US20080210593A1 - Tool holder - Google Patents
Tool holder Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080210593A1 US20080210593A1 US12/046,343 US4634308A US2008210593A1 US 20080210593 A1 US20080210593 A1 US 20080210593A1 US 4634308 A US4634308 A US 4634308A US 2008210593 A1 US2008210593 A1 US 2008210593A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tool
- holder
- base portion
- accessory
- carrier
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009958 sewing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
- B25H3/003—Holders for drill bits or the like
Definitions
- Tool holders provide a convenient way for a user to keep his or her tools in an organized manner.
- Tool holders often include tool carriers having various attachment structures for holding specific tool accessories, such as bits, in known locations within the tool holder. This permits the tool accessories to be held in a known position for retrieval by the user while also presenting such tool accessories in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
- tool holders are somewhat effective, they are not without their problems.
- some tool holders use flip-out tool carriers which are rotatable between a flat (stored) position and an inclined (removal) position, in which a specific tool accessory can be selected and removed for use.
- the tool carrier may inadvertently transition between the stored position and the removal position, causing the tool accessories to become dislodged within the tool carrier.
- the tool carrier may inadvertently swing from the removal position to the stored position before a user has a chance to select and remove the tool from the tool carrier.
- a tool holder is provided.
- the tool holder includes first and second casings connected by a hinge and at least one tool carrier.
- the tool carrier includes a base portion coupled to one of either the one of the first or second casings and a holder portion having at least one holder assembly adapted to receive a tool accessory.
- the holder portion is coupled to the base portion for selective movement between a stored position and a removal position, wherein the holder portion is positioned relative to the base portion to permit the tool accessory to be removed from the holder portion.
- the tool carrier also includes an interference member associated with one of either the base portion or the holder portion.
- the interference member engaging a portion of the other of either the base portion or the holder portion and defining an interference fit therebetween for selectively restraining the holder portion in the stored position until a predetermined load is applied to overcome the interference fit.
- the tool carrier further includes a retaining assembly positioned for locking engagement with a portion of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is disposed within the holder portion and the holder portion is displaced into the stored position to selectively restrain the tool accessory within the at least one tool carrier.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tool holder constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the tool holder in a closed position;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool holder of FIG. 1 with the tool holder shown in an open position;
- FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a tool carrier of the tool holder of FIG. 1 , the tool carrier shown in a removal position;
- FIG. 4 is a detail to planar view of the tool carrier of FIG. 3 , the tool carrier shown in a stored position;
- FIG. 5 is a detail top planar view of the tool carrier of FIG. 4 , the tool carrier shown in the stored position with six of the tool accessories shown in FIG. 4 removed for clarity;
- FIG. 6 is a detail top planar view of the tool carrier of FIG. 4 , the tool carrier shown in the stored position with six of the tool accessories shown in FIG. 4 removed for clarity;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder of FIG. 6 , the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 with a holder portion of a tool carrier shown in solid lines in an intermediate position, and in phantom lines in a stored position and a removal position;
- FIG. 8 is the tool holder of FIG. 7 with the holder portion of the tool carrier shown in solid lines in the stored position and in phantom lines in the intermediate position;
- FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a tool holder constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the holder portion partially cut-away to better illustrate certain aspects of the design;
- FIG. 10A is a side planar view of the tool holder of FIG. 9 , showing the holder portion in a stored position;
- FIG. 10B is a side planar view of the tool holder of FIG. 9 , showing the holder portion in an intermediate position;
- FIG. 10C is a side planar view of the tool holder of FIG. 9 , showing the holder portion in a removal position.
- FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a tool holder 100 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the tool holder 100 may be formed in a clam shell design, having a top portion 102 hingedly coupled to a bottom portion 104 about a hinge 106 .
- the tool holder 100 may be transitioned from a closed position as shown in FIG. 1 , to an open position as shown in FIG. 2 .
- a securing assembly 108 may be used to removably couple the top portion 102 to the bottom portion 104 .
- the securing assembly 108 is a zipper, however it should be noted that the securing assembly 108 may take other forms, a few suitable examples being clasps, clips, etc.
- tool holder 100 is illustrated as a soft-sided bi-fold assembly, it should be apparent that other designs, such as a hard-sided bi-fold, hard-sided tri-fold, and soft and hard sided no-fold containers, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
- the tool holder 100 includes a flexible stiffening core 142 , one suitable example being a core made of a flexible sheet of plastic, which is wrapped with a fabric material 138 and 140 , one suitable example being nylon.
- the tool holder 100 is shown in an open position with the top and bottom portions 102 and 104 pivoted relative to one another about the hinge 106 .
- a user has access to a variety of tool accessories 200 stored within an inner enclosure 110 of the tool holder 100 .
- the inner enclosure 110 is defined by the top and bottom portions 102 and 104 and the hinge 106 when the tool holder 100 is in the closed position of FIG. 1 .
- tool carriers 112 Disposed within the inner enclosure 110 are one or more tool carriers 112 A and 112 B, collectively referred to as “tool carriers 112 .”
- the tool carriers 112 may be used to removably hold one or more tool accessories 200 within the inner enclosure 110 .
