Tool Holder

Abstract

A generally annular tool holder is fabricated from a relatively soft and highly elastic hypo-allergenic silicone material. An annular band is configured to elastically encircle a thumb or other phalange. A tool receptacle body protrudes radially from the annular band. The tool receptacle body has a plurality of at least partial bores provided along an axis parallel to the central axis of the annulus that are configured to selectively receive and retain drill, driver, and other bits and tools. The bits are both visible and accessible to a drill operator even while the operator is holding the drill. One or more magnets may also be provided within the bores, extending the types of uses for the tool holder.

Claims

1. In combination, a rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and a tool holder, said rotary driver comprising: a rotary drive engine; a switch configured to selective energize said rotary drive engine; and a rotary tool chuck configured to selectively couple and decouple said at least one rotary driver bit to said rotary driver; said tool holder comprising: an interminable annular band defining an annular axis and adapted to receive a thumb or finger therein; at least one tool receptacle body affixed with and radially protruding from said annular band; and an opening passing through said at least one tool receptacle body in an axis generally parallel to an axis defined by said annular band and configured to removably receive and retain said at least one rotary driver bit.

2. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said interminable annular band extends least in a direction parallel to said annular axis at a location distal to said at least one tool receptacle, extends most in said direction parallel to said annular axis at a location adjacent to said at least one tool receptacle, and tapers smoothly between said locations of least and greatest extension.

3. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 3, wherein said tool holder has a wedge-shaped profile from a side elevational view.

4. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said tool holder further comprises a magnet captured within and passing through said at least one tool receptacle body in an axis generally parallel to an axis defined by said annular band.

5. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said tool holder further comprises a face plate that terminates said tool receptacle body distal to said interminable annular band.

6. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 5, wherein said face plate further comprises indicia.

7. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said tool holder further comprises hypo-allergenic silicone rubber.

8. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 7, wherein said hypo-allergenic silicone rubber further comprises a 30 durometer hardness.

9. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said interminable annular band further comprises a means for providing limited ventilation.

10. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said at least one tool receptacle body opening further comprises a plurality of facets.

11. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said at least one tool receptacle body opening extends entirely through said at least one tool receptacle body from a first surface to another.

12. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 1, wherein said at least one tool receptacle body opening extends through said at least one tool receptacle body from a first surface into and terminates within an interior of said at least one tool receptacle body.

13. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 5, wherein said face plate further comprises a metallic finish textured with a diamond metal plate pattern.

14. The combination rotary driver, at least one rotary driver bit, and tool holder of claim 4, wherein said tool holder further comprises a second opening passing through said at least one tool receptacle body in an axis generally parallel to an axis defined by said annular band and configured to removably receive and retain said at least one rotary driver bit, said magnet located between said first and second openings.

15. A tool holder, comprising: an interminable annular band defining an annular axis and adapted to receive a thumb or finger therein; at least one tool receptacle body affixed with and radially protruding from said annular band; and an opening passing through said at least one tool receptacle body in an axis generally parallel to an axis defined by said annular band and configured to removably receive and retain a rotary driver bit.

16. The tool holder of claim 15, wherein said interminable annular band extends least in a direction parallel to said annular axis at a location distal to said at least one tool receptacle, extends most in said direction parallel to said annular axis at a location adjacent to said at least one tool receptacle, and tapers smoothly between said locations of least and greatest extension.

17. The tool holder of claim 15, wherein said tool holder further comprises 30 durometer hypo-allergenic silicone rubber.

18. The tool holder of claim 15, wherein said at least one tool receptacle body opening further comprises a plurality of facets.

19. A method of applying a ferromagnetic fastener to a work piece, comprising the steps of: inserting a phalange supported tool holder having a magnet affixed thereto into a plurality of ferromagnetic fasteners; removing said tool holder from said plurality of ferromagnetic fasteners and thereby retaining said ferromagnetic fastener to said tool holder magnet; placing said phalange supported tool holder adjacent to said work piece, and thereby positioning said ferromagnetic fastener adjacent to said work piece in a proper position ready to be driven into place; and driving said ferromagnetic fastener into said work piece.

20. The method of applying a ferromagnetic fastener to a work piece of claim 19, further comprising the step of manually orienting said ferromagnetic fastener relative to said work piece subsequent to said placing step.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a first preferred embodiment tool holder designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from perspective view, showing an exemplary use in combination with a prior art cordless drill.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates the first preferred embodiment tool holder of FIG. 1 from a projected view.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates the first preferred embodiment tool holder of FIG. 1 from a sectional view taken along section line 3 of FIG. 2.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates the first preferred embodiment tool holder of FIG. 1 from a sectional view taken along section line 4 of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrates a preferred combination of the first preferred embodiment tool holder of FIG. 1 in further combination with several exemplary bits, from exploded and projected views, respectively.

[0029] FIG. 7 illustrates a first alternative embodiment tool holder designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a projected view.

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrates a second alternative embodiment tool holder designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a projected view.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates the second alternative embodiment tool holder of FIG. 8 from a sectional view taken along section line 9 of FIG. 8.

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates the second alternative embodiment tool holder of FIG. 8 in further combination with a nail in a starting driving or hammering position.

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates the second alternative embodiment tool holder in further combination with a nail of FIG. 10 in a starting driving or hammering position rotated about the thumb from that of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Manifested in the preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a tool holder particularly well adapted to allow a person to use a tool comfortably and unobstructed, while holding additional tools, bits, and the like conveniently around a finger or thumb. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, tool holder 10 is comprised of a generally annular band 12 through which an appendage such as a person's thumb 26 as illustrated may pass.

[0035] The particular appendage that annular band 12 encircles is not essential to the invention. However, in the case of rotary tools such as drills discussed herein above, a thumb ring allows easy access to the individual bits without any interference in the handling of a drill 1 or other obstruction of the work or view thereof. FIG. 1 illustrates the combination prior art drill 1 and preferred embodiment tool holder 10.

[0036] Supported by and unitary with annular band 12 is a tool receptacle body 13 protruding radially from a minority of annular band 12. Tool receptacle body 13 contains at least one tool receptacle 14, which is configured to receive and hold at least one tool bit such as bit 20 as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Most preferably, a plurality of tool receptacles such as tool receptacle 16 and tool receptacle 18 are also provided in tool receptacle body 13, so that a plurality of bits such as bit 20, bit 22, and bit 24 may be held therein. This allows a person to work with four bits at a time, with three supported in preferred embodiment tool holder 10 and one in use directly within the rotary or other tool such as drill 1. The diameter of each of tool receptacles 14-18 does not have to be identical, and so can be individually varied to suit a particular need.

[0037] In alternative embodiments, the interior circumference of annular band 12 may be provided with facets, grooves, or other geometries that provide limited ventilation, making the ring more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. For exemplary purposes only, and not limiting the invention solely thereto, annular band 12 may comprise a six facet interior if so desired, resembling the six facets of tool receptacles 114-118 of FIG. 7, such that there will also be six corners between the facets that provide limited ventilation. In an even further alternative embodiment, annular band 12 is also provided with radially extending bores that allow ventilation. However, the provision of radial holes complicates manufacture and can weaken the integrity of annular band 12, potentially leading to a shorter product life while providing only limited improvement in comfort.

[0038] Face plate 11 radially terminates tool receptacle body 13 distal to band 12, and provides a relatively large and only gently curved surface that will tend to be visible when in use. The visibility is apparent from the illustration of FIG. 1. Providing brand identification and custom engraving upon face plate 11 ensures repeated exposure and can greatly facilitate branding. Any suitable indicia may be provided thereon, including but not limited to trade names, trademarks, artistic works, and so forth. In a further alternative embodiment, face plate 11 may be provided with a metallic finish and optionally a corresponding color to resemble steel. In an even further embodiment, the surface may be textured to correspond to the familiar diamond metal plate pattern.

[0039] A tool holder designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention may be manufactured from a variety of materials. However, the particular selection of material can have great impact upon the utility of the resulting tool holder. Preferred embodiment tool holder 10 is fabricated from molded silicone rubber, which provides substantial elasticity to receive a variety of thumb or finger sizes, and a variety of bit diameters. In a most preferred embodiment, tool holder 10 is produced from an approximately 30 durometer hypo-allergenic silicone, most preferably medical grade. This helps to ensure that the present invention is compatible with and not irritating to most persons. The elasticity also ensures that the tool will cushion the user rather than harm them in the event of an impact, and will generally be substantially safer than a hard ring when used in the immediate vicinity of power tools. In addition, silicone offers good durability, and enables a single molding operation to produce the entire tool holder 10.

[0040] In preferred embodiment tool holder 10, annular band 12 is most preferably interminable. Interminable for the purposes of the present disclosure will be understood to mean that annular band 12 is unending and incapable of being terminated. This is in distinct contrast to much of the prior art, where various buckles split rings, or other fasteners, and open, C-shaped rings are used. The use of silicone or other highly elastic rubber ensures substantial elasticity sufficient to accommodate a very wide range of finger and thumb sizes, without requiring any adjustable straps or fasteners. The composition will also accommodate many different tool diameters and geometries. These objectives are both accomplished without requiring any change to the tool holder or to a mold used to fabricate the tool holder.

[0041] As best apparent from FIG. 3, preferred embodiment tool holder 10 is wedge-shaped from a side elevational view, being shortest in a direction parallel to the central annular axis A within band 12 most distal to tool receptacle body 13, and longest adjacent thereto. This provides several additional benefits. First, the portion of annular band 12 distal to the tool receptacle body 13 is relatively smaller and has less material bulk, making this portion more elastic, lighter, and less prone to interfering with either ventilation or the bending of an appendage. In contrast, annular band 12 adjacent to tool receptacle body 13 is relatively longer in this same direction parallel to the central annular axis A. This helps to ensure that tool receptacles 14-18 are somewhat stiffer, and will retain their generally cylindrical shape while bits are inserted or removed therefrom. In addition, the wedge geometry also helps to ensure that preferred embodiment tool holder 10 will not twist about itself, even if a bit were to stick or bind within one of the tool receptacles 14-18 during insertion or removal. By providing a wedge, rather than a discontinuous transition between annular band 12 and tool receptacle body 13, or a discontinuous transition within annular band 12, the stress during deformation will be much more evenly distributed, and will not be concentrated within any single point or region. The lack of stress concentration is important to the life expectancy and durability of preferred embodiment tool holder 10.

[0042] In addition to screwdriver bits such as slot, phillips, and star bits, other devices may also be retained within one or more of tool receptacles 14-18. For exemplary purposes, and not solely limiting the present invention thereto, this may include small pencils or other marking instruments, small punches and awls, cordless ear buds, industrial hearing protectors, and any other diverse tool or instrument for which the operator wishes quick and convenient access.

[0043] Various embodiments of apparatus designed in accord with the present invention have been illustrated in the various figures. The embodiments are distinguished by the hundreds digit, and various components within each embodiment designated by the ones and tens digits. However, many of the components are alike or similar between embodiments, so numbering of the ones and tens digits have been maintained wherever possible, such that identical, like or similar functions may more readily be identified between the embodiments. If not otherwise expressed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize the similarities and understand that in many cases like numbered ones and tens digit components may be substituted from one embodiment to another in accord with the present teachings, except where such substitution would otherwise destroy operation of the embodiment. Consequently, those skilled in the art will readily determine the function and operation of many of the components illustrated herein without unnecessary additional description.

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a first alternative embodiment tool holder 110. Tool receptacle body 113 has four tool receptacles including tool receptacle 114, tool receptacle 115, tool receptacle 116, and tool receptacle 118, as illustrated. As noted herein above, the particular number of tool receptacles is not essential to the invention, though three or four are preferred within tool receptacle body 113. Each of tool receptacles 114-118 are illustrated as also having a six facet interior, or hexagonal cross-section. This will directly accommodate a wide variety of standard hexagonal bits. In addition, if silicone is used as the material for fabrication, the inherent elasticity will still allow first alternative embodiment tool holder 110 to also receive and retain other geometries of tools, bits, and the like, including those that are generally cylindrical.

[0045] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a second alternative embodiment tool holder 210. Annular band 212 provides an engagement for a person's thumb or finger, and tool receptacles 214, 218 are configured to hold various bits and tools. Various features may be used from each of the different embodiments as desired to create various different embodiments similar to but differing from the specific embodiments illustrated herein. Consequently, it will be understood that tool receptacles 214, 218 need not be cylindrical, and may be faceted such as taught by first alternative embodiment tool receptacles 114-118. In this second alternative embodiment tool holder 210, a magnetic tool receptacle 216 is preferably provided that contains a magnet 217 therein. This magnet may be molded directly into tool holder 210 at the time of fabrication, or may be inserted subsequent thereto. Magnet 217 provides diverse utility, including allowing a person to: hold diverse bits that do not fit will into tool receptacles 214, 218; readily retrieve ferromagnetic screws and nails without having to look and carefully try to grasp them; rapidly retrieve accidentally dropped ferromagnetic parts and bits; and store second alternative embodiment tool holder 210 in engagement with a ferromagnetic tool box or other ferromagnetic object when not in use.

[0046] Magnet 217 is preferably positioned to work cooperatively with a person's fingers to pick up fasteners, for exemplary purposes such as screws and nails, and allow a person to hold them in proper position ready to be driven into place, potentially entirely by magnetic attraction. This is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, showing nail 3 positioned to be driven into an underlying board while being held by magnetic tool receptacle 216 and magnet 217. In the illustration of FIG. 10, a person may optionally use their pointer finger to press the nail 3 or other ferromagnetic fastener against magnet 217, but as long as magnet 217 is sufficiently strong, they would likely instead only use their pointer finger to ensure proper alignment of nail 3 with respect to the underlying board, and then, as illustrated, move their pointer finger out of the way of a hammer FIG. 11 illustrates the flexibility of use of the present invention, where tool holder 210 has been rotated approximately 180 degrees about the annular axis. In this Figure, magnet 217 may be used to hold nail 3 in place, without any manipulation by a person's fingers. As can be appreciated, magnetic tool receptacle 216 thereby greatly simplifies the handling of small ferromagnetic objects such as screws, bolts, and nails.

[0047] Each of the illustrated embodiments shows the individual tool receptacles 14-18, 114-118, 214-218 as being parallel to the axis of the associated annular band 12, 112, 212. This is preferred, since the tool may be readily inserted therein, and readily viewed such as illustrated by FIG. 1 even from along the longitudinal axis of the tool receptacle openings. In addition, this simplifies the molding operation required for production. In one alternative embodiment, the tool receptacles 14-18, 114-118, 214-218 are still parallel to the axis of the associated annular band 12, 112, 212, but do not extend entirely through from one surface to another. In other alternative embodiments, one or more such tool holders or magnets may also be provided on an axis radially oriented relative to annular band 12, or on another axis offset therefrom. Such an offset tool receptacle may or may not be provided with a magnet similar to magnet 217, if so desired.

[0048] While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims herein below.