Supports: cabinet structure – Mounted in wall or panel recess
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-22
2001-11-27
Cuomo, Peter M. (Department: 3636)
Supports: cabinet structure
Mounted in wall or panel recess
C312S305000, C312S216000, C206S373000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322177
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to compartmentalized containers for small objects, particularly intended for small hardware items and tool components, but useful for a wide variety of purposes. Other uses could include, for example, cosmetic kits, fishing tackle, organizers for medication, storage for pens, pencils, crayons, storage for various condiments in the kitchen, organizers for women's trinkets, hobby kits, recreational items, sewing kits, etc.
Although many small containers exist, of course, there is always a need for new and improved containers which are easy and convenient to market and to use, and which can be easily carried around by a person, if desired (either one at a time, or several at a time).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the invention, a “drop-bin” unit is provided, i.e. a unit having 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, as described in detail below.
The units on their own or in holders provide great flexibility for carrying job-specific items, e.g. seals and washers for plumbing jobs, Marrette™ connectors, assorted terminals, etc. for electrical jobs, and so on. Using a holder which can carry a number of drop-bin units allows the user to remove and replace units as desired, thus avoiding the need to carry an entire toolbox to a particular job.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the detailed description which follows.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4616891 (1986-10-01), Jantzen
patent: 4815795 (1989-03-01), Accumanno et al.
patent: 5114007 (1992-05-01), Chen
patent: 5458409 (1995-10-01), Sheng
patent: 5570784 (1996-11-01), Sidabras et al.
patent: 5758769 (1998-06-01), Vasudeva
patent: 5803254 (1998-09-01), Vasudeva
patent: 5887715 (1999-03-01), Vasudeva
patent: U 8813391.5 (1989-03-01), None
patent: 0 296 303 (1988-12-01), None
Anderson Jerry A.
Armstrong R. Craig
Cuomo Peter M.
Maxtech Manufacturing Inc.
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