Method and apparatus for a multi-attachment accessory holder

Abstract

The disclosed content is directed to a multi-attachment accessory holder, which includes a body configured to couple a first side of the body to an accessory device. The body is configured to hold a magnet, and the body includes one or more connection points for attaching auxiliary accessories.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 881,659, filed on August 1, 2019, entitled “Method and Apparatus for a Multi-Attachment Accessory Holder,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 941,838, filed on July 29, 2020, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Multi-Attachment Accessory Holder.” The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 881,659 and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 941,838 are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an accessory holder, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for a multi-attachment accessory holder.

[0004] Some work environments may use accessory devices to control work equipment. For example, in a welding environment, there may be an accessory device such as a remote control that the welder uses to control the power supply. It may be beneficial to keep the accessory device close at hand and secure it to avoid losing the device or getting in the way if accidentally bumped.

[0005] The limitations and disadvantages of conventional accessory holders for use in work environments will become apparent to those skilled in the art by comparing conventional methods with certain aspects of the present method and apparatus as set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying figures. Summary of the invention

[0006] There is provided a method and apparatus for a multiple attachment accessory holder substantially as shown and described in conjunction with at least one of the accompanying drawings, and as more fully set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and / or other aspects will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of some example embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is an illustration of a first side of an exemplary accessory holder according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 is an illustration of a second side of an exemplary accessory holder according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 is an illustration of a body of an exemplary accessory holder according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 is another illustration of a body of an exemplary accessory holder according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is an illustration of an example of an accessory holder having an auxiliary accessory and a second connection point in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 is an illustration of an exemplary accessory holder having an auxiliary accessory, a magnet, and a second connection point in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 is an illustration of an exemplary accessory holder coupled to an accessory according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary flexible auxiliary attachment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary rigid auxiliary attachment according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.10 is a block diagram of an exemplary body of an accessory holder configured to enclose an accessory according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where appropriate, the same or similar reference numbers are used to represent the same or similar parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Various aspects of the present disclosure describe accessory holders for a variety of different equipment that can be used by a user / worker, such as a welder. The accessory used by the welder can be, for example, a remote control for a welding power supply. Since the power supply may need to be controlled at different times, it would be convenient to have the remote control nearby the welder without getting in the way or being lost if dropped or removed from the welder. Providing a variety of means for placing the accessory would allow the user to select a location to place the accessory for easy access.

[0020] Figure 1 is an illustration of a first side of an exemplary accessory holder according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , shows a first side 101A of an exemplary accessory holder 100, the accessory holder including a first side 101A that can be attached to an accessory 140 ( Figure 7 ) of the main body 101. For example, the accessory 140 may be a remote controller for welding equipment.

[0021] Exemplary accessory holder 100 is shown as having an auxiliary accessory 103 and a magnet 105. The accessory holder 100 can be equipped with one or both of the auxiliary accessory 103 and the magnet 105. The exemplary auxiliary accessory 103 removably attaches the accessory holder 100 to various objects for easy access to the accessory holder 100. The accessory holder 100 can be attached to an object such as clothes, such as a belt, via the auxiliary accessory 103. The accessory holder 100 can also be attached to any nearby object, such as the handle of the equipment used in the working environment, via the auxiliary accessory 103. The accessory holder 100 can also use the auxiliary accessory 103 to attach the accessory holder 100 to a body part, such as the wrist or waist of the user, or hang it on the neck of the user. Accordingly, the accessory holder 100 can be disassembled / removed and then moved to another position as needed.

[0022] The auxiliary attachment 103 may use any of a variety of different means to attach the accessory holder 100 to an object. Exemplary attachment means that may be mounted on the auxiliary device 103 include a carabiner for attaching to an object, a hook for hanging on an object, a loop for arranging around an object, a hook-and-loop fastener for fastening to an object, a fastener for snapping into a receiving portion that fits, or a fastener that snaps into a fastener hole, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary attachment 103 may have a magnet so that the accessory holder 100 may be magnetically attached to a suitable surface while still allowing the accessory holder 100 to be moved closer to the user. In some examples, the auxiliary attachment 103 is attached to an extendable / retractable cord so that the accessory holder 100 can be pulled by the user to a location away from the attachment point and then retracted out of the way.

