114Rear wheel1202 Step
• 116Front wheel1204 Brake lever
• 118Parts box1302 Travel base
• 120Load bearing step1304 Seat
• 124Storage bin1306 Seat belt
• 130Vertical tool support1308A/B Prongs
• 132 Retaining means1310A/B Receptacles
• 140Tool fastener1402 Removable tool carrier
• 142Tool indicia1404 Storage compartment
• 144Tool1406 Handle
• 150Protrusion1502 Handle
• 155 Retaining means1504A/B Attachment hooks
• 400Tool belt1506 Shoulder strap
• 410Belt portion1700 Foldable tool organizer
• 412First belt end1812 First tool module
• 414Second belt end1814 Second tool module
• 416Pad1816 Upper frame component
• 418 Tool belt handle1818 Lower frame component
• 420Tool support1820 Handle
• 1000Modular tool organizer1822 Tray
• 1012Handle1850 Tool bag
• 1014Tray1910 Hinge
• 1016Pin1912 Indexing plate
• 1018Hinge1914 Indexing holes
• 1020Rear wheel1916 Pin
• 1022Front wheel1950 Integrated cover
• 1024Storage box1952 Alarm
• 1030Tool support handle2110 Lock plate
• 1032Tool support retainer2112 Hinge
• 1040Tool fastener2114 Guide bolt
• 1042Tool indicia2116 Pin
• 1112First tool module2118 Spring
• 1114Second tool module2120 Release rod
• 1116Upper frame component2122 Release handle
• 1118Lower frame component2130 Hinge
• 1120A/B Knob
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Referring now to the drawing figures, there is illustrated inFIG. 1, a firstexample tool organizer100 embodying the present invention.Tool organizer100 is intended to contain a predetermined set of tools for use by a professional or hobbyist at a location within or away from a work shop.Tool organizer100 comprises aframe110 including ahandle112. Theframe110 is supported by tworear tires114 and twofront casters116. Theframe110 supports severalparts storage boxes118 for containing miscellaneous tools, machine parts, work pieces and/or accessories that may be commonly needed by the user.
• Tool organizer100 includes a set of storage panels or vertical tool supports130 for storing a specific set of tools. The specific set of tools may be selected based on the typical activities of the user. For example, thetool organizer100 may be populated with a first set of tools for a plumber, a second set of tools for an electrician, or a third set of tools for a general maintenance worker. In the illustrated embodiment, each vertical support includes a rigid inner structure and an outer fabric covering which forms one ormore tool fasteners140 to hold atool144. Eachtool fastener140 has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain aspecific tool144 and includes atool indicia142 indicating thespecific tool144 which is associated with thetool fastener140. Eachtool fastener140 of theexample tool organizer100 is a pocket into which aspecific tool144 may be placed and stored. Of course, other types oftool fasteners140 may be contemplated, such as loops, straps, Velcro, and hooks, for example.
• Thetool organizer100 may be disposed in a closed configuration, as illustrated inFIGS. 1,3 and4, or in an open configuration, as described more fully below with reference toFIGS. 2 and 6. The tool organizer may be disposed in the closed configuration by securing thevertical tool panels130 using a panel retaining means132. In the illustrated embodiment, the panel retaining means132 are straps that employ hook and loop fasteners, commonly referred to as Velcro. Of course, retaining means of other types, including snap fasteners, buckles and hasps, for example, are acceptable substitutes.
• Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 6, by releasing the retaining means132, the user can open thevertical tool panels130 of thetool organizer100. This enables the user to visually detect everytool144 of the particular tool set contained within thetool organizer100, and note any missing tools using the associated indicia.
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is presented for using theexample tool organizer100 to facilitate an inspection and/or inventory process to efficiently determine a first level of completeness, i.e. to identify any missing tools from the set of tools. The method begins with disposing thetool organizer100 in an open configuration and visually inspecting eachtool fastener140 to determine whether atool144 is disposed therein. The visual inspection further includes determining whether the eachtool144 disposed within atool fastener140 is associated with thetool indicia142. Preferably, thetool indicia142 is a printed tool name, although it may be an alpha-numeric code or other indicia such as bar-code.
• The method also includes recording the first level of completeness of the tool set, such as by noting the missing tools or tool indicia. The further includes releasing the tool organizer and contents to a third party and, at some future time, receiving thetool organizer100 and returned contents from the third party. Again, the user configures thetool organizer100 in an open configuration and visually inspects the returned contents of thetool organizer100 to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set. The first and second levels of completeness are compared to determine whether one ormore tools144 from the tool set were not returned with thetool organizer100.
