Wearable Tool Holder

Abstract

A tool holder is configured to hold a hammer and, in certain examples, also hold a tape measure. The tool holder includes a clip body having a first side, a second side, and a hinge portion extending therebetween. The clip body is configured to receive a belt of a user between the first and second sides. The tool holder further includes a loop member coupled to the second side of the clip body. The loop member includes a pair of coupling portions each coupled to the second side of the clip body, and a loop portion extending outwardly from a first of the pair of coupling portions to a second of the pair of coupling portions. The loop portion is configured to receive the hammer therethrough.

Claims

1. A tool holder configured to hold a hammer, the tool holder comprising: a clip body comprising a first side, a second side, and a hinge portion extending therebetween, the clip body configured to receive a belt of a user between the first and second sides; and a loop member coupled to the second side of the clip body, the loop member comprising a pair of coupling bars each coupled to the second side of the clip body, and a loop portion extending outwardly from a first of the pair of coupling bars to a second of the pair of coupling bars, wherein the loop portion is configured to receive the hammer therethrough.

2. The tool holder according to claim 1, further comprising a plate member coupled to the second side of the clip body, wherein the second side of the clip body is disposed between the plate member and the pair of coupling bars of the loop member, and wherein the plate member has a joining portion configured to receive a clip of a tape measure in order to maintain the tape measure on the tool holder.

3. The tool holder according to claim 2, wherein the first side of the clip body comprises a base portion and an extension portion extending outwardly from the base portion, and wherein the extension portion has a flange portion extending away from the second side of the clip body in order to allow the belt to be received between the first and second sides.

4. The tool holder according to claim 3, wherein the loop portion of the loop member is concave facing upwards in order to allow the hammer to be cradled by a trough of the loop portion.

5. The tool holder according to claim 4, wherein the loop portion is disposed vertically below the joining portion.

6. The tool holder according to claim 2, wherein the plate member and the loop member are horizontally aligned with respect to the clip body.

7. The tool holder according to claim 2, wherein the joining portion is a rigid surface extending inwardly from plate member toward the clip body.

8. The tool holder according to claim 7, wherein the second side of the clip body includes an elongated slot for receiving the clip of the tape measure.

9. A tool holder comprising: a clip body having a first side having a first end and a second end and a second side having a first end and a second end, said first ends of said first and second sides joined to one another and said second ends of said first and second sides un-joined and biased towards one another; and a loop member having a pair of coupling bars coupled to outer edges of the second side of the clip body and having a loop portion extending outwardly from and between the coupling bars, said loop portion cooperating with said clip body to define a tool receiving opening configured to receive a portion of a tool therethrough with said tool supported by said loop portion.

10. The tool holder according to claim 9, further comprising a plate member having coupling flanges coupled to the outer edges of the second side of the clip body and having a central plate disposed between the coupling flanges for receiving a clip of a tape measure.

11. The tool holder according to claim 10, wherein the coupling flanges extend inward from the central plate toward the clip body.

12. The tool holder according to claim 11, wherein the central plate has a joining portion extending from the central plate toward the clip body and wherein the second side of the clip body has an elongated slot, the joining portion and the elongated slot configured to receive the clip of the tape measure.

13. The tool holder according to claim 10, wherein the coupling bars and the coupling flanges are aligned and coupled to each other and coupled to opposite sides of the second side of the clip body.

14. The tool holder according to claim 13, wherein the second side of the clip body includes a distal end and the first side of the clip body includes a base portion, a flange portion extending below the distal end, and a securing portion disposed between the base portion and the flange portion, the securing portion having a V-shape vertically aligned with the distal end and protruding toward the second side in order to create a narrow channel between the first side and the second side of the clip body at the distal end.

15. A method of manufacturing a tool holder comprising: disposing a clip body comprising a first side, a second side, and a hinge portion extending therebetween; coupling a loop member to the second side of the clip body via a pair of coupling bars, the loop member having a loop portion extending outwardly from a first of the pair of coupling bars to a second of the pair of coupling bars, wherein the loop portion is configured to receive the hammer therethrough.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising coupling a plate member to the second side of the clip body via a pair of coupling flanges, the plate member having a joining portion configured to receive a clip of a tape measure in order to maintain the tape measure on the tool holder.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the clip body includes a pair of coupling surfaces at outer edges of the clip body and the coupling surfaces extend between the coupling bars and the coupling flanges to secure the loop member and the plate member, respectively.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising disposing an elongated slot on the second side of the clip body for receiving the clip of the tape measure.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second side of the clip body includes a distal end, wherein the first side of the clip body includes a base portion and a flange portion extending below the distal end, and further comprising disposing a securing portion between the base portion and the flange portion, the securing portion having a V-shape vertically aligned with the distal end and protruding toward the second side in order to create a narrow channel between the first side and the second side of the clip body at the distal end.

20. The method according to 16, wherein the joining portion is a rigid surface extending toward the clip body.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 illustrates a tool holder in accordance with one embodiment of the invention as employed on a belt of a user, and with a hammer and tape measure, wherein the belt, hammer, and tape measure are depicted in phantom lines in FIG. 1;

[0010] FIGS. 2-4 are rear perspective, side and rear views of the tool holder illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0011] FIGS. 5-6 are exploded front and rear perspective views of the tool holder illustrated in FIG. 1; and

[0012] FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional side exploded and assembled views of the tool holder illustrated in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

[0014] It will be understood that the above-described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0015] As employed herein, the terms coupled, coupling, and the like shall mean connected together either directly or via one or more intermediate parts or components.

[0016] As employed herein, the term number shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

[0017] As employed herein, the term vertical shall mean in the y-direction, the term horizontal shall mean in the x-direction, and the term depth shall mean in the z-direction. As employed herein, the term inward shall mean in the negative z-direction or toward a user. As employed herein, the term outward shall mean in the positive z-direction or away from a user.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a wearable tool holder 2 (also referred to herein as a holder), shown as employed with a hammer 200 (shown in phantom line drawing) and a tape measure 300 (shown in phantom line drawing). FIGS. 2-8 also show various views of the holder 2, with FIGS. 5 and 6 showing various exploded isometric views of the holder 2.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the holder 2 is configured to be worn or mounted on a person, such as an article of clothing or another wearable which is being worn by the person. In a preferred embodiment, the holder 2 includes a mount which allows connection of the holder 2 to such a wearable. In a preferred configuration, the mount is configured to connect the holder 2 to a belt or similar item (although a belt is preferred, the holder 2 could be connected to a person's pants waistband or the like). In one configuration, this mount comprises a clip body 10. The holder 2 preferably also includes a support or holder for at least one tool, and preferably two. In a preferred embodiment, the first tool may comprise a hammer (but may comprise other tools, and particularly T shaped or similar tools which may be supported in the manner described below). In a preferred configuration, this support comprises a loop member 40 which is supported by the clip body 10.

[0020] In one example, the clip body 10 includes a first or rear side 12, a second or front side 14. Each of first side 12 and front side 14 may have a coupled or proximal end 13 and a free or distal end 15. In other words, the holder 2 may have a proximal end 13 and a distal end 15. One end (such as a top end in the orientation illustrated) of each of the first side 12 and second side 14 are connected, such as at or via a hinge portion 16 extending between or connecting the first and second sides 12 and 14 and configured for allowing the first and second sides 12 and 14 to flex or move with respect to each other. Opposing or distal ends 15 (the bottom ends in the orientation as illustrated) of the first side 12 and second side 14 are not connected, thus defining a slot or opening therebetween. Specifically, the first side 12 and second side 14 may move relative to one another (towards and away from one another), such as by flexing or pivoting about the hinge portion 16 when the holder 2 is being connected to or removed from a belt 400 (FIG. 1)wherein when being connected to a belt 400, the clip body 10 and belt 400 are moved relative to one another so that the belt 400 passes between the distal ends 15 of the first side 12 and the second side 14 and upwardly towards the top/connected end of the clip mount 10.

[0021] While the first side 12 and second side 14 of the clip body 10 might be separate elements which are joined, in a preferred embodiment, the clip body 10 is preferably molded as a polymeric and/or monomeric unitary component (e.g., a single injection molded piece of material), thus reducing manufacturing cost while still permitting the first side 12 and second side 14 to move relative to one another (via flexing) rather than via a mechanical connector such as a hinge. Further, in this configuration, the first side 12 and second side 14 are biased towards one another without the need for a secondary biasing element.

[0022] The first side 12 may include an extension portion 18 (also referred to herein as a receiving portion) and a base portion 20 located between the extension portion 18 to the hinge portion 16. In one example, as shown, the base portion 20 may be generally planar. In another embodiment (not shown), the base portion might include strengthening ribs or other protrusions.

[0023] The extension portion 18 may cause the free or distal end 15 of the first side 12 to extend downwardly farther than the free or distal end 15 of the second side 14, thus acting as a belt guide to help guide the holder 2 onto the wearer's belt or other wearable. In various embodiments, the extension portion may comprise a flange portion 22 and a securing portion 24. In various embodiments, the flange portion 22 may be in-plane with the base portion 20. In a preferred configuration, a V-shaped securing portion 24 is located between the flange portion 22 and the base portion 20, at the location of the free or distal end 15 of the second side 14. This V-shaped securing portion 24 protrudes towards the second side 14, such as to touch it or create a narrower channel/opening between the first side 12 and the second side 14. See also, for example, the section view of the holder 2 shown in FIG. 8, which shows a preferred geometry of the receiving portion 18.

[0024] In order to receive the belt 400 (FIG. 1), the user may slide the flange portion 22 behind their belt 400 and then press the clip body 10 downwardly. The belt 400 is pressed between the first side 12 and the second side 14 of the clip body 10, with the second side 14 flexing outwardly to allow the clip body 10 to pass over the belt 400, until it is received between the first and second sides 12 and 14, or preferably, between the base portion 20 and the second side 14. This corresponds to the user putting on and/or wearing the tool holder 2. Subsequently, once the belt 400, or other suitable member, is secured between the first and second sides 12 and 14 of the clip body 10, the first side 12 and the second side 14 are biased back towards one another and the V-shaped securing portion 24, which extends from the base portion 20 toward the second side 14, can secure the belt 400 between the first and second sides 12 and 14, e.g., see the pinching effect of the securing portion 24 in FIG. 8. Should the belt 400 clear the securing portion 24, the securing portion 24 would bias back and, depending on the belt thickness, touch or contact the second side 14. However, it is understood that should the belt 400 or other suitable wearable member, such as a waistband of pants, not clear the securing portion 24, the securing portion 24 will nonetheless bias toward the second side 14 and provide a compressive force against the belt 400 or other suitable wearable member. Similarly, should the thickness of the belt 400 or other suitable wearable member prevent contact between the securing portion 24 and the second side 14, the securing portion 24 will nonetheless bias toward the second side 14 and provide a compressive force against the belt 400 or another suitable wearable member.

[0025] In accordance with the disclosed concept, the holder 2 is configured to reliably hold first and second tools, and thus includes a first tool holder and a second tool holder. In one embodiment, the first tool holder is configured to hold the hammer 200 (FIG. 1) at a user's side, thereby allowing the user to use the hammer 200, quickly and easily place the hammer 200 back in the holder 2, use the hammer 200 again, etc. In order to perform this function, the loop member 40 may be secured to the clip body 10, and thus indirectly secured to a user wearing the holder 2.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the loop member 40, which may be made of metallic materials and/or polymeric and/or monomeric materials, and be a unitary component made from a single piece of material, includes a pair of coupling bars 42 and 44, and a loop portion 46 extending therebetween (e.g. the loop member 40 effectively has a first end and a second end with a continuous loop portion 46 therebetween). Although the disclosed concept is described and shown in accordance with two coupling bars 42 and 44, it will be appreciated that a suitable alternative loop member (not shown) may have one or three or more coupling bars, without departing from the disclosed concept.

[0027] As shown in the FIGS., the coupling bars 42 and 44 are configured to be coupled to the clip body 10. In one example, each of the coupling bars 42 and 44 is planar and is configured to engage with a corresponding planar portion of the clip body 10, as will be discussed below. Furthermore, in one example each of the coupling bars 42 and 44 has a number of thru holes (two thru holes 42-1 and 42-2 and 44-1 and 44-2 are shown in the FIGS. with each of the coupling bars 42 and 44). Additionally, the holder 2 further includes a number of coupling members (e.g., without limitation, bolts 50 and nuts 52) for coupling the coupling bars 42 and 44 to the clip body 10.

[0028] As indicated above, the tool holder 2 is preferably configured to support at least one second tool, and thus includes a second tool holder. Preferably the second tool is a tape measure (but it could comprise other tools, including laser levels, or other tools, and particularly those which include a mounting clip). As shown in FIG. 5, the second side 14 of the clip body 10 may include a mounting portion 28, which may optionally be planar, a pair of coupling surfaces 30 and 32, and a pair of inward transition portions 34 and 36 extending from the mounting portion 28 away from the first side 12 to each of the coupling surfaces 30 and 32. The mounting portion 28 may have an elongated slot or recess 29 located at a rear portion (e.g., near the distal end 15 of the second side 14, opposite the hinge portion 16), which may serve to accept the outwardly extending edge 304 of a tape measure clip 302.

[0029] In one example, the coupling surfaces 30 and 32 are each planar and are each configured to engage with the corresponding planar coupling bars 42 and 44 of the loop member 40. More specifically, the coupling surfaces 30 and 32 may each have a corresponding number of thru holes 30-1 and 30-2 and 32-1 and 32-1, and the bolts 50 may extend therethrough, and also through the thru holes 42-1 and 42-2 and 44-1 and 44-2 of the coupling bars 42 and 44 in order to allow, e.g., via the nuts 52, the loop member 40 to be reliably secured to the second side 14 of the clip body 10. In an alternative example (not shown), coupling bars of a loop member may be directly secured to a first side of a clip body, without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. In a further alternative example, coupling bars of a loop member, first or second side of a clip body, and a plate member (discussed below), may be affixed to one another without separate coupling members (e.g., be welded, glued, or the like to one another), or with coupling members other than the bolts 50 and the nuts 52 (e.g., with rivets).

[0030] As shown most clearly in FIG. 1, the loop portion 46 of the loop member 40, which may be generally U-shaped, may be concave facing up, in the orientation of FIG. 1. That is, the loop portion 46 may extend downwardly as it extends away from the clip body 10 from the coupling bars 42 and 44, and then back upwardly at a middle of the loop portion 46 to an outer portion 41 thereof (farthest from the clip body 10), and where, in combination with the clip body 10, the loop member 40 defines a central opening or passage 45. As such, with the hammer 200 (and particularly the elongated handle portion thereof) extending through the central opening or passage 45, the two opposing sides of the loop member 40 support the front/head and tail/claw portion of the hammer 200, with the concave configuration of the loop member 40 advantageously causing the hammer 200 to be reliably maintained in the holder 2. That is, the hammer 200 may, when inserted through the loop member 40, be cradled by the clip body 10 on one side and an outer portion 41 of the loop portion 46 on the other. Accordingly, a user may then pull the hammer 200 out of the loop member 40, use the hammer 200, and place the hammer 200 back into the loop member 40, with a claw 202 and head 204 of the hammer 200 engaging the loop portion 46 to retain the hammer 200 on the loop member 40, in one example sequence.

[0031] Additionally, a holder 2 may in one example comprise the clip body 10, the loop member 40, and the coupling members such as bolts 50 and nuts 52 (or other suitable coupling mechanism, e.g., rivets, adhesives, or welds), for holding the hammer 200. In another example, a holder 2 may further comprise a plate member 60 configured to be coupled to the second side 14 of the clip body 10 (and thus cooperate therewith to define the second tool holder), as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for allowing the tape measure 300 (FIG. 1) to also be coupled to and supported by the holder 2 in addition to the hammer 200 (FIG. 1).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 5, the plate member 60 may include a central plate 62, a pair of coupling flanges 64 and 66, a pair of outward transition portions 68 and 70 extending from the coupling flanges 64 and 66 away from the clip body 10 to the central plate 62. The coupling flanges 64 and 66 may each include a corresponding number of thru holes 64-1 and 64-2 and 66-1 and 66-2, and the bolts 50 may extend therethrough, and also through the coupling surfaces 30 and 32 and coupling bars 42 and 44 in order to couple the plate member 60 the clip body 10 as well as the loop member 40. Additionally, the central plate 62 may be planar in one example, and the plate member 60 may also include a joining portion 72 extending from the central plate 62 inwardly toward the clip body 10. The joining portion 72 may be a slanted surface extending from the central plate 62 inwardly toward the clip body 10. It will be appreciated that the joining portion 72 may provide a relatively rigid structure on which the tape measure 300 (FIG. 1) may be clipped and, due to its inward angle/tilt, creates a wedging function when the clip 302 of the tape measure 300 is placed thereover and slid downwardly.

[0033] In various embodiments, and as shown in the FIGs., the coupling bars 42 and 44 of the loop member 40, the coupling surfaces 30 and 32 of the clip body 10, and the coupling flanges 64 and 66 of the plate member 60 may be aligned along the outer edges of the holder 2. In other words, a horizontal midpoint of the loop member 40, a horizontal midpoint of the clip body 10, and a horizontal midpoint of the plate member 60 may be aligned.

[0034] In various embodiments, and as shown in the FIGs., a trough 43 of the loop member 40 may be the lowest point of curvature of the loop member 43. The trough 43 may extend further from the first side 12 than central plate 62. In other words, the trough 43 of the loop member 40 may extend beyond the central plate 62 in the z-direction. The trough 43 of the loop member 40 may extend vertically below the central plate 62. The trough 43 of the loop member 40 may extend vertically below the slot or recess 29. The trough 43 of the loop member 40 may extend vertically below the flange portion 22. In this manner, the design allows for space to independently secure and remove each affixed tool.

[0035] Accordingly, in one example the holder 2 is dual purpose in that two separate example tools 200 and 300 (FIG. 1) can both be reliably maintained on the belt 400 (FIG. 1) of a user at a single time. As such, if a user, such as a construction worker, needs to use the tape measure 300 (FIG. 1), the user can unclip the tape measure 300 from the joining portion 72 of the plate member 60, use the tape measure 300 to measure structures in a work environment, and then re-clip the tape measure 300 to the joining portion 72 of the plate member 60. Before, after, or while using the tape measure 300, the user can pull the hammer 200 off of the loop portion 46 of the loop member 40, use the hammer 200, and re-insert a shaft 206 of the hammer 200 through the loop portion 46. This is advantageous, as compared to prior art arrangements in which users often cannot reliably maintain their tools on job sites or other environments.

[0036] Further, in the configuration described herein, the plate member 60 and the loop member 40 are horizontally aligned along a user's belt 400 or another suitable wearable member. Construction works or trade workers often wear numerous tools on their belt 400. The present invention consolidates two tools, for example a hammer 200 and a tape measure 300, into one horizontal section of a user's belt 400 and allows the user more free space for maneuver or for securing additional tools.

[0037] In this regard, as indicated above, the tool holder 2 may be utilized to hold other tools (than a hammer and tape measure). In some embodiments, the second tool holder may have other configurations than a plate member 60 that cooperates with the clip body 10. For example, the plate member 60 might have shapes other than being generally flat, such as for holding or coupling a second tool such as a punch, flashlight, a level, nail puller, etc., such as being arched or generally semi-circular (but wherein the second tool holder still comprises an element coupled to the clip body 10 such as in the manner described herein).

[0038] Additionally, the clip body 10 secures via a compressive force between the first side 12 and the second side 14, allowing the second side 14 of the clip body 10 to itself be a surface against which a tool, for example a tape measure 300, can be secured. As such, the clip body 10 contains both the joining portion 72 and the recess 29 providing greater stability for a tape measure 300 as compared to a single bar passing through the tape measure clip 302.

[0039] The preferred configuration of the holder 2 has a number of advantages. One advantage is a simpler and less expensive manufacturing design. In particular, as indicated, in a preferred embodiment, the clip body 10 may be molded as a single element and of a polymer or similar materialthus reducing material and manufacturing cost as, for example, against a metal clip having sections which must be connected by a hinge or other elements. Further, the use of a polymer/molded clip body 10 is facilitated by a configuration in which the loop member 40 is connected not only to the clip body 10, but also the plate member 60 on an opposing side of the clip body 10. In this configuration, forces which are applied to the loop member 40 are not merely born by the clip body 10, which might break it, but instead are passed through to the plate member 60. Likewise, forces on the plate member 60 are passed through to the loop member 40. In the preferred configuration, the clip body 10 is located between the plate member 60 and the loop member 40. This results in a reinforcement of the clip body 10 in the area of the connection of those components thereto.

[0040] This description uses examples to describe embodiments of the disclosure and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.