U.S. patent application number 10/688155 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-21 for wrist tool holder.
Invention is credited to O'Hair, Keith.
Application Number | 20050082323 10/688155 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34521112 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050082323 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Hair, Keith |
April 21, 2005 |
Wrist tool holder
Abstract
The present invention comprises an apparatus for removably
holding tools. The apparatus includes an armband arranged to
removably fasten around a user's forearm. At least one tool holder
is attached to the armband. The at least one tool holder is
arranged to removably receive and hold a tool. In other aspects of
the invention the tool holder includes a magnet as a band a tool
can be removably slid under.
Inventors: |
O'Hair, Keith;
(Gardnerville, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM, PLLC
701 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 4800
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
34521112 |
Appl. No.: |
10/688155 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0575 20130101;
B25H 3/00 20130101; A45F 2005/008 20130101; A45F 5/022 20130101;
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F 2003/006 20130101; A45C 1/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/219 |
International
Class: |
A45C 001/00; A45F
003/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for holding tools comprising: an arm band arranged
to removably fasten around a user's forearm; and at least one tool
holder attached to the arm band, the at least one tool holder
arranged to removably receive and hold a tool.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein arranged to removably fasten
includes utilizing hook and loop fasteners.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tool holder
includes at least one magnet.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet is
arranged to be removable from the arm band.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the arm band includes at least
one pocket arranged to hold the at least one magnet.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tool holder
includes at least one band attached to the arm band at at least two
locations, the at least two locations separated by a distance
arranged to permit the user to removably slide and hold a tool
under the at least one band.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the band includes a
stretchable material.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the band includes a gummy
material arranged to cling to the tool.
9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one band includes
a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, and at least one of
the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge includes a
raised lip, the raised lip arranged to aid a user in sliding a tool
underneath the band.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tool holder
includes a tool holster loop arranged to surround a tool.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the tool holster loop is
arranged to be adjustable in length.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the tool holster loop being
arranged to be adjustable in length includes utilizing hook and
loop fasteners.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tool holder
includes at least one socket wrench mating stud.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one tool holder
includes at least one socket wrench carrier, the socket wrench
holder arranged to partially surround and removably hold the socket
wrench socket.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the socket wrench carrier
includes a magnet.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one
attachment point, the at least one attachment point arranged to
removably receive one of clips, rings, snaps and straps.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising at least one
removable tool holder, the removable tool holder removably attached
to the at least one attachment point utilizing one of clips, rings,
snaps, and straps.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the removable tool holder
includes a socket wrench socket carrier.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the socket wrench socket
carrier is arranged to at least partially surround a socket wrench
socket.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the socket wrench socket
carrier includes a magnet.
21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the removable tool holder
includes a socket wrench mating stud.
22. An arm band for accessibly and removably holding tools
comprising: a flexible arm wrap arranged to removably wrap around a
user's forearm; and a plurality of stretchable bands attached to
the flexible arm wrap, each stretchable band attached to the
flexible arm wrap at at least two locations, the two locations
separated from each other by a distance arranged to permit the user
to removably receive and hold a tool under each stretchable
band.
23. The arm band of claim 22, wherein each of the plurality of
stretchable bands each include a first lateral side and a second
lateral side, and the first lateral side and the second lateral
side each include a raised lip.
24. The arm band of claim 22, wherein the plurality of stretchable
bands include a stretchable plastic.
25. The arm band of claim 22, wherein the plurality of stretchable
bands include a stretchable rubber.
26. The arm band of claim 22, wherein the plurality of stretchable
bands include overlapping stretchable bands.
27. The arm band of claim 22, wherein the plurality of stretchable
bands include a first stretchable band and a second stretchable
band, the first stretchable band narrower than the second
stretchable band, and the second stretchable band attached to the
flexible arm wrap intermediate the flexible arm wrap and the first
stretchable band.
28. An arm band for accessibly and removably holding tools
comprising: a flexible arm wrap, arranged to removably wrap around
a user's forearm; and at least one magnet attached to the arm wrap,
the at least one magnet arranged to removably hold a tool
accessible to a user.
29. The arm band of claim 28, wherein the at least one magnet is
removably attached to the arm wrap.
30. The arm band of claim 28, wherein the flexible arm wrap
includes an at least one pocket arranged to hold the at least one
magnet.
31. The arm band of claim 30, wherein the at least one magnet
includes a plurality of separate magnets linked into a consolidated
magnet segment arranged to attach to the arm wrap by being held by
the at least one pocket.
