HANDHELD TOOL

Abstract

A handheld tool that includes a plurality of mechanisms attached thereto. The mechanisms are configured to secure and/or store an application tool when not in use. Such a feature allows for both convenient storage as well as quick and easy access to the application tool as desired.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to a handheld tool used to hold material and more specifically to a handheld tool that has a planer surface configured to hold material thereon, and that includes a plurality of mechanisms configured to secure and/or store a related tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld tools that include a handle and a base or board that has a planer surface attached to the handle with the board configured to hold material such as plaster, mortar or another bonding material to aid a user in accessing said material when using an application tool (e.g., trowel or tape knife) in their other hand to apply the material to a surface are well-known. Such a tool is commonly referred to as a Hawk tool. Commonly, a user rests the application tool on the base of the handheld tool, for example, on a bucket, a nearby ladder or another surface when not in use. Such a resting position for the application tool is very susceptible to the tool contacting the ground or another surface and/or becoming contaminated with debris. Not only can dropping the application tool potentially cause a mess, it can be inconvenient and time consuming to regularly retrieve the application tool. Additionally, constant bending by a user can cause health issues and reduces efficiency in completing a task using the handheld tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a handheld tool, commonly referred to as a Hawk tool, that includes one or more mechanisms attached to a base of the tool. The mechanisms are configured to secure and/or store an application tool when the application tool is not in use. Such a feature allows for both convenient storage as well as quick and easy access to the application tool as desired.

In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a handheld device that comprises a base that has a linearly extending top surface and a linearly extending bottom surface and is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls and at least one attachment mechanism that is configured to be releasably fixed to the base and house an item.

The at least one attachment mechanism can include at least one of a first attachment mechanism, a second attachment mechanism, a third attachment mechanism, and a fourth attachment mechanism. The at least one attachment mechanism can include a recess that extends over one of the sidewalls and a fastener that is configured to extend through the recess and releasable fix the at least one attachment mechanism to the base.

The first attachment mechanism can include a housing that includes a base, a first arm extending from the base and a second arm that is spaced from the first arm, the first arm and the second arm together configured to receive and releasably fix the tool therebetween. The first arm and the second arm of the first attachment mechanism are elastically deformable.

The second attachment mechanism can include a first component that has a base, a first sidewall extending from one end of the base and a second sidewall extending from an opposite end of the base, and a second component that includes a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged adjacent to each other and independently rotatably fixed to the first component at the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively, and the first arm and the second arm together configured to receive and releasably fix the tool therebetween. The base can include a recess that extends one of vertically within the base toward the second component or horizontally within the base.

The third attachment mechanism can include a main body that has a first arm and a second arm that is spaced from the first arm, extending from a distal end of the first arm is a first flange that delimits the first arm and extending from a distal end of the second arm is a second flange that delimits the second arm, the first arm and the second arm together are configured to house the tool.

The at least one attachment mechanism is configured to at least one of extend over and be fixed to one of the sidewalls and extend over and be fixed to a corner between two adjacent sidewalls.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a kit comprising a handheld tool including a base that has a linearly extending top surface and a linearly extending bottom surface that is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls and a plurality of attachment mechanisms that are each configured to be releasably fixed to the base and house an item.

In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a method of assembling and using a handheld tool comprising the steps of providing a handheld tool comprising a base that has a linearly extending top surface and a linearly extending bottom surface and that is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls, providing at least one attachment mechanism, fixing the at least one attachment mechanism to the base of the handheld tool and arranging an item to be housed within or in contact with the at least one attachment mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld tool that includes a plurality of mechanisms and/or attachments according to according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the handheld tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the handheld tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first attachment mechanism that is affixable to the handheld tool of FIG. 1 according to according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5-8 are various other views of the first attachment of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second attachment mechanism that is affixable to the handheld tool of FIG. 1 according to according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 10-13 are various other views of the second attachment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third attachment mechanism that is affixable to the handheld tool of FIG. 1 according to according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 15-18 are various other views of the third attachment of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the handheld tool of FIG. 1 that includes a plurality of mechanisms and/or attachments according to according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a top view of the handheld tool of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the handheld tool of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 22-26 are various other views of a fourth attachment mechanism according to according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference now to the drawings and in particular FIGS. 1-26, embodiments of a handheld tool of the present disclosure, which is generally designated by reference numeral 100, will be described.

FIGS. 1-3 depict various view of an embodiment of the handheld tool, or Hawk tool, 100. The handheld tool 100 includes a base 102 that has a linearly extending or flat top surface 104 and a linearly extending bottom surface 106. The base 102 is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls that include a first sidewall 108, a second sidewall 110, a third sidewall 112 and a fourth sidewall 114. A handle 116 is fixable to the base 102. A plurality of attachment mechanisms, including a first attachment mechanism 118, a second attachment mechanism 120 and a third attachment mechanism 122 are affixable to the base 102 as well. While three attachment mechanisms 118, 120, 122 are shown in FIGS. 1-3, the number and/or configuration of attachment mechanisms that can be associated with the handheld tool 100 should not be limited to the embodiments disclosed herein.

As shown in FIGS. 4-8, the first attachment mechanism 118, which can be a one-piece component, includes a housing 124 that is defined by a base 126, a first arm 128 and a second arm 130 that together generally form a U-shape structure. The base 126 includes a recess 132 that is configured so that the first attachment mechanism 118 can encompass a portion of one of the sidewalls 108-114 of the base 102 of the Hawk tool 100, and be attached thereto. As shown, the first attachment mechanism 118 extends vertically from the base 126 when attached thereto. The first attachment mechanism 118 can be attached to the base 102 of the handheld tool 100, for example, by fasteners 134 (e.g., screws or rivets), a press fit and/or an adhesive. Both the first arm 128 and the second arm 130 are elastically deformable to accommodate and secure a tool to be housed therebetween. The first arm 128 includes a vertically extending wall 136 and a curved wall 138 that extends directly from the vertically extending wall 136 toward the second arm 130. The second arm 130 includes a vertically extending wall 140 and a curved wall 142 that extends directly from the vertically extending wall 140 toward the first arm 128.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate various views of the second attachment mechanism 120. The second attachment mechanism 120 generally comprises a first component 144 and a second component 158. The first component 144 includes a base 146, a first leg 148 that extends from one end of the base 146 and a second leg 150 that extends from an opposite end of the base 146. The legs 148, 150, together with the base 146, define a first sidewall 149 and a second sidewall 151 that is spaced from and mirror opposite the first sidewall 149. As depicted, the first sidewall 149 and the second sidewall 151 include a U-shaped recess 152. However, the shape of the recess 152 is not limited to a U-Shape and can take shape.

A recess 132 extends inwardly from the bottom of the base 146 towards the second component 158 and is configured so that the second attachment mechanism 120 can encompass a portion of one of the sidewalls 108-114 of the base 102 of the handheld tool 100 and be attached thereto. In an attached state, as can be seen, for example, in FIGS. 1-3, the second attachment mechanism 120 extends horizontally outwardly from one of the sidewalls 108-114 of the base 102. The second attachment mechanism 120 can be attached to the base 102 of the handheld tool 100, for example, by one or more fasteners 156 (e.g., screws or rivets), a press fit and/or an adhesive.

The second component 158 includes a first arm 160 and a second arm 162, which are arranged adjacent to each other and independently rotatably fixed to the first component 144 by a fastener 164 (e.g., rivet, screw, etc.) near a distal end of the first sidewall 148 and the second sidewall 150, respectively. In use, the first arm 160 and the second arm 162, upon contact thereto, are independently rotatable to aid in housing and securing a tool therebetween within the recess 152.

FIGS. 14-18 illustrate various views of the third attachment mechanism 122. The third attachment mechanism 122 includes a main body 166 that extending in a first direction therefrom includes a first arm 168 and a second arm 170 that is spaced from the first arm 168. As depicted, a U-shaped recess 172 is formed between the first arm 168, the second arm 170 and the main body 166. However, it is noted that the shape of the recess 172 is not limited to a U-Shape and can take shape. Extending from a distal end of the first arm 168 is a first flange 174 that delimits the first arm 168. Similarly, extending from a distal end of the second arm 170 is a second flange 176 that delimits the second arm 170. As shown in FIG. 15, The first arm 168 and the second arm 170 can extend from the main body 166 at an angle toward the distal end of each arm 168, 170. Extending in a second direction from the main body 166 is a base 178. The base 178 includes an opening 180. The opening 180 can be recessed and slotted. The surface area of the base 180 is configured such that an end of the handle 116 can rest entirely on the base 180.

In use, a tool can be placed within the recess 172 between the arms 168, 170 with the flanges 174, 176 aiding to prevent the tool from sliding off of the third attachment mechanism 122. The attachment mechanism allows for both easy storage and retrieval of a tool as desired by a user.

FIGS. 19-21 depict various view of an embodiment of the handheld tool 100 depicting an alternative embodiment of the second attachment mechanism 120 discussed above, that is referred to hereinafter as the fourth attachment mechanism 220. The fourth attachment mechanism 220 can be releasably fixable to the base 102 along one of the sidewalls 108, 110, 112, 114 and/or a corner of the base 102 along with the first attachment mechanism 118, the second attachment mechanism 120, the third attachment mechanism 122 and/or another attachment mechanism. While the figures depict select points of attachment, it is noted that the first, second and third attachment mechanisms 118, 120, 122, respectively, can be attached to any sidewall 108, 110, 112, 114 and the fourth attachment mechanism 220 can be attached to any sidewall 108, 110, 112, 114 and any corner of the base 102. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 20, magnets 123 can be fixed to the third attachment mechanism 122 to aid in securing a tool within/to the third attachment mechanism 122. Inclusion and application of magnets should not be limited to the third attachment mechanism 122 and can be included to affix any of the attachment mechanisms 118, 120, 122, 204 to the base 102 of the handheld tool 100 and/or to aid in releasably fixing and securing a tool within/to one of the attachment mechanisms 118, 120, 122, 204.

FIGS. 22-26 illustrate various views of the fourth attachment mechanism 220 that generally includes a first component 244 and a second component 258. The first component 244 includes a base 246, a first leg 248 that extends from one side of the base 246 and a second leg 250 that is spaced from the first leg 248 and extends from an opposite end of the base 246. The legs 248, 250 together with the base 246 define a first sidewall 249 and a second sidewall 251 that is spaced from and parallel to the first sidewall 249. As depicted, the first sidewall 249 and the second sidewall 251 each include a U-shaped recess 272. However, the shape of the recess 272 is not limited to a U-Shape and can take shape.

A recess 232 extends inwardly from the bottom of the base 246 from one of the sidewalls 249, 251 toward the other of the sidewalls 249, 251. The recess 232 is configured so that the fourth attachment mechanism 220 can encompass a portion of one of the sidewalls 108-114 of the base 102 and/or a corner of the base 102 between two of the sidewalls 108-114 of the Hawk tool 100 and be releasably fixed thereto and extend vertically from, or perpendicular to, the base 102. The fourth attachment mechanism 220 can be connectable to the base 102 of the Hawk tool 100, for example, by one or more fasteners 156 (e.g., screws or rivets), a press fit and/or an adhesive.

The second component 258 that includes a first arm 260 and a second arm 262, which are arranged adjacent to each other and independently rotatably fixed to the first component 244 by a fastener 264 (e.g., rivet, screw, etc.) near a distal end of the first sidewall 248 and the second sidewall 250, respectively. In use, the first arm 260 and the second arm 262, upon contact thereto, are independently rotatable to house and secure a tool therebetween within the recess 232.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. In addition, while several variations of the embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, including, but not limited to, the substitutions of equivalent features, materials, or parts, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A handheld device, comprising: a base that has a linearly extending top surface and a linearly extending bottom surface and is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls; andat least one attachment mechanism that is configured to be releasably fixed to the base and house an item.

2. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism includes at least one of a first attachment mechanism, a second attachment mechanism, a third attachment mechanism, and a fourth attachment mechanism.

3. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism includes a recess that extends over one of the sidewalls and a fastener that is configured to extend through the recess and releasable fix the at least one attachment mechanism to the base.

4. The handheld device of claim 2, wherein the first attachment mechanism includes a housing that includes a base, a first arm extending from the base and a second arm that is spaced from the first arm, the first arm and the second arm together configured to receive and releasably fix the tool therebetween.

5. The handheld device of claim 4, wherein the first arm and the second arm of the first attachment mechanism are elastically deformable.

6. The handheld device of claim 2, wherein the second attachment mechanism includes a first component that has a base, a first sidewall extending from one end of the base and a second sidewall extending from an opposite end of the base, and a second component that includes a first arm and a second arm, which are arranged adjacent to each other and independently rotatably fixed to the first component at the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively, and the first arm and the second arm together configured to receive and releasably fix the tool therebetween.

7. The handheld device of claim 6, wherein the base includes a recess that extends one of vertically within the base toward the second component or horizontally within the base.

8. The handheld device of claim 2, wherein the third attachment mechanism includes a main body that includes a first arm and a second arm that is spaced from the first arm, extending from a distal end of the first arm is a first flange that delimits the first arm and extending from a distal end of the second arm is a second flange that delimits the second arm, the first arm and the second arm together are configured to house the tool.

9. The handheld device of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment mechanism is configured to at least one of extend over and be fixed to one of the sidewalls and extend over and be fixed to a corner between two adjacent sidewalls.

10. A kit, comprising: a handheld tool including a base that has a linearly extending top surface and a linearly extending bottom surface that is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls; anda plurality of attachment mechanisms that are each configured to be releasably fixed to the base and house an item.

11. A method of assembling and using a handheld tool, comprising: providing a handheld tool comprising a base that has a linearly extending top surface and a linearly extending bottom surface and that is delimited by a plurality of sidewalls;providing at least one attachment mechanism;fixing the at least one attachment mechanism to the base of the handheld tool; andarranging an item to be housed within or in contact with the at least one attachment mechanism.