Patent Application
20100258464
This invention relates to a magnetic storage device capable of retaining a plurality of products each having a magnetic affinity. A method of assembling the magnetic storage device is also taught.
Today, there are many different types of magnetic storage devices that are used to hold a plurality of products. Some such storage devices include a magnetic strip or a plurality of spaced apart magnetic discs used to attach the storage device to a magnetically attractive surface. Examples of such devices are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,305 issued to Ahearn, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,056,661 issued to Balzano. The magnetically attractive surface can be a metal wall, a ferrous surface of a motor vehicle, a metal cabinet, a metal tool box, the metal part of a work bench, etc. Such storage devices usually have a plurality of pockets, openings, clips, sleeves, etc. into which one or more individual products can be inserted. The products can vary in type, kind and design. The products can includes tools including but not limited to: different size wrenches, screwdrivers, various size socket heads which can be sequentially attached to a socket wrench, drills, drill bits, any tool having a stem or a shank, etc. The products can also include sporting goods, such as fishing lures, fishing hooks, fly fishing lures, hunting accessories, dental tools, small parts, etc. The total number of products capable of being held in such storage devices can vary from a few items to many items.
Other storage devices are also known which utilize one or more magnets to temporarily hold a plurality of products, each constructed from a ferrous metal and having a magnetic affinity, to the storage device. In these storage devices, one or more magnetic strips or discs are incorporated into the storage device such that they are exposed and can exert a magnetic attraction for the plurality of products inserted or placed therein. Examples of some such devices are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 2,893,564 issued to Gearhart; U.S. Pat. No. 5,025,966 issued to Potter; U.S. Pat. No. 5,080,230 issued to Winnard, and in U.S. Patent Publication 2007/0074985 to Evans.
Furthermore, there even exists some storage devices that use one or more magnetic members to temporality hold a plurality of products in place while using the same or different magnetic members to attach the storage device to a magnetically attractive surface. Examples of some of these kinds of devices are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,405,377 issued to Pierce; U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,822 issued to Coleman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,631 issued to Negus; U.S. Pat. No. 5,669,516 issued to Horn and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,394 issued to Martin.
It is well known that many mechanics and skilled craftsmen, who work on motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, boats, trains and airplanes, or work in construction, manufacturing or building maintenance, prefer to use power tools especially power drills and power screwdrivers, where multiple size bits, socket heads, screwdriver heads, drills, etc. can be quickly and efficiently interchanged. Such power tools save time and allow the mechanic or craftsman to complete the task with the upmost of ease. Likewise, many mechanics and skilled craftsmen like to use a socket wrench where different size socket heads can be interchanged such that various size bolts and nuts can be worked on without requiring the mechanic or skilled craftsmen to constantly move from one position to another or to travel back and forth to his tool chest or tool box. It is also well understood by many of the manufacturers of tools, especially those who sell wrenches and socket wrench heads, to sell a set consisting of a plurality of socket heads. This correlates to increase sales and profits. Each set can vary in the number of socket heads and the range of bolt heads and nuts that the socket heads will be able to attach to. In addition, some sets can be manufactured such that the socket heads will fit onto bolts and nuts manufactured to English units while other sets can include sockets manufactured to fit onto bolts and nuts manufactured to metric units. Furthermore, sets can be assembled such that all of the sockets within the set are designed to fit onto a socket wrench having a 0.25, 0.375 or 0.5 inch drive stud.
Because there are so many different kinds, types and sizes of socket headsets available today, most mechanics and skilled craftsmen own multiple sets of socket heads. In order to be able to perform their trade effectively and efficiently, they have to keep each set separate and distinct from another set. If they do not, they quickly recognize that they are spending a lot of time trying to locate the correct size socket head or one with the correct size opening to fit onto the particular socket wrench drive stud that they are going to use. Many mechanics and skilled craftsmen keep different sets of socket heads in different drawers of their tool chest or tool box to alleviate this problem. Tool manufacturers have also assisted in this endeavor by selling socket head sets in individual packages wherein the base contains a plurality of cavities, bores or openings of various diameters such that only the correct diameter socket head can be placed into its own unique site. This allows the mechanic or skilled craftsmen to quickly and easily reach for and grab the correct socket head with a single hand.
