Patent Description:
There are currently no practical and inexpensive products on the market that offer an accessory that can provide custom organization for tool storage. Most individuals keep their mechanical instruments stored within tool boxes or varied containers; however, these storage bins tend to hold many devices. Having so many instruments and tools within a tool box or a mechanic's drawer can make it difficult to find the proper tool needed for use, due to clutter and disorganization.

<CIT> discloses a magnetic tool storage rack.

<CIT> discloses magnetic holders for cylindrical objects.

<CIT> discloses an interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing device.

<CIT> discloses a tool organizer and a tool organizer module.

<CIT> discloses magnetic tool organizers and a toolbox with magnetic organizers.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that facilitates easy storing and organizing of tools within a tool box and/or drawer.

There is also a need for an inexpensive device that facilitates easy storing and organizing of tools.

The present general inventive concept provides an interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing device with the features of claim <NUM>.

Additional features and utilities of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.

The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a custom tool accessory to hold a tool, the custom tool accessory including a body, at least one tongue disposed at a first side of the body, at least one tongue receiving groove disposed at a second side of the body opposite from the first side of the body, and a tool holding portion disposed on the body to hold the tool.

The custom tool accessory may further include a magnet disposed on a bottom surface of the body to magnetically connect the custom tool accessory to a metal surface.

The at least one tongue may be inserted into another at least one tongue receiving groove of another custom tool accessory to connect the custom tool accessory to the another custom tool accessory.

The at least one tongue may have a shape to correspond to and fit within the at least one tongue receiving groove.

The shape may be at least one of a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, and a rectangular shape.

The tool holding portion may include at least one socket receiving portion to protrude perpendicularly away from a top surface of the body to receive a tool having a shape of a socket.

The at least one socket receiving portion may include an aperture disposed at a top surface thereof to allow a labeling device identifying a size of the tool to be inserted therein.

The tool holding portion may include a concave portion disposed on a top surface of the body to receive a tool having a rounded shape.

The concave portion may include a missing tool indicator having a color different from the body to be visible when the tool is not disposed on the concave portion.

The tool holding portion may include a crevice, including a missing tool indicator disposed at a bottom most portion of the crevice, a first wall inclined surface disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the first wall toward the missing tool indicator, and a second wall inclined surface disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the second wall toward the missing tool indicator.

The first wall and the second wall may be perpendicular with respect to a bottom surface of the body.

The first wall and the second wall may be disposed at an angle with respect to a bottom surface of the body.

The tool holding portion may include a first inner wall parallel to the first wall and the second wall, a second inner wall parallel to the first wall and the second wall, to face the first inner wall, and a tool receiving portion disposed between a bottom portion of the first inner wall and a bottom portion of the second inner wall.

The tool holding portion may include a first tool receiving portion disposed at an angle with respect to the first wall a first wall inclined surface disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top portion of the first wall toward the second tool receiving portion, a second tool receiving portion disposed at an angle with respect to the second wall, and a second wall inclined surface disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top portion of the second wall toward the first tool receiving portion.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular tool holder for use separately and with one or more corresponding tool holders, the modular tool holder comprises:.

In an embodiment described herein, the area of the metallic base plate is larger than the area of the at least one magnet.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the magnet is of a planar configuration.

In an embodiment described herein, further comprising a retainer to surround the at least one magnet to assist in retaining the at least one magnet in stationary position.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the retainer is in the shape of the base plate.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the retainer comprising an opening for receiving the at least one magnet closely therein.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the retainer is of a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the at least one magnet.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein perimeter portions of the retainer engage with receiving slots formed in the base portion of the body portion to secure the retainer to the body portion.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein portions of the retainer lock into engagement with corresponding portions of the body portion.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the tool holding portion is selected from the group consisting of:.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein:
the first and second walls extend in one of the following relationships to each other:.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the tool holding portion comprising first and second walls extending upwardly from the base portion and wherein the distance separating the first and second walls is adjustable to accommodate tools of different sizes.

In an embodiment described herein, further comprising a linear ratchet projects from one of the first and second walls, the linear ratchet defining a series of transverse slots extending along the length of the linear ratchet; and
a pawl carried by a transverse pawl lever operable to engage and disengage the pawl from the ratchet transverse slots.

In an embodiment described herein, wherein the pawl is mounted on a transverse pawl bar that is movable lengthwise of the pawl bar to engage and disengage the pawl from the ratchet slots.

While <FIG> are embodiments useful to understand the background of the invention, only <FIG> relate to embodiments according to the claimed invention.

Various example embodiments (a. , exemplary embodiments) will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are illustrated.

It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. Like numbers refer to like/similar elements throughout the detailed description.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present.

It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art. However, should the present disclosure give a specific meaning to a term deviating from a meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill, this meaning is to be taken into account in the specific context this definition is given herein.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back," "ahead," "behind," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "top," "bottom," "right hand," left hand," "in," "out," "extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," "distal," "central," etc. These references and other similar references in the present application are only to assist in helping describe and understand the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention to these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to reference a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" is meant to be any number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five, etc..

The present application may include modifiers such as the words "generally," "approximately," "about", or "substantially. " These terms are meant to serve as modifiers to indicate that the "dimension," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other physical parameter in question need not be exact, but may vary as long as the function that is required to be performed can be carried out. For example, in the phrase "generally circular in shape," the shape need not be exactly circular as long as the required function of the structure in question can be carried out. If a quantitative value is needed to render the applicable parameter sufficiently definite, the applicable parameter is within five percent (<NUM>%) of the designated parameter value.

In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described. In the following description and in the accompanying drawings, the corresponding systems assemblies, apparatus and units may be identified by the same part number, but with an alpha suffix or by a prime (" ' ") or double prime (" " ") or even a triple prime (" ‴ ") designation. The descriptions of the parts/components of such systems assemblies, apparatus, and units that are the same or similar are not repeated so as to avoid redundancy in the present application.

