Utility Belt

Abstract

A utility belt with a waist-belt having at least one holder operably coupled thereto for holding accessories. A first holder includes a bottom portion extending between a front portion and a back portion. The back portion is coupled to the waist-belt such that an accessory is secured on the bottom portion between the front and back portions. A second holder includes a pair of outer flanges and an inner flange therebetween. The inner flange forms an opening for securing an accessory therein. A third holder includes a back portion, a top portion, a holding rod and a locking rod. The locking rod is extended through apertures located on the top portion and holding rod to secure an accessory on the holding rod. A fourth holder includes a base and at least one pocket coupled thereto. The at least one pocket is formed on the base to hold accessories therein.

Description

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of utility belts, in particular, to a utility belt with attachments for securing accessories and materials for use in various types of work including construction work.

BACKGROUND

Utility belts aid in securely holding objects conveniently on the person. They give the user easy access to objects without tying up the hands of the user. They are particularly useful when the user is in a location where space for tools is limited such as on a ladder. They also make it easier to transport objects.

One application of a utility belt, for example, is for aiding in finishing drywall. When finishing drywall, a user typically needs joint tape to cover joints on the drywall, a mud pan to hold the mud applied over the joint tape and other parts of the drywall, and taping knives of varying sizes to apply the mud to the drywall. These materials can be very heavy and difficult to hold for prolonged periods and impossible to hold with two hands while working.

Currently, various utility belts with shoulder straps exist to add comfort when carrying heavy equipment. However, they are not geared towards specific applications such as drywall finishing which has particular needs.

Some attachments exist to hold drywall finishing equipment to waist-belts. In one example, as shown at http://www.advance-equipment.com/Advance-Mud-Pan-and-Tape-Holder.php, a mud pan holder having two hooks for removably attaching to a belt is shown. The mud pan holder further includes a tape holder extending downward from the mud pan holder.

One problem with this type of holder is that the mud pan is simply held by two forward extending hooks or arms which do not secure the mud pan from sliding off.

Another problem with the mud pan holder of the prior art described above is that the joint tape dispenser extends down a long distance, making mobility and storage difficult, in addition to increased weight and manufacturing costs. The length is necessary in these existing attachments because of the method of securing the joint tape to the dispenser. That is, in existing dispensers that hold the joint tape on a hook, the hook requires enough clearance to pass the joint tape over the hook. In existing dispensers that lock the joint tape to the holder, the dispenser extends down below the joint tape and is locked on both sides of the joint tape.

In another example, as shown at http://www.bontool.com/product1.asp?P=B15-191, a mud pan holder with hooks for removably attaching to a belt is shown. The mud pan holder includes a hook for securing each end of the mud pan as well. The holder also includes downwardly extending hooks for securing additional accessories.

In this example, the mud pan is held using four arms which secure the mud pan but makes mobility and storage of the attachment difficult when not in use and also adds to the weight of the attachment.

The mud pan holder of the prior art described above also poses problems because of the placement of the joint tape dispenser in relation to the mud pan holder. With the joint tape dispenser placed below the mud pan holder, access to the joint tape dispenser is inhibited.

A further deficiency in the prior art with respect to utility belts geared toward drywall finishing is that there are no storage attachments for taping knives that are capable of securing the same while providing a storage compartment that could be cleaned easily.

As can be seen, there is a need for a complete utility belt with attachments for use when finishing drywall that is compact, secure, comfortable, allows easy access to material and could be cleaned easily.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The present invention provides a complete utility belt with attachments for use when finishing drywall that is compact, secure, comfortable, allows easy access to material and could be cleaned easily.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a utility belt comprising a waist-belt and a first holder having a front portion, a bottom portion, and a back portion, the back portion operably coupled to the waist-belt such that the bottom portion extends away from the waist-belt and the front portion is positioned a first distance away from the waist-belt.

In one aspect, the first holder front and back portions extend upward, and the bottom portion extends from and between lower ends of the front and back portions. The utility belt also includes a first accessory sized and shaped substantially similar to the first holder bottom portion such that the first accessory is frictionally secured within the first holder.

In another aspect, the utility belt also includes a second holder having a pair of outer flanges and an inner flange therebetween, the inner and outer flanges formed integral with each other, the outer flanges operably coupled to the waist-belt, the inner flange positioned a second distance away from the waist-belt to form an opening. The second holder is positioned adjacent to the first holder. The utility belt also includes a first accessory, the first accessory having a first fastener extending therefrom, the first fastener sized and shaped substantially similar to the second holder inner flange such that the first fastener is secured within the second holder while the first accessory is secured within first holder. The opening of the second holder inner flange extends upward and the first accessory first fastener extends downward.

In yet another aspect, the utility belt further includes a shoulder strap operably coupled to the waist-belt.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a utility belt comprising a waist-belt. The utility belt also includes a first holder operably coupled to the waist-belt, the first holder comprising a back portion, a top portion and a holding rod, the top portion having a first aperture, the holding rod coupled to and extending from the back portion substantially parallel to the top portion and having a second aperture extending therethrough, the second aperture spaced apart from and substantially aligned with the first aperture. Also included is a locking rod having a first end and an opposing second end, the locking rod having a length greater than a distance between the first and second apertures, and sized such that the locking rod first end is extended through the first and second apertures and frictionally secured therewithin.

In one aspect, the second aperture is a loop coupled to the holding rod.

In another aspect, the locking rod second end comprises a coupling extension selected from a group comprising an extension extending from the locking rod second at a right angle and a loop.

In yet another aspect, the utility belt further includes a shoulder strap operably coupled to the waist-belt.

In another aspect, the holding rod is substantially cylindrical.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a utility belt comprising a waist-belt and a first holder operably coupled to the waist-belt, the first holder having a base and at least one pocket coupled thereto. The base comprises a plurality of layers, each layer constructed of a material selected from a group comprising PVC, plastic foam and fabric.

In one aspect, the at least one pocket is coupled to the base by means selected from a group comprising fasteners, adhesive and stitching.

In another aspect, the first holder is removable from the waist-belt.

In yet another aspect, the at least one pocket is formed with an interior portion and an overlapping exterior portion.

In a final aspect, the pocket interior portion is constructed of PVC.

In summary, the present invention provides a first holder capable of securely holding a mud pan by means of one or more arms; a second holder capable of securing a mud pan to a waist-belt via an opening for the mud pan to latch onto; a third holder is capable of holding a roll of joint tape by means of a tape holding rod and a locking rod; and a fourth holder is capable of holding taping knives in one or more pockets lined with PVC. The holders are more secure and compact than existing devices which allow greater mobility, less weight, easier storage, and lower manufacturing costs.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention so that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood and so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.

Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a utility belt the present invention in a disengaged state showing first, second third and fourth holder attachments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of another embodiment of a utility belt of the present invention in a ready to engage state showing first, third and fourth holder attachments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the first and second holders of the present invention, and a perspective view of a first accessory, e.g., a mud pan, disengaged from each other.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the first holder of FIG. 3 and a waist-belt of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is rear perspective view of the accessory and the second holder shown in FIG. 3, in a disengaged state.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a third holder of the present invention and a second accessory, e.g., roll of tape, in a disengaged state.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a third holder of the present invention in an engaged state.

FIG. 8 is a front view of a fourth holder of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the fourth holder of FIG. 8.

Unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale, but are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments are described herein to provide a detailed description of the present disclosure. Variations of these embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Moreover, certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. For example, the words “top” and “bottom” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The word “a” is defined to mean “at least one.” The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to the figures, the present invention provides a utility belt comprising a waist-belt 100 and one or more holder attachments 200, 208, 300, 400. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the waist-belt 100 may be coupled with one or more shoulder straps 102 to provide comfort. The waist-belt 100 and the shoulder straps 102 are formed primarily of a tough material capable of resisting wear and tear such as leather, synthetic leather or high denier fabric. Other materials could be combined with leather, synthetic leather or high denier fabric such as high-grade fabrics, plastics and composites to provide additional durability through methods known in the prior art such as by molding, using adhesives and/or stitching. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the waist-belt 100 is formed with multiple layers with at least the outer layers being capable of forming permanent apertures 110 for fasteners to be secured thereto. In this embodiment, an outer layer 102 is constructed of 1680 denier nylon or polyester, a first middle layer 102a is PVC, a second middle layer 104 is constructed of plastic foam and an inner layer 106 is constructed of 1680 denier nylon or polyester. The inner and outer layers 106, 102 enclose the middle layers 102a, 104 and are stitched together. The apertures 110 are aligned and extend though the outer layer 102 and at least partially through the first middle layer 102a.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first holder 200 is substantially U-shaped and is formed by a bottom portion 204 extending substantially horizontal and a front portion 202 and back portion 206 extending at an angle greater than 90 degrees from each end of the bottom portion 204. The bottom portion 204 includes a non-slip surface material such as rubber or silicon so that an accessory 210 could be secured thereto without slipping. A mud pan 210 can be placed in the space between the three portions. The first holder 200 is configured to hold a standard mud pan which is normally formed with angled walls for the user to easily handle the mud with a taping knife. So, the angle at which the front and back portion 202, 206 extend from the bottom portion 204 could vary depending on the shape of the accessory which is to be held within the first holder 200. For example, the accessory 210 could be for holding screws or nails, in which case angled walls would be unnecessary.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each portion 202, 204, 206 of the first holder 200 is formed integral to each other and could be constructed of metal, plastic or other rigid materials known in the prior art. However, the first holder 200 could be constructed of multiple pieces joined together by soldering or other means.

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, the front portion 202 and back portion 206 are tapered at its respective top ends to eliminate any sharp edges, reduce manufacturing costs by conserving materials and also for aesthetic purposes. However, other shapes could be utilized.

The first holder 200 is secured to the waist-belt 100 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, the first holder back portion 206 includes holes 210 which align with the apertures 110 of the waist-belt 100. Fasteners 220, screws for example, are extended through and secured within respective apertures 110 and holes 210. In the exemplar embodiment, there are two first holders 200 to provide additional stability. However, more or less holders could be provided depending on the accessory to be held.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 5, in a second embodiment of the present invention, the waist-belt 100 also includes a second holder 208. The second holder 208 includes a pair of outer flanges 220, 222 and an inner flange 224 therebetween. The inner and outer flanges 220, 222, 224 are formed integral with each other. The outer flanges 220, 222 include apertures for fasteners to extend therethrough for attachment to the waist-belt 100, in the same fashion as described above with respect to the first holder 200. The inner flange 224 is formed such that it is offset from the outer flanges 220, 222 and positioned a distance away from the waist-belt 100 to form an opening 226. In this embodiment, the second holder 208 is positioned adjacent to the first holder 200 or between two first holders 200, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.

Referring to FIG. 5, a first accessory or mud pan 210 includes a fastener 212 extending from a rear portion thereof in the form of a hook. The fastener 212 sized and shaped substantially similar to the opening 226 formed between second holder inner flange 224 and the waist-belt 100 such that the fastener 212 is secured within the opening 226 and the mud pan 210 is held secure without side-to-side movement, while being easily removable as well. In this embodiment, the first accessory or mud pan 210 could be secured to the waist-belt 100 by the second holder 208 only, without the first holder 200. However, a user could utilize both first and second holders 200, 208 to further secure the mud pan 210 to the waist-belt 100.

In other embodiments, the second holder 208 and fastener 212 could take on other forms such as hook and loop fasteners (Velcro), magnets, or other means of removably coupling the mud pan 210 to the waist-belt 100. In one example, the fastener 212 could be secured directly to an upper end of the waist-belt 100 such that the waist-belt 100 is overlapped by opposing sides of the fastener 212.

Referring to FIG. 6, in a third embodiment of the present invention, a third holder 300 is shown. The third holder 300 could be used to hold a roll of tape 320 or other accessories of similar shapes. The third holder 300 could be coupled to the waist-belt 100 and generally includes a back portion 302, a top portion 304, a holding rod 306 and a locking rod 312.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the back portion 302 and top portion 304 are joined at an edge at a 90-degree angle and are formed integral to each other. In this embodiment, the back and top portions 302, 304 are constructed of sheet metal, preferably aluminum, and formed through a bending process. However, the back and top portions 302, 304 could be formed by combining separate pieces of metal by welding or other known techniques. The back and top portions 302, 304 could also be constructed of plastics and injection molded.

Referring again to FIG. 6, the top portion 304 includes an aperture 308 extending therethough and substantially perpendicular to thereto. In this embodiment, the aperture is substantially rectangular in cross-section but could take on other shapes and sizes.

As seen in FIG. 6, the holding rod 306 is coupled to and extends from a surface of the back portion 302 substantially parallel to the top portion 304 and at a distance away from the top portion 304. Here, the holding rod 306 is metal and coupled to the back portion 302 by welding but other methods could be used for coupling. For example, the holding rod 306 and back portion 302 could be constructed such that the two components are snap fit with each other. Also, the two components could be formed with each other by injection molding in the event they are plastic. In this embodiment, the holding rod 306 is cylindrical to accommodate accessories of such shapes such as rolls of tape. However, the holding rod 306 could take on other shapes and sizes without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, the holding rod 306 could include a spring-mechanism which allows the holding rod 306 to expand and contract, thereby making it possible to secure different accessories having a range of diameters. As shown in FIG. 6, a top portion of the holding rod 306 includes an extension having an aperture 310 extending parallel to a length of the back portion 302. The holding rod aperture 310 and the top portion aperture 308 are sized and shaped substantially similar to and substantially aligned with each other.

Referring to FIG. 6, the locking rod 312 is removably secured within the apertures 308, 310 of the top portion 304 and holding rod 306, respectively. In this embodiment, the locking rod 312 is flat sheet metal, a cross-section of which is sized and shaped substantially similar to the apertures 308, 310, and extends at least the length of the back portion 302 when engaged. Thus, the locking rod 312 is secured to the top portion 304 and the holding rod 306. However, the locking rod may take on other sizes and shapes so long as it is compatible with the apertures 308, 310. A distal end of locking rod 312 includes a handle 322. In this embodiment, the handle 322 is a loop. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the handle 322 could be formed by a bend at the distal end of the locking rod 312.

Referring to FIG. 7, the third holder includes an attachment means 314 on the top portion 304 for connecting to a loop or hook, e.g. lobster clasp, on the waist-belt 100. In this embodiment, the attachment means 314 is a metal loop formed integrally, i.e., adhered or welded, to the top portion 304. In another embodiment, the attachment means 314 could be a loop on the back portion 302 and the waist-belt 100 itself could be threaded through the attachment means 314. In another embodiment, the attachment means 314 could be a hook that connects to a loop on the waist-belt 100 or hooked directly onto the top of the waist-belt 100. In yet another embodiment, the user could attach the third holder 300 directly to the waist-belt 100 by positioning the waist-belt 100 between the top portion 304 and holding rod 306 and securing the waist-belt 100 between the back portion 302 and the locking rod 312.

In operation, a roll of joint tape 320 is placed on the holding rod 306. The locking rod 312 extends through the top portion aperture 308 and partially or completely through the holding rod aperture 310 to secure the tape 320 between the locking rod 312 and back portion 302. In this manner, the accessory 320 is available at arm's reach and is easily accessible.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a fourth holder 400 of the present invention is shown. The fourth holder 400 includes a base 402 coupled to one or more pockets 410 by means of stitching, rivets, fusing, or other means. In the exemplary embodiment, the base 402 is comprised of a PVC layer 406 and a foam layer 408 in between two fabric layers 404. The foam layer 408 providers the user comfort while the PVC layer 406 provides structure. The fabric layer 404 protects the foam layer 408 and holds it together with the PVC layer 406. In other embodiments, more or fewer layers can be used and other material can be used. As seen in the figures, an upper portion of the base 402 is wider than a lower portion of the base 402 to simulate a human leg to promote comfort for the user.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pockets 410 comprise an interior portion 412 and an exterior portion 414. The interior portion 412 is made of PVC and the exterior portion 414 is made of fabric, preferably with 1680 denier fabric or the like.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the interior portion 412 is fixed to the base 402 by one or more fasteners 420 which extend through the top fabric layer 404 and at least partially through the PVC layer 406. Each fastener 420 is secured flush to the interior portion 412, preferably 2 mm below an interior portion surface, so an accessory stored within, e.g., taping knife, does not make contact with the fastener. In this embodiment, the interior portion 412 is shaped such that an upper portion thereof is wider than a lower portion thereof so that a user could have easy access to and also easily store accessories, including at times without looking down to access and store the same. However, the interior portion 412 could take on other shapes and sizes as well. The exterior portion 414 is sized and shaped for receiving the interior portion 412 without undue stress and is sewn onto the base 402. Taping knives can be placed in the pockets 410. The PVC-lined interior portion 412 protects the rest of the holder 400 from any mud which may be on the taping knives. This is especially important because the mud when solidified could be hard to remove without using liquid cleaning solutions.

In another embodiment, the interior portion 412 can be removable to facilitate cleaning as well. That is, the interior portion need not be permanently fixed to the base 402. For example, the exterior portion 414 forms a permanent pocket and the interior portion 412 is placed within the exterior portion 414 when in use and removed when not in use.

The utility belt of the present invention could also be provided with various attachments means and further amenities know in the prior art. For example, the waist-belt 100 and the shoulder strap 102 could be provided with pockets, lobster clasps (metal and/or plastic), metal loops, metal D-rings and the like, some of which are shown in the drawings.

Furthermore, each holder described herein is not limited to the functions described. Each holder could accommodate other accessories not described herein, some examples of which have been described.

Although this invention has been described in its exemplary forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be employed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A utility belt comprising:

a waist-belt; and

a first holder having a front portion, a bottom portion, and a back portion, the back portion operably coupled to the waist-belt such that the bottom portion extends away from the waist-belt and the front portion is positioned a first distance away from the waist-belt.

2. The utility belt of claim 1, wherein the first holder front and back portions extend upward, and the bottom portion extends from and between lower ends of the front and back portions.

3. The utility belt of claim 2, further comprising a first accessory, the first accessory sized and shaped substantially similar to the first holder bottom portion such that the first accessory is frictionally secured within the first holder.

4. The utility belt of claim 1, further comprising a second holder having a pair of outer flanges and an inner flange therebetween, the inner and outer flanges formed integral with each other, the outer flanges operably coupled to the waist-belt, the inner flange positioned a second distance away from the waist-belt to form an opening.

5. The utility belt of claim 3, wherein the second holder is positioned adjacent to the first holder.

6. The utility belt of claim 5, further comprising a first accessory, the first accessory having a first fastener extending therefrom, the first fastener sized and shaped substantially similar to the second holder inner flange such that the first fastener is secured within the second holder while the first accessory is secured within first holder.

7. The utility belt of claim 6, wherein the opening of the second holder inner flange extends upward and the first accessory first fastener extends downward.

8. The utility belt of claim 1, further comprising a shoulder strap operably coupled to the waist-belt.

9. A utility belt comprising:

a waist-belt;

a first holder operably coupled to the waist-belt, the first holder comprising a back portion, a top portion and a holding rod, the top portion having a first aperture, the holding rod coupled to and extending from the back portion substantially parallel to the top portion and having a second aperture extending therethrough, the second aperture spaced apart from and substantially aligned with the first aperture; and

a locking rod having a first end and an opposing second end, the locking rod having a length greater than a distance between the first and second apertures, and sized such that the locking rod first end is extended through the first and second apertures and frictionally secured therewithin.

10. The utility belt of claim 9, wherein the second aperture is a loop coupled to the holding rod.

11. The utility belt of claim 9, wherein the locking rod second end comprises a coupling extension.

12. The utility belt of claim 11, wherein the coupling extension is selected from a group comprising an extension extending from the locking rod second at a right angle and a loop.

13. The utility belt of claim 9, further comprising a shoulder strap operably coupled to the waist-belt.

14. The utility belt of claim 9, wherein the holding rod is substantially cylindrical.

15. A utility belt comprising:

a waist-belt; and

a first holder operably coupled to the waist-belt, the first holder having a base and at least one pocket coupled thereto.

16. The utility belt of claim 15, wherein the base comprises a plurality of layers, each layer constructed of a material selected from a group comprising PVC, plastic foam and fabric.

17. The utility belt of claim 15, wherein the at least one pocket is coupled to the base by means selected from a group comprising fasteners, adhesive and stitching.

18. The utility belt of claim 15, wherein, the first holder is removable from the waist-belt.

19. The utility belt of claim 15, wherein the at least one pocket is formed with an interior portion and an overlapping exterior portion.

20. The utility belt of claim 19, wherein the pocket interior portion is constructed of PVC.