EP3621480A1

EP3621480A1 - A holder for an object such as a tool

Info

Publication number: EP3621480A1
Application number: EP18798028.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mikael Burvall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-05-10
Filing date: 2018-05-09
Publication date: 2020-03-18
Also published as: SE541104C2; SE1730129A1; WO2018208200A1; EP3621480A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a holder (1) for at least one object (3), such as a tool such as for example a carpenter's rule, comprising at least one storage receptacle (2) and at least one connecting device (5) with which the holder (1) is connected to a carry-all, garment or the like. The holder (1) has at least one first connecting device (5) for connecting the holder to a belt or the like. Further, the holder (1) has a second connecting device (12) for connecting the holder (1) to a leg pocket or the like, and at least one third connecting device (17) for connecting the holder to a button or the like. Furthermore, the holder (1) has at least one fourth connecting device (20) for connecting the holder to a suspender or suspenders, and that the storage receptacle (2) in alternative embodiments includes at least one support device (24).

Description

A holder for an object such as a tool

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a holder (receptacle) in accordance with the claims.

Background of the Invention In connection with different types of tasks there is often a need to temporarily store tools (utensils, instruments) when they are not used. One problem that arises with the temporary storage of tools is the difficulty of effectively storing the item (object) while at the same time having it easily accessible to the user. In order to solve this problem, different types of carryalls, receptacles (cases, pouches, holsters, bags, knapsacks and similar) and work clothes (garments, uniforms, liveries and the like) have been developed which include pockets, compartments or the like to hold different objects. Furthermore, a very large number of different holders, receptacles (carriers, holsters) and the like have been developed. Despite all of these mentioned products that have already been developed, problems with the developed clothes and holders, receptacles still exist. When using, for example, a carpenter's rule (folding rule, jointed rule), it is used essentially only briefly with intermediate storage. One of the problems with the temporary storage of a carpenter's rule is caused by the fact that the rule is usually placed in a leg pocket which is usually placed on the right side of work pants, or overalls. When the user squats down and in this position wants to use the rule, it may be difficult not to say impossible to remove the rule from the leg pocket.

Another problem with the storage of rules in the above mentioned leg pocket is that the rule also risks falling out of the leg pocket when the user sits in certain positions. For example, this problem may occur when people are sitting on a chair or the like.

A further problem with the storage of rules in leg pockets is the risk of damage to chairs or other types of furnishings, seats and the like for example in vehicles when entering or exiting the vehicle.

Yet another problem is caused by the need to connect the holder to several different types of objects. The need to connect the holder to multiple objects is, for example, necessary to connect the holder to a strap, belt, to suspenders/shoulder straps, to a button, to a leg pocket or to other objects or the like to which the holder is desired to be connected.

A further problem with existing designs of holders and the like for temporary storage of items is that they are intended solely for one type of object. Today, therefore, problems exist since only one object type, alternatively the dimension of the object, can normally utilize one and the same holder, receptacle. Usually, different holders are required for different objects.

Prior Art

In order to improve the possibility of storing rules and the like in various types of pockets, pouches and clothes, a number of designs have been developed. One of these is the holder described in US1600912. It describes a variant of a rule pocket. The holder is intended to be connected to a garment. The holder according to its description differs to a considerable extent from the holder according to the present invention. For example, it is not suitable for connection in different ways to a user's carry- all, garment or similar.

Another variant of a rule holder is disclosed in US 1264190. The design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, it is not suitable for connection in different ways to a user's carry-all, garment or similar.

Yet another variant of a rule holder is disclosed in US780720. The design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, it is not suitable for connection in different ways to a user's carry-all, garment or similar, Furthermore, is not intended to be used to hold a variety of different types of objects since it does not include a replaceable holder.

Still another variant of a rule holder is disclosed in US 1466330. The design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, it is not intended to be used to hold a variety of different types of objects since it does not include a replaceable holder.

A variant of a rule holder is also disclosed in WO2010146093. The design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present invention. For example, it is not suitable for connection in different ways to a user's carry-all, garment or similar. A variant of suspenders is disclosed in US845393. The suspenders include holes which are intended to be connected to buttons in pants or the like. The design according to its description differs to a significant extent from the design in accordance with the present invention. Purpose of the Invention

The main purpose of the present invention is to eliminate or substantially reduce at least one of the aforesaid or in the following description said problems with existing types of holders for objects. This purpose is accomplished by an invention according to the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will in the following be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which by way of example, show the current preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the holder according to a first embodiment.

Figs. IB and 1C show the holder of Fig. 1A as seen from the back and side respectively. Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the holder according to a first alternative embodiment.

Figs. 2B and 2C show the holder of Fig. 2A as seen from the back and from the side respectively.

Fig. 3A shows an exemplifying alternative embodiment of the present holder which includes an exchangeable storage receptacle. Fig. 3B shows an exemplifying alternative embodiment of the present holder which includes an exchangeable storage receptacle and an example of an exchangeable connecting device.

Figs. 3C and 3D show an alternate embodiment of the holder with an exchangeable storage receptacle.

Fig. 3E shows the cross-section of the back section according to Figs. 3C and 3D. Fig. 3F shows the cross-section of the exchangeable storage receptacle according to Figs. 3C and 3D.

Figs. 4A to 4D show the use of the holder to hold different types of objects. Fig. 5 shows another alternative embodiment. Detailed Description of the Invention

With reference to the figures, a holder 1 comprising at least one storage receptacle 2 (holding member, retaining casing, repository device) with which at least one object 3 (shown in Figs. 4A to 4D) can be temporarily stored in accordance with the present invention will be described in more detail. In the exemplifying embodiments of the holder shown in the figures, the holder 1 is comprised of at least one back piece 4. The back piece 4 and the storage receptacle 2 are integrated with each other in the first embodiment. In alternative

embodiments, the back piece 4 and the storage receptacle 2 are comprised of separate parts which are temporarily or permanently joined together. In the exemplifying embodiments, it is shown how the back piece 4 preferably has an elongated shape. In alternative embodiments, the back piece may be of another shape suitable for the purpose than the said elongated shape.

The object 3 may consist of a variety of different items. In the exemplifying embodiment, the object 3 is a carpenter's rule or the like, as shown in Fig. 4A. The rule's dimensions may vary according with the dimensions currently available. In alternative embodiments, the object consists of a different type than the said rule, as shown in Figs. 4B to 4C, that show the holder with other types of objects attached to the holder.

The holder 1 comprises at least one connecting device (connecting means) 5 with which the holder is connected to a carry-all, garment or the like (a carry-all, garment or person carrying, wearing a carry-all, garment is not shown in the figures). In alternative uses of the holder 1, the holder 1 may be connected to any other suitable object which is in use in the field of the invention or other uses.

Referring to Fig. 1, a holder 1 is shown comprising at least one storage receptacle 2, storage retainer or the like, the storage receptacle 2 completely or partially encloses the object to be stored. In the exemplifying embodiment, the storage receptacle 2 comprises at least one enclosing material layer 6. In the exemplifying embodiment, the enclosing material layer comprises a hollow profile 7 with for the purpose suitable external and internal shape. In the exemplifying embodiment, the profile 7 has an essentially square cross-section. In alternative embodiments, the profile 7, alternatively the storage receptacle 2 may have another for the purpose suitable cross-section or shape. The storage receptacle 2 in one embodiment preferably has a conical shape, allowing the object to be retained with better effect. The holder 1 in the exemplifying embodiment is further comprised of at least one connecting device 5 and preferably two or more connecting devices. In the exemplifying embodiment, the holder comprises a first connecting device 5. In the exemplifying embodiment, the first connecting device 5 consists of a connection device for a belt, strap. The connecting device 5 is comprised of a material tongue (tab) 8 which extends at a distance from the back piece 4 to form a clip-like design. At one end 9, the material tongue 8 is connected to the back piece 5. The other end 10 is a free part which in the exemplifying embodiment is comprised of at least one angled segment 11, protruding segments or the like.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the holder 1, the holder 1 also comprises a second connecting device 12. The second connecting device 12 consists of a bracket 13 for a leg pocket or the like. The bracket 13 for the leg pocket in the exemplifying embodiment consists of at least one first slot (slit) 14. In the exemplifying embodiment, the bracket 13 comprises at least one first slot 14 and at least one second slot 15. In alternative embodiments, the number of slots may be three or more (not shown in the figures). Figs. 1A to 1C show that the holder comprises an elastic (flexible) material tongue 16. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A to 1C, the design includes a function for retaining the object placed in the holder. This is accomplished with a clip-like feature that holds the object in the holder. This is because the storage receptacle comprises at least one clip-like device which, by means of an elastic effect, holds the object inserted into the storage receptacle 2. The design shown in the figure also has a function for holding the holder connected to a leg pocket or the like.

In the exemplifying embodiment of the holder 1, the holder 1 also comprises a third connecting device 17. The third connecting device 17 in the exemplifying embodiment consists of at least one bracket 18 for connecting the holder to a button or the like. The bracket 18 for a button in the exemplifying embodiment consists of a keyhole-shaped hole 19. In the exemplifying embodiment of the holder 1, the holder 1 also comprises at least one fourth connecting device 20. The fourth connecting device 20 is a bracket 21 for suspenders or shoulder straps or the like. The bracket 21 for suspenders/shoulder straps in the

exemplifying embodiment consists of at least one H-shaped hole 22. The H-shaped hole 22 is positioned such that the H-shape is placed in the transverse direction of the holder (transverse to the longitudinal direction).

In the exemplifying embodiment of the holder 1, the holder 1 comprises a fifth connecting device 23. This device is for connection to a button, push button or the like. The fifth connecting device's through hole may also be used to hang up the holder 1 on a toolbar's hook, other hook, nail, peg or the like.

In further alternative embodiments, the holder 1 may include other for the purpose suitable connecting devices. For example, different types of quick fasteners can be used. In alternative embodiments, the holder also includes a stop 24, support device or the like. The support device limits the maximum insertion of the object into the holder. The support device 24 comprises, in the exemplifying embodiment, a part 25 which is angled out with respect to the back piece 4 of the holder 1. In the figure, the protruding part 25 consists of a material tongue (tab) 26. Angle V between the back piece 4 and the material tongue of the support device 24 may vary within the scope of the invention. In the exemplifying embodiment, the back piece 4 and the material tongue 26 of the support device 24 form a right or essentially right angle (90 degrees). In alternative embodiments, the angle may deviate from 90 degrees.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 2A to 2C, an alternative embodiment of the present holder is shown which includes clamping members 27 which clamp around the held object. In the exemplifying embodiment, the clamping members consist of elastic (flexing, springy) members 28 and a hole 29, slit or the like which, upon insertion of the rule or other object into the storage receptacle, pushes in and exerts an elastic (resilient) force onto the retained object. In the exemplifying embodiment, the holder 1 comprises at least one first clamping member 27, at least one second clamping member, at least one third clamping member and at least one fourth clamping member.

The holder 1 in the first exemplifying embodiment is made in one piece. In alternative embodiments, the holder is comprised of at least one first part and at least one second part which are joined temporarily or permanently.

Referring to Fig. 3, an alternative embodiment of the present holder 1 is shown, wherein the holder consists of at least one first part and at least one second exchangeable part. In the embodiment, the holder 1 comprises a storage receptacle 2 which consists of an exchangeable storage receptacle 30. By exchanging the storage receptacle 30, different objects can be held with one and the same holder 1 (but with different storage receptacles 30). Preferably, the storage receptacle 2 is connected to the back piece 4 via quick-release bracket 31 or the like. The quick-release bracket can be made up of a variety of designs, in the exemplifying variant the quick-release bracket comprises at least one male member (male coupling) 32 which connects to a female member (female coupling) 33. In alternative embodiments, the storage receptacle 30 may consist of two or more parts (not shown in the figures) which are joined together or otherwise connected to each other.

In further alternative embodiments, the holder 1 comprises at least one second exchangeable part, in addition to the aforementioned first exchangeable part, exemplified by the

exchangeable storage receptacle 30. In those embodiments wherein the holder comprises at least one exchangeable storage receptacle 30, this exchangeable part consists of a second exchangeable part. In cases where the holder does not comprise the exchangeable receptacle 30, the said second exchangeable part consists of the design's first exchangeable part. With reference to Fig. 3B, an exemplifying embodiment of the holder 1 is shown, wherein the first connecting device 5 of the holder 1 for connecting the holder 1 to, for example, a belt or strap is exchangeable. The first connection device is connectable and disconnectable in relation to the back piece. In other embodiments, at least one second of the aforementioned second, third, fourth and fifth connecting devices, or part of the holder, is exchangeable. The parts are preferably connected together with at least one quick-coupling (quick- connector) which includes, for example, at least one male member and at least one female member or other suitable for the purpose coupling members.

Referring to Figs. 3C and 3D, an alternate embodiment of a holder with an exchangeable storage receptacle 2, 30 is shown. In this embodiment, the connection and release of the storage receptacle 2, 30 relative to the back piece 4 of the holder 1 occurs with a variant of sliding rails 34 which extend in the longitudinal direction of the holder 1 and the back piece 4. Connection and release of the exchangeable storage receptacle 30 takes place by the sliding rails 34 being joined with recesses 35 in the longitudinal direction of the exchangeable storage receptacle 30 and that storage receptacle 2 is then moved in the longitudinal direction of the holder 1. The design comprises in an alternate embodiment a variant of lock of known type and therefore is not described in more detail. In alternative embodiments (not shown in the figures) sliding rails are placed in the exchangeable part and recesses are placed in the back piece 4.

Fig. 3E shows a cross-section of the back piece 4. In the cross-section two sliding rails 34 or the like are shown. In the exemplifying embodiment, the design comprises a first sliding rail 34 and a second sliding rail 34. In alternative embodiments, the number of sliding rails may be more or less than two.

Figure 3F shows in a cross-section the exchangeable storage receptacle 30. The exchangeable storage receptacle 30 comprises recesses 35, alternatively sliding rails which are connected with sliding rails 34. In the exemplifying embodiment, the exchangeable holder comprises a first recess and a second recess. In alternative embodiments, the number of recesses may be more or less than two.

The holder 1 is preferably made of one or more types of polymeric materials such as a plastic material. However, in alternative embodiments, this does not exclude that the holder 1 be made of other types of material such as metal materials, metal alloys or other for the purpose suitable material or material combinations.

In the detailed description of the present invention, design details may be omitted, which are apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such obvious design features are included to the extent required to achieve a satisfactory function of the present invention. Said components are included to the extent required for a satisfactory function of the design in accordance with the present invention.

Although some preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications within the scope of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains and all such are considered to fall within the scope of the claims. Thus, it is conceivable that the present invention is used for purposes and applications other than those disclosed in the patent application.

In alternative embodiments, it is therefore conceivable that the holder is intended to connect other types of objects than tools. This is done by replacing the storage receptacle with a storage receptacle adapted to the type of product to be held. For example, it is conceivable that the holder is used to hold and store different types of outdoor products such as water bottles or other products that can be connected with the holder. Advantages of the Invention

The present invention achieves several advantages. The first advantage obtained is that the holder resolves or reduces at least one of the problems described in this patent application with known designs. Another advantage is that a holder is achieved which comprises a plurality of different connecting devices which allow for flexible use of the holder. An additional advantage is achieved with the alternative embodiment which enables a quick exchange of the storage receptacle so that the holder can be used to hold objects of different shapes and sizes.

Claims

1. A holder (1) for at least one object (3), such as a tool such as for example a carpenter's rule, comprising at least one storage receptacle (2) and at least one back piece (4) and at least one connecting device (5) with which the holder (1) is connected to a second object such as a carry- all, garment or the like wherein the holder (1) comprises at least one first connecting device (5) for connecting the holder to a belt or the like, and that the holder comprises a second connecting device (12) for connecting the holder (1) to a leg pocket or the like, and at least one third connecting device (17) for connecting the holder to a button or the like, and at least one fourth connecting device (20) for connecting the holder to a suspender or suspenders, and that the storage receptacle (2) comprises at least one support device (24) and that the storage receptacle (2) is exchangeable.

2. A holder (1) according to claim 1 wherein the first connecting device (5) for

connecting the holder to a belt comprises a material tongue (8) which is connected to the back piece (4) at its one end (9) and extends a distance from the back piece (4) to form a clip-like design.

3. A holder (1) according to one of the previous claims wherein the second connecting device (12) comprises at least one first slot (14) and at least one second slot (15).

4. A holder (1) according to one of the previous claims wherein the third connecting device (17) for the connection of the holder to a belt comprises a keyhole-shaped hole.

5. A holder (1) according to one of the previous claims wherein the fourth connecting device (20) comprises at least one H-shaped hole (22).

6. A holder (1) according to claim 5 wherein the H-shaped hole (22) and the keyhole- shaped hole are integrated into one and the same hole.

7. A holder (1) according to claim 1 wherein the holder comprises a clamping member (27) which comprises at least one elastic member (28) which clamps against the object when it is inserted in the storage receptacle.

8. A holder (1) according to one of the previous claims wherein the holder comprises a fifth connecting device (23).

9. A holder (1) according to one of the previous claims wherein that the storage receptacle's exchangeability is accomplished by the storage receptacle being detachably arranged with at least one quick-release bracket (31) relative the back piece (4) of the holder.

10. A holder (1) according to claim 9 wherein the quick-release bracket comprises at least one female member (33) and at least one male member (32).

11. A holder (1) according to at least one of the previous claims wherein that at least one of the connecting devices (5, 12, 17, 20, 23) is arranged to be exchangeable.