Abstract:
A tool organizer is disclosed for supporting and organizing a variety of tools. The tool caddy includes a circular base that rests upon a lazy susan bearing, allowing 360 degree rotation of the tool caddy. The tool caddy includes shaped openings in the circular base for storing tools such as sockets, a central raised platform for resting larger tools, and a drawer beneath the central raised platform for storing smaller parts and tools. There are screwdriver holders at the end of the drawer and a bridge above the central raised platform for storing additional tools.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to tool storage devices and more particularly pertains to a tool carrier for supporting, carrying and organizing tools. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   The use of tool carrying and storage devices is known in the prior art. For example, a tool rack is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,768 to Ivan J. Brown. Tool racks such as these are designed for primarily stationary use. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,442 to Donald E. Godshaw, et al., describes a soft sided tool carrier, suitable for carrying tools organized in compartments. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, they do not disclose a tool rack that provides for tool storage in a stationary position such as on a work bench, while allowing the tool rack to be carried for remote use. 
   What is needed is a tool organizer for storing tools that rotates on a workbench for easy access of all sides. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment, a tool caddy is disclosed including a circular base resting on a bearing, the bearing allowing rotation. There are shaped openings around a top surface of the circular base for holding tools and components. A central raised platform extends upwardly from the circular base and at least one angled surface goes between the top surface of the circular base and the central raised platform for holding larger tools. Two risers extend from the circular base at each end of the central raised platform, higher than the raised central platform and a bridge is affixed to the risers. The bridge is parallel to and above the central raised platform and is adapted to hold additional tools. 
   In another embodiment, a tool caddy is disclosed including a circular base resting on a lazy susan bearing, the lazy susan bearing allowing rotation of the circular base. Shaped openings are disposed around the top surface of the circular base for holding tools and components. There is a central raised platform extending upwardly from the circular base and a drawer adapted to be inside the central raised platform, the drawer extending outwardly from the central raised platform for providing access to the drawer&#39;s contents. There is at least one angled surface adapted to be between the top surface of the circular base and the central raised platform for holding larger tools, with two risers extending from the circular base at each end of the central raised platform, the risers extending higher than the raised central platform. A bridge is affixed to the risers; the bridge is parallel to and above the central raised platform, the bridge being adapted to hold additional tools. 
   In another embodiment, a tool caddy is disclosed including a circular base resting on a lazy susan bearing. The lazy susan bearing has a circular retainer ring rotatably interfaced with the circular base through a hub and a plurality of support rods. A plurality of balls are situated in a plurality of holes in the circular retainer ring and the circular retainer ring is situated between the circular base and a lazy susan bottom plate thereby holding the balls in place; the balls allow a rotation of the circular base. Shaped openings are situated around a top surface of the circular base for holding tools or components. A central raised platform extends upwardly from the circular base and a drawer fits inside the central raised platform. There is at least one angled surface between the top surface of the circular base and the central raised platform for holding larger tools and two risers extending from the circular base at each end of the central raised platform, the risers extending higher than the raised central platform. A bridge is attached to the risers, parallel to and above the central raised platform, the bridge is adapted to hold additional tools. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention populated with tools. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention populated with art supplies. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention without tools. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention showing the optional slide out drawer. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a world plan view of a tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a world plan view of a tool caddy of the present invention with the optional slide out drawer. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a right side view of a tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a left side view of a tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of a tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded view of the base of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a cutaway view of the base of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a first view of the flying bridge of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates a second view of the flying bridge of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates a third view of the flying bridge of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an optional magnetic plate of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a view of the interchangeable side rack of the tool caddy of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of a tool caddy  10  of the present invention populated with tools is shown. The tool caddy  10  is formed of a circular base  12  that has a top surface  14  covering a cavity between the top surface  14  and the circular base  12 . There are shaped openings  16  cut in the top surface  14  for organizing and storing tools or components such as drill bits and sockets  18 . The tool caddy  10  can also be used to carry and organize artist supplies. In that mode, the shaped openings  16  hold artist supplies or components such as paint and chalk. Central to the circular base  12  is a central raised platform  30 . Between the central raised platform  30  and the top surface  14  of the circular base  12  is one or two angled surfaces  32 . In some embodiments, the central raised platform  30  and the angled surfaces  32  are covered with a non-skid surface such as rubber to allow tools  90  to rest without sliding. In some embodiments, the angled surfaces  32  are covered with a memory material  34  that conforms to the shape of the tools  90 , thereby supporting the tools  90  in position. The memory material  34  is, for example, a soft rubber bladder filled with sand or filled with memory foam. 
   Two risers  50  rise from the circular base  12  and there is a bridge  40 / 41  connecting their two top edges. In the preferred embodiment, the bridge  40 / 41  is covered with a non-skid material  42  such as ribbed rubber. Several tools  44  are shown stored on the bridge  40 / 41 . On one side, an optional drawer  60  is under the central raised platform  30 . An upper screwdriver holder  96  and a lower screwdriver holder  98  are affixed to the end of the drawer  60  for holding screwdrivers  88 . A small tray  68  is formed at the end of the drawer  60  for holding small parts and allowing for a grip for pulling out the drawer  60 . In some embodiments, a tool resting surface  52  is formed, allowing larger tools  90  to rest without interfering with the smaller tool parts  18 . In some embodiments, the tool resting surface  52  is covered with a rubber material or leather to prevent scrapes on tools. In some embodiments, the tool resting surface  52  is curved, providing a range of positions for resting the larger tools  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention populated with art supplies is shown. The tool caddy  10  is formed of a circular base  12  as in  FIG. 1 . The circular base  12  has a top surface  14  covering a cavity between the top surface  14  and the circular base  12 . There are shaped openings  16  cut in the top surface  14  for organizing and storing art supplies or components such as paint bottles  78  and tubes of paint  76 . Central to the circular base  12  is a central raised platform  30 . Between the central raised platform  30  and the top surface  14  of the circular base  12  is one or two angled surfaces  32 . In some embodiments, the central raised platform  30  and the angled surfaces  32  are covered with a non-skid surface such as rubber to allow art supplies  70  to rest without sliding. In some embodiments, the angled surfaces  32  are covered with a memory material  34  that conforms to the shape of the art supplies  70 , thereby supporting them in position. The memory material  34  is, for example, a soft rubber bladder filled with sand or filled with memory foam. In this use of the tool caddy  10 , the screwdriver holders  96 / 98  hold artist paint brushes  72 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention without tools is shown. Various shaped openings  16  in the top surface  14  of the circular base  12  are shown. In some embodiments, the size of the shaped openings  16  matches the size of the tools or components that are carried. For example, the shaped openings may fall in a range of sizes that match the outer dimension of individual sockets, drills or paint bottles. In some embodiments, the shapes of the shaped openings  16  are circular while in other embodiments, the shape matches the designated tool. As an example, the shape of the openings  16  would be hexagonal for allen wrenches. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a tool caddy of the present invention showing the optional slide out drawer is shown. The drawer  60  fits under the central raised platform  30  and has space  66  for storing tools. In the preferred embodiment, the drawer  60  interfaces with the sides of the central raised bridge with drawer gliders  62 / 64  which are commonly used in kitchen cabinets. In some embodiments, the drawer  60  has no gliders. 
   Referring to  FIG. 5 , a world plan view of a tool caddy of the present invention is shown. Visible are the shaped openings  18  in the top surface  14  for holding tools, the bridge  40 / 41  and its rubber surface  42 . Also visible are the upper screwdriver holder  96  and a lower screwdriver holder  98 . In an alternate embodiment, an optional second upper and lower screwdriver holder  96 / 98  is attached at the opposite side. 
   Referring to  FIG. 6 , a world plan view of a tool caddy of the present invention with the optional slide out drawer is shown. The drawer  60  is shown holding various smaller parts or components  86 . It can be seen that the upper screwdriver holder  96  and the lower screwdriver holder  98  are affixed to the end of the drawer  60 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , a right side view of a tool caddy of the present invention is shown. The upper screwdriver holder  96  and the lower screwdriver holder  98  are affixed to the end of the drawer  60  and the drawer handle  68  is visible. In some embodiments, a tool resting surface  52  is formed, allowing larger tools  90  to rest without interfering with the smaller tool parts  18 . In some embodiments, the tool resting surface  52  is covered with a rubber material or leather to prevent scrapes on tools. In some embodiments, the tool resting surface  52  is curved, providing a range of positions for resting the larger tools  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , a left side view of a tool caddy of the present invention is shown. The upper screwdriver holder  96  and the lower screwdriver holder  98  are affixed to the end of the drawer  60  and the drawer handle  68  is visible. In some embodiments, a tool resting surface  52  is formed, allowing larger tools  90  to rest without interfering with the smaller tool parts  18 . In some embodiments, the tool resting surface  52  is covered with a rubber material or leather to prevent scrapes on tools. In some embodiments, the tool resting surface  52  is curved, providing a range of positions for resting the larger tools  90 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , an exploded view of a tool caddy of the present invention is shown. In this view, the lazy susan type of bearing is visible. The lazy susan bearing allows for the rotation of the tool caddy  10 . There are many ways known to make a lazy susan bearing, but in the preferred embodiment, the lazy susan bearing is made of a lazy susan retainer ring  100  with a plurality of lazy susan balls  102  held in circular holes of the lazy susan retainer ring  100 , sandwiched between the bottom surface of the circular base  12  and the bottom lazy susan plate  110 . The lazy susan retainer ring  100  is connected to a lazy susan central hub  106  by a plurality of lazy susan support rods  104  and the lazy susan is held together by a fastener  108  passing through the lazy susan bottom plate  110 , the lazy susan hub  106  and affixed to the circular base  12 . Also shown are lazy susan stabilizers  105  that are small protrusions formed on the top and bottom surface of the lazy susan retainer ring  100 . It is preferred that the top-to-bottom width of the lazy susan stabilizers  105  be slightly less than the diameter of the lazy susan balls  102  so that the weight of the tool caddy  10  is supported by the lazy susan balls  102  instead of the lazy susan stabilizers  105 . The lazy susan balls  102  are made from a hard material such as steel, wood or plastic. 
   Referring to  FIG. 10 , an exploded view of the base of the tool caddy of the present invention is shown without the main section of the tool caddy, thereby showing the entire circumference of the lazy susan retainer ring  100  and all of the lazy susan balls  102 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 11 , a cutaway view of the base of the tool caddy of the present invention is shown. It can be seen that the lazy susan has a diameter less than that of the circular base  12 , allowing for deeper storage of tools  18 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , a first view of the flying bridge of the tool caddy of the present invention is shown. The bridge sections  40 / 41  are attached to one of the risers  50  by a hinge  46 , allowing the bridge  40 / 41  to be lifted, thereby exposing the entire central raised platform  30 . A central hinge  48  allows for the bridge  40 / 41  to be folded in half as shown in  FIG. 13 . Once folded in half, the bridge  40 / 41  is allowed to fully rotate to the other side of the riser  50  as shown in  FIG. 14 , keeping the bridge  40 / 41  out of the way of any tools stored on the central raised platform  30 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 15 , an optional magnetic plate  20  of the tool caddy of the present invention is shown. A magnetic material  20  is affixed to a bottom surface of the circular base  12 , under the shaped openings  16  so that any tools made of iron or steel are held firmly in place by the properties of the magnetic material  20 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 16 , a view of the interchangeable side rack of the tool caddy of the present invention is shown. The upper screwdriver holder  96  and lower screwdriver holder  98  are formed from or affixed to a screwdriver holder plate  94 . That assembly slides into and out of screwdriver holder guides  92  so that a different set of screwdriver holders can be inserted. For example, a two screwdriver holder are supplied, one for standard screwdrivers and one for hex nut drivers. In an alternate embodiment, an optional second upper and lower screwdriver holder  96 / 98  is attached at the opposite side of the tool caddy  10 . 
   Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
   It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.