PRESSURE WASHER TOOL BELT

Abstract

A pressure washer tool belt is disclosed. The tool belt has a length of material, the length of material has a first end and a second end. The tool belt also has a fastening means. The fastening means is attached to the first and second end. The tool belt further has a receiving clip which is attached to the belt, the receiving clip is configured to receive a pressure washer clip. The pressure washer clip is attached to a pressure washer.

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to pressure washers and more specifically to a pressure washer tool belt.

2. Description of Related Art

Pressure washers are used by consumers to clean various types of surfaces or objects. The pressure washers typically operate by receiving an incoming amount of water, usually from a garden hose, and applying a predetermined amount of pressure and the pressurized water is directed out of a wand. The wand typically has a trigger which turns on the pressurized water allowing the operator to determine the amount of water to be directed out of the wand.

Pressure washers come in various sizes and types. For example, for commercial and otherwise larger applications, gasoline powered pressure washers may be employed. However, for smaller applications, an electric pressure washer may be more applicable. In an electrical pressure washer, an electric motor may be used to drive a hydraulic pump which in turn pressurizes the incoming water.

Over time, electric pressure washers have become smaller, lighter and more efficient than some of the earlier models. Along with being smaller and lighter, they have become more portable. For instance, some newer pressure washers may weigh about 5 or 6 pounds which may be light enough to be carried by an operator.

One of the previous methods of carrying the pressure washer was to strap the pressure washer to the operator's back. Other prior art pressure washers may have had handles for the user to grab and pick up the pressure washer.

One drawback of the prior ways of holding the pressure washer is when the pressure washer is mounted on the user's back, the weight of the pressure washer and water may cause discomfort. When carrying the pressure washer in this configuration, there may be downward pressure applied directly to the back of the user through shoulder straps. Another drawback is that the prior art systems did not have a way to carry multiple nozzles for the pressure washer wand. A further drawback of the prior art is that movement of the user may be limited due to the location of the pressure washer on the user's back.

The present invention addresses these concerns. The pressure washer and tool belt of the present invention allows the user to carry the pressure washer around his or her waist and secure the pressure washer to his or her leg. In this configuration, the weight of the pressure washer and water are centered at the user's waist and not directly on the user's back, thus, alleviating any back strain. With the present invention, any movement of the user bending in any direction may not cause any back injury.

In addition, the pressure washer and tool belt of the present invention also has the capacity to store multiple wand nozzles directly on the tool belt itself. The user may have one wand to allow a higher pressure stream to be formed. Another nozzle may allow the user to spray a mist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A pressure washer tool belt is disclosed. The tool belt has a length of material, the length of material has a first end and a second end. The tool belt also has a fastening means. The fastening means is attached to the first and second end. The tool belt further has a receiving clip which is attached to the belt, the receiving clip is configured to receive a pressure washer clip. The pressure washer clip is attached to a pressure washer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool belt in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 displays a rear perspective view of the tool belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 displays a right side perspective view of the tool belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 displays a view of a pressure washer with a clip and an unattached leg brace.

FIG. 5 displays a view of the pressure washer of FIG. 4 with the leg brace attached.

FIG. 6 shows the pressure washer of FIG. 5 attached to the tool belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 shows a close up view of the pressure washer of FIG. 5 detached from the tool belt of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool belt in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 displays a view of a pressure washer in accordance with a further embodiment with a leg brace attached.

FIG. 10 shows a close up view of the pressure washer of FIG. 9 detached from the tool belt of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail specific embodiments, with the understanding that the present disclosure of such embodiments is to be considered as an example of the principles and not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described. In the description below, like reference numerals are used to describe the same, similar or corresponding parts in several views of the drawings. This detailed description defines the meaning of the terms used herein and specifically describes embodiments in order for those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or as more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or as more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including” and/or “having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, and “an embodiment” or similar terms means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments without limitation.

The term “or” as used herein is to be interpreted as an inclusive or meaning any one or any combination. Therefore, “A, B or C” means any of the following: “A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C”. An exception to this definition will occur only when a combination of elements, functions, steps or acts are in some way inherently mutually exclusive.

The drawings featured in the figures are for the purpose of illustrating certain convenient embodiments of the present invention and are not to be considered as limitation thereto. Term “means” preceding a present participle of an operation indicates a desired function for which there is one or more embodiments, i.e., one or more methods, devices, or apparatuses for achieving the desired function and that one skilled in the art could select from these or their equivalent in view of the disclosure herein and use of the term “means” is not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 1 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool belt 100 (hereinafter referred to as tool belt 100) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the tool belt 100 is composed of a fixed length of material 102. In one embodiment, the material 102 may be nylon. In another embodiment, the material 102 may be a plastic composite. The tool belt has a first end and a second end which may be connected to a fastening means. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the fastening means may consist of a male end 106 and female end 108. The male end 106 may attach to the first end of the tool belt 100 and the female end 108 may attach to the second end of the tool belt 100.

In another embodiment, the tool belt may also have an adjustment means. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the adjustment means may be a buckle 110 that may receive one of the ends after the end is looped through the fastening means. In this instance, the buckle 110 may terminate the end and allow excess length of material 102 to be let out, thus adjusting the size of the tool belt 100.

Also shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 is a pressure washer receiving clip 104. The length of material 102 may be directed through two openings 107 in a base 109 in the pressure washer receiving clip 104. In this manner, the pressure washer receiving clip 104 may be adjusted to any location along the tool belt 100. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the pressure washer receiving clip 104 has a tab 105 that extends in an upward direction. In one exemplary embodiment, the tab 105 may be pressed up against the base 109. In this instance, the tab 105 may be flexible enough to create a small gap between tab 105 and the base 109.

Providing support for the user is a tool belt support 130 which attaches to the length of material 102. The tool belt support may have two openings through which one of the ends may be inserted. In this exemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 130 may be adjusted to the desired position on the tool belt 100. In a further exemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 130 may be centered directly opposite the receiving clip 104. This location of the tool belt support may provide the user additional support than may be provided by just the length of material 102 by itself.

Positioned on the length of material 102 is a nozzle carrier 120. The nozzle carrier allows the operator to carry different nozzles while operating the pressure washer. In some pressure washers, the nozzles may be replaced with relative ease. The nozzles may vary the direction and size of the water spray from the pressure washer. The nozzle carrier 120 has nozzle receptacles 124 where the nozzles may be placed. The nozzle carrier 120 may be positioned on the length of material 102 at various points. In one embodiment, the nozzle carrier 120 may have openings configured to allow the length of material to be directed through. In another embodiment, the tool belt support may also have Velcro material. The nozzle carrier 120 may also have Velcro material which may allow the nozzle carrier 120 to attach directly to the tool belt support 130.

The tool belt 100 also has a strain relief 122 which is positioned near the nozzle carrier 120. The strain relief 122 may be utilized by the pressure washer operator to secure the power cord and water hose which attach to the pressure washer. The strain relief 122 may consist of two ends of material having Velcro on each end. When the two ends are in contact with each another, a loop of material is formed, securing the power cord and water hose. Using Velcro also allows the operator to vary the size of the loop, thus accommodating larger hoses if necessary.

By utilizing the strain relief 122, the operator is able to move while pulling the cord and hose from the tool belt 100 instead of having to hold them. In addition, the operator is able to direct any tension applied to the power cord or water hose to the strain relief 122. Otherwise, tension in the water hose may be directed to the hose connector on the pressure washer. If too much tension is experienced, the hose connector could shear off the pressure washer, potentially causing injury. The same holds true for the electrical cord. If the tension were too great, strain due to the tension may cause the cord to shear off at the electrical connector, thus increasing the chance of electrical shock.

FIG. 4 displays a pressure washer 400 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. On the pressure washer 400 is a handle 475 which allows the user to easily grasp and transport the pressure washer 400. In addition, the pressure washer 400 has a clip 420 which mates up to the pressure washer receiving clip 104. In one embodiment, the clip 420 may have an opening through which the tab 105 of the pressure washer receiving clip 104 may protrude. When the pressure washer 400 is attached to the tool belt, the clip is in contact with the pressure washer receiving clip 104. Pressure from the tab against the clip 420 and the base 109 may provide sufficient pressure to keep the pressure washer 400 securely in place.

The pressure washer 400 has a wand 402. The wand 402 connects to the pressure washer 400 by a hose (not shown for ease of illustration). One advantage of the clip 420 is that it may also provide a means to store the hose when the pressure washer 400 is not attached to the tool belt 100. Also shown on the pressure washer is a garden hose connector 410. The user may attach a garden hose to the garden hose connector to provide a water source to the pressure washer 400.

As depicted in FIG. 4, a leg brace 450 may be attached to the pressure washer 400. The leg brace 450 may also have a belt formed by a second length of material. In one embodiment, the leg brace 450 may consist of nylon and have the second length of material adjusted using a Velcro attachment. The leg brace 450 also has a pressure washer attachment 452. The pressure washer attachment 452 is inserted into a recess 460 in the pressure washer 400. The leg brace 450 may be held in place by screws which are inserted into the pressure washer attachment 452 and terminate inside of the recess 460. FIG. 5 shows the leg brace 450 attached to the pressure washer 400.

FIG. 6 shows the pressure washer 400 attached to the tool belt 100. Also shown in FIG. 6, nozzles 620 and 610 are attached to nozzle carrier 120. FIG. 7 displays a close up view of the pressure washer 400 as it is near the tool belt. As mentioned previously, the clip 420 has an opening 425 through which the tab 105 protrudes. As can be seen in FIG. 7, the pressure washer 400 may be removed from the tool belt 100 by moving the pressure washer in an upward direction in relation to the tool belt 100. The orientation of the clip 420 allows the pressure washer 400 to be removed in a specific direction, thus allowing the pressure washer 400 to remain secure in the tool belt 100.

FIG. 8 displays a front perspective view of a pressure washer tool belt 800 (hereinafter referred to as tool belt 800) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Similar to the tool belt 100 of FIG. 1, the tool belt 800 is composed of a fixed length of material 802. In one embodiment, the material 802 may be nylon. In another embodiment, the material 802 may be a plastic composite. The tool belt 800 has a first end and a second end which may be connected to a fastening means. The fastening means may consist of a male end 806 and female end 808. The male end 806 may attach to the first end of the tool belt 800 and the female end 808 may attach to the second end of the tool belt 800.

In another embodiment, the tool belt 800 may also have an adjustment means. In this embodiment, the adjustment means may be a buckle 810 that may receive one of the ends after the end is looped through the fastening means. In this instance, the buckle 810 may terminate the end and allow excess length of material 802 to be let out, thus adjusting the size of the tool belt 800.

Also shown in FIG. 8 is a pressure washer receiving clip 804. The length of material 802 may be directed through two openings 807 in a base 809 in the pressure washer receiving clip 804. In this manner, the pressure washer receiving clip 804 may be adjusted to any location along the tool belt 800. Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 8, the pressure washer receiving clip 804 has a tab 805 that extends in an upward direction. As can be seen in FIG. 8, the tab 805 may be configured to receive a circular protrusion. As is explained in FIG. 9, a pressure washer 900 may have a circular protrusion which is inserted into the clip 804 and held in place.

Providing support for the user is a tool belt support 830 which attaches to the length of material 802. The tool belt support 830 may have openings through which the length of material 802 may be inserted. In an exemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 830 may be adjustable to be positioned at a desired location on the tool belt 800. In a further exemplary embodiment, the tool belt support 830 may be centered directly opposite the receiving clip 804. This location of the tool belt support 830 may provide the user additional support than may be provided by just the length of material 802 by itself.

Positioned on the length of material 802 is a nozzle carrier 820. The nozzle carrier allows the operator to carry different nozzles while operating the pressure washer when attached. In some pressure washers, the nozzles may be replaced with relative ease. The nozzles may vary the direction and size of the water spray from the pressure washer. The nozzle carrier 820 has nozzle receptacles 824 where the nozzles may be placed. The nozzle carrier 820 may be positioned on the length of material 802 at various points. In one embodiment, the nozzle carrier 820 may have openings configured to allow the length of material to be directed through. In another embodiment, the tool belt support 830 may also have Velcro material. The nozzle carrier 820 may also have Velcro material which may allow the nozzle carrier 820 to attach directly to the tool belt support 830. Similar to tool belt 100, tool belt 800 also has a strain relief 822.

FIG. 9 displays a pressure washer 900 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. On the pressure washer 900 is a handle 975 which allows the user to easily grasp and transport the pressure washer 900. In addition, the pressure washer 900 has a protrusion 920 on a clip 940 which mates up to the pressure washer receiving clip 804 (FIG. 8). In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 920 may be circular which corresponds to the pressure washer receiving clip 804. When the pressure washer 900 is attached to the tool belt 800, the protrusion 920 is in contact with the pressure washer receiving clip 804. One advantage of the protrusion 920 is that by being circular, the pressure washer 900 may be able to rotate while secured in the pressure washer receiving clip 804. FIG. 10 displays a close up view of the pressure washer 900 as it is positioned next to the belt 800.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and that the invention has other applications in other environments. For example, the inventive concepts as described herein may be applied to various types of pressure washers, electric or gas. In addition, various other types of clips may be used. For example, the pressure washer clip may be a round tab and the pressure washer tool belt may be modified to receive a round tab. In this embodiment, the pressure washer may swivel slightly when the user is moving, walking or bending. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims

1. A pressure washer tool belt comprising:

a length of material having a first end and a second end,

a fastening means, the fastening means attached to the first and second end,

a receiving clip attached to the belt, the receiving clip configured to receive a pressure washer clip, the pressure washer clip attached to a pressure washer.

2. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment means, the adjustment means adjusting the length of material presented to the fastening means.

3. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 further comprising a nozzle holder, the nozzle holder positioned on the tool belt, the nozzle holder configured to accept a nozzle.

4. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 3 wherein the nozzle holder is configured to hold two nozzles.

5. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 3 wherein the nozzle holder is removable.

6. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 further comprising a support, the support positioned on the belt, the support providing a wider width to support the pressure washer when the pressure washer is attached to the tool belt.

7. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the pressure washer is an electric pressure washer.

8. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 6 further comprising a leg support, the leg support attaches to the electric pressure washer when the pressure washer is coupled with the tool belt.

9. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the fastening means is Velcro.

10. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the fastening means further comprises a male end and female end, the male end attaching to the first end and the female end attaching to the second end, the male and female ends configure to connect to each other.

11. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the receiving clip further comprises a tab, the tab configured to be inserted into an opening in the pressure washer clip.

12. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 11 wherein the tab is circular and the pressure washer clip is configured to accept the circular tab.

13. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 11 wherein the tab is rectangular and the pressure washer clip is configured to accept the rectangular tab.

14. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 wherein the receiving clip may be moved to various positions on the tool belt.

15. The pressure washer tool belt of claim 1 further comprising a strain relief wherein the strain relief secures a water hose or an electrical cord, the water hose or electrical cord coupled to the pressure washer.