Tool storage cabinet

• US 20080278046A1
• Filed: 05/08/2008
• Published: 11/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
• Inventors: Deakin, Andy, Scheffy, Clark, Madsen, Sarah, Oliver, Joanne
• Granted Patent: US 8,084,992 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 312/223.6
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 81/00 Cabinets or racks specially adapted for other particular purposes, e.g. for storing guns or skis
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/02 Boxes

Abstract

A tool storage unit is disclosed having a cabinet structure with a plurality of surfaces defining a first interior space and a storage compartment defining a second interior space, the compartment being configured to move between an open position extending from the first interior space and a closed position retracted within the first interior space. A stationary compartment sidewall fixed within the first interior space and adjacent the storage compartment limits access to the second interior space from the first interior space when the storage compartment is in the closed position. A plurality of power outlets positioned within the storage compartment such that each is accessible from the second interior space, and a locking feature for securing the storage compartment in the closed position are also featured. Finally, a recessed area integral to the top surface, a cover hinged to the top surface and covering the recessed area, and a power outlet positioned with the recessed area is a further feature of the disclosed storage unit. A power outlet positioned on the top surface of the cabinet structure outside of the recessed area may also be provided.

Claims

1. A tool storage unit comprising:

a cabinet structure having a plurality of surfaces defining a first interior space;

a storage compartment defining a second interior space and configured to move between an open position extending from the first interior space and a closed position retracted within the first interior space;

a stationary compartment sidewall fixed within the first interior space and adjacent the storage compartment such that access to the second interior space from the first interior space is prevented when the storage compartment is in the closed position;

a plurality of power outlets positioned within the storage compartment such that each is accessible from the second interior space; and

a locking feature for securing the storage compartment in the closed position.

2. The tool storage unit of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is a slidable drawer.

3. The tool storage unit of claim 1, further comprising:

a power cord coupled on one end to the plurality of power outlets and on another end to a power source, and

a cable carrier for protecting the power cord within the cabinet as the storage compartment is moved between the open position and the closed position.

4. The tool storage unit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of power outlets comprise a power strip.

5. The tool storage unit of claim 1, further comprising a support removably attached to a sidewall of the storage compartment and accessible from the second interior space.

6. The tool storage unit of claim 5, wherein the support is a shelf configured to hold battery powered tools, batteries for such power tools, charging devices for the batteries of such power tools, or any combination of these components.

7. The tool storage unit of claim 6, wherein the support is a shelf for retaining a plurality of battery charging units plugged into the plurality of power outlets.

8. The tool storage unit of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is vertically oriented having a sidewall panel with an area greater than an area of a bottom wall panel.

9. The tool storage unit of claim 1, wherein the storage compartment comprises front, rear and bottom wall panels and a single sidewall panel.

10. The tool storage unit of claim 9, wherein the plurality of power outlets are positioned on the rear wall panel.

11. The tool storage unit of claim 9, wherein the single sidewall panel comprises a plurality of slots.

12. The tool storage unit of claim 11, further comprising an adjustable support having tabs to detachably engage the slots and retain the support within the second interior space.

13. The tool storage unit of claim 9, further comprising an adjustable support detachably engaged to one of either the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the bottom wall panel, the sidewall panel, or a combination of such wall panels.

14. The tool storage unit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of storage compartments positioned within the first interior space.

15. The tool storage unit of claim 14, wherein the plurality of storage compartments comprise sliding drawers.

16. A tool storage compartment slideably positioned within a tool storage cabinet to move between an open position and a closed position, the storage compartment comprising:

a front, a rear, and a bottom wall panel;

a single sidewall panel affixed to each of the front, rear and bottom wall panels to thereby define an interior space;

a plurality of power outlets positioned attached to at least one of the front, rear, bottom and sidewall panels and accessible from within the interior space; and

a locking feature for securing the storage compartment in the closed position.

17. The tool storage compartment of claim 16, further comprising:

a power cord coupled on one end to the plurality of power outlets and on another end to a power source, and

a cable carrier for protecting the power cord within the storage cabinet as the storage compartment is moved between the open position and the closed position.

18. The tool storage compartment of claim 16, wherein the plurality of power outlets comprise a power strip.

19. The tool storage compartment of claim 16, further comprising a support removably attached to the sidewall and accessible from the interior space.

20. The tool storage compartment of claim 19, wherein the support is a shelf configured to hold battery powered tools, batteries for such power tools, charging devices for the batteries of such power tools, or any combination of these components.

21. The tool storage compartment of claim 16, wherein the single sidewall panel has an area greater than an area of a bottom wall panel.

22. The tool storage compartment of claim 21, wherein the single sidewall panel comprises a plurality of slots.

23. The tool storage unit of claim 22, further comprising an adjustable support having tabs to detachably engage the slots and retain the support within the interior space.

24. The tool storage unit of claim 16, further comprising an adjustable support detachably engaged to one of either the front wall panel, the rear wall panel, the bottom wall panel, the sidewall panel, or a combination of such wall panels.

25. A tool storage unit comprising:

a cabinet structure having a plurality of side surfaces and a top surface to define an interior space;

a recessed area integral to the top surface;

a cover hinged to the top surface and covering the recessed area;

a power outlet positioned within the recessed area; and

a plurality of tool storage compartments positioned within the interior space of the cabinet structure.

26. The tool storage unit of claim 25, wherein the power outlet comprises a power strip having a plurality of power outlets.

27. The tool storage unit of claim 26, wherein the power strip is permanently affixed within the recessed area.

28. The tool storage unit of claim 25, wherein the power outlet provides one of either 110 VAC and 12 VDC.

29. The tool storage unit of claim 25, further comprising a power outlet positioned on the top surface of the cabinet structure outside of the recessed area.

30. The tool storage unit of claim 29, wherein the power outlet comprises a power strip having a plurality of power outlets.

31. The tool storage unit of claim 25, further comprising a raised perimeter on the top surface.

32. The tool storage unit of claim 25, wherein the cover comprises a

33. A tool storage unit comprising:

a cabinet structure having a plurality of side surfaces and a top surface to define a first interior space;

a recessed area integral to the top surface;

a cover hinged to the top surface and covering the recessed area;

a power outlet positioned within the recessed area; and

a storage compartment defining a second interior space and configured to move between an open position extending from the first interior space and a closed position retracted within the first interior space;

a stationary compartment sidewall fixed within the first interior space and adjacent the storage compartment such that access to the second interior space from the first interior space is prevented when the storage compartment is in the closed position; and

a plurality of power outlets positioned within the storage compartment such that each is accessible from the second interior space.