US20070138041A1 - Carrying Case - Google Patents
Carrying Case Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070138041A1 US20070138041A1 US11/563,831 US56383106A US2007138041A1 US 20070138041 A1 US20070138041 A1 US 20070138041A1 US 56383106 A US56383106 A US 56383106A US 2007138041 A1 US2007138041 A1 US 2007138041A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bumper
- case
- wall
- container
- cover
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
- B25H3/02—Boxes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C13/00—Details; Accessories
- A45C13/36—Reinforcements for edges, corners, or other parts
Definitions
- This specification relates to carrying cases and more specifically to blow-molded carrying cases for power tools and other products.
- Blow molding is a well-known fabrication method for thermoplastic components. The process generally involves the molding of a hollow tube, or “parison,” of molten thermoplastic, that is lowered from an overhanging extrusion head to a position between halves of a reciprocating mold. As the mold halves close, air or some other gas is injected into the parison; the increase in air pressure within the parison caused by such injection forces its walls into the contours of the cavities of the mold halves and thus forms the parison into a desired molded shape. The resulting component has molded walls that surround a hollow chamber. Blow molding has proven to be particularly popular for the production of large parts that would require unduly large molding injection molding machines.
- mold halves are most often designed as distinct core and cavity halves (rather than as two cavities, as would be the case for blow-molded bottles or other containers).
- the core portion of the core mold half extends within the cavity as the mold halves close.
- the mold halves for double-walled components are configured so that the molded components have “full-perimeter flash”; i.e., after molding the component has excess material, or “flash”, around the perimeter defined by mating surfaces of the mold halves.
- Blow-molded components have distinct inner and outer walls that surround a hollow space, with the inner wall having been formed by the core and the outer wall having been formed by the cavity, with the inner and outer walls being separated by the weld line remaining after the flash is removed.
- the inner and outer walls are positioned proximate to one another and can have “pinched-off” areas, in which the inner and outer walls are contiguous.
- double-walled blow-molded components are the capability for adjacent regions of the inner and outer walls to differ significantly in their localized contour.
- a region of the outer wall may have a relatively flat profile, while the adjacent region of the inner wall can contain numerous projections, recesses, and the like, with the profile of either localized region failing to impact significantly the appearance or structural integrity of the other.
- Such differences in localized inner and outer wall contour are less likely to be successfully achieved in injection-molded components because the inclusion of substantial detail in the inner wall can have a deleterious effect on the dimensional stability, appearance, and even strength of the outer wall.
- Another performance advantage conveyed by double-walled components stems from the formation of the hollow chamber within the inner and outer walls, as it can provide an air cushion that protects items contacting the inner wall.
- double-walled components have proven to be particularly popular for protective containers and carrying cases.
- Detailed-contour that mates with, matches, supports, or captures portions of an item, such as a power tool or instrument or item used in jobsites, to be carried within the carrying case can be included in the inner wall of the double-walled component even as the outer wall has a generally flat, appearance-sensitive surface.
- the air cushion between the inner and outer walls helps to protect the item.
- the container has the detail and structure necessary to support, transport and protect the item and also provides the desired aesthetic appeal, and does so without the manufacturer having to produce two separate inner wall and outer wall parts.
- a carrying case for carrying a portable electric power tool may have a container and a cover pivotably attached to the container, at least one of the container and cover having an outer wall, a bumper mounted to at least one of the container and cover, and preferably to the outer wall, and a handle connected to at least one of the container and cover, wherein the bumper serves to cushion an impact load exerted on the case if the case is dropped in an orientation in which the case strikes a hard surface.
- the handle may be pivotally connected to at least one of the container and cover.
- the outer wall may have a front, bottom and side surfaces.
- the bumper may be mounted to at least one of the front, bottom and side surfaces.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to the specification.
- FIG. 2 is a view taken along lines 2 - 2 of FIG. 1 showing the inner walls of the carrying case cover, where FIGS. 2A-2E show first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments according to the specification, respectively.
- a carrying case designated broadly at 20 , comprises a container member 22 and a cover 24 .
- Such case 20 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,754, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
- Case 20 may include a nameplate insert 50 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,754.
- the container 22 and the cover 24 are preferably double-walled blow-molded components.
- a “double-walled” component is one which has been produced by or blow molding and in which substantial portions of one wall of the component are adjacent but spaced away from substantial portions of an opposed wall.
- the mold used to produce the component has distinct core and cavity halves and is configured to produce a component having the aforementioned full-perimeter flash.
- container 22 and/or cover 24 may be injection molded components.
- container 22 and/or cover 24 may be made of metal, aluminum, foam, wood, cardboard, etc.
