HK40081380A - Interchangeable and interconnectable tool organzing device - Google Patents

Description

Interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing device

Technical Field

The present general inventive concept relates generally to tool organizing devices and, in particular, to interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing devices.

Background

There is currently no practical and inexpensive product on the market that provides accessories that can provide customized organization for tool storage. Most individuals store their mechanical instruments in a tool box or in a different container; however, these storage bins tend to hold many devices. Having so many instruments and tools in a tool box or mechanic's drawer may make it difficult to find the appropriate tool to use due to confusion and disorderly.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that facilitates easy storage and organization of tools in a tool box and/or drawer.

There is also a need for an inexpensive device that facilitates easy storage and organization of tools.

Disclosure of Invention

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present general inventive concept provides an interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing device.

Additional features and utilities of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.

The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a custom tool accessory for holding a tool, the custom tool accessory including a body, at least one tongue portion disposed at a first side of the body, at least one tongue portion receiving groove disposed at a second side of the body opposite to the first side of the body, and a tool holding portion disposed on the body to hold the tool.

The custom tool accessory may further include a magnet disposed on a bottom surface of the body to magnetically connect the custom tool accessory to a metal surface.

The at least one tongue portion is insertable into another at least one tongue receiving groove of another custom tool accessory to connect the custom tool accessory to another custom tool accessory.

The at least one tongue portion may have a shape corresponding to and fitting within the at least one tongue portion receiving groove.

The shape may be at least one of trapezoidal, triangular, circular, and rectangular.

The tool holding portion may include at least one socket receiving portion projecting perpendicularly away from a top surface of the body to receive a tool having the shape of a socket.

The at least one slot receiving portion may include an aperture disposed on a top surface thereof to allow insertion of a marking device therein that identifies a size of the tool.

The tool holding portion may include a recess disposed on a top surface of the body to receive a tool having a rounded shape.

The recess may include a lost tool indicator having a different color than the body to be visible when the tool is not disposed on the recess.

The tool holding portion may include a slot including a lost tool indicator disposed at a bottommost portion of the slot, a first wall sloped surface disposed at an angle extending downwardly from a top surface of the first wall toward the lost tool indicator, and a second wall sloped surface 414 disposed at an angle extending downwardly from a top surface of the second wall toward the lost tool indicator.

The first wall and the second wall may be perpendicular with respect to a bottom surface of the body.

The first wall and the second wall may be disposed at an angle relative to a bottom surface of the body.

The tool holding portion may include a first inner wall parallel to the first wall and the second wall, a second inner wall parallel to the first wall and the second wall to face the first inner wall, and a tool receiving portion disposed between a bottom portion of the first inner wall and a bottom portion of the second inner wall.

The tool holding portion may include: a first tool receiving portion disposed at an angle relative to the first wall, a first wall sloping surface disposed at an angle extending downwardly from a top portion of the first wall toward a second tool receiving portion, a second tool receiving portion disposed at an angle relative to the second wall, and a second wall sloping surface disposed at an angle extending downwardly from a top portion of the second wall toward the first tool receiving portion.

According to a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a modular tool holder for use alone and with one or more corresponding tool holders, the modular tool holder comprising:

a body portion comprising a base portion and a tool holding portion disposed over the base portion;

at least one tongue disposed at a first side of the body;

at least one tongue receiving groove disposed on a second side of the body opposite the first side of the body;

a metal substrate positioned in the base portion of the body; and

at least one magnet attached to an underside of the metal substrate to magnetically connect the modular tool holder to a metal surface.

In embodiments described herein, the area of the metal substrate is greater than the area of the at least one magnet.

In embodiments described herein, wherein the magnet has a planar configuration.

In embodiments described herein, it further comprises a retainer to surround the at least one magnet to help retain the at least one magnet in a stationary position.

In embodiments described herein, wherein the holder is in the shape of the substrate.

In embodiments described herein, wherein the retainer comprises an opening for closely receiving the at least one magnet therein.

In embodiments described herein, wherein a thickness of the retainer corresponds to a thickness of the at least one magnet.

In embodiments described herein, wherein a peripheral portion of the retainer engages a receiving slot formed in the base portion of the body portion to secure the retainer to the body portion.

In embodiments described herein, wherein a portion of the retainer locks into engagement with a corresponding portion of the body portion.

In embodiments described herein, wherein the tool holding portion is selected from the group consisting of:

(1) a socket receiving portion projecting upwardly from the base portion for engagement through a drive aperture of a socket;

(2) a plurality of slots extending downwardly into the body for receiving a shank portion of a tool bit;

(3) spaced apart first and second walls extending upwardly from the base portion for receiving a tool to be held between the first and second walls;

(4) a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base portion for receiving a tool to be held between adjacent pairs of walls.

In embodiments described herein, wherein:

the first and second walls extend in one of the following relationships to each other:

in vertically spaced relation to one another;

in an oblique parallel relationship to each other;

diverge from each other in an upward direction;

initially diverging from each other in the upward direction from the base portion and then extending parallel to each other over the remaining height of the first and second walls.

In embodiments described herein, wherein the tool holding portion comprises first and second walls extending upwardly from the base portion, and wherein the distance separating the first and second walls can be adjusted to accommodate tools of different sizes.

In the embodiments described herein, further comprising a linear ratchet protruding from one of the first and second walls, the linear ratchet defining a series of transverse slots extending along a length of the linear ratchet; and

a pawl carried by a lateral pawl lever operable to engage and disengage the pawl from the ratchet wheel lateral slot.

In the embodiments described herein, wherein the pawl is mounted on a transverse pawl rod, the transverse pawl rod is longitudinally movable along the pawl rod to engage and disengage the pawl from the ratchet slot.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 1B illustrates a top view of a custom tool accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 1C illustrates a bottom view of a custom tool accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 1D illustrates a side view of a custom tool accessory according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 2D illustrates another top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 3D illustrates a side elevation view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 4A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 4C illustrates a bottom view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 4D illustrates a side view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 6B illustrates another top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 6C illustrates a side elevation view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 7A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

fig. 7C illustrates a bottom view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 7D illustrates a side view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 8A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

fig. 8B illustrates another top perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 8C illustrates a bottom perspective view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 8D illustrates a side elevation view of a custom tool accessory according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 9A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 9B illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 10A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 10B illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 11 illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories to be joined together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 12B illustrates another top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories to be joined together, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 12C illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 600 coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 13A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories having various sizes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 13B illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 14 illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of another custom tool accessory of the present disclosure specifically designed to hold a tool bit;

FIG. 15B is an exploded view of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present disclosure also specifically designed to hold a tool bit;

FIG. 17A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure specifically designed to hold a socket;

FIG. 17B is an exploded view of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present disclosure specifically designed to hold a socket;

FIG. 19A is an identification post used in conjunction with the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B and 18, indicating the size of the slot being held;

figure 19B is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20A is an isometric view of another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20B is an exploded view of FIG. 20A taken from the same angle as FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20C is a further exploded view of FIG. 20A taken from the bottom side of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 21A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21B is an exploded view of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure specifically adapted to hold a wrench;

FIG. 23B is an exploded view of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24B is an exploded view of FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25B is an exploded view of FIG. 25A;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 illustrates an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure showing an example of an indicia used in conjunction with the tool holder of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 28B is an exploded view of FIG. 28A;

FIG. 29A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29B is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29C is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29D is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30B is an exploded view of FIG. 30A;

fig. 31A is an isometric view of a further embodiment of the present disclosure, taken above the illustrated tool holder;

FIG. 31B is an isometric view of FIG. 31A, taken from below FIG. 31A;

FIG. 31C is an exploded view of FIG. 31A;

FIG. 31D is a partial isometric view of FIG. 31C; and

fig. 31E is an isometric view of fig. 31A, taken from below fig. 31A, with parts removed to view the interior of the tool holder.

