HAIR STYLING ORGANIZER WITH REMOVABLE HOOK

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a tool holder or tool caddy configured to store hair styling tools. The tool holder may include a top panel, a base, a main body, a back panel, a handle, and a raised edge. The top panel includes a plurality of openings that extend therethrough. The base includes a top surface that is comprised of a material that includes a plurality of openings. The base may be spaced apart from the top panel. The main body may extend between the top panel and the base. The back panel may extend between the top panel and the base. A handle may be removably attached to the back panel. The raised edge may extend away from the top surface of the base and form a perimeter. The raised edge may be aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 29/548,113, filed on Dec. 10, 2015, and entitled Hair Styling Organizer with Removable Hook, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Hair styling tools come in various types, shapes and sizes. Some hair styling tools, such as hair dryers, curling irons, and hair straightening irons, are large, bulky, and difficult to store, as compared to smaller hair styling tools, such as brushes, combs, bobby pins and the like. Electronic hair styling tools further include cumbersome power cords that are time consuming to properly wrap and put away when not in use.

Users seek to organize and efficiently store all of their hair styling tools. This can make it easier for a user to quickly and easily access one or more hair styling tools during hair styling, as well as provide for easy storage of the hair styling tools upon completion of the user's hair style. While hair styling tools may be directly stored within the user's existing bathroom vanity drawers, cabinets, or linen closets, users often purchase commercially available products to further organize a user's hair styling tools.

Various products exist in the market to address a user's need to organize and store hair styling tools. However, despite these products, there remains room for improved products that can conveniently organize and store hair styling tools.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a tool holder includes a top panel, a base, a main body, a back panel, a handle, and a raised edge. The top panel may include at least one opening that extends therethrough. The base includes a top surface that can be made from a material having a plurality of openings. The base is spaced apart from the top panel. The main body may extend between the top panel and the base. The back panel may extend between the top panel and the base. A handle may be removably attached to the back panel. The raised edge may extend away from the top surface of the base and form a perimeter. The raised edge may be aligned with the at least one opening.

According to one example of this aspect, the tool holder further includes a reinforcing arm that extends along a front portion of the tool holder. The reinforcing arm may extend between the top surface and the base. In some examples, the reinforcing arm may extend upwardly from the base towards the top surface. Additionally, the reinforcing arm may be y-shaped.

According to another example of this aspect, the material is a metal material with the plurality of openings extending therethrough and the top surface of the base the raised edge may each be comprised of the material. Alternatively the raised edge may be comprised of a different material than the top surface of the base.

According to another example of this aspect, the plurality of openings include a central opening, as well as first and second openings. The central opening may be disposed between the first and second openings. The central opening may be larger than the first and second openings.

According to another example of this aspect, the tool holder may include a receptacle removably attached to the top panel and disposed within one of the plurality of openings. In some examples, the receptacle can further include at least one tab configured to form a snap fit connection with the top surface when the receptacle is positioned within the one of the plurality of openings. The receptacle can further include a lip and the tab can further include a top surface. The edge of the top panel may be positioned within the space between the lip and the top surface of the tab.

In yet another example of this aspect, the tool holder further comprises a hook and the back panel further comprises an aperture sized to receive the hook. In other examples, the aperture includes an edge extending around the periphery of the aperture, and the hook engages the edge.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a tool holder includes a housing, a top panel, and a base. The housing includes a main body that defines an interior space within the housing. The base and the top panel can enclose the interior space. The top panel includes at least one opening that is open to the interior space. The base may include a top surface and a ridge extending away from the top surface. The main body may be formed from a material having a plurality of openings extending therethrough. The top surface and the ridge may be comprised of the material. The ridge may define a periphery of a shape. In one example of this aspect, the shape of the periphery is a circle.

In another example of this aspect, the ridge may be aligned with the at least one opening to the interior space. The shape of the ridge may be a same shape as the one of the plurality of openings to which the ridge is aligned.

