Magnetic tool holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic tool holder comprising a housing that can be attached to a hand tool and a magnet arranged within the housing. The magnet is suitable for attaching the hand tool to a magnetizable or magnetic surface. The housing has a soft or non-slip mounting surface.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic tool holder. Craftsmen such as carpenters, drywallers, window fitters, electricians, and others use a variety of hand tools. Using these hand tools is often inconvenient, for example, when multiple tools are used and switching between them is necessary, or when both hands are needed to work without a tool, while the tool not currently needed can be put down and immediately accessible again.

[0002] A well-known solution to this problem is a tool belt. A tool belt typically has a variety of holders and compartments in which the tools can be stored. Some tool belts also have special holders for selected tools. However, the tools must be secured in the tool belt, for example, with clip fasteners or by locking the compartments. This is time-consuming and requires numerous manual steps.

[0003] Furthermore, tools are often put in pockets, e.g. trouser pockets on the leg or the bib of work trousers, when they are not needed so that they can be quickly accessed when needed.

[0004] It is the object of the invention to provide a solution with which tools can be quickly and safely attached to one's own body or in the immediate vicinity and removed quickly and safely and is easy to handle.

[0005] This object is solved by the features of independent claim 1. Further aspects are contained in the dependent claims.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention relates to a magnetic tool holder with a housing and at least one magnet. The housing is designed such that it can be attached to a hand tool. Preferably, the housing is flexible enough to be attached to a variety of different hand tools. The hand tool can be of any design. Examples include a hammer, pliers, screwdriver, file, knife, saw, or scissors. However, the hand tool can also be any measuring device, for example, a mechanical measuring device (caliper, meter stick, tape measure, etc.) or an electrical or electronic measuring device (multimeter or similar). The at least one magnet is arranged in the housing. It is suitable for attaching the hand tool to a magnetizable or magnetic surface. This surface can be, for example, the housing of a control cabinet, a shelf, or other ferromagnetic surface.The housing has a soft or anti-slip mounting surface, which is made of an elastomer, for example, in particular a 3D-printable elastomer (e.g. TPU).

[0007] The hand tool can also be a brush, a roller, a spatula, a plasterer's tool, or a similar painting tool. The hand tool is not limited to specific tools, but can be any hand tool. Preferably, the hand tool has a weight and / or dimensions that allow it to be attached to the body. For example, the hand tool can weigh less than 2,000 g, less than 1,000 g, or less than 500 g and / or have a longest dimension of less than 30 cm, less than 25 cm, or less than 20 cm. In one embodiment, the hand tool can be attached to the body, for example, in the area of ​​the thigh, hip, or chest of a wearer. For this purpose, a magnetic or magnetizable counterpart to the magnet in the tool holder is advantageously provided on or in the clothing of the craftsman.

[0008] The housing of the magnetic tool holder protects the magnet(s) from environmental influences and mechanical damage. Furthermore, the housing allows the magnet to be securely attached to the tool. For this purpose, the housing features a soft, anti-slip mounting surface facing the tool.

[0009] A magnet allows the hand tool to be quickly and easily attached to any magnetizable or magnetic surface.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the housing is detachably attached to the hand tool. This allows the housing and magnet to be provided separately from a hand tool, and the same housing and the same magnet can be used for different hand tools. For example, the housing can be connected to the hand tool mechanically, for example with a bayonet lock or a screw. In a preferred embodiment, the housing is attached to the hand tool with at least one hook and loop fastener. The housing can have one or more openings. In a preferred embodiment, the housing has two openings. The openings can be oriented parallel to one another. This makes it easy to thread a hook and loop fastener through the housing, and the housing with the magnet can be easily attached to a hand tool.

[0011] In another embodiment, the housing can be attached to the hand tool with at least one cable tie. Alternatively, the housing can also be glued directly to the hand tool. Combinations of these mounting options are also possible.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the holding force of the magnet is greater than the weight of the hand tool. The holding force is preferably at least 1.3 times, 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times the weight of the hand tool and / or at most 5 times, 4 times, or 4 times the weight of the hand tool. The holding force of a magnet is determined by the distance from a magnetizable or magnetic surface, its magnetic properties, and the magnetic properties of the magnetizable or magnetic surface. Magnets are available in a variety of sizes and strengths. In a preferred embodiment, the magnet has a holding force of at least 50 g, 100 g, 200 g, 500 g, or 1 kg.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the housing completely encloses the magnet. This provides the magnet with particular protection against environmental influences. The housing preferably has a base, at least one side wall, and a lid or roof. The base is preferably provided with the soft or anti-slip material on the outside of the housing, or the base is formed from it. The housing can, in particular, be a 3D-printed component. The base is preferably also 3D-printed and can be manufactured using the same process as the rest of the housing. The side wall(s) and the lid or roof are preferably formed from a stiffer material than the base.

[0014] A further aspect of the invention relates to a set comprising a magnetic tool carrier, in particular as described above, and a mat. At least one, preferably several, magnets are attached to the mat. The mat may comprise a mesh, and the magnets are attached to the mesh. The magnets can be easily attached to the mat, for example, by gluing. The mat may be made of a woven or non-woven fabric and may have a grid structure. The mat may have a width and / or length of less than 30 cm, 15 cm, or 10 cm. The mat is preferably, for example, the size of a trouser pocket, leg pocket, or bib pocket of work clothing. This allows a user to easily store the mat in their trouser pocket and then attach the hand tool by holding the magnet held in the housing against the magnets of the mat, thereby securely attaching the tool to the outside of a trouser pocket.In alternative embodiments, the mat can also be attached to clothing, for example by sewing, gluing, or similar. The mat can, for example, be a maximum of 100 cm. 2 , or a maximum of 150 cm 2 , or 200 cm 2 be big.

[0015] The subject matter of the invention is described in detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments. These are not intended to limit the subject matter of the invention and serve only to illustrate the invention. Fig. 1 shows a magnetic tool carrier according to the invention as part of a set with a mat and a hand tool shown as an example. Fig. 2 shows three different embodiments of the magnetic tool carrier according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a housing. Fig. 4 shows a mat with several magnets. Fig. Figures 5 to 7 show how a case adheres to a mat using a magnet.

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 shows a hand tool set 1 according to one aspect of the invention. The hand tool set 1 includes a hand tool in the form of pliers 2. A magnet 6 is shown on the pliers. Fig. 1 also shows a housing 3. The housing 3 is cuboid-shaped in this embodiment, but can also have any other suitable shape. The housing 3 is shown in detail in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the housing 3 has a first opening 4 on one side surface. A second opening 5 is arranged on an opposite side surface. The openings 4 and 5 are elongated and arranged along a line. A hook-and-loop fastener 7 can be pushed through the opening 4 and the opening 5 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). In alternative embodiments, one or more cable ties 8 (see Fig. 2 in the middle) through the openings 4 and 5. Thus, the housing 3 can be attached to any tool, such as the pliers 2, using the magnet 6.

[0017] The housing 3 is hollow inside. The housing 3 comprises, for example, a two-part shell. The shell has a lid 3a and a tray 3b. The lid and tray define an interior space for the magnet. The lid 3a can be partially recessed into the tray 3b and adheres to an inner wall of the tray by means of a friction fit.

[0018] Other methods of securing the lid, such as clamps or form-fitting connections, are also possible. Alternatively, the lid 3a and tray 3b can be formed as a single piece, e.g., using 3D printing. The base of the housing 3 is made of a soft, non-slip material. It is firmly connected to the rest of the housing, ensuring a tight seal. The base can also be manufactured using 3D printing.

[0019] The interior space formed by the housing 3 can have essentially the same dimensions as the magnet 6. This prevents the magnet from sliding back and forth within the interior. Additionally, space can be provided for the Velcro fastener 7 or the cable ties 8.

[0020] Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 shows a mat 10. The mat 10 can be shaped similarly to an anti-slip mat for carpets. The mat 10 can be made of a plastic. Preferably, the mat is flexible, meaning that it can be shaped with the bare hands. For example, the mat 10 can have the shape of a grid. On the mat 10, rectangular magnets 11 are arranged in a checkerboard pattern. As shown in Fig. 1, part of the mat 10 can be provided with magnets 11 or the entire mat 10 can be provided with magnets 11. The magnets 11 are preferably attached to the mat with an adhesive. Alternatively, the mat can also be shaped into a pocket or the magnets 11 can be attached to the mat with an adhesive tape. The mat 10 is suitable for use in a trouser pocket, for example a back pocket or a side pocket or a front pocket of trousers. The mat 10 can be firmly sewn to the pocket or, preferably, simply placed in the pocket. When the mat 10 is in the pocket, the pliers 2 can be held to the pocket from the outside by means of the housing 3. In this way, a magnetic holder can be easily provided without requiring specialized clothing such as a tool belt. The described embodiment can also be used in addition to a tool belt.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the housing 3 is manufactured using a 3D printer.

[0022] Fig. 5 to 7 illustrate a holding force of the magnet 6 in the housing 3. If, as in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the housing 3 with the magnet 6 is brought close to the magnets 11 on the mat 10, then the magnetic attraction between the magnets 11 and 6 is so strong that the entire mat 10 can be lifted with the magnets 11 (see Fig. 7).

[0023] The mat 10 shown is only one application example for the magnetic tool carrier according to the invention. The invention is also highly advantageous without the mat 10, since a tool equipped with the magnetic tool carrier according to the invention can be temporarily attached to any magnetic or magnetizable (i.e., ferromagnetic) surface. This gives the tradesperson the opportunity, completely independent of the environmental conditions in which they work, to temporarily store their tools on a shelf, a wall, a control cabinet, a support, etc., until they are needed again. The tools do not have to be inserted into a belt or pocket and removed again. This results in a very helpful time saver. Furthermore, unnecessary trips to and from the storage location are unnecessary, and the tools cannot accidentally fall down and possibly get lost.

Claims

[1] Magnetic tool carrier (1) comprising - a housing (3) which can be attached to a hand tool (2); and - a magnet (6) arranged in the housing (3), wherein the magnet (6, 11) is suitable for fastening the hand tool (2) to a magnetizable or magnetic surface, and wherein the housing has a soft or anti-slip fastening surface. [2] Magnetic tool carrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hand tool (2) is selected from the following list: hammer, pliers, screwdriver, electric screwdriver, file, knife, saw, scissors, mechanical measuring device and electrical / electronic measuring device. [3] Magnetic tool carrier (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (3) is detachably attached to the hand tool (2), preferably with a Velcro fastener or a cable tie (8). [4] Magnetic tool carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a holding force of the magnet (6) is greater than the weight of the hand tool, preferably at least 1.3 times, 1.5 times, 2 times or 3 times the weight of the hand tool and / or at most 5 times, 4 times or 4 times the weight of the hand tool. [5] Magnetic tool carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) completely encloses the magnet (6). [6] Magnetic tool carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (3) has a bottom, at least one side wall and a lid, wherein the bottom on the outside of the housing (3) is provided with or formed from the soft or anti-slip material. [7] Set with a magnetic tool carrier (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a mat (10), wherein at least one, preferably several, magnets (6) are attached to the mat (10). [8] Set according to claim 7, wherein the mat (10) comprises a net and the magnets (6) are attached to the net. [9] Set according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the mat (10) has at most the size of a trouser pocket, in particular at most 100 cm 2 , or a maximum of 150 cm 2 , or 200 cm 2 has. [10] Set according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the mat (10) is flexible so that the mat (10) can be folded.

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