Tool receiving device

A tool receiving device includes a deformable first member, a deformable second member, and at least one retaining member. The first member includes at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof. The second member includes at least one hole that is aligned with the groove when the second member is engaged with the first member. A perimeter wall delimiting the groove deform outward and in friction contact with the retaining member when the retaining member is mounted in the groove of the hollow protrusion of the second member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member. The second member is separable from the first member when the retaining member is removed from the hole of the second member.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to tool receiving devices of the type including a first casing for receiving tools and a second casing for covering the first casing.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates a conventional tool receiving device and FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the tool receiving device in FIG. 1. The tool receiving device includes a bottom casing 1 and a cover casing 2 for covering the bottom casing 1. The bottom casing 1 includes a plurality of compartments 4 for receiving tools 3 (e.g., wrenches) and a plurality of recesses 5 each having a square section. The cover casing 2 includes a plurality of protrusions 6 integrally formed on an inner face thereof. Each protrusion 6 has a diameter slightly greater than a length of a side of each recess 5. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the respective protrusions 6 are force-fitted into the respective recesses 5 to securely retain the cover casing 2 on the bottom casing 1. Nevertheless, disengagement of the cover casing 2 from the bottom casing 1 is difficult if the engagement therebetween is too tight. The user has to apply a relatively large force to separate the cover casing 2 and the bottom casing 1 from each other, which is inconvenient and might cause injury to the fingers of the user. On the other hand, if the engagement between the cover casing 2 and the bottom casing 1 is not tight enough, the cover casing 2 might be disengaged from the bottom casing 1 due to impact during transport, vibrations during display, or falling of the tool receiving device, resulting in scattering of the tools 3.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, a tool receiving device comprises a first member made of a deformable material, a second member made of a deformable material, and at least one retaining member. The first member includes at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof. The second member includes at least one hollow protrusion defining a hole. The hollow protrusion of the second member is received in the groove when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers the tool receiving compartment and the groove.

The retaining member is separate from the first member and the second member. The retaining member includes a maximum width greater than that of the groove of the first member and that of the hole of the second member.

A perimeter wall delimiting the hole of the hollow protrusion of the second member and a perimeter wall delimiting the groove of the first member deform outward and in friction contact with each other when the retaining member is mounted in the hole of the hollow protrusion of the second member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member.

The second member is separable from the first member when the retaining member is removed from the hole of the hollow protrusion of the second member.

The retaining member is preferably a steel ball. In an embodiment of the invention, each of the first member and the second member is a plastic casing. The groove of the first member and the hole of the second member are square.

The first member includes an outer perimeter bonded with an outer perimeter of the second member by high frequency wave heat pressing.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a tool receiving device comprises a first member made of a deformable material, a second member made of a deformable material, and a plurality of retaining members separate from the first member and the second member. The first member includes a plurality of tool receiving compartments and a plurality of grooves in a side thereof. The second member includes a plurality of hollow protrusions each defining a hole. The hollow protrusions of the second member are respectively received in the grooves of the first member when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers the tool receiving compartments and the grooves. Each retaining member includes a maximum width greater than that of each groove and that of each hole.

A perimeter wall delimiting each hole of the second member and a perimeter wall delimiting an associated groove of the first member deform outward and in friction contact with each other when an associated retaining member is mounted in the hole of the second member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member.

The second member is separable from the first member when the retaining members are removed from the holes of the second member.

Preferably, the tool receiving compartments and the grooves of the first member are alternately disposed.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a tool receiving device comprises a first member made of a deformable material, a second member made of a deformable material, and at least one retaining member. The first member includes at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof. The second member includes at least one through-hole that is aligned with the groove when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers the tool receiving compartment and the groove.

The retaining member is separate from the first member and the second member. The retaining member includes an enlarged first end having a diameter greater than a width of the groove. The retaining member further includes a second end that is received in the groove of the first member. The second end of the retaining member has a diameter slightly greater than the width of the groove.

A perimeter wall delimiting the groove of the first member deforms outward and in friction contact with the second end of the retaining member when the retaining member is mounted in the groove of the first member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member.

The second member is separable from the first member when the retaining member is removed from the groove of the first member.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a tool receiving device comprises a first member made of a deformable material, a second member made of a deformable material, and at least one retaining member separate from the first member and the second member. The first member includes at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof. The second member includes at least one hole that is aligned with the groove when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers the tool receiving compartment and the groove.

The retaining member includes a maximum width greater than a width of the groove. A perimeter wall delimiting the groove of the first member deforms outward and in friction contact with the retaining member when the retaining member is mounted in the groove of the first member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member.

The second member is separable from the first member when the retaining member is removed from the groove of the first member.

Other objectives, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional tool receiving device.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the tool receiving device in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tool receiving device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tool receiving device in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along plane 5-5 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating removal of retaining elements.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the tool receiving device in FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the tool receiving device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the tool receiving device in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along plane 10-10 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 10, illustrating removal of retaining elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a tool receiving device 10 in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the tool receiving device 10 in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along plane 5-5 in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 5, illustrating removal of retaining elements. FIG. 7 is a top view of the tool receiving device 10 in FIG. 3.

The tool receiving device 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a first member 20, a second member 30 for covering the first member 20, and a plurality of retaining members 40 for retaining the second member 30 in place. The first member 20 is made from a plastic material and includes a plurality of compartments 22 for receiving tools 21 (such as wrenches) and a plurality of grooves 23. In this embodiment, the first member 20 is a plastic thin casing formed by means of injection molding. Each groove 23 has a square section. Preferably, the grooves 23 and the compartments 22 are alternately disposed.

The second member 30 is made from a plastic material and includes a plurality of hollow protrusions 31 on a side thereof that cases the first member 10. Each hollow protrusion 31 has a square section with a length slightly smaller than that of the associated groove 23. Further, each hollow protrusion 31 includes a hole 32 facing away from the first member 20. Each hole 32 has a square section. In this embodiment, the second member 30 is a plastic thin casing formed by means of injection molding. Each hole 32 is a blind hole delimited by an end wall (not labeled). Alternatively, each hole 32 is a through-hole.

Referring to FIG. 6, the second member 30 is mounted on top of the first member 20 and thus covers the first member 20, with the hollow protrusions 31 of the second member 30 being received in the respective grooves 23 of the first member 20. The retaining members 40 are then inserted into the holes 32 of the respective hollow protrusions 31, as shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, each retaining member 40 is a steel ball having a diameter greater than a length of each groove 23 and than a side of each hole 32. Since the first member 20 and the second member 30 are made of a plastic material and thus deformable, a perimeter wall delimiting each groove 23 and a perimeter wall delimiting each hole 32 are deformed, resulting in an increase of the friction between the perimeter wall delimiting each groove 23 and the perimeter wall delimiting the associated hole 32. Thus, the second member 30 is reliably engaged with the first member 20. Disengagement of the second member 30 from the first member 20 is avoided. Access to the tools 21 can be easily achieved by means of removing the retaining members 40 from the hollow protrusions 31 and then disengaging the second member 30 from the first member 20, as shown in FIG. 6.

The outer perimeter of the first member 20 and the outer perimeter of the second member 30 can be bonded together by means of high frequency wave heat pressing. Thus, the tools 21 in the tool receiving device 10 can be prevented from being stolen during display, and the user may cut the bonded area before use.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the tool receiving device in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the tool receiving device in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along plane 10-10 in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 10, illustrating removal of retaining elements.

In this embodiment, the hollow protrusions 31 are omitted, yet the holes 32 (in the form of through-holes) in the second member 30 are kept. Further, each retaining member 70 includes an enlarged first end 71 and a second end 72. The enlarged first end 71 of each retaining member 70 has a diameter greater than a width of an associated through-hole 32 of the second member 30 that is equal to a width of an associated groove 23 of the first member 20. The second end 72 of each retaining member 70 is preferably arcuate and has a diameter slightly greater than the width of the associated groove 23 of the first member 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the respective retaining members 70 are inserted through the respective holes 32 of the second member 30 into the respective grooves 23 of the first member 20, with the enlarged first end 71 of each retaining member 70 being located outside the associated through-hole 32 of the second member 30. Since the diameter of the second end 72 of each retaining member 70 is slightly greater than the width of the associated groove 23 of the first member 20, the perimeter wall delimiting the associated groove 23 deforms outward. Thus, the second member 30 is reliably retained in place by the friction between the perimeter wall delimiting each groove 23 of the second member 20 and the circumference of the second end 72 of the associated retaining member 70. Disengagement of the second member 30 from the first member 20 is prevented by the enlarged first ends 71 of the retaining members 70.

Referring to FIG. 11, access to the tools 21 can be easily achieved by means of removing the retaining members 70 from the grooves 23 of the first member 20 and then disengaging the second member 30 from the first member 20.

It is noted that the hollow protrusion 31 in the first embodiment 30 can be used in this embodiment without affecting the retaining function by friction.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A tool receiving device comprising:

a first member made of a deformable material and including at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof;
a second member made of a deformable material and including at least one hollow protrusion defining a hole, said at least one hollow protrusion of the second member being received in said at least one groove when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers said at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove; and
at least one retaining member separate from the first member and the second member, said at least one retaining member including a maximum width greater than that of said at least one groove and that of the hole of said at least one hollow protrusion;
a perimeter wall delimiting the hole of said at least one hollow protrusion of the second member and a perimeter wall delimiting said at least one groove of the first member deforming outward and in friction contact with each other when said at least one retaining member is mounted in the hole of said at least one hollow protrusion of the second member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member; and
the second member being separable from the first member when said at least one retaining member is removed from the hole of said at least one hollow protrusion of the second member.

2. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 1, with said at least one retaining member being a steel ball.

3. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 1, with the first member being a plastic casing.

4. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 1, with the second member being a plastic casing.

5. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 1, with said at least one groove of the first member being square.

6. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 1, with the hole of said at least one hollow protrusion of the second member being square.

7. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 1, with the first member including an outer perimeter bonded with an outer perimeter of the second member by high frequency wave heat pressing.

8. A tool receiving device comprising:

a first member made of a deformable material and including a plurality of tool receiving compartments and a plurality of grooves in a side thereof;
a second member made of a deformable material and including a plurality of hollow protrusions each defining a hole, said hollow protrusions of the second member being respectively received in said grooves of the first member when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers the tool receiving compartments and the grooves; and
a plurality of retaining members separate from the first member and the second member, each said retaining member including a maximum width greater than that of each said groove and that of each said hole;
a perimeter wall delimiting each said hole of the second member and a perimeter wall delimiting an associated one of said grooves of the first member deforming outward and in friction contact with each other when an associated one of said retaining members is mounted in the hole of the second member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member; and
the second member being separable from the first member when said retaining members are removed from the holes of the second member.

9. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with each said retaining member being a steel ball.

10. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with the first member being a plastic casing.

11. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with the second member being a plastic casing.

12. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with each said groove of the first member being square.

13. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with each said hole of the second member being square.

14. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with the first member including an outer perimeter bonded with an outer perimeter of the second member by high frequency wave heat pressing.

15. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 8, with the tool receiving compartments and the grooves of the first member being alternately disposed.

16. A tool receiving device comprising:

a first member made of a deformable material and including at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof;
a second member made of a deformable material and including at least one through-hole, said at least one through-hole of the second member being aligned with said at least one groove when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers said at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove; and
at least one retaining member separate from the first member and the second member, said at least one retaining member including an enlarged first end having a diameter greater than a width of said at least one groove, said at least one retaining member further including a second end that is received in said at least one groove of the first member, the second end of said at least one retaining member having a diameter slightly greater than the width of said at least one groove;
a perimeter wall delimiting said at least one groove of the first member deforming outward and in friction contact with the second end of said at least one retaining member when said at least one retaining member is mounted in said at least one groove of the first member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member; and
the second member being separable from the first member when said at least one retaining member is removed from said at least one groove of the first member.

17. A tool receiving device comprising:

a first member made of a deformable material and including at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove in a side thereof;
a second member made of a deformable material and including at least one through-hole, said at least one through-hole of the second member being aligned with said at least one groove when the second member is engaged with the first member and thus covers said at least one tool receiving compartment and at least one groove; and
at least one retaining member separate from the first member and the second member, said at least one retaining member including a maximum width greater than a width of said at least one groove;
a perimeter wall delimiting said at least one groove of the first member deforming outward and in friction contact with said at least one retaining member when said at least one retaining member is mounted in said at least one groove of the first member, thereby preventing the second member from being disengaged from the first member; and
the second member being separable from the first member when said at least one retaining member is removed from said at least one groove of the first member.

18. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 17, with said at least one retaining member being a steel ball.

19. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 17, with the first member being a plastic casing.

20. The tool receiving device as claimed in claim 17, with the second member being a plastic casing.

Patent History
Publication number: 20050072702
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 23, 2004
Publication Date: Apr 7, 2005
Inventor: Bobby Hu (Taichung)
Application Number: 10/924,187
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 206/373.000