Tool securing apparatus and method

Abstract

A cutting tool securing apparatus for temporarily securing a tool such as a vegetable slicing tool to a planar member such as a table or countertop. The invention removes the necessity of permanently mounting the tool or mounting apparatus to the table or countertop. The cutting tool securing apparatus of the present invention has no moving, adjustable or articulating members. The apparatus is comprised of an L-shaped metal plate, to which a tool-mounting apparatus is bolted. The metal plate includes a first member, which is removably affixed to the top of a planar surface, such as a table, via temporary securing means. One or more rubber suction cups are the preferred type of temporary securing means. The suction cups are affixed to the lower surface of the plate. The cups serve to secure the apparatus to the planar surface yet allow the apparatus to later be removed in order to clean the area. The apparatus also includes a second member, substantially perpendicular to the first member that is adaptable to be wrapped around downwardly extending edge of the table to prevent the tool from sliding laterally forward or backward during use.

1 . An apparatus for securing a tool to a planar surface, the apparatus comprising: 
 a planar surface securing plate having a first member and a second member substantially perpendicular to the first member, the first member having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface further comprising temporary planar surface affixing means, the second member terminating in an arcuate extension member adapted to engage a downwardly extending edge of the planar surface.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the temporary planar surface affixing means is comprised of at least one suction cup.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the temporary planar surface affixing means is comprised of at least one hook and loop fastener.  
   
   
       4 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the upper surface of the first member is adaptable to support the tool.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the upper surface of the first member is adaptable to support a tool-mounting apparatus.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first member is hingedly coupled to the second member.  
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the second member further comprises table edge securing means to further prevent unwanted lateral motion of the apparatus.  
   
   
       9 . An apparatus for securing a tool to a planar surface, the apparatus comprising: 
 a planar surface securing plate having a first member and a second member substantially perpendicular to the first member, the first member having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface further comprising temporary planar surface affixing means, the second member terminating in an arcuate extension member adapted to engage a downwardly extending edge of the planar surface; and    a tool securing track affixed to the upper surface of the first member of the planar surface securing plate, the tool-securing track adapted to receive and secure the tool.    
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the temporary planar surface affixing means is comprised of at least one suction cup.  
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the temporary planar surface affixing means is comprised of at least one hook and loop fastener.  
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the tool-securing track is permanently affixed to the upper surface of the first member of the planar surface securing plate.  
   
   
       13 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the first member is hingedly coupled to the second member.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the second member further comprises table edge securing means to further prevent unwanted lateral motion of the apparatus  
   
   
       16 . An apparatus for temporarily securing a tool to a table comprising: 
 a plate member comprising:    a first component comprising an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, the lower surface including at least one suction cup to couple the plate member to the table; and 
 a second component substantially perpendicular to the first component terminating in an upwardly-extending arcuate member, the arcuate member defining a channel adaptable to receive and engage a downward extending table edge; and  
   a tool-securing track affixed to the upper surface of the first component of the plate member for receiving and securing the tool.    
   
   
       17 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the tool securing track is permanently affixed to the upper surface of the first component of the plate member.  
   
   
       18 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the first component is hingedly coupled to the second component.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the second component further comprises table edge securing means to further prevent unwanted lateral motion of the apparatus  
   
   
       21 - 27 . (Cancelled)