Utility belt

Abstract

A utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure includes an elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle portion and a buckle connecting the first end portion and the second end portion together when the elongated member is worn around a waist of a user. An elongated strap has a pair of opposed ends each attached to the elongated member. A holder adapted for holding such at least one tool and having at least a semi-rigid shape is attached to the elongated strap or directly to the elongated member in one of a semi-permanent and permanent fashion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims priory from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/672,146 filed Apr. 15, 2005.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to utility belts and, more particularly, this invention relates to utility belts for carrying tools such as a hand-held staple gun, desktop stapler, adhesive tape and hand-held tape dispenser which are commonly used for securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As is generally well known, promotional information can include advertisement for concerts, political events, notice of public events, store sales and offerings and the like. The promotional information may be distributed in the form of a generally thin single sheet material, typically measuring 8.5 inches in width and 11.00 inches in height or the size of the standard sheet of paper.

[0004] A single sheet may be given to a single member of the public targeted to receive such promotional information of may be placed in a location for view by a large number of individuals. The promotional information may be further distributed in a form of a large poster which is generally attach to a rigid structure such as a post, fence, window and the like. Adhesive tape, hand-held tape dispenser, hand-held staple gun, and desktop stapler are commonly used in attaching and securing such promotional materials to the rigid structure.

[0005] Accordingly, these tools must be carried and must be conveniently accessible by the individual charged with placement of promotional materials. Presently, these tools are usually loosely carried in a bag or are placed directly into a trunk of a vehicle and extra effort must be exerted to locate such tools and deliver them to the location of placement of such promotional materials. The problem is further magnified if such individual must carry these tools in order to cover large distances by way of walking. Furthermore, it is desirable to eliminate undesirable bending associated with placing these tools onto a ground surface in order to attach such promotional material to the rigid structure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment, the invention provides a utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure. The utility belt includes an elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion. A fastening means connects the first end portion and the second end portion when the elongated member is worn around a waist of a user. An elongated strap has a pair of opposed ends each permanently attached to the elongated member. A holder is provided for holding such at least one tool. The holder has at least a semi-rigid shape. There is a means at least engageable with the holder for releasably attaching it to the elongated strap.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing promotional materials to a rigid structure. The utility belt includes an elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion. A fastening means connects the first end portion and the second end portion when the elongated member is worn around a waist of a user. A holder is provided for holding such at least one tool. The holder has at least a semi-rigid shape. There is a means at least engageable with the holder for releasably attaching it to the elongated member.

[0008] According to yet another embodiment, the invention provides a holder for holding a tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure. Such holder includes a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of side panels connecting the front panel to the rear panel, and a bottom panel closing one end of the holder. An internal compartment is formed by a combination of the front panel, the rear panel, the pair of side panels and the bottom panel. The compartment has at least a semi-rigid predetermined shape for receiving such tool. An attachment means engageable with a portion of the rear panel is provided for attaching the holder to a belt worn around a waist of a user.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a utility belt for carrying tools which are commonly used for securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a utility belt that enables comfort and convenience in carrying tools commonly used for securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a utility belt that prevents the tools commonly used for securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure from dislodging or falling out.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to provide a utility belt that is durable.

[0013] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a tool holder for a utility belt which is mountable in a semi-permanent or permanent fashion.

[0014] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a tool holder that is selectively shaped for carrying a tool commonly used for securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure.

[0015] In addition to the several objects and advantages of the present invention which have been described with some degree of specificity above, various other objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art, particularly, when such description is taken in conjunction with the attached drawing Figures and with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a utility belt according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the utility belt taken along the lines 2-2 of FIG. 1, particularly illustrating a tool holder of one embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is partial front elevation view of a utility belt according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a tool holder according to another embodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Prior to proceeding to the more detailed description of the present invention, it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity and understanding, identical components which have identical functions have been identified with identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawing figures.

[0021] Reference is now made, to FIGS. 1-4, wherein there is shown a utility belt, generally designated 10, for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure. As it well known, such tools include but are not limited to a hand-held staple gun 2 as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,075 to Marks, a desktop stapler 4 as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,525 to Marks, adhesive tape 6 and a hand-held tape dispenser 8 as disclosed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,328 to Gaikowski et al. The teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,075; U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,525; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,159,328 are incorporated into this document by reference thereto.

[0022] Such utility belt 10 includes an elongated member 20 having a first end portion 22, a second end portion 24 and a middle portion 26. A fastening means, generally designated 30, is engageable with the elongated member 20 for connecting the first end portion 22 and the second end portion 24 when the elongated member 20 is worn around a waist of a user (not shown).

[0023] By way of example in FIG. 1, such fastening means 30 is illustrated as a buckle 32 attached to the first end portion 22 and a plurality of spaced apart apertures 34 formed in the second end portion 24. Other fastening means 40 will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arm form. Preferably, a width of the middle portion 26 is greater than a width of each of the first and second end portions 22 and 24, respectively, in order to provide additional support to the lumbar area of the user (not shown). It is further preferred that at least the middle portion 26 is padded for comfort of the user (not shown) of such utility belt 10.

[0024] An elongated strap 40 has a pair of opposed ends 42 and 44, each permanently attached to the elongated member 20, preferably to the middle portion 26 thereof, generally by sewing.

[0025] A material of each of the elongated member 20 and the elongated strap 40 may be one of leather, soft plastic, canvas, cloth and various combinations thereof, and enabling durability of such belt 10 during an extended use.

[0026] A holder, generally designated 50, is provided for holding such at least one tool 2. The holder 50 at least includes a front panel 52, a radially opposed rear panel 54, a pair of side panels 56 connecting the front panel 52 to the rear panel 54 and a bottom panel 58 closing one end of the holder 50.

[0027] An internal compartment 60 is therefore formed by a combination of the front panel 52, the rear panel 54, the pair of side panels 56 and the bottom panel 58, wherein the compartment 60 has at least a semi-rigid shape for receiving such at least one tool. It will be appreciated that when such tool is a hand-held staple gun 2 which has a generally rectangular housing and a squeeze lever pivotally connected to such housing and extending outwardly therefrom at an angle, the front panel 52 and the rear panel 54 of the holder 50 may be tapered at a predetermined angle to minimize movement of such hand-held staple gun 2 within the internal compartment 60.

[0028] By way of example, the front panel 52 may be about 7.5 inches in height, about 4.0 inches at its bottom edge disposed adjacent the bottom panel 58 and about 5.5 inches at its top edge. The width of each side panel 56 is about 1.25 inches. Preferably, in order to provide for convenience in removing such hand-held staple gun 2, a portion thereof extends beyond the top edge of the front panel 52.

[0029] Accordingly, when the tool is a desktop stapler 4, the holder 50 will have a generally elongated shape adapted to minimize movement of such desktop stapler 4 within the internal compartment 60. The height of the front panel 52 will be about 7.25 inches, while the width will be about 2.25 inches. The width of each side panel 56 will be about 2.0 inches.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the shape of the internal compartment 60 of the tool holder 50 will be adapted accordingly to accommodate the adhesive tape 6 and the hand-held tape dispenser 8. For example, when the holder is used to receive the adhesive tape 6, the front panel 52 will be about 4.25 inches in height and about 3.25 inches in width. The width of each side panel 56 will be about 1.13 inches.

[0031] Furthermore, a second elongated strap 40, as best illustrated in FIG. 1, may be provided for convenience in attaching a plurality of holders 50 onto the elongated member 20.

[0032] A material of the holder 50 may be one of leather, soft plastic, canvas, cloth and various combinations thereof, preferably forming at least a semi-rigid shape of such holder 50.

[0033] The utility belt 10 further includes a means, generally designated 70, which is at least engageable with the holder 50 for attaching it to the elongated strap 40.

[0034] According to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the attachment means 70 includes a first flap 72 which extends upwardly from a top edge of the rear panel 54 and is disposed generally parallel to a surface of the middle portion 26 of the elongated member 20 and a second flap 74 forming a loop with the first flap 72 and extending downwardly towards the bottom panel 58 of the holder 50. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the second flap 74 is at least partially caged between the elongated strap 40 and the middle portion 26 of the elongated member 20.

[0035] A fastening means, generally designated 80, is provided for securing a free end of the second flap 74 to one of the first flap 72 and the rear panel 54. According to one embodiment of the invention, best illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, such fastening means is a ssnap fastener 82 having a first portion 82a mounted to the free end of the second flap 74 and a second portion 82b mounted to such one of the first flap 72 and the rear panel 54. Such ssnap fastener 82 may be also a magnetic fastener.

[0036] Alternatively, a hook and loop or hook and ssnap fastener 84 may be employed for releasably securing a free end of the second flap 74 to one of the first flap 72 and the rear panel 54. Accordingly, a first potion 84a will be attached to the free end of the second flap 74 and a second portion 84b will be attached to such one of the first flap 72 and the rear panel 54.

[0037] The utility belt 10 may further include elongated strip 90, for securing the tool within the internal compartment 60. In further reference to FIG. 2, such elongated strip 90 has a first portion 92 attached to the rear panel 54, a middle portion 94 formed to cover at least a portion of the open end of the internal compartment 60 and an end portion 94 secured to the front panel 52 with a releasable type hook and loop fastener 84 such as Velcro.RTM, wherein a first portion 84a is attached to one of the front panel 52 and the end portion 94 and a second portion 84b is attached to an opposed one of the front panel 52 and the end portion 94 of the elongated strip 90. Alternatively, hook and snap fastener, a magnetic fastener, and at least one ssnap fastener may be employed for securing end portion 94.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, best shown in FIG. 3, the holder 50 may be directly attached to the elongated member 20 in one of a semi-permanent and permanent fashion. By way of example of FIG. 3, the holder 50 may include a simple flap 72 extending from the top edge of the rear panel 54 and which is attached, in a semi-permanent fashion, to the elongated member 20 with any one of the releasable fasteners described supra. Furthermore, the holder 50 may be fitted with a simple continuous loop 86 for wrapping around the elongated member 20 which is advantageous when such elongated member 20 is a conventional belt. Sew lines 88 may be used to attach the holder 50 to the elongated member 20 in a permanent fashion.

[0039] Thus, the present invention has been described in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same. It will be understood that variations, modifications, equivalents and substitutions for components of the specifically described embodiments of the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure, said utility belt comprising: (a) an elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion; (b) a fastening means for connecting said first end portion and said second end portion together when said elongated member is worn around a waist of a user; (c) an elongated strap having a pair of opposed ends each permanently attached to said elongated member; (d) a holder for holding such at least one tool, said holder having at least a semi-rigid shape; and (e) a means at least engageable with said holder for releasably attaching it to said elongated strap.

2. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein a width of said middle portion is greater than a width of each of said first and second end portions.

3. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein at least said middle portion is padded.

4. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein a material of each of said elongated member, said elongated strap and said holder is one of leather, soft plastic, canvas, cloth and various combinations thereof.

5. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein such at least one tool is a hand-held staple gun having a generally rectangular housing and a squeeze lever pivotally connected to such housing and extending outwardly therefrom, and wherein said holder is formed to minimize movement of such hand-held staple gun disposed therein.

6. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein such at least one tool is a desktop stapler and said holder has a generally elongated shape.

7. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein said belt further includes a holder releasably attached to said strap for holding a roll of adhesive tape.

8. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein said belt further includes a holder releasably attached to said strap for holding a hand-held tape dispenser.

9. The belt, according to claim 1, wherein said holder includes: (a) a front panel; (b) a rear panel; (c) a pair of side panels connecting said front panel to said rear panel; and (d) a bottom panel closing one end of said holder.

10. The belt, according to claim 9, wherein said attachment means is a first flap extending upwardly from a top edge of said rear panel and disposed generally parallel to a surface of said elongated member and a second flap forming a loop with said first flap and extending downwardly towards said bottom panel of said stapler holder, said second flap being at least partially caged between said elongated strap and said surface of said elongated member.

11. The belt, according to claim 10, wherein said belt further includes a fastening means for releasably securing a free end of said second flap to one of said first flap and said rear panel.

12. The belt, according to claim 11, wherein said fastening means is one of a hook and loop fastener, a hook and snap fastener, a magnetic fastener, and at least one ssnap fastener.

13. The belt, according to claim 9, wherein said belt further includes a means engageable with said holder for releasably securing such at least one tool therein.

14. The belt, according to claim 13, wherein said securing means includes an elongated strip having a first portion attached to said rear panel, a middle portion formed to cover at least a portion of said open end of said holder and an end portion secured to said front panel with a releasable type fastener.

15. The belt, according to claim 14, wherein said releasable type fastener is one of a hook and loop fastener, a hook and snap fastener, a magnetic fastener, and at least one ssnap fastener.

16. A utility belt for carrying at least one tool which is used in securing promotional materials to a rigid structure, said utility belt comprising: (a) an elongated member having a first end portion, a second end portion and a middle portion; (b) a fastening means for connecting said first end and said second end together when said elongated member is worn around a waist of a user; (c) a holder for holding such at least one tool, said holder having at least a semi-rigid shape; and (d) means engageable with a predetermined portion of said elongated member and a predetermined portion of said holder for attaching said it to said elongated member.

17. A holder for holding a tool which is used in securing generally thin promotional sheet materials to a rigid structure, said holder comprising: (a) a front panel; (b) a rear panel; (c) a pair of side panels connecting said front panel to said rear panel; (d) a bottom panel closing one end of said holder; (e) an internal compartment formed by a combination of said front panel, said rear panel, said pair of side panels and said bottom panel, wherein said compartment has at least a semi-rigid predetermined shape for receiving such tool; and (f) a means engageable with a portion of said rear panel for attaching said holder to a belt worn around a waist of a user.

18. The holder, according to claim 17, wherein said attachment means enables attachment of said holder in one of a semi-permanent and permanent fashion.