WO2001024976A1

WO2001024976A1 - Holder for tools, tool components and/or accessories

Info

Publication number: WO2001024976A1
Application number: PCT/CA1999/000924
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kailash C. Vasudeva; Maz A. Hasan
Original assignee: Maxtech Manufacturing Inc.
Priority date: 1999-10-06
Filing date: 1999-10-06
Publication date: 2001-04-12
Also published as: AU5964799A

Abstract

In the invention, a lid (3) is pivotably connected to a generally flat body (1). A number of conventional hex keys (11) and/or drill bits (59) of different sizes are secured within the body (1) such that one or both ends project out of the lid (3) through notches (13) in opposing sides of the lid (3) to allow the consumer to touch the items (11, 59). Unauthorized removal of the items (11, 59) at the point of sale is prevented by, for example, a block (7) secured to the top portion of the body (1).

Description

HOLDER FOR TOOLS. TOOL COMPONENTS AND/OR ACCESSORIES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a holder used for the display of tools, tool components and/or accessories as they relate to the construction and automotive trades, including for example hex keys, drill bits and the like (hereinafter "items"). The holder is intended to be used to display the items at the point of sale, and to subsequently store the items.

Displaying items at the point of sale in a manner which permits the consumer to touch and inspect them is highly desirable, since it clearly increases sales. Unfortunately, holders which expose the items are often prone to tampering and theft of items from them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved holder which allows the consumer to touch and inspect the items, while at the same time being tamper-resistant and theft-resistant.

In the invention, a lid is pivotably connected to a generally flat and preferably rectangular body, defining an enclosed area. The lid could be hexagonal, polygonal, circular, elliptical, or any other shape. A number of hex keys, drill bits or like items of different sizes are secured the enclosed area, with one or both ends projecting out of upper and lower sides of the lid to allow the consumer to touch the items. Unauthorized removal of the items at the point of sale is prevented by a flange or like means, or preferably by a removable block or the like secured to the body, to prevent axial movement of the items, so that they remain trapped by the lid as long as the lid is closed. Opening of the lid is made difficult by use of a metal or plastic tie at a clasp location, the tie being removable only with the use of a utility knife, wire cutters, or some other such tool.

In the preferred embodiments using a removable block, after purchasing the items and the holder, the consumer can remove the block, so that the items can be readily removed. The block itself may then have other uses. For example, it may have openings defined therein to receive the items, to act as a mini-holder to carry the items around via a built- in belt clip, for example. Or, it may be used as a support stand, to keep the holder upright on a workbench or the like. Or, it may have one more holes, preferably through holes, to act as size gauges (for drill bits, for example). Or it may have an alignment groove on one edge into which a drill bit can be supported and aligned for drilling straight holes, i.e. at 90 degrees to the workpiece. Or it may be used as a temporary holder for often-used drill bits, e.g. a pilot drill and accompanying finishing drills. Or it could have one or more hexagonal recesses to assist in applying torque to a hex hey, i.e. by acting as a handle, or to accept a countersink/deburhng tool.

Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description. Although reference will be made to hex keys and drill bits from time to time, it should be understood that these are as examples only, and the holder clearly may be readily adaptable to other tools, tool components and/or accessories.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention; Fig. 3 is a top view of the preferred embodiment showing the lid in the open position;

Fig.4 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the lid in the open position;

Fig. 5 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing hex keys;

Fig. 6 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing hex keys stored within the holder;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the block showing hex keys stored therein; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the block clipped to the belt and pocket of a user; Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view the bottom surface of the preferred embodiment showing the block stored on the bottom surface of the holder;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view the bottom surface of the preferred embodiment showing the block stored on the bottom surface of the holder;

Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing a snap-in module;

Fig. 14 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the invention; Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the covered enclosure;

Figs. 16a-16c are front, side and rear views respectively showing an alternative means of securing the block; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of an embodiment for drill bits;

Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective corresponding to Fig. 17; Fig. 19 is a front view showing the holder of Figs. 17-18, with the lid open and drill bits in place;

Fig. 20 is a cross-section showing the block secured to the body; Fig. 21 is a front view of the block;

Fig. 21 B is a side view of the hypotenuse of the block; Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view showing the use of the block as a stand for the body;

Fig. 23A is a side view of the body supported by the block; Fig. 23B is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 23A;

Fig. 24 is a cross-section showing the lid open; Fig. 25 is a cross-section showing the lid closed; Fig. 26 is an alternative embodiment of a holder for drill bits; Fig. 27 is a front view of the alternative embodiment; Fig. 28 is a front view with the lid open;

Fig. 29 is a front view of another alternative embodiment, with lids and drill bits on both sides of the body;

Fig. 30 is a top view of the Fig. 29 embodiment; Fig. 31 is a side view of the Fig. 29 embodiment; Fig. 32 is a side cross-sectional view of the Fig. 29 embodiment;

Fig. 33 is a front view of the Fig. 29 embodiment; Fig. 34 is a rear view of the Fig. 29 embodiment;

Fig. 35 is a top cross-sectional view of the Fig. 29 embodiment, with the lids open; Figs. 36-41 show further examples of the items which may be carried in the holder;

Fig. 42 shows an alternative attachment means for the block;

Fig. 43 shows the alternatively-configured block for Fig. 42; and

Figs. 42-47 show a further example of an alternative block configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figs. 1-16c relate to hex key embodiments; Figs. 17-35 relate to drill bit embodiments. As will be seen, these embodiments share inventive principles, but also have a few characteristics which are unique to them. Fig. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the invention as it relates to hex keys, where a flat and generally rectangular plastic body 1 is hinged, via a living hinge 2, to a preferably hexagonally-shaped plastic lid 3. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the lid may be attached to the body by a wide variety of alternative means and such variations are within the scope of this invention. The lid is secured to the body in the closed position by a conventional plastic clasp 4. A hole 5 is defined within the body near its top edge

6, by which the invention can be suspended from a conventional hook at the point of sale.

As best shown in Fig. 2, a plastic block 7 is secured to the body preferably by a molded plastic clip 8 which penetrates a corresponding first slit 9 defined within the body 1. The distal end of the clip faces the top edge of the body and the joint between the block and the clip abuts against the edge of the first slit, such that the block is prevented from moving toward the top edge of the body. However, the block may be secured to the body in a number of different ways, such as T-slots, posts, or rails, Figs. 16a-16c illustrating one such additional example. A number of circular channels 10 configured to retain most popular hex key sizes penetrate the block. Fig. 3 shows preferably seven hex keys 11 which are snapped into plastic retaining members 12 molded to the body 1 such that the long end of each hex key is parallel to the side edge 20 of the body while the short end of each hex key is parallel to the top edge 6 of the body. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that a holder to retain any number of hex keys may be constructed, and such a variation would be within the scope of this invention. Two retaining members are used to secure each hex key to the body, and each such pair of retaining members is positioned on an axis generally parallel to the side edge of the body within the area covered by the lid 3. Fig. 4 shows preferably semi-hexagonal notches 13 of varying sizes defined within the sides of the lid, and semi-hexagonal projections 14 of varying sizes molded to the body. The notches and projections co-operate to form holes aligned with each pair of retaining members 12 on an axis parallel to the length of the body to receive and secure the hex keys, such that the lid can be closed when the hex keys are stored within the retaining members.

In addition, preferably six circular slots 15 are defined within the sides of the lid facing the bottom edge of the body to receive six hex keys of smaller sizes. The smaller sizes of hex keys are each secured within the lid by a single retaining member 12 such that the short end of each hex key is within the lid and only a section of the long end is exposed for the consumer to examine.

At the point of sale, the holder is suspended from a hook (not shown) via the hole 5 defined in the body 1 , as best shown in Fig. 5. For the sake of clarity, only the larger sizes of hex keys are shown with the holder, but it should be understood that, at the point of sale, the holder includes hex keys of smaller sizes described above. The larger hex keys 11 are snapped into the retaining members and covered by the lid 3 which is in the closed position. The ends of the hex keys are exposed to allow the consumer to closely inspect and touch the items. To prevent unauthorized removal of hex keys by opening the lid, a metal or plastic tie (not shown) threaded through an opening in the clasp 4. Alternatively, if someone attempts to remove a hex key by rotating and/or pulling down on it, the short end of the hex key will abut against the sides of the lid, thereby preventing further movement. As shown in Fig. 6, if an unauthorized attempt to remove the largest size of hex key by rotating and/or pushing up on it is made, the short end of the hex key will abut against the block 7 which, in turn, will cause the joint between the block and the clip 8 to abut against the first slit 9, thereby preventing further movement. If a similar attempt is made to remove any other larger size hex key, the key will abut against an adjacent larger hex key, which in turn will abut against the larger hex key adjacent to it, and so on. Eventually this will cause the largest hex key to abut against the block, thereby preventing removal of the hex keys, as described above. Alternatively, if an unauthorized attempt to remove the block is made, the block abuts the adjacent largest size hex key, thereby preventing its removal. If one of the alternative arrangements described above is used to secure the block to the body, a clasp identical to the clasp 4 is attached to the block and the body, as shown in Figs. 16a-16c, to prevent unauthorized removal of the block.

After the consumer purchases the hex key holder, he/she can remove the metal tie and open the lid. The consumer can then remove the hex keys and the block. He/she can insert the hex keys in the appropriate circular channels 10 within the block 7 and attach said block with the hex keys to a belt or pocket via the clip 8, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The removal of the block also allows the user to remove hex keys from the holder without opening the lid merely by pulling them out of the holder. As shown in Figs. 9 and 10, when the user is not carrying the block on his/her belt, it can be stored by attaching it to a bracket 18 molded to the bottom surface of the body 1.

After purchase, the key holder may be suspended from a conventional hook with the lid 3 in the open position to provide storage for hex keys and to serve as a dispenser.

It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiment for hex keys by way of example only. Many variations on the invention will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as described and claimed, whether or not expressly described.

For example, Figs. 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the bracket 18 described in the preferred embodiment is replaced by a second slit 19 defined within the body 1 between the first slit 9 and the hole 5 to store the block 7 against the underside of the body.

Fig. 13 and 14 show an alternative embodiment of the invention where the body 1 is molded without the plastic retaining members. Instead, five walls 27 are molded to the body to define a generally hexagonal enclosure 25 to accommodate a module 26, which is snapped into the five walls. Although a hexagonally shaped module is shown, the module and the enclosure can be molded in a wide variety of shapes. The module is secured within the receiving frame by any suitable means, such as two sets of two finger tabs 30, each molded to opposing walls of the frame which locate in corresponding female connections 31 defined within the sides of the module 26. A cut-out 28 is defined at the top edge of the enclosure to accommodate a hanging tab 29 molded to the top of the module. Slots 15 are defined within opposing top and bottom sides of the module to receive a number of hex keys 11 such that the hex keys align on an axis parallel to the side edge 20 the body. Although the module, as shown, is molded with circular slots to accommodate seven hex keys of various sizes, modules with hexagonal slots accommodating different numbers of hex keys depending on their size may also be interchangeably secured within the body. The various modules may also be colour-coded for various styles and types of hex keys, such as SAE or Metric.

Fig. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where a generally hexagonal covered enclosure 35 is molded to the body 1. Openings in the top and bottom of the covered enclosure are defined to slidably receive a module 26. The module is identical to that shown in Fig. 13 other than the hanging tab is removed and the module is secured to the top of the enclosure by a male engagement tab 36 molded to the top surface of the module which is secured within a corresponding female engagement slot 37 defined within the top surface of the covered enclosure.

Figs. 17-35 show various drill bit embodiments, which are very similar in principle to the hex key embodiments, and which also serve to illustrate several other possible variations which could also be adapted to hex key holders.

Fig. 17 shows a drill bit holder which is essentially very similar to the hex key holder, except that the block 57 preferably is triangular, with an angled lower surface 58 to account for the different lengths of the drill bits 59. The block is removable from the body 1 , being anchored to the body by mushroom pins 60 which the purchaser may cut from the holder after purchasing it, allowing the pins to be removed from holes 65 in the body. Until the block has been removed, the drill bits cannot be extracted from the lid, and the lid remains securely fastened until the purchaser cuts the previously-mentioned metal or plastic tie through an opening in the clasp 4. The first embodiment of this drill bit holder includes a flange 61 extending outwardly from the body, to prevent downward withdrawal of the drill bits. The drill bits pass through holes 62 in the upper and lower sides of the lid. As with the hex key embodiments, the holes may be cooperatively defined by the lid and the base, or may be through the lid. In the case of drill bits passing through holes in the lid itself, which necessarily are smaller sizes of drill bits, flanges 61" are provided within the lid itself.

The block may have a number of holes 64 in the front surface thereof, of varying sizes, appropriately labelled, to act as gauges for different drill bit diameters.

Preferably, as shown in Figs. 22, 23A and 23B, the block may be mounted behind the body, if desired, to act as a stand for supporting the holder at an angle. For this purpose, the hypotenuse 58 of the block has two holes 66 positioned to receive corresponding pins 67 projecting slightly from the back of the body.

The hypotenuse may also have other functional features such as hexagonal openings 68 to act allow the block to be used as a handle to apply torque to a hex key.

In a second embodiment, shown in Figs. 26-28, preferred especially for smaller drill bits, the flange 61 is positioned entirely within the area enclosed by the lid.

A third embodiment, shown in Figs. 29-35, has front and rear lids 3 and 3' respectively, such that the holder is very similar in appearance from both front and rear.

Typically, one side would be used for large drill bits, while the other side would be used for smaller drill bits, and could also include drill bits carried by the lid itself, as in the earlier- described embodiments.

Fig. 33 shows that a block 57 is not necessarily used. Instead, an upper flange 61" could be used to prevent upward withdrawal of the drill bits until the lid is opened. Obviously, in such an embodiment, it must be possible to remove the drill bits from the opened holder without having to move them axially. Thus they should be held in place by means such as clips 69, which would permit them to be pulled outwardly from the body. Such clips could be used in other embodiments as well, if desired.

The drill bit embodiments also show that the rigidity of the body may be enhanced by providing it with raised side walls 90. In general, whether for hex keys or drill bits, or any other tools, components or accessories, the holders prevent unauthorized removal of the items before removal of the block 57.

Figs. 36-41 show further examples of the items which may be carried in the holder. Fig. 36 shows drill bits 80 of the type having a hex shank; Fig. 37 shows large drill bits

81 ; Fig. 38 shows a set of taps 82; Fig. 39 shows a Forstner (trademark) set 83; Fig. 40 shows a set of drill bits 80 and power bits 84; and Fig. 41 shows a drill and drive set of various components.

Fig. 42 shows an alternative attachment means for the block, the block having two tabs with expanded ends, insertable through large holes in the body and then moveable upwardly therefrom via narrower slots, such that the block can only be removed by moving it back down to the large holes.

Fig. 43 shows the alternatively-configured block for Fig. 42.

Figs. 42-47 show a further example of an alternative block configuration, including for example an alignment groove and other similarly functional features as previously recited.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED AS THE INVENTION IS:

1. A holder for items such as tools, tool components and/or accessories including hex keys, drill bits or the like, comprising: a generally flat body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and an enclosure portion and a top portion extending above said enclosure portion; a lid pivotably connected to a side edge of said body, pivotable onto said body and securable thereto so as to define an enclosed area above said enclosure portion, said lid and said body, when said lid is closed, cooperatively defining a plurality of holes into said enclosed area, each having an axis generally parallel to said side edge of said body, each configured to receive a said item with said item extending into said enclosed area and at least one end of said item extending out of said enclosed area; and means attached to said body and positioned so as to block axial removal of said items from said holes when said lid is secured against said body.

2. A holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein said means positioned so as to block removal of said items comprises a block removably secured to said body.

3. A holder as defined in claim 2, wherein said body further comprises a first slit defined within said top portion thereof and said block further comprises a clip molded to the underside thereof, positionable through said first slit such that it may be removed only by sliding said block relative to said body, such sliding being prevented when items are carried by said lid and said lid is closed.

4. A holder as defined in claim 3, wherein said bottom surface of said body has a bracket thereto, said bracket configured to receive said clip for storage of said block.

5. A holder as defined in claim 2, wherein said block is removably secured by mushroom pins projecting therefrom extending through said body, said block being removable when a purchaser cuts said mushroom pins.

6. A holder as defined in claim 2, wherein one of said body and said block has posts projecting therefrom and the other has corresponding holes to receive said posts, configured such that said block when removed from said body may be secured beneath said body to act as a support stand for said body.

7. A holder as defined in claim 5, wherein one of said body and said block has posts projecting therefrom and the other has corresponding holes to receive said posts, configured such that said block when removed from said body may be secured beneath said body to act as a support stand for said body.

8. A holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein said body further comprises a hole defined in said top portion of said body securable to a conventional hook at the point of sale.

9. A holder as defined in claim 1 , wherein said enclosure portion of said body further comprises a plurality of retaining members molded thereto, said retaining members positioned to secure each item received by said plurality of holes.

10. A holder as defined in claim 2, wherein said block is generally triangular, and has mounting means cooperating with corresponding mounting means on said bottom surface whereby said block may be secured to said bottom surface to act as a stand for said body.

11. A holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said block has a plurality of apertures in an outer surface thereof, configured to act as gauges for drill bits.

12. A holder for items such as tools, tool components and/or accessories including hex keys, drill bits or the like, comprising: a generally flat body having a top surface and an enclosure portion; a lid pivotably connected to a side edge of said body, pivotable onto said body and securable thereto so as to define an enclosed area in said enclosure portion; a module securable within said enclosed area, said module having holes configured to receive a plurality of items; and means positioned so as to block removal of said items from said holes when said lid is secured against said body.

13. A holder as defined in claim 12, wherein said means positioned so as to block removal comprises a block removably secured to said top portion of said body, positioned so as to block removal of items from said holes when said lid is secured against said body, said block not being removable from said body as long as said lid is secured against said body.

14. A holder as defined in claim 13, wherein said module further comprises a plurality of holes, each having an axis generally parallel to a side edge of said body, each configured to receive an item.

15. A holder for items such as tools, tool components and/or accessories including hex keys, drill bits or the like comprising: a generally flat body having a top surface; a cover secured to a portion of said top surface, defining a longitudinal channel above said body; a module securable within said channel, said module having holes configured to receive a plurality of items; and a block removably secured to said top portion of said body, positioned so as to block removal of items from said holes when said lid is secured against said body, said block not being removable from said body as long as said module is secured in said channel.

16. An item holder as defined in claim 15, where said module is secured in said channel by virtue of a projection from said module engaging in a slot in said cover.