It has now been recognized that a significant cost saving can be obtained if the socket head set holder can also serve as the overall package in which the set of socket heads is sold. This will reduce packaging material and reduce waste going into our landfills. In addition, if a portion of the holder/package can be constructed from a transparent material, it can allow the purchaser to view the set of socket heads before purchase and also see each of the socket heads after purchase. Furthermore, a tool manufacturer can also affix his company name and/or logo onto the holder/package so as to keep his name in front of the tool users. This is advantageous for obtaining repeat business. Still further, if the holder/package is of a handy size, the mechanic or craftsman can place the entire holder/package into his tool chest or tool box and can remove and carry the entire holder/package over to a work site. It should also be recognized that if the holder/package contains a magnet, it can be releasably attached to the outer surface of a motor vehicle or to some other magnetically attractive surface. The magnet can also serve to temporarily retain each of the socket heads in the holder/package. Lastly, the holder/package can be designed and constructed such that two or more of the holders/packages can be stacked or nested so as to facilitate shipping and to create an aesthetically pleasing product display on a retailer's shelf.
Now a magnetic storage device has been invented which can accomplish all of the above mentioned desired features. In addition, a method of assembling a magnetic storage device has also been invented.
Briefly, this invention relates to a magnetic storage device which is capable of retaining a plurality of products each having a magnetic affinity. The magnetic storage device includes a tray, a base and a magnetic member. The tray has a lower surface with a hollow area, an upper surface, and a longitudinal central axis. The upper surface has a plateau with an outer periphery and an upwardly extending member located completely within the outer periphery. The upwardly extending member has a plurality of cavities formed therein which are aligned along the longitudinal central axis. Each of the plurality of cavities extends downward towards the lower surface, and each of the plurality of cavities has a configuration which enables one of the pluralities of products to be at least partially retained therein. The base has a lower surface and an upper surface. At least a portion of the upper surface of the base engages with the tray to completely enclose the hollow area. The magnetic member is sized and configured to be positioned within the hollow area. The magnetic member exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction on the plurality of products when each is inserted into one of the plurality of cavities to temporarily retain the plurality of products therein. The magnetic member also exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction through the lower surface of the base to releasably attach the magnetic storage device to a magnetically attractive surface.
A method of assembling the magnetic storage device is also taught. The method includes the steps of forming a tray having a lower surface with a hollow area, an upper surface, and a longitudinal central axis. The upper surface has a plateau with an outer periphery and an upwardly extending member located completely within the outer periphery. The upwardly extending member has a plurality of cavities formed therein which are aligned along the longitudinal central axis. Each of the plurality of cavities extends downward towards the lower surface and each of the plurality of cavities has a configuration which enables one of the pluralities of products to be at least partially retained therein. The method also includes forming a base having a lower surface and an upper surface. At least a portion of the upper surface of the base engages with the tray to completely enclose the hollow area. The method further includes positioning a magnetic member within the hollow area and aligning the base with the tray to allow the upper surface of the base to engage the hollow area and enclose the magnetic member.
The general object of this invention is to provide a magnetic storage device capable of retaining a plurality of products each having a magnetic affinity. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a method of forming the magnetic member.
Another object of this invention is to provide a magnetic storage device which can retain a plurality of products while mounted in any orientation, even when inverted.
A further object of this invention is to provide a magnetic storage device that can hold a plurality of products and also serve as a package in which the plurality of products can be sold.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a magnetic storage device which can retain a set of various products each having a magnetic affinity, such as wrenches, socket wrench heads, drills, drill bits, etc.
Still further, an object of this invention is to provide a magnetic storage device that can be easily and economically manufactured.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.
Referring to
Each of the plurality of products 12 has a magnetically attractive portion or surface. Desirably, each of the plurality of products 12 is constructed partially or totally out of metal. The amount of metal contained in each of the plurality of products 12 will be at least about 25%. Desirably, the amount of metal contained in each of the plurality of products 12 will range from between about 30% to about 100%. More desirably, the amount of metal contained in each of the products 12 will range from between about 50% to about 100%. Even more desirably, the amount of metal contained in of each of the plurality of products 12 will range from between about 75% to about 100%.
The magnetic storage device 10 can include various products 12 including but not limited to: tools, such as wrenches, socket heads which can be connected to a socket wrench, drills, drill bits, screwdrivers, screwdriver bits, pliers, tools having a stem or a shank, or any other kind of tool. The magnetic storage device 10 can also include kitchen utensils; small parts, sporting goods such as hunting and fishing accessories, bullets, shotgun shells, fishing lures, fishing hooks, fishing flies, etc.; items needed for a particular hobby; items associated with a particular activity or interest; items needed to perform one's professional job, such as medical or dental instruments; items needed to make or repair equipment such as jewelry components; figurines such as toy metal soldiers; tie clips; bow ties or any article or item that includes a metal or iron part. Typically, one or more products 12 will be packaged in a single magnetic storage device 10. Desirably, two or more products 12 will be packaged in a single magnetic storage device 10. Even more desirably, several products 12 will be packaged in a single magnetic storage device 10. Most desirably, a plurality of products 12 will be packaged in a single magnetic storage device 10. The actual number of products 12 retained in a single magnetic storage device 12 can vary from one product 12 to many products 12. In some instances, a single magnetic storage device 12 can hold over a thousand products 12 depending upon the size and configuration of the particular products 12.
The magnetic storage device 10 can be constructed from one or more materials. Such materials include but are not limited to: plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene or a combination thereof, thermoplastics, clear plastics, transparent plastic, colored plastics, metal or a metal alloy, aluminum or an aluminum alloy, glass, fiberglass, wood, plywood, paper, paperboard, cardboard, veneer, a composite material, etc. Desirably, a portion of the magnetic storage device 10 is constructed from a clear or transparent plastic so that the plurality of products 12 retained therein is visible to the naked eye.
Referring now to
When the tray 14 is formed from a plastic or a thermoplastic, it can be constructed as a distinct, integral member having no moving parts. For example, the tray 14 can be injection molded. The tray 14 has a lower surface 24, best seen in
Referring to
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The plateau 34 can extend upward from the lower surface 24 by any desired distance. Desirably, the plateau 34 extends upward from the lower surface 24 by a distance of from between about 0.1 inches to about 1 inch. More desirably, the plateau 34 extends upward from the lower surface 24 by a distance of from between about 0.15 inches to about 0.5 inch. Even more desirably, the plateau 34 extends upward from the lower surface 24 by a distance of from between about 0.2 inches to about 0.4 inches.
Still referring to
The tray 14 also has an upwardly extending member 40 located completely within the outer periphery 38 of the plateau 34. The upwardly extending member 40 can rise upward above the plateau 34 by any desired distance. Desirably, the upwardly extending member 40 rises upward above the plateau 34 by a distance of at least about 0.1 inches. More desirably, the upwardly extending member 40 rises upward above the plateau 34 by a distance of at least about 0.2 inches. Even more desirably, the upwardly extending member 40 rises upward above the plateau 34 by a distance of at least about 0.4 inches. The upwardly extending member 40 is aligned parallel to the vertical central axis Z1-Z1 but could be at an angle to the vertical central axis Z1-Z1, if desired. The upwardly extending member 40 and has one or more cavities 42 formed therein. By “cavity” it is meant a hollow, a hole, a hollow area within a body. Desirably, a plurality of cavities 42 are formed in the upwardly extending member 40. The actual number of cavities 42 can vary. The tray 14 can contain either an even number of cavities 42 or an odd number of cavities 42. Desirably, two or more cavities 42 are formed in the upwardly extending member 40. More desirably, three or more cavities 42 are formed in the upwardly extending member 40. Even more desirably, five or more cavities 42 are formed in the upwardly extending member 40. In
Referring again to
Each of the cavities 42 formed in the tray 14 is dimensioned to either loosely, snugly or tightly receive a product 12. Each of the cavities 42 can also be used to organize the plurality of products 12 according to size. The tray 14 is constructed so that a portion of each product 12 can protrude upward from each of the cavities 42 a sufficient amount. This upward protrusion allows for one-handed removal and/or replacement of the product 12 from or back into the cavities 42.
The sidewall 44 of each of the cavities 42 can be aligned parallel with the vertical central axis Z1-Z1 or be aligned at an angle thereto. In addition, the diameter of one of the cavities 42 can be similar to or be different from the diameter of another one of the cavities 42. In other words, each of the cavities 42 could have the same diameter or one or more of the cavities 42 could have a different diameter. Alternatively, each of the cavities 42 can have a different diameter. Since many of the products 12 which will be retained in the cavities 42 will vary in size, one or more of the cavities 42 will have a different diameter. Sometimes, two or more of the cavities 42 will have a first diameter and the remaining cavities 42 will have a second diameter. It is also possible to form the cavities 42 such that one of the cavities 42 will have a different geometrical shape relative to one or more of the remaining cavities 42. For example, one cavity 42 can have a cylindrical bore while another cavity 42 has a square bore.
Each of the cavities 42 has a closed bottom 46. Desirably, each of the closed bottoms 46 is spaced above the lower surface 24 of the tray 14. Each of the closed bottoms 46 can be spaced above the lower surface 24 of the tray 14 by any desired distance. Desirably, each of the closed bottoms 46 is spaced at least about 0.1 inches above the lower surface 24. In addition, each of the closed bottoms 46 can be aligned in a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can be aligned parallel with the lower surface 24 of the tray 14.
Referring again to
The configuration and depth of each of the openings 48 can vary. Each of the openings 48 can have any desired geometrical configuration. For example, the openings 48 can have a V-shaped or U-shaped configuration. Each of the openings 48 can have the same configuration or have a different configuration. Each of the openings 48 can have the same depth or a different depth. Each of the openings 48 can have the same configuration and depth or have a different configuration and depth. The depth of each of the openings 48 should be at least about 50% of the depth of the respective cavity 42. Desirably, the depth of each of the openings 48 can range from between about 60% to 100% of the depth of the respective cavity 42. More desirably, the depth of each of the openings 48 can range from between about 70% to 100% of the depth of the respective cavity 42. The openings 48 formed in the sidewalls 44 function to assist a person in removing a product 12 from the respective cavity 42. Each of the openings 48 prevent a friction force from developing near the sides of each of the products 12 which could increase the amount of force needed to remove the product 12 from the cavity 42.
It should be understood that each of the cavities 42 has a configuration which enables one of the plurality of products 12 to be at least partially retained in one of the respective cavities 42. Desirably, at least about 25% of each product 12 is positioned within each of the cavities 42. More desirably, at least about 40% of each product 12 is positioned within each of the cavities 42. Even more desirably, at least about 50% of each product 12 is positioned within each of the cavities 42.
Referring again to
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Referring now to
The sidewall 60 can cooperate with the upper surface 58 of the base 54 to form an elevation 62 having an outer periphery 64. The elevation 62 is sized and configured to enable a portion of the upper surface 58, i.e. the outer periphery 64, to engage with the tray 14 to completely enclose the hollow area 30. Desirably, the elevation 62 is sized and configured to engage with the interior periphery 32 of the tray 14 to completely enclose the hollow area 30.
It should be understood that the base 54 can be secured to the tray 14 by various means known to those skilled in the art. Such means include but are not limited to: using glue, using an adhesive, by welding with heat, using radio frequency or ultrasonic vibrations. It is also possible for the base 54 to be secured to the tray 14 with a frangible seal that can be broken at a later time, if desired.
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The base 54′ is depicted as a flat, planar member having a longitudinal central axis X3-X3 and a transverse central axis Y3-Y3. The base 54′ also has a sidewall 60 with a relatively small thickness t1. The thickness t1 of the sidewall 60 can range from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.1 inches. Desirably, the sidewall 60 has a thickness t1 ranging from between about 0.02 inches to about 0.1 inches. More desirably, the sidewall 60 has a thickness ti ranging from between about 0.03 inches to about 0.08 inches. The base 54′ can be formed from various materials which include but are not limited to: stiff paper, thick paper, construction paper, paperboard, thin pasteboard, cardboard, corrugate, plastic, thermoplastic, styrene, foam, a lightweight core sandwiched between two plies of paper, etc. The base 54′ is designed to be secured to the lower surface 24 of the tray 14 by any means known to those skilled in the art. For example, an adhesive could be used to secure the base 54′ to the tray 14. A frangible seal could be used to secure the base 54′ to the tray 14. In addition, the base 54′ could be sized and configured to engage with or mate with the hollow area 30 of the tray 14. Furthermore, the base 54′ could be held secure to the tray 14 by welding with heat, using radio frequency, ultrasonic vibrations or by another means known to those skilled in the art.
The base 54 and 54′ provides a smooth bottom surface for the magnetic storage device 10 such that it will not scratch or otherwise damage a magnetically attractive surface onto which the magnetic storage device 10 is attached.
Referring to
The magnetic member 70 can be a flexible magnet or a non-flexible magnet. When the magnetic member 70 is a strip of magnetic material, it can have a length I1, measured parallel to the longitudinal central axis X4-X4. The length I1 of the magnetic member 70 can vary. Desirably, the length I1 of the magnetic member 70 should be approximately equal to the length I of the recess 66 into which it can be positioned. When the magnetic member 70 is a single elongated strip, it should have a length I1 of at least about 4 inches, desirably, at least about 5 inches, and more desirably, at least about 6 inches. The length I1 of the magnetic member 70 will increase as the overall length of the magnetic storage device 10 increases. The magnetic member 70 also has a width w1 which can also vary. The width w1 of the magnetic member 70 can range from between about 0.3 inches to about 2 inches. Desirably, the width w1 of the magnetic member 70 ranges from between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches. More desirably, the width w1 of the magnetic member 70 ranges from between about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches. The magnetic member 70 has a thickness t2 which can also vary. The thickness t2 of the magnetic member 70 can range from between about 0.01 inches to about 0.5 inches. Desirably, the thickness t2 of the magnetic member 70 ranges from between about 0.05 inches to about 0.3 inches. More desirably, the thickness t2 of the magnetic member 70 ranges from between about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches.
The magnetic member 70 can be positioned in the hollow area 30 of the tray 14 before the base 54 or 54′ is secured to the tray 14. Alternatively, the magnetic member 70 can be positioned in the recess 66 and then the base 54 can be secured to the tray 14.
The magnetic member 70 can be purchased from a variety of commercial vendors. One such company that sells magnets is Bunting Magnetic Company of Newton, Kans. The magnetic member 70 can be formed from any suitable magnet material, including ceramic, metallic and flexible magnetic materials. The magnetic member 70 can be a discrete ceramic or ferrite elements in a discoidal or substantially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the magnetic member 70 can be cut from a magnetic sheet into one or more smaller shapes and sizes to form a series of discrete magnets.
The magnetic member 70 can also be formed from a homogeneous material which is magnetized with one pole along one surface and an opposite pole along an opposite surface to form north-south regions. Likewise, the magnetic member 70 can be formed from a conventional flexible magnet of the sort having magnetizable barium ferrite particles dispersed in a rubbery matrix. Such materials are available from Arnold Engineering Company and RJF International Corporation. The magnetic member 70 can further be formed from a suitable powdered metallic material such as iron oxide.
The magnetic member 70 can be held in place in any suitable manner. For example, the magnetic member 70 can be secured to the recess 66 or to the upper surface 58 of the base 54′ by a glue, an adhesive, by an epoxy, by a silicone or a cyanoacrylate adhesive, or by some other adhesive known to those skilled in the adhesive art. Alternatively, the magnetic member 70 could be inserted into the recess 66 and be loosely held in place or be held in place by a tight fit or by a friction fit. Still further, the magnetic member 70 could be secured to the base 54 or 54′ by a mechanical device. Desirably, the magnetic member 70 will be stationary within the hollow area 30 once the base 54 or 54′ is secured to the tray 14.
The magnetic member 70 can produce a magnetic flux. The magnetic flux yieldably holds the plurality of products 12 in position within their respective cavities 42 so that the user must exert a slight force in order to remove each of the products 12 from its storage cavity 42. In this manner, vibration or jarring of the magnetic storage device 10 will not cause the plurality of products 12 to dislodge from the cavities 42. The magnetic member 70 allows a person, such as a mechanic, to remove and/or replace products 12 from and into the magnetic storage device 10 using only one hand. The magnetic storage device 10 facilitates the utilization of a set of tools, such as socket heads (products 12), especially when the mechanic is in an awkward position such that a one-handed operation is essential.
The magnetic member 70 exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction on the plurality of products 12 when each is inserted into one of the cavities 42 to temporarily retain the plurality of products 12 therein. The magnetic member 70 exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction such that the products 12 will be retained in the cavities 42 even when the magnetic storage device 10 is placed at a steep angle or is inverted (turned upside down). The magnetic member 70 also simultaneously exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction through the lower surface 56 of the base 54 or 54′ to releasably attach the magnetic storage device 10 to a magnetically attractive surface. The magnetic member 70 will secure the magnetic storage device 10 to any ferrous metallic surface, such as a metallic work bench or shelf, a motor vehicle, or any other suitable location. For example, the magnetic storage device 10 can be used by a mechanic working in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. The magnetic storage device 10 can be magnetically attached to a magnetically attractive metal surface of the vehicle. The orientation of the magnetic storage device 10 is not important since it can be attached to a metal surface of the vehicle even while inverted or on its side. The placement of the magnetic storage device 10 close to the area being worked upon increases the efficiency of the mechanic and generally makes the job a lot easier.
There may also be times when a mechanic does not know the exact diameter of a particular socket wrench head which is needed to fit onto the head of a bolt which is to be removed or tightened. In this situation, the mechanic will try to match up a socket wrench head to test the size of the bolt. The mechanic may have to try two or three socket wrench heads before he finds the correct diameter. Having the magnetic storage device 10 located adjacent to his work area will make this whole process quicker and more efficient. The mechanic will not be required to reach for another socket wrench head which may be located several feet away.
Referring to
The cover 72 can be formed from any material. Desirably, the cover 72 is formed or constructed from a clear plastic material such that it is transparent. By “transparent” it is meant capable of transmitting light so that objects or images can be seen as if there were no intervening material. The cover 72 can be injection molded into a 3-dimensional structure. The cover 72 has a lower surface 74, an upper surface 76, and a sidewall 78 that extends between the lower and upper surfaces, 74 and 76 respectively. The lower surface 74 has a hollow cavity 80 formed therein, see
As shown in
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One will also notice in
Still referring to
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The pair of shoulders 112 and 114 is sized, arranged and configured to engage with and mate in a portion of the channel 68 formed in the lower surface 56 of the base 54. Desirably, the distance that each of the pair of shoulders 112 and 114 extends upward above the upper surface 76 of the cover 72 is equal to or less than the depth of the channel 68. The pair of shoulders 112 and 114 can form a loose fit, a snug fit or a tight interference fit with the base 54. Desirably, the pair of shoulders 112 and 114 will form a snug fit with the base 54. The pair of shoulders 112 and 114 enables one of the magnetic storage devices 10 to be positioned on and held secure to the base 54 of another magnetic storage device 10. This stacking or nesting arrangement is shown in
Referring now to
The advertising card 116 is shown having three fold lines 118, 120 and 122. The actual number of fold lines present can vary. The advertising card 116 is designed to be folded along the three fold lines 118, 120 and 122 before being inserted into the hollow cavity 80 of the cover 72. When the advertising card 116 is folded along the three fold lines 118, 120 and 122, four sections 124, 126, 128 and 130 are created. The section 124 is the largest section, the sections 126 and 130 are located on opposite ends of the largest section 124, and the section 128 is located above the largest section 124. The folded advertising card 116 is easily inserted into and positioned in the hollow cavity 80 of the cover 72. When positioned in the hollow cavity 80, the largest section 124 can be positioned adjacent to the inside surface of the first side 88, the sections 126 and 130 can be positioned adjacent to the inside surface of the first and second ends, 84 and 86 respectively, and the section 128 is positioned adjacent to the top inside surface. The advertising card 116 can be fitted by friction into the hollow cavity 80 of the cover 72. Alternatively, the advertising card 116 can be snap-fitted into the hollow cavity 80, or be sized to form an interference fit with the hollow cavity 80. These and other ways of positioning and holding the advertisement card 116 in the hollow cavity 80 will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are considered a part of this invention.
The friction, interference or snap-fit will allow the advertising card 116 to remain in place as the cover 72 is secured to and removed from the tray 14. The advertising card 116 can be discarded by the buyer after the magnetic storage device 10 is purchased.
The advertising card 116 can contain information which identifies the plurality of products 12 stored in the magnetic storage device 10. The advertising card 116 can also provide instructions as to how to use the plurality of products 12 stored in the magnetic storage device 10. Furthermore, the advertising card 116 can provide information as to the manufacturer or distributor of the magnetic storage device 10.
Referring again to
A method of assembling the magnetic storage device 10 will now be explained. The magnetic storage device 10 is capable of retaining a plurality of products 12, for example as a set. Each of the plurality of products 12 has a magnetic affinity. The method includes the steps of forming a tray 14 having a lower surface 24 with a hollow area 30, an upper surface 26, and a longitudinal central axis X1-X1. The upper surface 26 has a plateau 34 with an outer periphery 38 and an upwardly extending member 40 located completely within the outer periphery 38. The upwardly extending member 40 has one or more cavities 42 formed therein which are aligned along the longitudinal central axis X1-X1. Desirably, there is a plurality of cavities 42 formed in the upwardly extending member 40. Each of the cavities 42 extends downward towards the lower surface 24 and each of the cavities 42 has a configuration which enables one of the plurality of products 12 to be at least partially retained therein. The method also includes forming a base 54 having a lower surface 56 and an upper surface 58. At least a portion of the upper surface 58 engages with the tray 14 to completely enclose the hollow area 30. A magnetic member 70 is positioned within the hollow area 30. The method further includes aligning the base 54 with the tray 14 to allow the upper surface 58 of the base 54 to be secured to the tray 14. The base 54 cooperates with the tray 14 to enclose the magnetic member 70. For example, the base 54 can engage with the hollow area 30 to enclose the magnetic member 70.
The method can also include positioning each of the plurality of products 12 into one of the cavities 42 whereby the magnetic member 70 exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction on each of the plurality of products 12 to temporarily retain each therein. The magnetic member 70 also exerts a sufficient magnetic attraction through the lower surface 56 of the base 54 to releasably attach the magnetic storage device 10 to a magnetically attractive surface. The magnetically attractive surface can be any metal surface.
Lastly, the method can include the step of forming a cover 72 having a lower surface 74, an upper surface 76, and a sidewall 78 which extends between the lower and upper surfaces, 74 and 76 respectively. The lower surface 74 has a hollow cavity 80 formed therein with an interior periphery 82 which is sized and configured to engage with the outer periphery 38 of the plateau 34. The cover 72 can then be releasably secured to the tray 14.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
