Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a tool chest, and more particularly to a tool chest having a drawer and a transparent panel that allows a user to view the contents of the drawer without opening the drawer.

Background

[0002] Tool chests are well known and typically include a housing and one or more drawers positioned in the housing for holding a variety of tools or the like. Conventional tool chests may include several different size drawers for accommodating different size tools. In any event, the housing and drawers are typically made of metal to provide strength and durability to the tool chest.

[0003] As the drawers and housing are typically made from metal, in order for a user to see what tools are in a particular drawer, a user generally has to open the drawer so as to view the contents of the drawer. In many situations, the user will have to open and close several drawers before locating the drawer that contains the desired tool. Consumers often find this trial-and- error methodology of finding a specific tool time consuming and frustrating, resulting in decreased satisfaction with the tool chest.

[0004] While tool chests remain very popular for storing tools,

manufacturers and retailers continue to strive to improve the design and use of tool chests to address the shortcomings of existing tool chests and to increase the overall satisfaction of the consumer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, a tool chest includes a housing, at least one drawer defining an interior coupled to the housing and movable between an opened position and a closed position, the drawer interior being accessible when in the opened position and the drawer interior being positioned within the housing when in the closed position, and a panel pivotally coupled to the housing and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein movement of the drawer from the closed position to the opened position causes movement of the panel from the first position to the second position. For example, the panel may include a pair of pivot pins configured to be received within corresponding bores in the housing. The pivot pins may be part of a hinge strip or a hinge frame.

[0006] In one embodiment, direct engagement between the drawer and the panel causes movement of the panel from the first position to the second position. For example, the drawer may include a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and side walls, wherein the front wall has a height less than a height of the side walls such that a portion of the side walls extend above the front wall, the side walls engaging the panel to move the panel from the first position to the second position. Moreover, the side walls may each include a first rail portion and a second rail portion, and the first rail portion may have a variable height and may smoothly increase in height in a direction toward the rear wall. Furthermore, the second rail portion may have a substantially constant height. [0007] In another embodiment, the tool chest further comprises a limit mechanism that limits the movement of the panel when the drawer is in the closed position. For example, the limit mechanism may include a notch formed in at least one of the side walls of the drawer.

[0008] In another embodiment, the panel is a transparent panel and is positioned adjacent the drawer such that when the drawer is in the closed position, one can view the interior of the drawer. Alternatively, the panel may be opaque, partially opaque, or translucent.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the tool chest further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the drawer. In another embodiment, the drawer may be configured to be self-closing.

[0010] In one embodiment, a tool chest includes a housing, a drawer defining an interior coupled to the housing and movable between an opened position and a closed position, the drawer interior being accessible when in the opening position and the drawer interior being positioned within the housing when in the closed position, and a transparent panel coupled to the door. For example, the drawer may include a channel and the transparent panel may be received in the channel. Moreover, the tool chest may further comprise a clip for securing the transparent panel to the drawer along a top edge of the transparent panel.

[0011] In another embodiment, a tool chest further includes a lighting assembly having at least one light device for illuminating the drawer interior. For example, the light device may be positioned on an interior of the housing of the tool chest. Moreover, the drawer may allow the light from the light device to illuminate the interior of the drawer. For example, the drawer may include at least one aperture, and light from the light device may travel through the aperture to illuminate the drawer interior. In one embodiment, the at least one aperture may be located in at least one of the rear wall, a side wall, the front wall, and the bottom wall of the drawer.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a tool chest assembly including a base tool chest and a top tool chest in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0013] Fig. 2 is a front view of the tool chest assembly of Fig. 1 .

[0014] Fig. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of a portion of the base tool chest of Fig. 1 and showing a plurality of drawers in closed positions.

[0015] Fig. 4 is an enlarged isometric view like Fig. 3 but showing a drawer in an opened position.

[0016] Fig. 5 is an isometric view like Fig. 4, but with portions of the housing of the tool chest removed.

[0017] Fig. 6 is an isometric view of a drawer in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0018] Figs. 7, 8, and 9 are side views showing a progression of a drawer between a closed position and an opened position.

[0019] Fig. 1 0 is an isometric view of a drawer in accordance with further principles of the present invention.

[0020] Fig. 1 1 is a side elevational view of the drawer of Fig. 10. [0021] Figs. 12-16 are isometric views of transparent panels in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0022] Figs. 16A and 16B are cross sectional views showing the interaction between the transparent panel of Fig. 12 with the housing of a tool chest.

[0023] Fig. 1 7A is an isometric view of an alternative tool chest assembly including a base tool chest and a top tool chest in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 7B is an isometric view of an alternative tool chest assembly including a base tool chest in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 1 8 is an isometric view of a lighting assembly for use in a tool chest in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 1 9 is an isometric cutaway view of a housing of a tool chest adapted for integrating the lighting assembly of Fig. 17.

[0027] Fig. 20 is an isometric cutaway view of an alternative housing of a tool chest adapted for integrating the lighting assembly of Fig. 17.

Detailed Description

[0028] Referring to the figures and in particular Figs. 1 -3, a tool chest 10 includes a housing 12 and one or more drawers 14 movably positioned relative to the housing between an opened position and a closed position. As will be described more fully below, a transparent pane or panel 16 may be positioned adjacent one or more of the drawers 14 to allow a user to view at least a portion of the interior of the drawer without the drawer being in the opened position. In this way, a user can view at least a portion of the contents of the drawer 14 to determine whether a desired tool is located in the drawer without having to open and close several of the drawers of the tool chest. According to some embodiments, the transparent panel 16 may be caused to move in association with movement of a drawer 14 between closed and opened positions.

