Tool holder

Abstract

A tool holder includes a body defining one or more receptacles for receiving a tool or portion thereof; and one or more gripping members substantially aligned with the one or more receptacles to releasably grip the tool or portion thereof upon insertion therethrough.

1 . A tool holder comprising:
 a body defining one or more receptacles each having an aperture for receiving a tool or portion thereof; and   wherein each aperture is bounded by a resilient gripping members adapted to releasably grip the tool or portion thereof upon insertion therethrough.   
     
     
         2 . The holder of  claim 1 , further comprising a surface layer removably attachable to the body. 
     
     
         3 . The holder of  claim 2 , wherein the surface layer is formed of flexible elastomeric material. 
     
     
         4 . The holder of  claim 2 , wherein the body comprises a base portion, a top portion, and a mounting face. 
     
     
         5 . The holder of  claim 4 , wherein the body is formed of a rigid material. 
     
     
         6 . The holder of  claim 5 , wherein the material is selected from plastic, wood, or metal. 
     
     
         7 . The holder of  claim 4 , wherein the base portion is substantially flat. 
     
     
         8 . The holder of  claim 7 , wherein the base portion is constructed from, coated, or provided with a material which prevents slippage. 
     
     
         9 . The holder of  claim 8 , wherein the material is selected from rubber, an adhesive, a magnet, gel, or silicone. 
     
     
         10 . The holder of  claim 4 , wherein the mounting face defines one or more slots. 
     
     
         11 . The holder of  claim 10 , wherein the one or more slots comprises a keyhole-type slot. 
     
     
         12 . The holder of  claim 4 , wherein the top portion is substantially curved. 
     
     
         13 . The holder of  claim 2 , wherein the receptacle is closed at one end, or open ended. 
     
     
         14 . The holder of  claim 13 , wherein the receptacle is tapered and comprises an open-ended drain tube positioned at a base portion of the receptacle. 
     
     
         15 . The holder of  claim 14 , wherein the receptacle is conical-shaped. 
     
     
         16 . The holder of  claim 14 , wherein the surface layer extends downwardly into the body to define the receptacle, and the body defines the drain tube. 
     
     
         17 . The holder of  claim 14 , wherein the body defines an aperture, the receptacle, and the drain tube. 
     
     
         18 . The holder of  claim 14 , wherein the base portion is removable. 
     
     
         19 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a plurality of receptacles and the longitudinal axes of the receptacles are aligned at differing angles to maintain separation of adjacent tools. 
     
     
         20 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the gripping member defines an aperture which aligns with a corresponding receptacle, and has a transverse dimension smaller than the transverse dimension of the receptacle. 
     
     
         21 . The holder of  claim 20 , wherein the aperture has a substantially curved or rounded edge. 
     
     
         22 . The holder of  claim 2 , wherein the surface layer is configured to lie flush with the top portion of the body. 
     
     
         23 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the body defines a peripheral groove which engages a complementary groove defined by the surface layer. 
     
     
         24 . The holder of  claim 23 , wherein the body defines a slot which engages a complementary downwardly projecting tab defined by the surface layer. 
     
     
         25 . The holder of  claim 2 , wherein the surface layer is removably attachable to the body by a fastener. 
     
     
         26 . The holder of  claim 25 , wherein the fastener is selected from a screw fastener or a split clip. 
     
     
         27 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more gripping members are integral with the body. 
     
     
         28 . The holder of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more gripping members comprise an annular member releasably attached to the body. 
     
     
         29 . The holder of  claim 28 , wherein the annular member defines an aperture and a circumferential groove which engages a complementary annular groove defined by the body. 
     
     
         30 . The holder of  claim 29 , wherein the annular member is formed of flexible elastomeric material. 
     
     
         31 . The holder of  claim 3  or  30 , wherein the material is selected from polyisoprene, natural rubber, latex, polyurethane, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, gel, or silicone.