The presently disclosed technology relates generally to transporting (e.g., carrying), organizing, and/or storing one or more objects, such as but not limited to tools by a craftsman in, to, and/or from a workshop or work site. More specifically, in one embodiment, the presently disclosed technology relates to storing, organizing, and/or transporting drill chucks from a specific class of installation drills that have multiple interchangeable chucks for drilling and screw driving.
It can be challenging to transport, organize, and store numerous components in a set, especially when the components are relatively heavy, difficult to hold more than one in a user's hand, valuable, and/or fragile. This problem extends across many fields and industries.
One example of where this problem is prevalent is in the power tool art. Multi-head power drills, such as the 18 v or 12 v variety, are well known. In recent years, specialty installation drill-drivers have grown in popularity. As a result, several tool manufacturers, such as MILWAUKEE™, BOSCH™, DEWALT™, HILTI™, METABO™, FESTOOL™, and FEIN™, have introduced multi-headed drills with interchangeable chucks.
Typically, prior art drill chucks are one of four kinds: a Jacobs style chuck for drill bits, a ¼″ hex quick-release screw driver bit chuck, an off-set screwdriver bit chuck that enables access close to adjacent surfaces, and a right-angle adapter chuck that allows drilling and screwing at 90 degrees to the axis of the drill. These chucks tend to be relatively expensive, and most craftsman would prefer not to buy more than one set.
Despite the popularity of and the numerous benefits of multi-head power tools, tool makers do not provide a reliable and efficient way to transport, organize, and/or store the chucks. Sometimes, the drills are sold with a storage bag, but often artisans or craftsmen do not utilize these bags because they will transport the drill in a larger bag as part of a bigger group of tools used for various tasks. Further, the drill and chucks, once separated from their original packaging, are prone to being lost or hidden under other tools in the bottom of a tool bag.
The presently disclosed technology overcomes the above and other drawbacks of the prior art in both the power tool and other arts.
In one optional embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a device designed to keep loose chucks together in an organized manner, so that the chucks be easily stored in a larger tool bag, and/or so the chucks can be kept together on a crowded workbench, all located quickly, and prevented from being lost on the bench or in a tool bag. Optionally, the device of the presently disclosed technology augments the drill by organizing and enabling the craftsman to partake in the drill's main utility—its interchangeable chucks.
In another optional embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a device configured to provide a single storage location for loose chucks. Once gathered and attached to the device, the chucks can be stored or transported as a single unit, preventing individual chucks from being lost or misplaced. The device can include a body with multiple mounting points for the interchangeable chucks. The body of the device can allow the device to be positioned in several orientations, such as vertically, on its back, and/or on its side, which allows flexibility in how the device is used and stored. The body can also optionally include a handle for carrying or hanging the device. In addition, the body can provide protection to the chucks should the device be accidentally dropped.
In yet another optional embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a handheld device configured to transport and/or store tools that can include a back plate having a planar rear surface and an opposing front surface. A top wall can extend outwardly from a first end of the rear surface in a first direction. The top wall can have an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. A bottom wall can extend outwardly from a second end of the rear surface in the first direction. A handle can extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the top wall in a second direction. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. At least two spaced-apart mounting points can each extend outwardly from the front surface in the first direction. Each mounting point can be configured to be inserted into a receptacle of at least one of the tools to attach at least one of the tools to the handheld device.
In still a further optional embodiment, the presently disclosed technology is directed to a combination including a power tool, one or more tools, and a handheld device to transport, organize, and/or store the tools.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the presently disclosed technology, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements throughout. For the purpose of illustrating the presently disclosed technology, there are shown in the drawings various illustrative embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
While systems, devices and methods are described herein by way of examples and embodiments, those skilled in the art recognize that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Rather, the presently disclosed technology covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features of any one embodiment disclosed herein can be omitted or incorporated into another embodiment.
Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to) rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring now in detail to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout,
The tool(s) 14 shown and described herein are drill chucks having different sizes, shapes, configurations, and/or uses. The drill chucks can each be removably attachable to a power drill 15 (see
The device 1 can include a body having a back plate 5 with an entirely planar rear surface and an opposing front surface. A top wall 8 can extend outwardly from a first end of the back plate 5 in a first direction D1. The top wall 8 can have an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. A bottom wall 7 can extend outwardly from a second end of the back plate 5 in the first direction D1. The bottom wall 7 can have an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface that is optionally entirely planar. Optionally, the top wall 8 can extend parallel to the bottom wall 7.
In one embodiment, a handle 9 can extend outwardly from the exterior surface of the top wall 8 in a second direction D2. The second direction D2 can be perpendicular to the first direction D1. The handle 9 can optionally be configured to allow the device 1 to be carried by or attached to a bag or a belt with a carabineer or other type of hook or attachment.
In one embodiment, the handle 9 can have arcuate or arch shape with opposing ends attached to the exterior surface of the top wall 8. This location can be beneficial because handle 9 allows a user to quickly and efficiently carry the device and reconfigure the positioning of the device 1, without the handle 9 being an obstruction. Optionally, the handle 9 can be integrally attached to the exterior surface of the top wall 8. In one embodiment, the handle 9 can be welded to the exterior surface of the top wall 8. The handle 9 can optionally be located in other positions or locations, depending upon the needs of the user.
In one embodiment, one, two, three, or more spaced-apart mounting points 6 can each extend outwardly from the front surface of the back plate 5 in the first direction D1. Each mounting point 6 can be configured to be inserted into a receptacle of at least one of the tools 14 to attach at least one of the tools 14 to the device 1. Optionally, the mounting points 6 are arranged in a linear fashion along the front surface of the back plate 5 and spaced inwardly from each side edge of the back plate 5.
The mounting points 6 are optionally sufficiently spaced-apart so that each mounting point 6 is configured to attach to one of the tools 14. In one embodiment, as shown in
Different brands of drills or other power tools use differently configured interfaces for attaching the chucks. Optionally, the mounting points 6 of the device 1 are configured to mimic the mounting interfaces of the drill or other power tools. The mounting points 6 optionally do not need to replicate the power-transmission functions of the actual drill mounts. The device 1 can optionally be configured such that the mounting points 6 are interchangeable (e.g., removable) so that one casting or molding of the body of the device 1 can accommodate any of the different brand style mounting points.
Optionally, as shown in
A continuous groove 17 can optionally extend around an entire periphery of the projection. The groove 17 can be spaced-apart inwardly from the opening 16 or free end of the projection toward the front surface of the back plate 5. The mounting point(s) 6 is/are not limited to the specific size, shape, and/or configuration described above or shown herein. Instead, each mounting point 6 can be sized, shaped, and/configured to complement the tool(s) 14 or other object(s) to which it is intended to attach or hold.
Referring to
Optionally, the end of each mounting point 6 that is designed to be inserted into one of the openings in the back plate 5 can have a reduced diameter that is approximately the same diameter as the respective opening in the back plate 5. The remaining portion of each mounting point 6, aside from the groove 17, can have a larger diameter that cannot be inserted into one of the openings in the back plate 5.
The combination of the fastener 18, the back plate 5, and the mounting point 6 can combine to hold the respective tool 14 firmly in place, to prevent the tool 14 from moving and contacting another tool 14 or separating from the device 1. In one embodiment, each fastener 18 extends perpendicularly to the planar rear surface of the back plate 5 when the fastener 18 is inserted into the respective opening in the back plate 5 and attached to a mounting point 6.
All or a portion of each mounting point 6 can optionally be made of metal for durability. Optionally, each mounting point 6 is formed of aluminum or a soft tempered steel, which would wear preferentially over the hardened steel components of the tool, at least in one embodiment. This way, the easily replaceable mounting points 6 will wear rather than the more costly tools 14. In one embodiment, the device 1 weights between 4.0 to 6.0 ounces, and has dimensions of 8.5 inches by 3 inches by 2.5 inches. If configured to plumping press tools or electrical crimping tools, for example, the device 1 could be reconfigured to be much larger and heavier.
As shown in at least
As shown in at least
In one embodiment, the body of the device 1 can be formed of any of several materials, such as metal or metallic material. However, the device 1 can be formed of any material (e.g., plastic, a synthetic polymer, such as nylon, or polyethylene) that permits the functionality described herein. A finish carpenter would benefit from a plastic body of the device 1, which would protect delicate finishes and prevent scratches or damage in the work area. An electrician or HVAC technician working in an unfinished building would benefit from a durable metal body of the device 1, which would not break from drops or raw unfinished surfaces found on construction sites.
In one embodiment, the body of the device 1 can be formed by injection molding, in which case one or more portions of the body can include depressions or recesses, which allows the body to be formed using less material while also maintaining the desired structural integrity. In another embodiment, the body of the device 1 can be formed by 3D printing (e.g., using PETG material), in which case an enclosed cavity of the body can be hollow so as to use less material and reduce the weight of the body. Alternatively, the body of the device 1 can be machined or cast.
In operation, a user can attach one of the tools 14 to each mounting point 6. Each tool 14 can be attached to a mounting point 6 in any of a number of ways, depending upon the structure of the tool 14. For example, the tool 14 can be moved or pushed linearly toward the front surface of the back plate 5 (e.g., opposite to the first direction D1) until the mounting point 6 is fully or sufficiently inserted into a receptacle of the tool 14 such that the mounting point 6 can support the tool. Alternatively or additionally, the tool 14 can be rotated onto the mounting point 6. Alternatively or additionally, the tool 14 can be moved or pushed in two separate linear paths in series (e.g., opposite to the first direction D1 and opposite to the second direction D2).
The device 1 can be laid in the vertical configuration (
The device 1 is designed to keep the tools 14 together, for convenience of locating them quickly and to prevent misplacing one or more of the tools 14. Storing the tools 14 loose on a cluttered workbench will make it easy to lose them. Transporting the tools 14 loose in a tool bag will leave the artisan or craftsman searching the bottom of the bag for the tools 14. The device 1 makes it fast and easy to move the tools 14 from workbench to tool bag, from storage to active use, and/or back again. To that end, the device 1 can be positioned in multiple orientations, lifted by any portion of the body or handle 9, placed inside a tool bag or box, and/or hung by the handle 9 from a toolbox or workers tool belt. This versatility and flexibility makes the device 1 easy to use and adaptable to many storage and carrying situations.
In one embodiment, the device 1 can be formed or assembled as follows. First, the body of the device 1 is created through any of a variety of methods, such as injection molding or 3D printing. Next, a mounting point 6, optionally formed of a material different than the body of the device 1, is placed in each of the holes (which are either preexisting and formed at the time the body is formed, or formed shortly prior to inserting the mounting point) extending through the back plate 5 of the device 1. Then, a fastener 18 is inserted into an opening of each mounting point 6 to attach each mounting point 6 to the back plate 5. Finally, a tool 14 can be attached to each mounting point 6.
One distinction of the embodiment of
As shown in
Optionally, the cylindrical projection and three spaced-apart guards 130 of each mounting point 106 can be formed as one integral unit having a circular outer periphery. The integral unit can optionally be removably attached to the base plate 105 to allow for easily replacing the mounting point 106 or to attached a mounting point of a different tool.
One distinction of the embodiment of
The following exemplary embodiments further describe optional aspects of the presently disclosed technology and are part of this Detailed Description. These exemplary embodiments are set forth in a format substantially akin to claims (each set including a numerical designation followed by a letter (e.g., “A,” “B,” etc.), although they are not technically claims of the present application. The following exemplary embodiments refer to each other in dependent relationships as “embodiments” instead of “claims.”
1A. A method of organizing, protecting, and/or carrying two or more drill chucks comprises:
removing one of the drill chucks from engagement with one of two or more mounting points of a device, each mounting point including a cylindrical projection configured to be inserted into a portion of at least one of the drill chucks; and
attaching the one of the drill chucks to the one of the two or more mounting points by aligning a receptacle of the one of the drill chucks with one of the cylindrical projections and moving the one of the drill chucks toward a front surface of the device until the one of the cylindrical projections is sufficiently inserted into the receptacle for the one of the two or more mounting points to support the weight of the one of the drill chucks.
2A. The method of embodiment 1A, further comprising:
lifting the device by an arcuate handle that is attached to a body of the device at two spaced-apart points.
3A. The method of embodiment 1A or 2A, further comprising:
lowering the device onto a flat surface such that the device is in at least one of a vertical configuration, a side configuration, and a back configuration.
1B. A system for organizing, protecting, or carrying two or more drill chucks comprises:
a device having two or more spaced-apart mounting points, each mounting point being a cylindrical projection configured to be inserted into a portion of one or more of the drill chucks, an arcuate handle extending outwardly from a body of the device and being attached to the body at two spaced-apart locations, device being configured to lay stable on a flat surface in a vertical configuration, a side configuration, and a back configuration.
2B. The system of embodiment 1B, wherein the device if formed of metal and each cylindrical projection is welded to the body of the device.
3B. The system of embodiment 1B or 2B, wherein the device is a first device, and wherein a second device is placed back-to-back to the first device.
While the presently disclosed technology has been described in detail and with reference to specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It is understood, therefore, that the presently disclosed technology is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the presently disclosed technology as defined by the appended claims.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/184,784, filed May 6, 2021 and titled “DEVICE FOR THE STORAGE & TRANSPORT OF INTERCHANGEABLE DRILL CHUCKS OF MULT-HEADED INSTALLATION DRILL-DRIVER POWER TOOLS”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63184784 | May 2021 | US |