Patent Application
20230150110
The present disclosure relates generally to tool storage devices.
Crafters utilize many kinds of tools to create crafting projects. In some instances, a single crafting project may require the use of two or more different tools that conduct work on a workpiece. Many of these tools have small parts that may be easily lost or misplaced. Such tools may also include a sharp blade. Therefore, a need exists in the art to develop devices that can assist a user in managing tools and associated parts.
One aspect of the disclosure provides a container for storing one or more implements. The container includes a first implement tray. The first implement tray includes a sidewall portion and a base portion. The sidewall portion defines a length that extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end of the sidewall portion that forms an opening to a second end of the sidewall portion. The sidewall portion defines an internal chamber that is configured to receive an axial portion of at least one implement of the one or more implements. The base portion is disposed proximate the first end of the sidewall portion and radially extending outward from the longitudinal axis to an inner peripheral surface of the sidewall portion. The base portion also includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and at least one passage. The top surface is configured to support a head portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements. The bottom surface is disposed opposite the top surface and opposes the internal chamber. The at least one passage is formed through a thickness of the base portion that extends between the top surface and the bottom surface of the base portion. The at least one passage defines a width sufficient to prevent arrangement of the head portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements through the at least one passage while permitting arrangement of the axial portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements through the at least one passage when the head portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements is supported by the top surface.
Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, when the head portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements is supported by the top surface of the base portion, the axial portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements axially extends through the at least one passage from a proximal end of an axial portion of the at least one implement that is attached to the head portion and terminates within the internal chamber at a distal end of the axial portion. In some examples, the distal end of the axial portion of the at least one implement of the one or more implements is disposed within the internal chamber at a location between the bottom surface of the base portion and the second end of the sidewall portion. In other examples, one or more passages of the at least one passage forms a straight cross-sectional shape.
In some implementations, one or more passages of the at least one passage forms an arcuate cross-sectional shape. In other implementations, the at least one passage includes two or more passages, wherein the width of the two or more passages is the same. In yet other implementations, the width is constant along a length of each passage of the one or more passages.
In some configurations, the at least one passage includes two or more passages. The two or more passages include a first passage having an arcuate shape and a second passage having the same arcuate shape as the first trough. In other configurations, the first passage and the second passage are diametrically opposed from one another. In yet other configurations, the two or more passages include a third passage disposed between the first passage and the second passage.
In some examples, the container includes a second implement tray. The second implement tray is removably attached to the first implement tray. The second implement tray includes a base portion and a sidewall portion. The base portion includes a lower surface that is configured to support the second implement tray on a support surface. The sidewall portion forms an open end of the second implement tray. The open end includes an attachment surface configured to mate with a corresponding attachment feature formed by the first end of the sidewall portion of the first implement tray to permit removable attachment of the first implement tray with the second implement tray.
In some implementations, the attachment surface of the open end of the sidewall portion of the second implement tray is configured to mate with the corresponding attachment feature formed by the first end of the sidewall portion of the first implement tray via compression or cooperating threads. In other implementations, a diameter formed by the first end of the sidewall portion of the first implement tray at the opening is different than a diameter of the open end of the sidewall portion of the second implement tray. In other implementations, the first end of the sidewall portion of the first implement tray is configured to support the first implement tray on the support surface when the second implement tray is not attached to the first implement tray. In yet other implementations, an outer surface of the sidewall portion of the second implement tray is radially aligned with an outer surface of the sidewall portion of the first implement tray when the first implement tray is attached to the second implement tray.
In other configurations, the base portion of the second implement tray includes a component receiving surface configured to receive at least one implement of the one or more implements. The component receiving surface of the base portion of the second implement tray is axially spaced apart from the bottom surface of the base portion of the first implement tray when the second implement tray is attached to the first implement tray. In yet other configurations, the component receiving surface defines one or more recesses. Each recess of the one or more recesses is configured to retain the at least one implement of the one or more implements.
In some examples, the container includes a lid that is configured to enclose the base portion of the first implement tray that is arranged near the second end of the sidewall portion of the first implement tray. In other examples, the container includes a hinge defining an axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first implement tray. The lid is configured to rotate relative to the first implement tray via the hinge between an open position that permits access the at least one implement of the one or more implements and a closed position that prevents access to the at least one implement of the one or more implements. In yet other examples, the hinge is fixedly attached to one of the lid and the first implement tray for rotatably coupling the other of the lid and the first implement tray. In further examples, the hinge is integrally formed with one of the lid and the first implement tray for rotatably coupling the other of the lid and the first implement tray.
Another aspect of the disclosure provides a tool storage device that includes a circumferential wall and a tool tray. The circumferential wall defines a length that extends along a longitudinal axis from an open first end to a second end. The circumferential wall circumscribes an internal chamber configured to receive a respective axial portion of each tool. The tool tray is disposed proximate the first end of the circumferential wall and radially extends outward from an axial center of the internal chamber to an inner peripheral surface of the circumferential wall. The tool tray includes a top surface configured to support a respective head portion of each tool, a bottom surface disposed on an opposite side of the tool tray than the top surface and opposing the internal chamber, and one or more troughs formed through the top and bottom surfaces of the tool tray. Each trough defines a respective width sufficient to prevent passage of the respective head portion of each tool through the trough and permit passage of the respective axial portion of each tool through the trough when the respective head portion is supported by the top surface.
This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, at least one of the one or more troughs includes a straight cross-sectional shape and/or at least one of the one or more troughs (26) comprises an arcuate cross-sectional shape. The one or more troughs formed through the top and bottom surfaces of the tool tray may include a first trough having an arcuate shape, a second trough having the same arcuate shape as the first trough, and a third trough disposed between the first trough and the second trough. Here, the first and second troughs may be diametrically opposed from one another.
In some examples, the storage device further includes a base removably attached to the circumferential wall that includes a substantially planar support surface configured to support the base on a surface, an open end, and a peripheral wall extending between the substantially planar support surface and the open end of the base. In these examples, the peripheral wall defines an attachment surface configured to mate with a corresponding attachment feature of the circumferential wall to permit removable attachment between the circumferential wall and the base. An outer surface of the peripheral wall may be radially aligned with an outer surface of the circumferential wall when the base is attached to the circumferential wall. The base may further include a component receiving surface configured to receive subcomponents. The component receiving surface may be coaxial with the tool tray when the circumferential wall is attached to the base. The base may further include a cavity defined by the component receiving surface and the peripheral wall of the base. The storage device may further include a lid configured to enclose the open first end.
The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.
As seen at
Referring to
With reference to
In some implementations, the workpiece includes any desirable shape, size, geometry or material composition. The shape/geometry may include, for example, a square or rectangular shape. The material composition of the workpiece may include paper-based (e.g., paperboard or cardboard) and/or non-paper-based products (e.g., vinyl, foam, rigid foam, cushioning foam, plywood, veneer, balsawood or the like). Nevertheless, although various implementations of workpiece material composition may be directed to paper, vinyl or foam-based products, the material composition of the workpiece is not limited to a particular material and may include any material that may be modified during, for example, the cutting operation (i.e., the material defining the workpiece may be defined by a quality that renders the workpiece as being “cuttable”).
The workpiece may be at least partially disposed within the crafting apparatus 100 in order to permit the crafting apparatus 100 to conduct work on the workpiece. The term “work” that is conducted upon the workpiece may include, but is not limited to, any number of tasks/functions performed by one or a combination of the printing device 102 and the cutting device 104. One or both of the printing device 102 and the cutting device 104 may be removably-secured to a carriage 106 that is movably-disposed according to the direction of arrows Y, Y′ (in, e.g., a three dimensional X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system) upon a member such as a rod 108, bar or shaft. The movement Y, Y′ of the carriage 106 along the rod 108 may be controlled by a motor (not shown) that receives actuation signals from a central processing unit. In an example, the “work” may include a “cutting operation” that functionally includes contact of a blade (see, e.g., workpiece-engaging portions 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, 260e at
With reference to
The distal end 202D of the axial portion 202 includes an interchangeable component engagement portion 210. The interchangeable component engagement portion 210 may include a component engagement surface 212.
With continued reference to
Each interchangeable component 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e may include a body 252 having a proximal end 252P and a distal end 252D. A cavity 254 may extend into the proximal end 252P of the body 252. The cavity 254 may be defined by a cavity surface 256. The cavity surface 256 may include at least one detent 258. The distal end 252D of the body 252 of each interchangeable component 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e includes a workpiece-engaging portion that is shown respectively at 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, 260e.
The cavity 254 generally defines a female portion that is configured to receive a male portion that is defined by the interchangeable component engagement portion 210 at the distal end 202D of the axial portion 202. Furthermore, one or both of the cavity surface 256 and the at least one detent 258 of the cavity 254 is configured to engage the component engagement surface 212 of the interchangeable component engagement portion 210 and/or an actuator portion (not shown) extending from, connected, or arranged proximate the component engagement surface 212 of the interchangeable component engagement portion 210.
As seen at
With reference to
Although the work-conducting assembly 200 may include the axial portion 202 and a plurality of interchangeable components (e.g., sub-components) 250a-250e, other work-conducting assemblies 300a, 300b, 300c, 300d, 300e, 300f (see, e.g.,
In view of the above description, a user may obtain a large collection of work-conducting assemblies 200, 300a-300f and interchangeable components 250a-250e (which may be hereinafter collectively referred to as the plurality of implements 200, 250a-250e, 300a-300f). The work-conducting assemblies 200, 300a-f may be interchangeably referred to as tools 200, 300a-f. During the course of utilizing the crafting apparatus 100 for conducting a crafting operation on a workpiece, the user may wish to selectively interface any implement of the plurality of implements 200, 250a-250e, 300a-300f with the crafting apparatus 100 in order to, for example, conduct one or more specific cutting operations on one or more workpieces (e.g., by dragging a straight blade 260e in a linear fashion across one or more workpieces, or, for example, by utilizing a castoring blade 260d for performing a cutting operation on one or more workpieces in a curved or arcuate fashion). Accordingly, the container 10 may assist the user in not only collectively containing and organizing the plurality of implements 200, 250a-250e, 300a-300f for quick identification and access by the user, but, also, for preventing the workpiece-engaging portions 260a-260e, which may or may not be sharp, from being directly exposed to a surrounding environment.
Referring to
In other configurations, the implement tray 12 may be alternatively referred to as a first implement tray, and, the implement tray 14 may be alternatively referred to as a second implement tray; accordingly, in yet other implementations, the container 10 includes a first implement tray 12 and a second implement tray 14 whereby the second implement tray 14 is configured to axially support, in a stacked orientation, the first implement tray 12. Therefore, in some configurations, one of the implement tray 12 and the second implement tray 14 may be an optional component (i.e., the implement tray 12 may function independently of the implement tray 14, and, conversely, the implement tray 14 may function independently of the implement tray 12).
In other configurations, the implement tray 12 may include an optional lid 16. As seen at
When the optional lid 16 is arranged in the closed or down orientation, the optional flange portion 18b may mate with or be registered adjacent a ledge surface or female flange-receiving region 18c (see e.g.,
Referring to
As seen at
Each of the first passage 26a, the second passage 26b, and the third passage 26c are respectively defined by a length L26a, L26b, L26c extending between the first end surface 26E1 and the second end surface 26E2. The length L26a, L26b of each of the first passage 26a, the second passage 26b may be greater than the length L26 of the third passage 26c. Furthermore, the first passage 26a and the second passage 26b may be defined by an arcuate shape, and, as such, include an arcuate length L26a, L26b. Unlike the arcuate shape of the first passage 26a and the second passage 26b, the third passage 26c may be defined by a linear shape, and, as such, includes a linear length L26c.
Each of the first passage 26a, the second passage 26b, and the third passage 26c are respectively defined by a width W26a, W26b, W26c extending between the first side surface 26S1 and the second side surface 26S2. The width W26a, W26b, W26c of each of the first passage 26a, the second passage 26b, and the third passage 26c may be equal to one another.
The width W26a, W26b, W26c of each of the first passage 26a, the second passage 26b, and the third passage 26c may be: (1) about the same as but greater than a first dimension (e.g., a diameter D202 as seen at
Accordingly, as seen at
Referring to
Each recess 34 of the plurality of recesses 34 is sized for axially removably-securing or axially removably-storing an implement of the plurality of implements defined by the interchangeable components 250a-250e. Unlike the plurality of passages 26 formed by the base portion 22 of the implement tray 12, the plurality of recesses 34 do not extend all the way through a thickness T30 (see, e.g.,
Furthermore, as seen at
In some configurations, the dimension (e.g., the diameter D34) of each recess 34 of the plurality of recesses 34 may be about the same as but greater than a first dimension (e.g., a diameter D252 as seen at
Furthermore, as seen at
With reference to
In some instances, as shown at
With reference to
In some instances, the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 of the implement tray 12 is secured together with the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32 of the implement tray 14 via, for example, compression (such as, e.g., a releasable friction-fit or snap-fit locking configuration whereby one of the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 and the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32 may include a lip and the other includes a recess that releaseably-interlock with one another). In other configuration, of the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 and the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32 may include a threaded surface portion in order to threadably-engage or threadably-couple the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 with the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32. Accordingly, a user may attach or separate implement tray portion 12 to/from the implement tray 14 by, for example, twisting, pulling, or otherwise manipulating or unlocking the implement tray 12 and the implement tray 14. In other configurations, a diameter formed by the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 of the first implement tray 12 at the opening 38 is different (e.g., smaller or greater) than a diameter of the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32 of the second implement tray 14 in order to permit one of the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 of the first implement tray 12 and the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32 of the second implement tray 14 to removably-capture, and, therefore, couple, the other of the distal end 24D of the sidewall portion 24 of the first implement tray 12 and the distal end 32D of the sidewall portion 32 of the second implement tray 14.
One or more portions (e.g., the optional lid 16, the base portion 22, and the sidewall portion 24) of the implement tray 12 may be formed from any desirable material. In some configurations, one or more of the optional lid 16, the base portion 22, and the sidewall portion 24 may be formed from a transparent material in order to allow a user to easily view which and how many implements of the plurality of implements 200, 250a-250e, 300a-300f are disposed within the container 10.
With reference to
Although the plurality of implements 200, 250a-250e, 300a-300f shown at
In some configurations, a dimension (e.g., the diameter D34) of each recess 34 of the plurality of recesses 34 may be configured to not only accommodate a dimension (e.g., the diameter D252 as seen at
In a substantially similar manner as described above with respect to the widths W26a, W26b, W26c extending between the first side surface 26S1 and the second side surface 26S2 of each of the first passage 26a, the second passage 26b, and the third passage 26c of the base portion 22 with respect to the implement tray 12 being configured to be interfaced with the plurality of implements 200, 250a-250e, 300a-300f having any type of shape (e.g., a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a polygonal prism shape, or other irregularly shaped implements), the same principle may also apply to the plurality of recesses 34 formed by the base portion 30 of the implement tray 14. Accordingly, the plurality of recesses 34 formed by the base portion 30 of the implement tray 14 may be configured to removably-support and/or removably-retain any implement that may, for example, be utilized in conducting a crafting procedure, which may or may not be associated with operation of the crafting apparatus 100.
In some configurations, the plurality of recesses 34 formed by the base portion 30 of the implement tray 14 may support the plurality of interchangeable components 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e and/or the cap, covering or protector 262 via a friction-fit connection and/or gravity. In some configurations, the base portion 30 may be formed of an elastic material such that the plurality of recesses 34 formed by the base portion 30, which may include a dimension (e.g., the diameter D34) that is smaller than a dimension (e.g., the diameter D252 and/or the diameter D262) of the body 252 of each interchangeable component 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e and/or of the cap, covering or protector 262, such that each recess 34 of the plurality of recesses 34 can stretch to frictionally-retain, and, therefore, also accommodate larger or different sized implements that may be removably-connected to the implement tray 14. Accordingly, when, for example, of the body 252 of each interchangeable component 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e and/or of the cap, covering or protector 262 is frictionally-retained within one or more recesses 34 of the plurality of recesses 34, if the implement tray 14 is arranged in an “upside-down” orientation, tipped-over, or dropped, each interchangeable component 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e and/or of the cap, covering or protector 262 may be secured within the one or more recesses 34 of the plurality of recesses 34 without being dislodged therefrom.
In a substantially similar manner as descried above with respect to the implement tray 14 retaining the each interchangeable component 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, 250e and/or of the cap, covering or protector 262 if the implement tray 14 is arranged in an “upside-down” orientation, tipped-over, or dropped, the optional lid 16 may also provide the same function for the implement tray 12. In some configurations, the optional flange portion 18b may secure the optional lid 16 in one of the closed or down orientation (see, e.g.,
In some configurations, the optional hinge portion 18a may be glued to one or both of the optional lid 16 and the sidewall portion 24 of the implement tray 12. Alternatively, the optional hinge portion 18a may be integrally formed with one of the optional lid 16 and the sidewall portion 24 of the implement tray 12.
The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional implementations that also incorporate the recited features. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by implementations of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.
A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to implementations disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the implementations that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.
The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.
The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described implementations are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2021/026570 | 4/9/2021 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63008324 | Apr 2020 | US |
