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  Adjustable tool storage trayRelated Patent Categories: Supports, Brackets, Article Holding MeansThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060169859. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] In a principal aspect the present invention relates to an adjustable tool storage tray, particularly adapted for utilization in combination with vehicle hoists of the type that are used for vehicle servicing and vehicle repair. [0002] Auto mechanics, technicians and the like typically may need to position a motor vehicle upon a hoist in order to efficiently undertake repair of the vehicle. Generally, such hoists include a track mounted on a vertical support shaft or a series of projecting arms extending from a center support shaft. In versions having multiple arms, the arms are appropriately positioned against the vehicle undercarriage and then the central shaft is hydraulically or otherwise vertically driven to raise the vehicle to an appropriate height for servicing. The appropriate height may be only a few feet inasmuch as the servicing is directed to brake repair, for example. Alternatively, the vehicle may be raised to a height of 4, 5, or 6 feet in order to access the undercarriage of the vehicle, for example, to repair the emission system or otherwise repair vehicle component parts accessible only from the bottom or undercarriage. [0003] Typically, it is necessary to have a variety of tools available when servicing a vehicle either from its undercarriage or otherwise positioned on a hoist. Thus, a tool cabinet, chest or tray is deemed desirable for positioning and storage of available tools. Heretofore, there have been obtained various patents directed to tool tray constructions used in combination with a hoist. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,983,821 entitled "Mechanic's Tray Assembly" issued Oct. 5, 1976 discloses a typical tray into which tools may be placed. The tray assembly is attached to the center pivot construction or shaft assembly of the vehicle service rack or hoist. The tray assembly includes an articulated arm to support a tool tray. [0004] While such a prior art construction is deemed useful and beneficial, nonetheless there has remained the need for improved or alternative tool tray designs that will be especially useful in combination with a hoist. Such needs inspired the development of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] Briefly, the present invention comprises a storage tray assembly wherein a tray is constructed for attachment to a tray bracket assembly. Any one of a number of tray styles, shapes and designs may thus be attached to the tray bracket assembly. The tray bracket assembly is, in turn, slidably mounted on a generally vertical cylindrical tube so that the bracket assembly and attached tray may be moved vertically along the length of the tube. Additionally, the bracket assembly and attached tray may be pivoted around the tube to alter the position of the tray and thus enhance accessibility and utility. A locking mechanism or support mechanism is provided to maintain the tray bracket assembly and tray at a fixed position along the generally vertical tube or shaft upon which the tray bracket assembly and tray are positioned. At the top end of the generally vertical shaft or tube, a second adjustable bracket assembly is provided. [0006] This second bracket assembly is designed and constructed to attach to a projecting arm of a hoist. [0007] Thus, the second or hoist attachment bracket assembly includes a clamping mechanism and associated support members to insure appropriate balance of the second bracket assembly as it supports the attached tube, tray bracket assembly and tray. [0008] In use, the upper or hoist attachment bracket assembly is tightly attached to the arm of a vehicle hoist. The vertical tube, which is positioned laterally with respect to the hoist bracket assembly, may then be positioned so as to provide for easy access to the tray. The tray, by virtue of the tray bracket assembly, may be adjusted in relative height or vertically as well as rotated about the axis of the tube or shaft. Thus, when a mechanic is working on the vehicle, for example, on wheels or brakes, it may be appropriate to raise the tool storage tray to access the tools. However, when the vehicle hoist is raised above the head of the mechanic or technician, the tool tray may be lowered and pivoted to a position where it is easy for the mechanic or serviceman to access the contents of the tool tray. The tray assembly, thus, has a wide range of applicability with respect to the various kinds of hoists available and with respect to the use and repair job which is being undertaken by a technician or auto mechanic. [0009] Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved tool storage tray assembly, particularly useful in combination with or as an adjunct to a vehicle hoist assembly. [0010] A further object of the invention is to provide a tool storage tray assembly which provides for a tool tray which may be adjusted vertically in height as well as rotated about a generally vertical axis to enhance accessibility. [0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a tool tray assembly for storage of tools wherein a variety of storage trays of different shape, size and configuration may be utilized. [0012] A further object of the invention is to provide a tool storage tray assembly which is easily adjusted, rugged, and economical. [0013] These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description which follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING [0014] In the detailed description which follows, reference will be made to the drawing comprised of the following figures: [0015] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the tray assembly of the invention wherein the tray is positioned on a hoist in a generally partially lowered position; [0016] FIG. 2 is an isometric view wherein the tool tray assembly of the invention is attached to an arm of a vehicle hoist and the tool tray is positioned in a raised position; [0017] FIG. 3 is a front side elevation of the tool tray assembly of the invention; [0018] FIG. 4 is an side view of the tool tray assembly of FIG. 3; and [0019] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the tool tray assembly which is partially exploded and wherein the tray is separated from the bracket assemblies. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT [0020] Referring to the figures, the tool storage tray assembly of the invention comprises, in a preferred embodiment, a generally cylindrical tube 10 in the range of 12-18 inches in length and having a diameter in the range of 3/8-3/4 inch. Preferably the tube 10 is a hollow metal cylindrical tube. The tube 10 includes a vinyl cap 12 at its top end and defines a generally vertical axis 14. Continue reading... Full patent description for Adjustable tool storage tray Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Adjustable tool storage tray patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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