• Referring now toFIGS. 4 and 5, respective side and rear views of theexample tool organizer100 are depicted. As illustrated, thetool organizer100 includes anintegrated tool belt400 which may be detached fromtool organizer100 and used to carry a subset of the tool set apart from thetool organizer100. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, thetool belt400 may be replaced by a tool bag or tool box to maintain the same accountability as thetool organizer100.
• Referring now toFIG. 9, there is illustrated thetool belt400 detached from thetool organizer100.Tool belt400 includes abelt portion410 having afirst end412 and asecond end414. A retaining means415 is disposed atbelt end414.Tool belt400 also includes atool support420 for holding the subset of tools and ahandle418. Like the tool fasteners of the panels of thetool organizer100, each tool fastener of the tool belt has a particular size and shape to securely hold a specific tool, and each tool fastener of thetool belt400 has an associated indicia of the specific tool to be stored.
• When integrated with the tool organizer, the retaining means415 ofbelt end414 cooperates with acorresponding strap155 attached to the tool organizer. Likewise,belt end412 cooperates with a retaining means (not shown) also attached to thetool organizer100. The weight of the tools in thetool belt400 is further supported byhandle418 which may be looped over acorrespondingly place protrusion150 formed within theframe110 oftool organizer100.
• When thetool belt400 is not integrated withtool organizer100, retaining means415 may cooperate withbelt end412 to form a loop which may be placed around a user's waist or over a user's shoulder, as illustrated inFIG. 10.Tool belt400 also includes apad416 to distribute pressure and provide a cushion for the user when thetool belt400 is worn over the shoulder. Alternatively, the user may use handle418 to carrytool belt400.
Modular Tool Organizer
• There is illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11, a secondexample tool organizer1000 embodying the present invention.Tool organizer1000 is particularly useful for professionals who may be required to supply a set of tools at a remote worksite.Modular tool organizer1000 is designed to be easily placed in and removed from a passenger vehicle or truck.Modular tool organizer1000 comprises four major components which may be disassembled to facilitate transportation and reassembled at a remote workplace. The four major components are afirst tool module1112, asecond tool module1114, anupper frame component1116, and alower frame component1118.
• Upper frame component1116 includes ahandle1012 and atray1014.Handle1012 andtray1014 are integrated into theupper frame1116 by ahinge1018, and they may be adjusted to any of several positions using an adjustment mechanism, such as a spring-loadedpin1016. For example, handle1012 may be positioned at a roughly 45 degree angle to accommodate moving and tilting the fully assembledtool organizer1000, as shown inFIGS. 10 and 11.Handle1012 may be positioned horizontally, as illustrated inFIG. 12, to serve as a work surface to hold tools or spare parts during a job. In yet another example, handle1012 may also be positioned vertically to conserve space during transporting the components of thetool organizer1000, as illustrated inFIG. 13.
• Referring back toFIG. 11, the twotool modules1112 and1114 attach to and are supported by theupper frame component1116.Tool module1112, for example, attaches to theupper frame1116 usingbrackets1124A and1124B which engage corresponding cross-members1126A and1126B of theupper frame component1116. Each of the twotool modules1112 and1114 may be lifted and maneuvered using a tool support handle such ashandle1030, and each includes two vertical tool supports, such astool support1122 oftool module1112. As in the first example embodiment, the vertical tool supports may be retained bytool support closure1032, and each vertical support includes one ormore tool fasteners1040 to hold a tool, and eachtool fastener1040 has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain a specific tool. Eachtool fastener1040 further includes atool indicia1042 indicating the specific tool which is associated with the tool fastener.
• Lower frame component1118 includes tworear wheels1020 and twofront casters1022. Thelower frame component1118 supports severalparts storage boxes1024 for holding various machine parts, work pieces and/or accessories that may be commonly needed by the user, but are typically not considered part of the tool inventory.Lower frame component1118 includes two apertures for receiving two correspondingprongs1308A and1308E ofupper frame component1116. When theupper frame component1116 is received bylower frame component1118, the two may be secured by tightening correspondingknobs1120A and1120B. These attachment mechanisms enable thetool organizer1000 to be assembled and disassembled as desired.