[0029] The housing 12 may generally have a box-like configuration including a top wall 20, a bottom wall 22, a rear wall 24, and a pair of side walls, 26, 28 that collectively define a housing interior. In the opened position, the contents of the drawer 14 are accessible by a user, and in the closed position the contents of the drawer 14 are positioned within the interior of the housing 12 such that a user is typically foreclosed from accessing the contents of the drawer. The drawers 14, in a closed position, generally form at least a portion of a front wall 30 of the tool chest. The overall construction of the housing 12 and the drawers 14, as well as components that allow the drawers 14 to move between their opened and closed positions relative to the housing 12, are well known and understood in the art and will not be discussed further herein.

[0030] In various embodiments, the tool chest may have a wide variety of shapes and sizes. For example, in one embodiment, a tool chest assembly may include a stacked configuration having a lower or base chest 10a and an upper or top chest 10b supported by the base chest 1 0a. The base chest 10a and the top chest 10b may include drawers 14 having a variety of sizes. In this regard, the drawers 14 of the top chest 1 0b may be generally smaller than the drawers 14 of the base chest 1 0a. Alternatively, the drawers 14 of the top chest 10b may be the same size as the drawers 14 of the base chest 10a, or may be larger than the drawers 14 of the base chest 10a. In one

embodiment, the drawers 14 of the top chest 10b may all be of the same size. Alternatively, the drawers 14 of the top chest 10b may have different sizes. Similarly, in various embodiments, the drawers 14 of the base chest 10a may all be of the same size or have different sizes. It should be recognized that aspects of the invention will apply to a wide variety of tool chest arrangements and drawer sizes and configurations and the invention is not limited to those embodiments shown and described herein. For example, a tool chest may be configured to be stationary or may be configured to be mobile, such as by having casters or other wheels coupled to the bottom thereof.

[0031] As shown in Figs. 4-9, each drawer 14 may have a generally rectangular configuration having a bottom wall 40, side walls 42, 44, a front wall 46, and a rear wall 48. The walls 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 generally define a drawer interior 50 configured to hold and store a wide variety of tools or the like (not shown). In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the front wall 46 has a reduced height relative to the side walls 42, 44 such that at least a portion of the side walls 42, 44 extends above the front wall 46 (such as when viewed from the front). As is conventional, the front wall 46 may include a handle 52 associated therewith and configured to be grasped by a user to move the drawer 14 between its opened and closed positions. [0032] Each side wall 42, 44 generally includes a first rail portion 60 adjacent the front wall 46 and a second rail portion 62 which extends generally from the first rail portion 60 toward the rear wall 48 of the drawer 14. As shown, the first and second rail portions 60, 62 are defined by an upper edge 64 of the side walls 42, 44, for example. Alternatively, the first and second rail portions 60, 62 could be secured to or otherwise carried by the side walls 42, 44.

[0033] The first rail portion 60 may have a variable height. For example, the height of the side walls 42, 44 (from lower edges 66 of the side walls) near the front wall 46 may be about the height of the front wall 46 and increase in height to the height of the second rail portion 62 at a location spaced from the front wall 46. The first rail portion 60 may be configured to vary in height in a smooth and continuous manner. As shown, the first rail portion 60 includes a generally linear section 68 that increases in height as the distance from the front wall 46 increases. In the embodiment shown, the first rail portion 60 extends at an upward angle of approximately 31 to approximately 46 degrees, and may be approximately 36 degrees, with respect to the lower edge 66. In the embodiment shown, the first rail portion 60 extends for a length of approximately 1 .5 to approximately 2.3 inches, and may be approximately 1 .94 inches. This includes a vertical component of approximately 1 .14 inches and a horizontal component of approximately 1 .57 inches. In other embodiments, the first rail portion 60 may be generally arcuate or may include one or more generally linear sections (e.g., height increases linearly) and/or one or more generally arcuate sections. [0034] As shown, the second rail portion 62 includes a generally linear section 70 that has a constant wall height. For example, the height of the second rail portion 62 may be about the typical or customary height for the size drawer 14 of the tool chest 10. In the embodiment shown, the height of the second rail portion 62 is approximately 3.0 to approximately 4.0 inches, and may be approximately 3.50 inches. The second rail portion 62 may extend for a substantial portion of the length of the side walls 42, 44 (e.g., 72- 90% of the length of the side walls). In the embodiment shown, the second rail portion 62 begins at a distance from the front wall 46 of approximately 2.95 to approximately 3.35 inches, or approximately 3.1 5 inches.

[0035] The first rail portion 60 is connected with the second rail portion 62 by a transition rail portion 72. The transition rail portion 72 can generally include segments of the first rail portion 60 and the second rail portion 62. As shown, the transition rail portion 72 has a generally arcuate shape. In the embodiment shown, the transition rail portion 72 can have a radius of curvature of approximately 1 .75 to approximately 2.25 inches, or

approximately 2.0 inches. Alternatively, the transition rail portion 72 can include the intersection of generally linear segments of the first rail portion 60 and the second rail portion 62.

[0036] According to some embodiments, and as shown, the side walls 42, 44 include a low friction rail cover 80. The rail cover 80 extends over some or all of the first rail portion 60 and the second rail portion 62, and is positioned on the upper edge 64. The rail cover 80 may be made of polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate for example, and can provide a coefficient of friction of approximately 0.5, for example, between the rail cover 80 and the transparent panel 16. Advantageously, the rail cover 80 provides a low friction contact interface between the drawer 14 and the transparent panel 1 6, as will be explained below. The rail cover 80 also protects the tops of the side walls 42, 44 from being marred or damaged, such as by tools being placed into or removed from the drawer 14.

[0037] As shown, the side walls 42, 44 also include a notch 82 positioned generally adjacent the front wall 46. Particularly, the notch 82 is positioned between the front wall 46 and the first rail portion 60. The notch 82 is an opened-top notch and includes a bottom surface 84 and an upstanding wall 86. The upstanding wall 86 extends upwardly from the bottom surface 84 and intersects the first rail portion 60 near a rearward edge of the notch 82 (away from the front wall 46). According to some embodiments, the bottom surface 84 extends the entire distance between the front wall 46 and the upstanding wall 86, such that the height of the side walls 42, 44 near the front wall 46 is the distance between the lower edge 66 and the bottom surface 84 of the notch 82. In the embodiment shown, the bottom surface 84 may have a length of between approximately 0.30 and approximately 0.44 inches, or approximately 0.37 inches; and the upstanding wall 86 may have a height of between approximately 0.26 and approximately 0.38 inches, or approximately 0.32 inches.

