WO2013084239A1

WO2013084239A1 - Tool caddy

Info

Publication number: WO2013084239A1
Application number: PCT/IL2012/050514
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yaron Brunner
Original assignee: Keter Plastic Ltd.
Priority date: 2011-12-06
Filing date: 2012-12-06
Publication date: 2013-06-13

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter describes a tool caddy (20) made of injected polymeric material and comprising at least one main utility storage space (40) and at least one auxiliary storage space (42, 44). The tool caddy being configured for nesting within like tool caddies.

Description

TOOL CADDY

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosed subject matter relates to tool caddies.

PRIOR ART AND BACKGROUND

Craftsmen often find it necessary to carry multiple tools for practice of their trade and require a ready access to the same. Various types of bags and containers have been developed to facilitate the transport of such tools. Such bags or containers are fabricated from a fabric such as canvas or rigid plastic material. Various designs of such containers or bags are available.

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

— US3784052

_ US4747527

— US5833095

— US6564941

— US6945442

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to the disclosed subject matter there is provided a tool caddy made of injected polymeric material and comprising at least one main utility storage space and at least one auxiliary storage space, said tool caddy configured for nesting within like tool caddies.

A tool caddy according to the disclosed subject matter comprises a polymeric injection molded body with integral side walls, at least one of which is tapering outwards from a base portion; at least one main utility storage space at a base of the tool caddy and at least one auxiliary storage space near a top of a side wall, and where said tool caddy is nestable within like tool caddies.

Any one or more of the following features, designs and configurations can be applied to a tool caddy according to the present disclosed subject matter, separately or in combination:

• The tool caddy is a unitary body, i.e. the at least one main utility storage space and the at least one auxiliary storage space are integrally molded;

• The tool caddy is configured with a carrying/hanging arrangement, integral and/or detachably attachable thereto;

• The tool caddy is made of molded polymeric material such as polyurethane, polypropylene, silicone, etc.;

• The tool caddy is configured at a top rim thereof with at least one laterally projection constituting an auxiliary storage space and configured as a tool receiving portion. The term tool is referred to in its broad sense and includes, among others, a variety of hand tools, machinery, drilling/screw bits, screws, brushes, and the like;

• The tool receiving portions are top-opened compartments extending in a substantially upright orientation;

· At least a base portion of the tool caddy can be configured with integral reinforcing ribs;

• The tool caddy is configured with a detachably attachable auxiliary storage box of any type, e.g. a screw box, assortment box, end the like;

• The auxiliary storage box is attachable at a bottom face of the base portion of the tool caddy. Said storage box configured for sliding engagement within a receiving socket of the tool caddy or by snap engagement thereto, or by appropriate locking latches;

• The tool caddy is configured for wall mounting or for carrying by one or more handles, or by a shoulder strap, or a belt mounting (rendering it useful as a waist caddy);

• The tool caddy is configured for mounting as a skirt over an opening of a bucket-like container, tool box and the like, a desk-top, a belt or the like; • When the tool caddy is configured for mounting as a skirt, its base can also be rested over a flat surface;

• Side walls of the tool caddy are flexible;

• The main utility storage space is compartmented;

· The at least one auxiliary storage space comprises tool receiving slots, apertures and receptacles. The auxiliary storage space can be configured as thronging apertures and receptacles configured with a base and a top opening;

• An auxiliary storage space can be configured with tool retention members, however integral with the tool caddy;

· The base portion and side walls are molded as sheet material;

• The tool caddy is made of flexible material however sufficiently rigid to carry tool items and maintain its shape;

• One or more top edges and/or bottom edges of the tool caddy can be configured with a flexible shock observing portion, in the form of flexible, deformable ribs in the like;

• The tool caddy comprises two carrying handles and a handle fastening arrangement for securely attaching the handles together.

In accordance with yet an aspect of the disclosed subject matter there is provided a tool caddy system comprising two or more segments. Each segment comprising: at least one main utility storage space having a base portion and integrally formed side walls. Wherein, at least one of the integrally formed side walls is tapering outwards from a base portion and at least one auxiliary storage space near a top of at least one of the side walls; and, wherein, said each segment is detachably attachable to another segment and nestable within like segment. In accordance with an example of this aspect, each segment can further comprise a clipping member/portion configured for clipping the segment over a belt, opening of the container, pocket, clothing garment etc. The segments can be generally arc-shaped. Any one or more of the above listed features can also apply to the tool caddy system separately or in combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the disclosed subject matter and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs. 1 and 2 are directed to a tool caddy in accordance with a first example of the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of the tool caddy;

Fig. IB is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 1C is a back view of the tool caddy;

Fig. ID is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. IE is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. IF is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 1G is a bottom view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 2A is an isometric view illustrating two tool caddies of the example of Fig. 1A in a nested position;

Fig. 2B is a front view of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2C is a side view of Fig. 2A;

Fig. 2D is a longitudinal section along line I-I in Fig. 2B;

Fig. 2E is a longitudinal section along line II- II in Fig. 2C;

Figs. 3 and 4 are directed to a second example of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 3A is a top isometric view of the second example tool caddy;

Fig. 3B is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 3C is a back view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 3D is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 3E is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 3F is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 3G is a bottom view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 4A is an isometric top view illustrating two tool caddies according to Fig. 3A nested within one another;

Fig. 4B is a front view of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4C is a side view of Fig. 4A;

Fig. 4D is a longitudinal section along line III- III in Fig. 4B; Fig. 4E is a longitudinal section along line IV-IV in Fig. 4C;

Fig. 4F illustrates the tool caddy of Fig. 3A, furnished with tools and configured with a carrying strap;

Figs. 5 and 6 are directed to a third example of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 5A is a top isometric view of the second example tool caddy;

Fig. 5B is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 5C is a back view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 5D is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 5E is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 5F is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 5G is a bottom view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 6A is an isometric top view illustrating two tool caddies according to Fig. 5A nested within one another;

Fig. 6B is a front view of Fig. 6A;

Fig. 6C is a side view of Fig. 6A;

Fig. 6D is a longitudinal section along line V-V in Fig. 6B;

Fig. 6E is a longitudinal section along line VI- VI in Fig. 6C;

Fig. 6F illustrates the tool caddy of Fig. 5A, furnished with tools and configured with a carrying strap;

Figs. 7 and 8 are directed to a fourth example of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 7A is a top isometric view of the second example tool caddy;

Fig. 7B is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 7C is a back view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 7D is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 7E is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 7F is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 7G is a bottom view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 8A is an isometric top view illustrating two tool caddies according to Fig.

7A nested within one another;

Fig. 8B is a front view of Fig. 8A;

Fig. 8C is a side view of Fig. 8A; Fig. 8D is a longitudinal section along line III- III in Fig. 8B;

Fig. 8E is a longitudinal section along line IV-IV in Fig. 8C;

Figs. 9 and 10 are directed to a fifth example of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 9A is a top isometric view of the second example tool caddy;

Fig. 9B is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 9C is a back view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 9D is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 9E is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 9F is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 9G is a bottom view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 10A is an isometric top view illustrating two tool caddies according to Fig. 9A nested within one another;

Fig. 10B is a front view of Fig. 10A;

Fig. IOC is a side view of Fig. 10A;

Fig. 10D is a longitudinal section along line III- III in Fig. 10B;

Fig. 10E is a longitudinal section along line IV-IV in Fig. IOC;

Fig. 10F illustrates the tool caddy of Fig. 9 A, furnished with tools and configured with a carrying strap;

Figs. 11 and 12 are directed to a sixth example of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 11A is a top isometric view of the second example tool caddy;

Fig. 1 IB is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. llC is a back view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 1 ID is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. HE is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 11F is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 11G is a bottom view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 12A is an isometric top view illustrating two tool caddies according to Fig. 11 A nested within one another;

Fig. 12B is a front view of Fig. 12A;

Fig. 12C is a side view of Fig. 12A;

Fig. 12D is a longitudinal section along line III- III in Fig. 12B; Fig. 12E is a longitudinal section along line IV-IV in Fig. 12C;

Fig. 12F illustrates the tool caddy of Fig. 11 A, furnished with tools and configured with a carrying strap, placed over a surface;

Fig. 12G illustrates the tool caddy of Figs. 11 A, furnished with tools and wall- mounted;

Fig. 12H illustrates the tool caddy of Figs. 11 A, furnished with tools and shoulder-mounted;

Fig. 121 illustrates the tool caddy of Figs. 11A, furnished with tools and suspended from a ladder; and

Figs. 13 to 15 are directed to a sixth example of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, wherein:

Fig. 13A is a top isometric view of the second example tool caddy;

Fig. 13B is a front view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 13C is a left side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 13D is a right side view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 13E is a top view of the tool caddy;

Fig. 14A is an isometric top view illustrating two tool caddies according to Fig. 13 A nested within one another;

Fig. 14B is a front view of Fig. 14A;

Fig. 14C is a longitudinal section along line XIV-XIV in Fig. 14B;

Fig. 15A illustrates the tool caddy of Figs. 13, furnished with tools and mounted on a surface;

Fig. 15B illustrates the tool caddy of Figs. 13, furnished with tools and mounted on a bucket; and

Fig. 15C illustrates the tool caddy of Figs. 13, furnished with tools and mounted on a worker's belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings illustrating a tool caddy in accordance with a first example of the present disclosed subject matter, generally designated 20. The tool caddy 20 comprises a body 22 made of a polymeric injection molded material, such as polyurethane, polypropylene, silicone, and the like. The body 22 is configured with a base 24 for stable positioning the tool caddy 20 over a surface, and upwardly side walls 26, tapering outwardly therefrom, said side walls comprising a front wall 28, a back wall 30 a right side wall 32 and a left side wall 34.

The tool caddy 20 has the general impression of a tool basket-like caddy with a main utility storage space 40 and a plurality of auxiliary storage space locations, namely tool receiving portions in the form of substantially upright extending receptacles 42 and 44 laterally projecting outwards from the top edge 41, said receptacles 42 being suitable for supporting hand tools such as screw drivers, pliers, hammer, brushes, garden tools or tying different articles thereto using tie straps or hooks. There are also provided a plurality of bit receiving portions 48 for receiving drilling bits, screwing bits and the like.

Extending upwards from the front wall 28 and the back wall 30 there is a handle portion 50A and 50B, respectively, wherein the front carrying handle 50A is configured with a handle fastening latch 54 for securing to the rear handle portion 50B at a closed/carrying position, namely for attaching the handle portion 50A and 50B to one another.

As can further be seen in the drawings, the base portion 24 of the tool caddy 20 is configured with a plurality of reinforcing depressions 58 extending from the front face to the back face, with upwardly extending reinforcing portions designated 62. Side reinforcing depressions 60 extend from the respective right side wall and left side wall, however do not meet. The side reinforcing depressions 60 extend upwards over a short extent of the respective side wall. As mentioned hereinabove, although ribbed, the base renders the tool caddy suitable for placing over a flat surface.

The tool caddy 20 is further configured with several horizontal reinforcing ribs designated 64 surrounding the perimeter of the tool caddy, and a top edge 41 of the tool caddy is reinforced as well, giving rise to a rounded, reinforced top edge lip.

As clearly noted in the drawings, the side walls 26 of the tool caddy 20 taper outwardly, thus rendering the tool caddy nestable, as can be seen in Figs. 2A - 2E such that at the nesting position major portions of the nested tool caddy 70 resides within the nesting tool caddy 72, with only a restricted portion 74 (comprising the tool receptacles 42) projecting therefrom. Further noticed, the tool caddy 20 comprises at a top edge of the front wall 28 and the back wall 30, along an oblique line, a carrying eye 79 for attaching thereto a shoulder strap (not seen; however a similar strap is illustrated in the example of Fig. 4F), rendering the tool caddy 20 suitable for carrying over a shoulder strap or for 5 hanging same from a ladder and the like.

Further attention is now directed to Figs. 3 and 4 directed to a second example of a tool caddy in accordance with the disclosed subject matter, generally designated 80.

The tool caddy 80 resembles to a great extent, the tool caddy 20 of Figs. 1 and 2 and reference is made thereto as well for reading on common features such as, for 10 example, the reinforcing portions, carrying handles etc. However, a noticeable difference residing between the tool caddy 80 and the tool caddy 20 lays in the provision of multiple auxiliary storage space, in the form of a plurality of tool receiving receptacles 82 configured at the right side wall 84 and the left side wall 86, respectively.

The tool receptacles 82 project laterally outwards from the reinforced top edge 15 88 of the side walls, and extend substantially vertically, like a tube with an open top and bottom. The tool receptacles 82 have different sizes to thereby suitably accommodate therein tools of different size e.g. brushes, screw drivers, pliers, punctures, hammers, and the like, whilst large hand tools such as drills, paint boxes, garden tools, etc. can be stored conveniently within the main utility storage space 90.

20 Further noted, the tool receptacles 82 comprise inwardly projecting tool retention projections, for friction bearing against a tool inserted therein. This arrangement can apply to any shape and type of auxiliary compartment as discussed herein the specification.

As can further be noted, a plurality of bit receiving receptacles 92 are configured 25 at the bottom of the right handle 94, said receptacles configured for storing therein screw bits, drill bits and the like, and together with the tool receptacles 82 constitute part of the auxiliary storage space.

As can be further seen in Figs. 4A to 4E, the tool caddy 80 is nestable within a like tool caddy, with only the auxiliary compartments 82 of a nested tool caddy project 30 from the nesting tool caddy.

Fig. 4F illustrates a tool caddy 80 accommodating a plurality of different tools wherein an additional auxiliary storage space is illustrated in the form of an externally projecting pocket 100 (shown only in Fig. 4F) projecting from the front face 102, though integral with the injection molded body. It is appreciated that the provision of the side pocket 100 does not affect the nesting ability of the tool caddy, as like pocket portions will be nested within one another.

Enlarged portion 'A' illustrates the loop rings 106 for attaching thereto a shoulder strapl04. The enlarged portion 'B' illustrates how different shank-tools (e.g. screw drivers 107) are received within the auxiliary tool receiving portions 82. Enlarged portion 'C shows a tie strap 109 secured to a loop eye 106' for tying thereto different items, e.g. masking tape, etc. Enlarged portion 'C shows how the integral side pocket 100 accommodates a cellular phone.

Furthermore, the shoulder strap 104 is secured to the hook eyes 106, rendering the tool caddy easily transported and carried, e.g. while hanging on an individual's shoulder. It is noted that in Figs. 3 and 4A to 4E the carrying eye 106 is a metal hook secured to the body, whilst in the illustration of Fig. 4F the loop eye 106' embedded within a body portion.

Turning now to the example illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 there is a tool caddy generally designated 130 sharing general features of the tool caddy 20 illustrated in connection with Figs. 1 and 2 above and reference is made thereto. However, an additional feature of tool caddy 130 is the provision of a detachably attachable auxiliary storage box ('organizer') 132 slidingly received at a bottom location 134 of the tool caddy 130. It is however appreciated that the detachably attachable auxiliary storage box, namely organizer 132, can be of any type and shape, and used for any purpose, e.g. a screw box, assortment box, end the like.

The tool caddy 130 comprises two support base portions 136 adjacent respective right and left ends of the base of the tool caddy 130, with a storage box retention space 134 configured between the support portions 136. Two retention bars 138, laterally projecting within the space 134 and facing each other, serve for supporting the storage box 132 from below. The storage box 132 is detachably attachable and retained within the space 134 by snap latches, or merely by friction, such that upon insertion of the storage box 132 it is retained and articulated to the tool caddy 130, facilitating for convenient carrying of the tool caddy. However, when it is required to detach the storage box 132 from the tool caddy 130, the storage box (organizer) 132 is easily pulled out of the receptacle 134 under the tool caddy, and may then be easily accessed, as illustrated in Fig. 6F. As can be seen in Figs. 6 A to 6E, the provision of tool box 132 does not interfere with the nestability of the tool caddy 130 within a like tool caddy, that owing to the fact that the tool box 132 does not project below bottom base portion or beyond bottom edges of the tool caddy.

Apart for the provision of the detachable tool box 132, the tool caddy is similar to that disclosed in connection with Figs 1 and 2.

The tool caddy 180 illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8 is a combination of the features discussed in connection with the example of tool caddy 80 (illustrated and discussed in connection with Figs. 3 and 4) and the example of the tool caddy 130 (illustrated and discussed in connection with Figs. 5 and 6.

Tool caddy 180 in fact comprises all features of tool caddy 80 and yet comprises also a detachably attachable organizer tool box 194 slidingly received at a bottom portion thereto, and being nestable.

As can be seen in Figs. 7 and 8, tool caddy 180 comprises an injection molded body 181 defining a main utility storage space 182 and a plurality of auxiliary storage spaces in the form of vertically extending tool receptacles 184, configured about a top edge 186 of the right and left side walls, and laterally projecting therefrom. Likewise, a plurality of bit holders 188 are configured within the opening formed in the back handle 192.

A detachably attachable organizer tool box 194 is slidingly retained at a dedicated space 196 at a bottom portion of the tool caddy 180, between the two flat base support portions 198, upon which the tool caddy can be placed over a surface. Two retention bars 199, laterally projecting within the space 196 and facing each other, serve for supporting the storage box 194 from below. The storage box 194 is detachably attachable and retained within the space 196 by snap latches, or merely by friction, such that upon insertion of the storage box 194 it is retained and articulated to the tool caddy 180, facilitating for convenient carrying of the tool caddy. However, when it is required to detach the storage box 194 from the tool caddy 180, the storage box (organizer) is easily pulled out of the receptacle 196 under the tool caddy, and may then be easily accessed.

For carrying, the two handles 192A and 192B are adjoined by the attaching latch 198. Alternatively, a shoulder strap (not shown) can be attached to the eye-hooks 200 configured at opposite top edges as illustrated. As can be seen in Figs. 8A to 8E, like tool caddies 180 can be nested within one another, in spite of the provision of a detachably attachable organizer tool box 194, wherein at the nested position only the auxiliary storage receptacles 184 project from the nested caddy.

Further attention is now directed to Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings illustrating a tool caddy generally designated 220, in accordance with yet an example of the present disclosed subject matter.

The tool caddy 220 comprises a body 222 made of polymeric injection molded material, as discussed hereinabove in connection with the previous examples.

The body 222 is an integrated unit comprising a segmented base comprising a central base portion 224A and two side base portions 224B and 224C, from which respectively extend upwardly a front wall 226, a back wall 228, a right side wall 230 and a left side wall 232.

However, the configuration of the tool caddy 220 is such that the auxiliary storage space is compartmented and comprises a central storage space 236 and two side storage compartments 238B and 238C. Furthermore, a first auxiliary storage space in the form of a plurality of differently shaped receptacles 242 is configured on each of the partition walls 246 extending between the central storage space 236 and the neighboring side storage spaces 238B and 238C. Further auxiliary storage receptacles 248 are configured on an inclined lateral wall projection 250 configured at an upper portion of the right side wall 230 and left side wall 232, respectively, with further auxiliary compartments 256 configured at a top front edge of the tool caddy 220 as well as a large auxiliary compartment 258 configured at the top back edge of the caddy.

Three External auxiliary storage pockets 260, shaped as pockets, are integral with the tool caddy and extend from a top front edge laterally outwardly, wherein said pockets 260 taper downwardly such as not to withdraw the ability of the caddy 220 to nest within like caddies, as illustrated in Figs. 10A to 10E.

Unlike the previous examples, the tool caddy 220 is not integrated with a carrying arrangement (e.g. handles integrated with the front and back side walls of the previous examples), but rather comprises a rigid handle 270, made for example of molded material, or metal and coated with comfort zone 272 and side attaching portions at 274, said handle 270 being pivotally secured at 278 to a top location at each of the respective side walls 230 and 232. As can be seen, the pivot axel at 278 comprises a hook eye 280 to facilitate attachment of a shoulder strap 282 (Figs. 10F).

As can further be seen, the back face 228 of the tool caddy 220 is configured at a top portion thereof with resilient shock-absorbing cushions 288 such that when the tool 5 caddy is carried by a worker, this portion can rest against his body for improved comfort. However, in the illustration of Fig. 10F there is a single, continuous cushion zone 229.

Turning now to Figs. 10A-10E the tool caddy 220 is illustrated in its nested position within a like tool caddy 220 wherein only a topmost portion of the nested tool

10 caddy projects from the nesting tool caddy, together with the carrying handle 272.

Figs. 11 and 12 are directed to yet another example of a tool caddy generally designated 300, in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter. Tool caddy 300 comprising a body 302 made of injection molded polymeric material e.g. polyurethane, polypropylene, silicone and the like, wherein the body 302 is configured for

15 maintaining its molded shape, under its self weight and also at the presence of different tools or any other gear therein.

The tool caddy 300 comprises a flat, arc shaped base 304, configured for placing the tool caddy on a flat surface, wherein the side walls tapering upwards therefrom give rise to an arc shape caddy, that can best be seen in the bottom view of Fig. 1 IF and top

20 view of Fig. 11G. the arc shape renders the tool caddy 300 comfortable for carrying by an individual, e.g. by a shoulder or waist strap, but also for hanging.

The front wall 306 has a flat central portion with side portions merging with the respective right side wall 308 and left side wall 310, with a back wall 312 following the arc shaped front wall 306 however. A main storage space 307 extends within the body

25 302. The back wall 312 is configured with a pair of upwardly projecting suspension portions 314 configured with reinforced support stripes 318 extending therealong. An eye-hook 320 is configured at the top of each of the suspension portions 314 for detachably attaching thereto a strap 322 illustrated in Fig. 12F, wherein the tool caddy 300 can be used in a shoulder position (Fig. 12H) or in a hanged position Fig. 121, as

30 opposed to a wall position wherein the caddy 300 is positioned directly against a wall surface 326 (Fig. 12G) using hooks 320 for this purpose.

As can further be seen in the drawings, the right side wall 308 and the left side wall 310, each comprise at an upper portion thereof an inclined laterally projecting portion 330, each configured with a plurality of tool receptacles 332 of different shapes and sizes for receiving therein a plurality of tools, as illustrated for example in Figs. 12F to 121, said receptacles constituting auxiliary storage space.

It is apparent from Figs. 12A to 12E that the tool caddy 300 is nestable within like tool caddies with only a narrow top portion of the nested tool caddy projecting from the nesting tool caddy, rendering the articles suitable for nesting during storage, shipping, display etc. i.e., consuming substantially little space.

In Fig. 12F there is illustrated a tool caddy 300' similar to that illustrated in connection with Figs. 11 and 12A to 12E, however where loop eye 320' is embedded within the projection 314, and further where auxiliary storage compartments 337 are configured at a top edge of the side walls.

With reference now being made to Figs. 13 to 16, there is illustrated yet a configuration of a tool caddy in accordance with the present disclosed subject matter, generally designated 400.

The tool caddy 400 is composed of three arc-shaped segments generally designated 402, 404 and 406 (three being a particular example, though it is readily appreciated that more or less segments are available at choice; also, the segments can be identical to one another or be of two or more shapes). The segments 402, 404 and 406 are arced/crescent shaped and each comprises at its respective ends a laterally projecting attaching tab indicated 402A, 402B, 404A and 404B, and 406A and 406B, respectively, wherein neighboring such attaching tabs are meant for detachably articulation to one another by a removable articulation snap (not shown). By articulating the three segments 402, 404 and 406 together, a loped belt-like configuration is reached, though each of the segments can be used separately (e.g. mounted over an edge of a bucket B as in Fig. 16B), or in combination with any one or two other segments, forming a semi belt configuration, which can easily be used as a wearable caddy over a belt D (e.g. Figs. 16A and 16C).

Each of the segments 402, 404 and 406 comprises a bottom wall with side walls extending therefrom, however tapering upwardly outwardly, wherein each such segment can be easily nested within like segments, as illustrated in Figs. 14A tol4C. Furthermore, each of the segments 402, 404 and 406 is configured with at least one main utility storage space, e.g., storage compartment 414 of segment 406, or two main utility storage compartments 416A and 416B associated with the segment 402, or three main storage compartments 418A, 418B and 418C in the case of segment 404. Furthermore, each of the segments 402, 404 and 406 comprises several auxiliary storage compartments designated 420, however disposed over the front face of each of the segments, at a top portion thereof, and having a variety of sizes and shapes.

Each segment comprises at least one clipping portion 422 extending downwards from a top edge of a rear wall 426. The clipping portion 422 extends from a reinforced upwards projection portion 428. The clipping portion 422 extends in close proximity to a rear face of the back wall, thus forming a gap 430 for clipping over a belt, bucket edge, and the like.

All the examples illustrated and discussed hereinabove are made of injection molded polymeric material and are configured integrally with the least one main utility storage space at a base of the tool caddy and at least one auxiliary storage space near a top of a side wall, and are all nestable within like tool caddies.

The detachably attachable auxiliary storage box (organizer), can be of any type and shape, and used for any purpose, e.g. a screw box, assortment box, and the like.

The tool caddy is made of flexible material however sufficiently rigid to carry tool items and maintain its shape, i.e. the body of the tool caddy is configured for maintaining its molded shape, under its self weight and also at the presence of different tools or any other gear therein and while supported within the auxiliary storage receptacles.

Those skilled in the art to which the present disclosed subject matter pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A tool caddy comprising a polymeric injection molded body comprising:

a base portion and integrally formed side walls, wherein at least one of the walls is tapering outwards from a base portion; at least one main utility storage space at a base of the tool caddy and at least one auxiliary storage space near a top of a side wall, and wherein said tool caddy is nestable within like tool caddies.

2. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the at least one main utility storage space and the at least one auxiliary storage space are integrally molded.

3. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is at least partially made of molded polymeric material such as polyurethane.

4. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is at least partially made of molded polymeric material such as silicone.

5. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is made of flexible material however sufficiently rigid to carry tool items and maintain its shape.

6. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is configured at a top rim thereof with at least one laterally projection constituting an auxiliary storage space and configured as a tool receiving portion.

7. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool receiving portions are top- opened compartments extending in a substantially upright orientation.

8. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein at least the base portion of the tool caddy is configured with integral reinforcing ribs.

9. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is configured with a detachably attachable auxiliary storage compartment.

10. A tool caddy according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary storage compartment is attachable at a bottom face of the base portion of the tool caddy.

11. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the storage compartment is configured for sliding engagement within a receiving socket of the tool caddy.

12. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is configured for a belt mounting.

13. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the tool caddy is configured for mounting as a skirt over an opening of a container.

14. A tool caddy according to claim 13, wherein the base of the tool caddy is configured for resting over a flat surface.

15. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the main utility storage space is compartmented.

5 16. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the at least one auxiliary storage space comprises tool receiving members.

17. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary storage space can be configured as thronging apertures and receptacles configured with a base and a top opening.

10 18. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary storage space can be configured with integral with the tool caddy tool retention members.

19. A tool caddy according to claim 1, wherein the base portion and side walls are molded as sheet material.

20. A tool caddy system comprising two or more ped polymeric injection molded 15 segments, each segment comprising: at least one main utility storage space having a base portion and integrally formed side walls, wherein at least one of the integrally formed side walls is tapering outwards from a base portion and at least one auxiliary storage space near a top of at least one of the side walls; and, wherein, said each segment is detachably attachable to another segment and nestable within like segment. 20 21. A tool caddy system of claim 20, wherein each segment further comprises a clipping member configured for clipping the segment over a belt.