WO2011135559A1

WO2011135559A1 - Toolbox

Info

Publication number: WO2011135559A1
Application number: PCT/IL2011/000312
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yaron Brunner
Original assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd
Current assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd
Priority date: 2010-04-27
Filing date: 2011-04-14
Publication date: 2011-11-03
Anticipated expiration: 2012-10-27

Abstract

A toolbox provided with a main body and one or more bins externally removably mounted on the main body. According to a particular design, the one or more bins are made of rigid material and at a storage state of the toolbox are securely provided within the toolbox. The toolbox can be stackable on another like toolbox, also when the one or more bins are externally attached to either or both the stacked top or bottom toolbox.

Description

TOOLBOX

FIELD OF THE OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

This presently disclosed subject matter relates to a toolbox, in general, and particularly to a toolbox fittable with compartments. BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Many toolboxes are known in the art and typically vary in size and shape in accordance with the craft of the owner. The purpose of the toolbox is to organize, carry, and protect the owner's tools used for trade, hobby or do it yourself projects.

Toolboxes are used primarily by specialized technicians, such as machinist, electricians, and carpenters etc, or by an average user for small repairs at home. Typically, the user of a toolbox carries the toolbox to places outside his workshop, and thus must have all the necessary tools available therein. However, since frequently the toolbox contains a large verity of tools, searching for the right tool might be time consuming, and doing so while working might be quite frustrating. Thus, toolboxes typically are formed with a plurality of compartment, each having a different size and shape adapted to hold certain tools and supplies, and configured for convenient access.

Toolboxes are typically provided with a removable tray, allowing storing little tools therein. In addition, some toolboxes are provided with compartments built into the cover thereof for storing supplies, such as nails and screws. However, many tools still must be stored in the compartment below the tray, due to the large volume of space they require. Thus, it is hard to find tools stored the large compartment, and there is a risk of heavier items damaging more delicate ones as the toolbox is moved around.

Thus, there is a long felt need for a toolbox which includes compartment allowing to conveniently store tools therein, in a way which also allows easy access these tools while working. SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The presently disclosed subject matter is concerned with a toolbox provided with a main body and one or more bins externally removably mounted on the main body. According to a particular design, the one or more bins are made of rigid material and at a storage state of the toolbox are securely provided within the toolbox. The toolbox is stackable on another like toolbox, also when the one or more bins are externally attached to either or both the stacked top or bottom toolbox.

The term 'bin' as used herein the specification and claims denotes any type and form of rigid container configured with a storage space and fitted for storing and holding of various tools, hardware equipment (e.g. screws, bolts, drill bits etc.), hobby articles, sports gear (e.g. fishing gear). The bins can be fitted with or without a cover and can be compartmented or configured for accommodating/dispensing designated gear, and the like.

Furthermore, the one or more bins can be removably mounted on any side wall of the tool box, namely on the side walls and on the front and rear walls thereof.

According to one example the main body is configured for holding the bin therein, and can be further configured to retainably hold the bins therein. The main body can be provided with a protruding ledge for engaging at least one side of the bin, and can further include depression wherein the bin can be retainably placed.

According to one example the bins can be mounted on main body by means of a dovetail joint.

The toolbox according to the presently disclosed subject matter can include any one of the following features:

• a removable tray held in the main body while said the bin is held therein.

• a cutaway portion defined in the main body for providing access to the bin held therein, while the tray is placed thereon.

• a cover for covering an opening in said main body while the bin and/or the tray are placed therein, and for further covering a cut away portion formed on the main body.

• a handle pivotally coupled to the main body for carrying the toolbox. • at least one depression for engaging at least one complementary protrusion formed on a second toolbox, allowing the toolbox and the second toolbox to be stacked one on top of the other.

