This invention relates to a socket caddy holding sockets and socket ratchets for use by mechanics.
Sockets and socket ratchets are widely used in various repairs, particularly in auto repairs. An auto mechanic would position himself under a vehicle and then reach for a toolbox in order to retrieve a socket ratchet or a socket to perform the repairs. This often has to be done “on the fly”, while using only one hand and while the hand is greasy. After use, a particular socket needs to be placed back for storage or replaced with a different socket, also “on the fly”, while using only one hand and while the hand is greasy. Most mechanics lack time or discipline to return a socket to a particular predetermined location and tend to just drop it into a tool box. Accordingly, there is a need to have a socket caddy providing easy and convenient access to sockets and socket ratchets, permitting removing and replacing sockets with one hand, quickly and with minimal effort. Further, an open view storage allows the user to determine whether there are any missing sockets at a glance.
The socket caddy according to this invention satisfies this need. According to the first embodiment of this invention, a tent-shaped structure atop a base comprising storage is provided with pins extending at a substantially forty five degree angle to the base. Sockets are hung on the pins by way of the force of gravity without friction with the pins and thus can be easily removed and replaced with one hand. The second embodiment of this invention provides a vertical panel is atop a base comprising storage with pins extending at a substantially forty five degree angle to the base. As in the first embodiment, sockets are hung on the pins without the use of the force of friction.
This invention will be better understood with the reference to the drawing figures
Viewing
A first and second panels, indicated respectively by numerals 20 and 30, extend from base 10 and meet at a crest indicated by numeral 40. In the preferred embodiment shown in
First panel 20 and second panel 30 form a tent having a conventional tent shape with a cross section, is in a plane perpendicular to crest 40, in the form of an inverted “V”. Crest 40 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of base 10. In the preferred embodiment shown in
Numeral 50 indicates pins. A plurality of pins 50 extends from first panel 20 and second panel 30 at a predetermined angle indicated by numeral 60.
Numeral 70 indicates sockets. Pins 50 slidably and removably retain sockets 70 in a frictionless hanging arrangement by way of the force of gravity, permitting sockets 70 to be removed with one hand. To accomplish such frictionless hanging arrangement of pins 50, angle 60 must be between zero and ninety degrees with respect to the rectangular bottom panel of base 10. The objective of this invention is to provide effortless and quick removal and replacement of sockets 70 with one hand. Angles 60 smaller than zero degrees would cause sockets 70 to fall off of pins 50. Angles 60 larger than ninety degrees would make removal and replacement of sockets 70 difficult. The preferred embodiment described in reference to
In the preferred embodiment described in reference to
Viewing now
In the preferred embodiment shown in
In the preferred embodiment described in reference to
Indicia 110 is disposed on first face 120a and second face 120b, such that if first face 120a comprises indicia “STANDARD”, as shown in
In the embodiments described in reference to
Specifically, first and second panels 20 and 30 (as well as vertical panel 120) further comprise a plurality of openings indicated by numeral 50b. Openings 50b receive and removably retain pins 50. Pins 50 are frictionally press fit into openings 50b by the end user. This can be accomplished by way of a hammer.
The embodiment described in reference to
While the present invention has been described and defined by references to the preferred embodiments of the invention, such references do not imply limitations on the invention, and no such limitations are to be inferred. The invention is capable of considerable modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to those ordinarily skilled and knowledgeable in the pertinent arts. The depicted and described preferred embodiments of the invention are exemplary only, and are not exhaustive of the scope of the invention. Consequently, the invention is intended to be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims, giving full cognizance to equivalents in all respects.