Standing magnetic instrument attachment device

Abstract

An attachment apparatus for holding an instrument. The attachment apparatus includes a base and an instrument attachment device. The instrument attachment device is configured to hold a shaft of the instrument at an elevated position above a bottom plane. The attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is orientated in a vertical position with respect to the bottom plane. The instrument attachment device can include a substantially hollow cylindrical shape which can be tightened around the shaft of the instrument. The bottom surface of the base can include a magnet.

Description

STANDING MAGNETIC INSTRUMENT ATTACHMENT DEVICECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 746,419, entitled "Standing Magnetic Instrument Attachment Device", filed on January 17, 2025, and the specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate an attachment device for handheld instruments.

[0003] Dentists, surgeons and any and all professionals that use hand-held instruments while engaging in in their practice often run into an organizational issue: their hand-held instruments lay on a tray or other surface in a manner that often requires them to stop what they are doing, midoperation, to look and “dig” around in their tray of instruments to find the next instrument they need to use for a particular operation This problem arises from the fact that the instruments lay on the tray or surface such that their primary axis (defined herein) is oriented in the same direction as the plane of the tray or surface Often, the instruments lay on top of each other or get buried by other objects. In such a condition, one cannot simply grab an instrument without having to drastically alter one’s body position In some professional environments, this is so problematic that the professional employs staff to simply wait by the professional’s side to provide the instrument when requested.

[0004] What is needed is a device that supports hand-held instruments vertically and a distance above the surface or tray on which they rest, in a manner that permits a person to easily and efficiently identify all instruments available and grab them.BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an attachment apparatus for holding an instrument. The attachment apparatus includes a base, where the base includes a top surface and a bottom surface; an instrument attachment device in communication with the base, where the instrument attachment device is at least partially disposed on the top surface of the base; theinstrument attachment device is configured to hold a shaft of the instrument; the attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is held at an elevated position above a bottom plane, where the bottom plane is parallel to the plane generated by the bottom surface of the base; and the attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is orientated in a vertical position with respect to the bottom plane, where the vertical position is defined by a plane of rest that is between about 0° and about 60° with respect to a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the bottom plane, and where the plane of rest is generated by a primary axis extending along or in the same direction as the greatest length of the instrument, and a secondary axis extending along or in the same direction as the shortest length of the instrument, and the primary axis and the secondary axis are substantially perpendicular to one another. The instrument attachment device can include a substantially hollow cylindrical shape which can be tightened around the shaft of the instrument The bottom surface of the base can include a magnet The bottom surface of the base can include an attachment mechanism. The base can include any one of a cylindrical, cubicle, spherical, and oblique shape. The elevated position can be between about 1 cm to about 30 cm, between about 2 cm to about 10 cm, and between about 3 cm and about 8 cm. The instrument attachment device can include a hole with a diameter between about 1 mm and about 10 cm, between about 2 mm and about 5 cm, and between about 5 mm and about 1 cm. The plane of rest can be between about 0° and about 40° with respect to the vertical plane. The plane of rest can be between about 0° and about 20° with respect to the vertical plane.

[0006] The attachment apparatus can include a bottom surface of the base that is at least partially in contact with the surface of a tray The bottom surface of the base can be at least partially in contact with the surface of a metal tray. The base can include a weighted material at least partially disposed within a cavity of the base. The instrument attachment device can be removably attached to the shaft of the instrument. The instrument attachment device can include a loop hole. The instrument can be at least one of any instrument capable of being held by or at least partially within a hand of any human, including but not limited to pliers of any type (including Orthodontic pliers, jewelry pliers, wire cutters, electrical plier-like tools), dental scalers, dental mirrors, scalpels, surgical tools, knives, eating utensils, paintbrushes, pens, pencils, toothbrushes, and shaving razor blades. The instrument can include a working end. The attachment apparatus can be retrofit to the instrument such that the attachment apparatus is an accessory to the instrument and capable of use between various instruments.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention also relate to an attachment apparatus for holding an instrument. The attachment apparatus can include a base, where the base includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and where the bottom surface of the base includes a magnet, and where the bottom surface of the base is at least partially in contact with a surface of a metal tray; aninstrument attachment device in communication with the base, where the instrument attachment device is at least partially disposed on said top surface of the base, and where the instrument attachment device includes a substantially hollow cylindrical shape which can be tightened around the shaft of the instrument; where the attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is held at an elevated position above a bottom plane, wherein the bottom plane is parallel to the plane generated by the bottom surface of the base; and where the attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is orientated in a vertical position with respect to the bottom plane, where the vertical position is defined by a plane of rest that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom plane, and where the plane of rest is generated by a primary axis extending along or in the same direction as the greatest length of the instrument, and a secondary axis extending along or in the same direction as the shortest length of the instrument, and the primary axis and the secondary axis are substantially perpendicular to one another.

[0008] Objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. While some of the drawings indicate certain dimensions, embodiments of the present invention can be of varying dimensions depending on the intended use. In the drawings:

[0010] Fig. 1 is an illustration showing a perspective view of two devices according to embodiments of the present invention, the devices resting on a surface and each device supporting a hand-held instrument above the surface;

[0011] Fig. 2 is an illustration of the devices of Fig. 1 from a different perspective view, according to embodiments of the present invention, each device supporting a hand-held instrument;

[0012] Fig. 3 is an illustration of a bottom perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention as held in a user’s hand; and

[0013] Fig. 4 is an illustration of a perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention as held in a user’s handDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Referring to the figures, embodiments of the present invention are directed to attachment device 10 for use with instrument 11.

[0015] For purposes of aiding in describing the various embodiments of the present invention, the following terms may be used and have the following meanings. As used herein, the term “hand-held instrument” means any instrument capable of being held by or at least partially within a hand of any human. Instrument 11 can be any hand-held instrument, including but not limited to pliers of any type (including Orthodontic pliers, jewelry pliers, wire cutters, electrical plier-like tools), dental scalers, dental mirrors, scalpels, surgical tools, knives, eating utensils, paintbrushes, pens, pencils, toothbrushes, shaving razor blades, etc.

[0016] The term “top” shall refer to that surface of the object that is farthest from the surface on which the object rests, and “bottom” being the opposite surface that is the surface in contact with the surface on which the object rests. The term “plane” shall refer to the geometric plane of a certain orientation The terms “vertical”, “vertical plane” or “vertical axis” shall refer to that axis of orientation in the direction of gravity, normal to the plane of the surface on which an object would rest as intended, that is, the direction labelled as axis A in Fig 1. The term “primary axis” means the axis along or in the same direction as the greatest length of the object. For example, referring to Fig. 1, the primary axis of device 10 is axis A, which extends along or in the same direction as its vertical the direction that is normal to the plane on which an object would rest as intended, as illustrated by the dashed line in Fig. 1 labelled as axis A. Of course the primary axis need not necessarily be along the vertical axis A, in the case that the longest / greatest dimension of device 10 is not oriented vertically The “horizontal” axis, shown in Fig. 1 as axis B, would be coplanar or oriented in the same direction as the plane of the tray or other surface on which device 10 rests, normal to the vertical axis and / or normal to the direction of gravity. Other orientations and surfaces may be defined in what follows.

[0017] The term “finger” means any digit of a human hand including the thumb, unless otherwise specified. The terms “grip”, “hold” or “grab” are used interchangeably throughout the specification and have the same meaning unless otherwise specified The term “breadth” when used to refer to a user’s hand means the distance across the widest area where the digits join the palm.

[0018] The term “about” or “approximately” means within twenty percent (20%) of the numerical amount cited.

[0019] Instrument 11 may be referred to herein as having a handle or shaft member 12, which refers to a part of instrument 11 that is ordinarily held by the user when in normal operation, which part is typically elongated to connect one end to the other while giving enough space for the user’s hand to hold it. Instrument 11 may also have working end 13, which is that part of instrument 11 comprising a particular tool (for example a plier end, scaler or mirror) or at least that end of instrument 11 capable of attaching to or receiving such a tool or extensions thereof. As will be described in more detail herein, device 10 is preferably retrofit to instrument 11 so that device 10 is an accessory to instrument 11 and capable of use between various instruments 11.

[0020] Instrument 11 may be described herein as having a “plane of rest” represented by plane X in Fig. 1. Plane of rest X is the plane extending between all handles or shafts 12 of such instrument If instrument 11 were resting or laying on a surface without the use of the present invention, plane X would be generally parallel with a surface on which instrument 11 may rest, since for most instruments, all instrument handles would be in contact with such surface when resting on a surface.

[0021] Device 10 preferably comprises base 14 and instrument attachment device 20. Base 14 is shaped and sized to support instrument 11 off of any surface oriented in the horizontal plane. Base 14 may comprise any shape, including cylindrical, cubicle, spherical or any combination thereof.

[0022] The dimensions of base 14 depend on the particular application. The dimension of base 14 (including instrument attachment device 20) extending from its bottom to its top along its primary axis (which may be referred to herein as its “height” and that happens to also be its vertical distance when standing in its intended position) is preferably between about 1 cm to about 30 cm, more preferably between about 2 cm to about 10 cm, and most preferably between about 3 cm and about 8 cm. Such dimensions permit device 10 to elevate instrument 11 , when instrument 11 is attached to it, at a height off of the surface on which it rests (for example tray 18) convenient for the user’s efficient use of instrument and doing so with stability and low risk of it falling over. In other applications, base 14 may have greater dimensions, shaped and sized to coordinate with the user’s hand itself so that the user can also grab base 14. In such embodiments, base 14 (excluding or including instrument attachment device 20 depending on whether instrument attachment device is designed to be a feature that is grabbed by the user’s hand) preferably comprises a dimension along its primary axis that is at least the distance of the palm of the smallest adult human hands or at least the distance of the sum of the width of the index, middle, ring and pinky fingers, so that the user has the option of wrapping all of their wrapping fingers around base 14.

[0023] Base 14 may be formed of any rigid material capable of supporting the intended instrument 11 and / or capable of maintaining its structural integrity under force of a human hand, including but not limited to elastomer, plastic, rubber, plastic / polymer, foam, clay, metal, etc., and any combination thereof. Base 14 may be formed of such materials in layers, for example, a rubber layer disposed on the outer surface to provide a gripping material on a base 14 that otherwise comprises elastomeric materials for purposes of its shape. Base 14 may comprise an additional weighted material to add weight to it in order to counterbalance the weight of instrument 11. Such weighted material may be the material that forms base 14 itself, may be an additional material disposed in the material of base 14, for example, steel balls disposed within a cavity of base 14

[0024] Instrument attachment device 20 is preferably disposed on, at or near the top of base 14, and comprises features that permit instrument 11 to removably attach to base 14 Instrument attachment device 20 may comprise any means or shape for doing so. Preferably, instrument attachment device 20 comprises a shape or member that is sized to at least partially surround or encircle shaft member 12 of instrument 11, for example loop hole 22, in order to provide a means by which a portion of shaft 12 of instrument 11 can easily be inserted into instrument attachment device 20 and removed therefrom Instrument attachment device 20 may comprise a loop, hook, receptacle, hole, cavity, tie, zip tie, etc. and any combination thereof. Instrument attachment device 20 may also comprise a means for adjusting a dimension of loop hole 22, so that for example the diameter of loop hole 22 can be decreased or increased to accommodate different sizes of shafts 12 of instruments 11. Instrument attachment device can attach to a portion of shaft 12 of instrument 11 through means other than loop hole 22, including but not limited to, magnets, Velcro, glues, snaps, zippers, buttons, buckles, D-rings, magnetic closures, hook-and-eye sets, and adhesive options such as double-sided tape or putty, or a combination thereof.

[0025] As used in this specification, the term “near” means “about" in the sense that “near” is within a distance of the subject object that is twenty percent (20%) of the total length of such subject object. For example, instrument attachment device 20 is “near” the top of base 14 if it is within a distance that is within twenty percent (20%) of the total length of base 14.

[0026] Loop hole 22 preferably comprises a diameter measuring between about 1 mm to about 10 cm, more preferably between about 2 mm to about 5 cm, and most preferably between about 5 mm and about 1 cm.