- the container 22 and cover 24 are preferably pivotally interconnected at their lower facing edges by a hinge (not shown) that enables the container 22 and cover 24 to pivot relative to one another between closed and open positions.
- the configuration of the hinge is not critical.
- An exemplary hinge suitable for interconnecting double-walled blow-molded components is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,456, which is hereby fully incorporated herein in its entirety.
- Another exemplary hinge suitable for interconnecting double-walled blow-molded components is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,154, which is hereby fully incorporated herein in its entirety.
- the illustrated carrying case 20 preferably has a cavity therein that is configured to contain, transport, and protect a power tool, such as a power drill, but those skilled in this art will appreciate that a carrying case of the present invention can take a variety of configurations and protect any number of items, such as electronic, computer, video, or camera equipment, sales samples, and the like.
- a power tool such as a power drill
- the cover 24 may be formed of a thermoplastic material, preferably polyethylene, suitable for blow-molding.
- a thermoplastic material preferably polyethylene, suitable for blow-molding.
- suitable materials include propylene, polystyrene, ABS, and copolymers thereof.
- the container 22 also be formed of a thermoplastic material and have a double-walled construction, although those skilled in this art will recognize that other materials and structures are also suitable for use in the container 22 .
- the cover 24 is of a double-walled construction, it includes a preferably textured outer wall 30 (seen in FIG. 1 ) and an inner wall 28 (seen in FIG. 2 ).
- the inner and outer walls 28 , 30 preferably have a nominal thickness of between about 0.060 and 0.090 inches, although the skilled artisan will recognize that some variation in wall thickness typically occurs in blow-molded parts. The skilled artisan will further recognize that other nominal thicknesses may also be suitable for use with this invention, particularly if the cover 24 is formed of a different thermoplastic material.
- inner wall 28 and outer wall 30 may be adjacent to but spaced from one another.
- inner wall 28 and outer wall 30 could be at least partially contiguous.
- container 22 could have inner and outer walls 28 , 30 as well.
- the case 20 preferably includes a handle molded into container 22 and/or cover 24 , as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,754.
- a rotatable handle 60 may be attached to case 20 , as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,819, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
- Container 22 and/or cover 24 preferably have a handle receiving section 33 for receiving handle 60 .
- the handle receiving section 33 may include a central portion 31 and a pair of receptacles 32 a , 32 b.
- the handle 60 preferably includes an elongate grip segment 62 .
- Extensions 63 a , 63 b extend from the respective ends of the grip segment 62 in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the grip segment 62 .
- a respective pin extend in both directions generally parallel to the grip segment 62 .
- the handle 60 is preferably attached to the case 20 such that the ends of the pins inserted into respective pockets (not shown) of the receptacles 32 a , 32 b .
- the pins preferably fit and pivot within the pockets, thereby enabling the handle 60 to pivot relative to the case 20 about the longitudinal axes of the pockets. This configuration enables the handle 60 to be moved between a gripping position, in which the grip segment 62 is spaced apart from the case 20 , and a storage position, in which the grip segment 62 is adjacent the case 20 .
- Grip segment 62 may have a portion 62 a made of elastomer, rubber or a soft material to provide a softer grip. Such portion 62 a may be glued on, overmolded on, molded on, welded on, mechanically attached to and/or thermically attached to grip segment 62 .
- Outer wall 30 may have a front surface 30 F, bottom surface 30 B and side surface 30 S.
- Bumper 70 is preferably a relative soft elastic bumper mounted to case 20 .
- the bumper 70 is preferably disposed on at least the bottom surface 30 B to protect the case 20 and/or the product carried therein by cushioning the impact load exerted on the case 20 when dropped in an orientation in which case 20 strikes a hard surface.
- the bumper 70 preferably extends about the outer peripheral edge of the bottom surface 30 B and overlays portions of the front and/or side surfaces 30 F, 30 S.
- any durometer of bumper 70 is contemplated.
- the durometer may be between about 20 Shore O and about 80 Shore A. However, it is desired to provide the bumper 70 with characteristics that absorb and dampen some of the impact load and therefore a durometer of about 20 Shore A to about 75 Shore A is preferred.
- the durometer will be preferably dictated by the bumper thickness, the weight of case 20 and/or of the item intended to be carried therein, and the bumper contact area at the shock point.
- bumper 70 Further information on bumper 70 and its characteristics may be found in US Published Application No. 2005/0058890 A1, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.
- case bumper details are illustrated in partial section view, including the preferred embodiment case 20 and alternative embodiment cases, to demonstrate various manufacturing methods for affixing an elastic bumper to the corresponding plastic housing.
- outer wall 30 may be formed with a nominal wall thickness ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.
- the bumper 70 is preferably over-molded onto the outer wall 30 providing a rubbery bumper with a thickness of approximately 1 mm.
