Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved method and device for supporting a tool ( 16, 16 A,  16 B,  16 C,  16 D,  16 E  16 F,  16 G or  16 H) or display item ( 16 J) on the rim ( 17, 47 A or  87 ) of a container ( 18,47,87 A or  88 ), a support bracket ( 36 ), a support rod ( 45  or  45 B, or a flat surface ( 9 ). The support ( 12, 12 B,  32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82,  or  92 ) extends from the handle ( 13,38,43, 53, 63, 77,  or  83 ) of the tool or the joining leg ( 93 ) of the universal support hanger and has an aperture ( 16, 16 B,  16 C,  16 D,  16 E,  16 F,  16 G,  14 H or  16 J) with a sloping line ( 14, 14 B,  14 C,  14 D,  14 E,  14 F,  14 G,  14 H or  14 J). The sloping line creates a variable sized aperture. The internal surface of the variable sized aperture is in contact with the rim of the container, support bracket or upper support rod thereby securing the tool or universal support hanger in a predetermined position. Alternatively, increased gravitational friction between the sloping line in the aperture and the container, support bracket or support rod due to the center of gravity of the tool in relation to the aperture impedes unintentional dislodging of the tool.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    PPA reference U.S. PTO application No. 60/374,764 filed Apr. 23, 2002 confirmation # 5234 
     
    
     
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH  
         [0002]    Not Applicable  
         SEQUENCE LISTING OF PROGRAM  
         [0003]    Not Applicable  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0005]    This invention relates to a method for supporting tools in a specific position and providing additional resistance to removal from a container or support rod. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of securing tools such as spatulas, trowels, scrapers, garden tools, tooth brushes, razors, task tool handles, instruments, kitchen utensils and support hangers for display items.  
           [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0007]    The screen printing industry prints garments with a vinyl based ink that only dries when heated in a drying oven. The ink gets on the handles of conventional spatulas that fall into the ink buckets and thus the hand of the operator. Contamination of the work environment and the product with misdirected ink is costly for the industry.  
           [0008]    Typically the industry uses flat blade metal scrapers, plastic scrapers, wooden stir sticks, and plastic spatulas from the food industry. They have a common disadvantage in that none have a means to secure them to the bucket to prevent tool-handle contamination. Additionally, the operator often kicks the messy bucket across the floor dislodging casually rested tools from the sides of the bucket and the tool handles become contaminated with the ink.  
           [0009]    The related art shows various methods of supporting tools, paintbrushes, toothbrushes, a razor and support clips. Illustrative are U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,977 to Desjardin; U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,604B1 to Tom Ahlstrom et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,851 to de Sevren Jacquest; D278,966 to Anaya; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,159 to Streibel and U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,325 to Remmers.  
           [0010]    Desjardin describes an integral clip formed from the flat handle portion of the tool with the support, handle and blade of the tool of the same plane. This invention requires the support to be manually displaced outwardly from the plane of the tool to engage with a supporting container and thus possibly contaminating the hands of the user. The clip contains a perimeter relief which is essentially an opening in the blade and handle interface area and the substance being mixed or transferred may easily fall through the opening. The tool is essentially planar and provides no support on a flat surface.  
           [0011]    Ahlstrom et al describes a support for a paintbrush which both supports the brush on a flat surface and the edge of a container. The support provides no additional engagement or frictional holding or directional alignment other than resting on the edge of the container. To accomplish stability on a flat surface two nibs are extended beyond the arched flange of the support.  
           [0012]    de Sevren Jacquest describes a built-in recess in the handle of a paintbrush which suspends it on the inner sealing flange of a paint container. The handle-hanger recess offers no frictional or gravitational gripping advantage other that direct downward force and there is no provision to support the paintbrush handle or bristles above a flat surface.  
           [0013]    Anya describes and ornament design of a trowel with a protrusion between the blade and the handle. The ornamental protrusion offers no frictional or gravitational gripping advantage other that direct downward force and there is no provision to support the blade or handle of the trowel above a flat surface.  
           [0014]    Streibel describes a toothbrush with a name-bearing member on the end of the handle that also supports the toothbrush on a bracket. The name-bearing member offers no frictional or gravitational gripping advantage other that direct downward force and there is no provision to support the bristles of the toothbrush above a flat surface.  
           [0015]    Remmers describes a support clip which engages a wire in shelving and allows the shelf to pivot in a vertical arc while stabilizing horizontal movement. The aperture has a smaller opening than the diameter of the aperture thus securely holding the installed shelving, but it does not directionally orient the shelving in any particular plane due to the round shape of the aperture.  
           [0016]    Also, of interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,383 to Hemler which describes a brush retaining system for suspending a paintbrush over a paint can. The clip suspends the brush gravitationally with no additional frictional assistance due to aperture design.  
           [0017]    Of only minimal interest is U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,668 to MacDonald showing a paintbrush with a built-in holder which pivots out of the plane of the handle suspending the brush in a container. Also of minimal interest is U.S. Pat. No. ______ to Dcsjardin showing a clip for holding a tool on a container in two positions. Both methods rely on direct downward gravitational force to hold the paintbrush in position and offer no additional frictional advantage.  
           [0018]    There remains the need for a tool support that provides enhanced holding means while suspended on the rim of a container or a support rod while providing the option for directional alignment of the tool with the additional means to suspend the handle or the functional end of the tool above a flat surface while resting the tool on that surface.  
           [0019]    3. Objects and Advantages  
           [0020]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:  
           [0021]    (a) to provide a support with an aperture for a tool that will support the tool on the rim of a container;  
           [0022]    (b) to provide a support with an aperture for a tool that will support the tool on a support rod;  
           [0023]    (c) to provide a support with an aperture for a tool that will support the tool on the rim of a container or a support rod and provide enhanced holding means for the tool;  
           [0024]    (d) to provide a support with an aperture for a tool that will support the tool on a support rod with a flat edge thus holding the tool in a directionally predetermined and stable position;  
           [0025]    (e) to provide a support with an aperture for a tool that will support the tool on a flat surface so that the handle end of the tool is suspended above the flat surface;  
           [0026]    (f) to provide a support with an aperture for a tool that will support the tool on a flat surface so that the functional end of the tool is suspended above the flat surface;  
           [0027]    (g) to provide a support for a tool that will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) as listed previously with the identical support structure incorporated with the tool.  
           [0028]    A toothbrush incorporating this invention will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) as listed previously with the additional advantage of having the bristles supported in an upright position. This feature offers the advantage of suspending the oral contact area of the toothbrush thus reducing the incidence of contact with undesirable surfaces. Furthermore, this position facilitates drying of the bristles between uses. An additional advantage is that the toothbrush incorporating this invention may readily be affixed to existing bathroom accessory wire shelf units utilized in bathtubs and showers for holding bathing items.  
           [0029]    Similarly, a razor incorporating this invention will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) as listed previously with the additional advantage of having the blade holder supported in an upright position. This feature protects the sharpness of the blade by reducing contact with other surfaces and facilitates the drying of the blade between uses. An additional advantage is that the razor incorporating this invention it may readily be affixed to existing bathroom accessory wire shelf units utilized in bathtubs and showers for holding bathing items.  
           [0030]    A task tool handle incorporating this invention will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) as listed previously when joined with task tools such as metal removal files and food preparation tools. Additionally, the handle has the advantage of protecting the tool from contact with other tools while hanging from a common support rod. Metal removal files, for example, are easily damaged when placed in a drawer as the hardened cutting surface is dulled when in contact with other files. Food preparatory tools have shaped and sharpened surfaces that are optimally maintained by not contacting other tools and objects. An additional advantage is that the handle support can function as a pivot point and a handle that has a greater mass than the tool in relation to the support will suspend the tool above a flat surface on which the handle is resting thus preventing contamination of the tool. Similarly, if the tool has a greater mass that the handle, the support suspends the gripping portion of the handle above the flat surface thus providing a handle that is not contaminated by the surface and is positioned for the user to grasp. The two previously mentioned advantages are significant in the food service industry, the medical field, in laboratories, in clean-room facilities and in machine tool manufacturing.  
           [0031]    An instrument clip incorporating this invention will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) as listed previously with the additional advantage of being able to organize the instruments on the rim of a container or a support rod. An additional object can be accomplished by manufacturing the instrument clip in various colors to assist in identification of the instrument.  
           [0032]    A utensil incorporating this invention will accomplish (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) as listed previously with the additional advantage of suspending the task device end of the utensil within or over the open container which contains the substance being mixed or manipulated by the utensil. An additional advantage is that the utensil can be suspended in proximity to the substance thus preventing drips and spillage of the substance from the utensil as the utensil is moved to a resting place.  
           [0033]    A universal support hanger incorporating this invention will accomplish (b) and (d) as listed previously with the additional advantage of being able to position the hanger in an infinite number of locations on the flattened support rod. An additional advantage is that the hanger provides a means of displaying lettering, numbers, signs and graphics, objects, and numerous other items in an economical manner. Another advantage is that several hangers can be attached to a larger object for suspension. Another advantage is that due to the directionally predetermined and stable position, each item will share a common plane.  
           [0034]    Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0035]    The present invention relates to a method and device for supporting a tool or a display item in a more secure and directionally stable configuration. The invention calls for providing an aperture with a line inside the aperture sloping toward the opening of the aperture. The sloping line describes a smaller opening in the aperture than the size of the aperture thus securing dimensionally complimentary objects within the aperture. The tool is supported upon various cross-sectional shapes in a more secure manner due to the frictional and gravitational forces acting upon essentially an inclined plane described by the line within the aperture. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0036]    [0036]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the tool  10  constructed in accordance with the invention.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 2 is a right side view of the first embodiment suspended on the rim  17  of the container  18 .  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4 is a right side view of the first embodiment lifting the container  18  by the bail handle  19 .  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 5 is a right side view of the first embodiment supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the tool  10 A showing the second embodiment.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view D-D of FIG. 1A.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 1B is a perspective view the tool  10 B showing the third embodiment.  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 2B is a right side view of the third embodiment suspended on the rim  17  of the container  18 .  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2B.  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 4B is a right side view of the third embodiment lifting the container  18  by the bail handle  19 .  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 5B is a right side view of the third embodiment supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the tool hanger attachment  30  showing the fourth embodiment.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2C is a perspective partial view of the support bracket  36  and the bracket clamp spring  34 .  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 3C is a left view of the fourth embodiment attached to a partial view of the implement handle  38  supported on a cross-sectional view F-F of the support bracket  36 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 4C is a left view of the fourth embodiment attached to a partial view of implement handle  38  supported on a cross-sectional view G-G of the support bracket  36  with the bracket clamp spring  34  engaged.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 5C is a planar view of the fourth embodiment.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the toothbrush  43  showing the fifth embodiment.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 2D is a perspective left side partial view of the support rods with suction cups  49 .  
         [0055]    [0055]FIG. 3D is a left side view of the fifth embodiment supported on the cross-sectional view K-K of the support rods  45  and  45 A.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 4D is a left side view of the fifth embodiment supported on a partial sectional view of the rim  47 A of the container  47 .  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 5D is a left side view of the fifth embodiment supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the razor  50  showing the sixth embodiment.  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 2E is a posterior view of the sixth embodiment.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment supported on the partial view of the support rod and suction cup assembly  49 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 4E is a sectional view M-M of FIG. 3E.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 5E is an enlarged partial left side view of the sixth embodiment supported on and fully engaged with the support rod  45 B.  
         [0063]    [0063]FIG. 6E is an enlarged partial left side view of the sixth embodiment partially engaged with the support rod  45 B.  
         [0064]    [0064]FIG. 7E is a left side view of the sixth embodiment supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 1F is a perspective view of the task tool handle  60  showing the seventh embodiment.  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 2F is a view from the tool recess  61  end of the seventh embodiment.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 3F is a right side view of the seventh embodiment with the task tool  65  installed in the recess  61  supported on a cross-sectional view F-F of the support bracket  36 .  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 4F is a left side view of the seventh embodiment supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0069]    [0069]FIG. 1G is a perspective view of the instrument clip  70  showing the eighth embodiment.  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 2G is a left cross-sectional view R-R of FIG. 1G.  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 3G is a perspective view of the eighth embodiment and the instrument  76  supported on the support rod and suction cup assembly  49 .  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 4G is a cross-sectional view S-S of the eighth embodiment and the support rods  45  and  45 A with the instrument  76 .  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 5G is a left side view of the eighth embodiment and the instrument  76  supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 1H is a perspective view of the utensil  80  showing the ninth embodiment.  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 2H is a right side view of the ninth embodiment supported on a cross-sectional view F-F of the support bracket  36 .  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 3H is an enlarged partial view of the right side of the ninth embodiment and support rod  45 B.  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 4H is a right side view of the ninth embodiment supported on the rim  87  of the container  88 .  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 5H is a right side view of the ninth embodiment supported on the surface  9 .  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 1J is a perspective view of the universal support hanger  90  showing the tenth embodiment.  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 2J is a cross-sectional view T-T of the tenth embodiment.  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 3J is a perspective view of the tenth embodiment attached to the display item  95  supported on the support rod  45 B.  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 4J is the cross-sectional view U-U showing the tenth embodiment attached to the display item  95  with the joining material  94  and supported on the support rod  45 B. 
     
    
       [0083]    [0083]                                         REFERENCE LETTERS AND NUMERALS:                                A—A   plane of handle 13 and blade 11 and 11A       B   angle between plane A—A and line 14       C   angle between plane A—A and surface 9       D—D   cross-sectional view of blade 11A of tool 10A       E—E   plane of support bracket 36 and bracket clamping spring 34       F—F   cross-sectional view of support bracket 36       G—G   cross-sectional view of support bracket 36 and bracket clamp           spring 34       H   arc of bracket clamp spring 34       J—J   plane of support rods 45 and 45A       K—K   cross-sectional view of support rods 45 and 45A       L—L   plane of handle 53 of shaver 50       M—M   cross-sectional view of support rod 45 with razor 50       N—N   plane of flat edge of support rod 45B       P   angle between plane L—L and line 14E       P1   angle between plane L—L and line 14E       Q—Q   plane of task tool handle 60       R   angle between plane Q—Q and surface 9       R—R   cross-sectional view of instrument clip 70       S—S   sectional view of instrument clip 70 and support rods 45 and           45A with instrument 76       T—T   cross-sectional view of universal support hanger 90       U—U   cross-sectional view of universal support hanger 90 with display           item 95 supported on support rod 45B       9   surface       10   tool       10A   tool (second embodiment)       10B   tool (third embodiment)       11   blade       11A   blade       12   support       12B   support       13   handle       14   line       14B   curved line       14C   line       14D   line       14E   line       14F   line       14G   line       14H   line       14J   line       15   hole       16   aperture       16B   aperture       16C   aperture       16D   aperture       16E   aperture       16F   aperture       16G   aperture       16H   aperture       16J   aperture       17   rim       18   container       19   bail handle       30   tool hanger attachment (fourth embodiment)       31   hole       31A   hole       31B   threaded screw       31C   fastener       32   support       33   body       34   support bracket clamp spring       35   hole       36   support bracket       37   hole       38   implement handle       40   toothbrush (fifth embodiment)       41   head       42   support       43   handle       44   bristles       45   upper support rod       45A   lower support rod       45B   flat support rod       47   container       47A   rim       48   suction cup       49   support rod and suction cup assembly       50   razor (sixth embodiment)       51   blade holder       52   support       53   handle body       60   task tool handle (seventh embodiment)       61   recess       62   support       63   handle body       65   task tool       70   instrument clip (eighth embodiment)       71   gap       72   support       73   cavity       74   right cavity wall       74A   left cavity wall       75   partition       76   instrument       77   instrument handle       78   instrument task end       80   utensil (ninth embodiment)       81   task device       82   support       83   handle       87   rim       87A   lip rim       88   container       88A   lipped container       90   universal support hanger (tenth embodiment)       91   hinge point       92   pressure arm       93   joining leg       94   joining material       95   display item                    
       DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS  
       [0084]    [0084]FIGS. 1 and 1B show a tool  10  and  10 B respectively with a first end and a second end. On the first end is a blade  11  and on the second end is a handle  13  and they have a plane A-A. The blade  11  is preferably flat and has a left and a right side or width perpendicular to the plane A-A and has a length along the plane. The blade  11  extends beyond the width of the handle  13 . The handle  13  has a width described by a left side and a right side. The width is perpendicular to the plane A-A and is preferably less than the length along the plane. The handle  13  has a hole  15  at the end furthest from the blade  11 . The handle  13  is preferably contoured in a u-shape. Between the blade  11  and the handle  13  is a support  12  and  12 B. The support  12  and  12 B include a first leg and a second leg. The first leg and second leg are preferably identical on the support  12  and  12 B respectively. The legs have a first end and a second end and are connected to the handle  13  at the first end. The legs have a curved shape with an inner edge forming an aperture  16  and  16 B. The legs are preferably positioned such that the aperture  16  and  16 B is positioned between the inner edge of the support  12  and  12 B respectively and the blade  11 . The second end of the legs and the blade  11  form the opening of the aperture  16  and  16 B. The inner edge of the legs adjacent the second end curves inward along a line  14  and a curved line  14 B toward the blade  11  such that the distance between the inner edge and the blade at the second end is less that the distance between the inner edge and the blade at a point on the inner edge directly adjacent the first end of the legs. The inner edge of the legs at the second end is the line  14  and is straight in the first embodiment and is the curved line  14 B and is curved in the third embodiment. The line  14  and the curved line  14 B form a hook shape that bends in toward the blade  11  nearest the opening of the aperture  16  and  16 B respectively.  
         [0085]    [0085]FIGS. 2 and 2B show the tool  10  and  10 B respectively supported on a rim  17  of a container  18 . The rim  17  is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16  and  16 B at a point closest to the handle  13  end of the tool  10  and  10 B respectively.  
         [0086]    FIGS.  3  shows an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2. The plane A-A and the line  14  form an angle B.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 2B.  
         [0088]    [0088]FIGS. 4 and 4B show the tool  10  and  10 B respectively lifting the container  18  by a bail handle  19  with the inner edge of the support  12  and  12 B respectively. The bail handle  19  is shown inside the aperture  16  and  16 B at a point along the line  14  and the curved line  14 B respectively at the furthest point from the blade  11  adjacent the first end of the support  12  and  12 B respectively.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIGS. 5 and 5B show the tool  10  and  10 B respectively on a surface  9  supported by the blade  11  and the support  12  and  12 B respectively with the handle  13  above the surface and at an angle C to the surface.  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 1A shows an alternate embodiment in the tool  10 A. The tool  10 A has a right and left side of a blade  11 A where the right side of the blade aligns with the width of the handle  13 . The left side of the blade  11 A extends beyond the width of the handle  13 . The single support  12  is as previously described and is on the same side of the handle as the blade  11 A extension.  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 7 shows the lateral cross-sectional view D-D from the blade  11 B end of the tool  10 B showing the u-shape of the handle  13 .  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 1C is an alternate embodiment showing a tool hanger attachment  30 . The tool hanger attachment  30  has a left side and a right side. The left side and the right side are preferably identical and have a support  32  with an aperture  16 C and a line  14 C along the inner edge of the aperture as previously described. The left side and right side are preferably parallel and are joined by a body  33  with a u-shape. The body  33  has a hole  31  on the left side and a hole  31 A on the right side. The holes  31  and  31 A are opposing and accept a threaded screw  31 B with a fastener  31 B.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 2C shows a support bracket  36  with a hole  37  for mounting parallel to a support bracket clamp spring  34  with a hole  35  for mounting.  
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 3C shows the tool hanger attachment  30  clamped to a partial view of an implement handle  38  with the threaded screw  31 B and the fastener  31 C supported on the cross-sectional view F-F of the support bracket  36 .  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 4C shows the tool hanger attachment  30  clamped to a partial view of an implement handle  38  with the threaded screw  31 B and the fastener  31 C supported on the cross-sectional view G-G of the support bracket  36  with the bracket clamp spring  34  shown pressing against the support  32  in an arc H.  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 5C shows a planar view of the tool hanger attachment  30 .  
         [0097]    [0097]FIG. 1D is an alternate embodiment showing a toothbrush  40 . The toothbrush  40  has a first end and a second end. On the first end is a head  41  and on the second end is a handle  43 . The head  41  has a grouping of bristles  44  at the end furthest from the handle  43  on the anterior side. Between the head  41  and the handle  43  is a support  42 . The support  42  is located on the posterior side of the toothbrush  40  and has an aperture  16 D. The support  42  has a first end and a second end and is connected to the handle  43  at the first end. The support  42  has a curved shape with an inner edge forming the aperture  16 D. The support  42  is preferably positioned such that the aperture  16 D is positioned between the inner edge of the support and the handle  43 . The second end of the support  42  and the posterior side of the handle  43  form the opening of the aperture  16 D. The inner edge of the support  42  adjacent the second end curves inward along a line  14 D toward the handle  43  such that the distance between the inner edge and the handle at the second end is less that the distance between the inner edge and the handle at a point on the inner edge directly adjacent the first end of support.  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 2D shows a partial view of two of the support rod and suction cup assembly  49  with an upper support rod  45  and a lower support rod  45 A. The upper support rod  45  and the lower support rod  45 A are preferably identical and are bent at a right angle near each end and have a suction cup  48  attached to each of the distal ends. The upper support rod  45  and lower support rod  45 A are suspended at a horizontal distance from the surface with the suction cups  48  on a preferably vertical flat surface and are preferably parallel to each other and level on a plane J-J.  
         [0099]    [0099]FIG. 3D shows the toothbrush  40  supported on a sectional view K-K of the upper support rod  45  with the handle  43  aligned with the lower support rod  45 A. The upper support rod  45  is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 D at a point closest to the head  41 .  
         [0100]    [0100]FIG. 4D shows the toothbrush  40  supported on a sectional partial view of a rim  47 A of a container  47 . The rim  47 A is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 D at a point closest to the head  41 . The handle  43  is shown parallel with the vertical edge of the container  47 .  
         [0101]    [0101]FIG. 5D shows the toothbrush  40  supported on the surface  9 . The toothbrush  40  is supported on the posterior side of the support  42  and the posterior side of the handle  43  at the end of the handle furthest from the head  41 .  
         [0102]    [0102]FIG. 1E is an alternate embodiment showing a razor  50 . The razor  50  has a first end and a second end. On the first end is a blade holder  51  and on the second end is a handle  53 . The handle  53  has a plane L-L. The blade holder  53  preferably angles away from the plane L-L toward the anterior side of the handle. The posterior side of the handle  53  is preferably parallel with the plane L-L. Between the blade holder  51  and the handle  53  is a support  52 . The support  52  is located on the posterior side of the handle  53  and has an aperture  16 E. The support  52  has a first end and a second end and is connected to the handle  53  at the first end. The support  52  has a curved shape with an inner edge forming the aperture  16 E. The support  52  is preferably positioned such that the aperture  16 E is positioned between the inner edge of the support and preferably the posterior side of the handle  53 . The second end of the support  52  and the handle  53  form the opening of the aperture  16 E. The inner edge of the support  52  adjacent the second end curves inward along a line  14 E toward the posterior side of handle  53  such that the distance between the inner edge and the handle at the second end is less that the distance between the inner edge and the handle at a point on the inner edge directly adjacent the first end of support.  
         [0103]    [0103]FIG. 2E shows the razor  50  with the support  52  on the posterior side of the razor.  
         [0104]    [0104]FIG. 3E shows the razor  50  supported on the support rod and suction cup assembly  49 .  
         [0105]    [0105]FIG. 4E is a sectional view M-M of FIG. 3E and shows the razor  50  supported on the support rod  45 . The support rod  45  is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 E at the end closest to the blade holder  51 .  
         [0106]    [0106]FIG. 5E is an enlarged partial view of the razor  50  supported on a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a flat support rod  45 B. The flat support rod  45 B has a flat edge on a plane N-N preferably on the side opposing the suction cup  48 . The plane L-L of the handle  53  and the plane N-N of the flat support rod  45 B are preferably parallel and produce an angle P with the line  14 E. The flat support rod  45 B is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 E at a point closest to the blade holder  51 .  
         [0107]    [0107]FIG. 6E is an enlarged partial view of the razor  50  partially engaged with a cross-sectional view of the flat support rod  45 B. The plane L-L of the handle is shown parallel with the plane N-N of the flat support rod  45 B. The inner surface of the aperture  16 E at the second end of the support  52  at the point nearest the handle  53  on the line  14 E is touching the side of the flat support rod  45 B opposite the plane N-N which is in contact with the posterior side of the handle  53 .  
         [0108]    [0108]FIG. 7E shows the razor  50  on the surface  9  supported by the posterior side of the support  52  and the posterior side of the handle  53  at the end furthest from the blade holder  51 .  
         [0109]    [0109]FIG. 1F is an alternate embodiment showing a task tool handle  60 . The task tool handle  60  has a handle body  63  having a first end and a second end along a plane Q-Q. The first end has a recess  61  in the handle body  63  to receive a task tool  65 . The second end is preferably rounded and blends with the contour of the handle body  63 . The handle body  63  has an anterior and posterior side. On the posterior side of the handle body  63  is a support  62  located on the recess  61  end of the handle body. The support  62  has a first end and a second end and is connected to the handle body  63  at the first end. The support  62  has a curved shape with an inner edge forming the aperture  16 F. The support  62  is preferably positioned such that the aperture  16 F is positioned between the inner edge of the support and the handle body  63 . The second end of the support  62  and the handle body  63  form the opening of the aperture  16 F. The inner edge of the support  62  adjacent the second end curves inward along a line  14 F toward the handle body  63  such that the distance between the inner edge and the handle body at the second end is less that the distance between the inner edge and the handle body at a point on the inner edge directly adjacent the first end of support.  
         [0110]    [0110]FIG. 2F shows the recess  61  end of the task tool handle  60  with the support  62  on the posterior side.  
         [0111]    [0111]FIG. 3F shows the task tool handle  60  with a task tool  65  installed in the recess  61  supported on a support bracket  36 . The support bracket  36  is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 F at a point closest to the second end of the task tool handle  60 .  
         [0112]    [0112]FIG. 4F shows the task tool handle  60  on the surface  9 . The task tool handle  60  is supported by the posterior side of the support  62  and the second end of the handle body  63  on the posterior side. The plane Q-Q of the task tool handle  60  describes an angle R with the surface  9 .  
         [0113]    [0113]FIG. 1G is an alternate embodiment showing an instrument clip  70 . The instrument clip  70  has a first end and a second end. The first end has a support  72  and the second end has a cavity  73 . The support  72  and the cavity  73  are separated by a partition  75 . The support  72  has an aperture  16 G. The support  72  has a first end and a second end and is connected to the partition  75  at the first end. The support  72  has a curved shape with an inner edge forming the aperture  16 G. The support  72  is positioned such that the aperture  16 G is positioned between the inner edge of the support and the partition  75 . The second end of the support  72  and the partition  75  form the opening of the aperture  16 G. The inner edge of the support  72  adjacent the second end curves inward along a line  14 G toward the partition  75  such that the distance between the inner edge and the partition at the second end is less that the distance between the inner edge and the partition at a point on the inner edge directly adjacent the first end of support. The cavity  73  has a right cavity wall  74  and a left cavity wall  74 A and a gap  71 . The gap  71  is preferably at a point on the second end of the instrument clip  70  furthest from the first end. The right cavity wall  74  and left cavity wall  74 A attach to the partition  75  at a point preferably furthest from the gap  71  and are preferably mirror images and identical.  
         [0114]    [0114]FIG. 2G shows a cross-sectional view R-R of the instrument clip  70  of FIG. 1G.  
         [0115]    [0115]FIG. 3G shows the instrument clip  70  with an instrument  76  supported on two of the support rod and suction cup assembly  49 .  
         [0116]    [0116]FIG. 4G shows a sectional view S-S of the instrument clip  70  with an instrument  76  showing an instrument handle  77  in the cavity  73  and supported on the upper support rod  45  with a task end  78  of the instrument  76  aligned with the lower support rod  45 A. The upper support rod  45  is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 G at a point furthest from the second end of the support  72 .  
         [0117]    [0117]FIG. 5G shows the instrument clip  70  with the instrument  76  supported by the support  72  and the end of the handle  77  furthest from the instrument task end  78  on the surface  9 .  
         [0118]    [0118]FIG. 1H is an alternate embodiment showing a utensil  80 . The utensil  80  has a first end and a second end. The first end has a task device  81  and the second end has a handle  83 . Between the task device  81  and the handle  83  is a support  82 . The support  82  is preferably located on the posterior side of the handle  83 . The support  82  has a first end and a second end and is connected to the handle  83  at the first end. The support  82  has a curved shape with an inner edge forming an aperture  16 H. The support  82  is preferably positioned such that the aperture  16 H is positioned between the inner edge of the support and the handle  83 . The second end of the support  82  and the handle  83  form the opening of the aperture  16 H. The inner edge of the support  82  adjacent the second end curves inward along a line  14 H toward the handle  83  such that the distance between the inner edge and the handle at the second end is less that the distance between the inner edge and the handle at a point on the inner edge directly adjacent the first end of support.  
         [0119]    [0119]FIG. 2H is a right side view showing the utensil  80  supported on the sectional view F-F of the support bracket  36 . The support bracket  36  is shown at the furthest extent of the aperture  16 H at a point closest to the end of the handle  83  that is furthest from the task device  81  end.  
         [0120]    [0120]FIG. 3H is an enlarged partial right side view of the utensil  80  supported on a cross-sectional view of the flat support rod  45 B.  
         [0121]    [0121]FIG. 4H is a right side view showing the utensil  80  supported on a rim  87  of a sectional partial view of a container  88  with the task device  81  in contact with the vertical side of the container.  
         [0122]    [0122]FIG. 5H is a right side partial view showing the utensil  80  supported horizontally on a lip rim  87 A of a sectional partial view of a lipped container  88 A. The lip rim  87 A is similar to the shape of the aperture  16 H thus accommodating the aperture and frictionally securing the utensil  80  to the lip rim.  
         [0123]    [0123]FIG. 6H is a right side view showing the utensil  80  supported on the surface  9  with the posterior side of the support  82  and the posterior side of the handle  83  at a point furthest from the task device  81  in contact with the surface.  
         [0124]    [0124]FIG. 1J is an alternate embodiment showing a universal support hanger  90 . The universal support hanger  90  has a first side and a second side. The first side has a joining leg  93  and the second side has a pressure arm  92 . The joining leg  93  and the pressure arm  92  have an inner edge forming an aperture  16 J. The aperture  16 J has a top edge opposite a bottom opening. The inner edge adjacent the pressure arm  92  has a line  14 J and curves in toward the inner edge of the joining leg  93  at the bottom opening such that the distance between the inner edge of the pressure arm and the inner edge of the joining leg at the bottom opening is less that the distance between the inner edge of the pressure arm and the inner edge of the joining leg adjacent the top edge.  
         [0125]    [0125]FIG. 2J is a cross-sectional view T-T of the universal support hanger  90  of FIG. 1J.  
         [0126]    [0126]FIG. 3J is a perspective view of the universal support hanger  90  attached to a display item  95  supported on the flat support rod  45 B.  
         [0127]    [0127]FIG. 4J is an enlarged cross-sectional view U-U showing the universal support hanger  90  attached to the display item  95  with a joining material  94  supported on the flat support rod  45 B. The inner edge of the joining leg  93  is shown in contact with and parallel to the plane N-N of the flat support rod  45 B.  
         [0128]    Operation:  
         [0129]    To use the first, second and third embodiment of the invention a person will grasp the tool  10 ,  10 A and  10 B by the handle  13  and will pick up a variety of materials with the blade  11  or blade  11 A. The position of the handle  13  spaced inward from the sides of the blade  11  and the left side of the blade  11 A facilitates scraping viscous materials off the walls of a container or a surface while not contaminating the hand with the viscous material.  
         [0130]    The tool  10 ,  10 A and  10 B can be suspended on the rim  17  of the container  18  by positioning the rim in the aperture  16  and  16 B of the support  12  and  12 B respectively as shown in FIGS. 2 and 2B. The angle B provided by the line  14  in relation the plane A-A of the blade  11  and  11 A and the curved line  14 B in relation to the blade  11  create a hook shape that helps secure the tool  10 ,  10 A and  10 B to the rim  17  as shown in FIGS. 3 and 3B. The aperture  16  and  16 B also supports the tool  10 ,  10 A and  10 B on other vertical edges such as sheet-manufactured products, rails and tool-belts.  
         [0131]    Another feature of the tool  10 ,  10 A and  10 B is that the hook shape of the aperture  16  and  16 B can be used to lift the container  18  by the bail handle  19  as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4B. This feature facilitates moving of the container while isolating the hand from viscous material that may have contaminated the bail handle  19  and the outer edges of the container  18 .  
         [0132]    Another feature of the tool  10  and  10 B is that it can be supported on the support  12  and  12 B and the blade  11  upon the surface  9 . FIGS. 5 and 5B show the tool  10  and  10 B supported on the extension of the support  12  and  12 B beyond the plane A-A of the handle  13  and the blade  11  thus elevating the handle away from the surface  9  at a distance described by the angle C. This distance allows the hand of a person to grasp the handle  13  while not touching the surface  9  thus reducing the risk of contamination from surface substances such as cements, adhesives and inks. This feature can also reduce contamination of the surface  9  with the handle  13  such as during food preparation or when supporting the tool  10  and  10 B on a hot cooking surface or grille.  
         [0133]    Another feature of the tool  10 ,  10 A and  10 B is a hole  15  provided in the handle  13  for hanging on a pin or hook such as a display in a store. The hole  15  may also be used to secure a lanyard or a safety hook.  
         [0134]    Another embodiment of the tool  10  and  10 B is accomplished by lengthening the handle  13  in relation to the length of blade  11  and placing the support  12  and  12 B in a position closer to the blade  11 . The blade  11  would thus be supported above the surface  9  and the tool would rest on the outer edge of the support  12  and  12 A and the end of the handle  13  furthest from the blade.  
         [0135]    The fourth embodiment of the invention is the tool hanger attachment  30  that is secured preferably to the implement handle  38  with the screw  31 B and the fastener  31 C via a clamping action. Additionally the tool hanger attachment  30  allows the implement connected to the implement handle  38  to be supported on the support bracket  36  in a substantially vertical plane. Additional support security for the implement is afforded by the support bracket clamp spring  34  that exerts a force in the arc H against the support  32  thus ensuring contact of the support bracket  36  with the inner edge of the aperture  16 C along the line  14 C. The line  14 C on the tool hanger attachment  30  creates similar function to the line  14  on the tool  10  and  10 B thus requiring additional forces to disengage the tool hanger attachment from the support bracket  36  due to the hook shape of the aperture  16 C.  
         [0136]    In the fifth embodiment the toothbrush  40  with the aperture  16 D in the support  42  enables the toothbrush to be supported on the support rod and suction cup assembly  49  or on the rim  47 A of the container  47 . The placement of the support  42  in relation to the head  41  and the handle  43  supports the head above the surface  9  and also provides a barrier or stop for the fingers of the hand of a person holding the toothbrush  40 .  
         [0137]    In the sixth embodiment the razor  50  has the features of the toothbrush  40  and functions in a similar manner. An additional feature is exemplified in FIG. 5E with the razor  50  supported fully on the flat support rod  45 B. The design of the aperture  16 E creates a three-point contact with the flat support rod  45 B. The first point of contact is on the posterior side of the handle  53  that is parallel with the plane L-L. The second point of contact is along the line  14 E near the second end of the support  52  near the opening of the aperture  16 E. The third point of contact is at the first end of the inner edge of the aperture  16 E where the support  52  connects with the handle  53  at a point between the posterior side of the handle and the line  14 E closest the first end. The support  52  is preferably constructed of a flexible material with the flex point between the posterior side of the support  52  and the posterior side of the handle  53 . The partially engaged flat support rod  45 B bends the second end of the support  52  in a posterior direction away from the handle  53  as shown in FIG. 6E. The partially engaged position creates an angle P 1  that is less than angle P of FIG. 5E with plane L-L of the handle. In the fully engaged position of FIG. 5E the flat support rod  45 B is fully engaged in the aperture  16 E securing the razor  50  to the flat support rod with three points of contact. The arc created by the difference between angle P 1  and angle P of the line  14 E at second end of the support  52  due to the flexing between the first end and the second end of the support forces the flat support rod  45 B toward the first point and third point of contact in the aperture  16 E. In the fully engaged position the razor  50  is frictionally supported in a chosen plane L-L and requires a force greater that the gravitation force of the razor to dislodge it from the flat support rod  45 B. In the instance where the desired plane L-L of support is not required, the support rod  45  of a rounded cross-section would function in the same manner less the chosen planar dimension offered by the flat support rod  45 B.  
         [0138]    In the seventh embodiment the task tool handle  60  has support features similar to the previously mentioned embodiments. Additionally the multiplicity of task tools  65  that can be utilized with the task tool handle  60  will influence the dimensional considerations and balance point of the task tool handle. Additionally a weighted handle body  63  in relation the task tool  65  weight in relation to the placement of the support  62  will allow the task tool to be supported above the surface  9  on the preferred plane Q-Q at an angle R as shown in FIG. 4F.  
         [0139]    In the eighth embodiment the instrument clip  70  has the support features similar to the previously mentioned embodiments. Additionally the flexible material of the preferred embodiment expands to engage the instrument  76  by the instrument handle  77 . The position of the instrument clip  70  in relation to the instrument handle  77  can be adjusted by sliding the instrument  76  within the cavity  73 . The cavity  73  may be various shapes and sizes and the instrument clip  70  may be of diverse sizes.  
         [0140]    In the ninth embodiment the utensil  80  has the support features similar to the previously mentioned embodiments. Additionally the flexible material of the preferred embodiment engages securely with the support bracket  36  and the flat support rod  45 B. Additionally the aperture  16 H of the support  82  engages with the complementary lip rim  87 A on the lipped container  88 A creating a utensil support system. Additionally the lip rim  87 A supports the utensil  80  horizontally and at a right angle to the vertical wall of the lipped container  88 A.  
         [0141]    In the tenth embodiment the universal support hanger  90  has features similar to the previously mentioned embodiments. Additionally the universal support hanger  90  may be attached to a multiplicity of items with the joining material  94  attached to the outer edge of the joining leg  93 . The preferable embodiment is of a flexible material with a flex point  91  between the pressure arm  92  and the joining leg  93  so that the universal support hanger  90  may be snapped onto the flat support rod  45 B and removed repeatedly due to the interference fit of the three points of contact of the inner edge of the aperture  16 J with the flat support rod. Additionally the directional alignment of the display items  95  joined to the universal support hanger  90  preferably shares the plane N-N of the flat support rod  45 B. Additionally the universal support hanger  90  offers the flexibility of placement of diverse items on multiple parallel flat support rods  45 B.  
         [0142]    Advantages  
         [0143]    According, the reader will see that the tool support of this invention can be incorporated into a variety of tools and a universal support hanger. In addition, the support can provide multiple support functions for the tool to include  
         [0144]    support on the rim on a container and  
         [0145]    support on a support rod and  
         [0146]    predetermined directional support for the tool and universal support hanger on a support rod with a flattened side and  
         [0147]    frictional resistance to accidental removal from the rim of a container or a support rod for the tool and the universal support hanger and  
         [0148]    support of the handle above a flat surface while resting on that surface and  
         [0149]    support of the task end of the tool above a flat surface while resting on that surface and  
         [0150]    all of the above functions with the identical support structure.  
         [0151]    Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example the tool support can be incorporated into writing utensils, eyeglasses, portable telephones, remote control units and similar items that are picked up and set down frequently by the user and that would benefit from the multiple support functions as listed above.