• Referring now toFIG. 12,tool organizer1000 is illustrated with bothtool modules1112 and1114 removed. The removal of the tool modules facilitates the use ofstep1202 which is integrated into thelower frame component1118. Thetool organizer1000 may be stabilized usingbrake1204 which prevents rotation of therear wheels1020.
• Referring now toFIG. 13, there is illustrated atravel base1302 which adapted to fit in a passenger seat of a car or truck, such asseat1304.Travel base1302 may be secured toseat1304 using a standard passive restraint, such asseatbelt1306.Travel base1302 includesreceptacles1310A and1310B which are adapted to receive correspondingprongs1308A and1308B ofupper frame1116. Upon securingtravel base1302 toseat1304 and attachingupper frame component1116 to travelbase1302,tool modules1112 and1114 may be attached toupper frame component1116. The modular nature oftool organizer1000 enables the tool organizer to be easily inserted and removed from a car or truck. By breaking the tool organizer into several modules, the weight of the assembled tool organizer and its contents may be distributed over all of the modules, each of which may be more easily lifted and maneuvered.
• Referring now toFIG. 14, a rear perspective view oftool organizer1000 is illustrated. As shown, thelower frame1118 includes arear storage compartment1404, sawhorse support1408 and ahandle1406.Handle1406 may be used to facilitate lifting thelower frame component1118 into and out of a transporting vehicle.Saw horse support1408 may be used to support a piece of wood or other workpiece to facilitate cutting the wood or other workpiece, Aremovable tool carrier1402, more clearly illustrated inFIG. 15, is shown attached to the rear oftool organizer1000.
• Removable tool carrier1402 includes ahandle1502, two attachment hooks1504A and1504B and anadjustable shoulder strap1506.Removable tool carrier1402 further includes a plurality of tool fasteners. Each tool fastener has a specific size and shape so as to properly contain a specific tool. Each tool fastener further includes a tool indicia indicating the specific tool which is associated with the tool fastener.
Method for Using Tool Organizer
• Referring now toFIG. 16, there is illustrated an example methodology for using the example tool organizer to track, maintain and account for a set of tools which may be checked out to a third party for use. Examples of such third parties include, for example, in-house maintenance personnel and independent contractors. Atblock1605, the methodology includes configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration. By so configuring the tool organizer, every tool retained therein may be visually inspected (1610) by flipping through the vertical tool supports, similar to leafing through the pages of a book.
• Upon or during the visual inspection, a level of completeness of the tool set is recorded (1615). The level of completeness may be any of a number of representations of the tool set, including a list of tools missing from the tool set, a list of tools present in the tool set, a grade according to a predetermined scale, or a set of check marks in an inventory list, for example. Atblock1620, the tool organizer may be checked out or released to the third party for use.
• Once the third party returns the tool organizer (1625), the contents are once again visually inspected to determine a level of completeness at the time of check-in (1630). The first and second levels of completeness are then compared to determine any changes in the tool set (1635). Appropriate actions may be taken by the owner of the tool set based on any changes to the tool set. For example, the third party may be charged for any missing tools.
Foldable Tool Organizer
• There is illustrated inFIGS. 17A and 17B, a thirdexample tool organizer1700 embodying the present invention.Tool organizer1700 is particularly useful for professionals who may be required to supply a set of tools at a remote worksite.Foldable tool organizer1700 is designed to be easily placed in and removed from a passenger vehicle or truck.Foldable tool organizer1700 comprises components which may be configured to facilitate transportation and reconfigured at a remote workplace. As illustrated inFIG. 18, the components include afirst tool module1812, asecond tool module1814, a foldableupper frame component1816, and alower frame component1818. Aremovable tool bag1850 or other tool carrier may be optionally included with thefoldable tool organizer1700.