- the outer wall 30 may include a plurality of apertures 30 A formed therethrough. As the bumper 70 is over-molded onto the outer wall 30 , a projection 70 P of the bumper 70 is formed through the aperture 30 A thereby mechanically interlocking the bumper 70 to the outer wall 30 .
- the bumper 70 and projection 70 P may be formed separately from the outer wall 30 and may be fastened thereto, such as by pressing the projection 70 P through the aperture 30 A, thereby mechanically interlocking the bumper 70 to the outer wall 30 .
- other common fasteners such as screws, retaining clips or the like are contemplated by the present invention.
- the bumper 70 may be is bonded to outer wall 30 such that an interface 70 I of the bumper 70 and outer wall 30 is completely melted together. This feature may be provided by over-molding the bumper 70 to the outer wall 30 , or co-molding the bumper 70 and outer wall 30 .
- the bumper 70 may be is approximately 1.5 mm to 2 mm in thickness in order to obtain the desired protection characteristics and satisfy the manufacturing requirements.
- bumper 70 may also be created by spraying a liquid elastomeric material onto the outer wall 30 to cure and form the bumper 70 .
- the material of such bumper 70 may be formed from either a regular soft touch paint or a foam type rubbery paint having a thickness of 0.3 mm or greater.
- the material of the bumper 70 may also include an agent for causing a chemical reaction with the exterior of the outer wall 30 creating a bond upon curing to secure the bumper 70 to the outer wall 30 .
- bumper 70 may be formed from a liquid elastomeric material, preferably molten rubber, where the outer wall 30 is dipped partially therein.
- the outer wall 30 may receive a layer of rubber material that either melts with or cures to an interface 701 with the outer wall 30 thereby creating the bumper 70 .
- an alternative bumper 70 may be affixed to outer wall 30 by an adhesive 72 dispensed therebetween.
- the adhesive 72 and bumper 70 may be affixed to the outer wall 30 in a progressive molding operation or by assembly of separate components.
- the bumper 70 is preferably formed with a thickness of at least approximately 1 mm.
- another alternative bumper 70 may be affixed to the outer wall 30 through frictional engagement therebetween.
- the bumper 70 is preferably formed separately from the outer wall 30 and is pressed thereon in an assembly operation.
- Outer wall 30 may further include a plurality of external ribs 30 R formed thereabout for enhancing the frictional engagement within the bumper 70 .
- the external ribs 30 R may be barbed in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the bumper 70 is pressed thereon to prevent removal of the bumper 70 from the outer wall 30 .
- the ribs 30 R may be provided about the outer wall 30 and the bumper 70 may be molded thereto for mechanical interlocking engagement with the ribs 30 R.
- Bumper 70 is preferably at least approximately 1 mm thick.
- an alternative bumper 70 may have protrusions 70 B that extend through inner and/or outer walls 28 , 30 .
- Bumper 70 may be inserted from the inside of case 20 , so that protrusions 70 B extend through inner and outer walls 28 , 30 .
- Any method of affixing bumper 70 can be used to affix bumper 70 to inner wall 28 .
- bumper 70 may be disposed between inner and outer walls 28 , 30 , so that protrusions 70 B extend only through outer wall 30 .
- Bumper 70 may prevent case 20 from sliding along a surface, or may provide the user with a better or alternate grip. To these ends, bumper 70 may be shaped in order to meet ergonomic or functional requirements. Bumper 70 may also provide aesthetic variations to case 20 , such color breaks, shapes, etc. To these ends, bumper 70 may be shaped or colored in order to meet aesthetic requirements.
Abstract
A carrying case for carrying a portable electric power tool may have a container and a cover pivotably attached to the container. The container and/or cover may have an outer wall. A bumper may be mounted to the container and/or cover, and preferably to the outer wall thereof. A handle may be connected to the container and/or cover. The bumper serves to cushion an impact load exerted on the case if the case is dropped in an orientation in which the case strikes a hard surface.
Description
- This specification relates to carrying cases and more specifically to blow-molded carrying cases for power tools and other products.
- Blow molding is a well-known fabrication method for thermoplastic components. The process generally involves the molding of a hollow tube, or “parison,” of molten thermoplastic, that is lowered from an overhanging extrusion head to a position between halves of a reciprocating mold. As the mold halves close, air or some other gas is injected into the parison; the increase in air pressure within the parison caused by such injection forces its walls into the contours of the cavities of the mold halves and thus forms the parison into a desired molded shape. The resulting component has molded walls that surround a hollow chamber. Blow molding has proven to be particularly popular for the production of large parts that would require unduly large molding injection molding machines.
