Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many common objects in the household and workplace need to be organized in a
manner
where they are readily available and at hand. Many sorts of brackets, tool
boxes, hangers,
and the like exist to allow a user to place an object such as a tool in effort
to organize or
store the tool, and generally in the proximity of other like tools. Those
products that make
the task of organizing tools, pens, toothbrushes, and like cylindrical
objects, and
permitting the ease of selection and retrieval of such an object as well as
replacement are
successful in making a task easier for a user. Those products also include a
means to
mount the organizer to a surface in proximity to the task succeed in making
the product
efficient. There are several types of mounts, brackets, and hangers that
succeed in
organizing tools, but generally at the cost of having a number of parts, some
of them
quite expensive, which require assembly, or have mechanical parts that may
fail or take
up space where another solution may have been more efficient. Other solutions,
from the
basic workshop wooden rack with holes drilled into it to support screwdrivers,
or
brackets for toothbrushes, are all limited to support a tool that fits the
hole intended for it;
to big and the tool may not enter; too small and it rnay not be well
supported, especially
with a top-heavy handle. What conventional tool supports have in common are
inherent
material limitations. In order to achieve the support, entry, and fastening of
tools to a tool
holder for the purpose of organizing them, a number of parts are required
because
existing materials used for such a purpose, such as plastic and metal, do not
permit all
these features to exist in one part. Elastomer, however, is a material that
will permit,
through the design of the part and due to its unique balance between
elasticity and
rigidity, the support, entry, and fastening of a tool to a tool holder
comprised of elastomer
in a single part.
Toothbrush holders in particular have become redundant as recent popularity in
designer
toothbrushes with large, ergonomic handles have prevented them from being
placed
inside the holes of the conventional cast, plastic, and sheet metal holders.
An elastomeric
device can support and organize a family's toothbrushes that have a wide range
of handle
dimensions as the elastomer permits deflection to accommodate a wide range of
toothbrush sizes. Often a tool such as a toothbrush has large proximal and
distal ends -
but a narrow neck. The ends prevent insertion into a standard stiff bracket,
however with
an elastomeric bracket the toothbrush neck can be pushed through a narrow
passage into
the support hole as the material deflects to accommodate such a force.
SPECIFICATION
The Organizing Device is an elastomeric object holder that may hold any sort
of
nominally long, nominally cylindrical object such as screwdrivers and other
tools, pens,
brooms, toothbrushes, even Christmas tree branches and lights. The invention
comprises
of an elastomeric body that has one or a plurality of holes with narrow
passages leading
to them from a perimeter where by the tool can be made to pass through the
narrow
passage into the hole, or downward directly into the hole. The narrow passage
of the
elastomeric material would deflect to permit the entry of the object into the
Organizing
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
Device. Once within the support hole, the narrow passage would return to a
neutral state,
holding the object within captive, well supported, and organized. The
invention would
benefit by having the more flexible gripping flanges at the holes to permit
objects smaller
than the actual hole size to be held captive sufficiently by an element of
static friction.
The objects, hereafter noted as 'tool' and 'tools', can likewise be easily
removed by the
user pulling the tool distally out through the narrow passage or outwards of
the support
hole.
The invention can be made more compact and easier to manufacture than other
such
concepts as since a single elastomeric device body comprises a general body
supporting
the other features, a hole or holes to hold a tool or other object singly or
in collection
together, and entry passage from a perimeter of the general body to each hole,
flexible
gripping flanges to accommodate and hold secure a wide range of nominal part
diameters
of the tool, a mounting feature such as a hole, and possibly a support flange
or flanges
with features that support assembly to a support structure, support surface,
or support
bracket that is the intermediary between the general body and the support
structure or
surface. Therefore as one body, the elastomeric device requires no assembly of
parts as
mentioned of features integral to the general device body, as such as there is
no assembly
of parts, the design can be more efficient to eliminate space needed for part
thicknesses,
tolerances, space to permit mechanical movement of a part, etc.
The organizing device and system and/or configuration of devices disclosed
herein were
designed to provide a solution for effective and aesthetic tool support and
organization.
The preferred embodiment of the device is a single entity integrally made of
pliable
material, such as injection molded thermoplastic elastomer, to permit elastic
deformation
of the device body or features on the device that are both temporal and
impermanent;
these deformations allow the entry of tools into support holes of
predetermined size in the
device, deformations which afterwards relax to a neutral state, holding the
tools within.
The neutral state is defined herein as the state or orientation of features in
the device as
they were at manufacture and that the device maintains or returns to without
the presence
of external forces. The addition of pliable flanges extending from the support
holes
provides a measure of positive connection to a range of tool part diameters.
The device may be fashioned with variations in design, and in a variety of
colors and
translucencies, to make the product attractive both at point of purchase and
in use. Color
may be employed at discreet portions around support holes to code the support
holes to
discriminate the tools within them. Other signifiers like symbols may also be
employed
for the same. The material may be fashioned in a variety of durometers to
impart stiffness
or softness, or stickyness, depending on requirements of application and the
specific
features may have specific durometers that can be facilitated by the process
of co-
injection, overmolding or assembly, or stiffness variation imparted by
thickness of
material as fashioned. Where requirements for specific durometers, or degrees
of
hardness and stiffness, are met in an embodiment that requires co-injection,
overmolding
or assembly, certain portions like the general device body can be made of
relatively
stiffer and harder material, such as polypropylene (an olefin), and other
portions that
require deflection and elastic properties as disclosed in this specification
can be made of
Z
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softer, more pliable material, such as thermoplastic olefin, a variant of
thermoplastic
elastomer that shows excellent molecular adhesion to other olefins such as
polypropylene. An embodiment of the device would be a compact form such as a
disk or
plate.
The invention could have design variations to permit, for example, arrangement
in a
linear group, or dispersed in an irregular pattern, to be held plurally within
a bracket, or
held individually within individual brackets to be arranged together or ad hoc
as required.
The organizer device can be used to support and organize Christmas tree lights
to tree
branches in a manner to make them more visible. The devices can take the
appearance of
stars, snowflakes, and the like to be thematic.
The invention may also benefit from having a support flange or flanges for
supporting the
device by way of fasteners or into a support structure. A hole in a support
flange can be
disposed to permit a fastener such as a screw to pass through into a support
structure in
order to support it. Do to the elastomeric nature of the invention, a screw
may also be
driven through the material of the body of the invention without requiring a
pre-made
hole. Support flanges can also be employed to support the invention to all
manner of
brackets. An embodiment of the invention features a portion of the posterior
of the
elastomeric device body fashioned as a suction cup to permit fastening by
means of
creating a vacuum. Another embodiment features holes or slots by way entry of
a tie-
wrap, strap, or rope into the hole or slot that holds the device captive in
the tie-wrap,
strap, or rope, wherein such a utility a number of devices may be likewise
fastened to
comprise a group. Such a fastening means may be tie-wrapped to a table-leg or
duct,
strapped to a user's arm, leg, or wrist, or other body part, or supported over
a space by a
rope. Such list of fastening means is not meant to be limiting to the many
possibilities of
supporting this unique, elastomeric organizing device for tools and the like.
The organizer device generally has features to permit it to be supported to a
support
device or support surface. In some instances the elastomeric body itself has
means for
fastening to a surface, such as by driving a screw through the device body, or
a hole in a
support flange, or the elastomeric body can be supported by a more substantial
support
bracket. The latter is generally employed to hold collectively several modular
inventions
such that a group of devices can be assembled as required. The system is
considered
modular in that the number of like devices required to perform the tasks of
wire
management and support may vary depending on need, and is flexible to permit
changes
in the number to reflect changes in need. In other instances, support brackets
hold the
elastomeric bodies of the invention individually to support them in a group
collectively,
where the modularity and individuality of them permit the user to place them
at spacings
that accommodate different size tools, to be placed between obstacles or other
tool
organizing devices, or be individually mounted ad hoc to surfaces as need
requires.
Such support brackets could be an extruded aluminum or plastic C-Shape bracket
with a
forward facing slot where the device bodies are slid into the bracket from the
open side,
where by the supporting means and tool holding hole protrudes free through the
forward
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facing slot to receive a tool, and a support flange on the elastomeric body is
retained
within the extruded bracket and held there by flanges on the aluminum body at
the slot
that has the purpose of retaining the devices. Other brackets include a flat
plate with
punched metal recesses to receive support flanges of a device, or individual
cast or
injection molded brackets that receive a single device in a captive manner,
having
fastening means on its posterior side. Any such bracket can be fastened to a
support
structure or surface by fasteners, adhesives, adhesive tapes, magnets, suction
cups and the
like. The product can be marketed to meet specific requirements for mounting,
or include
a number of options the user can choose from to make the product work with
their
fastening requirements. A typical bracket could be an L-shaped bracket that
supports a
circular device with a plurality of tool holding holes to support toothbrushes
on a
bathroom wall. An alternative embodiment of the invention is a general device
body that
can be inserted into a grommet that is supported by a support structure. The
tools
generally enter from the top of each tool hole, wherein flexible flanges
accommodate a
wide range of tool diameters.
In some cases the support of a tool, such as a screw driver by its thin metal
drive rather
than by the thick handle, requires additional support to prevent a force
caused by a
moment on the tool's top-heavy handle to force the tool out of place, and this
can be
achieved by having two or more devices spaced a distance apart to support a
tool at two
points to prevent a point of rotation at an axis which could be the case where
only one
organizing device exists.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A tool organizing and support device as illustrated in FIG. 1 is comprised of
a device
body 1 comprising of a compact form, such as nominally flat, compact disk or
plate, or
group of branches fashioned or connectible together to form the device body 1,
shown
here as a compact disc with portions made of pliable material, a plurality of
discreet tool
holes 2 of predetermined size nominally disposed near a perimeter 3 of the
device body 1
with narrow passages 4, narrower than the width of a tool 5 (shown as a
section), between
the perimeter 3 and each of the tool holes 2 such that the tool 5 may be
forced to pass
through a narrow passage 4, causing elastic deformation of the pliable
material at the
narrow passage 4, and be connectible and held circumferentially or at a
perimeter 7 by a
tool hole 2 by act of static friction between the surfaces of the tool 5 and
the pliable
material at the tool hole 2, wherein the pliable material deformed at the
narrow passage 4
returns to a relaxed neutral state to further hold the tool S in the device by
barring the
narrow passage 4 to the tool 5 by virtue of it being narrower than the width
of the tool 5
when in the neutral state, the plurality of tool holes 2 devised to hold
individual tools 5
separate from each other to organize them and hold the tool 5 or tools 5 by
the static
friction. A flange 6 or flanges 6 extending from a hole perimeter 7 of a tool
hole 2,
directed toward the center of the tool hole 2 and nominally more thin and
pliable than the
general device body 1, act to hold a tool 5 smaller in diameter or size than
the tool hole 2
by static friction, the flange 6 or flanges 6 being pliable enough to permit
their elastic
deformation 6' to accommodate a range of tool diameters not larger than the
diameter of
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
the tool hole 2 or the diameter permitted by the elasticity of the hole
perimeter 7 at tool
hole 2. Tool holes 2 can be fashioned to be round to accommodate round tools 5
such as
screw drivers, or rectangular, square, hexagonal, etc. to accommodate other
tools 5 such
as kitchen tools with flat handles that are rectangular in cross-section like
ladles
manufactured from sheet metal, or hex keys. Tool hole 2 diameters therefore
can be read
hereon to include any shaped perimeter 7 of a tool hole 2, the shape being
conditionally
on the type of tool 5 the organizing device 1 was manufactured to organize and
support.
Support means 19, as shown in Figure 3 and 6 as a support flange 21, may also
be a part
of the general device body 1, making manufacture efficient as the composition
of features
requires no assembly. In some cases however, a secondary support structure 20
not a part
of the general device body 1 can be affixed to the device at support means 19
by way of a
support hole 34 in one embodiment. In all instances some form of support means
19 is
required as the device functions to support and organize tools by being
affixed or rested
on a stable structure or surface.
Embodiments of the invention can be configured with tool hole 2 diameters that
accommodate the tool 5 at a tool neck Sa or tool handle Sb. Embodiments of the
invention include device bodies 1 that include no narrow passages 4 and
portions or
elements resulting therefrom so that a tool 5 can only enter axially to the
tool hole 2 and
be fractionally held, as seen in FIG.s 18, 19, 20, 29, and 31 through 34, and
does so
provided the tool hole 2 is large enough for the largest part of a tool 5
required to enter,
and yet having the flexible flanges 6 that deflect and return to hold smaller
portions of a
tool 5 where the tool 5 is said to be held in place. Many tools 5, like an
ergonomic
toothbrush, have a handle Sb that is thick that a user can hold and a tool
head Sc that
performs the task of the tool 5, between which is a narrow neck Sa, which
occurs either
transitionally or abruptly from the other parts mentioned. In the act of
storing and
organizing a tool in a device 1, one of three possibilities will typically
occur, and the
same applies for retrieval: the tool S is placed handle Sb first into a tool
hole 2 where it is
held at the tool hole 2 along the handle's Sb length or at the neck Sa of the
tool, which is
seen as being more secure as the narrowness of the neck Sa and the thickness
of the
handle Sb makes the tool 5 more captive; in another action the tool head Sc is
placed into
the tool hole 2, where the tool 5 again is held along either the neck Sa or
the handle Sb, or
the tool 2 at a portion is pushed laterally through the narrow passage 4 if so
deployed in
an embodiment into a tool hole 2 where it is considered captive.
The invention can be manufactured by several different processes to achieve
desired
features and material properties, both as an integrally manufactured, one-part
device, or
as an assembly of parts. Injection molding thermoplastic elastomer is the
preferred
process of manufacture however the invention can also be fashioned by die-
cutting
pliable material or extruding thermoplastic elastomer, as depicted in FIG. 23.
Each
method employs procedures and designs that enable the pliability of discreet
features to
be controlled so that some are more pliable, whereas others may be stiff. Some
elastomers are sticky to the touch and as such may be employed to provide
strain relief of
a tool 5 (shown as a section) within a tool hole 2 by imparting a greater
degree of static
friction between these features. Pliable materials employed in die-cutting may
include
S'
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rubber, neoprene, or any other cast, extruded or expanded foam sheet material.
One method of controlling pliability of discreet features is to vary part
thickness, as
depicted in FIG.s 1, 2, 4 through 23, 25, 27, 28, and 30 through 37. A tool
organizing
device can comprise a device body 1 of varied thickness to permit thinner
portions such
as flanges 6 to be pliable, such as to allow elastic deformation of the narrow
passage 4 to
permit entry of a tool 5 to a tool hole 2, and other, thicker portions to be
rigid to make a
device body 1 that provides support of the tools 5 captive at flanges 6
extending from the
thicker material at hole perimeters 7. In die-cut and extruded parts, the
variance in
thickness can only occur as shaped in a die and in directions perpendicular to
forces used
in manufacture, as depicted in FIG. 23. Injection molding can employ variance
in
material thickness within the mold cavity. FIG.s 1, 5, 19 through 21, and 23
show the
deflection 6' of flanges 6 caused by elastic deformation when a tool is
inserted within a
tool hole 2. FIG 26 shows visually imperceptible elastic deformation of a hole
perimeter
7 when a tool 5 is inserted within a tool hole 2 that does not have flanges
wherein the tool
hole 2 was fashioned to match the gauge of the tool 5 to permit an element of
static
friction between them that utilizes a control of tolerance to do so.
Varying material durometers, as permitted by the injection molding processes
of co-
injection and overmolding, permit portions of lower durometer 91 to be pliable
(generally
below durometer 80 Shore A), such as to allow elastic deformation of the
narrow passage
4 to permit entry of a tool 5 to a tool hole 2, and other portions of higher
durometer 92 to
be more rigid (generally above durometer 80 Share A), to make a device body 1
that
provides support of the tools 5 at the tool holes 2, as depicted in FIG. 24.
Controlling pliability may also be possible by making an assembly of parts as
depicted in
FIG. 25, wherein the device body 1 comprises a rigid frame of material with a
plurality of
keyholes 8 near the perimeter 3, the keyholes 8 being narrow near the
perimeter 3 and
wider toward the center 9 of the device body 1, to permit the assembly of tool
holders 10
made of pliable material thereto, each of the tool holders 10 fashioned in the
shape of a
keyhole 8 with a fastening channel 11 around the tool holder perimeter 12 to
be fixable
within the keyholes 8 by deforming portions of the extremities of the channels
11 of the
tool holders 10 while inserting it into place within the keyholes 8 wherein
the deformed
portions will return to a neutral state, each of the pliable tool holders 10
comprising the
features of the narrow passage 4, the hole perimeter 7 and portions extending
therefrom,
such as flanges 6.
The invention may also exhibit other features to help provide greater degrees
of tool
capture and strain relief.
To improve tool capture and retention, FIG. 26 depicts an embodiment of the
invention
wherein the narrow passage 4 does not extending radially from the adjacent
tool hole 2
with a clear view of the center 13 of the tool hole 2 such that it provides a
measure that
prevents a tool 5 (shown as a section) from being forced out of the tool hole
2 by a force
perpendicular 14 to an axis 15 corresponding to the center 13.
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
To improve strain relief, FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of the invention
wherein a
pliable tool support 16 extending from a tool hole 2 at a portion of its hole
perimeter 7,
extending nominally parallel to the axis 15 of the tool hole 2, is intended to
further
support a portion of a tool 5 located in the tool hole 2 to prevent pressure
being placed on
a narrow portion of the tool 5 at the hole perimeter 7 of the tool hole 2
should a force be
exerted on the tool 5, and to provide greater surface contact between the tool
5 and the
device to provide more static friction, serving to provide a degree of strain
relief.
FIG. 10 depicts a tool support 28 that extends from the perimeter 3 of the
tool hole 2 in a
conic fashion toward the axis 15 to provide a narrow sleeve nominally smaller
in
diameter than the tool 5, the insertion of the tool 5 therein causing elastic
deformation of
the tool support 16 to create a circumferential force on the tool 5 that
increases static
friction and functions to grip the tool 5 to provide a greater degree of
strain relief. The
tool supports 16 can be fashioned with relief slits 17 to separate portions of
tool supports
16 so as to functions as flanges 6 to permit ease of deflection as required.
FIG. 2 depicts another embodiment of the device without the presence of
flanges 6, in
which the plurality of discreet tool holes 2 is comprised of a range of tool
hole 2
diameters to permit tools of different diameters to be attached and benefiting
from a
measure of elastic deformation at the hole perimeters 7 to permit static
friction of the
material at the hole perimeter 7 to the tool 5 inserted therein. In such a
configuration, the
tool hole 2 diameters would typically be fashioned to match standard tool
gauges, the
sizes of which would be predicted by the application of the device. Chamfered
or rounded
edges at the perimeter entrance 4' to a narrow passage 4 facilitates entry of
a tool into the
device body 1 in that the notch at the perimeter entrance 4', created by the
chamfering or
rounding of the edges, permits a tool to register thereto in a funnel-like
manner and
permits the tool to be pushed into said narrow passage without slipping
against an
otherwise uniform perimeter 3. Due to the simplicity and lack of small
details, the
composition of the device as represented in FIG. 2 would benefit from die-cut
manufacturing.
As depicted in FIG. 3, embodiments of the invention employ features so the
invention
can interface with support means 19 fixable to a support structure 20, or
directly to
support structures 20 themselves; the term support means 19 is used herein to
be
inclusive of support structures 20 as well. The various forms of support means
19 fixable
to support structures 20 utilize fastening elements such as screws, rivets,
adhesive tapes,
and suction cups, and these may be used interchangeably in some embodiments
depending on application and mating surface properties. As depicted in FIG. 3,
support
means 19 can be an integrally fashioned part of the invention; support means
19 depicted
as a foot or support flange 21 that descends from a portion of the perimeter 3
of the
device that is fixable to a surface 18 on a support structure 20 by fastening
means such as
a screw that passes through a mounting hole 22 in the support flange 21. An
external part,
like a suction cup, magnet, hook, and the like can be inserted in a captive
manner into the
mounting hole 22 as well.
FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention where the support
means 19 is
1
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
a bracket made of sturdy material such as cast aluminum insertable at a device
mounting
point 50 at an extremity 82 of a standoff 81 of the support means 19 by way of
the
support hole 34. A portion of the extremity 82 passes into the support hole 34
keeping the
device 1 Laterally stable and another portion comprising a standoff 81 that
keeps the
device 1 axially stable, shown in Fig. 4 as supporting the device body 1 from
the effects
of gravity. Support flanges 21 extend from the support means 19 to mate
against a
support surface 18 (not shown) of a support structure 20 such as a wall.
Mounting holes
22 permit affixing to a support surface 18 by use of fasteners, but other
methods can be
employed, such as adhesive tape.
The invention can also be employed to isolate a tool 5 or tools 5 from its
surrounding
environment. As depicted in FIG. 5, the device is restable on a surface 18
(not shown)
like a bathroom counter by support structure 20, the device configured with
appropriate
spacing between the tool holes 2 providing a measure to prevent a tool 5 from
coming
into contact with the surface 18, other tools 5 or objects in the surrounding
environment
by providing necessary distance at the tool hole 2 of the device between the
surface 18 or
objects and tool 5 within the tool hole 2. FIG. 5 shows the example of a tool
5 as a
toothbrush 5 with a thick handle and a narrow neck that can only be inserted
in the tool
hole 2 through the narrow passage 4, wherein it is held by friction, away from
objects in
the surrounding environment like the bathroom counter, bathroom wall, and
other
toothbrushes 5. In much the same manner can the embodiment described in FIG. 4
isolate
a tool 5 from other objects in its environment. Other objects that would
benefit from
isolation would be medical tools or paint brushes. Isolation prevents Local
contamination
of the tool 5 or from the tool 5.
Figs 5, 35, 36, and 37 depict an embodiment of the invention wherein the
device
mounting point can comprise of a bead or pronounced lip 85 extending from an
narrow
extension 84 at the extremity 82 such that the pronounced lip 85 is forced to
pass through
a support hole 34 in the center of a device 1 disposed to fasten to the
external support
means 19, the pronounced lip 85 being nominally larger than the support hole
34 so that
when passing through the support hole 34, the pronounced Lip 85 deflects the
pliable
material of the device I at the support hole 34, the pliable material
returning to the neutral
state within the channel 86 around the extension 84 where it is considered
fastened in
place. A ledge 81a is formed at the general body of the standoff 81 at the
opposing end of
the extension 84 that forms a channel between the general body of the standoff
and the
pronounced lip 85 at the extremity 82; the ledge 81a of the standoff 81
supports the
device 1 and prevents it from moving along a portion of the support means by
barnng
travel along the support hole 34 by being larger than the support hole 34.
Since the
support hole 34 can be round in embodiments of the invention, the device body
1 can be
axially rotatible to make tool 5 selection facile. Support structure 20 has a
flat bottom 128
in these embodiments to rest stably on a support surface 18 (not shown).
FIG. 36 is a section view III-III of the assembly as described in FIG. 35
clearly depicting
an extremity 82 of the standoff 81 having an extension 84 with a pronounced
lip 85 that
forms a channel 86 between the pronounced Lip 85 and the general body of the
standoff
81.
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
FIG.s 35, 36, and 37 show a cavity 119 in the support structure 20 that can be
utilized to
hold all manner of small tools 5 not suitable to be held in the tool holes 2
If the tool
organizing and support device is employed to hold pens, pencils, highlighters
and the
like, then the cavity 119 could hold paperclips and the like; likewise if the
invention is
employed to support and organize toothbrushes, the cavity 119 could hold
toothpaste
tubes and the like. In FIG. 27, the cavity 119 can also hold or contain
portions of the tools
5, which is beneficial if there are such tools 5 so mounted such as leaky pens
or wet
brushes and the like to keep them from soiling the surrounding environment.
As depicted in FIG. 31, the invention can be configured to be mountable to an
aperture 23
(or hole) in a support structure 20 such as sheet material. The aperture is
circumferentially connectable to the device within a channel 24 integrally
disposed
around the perimeter 3 of the device and be fixable thereto, the device
pliable enough to
allow elastic deformation of sidewalk 25 on one side of the channel 24 to pass
through
the aperture 23 and to relax into a neutral state on the posterior side 26 of
the aperture 23,
whereby the support means 19 at the aperture 23 is held between sidewalls 25
on both
sides of the channel 24 circumferentially.
FIG. 32 depicts added means for strain relief, wherein a portion of the
material at the
perimeter 3 near an entrance 4' to a passage 4 to a tool hole 2 of the device
is deflected
inwards when the device is inserted into the aperture 23 creating clamping
pressure to the
tool 5 within the tool hole 2 that adds a high measure of strain relief.
FIG.s 33 and 34 show a tool organizing device fixed to support means 19,
installed in an
aperture 23 of a support structure 20 through the procedure as described in
the text
correlating to FIG. 31 and 32. FIG. 33 shows a perspective view of the
installation, FIG
34 is a section view lf-II of this installation, showing the aperture 23
captive between
sidewalk 25 of a channel 24 at the perimeter 3 of the device.
FIG 19 depicts support means 19 that, at an interior perimeter 38, is
connectable to the
device nominally around the perimeter 3 of the device, whereby the device is
pliable
enough to be elastically deformed into a channel 39 within the interior
perimeter 38 of the
support means 19 and be held therein, wherein the support means 19 has a tool
passage
40 that exits along a portion of the interior perimeter 38 to an exterior
perimeter 41 to
facilitate the entry of tools 5 (tool 5 is shown as a section in perspective
where the tool
handle is not shown) connectable to the device axially. Support means 19 can
be
fashioned as a grommet 42 connectable to a support structure 20, such as a
table, shelf, or
cabinet panel.
FIG. 20 depicts a section view II-II of an assembly of the device 1 within a
grommet 42
in a support structure 20, wherein support means 19 in the form of a ledge 43,
upon
which the device at the perimeter 3 rests, within an interior channel 44 of
the grommet 42
placed in an aperture 23 in the support structure 20 fashioned to allow the
passage of
tools 5 (tool 5 is shown passing axially through tool hole 2 and deflecting
flanges 6 in the
section) through the support structure 20 via the grommet 42. Such an
embodiment of the
9
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
invention would benefit the dental, medical, or painter industries where the
device 1 can
be supported in support structures such as dental or medical instrument tables
to support a
surgery tool 5, or the top cap or step of a painter's ladder or on an Basle to
support a paint
brush S.
FIG.s 21 and 22 depicts a unique application for an organizing device where by
the
device 1, showing an ornamental design as a snowflake or star-like Christmas
tree
ornament, can be clipped to a tree branch 12S by way of a tool hole 2. A
support hole 34
is shown to support and organize a Christmas tree light 126, where the device
permits a
user determined orientation of the light by fastening it to a support means,
in this case a
tree branch 125. Since the device employs a number of tool holes 2, two or
more
branches 125 can be connected to the device l, with the purpose of closing an
annoying
hole or space between tree braches 12S which is an aesthetic method to
organize the look
of the tree 125. The device 1 can therefore be used as an ornament that can be
organized
and supported on a tree 125 by user preference, one that also organizes tree
or other plant
branches 125, a light 126 support mountable to a support structure 20 for
support and
organization, or as specifically illustrated an embodiment that incorporates
both
functions.
FIG 30 depicts support means 19 comprising a hook detail 47 fashioned at an
extremity
disposed for fastening to a support structure 20, generally in the shape of
the letter C,
connectible to an edge 48 of the support structure 20 whereby the edge 48 of
the support
structure 20 is restable within the C-shaped hook detail 47 and generally held
in
compression by deflecting arms 49 comprising the C-shape of the hook detail
47.
FIG. 18 depicts support means 19 comprising a hook detail 51 fashioned at an
extremity,
generally in the shape of the letter L, for attaching the device into a slot
or channel S2
within the support structure 20 such that an extremity of the L-shaped hook
detail 51
enters the slot or channel S2, pivots anteriorly at a fulcrum 53 on a lower
surface 54 of
the opening of the slot or channel S2, and braces at a state of rest against a
posterior
surface SS of the support structure 20 at the slot or channel S2 when a moment
applied to
the device causes the device to pivot on the fulcrum S3.
FIG.s 3 and 6 depict support means 19 as support flange 21 fashioned at an
extremity,
restable against a support structure 20, the support means 19 fixable thereto
by fastening
means; mounting hole 22 is deployed for use with fastening means.
FIG.s 7, 8 and 10 show embodiments depicting support means 19 as a profile
detail 56
fashioned at an extremity fits into a compatibly shaped channel S7 in the
support
structure 20 such as extruded aluminum or plastic, or wood slatwall, that
permits only
lateral movement of the support means 19 within the channel S7 in the support
structure
20; FIG. 7 shows the support means 19 as fastenable to the support structure
20 at the
channel S7 by fastening means S8, such as a set-screw, that prevents the
lateral
movement of the support means 19 along the channel 57. Figure 6 shows the
device body
with support means 19 in the form of support flanges 21 that is a profile
detail S6 that is
inserted into the compatibly shaped channel as shown in Figs 7, 8, and 10.
Tolerences
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permit the lateral travel of the profile detail 56 through the channel 57. The
channel 57 of
the support structure 20 can be an independent extrusion as shown or part of a
slatwall.
The support structure as described may have mounting holes 22 to fasten the
invention to
another support structure 20 such as a wall or shelf. A groove I29 can be
employed in the
manufacture of an extrusion to help locate the position of a secondary
drilling operation
to produce the mounting hole 22, such that it can be visibly seen through the
aperature of
the slatwall on the other side of the part so that a screw or other fastener
may enter this
mounting hole 22, and fasten the assembly to a secondary support structure 20
(not
shown). The mounting hole would benefit by having a countersink so a flathead
screw,
once inserted, would be flush to the interior surface of the posterior wall of
the support
structure 20 to permit the travel of the profile detail 56 through the channel
57
unobstructed.
FIG.s 6 through 10 depict embodiments of the invention with relief cuts 122,
similar in
nature to a relief providing relief post 102. The material around the
perimeter 7 of a tool
hole 2 functions as gripping arms that grip a tool 5 and the definition of
perimeter 7 is
synonymous with the definition of gripping arms, which is particularly evident
when
relief cuts 122, as seen in Figure 6, are present that permit deflection of a
tool hole
perimeter 7 without disturbing the tool hole perimeter of an adjacent tool
hole 2. The
flanges 6 function as secondary gripping arms as indicated to hold tools 5
smaller in
diameter than the tool hole 2 permitted by the size of perimeter 7 and should
not be
construed as one and the same element; the perimeter has enough material to
support a
tool 5, and yet be elastic enough to permit the entry of a tool 5; where
flanges 6 are
present, the perimeter 7 supports a flange 6 that supports a tool 5, the
flange being
flexible enough to permit the range in nominal tool S diameters as indicated,
the
perimeter 5 not being able to do so with the same efficacy. Where relief cuts
122 are
present, the perimeter 7 may stretch to a degree by virtue of the elasticity
of the material
to accommodate a tool 5 Larger than the size of the tool hole 2, whereas the
flexible
flanges 6 permit a tool 5 of smaller nominal diameter than the tool hole 2 to
be held. In
such a way are they construed to have different functions altogether. The
general device
body 1 is preferentially fashioned out of a contiguous elastomer material, all
features as
indicated being part of the same manufactured part. These embodiments also
show
spacers 123 that keep tool holes 2 a pre-determined distance apart, which is
especially
useful for modular systems, as shown in figure 10.
Individual, modular tool supporting and organizing device bodies 1, hereafter
described
as modular tool bracklets 103 as seen in FIG.s 9 through 17, can be assembled
together
by the support means, or to each other. Figure 10 depicts modular versions of
the
invention as depicted and described in reference to FIG.s 6, 7, and 8 being
inserted in a
channel 57, whereby they come to rest against one another at an appropriate
distance
determined by the spacers I23. Contiguous or modular, the tool support and
organizing
devices perform the function of supporting and organizing tools 5 and the
like.
FIG.s 9 and 10, and l l through 17 depict embodiments of the invention wherein
the
device body I is synonymous to modular tool brackets 103, and the term general
device
body 1 can be understood as a collection of said modular tool brackets 103.
Fig. 9 depicts
CA 02492967 2005-O1-17
a modular tool bracket 103 where a mounting hole 22 is deployed to receive a
support
means 19, here depicted as a hook for assembly to a support structure 20 such
as a
pegboard (not shown) the support means 19 depicted as an extremity 82 of a
standoff 81
extending from the mounting hole 22. The separation of the two parts is to
show that an
assembly of parts is possible, although it would be more ideal to manufacture
them as one
part, especially as a softer durometer overmolding or co-injection for the
device body 1,
and a harder durometer stand-off 82. Likewise FIG. 17 shows support means as a
suction
cup 59 at an extremity that permits attachment of support means 19 to a
smooth, flat
surface 60 of a support structure 20 by way of surface cohesion created by a
vacuum 61
between the suction cup 59 and the surface 60. The suction cup is depicted as
an integral
part of the device's elastomeric general body 1, but does not exclude the two
elements to
be comprised of discrete parts fashioned into an assembly. Alternatively, the
device may
be attached to a support structure by other means, such as adhesive, magnets,
or hook and
pile.
Fig. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the invention fashioned as a strap
formed of stiff
but pliable material such as nylon polyamide wherein, like a conventional tie-
wrap, said
strap being synonymous with support means 19 and together with the modular
tool
brackets 103 comprises the main body 1 of the invention. The strap 19 with a
ratcheting
rack 99 and pinion 100 fastening means allows the opposing two ends 110 of the
tie-wrap
to fasten together into a compact assembly and lock, upon which curved-arms
101,
comprising of flanges 6, hole perimeter 7, and extend and come into proximity
to each
other to form a passage 4 leading to a tool-hole 2, said curved-arms IOI
fashioned of the
same pliable material as flee main device body 1 of the device-as-strap 19,
said curved-
arms 101 being pliable enough to allow the passage of a tool 5 into the tool-
hole 2 and be
deformable enough to allow a range of tool 5 diameters into the tool-hole 5.
Advantageously, the curved-arms 101 extend from a relief post 102 between them
and
the main body 1 of the strap 19 to prevent the action of fastening the two
ends 110 of the
strap together into a compact assembly from influencing the deflection of the
curved arms
IOI, preventing a tool 5 from being loosened therefrom. These features can be
manufactured into a single integral body, hence strap 19 and main device body
I are one
and the same. Alternatively as depicted in FIG.s 11 through 13 are individual
modular
tool brackets 103, comprising of a channel body 104 and curved arms 101, in
turn
comprising of flange 6, hole perimeter 7, tool hole 2, and passage 4, are
connectible to a
main strap body 1 by passing a free end 110 through the channel body 104 where
it is slid
along the strap 19 and held captive thereupon when the two ends 110 of the
strap 19 are
joined at the ratcheting rack 99 and pinion 100. Advantageously, bumps 105
will hold the
modular tool brackets 103 captive in place along the strap 19, the material of
the tool
brackets 103 and/or bumps being pliable enough to allow the passage of the
modular tool
brackets 103 when a degree of force is applied, where otherwise the modular
tool
brackets 103 would be kept captive between bumps 105.
These modular tool brackets 103 can be of differing colors a, b, c, d, e,
etc., to
differentiate the tools 5 within them. This embodiment is shown with the tool
holes 2 of
modular tool brackets 103 oriented exterior to the closed strap 19 of the
invention
comprising a strap 19 holding modular tool brackets 103 to form a compact
assembly
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such that support structure 20 (such as a table leg or ventilation duct; not
depicted) can be
fastened interiorly to the central support hole 34 within the strap 19 without
compressing
the tools 5 during the assembly, however the modular tool brackets 103 can be
deployed
interiorly in the assembly as well. An added advantage of having the modular
tool
brackets 103 positioned exteriorly is the addition of compression anvils 124
on an
interiorly disposed surface of a modular tool holder such that when the strap
19 is
cinched, the strap 19 tightens around a support structure 20, compressing the
anvil 124 so
that an interior portion of the passage of the channel body 104 compresses
against the
strap 19 holding it fast. The strap 19 as indicated can be fashioned as a tie-
wrap, but it
can also be fashioned out of other strapping material, such as hook and pile
fastener. As
such, it could be attached to user's body part such as wrist to keep tools 5
at hand during
an operation such as surgery or construction where the quick change of tools 5
is
required.
FIG.s 14 through 16 depicts the modular tool bracket 103 as an assembly with
components, shown more clearly in the exploded view in FIG. 15, that
facilitate inclusion
of a fastening element to the modular tool bracket 103. A modular tool bracket
103 with a
support flange 21 can pass through an aperture 125 in a support housing 126,
much like
as depicted in FIG. 10 (the support housing 126 being the extruded channel
20). The
support housing 126 is connectable fitted to a support means bracket 19 by way
of
adhesive, a mechanical snap fit, or welding, or the like. Once captive between
these two
parts, the modular tool bracket 103 can be supported by them without fear of
separation.
In embodiments of the invention the support means bracket I9 features a
support hole 34
or mounting hole 22 for purpose of connecting by way of a fastener or support
element to
a support structure 20; other embodiments as shown in FIG.s 15 and 16 feature
a magnet
that is mechanically or adhesively fixed as in FIG. 16 to the support means
bracket 19,
and may include a mounting hole 22 or support hole 34 through the magnet as
well to
allow a user to employ both mounting elements ad hoc.
FIG. 29 is an alternative embodiment of the invention as disclosed showing a
tool
passage 40 to an interior portion of the device to allow the entry of a tool 5
or support
means 19, such as a screwdriver handle, to an interior portion of the device
body 1, which
can be conceived as a larger version of a support hole 34.
FIG. 38 shows an embodiment of the invention fashioned to be useful for a user
at a
support structure 20 such as the top end of a ladder or on a table. The
invention as
described in Figure 6 is fashioned with an extension of its perimeter 3 a non-
skid surface
that has around its perimeter 3 flanges 21 that acts as support means 19 by
being fitted
over the top stair or cap of the support structure depicted as a ladder. The
embodiment of
the invention may also appear an overmolded component on the support structure
20. A
cavity 119 to hold other tools 5 not suitable for the tool holes 5 is
available and a drip tray
121 is deployed to catch drip from tools 5 held in the tool holes 2.
FIG. 39 shows an embodiment of the invention as a cap for a golf bag where the
support
flange at the perimeter is fixably held to a top edge of the golf bag as
support structure
20. The tool holes 2 may hold all manner of golf clubs and tools to keep them
organized,
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and a central hole 2 provides ample space for other tools 5.
