U.S. patent application number 11/169318 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-11 for tool belt.
This patent application is currently assigned to Contractor Pro. Invention is credited to Alex Yu-Feng Liu, Kirk B. Newman.
Application Number | 20070006367 11/169318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37005814 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070006367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Newman; Kirk B. ; et
al. |
January 11, 2007 |
Tool belt
Abstract
A tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso comprises a
support belt having a first end and a second end each having
attachment means for securing the belt about the wearer's torso. A
plurality of individual cushion pads is attached to the support
belt on a proximal surface of the support belt. At least one of a
plurality of magnetic elements is associated with one of the
individual cushion pads. The individual cushion pad has an
indentation formed in a proximal surface thereof, shaped to
correspond to a shape of the at least one magnetic element, and the
at least one magnetic element is at least partially disposed within
the indentation in the cushion pad to restrict movement of the
magnetic element relative to the cushion pad while the belt is in
use about the wearer's torso.
Inventors: |
Newman; Kirk B.; (Sandy,
UT) ; Liu; Alex Yu-Feng; (Glendora, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THORPE NORTH & WESTERN, LLP.
8180 SOUTH 700 EAST, SUITE 200
SANDY
UT
84070
US
|
Assignee: |
Contractor Pro
|
Family ID: |
37005814 |
Appl. No.: |
11/169318 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 3/00 20130101; A45F
2003/144 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101; A61N 2/06 20130101; A45F
3/12 20130101; A45F 2200/0575 20130101; A45F 2003/127 20130101;
A45F 5/021 20130101; A45F 3/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/338 |
International
Class: |
A41F 9/00 20060101
A41F009/00 |
Claims
1. A tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso, comprising: a
support belt having a first end and a second end, the first and
second ends each having attachment means for securing the belt
about the wearer's torso; a plurality of individual cushion pads
attached to the support belt on a proximal surface of the support
belt; a plurality of magnetic elements, at least one of which is
associated with one of the individual cushion pads; the individual
cushion pad having an indentation formed in a proximal surface
thereof, the indentation being shaped to correspond to a shape of
the at least one magnetic element; and the at least one magnetic
element being at least partially disposed within the indentation in
the cushion pad to restrict movement of the magnetic element
relative to the cushion pad while the belt is in use about the
wearer's torso.
2. The tool belt of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic
element protrudes at least partially above the proximal surface of
the cushion pad.
3. The tool belt of claim 1, wherein the individual cushion pad
circumscribes the at least one magnetic element to form a cushioned
area of contact with a back of the wearer about the at least one
magnetic element.
4. The tool belt of claim 1, wherein the individual cushion pad
includes: a first, relaxed configuration in which the at least one
magnetic element protrudes partially above the proximal surface of
the cushion pad; and a second, compressed configuration in which
the magnetic element is compressed into the individual cushion such
that a proximal surface of the magnetic element is substantially
level with the proximal surface of the cushion pad.
5. The tool belt of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnetic
element is bonded within the indentation in the individual cushion
pad.
6. The tool belt of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of
individual cushion pads has at least one of the plurality of
magnetic elements associated therewith.
7. The tool belt of claim 6, wherein each of the individual cushion
pads includes only one magnetic element associated therewith.
8. The tool belt of claim 7, wherein the magnetic element
associated with each cushion pad is substantially centered on the
proximal surface of the cushion pad.
9. The tool belt of claim 1, wherein the individual cushion pads
are each separated by an air space, the air space being configured
to allow at least a degree of compression of each pad independently
of an adjacent pad.
10. A tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso, comprising: a
support belt having a first end and a second end, the first and
second end each having attachment means for securing the belt about
the wearer's torso; a plurality of individual cushion pads attached
to the support belt on a proximal surface of the support belt; and
a plurality of magnetic elements, each coupled to a proximal
surface of one of the individual cushion pads; each of the
individual cushion pads having at least two configurations: a
first, relaxed configuration in which the magnetic element
associated with the individual cushion pad protrudes partially
above the proximal surface of the cushion pad; and a second,
compressed configuration in which the magnetic element is
compressed into the individual cushion pad such that a proximal
surface of the magnetic element is in substantially the same plane
as the proximal surface of the cushion pad.
11. The tool belt of claim 10, wherein each of the individual
cushion pads has an indentation formed in the proximal surface
thereof, the indentation being shaped to correspond to a shape of
the magnetic elements; and wherein each of the plurality of
magnetic elements is at least partially disposed within an
indentation in a cushion pad to restrict movement of the magnetic
element relative to the cushion pad while the belt is in use about
the wearer's torso.
12. The tool belt of claim 10, wherein each of the cushion pads
circumscribes an associated magnetic element to form a cushioned
area of contact with a back of the wearer about the magnetic
element.
13. The tool belt of claim 10, wherein each of the magnetic
elements is bonded within the indentation in each of the cushion
pads.
14. The tool belt of claim 10, further comprising a substantially
continuous, conformable cover applied over the cushion pads and the
magnetic elements.
15. The tool belt of claim 10, wherein each cushion pad includes
only one magnetic element associated therewith.
16. The tool belt of claim 15, wherein the magnetic element
associated with each cushion pad is substantially centered on the
proximal surface of the cushion pad.
17. The tool belt of claim 10, wherein the magnetic element
comprises a permanent magnet.
18. A tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso, comprising: a
support belt having a first end and a second end, the first and
second end each having attachment means for securing the belt about
the wearer's torso; and at least one handle, attached to the
support belt, the handle being operable to receive a hand of the
wearer to enable the wearer to support the tool belt with his or
her hand.
19. The tool belt of claim 18, further comprising a second handle
attached to the support belt, the second handle being operable to
receive the hand of the wearer enable the wearer to support the
tool belt from both handles with his or hand.
20. The tool belt of claim 19, wherein the handle and the second
handle are attached on opposing sides of the support belt.
21. The tool belt of claim 18, wherein the handle defines a hand
opening between the handle and the support belt, the hand opening
having a height between about 1 inch and about 4 inches.
22. The tool belt of claim 21, wherein the hand opening has a
height of about 11/2 inches.
23. The tool belt of claim 21, wherein the hand opening has a width
between about 41/2 inches to about 6 inches.
24. The tool belt of claim 18, wherein the handle is inseparably
attached to the support belt.
25. The tool belt of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of
individual cushion pads attached to the support belt on a proximal
surface of the support belt; a plurality of magnetic elements, each
associated with one of the individual cushion pads; the individual
cushion pads each having an indentation formed in a proximal
surface thereof, the indentations being shaped to correspond to a
shape of the magnetic elements; and the magnetic elements being at
least partially disposed within the indentations in the cushion pad
to restrict movement of the magnetic elements relative to the
cushion pads while the belt is in use about the wearer's torso.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to belts for storing
and carrying tools. More particularly, the present invention
relates to tool belts that provide a therapeutic benefit to the
wearer and that are easily handled by a wearer.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] Tool belts have been used for some time to carry or store a
variety of tools, fasteners, equipment, etc., about a wearer's
waist or torso. Such belts typically include pouches, hooks, clips
and similar structure on or in which tools and equipment are
carried by the belt while the belt is secured about the
individual's waist. In this manner, as the individual travels from
one working location to another, he or she can ensure that the
tools and equipment necessary for a particular job are available
for use in any particular location.
[0005] While tool belts have become much needed accessories for
individuals in a variety of trades, they continue to suffer from a
number of problems. For example, storage of tools and equipment on
a tool belt necessarily adds, sometimes significantly, to the
weight of the belt. As the weight of a loaded tool belt increases,
detrimental stress applied to the wearer's back and body increases.
This problem is often exacerbated by the fact that many tool belts
are not "loaded" uniformly, e.g., they are often heavier on one
side or another, increasing the detrimental stress or strain
applied to a wearer's back. Increased stress or strain on a
wearer's back can result not only in discomfort, but can lead to
injury that can result in loss of productivity and morale, and may
require expensive medical procedures.
[0006] In addition, the types of tools and equipment often stored
or carried on a tool belt have disparate shapes, lengths and
weights. While the tool belt is generally capable of adequately
storing such tools when the belt is strapped about a waist of the
individual, many of the pouches, hooks or clips are designed to
properly hold tools and other devices only when the belt is in an
upright orientation. This design not only allows the belt to be
used to store a variety of odd-shaped tools and equipment, but also
allows relatively easy insertion and withdrawal of the tools from
the belt by the individual.
[0007] As a result, in the event the belt is tipped, or not
otherwise held in an upright orientation, the tools and equipment
can easily fall out of the pouches, hooks or other storage
structure. Most wearers of such tool belts become accustomed to
this and compensate for this fact by maintaining a generally
upright posture when wearing the belt. However, when the individual
removes the tool belt it can be very difficult to retain all
portions of the belt in an upright configuration while holding or
transporting the belt by hand, and carrying the belt by hand can
result in tools or equipment falling from the belt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a tool belt that provides a therapeutic benefit to a wearer
of the tool belt during use of the tool belt. In addition, it has
been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a tool
belt that can be readily manipulated or handled while not in use
without dislodging tools or equipment from the belt.
[0009] The present invention provides a tool belt for fastening
about a wearer's torso, including a support belt configured to be
disposed about the wearer's torso and having a first end and a
second end. The first and the second end can each have attachment
means for securing the belt about the wearer's torso. A plurality
of individual cushion pads can be attached to the support belt on a
proximal surface of the support belt. A plurality of magnetic
elements can also be provided, at least one of which is associated
with one of the individual cushion pads. The individual cushion pad
can have an indentation formed in a proximal surface thereof, the
indentation being shaped to correspond to a shape of the at least
one magnetic element. The at least one magnetic element can be at
least partially disposed within the indentation in the cushion pad
to restrict movement of the magnetic element relative to the
cushion pad while the belt is in use about the wearer's torso.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a tool
belt for fastening about a wearer's torso is provided, including a
support belt having a first end and a second end. The first end and
the second end can each have attachment means for securing the belt
about the wearer's torso. A plurality of individual cushion pads
can be attached to the support belt on a proximal surface of the
support belt. A plurality of magnetic elements can also be
provided, each being coupled to a proximal surface of one of the
individual cushion pads. Each of the individual cushion pads can
have at least two configurations: i) a first, relaxed configuration
in which the magnetic element associated with the individual
cushion pad protrudes partially above the proximal surface of the
cushion pad; and ii) a second, compressed configuration in which
the magnetic element is compressed into the individual cushion pad
in substantially a same plane as the proximal surface of the
cushion pad.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a tool
belt for fastening about a wearer's torso is provided, including a
support belt having a first end and a second end. The first end and
the second end can each have attachment means for securing the belt
about the wearer's torso. At least one handle can be attached to
the tool belt, the handle being operable to receive a hand of the
wearer to enable the wearer to support the tool belt with his or
her hand.
[0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together
illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a front view showing a proximal side of a tool
belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a rear view showing a distal side of the tool
belt of FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cushion pad section of the tool
belt of FIG. 1A, taken along section A-A of FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 3 is another view of the cushion pad of FIG. 2, shown
in a compressed configuration;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a side view of another cushion pad section of the
tool belt of FIG. 1A, taken along section A-A of FIG. 1A; and
[0019] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of cushion pad section of FIG.
4A.
[0020] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe
the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of
the scope of the invention is thereby intended.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art and having
possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the
scope of the invention.
[0022] In describing and/or claiming the present invention, the
following terminology may be used:
[0023] As used herein, the term "proximal" is to be understood to
refer to a location that is nearer to a wearer of a tool belt than
to persons or things about the wearer. Similarly, the term "distal"
is to be understood to refer to a location that is nearer persons
or things about the individual than to the wearer of the tool belt.
Thus, in the case where a tool belt is strapped about a person, the
surface or "side" of the tool belt that contacts the wearer's back,
sides and stomach is the proximal surface or side of the tool belt.
In this example, the proximal side of the tool belt extends about
and is exposed toward (or is in contact with) the wearer's
torso.
[0024] As used herein, the terms "inseparably coupled" and
"inseparably attached" are to be understood to refer to a condition
in which two or more structures are stitched, bonded, melded,
attached, or otherwise joined to one another in such a manner that
they cannot be separated from one another without causing
structural damage to at least one of the two or more structures.
The term "inseparably coupled" does not apply, for example, to two
or more materials that are merely held adjacent one another, or one
within another, and are capable of being separated during normal
usage of a device comprised of the materials.
[0025] As illustrated in the attached figures, in one exemplary
embodiment, the present invention generally provides a tool belt 10
for fastening about a wearer's torso. The tool belt can generally
be attached about the wearer's waist or torso in a similar manner
as conventional tool belts are worn. Due to the similar nature of
this aspect of the invention to conventional tool belts, no
individual or wearer is illustrated in the figures, it being
understood that one of ordinary skill in the art could readily
adapt the present invention for use with individual wearers.
[0026] As shown in detail in FIGS. 1A-3, the tool belt 10 can
generally include a support belt 12 that can be configured to be
disposed about the wearer's torso and can have a first end 14 and a
second end 16. The first and second ends can each have attachment
means 15 and 17, respectively, associated therewith for securing
the belt about the wearer's torso. The attachment means can be of a
variety known to those of ordinary skill in the art, including
buckles, straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, etc.
[0027] A plurality of individual cushion pads 18 can be attached to
the support belt 12 on a proximal surface 20 of the support belt.
The pads can provide a cushioned interface between the wearer and
the belt to provide a more comfortable working environment for the
wearer. The cushion pads can generally be conformable and
compressible and can be formed from a variety of materials,
including open-cell foam and similar materials. A plurality of
magnetic elements 22 can be provided, at least one of which can be
associated with one of the individual cushion pads. In the example
shown in FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3, magnetic element 22a is associated with
cushion pad 18a.
[0028] As best appreciated from viewing FIG. 2, the individual
cushion pad 18a can have an indentation 24 formed in a proximal
surface 26 thereof. The indentation can be shaped to correspond to
a shape of the magnetic element 22a. The at least one magnetic
element can be at least partially disposed within the indentation
in the cushion pad to restrict lateral movement of the magnetic
element relative to the cushion pad while the tool belt is in use
about the wearer's torso. While not so required, in one aspect of
the invention, the magnetic element is bonded or attached within
the indentation to aid in retaining the magnetic element within the
indentation.
[0029] In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the magnetic
elements 22 and the indentations 24 are generally circular in
shape. However, the magnetic elements and the indentations can be
formed in a variety of shapes, including square, rectangular, oval,
etc., as would occur to one skilled in the relevant art. Also,
while the size of the magnetic elements is shown as generally much
smaller than the cushion pads, it is to be understood that the
magnetic elements can be larger or smaller, relative to the cushion
pad, depending upon the particular application in which the
magnetic elements and cushion pads are to be used.
[0030] It will thus be appreciated that the present invention
provides a tool belt that includes both cushion pads 18 that
provide a conformable, comfortable interface between the tool belt
and the wearer of the tool belt, and magnetic elements 22 that can
provide a therapeutic benefit to the wearer. The benefits of magnet
therapy in relieving pain and stiffness have been studied for some
time. In general, magnetic therapy involves the placement of
magnetic devices on or near the body to relieve pain and facilitate
healing or sore muscles, joints, etc.
[0031] While the precise mechanism through which magnetic therapy
operates has not been clearly proven, advocates of magnetic therapy
claim that such therapy has a positive effect on the body,
particularly in relieving pain. In general, it is believed that the
magnetic fields produced by magnets (or by devices that generate
electromagnetic current) can penetrate the human body and affect
the functioning of individual cells and improve the working of the
nervous system and various organs.
[0032] The present invention thus provides a tool belt having the
beneficial aspects of magnetic therapy coupled, in some
embodiments, with the therapeutic benefit of compressible support
cushion pads. The magnetic elements 22 used in the present
invention can be of a variety of types, and in one embodiment are
permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field ranging from 250
to 750 gauss. In one embodiment of the invention, the magnetic
elements are permanent magnets that generate a magnetic field of
about 500 gauss.
[0033] In the case where the magnetic elements used are moderately
to highly directional, the magnetic elements can be disposed on or
coupled in or to the cushion pads such that the magnetic field
generated by the magnetic elements is directed away from the
proximal surface of the belt toward the wearer. While permanent
magnets are used in some embodiments of the invention, the magnetic
elements can also be temporary magnets and/or electromagnets, as
would occur to one having ordinary skill in the art. In those
aspects of the invention where electromagnets are used, a suitable
power supply (not shown) can be provided on or near the tool belt
to provide power to the electromagnets.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one aspect of the invention
the magnetic element 22a can protrude at least partially above the
proximal surface 26 of the cushion pad 18a. In this manner, as the
wearer dons the tool belt, the magnetic element contacts the wearer
first (or, in most cases, contacts the clothing of the wearer
first). As the belt is cinched about the wearer, the magnetic
element is compressed into the cushion pad until a proximal surface
23 of the magnetic element and the proximal surface of the cushion
pad are aligned in substantially the same plane, as shown
schematically by plane 28 in FIG. 3. Thus, in this aspect of the
invention, the individual cushion pad includes: i) a first, relaxed
configuration in which the at least one magnetic element protrudes
partially above the proximal surface of the cushion pad; and ii) a
second, compressed configuration in which the magnetic element is
compressed into the individual cushion such that the proximal
surface of the magnetic element is substantially level with the
proximal surface of the cushion pad.
[0035] The individual cushion pad 18 can thus circumscribe the at
least one magnetic element 22 to form a cushioned area of contact
with a back of the wearer about the at least one magnetic element.
In this manner, the portion of the support belt 12 contacting the
wearer (or the wearer's clothes) includes a magnetic contact
interface surrounded by a cushion pad interface. This configuration
can maximize the therapeutic benefit provided by the tool belt.
[0036] The number of cushion pads and magnetic elements provided on
the belt can vary according to the particular application of the
tool belt. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A,
eighteen cushion pads 18 are provided with only the innermost six
cushion pads having a magnetic element 22 associated therewith.
Thus, in this aspect of the invention, a plurality of cushion pads
are provided but only a portion of that plurality includes a
magnetic element. In addition, each of the cushion pads with which
a magnetic element is associated can include only a single magnetic
element, or can include multiple magnetic elements, depending upon
the particular application in which the tool belt is to be
used.
[0037] The magnetic elements 22 can be disposed on the proximal 26
surface of the cushion pads 18 in a variety of locations, and in
one embodiment the magnetic element is substantially centered on
the proximal surface of the cushion pad, in both a horizontal and a
vertical aspect. This aspect of the invention can maximize the
therapeutic benefit of both the magnetic interface and the cushion
interface between the tool belt and the wearer's torso by providing
ample cushion surface about all sides of the magnetic element.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, the plurality of
individual cushion pads 18 are each separated by an air space 54.
The air space can be configured to allow at least a degree of
compression of each pad independently of an adjacent pad. This
aspect of the invention allows the support belt 12 to conform to
the possibly unique curvature of a wearer's torso by allowing
variable degrees of compression of individual cushion pads. In
addition, the air space between adjacent cushion pads can allow air
to circulate between the cushion pads to provide ventilation to aid
in maintaining a cool and dry environment between the support belt
and the wearer's torso.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the support belt 12 can include a
substantially continuous, conformable cover 58 that can be applied
over the cushion pads and the magnetic elements to integrate the
pads and magnetic elements into a single unit. In the aspect of the
invention illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, each cushion pad and
magnetic element can be covered by an individual cover 58a. This
aspect of the invention can be advantageous in embodiments of the
invention in which the cushion pads are individually removable from
the support belt 12 to allow a wearer to customize the cushion pad
arrangement to tailor the belt for his or her own preferences. The
cushion pad 18 of FIGS. 4A and 4B can be attached by attachment
means 61, such as a hook-and-loop attachment system component that
can securely but removably attach the individual cushion pads to
the support belt. Thus, the pads can be relatively easily removed
from the support belt and can be reattached in a different
location.
[0040] The tool belt 10 can include a variety of hooks, pouches,
straps, etc. (not shown in the figures) to allow tools and
equipment to be stored on or in the tool belt, as would occur to
one of ordinary skill in the art. In one aspect of the invention, a
strip 52 of a portion of a hook-and-loop fastener system can be
adhered to a distal surface 21 of the support belt 12 to aid in
securing a variety of pouches, straps, etc. to the belt. In a
typical scenario, a tool pouch (not shown) can be looped or
extended about the belt and the strip 52 can engage a corresponding
fastener material on the pouch to aid in securing the tool pouch
from moving relative to the belt. The tool pouch can be of a
variety of types known to those skilled in the art and can be
configured to hold tools and fasteners such as nails, screws,
etc.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1B, the support belt 12 can include straps
56 that can allow an auxiliary belt (not shown) to be attached
about the support belt to provide additional support to the support
belt to secure the tool belt about a wearer's torso. Eyelets 60 can
also be coupled to the support belt to allow suspenders (not shown)
to be attached to the support belt to provide additional support to
the tool belt.
[0042] Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, a tool belt in accordance with
another aspect of the invention can include support belt 12 that
can be configured to be disposed about the wearer's torso. At least
one handle 50 can be attached to the tool belt and can be operable
to receive a hand (not shown) of the wearer to enable the wearer to
support or carry the tool belt with his or her hand. This aspect of
the invention can be advantageous in carrying the tool belt from
one location to another, installing the tool belt about a waist,
storing the tool belt in a vehicle, etc. As the handles 50 can be
coupled directly to the tool belt, the weight of the tool belt can
be supported securely by a hand of the wearer, and the wearer can
carry the belt without dislodging tools or equipment from the tool
belt.
[0043] In the aspect of the invention shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the
belt 10 includes two handles 50. However, the belt can include a
single or multiple handles, as a particular application may
dictate. The placement of the handles relative to a length of the
support belt 12 can also vary. For example, each of the handles 50
can be attached on opposing sides of the support belt and can be
substantially centered lengthwise on each of two halves of the
belt. In this manner, when both of the handles are grasped by a
wearer, the tool belt as a whole is supported by the handles and
the tool belt can be safely transported, stored, etc., without
causing tools and equipment to fall from the tool belt. Thus, tools
and equipment need not be "unloaded" from the tool belt prior to
removing the belt from about a torso, or transporting or storing
the tool belt.
[0044] The size, location and configuration of the handles 50 can
vary, and in one embodiment the handles define a hand opening 62
between the handle and the belt. The hand opening can have a height
H that is between about 1 inch and about 4 inches, and in one
embodiment is about 11/2 inches. The hand opening can have a width
between about 41/2 inches to about 6 inches. By restraining the
shape of the hand opening defined by the handles, the hand opening
can be sufficiently large to allow even a gloved hand to enter the
hand opening, yet the handles do not extend above the belt to such
an extent that the handles will interfere with the storage and
retrieval of tools and equipment from the belt.
[0045] While not so required, the handles 50 shown in the exemplary
embodiments of FIGS. 1A and 1B are inseparably attached to the
support belt 12. In the embodiment shown, the handles are
inseparably attached by stitching the handles to the support belt.
In this manner, the handles form an integral part of the tool belt
and are not susceptible to sliding or moving relative to the length
of the tool belt, even in those cases where the tool belt is not
loaded evenly.
[0046] This feature of the invention is advantageous in that tool
belts are often not loaded evenly, and one side of the belt may be
much heavier than another side. In cases where the handles are not
fixed relative to the belt, heavier portions of the belt can tend
to slide or slump away from a handle, potentially resulting in
tools or equipment falling or becoming dislodged from the belt. The
present invention addresses this problem by fixing the handles
relative to the length of the belt to ensure that the full weight
of the belt is supported by the handles and that the belt cannot
slide relative to the handles.
[0047] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are only illustrative of the application for the
principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and
alternative arrangements can be devised without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention. While the present
invention has been shown in the drawings and fully described above
with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently
deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment(s) of the
invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that numerous modifications can be made without departing from
the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth
herein.
* * * * *