TOOL HOLDER

Abstract

The present disclosure discusses tool holders and a tool holding system that can be attached and secured to the arms of a user.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/848,197, filed on Dec. 27, 2012, entitled, “Rocket Arm Tool Bag.” The entire disclosure of the application listed above is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety, for all that it teaches and for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems for holders of tools and/or other items, and more specifically, to devices for holding tools on an individual's arm(s).

BACKGROUND

Tool holders are generally used by tradesman, such as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, masons, maintenance workers, etc. Typically, tool holders are worn on the body of the tradesman around the waist as a tool belt. Depending upon the specific trade of the user of the tool belt, the user will include certain tools within his or her tool belt. For example, an electrician may carry a hammer, a knife, various types and sizes of screwdrivers and pliers, etc. However, tool belts may create unwanted stress and/or strain on the user's back. Additionally, it may be difficult for the tradesman to carry a tool belt and/or access the tools from the tool belt in certain environments, such as crawl spaces and hart-to-reach places. Accordingly, there is a need for a different type of tool holder.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure discusses tool holders that can be attached and secured to the arms of a user. Attaching the tool holders to the arms of the user allows a tradesman quick and easy access to the tools that he typically uses. Additionally, attaching the tool holders to the arms may negate the need for tradesman to carry a tool belt. Furthermore, the tool holders described in the present disclosure allow the user to carry his tools in a tool holder in certain environments, such as crawl spaces and hard-to-reach places.

A tool holder that can be attached to an arm of a person may comprises a base having two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are not parallel to one another, wherein the two lateral edges are parallel to one another, and wherein one of the lateral edges is shorter than the other lateral edge, a first row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the first row is larger than another receptacle in the first row, a second row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the second row is larger than another receptacle in the second row, wherein the second row has a corresponding number of receptacles in the first row, wherein the first row and second row are parallel, and two straps attached to the base, whereby the straps are capable of surrounding an arm of a person and thereby attaching the tool holder to the arm.

A tool holder system attaching tools to arms of a person may comprise a first tool holder, wherein the first tool holder includes a first base comprising two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are not parallel to one another, wherein the two lateral edges are parallel to one another, and wherein one of the lateral edges is shorter than the other lateral edge, a first row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the first row is larger than another receptacle in the first row, a second row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the second row is larger than another receptacle in the second row, wherein the second row has a corresponding number of receptacles in the first row, wherein the first row and second row are parallel, and two straps attached to the base, whereby the straps are capable of surrounding an arm of a person and thereby attaching the tool holder to the arm, and a second tool holder, wherein the second tool holder comprises a second base comprising two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are not parallel to one another, wherein the two lateral edges are parallel to one another, and wherein one of the lateral edges is shorter than the other lateral edge, a pair of receptacles attached to the base, wherein the pair of receptacles is parallel to the longer lateral edge, a first pocket attached to the base, the first pocket comprising a first flap, and a second pocket attached to the base, the second pocket comprising a second flap.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X₁-X_n, Y₁-Y_m, and Z₁-Z_o, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X₁ and X₂) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y₁ and Z_o).

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” may be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” may be used interchangeably.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure may be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a human with the top view of embodiments of the tool holders being shown attached to the arms of the human;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a human with the bottom view of embodiments of the tool holders being shown attached to the raised arms of the human;

FIG. 3 is the perspective view of a first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 4 is a front side view of the first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 5 is a back view of the first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 7 is a left view of the first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the first embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 10 is the perspective view of a second embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 11 is a front side view of the second embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 12 is a back view of the second embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the second embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 14 is a left view of the second embodiment of a tool holder;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the second embodiment of a tool holder; and

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the second embodiment of a tool holder.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is depicted embodiments according to this disclosure that provide a user 100 with tool holders 200, 300 that can be attached to one or both arms 104, 106. A first embodiment of a tool holder 200 is attached to the user's left arm 104, and a second embodiment of a tool holder 300 is attached to the user's right arm 106. As will be discussed in more detail below, tool holder 200 is attached to the user's left arm 104 by a pair of straps 248, 252. And tool holder 300 is attached to the user's right arm 106 by a pair of straps 360, 364.

Referring to FIGS. 3-9, there is depicted a first embodiment of a tool holder 200. The tool holder 200 has a sturdy and flexible base 204. The base 204 may be constructed of a single layer or multiple layers. If the base 204 is constructed of multiple layers, the layers may be sewn together via stitching 220. The top and bottom layers of the base 204 may be constructed of leather, nylon, cloth or canvas. Additionally, the base 204 may include a stiffening layer, which can be located between the top and bottom layer and increases the rigidity of the base 204 and, in turn, the tool holder 200. The stiffing layer may be constructed of plastic or leather.

It may be preferable for the tool holder to have a particular shape and/or configuration in order to more easily maneuver the user's arms or the tool holders while attached to the user's arms. For example, the tool holder 200 may have two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are longer than the lateral edges. Stated differently, the lateral edges may be shorter than the longitudinal edges. The transition from the longitudinal edges to the lateral edges may be curved to remove any sharp edges.

Additionally, one or both of the longitudinal edges may be straight or tapered. Assuming both longitudinal edges are straight, they may be parallel to one another, and assuming one or more of the longitudinal edges are tapered, the longitudinal edges may be non-parallel to one another. Similarly, one or both of the lateral edges may be straight or tapered. Assuming both lateral edges are straight, they may be parallel to one another, and assuming one or more of the lateral edges are tapered, the lateral edges may be non-parallel to one another. For instance, the tool holder 200 depicted in FIGS. 3-5 has two non-parallel longitudinal edges and two parallel straight lateral edges, wherein one lateral edge is shorter than the other lateral edge, and wherein the longitudinal edges transition to the lateral edges by curvilinear edges. Inclusion of a tapered edge from the longer lateral edge to the shorter lateral edge allows the user to more easily move his arms with the tool holder 200 attached thereto, particularly while the user is working with his arms and hands and maneuvering the tool holder 200.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-9, the tool holder 200 may include two parallel rows 208, 212 of receptacles 236, 236′, 240, 240′. Each row 208, 212 of receptacles 236, 236′, 240, 240′ may be formed by a rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible material that has elastic properties. The receptacles may be formed by flat elastic material, woven elastic material, or braided elastic material, or other types of elastic material. For instance, the rows and/or receptacles may be formed of neoprene, which exhibits elastic properties. Although the rows and receptacles may be formed of non-elastic material, such as leather, it may be preferable for the rows and/or receptacles to be formed of elastic materials because the receptacles may have a tighter fit to secure the tools.

The row 208 of receptacles 236, 236′ may be formed by a single strip of material and sewn to the base 204 at multiple locations via stitches 224 between each of the receptacles as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-9. Although it is not shown in the Figures, a row of receptacles may include separately attached receptacles such that each receptacle includes its own strip for each receptacle. Also, the receptacles 236, 236′ may be attached to the base 204 via an attachment means other than sewing. Such other attachment means may include adhesives, mechanical fasteners, such as rivets or tacks or any other attachment mechanisms known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The row 212 of receptacles 240 may also be formed by a single strip of material and sewn to the base 204 at multiple locations via stitches 228 between each of the receptacles as illustrated in the Figures. Alternatively, the row 212 of receptacles may include separately attached receptacles such that each receptacle includes its own strip for each receptacle.

It may be preferable for both rows to have the same number of receptacles or a different number of receptacles. It may also be preferable for the receptacles in both rows to have similar or different sizes. It may further be preferable for the receptacles in a particular row to have the same or different sizes. For example, row 208 has four receptacles 236, 236′, and row 212 has four receptacles 240, 240′. Accordingly, the receptacles 236, 236′ in row 208 have a corresponding number of receptacles 240, 240′ in row 212. However, three of the receptacles 236 in row 208 have a similar size, while receptacle 236′ has a larger size in comparison to the other three receptacles 236. Similarly, three of the receptacles 240 in row 212 have a similar size, while receptacle 240′ has a larger size in comparison to the other three receptacles 240.

Although some of the receptacles 236 in row 208 align with the receptacles 240 in row 212, one or more of the other receptacles in each of the respective rows are offset. For the purposes of this disclosure, offset (or off center) shall mean that the central axis of one receptacle in one row is not aligned with the central axis of a corresponding receptacle in another row. For example, it may be desirable for a receptacle 236 in row 208 to align with a receptacle 240 in row 212 so that screwdriver having a straight shaft may fit within the receptacles 236, 240. Specifically, the handle portion of the screwdriver would be located within receptacle 236, and the shaft of the screwdriver would be located within receptacle 240. Alternatively, it may be desirable for a receptacle 236 in row 208 to be slightly offset or off center with a receptacle 240 in row 212 so that a rotary screwdriver having a non-linear shaft may fit within the receptacles 236, 240. Specifically, the handle portion of the screwdriver would be located within receptacle 236, and the shaft of the screwdriver would be located within receptacle 240, which is slightly offset or off center from receptacle 236.

Furthermore, depending upon the shape of the tool to be placed within the tool holder, it may be preferable for the corresponding receptacles 236, 240 in the rows 208, 212 to be aligned or offset. For example, wire strippers may be shaped such that it may be beneficial for the receptacles 236, 240 to be off centered. Similarly, because the handles of the wire strippers may be wider than the handle of the screwdrivers, it may be preferable for the receptacle 236′ in row 208 to be larger than the receptacle(s) 236 in the same row. Similarly, because the working end of the wire strippers may be wider than the shaft of the screwdrivers, it may be preferable for the receptacle 240′ in row 212 to be larger than the receptacle(s) 240 in the same row. The tool holder 200 may also include an additional receptacle 244 that is either parallel or offset from the axes of one or both rows of receptacles 236, 236′, 240, 240′. For example, the additional receptacle may be used to house a knife, such as a razor blade or utility knife.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, there is depicted a pair of straps 248, 252 for attaching the tool holder 200 to the arm of the user. The straps 248, 252 illustrated in these figures pass through two openings or slits that extend through both sides of the base 204. Each of the straps 248, 252 are preferably constructed of hook and loop fasteners that are wrapped back on themselves with the aid of a buckle 256, 260. Such a construction provides the user with flexibility when attaching the tool holder 200 to his arm. It may also be preferable for the strap 248 located closer to the longer lateral edge of the tool holder 200 to have a longer length in comparison to the strap 252 located closer to the shorter lateral edge of the tool holder 200, or vice versa.

Although the straps 248, 252 illustrated in FIGS. 5-9 are depicted as traversing both sides of the base 204, the straps may only be attached to one side, particularly the bottom side, of the base 204. The straps may be attached to the bottom side of the base 204 by sewing, adhesive, mechanical fasteners, such as rivets or tacks, or other known mechanical fastening means.

Referring to FIGS. 10-16, there is depicted a second embodiment of a tool holder 300. Similar to tool holder 200, the tool holder 300 has a sturdy and flexible base 304 which may be constructed of a single layer or multiple layers. If the base 304 is constructed of multiple layers, the layers may be sewn together via stitching 332. The top and bottom layers of the base 304 may be constructed of leather, nylon, cloth or canvas. Additionally, the base 304 may include a stiffening layer, which can be located between the top and bottom layer and increases the rigidity of the base 304 and, in turn, the tool holder 300. The stiffing layer may be constructed of plastic or leather.

It may be preferable for the tool holder to have a particular shape and/or configuration in order to more easily maneuver the user's arms or the tool holders while attached to the user's arms. For example, the tool holder 300 may have two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are longer than the lateral edges. Stated differently, the lateral edges may be shorter than the longitudinal edges. The transition from the longitudinal edges to the lateral edges may be curved to remove any sharp edges.

Additionally, one or both of the longitudinal edges may be straight or tapered. Assuming both longitudinal edges are straight, they may be parallel to one another, and assuming one or more of the longitudinal edges are tapered, the longitudinal edges may be non-parallel to one another. Similarly, one or both of the lateral edges may be straight or tapered. Assuming both lateral edges are straight, they may be parallel to one another, and assuming one or more of the lateral edges are tapered, the lateral edges may be non-parallel to one another. For instance, the tool holder 300 depicted in FIGS. 10-12 has two non-parallel longitudinal edges and two parallel straight lateral edges, wherein one lateral edge is shorter than the other lateral edge, and wherein the longitudinal edges transition to the lateral edges by curvilinear edges. Inclusion of a tapered edge from the longer lateral edge to the shorter lateral edge allows the user to more easily move his arms with the tool holder 300 attached thereto, particularly while the user is working with his arms and hands and maneuvering the tool holder 300.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 10, 11, and 13-16, the tool holder 300 may include two receptacles 352, 356 that are aligned with and parallel to the longer of the two lateral edges. Similar to the receptacles in tool holder 200, the each receptacle 352, 356 in tool holder 300 may be formed by a rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible strip 308, 312 of material that has elastic properties. The strips 308, 312 are attached to the base 304 of tool holder 300 via stitches 336, 340. The strips 308, 312 may be sized to hold a particular type of tool, such as a pair of lineman-type pliers. Although it is not depicted in FIGS. 10, 11, and 13-16, the tool holder 300 may include additional receptacles constructed of additional rows and/or strips of elastic material. For example, an additional receptacle or pair or receptacles may hold a power tester.

It may also be preferable for tool holder 300 to include one or more pockets 316, 320 for containing fasteners, such as nails, staples, wire nuts, clamps, etc. The pockets 316, 320 may be formed of rigid, semi-rigid, and/or flexible material discussed hereinbefore. Because the tool holder 300 and in turn, the pockets, will be moving with the user's arm(s), it may be preferable to cover the pockets. Accordingly, the pockets 316, 320 may include flaps 324, 328 that cover the openings thereof. The flaps may remain closed during use by including a snap or magnetic type of closure system that closes flaps 324, 328 onto the pockets 316, 320.

Referring to FIGS. 12-16, there is depicted a pair of straps 360, 364 for attaching the tool holder 300 to the arm of the user. The straps 360, 364 illustrated in these figures pass through two openings or slits that extend through both sides of the base 304. Each of the straps 360, 364 are preferably constructed of hook and loop fasteners that are wrapped back on themselves with the aid of a buckle 368, 372. Such a construction provides the user with flexibility when attaching the tool holder 300 to his arm. It may also be preferable for the strap 360 located closer to the longer lateral edge of the tool holder 300 to have a longer length in comparison to the strap 364 located closer to the shorter lateral edge of the tool holder 300, or vice versa.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure may be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, sub combinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Summary for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Summary, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A tool holder capable of being attached to an arm of a person, the tool holder comprising:

a base comprising two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein one longitudinal edge is tapered with respect to the other longitudinal edge, wherein the two lateral edges are parallel to one another, and wherein one of the lateral edges is shorter than the other lateral edge;

a first row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the first row is larger than another receptacle in the first row;

a second row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the second row is larger than another receptacle in the second row, wherein the second row has a corresponding number of receptacles in the first row, wherein the first row and second row are parallel; and

two straps attached to the base, whereby the straps are capable of surrounding an arm of a person and thereby attaching the tool holder to the arm.

2. The tool holder of claim 1 further comprising an additional receptacle attached to the base, wherein the additional receptacle is formed separately from the first row of receptacles and second row of receptacles.

3. The tool holder of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a top layer, a bottom layer, and a stiffening layer interposed between the top layer and bottom layer.

4. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein one of the straps is longer than the other strap.

5. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the base comprises opening though which the straps pass.

6. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the first row of receptacles is constructed of a first strip of material.

7. The tool holder of claim 7, wherein the second row of receptacles is constructed of a second strip of material.

8. The tool holder of claim 8, wherein the material for the first strip and second strip are the same.

9. The tool holder of claim 9, wherein the material has elastic properties.

10. A tool holder system for attaching tools to arms of a person, the tool holder comprising:

a first tool holder, wherein the first tool holder comprises: a first base comprising two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are not parallel to one another, wherein the two lateral edges are parallel to one another, and wherein one of the lateral edges is shorter than the other lateral edge; a first row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the first row is larger than another receptacle in the first row; a second row of receptacles attached to the base, wherein at least one of the receptacles in the second row is larger than another receptacle in the second row, wherein the second row has a corresponding number of receptacles in the first row, wherein the first row and second row are parallel; and two straps attached to the base, whereby the straps are capable of surrounding an arm of a person and thereby attaching the tool holder to the arm; and

a second tool holder, wherein the second tool holder comprises: a second base comprising two longitudinal edges and two lateral edges, wherein the longitudinal edges are not parallel to one another, wherein the two lateral edges are parallel to one another, and wherein one of the lateral edges is shorter than the other lateral edge; a pair of receptacles attached to the base, wherein the pair of receptacles is parallel to the longer lateral edge; a first pocket attached to the base, the first pocket comprising a first flap; and a second pocket attached to the base, the second pocket comprising a second flap.

11. The tool holder system of claim 10, wherein the first flap remains closed by a first closure system, and the second flap remains closed by a second closure system.

12. The tool holder system of claim 11, wherein the first and second closure systems are mechanical fasteners.

13. The tool holder system of claim 11, wherein the first and second closure systems are magnets.

14. The tool holder system of claim 11, wherein the second tool holder further comprises a second pair of receptacles attached to the base.

15. The tool holder system of claim 12, wherein the second pair of receptacles of the second tool holder is parallel to the first pair of receptacles of the second tool holder.