MULTI-FEATURE AIR FRAME TOOL POUCH SYSTEM

Abstract

A tool belt system comprises a tool pouch and a belt sleeve. The tool pouch comprises a base, a back wall, and a primary wall. The primary wall extends from a first side of the back wall to a second side of the back wall. The back wall and the primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from, the base. The base, the back wall, and the primary wall define a storage volume. The belt sleeve is adapted for receiving a belt. The belt sleeve extends laterally across an upper portion of the back wall. A divider can extend laterally across a width of the storage volume. The divider is spaced apart from the back wall. The tool belt system can include one or more additional tool belts coupled to the belt sleeve.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/942,854, “Hand Tool Toolbelt,” filed Feb. 21, 2014, U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/001,666, “Multi-Feature Air Frame Tool Pouch System,” filed May 22, 2014, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/001,669, “Wide Body Tool Pouch and System,” filed May 22, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tool belts and pouches, particularly, tool belts and pouches adapted for both professional construction workers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

BACKGROUND

A variety of belts, bags, and carriers have been used for holding and transporting tools. Tool belts have also been used so that tools can be transported while leaving the hands of the wearer free to perform other functions. As always, there remains the opportunity to develop improved tool belts.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a tool belt system is disclosed. The tool belt system comprises a tool pouch and a belt sleeve. The tool pouch comprises a base, a back wall, and a primary wall. The primary wall extends from a first side of the back wall to a second side of the back wall. The back wall and the primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from, the base. The base, the back wall, and the primary wall define a storage volume. The belt sleeve is adapted for receiving a belt. The belt sleeve extends laterally across an upper portion of the back wall.

In some embodiments, a tool apron system is disclosed. The tool apron system comprises a padded belt, a first tool pouch and a second tool pouch coupled to the padded belt. Each of the first tool pouch and the second tool pouch comprise a base, a back wall, and a primary wall. The back wall is coupled to the padded belt. The back wall and the padded belt define a belt sleeve adapted for receiving a belt. The primary wall extends from a first side of the back wall to a second side of the back wall. The back wall and the primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from, the base. The base, the back wall, and the primary wall define a storage volume. At least one of the first tool pouch and the second tool pouch comprises a fastener pocket having a cinch sack closure. The cinch sack closure comprises a fabric covering coupled to an opening of the fastener pouch and comprising a circumferential opening. A drawstring is coupled to the circumferential opening and is operable to transition the circumferential opening from a first diameter to a second diameter. A cord lock is coupled to the drawstring to maintain the drawstring in a fixed position.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a tool pouch as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a right side, perspective view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1 showing the air gun holster.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right, top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1 showing the hammer holder.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1

FIG. 7 is a top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the tool pouch of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a front, elevation view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1 loaded with a tape measure and a speed square.

FIG. 10 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of the tool pouch as described herein.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a pocket sheet as described herein.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fastener pouch as described herein.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener pouch of FIG. 13 taken along cut line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener pouch of FIG. 13 taken along cut line 15-15.

FIG. 16 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of a tool pouch as described herein.

FIG. 17 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of a tool pouch as described herein.

FIG. 18 is a top, perspective view of the tool pouch of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment of a tool pouch as described herein.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the tool pouch of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the tool pouch of FIG. 20 taken along cut line 21-21.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the tool pouch of FIG. 20 with the fastener pouch flipped up to expose the back-up pencil holder.

FIG. 23 is a right, perspective view of one embodiment of a full apron tool pouch system as described herein.

FIG. 24 is a left, perspective view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a front view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a right side view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a left side view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a top view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the full apron system of FIG. 23.

FIG. 31 illustrates one embodiment of a tool pouch having a flexible back reinforcing member as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-31, a tool belt system 10 comprising a tool pouch 12 and, in some embodiments, a tool belt 14 is disclosed. The tool pouch 12 can include a base 16, a back wall 18, and a primary wall 20. The primary wall 20 can extend from a first side 24 of the back wall 18 to a second side 26 of the back wall 18. The back wall 18 and the primary wall 20 can be coupled to, and extend up from, the base 16. The base 16, the back wall 18, and the primary wall 20 define a storage volume 28. In some embodiments, a divider 22 extends laterally across a width of the storage volume 28, and the divider 22 is spaced apart from the back wall 18. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the divider 22 extends laterally from the back wall 18 to the front portion of the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 can include a belt sleeve 32 extending laterally across an upper portion of the back wall 18, where the belt sleeve 32 is adapted for receiving the tool belt 14.

In some embodiments, a belt flap 34 can extend from the top of the back wall 18. As best seen in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the belt flap 34 can be folded back so that it is adjacent the rear side of the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the distal end of the belt flap 34 is coupled to the rear side of the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the belt flap 34 can be coupled to the back wall 18 by belt flap rivets 35. The belt sleeve 32 can be adapted to receive a belt up to 2″ tall, or up to 2.5″ tall, or up to 3″ tall.