• Referring now toFIG. 19,upper frame component1816 includes ahandle1820 and atray1822.Handle1820 andtray1822 are integrated into theupper frame component1816 by ahinge1910, and they may be adjusted to any of several positions using an adjustment mechanism, such as a spring-loadedpin1916.Pin1916 cooperates withindexing holes1914 ofindexing plate1912 to securehandle1820 andtray1822 in a position determined the indexing holes1914. Of course, althoughindexing holes1914 are illustrated in detail on only one side oftool organizer1700, they may be provided on both sides of the tool organizer to provide increased stability. As further illustrated inFIGS. 20A-20D andFIGS. 21A-21D, handle1820 andtray1822 may be positioned at any of a number of predetermined angles associated with the indexing holes1914. Further, as illustrated byFIG. 20E, handle1820 andtray1822 may be positioned approximately parallel withupper frame component1816 to accommodate transportation of thetool organizer1700. Optionally, indexing holes may be provided to secure thehandle1820 andtray1822 in such a folded position.
• Referring now toFIG. 22A,tool organizer1700 is shown in an open position or configuration. As shown in the detail view ofFIG. 22A, theupper frame component1816 is attached to thelower frame component1818 via alock plate2110.Lock plate2110 is secured to theupper frame component1816 by ahinge2112, andlock plate2110 is secured to thelower frame component1818 by aguide bolt2114. Theupper frame component1816 is maintained in an upright, open configuration byspring pin2116 which passes through an aperture in thelower frame component1818.
• To prepare thetool organizer1700 to be transported in a vehicle or for storage in a more space efficient manner, it may be configured into a more compact shape. Namely, thehandle1820 andtray1822 may be folded to be roughly parallel with theupper frame component1818, as previously described, and theupper frame component1818 may be folded forward and down as illustrated inFIGS. 22B and 22C.
• In order to fold theupper frame component1816 oftool organizer1700, thepin2116 securing the upright position of the upper frame component may be removed from the aperture in thelower frame component1818. To remove the pin,spring2118 may be retracted by liftingrelease rod2120 usingrelease handle2122. Oncepin2116 is removed, theupper frame component1816 is free to rotate abouthinge2130. Forward rotation of the upper frame component causes thelock plate2110 to slide downward relative to theguide bolt2114 attached to thelower frame component1818. Once the upper frame component has been sufficiently folded forward, a notched option of the lock plate cooperates with theguide bolt2114 to secure theupper frame component1816 in the folded or closed configuration. Thetool organizer1700 may be reconfigured into the open position by reversing the process.
• Foldable tool organizer1700 further includes anintegrated cover1950 andalarm1952 illustrated inFIG. 19. When not in use, the example integratedcover1950 may be stored in a container attached to the tool organizer,Cover1950 may be removed and unfolded to completely cover the tool organizer and its contents.Cover1950 may be used to protect the tool organizer and its contents from inclement conditions or to protect against theft.Cover1950 may include a mechanism for locking the cover to prevent unauthorized use of the tool organizer or its contents.Alarm1952 may be a motion sensing alarm which may be activated to prevent tampering with an unattended tool organizer or its contents. In one embodiment,alarm1952 andcover1950 may be used simultaneously to secure the tool organizer. In such an embodiment, the cover may include indicia warning that the tool organizer is armed with an alarm.
• Although the invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments and applications, persons skilled in the art can, in light of this teaching, generate additional embodiments without exceeding the scope or departing from the spirit of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawing and description in this disclosure are proffered to facilitate comprehension of the invention, and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

Claims (2)

1. A method for monitoring a tool set, comprising:

configuring a tool organizer in an open configuration, the tool organizer containing at least a portion of a tool set;

visually inspecting the contents of the tool organizer to determine a first level of completeness of the tool set;

recording the first level of completeness of the tool set;

releasing the tool organizer and contents for use by a third party;

receiving the tool organizer and returned contents from the third party;

configuring the tool organizer in an open configuration;

visually inspecting the returned contents of the tool organizer to determine a second level of completeness of the tool set; and

comparing the first level of completeness with the second level of completeness to determine whether one or more tools from the tool set are missing.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein recording the first level of completeness includes completing a paper form.

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