TOOL POUCH FOR HAND TOOLS

Abstract

A tool pouch comprises a base, a back wall extending perpendicular from the base, and a primary wall extending from a first side of the back wall to a second side of the back wall. The primary wall extends perpendicular from said base. The primary wall, back wall, and base define a storage volume. A divider extends laterally across a width of the storage volume. The divider is spaced apart from the back wall. A plurality of sleeves are coupled to an inner surface of the storage volume. The plurality of sleeves each comprise a primary opening and a secondary opening. The plurality of sleeves are spaced a predetermined distance above the base.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/001,668, “Tool Pouch for Hand Tools,” filed May 22, 2014, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/942,854, Hand Tool Toolbelt,” filed Feb. 21, 2014, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tool belts, particularly, tool belts adapted for carrying hand tools.

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 pouch is described. The tool pouch can include a base; a back wall extending perpendicular from the base; and a primary wall extending from a first side of the back wall to a second side of the back wall. The primary wall can extend perpendicular from the base, and the primary wall, back wall, and base define a storage volume. The tool pouch can also include a plurality of sleeves coupled to an inner wall of the storage volume.

In some embodiments, the tool pouch also includes a divider extending laterally across a width of the storage volume, where the divider is spaced apart from the back wall. The tool pouch can also include a plurality of sleeves coupled to an surface of the storage volume, where the plurality of sleeves comprise a plurality of primary openings and a plurality of secondary openings, where the plurality of sleeves are spaced a predetermined distance above the base.

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 side, perspective view of a tool pouch for hand tools with a plurality of sleeves attached to the back wall as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.

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

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.

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. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1 with the fastener pocket flipped up to reveal the back-up pencil holders.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tool pouch of FIG. 7 taken along cut line 10-10

FIG. 11 is a top view of a pocket sheet as described herein.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a fastener pouch as described herein.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener pouch of FIG. 12 taken along cut line 13-13.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener pouch of FIG. 12 taken along cut line 14-14.

FIG. 15 is a side view of a tool holster as discussed herein, where the reinforced backing of the tool holster flexes when under load of a drill.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a tool pouch for hand tools as described herein.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the tool pouch of FIG. 16 taken along cut line 2-2.

FIG. 18 is a front, elevated view of the tool pouch of FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 is a top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a right side view of the tool pouch of FIG. 16.

FIG. 21 is a bottom view of the tool pouch of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22 is a back view of the tool pouch of FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-22, a tool belt system 10 comprising a tool pouch 12 and tool belt 14 is disclosed. The tool pouch 12 can include a base 16; a back wall 18; a primary wall 20; and, optionally, a divider 22. 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 primary wall 20 is coupled to, and extends up from, the base 16. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 and base 16 are continuous, while the back wall 18 and base are joined together (e.g., via a binding) in other embodiments. 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, 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 FIGS. 10, 17 & 20, 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, 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 FIGS. 10 & 17, in some embodiments, the base binding 42 projects downward from the base 16 across a front portion of the tool pouch 12. As shown in FIGS. 17 & 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 pouch 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, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber, such as Hypalon®, combinations thereof, and other similar abrasion resistant materials. In some embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 8, the base binding 42 is sufficiently skid and abrasion resistant that a reinforcing binding 44 is not necessary.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-8 & 20, corner caps 90 are coupled to one or more corners of the tool pouch 12. The corner caps 90 are configured to absorb impact and to protect the corners of the tool pouch 12 from wear. In some embodiments, the corner caps 90 are disposed over front corners of the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the corner caps 90 are disposed over the corners (e.g., front corners) of the additional pockets 142 (e.g., attached to the front of the primary wall 20). The corner caps 90 can be coupled to the tool pouch 12 by any suitable fastener 92, including, but not limited to, rivets. In some embodiments, the corner caps 90 include rounded upper edges 94. The corner caps 90 can comprise a hard material, such as a plastic, polymer (e.g., high density polyethylene, polystyrene, synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer reinforced fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and similar materials.

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 best shown in FIGS. 10 & 17, 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 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 76 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 76 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 can be such that the reinforcement member maintains a substantially planar shape when placed under an appropriate load. In some embodiments, the reinforcing members 36 & 38 can, independently, comprise a flexible material or a relatively stiff material, either of which can be resilient, configured to flex or bow when under load.

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, such as FIG. 17, the entire back wall 18 below the belt sleeve 34 is padded. In other embodiments, such as FIG. 10, the back wall 18 is heavily padded near the base 16.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, 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 first padded portion 56. 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, chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber, such as Hypalon®, combinations thereof, and other suitable materials. 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, durable fabric can cover the entire back wall 18, or the first padded portion 56 or the second padded portion 58. Examples of durable fabric include high denier fabrics, such as those made with nylon or polyester fibers that are at least 600 denier or at least 1000 denier.

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 contacts or intersects the back wall 18 only at the first and second bindings 49, 51.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 10, 17 and 18, in some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes a plurality of sleeves 60 coupled to a driver wall surface 61. In some embodiments, the driver wall surface 61 can be a surface of the divider 22, as shown in FIGS. 17 & 18. In other embodiments, the driver wall surface 61 can be a surface of the back wall 18, as shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, or another surface of the tool pouch 12. In some embodiments, the plurality of sleeves 60 includes a first sleeve component 62 forming a plurality of peaks 64 and valleys 66; and a second sleeve component 68 coupled to the first sleeve component 62 at a plurality of coupling points 70. The coupling points 70 can be at peaks 64 of the first sleeve component 62. The plurality of sleeves 60 can include at least one primary opening 71 formed between the driver wall surface 61 and the first sleeve component 62 between adjacent valleys 66; and at least one secondary opening 72 formed between the second sleeve component 68 and the first sleeve component 62 between adjacent peaks 64.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sleeves 60 includes a plurality of primary openings 71 and a plurality of secondary openings 72. In some embodiments, the plurality of sleeves 60 can be above, and spaced apart from, the base 16. In some embodiments, the distance between the plurality of sleeves 60 and the base 16 can be sufficient that drivers, such as screw drivers, nut drivers and ratchet wrenches, can pass through the primary or secondary openings 62, 68 and can be stabilized by the respective sleeve 60 with an end of the driver resting on the base 16.

In some embodiments, a driver tip pocket 73 is disposed proximate the base and vertically spaced-apart from the plurality of sleeves 60. The driver tip pocket 73 can extend out from the driver wall surface 61 (e.g., a surface of the divider 22 or back wall 18). Additional examples of sleeve configurations useful in connection with the tool belt system 10 include those found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,212, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 7 & 10, in some embodiment, at least one auxiliary sleeve components 63 can be attached to an inner surface, such as a primary wall facing 40b, of the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the auxiliary sleeve component 63 can form a plurality of peaks 65 and valleys 67. The auxiliary sleeve component 63 can form a plurality of auxiliary sleeves 59 that include at least one auxiliary opening 69 formed between the primary wall facing 40b and the auxiliary sleeve component 63 between adjacent valleys 67.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 & 16, 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.

As best shown in FIGS. 10 & 17, in some 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 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 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, as shown in FIGS. 1 & 2, the at least one handle fastening ring 122 is coupled to an upper portion of the side storage walls 136a, 136b. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 16-18, 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, the side of the primary wall 20, or both by fastening loops 124 secured to the respective back wall 18 or primary wall 20. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 16 & 18, the fastening loops 124 can be fastened 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 FIG. 7, 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 includes a carrying strap 146. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 16, each end of the carrying strap 146 can include a releasable latch 148.

In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 can include a tool belt 14 passing through the belt sleeve 32.

The tool belt system 10 can include one or more support strap 132. Each end of the support strap 132 can include a latch 126 for releasably coupling to a handle fastening ring 122 or a belt fastening ring 130. When each end of the support strap 132 is attached to a handle fastening ring 122 or a belt fastening ring 130, and the support strap 132 is worn over the shoulder of a wearer. 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, a harness can be used. In such embodiments, the harness can be attached to fastening rings that are adjustably or fixedly attached to the tool belt. Examples of such embodiments are well-known in the art.

In some embodiments, the primary wall 20 includes a front storage wall 134 and a pair of side storage walls 136a, 136b, where the height of the side storage walls 136a, 136b is at least 50% more than the height of the front storage wall 134. In some embodiments, the height of the side storage walls 136a, 136b is at least 75% more than the height of the front storage wall 134. As used herein, the height of the front storage wall 134 is the vertical distance from the top of the binding 42 to the upper edge 135 at the middle of the front storage wall 134, for example as shown in FIG. 2. As used herein, the height of the side storage walls 136a, 136b is the vertical distance from the top of the binding 42 to the highest point of the upper edge 137 of the side storage walls 136a, 136b.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 & 18-20, in some embodiments, a tape measure clip 150 can be attached to an outer surface of the primary wall 20. As shown in FIG. 2-4, the tape measure clip 150 can be positioned at an upper portion of the side storage wall 136 above the top 135 of the front storage wall 134.

In some embodiments, 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 above a top of the front storage wall 134 and below the tops of the side storage walls 136a, 136b. 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. 5, 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.

Additional pockets 142 can be attached to surfaces of the tool pouch 12. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 16, one pocket 142a, 142b can be attached to either or both side storage wall 136a, 136b. As shown in FIG. 16, at least one pocket 142c, 142d can be coupled to the front storage wall 134. The pocket(s) 142c, 142d can be self-contained and coupled to the front storage wall 134 only along upper portions of the pocket(s) 142c, 142d. A flap 144 can cover a top of the pocket(s) 142c, 142d. The flap 144 can include a horizontally-extending reinforcing member 143 proximate a distal end thereof.

In some embodiments, the pouch 12 includes a utility knife pocket 154 adapted for receiving a retractable utility knife. As shown in FIG. 20, the utility knife pocket 154 can have a curved upper lip 156 extending from a generally flat base surface 136a. As shown in FIG. 20, at its base, the utility knife pocket 154 can be sewn directly to a generally flat surface to which the utility knife pocket 154 is attached. In some embodiments the utility knife holding system is attached to an outer surface of the side storage wall 136b.

An exterior of the side storage wall 136c can include one or more pencil holders 158. As shown in FIG. 20, 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 FIG. 20, at least two rows of pencil holders 158 can be attached one above the other on the exterior of the surface (e.g., the side storage wall 136b or a pocket 142b).

In some embodiments, one or more drill bit extension holders 160 can be attached to an exterior surface (e.g., the side storage wall 136b or a pocket 142b). 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.

In some embodiments, one or more drill bit holders 161 can be attached to an outside surface (e.g., the side storage wall 136b or a pocket 142b). The drill bit holders 161 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.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-8, the tool pouch 12 includes a tape loop connector 190. As shown in FIG. 3, 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.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 8, 9, 16, 17, 20 & 21, 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, 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. 12-14, 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. 11, 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. 12-14 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 form a binding 116. As shown in FIGS. 10 & 17, 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, a back-up pencil holder 176 can be attached to an outer surface of the primary wall 20. The pocket 142 (e.g., a fastener pocket 164) can be attached to an upper edge of the primary wall 16 such that the pocket 142 conceals the back-up pencil holder 176 when the pouch is being worn, but the user can reach under the fastener pouch 142 or flip-up the fastener pouch 142 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, where 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 20.

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 pouch comprising:

a base;

a back wall extending perpendicular from said base;

a primary wall extending from a first side of said back wall to a second side of said back wall and extending perpendicular from said base, said primary wall, back wall, and base defining a storage volume; and

a plurality of sleeves coupled to an inner wall of said storage volume.

2. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein said plurality of sleeves comprise a primary opening and a secondary opening, and wherein said plurality of sleeves is spaced above the base at a predetermined distance.

3. The tool pouch of claim 1, comprising a divider extending laterally across a width of said storage volume, said divider being spaced apart from said back wall.

4. The tool pouch of claim 3, wherein a first set of said plurality of sleeves are coupled to said divider.

5. The tool pouch of claim 4, wherein a second set of said plurality of sleeves are coupled to said back wall.

6. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein said primary wall comprises a primary wall reinforcing member disposed between a first primary wall facing and a second primary wall facing.

7. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein said back wall comprises a back wall reinforcing member disposed between an inner back wall facing and an outer back wall facing.

8. The tool pouch of claim 7, wherein said back wall reinforcing member comprises a flexible material adapted to flex towards said primary wall when placed under a predetermined load.

9. The tool pouch of claim 7, wherein said outer back wall facing comprises a padded portion adapted to rest against a user.

10. The tool pouch of claim 9, wherein said padded portion comprise 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.

11. The tool pouch of claim 10, wherein said second padding material has a greater wear resistance than said first padding material.

12. The tool pouch of claim 1, comprising at least one pocket coupled to an outer surface of said primary wall.

13. The drill holster of claim 12, comprising a pencil holder coupled to said outer surface of said primary wall, wherein said pencil holder is disposed at least partially between said at least one pocket and said outer surface of said primary wall.

14. The tool pouch of claim 13, wherein said at least one pocket is coupled to an upper edge of said primary wall by a hinged connection.

15. The tool pouch of claim 1, comprising a belt sleeve extending laterally across an upper portion said back wall, wherein said belt sleeve is adapted to receive a tool belt therethrough.

16. The tool pouch of claim 1, comprising a belt flap coupled to a top of said back wall at a proximal end and coupled to a rear side of said back wall at a distal end, wherein said back wall and said belt flap define a space sized and configured to receive a belt therein.

17. The tool pouch of claim 1, wherein said primary wall comprises a front storage wall coupled to a first side storage wall at a first end and a second side storage wall at a second end, wherein said first and second side storage walls are coupled to said back wall, and wherein a height of said side first and second storage walls is greater than a height of said front storage wall.

18. The tool pouch of claim 17, wherein said height of said first and second side storage walls is at least 50% greater than said height of said front storage wall.

19. The tool pouch of claim 17, comprising an upper pocket extending from an inner surface of said back wall, said upper pocket having an opening located above a top edge of said front storage wall and below a top edge of said first and second side storage walls.

20. A tool pouch comprising,

a base;

a back wall extending perpendicular from said base;

a primary wall extending from a first side of said back wall to a second side of said back wall and extending perpendicular from said base, wherein said primary wall, back wall, and base define a storage volume;

a divider extending laterally across a width of said storage volume, said divider being spaced apart from said back wall; and

a plurality of sleeves coupled to an surface of said storage volume, said plurality of sleeves comprising a primary opening and a secondary opening, wherein said plurality of sleeves are spaced a predetermined distance above said base.