Technical field: The present invention relates to a balanced tool cabinet suspended on two mutually articulated support arms, one of which is arranged in articulated manner on a wall or a framework.

Background art: When performing work in a workshop such as a vehicle repair shop, the mechanic must be able to reach the relevant tool or spare part quickly, without first having to crawl out from a position under or beside the vehicle. Arrangements exist for bringing a tool box or the like within reach, such as rails running parallel to the vehicle with a tool box suspended on an arm thereon. However, such an arrangement does not always come close to the various points under or beside a vehicle to be repaired. A telescopically extensible arm is thus usually required, which complicates the design and does not entirely solve the problem of access.

Description of the invention: The present invention provides a solution to the above-mentioned and associated problems. The invention is characterized in that the supporting arm nearest the wall is pivotable in two planes and the outer support arm carrying the tool cabinet is pivotable in one plane, locking means being arranged at a joint (B) close to the wall and also at a joint (A) between the arms, to exert a certain retarding/locking force on respective joints in order to permit turning movement against a certain retardation force and also to retain the support arms and tool cabinet in a desired rest position attained, the locking means between the support arms being arranged to sense the load upon movement of these support arms in order to increase or decrease the torque and thereby alter the force of springs in the locking means.

Such an arrangement enables maximal movement about a work object.

It is easy to manoeuvre and is arranged so that it can support even

relatively heavy loads and can be locked in various work positions without risk of damage to personnel or other people in the vicinity.

The retarding force is altered depending on the load on the shaft, thus substantially increasing the usefulness of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings: The invention is exemplified in the accompanying drawings in which Figures 1-4 show different positions of the link arms and suspended cabinet. Figure 5 shows the connection between the two arms and Figure 6 a cross section A-A through this arrangement with its locking means. Figure 7 shows the locking means near the wall and Figure 8 a section B-B through this arrangement.

Description of embodiment: Figures 1,2,3 and 4 show a tool cabinet (20) suspended on an arm in two sections (1,2). The weight is supported by gas suppressers (15,16) fitted between the arms (1) and (2). The locking mechanisms (25,18) are self-adjusting. The locking mechanism (25) between the arms senses the load depending on the movement of the outer arm (1) in relation to the arm (2). If the torque in the joint increases, the force on the springs or balls (see below) in the locking means will increase. A lever (13) influences the gas suppresser (16) if the arm (1) moves in relation to the arm (2). The torque in the locking means (18) increases via a second lever (14) when the corresponding torque increases in the locking means (25). See also below.

Figure 5 shows the locking mechanism between the two support arms (1,2). (12) is a swivel plate connected to the lever (14). The lever (13) is connected to the gas suppresser (15).

Figure 6 is a cross section (A-A) through Figure 5. The two arms are shown at (1) and (2). The retarding members consist of springs (4) cooperating with balls (3). (21) is an axis of rotation in this locking means and upon its rotation, i. e. relative rotation between the arms (1, 2), a retarding yoke (6) is displaced in parallel with the shaft (21) and

sets the retarding force in the retarding means between the arms by pressing the springs against the balls. These retarding means are provided around the periphery and on both sides of the locking means (25). The shaft is journalled at (9). The parallel displacement is achieved via a gear transmission (8), and the balls are journalled in dishes (10) located around the periphery. The member (11) holds the wheels (yoke 6) and the member (7) has the same function in relation to the yoke (6). (13) is the lever of the gas suppresser (16), and (14) of the second locking means (18). When the arms (1) and (2) are moved in relation to each other the retardation torque is set in the locking means (25). The retardation torque in the second locking means (18) is also altered via the lever (14).

Figure 7 shows the second locking means (18), the retardation toque of which is set via the lever (14). See also Figure 8 which is a cross section through Figure 7. This reveals the connection of the lever (14), and the retarding means are of the same type as in the first-mentioned locking means (3,4). (17) is a bracket and (18) a swivel plate influencing the retarding means (3,4). (22) is a wheel or retarding yoke, connected to the levers (13,14). (23) is a bracket.

In conclusion it may be stated that a relative movement between the arms (1) and (2) increases or decreases the retarding torque in the locking means (25) and thus alters the retarding torque in the locking means (18) via the lever (14). The longer the torque arm, the greater will be the retarding torque in the locking means. See Figures 1-4. The tool cabinet (20) comprises compartments for storing tools, etc. and may be provided with a whole lid or one divided into parts.

The arrangement according to the invention can be varied in many ways within the scope of the following claims.