TOOL SECURING DEVICE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO

Abstract

A device for removably securing a tool, the device comprising: a receiving member configured to provide support; and a securing member selectably coupleable to the receiving member and configured to removably secure the receiving member to the tool. The securing member comprises a magnet, the magnet disposed on an underside portion of the securing member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/328,977 filed on Apr. 28, 2010, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for securing tools and methods related thereto, more specifically to magnetic tool securing devices and methods related thereto.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the related art, it has been known to use various devices and methods to secure tools such as, hammers, power tools, screwdrivers, and the like, to a person or object. Typically these devices include trays, pockets, or other holders that are designed to retain one or more tools. Some devices are configured to be more mobile and easier for a user to carry with them while working, while others are more optimal for use attached to an immovable object such as a wall. In most cases, the devices and methods have attempted to create tool holders that enable one or more tools to be accessible to a user.

More particularly, for a tool such as a hammer, devices have included pockets and holders that may securely retain a hammer. For example, previous devices for securing hammers have included a leather loop with a hole therein. A user may slide the handle of the hammer through the hole and securely retain the hammer. However, over time the leather would dry up and over time the loop would be susceptible to breakage. Subsequent to the leather loop devices, a metal loop hammer securing device was developed, wherein a user may slide the hammer handle through the metal loop and secure the head of the hammer on the metal loop portion.

However, these hammer securing devices typically are bulky and do not enable quick and easy access to the hammer for a user. Furthermore, typically many hammer securing devices includes latches, fasteners, deep pockets in a tool belt, or other securing implements that typically require a user to expend effort in removing the hammer for use. Additionally, the hammer securing devices of the prior art typically require a user to lift up and/or drop the shaft of the hammer through a loop.

Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,716 issued to Riley, discloses a releasable device for holding a tool in a holder, the tool for example being a hammer held in a hammer holder commonly used in the construction industry and having a loop loosely holding the hammer. The device has an aperture which may be pulled over a portion of the tool such as the hammer head to hold the tool to the holder. The device is secure to the loop of the hammer holder. Preferably, the device is a strip of flexible stretched material with an aperture and a series of holes and slits which permit the strap to be able to be looped around the hammer holder loop. The loop is releasably secured to a portion of the tool such as the head of the hammer.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040050735, by Coleman, discloses a magnetic tool holder that includes a body portion having an elongate central portion defining a channel and having side edges laterally extending from the central portion in a plane; and a magnet member disposed in the channel and having a tool securing surface positioned in the plane.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040238466, by Shiao, discloses a magnetic tool holder that includes two spaced-apart positioning seats, each of which has two opposite first and second faces, two lateral sides interconnecting the faces, two positioning slots that open respectively at the lateral sides, and a screw hole extending from the second face to the first face, an elongate magnetic frame unit including at least one bar with two opposite ends inserted fittingly into one of the positioning slots in a corresponding positioning seat and a magnet unit mounted fixedly on the bar, and a plurality of fastening units extending respectively into the screw holes in the positioning seats to fasten fixedly the positioning seats on an object.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20050082323, by O'Hair, discloses an armband arranged to removably fasten around a user's forearm. At least one tool holder is attached to the armband. The at least one tool holder is arranged to removably receive and hold a tool. In other aspects of the invention the tool holder includes a magnet as a band a tool can be removably slid under.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20080302689, by Frakes, discloses a magnetic tool holder includes a body having an area defining a cavity, the body including an inner surface and an outer surface, a magnet disposed on the outer surface of the body, wherein the magnet is operable to releasably adhere the body to a magnetic surface, an insert, wherein the insert is operable to be received within the cavity, wherein the insert includes at least one area defining a compartment, at least one tool, wherein the tool is selectively operable to be received within the compartment, and a cap, wherein the cap is selectively operable to engage an end portion of the outer surface of the body, wherein a magnet is disposed on an outer surface of the cap, wherein the magnet is operable to releasably adhere the cap to a magnetic surface.

