Patent Publication Number: US-7905354-B1

Title: Magnetic tool holder

Description:
This invention relates to a magnetic tool holder, and more particularly, to a magnetic tool holder which cooperates with a magnetic socket track, in order to support sockets and driver bits on a surface. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For a mechanic, it is very desirable to have good access to tools. Such access requires the visibility along with ease of removal and replacement. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,342 to Ronald J. Geibel; who is the applicant in this application, and which patent is incorporated herein by reference; is disclosed a magnetic strip mounted in a plastic housing for holding sockets in a desired position. Each socket has an appropriate aperture, which receives a fitting on that magnetic socket track. 
     This magnetic socket track can be even more useful, if it can be made thinner. A single channel with a single magnet interferes with a thin magnetic socket track. A mechanic needs a thin socket holder so that tall sockets clear of the drawer when the socket track is placed therein, and the drawer is then closed. Clearly a mechanic can require screwdriver bits as well as sockets. Thus, it can be very useful to have screwdriver bits on that magnetic socket track. 
     Adjustability of the magnetic socket track is very desirable. If the various pins on the magnetic sidetrack can be adjusted, the sockets can be moved to a more desirable position. Also, with the ease of adjustability, the sockets in the magnetic socket track, may have a changed position more suitable for convenience of the user. 
     Typically, a mechanic will have a large tool case, with many compartments and drawers therein. Sometimes, a device for holding sockets in a desired position is rendered ineffective, because the sockets on the tool holder become too tall to permit the drawer to close efficiently. With this problem, such a tool holder does not permit the sockets to be readily available. 
     Driving bits are also important tools. So if driving bits can be held efficiently, additional advantages can be obtained. The driving bits become more accessible and visible. Thus, they become easier to use. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which permits sockets to be used in efficient fashion. 
     A further objective of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which permits sockets to clear the closing drawer. 
     Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which is easily adjustable. 
     A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which holds sockets. 
     Another objective of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which is easily mounted. 
     Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which is easily transported. 
     Still another object of this invention is the provision of a magnetic tool holder, which can be modified to hold driving bits. 
     These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a tool holder, which has magnets and movable pegs cooperating to hold a series of sockets, or a series of screw drivers or bits therefor, or a series of wrenches, or combinations thereof, each being mounted at a desired position on the tool holder, the magnetic holding being accomplished with a dovetail magnetic element mounted on both sides of a series of movable pegs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an end, plan view of the housing  110  for tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 3  depicts an exploded side view of socket holder assembly  128  for tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a top plan view of T-shaped stud  124  for socket holder assembly  128  used with tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 4   a  depicts an end view of a colored rod  140  for tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of a dovetail magnetic segment  120  for tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 5   c  depicts a perspective view of the tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 6  depicts an end plan view of a dovetail magnetic segment  120  for tool holder  100  of this invention. 
         FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of housing  110  for tool holder  100  of this invention with magnets  120  having a preferred arrangement. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a top plan view of magnets  120  having a preferred arrangement in housing  110  for tool holder  100 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts an exploded, end plan view of housing  110  for tool holder  100  of this invention having a bit block holder  172  thereon. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of housing  110  for tool holder  100  of this invention having a bit block holder  172  thereon. 
         FIG. 10   a  depicts a perspective view of bit block holder  172  for housing  110  of tool holder  100  of this invention. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar to directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple, and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct or intermediate connections, but may also include connections through mediate elements or devices. 
     The tool holder of this invention can hold sockets and other tools. As a socket holder, it is a very thin tool storage device, with movable pegs which can be tightened in any desired position on the rail of the tool housing of the tool holder. Each of these pegs locates or positions a socket or other tool in a desired position, while a powerful magnetic force holds the sockets in place. 
     Any desired number of peg sizes can be used. Typically, the peg sizes store one quarter inch drive sockets, three eights inch drive sockets, and one half inch drive sockets of the Society of Automotive Engineers (hereinafter “SAE”) or metric type. To remove a desired socket or other tool, one need only provide a slight tilt and a lift to the desired socket or other tool. 
     Once the tool holder is loaded with sockets or other tools, the magnetic force on the bottom of the rail permits the tool holder to be attached to a metal toolbox drawer. The magnet prevents movement of the tool holder within the drawer. Because the structure of the tool holder is so low, the tool holder does not interfere with the operation of the drawer relative to the tool box. 
     This magnetic socket track is even more useful, because it is made thinner by using a dual channel arrangement of magnetic segments rather than a single channel. A mechanic needs a thin socket holder, so that tall sockets mounted thereon can still be stored in a drawer of a tool case, as desired. In this fashion, because the drawer receives the thin tool holder with the sockets thereon, the drawer still functions as desired. 
     Also, the socket track needs to attach firmly to a drawer in order to hold its place. This invention, due to its thin, dual channel dovetail tracks, that hold the magnetic segments, not only accomplishes this feature, but also provides magnetism so powerful that it can secure a fully loaded socket track or socket track with the bit block of attachment to the side of the toolbox or any vertical ferrous metal surface. The individual sockets can be removed without disturbing the connection to the side of the toolbox or any vertical ferrous metal surface. 
     Once the tool holder with the socket track has sockets attached thereto, individual metal sockets can be easily removed with a slight tilt and lift. The entire socket track can be relocated the same way, with a simple tilt and lift. In addition, with the bit block attached in order to hold appropriate driver bits, each of the bits is simply removed by lifting the desired bit or bits off of the magnetic surface of the track through their respective apertures in the bit block attachment. 
     Because it is customary in the trade to identify metric tools with a blue indicator and SAE tools with a red indicator, an interchangeable or reversible color indicator can run the length of the tool housing in order to indicate the type of tools on the tool holder. In this fashion, a mechanic can determine the tools thereon. 
     Some of the other features of this socket track include use thereof without pegs, in order to hold tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and various other tools. There is a strong magnetic attraction to the tools. 
     Clearly, the tool holder can be mounted on any magnetically receptive surface. Such a magnetic mounting can be minimized by attaching a thin metal plate to the bottom of the tool holder. Then the tool holder is thus used without the magnetic characteristics of attaching to surface, when such is desired. For the housing of the tool holder, a nonferrous material having a long, slender shape is desired. Preferably, one longitudinal side of the housing tapers from top to bottom as a tapered side. 
     Also, preferably, there are three channels running the length of the housing. More preferably, there are four channels running the length of the housing. The nonferrous material can be plastic or metallic or combinations thereof. The key factor is that it be a durable material. It is also desirable that the nonferrous material be nonmagnetic. 
     With the three channels running longitudinally, the central channel or slot is a T-shaped channel, to receive the T-stud assembly. The dual magnet channels on either side of the T-shaped channel are preferably dovetailed and receive elongated magnets having that shape. The magnets are in as many pieces as desired to fill each dovetailed channel. Usually, two to six magnets are in each channel. More preferably, two to five magnets are in each channel. Most preferably, two to four magnets are in each channel. The number may vary with the length of the channel. The numbers apply to a housing, and hence the magnet channel in the housing being sufficiently long in order to receive the desired number of magnets. So usually, the magnet channel and the housing are about 20 to about 50 centimeters long. 
     If desired, in the tapered side of the housing is a channel, which may be a color channel. Into the color channel may be inserted a blue rod or blue color indicator when metric tools are present or a red rod color indicator when SAE tools are present. 
     Many types of tools may be supported on the tool holder. For example, various types and sizes of sockets, pliers, wrenches and other tools may be on the tool holder. Even bits; which include, but are not limited to, Phillips bits, flat bits, star bits and Allen wrench bits; may be applied thereto with the proper support. 
     Within the locking T-shaped slot is placed at least one T-shaped stud assembly. The T-shaped stud assembly has a sliding member of a non ferrous material. The sliding member has a platform within the slot with a rod protruding from the platform and above the slot. Fitted over the rod is a tightenable member capable of releasably fixing the platform, and hence the sliding member, in a desired position within the T-shaped slot. The tightenable member also serves as a peg to receive a desired socket. 
     Most preferably, the rod has male threads thereon, while the tightenable member has female threads adapted to receive the male threads. As the threads are tightened and the platform abuts the slot, the sliding member reaches a fixed position relative to the slot. The tightenable member may now receive a socket in a male to female relationship. Clearly, the outer diameter of the tightenable member is sufficient to receive the socket, and set in size depending on the size of the drive for the socket. While there may be some holding frictionally, the major holding force is magnetic. 
     Even more desirable is the tightenable member having an outer ridged or slotted side, in order to provide for a better grip, when the tightenable member is loosened or tightened. A slight taper of the tightenable member adds to the gripping capability on the tightenable member. Such a taper also facilitates removal thereof from a mold during manufacture. 
     Preferably, the taper is up to about ten degrees. More preferably, the taper is about one degree to about nine degrees. Most preferably, the taper is about four degrees to about six degrees. 
     With the tightenable member having a threaded end and an unthreaded end, the taper preferably runs from the unthreaded end and narrows down to the threaded end. However, the taper may run in reverse. Whichever way the taper runs, the ridges and the taper cooperate to assist with the loosening and securing of the tightenable member. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , and  FIG. 5   c , tool holder  100  has a housing  110 , which acts as a nonferrous base plate. Into housing  110  fits a plurality of dovetail magnetic segments  120  at the pair of dovetail channels  122  in housing  110 . Between the two dovetail channels  122  for the threaded nonferrous T-shaped stud  124  is situated T-shaped stud channel  126 . Preferably, the T-shaped stud channel  126  is substantially coplanar with an exposed surface of the magnetic segments  120  as mounted in the dovetail channels  122 . 
     L-shaped magnetically receptive plate  150  is secured to the base  152  of housing  110 , magnetically. This is especially useful, if the magnetic characteristics of the tool holder  100  and housing  110  are not desired. The sockets  160  or other tools are still held in place magnetically, but the tool holder itself will not attach to any ferrous surface until L-shaped magnetically receptive plate  150  is removed. 
     Adding  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  to the consideration, socket holder assembly  128  has a threaded nonferrous T-shaped stud  124  and a female threaded peg  130  with finger ridges  132  on the outside thereof. Threaded nonferrous T-shaped stud  124  includes a male threaded member  134  to cooperate with female threads of female threaded peg  130 . Male threaded member  134  (a top plan view being shown thereof in  FIG. 4 ) includes a slidable head  136 . Slidable head  136  fits into T-shaped stud channel  126  and receives female threaded peg  130  onto male threaded member  134  to form the socket holder assembly  128 . Tightening of female threaded peg  130  thereon positions T-shaped stud  124  therein and permits application of a socket  160  on tool holder  100  to be held there until use thereof is desired by dove tail magnetic segment  120 . 
     With the additional consideration of  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6 , the trapezoidal structure or cross section of dovetail magnetic segment  120  becomes clear. Friction or glue may hold each dovetail magnetic segment  120  in dovetail channel  122 . Sufficient numbers of dovetail magnetic segment  120  are placed in dovetail channel  122  in order to fill the same. 
     Turning now to the consideration of  FIG. 4   a , a colored rod  140  fits into a color channel  142 . Colored rod  140  preferably has a cross section of an equal armed cross with blue on one longitudinal side and red on the other longitudinal side. Into the color channel  142  may be inserted the blue side of rod  140  as a blue color indicator along the side of housing  110 , when metric tools are present or a red side of colored rod  140  or red color indicator when SAE tools are present. 
     Now adding  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  to consideration, the structure of housing  110  becomes more clear. Into housing  110  fits a plurality of dovetail magnetic segments  120  at the pair of dovetail channels  122  in housing  110 . Between the two dovetail channels  122  for the threaded nonferrous T-shaped stud  124  is situated T-shaped stud channel  126 . 
     Each of the pair of dovetail channels  122  in housing  110  has two dovetail magnetic segments  120  or more therein with T-shaped stud channel  126  positioned therebetween. In a preferred situation, adjacent dovetail magnets  120  have opposite polarities within each dovetail channel  122 . Opposite magnets  120  in opposing dovetail channels  122  also have opposing polarities. Such an arrangement of magnets  120  creates an opposing polarity relationship and at least minimizes a magnetic attraction between adjacent sockets  160  on tool holder  100 . This magnetic attraction between adjacent sockets  160 , is believed to be magnetism, which can be induced in the sockets  160  by dovetail magnets, were it not for the opposing polarities. 
     In the tapered side  170  of the housing  110  is a colored rod  140  in a color channel  142 . Colored rod  140  preferably has a cross-section of an equal armed cross with blue on one longitudinal side and red on the other longitudinal side. Into the color channel  142  may be inserted the blue side of rod  140  as a blue color indicator along the side of housing  110 , when metric tools are present; or a red side of colored rod  140  or red color indicator when SAE tools are present, as is the industry standard. 
     Further considering  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 10   a , the addition of bit block holder  172  may be attached to tool housing  110 . Bit block holder  172  includes step aperture  174  at each end thereof. Step aperture  174  receives male threaded member  134  and extender  182 . Extender  182  has a female end  184  with an oppositely disposed male threaded end  186 . Male threaded member  134  receives female threaded end  184 , while male threaded end  186  extends sufficiently into step aperture  174  or bit block holder  172  to receive female threaded peg  130  and lock bit block holder  172  onto housing  110 . 
     Within bit block holder  172  are bit apertures  176 , which can receive a variety of bits  178 . Within the class of bits are included router bits, grinding bits, screw driver bits and other bits in use. Bit block holder  172  cooperates magnets  120 , thereby holding bits  178  on holder  100  until use thereof is desired. 
     Sloped side  180  of bit block holder  172  is adjacent to housing  110  and color channel  142 . With the top surface of housing  110  being adjacent to the bottom surface of bit block holder  172  and each having a substantially similar surface area, sloped side  180  and tapered side  170  facilitate alignment and separation of housing  110  and bit block holder  172  as desired. 
     Bit block holder  172  provides access to magnets  120  and permits various bits  178  to be held thereon. Bits  178  are held or stored on bit block holder  172 , until use thereof is desired. Bit block holder  172  can also cover only part of housing  110  if desired, thereby permitting sockets  160  ( FIG. 1 ) and bits  178  to be held thereon at the same time. 
     This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
     Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.