Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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INTERCHANGEABLE AND INTERCONNECTABLE
TOOL ORGANIZING DEVICE
BACKGROUND
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present general inventive concept relates generally to a tool organizing
device,
and particularly, to an interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing
device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
There are currently no practical and inexpensive products on the market that
offer
an accessory that can provide custom organization for tool storage. Most
individuals keep
their mechanical instruments stored within tool boxes or varied containers;
however, these
storage bins tend to hold many devices. Having so many instruments and tools
within a
tool box or a mechanic's drawer can make it difficult to find the proper tool
needed for use,
due to clutter and disorganization.
Therefore, there is a need for a device that facilitates easy storing and
organizing of
tools within a tool box and/or drawer.
There is also a need for an inexpensive device that facilitates easy storing
and
organizing of tools.
SUMMARY
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified
form
that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is
not intended
to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid
in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The present general inventive concept provides an interchangeable and
interconnectable tool organizing device.
Additional features and utilities of the present general inventive concept
will be set
forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious
from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.
The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the present general
inventive
concept may be achieved by providing a custom tool accessory to hold a tool,
the custom
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tool accessory including a body, at least one tongue disposed at a first side
of the body, at
least one tongue receiving groove disposed at a second side of the body
opposite from the
first side of the body, and a tool holding portion disposed on the body to
hold the tool.
The custom tool accessory may further include a magnet disposed on a bottom
surface of the body to magnetically connect the custom tool accessory to a
metal surface.
The at least one tongue may be inserted into another at least one tongue
receiving
groove of another custom tool accessory to connect the custom tool accessory
to the another
custom tool accessory.
The at least one tongue may have a shape to correspond to and fit within the
at least
one tongue receiving groove.
The shape may be at least one of a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a
circular
shape, and a rectangular shape.
The tool holding portion may include at least one socket receiving portion to
protrude perpendicularly away from a top surface of the body to receive a tool
having a
shape of a socket.
The at least one socket receiving portion may include an aperture disposed at
a top
surface thereof to allow a labeling device identifying a size of the tool to
be inserted therein.
The tool holding portion may include a concave portion disposed on a top
surface
of the body to receive a tool having a rounded shape.
The concave portion may include a missing tool indicator having a color
different
from the body to be visible when the tool is not disposed on the concave
portion.
The tool holding portion may include a crevice, including a missing tool
indicator
disposed at a bottom most portion of the crevice, a first wall inclined
surface disposed at
an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the first wall toward the
missing tool
indicator, and a second wall inclined surface 414 disposed at an angle
extending
downwards from a top surface of the second wall toward the missing tool
indicator.
The first wall and the second wall may be perpendicular with respect to a
bottom
surface of the body.
The first wall and the second wall may be disposed at an angle with respect to
a
bottom surface of the body.
The tool holding portion may include a first inner wall parallel to the first
wall and
the second wall, a second inner wall parallel to the first wall and the second
wall, to face
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the first inner wall, and a tool receiving portion disposed between a bottom
portion of the
first inner wall and a bottom portion of the second inner wall.
The tool holding portion may include a first tool receiving portion disposed
at an
angle with respect to the first wall a first wall inclined surface disposed at
an angle
extending downwards from a top portion of the first wall toward the second
tool receiving
portion, a second tool receiving portion disposed at an angle with respect to
the second
wall, and a second wall inclined surface disposed at an angle extending
downwards from a
top portion of the second wall toward the first tool receiving portion.
In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular
tool
holder for use separately and with one or more corresponding tool holders, the
modular
tool holder comprises:
a body portion comprising a base portion and a tool holding portion disposed
above
the base portion;
at least one tongue disposed at a first side of the body;
at least one tongue receiving groove disposed on a second side of the body
opposite
from the first side of the body;
a metallic base plate positioned in the base portion of the body; and
at least one magnet affixed to the underside of the metallic base plate to
magnetically connect the modular tool holder to a metallic surface.
In an embodiment described herein, the area of the metallic base plate is
larger than
the area of the at least one magnet.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein the magnet is of a planar
configuration.
In an embodiment described herein, further comprising a retainer to surround
the at
least one magnet to assist in retaining the at least one magnet in stationary
position.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein the retainer is in the shape of the
base
plate.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein the retainer comprising an opening
for
receiving the at least one magnet closely therein.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein the retainer is of a thickness
corresponding to the thickness of the at least one magnet.
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In an embodiment described herein, wherein perimeter portions of the retainer
engage with receiving slots formed in the base portion of the body portion to
secure the
retainer to the body portion.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein portions of the retainer lock into
engagement with corresponding portions of the body portion.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein the tool holding portion is
selected
from the group consisting of:
(1) a
socket receiving portion projecting upwardly from the base portion to
engage through the drive hole of a socket;
(2) a plurality of
sockets extending downwardly into the body for receiving the
shank portions of tool bits;
(3) spaced apart first and second walls extending upwardly from the base
portion for receiving a tool to be held between the first and second walls;
(4) a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base portion to
receive a
tool to be held between adjacent wall pairs.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein:
the first and second walls extend in one of the following relationships to
each other:
in vertical spaced apart relationship to each other;
in slanted parallel relationship to each other;
diverging from each other in the upward direction;
initially diverging from each other in the upward direction from the base
portion
and then extending parallel to each other for the remainder of the elevation
of the first and
second walls.
In an embodiment described herein, wherein the tool holding portion comprising
first and second walls extending upwardly from the base portion and wherein
the distance
separating the first and second walls is adjustable to accommodate tools of
different sizes.
In an embodiment described herein, further comprising a linear ratchet
projects
from one of the first and second walls, the linear ratchet defining a series
of transverse slots
extending along the length of the linear ratchet; and
a pawl carried by a transverse pawl lever operable to engage and disengage the
pawl
from the ratchet transverse slots.
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In an embodiment described herein, wherein the pawl is mounted on a transverse
pawl bar that is movable lengthwise of the pawl bar to engage and disengage
the pawl from
the ratchet slots.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention
will
become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by
reference to the
following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying
drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1A illustrates a top angled perspective view of a custom tool
accessory,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 1B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 1C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory, according to
an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 1D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory, according to
an
exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 2A illustrates a top angled view of a custom tool accessory, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 2B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 2C illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 2D illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool
accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
FIGURE 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 3B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 3C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept
FIGURE 3D illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
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FIGURE 4A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 4B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 4C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 4D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 6A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 6B illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool
accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
FIGURE 6C illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
FIGURE 7A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 7B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 7C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 7D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory, according to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 8A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 8B illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool
accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
FIGURE 8C illustrates a bottom perspective view of the custom tool accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
FIGURE 8D illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept;
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FIGURE 9A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories linked together,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 9B illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept;
FIGURE 10A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories linked together,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 10B illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
.. general inventive concept;
FIGURE 11 illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories linked together,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 12A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool
accessories about to be linked together, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the
present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 12B illustrates another top perspective view of the plurality of custom
tool
accessories about to be linked together, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the
present general inventive concept;
FIGURE 12C illustrates the plurality of custom tool accessories 600 linked
together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept;
FIGURE 13A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool
accessories having various sizes, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present
general inventive concept;
FIGURE 13B illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept;
FIGURE 14 illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories linked
together
within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present general
inventive concept;
FIGURE 15A is a perspective view of another custom tool accessory of the
present
disclosure specified designed to hold tool bits;
FIGURE 15B is an exploded view of FIGURE 15A;
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FIGURE 16 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present disclosure
also specifically designed to hold tool bits;
FIGURE 17A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure
specifically designed to hold sockets;
FIGURE 17B is an exploded view of FIGURE 17A;
FIGURE 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present disclosure
specifically designed to hold sockets;
FIGURE 19A are identification posts used in conjunction with the embodiments
of
the present disclosure shown in FIGURES 17A, 17B and 18 indicating the size of
the socket
being held;
FIGURE 19B is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 20A is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 20B is an exploded view of FIGURE 20A taken from the same perspective
as FIGURE 20A;
FIGURE 20C is a further exploded view of FIGURE 20A taken from the bottom
side of FIGURE 20A;
FIGURE 21A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 21B is an exploded view of FIGURE 21A;
FIGURE 22 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 23A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure
specifically adapted to hold wrenches;
FIGURE 23B is an exploded view of FIGURE 23A;
FIGURE 24A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 24B is an exploded view of FIGURE 24A;
FIGURE 25A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 25B is an exploded view of FIGURE 25A;
FIGURE 26 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 27 illustrates isometric views of further embodiments of the present
disclosure showing examples of indicia utilized with tool holders of the
present disclosure;
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FIGURE 28A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 28B is an exploded view of FIGURE 28A;
FIGURE 29A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 29B is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 29C is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 29D is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 30A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure;
FIGURE 30B is an exploded view of FIGURE 30A;
FIGURE 31A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present
disclosure
taken from above the illustrated tool holder;
FIGURE 31B is an isometric view of FIGURE 31A taken from below FIGURE
31A;
FIGURE 31C is an exploded view of FIGURE 31A;
FIGURE 31D is a fragmentary isometric view of FIGURE 31C; and
FIGURE 31E is an isometric view of FIGURE 31A taken from below FIGURE
31A with parts removed to view the interior of the tool holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various example embodiments (a.k.a., exemplary embodiments) will now be
described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some
example
embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thicknesses of lines, layers
and/or regions
may be exaggerated for clarity.
Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications
and
alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the
figures and
will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that
there is no intent
to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the
contrary,
example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling
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within the scope of the disclosure. Like numbers refer to like/similar
elements throughout
the detailed description.
It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or
"coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the
other element
or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is
referred to as being
"directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no
intervening
elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between
elements should
be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between,"
"adjacent"
versus "directly adjacent," etc.).
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As
used
herein, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" are intended to include the
plural forms as
well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further
understood that the
terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used
herein, specify
the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or
components, but
do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps,
operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms)
used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art
to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms,
e.g., those
defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a
meaning that is
consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art. However,
should the present
disclosure give a specific meaning to a term deviating from a meaning commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill, this meaning is to be taken into account
in the specific
context this definition is given herein.
In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order
to
provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure. It
will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of
the present
disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In
some instances,
well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to
unnecessarily
obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be
appreciated that
embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features
described
herein.
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The present application may include references to directions, such as
"forward,"
"rearward," "front," "back," "ahead," "behind," "upward," "downward," "above,"
"below,"
"top," "bottom," "right hand," left hand," "in," "out," "extended,"
"advanced," "retracted,"
"proximal," "distal," "central," etc. These references and other similar
references in the
present application are only to assist in helping describe and understand the
present
invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these
directions or locations.
The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless
specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered
restrictive, but
exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present
application.
Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to
reference a
quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" is meant to be any
number that is
more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc.
The present application may include modifiers such as the words "generally,"
"approximately," "about", or "substantially." These terms are meant to serve
as modifiers
to indicate that the "dimension," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other
physical
parameter in question need not be exact, but may vary as long as the function
that is
required to be performed can be carried out. For example, in the phrase
"generally circular
in shape," the shape need not be exactly circular as long as the required
function of the
structure in question can be carried out. If a quantitative value is needed to
render the
applicable parameter sufficiently definite, the applicable parameter is within
five percent
(5%) of the designated parameter value.
In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure
are
described. In the following description and in the accompanying drawings, the
corresponding systems assemblies, apparatus and units may be identified by the
same part
number, but with an alpha suffix or by a prime (" ' ") or double prime (" " ")
or even a triple
prime (" " ") designation. The descriptions of the parts/components of such
systems
assemblies, apparatus, and units that are the same or similar are not repeated
so as to avoid
redundancy in the present application.
FIGURES lA through 14 illustrate various embodiments of an interchangeable and
interconnectable tool organizing device, but may be referred to hereinafter as
a custom tool
accessory.
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FIGURE 1A illustrates a top angled perspective view of a custom tool
accessory 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive
concept.
FIGURE 1B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory 100, according
to
an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 10 illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 100,
according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 1D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory 100, according
to
an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
Referring to FIGURES 1A through 1D, the custom tool accessory 100 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The custom tool accessory 100 may include a body 110, at least one tongue 120,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 130, a socket receiving portion 140, and a
magnet 150.
The at least one tongue 120 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 110
to
extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular
shape, a circular
shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 130 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 110 opposite from the at least one tongue 120, and may be
cut into the
another side portion of the body 110 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular
shape, a
circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of
ordinary skill in the
art that corresponds to the at least one tongue 120. As such, two custom tool
accessories 100 may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one
tongue 120 of a
first custom tool accessory 100 into the at least one tongue receiving groove
130 of a
second custom tool accessory 100.
The socket receiving portion 140 may be disposed at on a top surface of the
body 110 at the center portion of the body 110, such that the socket receiving
portion 140
protrudes perpendicularly away from the top surface of the body 110. The
socket receiving
portion 140 may have a cubical shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape,
or any other
shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art to allow a socket, a socket
wrench, or any
other similar tool to be inserted thereupon such that the socket, socket
wrench, or any other
similar tool is held in place by the socket receiving portion 140. As such,
the socket
receiving portion 140 may also be known as a tool holding portion 140.
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The socket receiving portion 140 may include an aperture 141 to allow a
labeling
device to be inserted therein, so that a user may easily see a size of the
tool held by the
socket receiving portion 140.
The magnet 150 may be disposed at a center portion of the body 110, but is not
limited thereto. The magnet 150 may be provided within the center portion of
the body 110
in order to allow the custom tool accessory 100 to magnetically connect to a
metal surface.
FIGURE 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 200,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
FIGURE 2B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory 200, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 2C illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory 200, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept
FIGURE 2D illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool
accessory 200, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
general
inventive concept.
Referring to FIGURES 2A through 2D, the custom tool accessory 200 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
ordinary skill in the art.
Also, the custom tool accessory 200 may have similar components and
functionalities as the custom tool accessory 100, but is designed to hold two
tools
simultaneously instead of one tool.
The custom tool accessory 200 may include a body 210, at least one tongue 220,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 230, a plurality of socket receiving
portions 240, and at
least one magnet 250.
The at least one tongue 220 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 210
to
extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular
shape, a circular
shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 230 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 210 opposite from the at least one tongue 220, and may be
cut into the
another side portion of the body 210 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular
shape, a
circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of
ordinary skill in the
art that corresponds to the at least one tongue 220. As such, two custom tool
accessories 200 may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one
tongue 220 of a
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first custom tool accessory 200 into the at least one tongue receiving groove
230 of a
second custom tool accessory 200.
The plurality of socket receiving portions 240 may be provided as two or more
sockets 240 on a top surface of the body 210, such that the plurality of
socket receiving
portions 240 protrude perpendicularly away from the top surface of the body
210. The
plurality of socket receiving portions 240 may have a cubical shape, a
rectangular shape, a
hexagonal shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art
to allow a
socket, a socket wrench, or any other similar tool to be inserted thereupon
such that the
socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool is held in place by the
plurality of socket
receiving portions 240. As such, the plurality of socket receiving portions
240 may also be
known as tool holding portions 240.
The plurality of socket receiving portions 240 may each include an aperture
241
disposed at a top surface thereof to allow a labeling device 260 to be
inserted therein. The
labeling device 260 may be shaped like a rectangular prism such that it may
fit into one of
the apertures 241, and may have an angled top surface to allow users to view a
labeled size
of a tool disposed on the plurality of sockets, but is not limited thereto.
The labeling
device 260 may also be utilized in the aperture 141 of the socket receiving
portion 140 of
FIGURE 1, or any other aperture in order to label a size of a tool that is
disposed on a
custom tool accessory.
The at least one magnet 250 may be disposed at a center portion of the body
210,
but is not limited thereto. The at least one magnet 250 may be provided within
the center
portion of the body 210 in order to allow the custom tool accessory 200 to
magnetically
connect to a metal surface.
FIGURE 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 300,
.. according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
FIGURE 3B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory 300, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 3C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 300,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 3D illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory
300,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
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Referring to FIGURES 3A through 3D, the custom tool accessory 300 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The custom tool accessory 300 may include a body 310, at least one tongue 320,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 330, a missing tool indicator 340, and a
magnet 350.
The body 310 may include a first wall 311, a second wall 312, and a concave
surface 313 disposed between the first wall 311 and the second wall 312.
The at least one tongue 320 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 310,
specifically at a side portion of the first wall 311, to extend laterally
therefrom, and may
have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular
shape, or any
other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 330 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 310 opposite from the at least one tongue 320,
specifically at a side
portion of the second wall 312, and may be cut into the another side portion
of the body 310
.. of the second wall 312 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a
circular shape, a
rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the
art that
corresponds to the at least one tongue 320. As such, two custom tool
accessories 300 may
be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue 320 of a first
custom tool
accessory 300 into the at least one tongue receiving groove 330 of a second
custom tool
.. accessory 300.
The missing tool indicator 340 may extend across a center portion of the
concave
surface 313 of the body 310, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange,
yellow, etc.) to
clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory 300.
When a tool is
placed on the concave surface 313, and thus, over the missing tool indicator
340, the
missing tool indicator 340 is no longer visible. The concave surface 313 may
be designed
to receive a tool having a rounded shape thereupon, such as a metal portion of
a
screwdriver, or any other similar tool. As such, the concave surface 313 may
also be known
as a tool holding portion 313.
The magnet 350 may be disposed at a center portion of the concave surface 313,
.. but is not limited thereto. The magnet 350 may be provided within the
center portion of the
body 310 in order to allow the custom tool accessory 300 to magnetically
connect to a
metal surface. The magnet 350 may also be provided to maintain the tool, such
as a
screwdriver, magnetically connected to the concave surface 313.
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FIGURE 4A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 400,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
FIGURE 4B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory 400, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 4C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 400,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 4D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory 400, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
Referring to FIGURES 4A through 4D, the custom tool accessory 400 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The custom tool accessory 400 may include a body 410, at least one tongue 420,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 430, a missing tool indicator 440, a magnet
450, and a
label 460.
The body 410 may include a first wall 411, a first wall inclined surface 412,
a
second wall 413, a second wall inclined surface 414, and a label receiving
portion 415.
The first wall inclined surface 412 may be disposed at an angle extending
downwards from a top surface of the first wall 411 toward the missing tool
indicator 440.
The second wall inclined surface 414 may be disposed at an angle extending
downwards from a top surface of the second wall 413 toward the missing tool
indicator 440.
As such, the first wall inclined surface 412 and the second wall inclined
surface 414
both converge at the missing tool indicator 440, and thus, extend diagonally
upward from
the missing tool indicator 440 toward top surfaces of the first wall 411 and
the second
wall 413, respectively.
The label receiving portion 415 may be disposed on the top surface connecting
the
second wall 413 and the second wall inclined surface 414, and may include at
least one
aperture to receive the label 460 therein. The label 460 may be an identifying
member that
may be inserted into the label receiving portion 415, such that it is
interchangeable based
on a user's preference. As such, the label 460 may allow the user to see
whether a tool held
by the custom tool accessory 400 has a particular size, such as 10 mm, 12 mm,
etc.
The at least one tongue 420 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 410,
specifically at a side portion of the first wall 411, to extend laterally
therefrom, and may
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have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular
shape, or any
other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 430 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 410 opposite from the at least one tongue 420,
specifically at a side
.. portion of the second wall 413, and may be cut into the another side
portion of the body 410
of the second wall 413 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a
circular shape, a
rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the
art that
corresponds to the at least one tongue 420. As such, two custom tool
accessories 400 may
be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue 420 of a first
custom tool
accessory 400 into the at least one tongue receiving groove 430 of a second
custom tool
accessory 400.
The missing tool indicator 440 may form a surface disposed in a crevice at a
substantially center portion of the body 410, specifically between a bottom
portion of the
first wall inclined surface 412 and the second wall inclined surface 414, and
may have a
bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is
missing from the
custom tool accessory 400. When a tool is placed on the missing tool indicator
440, and
thus, over the missing tool indicator 440, the missing tool indicator 440 is
no longer visible.
The missing tool indicator 440 may be designed to receive a tool having a
relatively flat
shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a wrench, or any other similar tool.
As such, the
missing tool indicator 440 may also be known as a tool holding portion 440.
When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the missing tool indicator
440, the
tool may sit on an edge thereof at a 90-degree angle with respect to the
missing tool
indicator 440.
The magnet 450 may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the
body 410, but is not limited thereto. The magnet 450 may be provided within
the center
portion of the body 410 in order to allow the custom tool accessory 400 to
magnetically
connect to a metal surface. The magnet 450 may also be provided to maintain
the tool, such
as a wrench, magnetically connected to the missing tool indicator 440.
FIGURE 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 500,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
Referring to FIGURE 5, the custom tool accessory 500 may be constructed from
plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary
skill in the art.
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Also, the custom tool accessory 500 may have similar components and
functionalities as the custom tool accessory 400, but is designed to hold two
tools
simultaneously instead of one tool.
The custom tool accessory 500 may include a body 510, at least one tongue 520,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 530, a first missing tool indicator
receiving portion 540,
a second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541, a magnet 550, a first
label 560, a
second label 561, a first missing tool indicator 570, and a second missing
tool
indicator 571.
The body 510 may include a first outer wall 511, a first outer wall inclined
surface 512, a center wall 513, a first center wall inclined surface 514, a
second center wall
inclined surface 515, a first label receiving portion 516, a second outer wall
517, a second
outer wall inclined surface 518, and a second label receiving portion 519.
The first outer wall inclined surface 512 may be disposed at an angle
extending
downwards from a top surface of the first wall 511 toward the first missing
tool indicator
receiving portion 540.
The first center wall inclined surface 514 may be disposed at an angle
extending
downwards from a top surface of the center wall 513 (i.e., from the first
label receiving
portion 516) toward the first missing tool indicator receiving portion 540.
As such, the first outer wall inclined surface 512 and the first center wall
inclined
surface 514 both converge at the first missing tool indicator receiving
portion 540, and
thus, extend diagonally upward from the first missing tool indicator receiving
portion 540
toward the top surfaces of the first wall 511 and the center wall 513 (i.e.,
the first label
receiving portion 560), respectively.
The second center wall inclined surface 515 may be disposed at an angle
extending
downwards from the top surface of the center wall 513 toward the second
missing tool
indicator receiving portion 541.
The second outer wall inclined surface 518 may be disposed at an angle
extending
downwards from a top surface of the second outer wall 517 (i.e., from the
second label
receiving portion 519) toward the second missing tool indicator receiving
portion 541.
As such, the second center wall inclined surface 515 and the second outer wall
inclined surface 518 both converge at the second missing tool indicator
receiving
portion 541, and thus, extend diagonally upward from the second missing tool
indicator
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receiving portion 541 toward the top surfaces of the center wall 513 and the
second outer
wall 517 (i.e., the second label receiving portion 561), respectively.
The first label receiving portion 516 may be disposed on the top surface of
the
center wall 513, specifically, disposed between the first center wall inclined
surface 514
and the second center wall inclined surface 515. The first label receiving
portion 516 may
include at least one aperture to receive the first label 560 therein. The
first label 560 may
be an identifying member that may be inserted into the first label receiving
portion 516,
such that it is interchangeable based on a user's preference. As such, the
first label 560 may
allow the user to see whether a first tool held by the custom tool accessory
500 has a
particular size, such as 10 mm, 12 mm, etc.
The second label receiving portion 519 may be disposed on the top surface of
the
second outer wall 517, specifically, disposed between the second outer wall
inclined
surface 518 and an outer surface of the second outer wall 517. The second
label receiving
portion 519 may include at least one aperture to receive the second label 561
therein. The
second label 561 may be an identifying member that may be inserted into the
second label
receiving portion 519, such that it is interchangeable based on a user's
preference. As such,
the second label 561 may allow the user to see whether a second tool held by
the custom
tool accessory 500 has a particular size, such as 10 mm, 12 mm, etc.
The at least one tongue 520 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 510,
specifically at a side portion of the first outer wall 511, to extend
laterally therefrom, and
may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a
rectangular shape, or
any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 530 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 510 opposite from the at least one tongue 520,
specifically at a side
portion of the second outer wall 517, and may be cut into the another side
portion of the
body 510 of the second outer wall 517 to have a trapezoidal shape, a
triangular shape, a
circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of
ordinary skill in the
art that corresponds to the at least one tongue 520. As such, two custom tool
accessories 500 may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one
tongue 450 of a
first custom tool accessory 500 into the at least one tongue receiving groove
530 of a
second custom tool accessory 500.
The first missing tool indicator receiving portion 540 may be disposed in a
crevice
between a bottom portion of the first outer wall inclined surface 512 and the
first center
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wall inclined surface 514, and may include at least one aperture to receive
the first missing
tool indicator 570 therein. The first missing tool indicator 570 may have a
bright color (e.g.,
orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the
custom tool
accessory 500. When a tool is placed on the first missing tool indicator 570,
and thus, over
the first missing tool indicator 570, the first missing tool indicator 570 is
no longer visible.
The first missing tool indicator 570 may be designed to receive a tool having
a relatively
flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a wrench, or any other similar
tool. As such,
the first missing tool indicator 570 may also be known as a first tool holding
portion 570.
When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the first missing tool
indicator 570,
the tool may sit on an edge thereof at a 90-degree angle with respect to the
first missing
tool indicator 570.
The second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541 may be disposed in a
crevice between a bottom portion of the second center wall inclined surface
515 and the
second outer wall inclined surface 518, and may include at least one aperture
to receive the
second missing tool indicator 571 therein. The second missing tool indicator
571 may have
a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is
missing from the
custom tool accessory 500. When a tool is placed on the second missing tool
indicator 571,
and thus, over the second missing tool indicator 571, the second missing tool
indicator 571
is no longer visible. The second missing tool indicator 571 may be designed to
receive a
tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a
wrench, or any other
similar tool. As such, the second missing tool indicator 571 may also be known
as a second
tool holding portion 571.
When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the second missing tool
indicator 571, the tool may sit on an edge thereof at a 90-degree angle with
respect to the
first missing tool indicator 571.
The first missing tool indicator 570 and the second missing tool indicator 571
may
be removably and interchangeably inserted into the first missing tool
indicator receiving
portion 540 and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541,
respectively, in
order to allow the user to have missing tool indicators of varying colors.
This
interchangeability and removability of the missing tool indicators may apply
to all of the
embodiments of the present general inventive concept.
The magnet 550 may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the
body 510, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in plurality along
the bottom
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surface of the body 510. The magnet 550 may be provided at the bottom surface
of the
body 510 to correspond to the first missing tool indicator receiving portion
540 and the
second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541, in order to allow the
custom tool
accessory 500 to magnetically connect to a metal surface, while also
maintaining two tools,
such as wrenches, magnetically connected to the first missing tool indicator
receiving
portion 540 and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541,
respectively.
Specifically, the magnetic connection may pass from the plurality of magnets
550 through
the first missing tool indicator 570 and the second missing tool indicator
571, such that the
two tools, such as wrenches, magnetically stick to and cover the first missing
tool
indicator 570 and the second missing tool indicator 571, respectively.
FIGURE 6A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 600,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
FIGURE 6B illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool
accessory 600, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
general
inventive concept.
FIGURE 6C illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory
600,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
Referring to FIGURES 6A through 6C, the custom tool accessory 600 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The custom tool accessory 600 may include a body 610, at least one tongue 620,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 630, a missing tool indicator 640, and a
magnet 650.
The body 610, and components thereof, may be similar to the body 410 of
FIGURE 4, but may be disposed at an angle in order to provide angled storage
for a tool
disposed within the custom tool accessory 600.
The body 610 may include a first wall 611, a first wall inclined surface 612,
a
second wall 613, a second wall inclined surface 614, and a label receiving
portion 615.
The first wall inclined surface 612 may be disposed at an angle extending
downwards from a top surface of the first wall 611 toward the missing tool
indicator 640.
The second wall inclined surface 614 may be disposed at an angle extending
downwards from a top surface of the second wall 613 toward the missing tool
indicator 640.
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As such, the first wall inclined surface 612 and the second wall inclined
surface 614
both converge at the missing tool indicator 640, and thus, extend diagonally
upward from
the missing tool indicator 640 toward top surfaces of the first wall 611 and
the second
wall 613, respectively.
The at least one tongue 620 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 610,
specifically at a side portion of the first wall 611, to extend laterally
therefrom, and may
have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular
shape, or any
other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 630 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 610 opposite from the at least one tongue 620,
specifically at a side
portion of the second wall 613, and may be cut into the another side portion
of the body 610
of the second wall 613 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a
circular shape, a
rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the
art that
corresponds to the at least one tongue 620. As such, two custom tool
accessories 600 may
be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue 620 of a first
custom tool
accessory 600 into the at least one tongue receiving groove 630 of a second
custom tool
accessory 600.
The missing tool indicator 640 may form a surface disposed in a crevice at a
substantially center portion of the body 610, specifically between a bottom
portion of the
first wall inclined surface 612 and the second wall inclined surface 614, may
also be
disposed at an angle, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.)
to clearly
indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory 600. When a
tool is placed
on the missing tool indicator 640, and thus, over the missing tool indicator
640, the missing
tool indicator 640 is no longer visible. The missing tool indicator 640 may be
designed to
receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle
of a wrench,
or any other similar tool. As such, the missing tool indicator 640 may also be
known as a
tool holding portion 640.
When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the missing tool indicator
640, the
tool may sit on an edge thereof at an angle (such as 60-degrees) with respect
to the missing
tool indicator 640.
The magnet 650 may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the
body 610, but is not limited thereto. The magnet 650 may be provided within
the center
portion of the body 610 in order to allow the custom tool accessory 600 to
magnetically
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connect to a metal surface. The magnet 650 may also be provided to maintain
the tool, such
as a wrench, magnetically connected to the missing tool indicator 640.
FIGURE 7A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 700,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
FIGURE 7B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory 700, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 7C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 700,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 7D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory 700, according
to
another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
Referring to FIGURES 7A through 7D, the custom tool accessory 700 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
ordinary skill in the art.
The custom tool accessory 700 may include a body 710, at least one tongue 720,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 730, a tool receiving portion 740, and a
magnet 750.
The body 710 may include a first outer wall 711, a first inner wall 712, a
second
outer wall 713, and a second inner wall 714.
The first inner wall 712 may be parallel to at least a portion of the first
outer
wall 711.
The second inner wall 714 may be parallel to at least a portion of the second
outer
wall 713.
The at least one tongue 720 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 710,
specifically at a side portion of the first outer wall 711, to extend
laterally therefrom, and
may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a
rectangular shape, or
any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 730 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 710 opposite from the at least one tongue 720,
specifically at a side
portion of the second outer wall 713, and may be cut into the another side
portion of the
body 710 of the second outer wall 713 to have a trapezoidal shape, a
triangular shape, a
circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of
ordinary skill in the
art that corresponds to the at least one tongue 720. As such, two custom tool
accessories 700 may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one
tongue 720 of a
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first custom tool accessory 700 into the at least one tongue receiving groove
730 of a
second custom tool accessory 700.
The tool receiving portion 740 may be disposed between a bottom portion of the
first inner wall 712 and a bottom portion of the second inner wall 714.
The missing tool indicator 741 may be disposed on a surface of the tool
receiving
portion 740 to cover at least a portion of the tool receiving portion 740, and
may have a
bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is
missing from the
tool receiving portion 740. When a tool is placed on the tool receiving
portion 740, and
thus, over the missing tool indicator 741, the missing tool indicator 741 is
no longer visible.
The tool receiving portion 740 may be designed to receive a tool having any
type
of shape, such as tin snips, a ruler, a tape measure, pliers, a hammer, a
drill, etc., but is not
limited thereto. As such, the custom tool accessory 700 may also be known as a
"Universal"
custom tool accessory, as it allows many different types of tools to be held
thereby.
The magnet 750 may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the
body 710, but is not limited thereto. The magnet 750 may be provided within
the center
portion of the body 710 in order to allow the custom tool accessory 700 to
magnetically
connect to a metal surface. The magnet 750 may also be provided to maintain
the tool, such
as a wrench, magnetically connected to the tool receiving portion 740.
FIGURE 8A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 800,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
FIGURE 8B illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool
accessory 800, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present
general
inventive concept.
FIGURE 8C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 800,
according
to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 8D illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory
800,
according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive
concept.
Referring to FIGURES 8A through 8D, the custom tool accessory 800 may be
constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to
one of
.. ordinary skill in the art.
The custom tool accessory 800 may include a body 810, at least one tongue 820,
at
least one tongue receiving groove 830, a first tool receiving portion 840, and
a magnet 850.
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The body 810 may include a first wall 811, a first wall inclined surface 812,
a
second wall 813, a second wall top surface 814, a second wall inclined surface
815, and a
second tool receiving portion 816.
The first wall inclined surface 812 may be disposed at an angle extending
downwards from a top portion of the first wall 811 toward the second tool
receiving
portion 816.
The second wall inclined surface 815 may be disposed at an angle extending
downwards from an inner end of the top surface 814 toward the second tool
receiving
portion 816.
The second tool receiving portion 816 may be substantially flat, may be
disposed
between the first wall inclined surface 812 and the second wall inclined
surface 815 and
may be designed to receive a tool thereupon, along with the first tool
receiving portion 840.
The first wall inclined surface 812 may be substantially parallel to the
second wall
inclined surface 815, and the second tool receiving portion 816 may be
substantially
perpendicularly to the first wall inclined surface 812 and the second wall
inclined
surface 815.
The at least one tongue 820 may be disposed at a side portion of the body 810,
specifically at a side portion of the first wall 811, to extend laterally
therefrom, and may
have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular
shape, or any
other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue receiving groove 830 may be disposed at another side
portion of the body 810 opposite from the at least one tongue 820,
specifically at a side
portion of the second wall 813, and may be cut into the another side portion
of the body 810
of the second wall 813 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a
circular shape, a
rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the
art that
corresponds to the at least one tongue 820. As such, two custom tool
accessories 800 may
be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue 820 of a first
custom tool
accessory 800 into the at least one tongue receiving groove 830 of a second
custom tool
accessory 800.
The first tool receiving portion 840 may include a missing tool indicator 841
thereupon, may also be disposed at an angle, and may have a bright color
(e.g., orange,
yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool
accessory 800.
When a tool is placed on the first tool receiving portion 840, and thus, over
the missing tool
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indicator 841, the missing tool indicator 841 is no longer visible. The first
tool receiving
portion 840 and the second tool receiving portion 816 may be designed to
receive a tool
such as a wrench, or any other similar tool. As such, the first tool receiving
portion 840 and
the second tool receiving portion 816 may also be known as a tool holding
portion.
When the tool, such as a pair of pliers, is disposed on the first tool
receiving
portion 840 and the second tool receiving portion 816, the tool may sit (such
as 45-degrees)
with respect to the bottom surface of the body 810.
The magnet 850 may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the
body 810, but is not limited thereto. The magnet 850 may be provided within
the center
.. portion of the body 810 in order to allow the custom tool accessory 800 to
magnetically
connect to a metal surface. The magnet 850 may also be provided to maintain
the tool, such
as a wrench, magnetically connected to the missing tool indicator 840.
FIGURE 9A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 100 linked
together,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
As illustrated in FIGURES 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and FIGURE 9A, a plurality of
sockets 10 having various sizes may be disposed on sockets 140 of the
plurality of custom
tool accessories 100 to be stored thereupon.
FIGURE 9B illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories 100
linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept.
As illustrated in FIGURES 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 9B, a plurality of box end
wrenches 11 and wrench heads 12 having various sizes may be disposed on
sockets 140 of
the plurality of custom tool accessories 100 to be stored thereupon.
FIGURE 10A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 300 linked
together,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
As illustrated in FIGURES 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and FIGURE 10A, the custom tool
accessories 300 each have spacers 300a disposed therebetween in order to allow
for extra
space to be provided between each of the custom tool accessories 300. Each of
the
spacers 300a may include at least one tongue 320, at least one tongue
receiving groove 330,
similarly as the custom tool accessories 300.
FIGURE 10B illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories 300
linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept.
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As illustrated in FIGURES 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 10B, a plurality of screwdrivers
of
sizes may be disposed on the custom tool accessories 300 to be stored
thereupon.
FIGURE 11 illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 400 linked
together,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.
As illustrated in FIGURES 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 11, the custom tool accessories
400
have wrenches 40 disposed thereon, and it is clear that one of the custom tool
accessories 400 without a wrench includes a visible missing tool indicator
450.
FIGURE 12A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool
accessories 600 about to be linked together, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the
present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 12B illustrates another top perspective view of the plurality of custom
tool
accessories 600 about to be linked together, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the
present general inventive concept.
FIGURE 12C illustrates the plurality of custom tool accessories 600 linked
together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general
inventive concept.
Referring to FIGURES 6A, 6B, 6C, 12A, 12B, and 12C, a stabilizer 600a may be
provided at an end of the plurality of custom tool accessories 600 in order to
add stability
to the linked plurality of custom tool accessories 600.
Specifically, the stabilizer 600a may include a body 610a, a first inclined
wall 611a,
a second inclined wall 612a, and at least one tongue 620a.
The at least one tongue 620a may be disposed at a side portion of the body
610a,
specifically at a side portion of the first wall 611a, to extend laterally
therefrom, and may
have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular
shape, or any
other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
The at least one tongue 620a may be inserted into the at least one tongue
receiving
groove 630, in order to link the stabilizer 600a at an end of the plurality of
custom tool
accessories 600 linked together.
FIGURE 13A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool
accessories 700 having various sizes, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept.
FIGURE 13B illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories 700
linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept.
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Referring to FIGURES 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 13A, it is clear that the custom tool
accessory 700 may be included in various widths/sizes, in order to accommodate
different
types of tools therein.
As such, referring to FIGURES 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 13A, and 13B, a first custom
tool
accessory 700a may be used to hold tweezers 70 therein, a second custom tool
accessory 700b may be used to hold a laser 71 therein, a third custom tool
accessory 700c
may be used to hold a mallet 72 therein, and a fourth custom tool accessory
700d may be
used to hold a wire stripper therein. However, the custom tool accessories
700a
through 700d are not limited to holding the aforementioned tools, and may hold
any type
of tools therein.