The presently disclosed subject matter further relates to a bin for use in conjunction with a toolbox. The bin includes coupling means for externally removably mounting the bin on the toolbox. The bin can further be configured to be held inside a main body of a toolbox, and can be configured to be retainably held therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the presently disclosed subject matter and to see how it can be carried out in practice, an example will now be described, by way of non- limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. la is an isometric view of a toolbox according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter in an opened state;

Fig. lb is an isometric view of the main body of the toolbox of Fig. la;

Fig. 2a isometric view of a toolbox of Fig. la with the bins in the stored position;

Fig. 2b is a top view of the main body of toolbox of Fig. 2a;

Fig. 3a is an isometric view of the toolbox of Fig. la having a tray mounted thereon;

Fig. 3b is an isometric view of the tray of Fig. 3 a constructed and operative in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject;

Fig. 3c is a side cross section view taken along line A-A of the tray of Fig. 3a; Fig. 4a is an isometric top view of the cover of the toolbox of Fig. la, constructed and operative in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject;

Fig. 4b is cross-section view of the cover of Fig. 4a;

Fig. 5a is a front view of the toolbox of Fig. la in a closed position;

Fig. 5b is a front view of the toolbox of Fig. la in an opened position;

Fig. 5c is a close-up perspective view of the latch axle brackets of the toolbox of Fig. la constructed and operative in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the toolbox of Fig. la in a closed position; Fig. 7a is a side view of the toolbox of Fig. 1 of Fig. 4a with the handle is the veritcal position.

Fig. 7b is a side view of the toolbox of Fig. 1 of Fig. 4a with the handle is the horizontal position.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the handle of Fig, 4a constructed and operative in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject;

Fig. 9 is a side cross-section view of the handle of Fig, 4a;

Fig. 10a is a top perspective view of the leg of the toolbox of Fig. la constructed and operative in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject;

Fig. 10b is a bottom perspective view of the leg of Fig. 10a;

Fig. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the main body of Fig. 2b;

Fig. 12 is a side cross section of the side wall of the main body of Fig. 2b;

Fig. 13a is a perspective view of two toolboxes stacked on top of each other in accordance with an example of the presently disclosed subject; and,

Fig. 13b is a vertical cross-section side view of the toolboxes of Fig. 13a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

Fig. la shows an isometric view of a toolbox 100 having modular bins mounted thereon in accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The toolbox 100 includes a main body 110, a handle 150 and a cover 140 pivotally mounted on body 110, and latches 160 for securing cover 140 when in the closed position. The main body 110 includes two side walls 110a, a front wall 110b, a rear wall 110c and a bottom wall HOd. Toolbox 100 further includes at least one bin 190 having a side wall 195, and mounted on main body 110, here illustrated as two bins 190 mounted on side wall 110a. Bins 190 can be removably mounted by means of coupling member, such as a dovetail joint, or any other coupling means. According to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, side wall 110a includes at least one dovetail socket 111, and each one of bins 190 includes corresponding tails 191. Each one of bin 190 is coupled to side wall 110a by sliding tail 191 into socket 111.

Main body 110 can be configured for holding bins 190 therein, for example, when the toolbox is at a storage state, and the user wishes to place bins 190 inside main body 110. In order to retain bins 190 in place when stored inside main body 110, a protruding ledge 120 can be provided along the inside portion of rear wall 110c, for engaging edge 192 defined at the top portion of side walls 195 of bins 190. In addition, as most clearly shown in Fig lb, inside portion of front wall 110b can include two inwardly sloped surfaces 127b defining a depression 127a there between. At least a portion of side wall 195 of bin 190, on the other hand, can be configured to sit in depression 127a, when bin 190 is inserted inside main body 110. In addition, side wall 195 of bin 190 can include a corresponding sloped portion 194 for engaging sloped surface 127b defined on front wall 110b.

Referring now to Figs. 2a there is shown a perspective view of the toolbox 100 with the bins 190 placed therein. The bins 190 sit internally on the bottom of the main body 110 while a portion of side wall 195 of each bin 190 abuts depression 127a defined on front wall 110b, and an opposite portion abuts protruding ledge 120 defined on rear wall 110c. As most clearly shown in Fig. 2b depression 127a can be configured to engage side wall 195 of two bins 190 at the same time, while each sloped surface 127b engages corresponding sloped portion 194 of one of bins 190. This way, bins 190 are fitted together inside main body 110, and are substantially retained in place inside toolbox 100.

Bins 190 can includes a flange 193 defined on side wall 195, providing additional strength to the bin and serving as a gripping surface. It will be appreciated that in that case when the bin is placed inside the main body, flange 193 can abut protruding ledge 120, as well as depression 127a and sloped surface 127b.

It will be appreciated that in order to preclude an accidental or inadvertent movement of the bin off the toolbox, such that might cause the discoupling of the bin and the main body, each of the bins can be provided with securing means, such as a locking latch, etc.

FIG. 5 A, as well as FIG. 5B which shows top views of the main body 110 with the bins 190, illustrate inner side wall surfaces 130a and 130b of the main body 110. The inner side wall surfaces 130a are inwardly tilted at a small angle towards the rear of the main body 110, thus decreasing the length of the internal space formed in the main body 110 towards its rear, while the inner side wall surfaces 130b are perpendicular to the front and rear of the main body 110. All the inner side wall surfaces 130a and 130b are inwardly tilted at a small angle towards the bottom of the main body 110. This way, in case the main body is integrally molded, the mold can be easily extracted by sliding thereof toward the front of the main body, where the width is lightly larger. The bins according to the presently disclosed subject matter can be selectively mounted either on the side wall of the toolbox, or inside the toolbox, for example when the toolbox is stored away.

Fig. 3a shows an isometric view of the toolbox 100 according to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter having a removable tray 180. As shown in Fig. 3b, the tray 180 includes a wall portion 185 defining an outwardly protruding lip 183 at the top edge thereof, and an elevated central region 182 defined on its bottom, separating the tray 180 into two separate compartments 184. In addition, tray 180 includes a handle base 181, supported by the elevated central region 182, and a handle 187 mounted on handle base 181. Outwardly protruding lip 183, include at least one cut-away portion 186 allowing the user to insert is fingers therein, when carrying tray 180.

As shown in Fig. la-lb, the inside of side wall 110a of toolbox 110 includes a shoulder portion 119a and the inside portion of rear wall 110c includes protrusions 119b. Shoulder portion 119a and protrusions 119b are defined substantially at the top portion of side wall 110a and rear wall 110c, respectively, and are configured for supporting the outwardly protruding lip 183 when tray 180 is placed inside the toolbox 100. It will be appreciated that in order to allow placing tray inside toolbox 100 while bin 190 are disposed inside main body 110, shoulder portion 119a and protrusions 119b are defined on the wall of main body above the height of bin 190.

Referring back to Fig. 3a, front wall 110b can include a cutaway portion 109, allowing the user to access the inside of main body, even in case tray is placed thereon. In addition, the width of tray 180 can be smaller than the width of main body 110, thus, allowing access to the inner space of the main body 110 below the tray 180.

In order to prevent forward sliding of tray 180 through cutaway portion 109, shoulder portion 119a can include a stopper 118 for engaging the bottom of tray. Stopper 118 can be configured to engage the front wall portion 185 of tray 180 or any other portions thereof.

FIG. 3c shows a side cross-section of tray 180 taken along line A-A. The handle 187 can be made of an elastic material such as rubber, etc. and can include a wavy structure, so as to provide additional rigidity. Each end of handle 187 includes hooks 187a and 187b, for coupling to handle base 181. Handle base 181 is formed of two complementary wall portions 181a and 181b, defining a space there between, for inserting the two ends of handle 187 therein. Hook 187b is inserted between wall portions 181a and 181b, and is retained by a flange 189 defined on wall portion 181b, thus, handle 187 is fastened to handle base 181. Hook 187a, on the other hand, is disposed outside the space defined between wall portions 181a and 181b, and prevents the handle 187 from sliding inside the space. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, coupling the handle to tray 180 can be carried out in any other known fashion.

According to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter toolbox 100 further includes a cover 140 for covering the top opening defined by main body 110. Cover 140 can be configured to cover main body 110, while a tray such as tray 180 of Fig. 3b, and bins such as bins 190 of Figs la- lb, are placed therein. As can be seen in Fig. 4a cover 140 can be pivotally mounted on main body 110, for example on the top portion of rear wall 110c, by means of a hinge 143. Cover 140 can include one or more receptacles 142, configured to pivotally hold hinge 143 therein. On the other hand, main body 110 can include one or more hinge mounts 112 (as best can be seen in Fig lb), for mounting hinge 143 thereon. Hinge mounts 112 can be configured for snap fitting hinge 143 therein, allowing for cover 140 to be removed when desired.

FIG. 4b is a cross-section view of rear wall 110c of toolbox 100, constructed and operative in accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The top edge of rear wall 110c defines one or more hinge mounts 112 and 112a disposed with spaces there between, configured for interleaving with receptacles 142 defined on cover 140. Hinge mounts 112 and 112a hold hinge 143 in place, and allow cover 140 and receptacles 142 to pivot about hinge 143. A portion of hinge 143 can include teeth 143a protruding externally from the perimeter thereof, for engaging hinge mount 112a. The forward surfaces of teeth 143a are inclined at a small degree and their aft surfaces are inclined at a large degree, respectively, to the longitudinal axis of hinge 143. Edges of the teeth 143a have a greater radius, than the inner radius of hinge mount 112a. However, the teeth 143a are elastic, thus enabling forcible insertion thereof into hinge mount 112a.

At least one tooth 143a emerges from the cover hinge bracket 112a after being inserted therein and passing through the cover hinge bracket 112a. As a result, the teeth 143a hold hinge 143 in place (i.e. inside the cover hinge brackets 112, 112a and 142) by friction fitting - i.e. by applying radial outwardly directed pressure against the inner perimeter of the cover hinge bracket 112a, and, by preventing the at least one tooth 143a that emerged from the cover hinge bracket 112a from reentering the cover hinge bracket 112a. This reentry is prevented because the aft wall of the teeth 143a is not as easily deformable as the forward wall, due to the inclination angles of the walls being different, and thus requires far greater force to be applied to it in order to again decrease the radius of the edges of teeth 143a for the reentry into the cover hinge bracket 112a. Thus, the hinge 143 couples the cover 140 to the main body 110 and enables the cover 140 to be rotatable around the hinge 143 and with respect to the main body 110.

Cover 140 can be approximately L-like shaped having an inclined portion 147 adapted and configured to cover cut away portion 109 of front wall 110b of main body 100. Inclined portion 147 includes a grip 141, and a locking ring 145, for receiving a lock, for example a shackle of a lock pad. Grip 141 is configured for gripping thereof to thereby rotate the cover 140 to an open or a closed position, corresponding to an open or closed state of the toolbox 100, as required.

When cover 140 is at a closed state, as exemplified in Fig. 6, locking ring 145, extends in conjunction with the complementary locking ring 115 defined on body 110, thus, the lock can be inserted through both locking ring 145 and complementary locking ring 115, so as to lock toolbox 100. A channel 125 can be formed, in the front wall 110b below locking ring 115, to enable insertion of a padlock's shackle there through, for fastening complementary locking ring 115 and the locking ring 145 together.

Cut away portion 109 can be provided with shoulder 117, substantially similar to shoulder 119a defined on side wall 110a, for supporting the perimeter of the cover 140, so as to limit movement and define the closed position of the cover 140, and provide a good seal by enabling a close fit between the cover 140 and the main body 110.

Cover can be transparent and can includes depressions 149, which provides rigidity and allow the user to place therein small tool elements, such as screw bits, nails and washers etc., while working, thus making these elements available when necessary.

Referring now to Figs. 5a and 5b, there is shown a front view of tool box 100 in the closed position, and in open position, respectively. In the closed position, cover 140 covers main body 110, and inclined portion 147 covers cut away portion 109. In order to retain cover 140 in this position, securing means are provided such as a locking latch 160, as in the illustrated example. Locking latch 160 is pivotally mounted on front wall 110b about an axle 161, and includes a hook 163 for securely engaging a snap-on catches 144 formed on cover 140, when in the closed position.

Locking latch 160 can be further provided with a bracket 113 mounted on axle 161. In addition, latch 160 defines an aperture 162 which is configured to fit around bracket 113, when in the closed and secured position. This arrangement adds durability to the latch 160 in the closed and secured position, especially in the case of impacts sustained from below, from the top or from the sides, as the consequent forces will be transferred mostly to the bracket 113 through the aperture 162 of the latch 160, instead of being absorbed entirely by axle 161 thus potentially resulting in damaging thereof.

As shown in Figs 5a and 5b toolbox 100 can be provided with more than one latch. It will be appreciated that the number of latches can be determined in accordance with the dimensions of toolbox 100. It will be further appreciated that latches 160 can be provided on side walls 110a rather than on front wall 110b.

Fig. 5c is a bottom perspective view of bracket 113 exemplifying how it is mounted on axel 161. Bracket 113 can be provided with two pairs of flexible legs 113a configured for snap-on connection of axle 161 around which the latch 160 is rotatable.

In reference to Fig. 6 toolbox 100 can further include a handle 150 for carrying the toolbox. Handle 150 includes a bar 151 having a gripping portion 151a, two side frames 152 for clamping bar 151 there between. Handle 150 is pivotally coupled to main body 110 by means of axial connectors 153 serving as the axles, about which the handle 150 is pivotally rotatable.

