Magnetized armband
A band for holding work items comprises a first region, a second region, a layered portion, a cushioned portion and at least one magnet. The layered portion is located between the first region and the second region. The layered portion is configured to receive one or more magnets which provide a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects. The cushioned portion is configured to receive one or more objects such as pins.
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This Patent Application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending patent application Ser. No. 11/403,347, filed Apr. 12, 2006 and entitled “MAGNETIZED ARMBAND,” which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. section 119(e) of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/671,922, filed Apr. 14, 2005, and entitled “MAGNETIZED ARMBAND,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The Patent Application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. section 119(e) to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/998,839, filed Oct. 11, 2007, and entitled “MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS,” to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/003,751, filed Nov. 19, 2007, and entitled “MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS” and to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 61/004,440, filed Nov. 26, 2007, and entitled “MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention generally relates to magnetic accessories. More particularly the present invention relates to a magnetized armband.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONProfessional users of small hand tools such as carpenters, seamstresses, auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, as well as non-professional do-it-yourselfers are often frustrated whenever they misplace, drop or fumble tools or supplies while doing their jobs. Workers often times wear aprons or similar devices to hold these supplies to keep them close at hand and also to be able to move more freely. However, wearing an apron or similar device has certain limitations. For instance, repetitive reaching in pockets for supplies is tedious. Moreover, wearing an apron or similar device does not help the task of reaching for supplies while holding a perfectly aligned work piece or holding a heavy work piece with one hand and some other tool with the other. Additionally, aprons and similar devices are prone to accidentally spill the tools and work items that are held within the pockets of the apron or similar device. Often this spillage is caused because the worker accidentally knocked the tools or work items over with their hand, or because of how the worker is positioned while doing their job.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA band for holding work items comprises a first region, a second region, a layered portion and at least one magnet. The layered portion is located between the first region and the second region. The layered portion is configured to receive a magnet which provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects.
In a particular embodiment of the application, the second region is configured to couple to the first region. In some embodiments, the coupling is also capable of being released. In some embodiments, the coupling is such that, when the second region is coupled to the first region, the band forms a closed loop. In some embodiments hook and loop fasteners are used to close the loop. Zippers, buttons and buckles are also utilized in other embodiments. In some embodiments of the present application the closed loop is adjustable to a range of diameters of approximately one (1) to twelve (12) inches.
Typically, the layered portion comprises multiple layers of flexible fabric. In some embodiments, a magnet is completely stitched within the multiple layers. The one or more magnets are also capable of being partially stitched within the multiple layers. In some embodiments, the magnets are partially stitched within the multiple layers and some other means, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or buckles, are used to completely enclose the magnet. Various shaped magnets are contemplated by the present application including but not limited to strips, discs, and ball bearings. Any other shapes are alternatively appropriate.
In some embodiments, the magnets are configured to completely encircle a worker's wrist when the armband is worn. In other embodiments the magnets only partially encircle the wrist. Typically the magnets are configured to avoid mutual magnetic attraction. In some embodiments of the present application, neodymium type magnets are used.
In another embodiment of the present application, the band can be used by a worker by forming a closed loop around the rung of a ladder, or other workplace fixtures, in order to gain easy access to supplies.
A sleeve for holding work items which comprises a layered sleeve portion configured to hold a magnet and a flap to tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface is also disclosed. In some embodiments the sleeve portion is fabric. The magnet provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects to the layered sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the flap gathers loose material and tightens the sleeve around a worker's wrist. Various means are contemplated to couple the flap to the sleeve including, but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons and buckles.
In some embodiments of the present application, magnets are evenly distributed throughout the sleeve portion so as to allow magnetically attracted tools and supplies to be attracted to substantially all points of the sleeve.
In another embodiment, a band for holding work items comprises a first region, a second region, a layered portion, at least one magnet and a cushioned portion. The layered portion is located between the first region and the second region. The layered portion is configured to receive a magnet which provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects. The cushioned portion is located between the first and second regions and configured to receive at least one object.
In a particular embodiment, the second region is configured to couple to the first region. In some embodiments, the coupling is also capable of being released. In some embodiments, the coupling is such that, when the second region is coupled to the first region, the band forms a closed loop. In some embodiments hook and loop fasteners are used to close the loop. Zippers, buttons and buckles are also utilized in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the closed loop is adjustable to a range of diameters of approximately one (1) to twelve (12) inches.
Typically, the layered portion comprises multiple layers of flexible fabric. In some embodiments, a magnet is completely stitched within the multiple layers. The one or more magnets are also capable of being partially stitched within the multiple layers. In some embodiments, the magnets are partially stitched within the multiple layers and some other means, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or buckles, are used to completely enclose the magnet. Various shaped magnets are contemplated by the present application including but not limited to strips, discs, and ball bearings. Any other shapes are alternatively appropriate.
In some embodiments, the cushioned portion is located adjacent to the layered portion. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion is located on top of a part of the layered portion.
In some embodiments, the magnets are configured to completely encircle a worker's wrist when the armband is worn. In other embodiments the magnets only partially encircle the wrist. Typically the magnets are configured to avoid mutual magnetic attraction. In some embodiments of the present application, neodymium type magnets are used.
In another embodiment of the present application, the band can be used by a worker by forming a closed loop around the rung of a ladder, or other workplace fixtures, in order to gain easy access to supplies.
In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve for holding work items which comprises a layered sleeve portion comprising a cushioned portion and configured to hold a magnet and a flap to tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface is disclosed. In some embodiments the sleeve portion is fabric. The magnet provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects to the layered sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the flap gathers loose material and tightens the sleeve around a worker's wrist. Various means are contemplated to couple the flap to the sleeve including, but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons and buckles.
In some embodiments, magnets are evenly distributed throughout the sleeve portion so as to allow magnetically attracted tools and supplies to be attracted to substantially all points of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the cushioned portion is located adjacent to the magnet. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion is located on top of a part of the magnet.
In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details.
Referring to
The first region 130 and a second region 140 can be coupled to form a closed loop. In some embodiments of the present application, the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener fabric 170 is stitched to the top of the second region 140. As shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, the layered portion 110 has multiple layers of fabric to hold one or more magnets 120. As shown in
In another embodiment, as shown in
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, neodymium magnets are utilized to attract such tools and supplies. Neodymium has been chosen because it is one of the strongest permanent magnets made and does not lose its strength over time.
The first region 930 and a second region 940 is able to be coupled to form a closed loop. In some embodiments of the present application, the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener fabric 970 is stitched to the top of the second region 940. As shown in
The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the device of the present invention could be implemented in several different ways and have several different appearances.
Claims
1. A band for holding work items around surfaces, the band comprising:
- a first region;
- a second region configured to adjustably couple to the first region forming a closed loop which is adjustable in diameter to fit around various surfaces;
- a layered portion located between the first region and the second region, wherein the layered portion is configured to hold at least one object;
- at least one magnet, wherein the magnet is located within the layered portion and provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects; and
- a cushioned portion located between the first and the second region, wherein the cushioned portion is configured to receive at least one object.
2. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is configured to couple with the first region to form a closed loop which is adjustable in diameter in the range of one inch to twelve inches.
3. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is configured to couple with the first region and form a closed loop to fit around a wrist.
4. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closed loop is selectively configured to tightly or loosely fit around the various surfaces.
5. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is coupled to the first region by hook and loop fasteners.
6. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is coupled to the first region by a zipper.
7. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is coupled to the first region by a button.
8. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second region is coupled to the first region by a buckle.
9. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the layered portion comprises more than one layer of fabric.
10. The band as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one magnet is completely stitched within the layers of the layered portion.
11. The band as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one magnet is partially stitched within the layers of the layered portion.
12. The band as claimed in claim 1 wherein a shape of the magnet is selected from the set comprising a strip, a ball bearing, and a disc.
13. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of magnets are spread out within the layer portion, wherein the band is configured to substantially encircle a surface with magnets when the second region is coupled with the first region.
14. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of magnets are positioned to avoid mutual magnetic attraction between each other.
15. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a ceramic magnet.
16. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a neodymium magnet.
17. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cushioned portion is positioned on top of part of the layered portion.
18. The band as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cushioned portion is positioned adjacent to the layered portion.
19. A sleeve for holding work items, the sleeve comprising:
- a layered sleeve portion, wherein the layered sleeve portion is configured to hold an object;
- a flap wherein the flap is configured to tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface;
- at least one magnet, wherein the magnet is located within the layered sleeve portion and provides a magnetic force for attracting a magnetically attractable object; and
- a cushioned portion configured to receive at least one object.
20. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the layered sleeve portion is fabric.
21. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the flap comprises a fastener and is configured to gather loose fabric and fasten to a corresponding fastener on the layered sleeve portion.
22. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fastener and corresponding fastener are hook-and-loop fasteners.
23. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fastener and corresponding fastener are buttons.
24. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fastener and corresponding fastener are buckles.
25. The sleeve as claimed in claim 21, wherein the magnets are distributed in such a way as to allow the magnetically attracted objects to be attracted to substantially all points of the sleeve.
26. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a ceramic magnet.
27. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a neodymium magnet.
28. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cushioned portion is positioned on top of part of the layered portion.
29. The sleeve as claimed in claim 19, wherein the cushioned portion is positioned adjacent to the layered portion.
30. An armband for holding magnetically attractable work items, the armband comprising:
- a first region configured with a plurality of hooks;
- a second region configured with a plurality of hook receptors for adjustably coupling to the first region, wherein the coupling causes the band to form a closed loop, wherein the length of the second region allows the closed loop to be adjustable in diameter in a range from one inch to twelve inches;
- a layered portion located between the first region and the second region, wherein the layered portion is configured to hold an object;
- a plurality of neodymium magnets, wherein the magnets are stitched between the layered portion and provides a large magnetic force for attracting a magnetically attractable objects; and
- a cushioned portion located between the first region and the second region, wherein the cushioned portion is configured to receive an object.
31. The armband as claimed in claim 30, wherein the closed loop is selectively configured to tightly or loosely fit around the various sized arms and various surfaces.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 7, 2008
Publication Date: Feb 26, 2009
Applicant:
Inventor: Andre A. Woolery (Menlo Park, CA)
Application Number: 12/287,275
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101); A45F 3/14 (20060101);