FIGURE 14 illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories 800
linked
together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present
general inventive concept.
Referring to FIGURES 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 14, it is clear that the custom tool
accessory 800 may be linked together with other custom tool accessories 700 or
800, in
order to accommodate different types of tools therein, such as plier 80 and/or
snips 70.
As such, the user may mix, match, and link different types of custom tool
accessories together, including, but not limited to custom tool accessories
100, 200, 300,
400, 500, 600, 700, and 800.
The custom tool accessories of the embodiments as illustrated in FIGURES 1A
through 14 may all include interchangeable and interconnectable tool
organizing devices
to facilitate organization of a user's tools within a tool box or a tool
drawer. As such,
professionals such as mechanics may utilize the custom tool accessories of the
embodiments as illustrated in FIGURES 1A through 14 to hold, store, and
organize all of
their tools in the manner in which they desire, for easier visibility and
accessibility.
Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been
shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
changes may be
made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of
the general
inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and
their
equivalents.
FIGURES 15A-31E illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure. Some of these embodiments are similar in construction to the
embodiments
illustrated above in FIGURES 1A-14. In such instances, the part numbers for
the
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embodiments in FIGURES 15A-31D are the same as in FIGURES 1A-14, but with the
exception of a prime or double prime designation, or triple prime designation.
As such, the
description of these parts will not be repeated so as to avoid duplication.
One feature in the embodiments of FIGURES 15A-31D is the use of a metal base
plate mounted to the base of the tool holder to which one or more magnets are
attached.
The use of the metal plate at the base of the tool holder provides a secure
attachment
structure for the magnet and thereby increases the structural integrity of the
tool holder.
Another advantage of the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in
FIGURES 15A-31D is that a "sandwich" magnet assembly is created. In this
regard, the
magnet is sandwiched between the metal base plate and the metallic surface on
which the
various embodiments of the tool holder are placed. As such, the metallic base
plate and
the metallic surface on which the tool holder is placed "sandwich" the magnet
therebetween
to create a more powerful magnetic assembly than if the metallic base plate
were not in
use. Such metallic assembly creates a magnetic field that can be many times
stronger than
the use of the magnet itself without the metallic base plate.
The enhanced effect of the magnetic assembly sandwich exists regardless of the
composition of the magnet, whether the magnet is composed of metallic
material, a ceramic
material, etc.
FIGURES 15A and 15B illustrate a custom tool accessory 900 adapted to receive
and hold tool bits, for instance, a screwdriver bit. In this regard, the
custom tool
accessory 900 includes a body 902 for receiving a holder insert 904 within the
perimeter
of the body. The body 902 includes a base 906 at the bottom of the body, with
the base
surrounded by side walls 908 and 910 and end walls 912 and 914. Tongues 916
are formed
in the side walls 910 and end wall 912, whereas grooves 918 are formed in the
side
wall 908 and 914. The tongues 916 can be of the same or very similar
construction to the
tongues described above, for instance, tongue 120. Likewise, the grooves 918
can be of a
construction similar to the grooves discussed above, including groove 130. In
this regard,
the tongues 916 and grooves 918 enable a number of bit holders 900 to be
assembled
together as desired.
Referring specifically to FIGURE 15B, the base 906 is constructed with shallow
rectangular shaped depressions 920 for receiving therein a metallic base plate
921. Each
of the depressions 920 are formed with a circular hole 922 for receiving a
disc shaped
magnet 924 therein. The magnets 924 are glued or otherwise affixed to the
underside of
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metallic base plates 921 which in turn are glued or otherwise affixed into the
shallow
depressions 920. It will be appreciated that the underside of the magnets 924
are coplanar
with the bottom surface of the body base 906.
A missing bit indicator in the form of a colored panel 928 overlies the top
surface
of the body base 906. The holder insert 904 is receivable within the body 902
to overlie
the missing bit indicator 928. A series of hexagonal shaped sockets 930 extend
downwardly through the holder insert 904 to receive the shank portions of tool
bits to be
held by the tool bit holder 900. The missing bit indicator 928 is clearly
visible at the bottom
of the bit sockets 930 to conveniently and clearly indicate the absence of a
bit within a
socket 930, even in low light conditions.
Although the sockets 930 are illustrated as arranged in rows and columns of
equal
spacing, the bit sockets 930 can be of different spacing to accommodate, for
example,
various size of tool bits or various types of tools that may be attached to a
hex shank, for
example, hex wrench sockets. Since hex wrench sockets vary in size depending
on the size
of the nut or bolt to be manipulated, in order to provide clearance for the
hex wrench sockets
the sockets 930 may be required to be of different spacing than shown in
FIGURES 15A
and 15B.
FIGURE 16 illustrates a bit holder 950 which is constructed similarly to bit
holder 900, but with a singular row of bit receiving sockets 930'. Otherwise,
the bit
holder 950 is of a construction corresponding to the construction of the bit
holder 900. As
such, the description of the bit holder 900 also applies to the bit holder
950.
FIGURES 17A and 17B illustrate custom tool accessory 100' in the form of a
socket holder corresponding to the socket holder illustrated in FIGURES 1A-1D
and 2A-
2D described above. As such, the components of the bit holder 100' that are
the same or
similar to the custom tool accessories 100 is identified with the same part
numbers but with
a prime designation.
One difference in the custom tool accessory 100' relative to custom tool
accessory 100 is the addition of the metallic base plate 960, glued or
otherwise attached to
the underside of body 110'. In addition, a circular magnet 150 is adhered to
or otherwise
attached to the underside of the metallic base plate 960. A retention plate
962 has a circular
opening for surrounding the magnet 150 to retain the magnet in position, and
also to assist
in retaining the base plate 960 in position. The retention plate includes tabs
963 that project
from the edges of the retention plate to snugly engage within close-fitting
notches provided
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in the body 110'. Although tabs 963 are shown as projecting from the ends of
the retention
plate 962, such tabs can also extend from the side edges of the retention
plate. Also, the
retention plate 962 can be adhered to or otherwise fixedly attached to the
underside of the
metallic base plate 960.
The retention plate 962 and the underside of the magnet 150 provide a
continuous
planar surface to present to the surface on which the socket holder 100 is
mounted. Unless
otherwise described, the custom tool accessories illustrated in the figures to
follow are of
similar construction, with metallic (steel) base plate attached to the
underside of the tool
holder, one or more magnets attached to the underside of the base plate, and a
retention
plate surrounding the magnet(s) and attached to the base of the tool holder.
Also, tabs
project from the retention plate to mount the retention plate to the tool
holder body. In
addition, the retention plate can be adhered or otherwise attached to the
underside of the
base plate.
FIGURES 17A and 17B illustrate a stem or post 964, which extends upwardly from
the socket receiving portion 940, constructed with a slanted or diagonal top
surface 966
which can include indicia, for instance, indicating the size of the socket
being held by the
custom tool accessory 100'. In this regard, FIGURE 19A illustrates a series of
posts 967,
968, 970, 972, 974, and 976 each corresponding to a different size socket to
be held by the
custom tool accessory. The indicia at the top slanted face of the posts
indicate the size of
the socket being held. The bottom of the posts 964-976 engage within socket
receiving
portion 940. The socket receiving portion 940 receives the typical square
opening in the
base of the socket into which the socket wrench extends when the socket is in
use.
FIGURE 18 illustrates a custom tool accessory similar to accessory 100', but
designed for sockets with smaller square openings for a smaller size socket
wrench. Other
than this difference, the custom tool accessory 100' is of the same
construction as the
custom tool accessory 100' shown in FIGURES 17A and 17B.
FIGURE 19B illustrates a spacer 980 for interconnecting socket holders 100,
100',
100", etc. The spacer 980 can be constructed similarly to the socket holders
100' and 100",
but without a socket receiving portion 140, 940 or 940'. The purpose of the
spacer is to
place the socket holders 100, 100' or 100" further apart from each other if
needed to provide
sufficient spacing for the sockets being held. In this regard, the spacer 980
includes the
same tongues 984 and grooves 986 integrated into the spacer base portion or
body 982 as
in the holders 100, 100' and 100". Further, the spacer 980 can be constructed
with or
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without a magnet, such as magnet 150 or 924, and an associated metallic
mounting plate
and a retention plate.
It will be appreciated that the spacers, such as spacers 980, can be
constructed of
various widths so as to achieve a desired spacing between socket holders 100,
100'
and 100".
The tool holder 500' shown in FIGURES 20A, 20B and 20C is similar to the tool
holder shown in FIGURE 5, but with the tool receiving portions 540 and 541
slanted rather
than being vertical. As such, the components of the tool holder 500' are
identified with the
same part numbers as the tool holder shown in FIGURE 5, but with the addition
of a prime
designation.
In addition, the tool holder 500' includes a metallic base plate portion 1000
affixed
to the underside of the body 510'. In this regard, a recess 1002 is formed in
the underside
of the body 510' for receiving the plate 1000. A circular magnet 1004 is
affixed to the
underside of the plate 1000 by an adhesive or other means. A retention plate
1006 has a
circular opening for closely receiving the magnet 1004 therein and to
otherwise close off
the bottom of the body 510' so as to form a flat surface on which the tool
holder 500' sits.
A plurality of tabs 1007 project from the retention plate to engage within
blind holes 1008
formed in the side walls.
FIGURES 21A and 21B illustrate an end connector 1010 for use in
interconnecting
sloped tool accessories such as 500' to a vertical tool accessory, for
instance, tool
accessory 500 shown in FIGURE 5. To this end, the connector 1010 has a body
1012 with
a sloped side 1014 from which the tongue 512 projects. The other surface 1016
is
constructed with grooves 530 for receiving vertical tongues, such as tongues
520 shown in
FIGURE 5. It is to be understood that the positions of the tongues 520 and
grooves 530
can be reversed on the connector 1010 than as shown in FIGURES 21A and 21B.
The end connector 1010 can also be constructed with a metallic, magnetically
permeable plate, such as plate 1000 shown in FIGURES 20A-20C, as well as a
magnet,
such as magnet 1004 and a retention plate, such as plate 1006. Alternatively,
the end
connector 1010 can be constructed without a base plate, retention plate, or
magnet since
the connector 1010 will not per se be holding a tool.
FIGURE 22 illustrates a tool holder 500" that is similar to tool holder 500',
but
constructed to hold a singular tool within the tool receiving portion 540". In
other respects,
the tool holder 500" is constructed similarly to the tool holder 500',
including with a
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metallic base plate and magnet attached thereto, which are not visible, in
FIGURE 22, as
well as with a retention plate similar to retention plate 1006, which also is
not visible in
FIGURE 22.
Referring to FIGURES 23A and 23B, a custom tool accessory 400' is illustrated
of
a configuration to hold various types of tools, including wrenches. The custom
tool
holder 400' is similar in construction and function to the custom tool holder
400 shown in
FIGURES 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D. As such, the aspects of the construction of the
custom tool
holder 400' that are the same or similar to that of custom tool holder 400
will not be
repeated.
However, the custom tool holder 400' does include a base plate 1020 which is
fixedly attached to the underside to the body 410' of the holder 400'. As in
other
embodiments of the present disclosure, a disc shaped magnet 1022 is adhered or
otherwise
fixedly attached to the underside of the metallic base plate 1020. Further, a
retention
plate 1024 is affixed to the underside of the base plate 420. Tabs 1026
project from the
ends of the retention plate 1006 to snap into close fitting blind holes formed
in the base of
body 410', thereby to hold the retention plate 1024 firmly in place beneath
the tool holder
400'.
The retention plate 424 has a circular through opening for receiving the
magnet 1022 therein. This allows the magnet 1022 to adhere to the metallic
surface on
which the tool holder 400' is positioned, while also providing a flat, stable
surface for the
tool holder 400'. Other than with respect to the use of the base plate 1020,
the magnet 1022
and retention plate 1024, the custom tool holder 400' is similar in
construction to the tool
holder 400 described above.
Next, referring to FIGURES 24A and 24B, the custom tool holder 500" is
constructed similarly to the tool holder 500 shown in FIGURE 5 above, but with
the
differences in construction as described following. The tool holder 500", as
with the tool
holder 500, is capable of holding multiple tools, for example, wrenches.
Further, it is to be
appreciated that tool holders similar to tool holders 500" can be constructed
to hold more
than two tools, for example, three, four, five, etc., tools.
Referring initially to FIGURE 24B, the tool holder 500" includes a metallic
base
plate 1030 that is secured to the underside of the tool holder body 500" by
any convenient
means, such as with an adhesive. A disc shaped magnet 1032 is adhered or
otherwise
affixed to the bottom side of the metallic plate 1030. Also, a rectangularly
shaped retention
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plate 1034 is affixed to the underside of the body 510". The retention plate
1034 includes
tabs 1036 that protrude laterally from the side edge of the retention plate to
snap into close
fitting blind holes formed at the bottom portion of body 510" to securely hold
the retention
plate in place.
The retention plate 1034 has a circular opening 1038 for receiving the magnet
1032
closely therein. As such, the underside of the magnet 1032 is flush with the
underside of
the retention plate 1034. As a result, the tool holder 500" is securely held
in place on a
magnetic surface on which the tool holder is placed. Further, the retention
plate 1034
provides a flat, stable surface for the underside of the tool holder 500".
Next, referring to FIGURES 25A and 25B, a custom tool holder 400" is
illustrated
as being of a construction similar to tool holder 400, but with the interior
surfaces 412"
and 414" having a lower inclined section and an upper vertical section adapted
to receive
various types of tools therein, for instance, the handles of a pair of pliers
or the handles of
snips or other tools.
The custom tool accessory 400" includes a metallic base plate 1040 that is
adhered
or otherwise affixed to the underside of the tool body 410". A disc shaped
magnet 1042 is
adhered or otherwise affixed to the underside of the metallic base plate 1040.
A retention
plate 1044 is adhered or otherwise affixed to the underside of the base plate
1040. Tabs
1046 project from the end edges of retention plate 1044 to snap into close
fitting blind holes
.. formed in the base portion of body 410".
The retention plate 1044 has a circular opening 1048 therethrough for closely
receiving the disc shaped magnet 1042 therein. The underside of the retention
plate 1044
is co-extensive with the underside of the disc shaped magnet 1042 thereby to
present a
uniform flat plane to the surface on which the tool holder 400" is mounted. As
in the other
embodiments of the present disclosure, the magnet 1042 securely holds the tool
holder 400'
in place on a magnetic surface.
Next, FIGURE 26 illustrates a spacer 1050 which is of a height and width
similar
to the height and width of the walls 411" and 413" of the holder 400" shown in
FIGURES 25A and 25B. The spacer 1050 functions to space apart holders such as
holder 400" so that enough clearance is provided between the tools being held
by the
holder 400", or other types of holders with which spacer 1050 may be
connected. As such,
the side wall 1052 of the spacer 1050 can be of various widths so as to
provide the amount
of clearance desired between holders, such as holders 400". Further, the
spacer 1050
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includes the same tongues 420" as used in the tool holder 400". The spacer 450
also
includes grooves, which are not visible, of the same construction as in the
holders 400
and 400". Also, the spacer 1050 can be constructed with the base plate, a disc
shaped
magnet and a retention plate similar to corresponding components 1040, 1042
and 1044
discussed above with respect to holder 400".
FIGURE 27 illustrates various configurations of labels 1060, 1062, 1064 and
1066
that may be used in conjunction with the various tool holders of the present
disclosure, for
instance, with tool holders 400, 400', 400", 500, 500', 500", 500" as
discussed above.
Labels 1060 and 1062 indicate, for example, SAE wrench sizes 5/16th inch and
7/16th inch.
Labels 1064 and 1066 indicate metric wrench sizes of 10 mm and 5 mm. Of
course, other
indicia could be utilized. Further, the indicia and/or the entire label can be
a particular
color corresponding to whether the designated tool is an SAE or a metric sized
tool.
FIGURES 28A and 28B illustrate another embodiment of a custom tool holder
1400 that is similar in construction to the custom tool holder 400" of FIGURES
25A
and 25B. As such, the comparable components of the custom tool holder 1400
that
correspond to the custom tool holder 400" is given the same basic part number
but of a 1400
series. One difference between the tool holder of FIGURES 28A and 28B from
that shown
in FIGURES 25A and 25B is that the tool holder 1400 has walls 1411 and 1413
with a
longer vertical wall inside surface 1412 and 1414 and a shorter diagonal
surface at the
bottom thereof In this regard, the tool holder 1400 is adapted to perhaps more
conveniently hold tools with rounded or elliptical members, such as a hammer
or perhaps
screwdriver handles. As in the tool holder 400", the tool holder 1400 includes
a base
plate 1440, a disc shaped magnet 1442, a retention plate 1444, and tabs 1446
which are
constructed and function in a manner comparable to the corresponding
components 1040,
1042, 1044, tabs 1046, as described above.
FIGURES 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D disclose tool holders in which the gap
separating the vertical walls 1411 and 1413 are progressively wider than shown
in
FIGURES 28A and 28B. In other respects, the tool holders 1400A, 1400B, 1400C
and 1400D are the same as described above with respect to 1400. As such, the
components
of the holders 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D are identified by the same part numbers
as in
FIGURES 28A and 28B, but with the suffixes "A", "B", "C" and "D". One possible
difference in the tool holders 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D is that as the tool
holder gets
progressively larger, for example, as shown in FIGURES 29C and 29D, a larger
base
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plate 1440 may be used or perhaps two base plates 1440 may be utilized, and a
disc shaped
magnet 1442 as well as a retention plate 1444 used in conjunction with each of
the base
plates 1440. Also, perhaps two magnets may be used with larger base plates.
Next, referring to FIGURES 30A and 30B, a custom tool accessory 800' is
illustrated as of a construction similar to custom tool accessory 800 shown in
FIGURES 8A-8D, described above. The custom tool holder 800' is very similar in
construction to the custom tool holder 800, but with the missing tool
indicator 841'
disposed in the tool receiving portion 816' rather than positioned in the
inclined
surface 812'.
In addition, the tool holder 800', shown in FIGURES 30A and 30B, includes a
rectangularly shaped base plate 1080 affixed to the underside of the tool
holder body 810'.
A disc shaped magnet 1082 is adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the
underside of the
metallic base plate 1080. In addition, a retention plate 1084 underlies the
body 810' to
function as a base for the body. Tabs 1086 project from the side margins of
retention plate
1034 to snap into close fitting blind holes formed in the base portion of body
810' thereby
to securely hold the retention plate affixed to the body 810'.
The retention plate 1084 includes a circular opening 1088 formed therein for
closely receiving the magnet 1082 therein. By this construction, as described
above with
respect to other examples of the present disclosure, the magnet 1082 securely
holds the tool
holder in place on a metallic tool receiving surface, and the retention plate
1084 provides
a stable base for the tool holder 800'.
FIGURES 31A-31E depict a further embodiment of the present disclosure wherein
the tool holder 1450 may be of an adjustable width thereby to replace one or
more of the
tool holders 1400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D described above. The
exterior shape
of the tool holder 1450 corresponds to the tool holders 1400, 1400A, 1400B,
1400C,
and 1400D. In this regard, the tool holder 1450 is constructed with a first
female half 1452
and a second male half 1454. The female half 1452 is constructed with sockets
1456 built
in to the exterior side of the vertical wall 1458. Also, in a manner similar
to the tool
holders 1400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C and 1400D, the male section 1454 is
constructed with
a pair of upright/vertical tongues 1460 that are sized to engage within the
corresponding
grooves 1456.
As in the tool holder 1400, the tool holder 1450 also utilizes a base plate
1463
mounted to the underside of the male section 1454. A pair of disc shaped
magnets 1464
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are adhered to or otherwise affixed to the underside of the base plate 1463.
In addition, a
retention plate 1466 is adhered to or otherwise attached to the underside of
the base
plate 1463. Although not shown, tabs, similar to tabs 1446 or 1086, project
from the
margins of the retention plate 1466 to snap into close fitting openings formed
in the base
.. of the male section 1454 to securely affix the retention plate 1466 with
the male section.
The retention plate 1466 includes a pair of circular openings 1468 for
receiving the
magnets 1464 closely therein. When the base plate 1462, magnets 1464 and
retention
plate 1466 are assembled, the underside of the magnets and the retention plate
1466 is
coplanar with the underside of the holder 1450 so as to present a flat
coplanar surface to
.. the mounting location of the tool holder.
A missing tool indicator in the form of an elongate strip or member 1469 is
closely
receivable within a groove or channel 1470 extending along the tool receiving
portion 1472
in a manner similarly to the tool holders 400, 1400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C and
1400D.
As indicated above, the tool holder 1450 is designed to be adjustable in size.
In this
regard, the male holder half 1454 includes an elongated ratchet tongue portion
1480
extending horizontally from a lower part thereof to engage within a groove
1482 formed in
the base portion of the female half 1452. The groove is defined by a pair of
side walls 1484
and 1486 that extend parallel to the exterior sides of the ratchet tongue
1480. The side
walls 1484 and 1486 include upwardly extending slots 1488 and 1490 for
receiving therein
a transverse pawl bar 1492. The pawl bar 1492 is adapted to slide along its
length within
the slots 1488 and 1490. The pawl bar 1492 is constructed with an upwardly
projecting
lug 1494 that is engageable within one of a series of close fitting lateral
slots 1496
extending laterally from the side of a longitudinal slot 1498 formed along the
length of the
ratchet tongue 1480.
The ends of the pawl bar 1492 are attached to end panels 1500 and 1502, with
end
panel 1502 being bowed or arcuate inwardly as shown in FIGURE 31C. The end
panels 1500 and 1502 are constructed with enlarged rounded end edges 1504 that
are
receivable within vertical, arcuate shaped channels 1508 formed in the base
portion of the
holder half 1452. The arcuate channels 1508 closely receive the circular
upright end
portions 1504 at each end of the end panels 1500 and 1502. In this manner, the
pawl
bar 1492 and end panels 1500 and 1502 are held captive within the base portion
of the
holder half 1452.
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A compression spring 1512 acts between side wall 1484 and the end panel 1500
to
bias the pawl bar 1492 in the direction towards the end panel 1500, which in
turn biases
the lug 1494 into a lateral slot 1496.
A bottom plate 1514 covers the underside of the base of the holder half 1452.
Tabs
1516 project from the side margins of bottom cover plate 1514 to snap fit into
blind holes
1518 formed in the lower portion of hold half 1452.
The separation between the holder halves 1452 and 1454 is accomplished by
pressing inwardly against the end panel 1500, thus compressing the spring 1512
so that the
lug 1494 is no longer seated within the lateral slot 1496 and instead is
positioned within
the longitudinal slot 1498. This allows the male half 1454 to be adjustable
relative to the
female half 1452 by sliding the tongue 1480 relative to the slot 1482. Once
anew position
is reached, the end panel 1500 is released so that the lug 1494 can seat
within a different
lateral slot 1496. It will be appreciated that the end panel 1502 is flexed
under the force of
the user pushing on end panel 1500. However, when no force is applied to end
panel 1500,
the end panel 1502 resumes its flexed (arcuate) shape so as to help lock the
lug 1494 into
a corresponding lateral slot 1496.
While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be
appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from
the spirit and
scope of the invention.
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