US20080251401A1

US20080251401A1 - Suspendible Tool Storage Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20080251401A1
Application number: US12/056,357
Authority: US
Inventors: John Hawkey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-03-29
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2008-10-16

Abstract

A suspendible tool storage apparatus comprised of: a flexible body portion having a front surface, back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; at least one suspending member, each connected to the body portion at or near the top edge of the flexible body portion; and a plurality of receptacles, each adapted to temporarily receive a tool. The suspending members allow the apparatus to be temporarily suspended from, for example, the top of a door or the like, and the receptacles can be of any sort adapted to hold any type of tool.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. No. Provisional Application No. 60/908,965 filed on Mar. 29, 2007.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to the field of tool storage, and specifically to a tool storage apparatus capable of temporarily being suspended from a door.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the suspendible tool storage apparatus being suspended from a door according to the instant invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of the suspendible tool storage apparatus shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of the suspendible tool storage apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of the suspendible tool storage apparatus partially rolled for transport.

BACKGROUND

Whether doing repair work around the house or construction at a construction site, it is a commonplace practice for lay persons as well as skilled tradesmen to tote their tools from one location to the next and to need to hang the device used to carry their tools. Toolboxes can be heavy, and others that are worn on the person can cause injury due their weight. In addition, repeatedly bending over to exchange tools can further injure the owner. The present invention uses a lightweight material and can be hung from a door, making transportation of the device and the tools between locations easier, obviates the need to repeatedly bend over to exchange tools, and also functions to provide storage of the tools.
As used herein, the term “flexible material” is intended to refer to any material that is capable of being bent, folded, molded, or rolled including but not limited to plastic, fabric, synthetic materials, sheeting and semi-rigid or rigid plastic.
As used herein, the term “receptacle” refers to any compartment, container, device, aperture, strap, or other similar structure that temporarily receives or holds an item, which can be open or sealed (e.g., with a snap, sipper, Velcro or equivalently functional means).
As used herein, the term “tool” refers to any instrument or implement that can be held in the hand for performing or facilitating mechanical operations, e.g., a hammer, saw, file, wrench, tape measure, screwdriver, paintbrush, art supplies, repair items or tools or implements associated with any craft or trade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the present invention, references are made in the text hereof to embodiments of a suspendible tool storage apparatus, only some of which are depicted in the figures. It should nevertheless be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are thereby intended. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that modifications such as the size and shape of the components, positioning of the components relative to one another, materials from which the apparatus is made, and the inclusion of additional elements are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the written description do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Some of these possible modifications are mentioned in the following description. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure, or manner.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In addition, in the embodiments depicted herein, like reference numerals refer to like structural elements in the various drawings.
Moreover, the term “substantially” or “approximately” as used herein may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. For example, one embodiment of a suspendible tool storage apparatus is disclosed herein as being rectangular. The suspendible tool storage apparatus might permissibly be somewhat non-rectangular, i.e., circular, ovular, irregularly shaped, or another shape, and still be within the scope of the invention if its functionality is not materially altered.
Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of one embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 being suspended from door 50 according to the instant invention. In the embodiment shown, door 50 is attached to door frame 51 by hinges 52, and door 50 is a standard sized door. It should be understood, however, that door 50 could alternately be a closet door, a cabinet door, a car door, an oven door, or similar type door. It should also be understood that suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 is shown being suspended from door 50 only as an example. Suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 could alternately be suspended from a cabinet drawer or handle, a refrigerator or oven handle, a shower rod, a sink, furniture, or any other type of apparatus or device in which suspending members 120 (discussed in greater detail infra) are capable of engaging and holding suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 either entirely or partially off of the ground.
FIG. 2 shows a front view of the embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. Suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 is comprised of flexible body portion 110, two (2) suspending members 120, and receptacles 130. Receptacles 130 are adapted to temporarily receive and hold tools 140.
In the embodiment shown, flexible body portion 110 is that portion of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 to which suspending members 120 and receptacles 130 are attached. In the embodiment shown, flexible body portion 110 is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, it should be understood that flexible body portion 110 can be made of paper products, canvas, cotton or hemp fabric, or any other material that is sufficiently durable, flexible, and capable of having suspending members 120 and receptacles 130 attached thereto.
Also visible in the embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are suspending members 130. Suspending members 120 are each metallic bands approximately nine inches (9″) long with curved top 121 and bottom 122. Curved top 121 allows each suspending member 120 to engage a door (not shown) or other object as discussed supra. Curved bottom 122 allows each suspending member 120 to engage flexible body portion 110 at aperture 125. Each bottom 122 of each suspending member 120 can be alternately shaped to allow it to engage apertures 125 or can be secured to flexible body portion 110 by any alternate means commonly used in the art. Alternate embodiments of suspending members 120 can be made of alternate materials, including but not limited to rope, plastic, and other metals. The embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 is shown with two (2) suspending members 120 and two (2) apertures 125. Alternate embodiments of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 can include one (1) or greater than two (2) pairs of suspending members 120 and apertures 125. It should also be understood that apertures 125 can be space closer or further apart from one another. Furthermore, apertures are wider than the width of suspending members 120 to allow the positioning of suspending members 120 to be changeable. Apertures 125 could also be of the same dimension as suspending members 120, though the position of suspending members 120 relative to one another would then be fixed. Furthermore, in an embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 in which suspending members 120 are rigidly secured to suspendible tool storage apparatus 100, e.g., sewing, the distance between suspending members 120 would be substantially fixed.
Also visible in the embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 are receptacles 130. Receptacles 130 are strips of material sewn on two (2) sides to flexible body portion 110 to create straps through which tools 140 may be placed. In the embodiment shown, there are three (3) rows, two (2) having five (5) receptacles 130 and one (1) row having three (3) receptacles. It should be understood that any number of rows and any number of receptacles 130 can be employed, and that the thickness of receptacles 130 can be of any thickness or width. In addition, receptacles 130 are made of the same material from which flexible body portion 110 is made. However, receptacles 130 can similarly be made of any sufficiently durable and flexible material and need not be made as the same material from which flexible body portion 110 is made for any particular embodiment. Moreover, receptacles 130 can be made of alternate constructions, as provided in greater detail infra with respect to FIG. 3. For example, the flexible body and receptacles may be singly-molded (e.g, made from a single mold). Additionally, any combination of the flexible body component, receptacles and suspending members may be singly molded.
FIG. 3 shows a front view of an alternate embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100. In the embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3, flexible body portion 110 has rounded corners, suspending members 120 are sewn to flexible body portion 110, and several alternate embodiments of receptacles 131, 132, 133, and 134 are shown. Specifically, there are four (4) alternate types of receptacles 131, 132, 133, and 134 shown, and suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 includes shelf 138. Receptacle 131 is attached to flexible body portion 110 on two (2) sides and on the bottom to shelf 138, forming a pocket with its top side open to receive tool 140 (a wrench). Receptacle 132 is an aperture within shelf 138 sized to receive tool 140 (a screwdriver) or two (2) apertures, each sized to receive one (1) end of tool 140 (an adjustable wrench). Receptacle 133 is also secured to flexible body portion 110 on two (2) sides and to shelf 138 on the bottom side, but includes a cutout portion to provide easier access to tool 140 (a tape measure). Finally, receptacle 134 is secured to flexible body portion 110 on three (3) sides to form a pouch to receive tool 140 (an Allen wrench). These receptacles 131, 132, 133, and 134, receptacles 130 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, along with any other type of receptacle 130, in any combination, can be positioned on flexible body portion 110 to receive one (1) or more tools 140 or other devices a user may want to carry, store, or support, e.g., paper towels, rags, gloves, lubricant, and the like.
FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the embodiment of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 partially rolled for transport or storage. As can be appreciated one (1) suspending member 120 is folded over to allow it to be within flexible body portion 110 when rolled. Such a construction allows for easy storage and transport of suspendible tool storage apparatus 100. Suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 can further include handles (not shown) to further facilitate transport and/or ties (also not shown) to secure suspendible tool storage apparatus 100 in the rolled position.
While the suspendible tool storage apparatus has been shown and described with respect to several embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is to be understood that the same is not limited thereto. The details referred to herein are given as examples, and the invention is of such scope to encompass many variations and modifications thereof as known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, and it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the details shown and described herein, but rather cover all such changes and modifications obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A suspendible tool storage apparatus

2. comprised of:

a flexible body portion having a front surface, back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge;

at least one suspending member, each connected to the body portion near the top edge of the flexible body portion; and

and a plurality of receptacles, each adapted to temporarily receive a tool.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspending member is connected to the body portion at the top edge of the flexible body portion;

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible body portion and said at least one suspending member are a singly-molded piece.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein plurality of receptacles is selected from a group of receptacles corresponding to receptacles adapted for tools selected from a group consisting of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, general repair, painting, home decoration, landscaping, gardening, diagnostic, support services and culinary.

6. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said at least one receptacle is selected from a group consisting of singly-molded receptacle, clear plastic, labeled receptacles, pocket structures, apertures capable of insertion, apertures capable of partial insertion, sealed pocket structures and Velcro surfaces to which tools may adhere and magnets capable of gripping tools, or any combination thereof.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one receptacle is said flexible body portion are a singly-molded piece.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one receptacle is capable of being sealed to prevent loss of a tool contained within said at least one receptacle.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible body portion is capable of being folded.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible body portion is capable of being rolled.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said flexible body portion is capable of being made compact by an activity selected from a group consisting of folding, rolling or fastening or any combination thereof.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, which further includes a carrying strap to facilitate transport.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each receptacle within said plurality of receptacles is labeled to identify the tool contained within.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each receptacle within said plurality of receptacles is labeled using removable labels to identify the tool contained within.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each receptacle within said plurality of receptacles includes a clear outer layer to make the tool contained within visible.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said suspending members may be adjustably placed.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one suspending members is selected from a group consisting of at least one hook, at least one magnet, at least one suction devices, at least one weighted member, at least one curved member, at least one member that attaches to a door, at least one member that attaches to a hinge, at least one member that attaches to a railing, at least one member that attaches to a vehicle door, at least one member that attaches to a railing, at least one member that attaches to a cart and at least one member that attaches to an apparatus having wheels.

18. A suspendible tool storage apparatus comprised of:

a semi-rigid body portion having a front surface, back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge constructed of at least one plastic;

at least one suspending member wherein said at least one suspending member is selected from a group consisting of at least one hook, at least one magnet, at least one suction devices, at least one weighted member, at least one curved member, at least one member that attaches to a door, at least one member that attaches to a hinge, at least one member that attaches to a railing, at least one member that attaches to a vehicle door, at least one member that attaches to a railing, at least one member that attaches to a cart and at least one member that attaches to an apparatus having wheels, wherein each suspending member is further connected to the body portion near the top edge of the flexible body portion; and

a plurality of receptacles, each adapted to temporarily receive a tool wherein each receptacle is selected from a group consisting of a pocket, a flap, a sealed compartment and a singly molded compartment.

19. A suspendible tool storage apparatus comprised of:

a semi-rigid, body portion having a front surface, back surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge constructed of at least one plastic;

and a plurality of receptacles singly molded to said semi-rigid body portion, each adapted to temporarily receive a tool.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of said at least one suspending member is selected from a group consisting of at least one hook, at least one magnet, at least one suction devices, at least one weighted member, at least one curved member, at least one member that attaches to a door, at least one member that attaches to a hinge, at least one member that attaches to a railing, at least one member that attaches to a vehicle door, at least one member that attaches to a railing, at least one member that attaches to a cart and at least one member that attaches to an apparatus having wheels.

21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each receptacle of said plurality of receptacles is selected from a group consisting of singly-molded receptacle, clear plastic, labeled receptacles, pocket structures, apertures capable of insertion, apertures capable of partial insertion, sealed pocket structures and Velcro surfaces to which tools may adhere and magnets capable of gripping tools.