Tool hanger and method for using the same

Abstract

A tool hanger and method for using the same. A tool hanger engages the battery pack of a battery-powered tool and is removably secured to the battery pack or extension. A hanger member portion of the tool hanger is adapted to hang the tool from a desired place.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to tool accessories, and more particularly, to apparatus and methods for hanging battery-powered tools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the recent past, battery-powered tools, including drills, circular saws, reciprocal saws, and trimmers have proliferated. This has allowed the tool user much more freedom when using such tools because there is no longer a need to carry fuel or to be connected to a source of electrical energy through an extension cord. Since battery-powered tools are light and unencumbered by dangling cords, their user can spend longer periods of time at the actual point where the tool is being used, increasing the user's efficiency.

One aspect of increased user's efficiency is due to the fact that the user can take several tools right to the work point and choose and use the needed tools without having to return to another location to connect another tool to an electrical extension cord. However, the user can only use one tool at a time and, accordingly, must have some way to securely place the unused tools safely nearby so that they can be used when needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect, the invention is a tool hanger for a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis. The extension has a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis. Furthermore, the battery pack has a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension. The battery pack also has a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis.

The tool hanger includes a battery pack engagement member, a securement member, and a hanger member. The battery pack engagement member is adapted to enclose a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack where the cross-section transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension. The securement member is adapted to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension and to attach to the battery engagement member in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member to the battery pack or extension. The hanger member is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member and adapted to hang the tool from a desired place.

According to a second aspect, the invention is a method for hanging a tool having a battery pack. The battery pack is placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis. The extension has a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis. Also, the battery pack has a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension. Further, the battery pack has a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis.

The method includes the step of: a) enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack with a battery pack engagement member at a place where the cross-section of the battery pack transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the extension, the battery pack engagement member having a hanger member attached thereto.

The method further includes the step of: b) surrounding the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension with a securement member.

The method also includes the step of: c) attaching the securement member to the battery engagement member in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member to the battery pack or extension.

Finally, the method includes the step of d): hanging the hanger member from a desired place.

According to a third aspect, the invention is a tool hanger for a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis. The extension has a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis. The battery pack has a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension. The battery pack also has a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis.

The tool hanger includes a battery pack engagement member, a securement member, and a hanger member.

The battery pack engagement member is adapted to enclose a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack at the location where the cross-section transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension.

The securement member is adapted to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension and to attach to the battery engagement member in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member to the battery pack or extension.

The hanger member is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member and adapted to hang the tool from a desired place.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention is a method for hanging a tool. The tool has a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis. The extension has a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis. Furthermore, the battery pack has a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension. The battery pack also has a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis.

The method includes the step of a) enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack with a battery pack engagement member at a place where the cross-section of the battery pack transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the extension, the battery pack engagement member having a hanger member attached thereto.

The method also includes the steps of b) surrounding the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension with a securement member, c) attaching the securement member to the battery engagement member in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member to the battery pack or extension; and d) hanging the hanger member from a desired place.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention is a tool hanger for hanging a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis, the extension having a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis. The battery pack has a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension and a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis.

The tool hanger includes means for enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack at a place where the cross-section of the battery pack transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension, the enclosing means having a hanging means attached thereto. The tool hanger also includes means for surrounding the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension and means for attaching the surrounding means to the enclosing means in order to removably secure the enclosing means to the battery pack or extension. The hanging means is hung from a desired place. Also, the method includes the step of d) hanging the hanger member from a desired place.

According to a seventh aspect, the invention is a tool hanger for hanging a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis. The extension has a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis, and the battery pack has a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension and a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis.

The tool hanger includes means for enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack at a place where the cross-section of the battery pack transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension, the enclosing means having a hanging means attached thereto. The tool hanger also includes means for surrounding the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension; and means for attaching the surrounding means to the enclosing means in order to removably secure the enclosing means to the battery pack or extension. The hanging means is hung from a desired place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the first embodiment of the invention, showing the invention in use.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a drawing of a first embodiment of the invention. The tool hanger 10 includes a battery pack engagement member 12, a securement member 14, and a hanger member 16. The battery pack engagement member 12 is shaped to enclose a portion of a planar cross-section of a battery pack of a tool (see, for example, battery pack or extension 13 of tool 15 and planar cross-section 212 in FIG. 4). The securement member 14 is adapted to surround the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15 and to attach to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 in order to removably secure the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 13. The hanger member 16 is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 and adapted to hang the tool 15 from a desired place.

As shown in FIG. 1, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from a single bar 17 of a suitable material, such as a flat metal bar (for example, a flat aluminum bar), which is bent appropriately. Alternatively, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from an integral formed piece made from a suitable material, such as a plastic material. The integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 has first and second ends 18 and 20, respectively.

The battery pack engagement member 12 includes four generally flat segments that are connected by bends. The first generally flat segment 22 includes the first end 18 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 and extends to a first bend 24. The second generally flat segment 26 extends from the first bend 24 to a second bend 28. The third generally flat segment 30 extends from the second bend 28 to a third bend 32. The fourth generally flat segment 34 extends from the third bend 32.

As described, the integral battery pack engagement member 12 at least substantially encloses (i.e., at least half, if not substantially all) a perimeter that will receive the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15.

If desired, the bends 24, 28 and 32 are substantially 90 degree bends. If further desired, one or more of the bends 24, 28 and 32 can be a compound bend made up of two or more bends that are equivalent to a full 90 degree bend. As shown in FIG. 1, bend 28 is made up of two bends 36 and 38, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 28) is approximately 90 degrees. Similarly, bend 32 is made up of two bends 40 and 42, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 32) is approximately 90 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hanger member 16 includes two additional generally flat segments, fifth and sixth segments 50 and 52, respectively. The fifth segment 50 is connected to the fourth segment 34 at a bend 54. One end of the sixth segment 52 is connected to the fifth segment 50 at a bend 56 and the other end of the sixth segment 52 is the second end 20 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16.

The securement member 14 includes a strap 60 having first and second ends 62 and 64, respectively. At least one of the first and second ends 62 and 64 has one part of a two-part fastener (such as a conventional snap fastener) that engages the other part of the two-part fastener (shown as part 67) that is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12. Although the strap 60 is shown as being attached to the outer surface of the second segment 26 and to the inner surface of the fourth segment 34, these skilled in the relevant arts will appreciate that the surface of the battery pack engagement member 12 that the strap 60 is attached to is a matter of choice. Engaging the two-part fastener removably secures the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15. As an example, the fastener 66 at the second end 64 can be a conventional snap fastener while the first end 62 can be permanently attached to the second generally flat segment 26, for example, by a conventional bolt 68. Permanently attaching one end of the strap 60 to one or the other of the second or fourth generally flat segments 26 and 34 prevents the strap 60 from becoming lost.

The strap 60 is made from a conventional pliable material, such as a rubber or nylon material. If the strap 60 is made from a stretchable material such as rubber, the strap 60 can be stretched to securely and removably hold the tool in place in the battery pack engagement member.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of a second embodiment of the invention. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 2 to describe features already described in FIG. 1. The tool hanger 10 includes a battery pack engagement member 12, a securement member 14, and a hanger member 16. The battery pack engagement member 12 is shaped to enclose a portion of a planar cross-section 212 of a battery pack or extension 13 of a tool 15 (see FIG. 4). The securement member 14 is adapted to surround the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15 and to attach to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 13. The hanger member 16 is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 and adapted to hang the tool 15 from a desired place.

As shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from a single bar 17 of a suitable material, such as a flat metal bar (for example, a flat aluminum bar), which is bent appropriately. Alternatively, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from an integral formed piece made from a suitable material, such as a plastic material. The integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 has first and second ends 18 and 20, respectively.

The battery pack engagement member 12 includes four generally flat segments that are connected by bends. The first generally flat segment 22 includes the first end 18 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 and extends to a first bend 24. The second generally flat segment 26 extends from the first bend 24 to a second bend 28. The third generally flat segment 30 extends from the second bend 28 to a third bend 32. The fourth generally flat segment 34 extends from the third bend 32.

As described, the integral battery pack engagement member 12 at least substantially (if not completely) encloses a perimeter that will receive the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15.

If desired, the bends 24, 28 and 32 are substantially 90 degree bends. If further desired, one or more of the bends 24, 28 and 32 can be a compound bend made up of two or more bends that are equivalent to a full 90 degree bend. As shown in FIG. 2, bend 28 is made up of two bends 36 and 38, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 28) is approximately 90 degrees. Similarly, bend 32 is made up of two bends 40 and 42, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 32) is approximately 90 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hanger member 16 includes two additional generally flat segments, fifth and sixth segments 50 and 52, respectively. The fifth segment 50 is connected to the fourth segment 34 at a bend 54. One end of the sixth segment 52 is connected to the fifth segment 50 at a bend 56 and the other end of the sixth segment 52 is the second end 20 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16.