[0023] Instead of or in addition to the auxiliary accessory 103, the accessory holder 100 includes a magnet 105 located in a magnet holder 106 ( Figure 3 ). The magnet 105 can be used to attach the accessory holder 100 to a suitable surface to keep the accessory holder 100 in a convenient position for the user. For example, in a welding work environment, the accessory holder 100 can be attached to a remote control for welding equipment, the accessory holder 100 can be attached to a surface in the work environment, and the magnet 105 can adhere to the surface via its magnetic field.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an illustration of a second side of an exemplary accessory holder 100 . Figure 2, shows the second side 101B of the body 101 of the accessory holder 100. The second side 101B may also have an area 107 that may provide a better grip on the surface that the second side faces. For example, the area 107 may have a higher coefficient of friction than another portion of the second side 101B. For example, the area 107 may include a rubber pad, may have a rougher surface than another portion of the second side 101B, etc.

[0025] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of the main body of an exemplary accessory holder 100. Figure 3 , a body 101 of the accessory holder 100 is shown, wherein the body 101 includes a securing mechanism 102 , one or more protrusions 104 , a magnet tray 106 , a magnet tray lip 108 , a magnet holder 110 , and a coupling point 112 .

[0026] The exemplary securing mechanism 102 removably attaches the body 101 to the accessory 140 using, for example, a tongue-and-groove approach (e.g., one of the tongue or groove is on the body 101 and the other of the tongue or groove is on the accessory 140). Figure 7 ). Accordingly, the body 101 can be slid onto the accessory 140 to couple the accessory 140 to the body 101. When the (multiple) pads 104 are fitted into the corresponding (multiple) recesses of the accessory 140, the body 101 can also be more securely fixed in place or have additional lateral stability. Some examples use a single protrusion 104, which can extend substantially across the width of the body 101. Other examples include multiple protrusions 104. Accordingly, the size of the protrusion 104 can depend, among other things, on the number of protrusions 104. For different aspects of the present disclosure, the layout of the protrusions 104 can be different. For example, the orientation of the protrusions 104 can be different, wherein multiple protrusions 104 can be arranged in a row or in any other angular orientation instead of as Figure 3 and Figure 4 While shown arranged in a row, there may be projections 104 arranged in a variety of orientations, etc.

[0027] The magnet tray 106 may be Figure 3106 is substantially open, partially enclosed or fully enclosed as shown in the main body 101. Examples in which the magnet tray 106 is substantially open include a magnet tray lip 108 to hold the magnet 105 in the magnet tray 106. One or more magnet holders 110 may also be present to prevent the magnet 105 from falling. The magnet holder 110 may be, for example, a snap fit that is deformed to allow the magnet to be inserted or removed. After the magnet is inserted, the snap fit will restore its normal shape or substantially restore its normal shape to hold the magnet in place. The snap fit may be integrated as a part of the main body 101 or the snap fit may be assembled into, for example, a suitable recess in the main body 101. Once the magnet 105 is removed, the magnet holder 110 may be restored to its normal shape. For example, the snap fit may be similar to a leaf spring or other similar devices.

[0028] The connection point 112 may have a receiving portion 112A to allow a pin, e.g. Figure 4 A dowel pin 120 is removably snapped into place. Other aspects of the present disclosure may not have the connection point 112 .

[0029] Although for simplicity, Figure 3 Each mark in the figure indicates only one feature among multiple features, and it should be understood that other examples may use two or more fixing mechanisms 102 and / or two or more magnet tray lips 108. Similarly, the connection point 112 may include two or more connection points 112 to receive a single positioning pin 120 ( Figure 4 ), but they are collectively referred to as connection points 112.

[0030] In addition, although the body 101 is described as having various features, the various examples of the present disclosure need not be limited thereto. For example, some examples may have different sets of features for receiving and securing the magnet 105, or some examples may have different numbers of protrusions at various locations, etc.

[0031] In some examples, magnet 105 and / or another magnet (not shown) couples accessory holder 100 to accessory 140 ( Figure 7 In such an example, the accessory holder 100 may omit the securing mechanism 102 and / or the protrusion 104 .

[0032] Figure 4 is another illustration of a body of an exemplary accessory holder according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Figure 4 , shows a locating pin 120 mounted in the coupling point 112. In addition to or instead of the magnet holder 110, the locating pin 120 can be used to hold the magnet 105 in place. Accordingly, the body 101 can include one or both of the coupling point 112 and the magnet holder 110.

[0033] Additionally, the positioning pins 120 may be used to attach the auxiliary accessory 103 to the main body 101. The auxiliary accessory 103 may be attached to the main body 101 via separate positioning pins 120, or the positioning pins 120 may be attached to the auxiliary accessory 103.

[0034] Figure 5 is an illustration of an example of an accessory holder 100 having an auxiliary accessory and a second connection point. Figure 5 , showing an auxiliary accessory 103 attached to the main body 101. The exemplary auxiliary accessory 103 includes an extension portion 122 and an attachment portion 124. The extension portion 122 can be, for example, a flexible member such as a strap, or a rigid member such as a rod. The extension portion 122 can also be configured so that it can extend out of the housing ( Figure 7 ) / retracted into the shell, or telescopically extended ( Figure 8 ). For simplicity, the extension portion 122 may be described as being attached to the body 101 via, for example, the locating pin 120. However, it should be understood that the extension portion 122 may be attached to the body 101 via any of a variety of means / methods well known in the art, including, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, snap-on fasteners, etc.

[0035] The attachment portion 124 is Figure 5 However, the attachment portion 124 may be implemented using, for example, a hook for hanging on an object, a loop for arranging around an object, a hook-and-loop fastener for fastening to an object, a fastener for snapping onto a mating receiving portion or snapping into a fastener hole, etc.

[0036] Figure 5 Another attachment point 130 is also shown at which the auxiliary accessory 103 can be attached to the main body 101. In this way, when the accessory holder 100 is attached to an object using the auxiliary accessory 103, the accessory 140 ( Figure 7 ). Examples of the present disclosure are not necessarily limited to the number of attachment points or their locations.

[0037] Figure 6 is an illustration of an exemplary accessory holder having an auxiliary accessory, a magnet, and a second connection point. Figure 6 , an accessory holder 100 is shown with an auxiliary accessory 103 , a magnet 105 , and an additional attachment point 130 .

[0038] Figure 7 is an illustration of an exemplary accessory holder coupled to an accessory. Figure 7 , shows the accessory holder 100 attached to an accessory 140. The accessory 140 may be, for example, a wireless controller for a welding power supply.

[0039] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary flexible auxiliary attachment. Figure 8 , showing auxiliary attachment 103, extension 122, and attachment 124. As an example, extension 122 can be loaded into housing 123, and extension 122, which can be connected to attachment 124, can be pulled out of housing 123 or retracted into housing 123 to adjust the reach of extension 122. Attachment 124 can be any of a variety of devices for attaching / coupling one item to another, including devices / methods well known in the art, including, for example, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, loops, fasteners for snapping in, fasteners snapping into fastener holes, etc.

[0040] Figure 8 This is merely an example of an adjustable length extension portion 122. Other examples may use other means of adjusting its length.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary rigid auxiliary attachment. Fig. 9 , showing the auxiliary attachment 103, the extension portion 122, and the attachment portion 124. The extension portion 122 may include, for example, a plurality of telescopic telescopic portions 122A, ..., 122B. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the extension portion 122 may be adjusted to a desired length and then fixed at that length by rotating the telescopic telescopic portion 122A relative to the telescopic telescopic portion 122B, as is well known in the art. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the telescopic portion 122A may include a ridge that fits into different recesses in the telescopic portion 122B, and vice versa. The length of the extension portion 122 may be adjusted using any of a variety of methods known in the art. The attachment portion 124 may be any of a variety of devices for attaching / connecting one item to another, including devices / methods well known in the art, including, for example, hook-and-loop fasteners, fasteners for snapping in, and the like.

[0042] Fig. 9 This is only one example of an extension portion 122 that is adjustable in length. Various other examples of the present disclosure may use other means to adjust its length. The attachment portion 124 may be any of a variety of means for attaching one portion to another, including those described above, for example, in Figure 8 Those devices / methods described in.

[0043] Fig.10 is a block diagram of an exemplary body of an accessory holder according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the body being configured to enclose an accessory therein. Fig.10, shows a main body 101, into which an accessory 140 is inserted so that at least a display portion of the accessory 140 is visible. The main body 101 may have Figures 1 to 9 A portion similar to the main body 101 , for example, is configured to attach to the auxiliary accessory 103 and hold the magnet 105 .

[0044] Accordingly, an example of the present disclosure may be a multi-attachment accessory holder, which includes a main body configured to connect a first side of the main body to a welding accessory; a magnet tray located on the main body configured to hold a magnet; and one or more connection points located on the main body for attaching an auxiliary accessory to the main body. At least one of the one or more connection points may include a receiving portion to receive a locating pin on a first end of the auxiliary accessory. As an example, at least one of the one or more connection points may include a locating pin to attach to the first end of the auxiliary accessory, wherein the locating pin can be removed from the connection point. The second end of the auxiliary accessory may have an attachment mechanism configured to attach to another object. The auxiliary accessory may be configured to extend and retract.

[0045] The multi-attach accessory holder may have a securing mechanism to attach the multi-attach accessory holder to a welding accessory and may have a magnet holder to secure the magnet in the magnet tray.The magnet holder may include at least one integral snap-fit ​​piece.

[0046] The multi-attachment accessory holder may include one or more protrusions on a first side of the body configured to be inserted into a recessed portion of an accessory to provide stability to the multi-attachment accessory holder. The multi-attachment accessory holder may also include a material having a higher coefficient of friction, such as a rubber pad, on a portion of a second side of the body than another portion of the second side.

[0047] Another example of the present disclosure can be a multi-attachment accessory holder, the multi-attachment accessory holder comprising: a body configured to hold a welding accessory, wherein the welding accessory is inserted into a cavity in the body; a magnet tray located on the body and configured to hold a magnet; and one or more connection points located on the body for attaching a first end of an auxiliary accessory to the body. The accessory holder can have at least one magnet holder for securing the magnet in the magnet tray. The magnet holder can be, for example, an integral snap fit.

[0048] Some examples may include at least one of the one or more connection points having a locating pin to attach to a first end of the auxiliary accessory, wherein the locating pin can be removed from the connection point. At least one of the one or more connection points may include a receiving portion to receive the locating pin on the first end of the auxiliary accessory. The second end of the auxiliary accessory may include an attachment mechanism configured to attach to another object. The material on a portion of the second side of the body may have a higher coefficient of friction than another portion of the second side.

[0049] As used herein, "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items combined by "and / or" in the list. For example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" refers to "one or both of x and y". As another example, "x, y and / or z" refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y and / or z" refers to "one or more of x, y and z". As used herein, the term "exemplary" refers to being used as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms "such as (eg)" and "for example (for example)" lead to a list of one or more examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, a circuit system is “capable of operating” to perform a function when it includes the necessary hardware and code (if necessary) to perform that function, regardless of whether performance of that function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by user-configurable settings, factory adjustments, etc.).

[0050] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Alternatively, the present method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-attachment accessory holder, comprising: an auxiliary accessory having a first end and a second end, wherein the auxiliary accessory is configured to removably attach the multi-attach accessory holder to an object; a body configured to couple a first side of the body to a welding attachment via a tongue and groove process; a magnet tray located on the body, the magnet tray being configured to hold magnets; and One or more connection points located on the main body, the one or more connection points being configured to engage with corresponding connection points located on the first end of the auxiliary accessory, wherein the corresponding connection point is a locating pin and at least one of the one or more connection points includes a receiving portion configured to receive the locating pin.

2. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 1, wherein: The locating pin is removable from the receiving portion of the coupling point.

3. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 1, wherein: The second end of the auxiliary attachment includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to the object.

4. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary attachment is configured to extend and retract.

5. The multiple attachment accessory holder of claim 1, comprising a securing mechanism to attach the multiple attachment accessory holder to the welding accessory.

6. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 1 including a magnet holder for securing said magnets in said magnet tray.

7. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 6, wherein: The magnet holder includes at least one integral snap fit.

8. The multiple attachment accessory holder of claim 1, comprising one or more protrusions on the first side of the body, the one or more protrusions being configured to be inserted into a recessed portion of the welding accessory to provide stability to the multiple attachment accessory holder.

9. The multiple-attach accessory holder of claim 1 including a material on a portion of the second side of the body having a higher coefficient of friction than another portion of the second side.

10. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 9, wherein: The material is a rubber pad.

11. A multi-attachment accessory holder comprising: an auxiliary accessory having a first end and a second end, wherein the auxiliary accessory is configured to removably attach the multi-attach accessory holder to an object; a body configured to retain a welding accessory via a tongue and groove process, wherein the body includes a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the welding accessory; a magnet tray located on the body, the magnet tray being configured to hold magnets; and One or more connection points located on the body, the one or more connection points configured to engage with corresponding connection points located on the first end of the auxiliary accessory, wherein the corresponding connection point is a locating pin attached to the first end of the auxiliary accessory.

12. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 11 including a magnet holder for securing said magnets in said magnet tray.

13. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 12, wherein: The magnet holder includes at least one integral snap fit.

14. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 11, wherein: The locating pin is removable from the receiving portion of the coupling point.

15. The multi-attach accessory holder of claim 11, wherein: The second end of the auxiliary attachment includes an attachment mechanism configured to attach to the object.

16. The multiple-attach accessory holder of claim 11, comprising a material on a portion of the second side of the body, the material having a higher coefficient of friction than another portion of the second side.

17. An accessory holder, comprising: a body having a first side and a second side; a first set of grooves formed on the first side and configured to engage a welding attachment; a magnet tray located on the body and configured to hold magnets through the second set of slots; Positioning pins; as well as one or more receiving portions formed in or on the body, the one or more receiving portions being configured to retain the locating pin, Wherein, when the positioning pin is received in the one or more receiving parts, the magnet is fixed in the magnet tray by the positioning pin.

18. The accessory holder of claim 17, wherein: The locating pin is configured to couple a first end of an auxiliary accessory to the main body via the one or more receiving portions.

19. A multi-attachment accessory holder comprising: main body; a magnet tray located on the body, the magnet tray being configured to hold magnets; an auxiliary attachment configured to removably attach the multi-attachment accessory holder to an object; one or more coupling points on the body, the one or more coupling points being used to attach the auxiliary accessory to the body; as well as a locating pin located on a first end of the auxiliary attachment; wherein at least one of the one or more connection points comprises a receiving portion to receive the locating pin; and Wherein, the body is configured to couple a first side of the body to a welding accessory.

20. A multi-attachment accessory holder comprising: a body configured to retain a welding accessory, wherein the body includes a cavity configured to receive a portion of the welding accessory; a magnet tray located on the body, the magnet tray being configured to hold magnets; and Wherein, the multi-attachment accessory holder further comprises: an auxiliary accessory configured to removably attach the multi-attach accessory holder to an object; and one or more coupling points on the body for attaching a first end of the auxiliary accessory to the body; and a locating pin located on a first end of the auxiliary attachment; Wherein, at least one of the one or more connection points comprises a receiving portion to receive the positioning pin.

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