Detailed Description

Various example embodiments (also referred to as exemplary embodiments) will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some example embodiments are illustrated. In the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Like numbers refer to like/similar elements throughout the detailed description.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between …" versus "directly between …", "adjacent" and "directly adjacent", etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art. However, if the present disclosure gives a term a specific meaning that deviates from what is commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, then this meaning should be considered in the specific context in which this definition is given herein.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

The present application can include references to directions such as "forward", "rearward", "front", "back", "up", "down", "above", "below", "top", "bottom", "right hand", "left hand", "in", "out", "extending", "advancing", "retracting", "proximal", "distal", "central", and the like. These references and other similar references in this application are only used to aid in the description and understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to these orientations or positions.

The present application may also refer to numbers and figures. Unless specifically stated, such numbers and numerals should not be considered limiting, but rather examples of possible numbers or numerals associated with the present application. Also in this regard, the present application may use the term "plurality" to reference a number or number. In this aspect, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.

The present application may include modifiers such as "substantially", "about" or "substantially". These terms are intended to be used as modifiers to indicate that a "size," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other relevant physical parameter need not be exact, but may vary so long as the function sought to be performed is performed. For example, in the phrase "the shape is substantially circular", the shape need not be exactly circular, so long as the desired function of the associated structure can be performed. If a quantitative value is required to adequately determine the applicable parameter, then the applicable parameter is within five percent (5%) of the specified parameter value.

In the following description, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described. In the following description and in the drawings, corresponding system assemblies, apparatus, and units may be identified by the same part numbers, but with an alphabetic suffix or by a superscript symbol ("'") or double superscript symbol ("" "" ") or even a triple superscript symbol ("' "). To avoid redundancy in this application, the description of the same or similar components/components of such system assemblies, apparatuses, and units is not repeated.

Fig. 1A-14 illustrate various embodiments of interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing devices, but may be referred to hereinafter as custom tool accessories.

Fig. 1A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 1B illustrates a top view of the custom tool accessory 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 10 illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 1D illustrates a side view of the custom tool accessory 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 1A through 1D, the custom tool fitting 100 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Custom tool accessory 100 may include a body 110, at least one tongue 120, at least one tongue receiving groove 130, a slot receiving portion 140, and a magnet 150.

The at least one tongue 120 may be disposed at a side of the body 110 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 130 may be disposed at another side of body 110 opposite at least one tongue 120, and may be cut into another side of body 110 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to at least one tongue 120. Thus, two customization tool assemblies 100 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 120 of a first customization tool assembly 100 into at least one tongue receiving groove 130 of a second customization tool assembly 100.

The socket receiving part 140 may be disposed on the top surface of the body 110 at the central portion of the body 110 such that the socket receiving part 140 perpendicularly protrudes away from the top surface of the body 110. The socket receiving portion 140 may have a cubic shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art to allow for the insertion of a socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool thereon such that the socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool is held in place by the socket receiving portion 140. Thus, the socket receiving portion 140 may also be referred to as a tool holding portion 140.

The socket receiving portion 140 may include an aperture 141 to allow insertion of a marking device therein so that a user may easily see the size of the tool held by the socket receiving portion 140.

The magnet 150 may be disposed at a central portion of the body 110, but is not limited thereto. A magnet 150 may be provided within a central portion of the body 110 to allow the custom tool accessory 100 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface.

Fig. 2A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 2B illustrates a top view of a custom tool accessory 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 2C illustrates a side view of a custom tool accessory 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 2D illustrates another top perspective view of the custom tool accessory 200 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 2A-2D, custom tool fitting 200 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Further, the custom tool accessory 200 may have similar components and functionality as the custom tool accessory 100, but is designed to hold two tools at the same time instead of one.

The customization tool accessory 200 may include a body 210, at least one tongue 220, at least one tongue receiving groove 230, a plurality of slot receiving portions 240, and at least one magnet 250.

At least one tongue 220 may be disposed at a side of the body 210 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 230 may be disposed at another side of body 210 opposite to at least one tongue 220, and may be cut into another side of body 210 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art corresponding to at least one tongue 220. Thus, two customization tool assemblies 200 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 220 of a first customization tool assembly 200 into at least one tongue receiving groove 230 of a second customization tool assembly 200.

The plurality of socket receiving parts 240 may be provided as two or more sockets 240 on the top surface of the body 210 such that the plurality of socket receiving parts 240 protrude away from the top surface of the body 210. The plurality of socket receiving portions 240 may have a cubic shape, a rectangular shape, a hexagonal shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art to allow for the insertion of a socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool thereon such that the socket, socket wrench, or any other similar tool is held in place by the plurality of socket receiving portions 240. Thus, the plurality of socket receiving portions 240 may also be referred to as tool holding portions 240.

The plurality of socket receiving portions 240 may each include an aperture 241 disposed at a top surface thereof to allow insertion of the marking device 260 therein. The shape of the marking device 260 may resemble a rectangular prism such that it may fit into one of the apertures 241 and may have a sloped top surface to allow a user to view the marked size of the tools disposed on the plurality of slots, but is not limited thereto. The marking device 260 may also be utilized in the aperture 141 of the socket receiving portion 140 of fig. 1, or any other aperture, in order to mark the size of the tool disposed on the custom tool fitting.

The at least one magnet 250 may be disposed at a central portion of the body 210, but is not limited thereto. At least one magnet 250 may be provided within a central portion of the body 210 to allow the custom tool accessory 200 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface.

Fig. 3A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 3B illustrates a top view of the customization tool accessory 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 3D illustrates a side elevation view of a custom tool accessory 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 3A-3D, custom tool fitting 300 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The custom tool accessory 300 may include a body 310, at least one tongue 320, at least one tongue receiving groove 330, a loss tool indicator 340, and a magnet 350.

The body 310 may include a first wall 311, a second wall 312, and a concave surface 313 disposed between the first wall 311 and the second wall 312.

At least one tongue 320 may be disposed at a side of the body 310, in particular, at a side of the first wall 311 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 330 may be disposed at another side of body 310 opposite at least one tongue 320, in particular, at a side of second wall 312, and may be cut into another side of body 310 of second wall 312 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to at least one tongue 320. Thus, two custom tool fittings 300 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 320 of a first custom tool fitting 300 into at least one tongue receiving groove 330 of a second custom tool fitting 300.

The lost tool indicator 340 may extend across a central portion of the concave surface 313 of the body 310 and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is lost from the custom tool accessory 300. When a tool is placed on the concave surface 313, and thus above the missing tool indicator 340, the missing tool indicator 340 is no longer visible. The concave surface 313 may be designed to receive a tool having a rounded shape thereon, such as a metal portion of a screwdriver or any other similar tool. Thus, the concave surface 313 may also be referred to as a tool holding portion 313.

The magnet 350 may be disposed at a central portion of the concave surface 313, but is not limited thereto. The magnet 350 may be disposed within a central portion of the body 310 to allow the custom tool accessory 300 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface. Magnets 350 are also provided to keep a tool (e.g., a screwdriver) magnetically connected to concave surface 313.

Fig. 4A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 4B illustrates a top view of the customization tool accessory 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 4C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 4D illustrates a side view of the customization tool accessory 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 4A-4D, custom tool fitting 400 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Customization tool accessory 400 may include a body 410, at least one tongue 420, at least one tongue receiving groove 430, a loss tool indicator 440, a magnet 450, and a tag 460.

The body 410 may include a first wall 411, a first wall inclined surface 412, a second wall 413, a second wall inclined surface 414, and a label receiving portion 415.

The first wall inclined surface 412 may be disposed at an angle to extend downward from a top surface of the first wall 411 toward the loss tool indicator 440.

The second wall inclined surface 414 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from a top surface of the second wall 413 toward the loss tool indicator 440.

Thus, both the first wall inclined surface 412 and the second wall inclined surface 414 converge at the loss tool indicator 440, and thus extend diagonally upward from the loss tool indicator 440 toward the top surfaces of the first wall 411 and the second wall 413, respectively.

The label receiving portion 415 may be disposed on a top surface connecting the second wall 413 and the second wall inclined surface 414, and may include at least one aperture to receive the label 460 therein. The tag 460 may be an identification member that may be inserted into the tag receiving portion 415 such that it may be interchanged based on the user's preferences. As such, the label 460 may allow a user to see if the tool held by the custom tool accessory 400 has a particular size, such as 10mm, 12mm, etc.

At least one tongue 420 may be disposed at a side of the body 410, in particular, at a side of the first wall 411 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 430 may be disposed at another side of body 410 opposite at least one tongue 420, in particular, at a side of second wall 413, and may be cut into another side of body 410 of second wall 413 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to at least one tongue 420. Thus, two customization tool assemblies 400 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 420 of a first customization tool assembly 400 into at least one tongue receiving groove 430 of a second customization tool assembly 400.

The lost tool indicator 440 may form a surface disposed in a gap at a substantially central portion of the body 410, particularly, between the bottom portions of the first wall inclined surface 412 and the second wall inclined surface 414, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that the tool is lost from the custom tool accessory 400. When a tool is placed on the lost tool indicator 440, and thus above the lost tool indicator 440, the lost tool indicator 440 is no longer visible. The lost tool indicator 440 may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a wrench handle or any other similar tool. Thus, the lost tool indicator 440 may also be referred to as a tool retaining portion 440.

When a tool (e.g., a wrench) is placed on the lost tool indicator 440, the tool may be positioned on its edge at a 90 degree angle with respect to the lost tool indicator 440.

The magnet 450 may be disposed at a central portion of the bottom surface of the body 410, but is not limited thereto. A magnet 450 may be provided within a central portion of the body 410 to allow the custom tool accessory 400 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface. The magnet 450 may also be provided to maintain a tool (e.g., a wrench) magnetically connected to the lost tool indicator 440.

Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 500 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 5, the custom tool accessory 500 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Further, the custom tool assembly 500 may have similar components and functionality as the custom tool assembly 400, but is designed to hold two tools at the same time instead of one.

The custom tool accessory 500 can include a body 510, at least one tongue 520, at least one tongue receiving groove 530, a first missing tool indicator receiving portion 540, a second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541, a magnet 550, a first tab 560, a second tab 561, a first missing tool indicator 570, and a second missing tool indicator 571.

The body 510 may include a first outer wall 511, a first outer wall inclined surface 512, a central wall 513, a first central wall inclined surface 514, a second central wall inclined surface 515, a first label receiving portion 516, a second outer wall 517, a second outer wall inclined surface 518, and a second label receiving portion 519.

The first outer wall inclined surface 512 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from a top surface of the first wall 511 toward the first loss tool indicator receiving portion 540.

The first central wall angled surface 514 may be disposed at an angle to extend downward from a top surface of the central wall 513 (i.e., from the first tag receiving portion 516) toward the first lost tool indicator receiving portion 540.

As such, both the first outer wall inclined surface 512 and the first central wall inclined surface 514 converge at the first loss tool indicator receiving portion 540 and, thus, extend diagonally upward from the first loss tool indicator receiving portion 540 toward the top surfaces of the first wall 511 and the central wall 513 (i.e., the first label receiving portion 560), respectively.

The second central wall inclined surface 515 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from a top surface of the central wall 513 toward the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541.

The second outer wall sloped surface 518 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from a top surface of the second outer wall 517 (i.e., from the second label receiving portion 519) toward the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541.

Thus, both the second central wall inclined surface 515 and the second outer wall inclined surface 518 converge at the second loss tool indicator receiving portion 541, and thus, extend diagonally upward from the second loss tool indicator receiving portion 541 toward the top surfaces of the central wall 513 and the second outer wall 517 (i.e., the second label receiving portion 561), respectively.

The first tag receiving portion 516 can be disposed on a top surface of the central wall 513, in particular, between the first central wall inclined surface 514 and the second central wall inclined surface 515. The first label receiving portion 516 may include at least one aperture to receive the first label 560 therein. The first tag 560 can be an identification member that can be inserted into the first tag receiving portion 516 such that it can be interchanged based on the user's preferences. Thus, the first tab 560 can allow a user to see if the first tool held by the custom tool accessory 500 has a particular size, such as 10mm, 12mm, etc.

The second label receiving portion 519 may be disposed on a top surface of the second outer wall 517, in particular, between the second outer wall sloped surface 518 and an outer surface of the second outer wall 517. The second tab receiving portion 519 may include at least one aperture to receive the second tab 561 therein. The second tab 561 may be an identification member that can be inserted into the second tab receiving portion 519 such that it can be interchanged based on the user's preferences. Thus, the second tab 561 may allow the user to see if the second tool held by the custom tool accessory 500 has a particular size, such as 10mm, 12mm, etc.

At least one tongue 520 may be disposed at a side of the body 510, in particular, at a side of the first outer wall 511 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 530 may be disposed at another side of the body 510 opposite the at least one tongue 520, in particular, at a side of the second outer wall 517, and may be cut into another side of the body 510 of the second outer wall 517 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to the at least one tongue 520. Thus, two customization tool assemblies 500 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 450 of a first customization tool assembly 500 into at least one tongue receiving groove 530 of a second customization tool assembly 500.

The first loss tool indicator receiving portion 540 may be disposed in a gap between the first outer wall inclined surface 512 and the bottom portion of the first central wall inclined surface 514, and may include at least one aperture to receive the first loss tool indicator 570 therein. The first lost tool indicator 570 can have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is lost from the custom tool accessory 500. When a tool is placed on the first missing tool indicator 570, and thus above the first missing tool indicator 570, the first missing tool indicator 570 is no longer visible. The first missing tool indicator 570 may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a wrench handle or any other similar tool. Accordingly, the first missing tool indicator 570 may also be referred to as a first tool holding portion 570.

When a tool (e.g., a wrench) is placed on the first missing tool indicator 570, the tool may be positioned on its edge at a 90 degree angle with respect to the first missing tool indicator 570.

The second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541 can be disposed in a gap between the second center wall inclined surface 515 and a bottom portion of the second outer wall inclined surface 518, and can include at least one aperture to receive the second missing tool indicator 571 therein. The second lost tool indicator 571 may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that the tool is lost from the custom tool accessory 500. When a tool is placed on the second missing tool indicator 571, and thus above the second missing tool indicator 571, the second missing tool indicator 571 is no longer visible. The second missing tool indicator 571 may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a wrench handle or any other similar tool. Accordingly, the second missing tool indicator 571 may also be referred to as a second tool retaining portion 571.

When a tool (e.g., a wrench) is placed on the second missing tool indicator 571, the tool can be positioned on its edge at a 90 degree angle with respect to the second missing tool indicator 571.

The first missing tool indicator 570 and the second missing tool indicator 571 may be removably and interchangeably inserted into the first missing tool indicator receiving portion 540 and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541, respectively, to allow a user to have different colored missing tool indicators. This interchangeability and removability of the loss tool indicator may be applicable to all embodiments of the present general inventive concept.

The magnet 550 may be disposed at a central portion of the bottom surface of the body 510, but is not limited thereto, and a plurality of magnets 550 may be provided along the bottom surface of the body 510. Magnets 550 may be provided at the bottom surface of the body 510 to correspond to the first missing tool indicator receiving portion 540 and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541 so as to allow the custom tool accessory 500 to be magnetically connected to a metal surface while also maintaining two tools (e.g., wrenches) magnetically connected to the first missing tool indicator receiving portion 540 and the second missing tool indicator receiving portion 541, respectively. In particular, a magnetic connection may pass from the plurality of magnets 550 through the first missing tool indicator 570 and the second missing tool indicator 571, such that two tools (e.g., wrenches) magnetically adhere to and cover the first missing tool indicator 570 and the second missing tool indicator 571, respectively.

Fig. 6A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 6B illustrates another top perspective view of the customization tool accessory 600 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 6C illustrates a side elevation view of a customization tool accessory 600, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 6A-6C, custom tool fitting 600 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The custom tool accessory 600 may include a body 610, at least one tongue 620, at least one tongue receiving groove 630, a loss tool indicator 640, and a magnet 650.

Body 610 and its components may be similar to body 410 of fig. 4, but may be disposed at an angle to provide angled storage for a tool disposed within custom tool accessory 600.

The body 610 may include a first wall 611, a first wall inclined surface 612, a second wall 613, a second wall inclined surface 614, and a label receiving portion 615.

The first wall inclined surface 612 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from a top surface of the first wall 611 toward the loss tool indicator 640.

The second wall inclined surface 614 may be disposed at an angle to extend downward from a top surface of the second wall 613 toward the loss tool indicator 640.

Thus, both the first wall inclined surface 612 and the second wall inclined surface 614 converge at the loss tool indicator 640, and thus extend diagonally upward from the loss tool indicator 640 toward the top surfaces of the first wall 611 and the second wall 613, respectively.

At least one tongue 620 may be disposed at a side of the body 610, in particular, at a side of the first wall 611 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 630 may be disposed at another side of body 610 opposite at least one tongue 620, in particular, at a side of second wall 613, and may be cut into another side of body 610 of second wall 613 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to at least one tongue 620. Thus, two custom tool assemblies 600 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 620 of a first custom tool assembly 600 into at least one tongue receiving groove 630 of a second custom tool assembly 600.

The lost tool indicator 640 may form a surface disposed in a gap at a substantially central portion of the body 610 (in particular, between the bottom portions of the first wall inclined surface 612 and the second wall inclined surface 614), may also be disposed at an angle, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is lost from the custom tool accessory 600. When a tool is placed on the lost tool indicator 640, and thus above the lost tool indicator 640, the lost tool indicator 640 is no longer visible. The lost tool indicator 640 may be designed to receive a tool having a relatively flat shape and/or surface, such as a wrench handle or any other similar tool. Accordingly, the lost tool indicator 640 may also be referred to as a tool retaining portion 640.

When a tool (e.g., a wrench) is placed on the lost tool indicator 640, the tool may be positioned on its edge at an angle (e.g., 60 degrees) with respect to the lost tool indicator 640.

The magnet 650 may be disposed at a central portion of the bottom surface of the body 610, but is not limited thereto. A magnet 650 may be provided within a central portion of the body 610 to allow the custom tool accessory 600 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface. The magnet 650 may also be provided to maintain a tool (e.g., a wrench) magnetically connected to the lost tool indicator 640.

Fig. 7A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 700 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 7B illustrates a top view of the customization tool accessory 700 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 7C illustrates a bottom view of the custom tool accessory 700 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 7D illustrates a side view of the customization tool accessory 700 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 7A-7D, the custom tool fitting 700 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The custom tool accessory 700 may include a body 710, at least one tongue 720, at least one tongue receiving groove 730, a tool receiving portion 740, and a magnet 750.

The body 710 may include a first outer wall 711, a first inner wall 712, a second outer wall 713, and a second inner wall 714.

The first inner wall 712 may be parallel to at least a portion of the first outer wall 711.

The second inner wall 714 can be parallel to at least a portion of the second outer wall 713.

At least one tongue 720 may be disposed at a side of the body 710, in particular, at a side of the first outer wall 711 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 730 may be disposed at another side of the body 710 opposite the at least one tongue 720, in particular, at a side of the second outer wall 713, and may be cut into another side of the body 710 of the second outer wall 713 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art that corresponds to the at least one tongue 720. Thus, two customization tool assemblies 700 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 720 of a first customization tool assembly 700 into at least one tongue receiving groove 730 of a second customization tool assembly 700.

The tool receiving portion 740 may be disposed between a bottom portion of the first interior wall 712 and a bottom portion of the second interior wall 714.

The lost tool indicator 741 may be disposed on a surface of the tool receiving portion 740 to cover at least a portion of the tool receiving portion 740, and may have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is lost from the tool receiving portion 740. When a tool is placed on tool receiving portion 740, and thus above missing tool indicator 741, missing tool indicator 741 is no longer visible.

The tool receiving portion 740 may be designed to receive tools having any type of shape, such as, but not limited to, tin snips, rulers, tape measures, pliers, hammers, drills, and the like. As such, the custom tool accessory 700 may also be referred to as a "universal" custom tool accessory because it allows many different types of tools to be held thereby.

The magnet 750 may be disposed at a central portion of the bottom surface of the body 710, but is not limited thereto. A magnet 750 may be provided within a central portion of the body 710 to allow the custom tool accessory 700 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface. The magnet 750 may also be provided to hold a tool (e.g., a wrench) magnetically connected to the tool receiving portion 740.

Fig. 8A illustrates a top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 8B illustrates another top perspective view of a custom tool accessory 800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 8C illustrates a bottom perspective view of a custom tool accessory 800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 8D illustrates a side elevation view of a custom tool accessory 800 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 8A-8D, custom tool fitting 800 may be constructed of plastic, rubber, metal, wood, or any other material known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The custom tool accessory 800 may include a body 810, at least one tongue 820, at least one tongue receiving groove 830, a first tool receiving portion 840, and a magnet 850.

The body 810 may include a first wall 811, a first wall sloped surface 812, a second wall 813, a second wall top surface 814, a second wall sloped surface 815, and a second tool receiving portion 816.

The first wall inclined surface 812 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from a top of the first wall 811 toward the second tool receiving portion 816.

The second wall inclined surface 815 may be disposed at an angle to extend downwardly from an inner end of the top surface 814 toward the second tool receiving portion 816.

The second tool receiving portion 816 may be substantially planar, may be disposed between the first wall inclined surface 812 and the second wall inclined surface 815, and may be designed to receive a tool thereon with the first tool receiving portion 840.

The first wall inclined surface 812 may be substantially parallel to the second wall inclined surface 815, and the second tool receiving portion 816 may be substantially perpendicular to the first wall inclined surface 812 and the second wall inclined surface 815.

At least one tongue 820 may be disposed at a side of the body 810, in particular, at a side of the first wall 811 to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue receiving groove 830 may be disposed at another side of the main body 810 opposite the at least one tongue 820, in particular, at a side of the second wall 813, and may be cut into another side of the main body 810 of the second wall 813 to have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art corresponding to the at least one tongue 820. Thus, two customization tool assemblies 800 may be interlocked together by inserting at least one tongue 820 of a first customization tool assembly 800 into at least one tongue receiving groove 830 of a second customization tool assembly 800.

First tool receiving portion 840 can include a loss tool indicator 841 thereon, can also be disposed at an angle, and can have a bright color (e.g., orange, yellow, etc.) to clearly indicate that a tool is lost from customization tool accessory 800. Lost tool indicator 841 is no longer visible when a tool is placed on first tool receiving portion 840, and thus above lost tool indicator 841. The first tool receiving portion 840 and the second tool receiving portion 816 may be designed to receive a tool, such as a wrench or any other similar tool. Accordingly, the first tool receiving portion 840 and the second tool receiving portion 816 may also be referred to as tool holding portions.

When a tool (e.g., a pair of pliers) is placed on the first tool receiving portion 840 and the second tool receiving portion 816, the tool may be positioned relative to the bottom surface (e.g., 45 degrees) of the body 810.

The magnet 850 may be disposed at a central portion of the bottom surface of the main body 810, but is not limited thereto. A magnet 850 may be provided within a central portion of the body 810 to allow the custom tool accessory 800 to be magnetically coupled to a metal surface. The magnet 850 may also be provided to maintain a tool (e.g., a wrench) magnetically connected to the lost tool indicator 840.

Fig. 9A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 100 coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 9A, a plurality of slots 10 having various sizes may be disposed on the slots 140 of a plurality of custom tool accessories 100 for storage thereon.

Fig. 9B illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories 100 coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in fig. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, and 9B, a plurality of socket wrenches 11 and wrench heads 12 of various sizes may be disposed on the slots 140 of a plurality of custom tool accessories 100 for storage thereon.

Fig. 10A illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 300 coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 10A, the custom tool assemblies 300 each have a spacer 300A disposed therebetween to allow additional space to be provided between each of the custom tool assemblies 300. Each of spacers 300a may include at least one tongue 320, at least one tongue receiving groove 330, similar to custom tool accessory 300.

Fig. 10B illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories 300 coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in fig. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 10B, a plurality of screwdrivers of various sizes may be disposed on custom tool accessory 300 for storage thereon.

Fig. 11 illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 400 coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

As illustrated in fig. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 11, the custom tool accessory 400 has a wrench 40 disposed thereon, and it is apparent that one of the custom tool accessories 400 without a wrench includes a visible missing tool indicator 450.

Fig. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories 600 to be joined together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 12B illustrates another top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories 600 to be joined together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 12C illustrates a plurality of custom tool accessories 600 coupled together according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 6A, 6B, 6C, 12A, 12B, and 12C, a stabilizer 600a may be provided at the end of the multiple custom tool accessories 600 to increase the stability of the coupled multiple custom tool accessories 600.

In particular, the stabilizer 600a may include a body 610a, a first sloped wall 611a, a second sloped wall 612a, and at least one tongue 620 a.

At least one tongue 620a may be disposed at a side of the body 610a, in particular, at a side of the first wall 611a to extend laterally therefrom, and may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, or any other shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

At least one tongue 620a can be inserted into at least one tongue receiving groove 630 to couple stabilizers 600a at the ends of a plurality of custom tool accessories 600 coupled together.

Fig. 13A illustrates a top perspective view of a plurality of custom tool accessories 700 having various sizes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Fig. 13B illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories 700 coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, and 13A, it is apparent that custom tool assemblies 700 of various widths/sizes may be included to accommodate different types of tools therein.

Thus, referring to fig. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 13A and 13B, a first custom tool accessory 700a may be used to hold forceps 70 therein, a second custom tool accessory 700B may be used to hold laser 71 therein, a third custom tool accessory 700C may be used to hold mallet 72 therein, and a fourth custom tool accessory 700D may be used to hold wire stripper therein. However, the custom tool assemblies 700 a-700 d are not limited to holding the aforementioned tools, and may hold any type of tool therein.

Fig. 14 illustrates various multiple custom tool accessories 800 coupled together within a drawer of a mechanic, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, and 14, it is apparent that custom tool accessory 800 may be coupled with other custom tool accessories 700 or 800 to accommodate different types of tools therein, such as pliers 80 and/or scissors 70.

Thus, a user may mix, match, and join together different types of custom tool accessories, including (but not limited to) custom tool accessories 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800.

The custom tool accessories of the embodiments as illustrated in fig. 1A-14 may all include interchangeable and interconnectable tool organizing devices to facilitate organizing a user's tools in a tool box or tool drawer. Thus, a practitioner (e.g., a mechanic) may utilize the custom tool accessory of the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1A-14 to hold, store, and organize all of their tools in the manner they wish for easier viewing and access.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

Fig. 15A to 31E illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Some of these embodiments are similar in construction to the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1A through 14 above. In such examples, the part numbers of the embodiment in fig. 15A-31D are the same as those in fig. 1A-14, except for a superscript symbol or a double superscript symbol designation or a triple superscript symbol designation. Thus, to avoid repetition, the description of these components will not be repeated.

One feature in the embodiments of fig. 15A-31D is the use of a metal substrate mounted to the base of the tool holder to which the one or more magnets are attached. The use of a metal plate at the base of the tool holder provides a secure attachment structure for the magnet and thereby improves the structural integrity of the tool holder.

Another advantage of the embodiments of the present disclosure shown in fig. 15A-31D is the creation of a "sandwiched" magnet assembly. In this regard, the magnet is sandwiched between the metal substrate and the metal surface on which the various embodiments of the tool holder are placed. Thus, the metal substrate and the metal surface on which the tool holder is placed "sandwich" the magnet therebetween to create a more powerful magnetic assembly than when the metal substrate is not used. Such metal assemblies produce magnetic fields many times stronger than when the magnets themselves are used without the metal substrate.

Regardless of the composition of the magnet, the enhanced effect of the magnetic assembly sandwich exists regardless of whether the magnet is composed of a metallic material, a ceramic material, or the like.

Fig. 15A and 15B illustrate a custom tool fitting 900 adapted to receive and hold a tool bit, such as a screwdriver bit. In this regard, the custom tool accessory 900 includes a body 902 for receiving a retainer insert 904 within a perimeter of the body. The body 902 includes a base 906 at the bottom of the body, where the base is surrounded by sidewalls 908 and 910 and end walls 912 and 914. Tongue 916 is formed in side wall 910 and end wall 912, and groove 918 is formed in side walls 908 and 914. The tongue 916 may have the same or very similar configuration as the tongue described above, such as tongue 120. Likewise, the slot 918 may have a configuration similar to the slot discussed above, including the slot 130. In this regard, the tongue 916 and groove 918 enable assembling several bit holders 900 together as desired.

With particular reference to fig. 15B, the base 906 is configured with a shallow rectangular recess 920 for receiving a metal substrate 921 therein. Each of the recesses 920 is formed with a circular hole 922 for receiving a disc-shaped magnet 924 therein. The magnet 924 is glued or otherwise attached to the underside of the metal substrate 921, and the metal substrate 921 is in turn glued or otherwise attached into the shallow recess 920. It will be appreciated that the underside of the magnet 924 is coplanar with the bottom surface of the body base 906.

A missing bit indicator in the form of a colored panel 928 overlies the top surface of the body base 906. The retainer insert 904 may be received within the body 902 to overlay the lost bit indicator 928. A series of hexagonal sockets 930 extend downwardly through the retainer insert 904 to receive the shank portion of a tool bit to be retained by the tool bit retainer 900. The missing bit indicator 928 is clearly visible at the bottom of the bit slot 930 to conveniently and clearly indicate the absence of a bit within the slot 930 even under low light conditions.

Although the slots 930 are illustrated as being arranged in equally spaced rows and columns, the bit slots 930 may have different spacing to accommodate, for example, various sized tool bits or various types of tools that may be attached to a hexagonal shank, such as a hex wrench slot. Since the size of the allen key socket is dependent on the size of the nut or bolt to be manipulated, the spacing of the sockets 930 may need to be different than shown in fig. 15A and 15B in order to provide clearance for the allen key socket.

Fig. 16 illustrates a bit holder 950 that is similar in construction to the bit holder 900, but has a unique row of bit receiving slots 930'. Otherwise, the configuration of the bit holder 950 corresponds to the configuration of the bit holder 900. Thus, the description of the bit holder 900 also applies to the bit holder 950.

Fig. 17A and 17B illustrate a custom tool accessory 100' in the form of a slot holder corresponding to the slot holder illustrated in fig. 1A-1D and 2A-2D described above. Thus, components of the drill bit holder 100' that are the same or similar to the custom tool fitting 100 are identified with the same part numbers but with superscript symbol designations.

One difference of the custom tool accessory 100 'relative to the custom tool accessory 100 is the addition of a metal substrate 960 that is glued or otherwise attached to the underside of the body 110'. In addition, the circular magnet 150 is adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the metal substrate 960. The retainer plate 962 has a circular opening for surrounding the magnet 150 to hold the magnet in place and also to help hold the substrate 960 in place. The retention plate includes a tab 963, the tab 963 protruding from an edge of the retention plate to snugly engage within a close-fitting recess provided in the main body 110'. Although tabs 963 are shown protruding from the ends of the retention plate 962, such tabs may also extend from the side edges of the retention plate. Further, the retention plate 962 may be adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the underside of the metal substrate 960.

The underside of the retainer plate 962 and the magnet 150 provide one continuous planar surface to present to the surface on which the slot holder 100 is mounted. Unless otherwise described, the custom tool fitting illustrated in the following figures has a similar construction, with a metal (steel) substrate attached to the underside of the tool holder, one or more magnets attached to the underside of the substrate, and a retaining plate surrounding the magnets and attached to the base of the tool holder. Further, a tab protrudes from the retention plate to mount the retention plate to the tool holder body. Further, the retaining plate may be adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the base plate.

Fig. 17A and 17B illustrate a valve stem or post 964 extending upwardly from the socket receiving portion 940 that is configured with a sloped or diagonal top surface 966, which may include indicia, for example, indicating the size of the socket held by the custom tool accessory 100'. In this regard, fig. 19A illustrates a series of posts 967, 968, 970, 972, 974, and 976, each corresponding to a different sized slot held by a custom tool accessory. Indicia on the top slope of the post indicate the size of the slot being held. The bottoms of the posts 964-976 engage within the socket-receiving portion 940. The socket receiving portion 940 receives a typically square opening in the base of the socket into which the socket wrench extends when the socket is in use.

Fig. 18 illustrates a custom tool fitting similar to fitting 100' but designed for use with a socket having a smaller square opening for a smaller sized socket wrench. Otherwise, the construction of the custom tool accessory 100 'is the same as the custom tool accessory 100' shown in fig. 17A and 17B.

Fig. 19B illustrates a spacer 980 for interconnecting the socket holders 100, 100', 100 ", etc. The spacer 980 is constructed similarly to the socket holders 100 'and 100 "but does not have the socket receiving portions 140, 940 or 940'. The purpose of the spacer is to place the socket holders 100, 100' or 100 "further apart from each other if needed to provide sufficient spacing for the sockets being held. In this regard, the spacer 980 includes tongues 984 and grooves 986 integrated into the spacer base portion or body 982 as in the holders 100, 100', and 100 ". Further, the spacer 980 may be configured with or without magnets (e.g., magnets 150 or 924) and associated metal mounting and retaining plates.

It will be appreciated that spacers (e.g., spacer 980) may be configured to have various widths in order to achieve a desired spacing between the slot holders 100, 100', and 100 ″.

The tool holder 500' shown in fig. 20A, 20B and 20C is similar to the tool holder shown in fig. 5, but with the tool-receiving portions 540 and 541 tilted rather than vertical. Thus, the components of the tool holder 500' are identified with the same part numbers as the tool holder shown in fig. 5, but with superscript symbol designations added.

In addition, the tool holder 500 'includes a metal substrate portion 1000 attached to the underside of the main body 510'. In this regard, a recess 1002 is formed in the underside of the body 510' for receiving the plate 1000. Circular magnet 1004 is attached to the underside of plate 1000 by adhesive or other means. The retainer plate 1006 has a circular opening for closely receiving the magnet 1004 therein and otherwise closes off the bottom of the main body 510 'to form a planar surface on which the tool holder 500' sits. A plurality of tabs 1007 project from the retaining plate to engage within blind holes 1008 formed in the side wall.

Fig. 21A and 21B illustrate an end connector 1010 for interconnecting a tilted tool fitting (e.g., 500') to a vertical tool fitting (e.g., tool fitting 500 shown in fig. 5). To this end, the connector 1010 has a body 1012 with angled sides 1014, with tongues 512 projecting from the angled sides 1014. The other surface 1016 is configured with a groove 530 for receiving a vertical tongue, such as the tongue 520 shown in fig. 5. It should be understood that the locations of the tongue 520 and groove 530 on the connector 1010 may be reversed from the locations shown in fig. 21A and 21B.

End connector 1010 may also be constructed of metal, a magnetically permeable plate (such as plate 1000 shown in fig. 20A-20C), and a magnet (such as magnet 1004) and a retaining plate (such as plate 1006). Alternatively, the end connector 1010 may be configured without a substrate, retaining plate, or magnet, as the connector 1010 itself will not hold a tool.

Fig. 22 illustrates a tool holder 500 "that is similar to tool holder 500', but is configured to hold a single tool within tool receiving portion 540". In other aspects, tool holder 500 "is similar in construction to tool holder 500', including having a metal substrate and a magnet attached thereto (not visible in fig. 22), and having a retaining plate similar to retaining plate 1006 (also not visible in fig. 22).

Referring to fig. 23A and 23B, a custom tool fitting 400' having a configuration to hold various types of tools, including wrenches, is illustrated. The custom tool holder 400' is similar in construction and function to the custom tool holder 400 shown in fig. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D. Thus, the same or similar aspects of the construction of the custom tool holder 400' as the custom tool holder 400 will not be repeated.

However, the custom tool holder 400' does include a substrate 1020 fixedly attached to the underside of the main body 410' of the holder 400 '. As in the other disclosed embodiments, a disc magnet 1022 is adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the underside of the metal substrate 1020. Further, a holding plate 1024 is attached to the lower side of the base plate 420. Tabs 1026 project from the ends of retention plate 1006 to snap into closely-fitting blind holes formed in the base of body 410', thereby securely holding retention plate 1024 in place beneath tool holder 400'.

The retention plate 424 has a circular through-hole for receiving the magnet 1022 therein. This allows the magnet 1022 to adhere to the metal surface on which the tool holder 400 'is positioned, while also providing a flat, stable surface for the tool holder 400'. The construction of the custom tool holder 400' is similar to the tool holder 400 described above, except for the use of the substrate 1020, magnets 1022, and retaining plates 1024.

Next, with reference to fig. 24A and 24B, the construction of the custom tool holder 500 "' is similar to the tool holder 500 shown in fig. 5 above, but the construction differences are as described below. Like the tool holder 500, the tool holder 500 "' is capable of holding a plurality of tools, such as wrenches. Further, it should be appreciated that a tool holder similar to tool holder 500 "' may be configured to hold more than two tools, e.g., three, four, five, etc. numbers of tools.

Referring first to fig. 24B, the tool holder 500 "'includes a metal substrate 1030 that is secured to the underside of the tool holder body 500"' by any convenient means, such as with an adhesive. A disc shaped magnet 1032 is adhered or otherwise attached to the bottom side of the metal plate 1030. Further, a rectangular shaped retaining plate 1034 is attached to the underside of the body 510' ". Retaining plate 1034 includes tabs 1036 that project laterally from the side edges of the retaining plate to snap into closely fitting blind holes formed at the bottom of body 510' "to hold the retaining plate securely in place.

The retention plate 1034 has a circular opening 1038 for closely receiving a magnet 1032 therein. Thus, the underside of magnet 1032 is flush with the underside of retaining plate 1034. As a result, the tool holder 500 "' is securely held on the magnetic surface on which the tool holder is placed. Further, the retention plate 1034 provides a flat, stable surface for the underside of the tool holder 500 "'.

Next, with reference to fig. 25A and 25B, custom tool holder 400 "is illustrated having a similar construction to tool holder 400, but with inner surfaces 412" and 414 "having lower inclined sections and upper vertical sections adapted to receive various types of tools therein, such as the handle of a pair of pliers or the handle of a scissors or other tool.

The custom tool fitting 400 "includes a metal substrate 1040 that is adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the tool body 410". The disk magnet 1042 is adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the metal substrate 1040. A retaining plate 1044 is adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the base plate 1040. Tabs 1046 project from the end edge of the retention plate 1044 to snap into mating blind holes formed in the base portion of the main body 410 ".

The retention plate 1044 has a circular opening 1048 therethrough for closely receiving the disk magnet 1042 therein. The underside of the retaining plate 1044 is coextensive with the underside of the disc magnets 1042, presenting a uniform, flat plane to the surface on which the tool holder 400 "is mounted. As with other embodiments of the present disclosure, the magnet 1042 holds the tool holder 400' securely in place on a magnetic surface.

Next, fig. 26 illustrates a spacer 1050 having a height and width similar to the height and width of the walls 411 "and 413" of the holder 400 "shown in fig. 25A and 25B. The spacers 1050 are used to space apart holders, such as holder 400 ", so that sufficient clearance is provided between tools held by the holder 400" or other types of holders to which the spacers 1050 may be connected. As such, the side walls 1052 of the spacers 1050 may have different widths in order to provide a desired amount of clearance between holders (e.g., holders 400 "). Further, the spacer 1050 includes the same tongue 420 "as used in the tool holder 400". The spacer 450 also includes grooves of the same construction as in the holders 400 and 400 ", which are not visible. Further, the spacer 1050 may be configured with a base plate, a disc magnet, and a retaining plate, similar to the corresponding components 1040, 1042, and 1044 discussed above with respect to the holder 400 ".

Fig. 27 illustrates various configurations of tags 1060, 1062, 1064, and 1066, which may be used in conjunction with various tool holders of the present disclosure, for example, with tool holders 400, 400', 400 ", 500', 500", 500' "as discussed above. For example, labels 1060 and 1062 indicate SAE wrench sizes of 5/16 inches and 7/16 inches. Labels 1064 and 1066 indicate metric wrench sizes of 10mm and 5 mm. Of course, other indicia may be utilized. Further, the label and/or the entire label may be a specific color corresponding to whether the specified tool is an SAE or metric size tool.

Fig. 28A and 28B illustrate another embodiment of a custom tool holder 1400, similar in construction to the custom tool holder 400 "in fig. 25A and 25B. Thus, comparable components of custom tool holder 1400 that correspond to custom tool holder 400 "have the same basic part number, but belong to the 1400 family. One difference between the tool holder of fig. 28A and 28B and that shown in fig. 25A and 25B is that tool holder 1400 has walls 1411 and 1413 with longer vertical wall inner surfaces 1412 and 1414 and shorter diagonal surfaces at the bottom thereof. In this regard, the tool holder 1400 is adapted to perhaps more conveniently hold a tool having a rounded or oval shaped component, such as a hammer or perhaps a screwdriver handle. Like tool holder 400 ", tool holder 1400 includes a base plate 1440, disk magnets 1442, a retaining plate 1444, and a tab 1446, comparable in construction and function to the corresponding components 1040, 1042, 1044, and tab 1046 described above.

Fig. 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D disclose a tool holder in which the gap separating vertical walls 1411 and 1413 is progressively wider than that shown in fig. 28A and 28B. In other aspects, the tool holders 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D are the same as described above with respect to 1400. Thus, the components of the holders 29A, 29B, 29C and 29D are identified by the same part numbers as in fig. 28A and 28B, but with the suffixes "a", "B", "C" and "D". One possible difference in tool holders 29A, 29B, 29C, and 29D is that as the tool holders become progressively larger, for example, as shown in fig. 29C and 29D, a larger substrate 1440 may be used, or perhaps two substrates 1440 may be utilized, as well as a disc magnet 1442 and a retaining plate 1444 used in conjunction with each of the substrates 1440. In addition, perhaps two magnets could be used with a larger substrate.

Next, with reference to fig. 30A and 30B, a custom tool assembly 800' is illustrated, which is similar in construction to the custom tool assembly 800 illustrated in fig. 8A-8D described above. Custom tool holder 800 'is very similar in construction to custom tool holder 800, but lost tool indicator 841' is disposed in tool receiving portion 816 'rather than being positioned in beveled surface 812'.

In addition, the tool holder 800 'shown in fig. 30A and 30B includes a rectangular shaped substrate 1080 attached to the underside of the tool holder body 810'. The disc magnet 1082 is adhered or otherwise fixedly attached to the underside of the metal substrate 1080. In addition, a retaining plate 1084 is positioned below the body 810' to serve as a base for the body. Tabs 1086 protrude from the side edges of retention plate 1034 to snap into closely-fitting blind holes formed in the base portion of main body 810', thereby securely holding the retention plate attached to main body 810'.

The retaining plate 1084 includes a circular opening 1088 formed therein for closely receiving the magnet 1082 therein. With this configuration, as described above with respect to other examples of the present disclosure, the magnet 1082 holds the tool holder securely in place on the metal tool-receiving surface, and the retaining plate 1084 provides a stable base for the tool holder 800'.

Fig. 31A-31E depict further embodiments of the present disclosure in which the width of the tool holder 1450 is adjustable, replacing one or more of the tool holders 1400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D described above. The outer shape of the tool holder 1450 corresponds to the tool holders 1400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D. In this regard, the tool holder 1450 is configured with a first female half 1452 and a second male half 1454. Female half 1452 is configured with a slot 1456 built into the outside of vertical wall 1458. Moreover, in a manner similar to tool holders 1400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D, male section 1454 is configured with a pair of upstanding/vertical tongues 1460, the tongues 1460 being sized to engage with corresponding grooves 1456.

As in tool holder 1400, tool holder 1450 also utilizes a substrate 1463 mounted to the underside of male section 1454. A pair of disc magnets 1464 are adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the substrate 1463. Additionally, a retaining plate 1466 is adhered or otherwise attached to the underside of the substrate 1463. Although not shown, a tab similar to tab 1446 or 1086 protrudes from an edge of the retaining plate 1466 to snap into a close-fitting opening formed in the base of the male segment 1454 to securely attach the retaining plate 1466 with the male segment.

The retaining plate 1466 includes a pair of circular openings 1468 for closely receiving the magnets 1464 therein. When the substrate 1462, magnet 1464 and retaining plate 1466 are assembled, the underside of the magnet and retaining plate 1466 is coplanar with the underside of the holder 1450 so as to present a flat coplanar surface to the mounting position of the tool holder.

A lost tool indicator in the form of an elongated strip or member 1469 may be closely received within a slot or channel 1470 extending along the tool receiving portion 1472 in a manner similar to the tool holders 400, 1400A, 1400B, 1400C and 1400D.

As indicated above, the tool holder 1450 is designed to be size adjustable. In this regard, the male holder half 1454 includes an elongated ratchet tongue 1480 extending horizontally from a lower portion thereof to engage within a groove 1482 formed in a base portion of the female holder half 1452. The slot is defined by a pair of side walls 1484 and 1486 that extend parallel to the outer sides of the ratchet tongue 1480. Side walls 1484 and 1486 include upwardly extending slots 1488 and 1490 for receiving therein transverse pawl bar 1492. The pawl bar 1492 is adapted to slide along its length within slots 1488 and 1490. The pawl bar 1492 is configured with an upwardly projecting lug 1494, the lug 1494 being engageable within one of a series of closely fitting lateral slots 1496, the lateral slots 1496 extending laterally from a longitudinal slot 1498 formed along the length of the ratchet tongue 1480.

The ends of the pawl bar 1492 are attached to the end plates 1500 and 1502, with the end plate 1502 being curved or bowed inward, as shown in fig. 31C. The end panels 1500 and 1502 are configured with enlarged rounded end edges 1504 that are receivable in vertical, arcuate channels 1508 formed in the base portion of the holder half 1452. The arcuate channel 1508 closely receives the circular upstanding end portion 1504 at each end of the end panels 1500 and 1502. In this manner, the pawl bar 1492 and the end plates 1500 and 1502 are retained in the base portion of the holder half 1452.

Compression springs 1512 act between side walls 1484 and end plates 1500 to bias pawl 1492 in a direction toward end plates 1500, which in turn biases ledge 1494 into lateral slot 1496.

A substrate 1514 covers the underside of the base of the holder half 1452. Tabs 1516 protrude from the side edges of the bottom cover plate 1514 to snap into blind holes 1518 formed in the lower portion of the retaining half 1452.

Separation between retainer halves 1452 and 1454 is achieved by pressing end plate 1500 inward and thus compressing springs 1512 so that lugs 1494 no longer lie within lateral slots 1496 but rather within longitudinal slots 1498. This allows the male half 1454 to be adjusted relative to the female half 1452 by sliding the tongue 1480 relative to the slot 1482. Once a new position is reached, the end panel 1500 is released so that the lugs 1494 can be located in different lateral slots 1496. It will be appreciated that the end panel 1502 flexes under the force of a user pushing on the end panel 1500. However, when no force is applied to the end panel 1500, the end panel 1502 resumes its curved (arcuate) shape so as to help lock the lugs 1494 into the corresponding lateral slots 1496.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A modular tool holder for attachment to an underlying metal attachment surface, alone and with one or more corresponding tool holders, the modular tool holder comprising:

a body portion including a base portion and a tool holding portion disposed above the base portion for receiving and holding a tool;

at least one tongue disposed at a first side of the body portion;

at least one tongue receiving groove disposed on a second side of the body portion opposite the first side of the body portion;

a metal substrate positioned in the base portion of the body portion at a height below the tool holding portion;

at least one magnet attached to an underside of the metal substrate to magnetically connect the modular tool holder to the metal attachment surface, whereby the at least one magnet is disposed between the metal substrate above the at least one magnet and the metal attachment surface below the at least one magnet; and is

Whereby the metal substrate enhances the magnetic attraction force to the metal attachment surface.

2. The modular tool holder of claim 1, wherein the area of the metal substrate is greater than the area of the at least one magnet.

3. The modular tool holder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the magnet has a planar configuration.

4. The modular tool holder of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a retainer to surround the at least one magnet to help retain the at least one magnet in a stationary position.

5. The modular tool holder of claim 4, wherein the retainer is in the shape of the metal substrate.

6. The modular tool holder according to claim 5, wherein the retainer comprises an opening for closely receiving the at least one magnet therein.

7. The modular tool holder of any of claims 4-6, wherein a thickness of the retainer corresponds to a thickness of the at least one magnet.

8. The modular tool holder of any one of claims 4-7, wherein a peripheral portion of the retainer engages with a receiving slot formed in the base portion of the body portion to secure the retainer to the body portion.

9. The modular tool holder of any one of claims 4-8, wherein portions of the retainer lock into engagement with corresponding portions of the body portion.

10. The modular tool holder of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the tool holding portion is selected from the group consisting of:

(1) a socket receiving portion projecting upwardly from the base portion for engagement through a drive aperture of a socket;

(2) a plurality of slots extending downwardly into the body for receiving a shank portion of a tool bit;

(3) first and second spaced apart walls extending upwardly from the base portion for receiving a tool to be held between the first and second walls;

(4) a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the base portion for receiving a tool to be held between adjacent pairs of walls.

11. The modular tool holder of claim 10, wherein:

the first and second walls extend in one of the following relationships to each other:

in vertically spaced relation to one another;

in an oblique parallel relationship to each other;

diverge from each other in an upward direction;

initially diverging from each other in the upward direction from the base portion and then extending parallel to each other over the remaining height of the first and second walls.

12. The modular tool holder of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the tool holding portion comprises first and second walls extending upwardly from the base portion, and wherein the distance separating the first and second walls can be adjusted to accommodate different sized tools.

13. The modular tool holder of claim 12, further comprising a linear ratchet protruding from one of the first and second walls, the linear ratchet defining a series of transverse slots extending along a length of the linear ratchet; and

a pawl carried by a lateral pawl lever operable to engage and disengage the pawl from the ratchet wheel lateral slot.

14. The modular tool holder of claim 13, wherein the pawl is mounted on a transverse pawl lever that is longitudinally movable along the pawl lever to engage and disengage the pawl from the ratchet slot.