Drop-bin containers and holders for same
US6322177A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25H3/021
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The drop-bin unit has at least several bins arranged to pivot outwardly about a generally horizontal axis, from a closed position where outer faces of the bins are generally aligned vertically with each other, to an open position where the outer surfaces angle outwardly from their closed positions. The bins are stacked one above another within a housing, and are connected together, for example via at least one gang bar, such that pivoting one bin outwardly causes all of the bins to pivot outwardly in unison. The units may be sold separately, for use as stand-alone containers, or may be sold to be placed in a holder which holds one or preferably a number of the units. The holder can be sold with one or more of the units, or may be sold as a completely separate item. The holder can take a variety of forms. The units on their own or in holders provide flexibility for carrying job-specific items, avoiding the need to carry an entire toolbox to a particular job.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.