U.S. patent application number 10/752236 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-23 for tool rack assembly.
Invention is credited to Ling, David.
Application Number | 20040256336 10/752236 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25422596 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040256336 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ling, David |
December 23, 2004 |
Tool rack assembly
Abstract
A tool rack assembly comprises a board and a tool rack
detachably mounted to the board. In another embodiment, a tool
try-on device is provided comprises a board and a rotating member
rotatably mounted to the board. The rotating member is engageable
with an end of a tool. The rotating member moves in a direction
transverse to a plane on which the board lies when the tool engaged
with the rotating member is turned.
Inventors: |
Ling, David; (Taichung,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kyle M. Globerman
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
P.O. Box 11070
Columbia
SC
29211
US
|
Family ID: |
25422596 |
Appl. No.: |
10/752236 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10752236 |
Jan 6, 2004 |
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09906525 |
Jul 16, 2001 |
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6712224 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/70.6 ;
206/376 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47F 7/024 20130101;
B25H 3/02 20130101; B25H 3/04 20130101; A47F 7/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/070.6 ;
206/376 |
International
Class: |
A47F 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A display for holding wrenches comprising: a) a generally planar
backboard having (i) a top edge, (ii) a bottom edge, (iii) two
opposite side edges extending between said top edge and said bottom
edge, and (iv) a pair of apertures defined through said generally
planar backboard adjacent said top edge so that said generally
planar backboard may be suspended from said apertures, wherein said
top, bottom and side edges extend perpendicular to said generally
planar backboard, b) a plurality of slots defined on said generally
planar backboard; c) a plurality of first elongated wrenches, each
of said plurality of first elongated wrenches being received in a
respective said plurality of slots so that said plurality of first
elongated wrenches are generally parallel to each other and aligned
transversely to a line including said pair of apertures; d) a
polygonally shaped rotating member mounted to said generally planar
backboard so that said polygonally shaped rotating member is
rotatable with respect to said generally planar backboard; and e) a
second wrench coupled to said polygonally shaped rotating member,
wherein a side of said generally planar backboard on which said
plurality of first elongated wrenches and said second wrench are
disposed is uncovered so that said plurality of first elongated
wrenches and said second wrench may be touched by prospective
purchasers when said generally planar backboard is suspended by
said pair of apertures; and wherein said plurality of first
elongated wrenches and said pair of apertures are entirely within
an area bounded by said top edge, said bottom edge and said two
opposite side edges.
2. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, wherein said
plurality of slots are removably attached to said generally planar
backboard.
3. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, further comprising:
a. a first plurality of teeth formed on said polygonally shaped
rotating member; and b. a second plurality of teeth formed on said
generally planar backboard, wherein said first plurality of teeth
are in operative engagement with said second plurality of
teeth.
4. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, further comprising:
a. a first plurality of teeth formed about said polygonally shaped
rotating member; and b. a second plurality of teeth formed on said
generally planar backboard, wherein said first plurality of teeth
are in operative engagement with said second plurality of
teeth.
5. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, said polygonally
shaped rotating member having a hole adapted to receive a cap for
engaging with said hole of said polygonally shaped rotating member
to thereby prevent disengagement of said second wrench.
6. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, wherein said
polygonally shaped rotating member moves in a direction transverse
to a plane on which said generally planar backboard lies when said
second wrench is turned in at least one direction.
7. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, wherein said
polygonally shaped rotating member has a tool-engaging portion in
the form of a nut for engaging with said second wrench.
8. The display for holding wrenches of claim 1, further comprising
a restraining frame through which said second wrench extends,
thereby restraining pivotal movement of said second wrench.
9. A method for displaying wrenches, said method comprising: a.
providing a display for holding wrenches, said display having 1) a
generally planar backboard having (i) a top edge, (ii) a bottom
edge, (iii) two opposite side edges extending between said top edge
and said bottom edge, and (iv) a pair of apertures defined through
said generally planar backboard adjacent said top edge so that said
generally planar backboard may be suspended from said pair
apertures, wherein said top, bottom and two opposite side edges
extend perpendicular to said generally planar backboard, 2) a
plurality of slots defined on said generally planar backboard; 3) a
plurality of first elongated wrenches, each of said plurality of
first elongated wrenches being received in a respective said
plurality of slots so that said plurality of first elongated
wrenches are generally parallel to each other and aligned
transversely to a line including said pair of apertures; 4) a
polygonally shaped rotating member mounted to said generally planar
backboard so that said polygonally shaped rotating member is
rotatable with respect to said generally planar backboard; and 5) a
second wrench coupled to said polygonally shaped rotating member,
wherein said plurality of first elongated wrenches and said pair of
apertures are entirely within an area bounded by said top edge,
said bottom edge and said two opposite side edges; and b.
suspending said generally planar backboard by said pair of
apertures so that said plurality of first elongated wrenches are
substantially vertical and said plurality of first elongated
wrenches and said second wrench may be touched by prospective
purchasers when said generally planar backboard is suspended by
said pair of apertures.
10. The method for displaying wrenches of claim 9, further
comprising the step of releasably attaching said plurality of slots
to said generally planar backboard.
11. The method for displaying wrenches of claim 9, further
comprising the step of releasably attaching said second wrench to
said polygonally shaped rotating member.
12. The method for displaying wrenches of claim 9, further
comprising the steps of: a. providing a first plurality of teeth
formed on said polygonally shaped rotating member; and b. providing
a second plurality of teeth formed on said generally planar
backboard, wherein said first plurality of teeth are in operative
engagement with said second plurality of teeth.
13. The method for displaying wrenches of claim 9, further
comprising the steps of: a. providing a first plurality of teeth
formed about said polygonally shaped rotating member; and b.
providing a second plurality of teeth formed on said generally
planar backboard, wherein said first plurality of teeth are in
operative engagement with said second plurality of teeth.
14. The method for displaying wrenches of claim 11, wherein said
polygonally shaped rotating member has a tool-engaging portion in
the form of a nut for engaging with said second wrench.
15. The method for displaying wrenches of claim 14, wherein said
polygonally shaped rotating member has a hole adapted to receive a
cap for engaging with said hole of said polygonally shaped rotating
member to thereby prevent disengagement of said second wrench.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] The present application is a continuation of application
Ser. No. 09/906,525, filed Jul. 16, 2001, the entire disclosure of
which is hereby being incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a tool rack assembly. In
particular, the present invention relates to a tool rack assembly
comprising a board and a tool rack releasably attached to the
board. The present invention also relates to a tool try-on device
allowing try-on of a tool.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A conventional tool pack, when holding a multiplicity of
tools of different kinds and sizes, occupies a considerable space
and is bulky and thus inconvenient to carriage and storage.
Management of the tools may be a problem in some cases. Some of the
tool racks provide a try-on function allowing the customer to try
on the tool before buying it. However, the rotating member on the
tool rack rotates freely, which is unlike transverse movement of
that in real operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a tool rack
assembly comprising a board and a tool rack releasably attached to
the board. The board serves as a display device when the tool rack
having tools mounted thereon is attached thereto. Thus, the user
may select the required tools and place them on the tool rack,
which, in turn, can be releasably attached to the board
conveniently. The tool rack is tied up to the board during display,
thereby preventing theft. The tool rack can be detached from the
board and thus be used separately. In addition, one may try on the
tool before buying it, and the operation is imitating the real
operation by allowing a rotating member rotatably mounted to the
board to move along a transverse direction during operation of the
tool.
[0007] 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
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool rack assembly in
accordance with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the tool rack
assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a rotating means
mounted on the tool rack assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the
tool rack assembly and sectioned along plane A-A in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a portion of the
tool rack assembly and sectioned along plane B-B in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a tool rack of the
tool rack assembly in accordance with the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken
along plane C-C in FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a try-on function
provided by the tool rack assembly in accordance with the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a try-on device in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tool rack assembly in
accordance with the present invention generally includes a board 10
and a tool rack 20 releasably attached to the board 10. The board
10 includes a tool rack compartment 12 having a slot 13 on an end
thereof and two pegs 14 as well as a plurality of openings 15 on
the other end thereof. The board 10 further comprises a hanging
hole 18 so as to allow hanging of the board 10 to a wall. The board
10 further comprises a try-on space 11 in which a bulge 16 is
defined. A recess 162 may be defined in a rear side of the board 10
and behind the bulge 16. A rotating means 30 may be provided on the
bulge 161 on the board 10 to allow a potential customer to try on
the tools held on the tool rack 20. A restraining frame 17 with an
opening 171 is provided in the try-on space 11 of the board 10 to
limit rotational movement of a wrench to be tried on, which will be
described later.
[0018] The tool rack 20 comprises a fist side 21 and a second side
22 that is opposite to the first side 21. An engaging hook 23 is
provided on an end of the first side 21 for releasably engaging
with the slot 13 of the tool rack compartment 12. Two holes 24 are
defined in the other end of the first side 21 for releasably
engaging with the pegs 14 of the tool rack compartment 12. After
the tool rack 20 is mounted in the tool rack compartment 12, a
tying strip 25 is used to tie up the former to the latter. As
illustrated in FIG. 5, a flexible enlarged end 29a of the tying
strip 29 outside the board 10 is passed through one of the openings
15 in the board 10, wound around a rib 25 formed on the tool rack
20, and passed through another opening 15 in the board 10 and a
tightening hole in the tying strip 29. Thus, the tool rack 20 is
fixedly tied up to the board 10. Removal of the tool rack 20 is
allowed only when the tying strip 29 is severed.
[0019] Provided on the second side 22 of the board 20 are plural
tool-holding portions 26 each having a tool-holding seat 27 and a
pair of vertically aligned retaining grooves 28 that extends along
a direction at an angle with a longitudinal direction of the tool
rack 20. Each tool-holding seat 27 includes an inclined outer guide
face 271 in an outer end thereof and a locking slot 272. A tool,
e.g., a combination wrench 50 (FIGS. 6 and 7) is guided into a
respective pair of retaining grooves 28 by the inclined guide face
271 of a respective tool-holding seat 27 that can be slightly
deformed. Namely, the combination wrench 50 slides across the
respective inclined outer guide face 271 into the respective pair
of retaining grooves 28 and is then securely retained in the
respective pair of retaining grooves 28 by an inner retaining face
273 of the outer end of the respective tool-holding seat 27 and a
corresponding face 282 and a corresponding corner 283 defining each
of the respective retaining grooves 28, best shown in FIG. 7. After
all of the tools 50 are retained in place, a locking strip 52 can
be extended through the locking slots 272 of the tool-holding seats
27 to prevent theft, best shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIGS. 2 and
3, the rotating means 30 comprises a fixed element 31 that is
securely mounted in a hole 161 (e.g., a screw hole) of the bulge 16
of the board 10. In this embodiment, the fixed element 31 has a
toothed outer periphery 311 for secure engagement with the screw
hole 161 of the bulge 16. In addition, the rotating means 30
comprises a rotating member 32 having a threaded stem 321 in
threading engagement with a screw hole 312 of the fixed element 31.
The rotating member 32 further has a tool-engaging portion 322 in
the form of a nut for engaging with an end of a tool, such as a
combination wrench. A cap 33 can be engaged with a hole 323 in the
tool-engaging portion 322 for preventing disengagement of the tool
engaged with the tool-engaging portion 322.
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 8, a combination wrench 50 is
extended through an opening 171 in the restraining frame 17 with an
end of the combination wrench 50 engaging with the tool-engaging
portion 322. Thus, one may try on the combination wrench 50 by
means of normally operating the combination wrench 50. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, the rotating member 32 moves along a
direction transverse to a plane on which the board 10 lies, thereby
imitating the tightening/loosening operation of a fastener, e.g., a
nut, bolt head; etc. The recess 162 of the board 10 allows free
transverse movement of the rotating member 32.
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a simplified try-on device in accordance with
the present invention, wherein the try-on device comprises a board
10' including a bulge 16' to which the rotating means 30' is
rotatably mounted for engaging with an end of a tool 50. Rotating
movement of the tool 50 is restrained in an opening 171' of a
restraining frame 17' that is integral with the board 10'. A recess
(not shown) is defined behind the recess to allow free transverse
movement of the rotating member 32.
[0022] According to the above description, the present invention
provides a tool display assembly allowing a tool rack to be
detachably mounted to a board. The board serves as a display device
when the tool rack having tools mounted thereon is attached
thereto. Thus, the user may select the required tools and place
them on the tool rack, which, in turn, can be releasably attached
to the board conveniently. The tool rack is tied up to the board
during display, thereby preventing theft. The tool rack can be
detached from the board and thus be used separately. In addition,
one may try on the tool before buying it, and the operation is
imitating the real operation by allowing the rotating member to
move along a transverse direction during operation of the tool.
[0023] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its
preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other
possible modifications and variations can be made without departing
from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *