Rolling containers assembly

The present invention relates to a rolling containers assembly and, more particularly, to a vertically deployed modular rolling workshop having a retractable/extendible handle, which is easily assembled/disassembled.

Working <i>in situ</i> requires a plurality of working tools to be brought to the working location.

Conventional tool boxes are typically used for that purpose; however, their locomotion as individual pieces is inconvenient.

There is thus a widely recognized need for, and it would be highly advantageous to have, a modular rolling workshop devoid of the above limitation.

Additional advantages of the modular rolling workshop according to the present invention are described with respect to its specific embodiments hereinbelow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a rolling containers assembly for storing working tools.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the rolling containers assembly comprising (a) a base cabinet including wheels and a pulling handle for locomoting the rolling containers assembly; and (b) at least one additional cabinet being removably connectable on top of the base cabinet.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the handle is extendible.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the at least one additional cabinet is selected from the group consisting of a drawers assembly and a toolcase.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the base cabinet includes a reel.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the at least one additional cabinet is a modular unit.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the at least one additional cabinet snaps onto the base cabinet.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the toolcase includes a case and an openable cover.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the cover is formed with an external groove usable in supporting rectangular and round objects.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the groove is asymmetrical in cross section.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the groove is formed between a first wall and a second wall of the cover deployed in a V shape, the first wall is deployed 63±15 degrees with respect to the cover, the second wall is deployed 27±15 degrees with respect to the cover, whereas the first and second walls are deployed 90 degrees with respect to one another.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the groove is formed with grip ribs on at least a section thereof.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the cover is formed with underlying strengthening ribs.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the underlying strengthening ribs are deployed crosswise with respect to one another and obliquely with respect to an edge of the cover, such that triangle shapes are foimed along the edge.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the underlying strengthening ribs are deployed 90 degrees crosswise with respect to one another and 45 degrees with respect to an edge of the cover.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the cover is formed with external protrusions deployed above the underlying strengthening ribs, the external protrusions serve for at least partially disguising sink marks associated with the ribs.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the external protrusions have a diamond shape.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the cover includes a carrying handle.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the carrying handle is foldable.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the toolcase includes at least one latch for securing the cover to the case when closed.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the toolcase includes front sides and back, the sides taper toward the back.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the front is curved.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the toolcase includes a tray deployable within the case.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the tray includes a tray-handle.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments toolcase includes a foldable canying handle having side arms, the tray includes a tray-handle, the tray-handle nests between the side arms of the carrying handle of the cover.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the drawers assembly includes a casing and at least one translating drawer translatably engaged by the casing.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the at least one drawer translates over rails connected to the casing.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments all of the at least one drawer are securable close via a single securing member.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the handle is extendible, the single securing member is attached to the handle, such that when the handle is retracted the securing member secured all of the at least one drawer closed.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the base cabinet includes a casing to which the handle and the wheels are engaged and a flipping bin.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the flipping bin is rotatable with respect to the casing and has an upper opening.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the casing is formed with an upper rim, the rim is supplemented with holes which serve for attaching strings for effecting carriage of desired items on the top of the base cabinet when the at least one additional cabinet is removed.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the handle is formed with additional holes which further serve for attaching strings for effecting the carriage of the desired items on the top of the base cabinet when the at least one additional cabinet is removed.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the base cabinet includes a reel rotatably attached to the casing.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the reel is removable.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the casing is supplemented with at least two elastic bands designed for engaging desired items along a side thereof.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the flipping bin is rotatably connected to the casing via a hinge located such that the bin opens when reaches beyond a center of gravity point and closes when is before the center of gravity point.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pulling handle is detachable.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the at least one additional cabinet is selected from the group consisting of a clamshell style case and carousel organizer.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments provided is a rolling containers assembly for storing working tools comprising (a) a base cabinet including wheels for locomoting the rolling containers assembly; and (b) at least one additional cabinet being removably connectable on top of the base cabinet, the at least one additional cabinet including a pulling handle for effecting the locomotion.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the at least one additional cabinet is selected from the group consisting of a clamshell style case and carousel organizer.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a modular rolling containers assembly featuring a retractable/extendible back handle. Additional advantages of the present invention are described hereinunder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none" compact="compact"><li>FIG. 1 is a perceptive front view of a rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIGs. 2 and 3 are perceptive rear views of the rolling containers assembly shown in Figure 1;</li><li>FIGs. 4 and 5 are perspective front views of a toolcase and a drawers assembly of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of the toolcase and drawers assembly of Figures 4 and 5;</li><li>FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of a base cabinet of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 8 is a perspective rear view of the base cabinet of Figure 7;</li><li>FIG. 9 is a perspective front view of the base cabinet and the drawers assembly of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reel of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the reel of Figure 10;</li><li>FIG. 12 is a front view of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention demonstrating its modularity;</li><li>FIGs. 13a and 13b are front and side views of the toolcase of the rolling container assembly according to the present invention, demonstrating an asymmetric groove formed in its cover;</li><li>FIGs. 14a and 14b are cross sections of two prior art symmetric grooves formed in toolcase covers;</li><li>FIGs. 15a and 15b are cross sections demonstrating the ability of the asymmetric groove according to the present invention to support rectangular and round objects, respectively;</li><li>FIG. 16 is a top view of the cover of the toolcase of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIGs. 17a and 17b are comparative schematic depictions of a prior art rib arrangement and a rib arrangement used to strengthen the cover of the toolcase according to the present invention, respectively;</li><li>FIGs. 18a and 18b are front views of the toolcase of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention demonstrating the addition of a Logo pad;</li><li>FIGs. 19a and 19b are side views of a prior art tray arrangement and a tray arrangement of the toolcase according to the present invention, respectively;</li><li>FIG. 20 is a side view of the tray and cover of the toolcase of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIGs. 21a, 21b and 21c are schematic cross sectional views of two prior art tray handles, and a tray handle according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 22a, 22b and 22c are top and side views of the tray handle and side view of the tray of the toolcase of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 23 is a side view of the drawers assembly of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIG. 24 is a side view of the base cabinet of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention, demonstrating options to attach strings onto the base cabinet;</li><li>FIG. 25 is a side view of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention, demonstrating the attachment of a working tool thereon via bands;</li><li>FIGs. 26a and 26b are side views of a backplate of the reel of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention in locked and unlocked positions;</li><li>FIGs. 27, 28 and 29 are perspective views of another embodiment of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention;</li><li>FIGs. 30a and 30b are perspective views of an organizer of the rolling containers assembly according to its second embodiment;</li><li>FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the rolling containers assembly according to its second embodiment.</li></ul>

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a rolling containers assembly which can be used as a rolling workshop. Specifically, the present invention can be used to assist workers, such as, but not limited to, construction workers, fishermen, repairmen, etc., to cany their working tools in an organized fashion.

The principles and operation of a rolling containers assembly according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring now to the drawings, Figures 1-26b illustrate some preferred embodiments of a rolling containers assembly according to the present invention, which is referred to hereinbelow interchangeably as rolling containers assembly <b>50</b> or assembly <b>50</b>.

Thus, rolling containers assembly <b>50</b> serves for storing working tools and includes a base cabinet <b>52</b>. At its lower aft end base cabinet <b>52</b> is supplemented with a pair of wheels <b>54</b>. At its aft base cabinet 52 includes a pulling handle <b>56</b>. Wheels <b>54</b> and handle <b>56</b> serve for locomoting assembly <b>50</b>.

Pulling handle <b>56</b> is shaped sized and designed to assist a user to pull assembly <b>50</b>. For example, its upper part is designed to comfortably accept the hand of the user, and is therefore supplemented with four finger accepting recessions <b>51</b>.

Rolling containers assembly <b>50</b> further includes at least one additional cabinet <b>58</b>. Additional cabinet <b>58</b> is removably connectable on top of base cabinet <b>52</b>.

As further detailed hereinbelow, according to a prefered embodiment of the invention handle <b>56</b> is extendible/retractable.

As further detailed hereinbelow, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, additional cabinet(s) <b>58</b> include, for example, a drawers assembly <b>60</b> and/or a toolcase <b>62</b>.

As further detailed hereinbelow, according to another prefered embodiment of the present invention base cabinet <b>52</b> is supplemented with a reel <b>64</b>.

As best seen in Figure 12 additional containers <b>58</b> are preferably designed modular, such that any combination thereof is deployable over base cabinet <b>52</b> or as a standalone configuration. Thus, for example, a plurality of drawer assemblies <b>62</b> may be snapped together as an independent drawers tower system with keyholes <b>63</b> formed in the rear for wall mounting.

Connecting any of additional cabinet(s) <b>58</b> to base cabinet <b>52</b> preferably involves snapping. To this end, base cabinet <b>52</b> and the additional cabinet(s) <b>58</b> are designed snappable to one another, and, to this end, are supplemented with snapping mechanisms <b>66</b>, which preferably also serve as side claw latches for providing extra stability.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention toolcase <b>62</b> includes a case <b>68</b> and an openable cover <b>70</b>. Cover <b>70</b> is preferably fabricated featuring an external groove <b>72</b>. Groove <b>72</b> is usable in supporting rectangular <b>74</b> and/or round <b>76</b> objects (Figures 15a-b). Groove <b>72</b> is preferably asymmetrical in cross section. Preferably, groove <b>72</b> is formed as a recess residing between a first wall <b>78</b> and a second wall <b>80</b> of cover <b>70</b>. Walls <b>78</b> and <b>80</b> are deployed in a V shape.

As best seen in Figures 15a-b, first wall <b>78</b> is deployed 63±15 degrees with respect to cover <b>70</b>, second wall <b>80</b> is deployed 27±15 degrees with respect to cover <b>70</b>, whereas first <b>78</b> and second <b>80</b> walls are deployed 90 degrees with respect to one another.

Groove <b>72</b> is designed to facilitate cutting desired object. Grooves are known in the art for some time and serve to facilitate cutting round objects. However, all prior art grooves, as shown in Figures 14a and 14b, traditionally have symmetric cross sections.

As specifically shown in Figures 15a-b, groove <b>72</b>, on the other hand, is selected asymmetrical. Groove's <b>72</b> architecture is specifically designed to allow cutting both rectangular wood and round pipe elements. To this end, the asymmetry of about 63/27 degrees is preferably selected. This asymmetry dictates that groove's <b>72</b> shortest side is more than half shorter than groove's <b>72</b> longest side, allowing a 2" x 4" wood size to be cut in a stable manner without excess slippage.

The 63/27 degrees feature has been experimentally shown to be the most useful angle for this sort of work, however, it is feasible that for other applications other asymmetric dimensions would prove more adapted. Therefore, according to the present invention groove <b>72</b> may have any asymmetrical or symmetrical design.

As best seen in Figure 16, groove <b>72</b> is preferably formed with grip ribs <b>82</b> on at least a section thereof. Grip ribs <b>82</b> are preferably arranged on the outer edges of groove <b>72</b>. Grip ribs <b>82</b> are designed to provide friction and thereby to minimize the vibration of the material being cut, which tends to vibrate in concert with the saw.

As best seen in Figures 16 and 17a-b, cover <b>70</b> is preferably formed with underlying strengthening ribs <b>84</b>. Underlying strengthening ribs <b>84</b> are preferably deployed crosswise with respect to one another and obliquely with respect to an edge <b>86</b> of cover <b>70</b>, such that triangular shapes <b>88</b> are formed along edge <b>86</b>.

Preferably underlying strengthening ribs are deployed 90 degrees crosswise with respect to one another and 45 degrees with respect to edge <b>86</b> of cover <b>70</b>.

As best seen in Figure 16, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention cover <b>70</b> is formed with external protrusions <b>90</b>. Protrusions <b>90</b> are deployed above, parallel to, underlying strengthening ribs <b>84</b> and serve for at least partially disguising sink marks associated with ribs <b>84</b>. External protrusions <b>84</b> are preferably acquired a diamond shape (◆).

It has been recent practice to heavily rib the underside of plastic toolcase covers to withstand the weight of the average person, who typically will use them as <i>de facto</i> step tools. The "sink marks" that show on the top surface of such covers is noticeable and disguised typically with some sort of decoration running in the same direction of the ribbing.

Figure 16 shows a section of ribs <b>84</b> arrangement on the top left end of cover <b>70</b>. This ribbing preferably runs the entire underside of cover <b>70</b>. As already mentioned hereinabove ribbing <b>84</b> is preferably deployed at 45 degrees orientation with respect to the edge of the cover. Thereby ribs <b>84</b> terminate in triangles <b>88</b> (Figure 17b). The triangular termination around the relatively more sensitive perimeter of the cover is measurably stronger than traditional rectangular ribbing (Figure 17a).

The preferred embodiment is aesthetically enabled by the chosen diamond pattern that overlays the ribs on the top side of the case (Figure 16). Although such diamond patterns are a common anti-slippage icon in the hardware steel industry, this is the first time to have them introduced into the plastic industry to serve as anti-slippage elements and at the same time for disguising rib sinkage marks.

According to another prefered embodiment of the present invention cover <b>70</b> includes a carrying handle <b>92</b>. Canying handle <b>92</b> is preferably foldable into a recession <b>94</b> formed in cover <b>70</b> which is sized and dimensioned for receiving handle <b>92</b> when folded.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention toolcase <b>62</b> includes at least one latch <b>96</b> (two are shown) for securing/locking cover <b>70</b> to case <b>68</b> when closed. Cover <b>70</b> is hingedly connected to case <b>68</b> via a hinge <b>98</b>. Preferably, as best seen in Figure 16, toolcase <b>62</b> includes a front <b>100</b>, sides <b>102</b> and back <b>104</b>, wherein sides <b>102</b> taper toward back <b>104</b>. Front <b>100</b> is preferably curved.

As shown in Figures 18a-b, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention a Logo plate <b>106</b> is added between latches <b>96</b>. Plate <b>106</b> is preferably a separate molded panel which is molded at 90 degrees to the rest of the case, however it appears to be an integral part of the case when assembled, rather than a separate item.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and as specifically shown in Figures 19-22, toolcase <b>62</b> preferably includes a removable tray <b>108</b>, deployable within case <b>68</b>. Tray <b>108</b> preferably includes a tray-handle <b>110</b>. Preferably, as best seen in Figure 19b, tray-handle <b>108</b> nests between side arms <b>110</b> of canying handle <b>92</b> of cover <b>70</b>.

Thus, in sharp contrast with the conventional configuration shown in Figure 19a, wherein the tray handle <b>110</b>' resides below the cover handle, thereby effectively lowering the tray in the case, according to the present invention, the tray handle nests between the vertical arms of the cover handle, rendering the tray about 20 % higher, gaining much requested additional room in the main case.

Furthermore, with the handle residing directly underneath the cover, it now acts as a load bearing member when a user stands on the case, transmitting a partial load through the tray onto the perimeter of the base. One additional benefit is that ribs which are preferably deployed on the underside of the tray can be lighter and use less material.

A common problem with plastic tray handle designs is how to produce a solid feeling handle from both sides. Typically the handle is open from the top (Figure 21a), which functions well but is not attractive, or the handle is open from the bottom (Figure 21b) which looks good but can be painful to the hand.

According to the present invention, as specifically shown in Figures 21c and 22a, an additional piece <b>112</b> is used to fill the area of a handle open from the top by snapping piece <b>112</b> into the top opening. Thereby, both functionality and aesthetic are achieved. This solution offers both solid feeling and looks to the handle and a good surface area for hand comfort.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention drawers assembly <b>60</b> includes a casing <b>114</b> and at least one translating drawer <b>116</b> (two are shown) translatably engaged by casing <b>114</b>. Preferably, as shown in Figure 23, drawer(s) <b>116</b>, aided by reels <b>118</b>, translate over rails <b>120</b> which are connected to, or integrally formed with, casing <b>114</b>.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all of drawers <b>116</b> are securable close via a single securing member <b>121</b> (best seen in Figure 7), which engages securing elements <b>122</b> attached to a the aft of drawers <b>116</b> and protrudes through dedicated holes <b>124</b> formed in casing <b>114</b> (Figure 6).

Preferably, single securing member <b>121</b> is attached to or forms a part of handle <b>56</b>, such that when handle <b>56</b> is retracted securing member <b>121</b> simultaneously secures all of drawers <b>116</b> closed.

It is common for toolbox drawers to have locks on their front side. Due to handle <b>56</b> of assembly <b>50</b> it is possible to have the drawers secured/locked from behind.

In any case, drawers <b>116</b> are preferably supplemented with opening handles <b>123</b>. Handles <b>123</b> are preferably also designed to secure/lock drawers <b>116</b> to casing <b>114</b> when closed.

A common problem associated with cabinets and drawers of any construction is that the drawers have to remain to a significant percentage within the casing of the product even in the extended position to avoid falling out. The drawers assembly described herein is notable for having cabinet rollers appended beyond the extremity of the product. This feature allows the drawers to be pulled out further than would otherwise be possible.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention base cabinet <b>52</b> of rolling containers assembly <b>50</b> includes a casing <b>126</b> to which handle <b>56</b> and wheels <b>54</b> are engaged. Base cabinet <b>52</b> further includes a flipping bin <b>128</b>. Casing <b>126</b> is formed with a housing <b>127</b> for holding handle 56 when extended and for accepting handle <b>56</b> when retracted. Thus, handle <b>56</b> is retractable into, and extendible from, housing <b>127</b>.

Casing <b>126</b> is formed having a base element <b>129</b>. Base <b>129</b> is designed to be in contact with the floor when assembly <b>50</b> is positioned in its upright position. Wheels <b>54</b> are designed to have substantially no or minimal contact with the floor when in the upright position. Wheels <b>54</b> take firm contact with the floor only when assembly <b>50</b> is in its locomoting position, as shown, for example, in Figure <b>24</b>.

Flipping bin <b>128</b> is rotatable with respect to casing <b>126</b> and has an upper opening <b>130</b>. Casing <b>126</b> is preferably formed with an upper rim <b>132</b>. Rim <b>132</b> is supplemented with anchor holes <b>134</b> which serve for attaching strings <b>136</b> (shown in Figure 24) for effecting carriage of desired items on top of base cabinet <b>52</b> when additional cabinet(s) <b>58</b> are removed.

Handle <b>52</b> is preferably formed with additional holes <b>138</b> which further serve for attaching strings <b>136</b> for effecting the carriage of bigger items on top of base cabinet <b>52</b>.

Thus, the anchor holes situated fore and aft at the top of the base cabinet allow the base cabinet and the handle to be used as a separate dolly. This is particularly useful when additional materials have to be carried to the working site.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention reel <b>64</b> is a revolving electrical reel rotatably attached to casing <b>126</b>, within a dedicated recession <b>140</b> formed therein, such that reel <b>64</b> would not protrude from the general outline of base cabinet <b>52</b>.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention reel <b>64</b> is removable (disconnectable/detachable) from casing <b>126</b>, and may function as a standalone reel.

As specifically shown in Figure 25, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention casing <b>126</b> is supplemented with at least two elastic bands <b>142</b>, designed for engaging desired long items <b>144</b> (e.g., a saw) along a side <b>146</b> thereof.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention flipping bin <b>128</b> is rotatably connected to casing <b>126</b> via a hinge, marked by a broken line <b>146</b> in Figure 7, located such that bin <b>128</b> opens when reaches beyond a center of gravity point and closes when is before the center of gravity point, such that bin <b>128</b> fully opens or closes when used. This feature of bin <b>128</b> is effective also when load is loaded therein. Therefore, when used, bin <b>128</b> remains open irrespective of its content load. Conversely bin <b>128</b> remains closed even when not locked in the transportable situation of assembly <b>50</b>, shown, for example in Figure <b>24</b>.

However, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention bin <b>128</b> is equipped with a front lock <b>148</b>, which locks bin <b>128</b> to casing <b>126</b>.

Handle <b>56</b> is deployed on the back side of base cabinet <b>52</b> and is selected conventional in its design, as seen, for example, in rolling luggage pieces, e.g., by SAMSONITE. However, such handles have so far not been employed as described herein.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, handle <b>56</b> is completely detachable from assembly <b>50</b> to allow for separation of the components thereof for storage or transportation in confined spaces i.e., closets or car trunks.

Handle <b>56</b> is attached/detached from base cabinet <b>52</b> via a flexing member <b>150</b>. Flexing members are well known in the art of plastics and require no further description herein.

Reel <b>64</b> is functionally notable for the following features. First, as already mentioned hereinabove, it is removable from casing <b>126</b> and may serve as a separate standalone reel, functioning independently of assembly <b>50</b>. Reel <b>64</b> is locked onto its location (recession <b>140</b>) on casing <b>126</b> by a quarter turn locking mechanism as further detailed hereinbelow.

Current reels for electric cables or other purposes (e.g., garden/pool hoses) share a common construction i.e., a reel comprised of a hollow core and round flanges rotating about an axle. Such reels are typically appended with legs arrangement or a handle to improve functionality.

Reel <b>64</b> according to the present invention appears traditional by intent, but its functionality is quite different form the current art.

As best seen in Figures 10 and 11, reel <b>64</b> includes a front round flange <b>152</b> which is affixed to a core <b>154</b> which revolves. Reel <b>64</b> further includes a back flange <b>156</b> which is affixed to yet another core <b>158</b> which does not revolve. Core <b>154</b> rotatably fits inside core <b>158</b>. Core <b>158</b> therefore acts as an axle for core <b>154</b> and flange <b>152</b> to revolve on. Functionality of such an arrangement would be significantly impaired without a revolving back flange to cany the weight of the cord and prevent friction. To this end, front flange <b>152</b> and core <b>154</b> cany several (e.g., three or more) paddles <b>160</b> deployed at the rear end of core <b>154</b>.

When assembled paddles <b>160</b> lay against static back flange <b>156</b>, rotating thereon. Paddles <b>160</b> effectively cany the weight of the cord preventing spread and allowing the otherwise revolving rear flange to act as a static mounting point.

As best seen in Figures 26a-b two protrusions <b>164</b> formed in recession <b>140</b> of casing <b>126</b> are camming into corresponding holes <b>162</b> formed in backplate <b>156</b>, serving to lock/unlock plate <b>156</b> to assembly <b>50</b> by a quarter of a turn.

Back plate <b>156</b> is supplemented with a lever <b>166</b>. Lever <b>166</b> is positioned such that when plate <b>156</b> is in its locked position, lever is pulled over a dedicated protrusion <b>167</b> (best seen in Figure 2), formed in casing <b>126</b>, thereby securing reel <b>64</b> in its locked position, such that inadvertent disconnection of reel <b>64</b> from base cabinet <b>52</b> becomes practically impossible.

Reel <b>64</b> is preferably further supplemented with a revolving handle <b>170</b> asymmetrically attached to front plate <b>152</b> for releasing a cord engaged thereon.

Figures 27-31 show another embodiment of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention, which is referred to hereinbelow as assembly <b>200</b>.

Like assembly <b>50</b>, assembly <b>200</b> includes a base cabinet <b>202</b> which is supplemented with wheels <b>204</b> for locomoting rolling containers assembly <b>200</b>.

Assembly <b>200</b> further includes at least one additional cabinet <b>206</b> which is removably connectable (by snapping) on top <b>208</b> of base cabinet <b>202</b>.

Additional cabinet <b>206</b> includes a pulling handle <b>210</b> for effecting locomotion.

According to a preferred embodiment additional cabinet <b>208</b> is a clamshell style case <b>212</b> and/or a carousel organizer <b>214</b>.

Carousel organizer <b>214</b> includes a revolving drawer <b>215</b> which rotates radially about a fixed point and therefore allows for more complete access of contents than a conventional drawer which is required to remain partially in the container.

According to a preferred embodiment base cabinet <b>202</b> includes accessories <b>218</b> anchor points <b>220</b>. Accessories <b>218</b> may be of any type. Accessories <b>218</b> anchor points <b>220</b> serve as a custom attachment feature present on base cabinet <b>202</b> which allows various molded components with different functionality to be attached thereon to tune the product for specific purposes (e.g., fishing, gardening, etc.). Other features of assembly <b>200</b> are similar to those described hereinabove with respect to assembly <b>50</b>.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention all of the components of the rolling containers assembly are injected plastic components.

Thus, the present invention relates to improvements to toolboxes for industrial and home/hobby applications.

The rolling containers assembly according to the present invention is the first modular rolling workshop having a retractable/extendible handle system.

Breaking the assembly into three vertically modular components provides several functional advantages.

First, the total weight is dividable for purposes of lifting the assembly over steps, into car trunks, etc.

Second, the vertical configuration is ergonomically practical when accessing the assembly's interior.

Third, when disassembled the assembly according to the present invention is storable is small confinements, such as the trunk of an average sedan.

Finally, the modular vertical nature of the rolling containers assembly according to the present invention allows a user to take "as much as he needs".

Thus, for small jobs the toolcase or the toolcase and the drawers assembly can be deployed with the traditional side claw latches.

In any case, when the toolcase and drawers assembly are removed the remaining base cabinet and back handle transform into a dolly for additional load carrying.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.