Apparatus for positioning tools and parts at a point of use

Abstract

An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and an instructional manual at a point of use includes an arm formed by a plurality of elongated sections which are pivotable and adjustable in a horizontal plane. A rack and pinion device with a manually operable crank is provided for mounting and moving the arm in a vertical direction. A tray is attached to a distal end of the arm.

1 . An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and an instructional manual at a point of use, said apparatus comprising: 
 (a) an arm means;    (b) means engageable with a first end of said arm means for connecting said arm means to a vertical stationary structure and for selectively moving said arm means in a predetermined direction; and    (c) means connected to a second end of said arm means for operatively storing such at least one of a tool, part and instructional manual.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said arm means includes an elongated base member and a plurality of telescopic elongated sections, wherein said elongated base member includes said first end of said arm means and wherein one of said plurality of telescopic elongated sections includes said second end of said arm means.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus, according to  claim 2 , wherein said arm means further includes a locking means for selectively securing each telescopic section in one of an extended and a collapsed position.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus includes a first plurality of elongated sections and a second plurality of pivot means for pivotally attaching said plurality of elongated sections together, said plurality of elongated sections are movable anywhere between an extended position wherein each of said plurality of elongated members are positioned along a common longitudinal axis and a folded position wherein each of said plurality of elongated sections are positioned adjacent such stationary structure.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus, according to  claim 4 , wherein said arm means further includes a plurality of locking means for securing each elongated section in at least said extended position.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus includes a pivot means for pivotally attaching said first end of said arm means to said mounting and moving means.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus, according to  claim 6 , wherein said pivot means includes a pin member having a base secured to one of said mounting and moving means and said arm means and a threaded stem which extends outwardly from said base and through an opposed one of said mounting and moving means and said arm means.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus, according to  claim 7 , wherein said apparatus further includes a lever having a threaded aperture engaging said threaded stem, said lever manually operable for securing said first end of said arm means to said pivot and mounting means.  
   
   
       9 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting and moving means includes: 
 (a) a toothed rack;    (b) a pair of brackets for positioning said toothed rack in a vertical direction and for attaching said toothed rack in a spaced relationship to such stationary structure;    (c) a pinion means operatively coupled to said toothed rack and to said first end of said arm means; and    (d) a crank means connected to said pinion means for selectively moving said arm means in a vertical direction.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said connecting and moving means includes: 
 (a) a toothed rack;    (b) a pair of guide rails;    (c) a mounting means for attaching said pair of rails to such stationary structure and for horizontally positioning said pair of rails in a parallel spaced relationship with each other;    (d) an attachment means for positioning said toothed rack in a vertical direction and for attaching said toothed rack to said pair of rails for movement in a horizontal direction;    (e) a pinion means coupled to said toothed rack and to said first end of said arm means; and    (f) a crank means connected to said pinion means for selectively moving said arm means in a vertical direction.    
   
   
       11 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein such stationary structure is one of a wall, a column, a partition and a workbench.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further includes at least one electric outlet secured to one of said arm means and said storage means and an electric cord connected to said at least one electric outlet and extending towards said connecting and moving means for connection to a source of electric current.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further includes a light fixture secured to one of said arm means and said storage means and an electric cord connected to said light fixture and extending towards said connecting and moving means for connection to a source of electric current.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus further includes at least one air chuck secured to one of said arm means and said storage means and an air hose connected to said at least one air chuck and extending towards said connecting and moving means for connection to a source of pressurized air.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus, according to  claim 1 , wherein said storage means includes a tray having each of a predetermined shape and a predetermined size.  
   
   
       16 . The apparatus, according to  claim 15 , wherein said tray includes a shaft portion attached to a bottom surface thereof and pivotally engaging a bore disposed in said second end of said arm means.  
   
   
       17 . The apparatus, according to  claim 15 , wherein said tray includes at least one cavity formed therein for storing at least one of a plurality of tools and a plurality of parts.  
   
   
       18 . An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and an instructional manual at a point of use, said apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a base means for moving and stabilizing said apparatus;    (b) an elongated member vertically attached to said base means;    (c) an arm means which is one of telescopic and foldable;    (d) means engageable with a first end of said arm means for connecting said arm means to said elongated member and for selectively moving said arm means in a vertical direction; and    (e) means connected to a second end of said arm means for storing such one of tools, parts and instructional manuals.    
   
   
       19 . An apparatus for positioning at least one of a tool, a part and an instructional manual at a point of use, said apparatus comprising: 
 (a) an arm having a predetermined length;    (b) means engageable with a first end of said arm means for connecting said arm means to a stationary structure; and    (c) means connected to a second end of said arm means for storing such one of tools, parts and instructional manuals.