32. An arm band for accessibly and removably holding tools
comprising: a flexible arm wrap arranged to removably wrap around a
users forearm; a plurality of attachment points attached to the
flexible arm wrap arranged to removably receive detachable tool
holders; and at least one detachable tool holder, the detachable
tool holder arranged to removably attach to at least one of the
plurality of attachment points, the at least one detachable tool
holder further arranged to hold a tool.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the detachable tool holder
includes a socket wrench socket holder.
34. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the socket wrench socket
holder includes a socket wrench mating stud.
35. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the socket wrench socket
holder includes a socket wrench socket carrier that at least
partially surrounds a socket wrench socket.
36. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the detachable tool holder
includes at least one magnet arranged to removably cling to a
tool.
37. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the detachable tool holder
includes a pouch.
38. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the detachable tool holder
includes a plurality of straps including hook and loop fasteners,
the plurality of straps arranged to removably surround and hold a
tool.
39. An arm band for accessibly and removably holding tools, the arm
band comprising: means for removably fastening around a user's
forearm; and means for removably holding a tool, attached to the
means for removably fastening.
40. The arm band of claim 39, wherein the means for holding a tool
includes a magnet.
41. The arm band of claim 39, wherein the means for holding a tool
includes a means for holding a socket wrench socket.
42. The arm band of claim 39, wherein the means for holding a tool
includes a stretching means arranged to removably grasp a tool.
43. The arm band of claim 39, wherein the stretching means include
means for raising an edge of the means for stretching to aid a user
in sliding a tool under the stretching means.
44. The arm band of claim 39, wherein the means for holding a tool
includes means for looping around a tool.
45. The arm band of claim 39, wherein the means for holding a tool
means for coupling to a tool.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to tool carriers and, more
specifically, to tool carriers to be worn by a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Tools are often carried or held in tool boxes. The tool
boxes may include trays that can be removed and set by an area
being worked on by a mechanic or other crafts person. However, such
tool trays may be inaccessible to a mechanic working in a confined
space requiring the mechanic to enter and exit the work area to
swap tools.
[0003] Tool belts are also used, perhaps more commonly by
carpenters than mechanics, as a way of accessibly carrying tools.
However, tool belts can be inconvenient for smaller tools, and
access to a belt can be difficult if the user is prone, or leaning
over a projection such as a fender of a car.
[0004] Thus, there is an unmet need for an accessible and
convenient device for carrying tools, especially when the user is
working in a confined or limited space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention comprises an apparatus for removably
holding tools. The apparatus includes an armband arranged to
removably fasten around a user's forearm. At least one tool holder
is attached to the armband. The at least one tool holder is
arranged to removably receive and hold a tool. In accordance with
other aspects of the invention, the tool holder includes a magnet.
In accordance with yet other aspects of the invention, the tool
holder includes a band that a tool can be removably slid under.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings.
[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing of an exemplary armband tool carrier of
the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a close-up of an exemplary armband tool carrier of
the present invention, with tools shown;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a close-up of an exemplary armband tool carrier of
the present invention showing aspects of the attached tool
holders;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an outside view of an unrolled exemplary armband
tool carrier of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an underside view of an unrolled exemplary armband
tool carrier of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 6A is a side view of an exemplary socket tool holder of
the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6B is a front view of an exemplary socket tool holder
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 6C is a top view of an exemplary socket tool holder of
the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 6D is a side view of an exemplary socket tool holder of
the present invention with a socket in place;
[0016] FIG. 7A is a side view of an exemplary socket mating clip
tool holder of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7B is an end view of an exemplary socket mating clip
tool holder of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 7C is a side view of an exemplary socket mating clip
tool holder of the present invention with a socket in place;
[0019] FIG. 7D is a side view of an exemplary socket mating clip
tool holder installed on an exemplary wrist armband tool carrier of
the present invention; and,
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top view of an exemplary magnet tool holder of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a side view of an exemplary arm band tool carrier
of the present invention with interwoven tool bands.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of a strap tool holder of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention comprises an apparatus for removably
holding tools. By way of background, the apparatus includes an
armband arranged to removably fasten around a user's forearm. At
least one tool holder is attached to the armband. The at least one
tool holder is arranged to removably receive and hold a tool. In
accordance with other aspects of the invention, the tool holder
includes a magnet. In accordance with yet other aspects of the
invention, the tool holder includes a band that a tool can be
removably slid under.
[0024] Turning to FIG. 1, an armband tool carrier 10 of the present
invention is shown wrapped around a user's arm 5. The armband 10 is
held in place with fasteners 12 that in this exemplary embodiment
wrap around the user's arm 5 near the wrist and near the elbow,
with the body or main wrap 14 of the armband 10 between the two
fasteners 12. By way of example and not limitation the fasteners 12
suitably include hook and loop fasteners on straps permitting the
armband 10 to be removably, comfortably, and securely fastened
around the user's arm 5. The armband 10 is shown holding a
plurality of tools 7 including a rag 8 and a socket wrench socket
9.
[0025] In this example embodiment, the wrap 14 of the armband 10
includes a plurality of tool bands 20 that tools 7 can removably
and securely be slid under and held in place until needed by the
user. By way of example and not limitation, the tool bands 20 are
fastened to the wrap 14 of the armband 10 at their ends (not shown)
with the bands extending at least part way around the wrap 14 in
place around the user's arm 5. The tool bands 20 by way of example
and not limitation, suitably may be fabricated out of a flexible
material such as rubber, plastic or nylon. The tool bands 20 by way
of example may also be stretchable, such as a stretchable rubber,
plastic or elastic bands fastened to the wrap 14 at their ends (not
shown). The tool bands 20 suitably also may include a soft, pliable
or gummy material, such as a soft rubber, on the inside surface of
the tool band 20 (not shown), helping to hold the tools 7 in place.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the wrap 14 of the armband 10
includes a plurality of tool bands 20, in this example five tool
bands 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 respectively, grouped into two separate
groups. One group includes tool bands 24 and 25, and one group
including tool bands 21, 22 and 23. It will be appreciated that a
narrower tool band 20 may be placed over a wider tool band 20 thus
permitting a double layer of tool bands 20 over the wrap 14 under
which the user can slide tools. In this exemplary embodiment, tool
band 21 is narrower than tool band 22 which in turn is narrower
than tool band 23. Tool band 23 is attached to the wrap 14. Tool
band 22 is attached to the wrap 14 over tool band 23. In turn, tool
band 21 is attached to the wrap 14 over tool band 22. The
combination of tool bands 21, 22 and 23, installed over the wrap 14
is thus a four layer sandwich with the wrap 14 of the armband 10 on
the inside, next tool band 23, next tool band 22, and finally tool
band 21. Tools can thus suitably be slid under any of the three
tool bands 21, 22 and 23 independently. This permits tools to be
slid through the three separate bands suitably without dislodging
other tools, or loosening the grip of the tool bands 20 on tools
that are under other tool bands 20.
[0026] As referenced above, the armband 10 has a second group of
tool bands 20 including tool bands 24 and 25. Tool band 24 is
narrower than tool band 25, and is attached to the wrap 14 of the
armband 10 over tool band 25. This forms a three layer sandwich
starting with the wrap 14 at the inside against the user's arm 5,
next tool band 25, and then tool band 24. Tools can be slid under
either tool band 24 or tool band 25, independently. Tool band 24 is
narrower than tool band 25, and in this exemplary embodiment is
installed centered over the top of tool band 25. Thus the tool band
25 extends out from under the outermost tool band 24 on both
lateral sides of the tool band 24.
[0027] In this example armband 10, the outer most tool bands 21 and
24 include tool attachment points 30. The attachment points 30
suitably may be any connector permitting auxiliary tool holders
(not shown) to be attached. The attachment points 30 may also be
tool holders of their own, permitting tools to be clipped to them,
slid under them, or otherwise attached or held by the attachment
points 30, without the addition of any other tool carrier.
Attachment points 30 by way of example and not limitation, include
loops, snaps, or magnets. Attachment points 30 suitably may also
include flexible grommets that a handle or blade of a tool, such as
a screw driver could be slid through. By way of example and not
limitation, the armband 10 of FIG. 1 includes eight attachment
points 30, four on the outside of tool band 21, and four on the
outside of tool band 24. In FIG. 1, an auxiliary tool holder in the
form of a socket mating clip 70 is attached to one of the
attachment points 30 (not shown). The socket mating clip 70 has a
stud (not shown) that holds a socket wrench socket 9, as described
more fully below in connection with FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D.
[0028] The armband 10, by way of example and not limitation, also
includes an adjustable loop holster 40, described below, shown in
FIG. 1 holding a rag 8 accessible to the user.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the armband 10 of FIG. 1,
showing additional details of the tool bands 20 and the holster
40.
[0030] The adjustable loop holster 40, in this example embodiment,
suitably includes a strap 41, a loop 42, and hook and loop
fasteners 43. The strap 41 is attached to the wrap 14 of the
armband 10 at one end. The loop 42 is also attached to the wrap 14.
The strap 41 is threaded through the loop 42 to return to be
fastened back upon itself using hook and loop fasteners 43. This
permits the holster 40 to be adjustable and to tighten around a
tool, or a rag, such as shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] The tool bands 20 are in the same configuration as shown in
FIG. 1. Tool band 21 is narrower and centered over the top of tool
band 22. Tool band 22 is narrower than and centered over the top of
tool band 23 forming three layers of tool bands 20 over the wrap 14
of the armband 10. Further up the arm (not shown) of the user, tool
band 24 is narrower than and centered over the wider tool band 25
forming two layers of tool bands over the wrap 14. In this example
embodiment the tool bands 20 are constructed of a pliable and
stretchable plastic material permitting tools 7 to be removably
slid under the tool bands 20.
[0032] To facilitate sliding tools 7 under the tool bands 20, the
tool bands 20 at their lateral edges include raised lips 28 that
stand up away from the layer below a suitable amount to facilitate
catching the tool band 20 with the edge of a tool aiding in
slipping the tool underneath the tool band 20. The lips 28 suitably
stand away from the layer below or the wrap below by approximately
b {fraction (1/8)}" in a presently preferred embodiment. It will be
appreciated that where tool bands 20 lie flush against each other
or against the wrap 14 of the armband 10, without lips 28, that
some tools 7 may be difficult to slide under the lateral edge of a
tool band 20 without the user using a second hand to hold the tool
band up slightly to insert the tool 7 underneath. In this exemplary
embodiment each of the tool bands 21, 22, 23, and 24 and 25, have
lips 28 on both of their lateral edges as they span around the arm
(not shown) of the user. This permits tools 7 to be readily slid
under the armbands 10.
[0033] At the elbow end 1 of the armband 10, and at the wrist end
3, there are fasteners 12 that permit the armband 10 to be
removably fastened around a user's arm (not shown). The wrap 14 has
a width approximately equal to a forearm length of a user (not
shown) between the wrist end 3 and the elbow end 1 with the tool
bands 20 fastened around the outside of the wrap 14.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary armband tool carrier
10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, without any tools shown. FIG. 3 shows the lips
28 of the tool bands 20 projecting away from the underlying tool
bands 20 or wrap 14 of the armband 10 at the lateral edges of the
armbands 21, 22, 23, and 24 and 25.
[0035] FIG. 4 is an outside view of the unrolled armband 10 of the
exemplary armband tool carrier of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. It will be
appreciated that the armband 10 includes a rectangular wrap 14 that
is wrapped around a user's forearm 5. The wrap 14 is suitably thus
approximately eight to ten inches wide around the arm, and one foot
long along the arm. At the wrist end 3 and the elbow end 1 there
are fasteners 12 that include straps that wrap all the way around
the user's arm 5 to fasten on themselves using hook and loop
fasteners. From this outside view, loop fasteners are shown 16 on
approximately one half of the outside of the fasteners 12. Under
the other half (not shown) of the fasteners 12, are the hook
portions on top of the hook and loop fasteners.
[0036] Similarly, one lateral edge 18 of the wrap 14 is a loop
portion 16 of a hook and loop fastener. Under the other lateral
edge 19 of the wrap 14 is a hook portion (not shown) of a hook and
loop fastener. Thus, when the fasteners 12 at the wrist end 3 and
the elbow end 1 are wrapped around the arm (not shown) of a user to
fasten onto themselves at the upper and lower ends of the armband
10, the first edge 18 of the wrap 14 also attaches to the second
edge 19 of the body with hook and loop fasteners forming a secure
link around the user's arm, from the wrist end 3 to the elbow end
1.
[0037] On the outside of the wrap 14, fastened near the first edge
18 and near the second edge 19 of the wrap 14 are the tool bands 20
in two groups as in FIGS. 1 through 4. One group includes tool
bands 21, 22 and 23 with tool band 21 centered over tool band 22,
which is in turn centered over tool band 23, over the wrap 14. In
the other group, tool band 24 is centered over tool band 25 over
the wrap 14. All of the tool bands 20, by way of example and not
limitation, in this armband 10 are each fastened to the wrap 14 at
a first end 26 near the first edge 18 of the wrap 14 and are
fastened to the wrap 14 at a second end 27 near the second edge 19
of the wrap 14. This allows tools (not shown) to be slid under the
tool bands 20 at any point between the first edge 18 and the second
edge 19 of the wrap 14. Put differently, when the armband 10 is
wrapped around the user's arm, the tool bands wrap most of the way
around the user's arm (not shown) when the wrap 14 of the armband
10 is wrapped around the user's arm (not shown).
[0038] In this exemplary embodiment the fasteners 12 at the wrist
end 3 and the elbow end 1 of the armband 10 have extensions 13 so
that the fasteners 12 are longer than the width 17 between the
first edge 18 and the second edge 19 of the wrap 14. This permits
the fasteners 12 to more than wrap around the user's arm (not
shown) overlapping themselves by a suitable distance to permit a
greater holding area for attaching the hook and loop fasteners.
Also shown in FIG. 4 are a plurality of attachment points 30
permitting auxiliary tool holders (not shown) to be attached to the
armband 10. Also attached to the armband 10 is the adjustable loop
holster 40, described in connection with FIGS. 1-2 above.
[0039] FIG. 5 is an inside or underside view of the exemplary
armband tool carrier of FIGS. 1-4 above. The inside is the side of
the armband 10 that rests against the user's arm when the armband
10 is wrapped around the user's arm (not shown). In this exemplary
embodiment the wrap 14 of the armband 10 includes four pockets 52
that hold magnets 50. The magnets 50 are removably slid into
pockets 52. The magnets may be removed to permit laundering of the
armband 10. In this example the magnets 50 suitably are thin
magnets approximately the width and height of a cigarette package.
The magnets 50 fit into conforming pockets 52 attached to the wrap
14. The magnets, by way of example and not limitation, suitably may
include flexible tabular magnets or sheet magnets of sufficient
strength to hold ferrous tools or parts to the outside of the
armband 10 when such tools or parts are placed against the armband
10. In this example embodiment the armband 10 are four adjoining
tabular magnets 50 in four non-overlapping adjoining pockets
52.
[0040] In this inside view of the armband 10, the extensions 13 of
the fasteners 12 at the wrist end 3 and the elbow end 1 of the
armband 10 include the hook portion 15 of hook and loop fasteners
as noted above. The fasteners 10 extend around the user's arm and
attach to themselves securing the armband 10 around the arm of the
user near the elbow and wrist. The second edge 19 of the wrap 14 on
its inside also suitably includes the hook portion 15 of hook and
loop fasteners. This permits the second edge 19 to fasten to the
first edge 18, between the wrist and the elbow, when the armband 10
is wrapped around a user's arm (not shown).
[0041] It will be appreciated that a wide variety of tool holders
may be attached to the attachment points 30 of the armband tool
carrier of the present invention as described in FIGS. 1-4 above.
FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D are alternate views of a socket wrench
socket carrier 60 that may be removably attached to the attachment
points 30 (not shown) of an armband tool carrier of the present
invention.
[0042] In FIG. 6A, the carrier 60 suitably includes a portion of a
cylinder 62 that somewhat larger in diameter than a socket wrench
socket. The cylinder 62 includes a magnet 63 on one end. The
carrier 60 includes an attachment 66 for attaching the carrier 60
to an armband tool carrier of the present invention. The attachment
66 includes an openable loop 68 and an eye 67 attached to the
cylinder 62. The openable loop 68 suitably may include a flexible
plastic strap with a snap or other attachment. The cylinder 62
suitably may be constructed of any suitable material such as metal
sheeting, or molded plastic.
[0043] FIG. 6B is a side view of the socket carrier 60 of the
present invention. The socket carrier 60 includes a cylinder 62
which in this example embodiment suitably has one end open and the
other end having a partially closed bottom 64 holding a magnet 63.
The cylinder 62 is open on one side and thus does not completely
surround the socket (not shown) There is an opening 65 in the side
of the carrier 60 helping the user to insert and remove the socket
using the his or her fingers.
[0044] FIG. 6C is a top view of the socket carrier 60 of FIGS. 6A
and 6B. The carrier includes an attachment 66 including the
openable loop 68 attached to the cylinder 62 with an eye 67. In
this top view of the carrier 60, the bottom 64 of the carrier 60 is
visible looking down through the cylinder 62. Attached to the
bottom 64 is a magnet 63. The bottom 64 of the carrier 60 is
crescent moon shaped with a cutaway towards the open side of the
cylinder permitting a user's fingers to grasp the bottom of a
socket held within the cylinder 62, aiding in the removal of the
socket (not shown) from the carrier 60.
[0045] FIG. 6D is a side view of the exemplary socket carrier 60 of
the present invention as in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C, with a socket 9
shown in place. The socket 9 partially rests within the cylinder 62
and is held in place with the magnet 63. The portion of the socket
extending outside of the cylinder 62 and projecting outside of the
edges of the bottom 64 of the carrier 60 permit the socket to be
grasped by the user and readily removed from the carrier 60.
[0046] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show an alternate embodiment of a socket
carrier attachment for the armband tool carrier of the present
invention. In FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C a socket mating clip 70 includes
a stud 72 that fits within the mating opening of the socket,
removably holding the socket.
[0047] In FIG. 7A the socket mating clip 70 includes a plate 74
that may be attached to the armband tool carrier of the present
invention (not shown) with an openable loop 78. Penetrating the
plate 74 is the stud 72 that mates with the socket (not shown). The
stud 72 includes a standard locking ball 73 and release button 76
permitting the socket to be clipped on the socket mating clip 70
and held in place on the armband tool carrier of the present
invention when the socket mating clip 70 with the socket is clipped
to an attachment point (not shown) on the armband (not shown).
[0048] FIG. 7B is an end view of the socket mating clip 70 of the
present invention. Again, the clip 70 includes a plate 74
penetrated by a stud 72 with a release button 76 releasing a
locking ball 73 that holds a socket wrench socket (not shown).
[0049] FIG. 7C shows the socket mating clip 70 with a socket 9
attached in place. The stud 72 extends into the socket 9 and is
removably held in place by the locking ball 73 which is released by
pushing the release button 76. The clip 70 may be removably
attached to an armband tool carrier of the present invention with
an openable loop 78. This is shown in FIG. 7D, where the openable
loop 78 of the socket mating clip 70 is looped through an
attachment point 30 on the armband tool holder 10. A socket 9 is
then removably clipped to the stud 72 of the socket mating clip
70.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a top view of a tabular magnet 50 of the present
invention suitably shaped to fit within pockets (not shown) in the
armband tool carrier (not shown) of the present invention. In this
example embodiment the magnet 50 is assembled from three separate
rectangular magnet segments 54 held together side by side by a
stiffener 56 attached to each of the three magnet segments 54. The
three magnet segments 54 and the stiffener 56 are held within a
cover 58. The cover 58 facilitates sliding the magnet 50 into a
pocket (not shown) of an armband tool carrier of the present
invention by providing a smooth and continuous surface around the
magnet segments 54. By way of example and not limitation, the cover
58 can suitably be a smooth plastic or vinyl cover. The magnet 50
is thus removable from the armband tool carrier (not shown) of the
present invention as an integral unit that may be wiped clean while
the armband itself is laundered or otherwise cleaned.
[0051] It will be appreciated that the tool bands and tool holders
attached to an armband tool carrier of the present invention may be
configured in a variety of ways. In FIG. 9 an exemplary armband
tool carrier 110 of the present invention includes interwoven tool
bands 120 that stretch diagonally across the wrap 114 of the
armband 110. The armband 110 includes fasteners 112 at the elbow
and wrist ends of the wrap 114. A plurality of tool bands 120, such
as those made of stretchable materials described in reference to
FIGS. 1 through 4 above are attached to the wrap 114 at their ends
(not shown) at a diagonal to the circumference of the armband 110
and the user's arm (not shown). In this example the armbands 120
are interwoven in a basket weave with spaces between the tool bands
120 where tools may be slid under one or more of the bands. As in
FIGS. 1 through 4, additional attachment points 130 suitably may be
attached to the tool bands 120 or the wrap 114. This exemplary tool
armband 110 also includes an adjustable holster 140 of the same
type as described in reference to FIGS. 1 through 4 above.
[0052] Tool or parts holders such as pouches or straps also may
suitably be attached to an armband tool carrier of the present
invention. In FIG. 10 an exemplary armband tool carrier 210
includes a set of straps 281 with hook and loop fasteners. The
straps 281, in this exemplary embodiment, are threaded under tool
bands 221 of the armband 210. The straps 281 can then be utilized
to hold a tool such as a volt-ohm-meter 207. It will be appreciated
that a pouch or box suitably may be held to tool bands 221 of the
armband 210 with the straps 221 with hook and loop fasteners. By
way of example and not limitation, such a pouch could include a
fabric pouch with a fold-over or zipper top.
[0053] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention
should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that
follow.
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