- the tool carriers 112 may be transitioned between a stored, flat position as shown for tool carrier 112 A and an inclined, or removal position, such as shown for tool carrier 112 B, in which a specific tool accessory 200 , such as a screw driver bit, can be selected and removed for use.
- the tool carriers 112 may be best understood by referring to FIG. 3 . Although only one of the tool carriers is described in greater detail for the sake of brevity, the description applies to the other tool carriers.
- the tool carrier 112 includes a base portion 114 and a holder portion 116 .
- the base portion 114 may be secured to the tool holder 100 by any suitable means, such as fasteners, adhesives, sewing, integrally forming the base portion 114 with the tool holder 100 , etc.
- the base portion 114 is coupled to the bottom portion 104 of the tool holder 100 by one or more fasteners 118 .
- the fasteners 118 are in the form of rivets.
- the base portion 114 also includes one or more retaining assemblies 120 .
- the retaining assemblies 120 may be used to selectively retain tool accessories 200 within the tool carrier 112 .
- the retaining assemblies 120 are used to retain tool accessories 200 to the tool carrier 112 when the tool carrier 112 is in the stored position and release the tool accessories 200 for removal when the tool carrier 112 is in the removal position.
- the retaining assemblies 120 may include an interlocking structure 122 adapted to cooperatively interface with a cooperatively shaped interlocking structure 222 on the tool.
- the interlocking structure 122 of the tool carrier 112 is in the form of two posts or protrusions.
- the posts or protrusions are adapted to be received within the cooperatively shaped interlocking structure 222 suitably formed on the tool accessory 200 .
- the cooperatively shaped interlocking structure 222 of the tool accessory of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a waist, or reduced diameter portion of the tool accessory 200 .
- the interlocking structure 122 of the tool carrier 112 interfaces with the cooperatively shaped interlocking structure 222 of the tool accessory 200 to retain or impede the tool accessory 200 from removal from the tool carrier 112 .
- the interlocking structures 122 and 222 are spaced from one another, and the tool accessory 200 may be removed from the tool carrier 112 .
- the holder portion 116 may be pivotally coupled to the base portion 114 by a pivot assembly 124 .
- the holder portion 116 may be pivoted relative to the base portion 114 about the pivot assembly 124 between the removal position ( FIG. 3 ) and the stored position ( FIG. 4 ).
- the holder portion 116 may include one or more holder assemblies 126 .
- the holder assemblies 126 may be used to retain a tool accessory 200 in a predetermined position within the tool holder 100 .
- the holder assemblies 126 permit a tool accessory 200 to be slid in and out of the holder assembly 126 .
- Each holder assembly 126 includes an aperture 128 sized and shaped to receive a tool accessory 200 .
- the tool accessory 200 is deposited into the holder assembly 126 until it contacts a stopper plate 130 .
- the holder assembly 126 includes a second aperture 132 .
- the second aperture 132 is sized and located to permit the retaining assemblies 120 to at least partially extend therethrough (when the tool carrier 112 is in the stored position) to engage the tool accessory 200 to aid in retaining the tool 200 to the tool carrier 112 .
- Operation of the tool holder 100 may be best understood by referring to FIGS. 1-8 .
- a user opens the tool holder 100 by unzipping the securing assembly 108 and opens the tool holder 100 like a book into the open position of FIG. 2 .
- the user locates the tool accessory 200 which the user desires to use.
- the tool carrier 112 having the selected tool accessory 200 is then rotated from the stored position (see tool carrier 112 A) to the removal position (see tool carrier 112 B).
- the tool accessory 200 is then removed from the tool carrier 112 , used, and replaced. Once replaced, the tool carrier 112 is returned to the stored position, the tool holder 100 closed, and retained in the closed position by the securing assembly 108 .
- the tool carrier 112 may be formed to provide means for impeding inadvertent transitioning of the tool carrier 112 from the stored position to the removal position, and/or the removal position to the stored position.
- the tool carrier 112 includes means for selectively retaining the tool carrier 112 in either the stored or removal position.
- this aspect is accomplished through interaction of an interference member 134 coupled to the base portion 114 of the tool carrier 112 and a follower 136 coupled to or integrally formed with the holder portion 116 of the tool carrier 112 .
- the interference member 134 may be positioned so as to be in the path of the follower 136 as the follower 136 rotates during movement of the holder portion 116 from the stored position C to the removal position A.
- an intermediate position generally designated as “B” in FIG. 7
- the engagement of the follower 136 against the interference member 134 impedes the free rotation of the holder portion 116 to the removal position A.
- This engagement between the interference member 134 and the follower 136 defines an interference fit between these two members.
- the application of a load over a predetermined amount will result in the follower 136 to slide over the interference member 134 such that the holder portion 116 can be placed in the removal position A.
- the magnitude of the load needed to rotate the holder portion 116 from the stored position A is determined by the amount of interference (i.e. the distance the interference member 134 protrudes into the path of the follower 136 ), the coefficients of friction of the follower 136 upon the interference member 134 , the amount play associated with the interference member 134 and the holder portion 116 (i.e. how much the interference member 134 can move away from the holder portion 116 when a force is applied), the hardness of the materials used in constructing the interference member 134 and the follower 136 , etc.
