Tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy

Abstract

The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy includes: (a.) a base member adapted to rest on a horizontal surface floor, the base member having a top and a bottom and sides; (b.) at least one vertically extending propane torch tank sleeve connected to the top of the base member, the sleeve having at least one vertical wall adapted to support a propane torch tank; and, (c.) a tile cutter attachment mechanism connected to the base member for connection to a side of a tile cutter.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

a. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to the field of installing vinyl composition tile and other floor tiles that require heating by torch for cutting odd shapes and require a tile cutter for straight line cutting. More specifically, the present invention device is a propane torch tank caddy that has been developed for attachment to a tile cutter. This present invention device uniquely enables a tile installer to keep two critical tools of the trade together, to move both the cutter and the torch together simultaneously, to avoid knee walking to the torch and to help secure the torch from accidents.

b. Description of Related Art

The following patents are representative of torch trays and caddies:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,621 to Kowk describes a support pedestal for a gas cylinder of the type which has a cylindrical-shaped base projecting from the rounded lower end of the main body of the gas cylinder. The pedestal has a body which has a cylindrical-shaped bore proportioned to receive the cylindrical-shaped base of a gas cylinder in free fitting relationship. The body also has an upper face which includes a support section which extends radially outwardly and upwardly from the bore at a height which will permit it to function as a seat for a portion of the rounded lower end of a gas cylinder seated on the pedestal in use. The body also has a wide base upon which it rests. The base is sufficiently wide to project laterally beyond the outer circumference of the gas cylinder which it is designed to support in order to provide a stable support for supporting the gas cylinder in an upright position.

U.S. Design Pat. No. D523,518 S to Brian C. Moldenhauer illustrates a propane bottle holder.

U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 385,615 to M. Bernard St-Louis shows a propane tank holder.

U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 340,761 to Michael Long illustrates a stabilization base for a gasoline container.

U.S. Design Pat. No. Des. 331,792 to Ernest J. Wilcox shows a base for a cylindrical tank.

Notwithstanding the prior art, the present invention is neither taught nor rendered obvious thereby.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention solves the problems and overcomes the drawbacks and deficiencies of prior art torch tank holders by providing for tile cutter attachment means so that the present invention caddy may easily be connected to the tile cutter. This enables the two tools of the trade to be moved around together with one pull, and enhances the safety of the work environment while making it more efficient and cost effective.

The present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy includes: (a.) a base member adapted to rest on a horizontal surface floor, the base member having a top and a bottom and sides; (b.) at least one vertically extending propane torch tank sleeve connected to the top of the base member, the sleeve having at least one vertical wall adapted to support a propane torch tank; and, (c.) a tile cutter attachment means connected to the base member for connection to a side of a tile cutter. The present invention device may be constructed of plastic, metal or composite materials, as well as combinations thereof. Preferred are present invention devices made of metal or relatively thick heavy duty plastic, such as vinyl, ABS, or high impact resistant polyolefins. Also preferred are aluminum and iron-based devices.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the base member has a top view shape selected from the group consisting of square, round, rectangle and polygon. The base may be made separately from the other aforementioned components or they may be cast, molded or otherwise formed unistructurally, i.e. as a single piece. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the base member has a top view shape that is rectangular and the top of the base member is substantially flat. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the base member includes a plurality of slide pods located on its bottom. These need not be rollers, but merely outcrops with friction reduction, e.g., rounded bottoms, to prevent the base from catching or impeding movement of the present invention device when it is connected to a tile cutter.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the tile cutter attachment means includes at least one hook. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the tile cutter attachment means includes a plurality of hooks. These hooks may be rigid or have slightly flexible elements to pinch or clamp to the sidewall of a tile cutter. In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the caddy includes at least one tool holder that is selected from the group consisting of vertical tool holders, recessed trays and combinations thereof. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the caddy further includes a plurality of tool holders connected to the base member, the at plurality of tool holders being selected from the group consisting of vertical tool holders, recessed trays and combinations thereof.

In some preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the sleeve is one or more walls that has a circular shape selected from the group consisting of a complete circle and a broken circle, from a top view. In other preferred embodiments of the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, the sleeve is one or more walls that has a square shape selected from the group consisting of a complete square and a broken square, from a top view.

The present invention also includes devices that have been adapted to receive and hold different size (diameter) propane tanks. Hence, in these embodiments, the present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy includes: (a.) a base member adapted to rest on a horizontal surface floor, the base member having a top and a bottom and sides; (b.) at least two vertically extending propane torch tank sleeves connected to the top of the base member, each of the sleeves having at least one vertical wall adapted to support a propane torch tank, the at least two vertically extending propane torch tank sleeves including a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the first sleeve being located within the second sleeve and being shorter than the second sleeve, the first sleeve being adapted to receive a tank of a first diameter, and the second sleeve being adapted to receive a tank of a second, larger diameter than the first sleeve; and, (c.) a tile cutter attachment means connected to the base member for connection to a side of a tile cutter. These versions of the present invention may also include any of the other additional features set forth above in this Summary section.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the detail description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating a caddy with two circular concentric tank sleeves;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention caddy of FIG. 1 above;

FIG. 3 is a composite partial front view of the present invention caddy of FIG. 1 above connected to a tile cutter and loaded with a propane tank torch and other tools;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating a caddy with two circular concentric tank sleeves and three tool holders, including a recessed tray;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention caddy of FIG. 4 above;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating an outer segmented arcuate tank sleeve;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention caddy of FIG. 6 above;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating one solid square tank sleeve and one segmented square tank sleeve;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention caddy of FIG. 8 above;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating a polygonal caddy base member with a single tank sleeve; and,

FIG. 11 is a top view of the present invention caddy of FIG. 10 above.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, various illustrations of the invention are presented.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy 1. FIG. 2 is a top view of the present invention caddy 1 of FIG. 1. These Figures are taken together. Caddy 1 includes a base member 3, with a base member top 5, bottom 7, sides, such as side wall 8, back 9 and front 11. Bottom 7 includes corner pods, such as pods 13 and 15, to make it easier to slide the caddy 1 or drag it along with a tile cutter. There are two circular concentric tank sleeves connected to base member 3, namely, outer sleeve 17 for larger tank diameters, and shorter inner sleeve 19 for smaller tank diameters. Sleeve 19 has to be shorter than sleeve 17 so that each can receive its appropriate size tanks. There are two connection hooks 21 and 27 for attachment to a side wall of a tile cutter, typically to the side wall of a tile cutter that is away from the cutting activity (see, for example, FIG. 3). While two hooks are shown that have spring ends to clamp, clamping is not essential and an open or loose hook will work as well (see FIG. 10, below). Also, one or more than two could be used.

Optional tool holders 23 and 25 are connected to base member 3 and, in this embodiment, are two vertical cylinders. They may be used to hold pencils or other tools, such as knives, scrappers, torch lighters, screw drivers, etc. Other holder arrangements should now be apparent in view of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a composite partial front view of the present invention caddy 1 of FIG. 1, with all like components like numbered. Caddy 1 is attached to tile cutter 30. Tile cutter 30 may be any tile cutter, but in this Figure, tile cutter 30 has a base 31, a tile cutting swing blade 33, a tile guide 37. Side wall 35 is set into hooks such as hook 21 so that the caddy 1 may be dragged along with the tile cutter, thereby keeping all of the tools together and avoiding unnecessary knee walking. Caddy 1 is loaded with a propane tank and torch 20, while tool holders 23 and 25 retain knife 30 and etcher 50, respectively, while other tools could also be included therein.

FIG. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating a caddy with two circular concentric tank sleeves and three tool holders, including a recessed tray, and FIG. 5 is a top view of thereof. Thus, FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy 40. FIG. 5 is a top view of the present invention caddy 40 of FIG. 4. These Figures are taken together. Caddy 40 includes a base member 43, with a base member top 45, bottom 47, sides, such as side 48, back 49 and front 51. Bottom 47 includes corner pods, such as pods 53 and 55, to make it easier to slide the caddy 40, as discussed in conjunction with the previous Figures. There are two circular concentric tank sleeves connected to base member 43, namely, outer sleeve 57 for larger tank diameters, and shorter inner sleeve 59 for smaller tank diameters. There is a single connection hook 61 on side wall 48 for attachment to a side wall of a tile cutter. Optional tool holders 63 and 65 are connected to base member 43 and, in this embodiment, are two vertical cylinders. Also, a third tool holder 67 is a horizontal recessed tray.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating an outer segmented arcuate tank sleeve and an inner full circle tank sleeve. Thus, FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy 101. FIG. 7 is a top view of the present invention caddy 101 of FIG. 6. These Figures are taken together. Caddy 101 has a base member 103, with a top 105, bottom 107, sides, such as side 139, back 109 and front 111. Bottom 107 includes corner pods, such as pods 113 and 115. There are two circular concentric tank sleeves connected to base member 103, namely, the outer arcuate sleeve that is made up of arcs 117, 1127, 129, 131, 133 and 135, for larger tank diameters, and shorter, full circle inner sleeve 119 for smaller tank diameters. There are two connection hooks 121 and 137 on side wall 139 for attachment to a side wall of a tile cutter. Tool holders 123 and 125 are connected to base member 103 as shown.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating one solid square tank sleeve and one segmented square tank sleeve. Thus, FIG. 8 shows a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy 201. FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention caddy 201 of FIG. 6. These Figures are taken together. Caddy 201 has a base member 203, with a top 205, bottom 207, sides, such as side 239, back 209 and front 211. Bottom 207 includes corner pods, such as pods 213 and 215. There are two square concentric tank sleeves connected to base member 203, namely, the outer segmented sleeve that is made up of separate flat walls 229, 231, 233 and 235, for larger tank diameters, and shorter, solid (closed loop) square inner sleeve 219 for smaller tank diameters. There are two connection hooks 221 and 237 on side wall 139 for attachment to a side wall of a tile cutter. Tool holders 223 and 225 are connected to base member 203 as shown.

FIG. 10 is a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy according to the present invention, illustrating a polygonal caddy base member with a single tank sleeve. Thus, FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a present invention tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy 301. FIG. 11 is a top view of the present invention caddy 301 of FIG. 10. These Figures are taken together. Caddy 301 has a base member 303, with a top 305, bottom 307, sides, such as side 339, back 309 and front 311. Bottom 307 includes corner pods, such as pods 313 and 315. There is only one tank sleeve 333 connected to base member 303, as shown. There are two connection hooks 321 and 337 on side wall 339 for attachment to a side wall of a tile cutter. Tool holders 323 and 325 are connected to base member 303 as shown.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those particular embodiments, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, which comprises:

(a.) a base member adapted to rest on a horizontal surface floor, said base member having a top and a bottom and sides;

(b.) at least one vertically extending propane torch tank sleeve connected to the top of said base member, said sleeve having at least one vertical wall adapted to support a propane torch tank; and,

(c.) a tile cutter attachment means connected to said base member for connection to a side of a tile cutter.

2. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said base member has a top view shape selected from the group consisting of square, round, rectangle and polygon.

3. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said base member has a top view shape that is rectangular and said top of said base member is substantially flat.

4. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said base member includes a plurality of slide pods located on its bottom.

5. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said tile cutter attachment means includes at least one hook.

6. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said tile cutter attachment means includes a plurality of hooks.

7. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said caddy further includes at least one tool holder connected to said base member, said at least one tool holder being selected from the group consisting of vertical tool holders, recessed trays and combinations thereof.

8. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said caddy further includes a plurality of tool holders connected to said base member, said at plurality of tool holders being selected from the group consisting of vertical tool holders, recessed trays and combinations thereof.

9. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said sleeve is one or more walls that has a circular shape selected from the group consisting of a complete circle and a broken circle from a top view.

10. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 1 wherein said sleeve is one or more walls that has a square shape selected from the group consisting of a complete square and a broken square from a top view.

11. A tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy, which comprises:

(a.) a base member adapted to test on a horizontal surface floor, said base member having a top and a bottom and sides;

(b.) at least two vertically extending propane torch tank sleeves connected to the top of said base member, each of said sleeves having at least one vertical wall adapted to support a propane torch tank, said at least two vertically extending propane torch tank sleeves including a first sleeve and a second sleeve, said first sleeve being located within said second sleeve and being shorter than said second sleeve, said first sleeve being adapted to receive a tank of a first diameter, and said second sleeve being adapted to receive a tank of a second, larger diameter than said first sleeve; and,

(c.) a tile cutter attachment means connected to said base member for connection to a side of a tile cutter.

12. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said base member has a top view shape selected from the group consisting of square, round, rectangle and polygon.

13. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said base member has a top view shape that is rectangular and said top of said base member is substantially flat.

14. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said base member includes a plurality of slide pods located on its bottom.

15. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said tile cutter attachment means includes at least one hook.

16. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said tile cutter attachment means includes a plurality of hooks.

17. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said caddy further includes at least one tool holder connected to said base member, said at least one tool holder being selected from the group consisting of vertical tool holders, recessed trays and combinations thereof.

18. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said caddy further includes a plurality of tool holders connected to said base member, said plurality of tool holders being selected from the group consisting of vertical tool holders, recessed trays and combinations thereof.

19. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said sleeve is one or more walls that has a circular shape selected from the group consisting of a complete circle and a broken circle from a top view.

20. The tile cutter attachable propane torch tank caddy of claim 11 wherein said sleeve is one or more walls that has a square shape selected from the group consisting of a complete square and a broken square from a top view.