Patent Publication Number: US-6981677-B1

Title: Tool storage device

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to tool holders and more particularly pertains to a new tool storage device for selectively retaining a tool against a structure. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   The use of tool holders is known in the prior art. More specifically, tool holders heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
   While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new tool storage device. The inventive device includes a mounting assembly, a first jaw assembly, and a second jaw assembly. The mounting assembly is for selectively coupling the system to a vertical surface of a structure. The first jaw assembly is operationally coupled to the mounting assembly, and is designed for abutting a first side of the handle of the tool being retained. The second jaw assembly is pivotally coupled to the mounting assembly, and is designed for abutting a second side of the handle of the tool being retained. The handle is selectively retained between the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly. 
   In these respects, the tool storage device according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of selectively retaining a tool against a structure. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of tool holders now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new tool storage device construction wherein the same can be utilized for selectively retaining a tool against a structure. 
   The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new tool storage device apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the tool holders mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new tool storage device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art tool holders, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a mounting assembly, a first jaw assembly, and a second jaw assembly. The mounting assembly is for selectively coupling the system to a vertical surface of a structure. The first jaw assembly is operationally coupled to the mounting assembly, and is designed for abutting a first side of the handle of the tool being retained. The second jaw assembly is pivotally coupled to the mounting assembly, and is designed for abutting a second side of the handle of the tool being retained. The handle is selectively retained between the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly. 
   Throughout this specification the tool holding system is described in the context of retaining a handle of a tool, for the sake of simplicity in explanation of the operation of the device. However, the present invention anticipates being used in conjunction with a wide range of tools and in multiple configurations. Therefore it is possible, and indeed likely that the present invention will be used to retain tools without “handles” by retaining the bodies, housings, or other elements of the tool. Additionally, the present device can be used with coiled tools such as extension cords, lariats, cables, hoses, or other such tools. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
   In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new tool storage device apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the tool holders mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new tool storage device which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art tool holders, either alone or in any combination thereof. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a new tool storage device which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new tool storage device which is of a durable and reliable construction. 
   An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new tool storage device which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such tool storage device economically available to the buying public. 
   Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new tool storage device which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new tool storage device for selectively retaining a tool against a structure. 
   Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new tool storage device which includes a mounting assembly, a first jaw assembly, and a second jaw assembly. The mounting assembly is for selectively coupling the system to a vertical surface of a structure. The first jaw assembly is operationally coupled to the mounting assembly, and is designed for abutting a first side of the handle of the tool being retained. The second jaw assembly is pivotally coupled to the mounting assembly, and is designed for abutting a second side of the handle of the tool being retained. The handle is selectively retained between the first jaw assembly and the second jaw assembly. 
   These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective exploded view of a new tool storage device according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective rear view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic rear view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective front view of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective rear view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 6  is a schematic rear view of an embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic top view of the present invention. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 7  thereof, a new tool storage device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
   As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 7 , the tool storage device  10  generally comprises a mounting assembly  20 , a first jaw assembly  40 , and a second jaw assembly  50 . 
   The mounting assembly  20  is for selectively coupling the system  10  to a vertical surface of a structure  6 . The first jaw assembly is operationally coupled to the mounting assembly  20 , and is designed for abutting a first side of the handle  4  of the tool  2  being retained. The second jaw  50  assembly is pivotally coupled to the mounting assembly  20 , and is designed for abutting a second side of the handle  4  of the tool  2  being retained. The handle  4  is selectively retained between the first jaw assembly  40  and the second jaw assembly  50 . 
   In an embodiment the mounting assembly  20  further comprises a first mounting member  21  and a second mounting member  31 . The first mounting member  21  includes a first flange portion  22  and a first horizontal support portion  23 . The first flange portion  22  is for abutting the vertical surface of the structure  6 . The first horizontal support portion  23  is coupled to the first flange portion  22 . The first flange portion  22  includes a top surface  28  defining a plane. The first horizontal support portion  23  includes a first surface  29  defining a first vertical plane. The first support horizontal portion  23  is preferably positioned such that the first vertical plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the top surface  28 . Similarly, the second mounting member  31  also includes a second flange portion  32  and a second horizontal support portion  33 . The second flange portion  32  is for abutting the vertical surface of the structure  6 . The second horizontal support portion  33  is coupled to the second flange portion  32 . The second flange portion  32  includes a second top surface  38  defining a second plane. The second horizontal support portion  33  includes a second surface  39  defining a second vertical plane. The second horizontal support portion  33  is preferably positioned such that the second vertical plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane formed by the second top surface  38 . 
   In a further embodiment, the first flange portion  22  includes an aperture  24  extending therethrough, which facilitates coupling the first flange portion  22  to the surface of the structure  6 . Similarly, the second flange portion  32  includes a second aperture  34  extending therethrough. The second aperture  34  facilitates coupling the second flange portion  32  to the surface of the structure  6 . 
   In still a further embodiment, the first horizontal support portion  23  includes a proximal end  25  and a distal end  26 . The proximal end  25  is adjacent to the first flange portion  22 , and the distal end  26  is adjacent to the first jaw assembly  40 . The first horizontal support portion  23  includes a taper  27  extending from a medial portion towards the distal end  26 . The distal end  26  includes a width less than a width associated with the medial portion. The taper  27  permits pivoting of the second jaw assembly  50  with respect to the mounting assembly  20 . Similarly, the second horizontal support portion  33  also includes a proximal end  35  and a distal end  36 . The proximal end  35  is adjacent to the second flange portion  32 . The distal end  36  is adjacent to the first jaw assembly  40 . The second horizontal support portion  33  includes a taper  37  extending from a medial portion towards the distal end  36 . The distal end  36  includes a width less than a width associated with the medial portion. The taper  37  permits pivoting of the second jaw assembly  50  with respect to the mounting assembly  20 . 
   In yet a further embodiment the first jaw assembly  40  further comprises a horizontal portion  41  and a vertical portion  42 . The horizontal portion  41  is operationally coupled to the mounting assembly  20 . The vertical portion  42  is operationally coupled to the horizontal portion  41 . The horizontal  41  and vertical portions  42  are for abutting the handle  4  to the tool  2  being retained. 
   In an embodiment the mounting assembly  20  has an angular notch  30  for receiving the horizontal portion  41  and the vertical portion  42  of the first jaw assembly  40 . The angular notch  30  increases a surface area of contact between the mounting assembly  20  and the first jaw assembly  40  to strengthen a union of the mounting assembly  20  and the first jaw assembly  40 . 
   In a further embodiment the angular notch  30  is positioned in the mounting assembly  20  such that a first portion of the angular notch  30  has an axis oriented approximately fifteen degrees from vertical, the angular notch  30  also has a second portion positioned at a right angle to the first portion of the angular notch  30 . 
   In even still a further embodiment the second jaw assembly  50  further comprises a coupling portion  51 , a lever portion  60 , a width adjustment portion  66 , and a retaining portion. The coupling portion  51  is pivotally couplable to the mounting assembly  20 . The lever portion  60  is coupled to the coupling portion  51  and extends downwardly from the coupling portion  51 . The lever portion  60  provides a clamping force for retaining the handle  4  of the tool  2 . The width adjustment portion  66  is slidably coupled to the lever portion  60  and facilitates adjustment of the second jaw assembly  50  to accommodate a diameter of the handle  4  of the tool  2  being retained. The retaining assembly is for slideably coupling the width adjustment portion  66  to the lever portion  60 . 
   In an embodiment the coupling portion  51  further comprises a horizontal member  52 , a first tab portion  53 , and a second tab portion  54 . The horizontal member  52  extends between the first support portion  23  and the second support portion  33 . The first tab portion  53  extends rearwardly from the horizontal member  52  adjacent to the first support portion  23 . The first tab portion  53  facilitates pivotal coupling of the second jaw assembly  50  to the mounting assembly  20 . Similarly, the second tab portion  54  also extends rearwardly from the horizontal member  52  adjacent to the second support portion  33 . The second tab portion  54  facilitates pivotal coupling of the second jaw assembly  50  to the mounting assembly  20 . A first coupling hole  45  may extend through the first support portion  23 . A second coupling hole  55  may extending extend through the first tab portion  53 . The second coupling hole  62  is aligned with the first coupling hole  45 . A third coupling hole  46  may extend through the second support portion  33 . A fourth coupling hole  56  may extend through the second tab portion  54 . The fourth coupling hole  54  is aligned with the third coupling hole  46 . Preferably, a single bolt  47  extends through the first  45 , second  55 , third  46  and fourth coupling holes  56 . The bolt  47  is secured with an associated nut  48 . 
   In an embodiment the second hole  55  is offset from a center of the first tab portion  53  and the fourth hole  56  is offset from a center of the second tab portion  54 . 
   In an embodiment a first coupling means and a second coupling means further comprises a single pin  47  extending through the first  45 , second  55 , third  46 , and fourth coupling holes  56 . The pin  47  may be secured either by a cotter pin  43 , a grip ring  44 , or any other suitable device. 
   In a further embodiment, each one of a pair of biasing members  75  is operationally coupled between the second jaw assembly  50  and the mounting assembly  20 . Each one of the pair of biasing members  75  urges the second jaw member  50  towards a closed portion. Thus, the handle  4  of the tool  2  is retained. 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a first, second and third biasing member  75  are operationally coupled between the second jaw assembly  50  and the mounting assembly  20 . Each one of said first, second, and third biasing members  75  urge the second jaw assembly  50  towards a closed position. Thus, the handle  4  of the tool  2  is retained. Most preferably, the first biasing member is a spring having seven coils and is adjacent to the first horizontal support portion  23 ; the second biasing member is a spring having seven coils and is adjacent to the second horizontal support portion  33 ; and the third biasing member is a spring having five coils, and is positioned between the first biasing member and the second biasing member. 
   In still a further embodiment each one of the first  53  and second tab portions  54  further comprise a tapered edge  57 , 58  extending adjacent the first jaw assembly  40 . The tapered edge  57 , 58  abut the first jaw assembly  40  when the second jaw assembly  50  is pivoted to a maximum open position. The tapered edge  57 , 58  functions as a stop for the second jaw assembly  50 . 
   In yet a further embodiment the lever portion  60  further comprises a first extent  61 , a second extent  62 , and a third extent  63 . The first extent  61  is coupled to the coupling portion  51 . The first extent  61  extends downwardly from the coupling portion  51 . The first extent  61  defines a maximum width between the first jaw assembly  40  and the width adjustment portion  66  of the second jaw assembly  50 . The second extent  62  has an angular relationship to the first extent  61 , and is coupled to the first extent  61 . The third extent  63  extends downwardly from the second extent  62 . The third extent  63  abuts the surface of the structure  6  when the second jaw assembly  50  is in a closed portion. The third extent  63  provides a handle to be grasped by the user to facilitate removal of the tool  2  being retained from the system  10 . 
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the first extent  61  tapers inwardly as it extends away from the coupling portion  51  towards the second extent  62 . Put differently, the first extent  61  has a first width adjacent to the coupling portion  51 , the first extent also has a second width adjacent to the second extent  62 , and the first width is greater than the second width. 
   In still yet a further embodiment the width adjustment portion  66  further comprises a first retaining extent  67  and a second retaining extent  68 . The first retaining extent  67  is substantially parallel to the second extent  62  of the lever portion  60 . The second retaining extent  68  is substantially parallel to the third extent  63  of the lever portion  60 . The second retaining extent  68  is slidable along the third extent  63 . Thus, a width of the second jaw assembly  50  is adjustable. A lever aperture  64  extends through the third extent  63  of the lever portion  60 ; and a slot  69  extends along a longitudinal axis of the second retaining extent  68 . A retaining member  70  extends through the slot  69  and the lever aperture  64 . A tensioning member  71  is couplable to the retaining member  70  for selectively securing the width adjustment portion  66  to the lever portion  60 . 
   While the first extent  67  of the width adjustment portion  66  can function well having a variety of lengths, most preferably, it has a length approximately ⅛ of an inch less than said second extent  62  of the lever portion  60 . This feature allows the top edge of the first extent  67  of the width adjustment portion  66  to strike the underside of the first extent  61  of the lever portion  60  when the device on under tension. This contact transfers sufficient force to inhibit the bending of the second extent  68  of the width adjustment portion  66  under tension when the width adjustment portion  66  is positioned proximal to the first jaw assembly  40 . 
   As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.