- the holder portion 116 is impeded from inadvertently rotating back to the stored position C by the interference relationship of the interference member 134 and the follower 136 , in the same manner as described above when the holder portion 116 is rotated from the stored position C to the removal position A.
- the interference member 134 may be the fastener 118 used in securing the base portion 114 to the tool holder 100 .
- This dual use of the fastener 118 as both the interference member 134 and as a fastener 118 for coupling the base portion 114 to the tool holder 100 reduces the complexity of the tool holder 100 , assembly costs, and raw material costs, among other things.
- the illustrated and described embodiment uses the fastener 118 as the interference member 134 , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the interference member 134 may be a separate component from the fastener 118 .
- FIGS. 9-10 An alternate embodiment of the tool holder described above may be best understood by referring to FIGS. 9-10 .
- the tool holder 200 is substantially identical in materials and operation as the tool holder 100 described above with a few exceptions.
- One exception is the construct of the base portion 214 .
- the base portion 214 of the alternate embodiment is removably attached within the tool holder (not shown in FIGS. 9-10 ) by serrated locking portions 300 A and 300 B formed on the sides of the base portion 214 .
- the locking portions 300 A and 300 B are sized and configured to be removably disposed within the tool holder by an interference fit between the locking portions 300 A and 300 B and correspondingly configured serrated members (not shown) disposed within the interior sidewalls of the tool holder.
- One such tool holder is described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/738,186, entitled MODULAR TOOL CASE, and assigned to the assignee of the present application, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
- the tool holder 200 also differs from the tool holder 100 by the inclusion of a pair of integrally formed interference members 234 .
- the interference members 234 are positioned and configured to lockingly engage the follower 236 formed in the base of the holder portion 216 , thereby selectively retaining the holder portion 216 in the stored position. This may be best understood by referring to FIGS. 10A-10C .
- the follower 236 slides over the interference members 234 , allowing the holder portion 216 to be displaced into the removal position of FIG. 10C .
- the follower 236 is displaced from the interference members 234 and tool accessories (not shown) may be either removed or inserted into the holder portion 216 and the holder portion 216 is displaced back into the stored position by reversing the steps described above.
- interference members and follower are illustrated and described as associated with particular elements of the present design, it should be apparent the disclosure is not intended to be so limited. Particularly, the interference members may be formed with the holder portion and the follower may be formed with the base portion. Accordingly, these and other changes are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Abstract
A tool holder is provided. The tool holder includes first and second casings connected by a hinge and at least one tool carrier. The tool carrier includes a base portion coupled to one of either the one of the first or second casings and a holder portion having at least one holder assembly adapted to receive a tool accessory. The holder portion is coupled to the base portion for selective movement between a stored position and a removal position, wherein the holder portion is positioned relative to the base portion to permit the tool accessory to be removed from the holder portion.
Description
- This application is a divisional of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/484,367, filed Jul. 10, 2006, entitled TOOL HOLDER, which claimed the benefit of Provisional Application No. 60/697,481, filed Jul. 8, 2005, the disclosures of which are all hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
- Tool holders provide a convenient way for a user to keep his or her tools in an organized manner. Tool holders often include tool carriers having various attachment structures for holding specific tool accessories, such as bits, in known locations within the tool holder. This permits the tool accessories to be held in a known position for retrieval by the user while also presenting such tool accessories in an aesthetically pleasing manner.
- Although previously developed tool holders are somewhat effective, they are not without their problems. For example, some tool holders use flip-out tool carriers which are rotatable between a flat (stored) position and an inclined (removal) position, in which a specific tool accessory can be selected and removed for use. However, during use, the tool carrier may inadvertently transition between the stored position and the removal position, causing the tool accessories to become dislodged within the tool carrier. Further, the tool carrier may inadvertently swing from the removal position to the stored position before a user has a chance to select and remove the tool from the tool carrier.
- 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.
- A tool holder is provided. The tool holder includes first and second casings connected by a hinge and at least one tool carrier. The tool carrier includes a base portion coupled to one of either the one of the first or second casings and a holder portion having at least one holder assembly adapted to receive a tool accessory. The holder portion is coupled to the base portion for selective movement between a stored position and a removal position, wherein the holder portion is positioned relative to the base portion to permit the tool accessory to be removed from the holder portion.
