U.S. patent application number 09/975990 was filed with the patent office on 2003-04-17 for tool suspension rack.
Invention is credited to Kao, Jui-Chien.
Application Number | 20030070999 09/975990 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28045885 |
Filed Date | 2003-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030070999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kao, Jui-Chien |
April 17, 2003 |
Tool suspension rack
Abstract
A tool suspension rack consists of a suspension element (10, or
50) movably hanging multiple tool sockets (14) thereon, and a
fixing element (20, 40, or 80) secured on the suspension plate (10)
and meanwhile fixing the multiple tool sockets (14) so as to
provide a theft-proof effect.
Inventors: |
Kao, Jui-Chien; (Tali City,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VENABLE, BAETJER, HOWARD AND CIVILETTI, LLP
P.O. BOX 34385
WASHINGTON
DC
20043-9998
US
|
Family ID: |
28045885 |
Appl. No.: |
09/975990 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
211/70.6 ;
206/378 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 73/00 20130101;
B25H 3/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/70.6 ;
206/378 |
International
Class: |
A47F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tool suspension rack adapted to receive at least one tool
socket, and comprising: a suspension plate (10) adapted to secure
the at least one tool socket thereon and having: a track (12)
formed laterally on the suspension plate (10); and at least one
socket connector (13) corresponding to the at least one tool socket
and mounting and sliding on the track (12), wherein the at least
one socket connector (13) is adapted to detachably connect with the
at least one tool socket; and a fixing rack (20) secured on the
suspension plate (10) and having: at least one opening (22) defined
in the fixing rack (20) so as to sleeve and limit the at least one
tool socket when the fixing rack (20) is combined with the
suspension plate (10).
2. A tool suspension rack adapted to receive at least one tool
socket, and comprising: a suspension plate (10) adapted to secure
multiple tool sockets thereon and having: a track (12) formed
laterally on the suspension plate (10); and at least one socket
connector (13) corresponding to the at least one tool socket and
mounting and sliding on the track (12), wherein the at least one
socket connector (13) has a through hole (132) defined therein and
is adapted to detachably connect with the at least one socket (14);
and a fixing grating (40) secured on the suspension plate (10) and
having: multiple first insertions (44) formed on the fixing rack
(40), wherein each first insertion (44) has a resilient hook (441)
formed at the distal end thereof and connects with suspension plate
(10) by inserting the resilient hook (441) into the through hole
(132) of the socket connector (13).
3. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
suspension plate (10) further has two flanges (18) respectively
formed on opposite ends of the track (12); and a first aperture
(181) defined in each flange (18); the fixing rack (20) is U-shaped
and further has: two connecting protrusions (21) respectively
formed on two oppositely distal ends of fixing rack (20); and a
second aperture (211) defined in connecting protrusion (21) and
corresponding to the first aperture (181) of the track (12); and a
snapper (30) penetrating the first aperture (181) and the second
aperture (211) to combine the suspension plate (10) and the fixing
rack (20) together.
4. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
suspension plate (10) further has two flanges (18) respectively
formed on opposite ends of the track (12); and a first aperture
(181) defined in each flange (18); the fixing rack (20) is U-shaped
and further has: two connecting protrusions (21) respectively
formed on two oppositely distal ends of fixing rack (20); and a
second aperture (211) defined in connecting protrusion (21) and
corresponding to the first aperture (181) of the track (12); and a
snapper (30) penetrating the first aperture (181) and the second
aperture (211) to combine the suspension plate (10) and the fixing
rack (20) together.
5. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 2, wherein the
fixing rack (40) further has multiple second insertions (46), each
second insertion (46) is shorter than the first insertion (44) and
formed on the fixing rack (40) in an alternating manner with the
first insertion (44); wherein the second insertions (46) fix and
insert into the correspondingly at least one tool socket when the
tool suspension rack is combined.
6. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
fixing rack (40) further has multiple second insertions (46), each
second insertion (46) is shorter than the first insertion (44) and
formed on the fixing rack (40) in an alternating manner with the
first insertion (44); wherein the second insertions (46) fix and
insert into the correspondingly at least one tool socket when the
tool suspension rack is combined.
7. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
suspension plate (10) further has a suspension hole (11) defined
therein.
8. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 6, wherein each the
suspension plate (10) further has a suspension hole (11) defined
therein.
9. A tool suspension rack adapted to receive at least one tool
socket and comprising: a suspension frame (50) adapted to receive
the at least one tool socket thereon and having: a recess (52)
defined in the suspension frame (50); a track (53) formed laterally
on an inner wall of the recess (52); at least one socket connectors
(13) corresponding to the at least one tool socket and mounting and
sliding on the track (53), wherein the at least one socket
connector (13) has the through hole (132) defined therein and
detachably connecting with the at least one tool socket; and a
fixing strip (80) secured on the suspension frame (50) and having:
multiple first insertions (81) formed from the fixing strip (80),
wherein each first insertion (81) has a resilient hook (811) formed
on a distal end thereof and connects with the suspension frame (50)
by inserting the resilient hook (811) into the through hole (132)
of the at least one socket connector (13).
10. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
fixing strip (80) further has multiple second insertions (83), each
second insertion (83) is shorter than the first insertion (81) and
formed on the fixing strip (80) in an alternating manner with the
first insertion (81); wherein the second insertions (83) fix and
insert into the correspondingly at least one tool socket when the
tool suspension rack is combined.
11. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
suspension frame (50) further has at least one insert hole (54)
defined therein; and the fixing strip (80) further has at least one
fixing insertion (82) protruding from the fixing strip (80), each
fixing insertion (82) has a resilient hook (821) formed at a distal
end thereof to wedge into the corresponding insert hole (54) so as
to combine the fixing strip (80) to the suspension frame (50).
12. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 10, wherein the
suspension frame (50) further has at least one insert hole (54)
defined therein; and the fixing strip (80) further has at least one
fixing insertion (82) protruding from the fixing strip (80), each
fixing insertion (82) has a resilient hook (821) formed at a distal
end thereof to wedge into the corresponding insert hole (54) so as
to combine the fixing strip (80) to the suspension frame (50).
13. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 11, wherein the
resilient hook (70) has a forked head (71).
14. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 12, wherein the
resilient hook (70) has a forked head (71).
15. The tool suspension rack as claimed in claim 14, wherein the
suspension frame (50) further has a suspension hole (51) defined
therein.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a tool suspension rack, and
more particularly a tool suspension rack that retains a set of tool
sockets or tool sockets with tool heads thereon and provides a
security effect for suspending the tool sockets and sockets with
tool heads in a retail store or similar.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Conventional wrench socket storage has been on the market
and in the work place since the advent of wrench sockets. These
devices have ranged from a tool box having divisions therein
carefully configured to accommodate the graduated size of each
socket to hanging devices having extremely sharp spring clip socket
retaining device. These devices have shortcomings and are not
convenient for storing the tools.
[0005] The storage devices also have to be designed to provide
secure yet accessible display in a retail environment. That is,
potential customers must be able to see and feel the quality of the
sockets in order to buy them with confidence, yet thieves must be
prevented from shoplifting the tools. Additionally, the tool
suspension rack has to be simplified in its structure so as to be
quickly assembled, and reduce product cost.
[0006] In order to meet these requirements, the present invention
provides a tool suspension rack to conveniently retain a set of
tool sockets or tool sockets with tool heads.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A first objective of the invention is to provide a tool
suspension rack that has a theft-proof effect.
[0008] A second objective of the invention is to provide a tool
suspension rack that makes tool sockets and tool heads hanging on
the tool suspension rack easily attached and detached
therefrom.
[0009] Other objects, advantages and novel features of the
invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment
of a tool suspension rack in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool suspension rack in
accordance with FIG. 1, wherein the tool suspension rack is
assembled;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partially perspective view of a connecting
device of the tool suspension rack in accordance with FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a second
embodiment of the tool suspension rack, which has multiple
insertions;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the
tool suspension rack in accordance with FIG. 4, wherein the tool
suspension rack is assembled;
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment
of the tool suspension rack;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the
tool suspension rack in accordance with FIG. 6, wherein the tool
suspension rack is assembled;
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth
embodiment of the tool suspension rack wherein a fixing strip has
various insertions;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the fourth embodiment of the
tool suspension rack in accordance with FIG. 8, wherein the tool
suspension rack is assembled;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged exploded view of a fixing
insertion and an insert hole of the tool suspension rack; and
[0020] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged exploded view of one
embodiment of the fixing insertion and the insert hole of the tool
suspension rack.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] With reference to FIGS. 1, and 2, a tool suspension rack is
composed of a suspension plate (10), multiple tool sockets (14)
movably attached to the suspension plate (10), and a fixing rack
(20) detachably secured on the suspension plate (10) and meanwhile
fixing the multiple tool sockets (14).
[0022] The suspension plate (10) has at least one suspension hole
(11) defined therein to make the tool suspension rack able to be
hung on a hook or similar. A track (12) is formed laterally on a
bottom face of the suspension plate (10) and has multiple socket
connectors (13) that slide on the track (12). Each socket connector
(13) detachably connects with a respective one of the tool sockets
(14) so that a user is enabled to directly pull out any tool socket
(14) wanted. The tool socket (14) is divided into an upper portion
(142) and a lower portion (144) and has a tool head (17) connected
with the lower portion (14). Additionally, two flanges (18) are
formed on opposite ends of the track (12) respectively and each
flange (18) has a first aperture (181) defined therein.
[0023] The fixing rack (20) is U-shaped and has two connecting
protrusions (21) formed on two oppositely distal ends of the fixing
rack (20). Each connecting protrusion (21) has a second aperture
(211) corresponding to the first aperture (181) of the track (12).
At least one opening (22) is defined in a bottom portion (23) of
the U-shaped fixing rack (20).
[0024] Now referring to FIG. 2, when the suspension plate (10) is
combined with the fixing rack (20), the first aperture (181) of the
flange (18) and the second aperture (211) of the connecting
protrusion (21) are penetrated and then fixed by a snapper (30). At
the same time, the at least one opening (22) is penetrated by the
tool heads and the lower portions (144) of the tool socket (14).