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages, some of which include: tools secured to a holder are not easily accessible and/or easily removable from the holder, the holder is bulky and/or difficult to move/access/utilize/engage, being expensive, being heavy, being poorly positioned, and/or the holder is uncomfortable for a user and/or otherwise restricts motion of a user's body.

What is needed is a tool securing device that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available tool securing devices. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a device for removably securing a tool, such as a hammer, that may enable a user to quickly and easily remove the tool and that is not bulky or difficult to move.

In one embodiment, there is a device for removably securing a hammer. The device may comprise a receiving member that may be configured to provide support, and/or a securing member, that may be selectably coupleable to the receiving member and/or configured to removably secure the receiving member to the hammer. The securing member may include a magnet.

In another embodiment, there is a device for removably securing a tool. The device may comprise a receiving member that may be configured to provide support, and/or a securing member that may be selectably coupleable to the receiving member. The securing member may include a magnet that may be disposed on an underside portion of the securing member.

In yet another embodiment, there is a method of removably securing a tool. The method comprises providing a receiving member that may be configured to provide support; providing a securing member that may be selectably coupleable to the receiving member; and/or disposing a magnet on an underside portion of the securing member.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a frontal plan view of a tool securing device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a frontal plan view of a tool securing device coupled to a user at a belt and securing a hammer thereto, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a frontal plan view of a hammer and a securing member of a tool securing device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a frontal plan view of a securing member of a tool securing device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a frontal plan view of a tool securing device, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a frontal perspective view of a tool securing device, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a frontal perspective view of a tool securing device with a securing member having multiple potential configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a device 105 for removably securing a tool 110, such as a hammer 110, according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown, the device 105 comprises a receiving member 115 configured to provide support and a securing member 120 selectably coupleable to the receiving member 115. The illustrated securing member 120 is configured to removably secure the receiving member 115 to the hammer 110.

The illustrated receiving member 115 includes a bottom member 125, a pair of arms 130, or a plurality of arms 130 coupled to the bottom member 125, a neck slot 135 located between the bottom member 125 and the pair of arms 130. The illustrated neck slot 135 is configured to receive a portion of the securing member 120. In particular, the illustrated pair of arms is shaped and positioned such that there is a gap (neck slot 135) between the pair of arms 130 and the narrowest portion of the gap is substantially wider than the effective width of the neck member 145 of the securing member 120, such that the neck member 145 may pass through the neck slot. The illustrated neck slot 135 is narrow enough to not permit the head 150 to pass through the narrowest portion thereof. The receiving member 115 further includes a head slot 140, or cavity 140 located between, or otherwise defined by, the bottom member 125, the pair of arms 130, the neck slot 135. The head slot 140 formed between the pair of arms 130 is sufficiently wider than the head 150, such that the head 150 may pass therethrough. In one embodiment, the head slot 140 is configured and sized to receive at least a portion of the securing member 120, such as, but not limited to the head 150. In another embodiment, the head slot is configured and sized to permit at least a portion of the securing member 120 to slideably move and rotate therein.

In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the receiving member 115 may be embodied in any shape, size, and/or configuration, such as but not limited to a clip, a belt clip, a sling, and so forth, such that the receiving member 115 is selectively coupleable to a user's person. It more specific embodiments, the receiving member 115 is configured and shape to be selectively coupleable to a person while that person is a state of motion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the neck slot 135 is located between the pair of arms and shaped to permit the neck member 145 to slide in the neck slot 135 but to not permit the head 150 to pass therebetween.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the receiving member 115 includes an anchoring member 250 configured to anchor the device 105 to a person. Alternatively, the anchoring member 250 may be configured to anchor the device 105 to an object such as, but not limited to, a wall or a ladder.

It is contemplated that in one or more embodiments, the receiving member 115 and the anchoring member 150 may include structure, variations and/or configurations as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,880,794 issued to Kahn and U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,011, issued to Kahn, both of which are incorporated by reference herein. As a non-limiting example, there may be embodiments that include one or more configurations of paired arms, tool coupling devices/mechanisms, belt attachment/coupling devices/mechanisms, and/or the like as described therein and such may be in addition to and/or in replacement of structures described herein.

Illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 4, the securing member 120 includes a head 150, a base 155, and a neck member 145 coupling the head 150 to the base 155. It is contemplated that the head 150 may be formed of a variety of shapes and sizes such that the head 150 is removably coupleable or securable to the receiving member 115. As a non-limiting example, the head may be cubic-shaped and may be received by a rectangularly shaped receiving chamber of the receiving member. As another non-limiting example, the head may be ovoidal, irregularly shaped, pyramidical, and etc. As shown, in one embodiment, the head 150 is defined by a substantially spherical shape that may be inserted and slideably moved and rotated in the head slot 140.

It is contemplated that the neck 145 may include a variety of shapes, sizes, and lengths. As a non-limiting example, the neck may have a straight, curved, and/or irregularly shaped cross sectional profile that may be cylindrically symmetrical, symmetrical about some other axis, or not symmetrical. As shown, the neck 145 is configured such that the neck 145 can slideably move in the neck slot 135. The neck 145 may comprise a variety of materials, such as rubber, plastic, polyurethane, and so forth. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the neck 145 comprises a flexible material, such as rubber. The neck 145 comprising a flexible material may permit the neck 145 to more easily slide into the neck slot 135 and/or may permit the associated structures to be smaller, a tighter fit, or otherwise different than if the materials were more rigid. Further, having a tighter fitting neck/neck slot combination may more securely position the securing member in an appropriate configuration during use.

FIG. 2 illustrates a hammer 110 coupled to a securing member 120 of a securing device 105, which securing member 120 is coupled to a receiving member 115. The illustrated hammer 110 is coupled to a bottom portion of the securing member 120 by magnetic attraction between the metal head of the hammer 110 and the securing member 120. Accordingly, a user may “wear” the hammer on their hip and may remove the hammer from the securing device by simply grasping the handle of the hammer near the head of the hammer and pivoting the hammer away from the securing device, thereby overcoming the force of attraction by leveraged application of force. The magnetic attraction is strong enough that the simple weight of the hammer is not sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction and therefore the hammer remains attached.

Also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the securing member 120 includes a magnet 310, the magnet 310 configured to engage and removably secure a tool 110, such as a hammer, to the securing member 120. It is contemplated that the magnet 310 may be embodied in a variety of types of non-permanent and permanent magnets. In one embodiment, the magnet 310 is of a grade that is sufficient to securely engage a tool. In a more specific embodiment, the magnet is a permanent magnet. Some non-limiting examples of permanent magnets include Ceramic, Ferrite, Alnico, Samarium Colbalt (SmCo), and Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB or NIB) and are described in “Permanent Magnet Selection and Design Handbook” (National Imports, 2007), which reference is incorporated by reference herein. The “Permanent Magnet Selection and Design Handbook” is available on the World Wide Web from rare-earth-magnets.com/Permanent-Magnet-Selection-and-Design-Handbook.pdf (last viewed October 2010).

It is contemplated that the magnet 310 may be disposed at a variety of locations and orientations on the securing member 120. In one non-limiting example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the magnet 310 is disposed on an underside portion 320 of the base 155. Disposing the magnet 310 on an underside portion 320 of the base 155 enables a user to removably secure a tool on the underside portion 320. Advantageously, such a configuration ensures that the natural direction of the force of gravity will pull straight against the magnetic attraction, thereby maximizing the counterbalance of the forces. In essence, the tool “hangs straight down.”