- The tool carrier also includes an interference member associated with one of either the base portion or the holder portion. The interference member engaging a portion of the other of either the base portion or the holder portion and defining an interference fit therebetween for selectively restraining the holder portion in the stored position until a predetermined load is applied to overcome the interference fit. The tool carrier further includes a retaining assembly positioned for locking engagement with a portion of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is disposed within the holder portion and the holder portion is displaced into the stored position to selectively restrain the tool accessory within the at least one tool carrier.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a tool holder constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the tool holder in a closed position; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool holder ofFIG. 1 with the tool holder shown in an open position; -
FIG. 3 is a detail perspective view of a tool carrier of the tool holder ofFIG. 1 , the tool carrier shown in a removal position; -
FIG. 4 is a detail to planar view of the tool carrier ofFIG. 3 , the tool carrier shown in a stored position; -
FIG. 5 is a detail top planar view of the tool carrier ofFIG. 4 , the tool carrier shown in the stored position with six of the tool accessories shown inFIG. 4 removed for clarity; -
FIG. 6 is a detail top planar view of the tool carrier ofFIG. 4 , the tool carrier shown in the stored position with six of the tool accessories shown inFIG. 4 removed for clarity; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder ofFIG. 6 , the cross-sectional cut taken substantially through Section 7-7 ofFIG. 6 with a holder portion of a tool carrier shown in solid lines in an intermediate position, and in phantom lines in a stored position and a removal position; -
FIG. 8 is the tool holder ofFIG. 7 with the holder portion of the tool carrier shown in solid lines in the stored position and in phantom lines in the intermediate position; -
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a tool holder constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the holder portion partially cut-away to better illustrate certain aspects of the design; -
FIG. 10A is a side planar view of the tool holder ofFIG. 9 , showing the holder portion in a stored position; -
FIG. 10B is a side planar view of the tool holder ofFIG. 9 , showing the holder portion in an intermediate position; and -
FIG. 10C is a side planar view of the tool holder ofFIG. 9 , showing the holder portion in a removal position. -
FIGS. 1-8 illustrate atool holder 100 constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIG. 1 , thetool holder 100 may be formed in a clam shell design, having atop portion 102 hingedly coupled to abottom portion 104 about ahinge 106. Thetool holder 100 may be transitioned from a closed position as shown inFIG. 1 , to an open position as shown inFIG. 2 . In the closed position, asecuring assembly 108 may be used to removably couple thetop portion 102 to thebottom portion 104. In the illustrated embodiment, thesecuring assembly 108 is a zipper, however it should be noted that thesecuring assembly 108 may take other forms, a few suitable examples being clasps, clips, etc. Further, although thetool holder 100 is illustrated as a soft-sided bi-fold assembly, it should be apparent that other designs, such as a hard-sided bi-fold, hard-sided tri-fold, and soft and hard sided no-fold containers, are also within the scope of the present disclosure. - The
tool holder 100 includes a flexiblestiffening core 142, one suitable example being a core made of a flexible sheet of plastic, which is wrapped with afabric material - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , thetool holder 100, as noted above, is shown in an open position with the top andbottom portions hinge 106. In the open position, a user has access to a variety oftool accessories 200 stored within aninner enclosure 110 of thetool holder 100. Theinner enclosure 110 is defined by the top andbottom portions hinge 106 when thetool holder 100 is in the closed position ofFIG. 1 . - Disposed within the
inner enclosure 110 are one ormore tool carriers tool carriers 112.” Thetool carriers 112 may be used to removably hold one ormore tool accessories 200 within theinner enclosure 110. Thetool carriers 112 may be transitioned between a stored, flat position as shown fortool carrier 112A and an inclined, or removal position, such as shown fortool carrier 112B, in which aspecific tool accessory 200, such as a screw driver bit, can be selected and removed for use. - The
tool carriers 112 may be best understood by referring toFIG. 3 . Although only one of the tool carriers is described in greater detail for the sake of brevity, the description applies to the other tool carriers. Thetool carrier 112 includes abase portion 114 and aholder portion 116. Thebase portion 114 may be secured to thetool holder 100 by any suitable means, such as fasteners, adhesives, sewing, integrally forming thebase portion 114 with thetool holder 100, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase portion 114 is coupled to thebottom portion 104 of thetool holder 100 by one ormore fasteners 118. In the illustrated embodiment, thefasteners 118 are in the form of rivets. - The
base portion 114 also includes one or moreretaining assemblies 120. Theretaining assemblies 120 may be used to selectively retaintool accessories 200 within thetool carrier 112. In the illustrated embodiment, theretaining assemblies 120 are used to retaintool accessories 200 to thetool carrier 112 when thetool carrier 112 is in the stored position and release thetool accessories 200 for removal when thetool carrier 112 is in the removal position. - The
retaining assemblies 120 may include aninterlocking structure 122 adapted to cooperatively interface with a cooperativelyshaped interlocking structure 222 on the tool. In the illustrated embodiment, theinterlocking structure 122 of thetool carrier 112 is in the form of two posts or protrusions. The posts or protrusions are adapted to be received within the cooperativelyshaped interlocking structure 222 suitably formed on thetool accessory 200. The cooperatively shapedinterlocking structure 222 of the tool accessory of the illustrated embodiment is in the form of a waist, or reduced diameter portion of thetool accessory 200. - As best shown in
FIG. 6 , when thetool carrier 112 is in the stored position, the interlockingstructure 122 of thetool carrier 112 interfaces with the cooperatively shaped interlockingstructure 222 of thetool accessory 200 to retain or impede thetool accessory 200 from removal from thetool carrier 112. However, when thetool carrier 112 is placed in the removal position, as shown inFIG. 3 , the interlockingstructures tool accessory 200 may be removed from thetool carrier 112. - Referring back to
FIG. 3 , theholder portion 116 may be pivotally coupled to thebase portion 114 by apivot assembly 124. Theholder portion 116 may be pivoted relative to thebase portion 114 about thepivot assembly 124 between the removal position (FIG. 3 ) and the stored position (FIG. 4 ). - The
holder portion 116 may include one ormore holder assemblies 126. Theholder assemblies 126 may be used to retain atool accessory 200 in a predetermined position within thetool holder 100. In the illustrated embodiment, theholder assemblies 126 permit atool accessory 200 to be slid in and out of theholder assembly 126. Eachholder assembly 126 includes anaperture 128 sized and shaped to receive atool accessory 200. Thetool accessory 200 is deposited into theholder assembly 126 until it contacts astopper plate 130. - The
holder assembly 126 includes asecond aperture 132. Thesecond aperture 132 is sized and located to permit the retainingassemblies 120 to at least partially extend therethrough (when thetool carrier 112 is in the stored position) to engage thetool accessory 200 to aid in retaining thetool 200 to thetool carrier 112. - Operation of the
tool holder 100 may be best understood by referring toFIGS. 1-8 . Starting from the closed position of thetool holder 100, a user opens thetool holder 100 by unzipping the securingassembly 108 and opens thetool holder 100 like a book into the open position ofFIG. 2 . The user then locates thetool accessory 200 which the user desires to use. Thetool carrier 112 having the selectedtool accessory 200 is then rotated from the stored position (seetool carrier 112A) to the removal position (seetool carrier 112B). Thetool accessory 200 is then removed from thetool carrier 112, used, and replaced. Once replaced, thetool carrier 112 is returned to the stored position, thetool holder 100 closed, and retained in the closed position by the securingassembly 108. - Referring to
FIG. 7 and focusing more closely on the operation of thetool carrier 112 during transition from the stored position (generally designated as “C” inFIG. 7 ) to the removal position (generally designated as “A” inFIG. 7 ), thetool carrier 112 may be formed to provide means for impeding inadvertent transitioning of thetool carrier 112 from the stored position to the removal position, and/or the removal position to the stored position. In other words, thetool carrier 112 includes means for selectively retaining thetool carrier 112 in either the stored or removal position. - In the illustrated embodiment, this aspect is accomplished through interaction of an
interference member 134 coupled to thebase portion 114 of thetool carrier 112 and afollower 136 coupled to or integrally formed with theholder portion 116 of thetool carrier 112. Theinterference member 134 may be positioned so as to be in the path of thefollower 136 as thefollower 136 rotates during movement of theholder portion 116 from the stored position C to the removal position A. Thus, as theholder portion 116 is rotated from the stored position C toward an intermediate position (generally designated as “B” inFIG. 7 ), thefollower 136 engages theinterference member 134. - The engagement of the
follower 136 against theinterference member 134 impedes the free rotation of theholder portion 116 to the removal position A. This engagement between theinterference member 134 and thefollower 136 defines an interference fit between these two members. However, the application of a load over a predetermined amount will result in thefollower 136 to slide over theinterference member 134 such that theholder portion 116 can be placed in the removal position A. - The magnitude of the load needed to rotate the
holder portion 116 from the stored position A is determined by the amount of interference (i.e. the distance theinterference member 134 protrudes into the path of the follower 136), the coefficients of friction of thefollower 136 upon theinterference member 134, the amount play associated with theinterference member 134 and the holder portion 116 (i.e. how much theinterference member 134 can move away from theholder portion 116 when a force is applied), the hardness of the materials used in constructing theinterference member 134 and thefollower 136, etc. - Once the
holder portion 116 is in the removal position A, theholder portion 116 is impeded from inadvertently rotating back to the stored position C by the interference relationship of theinterference member 134 and thefollower 136, in the same manner as described above when theholder portion 116 is rotated from the stored position C to the removal position A. - The
interference member 134 may be thefastener 118 used in securing thebase portion 114 to thetool holder 100. This dual use of thefastener 118 as both theinterference member 134 and as afastener 118 for coupling thebase portion 114 to thetool holder 100 reduces the complexity of thetool holder 100, assembly costs, and raw material costs, among other things. Although the illustrated and described embodiment uses thefastener 118 as theinterference member 134, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that theinterference member 134 may be a separate component from thefastener 118. - An alternate embodiment of the tool holder described above may be best understood by referring to
FIGS. 9-10 . Thetool holder 200 is substantially identical in materials and operation as thetool holder 100 described above with a few exceptions. One exception is the construct of thebase portion 214. Thebase portion 214 of the alternate embodiment is removably attached within the tool holder (not shown inFIGS. 9-10 ) byserrated locking portions base portion 214. - The locking
portions portions - The
tool holder 200 also differs from thetool holder 100 by the inclusion of a pair of integrally formedinterference members 234. Theinterference members 234 are positioned and configured to lockingly engage thefollower 236 formed in the base of theholder portion 216, thereby selectively retaining theholder portion 216 in the stored position. This may be best understood by referring toFIGS. 10A-10C . - In the stored position of
FIG. 10A , rotation of theholder portion 216 is restrained by the interference between thefollower 236 and theinterference members 234. Theholder portion 216 is retained in this position until an appropriate opening load is applied to theholder portion 216 by the user of sufficient magnitude to overcome the interference between the follower 235 and theinterference members 234. The same considerations described above with respect to this opening load applies. - As best seen by referring to
FIG. 10B , shortly after the opening load is applied to theholder portion 216, thefollower 236 slides over theinterference members 234, allowing theholder portion 216 to be displaced into the removal position ofFIG. 10C . - In the removal position, the
follower 236 is displaced from theinterference members 234 and tool accessories (not shown) may be either removed or inserted into theholder portion 216 and theholder portion 216 is displaced back into the stored position by reversing the steps described above. - 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. As a non-limiting example, although the interference members and follower are illustrated and described as associated with particular elements of the present design, it should be apparent the disclosure is not intended to be so limited. Particularly, the interference members may be formed with the holder portion and the follower may be formed with the base portion. Accordingly, these and other changes are within the scope of the present disclosure.