<FIG> illustrate various embodiments of an interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing device, but may be referred to hereinafter as a custom tool accessory.

<FIG> illustrates a top angled perspective view of a custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to <FIG>, the custom tool accessory <NUM> may be constructed from plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a socket receiving portion <NUM>, and a magnet <NUM>.

The at least one tongue <NUM> may be disposed at a side portion of the body <NUM> to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM> may be disposed at another side portion of the body <NUM> opposite from the at least one tongue <NUM>, and may be cut into the another side portion of the body <NUM> to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to the at least one tongue <NUM>. As such, two custom tool accessories <NUM> may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue <NUM> of a first custom tool accessory <NUM> into the at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM> of a second custom tool accessory <NUM>.

The socket receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed at on a top surface of the body <NUM> at the center portion of the body <NUM>, such that the socket receiving portion <NUM> protrudes perpendicularly away from the top surface of the body <NUM>. The socket receiving portion <NUM> may have a cubical shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art to allow a socket, a socket wrench, or any other similar tool to be inserted thereupon such that the socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool is held in place by the socket receiving portion <NUM>. As such, the socket receiving portion <NUM> may also be known as a tool holding portion <NUM>.

The socket receiving portion <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> to allow a labeling device to be inserted therein, so that a user may easily see a size of the tool held by the socket receiving portion <NUM>.

The magnet <NUM> may be disposed at a center portion of the body <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The magnet <NUM> may be provided within the center portion of the body <NUM> in order to allow the custom tool accessory <NUM> to magnetically connect to a metal surface.

<FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Also, the custom tool accessory <NUM> may have similar components and functionalities as the custom tool accessory <NUM>, but is designed to hold two tools simultaneously instead of one tool.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM>, and at least one magnet <NUM>.

The plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM> may be provided as two or more sockets <NUM> on a top surface of the body <NUM>, such that the plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM> protrude perpendicularly away from the top surface of the body <NUM>. The plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM> may have a cubical shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art to allow a socket, a socket wrench, or any other similar tool to be inserted thereupon such that the socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool is held in place by the plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM>. As such, the plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM> may also be known as tool holding portions <NUM>.

The plurality of socket receiving portions <NUM> may each include an aperture <NUM> disposed at a top surface thereof to allow a labeling device <NUM> to be inserted therein. The labeling device <NUM> may be shaped like a rectangular prism such that it may fit into one of the apertures <NUM>, and may have an angled top surface to allow users to view a labeled size of a tool disposed on the plurality of sockets, but is not limited thereto. The labeling device <NUM> may also be utilized in the aperture <NUM> of the socket receiving portion <NUM> of <FIG>, or any other aperture in order to label a size of a tool that is disposed on a custom tool accessory.

The at least one magnet <NUM> may be disposed at a center portion of the body <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The at least one magnet <NUM> may be provided within the center portion of the body <NUM> in order to allow the custom tool accessory <NUM> to magnetically connect to a metal surface.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates a side elevational view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a missing tool indicator <NUM>, and a magnet <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include a first wall <NUM>, a second wall <NUM>, and a concave surface <NUM> disposed between the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>.

The at least one tongue <NUM> may be disposed at a side portion of the body <NUM>, specifically at a side portion of the first wall <NUM>, to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM> may be disposed at another side portion of the body <NUM> opposite from the at least one tongue <NUM>, specifically at a side portion of the second wall <NUM>, and may be cut into the another side portion of the body <NUM> of the second wall <NUM> to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to the at least one tongue <NUM>. As such, two custom tool accessories <NUM> may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue <NUM> of a first custom tool accessory <NUM> into the at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM> of a second custom tool accessory <NUM>.

The missing tool indicator <NUM> may extend across a center portion of the concave surface <NUM> of the body <NUM>, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the concave surface <NUM>, and thus, over the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible. The concave surface <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool having a rounded shape thereupon, such as a metal portion of a screwdriver, or any other similar tool. As such, the concave surface <NUM> may also be known as a tool holding portion <NUM>.

The magnet <NUM> may be disposed at a center portion of the concave surface <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The magnet <NUM> may be provided within the center portion of the body <NUM> in order to allow the custom tool accessory <NUM> to magnetically connect to a metal surface. The magnet <NUM> may also be provided to maintain the tool, such as a screwdriver, magnetically connected to the concave surface <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory <NUM>, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a missing tool indicator <NUM>, a magnet <NUM>, and a label <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include a first wall <NUM>, a first wall inclined surface <NUM>, a second wall <NUM>, a second wall inclined surface <NUM>, and a label receiving portion <NUM>.

The first wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the first wall <NUM> toward the missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The second wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the second wall <NUM> toward the missing tool indicator <NUM>.

As such, the first wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second wall inclined surface <NUM> both converge at the missing tool indicator <NUM>, and thus, extend diagonally upward from the missing tool indicator <NUM> toward top surfaces of the first wall <NUM> and the second wall <NUM>, respectively.

The label receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed on the top surface connecting the second wall <NUM> and the second wall inclined surface <NUM>, and may include at least one aperture to receive the label <NUM> therein. The label <NUM> may be an identifying member that may be inserted into the label receiving portion <NUM>, such that it is interchangeable based on a user's preference. As such, the label <NUM> may allow the user to see whether a tool held by the custom tool accessory <NUM> has a particular size, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, etc..

The missing tool indicator <NUM> may form a surface disposed in a crevice at a substantially center portion of the body <NUM>, specifically between a bottom portion of the first wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second wall inclined surface <NUM>, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the missing tool indicator <NUM>, and thus, over the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible. The missing tool indicator <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a wrench, or any other similar tool. As such, the missing tool indicator <NUM> may also be known as a tool holding portion <NUM>.

When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the tool may sit on an edge thereof at a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The magnet <NUM> may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the body <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The magnet <NUM> may be provided within the center portion of the body <NUM> in order to allow the custom tool accessory <NUM> to magnetically connect to a metal surface. The magnet <NUM> may also be provided to maintain the tool, such as a wrench, magnetically connected to the missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, a second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, a magnet <NUM>, a first label <NUM>, a second label <NUM>, a first missing tool indicator <NUM>, and a second missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include a first outer wall <NUM>, a first outer wall inclined surface <NUM>, a center wall <NUM>, a first center wall inclined surface <NUM>, a second center wall inclined surface <NUM>, a first label receiving portion <NUM>, a second outer wall <NUM>, a second outer wall inclined surface <NUM>, and a second label receiving portion <NUM>.

The first outer wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the first wall <NUM> toward the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>.

The first center wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the center wall <NUM> (i.e., from the first label receiving portion <NUM>) toward the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>.

As such, the first outer wall inclined surface <NUM> and the first center wall inclined surface <NUM> both converge at the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, and thus, extend diagonally upward from the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> toward the top surfaces of the first wall <NUM> and the center wall <NUM> (i.e., the first label receiving portion <NUM>), respectively.

The second center wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from the top surface of the center wall <NUM> toward the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>.

The second outer wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top surface of the second outer wall <NUM> (i.e., from the second label receiving portion <NUM>) toward the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>.

As such, the second center wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second outer wall inclined surface <NUM> both converge at the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, and thus, extend diagonally upward from the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> toward the top surfaces of the center wall <NUM> and the second outer wall <NUM> (i.e., the second label receiving portion <NUM>), respectively.

The first label receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed on the top surface of the center wall <NUM>, specifically, disposed between the first center wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second center wall inclined surface <NUM>. The first label receiving portion <NUM> may include at least one aperture to receive the first label <NUM> therein. The first label <NUM> may be an identifying member that may be inserted into the first label receiving portion <NUM>, such that it is interchangeable based on a user's preference. As such, the first label <NUM> may allow the user to see whether a first tool held by the custom tool accessory <NUM> has a particular size, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, etc..

The second label receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed on the top surface of the second outer wall <NUM>, specifically, disposed between the second outer wall inclined surface <NUM> and an outer surface of the second outer wall <NUM>. The second label receiving portion <NUM> may include at least one aperture to receive the second label <NUM> therein. The second label <NUM> may be an identifying member that may be inserted into the second label receiving portion <NUM>, such that it is interchangeable based on a user's preference. As such, the second label <NUM> may allow the user to see whether a second tool held by the custom tool accessory <NUM> has a particular size, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, etc..

The at least one tongue <NUM> may be disposed at a side portion of the body <NUM>, specifically at a side portion of the first outer wall <NUM>, to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM> may be disposed at another side portion of the body <NUM> opposite from the at least one tongue <NUM>, specifically at a side portion of the second outer wall <NUM>, and may be cut into the another side portion of the body <NUM> of the second outer wall <NUM> to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to the at least one tongue <NUM>. As such, two custom tool accessories <NUM> may be interlocked together by inserting the at least one tongue <NUM> of a first custom tool accessory <NUM> into the at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM> of a second custom tool accessory <NUM>.

The first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed in a crevice between a bottom portion of the first outer wall inclined surface <NUM> and the first center wall inclined surface <NUM>, and may include at least one aperture to receive the first missing tool indicator <NUM> therein. The first missing tool indicator <NUM> may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the first missing tool indicator <NUM>, and thus, over the first missing tool indicator <NUM>, the first missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible. The first missing tool indicator <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a wrench, or any other similar tool. As such, the first missing tool indicator <NUM> may also be known as a first tool holding portion <NUM>.

When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the first missing tool indicator <NUM>, the tool may sit on an edge thereof at a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the first missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed in a crevice between a bottom portion of the second center wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second outer wall inclined surface <NUM>, and may include at least one aperture to receive the second missing tool indicator <NUM> therein. The second missing tool indicator <NUM> may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the second missing tool indicator <NUM>, and thus, over the second missing tool indicator <NUM>, the second missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible. The second missing tool indicator <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a wrench, or any other similar tool. As such, the second missing tool indicator <NUM> may also be known as a second tool holding portion <NUM>.

When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the second missing tool indicator <NUM>, the tool may sit on an edge thereof at a <NUM>-degree angle with respect to the first missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The first missing tool indicator <NUM> and the second missing tool indicator <NUM> may be removably and interchangeably inserted into the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, respectively, in order to allow the user to have missing tool indicators of varying colors. This interchangeability and removability of the missing tool indicators may apply to all of the embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

The magnet <NUM> may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the body <NUM>, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in plurality along the bottom surface of the body <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> may be provided at the bottom surface of the body <NUM> to correspond to the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, in order to allow the custom tool accessory <NUM> to magnetically connect to a metal surface, while also maintaining two tools, such as wrenches, magnetically connected to the first missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM> and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion <NUM>, respectively. Specifically, the magnetic connection may pass from the plurality of magnets <NUM> through the first missing tool indicator <NUM> and the second missing tool indicator <NUM>, such that the two tools, such as wrenches, magnetically stick to and cover the first missing tool indicator <NUM> and the second missing tool indicator <NUM>, respectively.

The body <NUM>, and components thereof, may be similar to the body <NUM> of <FIG>, but may be disposed at an angle in order to provide angled storage for a tool disposed within the custom tool accessory <NUM>.

The missing tool indicator <NUM> may form a surface disposed in a crevice at a substantially center portion of the body <NUM>, specifically between a bottom portion of the first wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second wall inclined surface <NUM>, may also be disposed at an angle, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the missing tool indicator <NUM>, and thus, over the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible. The missing tool indicator <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a handle of a wrench, or any other similar tool. As such, the missing tool indicator <NUM> may also be known as a tool holding portion <NUM>.

When the tool, such as a wrench, is disposed on the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the tool may sit on an edge thereof at an angle (such as <NUM>-degrees) with respect to the missing tool indicator <NUM>.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a tool receiving portion <NUM>, and a magnet <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include a first outer wall <NUM>, a first inner wall <NUM>, a second outer wall <NUM>, and a second inner wall <NUM>.

The first inner wall <NUM> may be parallel to at least a portion of the first outer wall <NUM>.

The second inner wall <NUM> may be parallel to at least a portion of the second outer wall <NUM>.

The tool receiving portion <NUM> may be disposed between a bottom portion of the first inner wall <NUM> and a bottom portion of the second inner wall <NUM>.

The missing tool indicator <NUM> may be disposed on a surface of the tool receiving portion <NUM> to cover at least a portion of the tool receiving portion <NUM>, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the tool receiving portion <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the tool receiving portion <NUM>, and thus, over the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible.

The tool receiving portion <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool having any type of shape, such as tin snips, a ruler, a tape measure, pliers, a hammer, a drill, etc., but is not limited thereto. As such, the custom tool accessory <NUM> may also be known as a "Universal" custom tool accessory, as it allows many different types of tools to be held thereby.

The magnet <NUM> may be disposed at a center portion of a bottom surface of the body <NUM>, but is not limited thereto. The magnet <NUM> may be provided within the center portion of the body <NUM> in order to allow the custom tool accessory <NUM> to magnetically connect to a metal surface. The magnet <NUM> may also be provided to maintain the tool, such as a wrench, magnetically connected to the tool receiving portion <NUM>.

The custom tool accessory <NUM> may include a body <NUM>, at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, a first tool receiving portion <NUM>, and a magnet <NUM>.

The body <NUM> may include a first wall <NUM>, a first wall inclined surface <NUM>, a second wall <NUM>, a second wall top surface <NUM>, a second wall inclined surface <NUM>, and a second tool receiving portion <NUM>.

The first wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from a top portion of the first wall <NUM> toward the second tool receiving portion <NUM>.

The second wall inclined surface <NUM> may be disposed at an angle extending downwards from an inner end of the top surface <NUM> toward the second tool receiving portion <NUM>.

The second tool receiving portion <NUM> may be substantially flat, may be disposed between the first wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second wall inclined surface <NUM> and may be designed to receive a tool thereupon, along with the first tool receiving portion <NUM>.

The first wall inclined surface <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the second wall inclined surface <NUM>, and the second tool receiving portion <NUM> may be substantially perpendicularly to the first wall inclined surface <NUM> and the second wall inclined surface <NUM>.

The first tool receiving portion <NUM> may include a missing tool indicator <NUM> thereupon, may also be disposed at an angle, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is missing from the custom tool accessory <NUM>. When a tool is placed on the first tool receiving portion <NUM>, and thus, over the missing tool indicator <NUM>, the missing tool indicator <NUM> is no longer visible. The first tool receiving portion <NUM> and the second tool receiving portion <NUM> may be designed to receive a tool such as a wrench, or any other similar tool. As such, the first tool receiving portion <NUM> and the second tool receiving portion <NUM> may also be known as a tool holding portion.

When the tool, such as a pair of pliers, is disposed on the first tool receiving portion <NUM> and the second tool receiving portion <NUM>, the tool may sit (such as <NUM>-degrees) with respect to the bottom surface of the body <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> linked together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, a plurality of sockets <NUM> having various sizes may be disposed on sockets <NUM> of the plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> to be stored thereupon.

<FIG> illustrates various pluralities of custom tool accessories <NUM> linked together within a mechanic's drawer, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, a plurality of box end wrenches <NUM> and wrench heads <NUM> having various sizes may be disposed on sockets <NUM> of the plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> to be stored thereupon.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the custom tool accessories <NUM> each have spacers 300a disposed therebetween in order to allow for extra space to be provided between each of the custom tool accessories <NUM>. Each of the spacers 300a may include at least one tongue <NUM>, at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, similarly as the custom tool accessories <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, a plurality of screwdrivers of sizes may be disposed on the custom tool accessories <NUM> to be stored thereupon.

As illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the custom tool accessories <NUM> have wrenches <NUM> disposed thereon, and it is clear that one of the custom tool accessories <NUM> without a wrench includes a visible missing tool indicator <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> about to be linked together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates another top perspective view of the plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> about to be linked together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

<FIG> illustrates the plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> linked together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, a stabilizer 600a may be provided at an end of the plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> in order to add stability to the linked plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM>.

Specifically, the stabilizer 600a may include a body 610a, a first inclined wall 611a, a second inclined wall 612a, and at least one tongue 620a.

The at least one tongue 620a may be disposed at a side portion of the body 610a, specifically at a side portion of the first wall 611a, to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The at least one tongue 620a may be inserted into the at least one tongue receiving groove <NUM>, in order to link the stabilizer 600a at an end of the plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> linked together.

<FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories <NUM> having various sizes, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, it is clear that the custom tool accessory <NUM> may be included in various widths/sizes, in order to accommodate different types of tools therein.

As such, referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, a first custom tool accessory 700a may be used to hold tweezers <NUM> therein, a second custom tool accessory 700b may be used to hold a laser <NUM> therein, a third custom tool accessory 700c may be used to hold a mallet <NUM> therein, and a fourth custom tool accessory 700d may be used to hold a wire stripper therein. However, the custom tool accessories 700a through 700d are not limited to holding the aforementioned tools, and may hold any type of tools therein.

Referring to <FIG>, and <FIG>, it is clear that the custom tool accessory <NUM> may be linked together with other custom tool accessories <NUM> or <NUM>, in order to accommodate different types of tools therein, such as plier <NUM> and/or snips <NUM>.

As such, the user may mix, match, and link different types of custom tool accessories together, including, but not limited to custom tool accessories <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

The custom tool accessories of the embodiments as illustrated in <FIG> may all include interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing devices to facilitate organization of a user's tools within a tool box or a tool drawer. As such, professionals such as mechanics may utilize the custom tool accessories of the embodiments as illustrated in <FIG> to hold, store, and organize all of their tools in the manner in which they desire, for easier visibility and accessibility.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Some of these embodiments are similar in construction to the embodiments illustrated above in <FIG>. In such instances, the part numbers for the embodiments in <FIG> are the same as in <FIG>, but with the exception of a prime or double prime designation, or triple prime designation. As such, the description of these parts will not be repeated so as to avoid duplication.

One feature in the embodiments of <FIG> is the use of a metal base plate mounted to the base of the tool holder to which one or more magnets are attached. The use of the metal plate at the base of the tool holder provides a secure attachment structure for the magnet and thereby increases the structural integrity of the tool holder.

Another advantage of the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in <FIG> is that a "sandwich" magnet assembly is created. In this regard, the magnet is sandwiched between the metal base plate and the metallic surface on which the various embodiments of the tool holder are placed. As such, the metallic base plate and the metallic surface on which the tool holder is placed "sandwich" the magnet therebetween to create a more powerful magnetic assembly than if the metallic base plate were not in use. Such metallic assembly creates a magnetic field that can be many times stronger than the use of the magnet itself without the metallic base plate.

The enhanced effect of the magnetic assembly sandwich exists regardless of the composition of the magnet, whether the magnet is composed of metallic material, a ceramic material, etc..

<FIG> illustrate a custom tool accessory <NUM> adapted to receive and hold tool bits, for instance, a screwdriver bit. In this regard, the custom tool accessory <NUM> includes a body <NUM> for receiving a holder insert <NUM> within the perimeter of the body. The body <NUM> includes a base <NUM> at the bottom of the body, with the base surrounded by side walls <NUM> and <NUM> and end walls <NUM> and <NUM>. Tongues <NUM> are formed in the side walls <NUM> and end wall <NUM>, whereas grooves <NUM> are formed in the side wall <NUM> and <NUM>. The tongues <NUM> can be of the same or very similar construction to the tongues described above, for instance, tongue <NUM>. Likewise, the grooves <NUM> can be of a construction similar to the grooves discussed above, including groove <NUM>. In this regard, the tongues <NUM> and grooves <NUM> enable a number of bit holders <NUM> to be assembled together as desired.

Referring specifically to <FIG>, the base <NUM> is constructed with shallow rectangular shaped depressions <NUM> for receiving therein a metallic base plate <NUM>. Each of the depressions <NUM> are formed with a circular hole <NUM> for receiving a disc shaped magnet <NUM> therein. The magnets <NUM> are glued or otherwise affixed to the underside of metallic base plates <NUM> which in turn are glued or otherwise affixed into the shallow depressions <NUM>. It will be appreciated that the underside of the magnets <NUM> are coplanar with the bottom surface of the body base <NUM>.

A missing bit indicator in the form of a colored panel <NUM> overlies the top surface of the body base <NUM>. The holder insert <NUM> is receivable within the body <NUM> to overlie the missing bit indicator <NUM>. A series of hexagonal shaped sockets <NUM> extend downwardly through the holder insert <NUM> to receive the shank portions of tool bits to be held by the tool bit holder <NUM>. The missing bit indicator <NUM> is clearly visible at the bottom of the bit sockets <NUM> to conveniently and clearly indicate the absence of a bit within a socket <NUM>, even in low light conditions.

Although the sockets <NUM> are illustrated as arranged in rows and columns of equal spacing, the bit sockets <NUM> can be of different spacing to accommodate, for example, various size of tool bits or various types of tools that may be attached to a hex shank, for example, hex wrench sockets. Since hex wrench sockets vary in size depending on the size of the nut or bolt to be manipulated, in order to provide clearance for the hex wrench sockets the sockets <NUM> may be required to be of different spacing than shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a bit holder <NUM> which is constructed similarly to bit holder <NUM>, but with a singular row of bit receiving sockets <NUM>'. Otherwise, the bit holder <NUM> is of a construction corresponding to the construction of the bit holder <NUM>. As such, the description of the bit holder <NUM> also applies to the bit holder <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate custom tool accessory <NUM>' in the form of a socket holder corresponding to the socket holder illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> described above. As such, the components of the bit holder <NUM>' that are the same or similar to the custom tool accessories <NUM> is identified with the same part numbers but with a prime designation.

One difference in the custom tool accessory <NUM>' relative to custom tool accessory <NUM> is the addition of the metallic base plate <NUM>, glued or otherwise attached to the underside of body <NUM>'. In addition, a circular magnet <NUM> is adhered to or otherwise attached to the underside of the metallic base plate <NUM>. A retention plate <NUM> has a circular opening for surrounding the magnet <NUM> to retain the magnet in position, and also to assist in retaining the base plate <NUM> in position. The retention plate includes tabs <NUM> that project from the edges of the retention plate to snugly engage within close-fitting notches provided in the body <NUM>'. Although tabs <NUM> are shown as projecting from the ends of the retention plate <NUM>, such tabs can also extend from the side edges of the retention plate. Also, the retention plate <NUM> can be adhered to or otherwise fixedly attached to the underside of the metallic base plate <NUM>.