The securement member 14 includes a strap 60 having first and second ends 62 and 64, respectively. At least one of the first and second ends 62 and 64 has one part of a two-part fastener (such as a conventional snap fastener) that engages the other part of the two-part fastener (shown as part 67) that is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12. Engaging the two-part fastener removably secures the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15. As an example, the fastener 66 at the second end 64 can be a conventional snap fastener while the first end 62 can be permanently attached to the second generally flat segment 26, for example, by a conventional bolt 68. Permanently attaching one end of the strap 60 to one or the other of the second or fourth generally flat segments 26 and 34 prevents the strap 60 from becoming lost.

The strap 60 is made from a conventional pliable material, such as a rubber or nylon material. If the strap 60 is made from a stretchable material such as rubber, the strap 60 can be stretched to securely and removably hold the tool 15 in place in the battery pack engagement member 12.

FIG. 3 is a drawing of a third embodiment of the invention. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 3 to describe features already described in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tool hanger 10 includes a battery pack engagement member 12, a securement member 14, and a hanger member 16. The battery pack engagement member 12 is shaped to enclose a portion of a planar cross-section of a battery pack or extension 13 of a tool 15 (see FIG. 4). The securement member 14 is adapted to surround the battery pack or an extension of the tool 15 and to attach to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension. The hanger member 16 is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 and adapted to hang the tool 15 from a desired place.

As shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from two bars 17 and 19 of a suitable material, such as flat metal bars (for example, flat aluminum bars), which are bent appropriately. Alternatively, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from two formed pieces made from a suitable material, such as a plastic material. The first piece 100 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 has first and second ends 18 and 120, respectively, and the second piece 102 of the hanger member 16 has first and second ends 118 and 20, respectively.

The battery pack engagement member 12 includes four generally flat segments that are connected by bends. The first generally flat segment 22 includes the first end 18 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 and extends to a first bend 24. The second generally flat segment 26 extends from the first bend 24 to a second bend 28. The third generally flat segment 30 extends from the second bend 28 to a third bend 32. The fourth generally flat segment 34 extends from the third bend 32.

As described, the integral battery pack engagement member 12 at least substantially (if not completely) encloses a perimeter that will receive the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15.

If desired, the bends 24, 28 and 32 are substantially 90 degree bends. If further desired, one or more of the bends 24, 28 and 32 can be a compound bend made up of two or more bends that are equivalent to a full 90 degree bend. As shown in FIG. 3, bend 28 is made up of two bends 36 and 38, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 28) is approximately 90 degrees. Similarly, bend 32 is made up of two bends 40 and 42, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 32) is approximately 90 degrees.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hanger member 16 includes two additional generally flat segments of the first piece 100 (fifth and sixth segments 50 and 52, respectively) and the second piece 102. The fifth segment 50 is connected to the fourth segment 34 at a bend 54. One end of the sixth segment 52 is connected to the fifth segment 50 at a bend 56 and the other end of the sixth segment 52 is the second end 120 of the first piece 100. The second piece 102 is pivotably attached to the first piece 100 by means of a rivet 130, or the like. The rivet 130 allows the second piece 102 to pivot toward and in conformance with the short length of the first piece 100, thereby shortening the apparent overall length of the hanger member 16.

The securement member 14 includes a strap 60 having first and second ends 62 and 64, respectively. At least one of the first and second ends 62 and 64 has one part of a two-part fastener (such as a conventional snap fastener) that engages the other part of the two-part fastener (shown as part 67) that is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12. Engaging the two-part fastener removably secures the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15. As an example, the fastener 66 at the second end 64 can be a conventional snap fastener while the first end 62 can be permanently attached to the second generally flat segment 26, for example, by a conventional bolt 68. Permanently attaching one end of the strap 60 to one or the other of the second or fourth generally flat segments 26 and 34 prevents the strap 60 from becoming lost.

The strap 60 is made from a conventional pliable material, such as a rubber or nylon material. If the strap 60 is made from a stretchable material such as rubber, the strap 60 can be stretched to securely and removably hold the tool 15 in place in the battery pack engagement member.

FIG. 4 is a drawing of the first embodiment of the invention, showing the invention in use. The first embodiment of the invention is indicated by the reference number 10 and it is being used with a conventional battery-powered tool 15 (partially shown). The tool includes a battery pack 200 that is placed at the distal end of an extension 202 (for example, a handle) that extends away from the remainder of the tool 15 along an axis 204. The extension 202 has a predetermined transverse cross-sectional profile defined as a function of position along the axis 204. (The cross-sectional profile of the extension 202 may be, but is not necessarily, constant.) The battery pack 200 also has a transverse cross-sectional profile that is defined as a function of position along the axis 204. Typically, the transverse cross-section of the battery pack 200 is larger than the cross-sectional profile of the extension 202.

At a region 206 along the axis 204 the extension 202 transitions to the battery pack or extension 200. In this region 206, a portion (indicated by arrow 208) of the transverse cross-section of the battery pack 200 extends farther from the axis 204 than an adjacent portion (indicated by arrow 210) of the transverse cross-section of the extension 202. Furthermore, the battery pack 200 has a predetermined cross-section 212 that is parallel to, but displaced from, the axis 204.

The battery pack engagement member 12 is adapted to enclose a portion of the parallel cross-section 212 of the battery pack 200 in the region 206 where the cross-section of the battery pack 200 extends farther from the axis 200 than the adjacent portion 210 of the transverse cross-section of the extension 202.

In use, the battery pack 200 is placed into the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 and then the fastener 66 of the strap 60 is fastened in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 200.

Once the tool hanger 10 of the invention is attached to the battery pack or extension 200 of the tool 15, the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be in a desired place, such as a framing member, a ladder rung, a tool belt and a clothing pocket.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of a fourth embodiment of the invention. The same reference numerals are used in FIG. 5 to describe features already described in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The tool hanger 10 includes a battery pack engagement member 12, a securement member 14, and a hanger member 16. The battery pack engagement member 12 is shaped to enclose a portion of a planar cross-section of a battery pack or extension 13 of a tool 15 (see FIG. 4). The securement member 14 is adapted to surround the battery pack or an extension of the tool 15 and to attach to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension. The hanger member 16 is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12 and adapted to hang the tool 15 from a desired place.

As shown in FIG. 5, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from a bar 17 and a plate 23. The bar 17 can be made of a suitable material, such as a flat metal bar (for example, a flat aluminum bar), which is bent appropriately, and the plate 23 can be made of a suitable sheet material (for example, aluminum sheet) which is shaped appropriately. Alternatively, the battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 of the tool hanger 10 can be made from two formed pieces made from a suitable material, such as a plastic material, or even from a single formed piece made from a suitable material, such as a plastic material.

The battery pack engagement member 12 can include four generally flat segments that are connected by bends. The first generally flat segment 22 (shown in phantom lines) includes the first end 18 of the integral battery pack engagement member 12 and the hanger member 16 and extends to a first bend 24. The second generally flat segment 26 extends from the first bend 24 to a second bend 28. The third generally flat segment 30 extends from the second bend 28 to a third bend 32. The fourth generally flat segment 34 extends from the third bend 32.

The plate 23 can be attached to the flat segment 22 through any conventional means such as fasteners (including rivets, bolts and screws), welding, soldering, brazing or adhesives that cause flat segment 22 to be connected to the plate 23. Alternatively, the bar 17 may not include the first generally flat segment 22, but rather attaches itself to the plate 23 at the first bend 24 through conventional means.

As described, the integral battery pack engagement member 12 at least substantially (if not completely) encloses a perimeter that will receive the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15 and the plate 23 supports the battery pack or extension 13 and provides a flat surface that will keep the battery pack or extension 13 and, consequently, the tool 15 stable if they are placed on a horizontal surface while the tool hanger 10 is attached.

If desired, the bends 24, 28 and 32 are substantially 90 degree bends. If further desired, one or more of the bends 24, 28 and 32 can be a compound bend made up of two or more bends that are equivalent to a full 90 degree bend. As shown in FIG. 5, bend 28 is made up of two bends 36 and 38, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 28) is approximately 90 degrees. Similarly, bend 32 is made up of two bends 40 and 42, each being approximately 45 degrees, so that their combination (bend 32) is approximately 90 degrees.

The securement member 14 includes a strap 60 having first and second ends 62 and 64, respectively. At least one of the first and second ends 62 and 64 has one part of a two-part fastener (such as a conventional snap fastener) that engages the other part of the two-part fastener (shown as part 67) that is attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member 12. Engaging the two-part fastener removably secures the battery pack engagement member 12 to the battery pack or extension 13 of the tool 15. As an example, the fastener 66 at the second end 64 can be a conventional snap fastener while the first end 62 can be permanently attached to the second generally flat segment 26, for example, by a conventional bolt 68. Permanently attaching one end of the strap 60 to one or the other of the second or fourth generally flat segments 26 and 34 prevents the strap 60 from becoming lost.

The strap 60 is made from a conventional pliable material, such as a rubber or nylon material. If the strap 60 is made from a stretchable material such as rubber, the strap 60 can be stretched to securely and removably hold the tool 15 in place in the battery pack engagement member.

While the foregoing is a detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, there are many alternative embodiments of the invention that would occur to those skilled in the art and which are within the scope of the present invention. For example, while most battery-powered tools have batteries that connect at the end of a single extension, some such tools have loop-shaped extensions. The present invention falls within the claims when used with such tools, as well. Accordingly, the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A tool hanger for a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis, the extension having a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis, and the battery pack having a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension and a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis, the tool hanger comprising:

a battery pack engagement member adapted to enclose a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack where the cross-section transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension;

a securement member adapted to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension and to attach to the battery engagement member in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member to the battery pack or extension; and

a hanger member attached to the battery pack or extension engagement member and adapted to hang the tool from a desired place.

2. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the predetermined cross-sectional profile of the extension is substantially constant.

3. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the transverse cross-section of the battery pack is larger than the predetermined cross-sectional profile of the extension.

4. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the parallel cross-section of the battery pack has a perimeter and the battery pack engagement member encloses at least half of the perimeter.

5. The tool hanger of claim 4, wherein the battery pack engagement member encloses substantially all of the perimeter.

6. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the securement member is permanently attached to one portion of the battery engagement member and removably attachable to another portion of the battery engagement member after it has been caused to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension.

7. The tool hanger of claim 6, wherein the securement member is a strap having a first end and a second end, the first end being permanently attached to the one portion of the battery engagement member and the second end being removably attachable to the other portion of the battery engagement member after it has been caused to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension.

8. The tool hanger of claim 7, wherein the strap is made from a pliable material.

9. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the hanger member is integral to the battery pack or extension engagement member.

10. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the battery pack or extension engagement member includes a planar portion that supports the battery pack or extension and provides stable support for the tool when placed on a horizontal surface.

11. The tool hanger of claim 1, wherein the desired place is taken from the class of places including a framing member, a ladder rung, a tool belt and a clothing pocket.

12. A method for hanging a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis, the extension having a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis, and the battery pack having a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension and a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis, the method comprising the steps of:

a) enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack with a battery pack engagement member at a place where the cross-section of the battery pack transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-sectional profile of the extension, the battery pack engagement member having a hanger member attached thereto;

b) surrounding the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension with a securement member;

c) attaching the securement member to the battery engagement member in order to removably secure the battery pack engagement member to the battery pack or extension; and

d) hanging the hanger member from a desired place.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the parallel cross-section of the battery pack has a perimeter and the battery pack engagement member encloses at least half of the perimeter.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the battery pack engagement member encloses substantially all of the perimeter.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein step c) includes permanently attaching the securement member to one portion of the battery engagement member and removably attaching the securement member to another portion of the battery engagement member after it has been caused to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the desired place is taken from the class of places including a framing member, a ladder rung, a tool belt and a clothing pocket.

17. A tool hanger for hanging a tool having a battery pack placed at the distal end of an extension extending away from the tool along an axis, the extension having a predetermined cross-sectional profile transverse to the axis, and the battery pack having a portion of its cross-section transverse to the axis that extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension and a predetermined cross-section parallel to but displaced from the axis, the tool hanger comprising:

means for enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack or extension at a place where the cross-section of the battery pack transverse to the axis extends farther from the axis than the adjacent portion of the transverse cross-section of the extension, the enclosing means having a hanging means attached thereto;

means for surrounding the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension; and

means for attaching the surrounding means to the enclosing means in order to removably secure the enclosing means to the battery pack or extension,

the hanging means being hung from a desired place.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the parallel cross-section of the battery pack has a perimeter and the battery pack engagement member encloses at least half of the perimeter.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the battery pack engagement member encloses substantially all of the perimeter.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for attaching includes means for permanently attaching the enclosing means to one portion of the enclosing means and removably attaching the enclosing means to another portion of the enclosing means after it has been caused to surround the transverse cross-section of the battery pack or the extension.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for enclosing a portion of the parallel cross-section of the battery pack or extension includes a planar portion that supports the battery pack or extension and provides stable support for the apparatus when placed on a horizontal surface.

22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the desired place is taken from the class of places including a framing member, a ladder rung, a tool belt and a clothing pocket.