In yet another example of this aspect, the ridge is aligned with the at least one opening to the interior space. The shape of the ridge may be a different shape than the one of the plurality of openings to which the ridge is aligned.

In still another example of this aspect, the ridge is a plurality of ridges, and the at least one opening is a plurality of openings. Each of the plurality of ridges may be aligned with one of the plurality of openings to the interior space.

In accordance with another example of this aspect, the tool holder may further include a handle removably attached to the back panel.

In yet another example of this aspect, the tool holder further includes a reinforcing arm that extends from the top panel to the base. The reinforcing arm may be positioned in a front of the tool holder. Additionally, another reinforcing arm may be positioned in a rear of the tool holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the hair styling tool caddy according aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a right side elevational view of the styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the handle removed from the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 10A-10B are alternative top plan views of an alternative top panel of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure, with the handle removed.

FIG. 11 is a cut out view showing an interior portion of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIGS. 12A-12F are alternative top plan views of alternative top surfaces of the base of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a drawer of the hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example use of the hair styling tool caddy with the removable handle attached.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing an example use of the hair styling tool caddy with the removable handle removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a hair styling tool caddy that is used to store and organize hair styling tools. A hair styling tool caddy according to aspects of the disclosure can provide a user with the ability to store hair styling tools, such as hairbrushes, flat irons, curling irons and the like. Known hair styling tool holders include many deficiencies. For example, known hair styling tool holders are often bulky to store, prone to deformation, and do not provide for a neat and organized way in which to store cords of electronic hair styling tools. To address these shortcomings, the present hair styling tool caddy improves upon existing designs.

An example of a hair styling tool caddy or tool holder can include a top panel and a base that are joined together by a main body and a back panel. The tool caddy can generally include a front, a back, a first side, and a second side. An interior space can be formed by the base and main body, as well as the top panel, and back panel. The main body may be formed from a material, such as, for example, a metal material, that includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough to allow heat to dissipate through the openings. In some examples, the metal material may be a perforated metal or a metal mesh. A variety of hair styling tools can be stored within the interior space. The base may optionally include a drawer positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the base. The drawer can provide extra storage for smaller hair styling accessories, such as ponytail holders, clips, bobby pins and the like. Feet may extend away from the bottom surface of the base. The top surface of the base of the hair styling tool caddy may also be formed from a material, such as a metal material, that includes a plurality of openings, and further includes raised edges that extend away from the top surface. The raised edges can form one or more boundaries to help prevent movement of hair styling tools being stored within the interior of the tool caddy, as well as maintain the tools in a generally upright position.

The hair styling tool caddy can be configured to allow the user to select the way in which to store the hair styling tool caddy. For instance, the hair styling tool caddy can include a removable handle that when attached, allows the hair styling tool caddy to hang from another device, such as a towel bar. When the handle is removed, the back panel of the hair styling tool caddy can be positioned close to a wall surface to minimize the space taken up by the hair styling tool caddy. It can also provide for an aesthetically pleasing organizer.

Example Hair Styling Tool Caddy

An example 100 of a hair styling organizer or hair styling tool caddy 102 according to aspects of the disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 1. The hair styling tool caddy 102 includes a top panel 112 and a base 114 that are joined together by a main body 116 and a back panel 118. As shown, the tool caddy 102 generally includes a front 104, a back 106, a first side 108, and a second side 110. An interior space 120 can be formed by the base 114 and main body 116, as well as the top panel 112, and back panel 118. This can allow for a variety of hair styling tools and accessories to be stored within the interior space 120. The base 114 may include a drawer 122 positioned between the top surface 125 of the base 114 and the bottom surface 126 of the base 114. The bottom surface 128 of the drawer 122 can be flush with the bottom surface 126 of the base 114 to form a continuous edge along the front of the tool caddy 102. Feet 130 may extend away from the bottom surface 126 of the base 114. The hairstyling tool caddy 102 may also include a removable handle 134. As will be discussed in further detail herein, the removable handle 134 provides the user with options for how to store and use the tool caddy.

The main body 116 may include a majority of the front 104 of the hair styling tool caddy 102, as well as the first and second side portions 108, 110 of the hair styling tool caddy 102. The main body 116 may include vents, such as openings 119 that can help dissipate heat from hair styling tools stored within the hair styling tool caddy 102. The main body 116 may extend between the top panel 112, the base 114, and the back panel 118. In other examples, the main body 116 can be arranged in any number of different configurations. For instance, the main body 116 may also extend around only the front 104 and back 106 portions of the tool caddy 102, and not the first and second side portions 108,110. Alternatively, the main body 116 may extend around the first and second side portions 108, 110 and not the front 104 and back 104 portions. The main body 116 may also form less than a majority of the front 104.

The openings in the material forming the main body may be formed in any shape or size. In this example, the openings are evenly distributed across the material forming the main body, but in other examples, they are not. As shown, circular openings 115 are distributed across the main body 116. For instance, the openings 115 extend in vertical columns that are evenly spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the openings 115 can take on any shape, such as a diamond, square or an elongated rectangle. Furthermore, the openings may be distributed in a specific pattern which does not require evenly spaced openings. For instance, the plurality of openings may be distributed so as to form the shape of a specific design or designs, such as larger circles, squares, and the like. It is to be appreciated that the pattern of the main body 116 illustrated in the drawings is one example and numerous other patterns may be utilized.

The material forming the main body 116 may include a metal material or combination of metal materials, such as aluminum, steel, brass, aluminized steel, nickel-plated steel, and metal alloys or the like. Openings can be formed in the metal material using known methods, such as punching, etching, and the like. The main body 116 can alternatively or additionally be formed from a plastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, PVC or PTFE. Openings in the plastic material may also be formed by any manufacturing method, including extrusion.

The top panel 112 may include a top surface 136 through which a plurality of openings extend. As shown for example in FIG. 2, three openings are provided toward the front 104 of the tool caddy 102. A central opening 138 may be positioned between a first opening 140 and a second opening 142. The central opening 138 may be sized to receive the body of a larger hair styling tool, such as a hair dryer (not shown). As shown, the diameter D2 of the central opening 138 may be larger than the diameter D1 of the first and second openings 140,142. The central opening 138 may include an edge surface 144 that protrudes above the top surface of the top panel 112 and is sloped towards the center of the opening, but in other examples, the edge 144 of the central opening 138 may be flush with the top surface 136 of the top panel 112. In contrast, the adjacent first and second openings 140,142 may include edges 140A, 142A that are flush with the top surface 136, but in other examples, edges 140A, 142A may partially or fully extend upward from the top surface 136. Additionally, one or both of the first and second openings 140,142 may have edges 140A, 142A that are also sloped. In other examples, any number of openings of any shape and size and in any arrangement may be provided within the top panel 112.

The central opening 138, first opening 140, and second opening 142, can provide entrances to the interior space 120 of the tool caddy 102, such that the top surface 125 of the base 114 is visible through one or more openings. As shown, for example, in FIG. 3, the top surface 125 of the base may be comprised of a metal material with openings to assist with dissipating heat that may emanate from recently used heated hair styling tools, but in other examples, the top surface 125 can be comprised of various materials. The material forming the top surface 125 of the base 114 may be the same or similar to the material forming the main body 116 of the tool styling holder 102.

Support rings may be provided adjacent each of the respective edges 138A, 140A, 142A of the first and second openings 140,142. With reference back to FIG. 2, for example, a first support ring 146 may be positioned within the first opening 140 and a second support ring 148 may be positioned within the second opening 142. The first and second support rings 146,148 may be arranged within the respective openings so that the top surface 146A of the first support ring 146 and top surface 148A of the second support ring 148 are flush with the top surface 136. The central support ring 150 may be provided within and around the central opening 138. The central support ring 150 may also be raised and extend in a direction away from the top surface 136. The support rings 146,148,150 can be used to provide further support to the hair styling tools, to prevent damage to costly hair tools and to minimize movement of the tools within the respective openings 138,140,142. For example, the support rings may be comprised of a rubber, silicone, and/or heat resistant material or combination of materials. The support rings 146, 148,150 can also insulate each of the openings 138, 140, 142 from heat emanating from electronic hair styling devices being stored or supported in the tool styling holder 102, such as a hair dryer, curling iron, curling wand, or the like. The support rings may be comprised of an insulating material, such as silicone or thermoplastic materials. Example thermoplastics may include thermoplastic elastomer or thermoplastic rubber.

A receptacle 132 may be positioned within the top panel 112 toward the rear 106 of the tool caddy 102 and behind the central, first and second openings 138, 140,142. As shown in the exploded view of FIG. 4, the receptacle 132 may be removably attached to the top panel 112 of the tool styling holder 102 and positioned within a rear opening 156 of the top panel 112. The receptacle may have a generally rectangular shape and include a front surface 146, a rear surface 148, and first and second side surfaces 150, 152 joined together by the bottom surface 154. A lip 160 may extend around the perimeter of the top edge of the receptacle 132, which can be angled to follow the shape of the top surface of the top panel 112. The receptacle may also include an opening 153 and an interior space 155 which can hold hair styling tools, hair accessories, and any other desired components. The receptacle 132 can also receive the power cords of the electronic devices so that the cord of a hair styling tool positioned within the central opening 138 or first and second openings 140, 142 in the top panel, can extend into the receptacle 132, instead of over the rear of the back panel 118 of the tool caddy 102.

The receptacle 132 may be removably secured to the top panel 112 by various means. In one example, tabs 144 may be positioned on both side edges of the receptacle 132 to secure the receptacle 132 to the top panel 112. For instance, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, the tab 144 may be angled and extend away from the side edge surface 152 of the receptacle 132. A top edge 162 of the tab 144 may be formed between the bottom edge surface 144 and the angled tab ledge surface. The top edge 162 of the tab 144 may be spaced away from the bottom surface 164 of the lip 160 by a length X that may be substantially similar to the thickness T (see FIG. 4) of the rear opening 156 top panel 112. When the receptacle 132 is inserted into the rear opening 156, the tab 144 forms a snap fit with the top panel 112. The edge 157 of the rear opening can be positioned within the space between the top edge 1162 of the tab 144 and the bottom surface 164 of the lip 160. It is to be appreciated that only one tab is visible in the figures, but one or more tabs may also be positioned on the opposite side edge of the receptacle. The removability of the receptacle 132 can provide the user with the ability to easily clean the receptacle 132, as well as provide a larger opening for a user to clean the interior of the space. Alternatively, the receptacle 132 can be removed from the top panel 112 to leave the rear opening 156 exposed, which can allow for more storage within the interior of the tool caddy 102. In other examples, the receptacle 132 may be fixed and integrally formed with the top panel 112, such that the receptacle 132 is not removable. Alternatively, the receptacle may be secured to the top panel 112 by an adhesive or the like, to prevent or make it more difficult for a consumer to remove the receptacle.

The top panel 112 may further include a border edge surface that extends in a direction away from the top surface 136 and toward the base 114, so as to form a peripheral reinforcing edge E. As shown, for example, in FIGS. 2 and 6, the reinforcing edge E of the top panel 112 can continuously extend around the peripheral edge of the top panel 112 and form a first side border edge 166A, a second side border edge 166B, a front border edge 166C, and a rear border edge 166D (see FIG. 6). A central portion 168 of the front border edge 166C may have a convex surface that outwardly extends away from the tool caddy 102. The convex surface can provide additional space for the tool holder to accommodate the body of a larger hair styling tool, such as a hair dryer, within the central opening 138. In other examples, one or more of the first side border edge 166A, the second side border edge 166B, the front border edge 166C, and the rear border edge 166D can extend fully to the base 114.

A reinforcing member may extend between the front border edge 166C and the base 114. The reinforcing member can help to provide for greater stability of the tool styling holder and to minimize deformation of the metal with openings that forms the main body of the hair styling tool holder 102. For instance, with reference back to FIG. 2, a reinforcing member 170 may be “Y”-shaped. The main stem or base 172 of the “Y”-shape may be a linear portion that extends in a direction from the base 114 toward the front border edge 166C. The arms of the “Y” shape extend around the curvature of the front panel and include a first curved arm 172 that extends toward the first side edge 166A and a second curved arm 174 that extends toward the second side edge 166B. The reinforcing member 170 can divide the main body 116 of the tool caddy 102 body into two sections: a first section A1 positioned between the back panel 118 and the first edge 170A of the “Y”-shape, as well as a second section A2 between the back panel 118 and the second edge 170B of the “Y”-shape. The reinforcing member can be integrally formed with the top panel 112. In other examples, the reinforcing member 170 may be integrally formed with the base 114. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing member may be formed from separate members joined to either or both the top panel 112 and the base 114. In still other examples, no reinforcing member is provided.

The base 114, top panel 112, and reinforcing member 170 may be comprised of various materials or combinations of materials. In some examples, the base 114, top panel 112, and reinforcing member are formed from rigid materials. Such rigid materials can include a plastic material or combinations of materials, such as polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and the like. The rigid materials can alternatively include a metal or combination of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and metal alloys. Alternatively, non-rigid materials, such as, for example, silicone, thermoplastic rubber can be used alone or in combination with rigid materials.

The back panel may form the rear of the tool caddy 102. For instance, as shown in FIGS. 6-8, the back panel 118 may be a substantially planar and rigid panel that extends between the top surface 125 of the base 114 and the bottom border edge surface 178 of the reinforcing edge E of the top panel 112. The back panel 118 may continuously extend across the back of the tool styling holder, as well as partially around the first and second sides 108, 110 of the tool caddy 102. In other examples, the back panel 118 can extend the entire length along the back, such that the back panel also forms a part of one or both of the base 114 and top panel 112. Similarly, the back panel 118 may be discontinuous and formed from two or more back panels. Alternatively, the back panel may be fully formed from the same metal material with openings forming the main body 116. Alternatively, metal material with a plurality of openings, such as previously disclosed herein, may be positioned within openings providing in the back panel 118 to provide further venting of heat that may be present within the tool caddy 102 due to the storage of recently used hair styling tools that still emanate heat after use. The back panel 118 may be formed of the same material as the base, top panel, and reinforcing member 170, as discussed above.

The handle 134 may be a removable handle that can provide a user with the ability to use the hair styling tool caddy 102 with or without the handle 134. The handle 134 may be removably attached to the body of the tool caddy 102 in a variety of ways. For instance, as shown in the rear plan view of FIG. 9, the back panel 118 may further include at least one aperture that is configured to receive the removable handle 134. For instance, as shown in FIG. 9, where the handle 134 has been removed, two apertures (not shown) are provided in the back panel 118 to correspond to attachments on the removable handle 134. The apertures 186 in the back panel 118 may include a first larger section 188 that transitions into a smaller section 190. The handle 134 may include one or more hooks 184 configured to join with the apertures 186 in the back panel 118. The hooks 184 can be initially positioned within the larger section 188 and then pulled upward in a direction F1 (FIG. 9) so that the hooks are moved into the smaller section 190 of the aperture. Once in the smaller section 190, the hooks 184 can interlock with the respective apertures to secure the handle 134 in place. In this example, the handle and the apertures can form a snap-fit connection, but other connection can be utilized. To remove the handle 134, with reference back to FIG. 8, a force on the handle in the direction F2 can be applied to the handle 134 to dislodge the connecting hooks 184 from the section 190 of the openings 186, which disengages the handle 134 from the openings 186.

Numerous other structures and methods for joining the handle 134 to the body of the tool caddy 102 are contemplated within the scope of the disclosure. For instance, the number of tabs used on the handle can be varied. In one example, instead of two tabs, a single tab can extend laterally across the handle 134 and slide into an aperture configured to receive the tab 144. Additionally or alternatively, three or more tabs may be provided on the handle 134 and joined with one or more apertures on the back panel. Additionally or alternatively, different locking or securing mechanisms may be used. For example, an interference fit may be created between the handle and the hook, separate screws may be used to join the handle to the body, magnets joining the two components together, and the like. In still other examples, the handle 134 may be fixed and integrally formed with the housing of the tool holder 102.

As noted above, the top panel can also take on a variety of different configurations. Two example alternative configurations are illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10B, which are top plan views of alternative top panels. In FIG. 10A, the top panel 112′ is an edge that extends around the perimeter of the tool caddy. Top panel 112′ includes a single opening 138′ that is open to the interior of the alternative tool caddy, such that the entire interior space within the tool caddy is exposed. In such example, the hair styling tool caddy does not include a removable receptacle. In FIG. 10B, the top panel 112″ has a slightly different shape that may more closely follows the shape of the base and does not include an enlarged front portion. As shown, a receptacle 132′ and a first opening 138″ are shown laterally adjacent one another. The receptacle 132′ may be a removable receptacle similar to receptacle 132 shown in FIG. 3, but having a different shape. As shown, the opening 138″ is open to the interior space of the hair styling tool caddy and may also include a support ring 142′.

The interior space within the hair styling tool caddy 102 can be an open space to provide an interior area for tools to be positioned. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, which is a cut-away view of the interior space within the tool styling holder, the interior space toward the base is shown.

The top surface 125 of the base 114 may include one or more raised interior edges that form one or more boundaries. The edges may be formed from the same material forming the main body 116, such as a metal material that includes a plurality of openings, but can be formed from other any material. It is to be appreciated that the top surface 125 of the base, including the raised edges, may be fully comprised of a metal material with a plurality of openings, such as shown in FIG. 3, which shows use of the same or similar material forming the main body 116 of the tool caddy 102. For ease of illustrating the features of the ridges in FIG. 11, the top surface 125 of the base is illustrated without showing the openings in the metal material forming the top surface 125 of the base 114. However, the enlarged portion of the top surface 125 of the base 114 shown in FIG. 11, illustrates that the top surface 125 is formed from the same material as the main body, which in this example is a metal or metal allow that includes openings. In alternative embodiments, the base 114 may additionally or alternatively be a continuously planar surface without any openings. Additionally, the base may be comprised of any other materials or combination of materials.

The raised edges may be aligned with the openings in the top panel. For instance, the first raised edge 190A may be aligned with the first opening 140 in the top panel 112, the second raised edge 190B may be aligned with the central opening 138, and the third raised edge 190C may be aligned with the second opening 142. The raised interior edges 190A, 190B, 190C can form a plurality of boundaries that can be used to help keep components that are positioned within the central opening 138, as well as the first and second openings 140, 142 from moving around within the interior space 120 of the hair styling tool caddy. This can eliminate the need to provide receptacles that fit into the openings of the top panel, and to instead allow for the hair styling tools to be provided directly within the interior of the tool caddy 102.

The raised interior edges 190A, 190B, and 190C are shown in the shape of a circle. However, the interior edges can be any shape, such as for example, a square, a triangle, an oval, and any other shape of combination of shapes. Additionally, each of the raised edges is shown having identical shapes. In other examples, one of more of the raised interior edges 190A, 190B, and 190C may have a shape that is different than the other raised interior edges. For example, the first raised interior edge 190A may alternatively be a square, whereas the second and central raised interior edges 190B, 190C may be a circle. The raised edges may not correspond to the openings in the top panel. For example, there may be one continuous raised edge that corresponds to the openings in the top panel. In other examples, there may be no raised edges at all.

The raised interior edges 190A, 190B, and 190C may also be formed from the same metal material forming the remainder of the top surface 125. In other examples, the raised interior edges 190A, 190B, and 190C may be formed from a different material than the remainder of the top surface 125. For instance, the raised interior edges 190A-190C may be formed from a plastic material that is attached to the top surface 125 with an adhesive; the raised edges 190A-190C may be formed from a metal material similar to the metal forming the remainder of the top surface, however the raised edges 190A-190C may be a solid or continues metal edge without the presence of any openings in the metal or material forming the top surface. In still other examples, partial shapes may be provided. For example, instead of a full circle being formed on or within the top surface 125, a partial circle or semi-circle may be formed. In such example, it can be sufficient to provide a partial edges or barriers to help prevent items from moving around within the interior.

With reference to FIGS. 12A-12F, alternative embodiments of the top surface of the base 114 of the tool caddy are shown. In each of FIGS. 12A-12F, example alternative configurations of the raised interior edges are shown. The top surfaces of each of the alternative bases in these examples may be formed from the same materials as discussed with regard to FIG. 11. For instance, the top surfaces may be formed from a metal material that includes openings extending therethrough. However, for ease of illustration, the openings in the base have been omitted from these views. Turning first to FIG. 12A, a raised edge 191A is shown in the shape of a rectangle with a first interior wall 191B and a second interior wall 191C that divides the raised edge 191A into three interior sections 191D, 191E, and 191F. In this example, the second interior edge 92B is in the shape of an elongated rectangle. FIG. 12B illustrates a first raised interior edge 192A and a second raised interior edge 192b. The first interior edge 192A is similar to the interior edge 191A of FIG. 12A, except that it is slightly smaller. This can allow space for the second interior edge 192B to be positioned rearward of the first interior edge 192A. FIG. 12C illustrates a raised interior edge 193A with a single opening 193B in the shape of a rectangle. FIG. 12D similarly illustrates an interior edge 194A with a single opening 194B, but in the shape of an oval. FIG. 12E illustrates a first interior edge 194A that is laterally adjacent a second interior edge 194B. The first interior edge 194A encloses an interior space 194C and the second interior edge 194B bounds an interior space 194D. Finally, FIG. 12F illustrates a top surface that does not include an interior edge. The base and raised interior edges disclosed in FIGS. 12A-12F may be comprised of the same materials as previously discussed herein. As previously discussed, the raised interior edges of FIGS. 12A-12F extending away from the top surface of the base can take on a variety of alternative shapes and sizes.

With reference now to FIG. 13, the drawer 122 can be provided within the base 114 in a central portion of the front 104. The drawer 122 can be moved in directions AB toward and away from the base 114. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the drawer 122 can provide storage for smaller hair styling accessories, such as ponytail holders, clips, bobby pins and the like. When the drawer 122 is pulled in direction AB, the drawer is in an open position. When the drawer 122 is pushed in the direction BA, the drawer is positioned back into the base 114. Drawer 122 may be configured to be movable in other known ways, such as, for example, pivoting outwards. In other examples, the drawer 122 may be offset, such that it is not positioned within the center of the base. In still other examples, one or more additional drawers (not shown) may be positioned adjacent the drawer 122. The one or more additional drawers may be pulled outward from the base 114 or may pivot or extend outward from the base 114 using known configurations. Alternatively, no drawer may be provided at all, such that there is a continuous edge along the bottom of the base 114 of the tool caddy 102.

The removability of the handle 134 can provide the user with several options for using the hair styling tool caddy 102. For instance, a user may hang the tool caddy using the handle 134; the user may place the tool caddy 102 on a surface with the handle 134 attached; a user may place the tool caddy 102 directly on a surface with the handle 134 removed; or the user may directly attach the tool caddy 102 to a wall. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, with the handle 134 attached, the tool caddy 102 can hang from another device, such as a towel bar 290. The opening 188 formed in the handle 134 can receive the towel bar 290. (See also FIG. 8.) This can allow a user to remove the tool caddy 102 from a vanity countertop, thereby providing the user with maximum vanity countertop space, while still providing a user with easy access to the hair styling tools when a user is fixing the user's hair. Alternatively, when the handle is either attached or removed from the tool caddy 102, a user can place the tool caddy 102 directly onto a surface, such as a bathroom vanity or cabinet. Since the handle 134, however, extends beyond the back panel 118 of the tool caddy 102 and takes up additional surface space, the user has the option to remove the handle 134. As shown, for example, in FIG. 15, the hair styling tool caddy 102 is shown with the handle 134 removed. The base 114 of the tool caddy 102 is positioned directly on top of a vanity surface 292 and can be positioned flush or directly adjacent the backsplash 294 of the vanity. Removal of the handle 134 can help to conserve space on the surface of the bathroom vanity that would otherwise be occupied by the handle. In still another example, the caddy may be directly mounted to a wall (not shown) using the same apertures 186 used to accommodate and receive the removable handle 134.

Although the embodiments herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tool holder comprising:

a top panel having at least one opening extending therethrough;

a base having a top surface comprised of a material having a plurality of openings, the base being spaced apart from the top panel;

a main body extending between the top panel and the base, the main body comprised of the material;

a back panel extending between the top panel and the base;

a handle removably attached to the back panel;

and

a raised edge extending away from the top surface of the base and forming a perimeter, the raised edge aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings.

2. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the tool holder further comprises a reinforcing arm extending along a front portion of the tool holder, the reinforcing arm extending between the top surface and the base.

3. The tool holder of claim 2, wherein the reinforcing arm extends upwardly from the base towards the top surface, the reinforcing arm being y-shaped.

4. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the material is a metal material with the plurality of openings extending therethrough, the top surface and the raised edge each comprised of the metal material.

5. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the raised edge is comprised of a different material than the material comprising the top surface of the base.

6. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the raised edge is a plurality of raised edges, each of the plurality of raised edges being aligned with one of the plurality of the openings.

7. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of openings includes a central opening, and first and second openings, the central opening being disposed between the first and second openings.

8. The tool holder of claim 1, further comprising a receptacle removably attached to the top panel and disposed within one of the plurality of openings.

9. The tool holder of claim 8, wherein the receptacle further comprises at least one tab, and wherein the at least one tab of the receptacle is configured to form a snap fit connection with the top surface when the receptacle is positioned within the one of the plurality of openings.

10. The tool holder of claim 9, wherein the receptacle includes a lip and the tab includes a top surface, the edge of the top panel being positioned within a space between the lip and the top surface of the tab.

11. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a hook and the back panel further comprises an aperture sized to receive the hook.

12. The tool holder of claim 11, wherein the aperture includes an edge extending around a periphery of the aperture, and wherein the hook removably engages the edge of the aperture.

13. A tool holder comprising:

a housing including a main body defining an interior space within the housing, a top panel, and a base, the top panel and the base enclosing the interior space, the main body formed from a material having a plurality of openings extending therethrough, the top panel including at least one tool opening to the interior space,

wherein the base includes a top surface and a ridge extending away from the top surface, the top surface and the ridge comprised of the material, the ridge defining a periphery of a shape.

14. The tool holder of claim 13, wherein the shape is a circle.

15. The tool holder of claim 13, wherein the ridge is aligned with the at least one tool opening, and wherein a shape of the ridge is a same shape as the one at least one tool opening.

16. The tool holder of claim 13, wherein the ridge is aligned with the at least one tool opening to the interior space, and wherein a shape of the ridge is a different shape than the one of the plurality of openings to which the ridge is aligned.

17. The tool holder of claim 13, wherein the at least one tool opening is a plurality of tool openings, and the ridge is a plurality of ridges, each of the plurality of ridges being aligned with a corresponding one of the plurality of tool openings to the interior space.

18. The tool holder of claim 13, further comprising a back panel extending away from the top panel and a handle removably attached to the back panel.

19. The tool holder of claim 13, further comprising a reinforcing arm extending from the top panel to the base, the reinforcing arm positioned in a front of the tool holder.

20. The tool holder of claim 19, further comprising another reinforcing arm extending from the top panel to the base, the another reinforcing arm positioned in a rear of the tool holder.