The present invention relates generally to the field of tool storage. The present invention relates specifically to various socket holders or storage attachment devices designed to better retain or hold a socket on the storage attachment device.
One embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body portion and a collar. The body portion includes a base component, a neck, a pair of side components, a head, and a pair of protrusions. The base component includes first and second opposing ends. The neck is coupled to and extends away from an upper side of the base component. Each one of the pair of side components is coupled to one of the first and second opposing ends of the base component, respectively. The pair of side components extend away from the lower side of the base component in a direction opposite of the neck. The head is coupled to an upper end of the neck and a longitudinal axis extends through the head. Each one of the pair of protrusions extend inward from a lower end of the one of the side components toward the longitudinal axis. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc and a generally vertical wall that extends away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The collar is a separate component, non-integral with the body and positioned around at least a portion of the head of the body portion such that portions of the generally horizontal disc protrude outward away from the head and are configured to engage with an inner surface of a socket such that the socket is held on the socket holder.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body portion and a collar. The body portion includes a rail engagement base, a neck coupled to and extending away from the rail engagement base and a head coupled to the neck. A longitudinal axis extends through the head. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc and a generally vertical wall that extends away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The body portion is formed from a first material and the collar is formed from a second material different from the first material.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body and a collar. The body includes a base component, a neck, a pair of side components, a head, and a pair of protrusions. The neck is coupled to and extends away from the base component. The pair of side components are coupled to the base component and extend away from the base component in a direction opposite of the neck. The head is coupled to the neck and a longitudinal axis extends through the head. Each of the pair of protrusions extend inward from one of the side components toward the longitudinal axis. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc and a generally vertical wall. The generally horizontal disc includes a lower body region, an upper body region and a main retention ring positioned between the lower body region and the upper body region. The main retention ring includes an outer surface. The generally vertical wall extends away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body portion formed from a first material and a collar portion formed from a second material different from the first material. The second material has a property (e.g., durometer, elasticity, surface friction etc.) different than the property of the first material. In specific embodiments, the first material is a polymer material having a first durometer, and the second material is a polymer material having a second durometer less than the first durometer. The body includes a neck, a base component, a pair of side components, a pair of protrusions and a head portion. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc having an outer surface and a generally vertical wall extending away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to an axis extending through a center of the body and head portion. The collar is positioned such that the outer surface of the generally horizontal disc engages with an inner surface of a socket such that the socket is held on the socket holder. The head portion of the body includes an outer surface defining a first outer diameter. The outer surface of the generally horizontal disc defines a second outer diameter different from the first outer diameter.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body portion formed from a first material and a collar portion formed from a second material. The first material having a greater hardness than the second material. The body includes a neck, a base component, a pair of side components, a pair of protrusions and a head portion. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc having an outer surface and a generally vertical wall extending away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to an axis extending through a center of the body and head portion. The collar is positioned such that the outer surface of the generally horizontal disc engages with an inner surface of a socket such that the socket is held on the socket holder. The head portion of the body includes an outer surface defining a first outer diameter. The outer surface of the generally horizontal disc defines a second outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body portion formed from a first material and a collar portion formed from a second material different from the first material. The second material has a property (e.g., durometer, elasticity, surface friction etc.) different than the property of the first material. In specific embodiments, the first material is a polymer material having a first durometer, and the second material is a polymer material having a second durometer less than the first durometer. The body includes a neck, an base component, a pair of side components, a pair of protrusions and a head portion. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc and a generally vertical wall extending away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to an axis extending through a center of the body and head portion. The generally horizontal disc includes a main retention ring with an outer surface, a lower body region and an upper body region. The main retention ring has a first outer diameter greater than the outer diameters of both the upper body and lower body regions of generally horizontal disc. The collar is positioned such that the outer surface of the main retention ring engages with an inner surface of a socket such that the socket is held on the socket holder. The head portion of the body includes an outer surface defining a second outer diameter. The first outer diameter of the main retention ring is different from the second outer diameter of the head. The generally horizontal disc includes a thickness and the main retention ring includes a thickness. The thickness of the main retention ring is at least 50% of an outward facing surface material of the generally horizontal disc.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder including a body portion formed from a first material and a collar portion formed from a second material. The first material having a greater hardness than the second material. The body includes a neck, a base component, a pair of side components, a pair of protrusions and a head portion. The collar includes a generally horizontal disc and a generally vertical wall extending away from the generally horizontal disc in a direction parallel to an axis extending through the a center of the body and head portion. The generally horizontal disc includes a main retention ring with an outer surface, a lower body region and an upper body region. The main retention ring has a first outer diameter greater than the outer diameters of both the upper body and lower body regions of the generally horizontal disc. The collar is positioned such that the outer surface of the main retention ring engages with an inner surface of a socket such that the socket is held on the socket holder. The head portion of the body includes an outer surface defining a second outer diameter. The first diameter of the main retention ring is greater than the second outer diameter of the head portion. The generally horizontal disc includes a thickness and the main retention ring includes a thickness. The thickness of the main retention ring is at least 30% of an outward facing surface material of the generally horizontal disc.
Another embodiment of the invention relates to a socket holder kit. The socket holder kit includes a plurality of socket holders having various sizes, a plurality of sockets having various sizes, and at least one rail or base component configured to be removably coupled to the socket holders.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.
The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments.
This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which:
Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a socket holder designed to provide increased engagement between a socket and the socket holder and improved usability are shown. In general, Applicant has determined that by constructing the socket holder having the designs and materials discussed herein and having similar size and/or shape, socket holders can demonstrate improved socket retention and increased durability in terms of socket retention force. Applicant believes this design provides more reliable retention than a single material component socket, such as a live hinge type of detent which may be dimensionally sensitive, leading to inadequate retention or premature cycle failure. Further, a one-piece design for a socket holder allows for easier implementation compared to two-piece socket holders. Specifically, in comparison to standard socket holders that utilize a spring-biased ball detent, the socket holders discussed herein provide even engagement with a substantial portion of the inner diameter of the related socket, providing a secure attachment. In addition, the reduction/elimination of moving parts is believed to provide increased simplicity and durability and allow for manufacturing via efficient molding techniques, rather than through complex assembly steps as is the case with spring-detent socket holders.
Referring to
Body 12 includes a neck 16, a base component 18, a pair of side components 19, a pair of protrusions 20 and a head or uppermost portion 30 of the body. Neck 16 is coupled to and extends away from an upper side of the base component. Head 30 is coupled to an upper end of the neck 16.
Base component 18 includes first and second opposing ends. Side components 19 are each coupled to one of the first and second opposing ends of the base component 18, respectively, and extend away from a lower side of the base component 18 in a downward direction (i.e., in a direction opposite of neck 16) represented by arrow 27 before extending inward as protrusions 20 toward an axis 34. Specifically, each one of the protrusions 20 extend inward from a lower end of one of the side components 19. The base component 18 acts as a rail engagement structure (i.e., grasps and/or holds onto a socket rail, tray, etc.). The protrusions 20 are configured to grasp and/or hold the socket holder 10 on a rail, tray and/or base component.
Axis 34 extends from a center groove 36 of body 12 through neck 16 and head 30 of body 12. Collar 14 includes a base portion, shown as a generally horizontal disc 22 (e.g., generally perpendicular to axis 34, 90 degreesĀ±10 degrees) and a generally vertical wall 24 (e.g., generally perpendicular to horizontal disc 22, 90 degreesĀ±10 degrees) extending away from generally horizontal disc 22 in a direction parallel to axis 34. Generally horizontal disc 22 includes an outer surface 32. The collar 14 is a separate component, non-integral with body 12 and positioned around at least a portion of the head 30 of the body 12 such that portions of the generally horizontal disc 22 protrude outward away from the head 30 and are configured to engage with an inner surface of a socket component 26 such that the socket component 26 is held on the socket holder 10.
The socket component 26 is placed onto socket holder 10 in the downward direction of arrow 27. Socket component 26 includes an inner surface 28 that engages with the outer surface 32 of generally horizontal disc 22. The engagement (e.g., via friction) between outer surface 32 of collar 14 and inner surface 28 holds socket component 26 on socket holder 10. Applicant believes that this type of radial engagement around the inner surface of the socket component provides for more secure attachment as compared to spring-ball detent attachment mechanisms.
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It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.
In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.
The present application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2022/036356, filed Jul. 7, 2022, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/220,294, filed on Jul. 9, 2021, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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Number | Date | Country | |
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63220294 | Jul 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/US2022/036356 | Jul 2022 | WO |
Child | 17871227 | US |