Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TOOL HOLDER
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a tool holder for holding and storing
one or more tools.
Background of the Invention
[0002] It is often desired to hold a collection of tools, such as writing
implements or painting tools,
in an organized manner to reduce clutter, permit easy access, and prevent
contact between the
tools.
[0003] Holders are available to hold and store a single writing implement. As
an example, United
States Patent Application Publication No, 2008/0121773 Al to Huang discloses a
pen holder
including a pair of discrete elastic members that define therebetween a
passage that is narrower
than the diameter of the pen. When the pen is pushed through the passage, the
elastic members
deform and exert a restoring force to retain the pen. United States Patent
Application Publication
No. 2008/0073399 to Rosenblum discloses a pen holder that is insertable into a
lighter socket of a
vehicle, and includes a body with an elongated cavity, and a rubber end flange
defining an opening
that communicates with the cavity. The end opening may be narrower than the
diameter of the
cavity, and the cavity may have inwardly extending grippers. When a pen is
pushed through the
opening and into the cavity, the end flange and grippers firmly hold the pen
in place.
[0004] There are holders which accommodate multiple writing implements. United
States Patent
No. 7,314,142 to Lyman, Jr. discloses a pen holder defining pen tip cavities,
each having a pen tip
cavity edge that seals against and supports a pen neck. United States Patent
Nos. 7,419,320 and
7,819,600 to LaBrasca disclose a marker pen holder defining receptacles, each
of which has a snap
ring that fits a corresponding snap ring on a marker pen neck, United States
Patent No, 7,458,474
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to Bewsky discloses a holder comprising a base plate with perpendicularly
extending flexible pins
having bulbous tips. When a pen is inserted between the pins, it displaces the
bulbous tips of the
pins, causing them to press against the pen and retain it in place.
100051 However, the above holders are limited in their ability to hold and
store a variety of tools
having different shapes and sizes, There is a need for a simple and efficient
holder that mitigates
the limitations of the current holders.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] The present invention is directed to a tool holder for holding and
storing a plurality of tools.
In one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a tool holder
comprising:
a body defining one or more receptacles, adapted for receiving a tool or
portion thereof; and
one or more gripping members substantially aligned with the one or more
receptacles to
releasably grip the tool or portion thereof upon insertion therethrough.
[0007] In one embodiment, the holder further comprises a surface layer
removably attachable to
the body. In one embodiment, the surface layer is formed of flexible
elastomeric material.
[0008] In one embodiment, the body comprises a base portion, a mounting face,
and a top portion.
In one embodiment, the body is formed of a rigid material. In one embodiment,
the material is
selected from plastic, wood, or metal.
[0009] In one embodiment, the base portion is substantially flat. In one
embodiment, the base
portion is constructed from, coated, or provided with a material which
prevents slippage, In one
embodiment, the material is selected from rubber, an adhesive, a magnet, gel,
or silicone. In one
embodiment, the mounting face defines one or more slots. In one embodiment,
the one or more
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slots comprises a keyhole-type slot. In one embodiment, the top portion is
curved as a convex
surface.
[0010] In one embodiment, the receptacle is closed at one end, or open ended.
In one embodiment,
the receptacle is tapered and comprises an open-ended drain tube positioned at
the base portion of
the receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle is conical-shaped. In one
embodiment, the
surface layer extends downwardly into the body to define the receptacle, and
the body defines the
drain tube. In one embodiment, the body defines an aperture, the receptacle,
and the drain tube.
In one embodiment, the base portion is removable.
[0011] In one embodiment, longitudinal axes of the receptacles are aligned at
differing angles to
maintain separation of tools which protrude from adjacent receptacles.
[0012] In one embodiment, the gripping member defines an aperture which aligns
with a
corresponding receptacle, and has a transverse dimension smaller than the
transverse dimension
of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the aperture has a substantially curved
or rounded edge.
[0013] In one embodiment, the surface layer is configured to lie flush with
the top portion of the
body. In one embodiment, the body defines a peripheral groove which engages a
complementary
groove defined by the surface layer. In one embodiment, the body defines a
slot which engages a
complementary downwardly projecting tab defined by the surface layer. In one
embodiment, the
surface layer is removably attachable to the body by a fastener, which may be
a screw fastener or
a split clip.
[0014] In one embodiment, the one or more gripping members are integral with
the body. In one
embodiment, the one or more gripping members comprise an annular member
releasably attached
to the body. In one embodiment, the annular member defines an aperture and a
circumferential
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groove which engages a complementary annular groove defined by the body. In
one embodiment,
the annular member is formed of flexible elastomerie material. In one
embodiment, the material
for the surface layer or annular member is selected from polyisoprene, natural
rubber, latex,
polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0015] The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment
with reference
to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings.
[0016] Fig. 1 is atop view of one embodiment of the tool holder of the present
invention;
[0017] Fig. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in
Fig. 1;
[0018] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in
Fig. 1;
[0019] Fig. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in
Fig, 1;
[0020] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tool holder
shown in Fig. 1
through section line A-A of Fig. 1;
[0021] Fig. 6 is a detail view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in
Fig. 1 in region A-A
of Fig. 5, when the tool holder is holding a pencil;
[0022] Fig. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of
the present invention;
[0023] Fig. 8 is a rear view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in
Fig. 7;
[0024] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tool holder
shown in Fig. 7,
through section line A-A of Fig. 7;
[0025] Fig. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder
of the present
invention;
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[0026] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tool holder
shown in Fig. 10,
through section line A-A of Fig. 10;
[0027] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an alternative
embodiment of the tool holder
of the present invention;
[0028] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an alternative
embodiment of the tool holder
of the present invention;
[0029] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an alternative
embodiment of the tool holder
of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention
[0030] The present invention relates to a tool holder for holding and storing
one or more tools.
When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their
common art-
recognized meanings. To the extent that the following description is of a
specific embodiment or
a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and
not limiting of the claimed
invention.
[0031] The tool holder (10) serves as a depository to hold and store one or
more tools. As used
herein, the term "tool" broadly refers to any implement or accessory article,
such as for writing,
painting, entertaining, grooming, or eating including, but not limited to,
desktop stationary supplies
such as pens, pencils, markers, scissors, rulers, paper clips, binder clips,
and the like; art supplies
such as angled brushes, bristle brushes, staining brushes, sash and trim
brushes, disposable
brushes, varnish brushes, wire brushes, paint brush extenders, finishing
tools, putty knives, taping
knives, broad knives, glazier knives, razor blades, spatulas, paint mixers,
paint scrapers, and the
like; hand-held electronic devices such as smartphones, portable media
players, or recorders;
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hardware tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers; personal grooming
tools such as
toothbrushes, make-up applicators, tweezers, and combs; and eating utensils
such as forks, knives,
and spoons.
[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described having regard to the
accompanying
Figures. The tool holder (10) is shown generally in the Figures to include a
body (12) and a surface
layer (14) removably attachable to the body (12). The body (12) defines
receptacles (16) for
receiving tools or portions thereof, and the surface layer (14) defines
apertures (18) bounded by
gripping members or edges (20) which substantially align with corresponding
receptacles (16) to
allow passage of the tools or portions thereof and to releasably grip or grasp
the tools upon
insertion.
[0033] The body (12) comprises a base portion (22), a top portion (24), a
mounting face (26) and
defines one or more receptacles (16), In one embodiment, the body (12) may be
constructed of a
rigid material to provide strength and sufficient ruggedness to support the
weights of and repeated
contact with the tools. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited
to, plastics, wood and
metal.
100341 In one embodiment, the base portion (22) is substantially flat to
provide a relatively planar
surface for the tool holder (10) to rest on any underlying support surface
such as for example, the
top of a desk or table. The base portion (22) may be constructed from, coated,
or provided with a
material to prevent slippage on the underlying support surface. Suitable
materials may include,
but are not limited to magnets or high friction, low tack materials such as,
for example, rubber;
adhesives; gel and silicone.
[0035] The tool holder (10) may also be mounted to a wall or to the underside
of a surface such
as, for example, a cabinet or shelf. In one embodiment shown in Figure 3, the
mounting face (26)
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defines one or more slots (28) for mounting the tool holder (10) to a wall or
to an underside of a
surface. In one embodiment, the mounting face (26) defines a pair of keyhole-
type slots (28)
(Figure 8). Keyhole-type slots (28) allow for insertion, movement, and
retention of corresponding
fasteners attached to the wall or the underside of the surface. Suitable
fasteners include, but are
not limited to, screws, nails, and the like.
[0036] In one embodiment, the top portion (24) is substantially convexly
curved, sloping
downwardly from the mounting face (26), as shown in Figure 4. It will be
recognized by those
skilled in the art that a curved top portion (24) may be preferred to
facilitate access to the tools,
[0037] The body (12) defines one or more receptacles (16) for receiving and
accommodating tools
or portions thereof It is contemplated that the number, size, shape, and
positioning of the
receptacles (16) for an embodiment of the tool holder (10) may vary, as shown
by the dashed lines
in Figure 1, Such factors relating to the receptacles (16) are dictated by the
dimensions and shapes
of the tools or portions thereof. In one embodiment, each receptacle (16) is
spaced apart from
other receptacles (16) to keep each tool separate from other tools. In one
embodiment, a receptacle
(16) opening may be shaped to allow insertion of more than one tool. As shown
in Figure 1, a
receptacle (16) opening might be oval or crescent-shaped to accommodate
multiple tools such as
for example, multiple drill bits or paper clips, respectively.
[0038] Each receptacle (16) is configured to correspond substantially to the
shape and size of the
tool or portion thereof The receptacle (16) may be closed at one end, or open
ended. In one
embodiment, the receptacle (16) has a closed end. The closed end or bottom of
the receptacle (16)
may have any suitable configuration including, but not limited to, flat or
conical. In one
embodiment, the closed end may be flat for a non-pointed tool. In one
embodiment as shown for
example in Figures 5 and 6, the receptacle (16) is substantially cylindrically-
shaped with a
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conically-shaped closed end to receive and accommodate a similarly shaped tool
such as, for
example, a pencil (P), and to protect and maintain the cleanliness of the tip
or end of the tool. The
receptacle (16) may be sized and shaped to avoid or minimize contact with the
pencil (P) by
providing a gap (30) between the receptacle (16) and the pencil (P),
[0039] In one embodiment, the receptacle (16) is open ended. As shown for
example in Figures
7-9, the receptacles (16) may extend through the body (12) to hold an elongate
tool such as, for
example, a screw driver, without concealing the end of the tool.
[0040] In one embodiment, the receptacle (16) may be tapered and have an open-
ended drain tube
(32) at its base portion (Figures 12-13). As shown for example in Figure 12,
the surface layer (14)
extends downwardly into the body (12) to define the tapered, open ended
receptacle (16), and the
body (12) defines the open ended drain tube (32) positioned at the base
portion of the receptacle
(16). As shown for example in Figure 13, there is no surface layer (14) and
the body (12) defines
the aperture (18), the tapered receptacle (16), and the drain tube (32). Since
the aperture (18),
receptacle (16), and drain tube (32) are integral with the body (12), the tool
holder (10) can be
formed from a single material. The tapered receptacle (16) and drain tube (32)
control drainage
of liquid (for example, water, ink, or paint) that may drip from the tool. The
tapered receptacle
(16) funnels the liquid downwardly towards the drain tube (32). The liquid
passes through the
drain tube (32) and may exit from the drain tube (32) into a removable base
portion (22) which
would then function as a drip tray. The removable base portion (22)
facilitates cleaning or
emptying of any leaked liquid.
[0041] As used herein when describing a receptacle (16) and its corresponding
gripping member
(18), the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which the receptacle
(16) axially receives
the tool, and the term "transverse" refers to a direction orthogonal to the
longitudinal direction,
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[0042] In one embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the receptacles (16) are
aligned at differing
angles. As shown in Figure 5, the longitudinal axes of the receptacles (16)
diverge further apart
towards the top portion (24) of the body (12) to separate the tools from each
other as they extend
away from the top portion (24).
[0043] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) defines the gripping members
(18). In one
embodiment, the gripping member (18) defines an aperture, which is defined by
a continuous edge
(20) extending about the aperture. Figure 1 shows the gripping members or
apertures (18) as solid
lines, and the corresponding receptacles (16) as dashed lines. The aperture
(18) substantially aligns
with a corresponding receptacle (16) to allow insertion of the tools through
the aperture (18) into
the receptacle (16), as shown in Figures 1, 5-7 and 9-13. The tools are
releasably gripped or
frictionally within the apertures (18) and rest securely within the
receptacles (16), As shown in
Figures 1, 5-7, and 9-13, each aperture (18) has a transverse dimension which
is smaller than the
transverse dimension of the receptacle (16). The transverse dimensions of the
aperture (18) and
receptacle (16) are dictated by the dimensions of the tool intended to be
stored. In one
embodiment, the transverse dimension of the aperture (18) may be minimized to
receive and
accommodate relatively thin objects such as for example, rulers, paper clips
and the like. In one
embodiment, if the gripping members (18) are sufficiently elastic, then the
apertures may not
appear as openings when not in use, in other words, the edges of the apertures
are in contact. In
one embodiment, the edge (20) of the aperture (18) is substantially curved or
rounded to facilitate
smooth passage of the tool (P) through the aperture (18) into the receptacle
(16) (Figure 6).
[0044] It is contemplated that the shape of the apertures (18) and receptacles
(16) may vary. While
Figure 1 illustrates apertures which are elongate arcs, circular, rectangular,
and triangular shapes,
it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes such as
for example, square,
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curved, keyhole-shaped, and the like, are included within the scope of the
invention. The shape of
the aperture (18) may or may not correspond to the shape of the underlying
receptacle (16).
[0045] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is removably attachable to
the top portion (24)
of the body (12) to facilitate cleaning or replacement of the surface layer
(14) and other
components of the tool holder (10), thereby preventing or minimizing fouling
of the receptacles
(16) and other components.
[0046] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is configured to lie flush
with the top portion
(24) of the body (12). In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is curved to
lie flush with the
curved top portion (24) of the body (12), as shown in Figures 3-5. In one
embodiment, the surface
layer (14) extends downwardly into the body (12) and lines the receptacles
(16), as shown in Figure
12.
[0047] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is a skin which is removably
attachable to the
body (12) by friction fit or press fit (Figure 5). The attachment of the
surface layer (14) and the
body (12) is achieved by friction after the surface layer (14) and the body
(12) are pushed together.
The body (12) defines a peripheral groove (34) which engages a complementary
groove (36)
defined by the surface layer (14) to removably attach the surface layer (14)
to the body (12). In
one embodiment, the body (12) defines a slot (38) which engages a
complementary downwardly
projecting tab (40) defined by the surface layer (14). Frictional resistance
between the grooves
(34, 36) and between the slot and tab (38, 40) maintains the attachment of the
surface layer (14) to
the body (12) without the need for external fasteners.
[0048] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is removably attachable to
the body (12) by a
fastener (Figures 10-11). The fastener may comprise for example, a screw
fastener (42) or split
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clip (44) which expands into a corresponding slot (46) defined by the body
(12), as shown in Figure
11.
[0049] The surface layer (14) may be formed of a flexible, elastic material to
enable the gripping
of tools by the edges (20) of the apertures (18). As used herein, the term
"flexible" means capable
of bending without breaking, As used herein, the term "elastic" or
"elastomeric" means a material
which exhibits the property of elasticity, namely the ability to deform when a
stress is applied and
to recover its original form (i.e., length, volume, shape, etc.) spontaneously
when the stress is
removed. Elastomers typically have a low Young's modulus (i.e., the ratio of
tensile stress to
tensile strain, expressed in units of pressure), and a high yield strain
(i.e., the stress at which a
material begins to deform plastically, expressed in units of pressure).
Suitable elastomeric
materials include, but are not limited to, polyisoprene, natural rubber,
latex, polyurethane,
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone. Such materials are
durable, lightweight,
and are relatively inexpensive. The material may comprise flexible,
elastomeric materials which
can widen and contract to receive and accommodate a tool. The aperture (18)
widens to allow
passage of the tool therethrough into the receptacle (16). Once the tool has
been inserted, the
friction imparted by the edge (20) of the aperture (18) grips or grasps the
tool,
[0050) In one embodiment, there is no surface layer (14). Gripping of the tool
is achieved by an
annular member (48) which is attached to the top portion (24) of the body (12)
(Figure 14). In one
embodiment, the annular member (48) defines an aperture (50) and a
circumferential groove (52)
which releasably engages or latches into a complementary annular groove (54)
defined by the top
portion (24) of the body (12). The annular member (48) may be formed of a
flexible, elastic
material to enable the gripping of the tool by the aperture (50). Suitable
elastic or elastomeric
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materials include, but are not limited to, polyisoprene, natural rubber,
latex, polyurethane,
polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone,
[0051] In one embodiment, the tool holder (10) may include a lid or case which
may be removably
attachable to the tool holder (10) to cover or enclose the tools held or
stored within the holder (10)
for various reasons such as, for example, to protect the tools from dust or
contamination, to
minimize spillage (for example, if paint brushes are stored with the bristles
pointing downward),
or to store between uses or during transit. The lid or case may be removably
attached to the tool
holder (10) by any suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, a
hinge, clamp, snap,
fastener, and the like. The lid or case is manufactured separately as a
component which is
removably attachable to the tool holder (10).
[0052] The dimensions of the tool holder (10) are not essential to the
invention and may be
increased or decreased as may be required to satisfy any particular design
objectives; for example,
the tool holder (10) may be made available in a variety of dimensions to
correspond with different
sizes of tools. The height or depth of the tool holder (10) may vary in
accordance with the length
of the tools intended for use with the tool holder (10). In addition, it is
contemplated that the shape
and color for an embodiment of the tool holder (10) may vary for different
applications, aesthetic
appeal, or for the target consumer.
[0053] It will be appreciated that the tool holder (10) of the present
invention is simple but rugged
in construction that it can be made at low cost. The tool holder (10) may be
easily fabricated by a
molding process including, but not limited to, injection molding and other
processes known in the
art. In one embodiment, the body (12) and integral apertures (18) may be cast
or molded as a
single piece. In one embodiment, the body (12) may be manufactured as a single
integral unit,
with other components (for example, the surface layer (14), screw fastener
(42), split clip (44),
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annular member (48)) being manufactured separately to be attachable to the
body (12) to form the
tool holder (10).
[0054] The tool holder (10) provides holding and storage means, allowing close
and quick access
to various tools when placed on a desk or table top, or mounted to a wall.
Tools with sharp points
or edges, for example, pencils, knives, and scrapers, can be safely held and
stored. In operation,
the tool holder (10) may be placed for example, on a desk or table top. The
end of a tool (for
example, pencil (P)) is inserted through an aperture (18) into the receptacle
(16), maintaining
constant full contact with the aperture (18) as it is inserted into the
receptacle (16). The diameter
of the aperture (18) is selected to be slightly smaller than the diameter of
the pencil (P). Insertion
of the pencil (P) through the aperture (18) increases its diameter or widens
the aperture (18) which
subsequently grips or contracts around the pencil (P). Frictional forces
between the aperture (18)
and the pencil (P) hold the pencil (P) within the receptacle (16).
[0055] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications,
adaptations and
variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing
from the scope of
the invention claimed herein.
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