Tool Safety Wrist Strap
Described herein is a device for securing a tool to the wrist of a user by a cord to prevent dropping the tool while still allowing use of the tool. The device further comprises removable means for securing the tool to the cord such that the cord may be removed from the tool, or from the wrist. The device further comprises an elastic cord to prevent injury to the wrist if the tool is dropped by minimizing shock to the wrist as the tool reaches the end of the cord length during the fall.
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENTNot Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONOften workers must perform maintenance task at heights. Dropping a tool from a ladder or other elevated position can be a nuisance because one must retrieve the tool to continue the job. In some situations, such as an off-shore platform, or a bridge, the tool may not be retrievable once dropped. Further, when someone is working overhead, a dropped tool could mean costly damage to equipment below, or worst have severe safety consequences to personnel situated below the elevated worker.
One method of preventing the loss of a tool, or injury is to secure the tool in some fashion. Currently workers use rope and cords to tie tools to their belt, or to the ladder on which they are working. If a tool is secured to a belt, ladder, etc., then use may be impaired. Further the long cords necessary to secure the tool in this fashion could be a trip hazard to a worker in an elevated position. Finally if the tool does drop, then the jerk of the tool reaching the end of the rope could cause an elevated worker to lose their stance.
Disclosed is a device to protect workers from dropped tools from overhead workers. By securing a tool to a workers wrist, the worker may utilize the tool in a safe manner without worry of dropping the tool on people or equipment below. Rather than securing a tool to a belt or platform, securing the tool to the worker's wrist allows a shorter cord assembly presenting less of a tangle hazard. Further the tool has the same reach as the worker using it so no limitations are imposed, as may be the case if the tool were secured to the waist belt, or platform.
The device comprises a band encircling the wrist of the wearer. The band has a reinforced attachment point for securing a cord assembly that, in turn, has the distal end attached to the tool. The cord assembly is removable at the wrist so that it may be disconnected and in turn be connected to a belt to keep the tool secured in a tool belt, while a different tool with a different cord is attached to the wrist in its place. Further, by disconnecting at the wrist, the worker has the ability to free the hands of tools or cords which could cause tangle hazards when the worker changes work locations, e.g. when ascending or descending a ladder.
In the preferred embodiment, the wrist band is constructed from a linear band of material with hook and loop type fasteners which allow it to be comfortably and securely wrapped around the arm to produce a customized fit. The band is wide enough to comfortably spread the load comfortably across the wrist and forearm of the wearer. The band is constructed of a woven elastic material which provides stretch for comfort and customizable fit to the wearer. Further, in the preferred embodiment, the band has a reinforced tab on the end where a ring is attached, to which the cord is secured. In the preferred embodiment, the wrist band further comprises a loop at the end opposite the reinforced end. The loop is positioned such that it can be passed over the thumb to hold the end while wrapping the band around the wrist, thus allowing a wearer to easily don the wristband around one hand with the other free hand. Once properly wrapped; the hook and loop fastener material on the tab mates with the hook and loop fastener material on the band securing the band in a custom fit.
In one embodiment, the wrist band may be a permanent band which clamps to the wrist with a clasp or buckle similar to a watch band. In another embodiment the wrist band may be of an elastic material that allows the wearer to slip it over the hand. Such an embodiment is less desirable because it could possibly be pulled back over the hand by the weight of a falling tool.
A cord assembly is detachably secured to the wrist band at the reinforced attachment point previously described. By making this a detachable connection, the cord assembly may remain attached to the tool so that it may be further utilized to secure the tool to a tool belt or platform when not in use. In this fashion a wearer may have multiple cord assemblies of varying length and elasticity based on the tools to which they are attached.
In one embodiment, the attachment point may be a grommet in a reinforced portion of the strap. The reinforcement may be a thicker material, or a non-elastic material, or a backing or tear-resistant lining to the attachment point such as a grommet or a button hole-like stitching pattern. In the preferred embodiment, a “D-Ring” is secured with a security strap which runs through a reinforced hole to the back side of the reinforced tab and is secured to the tab by rivets. In this fashion, the D-Ring may be folded against the wrist when not in use to be out of the way. Further, the Ring is an easily accessible connection point for a snap type hook.
The cord assembly comprises a length of cord which connects the tool to the wrist band. In the preferred embodiment, the cord is an elastic core with a woven encasing material commonly referred to as bungee. The length of bungee cord is terminated with crimp connectors to snap hooks making the cord removable from the wrist band and/or from the tool. In the preferred embodiment at least the snap hook on the tool end of the cord assembly is of a swiveling type to prevent twisting of the cord assembly during normal use of the tool. In another embodiment, the cord may be rubber banding or rubber tubing. In another embodiment the cord may not be elastic, but instead be a static material. In another embodiment the cord may be a series of cords or bands joined together in parallel or series to form various lengths and weights. In another embodiment, the cord assembly may be permanently attached to the wrist band and/or to the tool.
The cord assembly's attachment to the tool will depend on the tool. Many tools already contain convenient attachment points. As an example, a crescent wrench is often fastened with a hole or opening at the back end of the handle to facilitate hanging the tool for storage. Similarly, hammers often have holes drilled in the butt end of their handles for hanging. In these examples the snap hook of the cord assembly may be connected to the tool at this position. Some tools such as pliers or screwdrivers, as an example, may not have a convenient connection point. In situations such as this, the worker may have to fashion a connection point by some means. As an example, the inventor preferred to use a series of large O-Rings which were attached to the handle of tools in convenient places which would not interfere with the tool's operation.
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The diagrams in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the particular proportions illustrated. Additionally some elements illustrated in the singularity may actually be implemented in a plurality. Further, some element illustrated in the plurality could actually vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one form could actually vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention.
The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.
Claims
1. A safety device comprising:
- a band for encircling the wrist of a wearer;
- a cord attached at one end to said wrist band; and
- a clip for attaching to a tool located at the distal end of said cord, the cord being of sufficient length to allow the tool to be held in the hand for use while wearing the wrist band.
2. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein said cord is of an elastic nature.
3. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein said cord is removably attached to said wrist band.
4. A safety device, as described in claim 3 wherein the removable attachment to the wrist band is a snap hook.
5. A safety device, as described in claim 4 wherein the removable attachment to the wrist band is a swiveling hook.
6. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein the connection point between the cord and the tool is a snap hook.
7. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein the connection point between the cord and the tool swivels to prevent twisting of the cord.
8. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein said wrist band is a linear band which wraps around the wrist and secures to form a loop encircling the wrist.
9. A safety device, as described in claim 8 wherein said linear band is secured with a buckle.
10. A safety device, as described in claim 8 wherein said linear band is secured with a snap.
11. A safety device, as described in claim 8 wherein said wrist band further comprises:
- a loop at one end for securing to the thumb to hold one end of the band while encircling the wrist.
12. A safety device, as described in claim 8 wherein said wrist band further comprises:
- a hook and loop type removable reusable medium for securing the band encircling the wrist.
13. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein said wrist band is constructed of an elastic material.
14. A safety device, as described in claim 1 wherein said wrist band further comprises:
- a reinforced end with a ring for removably attaching said cord.
15. A safety device, as described in claim 14 wherein said reinforced end further comprises:
- rivets for securing said ring.
16. A safety device, as described in claim 14 wherein said reinforced end further comprises:
- a canvas material.
17. A safety device, as described in claim 14 wherein said reinforced end further comprises:
- a plastic material.
18. A safety device, as described in claim 14 further comprising:
- a tab near the ring for gripping the band to disengage the hook and loop fastener.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 25, 2011
Publication Date: Oct 25, 2012
Inventor: Leonard Darnell Ward, JR. (Rodessa, LA)
Application Number: 13/093,520
International Classification: A45F 5/00 (20060101);