Tool securing apparatus and method

Abstract

A cutting tool securing apparatus for temporarily securing a tool such as a vegetable slicing tool to a planar member such as a table or countertop. The invention removes the necessity of permanently mounting the tool or mounting apparatus to the table or countertop. The cutting tool securing apparatus of the present invention has no moving, adjustable or articulating members. The apparatus is comprised of an L-shaped metal plate, to which a tool-mounting apparatus is bolted. The metal plate includes a first member, which is removably affixed to the top of a planar surface, such as a table, via temporary securing means. One or more rubber suction cups are the preferred type of temporary securing means. The suction cups are affixed to the lower surface of the plate. The cups serve to secure the apparatus to the planar surface yet allow the apparatus to later be removed in order to clean the area. The apparatus also includes a second member, substantially perpendicular to the first member that is adaptable to be wrapped around downwardly extending edge of the table to prevent the tool from sliding laterally forward or backward during use.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] n / a STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] n / a FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for mounting tools and more particularly to an apparatus for temporarily and securely mounting tools and other objects to a planar surface. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] In the restaurant industry, there exist many devices used in the kitchen to open cans, prepare foods and slice products. It is vital that the food preparation area of eating establishments be maintained with the highest sanitary standards. There exist a number of industry standards regarding the cleanliness of food preparation areas that eating establishments must comply with. It is also important that tools used in these areas be easy and simple to use and adaptable to the present conditions of the area and its surroundings. [0005] Permanently mounting a tool or the apparatus that mounts a particular tool comprom...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an apparatus for temporarily mounting tools on a table or counter to avoid the need for permanent attachment, which can lead to unsanitary conditions and limited use of the table. The apparatus includes a securing plate with a first and second member, along with temporary surface-affixing means such as suction cups or a tool-securing track for securing the tool to the securing plate. The apparatus can be easily attached and detached, allowing for optimal use of the table or counter."

Problems solved by technology

Permanently mounting a tool or the apparatus that mounts a particular tool compromises sanitation of the area surrounding the tool and the mounting apparatus.

For example, when a vegetable slicing tool is permanently mounted to a table top via bolts or the like, bacteria may eventually develop in the area near the permanently mounted tool.

This may lead to unsanitary and unhygienic conditions.

By permanently mounting a tool or its mounting apparatus in one location, at least two problems are created.

First, because the tool cannot be moved to another location, all aspects of the use of the tool must be performed in only that location.

The tool and / or mounting apparatus can be intrusive by not allowing other tasks to be performed at the same location.

Often, kitchen workers have a limited space in which to perform their tasks.

A permanently mounted tool or tool mounting apparatus would likely be an encumbrance.

Second, the tool cannot easily be removed to facilitate cleaning and proper sanitation that is required on a regular basis to comply with industry (cleanliness) standards.

Due to its permanent mounting, the tool or mounting apparatus will accumulate bacteria on the work surface that cannot be effectively cleaned.

Recent studies done by food service cleaning and maintenance product companies indicate that permanently mounted tools and associated mounting hardware have the highest level of contamination of any item in the locations surveyed.

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