[0027] Instrument attachment device 20 (including loop hole 22) is preferably oriented in relation to base 14 so that instrument 11, when inserted into or otherwise coordinated with instrument attachment device 20, is oriented so that plane X of instrument 11 is generally vertical, rather than horizontal (or parallel with the surface of tray 18 or other surface). In this manner, instrument 11 is ina position that properly relates to a user’s natural hand position when a user intends to use such instrument.

[0028] Instrument attachment device 20 (including loop hole 22) can be oriented in relation to base 14 so that instrument 11, when inserted into or otherwise coordinated with instrument attachment device 20, is oriented so that plane X of instrument 11 ( / .e., its plane of rest) is preferably between about 0° and about 60° with respect to the vertical plane, more preferably between about 0° and about 40° with respect to the vertical plane, and most preferably between about 0° and about 20° with respect to the vertical plane.

[0029] Referring to Fig. 3, device 10 may also comprise magnet 16. Magnet 16 is preferably disposed on, at or near the bottom of device 10, in order to be in contact with a surface with which it can magnetically coordinate, for example tray 18. Magnet 16 aids in maintaining the stability of device 10, so that the weight of instrument 11 does not cause device 10 to fall over but also to avoid device 10 from being knocked over when in use It also keeps device 10 in one spot on the supporting surface so that the user can purposely place the device 10 for the most efficient and ergonomic use for the user in for a particular operation. As perhaps best illustrated in Fig 3, base 18 preferably comprises an indentation, vacancy, hole, cavity or other space at, in or near its bottom with a dimension in its vertical axis at least as long as the vertical height of magnet 16 so that the bottom of magnet 16 may be flush with the bottom of base 18 to provide a flat surface to coordinate with tray 18. In another embodiment, magnet 16 may be disposed entirely or at least partially within base 18.

[0030] In some embodiments, other attachment mechanisms can be used with, or in lieu of, magnet 16 to secure device 10 to tray 18. Other attachment mechanisms can include, but are not limited to, Velcro, glues, snaps, zippers, buttons, buckles, D-rings, magnetic closures, hook-and-eye sets, and adhesive options such as double-sided tape or putty, or a combination thereof

[0031] Device 10, with the features described herein, provides a way for a user of multiple instruments to simply “grab and go”. For example, as shown Fig 1, two devices 10 are disposed on tray 18, each device 10 supporting a separate instrument 11 The primary axis of each device 10 is vertical to elevate each instrument 11 off of tray 18 and to orient each instrument 11 in a manner that allows for easy identification. As shown in Fig. 1 , the orientation of each instrument 11 , when supported by device 10, is such that its plane X is oriented vertically or at least oriented greater than zero degrees relative to a horizontal plane (e g , the plane of tray 18)

[0032] Preferably each instrument 11 intended to be used in a given operation is attached to a single device 10. In most cases, device 10 will remain attached to instrument 11 even while it is in use, so that the user can simply place the entire instrument 11 and device 10 back on tray 18 whenthe user is done using it, without having to reattach instrument 11 to device 10. However, in some cases, the user may want to detach instrument 11 from device 10 during use and reattach after use.

[0033] In some embodiments, more than one device 10 can be attached to instrument 11 For example, two device 10 can be attached to instrument 11, one on each shaft member 12

[0034] The preceding examples can be repeated with similar success by substituting the generically or specifically described components and / or operating conditions of embodiments of the present invention forthose used in the preceding examples.

[0035] The terms, “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” mean “one or more” unless context explicitly dictates otherwise.

[0036] Note that in the specification and claims, “about”, “approximately”, and / or “substantially” means within twenty percent (20%) of the amount, value, or condition given. All computer software disclosed herein may be embodied on any non-transitory computer-readable medium (including combinations of mediums).

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention can include every combination of features that are disclosed herein independently from each other Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the disclosed embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and this application is intended to cover, in the appended claims, all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference. Unless specifically stated as being “essential” above, none of the various components or the interrelationship thereof are essential to the operation of the invention Rather, desirable results can be achieved by substituting various components and / or reconfiguring their relationships with one another.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMSreceived by the International Bureau on May 15, 2026 (15.05.2026)CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An attachment apparatus for holding a hand-held instrument, the attachment apparatus comprising:a base, wherein the base comprises a top surface and a bottom surface;an instrument attachment device disposed on the base, wherein the instrument attachment device is removably attachable and configured to remain attached to a shaft of the instrument while the instrument is being held in a hand;wherein the attachment apparatus is capable of supporting the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is supported at an elevated position above a bottom plane, wherein the bottom plane is parallel to the plane of the bottom surface of the base; and wherein the attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is orientated in a vertical position with respect to the bottom plane, wherein the vertical position is defined by a plane of rest that is between about 0° and about 60° with respect to a vertical plane that is perpendicular to the bottom plane, and wherein the plane of rest is generated by a primary axis extending along or in the same direction as the greatest length of the instrument, and a secondary axis extending along or in the same direction as the shortest length of the instrument, and the primary axis and the secondary axis are substantially perpendicular to one another.

2. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instrument attachment device is at least partially disposed on the top surface of the base and comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical shape which can be tightened around the shaft of the instrument.

3. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a magnet disposed at, on, near or within the bottom surface of the base.

4. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an attachment mechanism disposed at or on the bottom surface of the base, the attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of: Velcro, glue, snaps, zippers, buttons, buckles, D-rings, magnetic closures, and hook-and-eye sets.

5. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base comprises any one of a cylindrical, cubicle, spherical, and oblique shape.

6. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elevated position is between about 1 cm to about 30 cm.

7. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elevated position is between about 3 cm and about 8 cm.

8. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instrument attachment device comprises a hole with a diameter between about 1 mm and about 10 cm.

9. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instrument attachment device comprises a hole with a diameter between about 5 mm and about 1 cm.

10. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plane of rest is between about 0° and about 40° with respect to said vertical plane.

11. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plane of rest is between about 0° and about 20° with respect to said vertical plane.

12. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tray, wherein the bottom surface of the base is capable of being at least partially in contact with a surface of a tray and supported by the tray.

13. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base further comprises a weighted material at least partially disposed within a cavity of the base.

14. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instrument attachment device further comprises a loop hole.

15. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instrument comprises at least one of any instrument capable of being held by or at least partially within a hand of any human, including but not limited to pliers of any type (including Orthodontic pliers, jewelry pliers, wire cutters, electrical plier-like tools), dental scalers, dental mirrors, scalpels, surgical tools, knives, eating utensils, paintbrushes, pens, pencils, toothbrushes, and shaving razor blades.

16. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the instrument comprises a working end.

17. The attachment apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment apparatus is retrofit to the instrument such that the attachment apparatus is an accessory to the instrument and capable of use between various instruments.

18. An attachment apparatus for holding a hand-held instrument, the attachment apparatus comprising:a base, wherein the base comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the bottom surface of the base comprises a magnet;an instrument attachment device in communication with the base, wherein the instrument attachment device is at least partially disposed on or at the top surface of the base, and wherein the instrument attachment device comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical shape which can be tightened at least partially around the shaft of the instrument and remain attached to the shaft of the instrument while the instrument is being held in a hand;wherein the attachment apparatus holds the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is held at an elevated position above a bottom plane, wherein the bottom plane is parallel to the plane generated by the bottom surface of the base; andwherein the attachment apparatus is capable of holding the instrument with the instrument attachment device such that the instrument is oriented in a vertical position with respect to the bottom plane, wherein the vertical position is defined by a plane of rest that is substantially perpendicular to the bottom plane, and wherein the plane of rest is generated by a primary axis extending along or in the same direction as the greatest length of the instrument, and a secondary axis extending along or in the same direction as the shortest length of the instrument, and the primary axis and the secondary axis are substantially perpendicular to one another.

19. The attachment apparatus of claim 18 further comprising a tray comprising metal, wherein the magnet of the base is capable of magnetic interaction with the tray.

20. The attachment apparatus of claim 18 wherein the instrument attachment device is removably attached to the shaft of the instrument.

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