WO2001010745A1 - Tool item container - Google Patents
Tool item container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2001010745A1 WO2001010745A1 PCT/US2000/020984 US0020984W WO0110745A1 WO 2001010745 A1 WO2001010745 A1 WO 2001010745A1 US 0020984 W US0020984 W US 0020984W WO 0110745 A1 WO0110745 A1 WO 0110745A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- cover
- tool
- base portion
- container according
- openings
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
- B25H3/003—Holders for drill bits or the like
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to containers for holding and storing various tool or other such items, and more particularly to such containers adapted for holding and storing elongated tool items, such as drill bits, driver bits, and the like, as well as chucks or extensions for such bits.
- the present invention relates to such containers that are adapted to be placed on a work surface or hung or suspended on a hook or other elongated external member, while providing convenient access to, and dispensing of, the tool items in the container.
- Various display and storage chests, boxes, cases, and other such containers have been provided in the past for holding, storing, and dispensing tool items, such as drill bits, driver bits, or other similar elongated tool items.
- such containers have included a base portion with some sort of hinged cover movable between closed and open positions in order to contain or provide access to the contents.
- hinged cover movable between closed and open positions in order to contain or provide access to the contents.
- many of such previous containers have presented various disadvantages, such as their inability to sufficiently grip the tool items so they do not fall out of their tool bit receptacles when the case or container is tipped or turned sideways or upside down.
- Other disadvantages of such prior containers include hinged covers that when opened are unsightly, occupy too much space, or inordinately interfere with work operations being performed nearby.
- such previous cases have often had exposed, external hinges for the hinged cover that are unsightly and easily broken or damaged while performing work operations in the vicinity of the container, as well as potentially interfering with such operations.
- a container for holding a plurality of elongated tool items includes a base and a hinged cover, with the base having a first or lower base portion with a plurality of tool item openings for removably receiving one or more tool items and a second or upper base portion protruding from the first base portion and to form a generally L-shaped configuration.
- the hinged cover includes at least ' one and preferably two stop tabs protruding from an edge area such that when the cover is pivotally moved between its fully closed position with the stop tab or tabs abutting the second or upper base portion and a fully open position wherein the stop tabs abut the first or lower base portion, the cover is maintained in its proper position and orientation.
- the first or lower base portion has an elongated cover- receiving opening formed adjacent its edges such that the cover is substantially completely enclosed within the first or lower base portion when in the fully open position.
- the preferred hinge assembly for pivotally interconnecting the cover and the base resides within a hollow interior space in the base so that the hinge is substantially enclosed within the interior of the first or lower base portion and protected from damage therein.
- the preferred cover has at least one discontinuity, preferably in the form of an elongated rib, extending along a portion of its inside surface in order to provide an interference that minimizes or substantially eliminates small tool items housed within the container from sliding out of the tool item openings when the container is turned sideways or upside down.
- the cover is preferably transparent or at least translucent or semi-transparent so that the tool items are at least partially visible when the cover is in its closed position.
- the preferred first or lower base portion is at least partially hollow and includes a plurality of generally cylindrical hollow protrusions that extend generally inwardly into the interior space, with the hollow cylindrical protrusions opening into the exterior side of the base and thus serving as receptacles for the tool items in the first or lower base portion.
- These hollow cylindrical tool item-receiving protrusions each include at least one and preferably two or more flat interior surfaces extending longitudinally within the hollow cylinder and generally parallel to the cylinder's centerline axis in order to grippingly engage tool items having a wide variety of cross- sectional shapes.
- the exterior surface of such generally cylindrical hollow protrusions preferably converge from a relatively larger exterior diameter portion generally adjacent the interior surface of the first or lower base portion to a relatively smaller exterior diameter portion generally adjacent the free end wall of the hollow cylindrical protrusion. This results in the exterior surface of each of the cylinder walls intersecting the interior surface of the first or lower base portion at a draft angle of greater than 90 degrees.
- the preferred base includes a number of gauging or sizing openings formed therein for gauging or sizing drill bits, driver bits, or other tool items.
- Such gauging openings are preferably located on the first or lower base portion in such a position to be exposed regardless of the open or closed position of the hinged pivotal cover.
- Figure 1 is front and top perspective view of an exemplary tool item container according to the present invention, shown with its hinged cover in the fully closed position.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to that of Figure 1, but illustrating the hinged cover in its fully open position.
- Figure 3 is a top view of the tool item container of Figures 1 and 2, shown with the hinged cover in its fully opened position.
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4-4 of Figure 1.
- Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 4, but illustrating the tool item container with its hinged cover in the fully opened position.
- Figure 6 is a detailed partial exploded view, illustrating the hinge assembly for the cover of the tool item container of Figures 1 through 5.
- Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the lower base portion of the tool item container, taken generally along line 7-7 of Figure 4, but with the hinged cover removed for clarity.
- Figure 8 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a typical or exemplary cylindrical protrusion of Figure 7, but with the shape of the protrusion and the angle with which it intersects the lower interior surface of the lower base portion shown in exaggerated form.
- Figure 9 is a partial detailed view of one of the tool item receptacles, looking generally in the direction of the arrows 9 of Figure 7.
- Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 10A-10A of Figure 7, illustrating the accommodation of tool items with shanks of a round cross- sectional shape.
- Figure 1 OB is a view similar to Figure 10 A, but illustrating the accommodation of tool items with square shanks.
- Figure IOC is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figures 10A and 10B, but illustrating the accommodation of tool items with hexagonal shanks.
- Figure 10D is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figures 10A through IOC, but illustrating yet another accommodation of tool items having hex-shaped shanks.
- FIGS 1 through 10D illustrate a preferred exemplary embodiment of a tool items container according to the present invention, shown for purposes of illustration.
- FIGS. 1 through 10D illustrate a preferred exemplary embodiment of a tool items container according to the present invention, shown for purposes of illustration.
- One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion, and from the accompanying drawings and claims, that the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to other tool item containers adapted for holding, storing and dispensing a wide variety of tool items or tool bits.
- Figures 1 and 2 illustrate, in perspective views, a tool item container 10 having a base 12 and a cover 18, with the cover shown in closed and open positions, respectively.
- the base 12 preferably includes a lower base portion with side walls that slope outwardly and downwardly to a preferred enlarged pod portion in order to provide enhanced stability for the tool item container.
- the preferred upper base portion 16 includes a hang-hole 22 so that the tool item container 10 can alternatively be suspended or hung from a peg, hook, or other such elongated external member.
- An upper base portion 16 protrudes in a generally upward direction from the lower base portion 14, such that together the upper and lower base portions 14 and 16 are arranged in a generally L-shaped configuration when viewed from either side of the tool item container 10.
- the cover 18 is pivotally interconnected with the base 12 and preferably includes one or more stop tabs 20 that engage the upper base portion 16 and the lower base portion 14 when in its respective fully closed and fully opened positions.
- the lower base portion 14 includes a number of tool item or tool bit openings 24 formed therein, for grippingly receiving drill bits 28 or other such elongated tool or bit items.
- the lower base portion 14 also includes a cover-receiving slot or opening 30 formed therein in a partially surrounding relationship with the tool item or tool bit openings 24 to receive the cover 18 as it is pivotally moved from its closed position, illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, to its fully open position, illustrated in Figures 2 and 5.
- the lower base portion 14 preferably includes a boss 34 protruding upwardly therefrom and surrounding each of the tool bit openings 24 in order to provide enhanced support and to assist in preventing the tool items from falling or sliding free from their respective tool bit openings 24 when the tool item container 10 is tipped, turned sideways, or held in an inverted, upside-down orientation.
- the lower base portion 14 also preferably includes a number of gauging or sizing openings 32, which are exposed and accessible regardless of the open or closed position of the cover 18, and which assist the user in determining sizes of drill bits or other tool items.
- the cover 18 is pivotably interconnected with the lower base portion 14 by way of a hinge pin on the exterior of the cover 18, which is snapped or otherwise inserted into a hinge socket 38 on an interior surface of the lower base portion 14 in order to pivotally interconnect the cover 18 with the lower base portion 14.
- a hinge pin on the exterior of the cover 18 which is snapped or otherwise inserted into a hinge socket 38 on an interior surface of the lower base portion 14 in order to pivotally interconnect the cover 18 with the lower base portion 14.
- the positions of the hinge pin 36 and the hinge socket 38 can alternatively be reversed, with the hinge pin 36 being positioned on the interior surface of the lower base portion 14 and correspondingly with the hinge socket 38 being located on an exterior surface of the cover 18.
- the cover 18 preferably includes one or more elongated discontinuities or ribs 42, which substantially prevent or at least minimize the tendency of a tool item 28 sliding or falling free from its respective tool item opening 24 when the tool item container 10 is tipped or inverted.
- This feature is further enhanced by the provision of the above-mentioned bosses 34 surrounding the tool item openings 24, such that the vertical distance between the rib or ribs 42 and one or more of the bosses 34 is longer than the length of the smallest tool item intended to be held or stored in the tool item container 10.
- the cover 18 also preferably includes a latch 46, which is snappingly and releasably engageable with a latch tab 48 on the upper base portion 16.
- a latch 46 which is snappingly and releasably engageable with a latch tab 48 on the upper base portion 16.
- Such latch assembly releasably retains the cover 18 in its fully closed position until it is intended to be opened by the user.
- the tool item openings 24 are provided by way of generally cylindrical hollow protrusions 50 that protrude into the at least partially hollow interior space of the preferred lower base portion 14.
- the inner cylindrical wall 52 of each of the protrusions 50 is provided with one or more, and preferably three, flats 60 that extend longitudinally for at least a substantial portion of the longitudinal or axial length of the generally cylindrical protrusions 50.
- the flat 60 provide for a secure releasable gripping engagement with tool items inserted into the tool item openings 24 and are capable of accommodating tool bits or items having a wide variety of cross-sectional shank shapes.
- a hole or opening 56 is preferably provided in the bottom, free end wall of the generally cylindrical protrusions 50 in order to prevent the accumulation of dust, chips or other debris within the tool item openings 24.
- the preferred generally cylindrical protrusions 50 also include an outer cylindrical wall surface 54 shaped such that the exterior diameter of each protrusion 50 converges to a smaller exterior diameter generally adjacent the bottom wall of the generally cylindrical protrusion 50. This results in a convergence angle illustrated in exaggerated form and indicated by reference numeral 62 in Figure 8, as well as increased or improved draft angle 64 formed between the outer or exterior cylindrical wall surface 54 of each protrusion 50 with the lower interior surface of the lower base portion 14.
- the draft angle 64 is preferably substantially greater than 90 degrees, as is illustrated in exaggerated form in Figure 8. Such improved draft angle greatly simplifies and improves the ease of withdrawing an injection molded base 12 from the mold during production and manufacturing of the tool item container 10.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU65085/00A AU6508500A (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-08-01 | Tool item container |
EP00952372A EP1233918A4 (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-08-01 | Tool item container |
CA002380645A CA2380645A1 (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-08-01 | Tool item container |
TW092206824U TW578665U (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2002-02-04 | Tool item container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/369,411 | 1999-08-05 | ||
US09/369,411 US6082538A (en) | 1999-08-05 | 1999-08-05 | Tool item container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2001010745A1 true WO2001010745A1 (en) | 2001-02-15 |
Family
ID=23455372
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2000/020984 WO2001010745A1 (en) | 1999-08-05 | 2000-08-01 | Tool item container |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6082538A (en) |
EP (1) | EP1233918A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1127435C (en) |
AU (1) | AU6508500A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2380645A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW578665U (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001010745A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6578938B2 (en) * | 2001-02-28 | 2003-06-17 | Robert A. Norman | Securable toolchest with visual-surround workbench |
US20040108164A1 (en) * | 2002-12-10 | 2004-06-10 | Pruett Richard Franklin | Ladder tray with width guide and support members |
US7195120B2 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2007-03-27 | Irwin Industrial Tool Company | Tool bit storage and display container |
US7152734B2 (en) * | 2004-07-14 | 2006-12-26 | Tsan-Nien Chen | Sealed packing box with a size checking space |
CN102778246A (en) * | 2012-07-06 | 2012-11-14 | 苏州速腾电子科技有限公司 | Air faucet placing fixture |
EP2698123B1 (en) * | 2012-08-15 | 2016-10-05 | Dentsply IH AB | Tray system and method of preparing a customized information sheet |
US9539722B2 (en) | 2012-12-19 | 2017-01-10 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Tool storage devices |
CN205968920U (en) | 2014-07-22 | 2017-02-22 | 米沃奇电动工具公司 | Instrument storage device |
USD810435S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2018-02-20 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD844324S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2019-04-02 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
USD834817S1 (en) | 2015-07-17 | 2018-12-04 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Bag |
US9872547B2 (en) | 2015-11-25 | 2018-01-23 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Handle assembly for a case |
USD839071S1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2019-01-29 | Zhejiang Feiling Tool Co., Ltd. | Screwdriver holder |
USD837624S1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2019-01-08 | Zhejiang Feiling Tool Co., Ltd. | Screwdriver holder |
CN106586164B (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-02-02 | 山西平阳重工机械有限责任公司 | A kind of axial workpiece fixation composite package |
USD994453S1 (en) * | 2020-08-12 | 2023-08-08 | Shilo Technologies Ltd. | Tool crown |
US11731258B2 (en) | 2020-09-21 | 2023-08-22 | George Eleftheriou | Pneumatic tool holder |
US11912477B2 (en) | 2022-06-08 | 2024-02-27 | Yeti Coolers, Llc | Container with handle and latching system |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1638360A (en) * | 1926-12-30 | 1927-08-09 | Olson Carl | Ash-can cover |
US2736452A (en) * | 1952-10-21 | 1956-02-28 | Columbus Plastic Products Inc | Receptacle for bakery products |
US3981503A (en) * | 1974-06-20 | 1976-09-21 | Mitsuo Tsukuda | Game board with game piece storage area |
USD408281S (en) * | 1998-03-03 | 1999-04-20 | Kun Chen Chen | Tool box |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1519614A (en) * | 1922-11-23 | 1924-12-16 | White S Dental Mfg Co | Burr holder |
US5242050A (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1993-09-07 | Billings Scott A | Archery tackle box |
DE29519081U1 (en) * | 1995-12-01 | 1996-02-01 | Knoblauch Georg | Cassette for jigsaw blades |
IT237482Y1 (en) * | 1997-05-09 | 2000-09-13 | Hardware Ind Mfg S R L | CONTAINING BOX OF BLADES FOR ALTERNATIVE SAW |
-
1999
- 1999-08-05 US US09/369,411 patent/US6082538A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2000
- 2000-08-01 AU AU65085/00A patent/AU6508500A/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-08-01 CN CN00812377.2A patent/CN1127435C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-08-01 EP EP00952372A patent/EP1233918A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2000-08-01 WO PCT/US2000/020984 patent/WO2001010745A1/en active Application Filing
- 2000-08-01 CA CA002380645A patent/CA2380645A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-02-04 TW TW092206824U patent/TW578665U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1638360A (en) * | 1926-12-30 | 1927-08-09 | Olson Carl | Ash-can cover |
US2736452A (en) * | 1952-10-21 | 1956-02-28 | Columbus Plastic Products Inc | Receptacle for bakery products |
US3981503A (en) * | 1974-06-20 | 1976-09-21 | Mitsuo Tsukuda | Game board with game piece storage area |
USD408281S (en) * | 1998-03-03 | 1999-04-20 | Kun Chen Chen | Tool box |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of EP1233918A4 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1127435C (en) | 2003-11-12 |
AU6508500A (en) | 2001-03-05 |
TW578665U (en) | 2004-03-01 |
EP1233918A1 (en) | 2002-08-28 |
CN1372525A (en) | 2002-10-02 |
EP1233918A4 (en) | 2007-12-26 |
US6082538A (en) | 2000-07-04 |
CA2380645A1 (en) | 2001-02-15 |
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