U.S. patent application number 11/076544 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-14 for tool organizer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Test Rite Products Corporation. Invention is credited to Hsi Chen Shih.
Application Number | 20060201835 11/076544 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36969677 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060201835 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shih; Hsi Chen |
September 14, 2006 |
Tool organizer
Abstract
A tool organizer is provided, having a housing and a tool holder
received within a recess of the housing. The tool holder, which
includes a body for holding a tool, is mounted in the recess such
that the body of the tool holder can pivot relative to the housing.
Thus, a user can orient the body of the tool holder upward to
access to a tool and can pivot the body for storage within the
recess. The tool holder is also configured to be removed from the
housing. Thus, a user can take the tool holder without needing to
carry the entire tool organizer.
Inventors: |
Shih; Hsi Chen; (Taipei,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
48TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-1448
US
|
Assignee: |
Test Rite Products
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
36969677 |
Appl. No.: |
11/076544 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/373 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/003 20130101;
B25H 3/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/373 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/28 20060101
B65D085/28 |
Claims
1. A tool organizer, comprising: a housing defining a recess having
first and second side walls in spaced relationship; a tool holder
configured to be received in the recess such that a pivot axis of
the tool holder extends between the first and second side walls,
the tool holder including a body configured to receive a plurality
of tools; and a deflectable clip disposed between the first side
wall and the body of the tool holder such that the body of the tool
holder can pivot relative to the housing about the pivot axis and
that the tool holder can be removed from the housing.
2. A tool organizer as defined in claim 1, wherein the clip
detachably engages the first side wall, thereby facilitating
removal of the tool holder from the recess.
3. A tool organizer as defined in claim 1, the housing having a
tray and a lid configured to cooperatively define an interior
cavity, the tray defining the recess on an interior surface thereof
such that, with the lid closed and the tool holder in place, the
tool holder is disposed in the interior cavity of the housing.
4. A tool organizer as defined in claim 1, wherein the body of the
tool holder includes a spring-biased support configured to receive
a single tool.
5. A tool organizer as defined in claim 1, wherein the clip
includes a post received within a slot defined by the body of the
tool holder such that the body can rotate relative to the clip.
6. A tool organizer as defined in claim 5, wherein the first side
wall includes a lip configured to engage a catch defined by an
outer surface of the clip.
7. A tool organizer as defined in claim 5, wherein the clip
includes a distal portion angled outwardly relative to the body and
configured to deflect upon engagement of the corresponding side
wall.
8. A tool organizer as defined in claim 1, wherein the body
includes an elongated base and a plurality of spring-biased
supports extending upwardly from the base, each spring-biased
support configured to receive a tool.
9. A tool organizer as defined in claim 8, wherein each
spring-biased support is formed of a unitary piece having inwardly
facing ends secured about the base and an upstanding intermediate
portion.
10. A tool organizer, comprising: a housing defining a recess
having opposing side walls; and a tool holder having first and
second opposing ends, the tool holder including a body configured
to secure a tool, a first clip disposed at the first end of the
holder and pivotally attached to the body, and a second clip
disposed at the second end of the holder and pivotally attached to
the body, the first and second clips each configured to engage the
corresponding side wall of the recess such that the body of the
tool holder can pivot relative to the housing and that the tool
holder can be removed from the housing.
11. A tool organizer as defined in claim 10, wherein the body
includes an elongated base and a plurality of spring-biased
supports extending upwardly from the base configured to receive a
tool.
12. A tool organizer as defined in claim 10, wherein the first and
second clips each include a distal portion angled outwardly
relative to the body and configured to deflect upon engagement of
the corresponding side wall.
13. A tool organizer as defined in claim 10, wherein the body
includes an elongated base and a plurality of spring-biased
supports extending upwardly from the base configured to receive a
tool.
14. A tool organizer as defined in claim 10, wherein the body
includes a first cap at the first end of the holder, the first cap
defining a slot for receiving a post of the first clip, and a
second cap at the second end of the holder, the second cap defining
a slot for receiving a post of the second clip.
15. A tool organizer as defined in claim 10, wherein the opposing
side walls of the recess each include a portion configured to
deflect upon engagement of the corresponding clip.
16. A tool organizer, comprising: a housing defining a recess
having opposing side walls; and a tool holder having first and
second opposing ends, the tool holder including a body configured
to secure a tool, the body defining a first slot disposed at the
first end of the holder and a second slot disposed at the first end
of the holder, a first clip having a post pivotally received within
the first slot of the body, and a second clip having a post
pivotally received within the second slot of the body, the first
and second clips each configured to engage the corresponding side
wall of the recess such that the body of the tool holder can pivot
relative to the housing and that the tool holder can be removed
from the housing.
17. A tool organizer as defined in claim 16, wherein the body
includes an elongated base and a plurality of spring-biased
supports extending upwardly from the base configured to receive a
tool.
18. A tool organizer as defined in claim 16, wherein the first and
second clips each include a distal portion angled outwardly
relative to the body and configured to deflect upon engagement of
the corresponding side wall.
19. A tool organizer as defined in claim 16, wherein the opposing
side walls of the recess each include a portion configured to
deflect upon engagement of the corresponding clip.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to tool organizers
and, more particularly, to tool organizers having prescribed
locations for sets of tools such as drill bits, screwdriver bits,
and sockets.
[0002] Tool containers have long been used to store tools in an
organized fashion. Properly organized tools should allow a user to
find a desired tool quickly and, then, return it to its storage
location. To that end, current tool organizers have prescribed
locations for each tool. The locations are commonly configured to
receive a single tool or accessory. In certain designs, the
locations are defined by an interior surface of the container. In
other designs, the container may include an array of compartments,
each configured to house several tools and related accessories.
[0003] Although generally effective for organization, current
containers have shortfalls. For example, the containers can be
substantial in size to house a prescribed tool set, making it
cumbersome to transport and use. As a result, some users may be
inclined to not to bring the entire set to a job site; rather, only
take those tools which are anticipated to be needed. Also, certain
containers can be inconvenient to use, particularly in selecting
and replacing tools. Thus, users can be negligent in returning the
tool to its prescribed location.
[0004] It should, therefore, be appreciated that there remains a
need for a tool container that allows users to remove a selected
set of tools from the container that are nonetheless still
organized. The present invention fulfills this need and others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention resides in a tool organizer having a housing
and a tool holder received within a recess of the housing. The tool
holder, which includes a body for holding a tool, is mounted in the
recess such that the body of the tool holder can pivot relative to
the housing. Thus, a user can orient the body of the tool holder
upward to access to a tool and can pivot the body for storage
within the recess. The tool holder is also configured to be removed
from the housing. Thus, a user can take the tool holder without
needing to carry the entire tool organizer.
[0006] More specifically, and by way of example and not limitation,
the tool holder includes two clips disposed at the ends of the tool
holder and pivotally attached to the body. The clips are each
configured to engage a corresponding side wall of the recess such
that the body of the tool holder can pivot relative to the housing.
For example, the clips can each include a post received within a
slot defined by the body of the tool holder such that the body can
rotate relative to the clip. Each clip can further include a distal
portion angled outwardly relative to the body and configured to
deflect upon engagement of the corresponding side wall.
[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing includes a tray and
a lid that cooperatively define an interior cavity such that, with
the lid closed and the tool holder in place, the tool holder is
disposed in the interior cavity of the housing.
[0008] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the body of
the tool holder includes an elongated base and a plurality of
spring-biased supports extending upwardly from the base. Each
spring-biased support is formed of a unitary piece having inwardly
facing ends secured about the base and an upstanding intermediate
portion for receiving a tool.
[0009] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the
body further includes two caps attached to the ends of the base,
each cap defining a slot for receiving a post of the corresponding
clip.
[0010] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention
have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that
not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance
with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be
embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one
advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without
necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or
suggested herein.
[0011] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope
of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of
the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment
disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in
which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tool organizer in
accordance with the invention, depicting a tool holder pivotally
mounted to a housing.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG.
1, depicting the tool holder rotated upward.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG. 1
depicting the tool holder being removed from the housing
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tool organizer of FIG.
1, depicting the tool holder removed from the housing.
[0017] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the tool holder of the tool
organizer of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 6-6 in
FIG. 2, depicting the tool holder rotated upward.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, similar to FIG. 6,
depicting the tool holder rotated for storage.
[0020] FIG. 8 is cross-sectional view, taken along line 8-8 of the
FIG. 5, depicting a socket mounted to a spring-biased support of
the tool holder.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the tool
holder of the tool organizer of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a tool
organizer in accordance with the invention, depicting a housing
having multiple recesses for receiving tools and tool holders.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tool holder from the tool
organizer of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] With reference now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS.
1-4, there is shown a tool organizer 20 having a housing 22 and a
tool holder 24 received within a recess 26 of the housing. The tool
holder includes a body 28 for securing tools and two clips 30
pivotally attached to the body at opposing ends of the holder. In
the exemplary embodiment, the tool holder is configured to receive
a set of sockets 32 of various sizes. The clips of the tool holder
are configured to engage corresponding side walls 34 of the recess,
enabling the body of the tool holder to pivot relative to the
housing. More particularly, a user can orient the holder upward
(FIG. 2) to access to the sockets and can pivot the tool holder for
storage within the recess (FIG. 1). In this manner, a user can
remove and return the sockets to the holder, while the holder is
within the housing. The tool holder can also be removed from the
housing, by pressing the clips inward (FIG. 3). Thus, a user can
take the socket set held by the tool holder without needing to
carry the entire tool organizer.
