Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool holder for holding and storing one or more tools. Background of the Invention

[0002] It is often desired to hold a collection of tools, such as writing implements or painting tools, in an organized manner to reduce clutter, permit easy access, and prevent contact between the tools,

[0003] Holders are available to hold and store a single writing implement, As an example, United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0121773 Al to Huang discloses a pen holder including a pair of discrete elastic members that define therebetween a passage that is narrower than the diameter of the pen. When the pen is pushed through the passage, the elastic members deform and exert a restoring force to retain the pen, United States Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0073399 to Rosenblum discloses a pen holder that is insertable into a lighter socket of a vehicle, and includes a body with an elongated cavity, and a rubber end flange defining an opening that communicates with the cavity. The end opening may be narrower than the diameter of the cavity, and the cavity may have inwardly extending grippers. When a pen is pushed through the opening and into the cavity, the end flange and grippers firmly hold the pen in place.

[0004] There are holders which accommodate multiple writing implements. United States Patent No. 7,314,142 to Lyman, Jr. discloses a pen holder defining pen tip cavities, each having a pen tip cavity edge that seals against and supports a pen neck. United States Patent Nos. 7,419,320 and 7,819,600 to LaBrasca disclose a marker pen holder defining receptacles, each of which has a snap ring that fits a corresponding snap ring on a marker pen neck. United States Patent No. 7,458,474 to Bewsky discloses a holder comprising a base plate with perpendicularly extending flexible pins having bulbous tips. When a pen is inserted between the pins, it displaces the bulbous tips of the pins, causing them to press against the pen and retain it in place.

[0005] However, the above holders are limited in their ability to hold and store a variety of tools having different shapes and sizes. There is a need for a simple and efficient holder that mitigates the limitations of the current holders.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is directed to a tool holder for holding and storing a plurality of tools. In one aspect of the invention, the invention comprises a tool holder comprising: a body defining one or more receptacles, adapted for receiving a tool or portion thereof; and one or more gripping members substantially aligned with the one or more receptacles to releasably grip the tool or portion thereof upon insertion therethrough.

[0007] In one embodiment, the holder further comprises a surface layer removably attachable to the body. In one embodiment, the surface layer is formed of flexible elastomeric material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the body comprises a base portion, a mounting face, and a top portion. In one embodiment, the body is formed of a rigid material. In one embodiment, the material is selected from plastic, wood, or metal.

[0009] In one embodiment, the base portion is substantially fiat. In one embodiment, the base portion is constructed from, coated, or provided with a material which prevents slippage. In one embodiment, the material is selected from rubber, an adhesive, a magnet, gel, or silicone. In one embodiment, the mounting face defines one or more slots. In one embodiment, the one or more slots comprises a keyhole-type slot, In one embodiment, the top portion is curved as a convex surface.

[0010] In one embodiment, the receptacle is closed at one end, or open ended. In one embodiment, the receptacle is tapered and comprises an open-ended drain tube positioned at the base portion of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the receptacle is conical-shaped. In one embodiment, the surface layer extends downwardly into the body to define the receptacle, and the body defines the drain tube. In one embodiment, the body defines an aperture, the receptacle, and the drain tube. In one embodiment, the base portion is removable.

[0011] In one embodiment, longitudinal axes of the receptacles are aligned at differing angles to maintain separation of tools which protrude from adjacent receptacles.

[0012] In one embodiment, the gripping member defines an aperture which aligns with a corresponding receptacle, and has a transverse dimension smaller than the transverse dimension of the receptacle. In one embodiment, the aperture has a substantially curved or rounded edge.

[0013] In one embodiment, the surface layer is configured to lie flush with the top portion of the body. In one embodiment, the body defines a peripheral groove which engages a complementary groove defined by the surface layer. In one embodiment, the body defines a slot which engages a complementary downwardly projecting tab defined by the surface layer. In one embodiment, the surface layer is removably attachable to the body by a fastener, which may be a screw fastener or a split clip.

[0014] In one embodiment, the one or more gripping members are integral with the body. In one embodiment, the one or more gripping members comprise an annular member releasably attached to the body. In one embodiment, the annular member defines an aperture and a circumferential groove which engages a complementary annular groove defined by the body. In one embodiment, the annular member is formed of flexible elastomeric material. In one embodiment, the material for the surface layer or annular member is selected from polyisoprene, natural rubber, latex, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings.

[0016] Fig, 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the tool holder of the present invention;

[0017] Fig. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0018] Fig. 3 is a rear view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0019] Fig. 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 1 through section line A-A of Fig. 1 ;

[0021] Fig. 6 is a detail view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 1 in region A-A of Fig. 5, when the tool holder is holding a pencil;

[0022] Fig. 7 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 8 is a rear view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 7;

[0024] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 7, through section line A-A of Fig. 7;

[0025] Fig. 10 is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of the present invention; [0026] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tool holder shown in Fig. 10, through section line A-A of Fig. 10;

[0027] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of the present invention;

[0029] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a detail of an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] The present invention relates to a tool holder for holding and storing one or more tools. When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art- recognized meanings. To the extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment or a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting of the claimed invention.

[0031] The tool holder (10) serves as a depository to hold and store one or more tools. As used herein, the term "tool" broadly refers to any implement or accessory article, such as for writing, painting, entertaining, grooming, or eating including, but not limited to, desktop stationary supplies such as pens, pencils, markers, scissors, rulers, paper clips, binder clips, and the like; art supplies such as angled brushes, bristle brushes, staining brushes, sash and trim brushes, disposable brushes, varnish brushes, wire brushes, paint brush extenders, finishing tools, putty loiives, taping knives, broad knives, glazier loiives, razor blades, spatulas, paint mixers, paint scrapers, and the like; hand-held electronic devices such as smartphones, portable media players, or recorders; hardware tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers; personal grooming tools such as toothbrushes, make-up applicators, tweezers, and combs; and eating utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described having regard to the accompanying Figures. The tool holder (10) is shown generally in the Figures to include a body (12) and a surface layer (14) removably attachable to the body (12). The body (12) defines receptacles (16) for receiving tools or portions thereof, and the surface layer (14) defines apertures (18) bounded by gripping members or edges (20) which substantially align with corresponding receptacles (16) to allow passage of the tools or portions thereof and to releasably grip or grasp the tools upon insertion.

[0033] The body (12) comprises a base portion (22), a top portion (24), a mounting face (26) and defines one or more receptacles (16). In one embodiment, the body (12) may be constructed of a rigid material to provide strength and sufficient ruggedness to support the weights of and repeated contact with the tools. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, plastics, wood and metal.

[0034] In one embodiment, the base portion (22) is substantially flat to provide a relatively planar surface for the tool holder (10) to rest on any underlying support surface such as for example, the top of a desk or table. The base portion (22) may be constructed from, coated, or provided with a material to prevent slippage on the underlying support surface. Suitable materials may include, but are not limited to magnets or high friction, low tack materials such as, for example, rubber; adhesives; gel and silicone.

[0035] The tool holder (10) may also be mounted to a wall or to the underside of a surface such as, for example, a cabinet or shelf. In one embodiment shown in Figure 3, the mounting face (26) defines one or more slots (28) for mounting the tool holder (10) to a wall or to an underside of a surface. In one embodiment, the mounting face (26) defines a pair of keyhole-type slots (28) (Figure 8). Keyhole-type slots (28) allow for insertion, movement, and retention of corresponding fasteners attached to the wall or the underside of the surface. Suitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, screws, nails, and the like.

[0036] In one embodiment, the top portion (24) is substantially convexly curved, sloping downwardly from the mounting face (26), as shown in Figure 4, It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a curved top portion (24) may be preferred to facilitate access to the tools.

[0037] The body (12) defines one or more receptacles (16) for receiving and accommodating tools or portions thereof. It is contemplated that the number, size, shape, and positioning of the receptacles (16) for an embodiment of the tool holder (10) may vary, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 1. Such factors relating to the receptacles (16) are dictated by the dimensions and shapes of the tools or portions thereof, In one embodiment, each receptacle (16) is spaced apart from other receptacles (16) to keep each tool separate from other tools. In one embodiment, a receptacle (16) opening may be shaped to allow insertion of more than one tool. As shown in Figure 1, a receptacle (16) opening might be oval or crescent-shaped to accommodate multiple tools such as for example, multiple drill bits or paper clips, respectively.

[0038] Each receptacle (16) is configured to correspond substantially to the shape and size of the tool or portion thereof, The receptacle (16) may be closed at one end, or open ended. In one embodiment, the receptacle (16) has a closed end, The closed end or bottom of the receptacle (16) may have any suitable configuration including, but not limited to, flat or conical. In one embodiment, the closed end may be flat for a non-pointed tool. In one embodiment as shown for example in Figures 5 and 6, the receptacle (16) is substantially cylindrically-shaped with a conically- shaped closed end to receive and accommodate a similarly shaped tool such as, for example, a pencil (P), and to protect and maintain the cleanliness of the tip or end of the tool. The receptacle (16) may be sized and shaped to avoid or minimize contact with the pencil (P) by providing a gap (30) between the receptacle (16) and the pencil (P).

[0039] In one embodiment, the receptacle (16) is open ended. As shown for example in Figures 7-9, the receptacles (16) may extend through the body (12) to hold an elongate tool such as, for example, a screw driver, without concealing the end of the tool.

[0040] In one embodiment, the receptacle (16) may be tapered and have an open-ended drain tube (32) at its base portion (Figures 12-13). As shown for example in Figure 12, the surface layer (14) extends downwardly into the body (12) to define the tapered, open ended receptacle (16), and the body (12) defines the open ended drain tube (32) positioned at the base portion of the receptacle (16). As shown for example in Figure 13, there is no surface layer (14) and the body (12) defines the aperture (18), the tapered receptacle (16), and the drain tube (32), Since the aperture (18), receptacle (16), and drain tube (32) are integral with the body (12), the tool holder (10) can be formed from a single material. The tapered receptacle (16) and drain tube (32) control drainage of liquid (for example, water, ink, or paint) that may drip from the tool. The tapered receptacle (16) funnels the liquid downwardly towards the drain tube (32). The liquid passes through the drain tube (32) and may exit from the drain tube (32) into a removable base portion (22) which would then function as a drip tray. The removable base portion (22) facilitates cleaning or emptying of any leaked liquid.

[0041] As used herein when describing a receptacle (16) and its corresponding gripping member (18), the term "longitudinal" refers to the direction in which the receptacle (16) axially receives the tool, and the term "transverse" refers to a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. [0042] In one embodiment, the longitudinal axes of the receptacles (16) are aligned at differing angles. As shown in Figure 5, the longitudinal axes of the receptacles (16) diverge further apart towards the top portion (24) of the body (12) to separate the tools from each other as they extend away from the top portion (24).

[0043] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) defines the gripping members (18). In one embodiment, the gripping member (18) defines an aperture, which is defined by a continuous edge (20) extending about the aperture, Figure 1 shows the gripping members or apertures (18) as solid lines, and the corresponding receptacles (16) as dashed lines. The aperture (18) substantially aligns with a corresponding receptacle (16) to allow insertion of the tools through the aperture (18) into the receptacle (16), as shown in Figures 1, 5-7 and 9-13. The tools are releasably gripped or frictionally within the apertures (18) and rest securely within the receptacles (16). As shown in Figures 1 , 5-7, and 9-13, each aperture (18) has a transverse dimension which is smaller than the transverse dimension of the receptacle (16). The transverse dimensions of the aperture (18) and receptacle (16) are dictated by the dimensions of the tool intended to be stored. In one embodiment, the transverse dimension of the aperture (18) may be minimized to receive and accommodate relatively thin objects such as for example, rulers, paper clips and the like. In one embodiment, if the gripping members (18) are sufficiently elastic, then the apertures may not appear as openings when not in use, in other words, the edges of the apertures are in contact. In one embodiment, the edge (20) of the aperture (18) is substantially curved or rounded to facilitate smooth passage of the tool (P) through the aperture (18) into the receptacle (16) (Figure 6).

[0044] It is contemplated that the shape of the apertures (18) and receptacles (16) may vary. While Figure 1 illustrates apertures which are elongate arcs, circular, rectangular, and triangular shapes, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shapes such as for example, square, curved, keyhole-shaped, and the like, are included within the scope of the invention. The shape of the aperture (18) may or may not correspond to the shape of the underlying receptacle (16).

[0045] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is removably attachable to the top portion (24) of the body (12) to facilitate cleaning or replacement of the surface layer (14) and other components of the tool holder (10), thereby preventing or minimizing fouling of the receptacles ( 16) and other components .

[0046] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is configured to lie flush with the top portion (24) of the body (12). In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is curved to lie flush with the curved top portion (24) of the body (12), as shown in Figures 3-5. In one embodiment, the surface layer ( 14) extends downwardly into the body (12) and lines the receptacles ( 16), as shown in Figure 12.

[0047] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is a skin which is removably attachable to the body (12) by friction fit or press fit (Figure 5). The attachment of the surface layer (14) and the body ( 12) is achieved by friction after the surface layer (14) and the body ( 12) are pushed together. The body (12) defines a peripheral groove (34) which engages a complementary groove (36) defined by the surface layer (14) to removably attach the surface layer (14) to the body (12). In one embodiment, the body (12) defines a slot (38) which engages a complementary downwardly projecting tab (40) defined by the surface layer (14). Frictional resistance between the grooves (34, 36) and between the slot and tab (38, 40) maintains the attachment of the surface layer (14) to the body (12) without the need for external fasteners.

[0048] In one embodiment, the surface layer (14) is removably attachable to the body (12) by a fastener (Figures 10-1 1). The fastener may comprise for example, a screw fastener (42) or split clip (44) which expands into a corresponding slot (46) defined by the body (12), as shown in Figure 1 1.

[0049] The surface layer (14) may be formed of a flexible, elastic material to enable the gripping of tools by the edges (20) of the apertures (18). As used herein, the term "flexible" means capable of bending without breaking. As used herein, the term "elastic" or "elastomeric" means a material which exhibits the property of elasticity, namely the ability to deform when a stress is applied and to recover its original form (i.e., length, volume, shape, etc.) spontaneously when the stress is removed. Elastomers typically have a low Young's modulus (i.e., the ratio of tensile stress to tensile strain, expressed in units of pressure), and a high yield strain (i.e., the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically, expressed in units of pressure). Suitable elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyisoprene, natural rubber, latex, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone. Such materials are durable, lightweight, and are relatively inexpensive. The material may comprise flexible, elastomeric materials which can widen and contract to receive and accommodate a tool. The aperture (18) widens to allow passage of the tool therethrough into the receptacle (16). Once the tool has been inserted, the friction imparted by the edge (20) of the aperture (18) grips or grasps the tool.

[0050] In one embodiment, there is no surface layer (14). Gripping of the tool is achieved by an annular member (48) which is attached to the top portion (24) of the body (12) (Figure 14). In one embodiment, the annular member (48) defines an aperture (50) and a circumferential groove (52) which releasably engages or latches into a complementary annular groove (54) defined by the top portion (24) of the body (12). The annular member (48) may be formed of a flexible, elastic material to enable the gripping of the tool by the aperture (50). Suitable elastic or elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, polyisoprene, natural rubber, latex, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone.

[0051] In one embodiment, the tool holder (10) may include a lid or case which may be removably attachable to the tool holder (10) to cover or enclose the tools held or stored within the holder (10) for various reasons such as, for example, to protect the tools from dust or contamination, to minimize spillage (for example, if paint brushes are stored with the bristles pointing downward), or to store between uses or during transit. The lid or case may be removably attached to the tool holder (10) by any suitable attachment means including, but not limited to, a hinge, clamp, snap, fastener, and the like. The lid or case is manufactured separately as a component which is removably attachable to the tool holder (10).

[0052] The dimensions of the tool holder (10) are not essential to the invention and may be increased or decreased as may be required to satisfy any particular design objectives; for example, the tool holder (10) may be made available in a variety of dimensions to correspond with different sizes of tools. The height or depth of the tool holder (10) may vary in accordance with the length of the tools intended for use with the tool holder (10) . In addition, it is contemplated that the shape and color for an embodiment of the tool holder (10) may vary for different applications, aesthetic appeal, or for the target consumer.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the tool holder (10) of the present invention is simple but rugged in construction that it can be made at low cost. The tool holder (10) may be easily fabricated by a molding process including, but not limited to, injection molding and other processes known in the art. In one embodiment, the body (12) and integral apertures (18) may be cast or molded as a single piece. In one embodiment, the body (12) may be manufactured as a single integral unit, with other components (for example, the surface layer (14), screw fastener (42), split clip (44), annular member (48)) being manufactured separately to be attachable to the body (12) to form the tool holder (10).

[0054] The tool holder (10) provides holding and storage means, allowing close and quick access to various tools when placed on a desk or table top, or mounted to a wall. Tools with sharp points or edges, for example, pencils, knives, and scrapers, can be safely held and stored. In operation, the tool holder (10) may be placed for example, on a desk or table top. The end of a tool (for example, pencil (P)) is inserted through an aperture (18) into the receptacle (16), maintaining constant full contact with the aperture (18) as it is inserted into the receptacle (16). The diameter of the aperture (18) is selected to be slightly smaller than the diameter of the pencil (P). Insertion of the pencil (P) through the aperture (18) increases its diameter or widens the aperture (18) which subsequently grips or contracts around the pencil (P). Frictional forces between the aperture (18) and the pencil (P) hold the pencil (P) within the receptacle (16).

[0055] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein.