Pin bank

Abstract

An apparatus for securing pins includes a container including an opening sized to receive pins, a reservoir for the pins, and baffles between the opening and the reservoir. The baffles are configured to permit the pins to fall into the reservoir but to prevent the pins from exiting the container through the opening.

1 . An apparatus for securing pins, comprising: 
 a container including an opening sized to receive pins, a reservoir for the pins, and baffles between the opening and the reservoir, the baffles being configured to permit the pins to fall into the reservoir but to prevent the pins from exiting the container through the opening.    
   
   
       2 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , wherein the baffles define a serpentine path between the opening and the reservoir.  
   
   
       3 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 2 , wherein the baffles are alternately positioned along the path on opposite sides of the container.  
   
   
       4 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , wherein two of the baffles include guide surfaces that are approximately perpendicular.  
   
   
       5 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , wherein the baffles overlap obstructing a line of sight from the opening to the reservoir.  
   
   
       6 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , wherein the opening is defined by two of the baffles.  
   
   
       7 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , further including: 
 means for detachably securing the container to a surface.    
   
   
       8 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , further including: 
 a bracket configured for mounting to a surface;    wherein the container and the bracket are formed with complementary surfaces that allow the container to be detachably secured to the bracket.    
   
   
       9 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 8 , wherein the complementary surfaces include a recessed portion and a latch member sized to fit into the recessed portion when the container is secured to the bracket.  
   
   
       10 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 1 , wherein the container includes a front portion that is made of a substantially clear or translucent material allowing a person to see pins inside the reservoir.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for securing pins, comprising: 
 a container including an opening sized to receive pins, a reservoir for the pins, a serpentine path between the opening and the reservoir, and scoops configured along the serpentine path to catch and prevent the pins from exiting the container through the opening.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 11 , wherein the scoops are alternately positioned on opposite sides of the container.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 11 , wherein the scoops overlap, defining turns along the serpentine path.  
   
   
       14 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 11 , wherein the scoops face away from the opening.  
   
   
       15 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 11 , further including: 
 means for detachably securing the container to a surface.    
   
   
       16 . An apparatus for securing pins, comprising: 
 a bracket configured for mounting to a surface; and    a container configured to be detachably secured to the bracket, the container including an opening sized to receive pins, a reservoir for the pins, and a path between the opening and the reservoir, the path including a sequence of members that are angled in relation to the opening and alternately positioned on opposite sides of the container to catch and prevent the pins from exiting the container through the opening.    
   
   
       17 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 16 , wherein the bracket includes a latch member and the container includes a recessed portion sized to receive the latch member when the container is secured to the bracket.  
   
   
       18 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 17 , wherein the latch member includes a flexible portion.  
   
   
       19 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 16 , wherein the members overlap, defining turns along the path.  
   
   
       20 . The apparatus for securing pins of  claim 16 , wherein the opening is defined by two of the members.