Therefore, a bottom portion (23) of the fixing rack (20) sleeves
and limit the tool sockets (14) so as to avoid the tool sockets
(14) detaching from the socket connector (13) when someone wants to
steal a single tool socket (14).
[0025] With reference to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a connecting way
for the suspension plate (10) and the fixing rack (20) is shown,
wherein a resilient nub (26) is formed on the connecting protrusion
(21) and corresponding to the first aperture (181) of the flange
(18). The resilient nub (26) is wedged into the first aperture
(181) to connect the suspension plate (10) and the fixing rack (20)
so that the fixing rack (20) provide a protection for the tool
sockets (14). It is easy to be understood that the connecting way
between the suspension plate (10) and the fixing rack (20) has a
variety of choices such as screw-nut or clipping devices . . . etc.
in application.
[0026] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the tool
suspension rack which is composed of the suspension plate (10)
substantially the same as in FIG. 1 and a fixing grating (40)
securable on the suspension plate (10) to provide a theft-proof
effect for the tool sockets (14).
[0027] The suspension plate (10) is the same as the first
embodiment and does not redundantly describe here. However, each
socket connector (13) has a through hole (132) vertically defined
therein and detachably connects with a tool socket (14) so that a
user is able to directly pull out any tool socket (14) wanted.
[0028] The fixing grating (40) is U-shaped and has two connecting
protrusions (41) formed on two oppositely distal ends of the fixing
grating (40). Each connecting protrusion (41) has a second aperture
(411) corresponding to the first aperture (181) of the track (12).
At least one first insertion (44) protrudes from a bottom strip
(43) of the fixing grating (40) and each first insertion (44) has a
resilient hook (441) formed on a distal end thereof. Additionally,
at least one second insertion (46), which is shorter than the first
insertion (44), protrudes from the bottom strip (43) and is
alternatingly arranged in a certain sequence with the first
insertion (44) on the fixing grating (40).
[0029] Now referring to FIG. 5, when the tool suspension rack is in
combination, the first aperture (181) of the flange (18) and the
second aperture (211) of the connecting protrusion (21) are
penetrated and then fixed by a snapper (30). At the same time, the
first insertions (44) penetrate the tool sockets (14) and the
through hole (132) of the socket connector (13). Thus, the
resilient hooks (441) of the first insertions (44) retain the
fixing grating (40) on the suspension plate (10) so as to avoid the
tool sockets (14) being stolen. Meanwhile, the second insertions
(46) extend into hollow portions within the tool sockets (14) that
also provide the fixing and a theft-proof effect for the tool
sockets (14).
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the
tool suspension rack is composed of a suspension frame (50)
receiving multiple tool sockets (14) inside and a fixing strip (80)
connected with the suspension frame (50).
[0031] The suspension frame (50) has at least one hole (51) defined
therein to make the tool suspension rack able to be hung on a hook
or the similar. A recess (52) is defined in the suspension frame
and a track (53) is formed laterally on an inner wall of the recess
(52), wherein multiple socket connectors (13) slide on the track
(53). Each socket connector (13) has the through hole (132)
vertically defined therein and detachably connects with the tool
socket (14) so that a user is enabled to directly pull out any tool
socket (14) wanted. The tool socket (14) is hollow and communicated
with the through hole (132) of the socket connector (13).
[0032] The fixing strip (80) has multiple first insertions (81)
upwardly formed from the fixing strip (80). Each first insertion
(81) has a resilient hook (811) formed on a distal end thereof and
the resilient hook (811) is wedged through the through hole (132)
of the socket connector (13) to provide fixing and theft-proof
effects for the tool socket (14).
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10, a fourth embodiment of
the tool suspension rack is basically the same with the second
embodiment in FIGS. 6 and 7. The difference of the fourth
embodiment in comparison with the third embodiment of the tool
suspension rack comprise:
[0034] The suspension frame (50) further has at least one insert
hole (54) defined in the inner wall where the track (521)
exists.
[0035] The fixing strip (80) further has at least one fixing
insertion (82) protruding upwardly from the fixing strip (80) and
correspondingly inserting into the insert hole (54) of the
suspension frame (50). Each fixing insertion (82) has a resilient
hook (821) formed at a distal end thereof to wedge into the insert
hole (54) so as to combine the fixing strip (80) to the suspension
frame (50) and then provide the theft-proof effect for the tool
sockets (14).
[0036] Additionally, multiple second insertions (83) shorter than
the first insertion (81) protrude upwardly from the fixing strip
(80) to fix the tool sockets (14) by inserting into the hollow
portion of the tool sockets (14) when the tool suspension rack is
in combination.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 11, an embodiment of resilient hook
(70) is shown wherein the resilient hook (70) has a forked head
(71) to wedge into the insert hole (54) of the suspension frame
(50).
[0038] Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the
present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description,
together with details of the structure and function of the
invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be
made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size, and
arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the
full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in
which the appended claims are expressed.
* * * * *