U.S. patent application number 12/391094 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for magnetic tool restraint.
Invention is credited to Stanley D. Winnard.
Application Number | 20090218463 12/391094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41012438 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090218463 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winnard; Stanley D. |
September 3, 2009 |
Magnetic Tool Restraint
Abstract
The present invention includes an apparatus and method for
magnetically restraining a tool that includes a base with one or
more first recesses and one or more first magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more first recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools.
Inventors: |
Winnard; Stanley D.;
(Carrollton, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHALKER FLORES, LLP
2711 LBJ FRWY, Suite 1036
DALLAS
TX
75234
US
|
Family ID: |
41012438 |
Appl. No.: |
12/391094 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61030955 |
Feb 23, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
248/309.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/309.4 |
International
Class: |
A47B 96/06 20060101
A47B096/06 |
Claims
1. A magnetic tool restraint comprising: a base with one or more
first recesses; and one or more first magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more first recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools at any point of contact with the
magnetic ball bearing.
2. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, further comprising one
or more non-magnetic ball bearings disposed within the one or more
first recesses.
3. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein the base has one
or more planar faces each having one or more first recesses.
4. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein the base has one
or more apertures spaced about one or more first recesses.
5. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein at least a
portion of the base is magnetic, non-magnetic, metallic,
non-metallic, elastomeric, non-elastomeric, malleable, plastic,
polymeric, non-malleable, ferrous, non-ferrous or combinations
thereof.
6. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein two or more
first magnetic ball bearings have differing diameters.
7. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein the first
recesses is in the form of a slot and the ball bearings may be
moved within the slot to adjust the location of the ball bearing
within the first recess.
8. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein the one or more
first magnetic ball bearings have at least one inner core encased
by a shell of an opposite polarity.
9. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 1, wherein the one or more
first magnetic ball bearings have two halves of opposite
polarities.
10. A magnetic tool restraint comprising: a base with one or more
channels; each channel having one or more second recesses; and one
or more second ball bearings disposed within the one or more second
recesses to magnetically restrain one or more tools.
11. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, further comprising one
or more non-magnetic ball bearings.
12. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein the one or
more channels outwardly extend from a surface of the base.
13. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein at least a
portion of the base is magnetic, non-magnetic, metallic,
non-metallic, elastomeric, non-elastomeric, malleable, plastic,
polymeric, non-malleable, ferrous, non-ferrous or combinations
thereof.
14. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein two or more
second magnetic ball bearings have differing diameters.
15. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein the first
recesses is in the form of a slot and the ball bearings may be
moved within the slot to adjust the location of the ball bearing
within the first recess.
16. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein the one or
more second magnetic ball bearings have at least one inner core
encased by a shell of an opposite polarity.
17. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein the one or
more second magnetic ball bearings have two halves of opposite
polarities.
18. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein the one or
more channels are of different depths.
19. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein the one or
more second recesses are of differing dimensions.
20. The magnetic tool restraint of claim 10, wherein each second
recess extends substantially perpendicular to one or more
channels.
21. A method for using a magnetic tool restraint comprising a base
with one or more first recesses and one or more first magnetic ball
bearings disposed within the one or more first recesses comprising
the steps of: lifting one or more tools within the magnetic field
of one or more first magnetic ball bearings; moving one or more
tools such that the magnetic field of one or more first restraints
increasingly attracts one or more tools; and disposing one or more
tools whereby the magnetic attraction to one or more first magnetic
ball bearings constrains one or more tools.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/030,955, filed Feb. 23, 2008, the contents
of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to the field of
multi-purpose, versatile magnetic tool holders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In both industrial and consumer settings there has been a
growing need for a tool holder that can restrain a wide variety of
tools through relying on magnetism. While present day tool holders
sometimes use magnetism to supplement a separate restraint, very
few are able to rely on magnetic forces alone. Those tool holders
that supplement their restraints with magnetism often implement
such limited forces that any resulting magnetic restraint remains
incidental to the tool holder's functionality. On the other hand,
those tool holders that rely purely on magnetism to perform their
functions often include so much magnetism, mainly using
electromagnets, that the functionality precludes tools with
electronic components. Furthermore, modern tools holders that rely
on magnetic restraint remain subject to a tool's ferrous
properties.
[0004] Often, wrench racks provide predefined receptacles often
having magnets to supplement restraining capability. While the
wrench rack's magnetism is not essential to the restraint it may
supplement the rack in keeping a tool in place. When such racks
include magnets, such incorporation is usually inconsequential to
overall functionality. Furthermore, when magnets are incorporated
in such wrench racks and the like, the magnets are usually
non-movable and bound to a receptacle. Tool restraints that rely
purely on magnetic forces are generally usable only for certain
types of tools, due to the use of electromagnets, which although
powerful, can cause significant damage to electric motors
incorporated in such tools. Thus, while an end user may rely on
electromagnetism to hold a standard screwdriver, that user may
think twice before holding an electric screwdriver by that same
electromagnetic force.
[0005] As a consequence of the foregoing, a longstanding need
exists for an apparatus and method allowing for the quick, simple,
and effective magnetic storage and retrieval of tools whether or
not a tool has magnetic properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and
method are provided to allow for the more efficient magnetic
storage and retrieval of tools. The present invention provides a
magnetic tool holder that includes a tool holder's magnetic
restraint and/or a restraint independent of an individual tool's
ferrous properties. One embodiment of the present invention can
rely on a tool's ferrous properties to provide restraint, another
embodiment provides a restraint for almost any tool by relying on
the magnetic attraction of the ball bearings alone or in
combination with a surrounding channel.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a base with one
or more first recesses and one or more first magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more first recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools. The base may include one or more
non-magnetic ball bearings disposed within the one or more first
recesses. Alternatively the base may have one or more planar faces
each having one or more first recesses.
[0008] Still another embodiment of the present invention may
include a base with one or more first recesses, wherein the base
may have one or more apertures spaced about the one or more first
recesses. Alternatively, the present invention may include a base,
in which at least a portion of the base is magnetic or non-magnetic
or metallic or non-metallic or elastomeric or non-elastomeric or
malleable or non-malleable or ferrous or non-ferrous. Also another
embodiment may have a base wherein, at least a portion of the one
or first magnetic ball bearings are metallic or non-metallic or
elastomeric or non-elastomeric or malleable or non-malleable or
ferrous or non-ferrous. Furthermore, at least a portion of the base
may be plastic or rubber.
[0009] The present invention may include a base with one or more
first recesses and one or more first magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more first recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools, wherein the one or more first magnetic
ball bearings have differing diameters. Alternately, the one or
more non-magnetic ball bearings of differing diameters may be
disposed within one or more first recesses. Also the present
invention may include a base, wherein the one or more first
magnetic ball bearings have at least one inner core encased by a
shell of an opposite polarity. Furthermore, the present invention
may have one or more first magnetic ball bearings having two halves
of opposite polarities.
[0010] Also the base may have one or more channels, with each
channel having one or more second recesses, and one or more second
magnetic ball bearings disposed within the one or more second
recesses to magnetically restrain one or more tools. Additionally
the one or more non-magnetic ball bearings may be included. The
base with one or more channels, with each channel having one or
more second recesses, and one or more second magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more second recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools, may also have the one or more channels
outwardly extend from a surface of the base. The present invention
may by designed such that at least a portion of the base is
magnetic or non-magnetic or metallic or non-metallic or elastomeric
or non-elastomeric or malleable or non-malleable or ferrous or
non-ferrous. Still the present invention may have one or more
second magnetic ball bearings disposed within the one or more
second recesses to magnetically restrain one or more tools, wherein
at least a portion of the one or second magnetic ball bearings is
metallic or non-metallic or elastomeric or non-elastomeric or
malleable or non-malleable or ferrous or non-ferrous.
[0011] Yet, another embodiment of the present invention may have
the base with one or more channels, with each channel having one or
more second recesses, and one or more second magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more second recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools, wherein, at least a portion of the base
is plastic or rubber. Furthermore, the present invention may have a
base with one or more channels, with each channel having one or
more second recesses, and one or more second magnetic ball bearings
disposed within the one or more second recesses to magnetically
restrain one or more tools, wherein one or more second magnetic
ball bearings have differing diameters. The base with one or more
channels, with each channel having one or more second recesses, and
one or more second magnetic ball bearings disposed within the one
or more second recesses to magnetically restrain one or more tools
may also include one or more non-magnetic ball bearings of
differing diameters disposed within one or more second
recesses.
[0012] Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention may
include a base with one or more channels, with each channel having
one or more second recesses, and one or more second magnetic ball
bearings disposed within the one or more second recesses to
magnetically restrain one or more tools, wherein the one or more
second magnetic ball bearings have at least one inner core encased
by a shell of an opposite polarity. Alternatively the one or more
second magnetic ball bearings have two halves of opposite
polarities. Another embodiment may include the base where the one
or more channels are of different depths and/or one or more second
recesses are of differing dimensions. The present invention may
also have a base with one or more channels, with each channel
having one or more second recesses, and one or more second magnetic
ball bearings disposed within the one or more second recesses to
magnetically restrain one or more tools, wherein each second recess
extends substantially perpendicular to one or more channels.
[0013] The present invention may have a base with one or more first
recesses and one or more first magnetic ball bearings disposed
within the one or more first recesses and may be used by first
lifting one or more tools within the magnetic field of one or more
first magnetic ball bearings, then moving one or more tools such
that the magnetic field of one or more first restraints
increasingly attracts one or more tools, and finally disposing one
or more tools whereby the magnetic attraction to one or more first
magnetic ball bearings constrains one or more tools. When, the
present invention has a base with one or more channels, where each
channel has one or more second recesses, and where one or more
second magnetic ball bearings are disposed within one or more
second recesses and the present invention may be used by first
lifting one or more tools within one or more channels of the base
and then disposing one or more tools past one or more second
magnetic ball bearings whereby the second magnetic ball bearings
constrain further tool movement.
[0014] When, the base has one or more first recesses or when the
base has one or more channels, where each channel has one or more
second recesses, the base may be manufactured by injection molding,
die casting, sintering, or machining.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] For a more complete understanding of the features and
advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying
figures and in which:
[0016] FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate isometric, front, top, and side views
of an embodiment of a magnetic tool restraint.
[0017] FIGS. 2a-2d further illustrates isometric, front, top, and
side views of an embodiment of a magnetic tool restraint.
[0018] FIGS. 3a-3c depict multiple cut-out top and side views of
embodiments of the base and one or more apertures spaced about one
or more first recesses in which one or more first magnetic ball
bearings are disposed.
[0019] FIGS. 4a to 4f depict multiple cut-out side views of the
base having one or more first recesses in which one or more first
magnetic ball bearings are disposed and one or more non-magnetic
ball bearings are disposed along with one or more channels, each
having one or more second recesses, in which one or more second
magnetic ball bearings are disposed.
[0020] FIGS. 5a-5g depict multiple cut out side views of various
embodiments having a base with one or more channels, where each
channel has one or more second recesses, with each recess having
one or more disposed second magnetic ball bearings.
[0021] FIGS. 6a and 6b depicts two alternative embodiments of a
first magnetic ball bearing or a second magnetic ball bearing may
be situated.
[0022] FIGS. 7a-7c depict alternate isometric views of embodiments
in which a base may be arranged.
[0023] FIG. 8 depicts yet another isometric view of an embodiment
in which a magnetic tool restraint whose base, has a first recess
disposing a first magnetic ball bearing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention
and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
[0025] To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number
of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as
commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas
relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a", "an" and
"the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but
include the general class of which a specific example may be used
for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe
specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not
delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.
[0026] The base, one more first magnetic ball bearings, one or more
second magnetic ball bearings, non-magnetic balls bearings, and
other parts of the present invention may be made from a wide
variety of materials that are, e.g., metallic or non-metallic or
magnetic or non-magnetic or elastomeric or non-elastomeric or
malleable or non-malleable or the one or more second restraints are
metallic or non-metallic or magnetic or non-magnetic or elastomeric
or non-elastomeric or malleable or non-malleable. Also, the present
invention may be made such that the base is metallic or
non-metallic or magnetic or non-magnetic or elastomeric or
non-elastomeric or malleable or non-malleable. Examples of
materials include metals, plastics, polymers, wood, alloys,
composites and the like. The metals may be made from one or more
metals, such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, nickel,
magnesium, or any other structural metal. Examples of plastics or
polymers may include: nylon, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP),
polyester (PE), polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), acrylonitrile
butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), or polycarbonate,
for example, GE's Lexan.RTM. polycarbonate, and combinations
thereof, among other plastics. The tool restraint taught herein may
be molded, sintered, machined and/or combinations thereof to form
the required pieces to assemble the tool restraint components.
[0027] The present invention may also include magnetic surfaces
that help to restrain the tools. For example, a wide variety of
permanent magnets may be used with the present invention such as
rare earth magnets, ceramic magnets, alnico magnets, which may be
rigid, semi-rigid and flexible magnets. Flexible magnets are made
by impregnating a flexible material such as neoprene rubber, vinyl,
nitrile, nylon or a plastic with a material such as iron flakes
having magnetic characteristics and will find use with the present
invention. Conversely, the tool may be rendered magnetic and the
material embedded or placed into a base for attachment of the tool
may be ferrous.
[0028] While the bearings depicted in the figures are shown as
generally spherical, the skilled artisan will recognize that the
magnetic or ferrous attachment point of the present invention may
have any shape, for example, linear, triangular, cubic,
rectangular, polyhedral, oval, round, polygonal, as long as a
contact portion is available to magnetically attract and retain a
tool.
[0029] FIGS. 1a-1d illustrate various embodiments of a magnetic
tool restraint 10, including a base 20 with one or more first
recesses 30, one or more first magnetic ball bearings 32, as well
as one or more non-magnetic ball bearings 50 disposed within the
one or more first recesses 30. Furthermore, FIG. 2 depicts a
magnetic tool restraint 10 is shown including a base 20 with one or
more channels 44, where each channel has one or more second
recesses 40, in which one or more second magnetic ball bearings 42
are disposed. In FIGS. 1a-1d show, respectively, isometric, front,
top, and side views of an embodiment of a magnetic tool restraint
10 are shown. In these particular embodiments, the magnetic tool
restraint 10 has a base 20, one or more first magnetic ball
bearings 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f, and one or more non-magnetic
ball bearings 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f disposed within one or
more first recesses 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f.
[0030] The isometric view depicts two rows one or more first
magnetic ball bearings 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f substantially
aligned with one row of one or more non-magnetic ball bearings 50a,
50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f. This does not necessarily have to be the
case in another embodiment. Any number of first magnetic ball
bearings 32 may be placed anywhere about the base 20. Furthermore
any number of non-magnetic ball bearings 50 may be placed anywhere
about the base 20. Neither one or more first magnetic ball bearings
32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f nor do one or more non-magnetic ball
bearings 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f need to be placed in rows, or
organized in any fashion. Accordingly, any non-magnetic ball
bearing 50 could be placed next to, behind, in front of, in
parallel with, adjacent to, and any number of first magnetic ball
bearings 32.
[0031] Furthermore, though this particular embodiment depicts a
base 20 taking a generally rectangular shape, this need not be the
case. The base 20 may have any variety of shapes and any number of
planes. For example, the base may take a generally trapezoidal
shape, a generally ovular shape, a generally pyramid-like shape.
Also, any number of first magnetic ball bearings 32 and any number
of non-magnetic ball bearings 50 may be placed about any location,
face, or plane of the base 20.
[0032] The top view of this particular embodiment depicts two rows
one or more first magnetic ball bearings 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e,
32f substantially aligned with one row of one or more non-magnetic
ball bearings 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f. This does not
necessarily have to be the case in another embodiment. Any first
magnetic ball bearing 32 and any non-magnetic ball bearing may be
located anywhere about the base 20.
[0033] The side view in this particular embodiment depicts one or
more first recesses 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f in which first
magnetic ball bearings 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f are disposed.
Though this particular view only depicts first magnetic ball
bearings 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f, another embodiment may have
non-magnetic ball bearings 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d, 50e, 50f disposed
within any one or more first recesses 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e, 30f
in any combination. For example non-magnetic ball bearings 50a,
50b, 50f and first magnetic ball bearings 32c, 32d, 32e may be
disposed accordingly in one or more first recesses 30a, 30b, 30c,
30d, 30e, 30f.
[0034] The front view of this particular embodiment is included to
show that any non-magnetic ball bearing 50 or any first magnetic
ball bearing 32 may be disposed in one or more first recesses 30.
Though the base 20 of this particular embodiment does not include
any apertures 34, this may be the case in other embodiments.
[0035] FIGS. 2a-2d illustrate, respectively, isometric, front, top,
and side views of an embodiment of a magnetic tool restraint 10. In
this particular embodiment, the magnetic tool restraint 10 with a
base 20, having one or more channels 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f,
with each channel having one or more second recesses 40a1, 40a2,
40b1,40b2, 40c1, 40c2, 40d1,40d2, 40e1, 40e2, 40f1, 40f2. For
illustrative purposes, the one or more second magnetic ball
bearings 42a1, 42a2, 42b1, 42b2, 42c1, 42c2, 42d1, 42d2, 42e1,
42e2, 42f1, 42f2 disposed within one or more second recesses 40a1,
40a2, 40b1,40b2, 40c1,40c2, 40d1,40d2, 40e1,40e2, 40f1, 40f2 have
been left out of this particular depiction. In other embodiments
one or more second magnetic ball bearings 42 are disposed within
one or more second recesses.
[0036] The isometric view of this particular embodiment depicts one
or more channels 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f accompanied by their
respective one or more second recesses 40a1, 40a2, 40b1,40b2,
40c1,40c2, 40d1,40d2, 40e1,40e2, 40f1, 40f2. Though this embodiment
only depicts one or more channels 44 each with one or more second
recesses 40 extending about a shorter plane of the base 20, this
does not have to necessarily be so in other embodiments. Though the
base 20 may have any shape and any number of planes, one or more
channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40 could extend about
any plane of the base. Furthermore any one or more channels 44 with
one or more second recesses 40 could extend about the longitudinal
axis of the base 20. If one were to classify the one or more
channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40 could extending
about the top plane in this particular embodiment, in another
embodiment, one or more channels 44 with one or more second
recesses 40 could extend about the top plane, and another set of
one or more channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40 could
extend about the bottom plane, or a side plane, or just the bottom
plane or just the side plane.
[0037] The top view of this particular embodiment depicts a base
20, having one or more channels 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, with
each channel having one or more second recesses 40a1, 40a2,
40b1,40b2, 40c1,40c2, 40d1,40d2, 40e1,40e2, 40f1, 40f2. The one or
more channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40 do not have to
be arranged about the base 20 in other embodiments, while other
sets of one or more channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40
may be included in other embodiments.
[0038] The side view of this particular embodiment depicts a base
20, having one or more channels 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f, with
each channel having one or more second recesses 40a1, 40a2,
40b1,40b2, 40c1,40c2, 40d1,40d2, 40e1,40e2, 40f1, 40f2. The one or
more channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40 do not have to
be arranged about the base 20 in other embodiments, while other
sets of one or more channels 44 with one or more second recesses 40
may be included in other embodiments.
[0039] The front view of this particular embodiment depicts a base
20, having one or more channels 44 having one or more second
recesses 40. The one or more channels 44 with one or more second
recesses 40 do not have to be arranged about the base 20 in other
embodiments, while other sets of one or more channels 44 with one
or more second recesses 40 may be included in other
embodiments.
[0040] FIGS. 3a-3c depict multiple cut-out top and side views of
embodiments of the base 20, and one or more apertures 34 spaced
about one or more first recesses 30 in which one or more first
magnetic ball bearings 32 are disposed. This particular depiction
is included for the purpose of showing that one or more apertures
34 may take different forms and be arranged in varying manners.
However, the one or more apertures 34 about one or more first
recesses 30 may extend in any manner. The one or more apertures 34
may extend throughout the entire base 20 or only through part of
the base 20.
[0041] One or more apertures 34 may be of a generally circular
shape, as depicted in the left most view in FIG. 3. Additionally
the one or more apertures 34 may be of a generally rectangular or
square shape as depicted in FIG. 3b. Alternatively, the one or more
apertures 34 may be of a generally curved shape as depicted in the
right most view in FIG. 3. The one or more apertures 34 may be of
any shape or size. Furthermore, any of the one or more apertures 34
having any shape may be combined on the base with any other of the
one or more apertures 34. One or more apertures 34 does not have to
be the same size as any other of the one or more apertures 34. The
one or more apertures 34 may extend parallel to the curvature of
one or more first recesses 30.
[0042] FIGS. 4a-f depict multiple cut-out side views of the base 20
having one or more first recesses 30 in which one or more first
magnetic ball bearings 32 are disposed and one or more non-magnetic
ball bearings 50 are disposed along with one or more channels 44,
each having one or more second recesses 40, in which one or more
second magnetic ball bearings 42 are disposed. Accordingly the one
or more first recesses 30, the one or more channels 44, and the one
or more second recesses 40 may take any shape including that of a
rectangle or circle. The base 20 may contain any combination of one
or more first recesses 30 and one or more channels 44 in which one
or more second recesses 40 are disposed.
[0043] Each of the one or more channels 44 may have one or more
second recesses 40. Some second recesses 40 may have just one
second magnetic ball bearing 42 disposed between one or more second
recesses 40, as depicted in FIG. 4b, while other second recesses
may have more than one second magnetic ball bearings 42 disposed
among them. Additionally, one or more channels 44 may have just one
second recess 40 in which one or more second magnetic ball bearings
42 are disposed is depicted in FIG. 4c or additional second
recesses 40 having one or more second magnetic ball bearings 42 may
be included. Furthermore, one or more first recesses 30a, 30c may
have one or more first magnetic ball bearings 32 or one or more
non-magnetic ball bearings 50 disposed within them while other one
or more first recesses 30b may have neither a first magnetic ball
bearing 32 nor a non-magnetic ball bearing 50 disposed within it as
depicted in FIG. 4d. Also, any combination of first magnetic ball
bearings 32a, 32c and one or more non-magnetic ball bearings 50b
may be disposed within one or more first recesses 30a, 30b, 30c as
depicted in FIG. 4e. Similarly, any combination of one or more
non-magnetic ball bearings 50a, 50c and one or more first magnetic
ball bearings 32b, 32d may be disposed within one or more first
recesses 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d as depicted in FIG. 4f.
[0044] FIGS. 5a-5g depict multiple cut out side views of various
embodiments having a base 20 with one or more channels 44, where
each channel has one or more second recesses 40, with each recess
having one or more disposed second magnetic ball bearings 42.
Accordingly any of the one or more second recesses 40 may extend
from each channel 44 in any direction. One second recess 40a may
extend substantially perpendicular to a channel 44, while another
second recess 40b may extend substantially perpendicular to a
channel 44. Furthermore one second recess 40a may extend to form an
angle between 0 and 90 degrees with a channel 44 while another
second recess 40b may extend to form an opposite angle between 0
and 90 degrees with a channel 44 as depicted in FIG. 5a.
Alternatively, one first channel having a second recess 40a may
extend to form an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with a channel 44
while another second recess 40b may extend to form an opposite
angle between 0 and 90 degrees with a channel 44 such that each
second recess 40a, 40b mirrors one another as depicted in FIG. 5b
and FIG. 5c. Any second recess 40 may mirror another second recess
40 over the channel 44.
[0045] Also each channel 44 may have sets of one or more second
recesses 40a, 40b and 40c, 40d as depicted in FIG. 5d.
Alternatively some channels 44 may have a second recess 40a with a
set of second recesses 40c, 40d as depicted in FIG. 5e while other
channels 44 may have another set of second recesses 40a, 40b while
another part of the channel has a single second recess 40c as
depicted in FIG. 5f. Furthermore one or more sets of second
recesses 40a, 40b and 40c, 40d may be larger or smaller than
another set of second recesses 40e, 40f.
[0046] FIGS. 6a and 6b depict two alternative embodiments of a
first magnetic ball bearing 32 or a second magnetic ball bearing
42. A first magnetic ball bearing 32 or a second magnetic ball
bearing 42 may have at least one inner core 52 encased by a shell
54 of an opposite polarity as depicted in FIG. 6a, where one inner
core 52 is encased by a shell 54. However, other embodiments may
include two inner cores 52, in which one inner core 52a is encased
within another inner core 52b which is encased within a shell 54
having an opposite polarity. Alternatively a first magnetic ball
bearing 32 or a second magnetic ball bearing 42 may simply be one
piece having two opposite poles, as depicted in FIG. 6b. Any first
magnetic ball bearing 32 or any second magnetic ball bearing 52 is
not required to have the same radius as any other first magnetic
ball bearing 32 or any second magnetic ball bearing 52.
[0047] FIGS. 7a-7c depict alternate isometric views of embodiments
in which a base 20 may be arranged. As displayed, a base 20 may
have a generally rectangular shape or a generally pyramid shape
having one or more first recesses 30 or one or more channels 44.
FIG. 7c depicts a base 20 that includes magnetic ball bearing 32 in
conjunction with a variety of tools. For example, the magnetic tool
restraint 10 is shown holding a Phillips head screwdriver 70a, a
wrench 70b, a monkey wrench 70c, a scratch awl 70d, a hammer 70e or
a mallet 70f to which a ferrous material 72 has been attached. The
skilled artisan will recognize that the present invention may also
use non-magnetic ball bearings in circumstances where the tool to
be held and/or organized has been fitted with a magnet. For
example, the ball bearings or the tool attachment portion may be
ferrous and the tool ferrous or non-ferrous, as long as at least a
portion of the tool or a magnetic material is attached to the tool
such that the tool is rendered magnetic.
[0048] FIGS. 8a and 8b depict yet another isometric view of an
embodiment in which a magnetic tool restraint 10 whose base 20, has
a first recess 30 having a first magnetic ball bearing 32. In this
particular embodiment the base 20 is substantially half-ovular,
having a first magnetic ball bearing 32 disposed within a first
recess 30. The magnetic tool restraint 10 in FIGS. 8a and 8b are
fitted with a hook 82 and a screw 84 (which may also be a pin or
peg) for easy attachment to a peg board, a tool strip or other tool
organizer.
[0049] It will be understood that particular embodiments described
herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of
the invention. The principal features of this invention can be
employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able
to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous
equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such
equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention
and are covered by the claims.
[0050] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the
specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled
in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and
patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0051] In the claims, all transitional phrases such as
"comprising," "including," "carrying," "having," "containing,"
"involving," and the like are to be understood to be open-ended,
i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional
phrases "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of,"
respectively, shall be closed or semi-closed transitional
phrases.
[0052] All of the materials and/or methods disclosed and claimed
herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in
light of the present disclosure. All such similar substitutes and
modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be
within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *