Patent Publication Number: US-8985335-B1

Title: Magnetically mountable tray device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to portable tool trays for holding tools, electronic equipment, and materials while also providing a work space which can be magnetically attached to a variety of steel surfaces such as mechanical equipment panels, automobile side panels, metal studs, steel doors, or refrigerator doors for example. 
     When working with tools and electronic equipment such as laptops or meters in on-site applications a problem often exists that workers have only limited or inconvenient places to keep their tools and materials separated and organized. In addition, in many on-site locations such as in power distribution systems, there may also be insufficient or hazardous work areas. Typically, workmen leave tools and materials on any flat surface that may be conveniently reached when working on rooftops, near mechanical equipment, or on ground or floor mechanical rooms and garages. This practice often poses safety hazards because workmen or other persons can trip on the tools and damage sensitive and expensive equipment. In addition, the lack of a suitable work surface from which to assemble components or utilize a laptop computer may decrease efficient repair operations. In some environments, a workman may attempt to field fabricate a workbench or tool holder out of sheetrock, plywood, or cardboard. Utilizing these materials may create additional hazards for a workman as these materials are generally unstable and may unexpectedly spill tools and instruments placed on them. As such, magnetically mountable tray devices are presented herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below. 
     Magnetically mountable tray device are presented including: a mounting plate having a front planar surface and a back planar surface; a number of mounting magnets positioned along the back planar surface; a base plate having a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface; at least one hinge mechanically coupled along a back edge of the base plate and along the front planar surface of the mounting plate; and at least one support element positioned along the bottom planar surface and mechanically coupled thereto, where the at least one support element is positioned to contact the front surface of the mounting plate when the magnetically mountable tray device is in an open position. In some embodiments, magnetically mountable tray devices further include: a closure magnet positioned along the front planar surface; and a closure tab positioned along the top planar surface and further positioned to engaged the closure magnet when the magnetically mountable tray device is in a closed position. In some embodiments, magnetically mountable tray devices further include: a number of capture magnets positioned along and co-planar with the top planar surface. In some embodiments, magnetically mountable tray devices further include: a number of through-holes positioned along and through the top planar surface. In some embodiments, magnetically mountable tray devices further include: a number of tray indents positioned along the top planar surface. In some embodiments, the mounting plate and the base plate is manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting of: a non-electrically conductive material, a rigid polymeric material, a semi-rigid polymeric material, a rigid fibrous material, a semi-rigid fibrous material, and a non-ferrous metal material. In some embodiments, the base plate further includes a cushioning layer affixed with and at least partially covering the top planar surface. 
     In other embodiments, methods for utilizing a magnetically mountable tray device are provided including: providing the magnetically mountable tray device, the magnetically mountable tray device including, a mounting plate having a front planar surface and a back planar surface, a number of mounting magnets positioned along the back planar surface, a base plate having a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface, at least one hinge mechanically coupled along a back edge of the base plate and along the front planar surface of the mounting plate, and at least one support element positioned along the bottom planar surface and mechanically coupled thereto, where the at least one support element is positioned to contact the front surface of the mounting plate when the magnetically mountable tray device is in an open position; attaching the magnetically mountable tray device to a magnetically receptive surface; and moving the magnetically mountable tray device to the open position. In some embodiments, methods further include: grasping the base plate; removing the magnetically mountable tray device from the magnetically receptive surface, and closing the magnetically mountable tray device. In some embodiments, methods further include: receiving a magnetically receptive element along any of a number of capture magnets positioned along and co-planar with the top planar surface. In some embodiments, methods further include: receiving a first object along any of a number of through-holes positioned along and through the top planar surface. In some embodiments, methods further include: receiving a second object along any of a number of tray indents positioned along the top planar surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of a magnetically mountable tray device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray devices in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of a magnetically mountable tray device in a closed position in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of a magnetically mountable tray device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustrative representation of a magnetically mountable tray device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention: 
         FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of a magnetically mountable tray device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is an illustrative representation of a magnetically mountable tray device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present invention. 
     It is an object of present embodiments to provide a magnetically mountable tray device for securing tools and materials. It is an additional object of present embodiments to provide a magnetically mountable tray device for use as a portable workbench type of work area. Another object of present embodiments is to provide a magnetically active work and tool tray that may be attached to magnetically receptive surfaces. Still another object of present embodiments is to provide an ergonomic solution for lifting and transporting tools and materials from one work station to another. A further object of present embodiments is to provide magnets in different positions on the mounting plate which enables positioning the device on many different steel surfaces such as those found on mechanical and industrial equipment for example. Another important object of present embodiments is to enable the user to stand in an ergonomically correct position when retrieving tools and to assemble parts while working on rooftop or other mechanical equipment by placement at waist level on a side or a door of said equipment. Still another important object of present embodiments is to provide various size through-holes to insert tools such as screw and nut drivers, hammers and drill motors for example. An additional object of present embodiments is to provide tray indents on the top surface to provide temporary storage of screws and other materials. Still another object of present embodiments is to provide tray indents for placing a cup or bottled beverage. A further object of present embodiments is to provide tray indents in the center area for placement of paint cans and or pails for example. Yet another object of present embodiments is to provide a temporary or semi-permanent use application. Still another object of present embodiments to provide capture magnets placed into or attached to the top surface or the front surface of the mounting plate to secure loose screws, bolts, washers, and tools. One further object of present embodiments is provide a folding work surface when not in use or for storage and transportation. 
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, an orthogonal front view and back view are presented. As illustrated, magnetically mountable tray device  100  includes mounting plate  102  having front planar surface  104  and back planar surface  106 . As may be seen back planar surface  106  may include a number of mounting magnets  108  positioned along back planar surface  106 . Although four mounting magnets are illustrated, it may be appreciated that any number of mounting magnets may be utilized in any pattern or configuration without departing from embodiments provided herein. Further, the number and pattern of mounting magnets may be selected to provide a desired holding strength with a magnetically receptive surface. In some embodiments, any number of rare earth magnets such as neodymium magnets or samarium-cobalt magnets may be utilized. In other embodiments, an electro-magnet may be utilized that may be powered from an attached power source. In some embodiments, at least four mounting magnets may be utilized. In some embodiments, mounting magnets may have a diameter of at least 0.50 inch and have a pulling force of at least 20 pounds each. In other embodiments, mounting magnets may have a diameter of at least 1.00 inch and have a pulling force of at least 50 pounds each. 
     Further illustrated is base plate  112  having top planar surface  114  and bottom planar surface  116 . As may be seen bottom planar surface  116  may further include support element  120  mechanically coupled with bottom planar surface  116  and positioned to contact front surface  106  of mounting plate  102  when magnetically mountable tray device  100  is in a open position. Any number of supports may be utilized without departing from present embodiments. Support arrangements will be discussed in further detail below for  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In order to provide an open and closed position, hinge  122  is provided that is mechanically coupled along a back edge of base plate  112  and along front planar surface  104  of mounting plate  102 . In some embodiments, mounting plate  102  may further include closure magnet  124  positioned along front planar surface  104 . In addition, closure tab  126  may be positioned along top planar surface  114  and positioned to engage closure magnet  124  when the magnetically mountable tray device  100  is in a closed position. In other embodiments, any number of capture magnets  128  may be positioned along and co-planar with top planar surface  114 . As noted above, any number of capture magnets may be utilized to receive any number of magnetically receptive elements such as, for example, loose screws, bolts, washers, and tools. In some embodiments, top planar surfaces may include an additional layer  130  affixed on top planar surfaces and manufactured from a polymeric material or a natural material that provides a cushioned surface. In some embodiments, the additional layer may be selected for “stickiness,” or gripping strength. Utilizing additional layers may provide additional traction in a wet environment and may be desirable to hold tools when magnetically mountable tray devices are not levelly mounted. 
     In some embodiments, a mounting plate is at least approximately 6 inches wide by at least approximately 6 inches long, and a base plate is at least approximately 6 inches wide by at least approximately 6 inches long. In some embodiments, a mounting plate is at least approximately 8 inches wide by at least approximately 10 inches long, and a base plate is at least approximately 8 inches wide by at least approximately 10 inches long. In some embodiments, a mounting plate is at least approximately 12 inches wide by at least approximately 12 inches long, and a base plate is at least approximately 12 inches wide by at least approximately 12 inches long. In some embodiments, a mounting plate is at least approximately 24 inches wide by at least approximately 24 inches long, and a base plate is at least approximately 24 inches wide by at least approximately 24 inches long. In other embodiments, the mounting plate and the base plate is manufactured from a material such as: a non-electrically conductive material, a rigid polymeric material, a semi-rigid polymeric material, a rigid fibrous material, a semi-rigid fibrous material, and a non-ferrous metal material. In addition, mounting and base plate embodiments may be formed by any process such as blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, cutting, and routing without limitation. 
     In operation, magnetically mountable tray device  100  may be provided as illustrated. A user may then attach magnetically mountable tray device  100  to a magnetically receptive surface. Once magnetically mountable tray device  100  is secure, the device may be moved to an open position such as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . A user may then utilize base plate  112  as a working surface or as a temporary storage surface. For example, the device may receive a magnetically receptive element along any of capture magnets  128  positioned along and co-planar with top planar surface  114 . Magnetically receptive elements may include, for example, loose screws, bolts, washers, and tools. To remove magnetically mountable tray device  100 , a user may grasp base plate  112  and remove magnetically mountable tray device  100  from the magnetically receptive surface. Grasping at the base plate may provide needed leverage to pry the device from the surface. Once magnetically mountable tray device  100  is removed from the magnetically receptive surface, the device may be closed for storage and transport. 
       FIG. 2  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray devices  200  and  220  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 2  illustrates different base plate configurations that may be desirable in embodiments. For example, magnetically mountable tray device  200  includes a number of through-holes  202 ,  204 , and  206  of varying size and location positioned along top planar surface  210 . As may be appreciated, though-holes may allow a user to insert tools such as screw and nut drivers, hammers, drill motors, and the like to keep tools within easy reach and out of the way. In operation, through-holes may receive any number of objects for temporary storage. 
     In another example, magnetically mountable tray device  220  includes a number of tray indents  222 ,  224 , and  226  of varying size, depth, and location positioned along top planar surface  230 . As may be appreciated, tray indents may allow a user to place containers, or other small items thereon to keep the objects within easy reach and out of the way. In some embodiments, tray indents may be numbered to provide an organizational component. In other embodiments, tray indents may further include a removable cover (not shown) for securing small items during transport. In operation, tray indents may receive any number of objects for temporary storage. 
     Although the examples provided illustrate either through-holes or tray indents in each embodiment, it may be appreciated that any suitable combination of through-holes, tray indents, and capture magnets (see  FIG. 1 ) may be utilized without departing from embodiments herein. In some examples, these features may be customized to a particular repair and organized to keep components separate and in order of removal or installation. Furthermore, any size, location, or depth (in the case of tray indents) may be utilized without departing from embodiments provided herein. In some further examples, through-holes may include a flexible pocket (not shown) that may provide additional temporary storage while folding flat when magnetically mountable tray devices are in a closed position. In other embodiments, a through-hole may be positioned to provide a handle (see  FIG. 4 ). In some embodiments tray indents may include magnetic elements or cushioning layers without limitation. 
       FIG. 3  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray device  300  in a closed position in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, a front view and side view is presented for clarity in understanding embodiments provided herein. As illustrated, bottom planar surface  304  may further include support element  302  mechanically coupled with bottom planar surface  304  and positioned to contact front surface  306  when magnetically mountable tray device  300  is in a open position. As illustrated, two supports are provided. However, any number of supports may be utilized without departing from present embodiments. In addition any suitably shaped support may be utilized without departing from embodiments herein. As may be seen in side view, support  302  extends away from bottom planar surface  304 . In order to provide a more compact configuration, supports may be further configured to pivot toward bottom planar surfaces using a hinge for example. In still other embodiments, supports may be removable for storage and transport. As such supports may be mechanically coupled with bottom planar surfaces in any manner known in the art without departing from embodiments provided herein. 
       FIG. 4  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray device  400  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates another example support embodiment that may be utilized. In this example support  402  may be pivotally coupled with front planar surface  404  and slidingly coupled with bottom planar surface  406 . In this example support  402  may be effectively folded flat with bottom planar surface  406  when magnetically mountable tray device  400  is in a closed position. Further illustrated is through-hole  410 , which may be positioned to provide a handle for magnetically mountable tray device  400  in a closed position or to provide a tool holder for magnetically mountable tray device  400  in an open position. 
       FIG. 5  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray device  500  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In this example support  502  may be mechanically coupled with mounting plate  404  and with base plate  506 . Support examples may include a cord, a string, a cable, a strap, a chain, or any other flexible or semi-flexible material. In some embodiments, support straps may be enabled with a rigid material and may be slidingly coupled with either the mounting plate or the base plate without limitation. In addition, barrel hinge  510  may be utilized to couple mounting plate  404  with base plate  506 . In some examples barrel hinges may be utilized which include a number of stops so that the base plate may be selectively opened by degree. These embodiments may be useful when attaching mounting plates with overhead surfaces that are not level. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray device  600  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates a front view and a back view of magnetically mountable tray device  600  having a further hinge example. In the example illustrated, ring hinge  602  may include any number of rings for mechanically coupling mounting plate  604  with base plate  606 . In addition, rings may be manufactured from any suitable material known in the art without departing from embodiments herein. Further, hinges may also include a spiral hinge which may be manufactured from a single length of wire or other rigid or semi-rigid material. Hinges of this nature may be desirable when mounting and base plates are manufactured from a flexible fiber material for example. Such hinges may be further desirable when mounting and base plates are manufactured from fibrous materials such as cardboard, fiberboard, and the like. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustrative representation of magnetically mountable tray device  700  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 7  illustrates a front view and a back view of magnetically mountable tray device  700 . As illustrated, mounting plate  702  may be formed into an “H” pattern. Further, any number of mounting magnets  704  may be provided for mounting magnetically mountable tray device  700 ) to a magnetically receptive surface. It may be appreciated that, mounting plate embodiments may be formed by any process such as blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, cutting, and routing without limitation. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.