In some embodiments, when the tool pouch 12 is empty or contains evenly distributed weight, the tool pouch 12 maintains an upright position when the base 16 is placed on a horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the tool pouch 12 can be self-supporting. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 and the primary wall 20 comprise a back wall reinforcing member 36 and a primary wall reinforcing member 38, respectively.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the primary wall 20 includes a primary wall reinforcing member 38 between two primary wall facings 40a, 40b, and the primary wall 20 is coupled to the base 16 by a base binding 42. In some embodiments, the base binding 42 extends along the entire length of the bottom edge of the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the primary wall reinforcing member 38 comprises a single member that extends continuously from proximate the first side 24 of the back wall 18 to proximate the second side 26 of the back wall 18.

As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the base binding 42 projects downward from the base 16 across a front portion of the tool pouch. As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the base binding 42 is covered by a reinforcing binding 44 along at least part of the front portion. In some embodiments, the base binding 42, the reinforcing binding 44, or both, can be formed of a rugged material that functions as a skid guard when the tool pouch 12 is placed or dropped on an abrasive surface, such as concrete or gravel, commonly found at worksites. Examples of materials useful for the base binding 42 and/or reinforcing binding 44, include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the base binding 42 is sufficiently skid resistant that a reinforcing binding 44 is not necessary.

In some embodiments, the back wall 18 includes a back wall reinforcing member 36 between an inner back wall facing 46 and an outer back wall facing 48. As shown in FIG. 21, the back wall reinforcing member 36 can extend below a top edge 50 of the base binding 42 along the front portion 52 of the tool pouch 12. In some embodiments, the front portion 52 can be the middle of the primary wall 20.

In some embodiments, the reinforcing members (e.g., 36, 38) described herein can independently be a sheet of material formed of plastic, wood, metal, or a combination thereof. Where the reinforcing member is a plastic sheet or board, the reinforcing member can be formed of a plastic material including, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyesters, combinations thereof, and other durable polymer materials. In some embodiment, the reinforcing member 36, 38 can be sheet with a thickness of at least 1/32″, or at least 1/16″, or at least 3/32″. In some embodiment, the reinforcing member 36, 38 can be sheet with a thickness of ¼″ or less, or 3/16″ or less, or 5/32″ or less, or ⅛″ or less. The thickness of the reinforcing member 36, 38 can be such that the reinforcement member 36, 38 maintains a substantially planar shape when placed under an appropriate load. In some embodiments, the thickness of the back wall reinforcing member 36 can be such that the reinforcing member 36 flexes or bows when placed under an appropriate load, as described in more detail below.

In some embodiments, the outer back wall facing 48 comprises a padded portion 54 adapted for resting against a user wearing the tool belt system 10. In some embodiments, a first padding material 56 is disposed between the padded portion 54 and the back wall reinforcing member 36. In some embodiments, a second padding material 58 extends from the first padding material 56 to the base 16. In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 extends over a lower edge of the back wall reinforcing member 36. In such a configuration, the tool pouch rests on the second padding material 58 when the tool pouch 12 is placed upright on a horizontal surface, such as the ground.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 31, the tool pouch 12 is configured to flex or bow when placed under the load of one or more tools, such as, for example, one or more hand tools. When a user places one or more tools into the storage volume 28, the weight of the tools causes the tool pouch 12 to flex or bow, away from the user. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 comprises a material that is designed to flex in a direction towards the front portion 52 of the tool pouch 12 when the tool pouch 12 is work on a belt 14 and loaded. In some embodiments, the material can be relatively stiff and resilient, but still flexible, while the material can be flexible and resilient in other embodiments. The flexed tool pouch 12 defines an air passage between the back wall 18 of the tool pouch 12 and the user in order to allow air to flow between the tool pouch 12 and a user. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 can flex at any point along its length. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 flexes at an intermediate point.

The outward flex of the back wall 18 provides a channel for air to pass behind the back wall 18. The air movement cools the user. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, the padded portion 54 contacts a user when the tool pouch 12 flexes away from the user. In some embodiments, the first padded section 56, the second padded section 58, or both have a substantial thickness. The thickness of the first padded section 56, second padded section 58, or both allows the tool pouch 12 to flex at a greater angle while providing comfort to the wearer. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the thickness of the second padded section 58 is at least twice the thickness of the first padded section 56. In some embodiments, the second padded section 58 projects at least 1″, or at least 1.5″, or at least 2″ further back than other portions of the back wall 18, including the first padded section 56.

In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 is more wear resistant than the padded portion 54. In some embodiments, the padded portion 54 and first padding material 56 can be foams, such as a polyurethane foam, which can optionally be covered by a fabric facing. In some embodiments, the first padding material 56 can be thicker than the padded portion 54. In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 can be a natural rubber material or a synthetic rubber material. Examples of natural rubber materials include, but are not limited to, isoprene. Examples of synthetic rubber materials include, but are not limited to, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, rubbers comprising one or more of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3-butadiene), and isobutylene, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second padding material 58 can be the raw rubber sheet in order to provide a no-slip surface and minimize the appearance of wear over time. In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 is covered by a fabric facing.

In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 can extend at least 0.5 inches onto each of the back wall 18 and the base 16. In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 can extend at least 1 inch onto each of the back wall 18 and the base 16, or at least 1.5 inches onto each of the back wall 18 and the base 16.

In some embodiments, each side of the primary wall 20 can be coupled to the respective side 24, 26 of the back wall 18. The first and second sides 24, 26 of the back wall 18 can be coupled to the primary wall via first and second bindings 49, 51, respectively. In some embodiments, the first binding 49, second binding 51, and base binding 42 are all part of a single, continuous binding. In some embodiments, the first and/or second bindings 49, 51 can bind the inner back wall facing 46, the outer back wall facing 48, and the primary wall facings 40a, 40b together. In some embodiments, the primary wall 20 contacts or intersects the back wall 18 only at the first and second bindings 49, 51.

In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes a hammer holder 74 coupled to the tool pouch 12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 17, and 20, the hammer holder 74 can include an upper hammer support arm 76 forming a first hammer opening 78 sized to enable a handle of a hammer to be inserted into the first hammer opening 78 yet prevent the head of the hammer from passing through the first hammer opening 78.

In some embodiments, the hammer holder 74 can also include a lower hammer support arm 80 disposed downwardly at a distance from the upper hammer support arm 76. The lower hammer support arm 80 can form a second hammer opening 82 sized to receive a handle of a hammer. In such embodiments, a surface 84 to which the hammer holder 74 is attached and the lower hammer support arm 80 completely surrounds the handle of a hammer supported by the hammer holder 74 to limit the movement of the handle when a head of a hammer is supported by the upper hammer support arm 76. In some embodiments, the second hammer opening 82 is defined by the surface 84 and the lower hammer support arm 80.

In some embodiments, a first side of the lower hammer support arm 80 can be connected to a first side of the upper hammer support arm 76 by a first support leg 81, while a second side of the lower hammer support arm 80 can be connected to a second side of the upper hammer support arm 76 by a second support leg 83. In some embodiments, the first support leg 81 and the second support leg 83 can include at least one orifice 77, and fasteners 79, such as rivets, can pass through each orifice 77 and the surface 84 to secure the hammer holder 74 to the tool pouch 12. In some embodiments, the hammer holder 74 can be attached to the primary wall 20 and a rivet can pass through each orifice 77 and be secured to the underlying primary wall reinforcing member 38.

In some embodiments, the upper hammer support arm 76 can be perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the first support leg 81 and the second support leg 83. In some embodiments, the lower hammer support arm 80 can be perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the first support leg 81 and the second support leg 83.

In some embodiments, the hammer holder 74 includes an accessory unit 86 that (a) is coupled to the upper hammer support arm 76 and the lower hammer support arm 80, and (b) extends from the upper hammer support arm 76 to the lower hammer support arm 80. In some embodiments, the accessory unit 86 includes at least one pocket 87 or storage sleeve 89 for storing a hammer accessory.

In some embodiments, the accessory unit 86 includes an upper coupling sleeve 88 extending generally horizontally proximate a top of the accessory unit 86 and a lower coupling sleeve 90 extending generally horizontally proximate a bottom of the accessory unit 86. In such embodiments, the upper hammer support arm 76 passes through the upper coupling sleeve 88 and the lower hammer support arm 80 passes through the lower coupling sleeve 90. In some embodiments, the upper and lower coupling sleeves 88, 90 are connected as part of a single sleeve (e.g., the body of the accessory unit 86 is a continuous loop).

In some embodiments, the accessory unit 86 comprises at least one pocket 87 and at least one storage sleeve 89 for storing hammer accessories. Examples of hammer accessories include, but are not limited to, nail pullers, awls, and bradawls. Due to the long, generally L-shaped body of industrial nail pullers, the at least one storage sleeves 89 may be particularly useful for storing a nail puller. Due to the cylindrical shape of awls and bradawls, the at least one pocket 87 may be particularly useful for storing awls and bradawls. Examples of hammer holders 74 and accessory units 86 useful in connection with the tool belt system 10 include those found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/026200, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes an air gun holder 92 coupled to the tool pouch 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, the air gun holder 92 can include an air gun support arm 94 spaced apart from the tool pouch 12, and two coupling arms 96a, 96b extending from the air gun support arm 94 are coupled to the tool pouch 12. The coupling arms 96a, 96b can be secured to the tool pouch 12.

In some embodiments, the air gun support arm 94 has a maximum height (h_ag) at least twice a maximum thickness (t_ag) thereof. In some embodiments, the maximum height (h_ag) is at least three times the maximum thickness (t) of the air gun support arm 94, while the maximum height (h_ag) is at least four times the maximum thickness (t_ag) in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the air gun support arm 94 can include a thin sheet extending down from a thicker rod and the maximum thickness (t_ag) is the thickness of the rod. In some embodiments, the air gun support 94 and the coupling arms 96a, 96b are made from a continuous sheet of molded or pressed material, such as, for example, a metal material.

Each of the coupling arms 96a, 96b can include an extension leg 98a, 98b and a coupling leg 100a, 100b extending from an intersect 102a, 102b. In some embodiments, for each coupling arm 96a, 96b, the respective extension leg 98a, 98b and coupling leg 100a, 100b are perpendicular or generally perpendicular to one another.

In some embodiments, each coupling leg 100a, 100b can include at least one orifice 104, and a fastener 106, such as a rivet, can pass through each of the orifices 104 and a part of the tool pouch 12 to secure the air gun holder 92 to the tool pouch 12. In some embodiments, the air gun holder 92 can be attached to the primary wall 20 and a fastener 106 (e.g., a rivet) can pass through each orifice 104 and be secured to the underlying primary wall reinforcing member 38.

Examples of air gun holder 92 useful in connection with the tool belt system 10 include the air gun holster described in co-pending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled “Air Gun Holster Pouch and Method of Using the Same,” also filed May 22, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, such as those in FIGS. 17 & 18, the back wall 18 is not symmetrical and includes an upper, back wall extension 19 projecting out wider than the primary wall 20, while the opposite side of the back wall 18 does not extend wider than the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the upper, back wall extension can be semi-circular or half-elliptical in shape. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17 & 18, the air gun holder 92 and the upper, back wall extension 19 are located on the same side of the tool belt 12. In some embodiments, a tape measure clip 150 is attached to the upper, back wall extension 19.

In some embodiments, a protective flap 97 is located between the coupling legs 100a, 100b of the air gun holder 92 and the primary wall 20. The protective flap 97 can be a sheet material formed a plastic, wood, metal, rubber, fabric, or a combination thereof. When the protective flap 97 is a plastic sheet, the protective flap 97 can be formed of a material including, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyesters, combinations thereof, and other durable polymer materials. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the side pocket 142a includes the protective flap 97, for example, as the bottom portion of the pocket 142a. The side pocket 142a and/or the protective flap 97 can overlap with the binding 42. For example, in some embodiments, a lower edge 99 of the protective flap 97 extends to or below the binding 42. The protective flap 97 protects the binding 42 from damage, such as tearing, that may be caused by an air gun hook used to secure the air gun to the air gun holder 92 and/or contact between the binding 42 and the air gun.

In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the tool pouch 12 includes a tape loop connector 190. As shown in FIGS. 5, 10, 19, and 25, in some embodiments the tape loop connector 190 includes a receiving loop 192 (e.g., a D-ring). In some embodiments, the tape loop connector 190 includes a clip 193 tethered to the tool pouch 12, where the tether is secured, for example, with one or more rivets. The clip 193 is threaded through a hole in the middle of a tape roll the releasably secured to the receiving loop 192. The tape roll is the retained by and rotates on the tether to allow tape to be removed from the tape roll. In some embodiments, the end of the tether opposite the clip 193 can be used to secure the receiving loop 192 to the tool pouch. In other embodiments, separate material (e.g., webbing) is used to attach the receiving loop 192 to the tool pouch 12.

In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes a clip sleeve 108 adapted for receiving and securing a belt clip, such as those commonly attached to retractable tape measures. The clip sleeve 108 can be coupled to a material sheet forming a component of the tool pouch 12. The clip sleeve 108 can include two opposing clip walls 112a, 112b that are spaced apart from one another and adapted to sandwich around an upper edge of the material sheet, such as, but not limited to, the upper edge of a pocket 142, a fastener pocket 164, or the primary wall 20, e.g., the front storage wall 134.

In some embodiments, the material sheet can be a fabric strap 110 and the clip sleeve 108 can attach over an upper edge of the fabric strap 110. In some embodiments, the clip walls 112a, 112b can include matching clip orifices 118 and a clip fastener 120, such as a rivet, can pass through each pair of matching clip orifices 118 and the fabric strap 110.

As shown in FIGS. 21 & 22, in other embodiments, the material sheet can be a pocket 115 with a binding 116 covering the upper edge. In such embodiments, the clip sleeve 108 can attach over the binding 116, with the binding 116 being sandwiched between the clip walls 112a, 112b. In some embodiments, opposing clip walls 112a, 112b can include matching clip orifices 118 and a clip fastener 120, such as a rivet, can pass through each pair of matching clip orifices 118 and the material sheet (e.g., fabric strip 110 or pocket 115). In some embodiments, the clip fastener 120 can pass through and/or over the pocket 115 below the binding 116.

In some embodiments, the clip sleeve 108 can be tapered so that an upper portion of the clip sleeve 108 is thicker than a lower portion of the clip sleeve 108. In some embodiments, the clip sleeve can be 25% thicker at the top than at the bottom. Such configurations allow for enhanced retention of belt clips, such as tape measure belt clips, attached to the clip sleeve 108.

In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 includes at least one handle fastening ring 122 coupled to an upper portion of the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the handle fastening ring(s) 122 can be D-rings. In some embodiments, the handle fastening ring(s) 122 can be secured to the back wall 18 by fastening loops 124 secured to the back wall 18. The fastening loops 124 can be fastened to the back wall 18 by appropriate fasteners, including, but not limited to, rivets. In some embodiments, the handle fastening ring(s) 122 can extend above a top edge of the back wall 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 11, the D-rings can be non-twisting D-rings 123. The non-twisting D-rings 123 include a crossbar 125 extending within the outer D-ring 127 and parallel to a generally linear arm 129 of the outer D-ring 127. In some embodiments, the fastening loop 124 can pass between the crossbar 125 and the generally linear arm 129.

In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also include a carrying strap 146 (e.g., a handle). As shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, each end of the carrying strap 146 can include a releasable latch 148.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 & 26, the tool belt system 10 can include a tool belt 14 passing through the belt sleeve 32; and at least one belt loop 128 comprising at least one belt fastening ring 130 coupled to the belt loop 128. As shown to the left of the tool pouch 12 in FIG. 21, the belt 14 can pass through the at least one belt loop 128, such that the belt loop(s) 128 are slidably adjustable along the length of the belt 14. In other embodiments, the fastening rings 130 are fixedly attached to the tool belt 14.

The tool belt system 10 can include one or more support straps 132, as shown in FIG. 5. Each end of the support strap 132 can include a latch 126 for releasably coupling to a pouch fastening ring 122 or a belt fastening ring 130. When each end of the support strap 132 is attached to a pouch fastening ring 122 or a belt fastening ring 130, the support strap 132 can be worn over a shoulder of a wearer (either the same should on which the tool pouch 12 is carrier or the opposite shoulder). In such embodiments, the tool pouch is placed on one side of the user (e.g., proximate the right hip), while the shoulder strap rests on the opposite shoulder (e.g., the left shoulder) of the user. In some embodiments, the weight of the tool belt system 10 is even distributed by the support strap 132 to increase comfort to the wearer.

In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 23-30, a harness can be used. In such embodiments, the harness can be attached to fastening rings 138 that are adjustably or fixedly attached to the tool belt 14 or the padded belt 238. Examples of such embodiments are well-known in the art.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the tool pouch 12 includes an upper pocket 138 extending from an inner surface of the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the upper pocket opening 140 is adapted so that a 7″ speed square (S) fits into the pocket with one leg of the speed square inserted into the pocket and a second leg of the speed square extending below the fastening loops. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper pocket 138 and the tool pouch 12 are designed so that the second leg of the speed square does not extend above an upper edge of the tool pouch 12. In some embodiments, the upper pocket 138 can be designed so that second leg of the speed square extends generally parallel to an upper edge of the tool pouch 12.

As shown in FIG. 1-4, in some embodiments, a tape measure clip 150 can be attached to an outer surface of the pouch 12, such as, for example, an outer surface of the upper pocket 138. As shown in FIG. 9, the tape measure clip 150 can be positioned so that a tape measure attached to the tape measure clip 150 is above the storage volume 28 formed by the primary wall 20.

In some embodiments, the tool pouch 12 includes a utility blade holding system 152. The utility knife holding system 152 can include a utility knife pocket 154 adapted for receiving a retractable utility knife. As shown in FIGS. 3 & 4, the utility knife pocket 154 can have a curved upper lip 156 extending from a generally flat base surface. As evident from FIGS. 1 & 2, at its base, the utility knife pocket 154 can be sewn directly to the generally flat base surface. In some embodiments the utility knife holding system is attached to an outer surface of the of the upper pocket 138.

An exterior of the utility knife pocket 154 can include one or more pencil holders 158. As shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, the pencil holders 158 can be funnel shaped sheath where the tip of the pencil extends out of the bottom of the pencil holder 158. As shown in FIGS. 3 & 4, at least two rows of pencil holders 158 can be attached one above the other on the exterior of the utility knife pocket 154.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, one or more drill bit extension holders 160 can be attached to an outside surface of the tool pouch 12. The drill bit extension holders 160 can be formed of an elastic material, e.g., an elastic fabric, and can have a resting cross-section that is less than a diameter of some or all of a drill bit extension.

Additional pockets 142 can be attached to surfaces of the tool pouch 12. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the air gun holder 92 can be coupled to a pocket 142a. In some embodiments, the hammer holder 74 and/or the air gun holder 92 can be coupled to the primary wall 20 and the fastener(s) 79, 106 can pass through the primary wall reinforcing member 38.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 17-21 & 23-30, in some embodiments, a fastener pocket 164 can be coupled to the pouch. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the fastener pocket 164 is formed from a puncture-resistant material, has no internally facing seams, and the fastener pocket 164 has no seams in at least one direction. This allows the user to scoop fasteners, such as nails and screws, from the fastener pocket 164 with minimal risk of being poked by the fasteners therein. Examples of a puncture resistant materials include, but are not limited to, polymer (e.g., synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer reinforced fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and similar materials. An example of a synthetic rubber material that can be used as a puncture-resistant material is a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber, such as Hypalon®, which is distributed by DuPont Performance Elastomers.

As shown in FIGS. 10-11, in some embodiments, the tool pouch 12 includes a first fastener pocket 164a and a second fastener pocket 164b. The first fastener pocket 164a can be coupled to a front storage wall 134 of the tool pouch 12. The second fastener pocket 164b can be coupled to the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the interior surface of the fastener pockets 164a, 164b is formed from a puncture-resistant material, has no internally facing seams, and the fastener pocket 164 has no seams in at least one direction. This allows the user to scoop fasteners, such as nails and screws, from the fastener pockets 164a, 164b with minimal risk of being poked by the fasteners therein. Examples of a puncture resistant materials include, but are not limited to, polymer (e.g., synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer reinforced fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and similar materials. An example of a synthetic rubber material that can be used as a puncture-resistant material is a chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber, such as Hypalon®, which is distributed by DuPont Performance Elastomers.

As can be seen in FIGS. 13-15 & 21, the interior of the fastener pocket 164 can have no seams in at least one dimension. This can be achieved using a single piece of material, such as the pocket sheet 166 shown in FIG. 12, to form the interior of the fastener pocket 164. The pocket sheet 166 can have a rectangular portion 168 that will define the front and back portions of the pocket with a pair of wings 170 extending from each side of the rectangle at one end. The wings 170 will define the sides of the fastener pocket 164. The material can be folded and sewn together as shown in FIGS. 13-15 in order to form the desired fastener pocket 164, where the user can scoop from the front to the back of the fastener pocket 164 without encountering a seam.

The fastener pocket 164 can be covered with another material (e.g., within a pocket) to conceal the outwardly facing seams 172, the outwardly facing seams 172 can simply be covered with a binding, or both. Where the fastener pocket 164 is within a pocket formed of another material, the upper edges of the fastener pocket 164 can be used for to form a binding 116. As shown in FIGS. 10, 17, 20 & 21, the back lip 174 of the fastener pocket 164 can be attached to the primary wall 20 by a binding 113, a fastener 117 (e.g., a rivet), or both.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, a back-up pencil holder 176 can be attached to an outer surface of the primary wall 20. The fastener pocket 164 can be attached to an upper edge of the primary wall 16 such that the fastener pocket 164 conceals the back-up pencil holder 176 when the pouch is being worn, but the user can reach under the fastener pouch 164 or flip-up the fastener pouch 164 in order to easily access pencils stored in the back-up pencil holder 176. The back-up pencil holder 176 can be formed from an elastic strip 178 of material with a plurality of spaced-apart attachment points 180, were the distance between the spaced-apart attachment points 180 are separated by a sufficient distance for a pencil to fit under the elastic strip 178 between adjacent attachment points 180. In some embodiments, the attachment points 180 are lines sewing the elastic strip to the primary wall 16.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19 & 20, corner caps 91 are coupled to one or more corners of the tool pouch 12. The corner caps 91 are configured to absorb impact and to protect the corners of the tool pouch 12 from wear. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 20, 25, 27 & 30, the corner caps 91 include a front plate 91a with a side plate 91b and a bottom plate 91c joined along adjacent edges of the front plate 91a to form a corner. The area where corners of the three faces 91a, 91b, 91c meet can be pointed or rounded.

In some embodiments, the corner caps 91 are disposed over front corners of the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the corner caps 91 are disposed over the corners of the additional pockets 142 and/or fastener pouches 164. The corner caps 91 can be coupled to the tool pouch 12 by any suitable fastener 93, including, but not limited to, rivets. In some embodiments, the corner caps 91 include rounded free edges 95. The corner caps 91 can comprise a hard material, such as a plastic, polymer (e.g., synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer reinforced fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and similar materials.

FIGS. 23-30 illustrate one embodiment of a full apron tool belt system 210. The full apron tool belt system 210 comprises a first tool pouch 10a coupled to a padded belt 238. The padded belt 238 is configured to couple to a waist of user. The upper and lower edges of the padded belt 238 can be defined by bindings 240, 241, respectively. In some embodiments, the padded belt bindings 240, 241 can be continuous.

In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 and the tool belt system 210 define a belt passage 234 therebetween. The belt passage 234 is sized and configured to receive a belt 14 therethrough. In some embodiments, a handle 246 is coupled to the padded belt 238. The handle 246 is coupled to the padded belt 238 by fastening loops 248 coupled to fastening rings 242.

In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 has a second tool pouch 10b and a third tool pouch 10c coupled thereto. The second tool pouch 10b can be coupled on a right side of the first tool pouch 10a and the third tool pouch 10c can be coupled to the padded belt 238 on a left side of the first tool pouch 10a. It will be recognized that any of tool pouches 12, including but not limited to the embodiments shown herein, may be coupled to the padded belt 238. In some embodiments, the tool pouches 10a-10c are coupled to the padded belt 238 by a plurality of fasteners 218, for example, rivets.

In some embodiments, the belt 14 includes a plurality of holes 220 formed therethrough. The holes 220 are configured to allow the user to adjust the length of the tool belt 214.

In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 comprises a first arm 236a and a second arm 236b. The first and second arms 236a, 236b are configured to wrap around the waist of a user. In some embodiments, the first and second arms 236a, 236b are coupled to the user by a belt 14. In some embodiments, the first and second arms 236a, 236b include one or more buckles to couple the first arm 236a to the second arm 236b. In other embodiments, an end portion of the first arm 236a can include a hook or loop material 250a on one side thereof and an end portion of the second arm 236b can include an opposing loop or hook material 250b so that the padded belt 238 can be secured to the user, with the belt 14 reinforcing that attachment. In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 is coupled to the belt 14 by a plurality of belt loops 128.

An inside surface 260 of the tool belt can include a breathable foam and a breathable material to allow the skin under the padded belt 238 to breathe. In addition, the inside surface 246 can include a plurality of vertical channels 262, which allow air flow between the user and the padded belt 238. The outside of the padded belt 238 include a plurality of loops 264 for slidably coupling the tool belt 14 to the padded belt 238. The tool pouches 10a-c can also be attached to the padded belt 238 in order to form a belt sleeve 32. As shown in FIG. 25, the back walls 18 of tool pouches 10b & 10c are coupled to the top and bottom edges of the padded belt 238 by a plurality of fasteners 218. In such embodiments, the back wall 18 and the padded belt 238 forms the belt sleeve 32 adapted for receiving the tool belt 14.

In some embodiments, at least one of the fastener pouches 164 coupled to one of the tool pouches 10a-10c includes a cinch sack closure 212. The cinch sack closure 212 comprises a fabric sheet 213 having an opening formed therethrough (not shown). A drawstring 214 is threaded about the opening in the fabric sheet 213. Pulling the drawstring 214 reduces the diameter of the opening in the fabric sheet 213 until the opening is substantially closed. In some embodiments, a cord lock 216 is coupled to the drawstring 214 to keep tension on the drawstring and maintain the opening in a closed position.

In some embodiments, a first tool pouch 10a is attached at a central portion of the padded belt 238. As shown in FIG. 25, the first pouch 10a can include a fastener pocket 164 hanging below the tool belt 14 with a clip sleeve 108 over a front edge of the fastener pocket 164. The back wall 18a can include a tape measure clip 150 attached above the fastener pocket 164.

As shown in FIGS. 24 & 29, in some embodiments, a second tool pouch 10b and third tool pouch 10c can be on opposite sides of the first tool pouch 10a. In some embodiments, the tool pouches 10b, 10c can include a large storage volume 28. The storage volume 28 can include one or more first sleeve components 60 that form a plurality of peaks 64 and valleys 66, where the sleeve components 60 are secured to material inside the storage volume 28 at the valleys 66. In some embodiments, the first sleeve components 60 can be attached to the back wall 18, while the sleeve components 60 can be attached to the primary wall 20 or an additional pocket 142 in other embodiments. A second sleeve component 68 can be coupled to a first sleeve component at the peaks 64 of the first sleeve component 60.

As shown in FIGS. 23-30, second and third tool pouches 10b, 10c can have any configuration disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the sides of the second and third tool pouches 10b, 10c closest to the first tool pouch 10a can include one hammer holder 74 and one air gun holder 92, respectively, while the sides of the second and third pouches 10b, 10c opposite the first tool pouch 10a can include one air gun holder 92 and one hammer holder 74, respectively. That way, regardless of whether the full apron system 210 is worn forward or backwards, the user has easy access to one air gun holder 92 and one hammer holder 74.

Although the figures show a number of different embodiments, it will be understood that the features and elements described with respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into the other embodiment.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A tool belt system, comprising:

a tool pouch, comprising: a base; a back wall; a primary wall extending from a first side of said back wall to a second side of said back wall, wherein said back wall and said primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from, said base, wherein said base, said back wall, and said primary wall define a storage volume; a belt sleeve adapted for receiving a belt, said belt sleeve extending laterally across an upper portion of said back wall.

2. The tool belt system according to claim 1, wherein, when empty, said tool pouch maintains an upright position when the base is placed on a horizontal surface.

3. The tool belt system according to claim 2, wherein said primary wall comprises a primary wall reinforcing member between two primary wall facings, and said primary wall is coupled to said base by a base binding, wherein said base binding projects downward from said base across a front portion of the tool pouch.

4. The tool belt system according to claim 3, wherein said back wall comprises a back wall reinforcing member between an inner back wall facing and an outer back wall facing, wherein said back wall reinforcing member extends below a top edge of said base binding along the front portion of the tool pouch.

5. The tool belt system according to claim 4, wherein said outer back wall facing comprises a padded portion adapted for resting against a user wearing the tool belt system.

6. The tool belt system according to claim 5, wherein said padded portion comprises a first padding material and a second padding material, wherein said second padding material extends over a lower edge of said back wall reinforcing member, and wherein said second padding material is more wear resistant than said first padding material.

7. The tool belt system according to claim 6, wherein said back wall reinforcing member comprises a flexible sheet configured to flex towards said primary wall when under a predetermined load.

8. The tool belt system according to claim 1, comprising a divider extending laterally across a width of said storage volume, wherein said divider is spaced apart from said back wall.

10. The tool belt system according to claim 1, further comprising a hammer holder coupled to said tool pouch.

11. The tool belt system according to claim 1, further comprising an air gun holder coupled to said tool pouch, said air gun holder comprising an air gun support arm spaced apart from said tool pouch, said air gun support arm comprising a first side support arm, a second side support arm, and a front support arm extending between a distal end of said first side support arm and said second side support arm, said first side support arm and said second side support arm being coupled to said primary wall.

12. The tool belt system according to claim 11, comprising a reinforcing member coupled between said first and second side support arms and said primary wall.

13. The tool belt system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one pouch fastening ring coupled to an upper portion of said back wall.

14. The tool belt system according to claim 13, further comprising:

a belt passing through said belt sleeve; and

at least one belt loop comprising at least one belt fastening ring coupled to said belt loop, said belt passing through said at least one belt loop.

15. The tool belt system according to claim 1, wherein said belt sleeve comprises a padded belt having a first arm extending from a first side of said back ball and a second arm extending from a second side of said back wall.

16. The tool belt system according to claim 15, comprising at least one additional tool pouch coupled to said padded belt.

17. The tool belt system according to claim 1, wherein said primary wall comprises a primary wall reinforcing member sandwiched between an inner and outer primary wall facing, wherein said primary wall reinforcing member extends continuously from proximate the first side of the back wall to proximate the second side of the back wall.

18. The tool belt system according to claim 1, comprising at least one corner cap coupled to a corner of said primary wall.

19. The tool belt system according to claim 18, comprising a fabric covering coupled to an opening of said fastener pouch, said fabric covering comprising a circumferential opening having a drawstring coupled thereto, wherein said drawstring is operable to transition said circumferential opening from a first diameter to a second diameter.

20. A tool apron system, comprising:

a padded belt;

a first tool pouch and a second tool pouch coupled to said padded belt, wherein each of said first tool pouch and said second tool pouch comprise: a base; a back wall coupled to said padded belt, wherein said back wall and said padded belt define a belt sleeve adapted for receiving a belt; a primary wall extending from a first side of said back wall to a second side of said back wall, wherein said back wall and said primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from, said base, wherein said base, said back wall, and said primary wall define a storage volume; and

at least one of said first tool pouch and said second tool pouch comprises a fastener pocket having a cinch sack closure, said cinch sack closure comprising: a fabric covering coupled to an opening of said fastener pouch, said fabric covering comprising a circumferential opening; drawstring coupled to said circumferential opening and operable to transition said circumferential opening from a first diameter to a second diameter; and a cord lock coupled to said drawstring, said cord lock configured to maintain the drawstring in a fixed position.