Shown in FIG. 4, the underside portion 320 of the base 155 includes a recessed portion 410. The recessed portion 410 may include a variety of shapes, sizes, and arcs. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 410 is defined by an inward curvature that substantially mimics the curvature of the top portion of hammer 110. Some non-limiting examples of hammers that are contemplated include: claw hammers, ball pein hammers, cross and straight pein hammers, and so forth. Alternatively, the device 105 may be more particularly suited to hammers that comprise one or more metal elements, such as claw hammers and the like. Even in the case where a hammer may not be shaped to be received by a magnet or bottom portion having an inward curvature, Applicant believes that an inward curvature may enhance the strength and provide limited protection to the magnet therein and/or the bottom surface of the securing device and accordingly may be beneficial.

In alternative embodiments, the recessed portion 410 may be configured or formed such that recessed portion 410 substantially conforms to a specific tool type and/or to a portion of a particular tool. In at least one aspect, the recessed portion 410 functions to further secure the tool 110 to the securing member 120.

Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, once the securing member 120 is selectively coupled to the receiving member 115, the length of the securing member 120 is oriented substantially parallel to the length of the receiving member 115. Also shown, once the securing member 120 is selectively coupled to the receiving member 115, the magnet is positioned below the receiving member 115. Such positioning permits a tool removably coupled to the magnet to be positioned apart from the anchoring member 150 and in one aspect provides for a higher degree of freedom of movement for the user.

Shown in FIG. 2, the device 105 enables a user to removably secure a tool 110, such as a hammer, to a receiving member 115 and anchor the device 105, via the anchoring member 250, to a user's belt or other portion of a user's body. As shown, the receiving member 115 may be anchored to the user's belt or pants. In operation, a user engages a tool 110 with the magnet 310 thereby removably securing the tool 110 to the underside portion of the base 155. As shown, this may position the tool 110 at the side of a user. The tool 110 being positioned at a user's side may allow for a user to quickly and easily access the tool 110 without hindering a user's freedom of movement.

Furthermore, whereas most hammer securing devices of the prior art typically require a user to lift and drop a hammer through a loop, the device 105 enables a user to place the head of hammer 110 near the magnet 310, the magnet then attracts the metal portion of the hammer and removably secures the hammer.

In one embodiment, the securing member 120 comprises a magnet 310, the magnet 310 being of a sufficient strength to removably secure a hammer 110 to a person. As contemplated herein, “the magnet 310 being of a sufficient strength to removably secure a hammer 110” may be defined as a magnet being of sufficient strength to engage and attract a metal portion of the hammer 110 and to further secure the hammer 110 to the magnet to a person

In a more specific embodiment, the securing member comprises a magnet 310 of sufficient strength to removably secure the hammer 110 to a person currently in a state of motion. “Currently in a state of motion” may defined as a person who is mobile under the person's own power, such as but not limited, to walking, climbing, bending over, rotating the person's body, and so forth. “Currently in a state of motion” may further be defined as a person in a state of motion provided by another person or object, such as, but not limited to, a motorized vehicle, a non-motorized vehicle, and so forth.

Prior to applicant's priority date, applicant discovered that typical magnets used by the prior art for securing tools other than hammers were ceramic type magnets or were otherwise not of a sufficient strength to engage and removably secure a hammer to the magnet. Furthermore, applicant discovered that the typical magnets used by the prior art are especially inept at independently removably securing a hammer to user while the user is in state of motion, such as while walking, climbing, and so forth.

Magnetic strength may be defined by a magnet's Maximum Energy product (MGOe). See, e.g., “Permanent Magnet Selection and Design Handbook” page 6 (National Imports, 2007).

In one embodiment, the magnet 310 has an MGOe within the range of 15 to 50. In another embodiment, the magnet 310 has an MGOe within the range of 30 to 40. In yet another embodiment, the magnet 310 has an MGOe within the range of 34 to 40. In still another embodiment, the magnet has an MGOe of 37-40.

In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that the magnet 310 being of a sufficient strength to removably secure a hammer 110 includes magnets comprising rare earth materials, such as but not limited to Samarium Cobalt, Neodymium Iron Boron, polymers or alloys of Samarium Cobalt or Neodymium Iron Boron, and so forth.

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the hammer 110 may include those hammers with head weights of 7 oz, 10, oz, 13 oz., 16 oz. 20 oz., 24 oz., 28 oz., 32 oz., and so forth. In another embodiment, the hammer 110 may include those hammers with head weights of at least 10 oz. In yet another embodiment, the hammer 110 may include those hammers with a head weight of at least 16 oz. In still another embodiment, the hammer 110 may include those hammers with a head weight of greater than 16 oz. but less than 15 pounds (lbs.).

In an additional embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the head slot 140 is defined as having a greater surface area than the surface area of the head 150. In a non-limiting example, the height 210 of the pair of arms 130 is greater than the height of the head 150, once the head 150 is inserted into the head slot 140. Thus, once the head 150 is slideably moved within the head slot 140 and the head 150 is resting on the bottom member 125, the top of the head 150 rests below the top of the pair of arms 130. As illustrated, the head 150 is at least partially surrounded by the receiving member 115. In one aspect, the head slot 140 being defined as having a greater surface area than the head 150 functions to further secure the securing member 120 to the receiving member 115. In yet another embodiment, it is contemplated that the head slot 140 may include a greater cross-sectional area than the head 150.

In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the receiving member 115 and the securing member 120 include opposing magnetic elements 220, 330. The associated magnet elements 220, 330 may be configured to assist and guide a user in slideably moving the head 150 into the head slot 140. In a non-limiting example, the top portion 330 of the head 150 may include a metal piece that opposes and is attracted to a magnet 220 disposed in posterior member 230 of the receiving member 115. Advantageously, this configuration may assist a user in locating and guiding the head 150 into the head slot 140. In particular, when a user brings the securing member 120 near the receiving member 115, the associated magnetic portions are attracted/repelled according to their characteristics and therefore the user is alerted to the proximity of the portions. This is especially helpful when coupling the securing member 120 to the receiving member 115 when a user is not able or it is not convenient to look at the members when connecting them together.

Shown in FIG. 5, the device 105 further includes a head retaining member 510 or cap. The head retaining member 510 is configured to prevent the head 150 from sliding out of the head slot 140. In an additional embodiment, the head retaining member 510 may be further configured to prevent the head 150 from sliding out of the head slot 140 while allowing the head 150 to rotate within the head slot 140. It is contemplated that the head retaining member 510 may be a variety of shapes and sizes and may be oriented in a variety of ways within the head slot 140. In one non-limiting example, as shown, the head retaining member 510 is coupled to a portion of the posterior member 230 and to an interior side of the pair of arms 130. The head retaining member 510 may comprise a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, polyurethane, rubber, metal, and so forth.

In alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the head retaining member 510 may comprise one or more bars extending across the head slot, each bar having opposing ends coupled to an interior portion of the pair of arms 130 and a portion of the posterior member 230.

In an alternative embodiment, the head retaining member is disposed in the neck slot 135 between the pair of arms 130. In one non-limiting example, the head retaining member includes opposing ends coupled to the pair of arms 130, thus forming a bridge between the pair of arms 130. The bridge may be positioned in the neck slot 135 at a height greater than the height of the head when the head is resting within the head slot 135, thus, in at least one aspect, the head 150 is securely retained within the head slot 140, while the head may rotate within the head slot 140.

Shown in FIG. 6, the illustrated plurality of arms 130 is shaped and positioned such that there are gaps (neck slots 135) between each of the arms 130 and the narrowest portion of the gap is substantially wider than the effective width of the neck member 145 of the securing member 120, such that the neck member 145 may pass through the neck slots 135. The illustrated neck slots 135 are narrow enough to not permit the head 150 to pass through the narrowest portion thereof. As shown, each neck slot 135 is oriented relative to one another at a substantially ninety degree angle. It is contemplated that while the illustrated embodiment includes a set of four arms 130 and four gaps (neck slots 135) therebetween, there may be a variety of different configurations and numbers of arms and gaps (neck slots 135). It is further contemplated that the plurality of arms 135 may be composed of a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, plastic, rubber, polyurethane, metal, and so forth.

Illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the receiving member 115 includes a head slot 140, or cavity 140, defined by the plurality of arms 130, the neck slots 135, and the posterior member 230 of the receiving member 115. In one embodiment, the head slot 140 is sized to receive the head 150. In an alternative embodiment, the head slot 140 is sized sufficiently larger than the head 150 such that the head 150 may freely rotate therein.

In one embodiment, a user may insert the head 150 into the head slot 140 through applying a force or pressing the head 150 into the head slot 140. In this particular embodiment, the plurality of arms is formed of a material that bends or flexes with the application of a force. The material then enables or allows the plurality of arms to reform to the original shape. In like manner, to remove the head 150 from the head slot 140, a user may apply a force by pulling on the securing member, causing the plurality of arms to flex or bend, and thereby extricating the head from the head slot.

Shown in FIG. 7, the illustrated receiving member 115 enables the securing member 120 to be positioned at multiple locations and orientations 710, 720, 730 on the receiving member 115. As such, a user may selectably couple the securing member 120 to the receiving member 115 at a desired position and orientation to suit a user's needs or desires.

In one embodiment, the head slot 140 is shaped and configured to further removably secure or engage the securing member 120 via a “snap in” system. In operation, a user inserts the head 150 into the head slot 140 and, with the application of force, slides the head 150 through a narrow portion of the head slot 140, the narrow portion of the head slot 140 being defined as having a surface area that is less than the surface area of the head 150. Once through the narrow portion of the head slot 140, the head 150 is disposed in the bottom portion of the head slot 140. The bottom portion of the head slot 140 is defined as having a greater surface area than the surface area of the head 150. Thus, the “snap in” system allows the head 140 to rotate within the bottom portion 140 but does not allow the head 150 to slide out of the head slot 140 without an application of an upward force through the narrow portion of the head slot 140.

In an additional embodiment, the narrow portion of the head slot 140 comprises a flexible material such as, but not limited to, plastic, polyurethane, rubber, and so forth. It is contemplated that the flexible material may be embodied in the pair of arms 130 and/or the posterior member 230 of the receiving member 115. In at least one aspect, the flexibility of the narrow portion is such that with an application of a downward force, for example, from a user's hand, the narrow portion of the head slot 140 flexes and/or extends outward such that the head 150 may pass therethrough.

In an alternative embodiment, the pair of arms 130 and/or the posterior member 230 the receiving member 115 are slanted inwards toward each other such that the surface area of the head slot 140 decreases gradually down the head slot 140 until the narrow portion is reached. The bottom portion of the head slot 140 is defined as having a greater surface area than the surface area of the head 150.

In yet another embodiment, a tool 110 may be configured and/or structured with a metal element, such that the tool 110 is removably securable to the magnet 310. In a non-limiting example, a metal element is coupled to the casing or shell of a tape measure. As such, the tape measure may be secured to the device 105 and a user is able to quickly and easily reach the tape measure when needed. Advantageously, a variety of tools may be fitted with a metal element and therefore, be removably securable to the device 105.

In still another embodiment, the head 150 is removably coupled to the neck member 145. It is contemplated that the head 150 may be removably coupled to the neck member 145 in a variety of ways. In one non-limiting example, the head 150 comprises a recessed portion sized to receive a portion of the neck member 145. The recessed portion and the neck member 145 may include corresponding threaded portions such that the neck member 145 may be securely inserted into the head 150. In at least one aspect, removably coupling the head 150 to the neck member 145 enables a user to interchange a first base 155 with a second distinct base 155, as the device 105 may include a variety of different variations or configurations of the base 155. Further, each configuration and/or orientation of the base 155 may be suited and/or configured to secure one or more specific types of tools.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

For example, although the figures illustrate a single magnet 310, it is contemplated there may be more than one magnet disposed on the securing member 120 and the one or more magnets may include a variety of orientations. In a non-limiting example, the base 155 may be formed from a single magnet. Additionally, it is contemplated that two or more magnets may be coupled to the underside portion 320 of the base 155, thus providing a more secure hold for the tool 110 once engaged with the magnets. Having two or more magnets coupled to the underside portion 320 may function to secure larger sized hammers and other non hammer types of tools. It is also envisioned that the device 105 may be embodied in and include a variety of shapes and sizes. In a non-limiting example, the device 105 may be embodied in or be a part of a standard tool belt. In this particular example, the receiving member 115 may comprise a tool belt having one more pockets or securing members. The securing member 120 may be removably secured to the tool belt or holder. In at least one aspect, the device 105 is superior to that of a standard tool belt, as the device allows for a quick and easy removal of the tool from standard tool belt when the tool is needed.

It is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to, plastic, rubber, polyurethane, metal, metal alloys, and so forth.

It is further envisioned that the securing member 120 may comprise a single continuous piece or otherwise be formed from a single mold. In like manner, the receiving member 115 may comprise a single contiguous piece, or otherwise be formed from a single mold.

Finally, it is envisioned that one more elements of the invention may comprise additional uses and/or be adapted and/or configured for additional uses. By way of example only, the securing member 120 may be used as a stud finder, the strength of the magnet being of a magnitude to locate one or more studs incorporated in building walls and the like.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein.

Claims

1. A device for removably securing a hammer to a person, the device comprising:

a receiving member configured to provide support; and

a securing member, selectably coupleable to the receiving member and configured to removably secure the receiving member to the hammer, the securing member comprising a magnet.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the strength of the magnet is sufficient to removably secure the hammer to a person.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the receiving member is selectively coupleable to a person.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the receiving member comprises a cavity, the cavity sized to receive a portion of the securing member, wherein the portion of the securing member is freely rotatable within the cavity.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the securing member further comprises:

a head removably coupleable to the receiving member;

a neck member coupled to the head; and

a base member coupled to the neck member;

wherein the magnet is disposed on a portion of the base member.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the receiving member includes a head slot defined by:

a posterior member;

a plurality of arms extending outward from the posterior member; and

a neck slot located between the plurality of arms and shaped to permit the neck member to slide in the neck but not to permit het had to pass therebetween;

wherein the head slot is sized to receive the head.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the magnet is disposed on an underside portion of the securing member.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the underside portion is defined by an inward curvature.

9. The device of claim 5, wherein the base is larger than the neck such that the base cannot pass between the arms.

10. A device for removably securing a tool to a person, the device comprising:

a receiving member configured to provide support, the receiving member selectively coupleable to a person; and

a securing member selectably coupleable to the receiving member and configured to removably secure the receiving member to the tool, the securing member comprising a magnet, the magnet disposed on an underside portion of the securing member.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the securing member further comprises:

a head removably coupleable to the receiving member;

a neck member coupled to the head; and

a base coupled to the neck member;

wherein the magnet is disposed on a portion of the base.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the receiving member includes:

a posterior member;

a plurality of arms extending outward from the posterior member; and

a neck slot located between the plurality of arms and shaped to permit the neck member to slide in the neck but not to permit het had to pass therebetween;

wherein the head slot is sized to receive the head.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the underside portion of the securing member is defined by an inward curvature.

14. The device of claim 10, wherein the receiving member comprises a cavity, the cavity sized to receive a portion of the securing member, wherein the portion of the securing member is freely rotatable within the cavity.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the base is larger than the neck such that the base cannot pass between the arms.

16. A method of securing a tool to a person, the method comprising:

providing a receiving member, configured to provide support;

providing a securing member selectably coupleable to the receiving member and configured to removably secure the receiving member to the tool, the securing member comprising a head configured to be removably secured to the receiving member;

disposing a magnet on a portion of the head.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling a base to the head via a neck member.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the magnet is disposed on an underside of the base.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the tool comprises a hammer.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising removably coupling the securing member to the receiving member, wherein the securing member is oriented substantially parallel to the receiving member.