Hex key holder

• US 5,816,401 A
• Filed: 08/11/1997
• Issued: 10/06/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: MaxTech, Inc.
• Original Assignee: MaxTech, Inc.
• Inventors: Vasudeva, Kailash C., Hasan, Maz A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sewell, Paul T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): BUI, LUAN KIM
• Application Number:
  US08/907,942
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• Field of Search: 206/1.5, 206/349, 206/372, 206/376-379, 206/467, 206/470, 206/481-483, 206/806, 206/807, 211/60.1, 211/70.6
• US Class Current: 206/377
• CPC Class Codes: B25H 3/003 Holders for drill bits or the like
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 73/0014 by means of separate fixing elements, e.g. clips, clamps, bands
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 206/806 Suspension
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 206/807 Tamper proof

Abstract

In the invention, a hexagonal lid is pivotably connected to a generally flat body. A number of conventional hex keys of different sizes are secured within a plurality of plastic retaining members molded to the body such that both ends of the hex keys project out of the lid through notches in opposing sides of the lid to allow the consumer to touch the hex keys. The long ends of the hex keys project downwardly out of the lid generally parallel to the side edge of the body, and the short ends of the hex keys project out of the lid onto the top portion of the body parallel to the top edge of the body. Unauthorized removal of the hex keys at the point of sale is prevented by a block secured to the top portion of the body by a clip which penetrates a slit defined in the body. After purchasing the hex keys and the holder, the consumer can remove the block, insert hex keys into the block through preferably circular channels defined therein, and clip the block onto his/her belt or pocket to carry the hex keys to the job site or other destination.

Claims

1. A hex key holder comprising:

a generally flat body having;

a top surface and a bottom surface; and

an enclosure portion and a top portion extending above said enclosure portion;

a lid pivotably connected to a side edge of said body, pivotable onto said body and securable thereto so as to define an enclosed area in said enclosure portion, said lid and said body, when said lid is closed, cooperatively defining a plurality of holes into said enclosed area, each having an axis generally parallel to said side edge of said body, each configured to receive a hex key;

a block removably secured to said top portion of said body, positioned so as to block removal of hex keys from said holes when said lid is secured against said body, said block not being removable from said body as long as said lid is secured against said body.

2. A hex key holder as defined in claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a first slit defined within said top portion thereof and said block further comprises a clip molded to the underside thereof, positionable through said first slit such that it may be removed only by sliding said block relative to said body, such sliding being prevented when hex keys are carried by said lid and said lid is closed.

3. A hex key holder as defined in claim 2, wherein said bottom surface of said body has a bracket thereto, said bracket configured to receive said clip for storage of said block.

4. A hex key holder as defined in claim 1, wherein said block further comprises at least one channel defined within said block configured to receive a hex key.

5. A hex key holder as defined in claim 2, wherein said block further comprises at least one channel defined within said block configured to receive a hex key.

6. A hex key holder as defined in claim 1, wherein said body further comprises a hole defined in said top portion of said body securable to a conventional hook at the point of sale.

7. A hex key holder as defined in claim 1, wherein said enclosure portion of said body further comprises a plurality of retaining members molded thereto, said retaining members positioned to secure each hex key received by said plurality of holes.