Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
  • B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
  • B25H3/04—Racks
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
  • B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
  • B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
  • B25H3/006—Storage means specially adapted for one specific hand apparatus, e.g. an electric drill

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to hanger accessories and hanger systems.
• One such known system is a hanger system whereby a rail is fixed to a wall and a hanger accessory can be mounted on the rail system.
• Objects such as tools, bicycles etc. can be stored in a vertical orientation or suspended from a hanger system.
• the rail allows for the position of the hanger accessory to be adjusted without moving the rail with respect to the wall. This provides a convenient storage system in a storage area with limited space.
• the hanger accessory e.g. a hook can support an object, but the object may be dislodged from the hanger accessory if the user accidentally knocks the hanger accessory in the limited space storage area. The object can then be damaged when the object impacts the floor.
• Examples of the present disclosure aim to address the aforementioned problems.
• a hanger accessory for a rail comprising: a bracket removably mountable on the rail; and a power tool holster mountable to the bracket and arranged to hold a power tool when the hanger accessory is mounted on the rail.
• the power tool holster is removably mountable to the bracket.
• the bracket comprises a holster locking mechanism configured to move between a release position wherein the power tool holster is removable from the bracket and a locked position wherein the power tool holster is fixed with respect to the bracket.
• the holster locking mechanism comprises at least one snap fit mechanism comprising a resiliently biased hook arranged to engage in a reciprocal hole in the bracket.
• the holster locking mechanism comprises a first snap fit mechanism and a second snap fit mechanism, wherein the first snap fit mechanism is configured to prevent the power tool holster moving with respect to the bracket in a first direction and the second snap fit mechanism is configured to prevent the power tool holster moving with respect to the bracket in a second direction.
• the power tool holster comprises a tool holder hole arranged to receive a tool holder of the power tool.
• the tool holder hole is located on a bottom wall of the power tool holster.
• the power tool holster comprises a slot for receiving a power tool handle.
• the power tool holster comprises a receptacle body having at least one retaining wall extending upwardly adjacent to at least a portion of the power tool when the power tool is seated in the power tool holster.
• the power tool holster comprises a projecting supporting arm arranged to engage an underside of a power tool handle when the power tool is seated in the power tool holster.
• the bracket comprises at least one bracket fastener hole configured to receive a rivet when mounting the bracket on a pegboard.
• the bracket comprises a bracket locking mechanism and moveable between an unlocked position wherein the bracket is detachable from the rail and a locked position wherein the bracket is not detachable from the rail.
• the bracket comprises an overhang portion configured to engage an upper rail portion.
• the bracket comprises a pivotable hook configured to engage with a pegboard.
• a hanger system comprising: a hanger accessory according to the first aspect; and a rail.
• Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a bracket 130 for a hanger accessory 124 and a rail 100.
• the hanger accessory 124 and the rail 100 together form a hanger system 164.
• the accompanying figures show different parts of the hanger system 164.
• the rail 100 extends along a longitudinal rail axis 122 as shown in Figure 1 .
• the rail 100 comprises a profile 102 and has raised portions and recessed portions.
• the rail 100 has an upper rail portion 118 and a lower rail portion 120.
• a first raised portion 104 is along the upper rail portion 118.
• a second raised portion 108 is arranged along a lower rail portion 120.
• the first raised portion 104 has a first raised portion lip 106.
• the second raised portion 108 has a second raised portion lip 110.
• the profile 102 having a first raised portion 104 and a second raised portion 108 provides rigidity to the rail 100.
• the first raised portion 104 and the second raised portion 108 also provide features for the hanger accessory 124 to positively engage with to provide secure engagement between the rail 100 and the hanger accessory 124.
• a central recess 112 is located between the first raised portion 104 and the second raised portion 108 as shown in Figure 1 .
• the central recess 112 comprises a plurality of fastener holes 114.
• the fastener holes 114 are configured to receive one or more fasteners for attaching the rail 100 to a surface.
• the rail 100 is arranged to be fastened to a vertical surface such as a wall.
• the rail 100 can be attached to other vertical surfaces such as doors, screens, or any other vertical surface.
• the rail 100 can be attached to any suitable surface.
• the fasteners (not shown) are inserted into the fastener holes 114 (only one fastener hole 114 is labelled in Figure 1 for the purposes of clarity).
• the fasteners can be screws, bolts or any other suitable fastener arranged to securely fasten to another object or body. Since the central recess 112 provides an accommodating space for the fasteners, the fasteners do not protrude from the central recess 112 when inserted and engaged with the rail 100.
• the fastener holes 114 are optional, and the rail 100 is mounted using another fastening solution e.g. adhesive.
• FIG. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of the hanger accessory 124 whilst Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the assembled hanger accessory 124.
• the bracket 130 comprises an overhang portion 132.
• the overhang portion 132 is configured to engage with the upper rail portion 118 of the rail 100. In this way, the overhang portion 132 hooks over the upper rail portion 118 and the bracket 130 hangs therefrom.
• the engagement between the bracket 130, the overhang portion 132 and the upper rail portion 118 can be seen in Figure 1 .
• the bracket 130 allows the hanger accessory 124 to be removably mounted to the rail 100.
• the hanger accessory 124 comprises a bracket locking mechanism 138 which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
• bracket locking mechanism 138 When the bracket locking mechanism 138 is in the locked position the bracket 130 is not detachable from the rail 100. Conversely when the bracket locking mechanism 138 is in the unlocked position the bracket 130 is detachable from the rail 100.
• the bracket locking mechanism 138 as discussed herein is rotatable about a rotation axis 150. When the bracket locking mechanism 138 rotates about the rotation axis 150 (best shown in Figure 5 ) the bracket locking mechanism 138 moves between the locked position and the unlocked position. However, in other examples not shown in the Figures, the bracket locking mechanism 138 can alternatively move between the locked position and the unlocked position with a sliding movement or a combination of a sliding and rotational movement rather than a rotational movement.
• the bracket locking mechanism 138 comprises a knob 140 for actuating the bracket locking mechanism 138.
• the knob 140 is mounted to the bracket 130 and projects through the bracket 130 via a hole (not shown).
• the knob 140 is configured to be moved and rotated by the user's fingers. In this way, actuation of the bracket locking mechanism 138 does not need a tool.
• the knob 140 can be replaced with a socket (not shown) for receiving a removable knob 140 or a tool.
• the bracket locking mechanism 138 comprises a locking mechanism projecting arm 152 that projects upwardly when the bracket locking mechanism 138 is in the locked position as shown in Figure 5 .
• the locking mechanism projecting arm 152 is adjacent to the lower rail portion 120 and prevents relative movement of the bracket 130 with respect to the rail 100 in a direction perpendicular to the rail 100. That is, the locking mechanism projecting arm 152 prevents the bracket 130 from being unhooked and detached from the rail 100 when the bracket locking mechanism 138 is in the locked position.
• the hanger accessory 124 comprises a bracket 130 for mounting to the rail 100.
• the hanger accessory 124 also comprises a power tool holster 126 as shown in Figures 2 and 3 .
• the power tool holster 126 is arranged to hold a power tool 128 (best shown in Figures 4a and 4b ) when the hanger accessory 124 is mounted to the rail 100.
• Figures 4a and 4b respectively show a perspective view of the hanger accessory 124 and a power tool 128 in an unmated position and mated position.
• the rail 100 is mounted to a vertical surface e.g. a wall and the hanger accessory 124 projects in a perpendicular direction from the wall.
• the power tool holster 126 is a rigid frame arranged to hold the power tool 128 when the hanger accessory 124 is mounted to the rail 100.
• the power tool 128 is retained in the power tool holster 126 such that the power tool 128 cannot be knocked out of the power tool holster 126 accidentally.
• a user can use the rail 100 and hanger accessory 124 to store different types of object, such as a power tool 128.
• the process of storing the power tool 128 in the power tool holster 126 is discussed in more detail in Figures 4a and 4b below.
• the power tool 128 is a pistol grip power tool 128, wherein the power tool handle 182 extends along an axis at an angle to the power tool body 206.
• the pistol grip power tool 128 is shown in Figures 4a and 4b .
• the power tool 128 can have a 90 degree angle between the power tool handle 182 and the power tool body 206.
• the power tool 128 is arranged to be inserted into the power tool holster 126 and rests therein under the force of gravity. Whilst the examples as illustrated and described with respect to the Figures show the power tool holster 126 used with a pistol grip power tool 128, other power tools 128 with a different form factor can be used.
• the power tool 128 can have an inline arrangement.
• the power tool 128 is a drill. In other examples, the power tool 128 is one or more of a drill, a circular saw, a jigsaw, a reciprocating saw, an angle grinder, a rotary tool, a random orbital sander, an impact driver, an electric screwdriver, a nail gun, a power planer, a heat gun, a multi-tool, a rivet gun, an oscillating tool, or any other handheld power tool 128.
• a drill a circular saw, a jigsaw, a reciprocating saw, an angle grinder, a rotary tool, a random orbital sander, an impact driver, an electric screwdriver, a nail gun, a power planer, a heat gun, a multi-tool, a rivet gun, an oscillating tool, or any other handheld power tool 128.
• the power tool 128, as shown in Figures 4a and 4b is a battery powered power tool 128.
• the battery is not shown together with the power tool 128 in Figures 4a or 4b .
• the power tool 128 can be inserted into the power tool holster 126 with or without the battery mounted to the power tool 128.
• the power tool 128 may additionally or alternatively be a mains powered power tool 128.
• the power tool 128 also comprises a cord, which is also not shown.
• the power tool holster 126 is removably mountable to the bracket 130. This means that the bracket 130 can be positioned on the rail 100 before the power tool holster 126 is mounted to the bracket 130. This can make installation of the hanger accessory 124 easier because the power tool holster 126 does not get in the way of the bracket 130. For example, the user has easier access to the knob 140 when the power tool holster 126 is not mounted on the bracket 130.
• the bracket 130 extends along a bracket longitudinal axis 146.
• the power tool holster 126 is configured to move in a direction parallel with the bracket longitudinal axis 146 when the power tool holster 126 is attached and removed from the bracket 130.
• the power tool holster 126 is slidably engageable with the bracket 130 in a direction parallel with the bracket longitudinal axis 146. The engagement of the power tool holster 126 and the bracket 130 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to Figures 5 and 6 .
• the power tool holster 126 comprises a receptacle body 188 for receiving the power tool body 206.
• the receptacle body 188 comprises a tool holder hole 142 on the holster bottom wall 178.
• the tool holder hole 142 is arranged to receive the tool holder 136 of the power tool 128.
• the tool holder 136 can be for example a chuck for holding a screwdriver bit, a drill bit, saw blade etc. of a power tool 128 or any other portion of the power tool 128 that projects from a power tool body 206.
• the power tool 128 is inserted into the receptacle body 188 and when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126 (e.g. as shown in Figure 4b ) the tool holder 136 projects through the tool holder hole 142. When the tool holder 136 projects through the tool holder hole 142, the power tool 128 is restricted in movement with respect to the power tool holster 126.
• the tool holder hole 142 is optional.
• the tool holder 136 extends only into the receptacle body 188.
• the internal cross-section of the receptacle body 188 corresponds to the outer cross-sectional shape of the power tool body 206.
• the receptacle body 188 provides a snug fit around the power tool body 206 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the receptacle body 188 comprises at least one retaining wall 190 which projects upwardly away from the holster bottom wall 178.
• the retaining wall 190 is arranged to be adjacent to the power tool body 206 to prevent the power tool 128 from twisting or any other movement with respect to the power tool holster 126 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the receptacle body 188 also comprises a holster slot 180 in a side of the retaining wall 190 opposite the bracket 130.
• the holster slot 180 is configured to receive the power tool handle 182 as the power tool 128 is inserted into the power tool holster 126.
• the holster slot 180 prevents the power tool 128 rotating with respect to the power tool holster 126 about a power tool holster axis 204 (best shown in Figure 4a ) when seated therein. Accordingly, the holster slot 180 permits relative movement of the power tool 128 with respect to the power tool holster 126 in a direction parallel to the power tool holster axis 204.
• the holster slot 180 may be optional.
• the form factor of the power tool 128 may mean that the power tool handle 182 extends in a direction parallel with the power tool holster axis 204 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126. This arrangement is different from that as shown in Figures 4a, 4b wherein the power tool handle 182 extends in a direction perpendicular to the power tool holster axis 204 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the power tool holster 126 comprises a projecting supporting arm 192 that extends from the receptacle body 188.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 extends in a direction away from the bracket 130.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 is aligned with the holster slot 180. This means that both the holster slot 180 and the projecting supporting arm 192 are aligned with the power tool handle 182 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 optionally comprises a handle engagement portion 194 which is configured to engage the handle trigger side 184 of the power tool handle 182 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the handle trigger side 184 of the power tool handle 182 is the underside of the power tool 128 when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 prevents the power tool handle 182 from exerting a turning moment on the power tool 128 and causing the power tool 128 to fall out of the power tool holster 126.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 may be particularly important if the user has kept the battery still mounted to the power tool 128.
• the power tool 128 In the absence of the battery being mounted to the power tool handle 182, most of the weight of the power tool 128 is within the power tool body 206 which contains the motor not shown.
• the power tool 128 may be balanced when seated in the power tool holster 126 and the centre of gravity of the power tool 128 remains close to the power tool holster axis 204.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 is not necessary and alternative examples do not have the projecting supporting arm 192. This may be so if for example, the internal cross-section of the receptacle body 188 corresponds to the outer cross-sectional shape of the power tool body 206.
• Figure 4b shows the projecting supporting arm 192 extending below the power tool handle 182 and does not engage a trigger switch 186 of the power tool 128.
• the projecting supporting arm 192 comprises a cutaway section 196 which exposes the trigger switch 186. In this way, the projecting supporting arm 192 does not accidentally actuate the trigger switch 186 when the user stores the power tool 128 in the power tool holster 126.
• the cut away section 196 does not obscure the power tool handle 182. This means that the power tool handle 182 is accessible to the user when the power tool 128 is seated in the power tool holster 126. In order for the user to remove the power tool 128 from the power tool holster 126, the user can grip the power tool handle 182 whilst the power tool 128 is still seated in the power tool holster 126.
• the power tool holster 126 comprises a holster locking mechanism 144 in order to secure the power tool holster 126 with respect to the bracket 130.
• the holster locking mechanism 144 will now be discussed in more detail with respect to Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 .
• the holster locking mechanism 144 specifically prevents relative movement of the power tool holster 126 with respect to the bracket 130 along the bracket longitudinal axis 146.
• the holster locking mechanism 144 is configured to move between a release position wherein the power tool holster 126 is removable from the bracket 130 and a locked position wherein the power tool holster 126 is fixed with respect to the bracket 130.
• the holster locking mechanism 144 comprises at least one snap fit mechanism.
• Figure 5 shows a plan cross-sectional view of the hanger accessory 124.
• the snap fit mechanism in some examples comprises a first snap fit arm 148 and a second snap fit arm 154.
• the first snap fit arm 148 is configured to be resiliently deformable and is biased to a locked position.
• the second snap fit arm 154 is configured to be resiliently deformable and is biased to a locked position as well.
• the arrangement shown in Figure 5 shows the first snap fit arm 148 and the second snap fit arm 154, in other arrangements, the snap fit mechanism may only comprise the first snap fit arm 148.
• the first snap fit arm 148 and the second snap fit arm 154 are urged against the bracket surface 134 when the power tool holster 126 is engaged with the bracket 130.
• the bracket 130 comprises a holster retaining slot 168 for receiving the first snap fit arm 148 and the second snap fit arm 154.
• the bracket 130 comprises a first retaining arm 170 and a second retaining arm 172 around the holster retaining slot 168.
• the first retaining arm 170 is configured to engage with a first holster lip 208 as shown in Figure 2 .
• a second holster lip is not visible in Figure 2 .
• the power tool holster 126 comprises first and second holster lips 208 to respectively engage the first retaining arm 170 and the second retaining arm 172.
• first retaining arm 170 and the second retaining arm 172 prevent the power tool holster 126 from moving in a direction away from the bracket 130 perpendicular to the bracket longitudinal axis 146.
• the first snap fit arm 148 comprises a first hook 156 which is configured to engage a first reciprocal hole 162 in the bracket 130.
• the second snap fit arm 154 comprises a second hook 158 which is configured to engage a second reciprocal hole 166.
• the first snap fit arm 148 and the second snap fit arm 154 are arranged such that they urge against the bracket 130 and the first hook 156 and the second hook 158 engage respectively with the first reciprocal hole 162 and the second reciprocal hole 166 when the power tool holster 126 is engaged with the bracket 130.
• the user knows when the power tool holster 126 is seated correctly in the bracket 130 since they will receive a tactile and audible feedback when the first snap fit arm 148 and the second snap fit arm 154 snap into a locked position.
• Figure 6 shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the power tool holster 126 engaged with the bracket 130.
• the arrangement shown in Figure 6 is a close-up view of the cross-sectional view shown in Figure 5 .
• the first snap-fit arm 148 is in the locked position. This means that the first hook 156 has snapped into engagement with the first reciprocal hole 162.
• the first snap-fit arm 148 comprises a first release lever 174 which can be depressed away from the bracket 130. As the user pushes the first release lever 174 away from the bracket 130, the first hook 156 disengages from the first reciprocal hole 162. This means that the power tool holster 126 can be slid in a direction along the bracket longitudinal axis 146.
• the first hook 156 comprises a first hook ramp surface 160. This means that if the user depresses a second release lever 176 on the second snap fit arm 154, the first hook 156 does not prevent removal of the power tool holster 126 from the bracket 130.
• the second hook 158 also has a second hook ramp surface which is sloped in an opposite direction to the first hook ramp surface 160. This means that the user is only required to depress either the first release lever 174 or the second release lever 176 in order to release the power tool holster 126 from the bracket 130.
• first release lever 174 is arranged to allow relative movement of the power tool holster 126 with respect to the bracket 130 in a first direction.
• second release lever 176 is configured to release the power tool holster 126 in a second direction with respect to the bracket 130.
• the first direction and the second direction are in opposite directions parallel with respect to the bracket longitudinal axis 146.
• first snap-fit arm 148 and the second snap-fit arm 154 provide an arrangement whereby the power tool holster 126 can be securely mounted on the bracket 130.
• the power tool holster 126 is releasably mountable to the bracket 130
• the power tool holster 126 is fixed with respect to the bracket 130.
• the power tool holster 126 is not removable from the bracket 130.
• the bracket 130 and the power tool holster 126 are a single unitary element.
• the power tool holster 126 is permanently fixed or connected to the bracket 130 e.g. by welding, adhesive or any other suitable permanent connection arrangement.
• the bracket 130 comprises a pivotable hook mechanism 200 as shown in Figure 5 .
• the pivotable hook mechanism 200 is arranged to pivot about a hook pivot axis 202 such that the pivotable hook mechanism 200 can move from a stowed position to a deployed position. In the deployed position the pivotable hook mechanism 200 is arranged to be received in a hole for mounting the bracket 130 in another vertical mounting mechanism.
• the vertical mounting mechanism may be a pegboard with a plurality of holes for receiving the pivotable hook mechanism 200.
• the pivotable hook mechanism 200 comprises a plurality of pivotal hooks 200 that move together when the pivotable hook mechanism 200 is moved from the stowed position to the deployed position.
• the pivotable hooks 200 When in the deployed position, the pivotable hooks 200 each project from the bracket 130 away from the power tool holster 126 e.g. towards the pegboard.
• the pivotable hook mechanism 200 is pivotable between a deployed position and a stowed position, this means that the bracket 130 can either be mounted on a pegboard or mounted on the rail 100. When the bracket 130 is mounted on the rail 100 the pivotable hook mechanism 200 is positioned in the stowed position.
• the hanger accessory 124 further comprises an alternative arrangement for mounting the hanger accessory 124 to a vertical mounting surface e.g. a wall or a pegboard (not shown).
• the bracket 130 optionally comprises bracket fastener holes 210 for receiving a rivet 198, engagement peg or any other suitable fastener.
• the rivet 198 is configured to be inserted through a bracket fastener hole 210 and into a reciprocal hole in the pegboard.
• the bracket 130 as shown in Figure 1 does not comprise the rivets 198 because the rivets 198 will get in the way when the bracket 130 is mounted on the rail 100.
• the bracket 130 comprises two bracket fastener holes 210. However, in other examples there can be any suitable number of bracket fastener holes 210 for securing the hanger accessory 124 to the pegboard.
• a rivet 198 is shown in Figure 7 inserted into the bracket fastener hole 210.
• the other bracket fastener hole 210 is shown without the rivet 198 to show the different mounting options of the hanger accessory 124.
• both bracket fastener holes 210 receive the rivets 198 when being mounted on the pegboard.
• Figure 7 shows a reverse perspective view of the hanger accessory 124.
• the hanger accessory 124 comprises a plurality of different mounting options to vertical mounting surfaces e.g. the pivotable hook mechanism 200 and the rivets 198 for mounting to a pegboard.
• the hanger accessory 124 is also mountable to the rail 100 as previously discussed.
• bracket locking mechanism 138 When the hanger accessory 124 is mounted to the pegboard, the bracket locking mechanism 138 does not engage the pegboard because projecting bracket arms 212 engage the pegboard instead.
• the projecting bracket arms 212 project in a direction away from the power tool holster 126 further than the bracket locking mechanism 138. This means that the bracket locking mechanism 138 is not damaged when the hanger accessory 124 is mounted on the pegboard instead of the rail 100.
• Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Workshop Equipment, Work Benches, Supports, Or Storage Means (AREA)

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• 2024
  • 2024-06-20 EP EP24183480.3A patent/EP4667165A1/de active Pending
• 2025
  • 2025-06-06 WO PCT/EP2025/065946 patent/WO2025261809A1/en active Pending

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