WEARABLE TOOL CARRYING SYSTEMS

Abstract

Wearable tool carrying systems. A main body is configured for mounting thereupon one or more items and includes a first attachment medium for attaching to a first location along a human body. A second attachment medium attaches to a second location which corresponds to at least a portion of a human leg. The main body, first attachment medium and second attachment medium are configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to tool-carrying equipment, such as tool belts, used in a variety of settings and disciplines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike have long been enamored of the benefits provided by conventional tool belts. Tool belts, historically, have made a variety of construction and other manually-oriented tasks much easier by providing the user with immediate access to items that would otherwise have to be retrieved from a different location with a frequency that could compromise the efficiency of the task or tasks being carried out.

One noted problem with quite a large number of conventional tool belts is that they are each normally configured in a specific manner that does not lend itself to a great degree of versatility. For instance, a tool belt provided with a set of integral pockets, loops or holes for holding one or more tools or other implements is normally only suited for a narrow range of predetermined purposes.

Of course, efforts are made now and then towards improving upon this dismal situation. By way of example, Prazi USA produces a “QUICK DRAW” hammer holder whereby a pivoting hammer holder component can be hung from a belt. This pivoting component describes a limited arc and can be displaced, via a type of ratchet connection, into a variety of predetermined angular positions. Thus, depending upon the user's physical characteristics and other factors translating into individual user comfort, a user can ratchet the hammer holder into a position most workable or comfortable for him or her. However, while such an effort is well-intended, it is clearly configured to serve only a narrow range of limited purposes.

Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, a compelling need has been recognized in connection with providing a user-friendly and versatile tool carrying system that enhances user convenience and comfort to a level unseen in numerous failed conventional efforts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, wearable tool carrying systems. Particularly, a main body is configured for mounting thereupon one or more items and includes a first attachment medium for attaching to a first location along a human body. A second attachment medium attaches to a second location which corresponds to at least a portion of a human leg.

The main body, first attachment medium and second attachment medium are configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

In summary, there is broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a carrying arrangement comprising: a main body being configured for mounting thereupon one or more items; the main body comprising a first attachment medium for attaching to a first location along a human body; and the main body further comprising a second attachment medium for attaching to second location, the second location corresponding to at least a portion of a human leg; the main body, the first attachment medium and the second attachment medium being configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

Further, there is broadly contemplated herein, in accordance with at least one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, wearable carrying system comprising: a belt; and a carrying arrangement for being mounted on the belt, the carrying arrangement comprising: a main body being configured for mounting thereupon one or more items; the main body comprising a first attachment medium for attaching to the belt; and the main body further comprising a second attachment medium for attaching to second location, the second location corresponding to at least a portion of a human leg; the main body, the first attachment medium and the second attachment medium being configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

The novel features which are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth herebelow. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention and its presently preferred embodiments will be better understood by way of reference to the detailed disclosure herebelow and to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a belt, such as a tool belt

FIG. 2a illustrates a tool carrying component in isolation.

FIG. 2b illustrates a modular implement holder for optional attachment to the tool carrying component of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2c illustrates another modular implement holder for optional attachment to the tool carrying component of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hammer being held in the tool carrying component of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 4 illustrates the tool carrying component of FIG. 2a mounted on the belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates in isolation a tool carrying component with variant sub-components.

FIG. 6 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 4 while depicting additional components to be supported by the belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional belt, such as a tool belt, 102. In a manner to be better appreciated herebelow, belt 102 can preferably be configured to readily accommodate a tool carrying component and/or other components to facilitate easy access by a user to tools or other items. As such, indicated at 104 is a mounting field, such as a Velcro field, that may optionally (and preferably) be employed to facilitate the mounting of a tool carrying component and/or other component thereto. Indicated at 106 is yet another region where such a Velcro or other field could be located for a similar purpose.

It should be understood and appreciated that belt 102 could essentially be embodied (in chief) by a conventional tool belt (as known in the construction and do-it-yourself arts) or conceivably any thick or strong belt capable of supporting several components or items as discussed herebelow. In either case, one or more Velcro fields (e.g., 104) or other mounting media could be present, or not (again, as will be further appreciated herebelow). Such mounting media (including Velcro fields) could be originally integral with the belt 102 in question or could, quite conceivably, be added or retrofitted onto an originally “unadorned” belt. A Velcro field is cited merely as an illustrative example; essentially any analogous mounting media could be employed at 104/106 such as, e.g., male or female snap portions that could mate with female or male snap portions of components or items to be mounted on belt 102.

FIG. 2a illustrates a tool carrying component (or tool carrier) 108 in isolation, in accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, tool carrier 108 will include four main portions, all to be better appreciated from the discussion herebelow: a main body 114, a first attachment arrangement 110 extending from a top portion thereof, a second attachment medium 132 extending from a lower portion of main body 114 and a main carrier portion 124.

As shown, first attachment arrangement 110 is in this case embodied by a loop which can freely accommodate therethrough a belt such as belt 102 of FIG. 1. Loop 110 can preferably be secured in place by rivets or snaps 112a/b. In the case of rivets (or other rigid connecting components) at 112a/b, a belt can easily be fed through loop 110. In the case of snaps at 112a/b, a belt can similarly be fed but the option is also presented of selectively disconnecting snaps 112a/b to permit the entire carrier 108 to be mounted or removed from a belt without any need to feed the belt through loop 110. Of course, snaps 112a/b could be interchanged with a Velcro or other easily severable connection to similar ends.

While carrier 108 could conceivably merely hang from a belt, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention loop 110 will include therewithin a Velcro field configured for mating with a compatible Velcro field on a belt (such as that indicated at 104 in FIG. 1). In this manner, the loop 110 will be held more securely against a belt, thus preventing it from excessively “riding” in a longitudinal direction along the belt. Of course, analogous attachment media other than Velcro fields could be employed for this purpose.

Indicated at 118, 120 and 122, respectively, are illustrative examples of Velcro fields that themselves are preferably configured for accommodating components, items, holders, modular packs or other media with correspondingly mating Velcro fields. In a manner soon to be described and appreciated, what results is a modular system wherein a very wide variety of components, items, holders, modular packs or other media, and conceivable combinations thereof, can easily and selectively be accommodated on carrier 108 to serve any of a very wide variety of conceivable functional purposes. Of course, mounting media other than Velcro fields could be provided to serve a similar purpose such as, e.g., mating snaps.

Indicated at 124 is a main carrier portion particularly configured for accommodating a heavy or awkwardly configured tool, component, item or other object. For instance, and in accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, main carrier portion 124 could be configured for holding a hammer or similarly sized object.

To help impart such supportive strength, there is preferably provided a support region 126 that includes rivets 128. These may be configured and disposed in essentially any suitable manner to adequately support a heavy object in a loop formed by a lower portion of main carrier portion 124. Such an arrangement has been found to be particularly advantageous in the case of carrier 108 being formed from leather.

Preferably, and to indeed facilitate support of a hammer, main carrier portion 124 includes a flap in region c that has an inner Velcro field (or other attachment medium) that is matable with a compatible Velcro field 130 (or other attachment medium disposed at the main body 114. This will readily serve to accommodate a hammer or other large object in a manner to be better appreciated herebelow.

Indicated at 132 is a second attachment arrangement, here in the form of a very wide strap. Preferably, the strap 132 is so configured so that it can be wrapped about the circumference of a human thigh (or other leg portion) and held fast there (e.g., via a Velcro or other connection between free ends of strap 132). By way of illustrative (but by no means restrictive) dimensions, a width a of main body 114 could be in the neighborhood of, e.g., about 6 inches while a width b of strap 132 could be in the neighborhood of, e.g., 8 inches. Such a large width dimension b of strap 132 would appear to be particularly advantageous in heavy construction disciplines where carrier 108 would be employed to bear significant weight.

One or more loops 116a/b may conceivably and optionally be provided at main body 114 to accommodate one or more tools, items or components that would not be prone to slip through such loops. Such tools or items could include, for example, “cat's paws” as commonly employed in the construction frameworking arts.

FIG. 2b shows a modular implement holder 134 for optional attachment to the carrier 108 of FIG. 2a, while FIG. 2c illustrates another modular implement holder 142 for optional attachment to carrier 108 of FIG. 2a. These are but illustrative examples of items that can flexibly and interchangeably be mounted on carrier 114. For example, holder 134 could be attachable to Velcro field 118, and holder 142 to Velcro fields 120 and 122 (see FIG. 2a). (As such, smaller Velcro fields 120 and 122 [FIG. 2a] could themselves be configured for selectively accommodating smaller items, holders or components or for collectively accommodating a larger or longer component such as implement holder 142). Though a very wide variety of components, items or holders can conceivably be selectively mounted on carrier 108 of FIG. 2a, there are components/holders that may be of particular interest in the construction frameworking arts. For instance, holder 134 as shown in FIG. 2b could include a set of three smaller holders 136, 138 and 140 which could accommodate, respectively, a utility knife, a crayon and a pencil. On the other hand, a holder 142 such as that shown in FIG. 2c could be configured for holding joint sets of clip nails; by virtue of its length, such a holder 142 would be well suited to prevent the joint sets of clip nails from breaking apart (as now commonly encountered).

It should further be understood that modular components such as those shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c (and elsewhere herebelow) could be originally and rigidly integrated with main body portion 114. This may prove to be advantageous if carrier 108 is, from the outset, intended for a specific use (such as in the construction frameworking arts).

FIG. 3 illustrates a hammer 133 being held in carrier 108. As shown, the head 133a of hammer 133 can essentially be cradled in a lower “loop” of main carrying portion 124 while the handle 133b may extend upwardly and way from the main carrying portion 124. As such, one clear advantage of having a free flap at c which can selectively attach to Velcro field (or other attachment medium) 130 is that the hammer 133 can alternately be secured in carrying portion 124 and loosened therefrom upon engagement and disengagement, respectively, of the flap connection at c. Also, by virtue of the intervention of the material of carrier 108 between hammer 133 and a user's leg, the hammer 133 will be much less prone to “bang” against the leg.

FIG. 4 illustrates carrier 108 mounted on belt 102. Here, as shown, loop 110 is disposed about belt 102 as discussed heretofore and, preferably, as mentioned, there will be a Velcro connection or other fast connection between loop 110 and belt 102 to ensure that carrier 108 does not “ride” along belt 102. In a very advantageous refinement of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second carrier (not shown) similar to that indicated at 108 could be mounted on belt 102 at location 106. On the one hand, this could be an alternate location for carrier 108, in the event that this might present greater comfort to a given user. (As such, it is conceivable to provide a carrier which is the “reverse image” or “mirror image” of carrier 108 so that, e.g., a carrier may be mounted on the left side of a user's body and, in the case, e.g., of a left-handed user, a hammer or other tool could easily be accessed on that side.) However, it is also possible for belt 102 to support two carriers 108.

In this eventuality, where two carriers 108 are supported on essentially opposite sides of a user's body (e.g., one in a location as shown and the other at region 106), one might consider that the function of carrying portion 124 is compromised at the user's left side, in that the flap at c will be disposed against the user's left leg and thus more difficult to access (and, further, that a hammer or other tool itself would much more readily “bang” against the user). First, yet another variant is conceivable where a “mirror” flap can be provided on the same carrier 108 opposite the existing flap. In other words, a carrier 108 could be configured so that, regardless of which side of the body it is mounted upon, some flap will always be accessible to readily disengage to accommodate a hammer or other tool.

However, in the event that two similarly configured carriers 108 (e.g., “carbon copies” of one another and not “mirror images”) are mounted at opposite sides of a user's body, then one carrier could conceivably hold a hammer or other large tool as discussed above while the other could hold some other component where release of the Velcro flap at c is simply not needed. Though a wide variety of implementations are possible here, one that is conceivable—and would be very advantageous—in the construction frameworking arts would be a “speed square” (i.e., a large right angle with a 45 degree hypotenuse).

FIG. 5 illustrates in isolation a tool carrier 208 with variant components. (Reference numerals in FIG. 5 that are similar or analogous to those among FIGS. 1-4 are advanced by 100.) Chief differences shown here (which are merely provided by way of example, to help illustrate the very wide variety of conceivable variant embodiments within the scope of the present invention) include:

• • Strap components 210a/b that can loop around a belt and connect with one another. This would obviate the need for a “rigid” loop as shown at 110 in FIG. 2a and elsewhere.
  • A thinner strap 232 for wrapping around a leg portion or thigh. Free ends of this strap 232 could be connectable, e.g., via a conventional form locking connection.
  • The provision of a handle or loop 235. This could simply facilitate hanging or storing the carrier 208, e.g., “upside-down”.
  • A circular support region 226, with correspondingly disposed rivets or snaps 228, as oppose to the “calzone” shape shown in FIG. 2a and elsewhere. Here, if snaps are used at 228, it would be possible to undo all snaps, pivot main carrying portion 224 with respect to the rest of carrier 208, and reattach. This could help dispose, e.g., a hammer or other large tool at an angle more comfortable for an individual user. (Of course, this would also be facilitated by the presence of analogous snap connections on the opposite side of carrier 208 so that the entire lower portion 224 indeed could be so pivoted.)

FIG. 6 illustrates, in essence, the assembly of FIG. 4 while depicting additional components that can be supported by the belt 102. Though this list is of course far from exhaustive, such additional components could essentially be anything that might be needed or desired in the midst of an intended task and could conceivably include: a cell phone or PDA holder 336, an additional tool holder 338 (which, e.g., could be nothing more than a simple loop for “hanging” an infrequently used tool), a measuring tape holder 340 (if not already mounted as a “modular component” on a carrier 208), and a ratchet mount 342 (e.g., analogous to ratchet mounts commonly used as cell phone holders but which, in this case, could be used to hold a hammer or other tool.

Variations on the specific embodiments discussed and contemplated hereinabove of course are potentially vast. For instance, a sheetrock hammer or other tool could in fact have its own Velcro field or patch (or other attachment medium) for connection with the main body portion 114 of carrier 108. A mechanic or plumber could easily attach a wrench in similar manner. As briefly mentioned above, modular components include such items as measuring tape holder or other (even conventional) items could easily be selectively mounted on one or more Velcro fields (or other attachment media) at main body portion of carrier 108.

That said, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that among several advantages enjoyed in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention is the freedom of movement provided to the construction frameworker, plumber, mechanic, do-it-yourselfer or other individual who might find use for the wearable tool carrying systems disclosed, discussed and broadly contemplated herein. Such freedom of movement, facilitated in large part by the points or areas of attachment of a carrier at a user's body, can lend much greater comfort and efficiency to tasks where otherwise one or more tools or components might “bang” against a user's leg or excessive bulk might inhibit free movement. For instance, the carrying systems disclosed and contemplated herein vastly surpass the “clunky” nature of a hypothetical tool “apron”. Points of connection, freedom of movement, modularity, flexibility and versatility—advantages such as these and many, many more can turn a potentially cumbersome task into a virtual ballet of nimbleness, dexterity and, most importantly, rapidity and efficiency.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention and its embodiments that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of the present invention and its embodiments.

If not otherwise stated herein, it may be assumed that all components and/or processes described heretofore may, if appropriate, be considered to be interchangeable with similar components and/or processes disclosed elsewhere in the specification, unless an express indication is made to the contrary.

If not otherwise stated herein, any and all patents, patent publications, articles and other printed publications discussed or mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in their entirety herein.

It should be appreciated that the apparatus and method of the present invention may be configured and conducted as appropriate for any context at hand. The embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A carrying arrangement comprising:

a main body being configured for mounting thereupon one or more items;

said main body comprising a first attachment medium for attaching to a first location along a human body; and

said main body further comprising a second attachment medium for attaching to second location, the second location corresponding to at least a portion of a human leg;

said main body, said first attachment medium and said second attachment medium being configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

2. The carrying arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said first attachment medium comprises an arrangement for attaching to a belt.

3. The carrying arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said arrangement for attaching to a belt comprises a loop for looping about a belt.

4. The carrying arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said arrangement for attaching to a belt comprises a strap for looping about a belt.

5. The carrying arrangement according to claim 2, wherein said first attachment medium comprises an arrangement for preventing riding of the carrying arrangement along the belt.

6. The carrying arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said second attachment medium comprises a strap arrangement for being mounted at a human leg portion.

7. The carrying arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said second attachment medium comprises a strap arrangement for circumscribing a human thigh.

8. The carrying arrangement according to claim 7, wherein said strap arrangement has an average width greater than that of said main body portion.

9. The carrying arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said main body comprises at least one mounting medium for accepting at least one tool or modular component.

10. The carrying arrangement according to claim 9, further comprising at least one modular component for being mounted on said at least one mounting medium.

11. The carrying arrangement according to claim 10, wherein said at least one modular component comprises at least one holder for construction frameworking components.

12. The carrying arrangement according to claim 11, wherein said at least one modular component comprises at least one of: a holder for holding a plurality of elongated implements and a clip nail holder.

13. The carrying arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a major tool holder disposed on said main body.

14. The carrying arrangement according to claim 13, wherein said major tool holder:

is disposed at an end of said main body; and

comprises a loop for accepting a major tool.

15. The carrying arrangement according to claim 14, wherein said major tool holder comprises a flap which is attachable and detachable with respect to said main body.

16. The carrying arrangement according to claim 14, wherein:

said major tool holder comprises a support portion;

said support portion comprising at least one detachable element for selectably pivoting said major tool holder to a predetermined angle with respect to said main body.

17. The carrying arrangement according to claim 13, further comprising at least one minor tool holder disposed on said main body portion.

18. The carrying arrangement according to claim 17, wherein said at least one minor tool holder comprises at least one loop.

19. A wearable carrying system comprising:

a belt; and

a carrying arrangement for being mounted on said belt, said carrying arrangement comprising: a main body being configured for mounting thereupon one or more items; said main body comprising a first attachment medium for attaching to said belt; and said main body further comprising a second attachment medium for attaching to second location, the second location corresponding to at least a portion of a human leg; said main body, said first attachment medium and said second attachment medium being configured to preserve a freedom of leg movement.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein said arrangement for attaching to a belt comprises a loop for looping about said belt.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein said arrangement for attaching to a belt comprises a strap for looping about said belt.

22. The system according to claim 19, wherein said first attachment medium comprises an arrangement for preventing riding of the carrying arrangement along the belt.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein said belt further comprises an accommodation medium for engaging with said arrangement for preventing riding.

24. The system according to claim 23, wherein said accommodation medium and said arrangement for preventing riding comprise matable Velcro fields.

25. The system according to claim 19, wherein said belt is configured for accepting at least one additional carrying arrangement.

26. The system according to claim 19, further comprising a major tool holder disposed on said main body.

27. The system according to claim 26, wherein said major tool holder:

is disposed at an end of said main body; and

comprises a loop for accepting a major tool.

28. The system according to claim 27, wherein said major tool holder comprises a flap which is attachable and detachable with respect to said main body.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein said major tool holder is configured for accepting one or more non-major tools or components with said flap being attached to said main body.

30. The carrying arrangement according to claim 29, wherein the major tool comprises a hammer and the one or more non-major tools or components comprises a speed square.