The retention plate <NUM> and the underside of the magnet <NUM> provide a continuous planar surface to present to the surface on which the socket holder <NUM> is mounted. Unless otherwise described, the custom tool accessories illustrated in the figures to follow are of similar construction, with metallic (steel) base plate attached to the underside of the tool holder, one or more magnets attached to the underside of the base plate, and a retention plate surrounding the magnet(s) and attached to the base of the tool holder. Also, tabs project from the retention plate to mount the retention plate to the tool holder body. In addition, the retention plate can be adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the base plate.

<FIG> illustrate a stem or post <NUM>, which extends upwardly from the socket receiving portion <NUM>, constructed with a slanted or diagonal top surface <NUM> which can include indicia, for instance, indicating the size of the socket being held by the custom tool accessory <NUM>'. In this regard, <FIG> illustrates a series of posts <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> each corresponding to a different size socket to be held by the custom tool accessory. The indicia at the top slanted face of the posts indicate the size of the socket being held. The bottom of the posts <NUM>-<NUM> engage within socket receiving portion <NUM>. The socket receiving portion <NUM> receives the typical square opening in the base of the socket into which the socket wrench extends when the socket is in use.

<FIG> illustrates a custom tool accessory similar to accessory <NUM>', but designed for sockets with smaller square openings for a smaller size socket wrench. Other than this difference, the custom tool accessory <NUM>' is of the same construction as the custom tool accessory <NUM>' shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a spacer <NUM> for interconnecting socket holders <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", etc. The spacer <NUM> can be constructed similarly to the socket holders <NUM>' and <NUM>", but without a socket receiving portion <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>'. The purpose of the spacer is to place the socket holders <NUM>, <NUM>' or <NUM>" further apart from each other if needed to provide sufficient spacing for the sockets being held. In this regard, the spacer <NUM> includes the same tongues <NUM> and grooves <NUM> integrated into the spacer base portion or body <NUM> as in the holders <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>". Further, the spacer <NUM> can be constructed with or without a magnet, such as magnet <NUM> or <NUM>, and an associated metallic mounting plate and a retention plate.

It will be appreciated that the spacers, such as spacers <NUM>, can be constructed of various widths so as to achieve a desired spacing between socket holders <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>".

The tool holder <NUM>' shown in <FIG> and <FIG> is similar to the tool holder shown in <FIG>, but with the tool receiving portions <NUM> and <NUM> slanted rather than being vertical. As such, the components of the tool holder <NUM>' are identified with the same part numbers as the tool holder shown in <FIG>, but with the addition of a prime designation.

In addition, the tool holder <NUM>' includes a metallic base plate portion <NUM> affixed to the underside of the body <NUM>'. In this regard, a recess <NUM> is formed in the underside of the body <NUM>' for receiving the plate <NUM>. A circular magnet <NUM> is affixed to the underside of the plate <NUM> by an adhesive or other means. A retention plate <NUM> has a circular opening for closely receiving the magnet <NUM> therein and to otherwise close off the bottom of the body <NUM>' so as to form a flat surface on which the tool holder <NUM>' sits. A plurality of tabs <NUM> project from the retention plate to engage within blind holes <NUM> formed in the side walls.

<FIG> illustrate an end connector <NUM> for use in interconnecting sloped tool accessories such as <NUM>' to a vertical tool accessory, for instance, tool accessory <NUM> shown in <FIG>. To this end, the connector <NUM> has a body <NUM> with a sloped side <NUM> from which the tongue <NUM> projects. The other surface <NUM> is constructed with grooves <NUM> for receiving vertical tongues, such as tongues <NUM> shown in <FIG>. It is to be understood that the positions of the tongues <NUM> and grooves <NUM> can be reversed on the connector <NUM> than as shown in <FIG>.

The end connector <NUM> can also be constructed with a metallic, magnetically permeable plate, such as plate <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as well as a magnet, such as magnet <NUM> and a retention plate, such as plate <NUM>. Alternatively, the end connector <NUM> can be constructed without a base plate, retention plate, or magnet since the connector <NUM> will not per se be holding a tool.

<FIG> illustrates a tool holder <NUM>" that is similar to tool holder <NUM>', but constructed to hold a singular tool within the tool receiving portion <NUM>". In other respects, the tool holder <NUM>" is constructed similarly to the tool holder <NUM>', including with a metallic base plate and magnet attached thereto, which are not visible, in <FIG>, as well as with a retention plate similar to retention plate <NUM>, which also is not visible in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, a custom tool accessory <NUM>' is illustrated of a configuration to hold various types of tools, including wrenches. The custom tool holder <NUM>' is similar in construction and function to the custom tool holder <NUM> shown in <FIG>. As such, the aspects of the construction of the custom tool holder <NUM>' that are the same or similar to that of custom tool holder <NUM> will not be repeated.

However, the custom tool holder <NUM>' does include a base plate <NUM> which is fixedly attached to the underside to the body <NUM>' of the holder <NUM>'. As in other embodiments of the present disclosure, a disc shaped magnet <NUM> is adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the underside of the metallic base plate <NUM>. Further, a retention plate <NUM> is affixed to the underside of the base plate <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> project from the ends of the retention plate <NUM> to snap into close fitting blind holes formed in the base of body <NUM>', thereby to hold the retention plate <NUM> firmly in place beneath the tool holder <NUM>'.

The retention plate <NUM> has a circular through opening for receiving the magnet <NUM> therein. This allows the magnet <NUM> to adhere to the metallic surface on which the tool holder <NUM>' is positioned, while also providing a flat, stable surface for the tool holder <NUM>'. Other than with respect to the use of the base plate <NUM>, the magnet <NUM> and retention plate <NUM>, the custom tool holder <NUM>' is similar in construction to the tool holder <NUM> described above.

Next, referring to <FIG>, the custom tool holder <NUM>‴ is constructed similarly to the tool holder <NUM> shown in <FIG> above, but with the differences in construction as described following. The tool holder <NUM>"', as with the tool holder <NUM>, is capable of holding multiple tools, for example, wrenches. Further, it is to be appreciated that tool holders similar to tool holders <NUM>‴ can be constructed to hold more than two tools, for example, three, four, five, etc., tools.

Referring initially to <FIG>, the tool holder <NUM>‴ includes a metallic base plate <NUM> that is secured to the underside of the tool holder body <NUM>‴ by any convenient means, such as with an adhesive. A disc shaped magnet <NUM> is adhered or otherwise affixed to the bottom side of the metallic plate <NUM>. Also, a rectangularly shaped retention plate <NUM> is affixed to the underside of the body <NUM>"'. The retention plate <NUM> includes tabs <NUM> that protrude laterally from the side edge of the retention plate to snap into close fitting blind holes formed at the bottom portion of body <NUM>‴ to securely hold the retention plate in place.

The retention plate <NUM> has a circular opening <NUM> for receiving the magnet <NUM> closely therein. As such, the underside of the magnet <NUM> is flush with the underside of the retention plate <NUM>. As a result, the tool holder <NUM>‴ is securely held in place on a magnetic surface on which the tool holder is placed. Further, the retention plate <NUM> provides a flat, stable surface for the underside of the tool holder <NUM>"'.

Next, referring to <FIG>, a custom tool holder <NUM>" is illustrated as being of a construction similar to tool holder <NUM>, but with the interior surfaces <NUM>" and <NUM>" having a lower inclined section and an upper vertical section adapted to receive various types of tools therein, for instance, the handles of a pair of pliers or the handles of snips or other tools.

The custom tool accessory <NUM>" includes a metallic base plate <NUM> that is adhered or otherwise affixed to the underside of the tool body <NUM>". A disc shaped magnet <NUM> is adhered or otherwise affixed to the underside of the metallic base plate <NUM>. A retention plate <NUM> is adhered or otherwise affixed to the underside of the base plate <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> project from the end edges of retention plate <NUM> to snap into close fitting blind holes formed in the base portion of body <NUM>".

The retention plate <NUM> has a circular opening <NUM> therethrough for closely receiving the disc shaped magnet <NUM> therein. The underside of the retention plate <NUM> is co-extensive with the underside of the disc shaped magnet <NUM> thereby to present a uniform flat plane to the surface on which the tool holder <NUM>" is mounted. As in the other embodiments of the present disclosure, the magnet <NUM> securely holds the tool holder <NUM>' in place on a magnetic surface.

Next, <FIG> illustrates a spacer <NUM> which is of a height and width similar to the height and width of the walls <NUM>" and <NUM>" of the holder <NUM>" shown in <FIG>. The spacer <NUM> functions to space apart holders such as holder <NUM>" so that enough clearance is provided between the tools being held by the holder <NUM>", or other types of holders with which spacer <NUM> may be connected. As such, the side wall <NUM> of the spacer <NUM> can be of various widths so as to provide the amount of clearance desired between holders, such as holders <NUM>". Further, the spacer <NUM> includes the same tongues <NUM>" as used in the tool holder <NUM>". The spacer <NUM> also includes grooves, which are not visible, of the same construction as in the holders <NUM> and <NUM>". Also, the spacer <NUM> can be constructed with the base plate, a disc shaped magnet and a retention plate similar to corresponding components <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> discussed above with respect to holder <NUM>".

<FIG> illustrates various configurations of labels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> that may be used in conjunction with the various tool holders of the present disclosure, for instance, with tool holders <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>‴ as discussed above. Labels <NUM> and <NUM> indicate, for example, SAE wrench sizes <NUM>/<NUM>th inch and <NUM>/<NUM>th inch. Labels <NUM> and <NUM> indicate metric wrench sizes of <NUM> and <NUM>. Of course, other indicia could be utilized. Further, the indicia and/or the entire label can be a particular color corresponding to whether the designated tool is an SAE or a metric sized tool.

<FIG> illustrate another embodiment of a custom tool holder <NUM> that is similar in construction to the custom tool holder <NUM>" of <FIG>. As such, the comparable components of the custom tool holder <NUM> that correspond to the custom tool holder <NUM>" is given the same basic part number but of a <NUM> series. One difference between the tool holder of <FIG> from that shown in <FIG> is that the tool holder <NUM> has walls <NUM> and <NUM> with a longer vertical wall inside surface <NUM> and <NUM> and a shorter diagonal surface at the bottom thereof. In this regard, the tool holder <NUM> is adapted to perhaps more conveniently hold tools with rounded or elliptical members, such as a hammer or perhaps screwdriver handles. As in the tool holder <NUM>", the tool holder <NUM> includes a base plate <NUM>, a disc shaped magnet <NUM>, a retention plate <NUM>, and tabs <NUM> which are constructed and function in a manner comparable to the corresponding components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, tabs <NUM>, as described above.

<FIG>, <FIG> disclose tool holders in which the gap separating the vertical walls <NUM> and <NUM> are progressively wider than shown in <FIG>. In other respects, the tool holders 1400A, 1400B, 1400C and 1400D are the same as described above with respect to <NUM>. As such, the components of the holders 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D are identified by the same part numbers as in <FIG>, but with the suffixes "A", "B", "C" and "D". One possible difference in the tool holders 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D is that as the tool holder gets progressively larger, for example, as shown in <FIG>, a larger base plate <NUM> may be used or perhaps two base plates <NUM> may be utilized, and a disc shaped magnet <NUM> as well as a retention plate <NUM> used in conjunction with each of the base plates <NUM>. Also, perhaps two magnets may be used with larger base plates.

Next, referring to <FIG>, a custom tool accessory <NUM>' is illustrated as of a construction similar to custom tool accessory <NUM> shown in <FIG>, described above. The custom tool holder <NUM>' is very similar in construction to the custom tool holder <NUM>, but with the missing tool indicator <NUM>' disposed in the tool receiving portion <NUM>' rather than positioned in the inclined surface <NUM>'.

In addition, the tool holder <NUM>', shown in <FIG>, includes a rectangularly shaped base plate <NUM> affixed to the underside of the tool holder body <NUM>'. A disc shaped magnet <NUM> is adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the underside of the metallic base plate <NUM>. In addition, a retention plate <NUM> underlies the body <NUM>' to function as a base for the body. Tabs <NUM> project from the side margins of retention plate <NUM> to snap into close fitting blind holes formed in the base portion of body <NUM>' thereby to securely hold the retention plate affixed to the body <NUM>'.

The retention plate <NUM> includes a circular opening <NUM> formed therein for closely receiving the magnet <NUM> therein. By this construction, as described above with respect to other examples of the present disclosure, the magnet <NUM> securely holds the tool holder in place on a metallic tool receiving surface, and the retention plate <NUM> provides a stable base for the tool holder <NUM>'.

<FIG> depict a further embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the tool holder <NUM> may be of an adjustable width thereby to replace one or more of the tool holders <NUM>, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D described above. The exterior shape of the tool holder <NUM> corresponds to the tool holders <NUM>, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D. In this regard, the tool holder <NUM> is constructed with a first female half <NUM> and a second male half <NUM>. The female half <NUM> is constructed with sockets <NUM> built in to the exterior side of the vertical wall <NUM>. Also, in a manner similar to the tool holders <NUM>, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C and 1400D, the male section <NUM> is constructed with a pair of upright/vertical tongues <NUM> that are sized to engage within the corresponding grooves <NUM>.

As in the tool holder <NUM>, the tool holder <NUM> also utilizes a base plate <NUM> mounted to the underside of the male section <NUM>. A pair of disc shaped magnets <NUM> are adhered to or otherwise affixed to the underside of the base plate <NUM>. In addition, a retention plate <NUM> is adhered to or otherwise attached to the underside of the base plate <NUM>. Although not shown, tabs, similar to tabs <NUM> or <NUM>, project from the margins of the retention plate <NUM> to snap into close fitting openings formed in the base of the male section <NUM> to securely affix the retention plate <NUM> with the male section.

The retention plate <NUM> includes a pair of circular openings <NUM> for receiving the magnets <NUM> closely therein. When the base plate <NUM>, magnets <NUM> and retention plate <NUM> are assembled, the underside of the magnets and the retention plate <NUM> is coplanar with the underside of the holder <NUM> so as to present a flat coplanar surface to the mounting location of the tool holder.

A missing tool indicator in the form of an elongate strip or member <NUM> is closely receivable within a groove or channel <NUM> extending along the tool receiving portion <NUM> in a manner similarly to the tool holders <NUM>, <NUM>, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C and 1400D.

As indicated above, the tool holder <NUM> is designed to be adjustable in size. In this regard, the male holder half <NUM> includes an elongated ratchet tongue portion <NUM> extending horizontally from a lower part thereof to engage within a groove <NUM> formed in the base portion of the female half <NUM>. The groove is defined by a pair of side walls <NUM> and <NUM> that extend parallel to the exterior sides of the ratchet tongue <NUM>. The side walls <NUM> and <NUM> include upwardly extending slots <NUM> and <NUM> for receiving therein a transverse pawl bar <NUM>. The pawl bar <NUM> is adapted to slide along its length within the slots <NUM> and <NUM>. The pawl bar <NUM> is constructed with an upwardly projecting lug <NUM> that is engageable within one of a series of close fitting lateral slots <NUM> extending laterally from the side of a longitudinal slot <NUM> formed along the length of the ratchet tongue <NUM>.

The ends of the pawl bar <NUM> are attached to end panels <NUM> and <NUM>, with end panel <NUM> being bowed or arcuate inwardly as shown in <FIG>. The end panels <NUM> and <NUM> are constructed with enlarged rounded end edges <NUM> that are receivable within vertical, arcuate shaped channels <NUM> formed in the base portion of the holder half <NUM>. The arcuate channels <NUM> closely receive the circular upright end portions <NUM> at each end of the end panels <NUM> and <NUM>. In this manner, the pawl bar <NUM> and end panels <NUM> and <NUM> are held captive within the base portion of the holder half <NUM>.

A compression spring <NUM> acts between side wall <NUM> and the end panel <NUM> to bias the pawl bar <NUM> in the direction towards the end panel <NUM>, which in turn biases the lug <NUM> into a lateral slot <NUM>.

A bottom plate <NUM> covers the underside of the base of the holder half <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> project from the side margins of bottom cover plate <NUM> to snap fit into blind holes <NUM> formed in the lower portion of hold half <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A modular tool holder for use separately and with one or more corresponding tool holders for attachment to an underlying metallic attachment surface, the modular tool holder comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a base portion and a tool holding portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) disposed above the base portion for receiving and holding a tool;
at least one tongue (<NUM>; <NUM>, <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) disposed at a first side of the body portion;
at least one tongue receiving groove (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) disposed on a second side of the body portion opposite from the first side of the body portion;
a metallic base plate positioned in the base portion of the body portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) at an elevation beneath and aligned under the tool holding portion (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>); characterized by
at least one magnet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) affixed to the underside of the metallic base plate to magnetically connect the modular tool holder to the metallic attachment surface, whereby the at least one magnet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is disposed between the metallic base plate located above the at least one magnet and the metallic attachment surface located beneath the at least one magnet; and
whereby the metallic baseplate enhancing the magnetic attraction of the modular tool holder to the metallic attachment surface relative to the use of the at least one magnet without the metallic base plate;
further comprising a retainer to surround the at least one magnet (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) to assist in retaining the at least one magnet in stationary position.