Truss-supported tool transport apparatus

Abstract

The truss-supported tool transport apparatus is comprised of a truss-supported tool box and an adapter. The truss-supported tool box has cleat extending from the bottom that are configured to fit over trusses in an attic. The truss-supported tool box includes fasteners on the surface that hold tools securely and compactly which is ideal for working in confined spaces. The truss-supported tool box can be mated with the adapter for working in confined spaces other than attics.

Claims

1. A truss-supported tool transport comprising: a tool box; two cleats, each cleat extending downward from a bottom of the tool box; and an adapter, the adapter comprising: an underside with rounded edges, and a top with two recesses into which the two cleats of the tool box fit to join the tool box with the adapter; whereby the bottom with rounded edges of the adapter reduces the resistance of the tool box when being dragged across a rough surface; and whereby when the tool box is used in an attic, each cleat extends down into a space that exists between two trusses.

2. The truss-supported tool transport of claim 1, further comprising: a storage compartment, the storage compartment forming a cavity within the tool box; and a lid that covers the storage compartment, the lid flush with a top surface of the tool box when closed.

3. The truss-supported tool transport of claim 1, further comprising: at least one magnet located on the tool box; whereby the at least one magnet secures a metal tool during use.

4. The truss-supported tool transport of claim 1, further comprising: at least one adjustable strap located on the tool box; whereby the at least one adjustable straps secure tools to the tool box.

5. A tool transport for use atop attic trusses, the tool transport comprising: a tool box having a length and a width; two cleats, the two cleats: formed by downward extensions on a bottom of the tool box, and oriented perpendicular to the length of the tool box; an adapter having: an underside with rounded edges, and a top with two penetrations; whereby the two penetrations mate with the two cleats thereby joining the tool box with the adapter for use on rough surfaces; and whereby when the tool box is placed lengthwise across the attic trusses, the two cleats straddle the attic trusses, thereby preventing lateral movement.

6. The tool transport for use atop attic trusses of claim 5, further comprising: a cavity within the tool box; and a lid, the lid being flush with a top surface of the tool box when closed.

7. The tool transport for use atop attic trusses of claim 5, further comprising: a magnet located on the tool box to hold metal tools in place during use.

8. The tool transport for use atop attic trusses of claim 5, further comprising: an adjustable strap located on the tool box to secure tools in place during use.

9. A truss-supported tool transport for use in an attic or a crawl space, the truss-supported tool transport comprising: a tool box, the tool box having two or more protrusions extending down from a bottom of the tool box; an adapter, the adapter having: an underside with rounded edges, and a top including two or more penetrations; whereby the two or more protrusions are configured to secure the tool box when resting atop trusses in an attic; and whereby each of the two or more protrusions mates with one of the two or more penetrations converting the truss-supported tool transport for use in a crawl space.

10. The truss-supported tool transport of claim 9, further comprising a storage compartment, the storage compartment comprising: a cavity in the tool box; and a lid; wherein the lid is flush with a top surface of the tool box when closed.

11. The truss-supported tool transport of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of magnets located on the tool box; whereby a metal tool may be secured to one of the plurality of magnets decreasing the risk of the metal tool falling.

12. The truss-supported tool transport of claim 9, further comprising: a plurality of tool straps located on the tool box; whereby a tool may be secured to the tool box by one of the plurality of straps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a truss-supported tool transport apparatus with the truss-supported tool box being inserted into the adapter.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a truss-supported tool transport apparatus with the truss-supported tool box mated to the adapter.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the tool box of the truss-supported tool transport apparatus.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the tool box of the truss-supported tool transport apparatus.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a top elevation view of the adapter of the truss-supported tool transport apparatus.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of a swept edge of the adapter.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of the adapter.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a knee pad placed over the truss-supported tool box to create a kneeling platform in an attic.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates a worker in an attic using one truss-supported tool box with a knee pad as a platform while using a second truss-supported tool box for his tools.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates the truss-supported tool box with optional side lights.

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates the truss-supported tool box with optional flashlights.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates the truss-supported tool box with adjustable legs in use on a slanted roof.

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates the truss-supported tool box with removable wheels.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(15) Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

(16) Referring to FIG. 1, the truss-supported tool transport apparatus 1 is shown. The truss-supported tool transport apparatus 1 is comprised of two primary parts, the truss-supported tool box 2 and the adapter 3.

(17) The truss-supported tool box 2 has magnets 4, straps 10, and paired slots 11 located on the top surface. The magnets 4 secure metal tools to the truss-supported tool box 2. The adjustable straps 10 are looped through the paired slots 11. The straps 10 are tightened around a tool to secure that tool to the truss-supported tool box 2.

(18) For example, the screw driver 51 is secured to the truss-supported tool box 2 with a strap 10. The remaining tools 50 are secured to the truss-supported tool box 2 by the magnets 4.

(19) The adapter 3 has two recesses 16. The recesses 16 are configured to interface with the cleats 12 (FIG. 4) on the bottom of the truss-supported tool box 2.

(20) Referring to FIG. 2, the tool transport apparatus 1 is shown with the truss-supported tool box 2 mated to the adapter 3.

(21) Referring to FIG. 3, a top view of the truss-supported tool box 2 is shown. The truss-supported tool box 2 includes a storage compartment 8, magnets 4, straps 10, and a handle 6.

(22) The storage compartment 8 is formed by a well inside the truss-supported tool box 2 and a lid 9. When closed, the lid 9 is flush with the top surface of the truss-supported tool box 2. The storage compartment 8 holds screws, drill bits, and other small construction pieces.

(23) Referring to FIG. 4, the bottom of the truss-supported tool box is shown. The cleats 12 are elongated pieces of the truss-supported tool box 2 that extend downward or protrude from the bottom of the truss-supported tool box 2. The cleat 12 may be molded as part of the truss-supported tool box 2 or they may be affixed to the bottom of the truss-supported tool box 2.

(24) The optional cleat magnets 14 are shown on the bottom of the cleats 12. When the truss-supported tool box 2 mates with the adapter 3, the cleat magnets 14 align and connect to recess magnets 15 to securely hold together the truss-supported tool box 2 and the adapter 3 (see FIG. 5).

(25) Referring to FIG. 5, a top elevation view of the adapter is shown.

(26) The adaptor has a handle strap 20. The handle strap 20 wraps around the handle 6 of the truss-supported tool box 2 to secure the adaptor 3 to the truss-supported tool box 2.

(27) The adapter 3 includes a rope hole 18. A rope (not shown) can be tied through the rope hole 18 for a user to pull the truss-supported tool transport apparatus 1 along with him.

(28) Referring to FIG. 6, a close-up, side view of the swept edge of the adapter is shown. The swept edges 19 allows easier movement of the truss-supported tool transport apparatus 1 when dragged or pushed over flat, rough, or natural surfaces.

(29) Referring to FIG. 7, a side perspective view of the adapter is shown.

(30) Referring to FIG. 8, a knee pad 22 for use with the truss-supported tool transport apparatus 1 is shown.

(31) The optional knee pad 22 can be placed on the truss-supported tool box 2 to create a kneeling space when working in an attic. The knee pad 22 is made of foam, fabric, or other soft material.

(32) The knee pad 22 also fits atop the adapter 3 to create a kneeling platform when working other places than an attic.

(33) Referring to FIG. 9, a worker using one truss-supported tool box 2 to secure tools 50 in front of him in an attic while using another truss-supported tool box 2 with optional knee pad 22 to kneel in the attic during maintenance or construction. The two truss-supported tool boxes 2 are shown on top of trusses 25.

(34) Referring to FIG. 10, the truss-supported tool box having optional side lights is shown. The side lights 24 are powered by a battery (not shown) located in the storage compartment 8.

(35) Referring to FIG. 11, the truss-supported tool box having extendable, flexible flashlights is shown. The flashlights 26 provide light to a work area to free up the hands of the worker.

(36) Referring to FIG. 12, a side view of the truss-supported tool box is shown having legs. The legs 30 terminate in anti-skid members 32. Depending on the intended use or work area, the anti-skid members 32 may be magnets, suction cups, electromagnets, or high-friction synthetic material.

(37) Referring to FIG. 13, a side view of the truss-supported tool box is shown with removable wheels. The wheels 40 are removably attached to the cleats 12 of the truss-supported tool box 2.

(38) Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

(39) It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.