Figs. 7a and 7b are side views of toolbox 100 in a closed and an opened deployment, respectively. In the closed deployment handle 150 can be vertically pivoted so as to allow the user to carry the toolbox 100. Side wall 110a includes an horizontal cut away portion 155a defined at the top edge thereof, for receiving side frame 152 when handle 150 is rotated horizontally to the closed deployment, as best can be seen in Fig. 7b. In addition, rear wall 110c includes a shoulder 128 (shown in Fig lb) defined at the top edge thereof, for receiving bar 151, when handle 150 is rotated horizontally. This way, when toolbox 100 is in opened, and handle 150 is horizontally rotated, the different portions thereof are disposed substantially evenly with the dimensions of main body 110, and thus, do not protrude in any direction in a way which can become an obstacle, for example, when toolbox 100 is stored away. In addition, in this deployment, - lo bar 151 of the handle 150 serves as a support of cover 140, when opened, thus, hinge 143 of cover 140 does not bear the entire weight of the cover.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged perspective view of a portion of handle 150. The bar 151 is shown with the gripping portion 151a further comprising a label or a tag that can be marked 151b, e.g. for identifying the owner of the toolbox 100. The side frames 152 include longitudinal main wall 152a and partitions 152b, providing additional strength to handle 150. The bottom of side frames 152 is adapted to be connectable to the main body 110 by means of axial connectors 153.

FIG. 9 is a cross-section view of side frames 152 having an axial connector 153, adapted and operative in accordance with one example of the presently disclosed subject matter. Side frames 152 includes a circular frame 152d, for engaging main body 110, and a circular fitting 152e for holding axial connector 153. Main body 110 is provided with axial housing 116 formed on side wall 110a, for coupling to axial connector 153. Axial housing 116 includes a bore 116a, and frame 126a disposed about bore 116a, for engaging circular frame 152d defined on side frames 152, and a corresponding circular fitting 126b for holding circular fitting 152e of side frame 152.

Axial connector 153 is inserted through circular fitting 152e on side frame 152, and the corresponding circular fitting 126b on main body 110. Flexible ends 153a formed on the edge of axial connector 153 are pushed through bore 116a, until snapping-on outside the distal end thereof. This arrangement precludes the removal of the axial connector 153 while providing only rotational freedom of motion between the handle 150 and the main body 110.

Referring back to Fig. la, cover 140 can include cut-outs 146 formed on the sides thereof, approximately matching, in terms of external size and shape, the axial housings 116, thus allowing cover 140 to be closed without interference from the axial housings 116.

In case the axial housings 116 protrudes inside the space of main body 110, tray 180 can include cut-away portions, such as the cut-away portions 186 as explained hereinabove in reference to Fig. 3b, formed to align with a axial housings 116, when place on main body 110, so as to prevent the outwardly protruding edges 183 of tray 180, from interfering with the axial housings 116 of the main body 110. In this arrangement, axial housings 116 prevent the tray 130 from sliding towards the front wall 110b of the main body 110, when it is placed thereon, in addition or instead of stopper 118 described hereinabove.

Figs. 10a and 10b show a top isometric view, and a bottom isometric view, respectively, of one leg 170 of toolbox 100, according to one example of the presently disclosed subject matter. Leg 170 includes a base 173 having anti-skid ribbed bottom sides 173a which make direct contact with and support the toolbox 100 when it is placed on a surface (e.g. on the ground, table etc.). Leg 170 further includes polygonal hollow sections 175, 176 and 177 each having ribs 175a, 176a and 177a, respectively, extending perpendicular to their external surfaces. As can be seen in Fig. 11 , the bottom of each side walls 110a of main body 110, on the other hand, defines a hollow portion 114 having an aperture 129 for receiving hollow sections 175, 176 and 177 of leg 173. The inside portion of side walls 110a includes partitions 129a vertically formed for inserting ribs 175a, 176a and 177a, there between.

In addition, leg 173 includes a plurality of snap-on connectors 171 for engaging internal openings 121 formed in side wall 110a. As can best be seen in Fig. 12, hollow sections 175, 176 and 177 together with snap-on connectors 171 secure leg 173 to main body 110. This arrangement allows the user to replace legs 173, for example, when antiskid ribbed bottom sides 173a becomes worn out. It will be appreciated that according to another example, legs 173 can be integrally formed with main body 110.

Hollow portion 114 contributes to the rigidity of the toolbox as well as provides thermal isolation and physical protection to the inner volume of the main body 110.

Still referring to Fig. 11 the bottom of main body 110 can include central channels 123, side channels 122 and floor contact surfaces 124 for providing rigidity to the bottom wall. It will be appreciated that similarly other parts of the toolbox 100 (e.g. the handle 150, the cover 140, the legs 170, the tray 180, the bins 190) can include cells and areas formed of differently inclined surfaces, such as those forming channels 122 and 123, so as to add to the rigidity of the toolbox.

Referring back to Fig 10b, leg 173 can be provided with depression 174 formed on the bottom portion thereof, for engaging a complementary protrusion 134 (shown in previous Figs.) formed on the top edge of side wall 110a. Leg 173 can be provided with a second depression 174a for engaging a complementary protrusion 154 formed on side frame 152 of handle 150, when handle 150 is horizontally disposed. As can be seen in Figs. 13a and 13b, two substantially similar toolboxes 100 and 200, can be stacked one on top of the other. Each one of protrusions 134 and 154 of toolbox 100 engages one of grooves 274 formed on legs 270 of the toolbox 200, thus allowing vertical stacking of the toolboxes 100 and 200 while substantially precluding movement, of one toolbox relative to the other.

According to another example, protrusion 134 can be formed on other portions of the upper surface of the toolbox, for example, on cover 140. It is appreciated that in that case, depression 174a which is formed on the bottom of the a first toolbox is disposed on a portion thereof which permits engaging protrusions 134 of a second toolbox, while allowing stacking of first and second toolbox.

The parts of the subject matter of the present disclosure are primarily made of plastic, however, they can also be made of wood, metal etc. Various techniques that are well known in the art can be used to produce the various parts, e.g., various injection molding techniques for plastic parts, various compression molding techniques for rubber parts, various molding and extrusion techniques for metal parts, etc.

Those skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A toolbox comprising: a main body; and at least one bin externally removably mounted on said main body.

2. A toolbox according to claim 1, wherein said main body is configured for holding said at least one bin therein.

3. A toolbox according to claim 2, wherein said at least one bin is retainably held inside said main body.

4. A toolbox according to claim 3, wherein said main body is provided with a protruding ledge for engaging said at least one bin.

5. A toolbox according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein said main body includes a depression and wherein said at least one bin is configured to sit in said depression.

6. A toolbox according to claim 5, when depending from claim 4, wherein said at least one bin is retained in place between said depression and said protruding ledge.

7. A toolbox according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one bin includes a flange defined on side wall.

8. A toolbox according to claim 1 wherein said at least one bin is externally removably mounted on said main body by means of a dovetail joint.

9. A toolbox according to claim 3 wherein at least one wall of said main body includes a dovetail socket; and,

wherein said at least one bin includes a corresponding tails for coupling to said dovetail socket.

10. A toolbox according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a removable tray held in said main body.

11. A toolbox according to claim 10, wherein said main body is configured for holding said tray while said at least one bin is held therein.

12. A toolbox according to claim 11, wherein said main body includes a cutaway portion providing access to said at least one bin held therein, while said tray is placed thereon.

13. A toolbox according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover for covering an opening in said main body.

14. A toolbox according to claim 13, wherein said cover is configured to cover said main body while said least one bin is placed therein.

15. A toolbox according to claim 14, wherein said cover is further configured to cover said main body while a tray is placed therein.

16. A toolbox according to claim 12, further comprising a cover for covering said cut away portion.

5 17. A toolbox according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle pivotally coupled to said main body for carrying the toolbox.

18. A toolbox according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said main body is formed with at least on depression for engaging at least one complementary protrusion formed on a second toolbox, allowing the toolbox and the second toolbox to

10 be stacked one on top of the other.

19. A toolbox according to claim 18, wherein the toolbox can be stacked on the second toolbox while said bin is externally removably mounted thereon.

20. A method for providing additional storage space in a toolbox, the method comprising: providing a main body; and externally removably mounting at least one bin

15 on said main body.

21. A bin for use in conjunction with a toolbox, the bin comprising: coupling means for externally removably mounting the bin on the toolbox.

22. A bin according to claim 21 wherein the bin is configured to be held inside a main body of a toolbox

20 23. A toolbox according to claim 22, wherein the bin is configured to be retainably held inside the main body.