Patent Grant
7249676
NOT APPLICABLE
NOT APPLICABLE
1. The Technical Field
The present invention is directed to packaging, storage and display devices, such as are used for containing articles such as drill bits (for example, high speed, masonry, wood, general use bits, etc.), driver bits, other power tool and hand tool accessories and the like.
2. The Prior Art
Containers for packaging, storage and display of tools, particularly small tool items, such as drill bits, saw blades, bolt- and screwdriver bits, sockets and the like are known.
Some such containers are formed as a hinged plastic or metal two-piece hinged case, that is held closed by a resilient plastic or metal latch that is simply bent back to release a detent, and permit the two parts of the two-piece hinged case to be pivoted away from one another, to open like a book. The parts of the two-piece hinged case may have approximately the same dimensions, but be formed as essentially mirror images of each other, except for the latch structure.
In each part of the two-piece hinged case, positions for holding parts, e.g., drill bits, may be formed directly into the inner surfaces, in the form of pairs of prongs that are spaced apart and sized, so that each part position is formed to hold a specific drill bit (or other part) having a specific diameter or nominal size. That is, a bit of a particular size is pressed between the respective prongs (usually concave toward one another) of the respective pairs and snap-fitted in. Alternatively, elongated slots of different lengths and widths may be formed directly into the inside surfaces of the two-piece hinged case parts.
Alternatively, instead of forming prongs or slots directly into the inside surfaces of the two-piece hinged case parts, molded or stamped non-moving inserts that have specifically sized slots formed in them, may be positioned into the interior spaces of the two-piece hinged case parts. One such drill bit holder is sold by DeWalt® under the name New Guaranteed Tough™ Case.
In more complex versions, a bar or block (usually called an “index”) may be fitted into the bottom portion of one or both parts of the two-piece hinged case. The index may have a number of blind bores or combinations of bores and aligned slots formed into it, again having different diameters, and possibly different depths as well, to receive tool parts (e.g., drill bits) of different size.
The index is often formed as a single piece that may be blow or injection molded (if plastic) or stamped (if made of thin metal). Often, the sizes (or other information) of the tools that are to be held in the index are printed or stamped into the front or back of the index, lined up with the locations of the respective tools.
The index may be fixed in place, such as by gluing or welding, simple friction or snap-fit. In some prior art tool bit holders, the index is provided at the opposite ends with male or female dovetail components that interfit with counterpart female or male dovetail components formed into the inside surfaces of the side walls of the two-piece hinged case part. One such drill bit holder is made and sold by Blu-Mol under the mark “Armor-Case”.
In these three types of cases, the cases are fixed both in the sense that only specifically sized bits can be held in the cases, and in the sense that because the indexes (if provided) do not move, there is some limitation to the accessibility of the tool bits.
Alternatively the index may be provided with bumps that project from the ends of the index, that are received, e.g., in a snap-fit manner, in corresponding recesses, bores or slots formed in the inside walls of the two-piece hinged case part. In some prior art embodiments, the index must be bent or deformed in order to fit into the receiving recesses, bores or slots. These recesses, bores or slots may be provided in one or a number of pairs, so that the index may be placed at various locations along the “height” of the two-piece hinged case part. This permits the bar or index to be pivoted, relative to the two-piece hinged case part, so that the access to the parts is improved. Additional, smaller resilient projections may be provided to act as detents to hold the bars in place in their recessed positions. Pivoting of the bars out of their recessed positions thus requires some small effort to overcome the frictional or interference resistance of the smaller resilient projections. One such case is made and sold under the Skil® trademark.
In other prior art embodiments, the index, in addition to being configured to pivot, may be formed as a two-piece construction. One portion of the index engages, in a snap-fit manner, to the inside surface of the two-piece hinged case part, and is pivotably connected to the other portion of the index which pivots upwardly and out of the plane of the two-piece hinged case part. One example of such a case is made for and sold by Sears® under the Craftsman® mark, with the particular index construction being marketed under the mark Speed-Dex™. In this construction, the front area of the index that faces the user is open, so that there is no room for indicia in front of each bore, to indicate the bit sizes. In this product, the holder of the pivoting portion of the index must be glued in place, against the inside surfaces of the case part.
In the previously-mentioned case made and sold under the Skil® trademark, the index is formed from two pieces of a molded rubber or rubber-like material. One piece has a U-shaped cross-section, that forms the front, bottom and rear of the index. The second piece is a mostly solid wedge-shaped block, that is insertingly received and molded, glued or welded into the first piece, and has apertures formed in it to receive the shanks of the tool pieces.
In other kinds of tool part holders, the case may be formed again as a two-piece hinged case, but with the hinge located at the bottom of the case. One portion of the case is often larger or has more depth than the other portion. One of the portions may include a hole at the top, to permit the case to be hung from a hook, such as on a store shelf or in a workshop. These cases may also be fabricated from metal, plastic or a combination of metal and plastic.
Such bottom-hinged cases usually include an index that is pivotably connected to both parts, often using the axis of pivoting of the two parts also as the axis of pivoting for the index, and held in place by wire and metal rivets. In some of these prior art constructions, there may be provided detents or ridges on one or both of one of the case parts and the index. Upon opening of the case, once the two parts have been pivoted away from one another by a certain angle or amount, the index is forced or at least prompted to pivot away from one or both case parts. This results in the index being moved to an angular position somewhere between the two case parts. Alternatively, a hook or wire may connect one of the case parts to the index, to both prompt movement of the index and hold the index in place once the case has been opened. Such cases are used to package and sell drill bits sold by MIBRO®.
These cases can exhibit certain characteristics that may make them less than optimal, such as that in some prior art cases having indexes that are not positively affixed, the indexes can fall out when the cases are opened. In some of the two-piece hinged case (book-opening style) cases, the indexes may be configured to pivot, but once out of their recessed positions, there is nothing to hold the index in its elevated position, so that the index tends to fall back into the case part from which it has been pivoted. Alternately, in the bottom hinged cases, the interlocking of the index to the movements of the case parts constrains the movement and positioning of the index to a single specific position, when the case has been opened to its in-use position.
It would be desirable to provide a packaging, storage and display case for holding small tool parts, that is capable of adaptation to accommodate different combinations of tools of different sizes.
It would also be desirable to provide a packaging, storage and display case for holding small parts, that is provided with an index that is capable of being moved to a variety of different positions, and held in any such different position.
It would also be desirable to provide a packaging, storage and display case for holding small parts, that is provided with an index that can be moved between stowed and deployed positions repeatedly, while reliably maintaining the selected stowed positions.
It would be desirable to provide a system of packaging, storage and display components that provides for enhanced flexibility in packaging and storage of individual tool parts.
These and other desirable characteristics of the present invention will become apparent in view of the present specification, including claims, and drawings.
The present invention comprises in part a holder for packaging, storing and displaying articles, comprising an index having positioned therewithin a rack which is operably configured to engage and releasably retain an end of at least one article; a frame structure pivotably mounted to the index; and rotation control structure interconnecting the frame structure and the index, for providing resistance to relative rotation between the frame structure and the index, until a torsional force between the frame structure and the index is applied, which is in excess of a predetermined amount of torsional force, whereupon relative pivoting to is enabled, and whereupon removal of the torsional force, which is in excess of a predetermined amount of torsional force, the frame structure and the index will remain in position relative to each other. Preferably, the at least one index comprises a first index cover part having interior structures therein configured for guiding and receiving the rack. A second index cover part is preferably configured to matingly join the first index cover part to capture the rack between the first index cover part and the second index cover part.
The frame structure preferably comprises a web of material, one end of which is connected to and extends from one end of the at least one index for a predetermined distance, across the width of the at least one index and proceeds at the other end of the web, to the other end of the index, to form a loop which encloses a defined space between the frame structure and the index, within which the articles received by the index are to be positioned.
Preferably, the frame structure is selected from a plurality of frame structures having different shapes and configurations for defining different shapes and areas of spaces between the webs of the frame structures and the index, when each of the frame structures is mounted on the index. Preferably, the frame structure includes at least one surface which engages with a corresponding mating surface of the at least one index, and the rotation control structure comprises mating ratchet structures disposed on the at least one surface of the frame structure and the corresponding mating surface of the at least one index.
The present invention also comprises, in part, a packaging, storage and display apparatus for articles, comprising a case having at least one case section that defines an interior volume for receiving articles, with at least one index pivotably mounted in the at least one case section, the at least one index being pivotably movable between a stowed position within the at least one case section, and a deployed position. The at least one index is preferably operably configured to receive and retain an end of at least one article. A frame structure is preferably pivotably mounted to the index, and rotation control structure preferably interconnects the frame structure and the index, and is operably configured to enable at least one portion of the frame structure to remain in a first position relative to the index until a force greater than a predetermined amount is applied, prompting the at least one portion of the frame structure to move to one of a plurality of possible second positions relative to the index, and to further enable the at least one portion of the frame structure to remain in the one of a plurality of second positions upon removal of the force, wherein the frame structure includes at least one surface which engages with a corresponding mating surface of the at least one index, and the rotation control structure comprises mating ratchet structures disposed on the at least one surface of the frame structure and the corresponding mating surface of the at least one index.
The frame structure is further preferably operably configured to inhibit removal of the at least one article from the at least one index when the at least one portion of the frame structure is in the first position, the frame structure being further operably configured to provide support to the at least one index when the at least one index is in the deployed position, and the at least one portion of the frame structure is in one of the plurality of possible second positions.
The rotation control structure preferably comprises at least one male ratchet member, disposed on one of the frame structure and the index, and having an first axis of pivoting, and a projecting contoured portion with contoured ratchet surfaces disposed circumferentially about the first axis of pivoting on a radially outwardly facing surface of the projecting contoured portion; and at least one female ratchet member, disposed on the other of the frame structure and the index, and having a second axis of pivoting, and a recess centered on the axis of pivoting, and a plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces disposed circumferentially about the second axis of pivoting on a radially inwardly facing surface of the recess. The at least one first male ratchet member is preferably insertably received in the at least one female ratchet member, the first axis of pivoting being disposed coaxially with the second axis of pivoting. The contoured ratchet surfaces of the male ratchet member may comprise a plurality of convex projections. The plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces of the female ratchet member may comprise a plurality of concavities. Alternatively, the contoured ratchet surfaces of the male ratchet member may comprise a plurality of concavities, and the plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces of the female ratchet member may comprise a plurality of convex projections. The plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces of the female ratchet member and the contoured ratchet surfaces of the male ratchet member may comprise complementary sets of radially extending projections.
The present invention also comprises, in part, a packaging, storage and display apparatus for articles, comprising a case having at least one case section that defines an interior volume for receiving articles. At least one index is preferably pivotably mounted in the at least one case section, the at least one index being pivotably movable between a stowed position within the at least one case section, and a deployed position. The at least one index is preferably operably configured to receive and retain an end of at least one article. A frame structure is pivotably mounted to the index. The frame structure is preferably operably configured to inhibit removal of the at least one article from the at least one index when the at least one portion of the frame structure is in a first position, the frame structure being further operably configured to provide support to the at least one index when the at least one index is in the deployed position, and the at least one portion of the frame structure is in one of a plurality of possible second positions. At least one retaining pin is preferably operably positioned in the at least one case section, for releasably engaging and retaining at least one of the frame structure and the at least one index when the at least one index is disposed in its stowed position.
The at least one retaining pin preferably comprises a central post, having a retaining arm extending laterally therefrom, with at least one flexible side leg, extending substantially parallel to the central post, and connected thereto by a transverse web, and at least one tooth, extending laterally from the at least one flexible leg, for frictionally engaging an inside surface of a retaining pin receiving aperture disposed in the at least one case section.
