Chain storage system

A chain storage system includes a main body, a first holder, and a second holder. The main body has an outer surface and an inner surface with an elongate channel formed therethrough. The channel has a first end and a second end. The first holder is fixedly attached to the main body and spaced apart from the first end of the channel. The second holder is selectively movably disposed in the channel between the first end and the second end. The first holder and the second holder are together configured to receive and secure a chain to the main body. The second holder is movable to accommodate different lengths of the chain.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to chain storage and, more particularly, to storage of chains for chainsaws.

BACKGROUND

Chains can be used for a multitude of different applications. Common applications involving chains include, but are not limited to: chainsaws, bikes, and conveyor systems. In operation, most chains need to be replaced or substituted after a period of use. For example, chainsaw chains eventually become dull or worn out from use.

Due to this regular need to replace worn chains, spare chains are often stored for convenient use as needed. Moreover, some applications require different types of chains or chains of different sizes that also need to be stored. For example, different chainsaws may require differently sized chains, or chains may have different teeth for specific cutting applications.

These spare chains can become tangled and damaged during storage. For example, spare chainsaw chains are often stored unsecured in the same case as the chainsaw. This can lead to damage from the chains being moved around during transport, and difficulty in separating the chains when they are to be used. In some cases, spare chains are exposed to the environment such as when often left uncontained in truck beds or at work sites. This poor storage can also lead to damage due to exposure from environmental factors such as rain.

There is a continuing need for a storage system and method for securely storing chains while minimizing entanglement and damage. Desirably, the storage system and method can store both multiple chains and chains of different lengths.

SUMMARY

In concordance with the instant disclosure, a storage system and method for securely storing chains while minimizing entanglement and damage, and which can store both multiple chains and chains of different lengths, has been surprisingly discovered.

In one embodiment, a chain storage system includes a main body, a first holder, and a second holder. The main body has an outer surface and an inner surface with an elongate channel formed therethrough. The channel has a first end and a second end. The first holder is fixedly attached to the main body and spaced apart from the first end of the channel. The second holder is selectively movably disposed in the channel between the first end and the second end. The first holder and the second holder are together configured to receive and secure a chain to the main body. The second holder is movable to accommodate different lengths of the chain.

In another embodiment, the inner surface of the main body further has an elongate raised portion. The elongate raised portion defines an associated elongate recessed portion of the outer surface. The channel is formed through the raised portion from the inner surface to the outer surface. The channel has a channel length and the raised portion has a raised portion length, and the channel length is less than the raised portion length. The main body is one of attached to and co-formed with a carrying case. The carrying case having a case handle portion. The first holder includes a first roller and a first shaft. The first shaft is disposed through the first roller and through a hole formed in the raised portion. The hole is spaced apart from the first end of the channel. The first shaft connects the first roller to the main body. The first roller is rotatable on the first shaft. The first roller includes a plurality of spaced apart first gaps. Each of the first gaps configured to receive a first portion of the chain. The second holder includes a second roller and a second shaft. The second shaft is disposed through the second roller and through the channel. The second roller is rotatable on the second shaft. The second roller includes a plurality of spaced apart second gaps. Each of the second gaps configured to receive a second portion of the chain. The second shaft has a shaft head with a rectilinear portion and a base portion. The rectilinear portion is disposed within the channel and militates against a rotation of the second shaft. The base portion has a perimeter edge that circumscribes the rectilinear portion. The base portion is disposed adjacent the outer surface. The second shaft is threadably attached to a second knob disposed adjacent to the second roller. Upon a loosening of the second knob, the second roller may be moved between the first end and the second end of the channel. Upon a tightening of the second knob, the second roller may not be moved between the first end and the second end of the channel. A lid is also hingedly attached to the carrying case and movable between an open position and a closed position. The lid, in the closed position, is configured to fully enclose the chain of the chainsaw upon being received and secured by the first holder and the second holder. The lid further has a lid handle portion. Where the lid is in the closed position, the lid handle portion cooperates with the case handle portion to define a handle for carrying the chain.

In a further embodiment, a method for storing the chain, such as a chain for a chainsaw, includes the steps of providing both the chain storage system and the chain having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the chain is then disposed on the first holder, and the second portion of the chain is disposed on the second holder. The second holder in the channel is then moved until the chain is pulled taut between the first holder and the second holder. The second holder is then selectively affixed to the main body to thereby secure the chain. This method may be completed with multiple chains, of the same or different lengths, in order to minimize both the entanglement and damage to the chains during storage and transport of the chain storage system.

In an exemplary embodiment, a chain storage system is configured to secure chains of varying lengths or sizes. The storage system has a hollow main body with a handle. The chain storage system may further have a lid that is configured to close the main body to secure the contents of the same for storage and transport.

The main body may be made of a variety of materials. For example, the main body may be made of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Where the thermoplastic material is used, the main body may be formed by an injection molding process, as a non-limiting example. One of ordinary skill in the art may select other suitable materials and methods for manufacturing the main body within the scope of the present disclosure.

A plurality of channels are formed within the main body. Each channel is configured to receive a holder. In certain embodiments, a first holder is attached to the main body in a fixed position on the main body, and a second holder is received by and selectively movable along a length of one of the channels. It should be appreciated that the main body may have any combination of channels and holders as desired.

Furthermore, the first and second holders may be any suitable shape as chosen by a skilled artisan. The main body may also be configured to hold a plurality of tools using a clamp or a recess of predetermined size and shape, for the convenience of the user.

The second holder may have a head portion that has a diameter greater than a width of the channel. The head portion is disposed on an exterior surface of the main body. The second holder may also be threadedly attached to a handle body such as a knob. The handle body is movable along the length of the channel along with the second holder. For example, the second holder may have a threaded base that is configured to receive the handle body.

In operation, where the handle body is tightened, the head portion of the handle body may be caused to abut the exterior surface of the main body, and thereby selectively affix the second holder to main body at a desired location along the length of the channel. When the handle body is loosened, the head portion of the handle body may be caused to move away from the exterior surface of the main body, and thereby permit the second holder to be manually moved or repositioned along the length of the channel by the user. In this manner, it should be appreciated that the positioning of the movable second holder relative to the permanently affixed first holder allows the user to secure chains of different sizes within the same main body.

Additionally, although the threaded handle body is described as one particular means to secure the second holder along the length of the channel, any other suitable securing means may be used to selectively affix the second holder to the main body at different locations along the length of the channel. As non-limiting examples, the second holder may be secured by a fastening assembly, a latch, an adhesive, a clamp, a clip, hook and loop fasteners, or magnets. Other suitable securing means may also be employed, as desired.

In some examples, the first and second holders may each have a bulged outer portion and narrow middle portion. The bulged outer portion militates against the chain accidently disconnecting from the first and second holders. The first and second holders thereby secure the chain between the main body of the storage system and the bulged outer portion.

In other examples, each of the first and second holders may have a plurality of protrusions configured to fit within the gaps of the chain. For example, the holders may be sprocket-shaped, and are configured to militate against inadvertent disconnection of the chain from the holders.

In operation, a user will place one end of a chain so that it abuts the first holder. The user will then move the second holder within the channels in the main body until the first holder and of the second holder each are abutting the inside portion of the chain. The second holder is then moved until the chain is taut or tensioned. The handle body is then tightened, securing the second holder to the main body. The tension in the chain is created by the first holder being spaced apart a sufficient distance from the second holder, and secures the chain to the main body.

In certain examples, there may be three channels to secure three separate chains of either the same or varying dimensions to the main body. In a most particular embodiment, the first holder and second holder are configured to secure chains having length of 14″ and 24″, as non-limiting examples. It should be understood that any other suitable length of chainsaw chain may also be accommodated by the storage system of the present disclosure.

In a further example, each set of first holder and second holder may secure a plurality of chains, and not just a single chain. Each of the first holder and the second holder may be of a sufficient length or height in order to hold these multiple chains. The lengths or heights of the first and second holders may be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art, as desired.

Although the system and method of the present disclosure is described hereinabove primarily with respect to chainsaw chains, it should be appreciated that other types of chains and belts may likewise be secured within the main body of the storage system. For example, bike chains, drive chains, roller chains, or any other type of chain or belt may be stored within the scope of the present disclosure, as desired.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and appended drawings describe and illustrate various embodiments of the invention. The description and drawings serve to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. In respect of the methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, is not necessary or critical unless otherwise disclosed.

As shown inFIGS. 1-10, a chain storage system100is configured to secure and hold one or more chains101(shown inFIG. 10) of various sizes or lengths. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 6-10, the chain storage system100may have a main body102, a first holder104, and a second holder106. The main body102has an outer surface108and an inner surface110. An elongate channel112is formed through the outer and inner surfaces108,110.

Although the structure of the chain storage system100is described largely herein with respect to the cooperation of single ones of the first holder104, the second holder106, and the elongate channel112, for purposes of illustration, it should be appreciated that the chain storage system100may also have a plurality of channels112, each of which has a corresponding one of a plurality of first holders104and a corresponding one of a plurality of second holders106associated therewith. The employment of multiple first and second holders104,106and elongate channels112advantageously allows for the storage of multiple chains101and, depending on the arrangement as described further herein, chains101of different dimensions. One skilled in the art may select any suitable number of the first holder104, the second holder106, and the channel112, as desired.

The main body102may be formed from a rigid material that is weather-resistant. Non-limiting examples of suitable materials may include plastic, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, or metals, such as steel. Composite materials are also contemplated and may be used. The main body102may be formed by any suitable manufacturing process, including injection molding, rotational molding, and stamping. A person skilled in the art may also select other suitable materials and manufacturing processes for the main body102within the scope of the present disclosure.

The size and shape of the main body102may vary depending on the type and amount of chains101desired to be stored. For example, a 20-inch chain101may require a main body102of at least 2 feet lengthwise. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the main body102are scalable by one skilled in the art according to the size and type of the chains101to be stored.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 10, the channel112has a first end114and a second end116. In operation, and discussed in further detail below, the channel112allows for the chain system100to accommodate a variety of the chains101of different lengths. The length and position of the channel112may be dictated by the length of the longest chain101that is desired to be stored. A skilled artisan may select different positions and lengths of the channel112to accommodate different chain101lengths within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIGS. 6-7 and 10, the chain storage system100may further include an elongate raised portion118, which is arranged along a length of the main body102. The elongate raised portion118may extend outwardly from the inner surface110of the main body102. The raised portion118may likewise define an associated elongate recessed portion120on the outer surface108, as shown inFIG. 8.

In particular embodiments, the channel112is formed through the raised portion118from the inner surface110to the outer surface108. The length of the channel112is less the than a length of the raised portion118with which the channel112is associated. It should be appreciated that the recessed portion120provides space for positioning of shaft heads160,176(shown inFIG. 8) of the holders104,106, so that the shaft heads160,176are disposed under a plane defined by the outer surface108of the main body102. This allows the main body102to be positioned and remain substantially level on an inner surface of a carrying case126, as described further herein.

With reference toFIGS. 6-10, the main body102may further include a plurality of main apertures122. The main apertures122are configured to receive fasteners124, such as nails, screws, or rivets, which allow the main body102to be mounted onto different surfaces such as the inner surface of the carrying case126. Other nonlimiting examples of surfaces for mounting the main body102include walls and workstations. One skilled in the art may also select other suitable mounting surfaces, as desired.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, 6, and 10, and as previously described, the chain storage system100may further include the carrying case126and a lid128. The carrying case126and the lid128may be particularly useful for the transport and storage of the chains101, as described further herein. The carrying case126may be configured to receive the main body102, or the carrying case126may be co-formed with the main body102.

In a nonlimiting example, the main body102is affixed to the carrying case126via rivets124disposed through the main apertures122. It should be appreciated that although rivets124have been shown to be useful, other types of the fasteners124may be selected by a skilled artisan with the scope of the disclosure.

As shown inFIG. 1, the lid128is configured to attach to the carrying case126. For example, the carrying case126may include a case handle portion130and a plurality of tabs132, which may be employed in hingedly connecting the lid128with the carrying case126. The lid128may have a lid handle portion136that is configured to cooperate with the case handle portion130, where the lid128is in a closed position, to thereby define a handle of the carrying case126. In some examples, the lid128is hingedly attached to the carrying case126via the plurality of tabs132extending out from a lip134of the carrying case126, which in turn are attached to the lid128with fasteners, as shown inFIG. 6. It should be appreciated that although the plurality of tabs132have been found to be useful for hingedly connecting the lid128to the carrying case126, the lid128may be attached to the carrying case126using different suitable means by a person skilled in the art.

It should be understood that the hinged connection allows the lid128to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position. The lid128is configured to fully enclose the contents of the carrying case126wherein in the closed position. As described hereinabove, and shown inFIGS. 1-3, the lid handle portion136and case handle portion130also align when the lid128is in the closed position. Advantageously, this allows the case handle portion130and the lid handle portion136to together be used as the handle for carrying the chain storage system100.

With renewed reference toFIGS. 6 and 10, the main body102may further include at least one storage area138disposed adjacent to either the first end114or the second end116of the channel112. The storage area138is configured to hold tools and accessories, for example, chain oil containers, wrenches, and the like. In some examples, as shown inFIG. 10, the storage area138includes a bag140that attached to the main body102at the storage area138. The bag140may be removably attached to the main body102with fasteners, such as hook-and-loop fasteners, for example.

It should be appreciated that the storage area138allows the user to securely store the tools and accessories related to the chains101. In addition, this allows the tools and accessories to be easily retrieved during applications involving the chains101. A person skilled in the art may add additional recesses, protrusions, or attachments to secure additional tools and accessories to the storage area138.

With reference toFIGS. 4-6 and 10, the first holder104is configured to receive a first portion144of the chain101. The first holder104is fixedly attached to the main body102and spaced apart from the first end114of the channel112.

In a particular embodiment, the first holder104may include a first roller146, and a first shaft148. The first roller146has a first aperture150formed therethrough. The first shaft148is disposed through the first aperture150and through a hole152formed in the raised portion118of the main body102, thereby connecting the first roller146to the main body102. The hole152is spaced apart from the first end114of the channel112.

It should be appreciated that a distance between the hole152and the first end114of the channel112directly correlates to the minimum length of the chain101that can be stored on the associated first and second holders104,106. In other words, the minimum chain101that can be stored is the distance between the hole152in the main body102and the first end114of the channel112.

In certain examples, the first roller146is rotatably connected to the main body102via the first shaft148. It should be appreciated that this may facilitate an easier positioning of a first portion144of the chain101on the first roller146in operation.

In other examples, the first shaft148is threadably attached to a first knob154. The first knob154is disposed adjacent to the first roller146. The first knob154is configured to tighten or loosen the fixed connection between the first holder104and the main body102. This permits the user to more easily control whether the first roller146can be rotated or fixedly disposed on the first shaft148.

In a particular embodiment, the first shaft148may include a first shaft head156. The first shaft head156has a first rectilinear portion158and a first base portion160. The first rectilinear portion158is disposed within the hole152of the main body102upon assembly. Desirably, the shape of the first rectilinear portion158corresponds to the shape of the hole152, thereby militating against an undesirable rotation of the first shaft156during a tightening or loosening of the first knob154. It should be appreciated that the shape of the first rectilinear portion158and the hole152of the main body102can vary as long as they correspond in such a way to militate the rotation of the first shaft148in operation.

With reference toFIG. 9, the first base portion160of the first shaft head156is disposed adjacent to the outer surface108of the main body102. The first base portion160has a first perimeter edge that circumscribes the first rectilinear portion158. The first rectilinear portion158is also disposed between the first base portion160and the first roller146.

With renewed reference toFIGS. 4-6 and 10, the second holder106is configured to receive a second portion162of the chain101. The second holder106is selectively and moveably disposed in the channel112between the first end114and the second end116of the channel112. Desirably, the second holder106is selectively movable along the channel112in order to accommodate chains101of different lengths.

For example, as shown inFIG. 10, the second holder106is moved towards the first end114for smaller chains101and towards the second end116for larger chains101. As previously mentioned, these distances may be scaled by a skilled artisan according to the minimum and maximum sizes of the chains101that are desired to be stored.

In another embodiment, as also shown inFIG. 5, the second holder106includes a second roller164and a second shaft166. The second roller164has a second aperture168formed therethrough. The second shaft166is disposed through the second aperture168and through the channel112, thereby connecting the second roller164to the main body102.

It should be appreciated that, when fixed in place on the main body102, each of the first roller146and the second roller164may be free rotating. Free rotation may be permitted by a loose placement in the respective first and second shafts148,166, or through the use of bearings or lubricants, as desired. Alternatively, upon being fixed in place, the first roller146and the second roller164may be caused to no rotate freely, for example, due to friction interference with an outer surface of the main body102. One skilled in the art may select rotatable or non-rotatable versions of the first and second rollers146,164within the scope of the present disclosure.

In certain examples, the second roller164is rotatably connected to the main body102via the second shaft166. It should be appreciated that this may allow the second portion162of the chain101to be disposed on, or removed from, the second roller164in an easier manner.

In other examples, the second shaft166is threadably attached to a second knob170. The second knob170is disposed adjacent to the second roller164. The second knob170is configured to be manually loosened or tightened via rotation. Upon being tightened, a movement of the second roller164between the first end114and the second end116of the channel112may be militated against.

In a particular embodiment, as also shown inFIG. 5, the second shaft166has a second shaft head172. The second shaft head172has a second rectilinear portion174and a second base portion176. The second rectilinear portion174is disposed within the channel112upon assembly. Advantageously, the second rectilinear portion174militates against a rotation of the second shaft166during a twisting of the second knob170, for example, as shown inFIG. 7.

The second base portion176is disposed adjacent to the outer surface108of the main body102upon assembly. The second base portion176has a first perimeter edge that circumscribes the second rectilinear portion174. The second rectilinear portion174is also disposed between the second base portion176and the second roller164.

As shown inFIGS. 4-6, the first holder104and the second holder106each may further include a plurality of spaced apart gaps178. Each of the gaps178is configured to receive either the first portion144or second portion162of the chain101. Advantageously, the plurality of spaced apart gaps178allows the first holder104and second holder106to each simultaneously hold more than one chain101of a same or similar length. Also, since each of the gaps178is limited to one portion of the chain101, the first and second portions144,162of different ones of the chains101being simultaneously stored do not directly abut against each other. This may minimize an entanglement of the chains101, and likewise result in less opportunity for damage to the chains101, which may otherwise be caused by the chains101abutting against each other in storage. Likewise, this spacing in storage is believed to increase the lifespan of the chains101in operation.

Each of the gaps178must have a gap width sufficient to receive a width of the chain101. In addition, each of the gaps178must have an adequate depth to militate against teeth of the chains101from digging into and damaging a surface of the roller146,164when being used. In other embodiments, the depth of each of the gaps178is greater than the length of the teeth. A skilled artisan may select different dimensions for the gaps178, in order to accommodate different types of chains101such as thicker chains101or chains101with larger teeth, within the scope of this disclosure.

Referring now toFIG. 11, a method200for storing the chain101includes a first step202of providing the chain storage system100, and a second step204of providing the chain101with a first portion144and a second portion162. In a third step206, the first portion144of the chain101is disposed on the first holder104. In a fourth step208, the second portion162of the chain101is disposed on the second holder106. In a fifth step210, the second holder106is moved along the length of the channel112in a direction away from the first holder104, until the chain101is pulled taut between the first holder104and the second holder106. Desirably, and as mentioned above, this selective, manual movement of the second holder106accommodates chains101of different lengths. In a sixth step212, the second holder106is selectively affixed to the main body102, thereby securing the chain101to the main body102of the chain storage system100.

It should be understood that, in operation, the second holder106is selectively affixed to the main body102by a rotation of the second knob170. Upon rotating the second knob170in one direction, the second base portion176is pulled towards the main body102, thereby squeezing the main body102between the second base portion176and the second roller164to militate against movement of the second roller164along a length of the channel112. Likewise, upon rotating the second knob170in an opposite direction, the second base portion176is pushed away from the main body102, thereby releasing the main body102from the second base portion176and the second roller164so that the second roller164may be freely moved along the length of the channel112to another location.

Advantageously, the chain storage system100and the method200of the present disclosure have been found to securely store the chains101, and particularly the chains101of chainsaws, while minimizing entanglement and damage of the same. Furthermore, the chain storage system100of the present disclosure may be employed to store both multiple ones of the chains101, as well as the chains101of different lengths or dimensions.