- One type of blow molding that has been used successfully for large components that require structural rigidity is the so-called “double-walled” blow molding process. In this process, mold halves are most often designed as distinct core and cavity halves (rather than as two cavities, as would be the case for blow-molded bottles or other containers). The core portion of the core mold half extends within the cavity as the mold halves close. In addition, the mold halves for double-walled components are configured so that the molded components have “full-perimeter flash”; i.e., after molding the component has excess material, or “flash”, around the perimeter defined by mating surfaces of the mold halves. This contrasts with single-walled components, in which the parison is inflated entirely within closed mold cavities, and the molded component has flash only on its top and bottom portions. Blow-molded components have distinct inner and outer walls that surround a hollow space, with the inner wall having been formed by the core and the outer wall having been formed by the cavity, with the inner and outer walls being separated by the weld line remaining after the flash is removed. In a typical double-walled component the inner and outer walls are positioned proximate to one another and can have “pinched-off” areas, in which the inner and outer walls are contiguous.
- One distinct advantage provided by double-walled blow-molded components is the capability for adjacent regions of the inner and outer walls to differ significantly in their localized contour. For example, a region of the outer wall may have a relatively flat profile, while the adjacent region of the inner wall can contain numerous projections, recesses, and the like, with the profile of either localized region failing to impact significantly the appearance or structural integrity of the other. Such differences in localized inner and outer wall contour are less likely to be successfully achieved in injection-molded components because the inclusion of substantial detail in the inner wall can have a deleterious effect on the dimensional stability, appearance, and even strength of the outer wall. Another performance advantage conveyed by double-walled components stems from the formation of the hollow chamber within the inner and outer walls, as it can provide an air cushion that protects items contacting the inner wall.
- For these reasons, double-walled components have proven to be particularly popular for protective containers and carrying cases. Detailed-contour that mates with, matches, supports, or captures portions of an item, such as a power tool or instrument or item used in jobsites, to be carried within the carrying case can be included in the inner wall of the double-walled component even as the outer wall has a generally flat, appearance-sensitive surface. Further, the air cushion between the inner and outer walls helps to protect the item. Thus, the container has the detail and structure necessary to support, transport and protect the item and also provides the desired aesthetic appeal, and does so without the manufacturer having to produce two separate inner wall and outer wall parts.
- A carrying case for carrying a portable electric power tool is disclosed. Such case may have a container and a cover pivotably attached to the container, at least one of the container and cover having an outer wall, a bumper mounted to at least one of the container and cover, and preferably to the outer wall, and a handle connected to at least one of the container and cover, wherein the bumper serves to cushion an impact load exerted on the case if the case is dropped in an orientation in which the case strikes a hard surface. The handle may be pivotally connected to at least one of the container and cover. The outer wall may have a front, bottom and side surfaces. The bumper may be mounted to at least one of the front, bottom and side surfaces.
- Additional features and benefits of the present invention are described, and will be apparent from, the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below.
- The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments according to the practical application of the principles thereof, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case according to the specification. -
FIG. 2 is a view taken along lines 2-2 ofFIG. 1 showing the inner walls of the carrying case cover, whereFIGS. 2A-2E show first, second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments according to the specification, respectively. - The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- Referring first to
FIG. 1 , a carrying case, designated broadly at 20, comprises acontainer member 22 and acover 24.Such case 20 is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,754, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. -
Case 20 may include a nameplate insert 50 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,754. - The
container 22 and thecover 24 are preferably double-walled blow-molded components. As used herein, a “double-walled” component is one which has been produced by or blow molding and in which substantial portions of one wall of the component are adjacent but spaced away from substantial portions of an opposed wall. Preferably, the mold used to produce the component has distinct core and cavity halves and is configured to produce a component having the aforementioned full-perimeter flash. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thatcontainer 22 and/orcover 24 may be injection molded components. Alternatively,container 22 and/orcover 24 may be made of metal, aluminum, foam, wood, cardboard, etc. - The
container 22 andcover 24 are preferably pivotally interconnected at their lower facing edges by a hinge (not shown) that enables thecontainer 22 and cover 24 to pivot relative to one another between closed and open positions. The configuration of the hinge is not critical. An exemplary hinge suitable for interconnecting double-walled blow-molded components is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,456, which is hereby fully incorporated herein in its entirety. Another exemplary hinge suitable for interconnecting double-walled blow-molded components is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,154, which is hereby fully incorporated herein in its entirety. - The illustrated
carrying case 20 preferably has a cavity therein that is configured to contain, transport, and protect a power tool, such as a power drill, but those skilled in this art will appreciate that a carrying case of the present invention can take a variety of configurations and protect any number of items, such as electronic, computer, video, or camera equipment, sales samples, and the like. - The
cover 24 may be formed of a thermoplastic material, preferably polyethylene, suitable for blow-molding. Other suitable materials include propylene, polystyrene, ABS, and copolymers thereof. It is preferred that thecontainer 22 also be formed of a thermoplastic material and have a double-walled construction, although those skilled in this art will recognize that other materials and structures are also suitable for use in thecontainer 22. - Inasmuch as the
cover 24 is of a double-walled construction, it includes a preferably textured outer wall 30 (seen inFIG. 1 ) and an inner wall 28 (seen inFIG. 2 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner andouter walls cover 24 is formed of a different thermoplastic material. - As is conventional for components of double-walled construction, over much of the expanse of the
cover 24 theinner wall 28 andouter wall 30 may be adjacent to but spaced from one another. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thatinner wall 28 andouter wall 30 could be at least partially contiguous. Persons skilled in the art will also recognize thatcontainer 22 could have inner andouter walls - At the peripheral edge of the
container 22 and/or thecover 24 on the side of thecontainer 22 and/or cover 24 opposite the hinge, thecase 20 preferably includes a handle molded intocontainer 22 and/or cover 24, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,070,754. - Alternatively, a
rotatable handle 60 may be attached tocase 20, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,819, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.Container 22 and/or cover 24 preferably have ahandle receiving section 33 for receivinghandle 60. Thehandle receiving section 33 may include acentral portion 31 and a pair of receptacles 32 a, 32 b. - The
handle 60 preferably includes anelongate grip segment 62. Extensions 63 a, 63 b extend from the respective ends of thegrip segment 62 in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thegrip segment 62. At each of the free ends of each of the extensions 63 a, 63 b, a respective pin (not shown) extend in both directions generally parallel to thegrip segment 62. - The
handle 60 is preferably attached to thecase 20 such that the ends of the pins inserted into respective pockets (not shown) of the receptacles 32 a, 32 b. The pins preferably fit and pivot within the pockets, thereby enabling thehandle 60 to pivot relative to thecase 20 about the longitudinal axes of the pockets. This configuration enables thehandle 60 to be moved between a gripping position, in which thegrip segment 62 is spaced apart from thecase 20, and a storage position, in which thegrip segment 62 is adjacent thecase 20. -
Grip segment 62 may have a portion 62 a made of elastomer, rubber or a soft material to provide a softer grip. Such portion 62 a may be glued on, overmolded on, molded on, welded on, mechanically attached to and/or thermically attached togrip segment 62. -
Outer wall 30 may have afront surface 30F,bottom surface 30B andside surface 30S. Preferably bottom andside surfaces 3B, 30S contact each other and/orfront surface 30F. - It is preferable to provide a
bumper 70 on at least one of the front, bottom and/orside surfaces Bumper 70 is preferably a relative soft elastic bumper mounted tocase 20. Thebumper 70 is preferably disposed on at least thebottom surface 30B to protect thecase 20 and/or the product carried therein by cushioning the impact load exerted on thecase 20 when dropped in an orientation in whichcase 20 strikes a hard surface. Thebumper 70 preferably extends about the outer peripheral edge of thebottom surface 30B and overlays portions of the front and/orside surfaces - Any durometer of
bumper 70 is contemplated. For example, the durometer may be between about 20 Shore O and about 80 Shore A. However, it is desired to provide thebumper 70 with characteristics that absorb and dampen some of the impact load and therefore a durometer of about 20 Shore A to about 75 Shore A is preferred. The durometer will be preferably dictated by the bumper thickness, the weight ofcase 20 and/or of the item intended to be carried therein, and the bumper contact area at the shock point. - Further information on
bumper 70 and its characteristics may be found in US Published Application No. 2005/0058890 A1, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a plurality of case bumper details are illustrated in partial section view, including the preferredembodiment case 20 and alternative embodiment cases, to demonstrate various manufacturing methods for affixing an elastic bumper to the corresponding plastic housing. - Referring now to
FIG. 2A , a partial cross section of thecase 20 is provided to illustrate the attachment of thebumper 70 to theouter wall 30. Specifically,outer wall 30 may be formed with a nominal wall thickness ranging from 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm. Thebumper 70 is preferably over-molded onto theouter wall 30 providing a rubbery bumper with a thickness of approximately 1 mm. Theouter wall 30 may include a plurality of apertures 30A formed therethrough. As thebumper 70 is over-molded onto theouter wall 30, aprojection 70P of thebumper 70 is formed through the aperture 30A thereby mechanically interlocking thebumper 70 to theouter wall 30. Alternatively, thebumper 70 andprojection 70P may be formed separately from theouter wall 30 and may be fastened thereto, such as by pressing theprojection 70P through the aperture 30A, thereby mechanically interlocking thebumper 70 to theouter wall 30. Of course, other common fasteners such as screws, retaining clips or the like are contemplated by the present invention. - Referring now to
FIG. 2B , analternative bumper 70 is illustrated in accordance with the present invention. Thebumper 70 may be is bonded toouter wall 30 such that an interface 70I of thebumper 70 andouter wall 30 is completely melted together. This feature may be provided by over-molding thebumper 70 to theouter wall 30, or co-molding thebumper 70 andouter wall 30. Thebumper 70 may be is approximately 1.5 mm to 2 mm in thickness in order to obtain the desired protection characteristics and satisfy the manufacturing requirements. - Persons skilled in the art will recognize that
bumper 70 may also be created by spraying a liquid elastomeric material onto theouter wall 30 to cure and form thebumper 70. The material ofsuch bumper 70 may be formed from either a regular soft touch paint or a foam type rubbery paint having a thickness of 0.3 mm or greater. The material of thebumper 70 may also include an agent for causing a chemical reaction with the exterior of theouter wall 30 creating a bond upon curing to secure thebumper 70 to theouter wall 30. - Alternatively,
bumper 70 may be formed from a liquid elastomeric material, preferably molten rubber, where theouter wall 30 is dipped partially therein. Theouter wall 30 may receive a layer of rubber material that either melts with or cures to an interface 701 with theouter wall 30 thereby creating thebumper 70. - Referring now to
FIG. 2C , analternative bumper 70 may be affixed toouter wall 30 by an adhesive 72 dispensed therebetween. The adhesive 72 andbumper 70 may be affixed to theouter wall 30 in a progressive molding operation or by assembly of separate components. Thebumper 70 is preferably formed with a thickness of at least approximately 1 mm. - Referring now to
FIG. 2D , anotheralternative bumper 70 may be affixed to theouter wall 30 through frictional engagement therebetween. Thus, thebumper 70 is preferably formed separately from theouter wall 30 and is pressed thereon in an assembly operation.Outer wall 30 may further include a plurality of external ribs 30R formed thereabout for enhancing the frictional engagement within thebumper 70. Additionally, the external ribs 30R may be barbed in a direction corresponding to the direction in which thebumper 70 is pressed thereon to prevent removal of thebumper 70 from theouter wall 30. Alternatively, the ribs 30R may be provided about theouter wall 30 and thebumper 70 may be molded thereto for mechanical interlocking engagement with the ribs 30R.Bumper 70 is preferably at least approximately 1 mm thick. - Referring to
FIG. 2E , analternative bumper 70 may have protrusions 70B that extend through inner and/orouter walls Bumper 70 may be inserted from the inside ofcase 20, so that protrusions 70B extend through inner andouter walls bumper 70, including any of the methods described above, can be used to affixbumper 70 toinner wall 28. Persons skilled in the art will recognize thatbumper 70 may be disposed between inner andouter walls outer wall 30. - Persons skilled in the art will recognize other possible benefits to providing
case 20 with bumper(s) 70.Bumper 70 may preventcase 20 from sliding along a surface, or may provide the user with a better or alternate grip. To these ends,bumper 70 may be shaped in order to meet ergonomic or functional requirements.Bumper 70 may also provide aesthetic variations tocase 20, such color breaks, shapes, etc. To these ends,bumper 70 may be shaped or colored in order to meet aesthetic requirements. - 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.
Claims (11)
1: A carrying case for carrying a portable electric power tool comprising:
a container;
a cover pivotably attached to the container;
at least one of the container and cover have an outer wall;
a bumper mounted to at least one of the container and cover; and
a handle connected to at least one of the container and cover;
wherein the bumper serves to cushion an impact load exerted on the case if the case is dropped in an orientation in which the case strikes a hard surface.
2: The case of claim 1 , wherein the bumper is mounted to the outer wall.
3: The case of claim 1 , wherein the handle is pivotally connected to at least one of the container and cover.
4: The case of claim 1 , wherein the outer wall has a front, bottom and side surfaces.
5: The case of claim 4 , wherein the bumper is mounted to at least one of the front, bottom and side surfaces.
6: The case of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the container and cover is made of a thermoplastic material.
7: The case of claim 1 , wherein the bumper has a durometer rating between about 20 Shore O and about 80 Shore A.
8: The case of claim 1 , wherein the bumper has a durometer rating between about 20 Shore A and about 75 Shore A.
9: The case of claim 1 , wherein the bumper is overmolded onto the outer wall.
10: The case of claim 1 , wherein the bumper is bonded to the outer wall.
11: The case of claim 1 , wherein the bumper is affixed to the outer wall.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/563,831 US20070138041A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2006-11-28 | Carrying Case |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US75151705P | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | |
US11/563,831 US20070138041A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2006-11-28 | Carrying Case |
Publications (1)
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US20070138041A1 true US20070138041A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
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US11/563,831 Abandoned US20070138041A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2006-11-28 | Carrying Case |
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Cited By (31)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070108086A1 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2007-05-17 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Cask buffer body |
EP1985415A2 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2008-10-29 | Ting-Ho Yu | Protective framework assembly for a metal tool box |
EP2085192A2 (en) * | 2008-02-01 | 2009-08-05 | Ting-Ho Yu | Construction of an assembly for the frame of a plastic tool box |
USD608094S1 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2010-01-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Case for socket wrench accessories |
US20100052349A1 (en) * | 2008-09-03 | 2010-03-04 | Pamela Jo Naeve | Handle For A Carrying Case |
US20100108702A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Pegatron Corporation | Cushioning Structure |
US20120160733A1 (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2012-06-28 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Housing for portable electronic device |
WO2013060804A1 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2013-05-02 | Isl-Schaumstoff-Technik Gmbh | Plastic case |
GB2500941A (en) * | 2012-04-07 | 2013-10-09 | Radu Sergiu Marias | A protective case |
US20130299533A1 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2013-11-14 | Otter Products, Llc | Spring loaded holster for electronic device |
US8873226B1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-10-28 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Electronic device housing having a low-density component and a high-stiffness component |
US20150165617A1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2015-06-18 | Shwu-Ruu Chern | Protection device for tool box |
US9193061B1 (en) * | 2014-07-28 | 2015-11-24 | Chia-Szu Lin | Collision-resistant tool box |
WO2016038597A1 (en) * | 2014-09-08 | 2016-03-17 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Jobsite communications center |
US9408447B1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2016-08-09 | Lewis J. Divinity | Game controller travel case |
DE102011014404B4 (en) * | 2011-03-18 | 2016-09-08 | Cobit Gmbh | Container for tool parts |
US20160338463A1 (en) * | 2014-01-20 | 2016-11-24 | Rimowa Gmbh | Baggage item with corner reinforcement |
DE102017011531A1 (en) * | 2017-12-13 | 2019-06-13 | Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA | Protective body for protecting a housing of a circuit breathing apparatus, housing for circuit breathing apparatus and circuit breathing apparatus |
US10575417B2 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2020-02-25 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Jobsite communications center |
US20210139197A1 (en) | 2016-05-02 | 2021-05-13 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Utility Assembly and Coupling Mechanism |
US11124347B2 (en) * | 2019-12-13 | 2021-09-21 | Shou-Te Chen | Case with a corner-protection structure background |
USD936030S1 (en) | 2019-06-04 | 2021-11-16 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Storage unit radio |
US11253037B2 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2022-02-22 | Nexus Technologies, Inc. | Corner bumper |
GB2588851B (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2022-06-08 | Shou Te Chen | A case with a corner-protection structure |
US20230018156A1 (en) * | 2021-07-19 | 2023-01-19 | Premier Glass Products, LLC | Mounting bracket for securing objects to walls or other surfaces |
USD990164S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-06-27 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
USD990166S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-06-27 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
USD990165S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-06-27 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
US11717067B1 (en) * | 2023-02-02 | 2023-08-08 | Pioneer Square Brands, Inc. | Case system for portable electronic device |
USD995114S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-08-15 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
US11840269B2 (en) | 2018-06-24 | 2023-12-12 | Keter Plastic Ltd. | Hand truck |
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US5632373A (en) * | 1995-04-03 | 1997-05-27 | Khyber Technologies Corporation | Protective case for portable computer |
US5755311A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-05-26 | Samsonite Corporation | Differential pressure formed luggage with molded integrated frame |
US20060186003A1 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2006-08-24 | Credo Technology Corporation | Latch for tool accessory case |
US20060201833A1 (en) * | 2005-03-09 | 2006-09-14 | Pei-Ling Lee | Toolbox |
Cited By (47)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8731129B2 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2014-05-20 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Cask buffer body |
US20070108086A1 (en) * | 2004-08-10 | 2007-05-17 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Cask buffer body |
EP1985415A2 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2008-10-29 | Ting-Ho Yu | Protective framework assembly for a metal tool box |
EP1985415A3 (en) * | 2007-04-23 | 2011-06-29 | Ting-Ho Yu | Protective framework assembly for a metal tool box |
EP2085192A3 (en) * | 2008-02-01 | 2010-04-14 | Ting-Ho Yu | Construction of an assembly for the frame of a plastic tool box |
EP2085192A2 (en) * | 2008-02-01 | 2009-08-05 | Ting-Ho Yu | Construction of an assembly for the frame of a plastic tool box |
US20100052349A1 (en) * | 2008-09-03 | 2010-03-04 | Pamela Jo Naeve | Handle For A Carrying Case |
WO2010028010A1 (en) * | 2008-09-03 | 2010-03-11 | Custom-Pak, Inc. | Handle for a carrying case |
US20100108702A1 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2010-05-06 | Pegatron Corporation | Cushioning Structure |
US8276782B2 (en) * | 2008-10-30 | 2012-10-02 | Pegatron Corporation | Cushioning structure |
USD608094S1 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2010-01-19 | Black & Decker Inc. | Case for socket wrench accessories |
US20120160733A1 (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2012-06-28 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Housing for portable electronic device |
US8469189B2 (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2013-06-25 | Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. | Housing for portable electronic device |
DE102011014404B4 (en) * | 2011-03-18 | 2016-09-08 | Cobit Gmbh | Container for tool parts |
WO2013060804A1 (en) * | 2011-10-25 | 2013-05-02 | Isl-Schaumstoff-Technik Gmbh | Plastic case |
GB2500941A (en) * | 2012-04-07 | 2013-10-09 | Radu Sergiu Marias | A protective case |
US20130299533A1 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2013-11-14 | Otter Products, Llc | Spring loaded holster for electronic device |
US9326587B2 (en) * | 2012-05-08 | 2016-05-03 | Otter Products, Llc | Spring loaded holster for electronic device |
US20150003011A1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2015-01-01 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Electronic device housing |
US8873226B1 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2014-10-28 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Electronic device housing having a low-density component and a high-stiffness component |
US9494982B2 (en) * | 2012-09-10 | 2016-11-15 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Electronic device housing |
US20150165617A1 (en) * | 2013-12-18 | 2015-06-18 | Shwu-Ruu Chern | Protection device for tool box |
US20160338463A1 (en) * | 2014-01-20 | 2016-11-24 | Rimowa Gmbh | Baggage item with corner reinforcement |
US10123602B2 (en) * | 2014-01-20 | 2018-11-13 | Rimowa Gmbh | Baggage item with corner reinforcement |
US9193061B1 (en) * | 2014-07-28 | 2015-11-24 | Chia-Szu Lin | Collision-resistant tool box |
WO2016038597A1 (en) * | 2014-09-08 | 2016-03-17 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Jobsite communications center |
US10575417B2 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2020-02-25 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Jobsite communications center |
CN107073702A (en) * | 2014-09-08 | 2017-08-18 | 史丹利工具(以色列)有限公司 | Working site message center |
EP3191262A4 (en) * | 2014-09-08 | 2018-03-28 | The Stanley Works Israel Ltd. | Jobsite communications center |
US9408447B1 (en) * | 2015-03-17 | 2016-08-09 | Lewis J. Divinity | Game controller travel case |
US11787599B2 (en) | 2016-05-02 | 2023-10-17 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Utility assembly and coupling mechanism |
US20210139197A1 (en) | 2016-05-02 | 2021-05-13 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Utility Assembly and Coupling Mechanism |
US20230090819A1 (en) * | 2016-05-02 | 2023-03-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Utility Assembly and Coupling Mechanism |
US11794952B2 (en) * | 2016-05-02 | 2023-10-24 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Utility assembly and coupling mechanism |
US11253037B2 (en) * | 2017-12-07 | 2022-02-22 | Nexus Technologies, Inc. | Corner bumper |
DE102017011531A1 (en) * | 2017-12-13 | 2019-06-13 | Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA | Protective body for protecting a housing of a circuit breathing apparatus, housing for circuit breathing apparatus and circuit breathing apparatus |
US11840269B2 (en) | 2018-06-24 | 2023-12-12 | Keter Plastic Ltd. | Hand truck |
USD936030S1 (en) | 2019-06-04 | 2021-11-16 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Storage unit radio |
GB2588851B (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2022-06-08 | Shou Te Chen | A case with a corner-protection structure |
US11124347B2 (en) * | 2019-12-13 | 2021-09-21 | Shou-Te Chen | Case with a corner-protection structure background |
USD990164S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-06-27 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
USD995114S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-08-15 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
USD990165S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-06-27 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
USD990166S1 (en) * | 2020-10-22 | 2023-06-27 | Ming Shin Tools Co., Ltd. | Tool box |
US11793332B2 (en) * | 2021-07-19 | 2023-10-24 | Premier Glass Products, LLC | Mounting bracket for securing objects to walls or other surfaces |
US20230018156A1 (en) * | 2021-07-19 | 2023-01-19 | Premier Glass Products, LLC | Mounting bracket for securing objects to walls or other surfaces |
US11717067B1 (en) * | 2023-02-02 | 2023-08-08 | Pioneer Square Brands, Inc. | Case system for portable electronic device |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |