Patent Publication Number: US-2007122574-A1

Title: Storage element for tools

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/279,370, filed Apr. 11, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit and priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/102,966, filed Apr. 11, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/763,489, filed Jan. 23, 2004, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,888,579, each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      This disclosure pertains to a storage element, and more particularly, to a storage element that stores and retains work elements in a high-density configuration. This disclosure also pertains to work elements and more particularly, to a double-ended work element that is compatible with tools as are conventional work elements and the storage element described herein.  
      Various types of storage elements for work elements are known in the art. However, each of the prior art devices has disadvantages. Most notably, prior art storage elements have structural and functional configurations that do not facilitate adequate retention of the work elements. Additionally, prior art storage elements cannot be installed in more than one different tool.  
      Various types of double-ended bits are know in the art. However, such prior art devices have disadvantages. Most notably, the structural configuration of such prior art bits prevent compact storage and transportation in a high density configuration. Additionally, none is compatible with a storage element that can be disposed in an opening of a tool. Moreover, none has positive retention features defined thereon for interface with a complementary structure on a storage element. Prior art double-ended bits all have a length greater than 1.25 inches because existing tooling prevents manufacture of shorter bits.  
      Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a storage element and double-ended work element that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tool including a storage element in accordance with the principal aspects of the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded view of a portion of the adjustable gripping tool of  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the storage element of  FIG. 1  with a locking portion.  
       FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the storage element of  FIG. 1  with a projection.  
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the storage element of  FIG. 4  with various work elements.  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional front view taken along the line  6 - 6  as shown in  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 7  is a front elevation of an embodiment of a work element as inserted in the storage element of  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 8  is a side perspective view of a storage element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with various work elements.  
       FIG. 9  is a front element of another embodiment of a work element as inserted in the storage element shown in  FIG. 8 .  
       FIG. 10  is a top view taken along the line  10 - 10  as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
       FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the storage element with notches.  
       FIG. 12  is a partial top perspective view of an embodiment of the storage element with a tabbed locking element.  
       FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of the storage element as shown in  FIG. 11  of the present disclosure with various work elements.  
       FIG. 14  is a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a tool including a storage element in accordance with the another aspects of the present disclosure.  
       FIG. 15  is a partially exploded view of a portion of the adjustable gripping tool of  FIG. 14 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      For the purposes of promoting and understanding the principles disclosed herein, reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device and such further applications are the principles disclosed as illustrated therein as being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates.  
      One principal aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a storage element that includes opposed sides and ends, a top, and a bottom. Receptacles are defined by an interior surface and an interior wall defined between adjacent receptacles. A locking element is disposed on the interior surface for selectively retaining a work element.  
      Another principal aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a work element having a length less than  1 . 25  inches, a center portion including a drive contour, and an engaging portion formed at opposing ends of the center portion.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates in a partially exploded perspective view the adjustable gripping tool  20  in accordance with one of the principal aspects of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the adjustable gripping tool  20  includes an end piece  220  connected to one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  and having a receptacle  222  defined therein configured to removably engage one of a plurality of work elements  224 . Preferably, the receptacle  222  is formed in an outer surface  226  of the end piece  220 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the end piece  220  may also frictionally or otherwise engage the other of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  of which the end piece  220  is not connected so as to maintain the first and second elements  22 ,  24  in the closed or second operative position.  
      In another embodiment, a storage element  228  is moveably connected to at least one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  and may be connected to each. The plurality of work elements  224  are configured to removably engage the storage element  228  in any suitable manner. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the storage element  228  have a plurality of receptacles  230  defined therein, each configured to removably engage one of the plurality of work elements  224 . Alternatively, the storage element  228  may be configured with a substantial channel shape that retains the work elements  224  therein by any suitable or conventional manner, for example, frictionally engaging, magnetically retaining, adhesively retaining, or using any other suitable means to retain the work elements  224  within the storage element  228 . Further alternatively, the at least one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  may be magnetized to retain the work elements  224 . Accordingly, one of skill in the art will recognize that the material of construction for the storage element  228  may be selected from the group consisting of rubber, plastic, metal, composite, or any other suitable material.  
      Preferably, a textured surface  232  is formed on an outer surface  234  of the storage element  228 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the textured surface  232  may be integrally or separably formed with respect to the storage element  228  and may be constructed of any suitable material. However, it has been found that a deformable material provides an ergonomic advantage.  
      In one embodiment, the storage element  228  is movably connected to at least one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that such movable connection may be selected from the group consisting of a lateral friction fit, wherein the storage element  228  may be moved laterally with respect to its longitudinal axis, a pivoting friction fit, wherein the storage element  228  is pivotally connected at one of its ends  236  to one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24 , or any other suitable connection that permits movement of the storage element  228  to provide access to the work elements  224 . It will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the pivoting friction fit provides certain advantages, in that, the storage element  228  is never entirely disconnected from the adjustable gripping tool  20 . However, one of skill in the art will also recognize that maximum density of storage for the plurality of work elements  224  is provided when configured with a lateral friction fit.  
      In another embodiment, at least one tool  238  is pivotally connected to one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  opposite the end piece  220 . Each at least one tool  238  is disposed within the one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  opposite the end piece  220  in a stored orientation, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and is moveable to an open orientation as shown in  FIG. 2 . Another embodiment of the adjustable gripping tool  20  is shown in  FIG. 14  in a stored orientation and is moveable to an open orientation as shown in  FIG. 15 . Preferably, each at least one tool  238  is independently movable between the stored orientation and the open or operative orientation wherein such tool extends from the one of the first and second elements  22 ,  24  opposite the end piece in order to provide its intended function. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the tool  238  may have any suitable configuration. For example, the tool  238  may be configured as a knife, saw, screwdriver, pliers, awl, corkscrew, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, file, punch, clipper, reamer, hook, wire cutter, scale, or any other suitable tool. An insert  240  may also be disposed associated with the first element  22  and each of the tools  238 . Preferably, the insert  240  is connected to the first element  22  with existing fasteners  242 . However, it is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the insert  240  may be connected to the first element  22  in any other suitable manner. The bottom surface  244  of the insert  240  prevents a user from contacting the tools  238  when grasping the first element  22 . The remaining structural and functional elements and aspects of any embodiment described with respect to  FIGS. 1-2  and  14 - 15  of the present disclosure may be configured as any of the like structural and functional aspects to the other embodiments of the prior applications incorporated herein by reference.  
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded detailed view of a portion of the adjustable gripping tool of  FIG. 1 . By association with a related embodiment, all of the detailed description, when applicable, relates to the embodiment shown as  FIGS. 14-15 . In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the receptacle  222  is configured complementarily to the work elements  224  such that the work elements  224  are snugly received within the receptacle  222  so that the tool  20  may be manipulated to cause the work elements  224  to function as intended. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the receptacle  222  may be configured to retain the work elements  224  therein by any conventional manner. For example, the work elements  224  may be retained within the receptacle  222  frictionally, magnetically, adhesively, or in any other suitable manner. Additionally, mechanical means to secure the work element  224  within the receptacle may be provided. The remaining structural and functional elements and aspects of this embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured as any of the like structural and functional aspects of the other embodiments disclosed herein.  
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a storage element  228  in accordance with the principle aspects of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the storage element  228  has been described above more generally and will be described hereinafter with more particularity. Similar to the storage element described above, this embodiment of the storage element  228  includes opposed sides  300 ,  302 , opposed ends  304 ,  306 , a top  308 , and a bottom  310 . As described above, the bottom  310  or outer surface ( 234  described above) may have a textured surface  232  formed therein or disposed thereon. The bottom  310  is generally defined by a shoulder portion  312  and the outer surface  234  that extends away from the shoulder portion  312  generally in a common direction to define the textured surface  232  in this embodiment.  
      A locking portion  314  is disposed and/or defined adjacent the bottom  310  generally along the shoulder portion  312  on at least one of the opposed sides  300 ,  302 . Preferably, the locking portion  314  is formed on both opposing sides  300 ,  302  and extends downwards towards the shoulder portion  312  with a desired taper having a draft angle of approximately 0 degrees to 5 degrees.  
       FIG. 4  shows one embodiment where a projection  316  may be formed, disposed, and/or defined on at least one of the ends  304 ,  306 , preferably on each of the ends  304 ,  306 . Such projection  316  enables the storage element  228  to be configured with a very high density of storage for work elements. What is shown in  FIG. 3  and  4  are two different embodiments with a projection  316  and a locking portion  314  placed upon different storage elements  228 , but the embodiment where both the projection  316  and the locking portion  314  are located on the same storage element  228  is also contemplated. The projection  316  also provides an additional function similar to the locking portion  314  to secure the storage element  228  in a desired compartment. What is shown and contemplated is the use of matter, placed on the external surface of the storage element  228 , to enhance locally the friction between the storage element  228  and any location where the storage element  228  is inserted.  
      A plurality of receptacles  230  are defined in the storage element  228  each by an interior surface  318  extending from the top  308  toward the bottom  310 . An interior wall  320  is defined between adjacent receptacles  230 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the interior wall  320  may be configured in any suitable manner, shape, or size. For example, the interior surface  318  may be defined by a plurality of planer portions, a single surface without corners, a generally cylindrical configuration, or any other suitable or desirable configuration. A slot  322  may be formed in at least one interior wall  320 , thereby forming a channel, opening, or passageway between the adjacent receptacles  230 .  
       FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of the storage element  228  as shown in  FIG. 4  showing various work elements  224  disposed in individual receptacles  230 . What is shown is a series of work elements  224  having a conventional hexagonally shaped main body portion  332  retained in each of their respective receptacles  230  by a first locking element  336 . Adjacent receptacle  230 , which does not have a work element  224  disposed therein, will be used for explanation of such first locking element  336 . These receptacles  230  are defined by an interior surface  318  defined by a plurality of planar portions  334  arranged to form a contour of a shape analog to the shape of the work element  224 . What is shown is the use of hexagonally shaped work elements  224  and six planar portions  334  forming a hexagonal receptacle  230 . What is also contemplated is the use of any regular shape, such as a circle, a pentagon, or any other geometry, that may be associated with the shape of the work element  224 . In this embodiment, a first locking element  336  is formed in a upper portion  338  other receptacle  230 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the upper portion  338  will be generally recognized as that portion of the receptacle  230  that is closer to the top  308  than to the bottom  310 . In one embodiment as shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the locking element  336  is a semicircular ridge of such a complimentary geometry to interlock in the work element  224 . In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 8 , the locking element  336  is a flat notch of sufficient thickness to encase a flat ridge made in another work element  224  according to another embodiment. In yet another embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the locking element  336  is a tab attached to the planar portions  334  on both the portions adjacent to the opposed sides  300 ,  302 . What is contemplated is the use of the tab shown in  FIG. 12  as a gradual constraining section for a work element  224  being inserted in the receptacle  230 .  FIGS. 11 and 13  illustrate yet another possible embodiment where the locking element  336  of a similar geometry as the locking element  336  as shown in  FIG. 5  but placed in a receptacle  230  having vertical notches  410 .  
      What is also contemplated is the use of a locking element  336  as a taper that may be defined by a draft angle of approximately 0 degrees to 5 degrees located at the bottom of each receptacles  230 . The locking element  336  may be formed on at least one of the planer portions  334 , or in the event the interior surface  318  does not include any planer portions, the first locking element  336  may be formed, defined, and/or disposed at any discrete position on the interior surface  318  or entirely about the circumference of the interior surface  318  in the portion  338 . It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that different work elements  224  may require different first locking element configurations thus interpretation of the first locking element  336  shall not be construed restrictively. Rather, a first locking element  336  shall be construed as any like reduction in cross section of the receptacle  230  that generally provides a friction or press fit for the work element  224  to retain the work element  224  in the storage element  228 .  
       FIG. 6  is a sectional front view taken along the line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5  that more clearly illustrates the first locking element  336  formed, defined, and/or disposed in the receptacle  230 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrate a front elevation of an embodiment of a work element  224  in accordance with the principle aspects of this disclosure.  FIG. 9  illustrates another front elevation of another embodiment of a work element  224  in accordance with the principle of this disclosure. Each embodiment is directed to a double-ended work element  224 . Each work element  224  includes a length along a longitudinal axis  340  that is preferably less than 1.25 inches and in another embodiment no more than one inch in length. Each work element  224  has a center portion  342  including an outer surface  344  having a drive contour  346  defined thereon. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the drive contour  346  on the work elements  224  and  FIGS. 7 and 9  is a standard hexagonally shaped drive contour and that any other suitable drive contour such as grooves and ridges, planer surfaces, alternating peaks and valleys, alternating male and female elements, a plurality of splines, a cylindrical surface, or any other suitably configured drive contour may be used. An engaging portion  348 ,  350  is formed, disposed, and/or defined on each opposing end of the center portion  342 . It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that the engaging portions  348 ,  350  may have any suitable configuration and may be configured differently from one another.  
      In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 7 , a channel  352  is defined and/or formed in the center portion  342 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the channel may be formed on only a portion of the center portion  342 , for example, on one face if the drive contour includes a plurality of faces, or the channel may extend around the center portion  342  as shown in  FIG. 7 . It will be recognized by one of skill in the art, in view of the further description below, that only a segment or portion of the channel  352  is necessary to perform the intended function and that a channel extending entirely around the circumference of the center portion  342  may likewise be desirable for an intended function, but is not necessary.  
      In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , a protrusion  354  is defined, formed, and/or disposed in the center portion  342  and is useful in connection with the functions more fully described below. In  FIG. 9 , the protrusion extends around the perimeter of the center portion  342 . However, one of skill in the art will recognize that the protrusion may be formed in at least one of a plurality of planer surfaces that define the drive contour or any other suitable configuration, such as, a raised segment on a spline or ridge that defines a drive contour. Furthermore, it is within the teachings of the present disclosure that only a portion of the protrusion may be used if desired and that a protrusion that extends around the perimeter of the center portion  342  is not required.  
      Returning to  FIG. 5 , the storage element  228  further retains a work element  224  similar to that described in  FIG. 7  at a locked end of the storage element  228 . In this embodiment, the receptacle  230  includes a locking element  336  in a form of a protrusion formed in an upper portion  360  of the receptacle  230 . The protrusion or locking element  336  is configured to engage the channel  352  formed in the center portion  342  of the work element  224 . Thereby, the work element  224  is retained within the receptacle  230 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the locking element or protrusion  336  may be disposed, formed, or defined about the perimeter of the interior surface  318 . However, it is not required that the protrusion or locking element  336  be so configured. Rather, the protrusion  336  may be formed on only a portion of the interior surface  318  as desired to perform the intended retaining function. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the protrusion may be disposed, formed, and/or defined on the interior surface other than adjacent the interior wall. In other words, when the receptacle  230  is defined with a plurality of planer surfaces  334 , the protrusion may be disposed, formed, and/or defined on those planer surfaces parallel to the opposing sides  300 ,  302 . In one embodiment, the protrusion or locking element  336  is disposed adjacent the slot  322  in the interior wall  320 . It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the slot  322  facilitates flexing of the upper portion  360  of the receptacle sufficient to permit the work element  224  to be inserted therein without sizable resistance. This is particularly advantageous over prior art designs.  
      In the intermediate portion of the storage element  228  illustrated in  FIG. 5 , another cut-away section illustrates the work element  224  as shown and described in  FIG. 7  retained in a receptacle to  230 . The locking element  336  is defined as a channel formed in an upper portion  360  of the receptacle  230 . As mentioned above, it is within the teaching of the present invention that the channel  336  may be disposed about the interior surface  318 . However, the channel or locking element  336  may also be disposed merely on a portion of the interior surface. For example, the channel or locking element  336  may be disposed on the interior surface  318  other than adjacent to the interior wall  320 . In other words, as described above, the channel may be disposed on those surfaces of the interior surface  318  that do not comprise any portion of the interior wall  320 . In one embodiment where the interior surface is defined by a plurality of planer surfaces, the channel or locking element  336  may be disposed on those planer surfaces parallel to the opposing sides  300 ,  302 . The channel or locking element  336  may also be disposed adjacent the slot  322  in the interior wall  320  for the advantages described above.  
      In another embodiment as shown in  FIG. 5 , the receptacles  230  of the storage element  228  may include a second locking element  370  for selectively retaining the work elements  224  within each receptacle  230 . In one embodiment, the second locking element  370  may be disposed, formed, or defined in a floor  372  of the receptacle  230 .  
      It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that the second locking element  370  may be any suitable device to perform the intended function. For example, a second locking element  370  may be selected from the group consisting of a magnet, adhesive, a cut-out portion, deformable polymer, or any other suitable structure to perform a locking function.  
       FIG. 8  shows the storage element  228  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure that retains a series of work element  224  similar to that shown in  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 10  is a top view of the work element  224  to better illustrate the protrusion  354  located on the work element  224 .  
      What is also disclosed is a method of using a storage element  228  with a plurality of tools  20  consisting of a plurality of consecutive steps. In use, the storage element  228  as described in detail above may be loaded with a plurality of work elements  224  that will provide the anticipated functions of an operator. As one of skill in the art will recognize from above each of the work elements  224  is loaded into an individual corresponding receptacle  230  and preferably the drive contour  346  on each work element  224  is complimentary to the interior surface  318  of the receptacle  230 . When loading the work elements  224  into the storage element  228 , the operator inserts the work elements  224  until they are selectively retained in position by a first locking element as described in more detail above. Thereafter, the loaded storage element  228  is installed in an opening defined in a first tool  20  that is configured to complimentarily engage the storage element  228 . In one embodiment, the storage element  228  is a press fit into such opening. In order to accomplish the press fit, the storage element  228  preferably includes a locking portion disposed on at least one of the opposing sides, which may be, in one embodiment, as described above a taper  314  formed at the intersection of the opposing walls or wall  300 ,  302  and the shoulder  312 . Accordingly, when installing the storage element  228  in the first tool  20 , the opposing sides  300 ,  302  and opposing ends  304 ,  306  are generally a line of registration with the opening and inserted therein until the locking portion engages the opening. Thereafter, additional force provided by the operator will then press fit the storage element  228  into the opening.  
      After the intended functions are performed with the first tool  20 , the storage element  228  may be removed from the opening of the first tool  20 . In order to do so, the locking portion must first be in disengaged before removing the storage element  228 . The locking portion may also include a projection  316  disposed on at least one of the opposed ends  304 ,  306 . Such projection  316  will further enhance the ability to achieve a press fit into the opening of the desired tool such that the storage element  228  will not be removed unintended. After the storage element  228  has been removed from the first tool  20 , the storage element  228  may then be installed in the opening of a second tool. It is within the teachings of the present disclosure that any number of plurality of tools having an opening configured to complimentarily engage the storage element  228  may be used in connection with such storage element  228 .  
      This disclosure is not limited to the details of the apparatus depicted, and other modification and applications may be contemplated. For example, the size, shape, and position of the structural and functional aspects may be altered as desired to suit particular applications. Further, the elements of the various embodiments described above may be formed from any suitable material, including without limitation metal, plastic, composite, natural, synthetic, or any other material. Certain other changes may be made in the above-described apparatus without departing from true spirit and scope of the disclosure here involved. It is intended, therefor that the subject matter of the above depiction shall be interpreted as illustrated and not in a limiting sense. The actual scope of the disclosure is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the related art.