Claims (8)
1. A tool holder, comprising:
(a) first and second casings connected by a hinge;
(b) at least one tool carrier, comprising:
(i) a base portion coupled to one of either the one of the first or second casings;
(ii) a holder portion having at least one holder assembly adapted to receive a tool accessory, the holder portion coupled to the base portion for selective movement between a stored position and a removal position, wherein the holder portion is positioned relative to the base portion to permit the tool accessory to be removed from the holder portion;
(iii) an interference member associated with one of either the base portion or the holder portion, the at least one interference member engaging a portion of the other of either the base portion or the holder portion and defining an interference fit therebetween for selectively restraining the holder portion in the stored position until a predetermined load is applied to overcome the interference fit; and
(iv) a retaining assembly positioned for locking engagement with a portion of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is disposed within the holder portion and the holder portion is displaced into the stored position to selectively restrain the tool accessory within the at least one tool carrier.
2. The tool holder of claim 1 , wherein the retaining assembly comprises an interlocking structure positioned on the base portion and positioned for engagement with the portion of the tool accessory.
3. The tool holder of claim 2 , wherein the interlocking structure is a post having a geometry that substantially corresponds to the portion of the tool accessory.
4. The tool holder of claim 2 , wherein the base portion includes a locking portion configured to permit selective positioning of the at least one tool carrier within the tool holder.
5. The tool holder of claim 4 , wherein the locking portion includes a serrated portion formed on at least one side of the base portion.
6. The tool holder of claim 1 , wherein the base portion includes a locking portion configured to permit selective positioning of the at least one tool carrier within the tool holder.
7. A tool holder, comprising:
(a) first and second casings connected by a hinge;
(b) at least one tool carrier, comprising:
(i) a base portion coupled to one of either the one of the first or second casings;
(ii) a holder portion having at least one holder assembly adapted to receive a tool accessory, the holder portion coupled to the base portion for selective movement between a stored position and a removal position, wherein the holder portion is positioned relative to the base portion to permit the tool accessory to be removed from the holder portion;
(iii) a retaining assembly positioned for locking engagement with a portion of the tool accessory when the tool accessory is disposed within the holder portion and the holder portion is displaced into the stored position to selectively restrain the tool accessory within the at least one tool carrier; and
(iv) a locking portion disposed on the base portion and configured to permit selective positioning of the at least one tool carrier within the tool holder.
8. The tool holder of claim 7 , further comprising an interference member associated with one of either the base portion or the holder portion, the at least one interference member positioned to engage a portion of the other of either the base portion or the holder portion to define an interference fit therebetween.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/046,343 US20080210593A1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2008-03-11 | Tool holder |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US69748105P | 2005-07-08 | 2005-07-08 | |
US11/484,367 US7780016B1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2006-07-10 | Tool holder |
US12/046,343 US20080210593A1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2008-03-11 | Tool holder |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/484,367 Division US7780016B1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2006-07-10 | Tool holder |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080210593A1 true US20080210593A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
Family
ID=42583243
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/484,367 Active US7780016B1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2006-07-10 | Tool holder |
US12/046,343 Abandoned US20080210593A1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2008-03-11 | Tool holder |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/484,367 Active US7780016B1 (en) | 2005-07-08 | 2006-07-10 | Tool holder |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US7780016B1 (en) |
Cited By (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090053002A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Kirby Michael W | Cutting tool, cutting tool kit, and method of operating the same |
US7806264B1 (en) * | 2009-04-30 | 2010-10-05 | Jin-Tsai Lai | Toolbox having positioning structure |
DE102010032923A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Hazet-Werk Hermann Zerver Gmbh & Co. Kg. | Swiveling bit holder |
EP2524187A1 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2012-11-21 | The Otis Patent Trust | Gun cleaning kit tool insert |
US20140023475A1 (en) * | 2012-07-18 | 2014-01-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case |
USD721231S1 (en) | 2013-08-20 | 2015-01-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Accessory case |
US20150068937A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Milling cutter box |
USD740559S1 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2015-10-13 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Accessory case |