The present invention also further comprises a packaging, storage and display apparatus for articles, comprising a case having at least one case section that defines an interior volume for receiving articles, with at least one index pivotably mounted in the at least one case section, the at least one index being pivotably movable between a stowed position within the at least one case section, and a deployed position. The at least one index is preferably operably configured to receive and retain an end of at least one article. A frame structure is pivotably mounted to the index, with rotation control structure interconnecting the frame structure and the index, operably configured to enable at least one portion of the frame structure to remain in a first position relative to the index until a force greater than a predetermined amount is applied, prompting the at least one portion of the frame structure to move to one of a plurality of possible second positions relative to the index, and to further enable the at least one portion of the frame structure to remain in the one of a plurality of second positions upon removal of the force, wherein the frame structure includes at least one surface which engages with a corresponding mating surface of the at least one index, and the rotation control structure comprises mating ratchet structures disposed on the at least one surface of the frame structure and the corresponding mating surface of the at least one index. The frame structure is operably configured to inhibit removal of the at least one article from the at least one index when the at least one portion of the frame structure is in the first position, the frame structure being further operably configured to provide support to the at least one index when the at least one index is in the deployed position, and the at least one portion of the frame structure is in one of the plurality of possible second positions.
The rotation control structure comprises preferably comprises at least one male ratchet member disposed on one of the frame structure and the index, and having an first axis of pivoting, and a projecting contoured portion with at least one contoured ratchet surface disposed perpendicular to the first axis of pivoting on a radially outwardly facing surface of the projecting contoured portion, with at least one female ratchet member disposed on the other of the frame structure and the index, and having a second axis of pivoting, and a recess centered on the axis of pivoting, and a plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces disposed circumferentially about the second axis of pivoting on a radially inwardly facing surface of the recess. The at least one first male ratchet member is insertably received in the at least one female ratchet member, the first axis of pivoting being disposed coaxially with the second axis of pivoting.
The at least one contoured ratchet surface of the male ratchet member may comprise a generally triangular projection. The plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces of the female ratchet member may comprise a plurality of concavities. The at least one contoured ratchet surface disposed perpendicular to the first axis of pivoting on a radially outwardly facing surface of the projecting contoured portion may comprise two contoured ratchet surfaces disposed at opposing positions, on opposed outwardly facing surfaces of the projecting contoured portion. The two contoured ratchet surfaces may comprise two triangular radially outwardly extending projections.
The present invention also comprises in part a holder for packaging, storing and displaying articles, comprising, in turn, an index having positioned therewithin a rack which is operably configured to engage and releasably retain an end of at least one article; and a frame structure pivotably mounted to the index. The frame structure is preferably operably configured to inhibit removal of the at least one article from the index when at least one portion of the frame structure is in a first position relative to the index, the frame structure being further operably configured to provide support to the index in a raised position when the at least one portion of the frame structure is in one of a plurality of possible second positions.
Rotation control structure interconnects the frame structure and the index for providing resistance to relative rotation between the frame structure and the index until a torsional force between the frame structure and the index is applied which is in excess of a predetermined amount of torsional force, whereupon relative pivoting is enabled, and whereupon removal of the torsional force, in excess of a predetermined amount of torsional force, the frame structure and the index will remain in position relative to each other. The rotation control structure may comprise at least one male ratchet member disposed on one of the frame structure and the index, and having an first axis of pivoting, and a projecting contoured portion with at least one contoured ratchet surface disposed perpendicular to the first axis of pivoting on a radially outwardly facing surface of the projecting contoured portion, and at least one female ratchet member disposed on the other of the frame structure and the index, and having a second axis of pivoting, and a recess centered on the axis of pivoting, and a plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces disposed circumferentially about the second axis of pivoting on a radially inwardly facing surface of the recess. The at least one first male ratchet member is insertably received in the at least one female ratchet member, the first axis of pivoting being disposed coaxially with the second axis of pivoting.
The at least one contoured ratchet surface of the male ratchet member may comprise a generally triangular projection. The plurality of complementary contoured ratchet surfaces of the female ratchet member may comprise a plurality of concavities. The at least one contoured ratchet surface disposed perpendicular to the first axis of pivoting on a radially outwardly facing surface of the projecting contoured portion may comprise two contoured ratchet surfaces disposed at opposing positions, on opposed outwardly facing surfaces of the projecting contoured portion. The two contoured ratchet surfaces may comprise two triangular radially outwardly extending projections.
The present invention also comprises in part a packaging, storage and display apparatus for articles, comprising in turn a case having at least one case section that defines an interior volume for receiving articles, with at least one index pivotably mounted in the at least one case section, the at least one index being pivotably movable between a stowed position within the at least one case section, and a deployed position. The at least one index is operably configured to receive and retain an end of at least one article. A frame structure is pivotably mounted to the at least one index. The frame structure is operably configured to inhibit removal of the at least one article from the at least one index when at least one portion of the frame structure is in a first position relative to the at least one index, the frame structure being further operably configured to provide support to the at least one index in a raised position when the at least one portion of the frame structure is in one of a plurality of possible second positions. At least one retaining pin is operably positioned in the at least one case section for releasably engaging and retaining at least one of the frame structure and the at least one index when the at least one index is disposed in its stowed position.
The at least one retaining pin comprises a post operably configured to be received in a cooperatively configured slot in the case, with a retaining arm pivotably mounted to the post. The post includes a pin extending upwardly therefrom, having a rectangular cross-sectional configuration, and wherein the retaining arm includes a rectangular slot extending therethrough, a resiliently deformable leg forming one edge of the slot, so that upon receipt of the pin in the slot, the retaining arm is configured to be resistively pivotable around the pin, between at least two positions disposed at least 90° from one another.
The present invention further comprises in part a packaging, storage and display apparatus for articles, comprising, in turn, a case having at least one case section that defines an interior volume for receiving articles, with at least one index pivotably mounted in the at least one case section, the at least one index being pivotably movable between a stowed position within the at least one case section, and a deployed position. The at least one index is operably configured to receive and retain an end of at least one article. A frame structure is pivotably mounted to the index. The frame structure is operably configured to inhibit removal of the at least one article from the at least one index when at least one portion of the frame structure is in a first position relative to the index, the frame structure being further operably configured to provide support to the index in a raised position when the at least one portion of the frame structure is in one of a plurality of possible second positions. Structure for rotatably mounting the at least one index within the at least one case section is provided, including apertures disposed in opposing ends of the at least one index, and pivot pins operably configured to be insertingly received and retained within the apertures, with structures within the at least one case section defining opposed slots for receiving the pivot pins, and enabling manual removal of the pivot pins from the opposed slots. Each of the pivot pins includes a post operably configured to be frictionally received in one of the slots; a stem configured to be received in one of the apertures for enabling the index to be pivoted about the stem, and a head mounted on the stem and configured to be received in the index, and having a width greater than a width of a corresponding aperture for enabling the head to be retained in the index.
FIG.
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail several specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.
While the packaging, shipping and display cases of the present invention may preferably be formed from plastic materials, formed by any suitable method such as injection- or blow-molding, it is to be understood that any suitable materials may be used, such as thin, resilient metal.
Any numerical values or dimensions, or indications of color or surface finish that may be provided in the drawings are given merely by way of example, and the invention is not intended to be limited in any way by such indicia.
As mentioned elsewhere herein, while a preferred embodiment of the invention is discussed in the environment of a conventional two-piece hinged case for holding drill bits, it is to be understood that the particular shape of the case, in which the actual tool-holding components are mounted, is not crucial, and the invention is not intended to be limited by the shape, size or configuration of the case, apart from the fact that the interior surfaces of the case need to have the mounting structures discussed herein, and as shown in
Rack 118 is formed as two parallel “horizontal” webs 123, 125 that are connected by one or more “vertical” webs (not shown in
Alternative rack structures having various configurations may be provided, including various stirrup structures, and apertures of different size and shape, including round and triangular (though other shapes are contemplated).
Index 110 includes index cover part 124, rack 126 and index cover part 128. Ratchet structure 130 is preferably located at both ends of index cover part 124, as are openings 138. Rack 126 is likewise insertably received in index cover part 124, in suitably formed slots on the inside surface thereof. Index cover part 128 is preferably joined to index cover part 124 by barbs 140 that engage pegs positioned similarly to pegs 134, 136.
Frame part 108 is (as is the corresponding frame structure for index 110) provided to serve several functions. It provides a structure for grasping for enabling index 106 to be pivoted out of two-piece hinged case part 102. It also provides a limit to the movement of the tools in their respective receiving bores in the index, so that during transportation or other general movement of the case, the tools are prompted to remain in the index and not become dislodged. The frame part also provides a way to shield the upper ends of the tool bits (not shown), to prevent inadvertent contact with the ends of the bits which can result in both dulling of the bits, as well as injury to persons. Also, when the frame part is pivoted back toward the interior wall of the two-piece hinged case part 102, it acts as described herein, as a stand for holding the index 106 up in a variety of possible angles relative to the horizontal (when two-piece hinged case 102 is lying open on a horizontal surface) or to the vertical, when the case is open and upright (the frame could also be pivoted outwardly and downwardly to provide support for the index from the front). Furthermore, if the index and its corresponding frame structure are removed from or otherwise used outside of a case (as discussed elsewhere herein), then the frame structure can be used to support the index at an oblique angle to a horizontal surface such as a table or bench top, or to suspend the index, such as by a pegboard or similar method. All of the foregoing functions are provided, while at the same time, not obscuring visibility of the tools, when the case is opened (or if closed, if a window is provided in the case).
Once the indexes and frame parts have been assembled, then the index/frame part assemblies are placed into and attached to their respective two-piece hinged case parts 102, 104. Pivot pins 160 (one is shown enlarged to the left of
Although not shown, it is to be understood that if desired, ratchet structures as described herein could be provided in the interfacing surfaces between the index and the case surfaces, to provide additional rotational positioning control, to enable the index to be placed in any of a plurality of temporary positions and held there, during use.
When the indexes 106, 110 have been mounted into two-piece hinged case parts 102, 104, retaining pins 162 (see
Each retaining pin 162 has a hook 166 that is resilient, and configured to engage adjacent portions of any frame part that passes it, to help hold the indexes and their respective frame parts in place, until affirmatively pulled up and out into their deployed positions. For example, when an index is being pushed down into its case part 102, 104, as the frame part 165 pushes down on hook 166, hook 166 is pushed downward and inwardly, as shown by the arrow in
While the retaining pins 162 are shown as being inserted into case parts 102, 104, it is to be understood that retaining pins 162 could also be integrally formed into case parts 102, 104, either as separate pieces that are later affixed in place, or as projections monolithically formed on case parts 102, 104. In addition, while pins 162 are shown as engaging only frame parts, it is to be understood that pins could also be positioned to releasably engage indexes 106, 110 directly.
In
In
In
In
With each of the ratchet structures described hereinabove, the cross-sectional shape of the ribs may be modified to, for example, semicircular shapes or semi-elliptical shapes, as may be desired. Also, because the ribs extend in complete circles, relative rotation of the components is only limited by any obstructions external to the ratchet structures. In the present invention, as can be seen from the other drawings, the range of pivoting movement is clearly quite large, being the substantial majority of a complete circle in each illustrated embodiment.
Although ratchet structures are preferred for providing rotational control of the frame parts relative to the indexes and to each other (in the case of multiple connected frame parts), it is contemplated that other (usually friction or interference-based) types of rotational control structures may be provided, that are based upon the principle that resistance (up to a certain torsional value) is exerted, so that the frame structure can be pivoted to a desired position, and reliably remain in that desired position, during normal use conditions, until moved again by the user.
In operation, when the mating surfaces are brought together, such as when a frame component is attached to an index, male component 600 (which may be on the frame) is insertingly received in recess 614 of female component 610 (which may be on the side of the index). Central post 608 (and flexible/resilient barb 609) is received in aperture 620. If a barb 609 is provided, there will be provided an enlarged cavity “behind” aperture 620, to accommodate barb 609, so that barb 609 serves to lock the two structures together. At least a portion of projecting portion 604 will be insertingly received in recess 614. Preferably, the fit between projecting portion 604 and the inside surfaces of recess 614 will be close, but not tight, so that if sufficient torque is applied to the components connected to the respective mating surfaces, the material of components 600 and 610 will distort (without breaking or permanent deformation) sufficient to permit the crests 618 to ride up on the sides of ridges 606, and then snap into the next adjacent troughs 607 between ridges 606. Preferably, the material(s) from which components 600 and 610 are made, will be sufficiently flexible and resilient that the ratcheting action will not require excessive force, but will be strong enough that the structures will remain in their new positions (even when tools are loaded) until acted upon again by a sufficiently strong enough intentionally applied torsional force, and not wear down over the course of a reasonable expected lifespan of the overall device.
It is to be understood that the amount of curvature, and the proportions and dimensions of the complementary surfaces may be varied depending upon the requirements of the particular application. The shapes of the complementary surfaces likewise may be varied as desired. By making the forces to be exerted/overcome to move the respective structures extend in the radial direction, it is believed that a more reliable ratchet action, and more reliable position-holding capability will be provided, as compared to the ratchet structure of
Depending upon such factors as the hardness(es) of the material(s) from which the ratchet components are made, the structures which interface in the ratchet structures, need not be rounded, but can be more angular in cross-section, as shown in
It is to be understood further that while the male ratchet components have been described and illustrated as having the projecting posts that are received in the apertures of the female ratchet components, in alternative embodiments, the apertures may be disposed on the male ratchet components and the center posts disposed on the female ratchet components.
Again, it will be understood that the contours of the projections on the male components and the contours of the surfaces of the recesses of the female components are shown by way of example, and the invention is not intended to be limited thereto, as other complementary constructions may be employed, without departing from the scope of the invention.
The structures of the rack and frame parts may be modified considerably, and if suitably dimensioned and provided with mating rotational control surfaces, swapped or interchanged as prompted by the requirements of a given application, to accommodate tool parts of various sizes and shapes, without departing from the scope of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to those particular embodiments illustrated herein.
Index cover part 1000 is also provided, at each end, with a female ratchet structure 1004, which is analogous in structure and function to the female ratchet structures 610 (of
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the material of index cover part 1000 surrounding the star-shaped recess is partially interrupted, by a gap 1010. This is because preferred embodiments of the invention will be fabricated from plastic or plastic-like materials, and formed such as by injection molding or similar processes, and by providing a gap 1010, the molding process may be made easier, as will readily be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art of plastic molding processes, having the present disclosure before them. For similar reasons, the “bottom” of the recess may, in fact also be perforated in parts, such as at 1012. Thus, the “bottom” of the recess may be formed by two webs 1014, 1016, which are “below” or to the inside of, the recess (as shown in
In alternative embodiments of the invention (not shown), for example, in which other manufacturing methods permit the index cover part to have a more solid structure, the gaps, such as 1010 and 1012, may be omitted, and the area around female ratchet structure 1004 may be more “solid”, save for the aperture for receiving the post of the male ratchet portion, which would still need to be a through aperture (if the post has a barbed portion), or which may be a blind bore (if the post lacks a barbed portion).
When frame part 1022 is snapped onto index cover part 1000 (both components preferably being fabricated from a resilient material of at least some flexibility), male ratchet portions 1028 are inserting received into female ratchet portions 1004, with projections 1034 being received in oppositely located ones of the notches 1006, between respective adjacent pairs of projections 1008. The clearance between projections 1034, and faces 1009 will be such that preferably, there will be a limited amount of “play”, and frame part 1022 will tend to remain in any given rotational orientation, relative to index cover part 1000, unless a fairly substantial torsional force is exerted on either frame part 1022 and/or index cover part 1000, to overcome the interference resistance created between the tips of projections 1008, and the tips of projections 1034. However, once enough force is applied, the respective contacting structures of the male and female ratchet structures will momentarily deflect enough to enable the frame to be incrementally pivotably moved, relative to index cover part 1000, and the ratcheting motion will continue, until either the force is removed, or the frame has reach the limits of its available pivoting movement relative to index cover part 1000 (which limits will, in a preferred embodiment, be about 90°±, as caused by the presence of rounded, outwardly projecting shoulders 1021).
As with the other previously described embodiments, the notches and projections of the female ratchet portion may have contours which are other than triangular (such that faces 1009 may be other than planar, such as convex or concave, or broken into plural planar faces), and the projection(s) of the male ratchet portion likewise may be other than triangular, and have side(s) that are planar, convex or concave or broken into plural planar faces.
The construction of the embodiment of
The embodiment of
In practice, when an index is being assembled, using index cover part 1000, two pivot pins 1040 are inserted, along stems 1046, into each of slots 1002, such that heads 1048 are on the inside of index cover part 1000. The index is completed by snap-fitting onto index cover part 1000 a mating index cover part, similar or analogous to index cover part 128 of
The present invention also includes an alternative embodiment of the retaining pin of
In the embodiment of
While the present invention is described and illustrated with particular reference to the environment of a drill bit case, in which the indexes and frames (and the bits they hold) occupy substantially the entire interior of the two-piece hinged case parts, it is to be understood that the modular tool holding structure can be applied to other types of tool and part holding cases, such as general multi-part tool cases, in which other tools (both hand and/or power tools) are also contained in the same case, along with the index and frame structure. One or more indexes may be accommodated in each side of a case, as space permits. In addition, the case does not have to be a two-piece hinged case type or even a hinged type to accommodate or take advantage of the present invention. For example, a simple rectangular parallelepiped case, having a snap or slide-on lid can also be adapted, so long as it has the interior structures (e.g., the pegs for defining the slots) for receiving the pivot pins of one or more indexes, and optionally for holding the retaining pins.
The packaging, storage and display apparatus and system of the present invention has many advantages for a manufacturer of goods such as tool and parts kits, as well as a private consumer, in that by being able to select from a variety of racks and a variety of frame structures, gives a manufacturer or individual consumer the flexibility to design and assemble a tool case, to the particular specifications of the particular manufacturer or individual consumer. In addition, the movable and positionable frame structures permit the user of the tools to open the case and position the tools in a desired work orientation that is most suitable to the needs and/or tastes of the particular user. In addition, through the use of the pegs in the case interiors, which define the trapezoidal slots that receive the pivot pins of the indexes, a consumer (whether private or a business consumer) may have a number of different index/frame structures holding different tool bits or parts, which different index/frame structures can be switched in and out of a case, as desired or required by the needs of the user.
In addition, by providing the pivoting one- or two-piece (or more) frames that are pivotable with respect to the index, the index can be removed from a case and set up as a free-standing index, out of its case, by moving the frame around to hold up the index. For this reason, the indexes of the preferred embodiment have solid, unbroken front and back parts, in part to provide a complete finished look, as well as to provide space for indicia indicating the sizes of the respective tools held in the index, if desired. Thus, in commercial embodiments of the invention, tool cases can be sold with selected indexes in them, and indexes and frames of various sizes can be sold separately, or in various combinations.
The foregoing description and drawings merely explain and illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited thereto, except as those skilled in the art who have the present disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the priority of the filing dates of: Ser. No. 10/636,972, filed Aug. 7, 2003; Ser. No. 10/984,509, filed Nov. 9, 2004; and Ser. No. 11/004,051, filed Dec. 3, 2004, the complete disclosures of each of which are hereby specifically incorporated by reference herein. All are abandoned.
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|---|---|---|---|
| 1043891 | Zange | Nov 1912 | A |
| 3578153 | Olson | May 1971 | A |
| 4764955 | Galand et al. | Aug 1988 | A |
| 5006066 | Rouse | Apr 1991 | A |
| 5312250 | Ellman et al. | May 1994 | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20070012587 A1 | Jan 2007 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10636972 | Aug 2003 | US |
| Child | 11523984 | US | |
| Parent | 10984509 | Nov 2004 | US |
| Child | 10636972 | US | |
| Parent | 11004051 | Dec 2004 | US |
| Child | 10984509 | US |
