Tool storage system

Abstract

A tool storage system includes a body, such as a panel, to which tools may be attached, a base to which the body is removably fastened, and a fastening mechanism for connecting the body to the base so that the body may be attached to the base or removed and used remote therefrom. In one form, the fastening mechanism includes a hinge connected to the body and the base for providing an axis about which the body may be rotated with respect to the base, and a latch connected to the base and movable between a first position, or secured position, wherein the latch secures the body to the base and a second position, or released position, wherein the latch releases the body so that it may be removed from the base. In another form, the body is secured to the base via a plurality of latches. In yet another form, the body is secured to the base via quarter turn fasteners.

1 . A tool storage system comprising: 
 a body to which tools may be attached;    a base to which the body is removably fastened; and    a fastening mechanism for connecting the body to the base so that the body may be attached to the base or removed and used remote therefrom.    
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the fastening mechanism comprises: 
 a hinge connected to the body and the base for providing an axis about which the body may be rotated with respect to the base; and    a latch connected to the base and movable between a first position wherein the latch secures the body to the base and a second position wherein the latch releases the body so that it may be removed from the base.    
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the hinge comprises a plurality of hinges connected to a first side of the base and the latch comprises a spring clip connected to a second side of the base so that the body can be rotated about an axis defined by the plurality of hinges when the latch is in the second position.  
   
   
       4 . An apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein the plurality of hinges and spring clip latch are located on opposite sides of the base so that the body rotates away from the latch about the axis defined by the hinges when the latch is in the second position.  
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein the hinge comprises a first hinge component connected to the body and a second hinge component connected to the base, the first hinge component being removable from the second hinge component so that the body may be removed from the base.  
   
   
       6 . An apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the first hinge component has a bar extending from the body and the second hinge component has a receptacle for receiving at least a portion of the bar to form the hinge about which the body may be rotated.  
   
   
       7 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  further comprising a guard connected to the body and positioned to engage at least a portion of the latch thereby preventing the latch from damaging the body.  
   
   
       8 . An apparatus according to  claim 7  wherein the latch and guard are made of metal.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the fastening mechanism comprises: 
 a first latch connected to the base and movable between a first position wherein the latch secures a first portion of the body to the base and a second position wherein the latches releases the first body portion so that it may be removed from the base; and    a second latch connected to the base and movable between a first position wherein the latch secures a second portion of the body to the base and a second position wherein the latch releases the second body portion so that it may be removed from the base.    
   
   
       10 . An apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the latches are spring clips that extend toward each other from opposite sides of the base.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus according to  claim 9  further comprising a third latch connected to the base and movable between a first position wherein the third latch secures a third portion of the body to the base and a second position wherein the third latch releases the third body portion so that it may be removed from the base.  
   
   
       12 . An apparatus according to  claim 11  wherein the latches are spring clips with the first latch connected to a first side of the base and the second and third latches connecting to a second side of the base.  
   
   
       13 . An apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the first and second sides of the base are opposite sides of the base.  
   
   
       14 . A mobile tool platform, comprising: 
 a storage compartment fixedly mounted to the tool platform;    a quick-release mechanism supported by a portion of the storage compartment; and    a panel adapted to be detachably connected to the storage compartment via at least the quick-release mechanism and store and display at least a tool thereon.    
   
   
       15 . The mobile tool platform of  claim 14 , wherein the quick-release mechanism includes a biased latch supported by the storage compartment and moveable between a biased first position and a second position, wherein the latch is adapted to secure the panel to the storage compartment while in the first position and release the panel from the storage compartment while in the second position.  
   
   
       16 . The mobile tool platform of  claim 15 , wherein the latch includes a protrusion adapted to engage the panel while in the first position, thereby securing the panel to the storage compartment.  
   
   
       17 . The mobile tool platform of  claim 15 , further comprising a hinge having a first component fixed to the panel and a second component supported by the storage compartment, the first and second components adapted to interlock when the panel is secured to the storage compartment by the quick-release mechanism and provide a pivotal relationship between the panel and the storage compartment when the panel is unsecured therefrom.  
   
   
       18 . The mobile tool platform of  claim 14 , further comprising a base supported by the storage compartment, the base including the quick-release mechanism.  
   
   
       19 . The mobile tool platform of  claim 18 , wherein the base includes an opening within which the quick-release mechanism is adapted to secure the panel.