US9694489B2 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2017-07-04 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case with modular components |
US10538126B2 (en) * | 2018-06-01 | 2020-01-21 | Wayne Terry Hutchison | Paintbrush utility container |
US20230092514A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2023-03-23 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool container system |
EP3608065B1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2023-04-05 | Wera Werkzeuge GmbH | Storage device for tools |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017065662A1 (en) * | 2015-10-16 | 2017-04-20 | Luna Verktyg & Maskin Ab | Tool bit holder |
CN106585242B (en) * | 2015-10-20 | 2018-04-20 | 中国长城科技集团股份有限公司 | A kind of fixation kit of |
US9486912B1 (en) * | 2016-04-03 | 2016-11-08 | Su-Chiu Chen | Pivotal structure for a receiving seat of a toolbox |
US11633252B2 (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2023-04-25 | Cases By Source Inc. | Carrying case for sterile objects |
US20190193258A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2019-06-27 | Yuan Li Hsing Industrial Co., Ltd. | Tool storage device |
CN111839959A (en) * | 2020-07-17 | 2020-10-30 | 张玲 | Portable nursing tool storage device |
US11751673B1 (en) * | 2022-12-18 | 2023-09-12 | Michael H Panosian | Locking screwdriver holder |
Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2736426A (en) * | 1955-03-18 | 1956-02-28 | Clark H Hamilton | Drill, tap and die index |
US3074539A (en) * | 1961-07-12 | 1963-01-22 | Radnor Inc | Container |
US4669617A (en) * | 1984-09-20 | 1987-06-02 | Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph, Inc. | Pen holder device |
US4880122A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1989-11-14 | Martindell J Richard | Storage and display apparatus for power bits |
US5562208A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-10-08 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool bit storage case |
US5813533A (en) * | 1996-03-22 | 1998-09-29 | Firma Georg Knoblauch | Storage/display box for drill bits or the like |
US5927493A (en) * | 1997-05-09 | 1999-07-27 | Hardware Industrial Manufacturing S.R.L. | Blade-holding case for a hack sawing machine |
US6024218A (en) * | 1996-03-27 | 2000-02-15 | Firma Georg Knoblauch | Box for storing and displaying drill bits and the like |
US6405864B1 (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2002-06-18 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool container |
US20030029755A1 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2003-02-13 | Ho Shu Ming | Carrying case for portable electronic equipment and accessories thereof |
US6547074B1 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2003-04-15 | Chang-Ying Chen | Tool box having pivotal inner frames |
US6615983B1 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2003-09-09 | Hong Chao Yu | Tool kit |
US20050211587A1 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-09-29 | Kun-Chen Chen | Tool bracket for storing tool bits |
US20050241974A1 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2005-11-03 | Kun-Chen Chen | Tool bit cartridge |
US6991103B2 (en) * | 2003-08-14 | 2006-01-31 | Aplus Pneumatic Corp. | Toolbox |
US20060070901A1 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-06 | Adams Robert G | Utility bag assembly for transporting and organizing small items |
US7032750B2 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2006-04-25 | Wera Werk Hermann Werner Gmbh & Co. Kg | Storage device for one or more tools |
US7066341B1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2006-06-27 | Hartford Scott M | Pivotal instrument holder |
US7168559B2 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2007-01-30 | Tsai-Ching Chen | Toolbox |
US7188726B2 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2007-03-13 | Hung-Lin Lin | Toolbox with pivotal inner tool holders |
US7328796B2 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2008-02-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool holder insert for storage container |
US7331455B2 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2008-02-19 | Yih Cheng Factory Co., Ltd. | Tool box with pivoting seats for screwdriver tips |
US7401700B2 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2008-07-22 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Tool accessory case index |
-
2006
- 2006-07-10 US US11/484,367 patent/US7780016B1/en active Active
-
2008
- 2008-03-11 US US12/046,343 patent/US20080210593A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2736426A (en) * | 1955-03-18 | 1956-02-28 | Clark H Hamilton | Drill, tap and die index |
US3074539A (en) * | 1961-07-12 | 1963-01-22 | Radnor Inc | Container |
US4669617A (en) * | 1984-09-20 | 1987-06-02 | Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph, Inc. | Pen holder device |
US4880122A (en) * | 1988-09-23 | 1989-11-14 | Martindell J Richard | Storage and display apparatus for power bits |
US5562208A (en) * | 1994-08-18 | 1996-10-08 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool bit storage case |
US5813533A (en) * | 1996-03-22 | 1998-09-29 | Firma Georg Knoblauch | Storage/display box for drill bits or the like |
US6024218A (en) * | 1996-03-27 | 2000-02-15 | Firma Georg Knoblauch | Box for storing and displaying drill bits and the like |
US5927493A (en) * | 1997-05-09 | 1999-07-27 | Hardware Industrial Manufacturing S.R.L. | Blade-holding case for a hack sawing machine |
US6405864B1 (en) * | 1998-08-14 | 2002-06-18 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool container |
US7032750B2 (en) * | 2001-01-19 | 2006-04-25 | Wera Werk Hermann Werner Gmbh & Co. Kg | Storage device for one or more tools |
US20030029755A1 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2003-02-13 | Ho Shu Ming | Carrying case for portable electronic equipment and accessories thereof |
US6547074B1 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2003-04-15 | Chang-Ying Chen | Tool box having pivotal inner frames |
US6615983B1 (en) * | 2002-07-08 | 2003-09-09 | Hong Chao Yu | Tool kit |
US7066341B1 (en) * | 2003-06-13 | 2006-06-27 | Hartford Scott M | Pivotal instrument holder |
US6991103B2 (en) * | 2003-08-14 | 2006-01-31 | Aplus Pneumatic Corp. | Toolbox |
US20050211587A1 (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2005-09-29 | Kun-Chen Chen | Tool bracket for storing tool bits |
US20050241974A1 (en) * | 2004-04-29 | 2005-11-03 | Kun-Chen Chen | Tool bit cartridge |
US7168559B2 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2007-01-30 | Tsai-Ching Chen | Toolbox |
US20060070901A1 (en) * | 2004-10-06 | 2006-04-06 | Adams Robert G | Utility bag assembly for transporting and organizing small items |
US7331455B2 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2008-02-19 | Yih Cheng Factory Co., Ltd. | Tool box with pivoting seats for screwdriver tips |
US7401700B2 (en) * | 2005-02-22 | 2008-07-22 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Tool accessory case index |
US7188726B2 (en) * | 2005-03-11 | 2007-03-13 | Hung-Lin Lin | Toolbox with pivotal inner tool holders |
US7328796B2 (en) * | 2005-04-25 | 2008-02-12 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool holder insert for storage container |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8376665B2 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2013-02-19 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Cutting tool, cutting tool kit, and method of operating the same |
US20090053002A1 (en) * | 2007-08-20 | 2009-02-26 | Kirby Michael W | Cutting tool, cutting tool kit, and method of operating the same |
US7806264B1 (en) * | 2009-04-30 | 2010-10-05 | Jin-Tsai Lai | Toolbox having positioning structure |
EP2524187A1 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2012-11-21 | The Otis Patent Trust | Gun cleaning kit tool insert |
EP2524187A4 (en) * | 2010-01-15 | 2013-05-29 | Otis Patent Trust | Gun cleaning kit tool insert |
DE102010032923A1 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-02 | Hazet-Werk Hermann Zerver Gmbh & Co. Kg. | Swiveling bit holder |
CN102343583A (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2012-02-08 | 哈蔡特沃克霍曼泽维有限责任两合公司 | Tool box |
EP2412491A3 (en) * | 2010-07-30 | 2014-12-17 | Hazet-Werk Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co. KG | Pivotable bit holder |
US9421685B2 (en) * | 2012-07-18 | 2016-08-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case |
US20140023475A1 (en) * | 2012-07-18 | 2014-01-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case |
US9937614B2 (en) | 2012-07-18 | 2018-04-10 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case |
USD721231S1 (en) | 2013-08-20 | 2015-01-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Accessory case |
US20150068937A1 (en) * | 2013-09-06 | 2015-03-12 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Milling cutter box |
EP3608065B1 (en) * | 2014-01-10 | 2023-04-05 | Wera Werkzeuge GmbH | Storage device for tools |
US9694489B2 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2017-07-04 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case with modular components |
USD740559S1 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2015-10-13 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Accessory case |
US10500711B2 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2019-12-10 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case with modular components |
US11192235B2 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2021-12-07 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool bit case with modular components |
US20230092514A1 (en) * | 2017-12-04 | 2023-03-23 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tool container system |
US10538126B2 (en) * | 2018-06-01 | 2020-01-21 | Wayne Terry Hutchison | Paintbrush utility container |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7780016B1 (en) | 2010-08-24 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7780016B1 (en) | Tool holder | |
CA2717263C (en) | Organizer | |
US20030106821A1 (en) | Toolbox with external compartment | |
US5680914A (en) | Portable lap office assembly having internal desktop writing surface | |
TW200932451A (en) | Hinged case for a set of tools, especially flat-handled spanners | |
GB2454551A (en) | Protective case for video game console | |
AU2005201656A1 (en) | Container with reversible accessory holder | |
US6659272B2 (en) | System for storing and transporting discs and accessory materials | |
US6024215A (en) | Compact disc carrier | |
EP0608878B1 (en) | Device-accommodating box | |
JP2017039194A (en) | Tool accommodation case | |
US5957291A (en) | Cue stick holder | |
JP2002199070A (en) | Portable telephone set and portable telephone case | |
JP2816316B2 (en) | Disk storage case | |
US20090045079A1 (en) | Optical casing with skylight arrangement | |
US20060278635A1 (en) | Tool box having latching device | |
US20030006155A1 (en) | Toolbox with flippable upper lid | |
KR100308752B1 (en) | Diary having rocker structure | |
US6886571B2 (en) | Make-up set and cosmetic storage case | |
US20020029987A1 (en) | Disc storage case | |
KR200198599Y1 (en) | A compact disc file | |
KR200252651Y1 (en) | Pocket and simplified table assembly mounted on the back of a chair in automobile | |
JP2006319433A (en) | Case for individual belongings | |
US20240099436A1 (en) | Storage container | |
JP2003212358A (en) | Paper feeding tray for printer and ejected paper tray for printer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |