There are hand tools having handles that are partially hollow in order to provide storage for implements associated with these tools. For example, a fastener-bit driver including a distal end defining a socket into which alternative hex-shaped screwdriver is bits can be inserted for driving screws with different head types might include a handle within which there is defined a storage cavity for a plurality of fastener bits when not in use. The handle further includes a handle cap that can be removed in order to access the storage cavity and remove a stored fastener bit or introduce a fastener for storage.
Issues have arisen when such tools are displayed for sale in retail stores. For example, the caps come off unintentionally, and contents stored within the handle (e.g., bits or other implements) can fall out. Additionally, theft of the contents can also be an issue.
Accordingly, a need exists for a packaging solution that prevents unintentional dislodgement of the handle cap, and/or intentional removal of the same for purposes of theft, when a tool with a handle of the type described is displayed for retail sale.
In each of variously embodied implementations, packaging is provided for a hand tool of a type including a tool handle having a handle outer surface and a handle inner surface defining within the handle an onboard internal storage channel for stowing predetermined contents. A channel opening provides access to the storage channel for the purposes of depositing contents into the channel or removing stowed items therefrom. A handle cap with a cap-exterior surface is configured for selectively dosing off the channel opening and, thereby, the storage channel.
In order to prevent inadvertent dislodgement or intentional removal of the handle cap while, for example, the hand tool is displayed for sale in a retail setting, there is provided a cap-restraining strip fabricated from a tear-resistant material. In an illustrative embodiment, the cap-restraining strip has first and second panels joined to one another through a central connector portion. With the handle cap installed over the channel opening for closure of the storage channel, at least a portion of the central connector portion covers at least a portion of the cap-exterior surface, while the first and second panels extend along portions of the handle outer surface located on mutually opposite sides of the tool handle and of the handle cap. A wrapper is disposed over at least a portion of each of the first and second panels in order to securely bind the panels to the handle outer surface, thereby preventing removal of the handle cap.
The nature of the wrapper may vary among embodiments. In one version, the wrapper is comprised of a heat-activated shrink-wrap material. Some variations of the wrapper are translucent in order to allow messages displayed on at least one of the first and second panels to be seen through the wrapper. Alternatively, or additionally, the wrapper itself might include graphic and/or textual messages. In still another variation, both the wrapper and the cap-restraining material may be at least partially translucent so that a viewer can see the handle outer surface through the packaging.
In a more specific implementation, the tool handle to which the packaging is applied is an elongated tool handle that extends longitudinally along a handle-body axis between opposed handle-body front and rear ends. The handle cap doses a channel opening in the handle-body rear end. Additionally, the cap-exterior surface that is at least partially covered by at least a portion of the central connector portion is a rearwardly-facing surface as defined with respect to the handle-body front and rear ends. In a still-more-specific implementation, the handle cap includes a cap hole which, when the handle cap is installed on the handle to close the channel opening, extends laterally relative to the handle-body axis. Thus installed, the cap hole is defined in part by the rearwardly-facing cap-exterior surface that is engaged and retained by the central connection portion of the cap-restraining strip.
Representative embodiments are more completely described and depicted in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
The following description of variously embodied tool packaging and methods of tool packaging is demonstrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or its application of uses. Accordingly, the various implementations, aspects, versions and embodiments described in the summary and detailed description are in the nature of non-limiting examples falling within the scope of the appended claims and do not serve to define the maximum scope of the claims. Equally important, an illustrative tool onto which packaging falling within the scope and contemplation of the invention can be applied is shown and described only for the purposes of providing context and an illustrative environment for implementations of the invention and, therefore, unless otherwise specifically recited as an element of one or more claims, does not constitute a part of the invention itself.
With initial reference to
The storage channel 50 extends from a channel opening 52 in the handle-body rear end 34 toward the handle-body front end 32. The channel opening 52 of the storage channel 50 can be dosed with the handle cap 200. Moreover, the channel 50 and handle cap 200 are cooperatively configured for purposes described below.
With continued reference to
The internal storage cavity 50 facilitates “on-board” storage of tools (e.g., implements) such as extra bits 300, by way of non-limiting example. However, as previously indicated, the details of any specific tool with which the packaging solution is applied are not relevant, as the packaging may be applied to a tool handle 20 with a storage channel 50 that can be closed off by a handle cap 200. Illustratively, other tools to which the packaging could be alternatively applied include (i) fastener drivers, such as screwdrivers and socket wrenches, and (ii) hammers, by way of non-limiting example.
When the handle cap 200 is installed to close off the channel opening 52 in the handle-body rear end 34, the handle cap 200 exhibits at least one rearwardly-facing surface 245. The handle cap 200 depicted includes a cap hole 260 extending laterally (relative to the handle-body axis AHB) through the knob portion 210. Accordingly, this handle cap 200 exhibits two rearwardly-facing surfaces 245. A first rearwardly-facing surface 245A is situated on a butt end 250 of the handle cap 200, while a second rearwardly-facing surface 245B is situated within, and defines part of, the cap hole 260. The cap hole 260 can be used to hang the tool 10 on a hook, nail or peg, for example. In any event, a cap hole 260 figures into most embodiments and implementations of the present packaging solution.
Referring now to
With reference to
In the implementation depicted in
According to one method described with continued reference to
In various implementations, the panels 410A and 410B are securely bound to the tool handle 20 by a “form-fitting” heat-activated shrink-wrap material 470.
The foregoing is considered to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since modifications and changes to various aspects and implementations will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, it is to be understood that the foregoing does not limit the invention as expressed in the appended claims to the exact constructions, implementations and versions shown and described.
Priority based on Provisional Application, Ser. No. 62/058,720 filed Oct. 2, 2014, and entitled “PACKAGING FOR TOOL HANDLE WITH INTERNAL STORAGE CAVITY AND REMOVABLE CAP” is claimed. Moreover, the entirety of the previous provisional application, including the drawings, is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth fully in the present application.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62058720 | Oct 2014 | US |