[0025] The housing 22 is made of plastic and can be formed by
molding, or other economical high-production techniques. The
housing includes a tray 36 and a lid 38 configured to cooperatively
define an interior cavity. An interior surface 40 of the tray
defines the recess 26 such that, with the lid closed and the tool
holder 24 in place, the tool holder 24 is disposed in the interior
cavity of the housing. The recess has a sufficient depth to receive
the tool holder, when pivoted for storage (see, FIG. 7). In the
exemplary embodiment, the interior surface further defines a recess
42 for receiving a socket wrench (not shown) via snap-fit.
[0026] With reference now to FIGS. 5-7, the interior surface 40
provides facing side walls 34 configured to engage the clips 30 of
the tool holder 24. More particularly, each side wall has a lip 44
configured to engage a catch 46 defined by an outer surface of the
clip. Each side wall further includes a ledge 48 sized to supper a
lower edge of the clip. The clips are each configured to engage the
corresponding side wall of the recess such that the body of the
tool holder can pivot relative to the housing. Each clip includes a
distal portion 50 angled outwardly relative to the body 28 and
configured to deflect upon engagement of the corresponding side
wall. To remove the tool holder from the recess, the clips are
pressed inward, allowing the catch to disengage from the lip. In
other embodiments, the clip can be attached to the side wall and
configured to engage the tool holder.
[0027] With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the body 28 of the tool
holder 24 includes an elongated base 52 and a plurality of
spring-biased supports 54 extending upwardly from the base. The
base is form of metal and includes a central channel 56 and
longitudinal edges 58. In the exemplary embodiment, each
spring-biased support is formed of an elongated strip of metal.
Each spring-biased support has inwardly facing ends 60 secured
about the longitudinal edges of the base. In this manner, each
support is slidably disposed on the base. Each spring-biased
support further includes an upstanding intermediate portion 62 that
engages a bore 64 of the corresponding socket 66. The number and
size of the supports can vary, to accommodate differing socket
sets, or other tool sets, as desired.
[0028] The body 28 further includes two caps 68 attached at each
end of the base 52 for pivotally securing the clips. Each cap
defines a slot 70 for receiving a post 72 of the corresponding
clip. The post is received in the slot via snap-fit. Both the post
and slot are cooperatively sized to facilitate pivoting of the clip
relative to the body.
[0029] With reference now to FIG. 10, a second embodiment of a tool
organizer 80 is shown, including a housing 82 configured to receive
five pivotable tool holders (112, 114. 132, 134, 136). The housing
includes a lid 94 and a tray 96 hinged to each other, cooperatively
defining an interior cavity and recesses for the tool holders. Both
the lid and the tray further define snap-fit recesses for receiving
various types of tools, e.g., hammer 98, socket wrench 100, tape
measure 102, wrench set 104, and pliers 106, via snap-fit.
[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the two recesses 108, 110 of
the tray 96 are configured to receive corresponding tool holders
112, 114, each supporting a socket set. The tool holders for the
socket sets are similarly configured to the tool holder 24 of FIG.
1, including a body 116 having an elongated base 118 and a
plurality of spring-biased supports 120 extending upwardly from the
base to which each socket is mounted. The body further includes two
caps 122 attached at each end of the base 116 for pivotally
securing clips 124. The clips are configured to engage side walls
of the corresponding recess, enabling the body of the tool holder
to pivot relative to the housing.
[0031] The lid 94 of the housing 82 defines three recesses 126,
128, 130 configured to receive corresponding tool holders 132, 134,
136, each supporting a bit set. As best seen in FIG. 11, the tool
holders for the bit sets include a body 140 configured to receive
the bit set and two clips 142 configured to engage corresponding
side walls of the recess. Each clip includes a post 144 received in
a corresponding slot 146 defined by the body 140 to facilitate
pivoting of the tool holder. The body defines apertures 148, each
sized to receive a bit 150.
[0032] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present
invention provides a tool organizer having a housing and a tool
holder received within a recess of the housing. The tool holder,
which includes a body for holding a tool, is mounted in the recess
such that the body of the tool holder can pivot relative to the
housing. Thus, a user can orient the body of the tool holder upward
to access to a tool and can pivot the body for storage within the
recess. The tool holder is also configured to be removed from the
housing. Thus, a user can take the tool holder without needing to
carry the entire tool organizer.
[0033] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with
reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided
without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the
invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.
* * * * *