[0038] Generally, the size of the drawer 14 may impact the shape and configuration of the first rail portions 60, the second rail portions 62, the transition rail portions 72, and the notches 82. For example, the specific position, size, and angle or curvature attributes of the first rail portions 60, second rail portions 62, transition rail portions 72, and notches 82 may be different for differently sized drawers 14. Generally, the angle of the first rail portion 60 is chosen to cause the transparent panel 1 6 to smoothly transition from the first position toward the second position. Overly steep angles, therefore, would generally not be used for the first rail portion 60. Also, the angle of the first rail portion 60 is also chosen so the transparent panel 16 reaches its second position before the drawer 14 is pulled to its maximum extent away from the housing 12. Therefore, overly shallow angles would not be used for the first rail portion 60. The transition rail portions 72 are chosen so as to provide a smooth transition between the first rail portions 60 and the second rail portions 62. For example, differently sized drawers may be constructed that follow the same general ratios of the drawer 14. Particularly, while the drawer 14 has a height of approximately 3.5 inches, and the first rail portion 60 has a vertical component of approximately 1 .15 inches and a horizontal component of approximately 1 .57 inches, a larger drawer could be constructed so as to have a related ratio between the height of the drawer and the vertical and/or horizontal components of the first rail portion.

[0039] Referring now to Figs. 12-16 with continued reference to Figs. 1 -9, in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the tool chest 10 includes a transparent panel 16 in association with each of the drawers 14. Alternatively, not all of the drawers 14 of the tool chest 10 may have a transparent panel 16 associated therewith. Each transparent panel 16 includes a window portion 88 that allows a user of the tool chest 10 to see through the transparent panel 16 to view at least a portion of the contents in the interior 50 of the drawer 14.

[0040] The transparent panel 16 may be formed from or include a variety of transparent materials, including various transparent plastics (e.g., polycarbonate), Plexiglass, etc. Other materials, such as various glass materials, including tempered glass, may also be used. The material selection for the transparent panel 16 should be durable, yet allow a user of the tool chest 10 to see through the window portion 88.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent panel 16 may have a generally rectangular plate-like configuration including a front surface 90, a rear surface 92, a top surface 94, a bottom surface 96, and side surfaces 98, 100 (Fig. 12). The window portion 88 may comprise substantially all of, or a portion of, the transparent panel 16. The distance between the front surface 90 and the rear surface 92 reflects a thickness of the transparent panel 16, and may be chosen to have any appropriate value.

[0042] In one aspect of the invention, the transparent panel 16 may be moveable with respect to the tool chest 10 so as to be moveable between a first position and a second position. For example, and as will be discussed in greater detail below, the transparent panel 1 6 may be coupled to the housing 12 so as to be pivotable between the first and second positions. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the movement of the transparent panel 16 from the first position to the second position may be caused by the movement of the drawer 14 from the closed position to the opened position. And, the movement of the transparent panel 1 6 from the second position to the first position may be caused by the movement of the drawer 14 from the opened position to the closed position. In this regard, and as discussed below in greater detail, the drawer 14 is configured to engage a portion of the transparent panel 16 in such a manner as to cause the corresponding movement of the transparent panel 1 6 with movement of the drawer 14. This relationship between the drawer 14 and the transparent panel 1 6 allows the transparent panel 16 to be positioned sufficiently close to the drawer 14 to allow a user to view at least a portion of the contents of the drawer 14 when the drawer 14 is in the closed position, and yet still provide movement of the transparent panel 16 out of the way so as not to obstruct or overly prohibit the movement of the drawer 14 from the closed position to the opened position, or from the opened position to the closed position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the transparent panel 16 is pivotably coupled with the housing 12 by a pair of pivot pins 102, 1 04. As shown, the pivot pins 1 02, 104 project from the side surfaces 98, 100 of the transparent panel 16, such as adjacent the top surface 94. However, other positions of pivot pins may also be possible. The pivot pins 102, 104 are configured to be received within recesses or bores 106 in the housing 12 (Fig. 5). For example, the bores 1 06 may be in or associated with interior side walls 108 of the housing 12. When the pivot pins 102, 104 are received in the bores 106, the transparent panel 16 is secured to the housing, but is free to pivot with respect thereto. Optionally, and as shown, bushings 107 can be inserted into the bores 1 06, and the pivot pins 102, 1 04 inserted into the bores 106 in the bushings 107. [0044] When the drawer 14 is in the closed position (Figs. 1 -3), the transparent panel 16 is configured to be in its first position. In one

embodiment, the first position may be a generally vertically oriented position. Alternatively, the transparent panel 16 may be slightly angled such that the bottom surface 96 of the transparent panel 1 6 is slightly forward of the top surface 94 (e.g., between about 4 degrees and about 10 degrees). The particular angle may be selected to reduce glare or otherwise improve the view through the window portion 88 of the transparent panel 16. In the first position, the transparent panel 16 is positioned relative to the drawer 14 such that a user can peer through the window portion 88 of the transparent panel 16 to view at least a portion of the contents of the drawer 14. In this way, a user can identify in which drawer 14 a particular tool is located.

[0045] When a user desires to access a certain drawer 14, the user may grab the handle 52 and pull the drawer away from the housing 12 (Figs. 4 and 7-9). As the drawer 14 is moved from the closed position toward the opened position, the side walls 42, 44 of the drawer 14 engage the transparent panel 16. More particularly, as the drawer 14 is moved toward the opened position, the transparent panel 16 is first engaged by the first rail portions 60 of the side walls 42, 44. The transparent panel 16 may engage the rail portions 60 along the bottom surface 96 and/or the rear surface 92 of the transparent panel 16, such as near the side surfaces 98, 1 00. As the drawer 14 is moved further toward the opened position, the transparent panel rides along the first rail portions 60 causing the transparent panel 1 6 to pivot upwardly and outwardly (e.g., away from the housing 12) about the pivot pins 102, 104. The smooth and gradual increase in the height of the side walls 42, 44 and the first rail portions 60 of the drawer 14 provides a gradual and smooth pivotal movement of the transparent panel 1 6 from the first position toward the second position.

[0046] As the drawer 14 is further moved toward the opened position, the transparent panel 16 rides along and engages the transition rail portions 72 and then the second rail portions 62. As the drawer 14 is further moved toward the opened position, the transparent panel rides along the second rail portions 62. However, because the height of the second rail portions 62 is relatively constant, the transparent panel 16 generally ceases to rotate about pivot pins 1 02, 104 when it reaches the second rail portions 62. Thereby, the transparent panel 16 reaches its second position generally when it is engaged by the second rail portions 62.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the second position of the

transparent panel 16 may approach, but not reach, a fully horizontal orientation (Fig. 9). In other words, the height of the side walls 42, 44 along the second rail portions 62 may be selected such that the transparent panel 16 is slightly angled relative to horizontal when in the second position. For example, the transparent panel 16 may be angled between about 5 and 20 degrees relative to horizontal when in the second position. Of course, other degrees of angling may be possible depending on the specific application and configuration. In any event, the angle of the transparent panel 16 when in the second position should be such that the transparent panel 16 does not wedge or bind the drawer 14 when the drawer 14 is pushed back in toward the housing 12 toward the closed position. [0048] When the drawer 14 is in the opened position, the transparent panel 16 does not block or significantly hinder a user's access to the contents in the drawer 14, thereby allowing the user to conveniently access the contents of the drawer 14. Once the user retrieves a desired tool, the user may move the drawer 14 back toward the closed position. As the drawer 14 moves toward the closed position, the transparent panel 16 engages against and rides along the second rail portions 62 of the side walls 42, 44. Again, the transparent panel 16 does not typically rotate during this portion since the height of the side walls 42, 44 along the second rail portions 62 is substantially constant. Thus, the transparent panel 1 6 remains in its second position during a portion of the movement of the drawer 14. As the closed position is approached, however, the transparent panel engages and rides along the transition rail portions 72 and then the first rail portions 60 of side walls, thereby causing the transparent panel 16 to pivot about the pivot pins 102, 1 04 in a generally downwardly and inwardly direction (e.g., toward the housing 12). Similar to above, the smooth and gradual decrease in the height of the side walls 42, 44 and the first rail portions 60 provides a gradual and smooth pivotal movement of the transparent panel 1 6 from the second position toward the first position. When the drawer 14 has reached the closed position, the transparent panel 16 is back in its first position.

[0049] If the side walls 42, 44 or rail portions 60, 62, 72 include low friction rail covers 80, it will be appreciated that the transparent panel 16 rides on and engages the low friction rail covers 80 in regions nearby the associated rail portions 60, 62, and 72. Additionally, the transparent panel 1 6 may also include a low friction cover to for engaging the rail portions 60, 62, 72 or the low friction rail covers 80.

[0050] In another aspect of the invention, the tool chest 10 may include a limit mechanism that limits the movement of the transparent panel 16 at least when the drawer 14 is in the closed position, and the transparent panel 16 is therefore in its first position. Such a limit mechanism is configured to prevent or restrict the transparent panel 16 from being moved to its second position without a corresponding movement in the drawer 14. Without such a limit mechanism, for example, it might be possible for tools or other items in the drawer to fall out of the tool chest 10, or to be removed from the tool chest 1 0, even when the drawer 14 is in the closed (and potentially locked) position.

[0051] To prevent such a scenario, the notch 82 provides such a limit mechanism. The notch 82 is configured to receive at least a lower end portion 1 10 or lower edge of the transparent panel 16 when the drawer 14 is in the closed position (Fig. 7). This configuration provides that the lower end portion 1 10 of the transparent panel 1 6 is below an upper edge 1 12 of the front wall 46 of the drawer 14 when the drawer 14 is in the closed position. In this way, should the transparent panel 1 6 be rotated about pivot pins 102, 104 in an upwardly and outwardly direction, and without a corresponding movement in the drawer 14, the lower end 1 06 of the transparent panel 16 would contact an end wall of the notch 82 and limit any further rotation of the transparent panel 16 about the pivot pins 102, 104 in that rotational direction. The end wall of the notch 82 may be formed by a portion of the side walls 42, 44 or by a rear aspect of the front wall 46. In an exemplary embodiment, this contact occurs before there is any opening (or possibly just a slight opening) between the drawer 14 and the transparent panel. Accordingly, no tools or other items in the drawer 14 may inadvertently escape or be accessed without the drawer 14 being moved from the closed position toward the opened position. Thereby, the notch 82 serves as a limit mechanism for limiting the movement of the transparent panel 1 6 when the drawer 14 is in the closed position.

[0052] In one embodiment, one or more of the pivot pins 102, 104 may be integrally formed with the transparent panel 16. For example, the transparent panel 16 may be a molded body and the pivot pins may form part of the mold so as to be integrally formed therewith. In an alternative embodiment, however, one or more of the pivot pins 1 02, 104 may be separate elements which are subsequently coupled to the transparent panel 16 to become part of the transparent panel 16.

[0053] Figs. 12-16 illustrate various embodiments for the transparent panel 16 as it relates to the pivot pins 102, 104.

[0054] Fig. 1 2 illustrates a transparent panel 16 having pivot pins 1 02, 104 formed integrally therewith.

[0055] Fig. 1 3 illustrates another embodiment of the transparent panel 16 formed from tempered glass, for example. In this embodiment, the pivot pins 102, 104 are provided on hinge blocks 120 which are coupled to the transparent panel 16. The hinge blocks 1 20 may be formed as C-shaped clips that are positioned over a portion of the transparent panel 16 and secured thereto, such as via one or more fasteners 122. The hinge blocks 120 include the pivot pins 102, 1 04 projecting therefrom for providing the pivotal movement of the transparent panel 1 6. As shown, the hinge blocks 120 are positioned near the side surfaces 98, 100 and the top surface 94 of the transparent panel 16. The hinge blocks 120 may be formed of metal, or any other suitable material. The window portion 88 of the transparent panel 16 generally resides between the hinge blocks 120.

[0056] Fig. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the transparent panel 16. In this embodiment, the pivot pins 102, 104 are provided on hinge strips 130 which are coupled to the transparent panel 1 6. The hinge strips 1 30 may formed as C-shaped strips that are positioned over a portion of the

transparent panel 16 and secured thereto, such as using adhesive. The hinge strips 130 include the pivot pins 102, 104 projecting therefrom for providing the pivotal movement of the transparent panel 16. As shown, the hinge strips 130 are positioned near the side surfaces 98, 100 and extend along a greater portion thereof than the hinge blocks 120 shown in Fig. 13. The hinge strips 130 may be formed of plastic, or any other suitable material. The window portion 88 of the transparent panel 16 generally resides between the hinge strips 130.

[0057] Fig. 1 5 illustrates another embodiment of the transparent panel 16. In this embodiment, the pivot pins 102, 104 are provided on a hinge frame 140 which surrounds at least a portion of the transparent panel 1 6. The hinge frame 140 may be generally C-shaped (in cross section) and may be formed from plastic, or any other suitable material. The hinge frame 140 is positioned over a portion of the transparent panel 16 and secured thereto, such as using adhesive. Optionally, no adhesive is required. The hinge frame 140 may substantially cover the bottom surface 96 and side surfaces 98, 100 of the transparent panel 16, for example. In this regard, the hinge frame 140 may be similar to the hinge strips 130, but with the hinge strips 130 on each side being connected along the bottom surface 96 of the transparent panel 16. The hinge frame 140 includes the pivot pins 102, 104 projecting therefrom for providing the pivotal movement of the transparent panel 16. The window portion 88 of the transparent panel 16 generally resides within the hinge frame 140. Optionally, the hinge frame 140 may be formed of a low friction material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polycarbonate and may provide a point of contact with the drawer 14 when the drawer 14 is moved between the closed position and the opened position.

[0058] The embodiment shown in Fig. 15 may provide certain advantages to the assembly of the transparent panel 16 to the housing. In this regard, because the hinge frame 140 may be formed from plastic, the hinge frame 140 may be slightly flexed or deformed so as to locate the pivot pins 102, 104 in their respective recesses 106 in the housing (Fig. 5). This is done without the window portion 88 being in the hinge frame 140. However, once the hinge frame 140 is coupled to the housing 1 2, the window portion 88 may be slid into the hinge frame 140 (e.g., along its upper edge, for example) to complete the assembly of the transparent panel 1 6. Because the window portion 88 may be generally rigid, should the transparent panel 1 6 try to be inserted as a complete assembly, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to flex the window portion 88 to allow the pivot pins 102, 104 to be received in their respective recesses 106 in the housing 12.

[0059] In even further embodiments, and as shown in Figs. 16, 16A, and 16B, one of the pivot pins, say pivot pin 102, for example, may be a fixed pin (either integrally formed with the transparent panel 16 or a separate, but fixed element of the transparent panel 1 6), and the other pivot pin 1 04 may be configured as a movable or retractable pin. The ability of a pivot pin to retract allows for installation and removal of the transparent panel 1 6 from the housing in a relatively quick and convenient manner.

[0060] In regard to the retractable pivot pin, a spring loaded pin assembly 150 is provided and includes a rigid head member 152 and a spring 154, such as a coil spring. The head member 152, in one embodiment, may be generally cylindrical and include a first axial portion 156 and a second axial portion 1 58 extending therefrom generally along a common axis (e.g., the first and second axial portions 156, 1 58 are coaxial). The second axial portion 158 has a cross dimension less than that of the first axial portion 156 to define an abutment surface 160 at the junction between the two axial portions 156, 158. The head member 152 may further include a finger tab 1 62 projecting from the first axial portion 156 in a direction generally perpendicular to its axis, the purpose of which will be described below. The head member 152 may be formed from a suitable metal or plastic, such as a transparent plastic (e.g., transparent polycarbonate).

[0061] To accommodate the spring loaded pin assembly 150, the transparent panel 16 may include a bore 164 formed therein configured to receive the spring loaded pin assembly 150. The bore 164 includes an opening 166 in the respective side surface 1 00 and extends in the direction of the other side surface 98 and terminates at a closed end 168. Additionally, the bore 164 may include an oblong or oval opening 170 sufficiently spaced from the side surface 1 00 and extending to or communicating with the rear surface 92 of the transparent panel 1 6. The oblong opening 170 allows the spring loaded pin assembly 150 to be positioned within the bore 1 64 in the transparent panel 16. In this regard, the spring 154 may be inserted into the bore 164 via the opening 166 in the side surface 100 such that one end of the spring 154 engages against the closed end 1 68 of the bore 164. The spring 154 may then be compressed, using an elongate tool or the like, within the bore 164 so as to be near or sufficiently past the oblong opening 170. With the spring 154 compressed, the head member 152 may then be inserted through the oblong opening 170 in front of the compressed spring 154 such that the first and second axial portions 1 56, 158 are positioned in the bore 164 and the finger tab 162 projects out of the oblong opening 1 70. Upon release of the spring 154, the end of the spring 154 extends about the second axial portion 1 58 of the head member 152 so as to engage against the abutment surface 160. The spring 154 biases the head member 1 52 outwardly such that at least a portion of the first axial portion 156 extends beyond the side surface 100 to thereby operate as the pivot pin 104. The finger tab 162 engages against an end of the oblong opening 170 to stop further movement of the head member 152 out of the bore 164. [0062] As noted above, the pivot pin 1 04 is configured to be retractable. More particularly, the finger tab 162 which extends through the oblong opening 170 may be moved or pulled backward (e.g., in a direction toward side surface 98) by a user. This, of course, moves the head member 152 in a backward direction to compress the spring 154. If the finger tab 162 is moved sufficiently far, the first axial portion 156 will be moved toward or within the bore 164 so that there is a decreased length in the pivot pin 104 or no longer any pin projecting from the side surface 100. This retractable feature may be used to assemble and/or remove the transparent panel 16 from the housing 16.

[0063] In this regard, to assemble the transparent panel 1 6 to the housing 12, the transparent panel 16 may be positioned such that the fixed pivot pin 102 engages with its corresponding recess or bore 106 in the housing 1 2. At this point, the transparent panel 1 6 may be slightly askew or cocked such that the retractable pin 104 is outside of its corresponding bore 106 in the housing 12. Next, the transparent panel 16 may be positioned and pushed toward the housing 12 such that the housing 12 contacts the pivot pin 104 to retract the pin until it snaps into place within its corresponding recess 1 06 in the housing 12. Alternatively, a user may engage the finger tab 162 to retract the pivot pin 104 (e.g., the first axial portion 156) and the transparent panel 16 pushed toward the housing 12 until the pivot pin 104 is aligned with its corresponding bore 106 in the housing, at which point the finger tab 162 may be released to engage the pivot pin 104 with its bore 1 06. In any event, at this point, the pivot pins 1 02, 104 are positioned within their respective bores 106 in the housing 12 and the transparent panel 1 6 is pivotably secured thereto.

[0064] To release the transparent panel 16 from the housing 16, the pivot pin 104 may be retracted. As explained above, a user may engage the finger tab 162 to move the tab backward or in a direction toward side surface 98. This moves the head member 1 52 in a backward direction to compress the spring 154. If the finger tab 162 is moved sufficiently far, the first axial portion 156 will be moved toward or within the bore 164 so that there is a decreased length in the pivot pin 104 or no longer any pin projecting from the side surface 100. This disengages the pivot pin 1 04 from its corresponding bore 106 in the housing 12. At this point, the transparent panel 16 on the side of the retractable pin 104 may be pulled away from the housing 12 (back to a cocked position, for example). After this, the transparent panel 16 may be moved so as to disengage the fixed pivot pin 102 from its corresponding bore 106 in the housing 12, thereby allowing separation of the transparent panel 16 from the housing 12 of the tool chest 10.

[0065] In some embodiments, the transparent panel 16 may include a thickened lip along at least a portion of the periphery thereof. For example, a lip may extend along the bottom surface 96, top surface 94, and side surfaces 98, 100 to form a thickened border for the transparent panel 16. The lip may be integrally formed with the panel. Alternatively, the lip may be formed by coupling a separate flange or the like to the edges of the transparent panel 16. In such an embodiment, the pivot pins 102, 104 may be part of the attached flange. Additionally, a portion of the transparent panel 16 adjacent or along the bore 164 that receives the spring loaded pin assembly 150 may also be thickened to strengthen the transparent panel 16 at that location. A similar portion may also be provided adjacent the fixed pivot pin 102.

Furthermore, while the pivot pin 102 has been described above as being a fixed pivot pin, it should be recognized that in an alternative embodiment the pivot pin 104 may be fixed and the pivot pin 102 configured as the retractable pivot pin. In yet another alternative embodiment, both pivot pins 102, 104 may be retractable. In still a further embodiment, both pivot pins 102, 104 may be fixed.

[0066] Figs. 10 and 1 1 illustrate another embodiment in accordance with the invention. In the various embodiments described above, the transparent panel 16 was coupled to the housing 12 and not to the drawer 14. While the transparent panel 16 pivoted due to contact with the drawer 14, the transparent panel 16 was not otherwise carried by the drawer 14. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 10 and 1 1 , however, a transparent panel 180 may be coupled to the drawer 14 so as to be carried by the drawer 14. In this regard, the transparent panel 180 may be configured to form part of the front wall 46 of the drawer 14. By way of example, the side walls 42, 44 of the drawer may include a groove or channel 182, e.g., a C-shaped channel, configured to receive the transparent panel 1 80. The transparent panel 180 may then be slid into the channel 182 in the drawer 14 and thereby secure the transparent panel 180 to the drawer 14. A protective strip or clip 184 may then be secured along the top edge 186 of the transparent panel 1 80 to prevent the transparent panel 180 from moving relative to the drawer 14. [0067] Of course, the transparent panel 1 80 may be removed from the drawer 14 by removing the clip 184 along the top edge 186 and sliding the transparent panel 180 out of the channels 182 in the side walls 42, 44. The transparent panel 180 may be arranged to be substantially vertical within the drawer 14. Alternatively, the transparent panel 1 80 may be slightly angled such that a lower edge 188 is slightly forward of the upper edge 186 of the transparent panel 180. For example, angles between about 4 degrees and about 10 degrees could be used. Other angled arrangements might also be possible.

[0068] Optionally, the drawer 14 may include braces 190 positioned near the bottoms of the channels 182 for receiving and holding the transparent panel 180 (Fig. 1 1 ). The braces 190 generally received and hold a portion of the transparent panel 180 adjacent the lower edge 188.

[0069] The embodiment described above may be configured for drawers 14 of the tool chest 10 that are relatively large in size. The reason for this is that if the relatively large drawers 14 had a transparent panel 16 pivotally coupled to the housing 12, when the large drawer 14 is in the opened position, the transparent panel 16 would be long enough to cover an undesirably large portion of the drawer 14, i.e., it may overly limit access to the contents of the drawer 14. Of course, with the transparent panel 180 being coupled to the drawer 14 itself, this concern is overcome. It should be recognized that while this may preferably be used with larger drawers 14, it may be used on other size drawers 14 as well. [0070] In other embodiments, the tool chest 1 0 can include drawers 14 having panels other than the transparent panels 16, 1 80. Particularly, a drawer 14 can include an opaque, or partially opaque or transulucent, panel formed of glass, plastic, steel, wood, or any other suitable material.

Additionally, a drawer 14 can include a panel including painted or laminated material, for example. And while the transparent panel 16 discussed above is generally pivotable between the first and second positions, other options are also possible for movement between first and second positions. For example, the transparent panel 16 can be configured to roll or slide with respect to the housing 12 between first and second positions. In addition, the transparent panel 16 can be configured to be easily removable from the housing 12, such that the transparent panel 16 is removed from the housing 1 2 for its second position.

[0071] The transparent panels 16, 180 can include or be formed of any appropriate material. For example, tempered and laminated constructions are possible. Additionally, the transparent panels 16, 180 can range from clear to opaque. The transparent panels 16, 180 can also include any color or combination of colors. The transparent panels 16, 180 can also include coating materials, such as anti-glare, anti-reflective, and uv-resistant coating materials, for example. And while the transparent panels 16, 1 80 provide generally flat surfaces (such as the front surface 90 and the rear surface 92 of the transparent panel 16), other shapes are also possible, such as concave dome, convex dome, and others. Additionally, the transparent panels 16, 1 80 can include any appropriate texture, such as ridges. Suitable configurations for panels are shown in Application Nos. 29/468,666 (filed 1 0/2/13),

29/468,668 (filed 10/2/13), 29/468,669 (filed 10/2/13), and 29/470,833 (filed 10/25/13), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0072] While the transparent panels 1 6, 180 have generally rectangular shapes, when viewed from the front, other shapes are also possible, such as more rounded shapes. For example, the corners for the embodiments shown may be rounded. Additionally, the transparent panels 16, 180 can include openings, such as for ventilation, in the form of louvers 105, as shown in Fig. 16. In other embodiments, ventilation can be provided by various shaped openings, including hexagons, circles, tread patterns, slots, and others. The transparent panels 16, 180 can include decorative aspects, as well, such as embossments. For example, embossments in the shape of hexagons, circles, tread patterns, diamonds, and stars can be used.

[0073] Further still, the tool chest 10 can include a locking mechanism for locking any or all of the drawers 14, or for locking any other portion or compartment of the tool chest 10. For example, traditional pin tumbler locks 15 can be used, as shown in Fig. 1 . Other types of locks can also be used, including locks requiring a code or personally-identifying information from a user, such as biometric information (e.g., fingerprint, eye scan). Additionally, locks can be used that are responsive to the nearby presence of a related device, such as an RFID key. For example, a drawer 14 may be equipped with a FOB key switch sensor to provide keyless entry in response to the nearby presence of an RFID key. Locks can also be used that are responsive to a personal telephone or other electronic device, for example, and may be caused to open and close based on operation of the personal telephone or other electronic device. In this regard, an application on the personal telephone or other electronic device could be used to control the lock. In addition, any or all of drawers 14 may be configured to be self-closing. For example, a drawer 14 may be configured with a ball-bearing slide mechanism 45 to cause the drawer 14 to self-close (Fig. 5). Alternatively, a drawer 14 may be configured with a slide mechanism such that the drawer 14 may remain open until a user manually closes the drawer 14.

[0074] Referring now to Fig. 17A, in another embodiment the tool chest 1 0' may be of a side-by-side configuration. For example, the tool chest 10' may be a double-wide tool chest having a series of left-hand drawers 14 and a series of right-hand drawers 14. Furthermore, the left-hand drawers may be of a size that is substantially different than that of the right-hand drawers. For example, the left-hand drawers may be substantially larger than the right-hand drawers. Alternatively, the left-hand drawers may be substantially smaller than the right-hand drawers, or the left-hand drawers and right-hand drawers may be substantially equal in size. The tool chest 10' may include a base chest 10a' and a top chest 1 0b', as previously described, wherein a portion of the drawers may be configured with pivotable panels such as those previously described with reference to Figs. 4-9 and a portion of the drawers may be configured with stationary panels such as those previously described with reference to Figs. 10-1 1 . For example, the top chest 10b' may include four drawers 14 configured with pivotable transparent panels 16 in the left-hand series and three drawers 14 configured with stationary transparent panels 180 in the right-hand series. Furthermore, the bottom chest 10a' may include three drawers 14 configured with pivotable transparent panels 16 and two drawers 14 configured with stationary transparent panels 180 in the left-hand series, and four drawers 14 configured with stationary transparent panels 180 in the right-hand series. While the tool chest described may have a total of sixteen drawers 14, other embodiments may include side-by-side tool chests having any number of drawers in various arrangements and configurations. In one embodiment, the top chest 10b' may be separate from the bottom chest 10a'. Alternatively, the top and bottom chests 10b', 10a' may be integrated. Furthermore, the tool chest 10' may be equipped with a lighting assembly, as discussed in detail below. In addition, the tool chest 10' may include a storage compartment 172 positioned above the top chest 10b'.

[0075] Referring now to Fig. 17B, in another embodiment a side-by-side tool chest 10" may have ten drawers 14. For example, the tool chest 10" may be a double-wide tool chest having a series of left-hand drawers 14 and a series of right-hand drawers 14. Furthermore, the left-hand drawers may be of a size that is substantially equal to that of the right-hand drawers. The tool chest 10" may include a base chest 1 0a", wherein a portion of the drawers may be configured with pivotable panels such as those previously described with reference to Figs. 4-9 and a portion of the drawers may be configured with stationary panels such as those previously described with reference to Figs. 1 0-1 1 . For example, the bottom chest 10a" may include three drawers 14 configured with pivotable transparent panels 16 positioned above two drawers 14 configured with stationary transparent panels 180 in the left-hand series, and three drawers 14 configured with pivotable transparent panels 1 6 positioned above two drawers 14 configured with stationary transparent panels 180 in the right-hand series. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may include any number of drawers 14 in various arrangements and configurations. In addition, a top chest (not shown) having additional drawers may be positioned above the bottom chest 10a". Furthermore, the tool chest 10" may be equipped with a lighting assembly, as discussed in detail below.

[0076] Referring next to Figs. 18-20, a lighting assembly 200 is shown for use with the tool chest 10. The lighting assembly 200 includes one or more light devices 202 for illuminating the drawers 14. In particular, the light devices 202 illuminate the drawer interiors 50 of the drawers 14, such as can be seen through the transparent panels 16.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the lighting assembly 200 includes a first strip 204 and a second strip 206 of light devices 202. The light devices 202 are operatively associated with an activation switch 208 for turning the light devices 202 on or off. In addition, the light devices 202 are associated with a power source 210. The power source 210 may be a standard electrical outlet plug power source, or a battery power source, for example.

[0078] The light assembly 200 is carried by the housing 12 of the tool chest 10. In particular, the light devices 202 are generally situated inside the housing 12. For example, in the embodiment shown, the first strip 204 and second strip 206 are generally mounted on the interior of the rear wall 24 of the tool chest 10. It will be appreciated that the light devices 202 could be mounted at other positions within or on the tool chest 1 0. For example, the light devices 202 could be mounted directly to the drawers 14.

[0079] Advantageously, the drawers 14 of the tool chest 10 allow the light from the light devices 202 to illuminate the drawer interior 50. In the embodiments shown, each drawer 14 includes a plurality of apertures 220 in the rear wall 48 thereof (Figs. 19 and 20). In addition or alternatively, each drawer 14 may include a plurality of apertures 220 in any or all of the bottom wall 40, side walls 42, 44, and front wall 46. The light from the light devices 202 travels through the apertures 220 to illuminate the drawer interior 50. Any suitable shape or configuration of the apertures 220 may be used. For example, in the embodiments shown, the apertures 220 are generally small and circular, but other shapes could also be used. Moreover, the number and spacing of the apertures 220 on the rear wall 48 can be chosen. For example, and as shown, the entire rear wall 48 includes apertures 220 spaced at regular intervals thereabout. In other embodiments, the apertures 220 could be positioned in other or different locations (see, e.g. Fig. 20). For example, one or more rows of apertures 220 could be positioned on the rear wall 48 so as to be generally aligned with, or to receive the light from, the light devices 202 in the tool chest 10. In addition to the apertures 220 as shown, larger apertures could also be used, such as larger window-shaped apertures. Moreover, the rear wall 48 could be constructed of a generally transparent material, in which case the entire rear wall 48 would serve as an aperture 220. [0080] The lighting assembly 200 can be configured to work with any type or arrangement of tool chest 1 0. For example, the lighting assembly 200 can be designed to illuminate any or all of the drawers 14 of the tool chest 10. In addition, the lighting assembly 200 can be designed to work with any shape or configuration of tool chest 10. For example, Fig. 1 shows a stacked tool chest arrangement, and the lighting assembly 200 could be implemented into such a tool chest 10. In addition, the lighting assembly 200 could be incorporated into a side-by-side tool chest configuration, such as those shown in Figs. 1 7A and 17B. In any case, any number of light devices 202 could be used for each tool chest 10, or for each part of a tool chest 10.

[0081] The electrical configuration for the lighting assembly 200 may be constructed according to known electrical wiring configurations. Again, the light assembly 200 includes an activation switch 208 for activating the light devices 202. Additionally, or alternatively, other electrical control devices could be associated with a lighting assembly 200, such as switches that cause the light devices 202 to activate upon opening or closing of the drawers 14, upon motion sensed nearby the tool chest 10, in response to a light or dark environment near the tool chest 10, or any other condition. For example, an infrared or heat sensor may be used to activate or shut-off the light devices 202. In another embodiment, a FOB key switch sensor may also be configured to activate the light devices 202 in response to the nearby presence of a related device, such as an RFID key. The lighting assembly 200 may also include a fixed or variable timing control to automatically shut- off the light devices 202. [0082] Advantageously, the light devices 202 may be formed of LED type devices, which provide advantageous lighting performance. Alternatively, any other appropriate light source may be used, including fiber-optic,

incandescent, and other light sources. For example, the light devices 202 may be selected to provide any color of light, such as white light or colored light, for example. Furthermore, the light devices 202 may be used to project images, colors, information, and the like at any appropriate position on the tool chest 10. For example, the light devices 202 can be used to project an image onto the transparent panel 1 6, 180, or onto the bottom wall 40 of a drawer 14. In addition, the light devices 202 may be chosen to provide any brightness of light, which the light assembly 200 may provide adjustment over. For example, the light devices 202 may be operatively associated with a dimmer switch for adjusting the brightness thereof. While two strips 204, 206 are shown, other configurations are also possible. For example, a fewer number or a greater of strips of light devices 202 could also be used.

Moreover, a grid of light devices 202 could be used. Further still, the individual light devices 202 need not be connected with one another in a strip arrangement.

[0083] While the embodiments shown include light devices 202 mounted on the rear wall 24 of the tool chest 1 0, the lighting devices 202 could additionally or alternatively be installed on either of the sidewalls 26, 28, or even on aspects of the front wall 30. Depending on the location of the lighting devices 202, the drawers 14 can include apertures 220 at any suitable location to allow light to illuminate the drawer interior 50. For example, the drawers 14 could include apertures 220 in the sidewalls 42, 44, or the front wall 46, as appropriate. In some circumstances, the drawers 14 may include apertures 220 in the bottom wall 40.

[0084] Advantageously, the lighting assembly 200 allows a user to view the contents within the drawers 14, even without opening the drawers 14. For example, a user can easily look through the window portion 88 of the transparent panel 16 and see the illuminated drawer interiors 50 and contents thereof. Thereby, the combination of transparent panel 16 and the lighting assembly 200 provides an advantageous arrangement for a tool chest 10.

[0085] While the invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

What is claimed is: