Tool storage units with integrated power

Abstract

The present invention broadly relates to a tool storage unit with an integrated power strip. In some embodiments, the power strip is movable with a compartment of the tool storage unit. In other embodiments, the power strip is stationary. The compartment is adapted to provide access to the power strip when the compartment is open.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tool storage unit, comprising:
 a compartment movable between open and closed positions;   a power strip coupled to and movable with the compartment, wherein the power strip is accessible via the compartment when the compartment is in the open position; and   a power cable extending from the power strip and adapted to couple to a power source,   wherein the power cable includes a coiled portion which is adapted to allow the power cable to uncoil when the compartment is moved to the open position, and recoil the power cable when the compartment is moved to the closed position.   
     
     
         2 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the coiled portion includes an elastic material adapted to recoil the power cable to a rest position when the compartment is moved to the closed position. 
     
     
         3 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the coiled portion includes a spring wrapped about an exterior of the coiled portion, wherein the spring is adapted to recoil the power cable to a rest position when the compartment is moved to the closed position. 
     
     
         4 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the coiled portion comprises a wrapping adapted to recoil the power cable to a rest shape when the compartment is moved to the closed position. 
     
     
         5 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , further comprising a telescoping support with an end coupled to the interior surface of the wall of the tool storage unit, wherein the telescoping support includes a segmented portion and is adapted to allow the power cable to extend when the compartment is moved to the open position, and retract the power cable when the compartment is moved to the closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The tool storage unit of  claim 5 , wherein the power cable is disposed around an exterior of the telescoping support. 
     
     
         7 . The tool storage unit of  claim 5 , wherein the power cable is disposed in an interior of the telescoping support. 
     
     
         8 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the power strip includes at least one power outlet. 
     
     
         9 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the compartment includes a lock adapted to lock the compartment in the closed position. 
     
     
         10 . The tool storage unit of  claim 1 , wherein the power strip includes at least one of a 110-120 V AC power outlet, a 220-240 V AC power outlet, and a 12 V power outlet.