Tool holder and method of use

[0001] This Application claims priority from a provisional application entitled “Convertible Pouch,” to Perry, et al, Ser. No. 60/394,617, filed on Jul. 9, 2002, which is commonly owned with the present invention and incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced herein in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention is directed in general, to a tool holder configuration and, more specifically, to a tool holder convertible between storage and display configurations and a method of manufacture therefor.

[0003] Technicians are constantly confronted with the need to store and protect the tools of their trade. To protect their investment from damage and loss while simultaneously trying to keep them clean and readily available, various types of tool kits and tool holders have been developed. Traditionally, tools have been kept in a conventional tool box. A conventional tool box, however, does not prevent abrasion between the tools and the box interior or other tools in the box and, as such, can scratch or break the tools and does not contribute toward keeping the tools clean and in good condition. A conventional tool box for delicate tools (e.g., brushes) is undesirable.

[0004] To improve protection for the tools and to keep them in an organized fashion, various roll-up tool bags have also been designed. A conventional, roll-up tool bag includes a plurality of pockets with each pocket designed to receive an individual tool. The roll-up tool bag is typically made of a soft, flexible material that enables the bag containing the tools to be rolled up for convenient, compact storage or transportation when the tools are not in use. Securing the tool bag in its rolled-up configuration is usually accomplished with circumferential straps or ties, thereby allowing for varying thickness of the bag because of a varying number of tools therein. The thickness of the rolled-up tool bag is dictated by the tools contained therein and the length/number of pockets of the tool bag.

[0005] Although roll-up tool bags help to prevent direct contact between the tools and aid in keeping the tools clean, a major drawback to conventional tool bags has been encountered. Tool accessibility is generally accomplished with a conventional, roll-up tool bag unrolled and laid flat upon a horizontal surface, thereby occupying a significant amount of work space. Alternatively, the tool bag may be attached to some vertical surface with hanging hooks, magnets or the like if a suitable surface is available. However, in some trades, it would be desirable to have the tools at least partially displayed in a vertical fashion to facilitate selection of a desired tool. One such trade is cosmetology, wherein a cosmetologist could benefit by more quickly selecting a desired applicator, typically a brush, if all of the available applicators were vertically displayed in a holder that takes up less work surface. Additionally, the cosmetologist is usually confronted with limited work space upon which to place their tools.

[0006] Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a flexible, roll-up tool holder that protects the tools when closed, and enables conversion to a display configuration that takes up less work space while conveniently presenting the tools for easy access.

[0007] To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a tool holder including a flexible wrapper and a first fastener. In one embodiment, the flexible wrapper includes first and second parallel major and minor edges and a fold line located between the first and second major edges. The first minor edge includes a first notch proximate a corner thereof. The first fastener includes first and second portions located proximate the first and second minor edges, respectively, that are alignable in opposition to allow a coupling of the first and second minor edges.

[0008] The tool holder of the present invention is convertible between a storage and display configuration. The tool holder, therefore, provides dual functionality in a compact and conveniently deployed package. The tool holder is employable in many applications including the field of cosmetology wherein flexibility in tool storage and presentation is very beneficial.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of manufacturing a tool holder. The method includes providing a flexible wrapper including first and second parallel major and minor edges, and forming a fold line between the first and second major edges. The method also includes forming a first notch proximate a corner of the first minor edge. The method still further includes locating a first portion of a first fastener proximate the first minor edge, and locating a second portion of the first fastener proximate the second minor edge.

[0010] The foregoing has outlined preferred and alternative features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0022] Referring initially to FIG. 1, illustrated is a plan view of one embodiment of a tool holder 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The tool holder 100 includes a flexible wrapper 110, a pocket or plurality of pockets (one of which is designated 120), and first and second fasteners. While two fasteners are illustrated, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that only a single fastener is necessary to comply with the principles of the present invention. The flexible wrapper 110 has an inner face 111 and an outer face (see FIG. 2). The tool holder 100 is shown in FIG. 1 as it would appear laid open upon a horizontal surface.

[0023] The flexible wrapper 110 is constructed of a sheet-like material, e.g., leather, vinyl, etc., and is preferably substantially rectangular in shape (although other shapes are well within the broad scope of the present invention). The flexible wrapper 110 has first and second parallel major edges 113, 114 (synonymously referred to as first and second major edges), first and second parallel minor edges 116, 117 (synonymously referred to as first and second minor edges), and a fold line (e.g., a centerline) 115 between the first and second major edges 113, 114. While the fold line 115 is illustrated and hereinafter described as a centerline between the first and second major edges 113, 114, those skilled in the art understand that it is not necessary to locate the fold line 115 equidistant between the first and second major edges 113, 114. It should also be understood that for the purposes of this discussion that the terms fold line and centerline may be used interchangeably. The first minor edge 116 has a first notch 118a therein proximate a corner 119 thereof. The first minor edge 116 also has an indention 116a formed therein from about the first notch 118a to about the fold line 115. For the purpose of this discussion, an indention is a portion of an edge that has been cut away to form an indented edge.

[0024] The first and second fasteners include first portions 131a, 132a, and second portions 131b, 132b, respectively. The first portions 131a, 132a of the first and second fasteners are spaced apart and coupled to the flexible wrapper 110 proximate the first minor edge 116. The second portions 131b, 132b of the first and second fasteners are spaced apart and coupled to the flexible wrapper 110 proximate the second minor edge 117. In a preferred embodiment, the first portions 131a, 132a are male (stud) portions of a conventional snap fastener wherein the stud portion extends from the outer face (see FIG. 2). The back side of the first portions 131a, 132a are shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the second portions 131b, 132b include female (receiving) portions of the snap fasteners with the receiving portion accessible on the inner face 111 of the flexible wrapper 110.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the first portions 131a, 132a may be hook portions of a Velcro® fastener and the second portions 131b, 132b, 133b may be pile portions of the Velcro® fastener. Of course, the hook and pile portions may be interchanged while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, other types of fasteners, e.g., magnetic, clasps, buttons, etc. may also by used. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the conventional methods used to couple or mount such fasteners to the flexible wrapper 110′. When the flexible wrapper 110 is rolled up in a storage configuration, the first portions 131a, 132a and second portions 131b, 132b are configured to couple the first and second minor edges 116, 117 together, wherein the second minor edge 117 overlaps the first minor edge 116, thereby hiding the indention 116a and the first notch 118a.

[0026] The pockets 120 are affixed to the inner face 111 by sewing or with a suitable adhesive. In a preferred embodiment, the pockets 120 may include a flexible, sheet-like material compatible with the sheet-like material of the flexible wrapper 110. Of course, other materials including a flexible mesh or transparent flexible material may also be used. Even a flexible, stretchable material may be used. The pockets 120 are affixed to the inner face 111 of the flexible wrapper 110 by conventional means such as sewing, adhesive, etc. Those skilled in the art are familiar with methods of affixing one piece of flexible material to another piece of flexible material, whether they are similar or dissimilar.

[0027] The number and size of the pockets 120 is dictated by the type and number of tools desired to be stored or displayed. The pockets 120 have open ends (one of which is designated 123) aligned proximate the fold line 115 and closed ends (one of which is designated 124) aligned proximate the second major edge 114. For illustrative purposes, a variety of tools (one of which is designated 140) are shown in conjunction with the tool holder 100. The open ends 123 of the pockets 120 are configured to each receive at least a portion of each of the tools 140. In a preferred embodiment, the pockets 120 may number five in order to form a convenient size for the tool holder 100 when rolled for storage or formed as a display. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the number of pockets 120 may vary above or below five as required.

[0028] The tools 140 may be virtually any tool, e.g., a screwdriver, a nutdriver, a wrench, a brush, a pliers, a scraper, a knife, a pen, a pencil, a scalpel, etc. Of course, there may be more than one of a particular type of tool, e.g., a variety of screwdrivers, etc. In one embodiment, the tools 140 are a variety of cosmetic brushes or artist's brushes. In a preferred embodiment, the tool holder 100 is a cosmetologist's tool holder holding tools such as a brush, lipstick, eyeliner, a mascara pencil, or a spatula. Of course, the exact tools will be dictated by the needs of the user. In another embodiment, the tool holder 100 is an artist's tool holder holding tools such as brushes, drawing pencils, charcoal sticks, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that both cosmetologists and artists use a variety of brushes and other tools to accomplish their respective arts.

[0029] The fold line 115 of the tool holder 100 defines a first section 141 and a second section 142 of the flexible wrapper 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first section 141 accommodates the pockets 120 affixed to the inner face 111. The second section 142 accommodates a purse 143 affixed to the inner face 111 of the second section 142. The purse 143 has a closure 144 along at least a portion of the first major edge 113. The purse 143 may be used to hold smaller objects or tools that are not suitable for storage in any of the pockets 120. The closure 144 may be a zipper, plastic zip seal, matching Velcro® portions or similar closures.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated is a plan view of the outer face 112 of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1. Shown are the covers of the second (e.g., female) portions 131b, 132b and the first (e.g., male or stud) portions 131a, 132a of the first and second fasteners, respectively. The flexible wrapper 110 may further include a logotype 201 to identify, for example, a manufacturer of the tool holder 100 or the tools contained therein. The second portions 131b, 132b and their respective first portions 131a, 132a are spaced apart along their respective minor edges 116, 117 by substantially the same distances to further facilitate a coupling of the first and second minor edges 116, 117 when overlapped. The fold line 115 divides the first section 141 from the second section 142. The fold line 115 allows the outer surface 112 of the first section 141 to be folded over to contact the outer surface 112 of the second section 142.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is an isometric view of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1 in a rolled, storage configuration. Shown are the covers of the second portions 131b, 132b of the first and second fasteners that couple the first and second minor edges 116, 117 together when overlapped. The logotype 201 is visible in this configuration.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a plan view of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1 with the outer face 112 of the second section 142 folded over and in contact with the outer face 112 of the first section 141. The first portion 131a of the first fastener is shown to be in alignment with the first notch 118a. The pockets 120 with an open end 123 and closed end 124 are clearly visible. The second portion 131b of the first fastener is shown in phantom and aligned to couple to the first portion 131a when the tool holder 100 is rolled to couple the first and second minor edges 116, 117 together in an overlapped configuration. In the preferred embodiment shown, the tools 140 are shown as they would appear having been inserted into the open end 123 of the pockets 120.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is an isometric view of the tool holder 100 of FIG. 1 in a free-standing, substantially circular display configuration. The first major edge 113 is shown free standing upon a surface 501. It can be readily seen that the free-standing display of FIG. 5 consumes a significantly smaller amount of space as a free-standing, substantially circular display stand than the unrolled holder displayed in FIG. 1. The back side of the first portion 131a of the first fastener is shown as it couples the first and second minor edges 116, 117 together in an overlapped configuration. The indention 116a is configured so that the first minor edge 116 in that area does not protrude from under the folded-over first minor edge 116 when the tool holder 100 is in this configuration.

[0034] Furthermore, the first notch 118a allows the first and second portions 131a, 131b of the first fastener to align in opposition for coupling. Shown are the tools 140 as they would appear extending from the open end 123 of the pockets 120. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the convenience that the present invention provides by being a free-standing holder of tools, e.g., cosmetic brushes, that extend from and are clearly visible as to size or type when compared to a conventional tool holder that must lie flat upon a work surface.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a tool holder 600 constructed according to the principles of the present invention. The tool holder 600 includes a flexible wrapper 610, a pocket or plurality of pockets (one of which is designated 620), first, second and third fasteners, and a first logotype 641. While three fasteners are illustrated, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that only a single fastener is necessary to comply with the principles of the present invention. The flexible wrapper 610 has an inner face 611 and an outer face (see FIG. 7). The tool holder 600 is shown in FIG. 6 as it would appear laid open upon a horizontal surface. While not shown in order to enhance the clarity of other features in this embodiment, those skilled in the art will realize that a purse analogous to the purse 143 of the tool holder 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 may likewise be employed in this embodiment.

[0036] The flexible wrapper 610 is constructed of a sheet-like material, e.g., leather, and is preferably substantially rectangular in shape (although other shapes are well within the broad scope of the present invention). The flexible wrapper 610 has first and second parallel major edges 613, 614 (synonymously referred to as first and second major edges), first and second parallel minor edges 616, 617 (synonymously referred to as first and second minor edges), and a fold line (e.g., centerline) 615 between the first and second major edges 613, 614. While the fold line 615 is illustrated and hereinafter described as a centerline between the first and second major edges 613, 614, those skilled in the art understand that it is not necessary to locate the fold line 615 equidistant between the first and second major edges 613, 614. It should also be understood that for the purposes of this discussion that the terms fold line and centerline may be used interchangeably. The first minor edge 616 has a first notch 618a therein proximate a corner 619 thereof and a second notch 618b therein proximate the fold line 615.

[0037] The first, second and third fasteners include first portions 631a, 632a, 633a and second portions 631b, 632b, 633b, respectively. The first minor edge 616 also has an indention 616a formed therein from about the first notch 618a to about the second notch 618b. The first portions 631a, 632a, 633a of the first, second and third fasteners are spaced apart and coupled to the flexible wrapper 610 proximate the first minor edge 616. The second portions 631b, 632b, 633b of the first, second and third fasteners are spaced apart and coupled to the flexible wrapper 610 proximate the second minor edge 617. In a preferred embodiment, the first portions 631a, 632a, 633a are male (stud) portions of a conventional snap fastener. The back side of the first portions 631a, 632a, 633a are shown in FIG. 6. Similarly, the second portions 631b, 632b, 633b include female (receiving) portions of the snap fasteners.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment, the first portions 631a, 632a, 633a may be hook portions of a Velcro® fastener and the second portions 631b, 632b, 633b may be pile portions of the Velcro® fastener. Of course, the hook and pile portions may be interchanged while remaining within the scope of the present invention. Similarly, other types of fasteners, e.g., magnetic, clasps, buttons, etc. may also by used. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the conventional methods used to couple such fasteners to the flexible wrapper 610. When the flexible wrapper 610 is rolled up, the first portions 631a, 632a, 633a and second portions 631b, 632b, 633b are configured to couple the first and second minor edges 616, 617 together, wherein the second minor edge 617 overlaps the first minor edge 616.

[0039] The pockets 620 are affixed to the inner face 611 by sewing or with a suitable adhesive. The pockets 620 have an open end 623 aligned proximate the fold line 615 and a closed end 624 aligned proximate the first major edge 614. The open end 623 of the pockets 620 are configured to each receive at least a portion of a tool 640. In a typical embodiment, the pockets 620 number five. However, those skilled in the art will realize that the number of pockets 620 may vary above or below five as required. The tool 640 may be virtually any tool, e.g., a screwdriver, a nutdriver, a wrench, a brush, a pair of pliers, a scraper, a knife, or a scalpel, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the tools 640 are a variety of cosmetic brushes or artist's brushes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that both cosmetologists and artists use a variety of brushes to accomplish their respective arts.

[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a plan view of the outer face 612 of the tool holder 600 of FIG. 6. Shown are the covers of the second (e.g., female) portions 631b, 632b, 633b and the first (e.g., male) portions 631a, 632a, 633a of the first, second and third fasteners. The flexible wrapper 610 may further include a second logotype 701 to identify, for example, a manufacturer of the tool holder 600 or the tools 640 contained therein. The second portions 631b, 632b, 633b and their respective first portions 631a, 632a, 633a are spaced apart along their respective minor edges 616, 617 by substantially the same distances to further facilitate a coupling of the first and second minor edges 616, 617 when overlapped. The fold line 615 divides a first section 601 from a second section 602 and allows the first section 601 to be folded over and in contact with the second section 602.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is an isometric view of the tool holder 600 of FIG. 6 in a rolled, storage configuration. Shown are the covers of the second portions 631b, 632b, 633b of the first, second and third fasteners that couple the first and second minor edges 616, 617 together when overlapped. The second logotype 701 is visible in this configuration.

[0042] Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a plan view of the tool holder 600 of FIG. 6 with the outer face 612 of the first section 601 folded over and in contact with the outer face 612 of the second section 602. The first portions 631a, 632a of the first and second fasteners are shown to be in alignment with the first notch 618a and the second notch 618b, respectively. The pockets 620 with the open end 623 and closed end 624 are clearly visible. The second portions 631b, 632b of the first and second fasteners are shown in phantom and aligned to couple to the first portions 631a, 632a when the tool holder 600 is rolled to couple the first and second minor edges 616, 617 together in an overlapped configuration. In the preferred embodiment shown, the tools 640 are shown as they would appear having been inserted into the open end 623 of the pockets 620.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated is an isometric view of the tool holder 600 of FIG. 6 in a free-standing, substantially circular display configuration. The first major edge 613 is shown free standing upon a surface 1001. It can be readily seen that the free-standing display of FIG. 10 consumes a significantly smaller amount of space than the unrolled holder of FIG. 6. The back side of the first portions 631a, 632a of the first and second fasteners are shown as they couple the first and second minor edges 616, 617 together in an overlapped configuration. The indention 616a is configured so that the first minor edge 616 in that area does not protrude from under the folded-over first minor edge 616 when the tool holder 600 is in this configuration.

[0044] Furthermore, the first notch 618a allows the first and second portions 631a, 631b of the first fastener to align in opposition while the second notch 618b allows the first and second portions 632a, 632b of the second fastener to align in opposition, so that the first and second portions 631a, 631b of the first fastener and the first and second portions 632a, 632b of the second fastener may be coupled. The first logotype 641 is visible in this configuration. Shown are the tools 640 as they would appear extending from the open end 623 of the pockets 620.

[0045] Thus, a tool holder has been described that provides a convenient roll-up storage configuration for many tools that protects the tools. The tool holder is convertible to a free-standing configuration that makes the same tools readily available for selection while occupying a significantly smaller footprint than when unrolled as a conventional tool holder would be.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.