STACKABLE CASES

• US 20170259956A1
• Filed: 03/01/2017
• Published: 09/14/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Makita Corporation
• Original Assignee: Makita Corporation
• Inventors: HORI, Shiro, HORI, Atsushi
• Granted Patent: US 10,618,692 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/20 Lunch or picnic boxes or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/02 Interior fittings; Means, e.g. inserts, for holding and packing articles
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 7/0045 comprising a plurality of separable elements which can be used independently of one another
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 2003/142 Carrying-straps
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 3/14 Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/006 Storage means specially adapted for one specific hand apparatus, e.g. an electric drill
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/02 Boxes
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0217 Containers with a closure presenting stacking elements B65D21/064 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/04 Partitions
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 45/16 Clips, hooks, or clamps which are removable, or which remain connected either with the closure or with the container when the container is open, e.g. C-shaped U-shaped or bifurcated members B65D45/04
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 81/3813 rigid container being in the form of a box, tray or like container
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 21/04 reversible
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 2321/0212 of electric power, current or voltage
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 2321/023 Mounting details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 11/00 Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 17/06 by forced circulation
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 23/028 Details
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2400/12 Portable refrigerators
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/22 The load being a portable electronic device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0013 acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially H02J7/1423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 : specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0045 : concerning the insertion or the connection of the batteries

Abstract

A stackable case includes a cooling and/or heating device, such as a Peltier element, so that the stackable case can be used as a cooler and/or warmer for storing beverages, food, etc. A power source device, in which a plurality of battery packs is housed, supplies power to the Peltier element and one or more fans. The power supply device has latches for detachably joining or linking it to the stackable case in a stacked manner.

Claims

1. A case configured to be fixed to another case in which an electric power tool is housed, the case comprising:

a heat insulation material,

wherein the case houses an object to be stored and maintained in a cool state or in a warm state.

2. The case according to claim 1, wherein:

the case includes a case main body and a lid for opening and closing the case main body;

the heat insulation material is disposed between an outer panel and an inner panel of the lid; and

at least one fixing member fixes the inner panel to the outer panel.

3. The case according to claim 2, wherein the at least one fixing member comprises a clip having a flat head that contacts one of the inner panel or the outer panel, a stem and at least one claw that engages an engagement hole formed in the other of the inner panel and the outer panel.

4. The case according to claim 3, wherein:

the heat insulation material is also disposed between an outer panel and an inner panel of the case main body; and

at least one rib is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel of the case main body such that the rib contact both the outer panel and the inner panel of the case main body and maintains a spacing therebetween.

5. The case according to claim 1, wherein:

the case includes a case main body and a lid for opening and closing the case main body;

the heat insulation material is disposed between an outer panel and an inner panel of the case main body; and

at least one rib is disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel of the case main body such that the rib contacts both the outer panel and the inner panel of the case main body and maintains a spacing therebetween.

6. A case set comprising:

a first case in which an electric power tool can be housed; and

a second case in which a bottle for storing beverage can be housed, the second case configured to be fixed to the first case,

wherein at least one part on the first case differs in color from other parts of the first case, and at least one part on the second case differs in color from other parts of the second case.

7. The case set according to claim 6, wherein an indication is provided on an outer surface of the second case to show that the bottle can be stored in the second case.

8. A cooler comprising:

a means for cooling an interior of the cooler; and

a battery pack electrically connected to the cooling means and configured as a slide-mounting-type, rechargeable battery pack that is configured to also serve as a power source of a cordless electric driver drill.

9. The cooler according to claim 8, further comprising:

a case main body having an upper portion that opens upwardly,

a lid configured to open and close the case main body,

a latch configured to hold the lid in its closed state with respect to the case main body,

belt attachment pins disposed on left and right sides of the lid, and

a shoulder belt attached to the left and right belt attachment pins.

10. The cooler according to claim 9, wherein:

an interior of the case main body is partitioned into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being configured to hold an object to be cooled, and

a battery-mounting portion configured to receive the battery pack is disposed within the second compartment.

11. The cooler according to claim 9, wherein:

the cooling means comprises a Peltier element electrically connected to the battery pack, and

a fan is disposed proximal to the Peltier element and is electrically connected to the battery pack.

12. The cooler according to claim 11, further comprising:

a switch configured to change a direction of current flow to the Peltier element so as to selectively cool or warm the interior of the cooler.

13. The cooler according to claim 11, wherein:

the Peltier element is housed within an inner space of the lid, and

a heat conductor contacts the Peltier element and is housed with the inner space of the lid.

14. The cooler according to claim 8, further comprising a means for charging the battery pack.

15. A warmer comprising:

a means for warming an interior of the warmer; and

a battery pack electrically connected to the warming means and configured as a slide-mounting-type, rechargeable battery pack that is configured to also serve as a power source of a cordless electric driver drill.