Drill bit case with pivotable holders

Special receptacle or package – For a tool – Plural

Reexamination Certificate

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Details

C206S379000, C206S747000, C206S748000, C211S069000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06283291

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a case for drill bits or the like, such as may be used to hold the drill bits or the like at the point of sale and/or subsequently as a storage holder.
The case could be used for similar items such as screwdriver bits, taps, router bits, and similar power tool accessories, etc. For convenience, “drill bits” will be referred to herein, or “items” generally. It should be understood that where “drill bits” are referred to expressly, that is as an example only, and is not intended to be limiting.
Many drill bit cases are presently on the market, and a number of them have manually rotatable holders in which the drill bits are carried. The holders typically are blocks or plates having a plurality of holes into or through which the drill bits may be positioned. Alternatively, the holders may be clips into which the drill bits snap. The cases commonly have a box-like base in which the holders are mounted, and a cover hinged to the base at a top, bottom or side edge. The holders rotate between a storage position wherein the holders and hence the drill bits are aligned or generally aligned with the main plane of the base, and an access position wherein the holders and hence the drill bits are angled outwardly from the main plane for easier access. By “main plane”, what is meant is the plane to which most elements of the case are closest, i.e. normally a plane parallel to and generally midway between the front and back of the case.
In the prior art cases with rotatable holders, generally they must be rotated manually, or there is a linkage to the cover of the case which rotates them to the access position when the cover is opened. Manual operation is a nuisance; linkages add to the cost of the case, and can be temperamental.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the preceding, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved case for drill bits, offering automatic rotation of the drill bit holders to the access position on opening the cover, without any linkage to the cover.
The case has at least one and possibly several holders rotatably mounted in a base portion thereof, for rotation between a storage position and an access position. Each holder provides multiple holes into or through which drill bits are inserted.
As in the prior art, in the access position the holders are oriented at an angle to the main plane of the base, such that the drill bits angle outwardly from the base for easier access. In the storage position, each holder is more aligned with the main plane of the base, for example oriented parallel or close to parallel to the main plane.
Not all holders necessarily rotate automatically. For example, there could be a front holder which is rotatable on opening the cover, and a rear holder which is not rotatable at all, or which is only manually rotatable.
Any holders which are in the access position must be rotated to their storage positions in order for the cover to close. Although they could be rotated manually to their storage positions, preferably the action of closing the cover moves them to the storage position, by contacting one or more of the holders, or one or more of the drill bits.
The holders rotate to the access position automatically upon opening of the cover, by virtue of a molded or mechanical spring or other biasing means, such as springiness of a living hinge, for example.
The case can be a one-piece molded construction, or an assembly of various components, e.g. base, cover, holders, and removable stop walls.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the following detailed description.


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patent: 5878882 (1999-03-01), Kohagura
patent: 5893457 (1999-04-01), Wei

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