U.S. patent application number 12/390672 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for portable hand tool carrier harness.
Invention is credited to Brent Ronald Dormaar.
Application Number | 20090242598 12/390672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41115583 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090242598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dormaar; Brent Ronald |
October 1, 2009 |
PORTABLE HAND TOOL CARRIER HARNESS
Abstract
This invention relates to a novel design of portable hand drill
carrier harness for use by workers in the construction industry.
More specifically, the invention pertains to a cord powered or
cordless drill carrier harness which combines a quick-draw drill
carrying holster with a harness which fits about the torso of a
cordless drill user. A drill carrier apparatus comprising: (a) a
harness for fitting about the torso and over the shoulders of a
person; (b) a portable tool carrier connected to the chest area of
the harness; and (c) a mechanism which enables the elevation of the
tool carrier to be adjusted relative to the elevation of the
harness.
Inventors: |
Dormaar; Brent Ronald;
(Pender Island, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OYEN, WIGGS, GREEN & MUTALA LLP;480 - THE STATION
601 WEST CORDOVA STREET
VANCOUVER
BC
V6B 1G1
CA
|
Family ID: |
41115583 |
Appl. No.: |
12/390672 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61040812 |
Mar 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/257 ;
224/254 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20130101; A45F
2003/146 20130101; A45F 2005/002 20130101; A45F 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/257 ;
224/254 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14 |
Claims
1. A portable tool carrier apparatus comprising: (a) a harness for
fitting around the torso and over the shoulders of a person; (b) a
tool carrier apparatus connected to a front chest area of the
harness; and (c) a mechanism which enables the elevation of the
tool carrier apparatus to be adjusted relative to the harness.
2. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tool
carrier apparatus is pivotal relative to the harness and remains in
a substantially vertical orientation when the person bends
forward.
3. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the
elevation of the tool carrier apparatus is adjustable by means of
one or more slidable mechanisms attached to the harness.
4. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including a
mechanism whereby the vertical axis of the tool carrier apparatus
can be offset to the right or to the left to accommodate a
right-handed or left-handed worker.
5. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the
harness includes a chest belt, a pair of shoulder straps and at
least one quick release mechanism for enabling the harness to be
removed from the torso of the person.
6. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the chest
strap and the shoulder straps include mechanisms which permit the
lengths of the chest strap and the shoulder straps to be
adjusted.
7. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein the tool
carrier apparatus is a holster that has top and bottom openings and
the tool is inserted in the holster through a top opening and the
bottom of the tool protrudes through a bottom opening.
8. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tool
carrier apparatus is a pair of curved open top hooks which are
connected to the front of the harness.
9. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the pair
of curved open top hooks is pivotal relative to the harness.
10. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tool
is a cordless drill.
11. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the
mechanism for offsetting the carrier holster comprises a
tilt-mounting mechanism which includes a belt loop extending from
the top area of the carrier holster for enveloping the chest belt
of the harness, said loop being secured in place on the chest belt
by a fastening mechanism.
12. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the
tilt-mounting mechanism comprises two pairs of orientation rings
attached to the rear of the carrier holster, said rings being
releasably attached to a chest belt by means of clips, the clips
removably fitting within the appropriate rings to adjust the
vertical offset orientation of the carrier holster.
13. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 7 including tool
receptacles on the front area of the carrier holster.
14. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 13 including
reinforcing material around the top opening in the carrier
holster.
15. A tool carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein a rear
panel of the carrier holster and a front area of the harness are
one piece and a horizontal hinge line is formed in the rear panel
to enable the carrier holster to pivot relative to the harness.
16. A cordless drill carrier apparatus comprising: (a) a harness
for fitting about the torso and over the shoulders of a person,
said harness including a chest belt, a pair of shoulder straps and
at least one quick release mechanism for enabling the harness to be
removed from the torso of the person; (b) a carrier holster
connected to the front chest area of the harness, said carrier
holster being pivotal relative to the harness and remaining in a
substantially vertical orientation when the person bends forward,
said carrier holster having openings at the top and bottom, the
drill being inserted in the carrier holster through the top opening
so that the chuck of the drill protrudes through the bottom
opening; and (c) a mechanism whereby the elevation of the carrier
holster can be raised or lowered relative to the chest area of the
harness.
17. A drill carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the
mechanism can be used to tilt the vertical axis of carrier holster
to one side or the other.
18. A drill carrier apparatus as claimed in claim 16 wherein the
carrier holster is replaced by a pair of curved open top hooks for
supporting the drill.
19. A method of enabling a cordless drill to be carried on the
chest of a person by fitting the torso of the person with a harness
that carries a pivotal drill carrier apparatus on the front of the
harness, said carrier apparatus being adjustable in elevation
relative to the harness, said carrier apparatus comprising either a
holster which remains substantially vertical when the person bends
forward, or a pair of curved open top hooks for carrying the drill.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims Convention priority on U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/040,812, filed Mar. 31,
2008.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a novel design of portable hand
tool carrier harness for use by workers in the construction
industry. More specifically, the invention pertains to a portable
hand drill carrier harness. The carrier harness combines a
quick-draw drill carrying holster with a harness which fits about
the torso of a hand drill user. The carrier harness can be used for
holding portable hand operated equipment such as a portable hand
drill, which can either be powered by a power cord or a
rechargeable battery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over the years, in the construction industry, a large number
of products have been invented which have made construction work
less labor intensive and more efficient. Some examples are the
retractable tape measure, the skill saw, the chop saw, the air
powered nailing gun and portable cord powered or cordless hand
drills.
[0004] Among portable drills, the cordless drill has been improved
in design and power since it first appeared on the market and has
become a standard and indispensable piece of equipment to workers
in the construction industry. This is true to the extent that many
construction tradespeople have the drill constantly "at hand". Most
trades people in North America possess a cordless drill and
appreciate its advantages and assistance in performing jobs such as
screwing screws into construction components. Such trades people
experience frustration in constantly having to find a safe place to
put down the drill when not in use. This problem is particularly
true if the worker is on a ladder. In such situations, there is a
risk that the cordless drill will fall off the ladder and break or
damage something or hurt someone below. Another problem is that
dropped cordless drills often break and cease to function once they
drop on a hard object. There is a continuing problem that a tool
such as a cordless drill, which is frequently used in the
construction industry, must have a convenient and handy location to
be placed when not in use. The tool must also be oriented
appropriately and conveniently for regular, safe and convenient
access in all situations. A potential location is on the body of
the worker.
[0005] Carrier systems for portable construction equipment such as
cordless drills have been developed over the years and have
included work belt drill holsters, side sling drill holsters and
combination drill holsters with tool carriers. A common problem
with cordless drill holsters in the art is that they are modeled on
a gun holster which is snugly secured to the body of the user so
that it does not move. This restricts its versatility. Construction
work is usually performed by the workers in positions other than
upright. Such work usually involves the worker bending over,
crawling or climbing at various angles. A cordless drill holster
must therefore include a securement means, such as straps, clips,
etc., to hold the drill in the holster and ensure the drill does
not fall out of the holster during movement of the worker or when
the worker bends forward. Such straps and the like must be
continuously secured or disengaged. This process is tedious and
inconvenient and is soon abandoned. The result is that when the
drill is left unsecured in a conventional body mounted drill
holster with securing strap, the drill falls free virtually any
time the worker bends over or leans sideways. Thus drill holsters
that are secured to the body, and rely on conscientious use of the
drill securement means, are not safe when the drill is not
secured.
[0006] Another problem with conventional drill holsters available
on the market is that they are usually designed to be secured to a
tool belt worn by a worker. The tool belt provides a convenient
pre-existing place where tools are carried. However, due to the
rising complexity of construction, as well as the requirements of
increasingly technical trades, the conventional tool belt is
usually cluttered with holders and tools and there is little or no
room to accommodate a holster for a large portable cordless drill.
A drill holster mounted in a sling or harness under the arm of the
worker that allows a side draw still requires a securement means to
prevent the drill from falling out of the holster when the worker
bends over or leans to the side. A drill holster mounted in the
center of the chest of the worker is a potential convenient
solution because it allows the worker access to the drill while
also permitting the use of a full tool belt around the waist of the
worker for holding other tools. However, prior art describing chest
mounted article carriers still suffer from the flaw that the drill
holster must be snug against the body of the worker and the tool
must be secured by a step or other mechanism.
[0007] Ergonomically designed equipment maximizes both user
productivity and safety because it is physically easier and safer
for the worker to use on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it seems
that equipment designers seldom consult end users such as workers
during the design or re-design process, nor are their concerns
addressed in a comprehensive or integrated fashion. This propensity
to ignore the trade worker often results in a product that is
inadequate in some fundamental way for the use intended.
[0008] The following patents disclose apparatus for carrying items
on the body of a person.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,178, Taylor, issued on Apr. 13, 2004,
discloses a chest mounted paint carrier. The paint carrier is
removably attached to a chest and shoulder strap so that the paint
receptacle is held at chest level. The paint receptacle is hinged
and adapted to pivot from the chest strap so that it is maintained
in an upright or near upright position. The device is designed for
efficient placement of the paint receptacle for access and use by
the wearer. Taylor is unsuitable as a holder for a cordless
drill.
[0010] Canadian Patent No. 1,282,381, Rowledge, issued Apr. 2,
1991, discloses a harness for carrying items on the chest of the
wearer. Rowledge discloses a simple, comfortable, silent apparatus
to carry binoculars and cameras and includes a pair of identical
shoulder straps which extend from approximately the center of the
chest of a user over the shoulders, cross in the back and pass
under the arms of the user to the chest area. The apparatus
includes swivel hooks which are slidable on the shoulder straps for
releasably retaining the article suspended from the chest area of
the shoulder straps, so that the article can be slid smoothly and
silently from the carrying to the use position without
disconnecting the article from the carrier.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,967, Seals, May 3, 1994, discloses a
harness carrier similar to Rowledge. The carrier comprises an
inverted U-shaped sling strap carried over a shoulder of a user.
The carrier can be configured into a strip system which extends
around the torso and over both shoulders of the user.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,471, Lichtenberger, Dec. 5, 2000,
discloses a cordless drill holster mounted on a shoulder strap
assembly. The assembly can be adopted for a left or right-handed
person. The drill holster is mounted on the upper torso but it is
not mounted in the center of the chest. The holster relies upon a
retaining strap to keep the drill within the holster. The holster
is not adapted to pivot on the strap. It does not remain in a
vertical position when the wearer bends over or leans to the
side.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,944, Girbert, Jan. 25, 2000, discloses a
combined shoulder harness with a pouch for containing a cordless
drill. The drill is placed at chest height but it is not placed at
the chest center. The drill holster can be made to be right or
left-handed but does not possess an inclination mechanism to suit
the handedness of the wearer. Girbert also discloses the placement
of another storage pouch on the same harness for such things as
extra batteries.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,658, Hashimoto, May 23, 2000, discloses
an apparatus for holding an electric drill that is worn by a user.
The apparatus includes a pair of shoulder straps that pass over
opposite shoulders of the user and attach to a belt that is worn
about the waist of the user at the front and back of the user. The
belt is adjustable about the waist of the user. A holster adapted
to receive the electric drill therein is attached to one of the
pair of shoulder straps intermediate the waist and one of the
opposite shoulders of the user. Hashimoto shows a cross-strap (30).
The holster is left or right hand positioned. The holster does not
sit center-chest and does not appear to be adapted for
pivoting.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,402, Holland et al., May 13, 2003,
discloses a waist belt mounted drill holster that can be used left
or right-handed. The drill holster is accessible for both a
left-handed or a right-handed user. A reinforcement type material
is provided for strengthening the tool belt pass-through neck of
the weight bearing pouch.
[0016] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations
related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive.
Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those
of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study
of the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described
and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods
which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in
scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described
problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments
are directed to other improvements.
[0018] The invention disclosed herein provides a novel integrated,
inventive solution to the various securement and ergonomic
challenges that face a construction worker using a portable tool
such as a cordless drill while working in various positions during
the day. The invention bypasses problems associated with belt
mounted drill holders which are cumbersome and awkward when
attached to a tool belt carrying other tools. The invention
comprises a central harness that is worn around the torso of an
individual. In one embodiment, the open top drill holster is
mounted on the harness in the middle chest area of the individual
for efficient and ready access. The drill holster is hinged to the
harness and is adapted to tilt forward when the individual leans
forward or to one side. Gravity holds the drill within the open top
holster. The holster is canted at a predetermined angle to the
right or to the left depending on the handedness of the worker for
ergonomic and convenient grasping and replacement of the cordless
drill when not in use. In an alternative embodiment, the holster is
replaced with a pair of curved hooks which support the portable
tool.
[0019] The invention is directed to a portable tool carrier
apparatus comprising: (a) a harness for fitting around the torso
and over the shoulders of a person; (b) a tool carrier apparatus
connected to a front chest area of the harness; and (c) a mechanism
which enables the elevation of the tool carrier apparatus to be
adjusted relative to the harness.
[0020] The tool carrier apparatus can be pivotal relative to the
harness and can remain in a substantially vertical orientation when
the person bends forward. The elevation of the tool carrier
apparatus can be adjustable by means of one or more slidable
mechanisms attached to the harness. The tool carrier apparatus can
include a mechanism whereby the vertical axis of the tool carrier
apparatus can be offset to the right or to the left to accommodate
a right-handed or left-handed worker.
[0021] The harness can include a chest belt, a pair of shoulder
straps and at least one quick release mechanism for enabling the
harness to be removed from the torso of the person. The chest strap
and the shoulder straps can include mechanisms which permit the
lengths of the chest strap and the shoulder straps to be
adjusted.
[0022] The tool carrier apparatus can be a holster that has top and
bottom openings and the tool can be inserted in the holster through
a top opening and the bottom of the tool can protrude through a
bottom opening. The tool carrier apparatus can be a pair of curved
open top hooks which can be connected to the front of the harness.
The pair of curved open top hooks can be pivotal relative to the
harness. The tool can be a cordless drill.
[0023] The mechanism for offsetting the carrier holster can
comprise a tilt-mounting mechanism which can include a belt loop
extending from the top area of the carrier holster for enveloping
the chest belt of the harness, the loop being secured in place on
the chest belt by a fastening mechanism. The tilt-mounting
mechanism can comprise two pairs of orientation rings attached to
the rear of the carrier holster, the rings being releasably
attached to a chest belt by means of clips, the clips removably
fitting within the appropriate rings to adjust the vertical offset
orientation of the carrier holster.
[0024] The apparatus can include tool receptacles on the front area
of the carrier holster. The apparatus can include reinforcing
material around the top opening in the carrier holster. A rear
panel of the carrier holster and a front area of the harness can be
one piece and a horizontal hinge line can be formed in the rear
panel to enable the carrier holster to pivot relative to the
harness.
[0025] The invention is also directed to a cordless drill carrier
apparatus comprising: (a) a harness for fitting about the torso and
over the shoulders of a person, the harness including a chest belt,
a pair of shoulder straps and at least one quick release mechanism
for enabling the harness to be removed from the torso of the
person; (b) a carrier holster connected to the front chest area of
the harness, the carrier holster being pivotal relative to the
harness and remaining in a substantially vertical orientation when
the person bends forward, the carrier holster having openings at
the top and bottom, the drill being inserted in the carrier holster
through the top opening so that the chuck of the drill protrudes
through the bottom opening; and (c) a mechanism whereby the
elevation of the carrier holster can be raised or lowered relative
to the chest area of the harness.
[0026] The mechanism can be used to tilt the vertical axis of
carrier holster to one side or the other. The carrier holster can
be replaced by a pair of curved open top hooks for supporting the
drill.
[0027] The invention is also directed to a method of enabling a
cordless drill to be carried on the chest of a person by fitting
the torso of the person with a harness that carries a pivotal drill
carrier apparatus on the front of the harness, the carrier
apparatus being adjustable in elevation relative to the harness,
the carrier apparatus comprising either a holster which remains
substantially vertical when the person bends forward, or a pair of
curved open top hooks for carrying the drill.
[0028] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments
described above, further aspects and embodiments will become
apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following
detailed descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0029] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures
of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures
disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than
restrictive.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a worker
bending forward while wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of a worker
bending forward while wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster
according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of a worker
bending forward and wearing a cordless drill carrier holster
according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of a third embodiment
of the cordless drill carrier holster.
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the
drill carrier holster, wherein the holster is tilted off its
vertical axis to accommodate a cordless drill for a right-handed
worker.
[0035] FIG. 5a illustrates an opposite image of FIG. 5 wherein the
holster is tilted off its vertical axis to accommodate a cordless
drill for a left-handed worker.
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a fifth embodiment of a
cordless drill holster carrier with drill holster and adjustable
shoulder and back straps.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment
of tool carrier apparatus comprising a cordless drill open top hook
carrier.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh
embodiment of the cordless open top drill hook carrier with pivot
attachment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] Throughout the following description specific details are
set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to
persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not
have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings
are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive,
sense. The following discussion, for purposes of illustration,
focuses on cord powered or cordless power drills but it is
understood other portable power tools can be adapted to the
system.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a worker
bending forward and wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster
according to a first embodiment of the invention. As seen in FIG.
1, the worker 1 is wearing a chest harness 2 which comprises a pair
of adjustable length shoulder straps 4 and an adjustable width
chest strap 6. The pair of shoulder straps 4 have a respective pair
of slide fasteners 5 mounted on the front of each of the two
shoulder straps 4. Pivotally secured to the pair of slide fasteners
5 is a holster 3 which holds a cordless drill 8. The chest strap 6
can be readily detached and released by a detachment buckle 7. As
seen in FIG. 1, the holster 3, by being pivotally attached to the
respective slide fasteners 5, rather than being secured snugly to
the body of the worker, is encouraged by gravity to maintain a
relatively vertical position. This action holds the cordless drill
8 in place within the holster 3. The points where the top two ends
of the holster 3 are pivotally secured to the pair of slide
fasteners 5 can be constructed of any reasonable hinge-like
attachment. The elevation of the holster 3 relative to the vertical
position on the front sides of the two shoulder straps 4 can be
altered by moving the respective pair of slide fasteners 5 up or
down in order to suit the specific needs of the worker 1. Also, the
vertical axis of the holster 3 can be tilted to the right or left
by setting the slide fasteners 5 at different elevations. This
enables the holster 3 to be adjusted to accommodate right or
left-handed workers.
[0041] FIG. 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of a worker
bending forward and wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster
according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is
particularly useful in that it clearly illustrates the manner in
which the holster 3 and cordless drill 8 are maintained in a near
vertical orientation by means of the pivotal attachment of the top
ends of the holster 3 to the adjustable elevation slide fasteners 5
on the front region of the respective shoulder straps 4. It can be
noted that in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
belt 9 of the worker 1 remains separate and can be used to hold
various pouches, holders and the like to enable the worker 1 to
carry other tools. The pivotally attached holster 3 secured to the
front region of the pair of shoulder straps 4 of the chest harness
2 does not interfere with tools carried on the belt 9.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a left side perspective view of a worker 14
bending forward while wearing a cordless drill carrier holster
according to a second embodiment of the invention. The ergonomic
cordless drill carrier holster system 10 is constructed of a
quick-draw drill carrier holster 16 which holds a cordless drill
12. The holster 16 is hingedly or pivotally connected to the
central area of a chest, back and shoulder harness 30 at hinge
point 46. The hinge point 46 should be at a reasonably high
elevation to ensure that the holster 16 remains in a reasonably
vertical position as the worker 14 moves about or bends over. In
FIG. 3, it can be seen that the hinge point 46 is at the top rather
than the bottom of the front chest position of the harness 30.
[0043] While not shown, the chest harness 30 can include a quick
action separating buckle for a chest belt and length adjusters for
the shoulder belts. It is understood that any suitable buckle or
quick release fastening attachment or shoulder belt length
adjusting mechanism can be used in place of the separating buckle
44 or length adjuster within the spirit of the invention.
[0044] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the holster with the
drill remains basically vertical even though the worker is bending
over forwardly or to the side. This ensures that the cordless drill
12 remains securely in the holster 14 and does not fall out. The
drill 12 can be readily inserted into or removed from the holster
14. Holding the drill 12 in the holster 16 by gravity minimizes the
risk of damaging the cordless drill 12 or anything that the drill
drops on, such as an object or a person, if the drill 12 falls out.
Having the holster and drill remain in a vertical position
eliminates the need to have a releasable strap or fastener on the
holster to hold the drill in place. However, if required, a
releasable securing strap can be included with the holster 16 to
ensure the drill remains in the holster. It is preferable that the
holster be hingedly attached to the belt or harness at a top region
of the belt to ensure that the majority of the mass and the center
of gravity of the drill and holster remains below the hinge point.
The elevation of the holster can be adjusted and pivotally joined
to the chest belt at the top, middle or bottom of the belt. This
enables the holster to be positioned at an optimum elevation to
accommodate different sizes of workers and weights of cordless
drills and ensure that the holster remains vertical while being
worn by the worker. The dimensions of the chest harness can be
altered to accommodate different sizes of workers by incorporating
adjustable fasteners and buckles in the chest harness
[0045] FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the
carrier holster system 10, wherein the quick-draw carrier holster
16 is releasably mounted onto the chest belt 40 by a belt loop 58,
that is formed from an upward extension of the rear panel 24 of the
holster 16. The belt loop 58 is affixed in a loop configuration by
rivets or fasteners 60 or similar means of loop securement. FIG. 4
also shows elements of the quick-draw carrier holster 16, such as
its front panel 18, top lip 20, which can be reinforced to
withstand wear, side panel 22, rear panel 24, and chuck hole 26.
The rim of the chuck hole 26 can be reinforced to withstand wear.
The base of the rear panel 24 extends below the bottom hole 26 in
the holster 16 and keeps the chuck of the drill 12 and any tool
mounted in the chuck from rubbing on the clothing of the worker, or
on other tools carried by the worker.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the drill
carrier system 10 including the quick-draw carrier holster 16, a
tilt-mounting connection 46 for a right-handed worker (not shown),
and a front section of the components of the chest harness 30
(shown from the inside). The carrier holster 16 is attached to the
chest harness 30, by means of any one of a vertical series of
orientation rings 48 affixed to the rear panel 24 of the holster
16. The rings 48 are secured to the rear panel 24 with appropriate
stitching, riveting, or similar means of ring securement 50, to
strap clips 54 attached to the front of the chest belt 40. As shown
in FIG. 5, by attaching strap clips 54 to the appropriate elevation
of orientation rings 48, the drill carrier holster 16 can be
correctly oriented (tilted) to the right for ready ergonomic access
to the handle of the drill 12 (not shown) by a right-handed worker
14. FIG. 5 also shows the inside of a front section of the chest
belt 40 which is supported by a right shoulder belt 32, and a left
shoulder belt 34, each of which terminate in length adjustable
shoulder belt clips 38 which are attached to the chest belt 40, for
example, by respective reinforced grommet holes 42. FIG. 5a shows a
reverse image of FIG. 5, wherein the holster 16 is tilted to the
opposite side according to the tilt-mounting 46 configuration
required for use by a left-handed worker.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a fifth
embodiment of a portable drill carrier system with drill holster
and adjustable shoulder and back straps. As seen in FIG. 6, this
embodiment is constructed of a front holster panel 70, and a rear
holster panel 72, which are secured together to form a drill
carrying holster. The front of the panel 70 has formed therein tool
pockets 74 for holding worker tools. A reinforcing border 76 is
sewn around the periphery of panels 70 and 72. The ends of a pair
of adjustable length shoulder straps 78 with movable buckles 80 are
affixed to each side of the rear panel 72. A quick release buckle
or dagger fastener 88 can be installed in one or both straps 78.
The opposite ends of the adjustable length shoulder straps 78 are
affixed to a back pad 82. A pair of lower torso straps 84 are
connected between the back pad 82 and the respective sides of the
rear panel 72. This embodiment of the drill carrier system is
designed so that there is a horizontal hinge or pivot line 86
formed in the rear panel 72 so that the major area of the front and
rear panels 70 and 72 can remain in a vertical position when the
worker bends over to the front or the side. It will be appreciated
that the elevation of the hinge line 86, which is typically a
weakened or flexible region in the panel 72, can be set to
accommodate different sizes and weights of tools. The interior of
the holster can be padded to protect and cradle the drill (not
shown).
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment
of a carrier apparatus comprising a cordless drill open top hook
carrier. As seen in FIG. 7, a worker 90 is wearing a chest harness
comprising a pair of shoulder straps 92 and horizontal chest strap
94. The front of the chest strap 94 is equipped with a dual open
top hook system 96 which cradles a cordless drill 98 or other
portable power tool. The pair of hooks of the hook system 96 are
curved and enable the drill 98 to pivot within the pair of hooks
and remain in a virtually vertical orientation when the worker 90
bends forward.
[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh
embodiment of the cordless drill hook carrier with pivot
attachment. The chest harness and hook system illustrated in FIG. 8
is basically the same as illustrated in FIG. 7 except that the
front of the chest strap 94 includes a pivot mechanism 100 which
enables the pair of hooks 96 and drill 98 to maintain basically a
vertical orientation when the worker 90 bends forward.
Operation
[0050] Fundamentally, there are four basic interdependent
components of the ergonomic portable power tool carrier system in
all embodiments of the invention, namely a quick-draw carrier
holster or hook harness, an adjustable length and width chest,
shoulder and back harness, a holster or hook elevation adjustment
mechanism and a holster or hook tilt mounting mechanism.
[0051] The carrier system with the quick-draw carrier holster or
carrier in the various embodiments discussed and shown provides a
convenient means for a worker to carry and easily use a portable
power tool such as a cord powered or cordless drill in a manner
which does not interfere with other equipment worn by the worker
such as tool belts, tool vests, and the like. The carrier system
allows the worker to quickly and easily remove and replace the
drill in the holster or in the pair of hooks without a need for
additional drill securement means. It eliminates the need for the
worker to mount a holster or hooks on a waist belt or failing that,
find a place to lay down the drill when not in use.
[0052] The carrier with the holster has a durable rear panel which
forms the rear surface of the body of the holster. This protects
the worker and his clothing from wear due to the repeated insertion
of the drill into and removal from the holster. The front panel is
durably and strongly attached to the back panel to form the body of
the drill carrier holster. It will be understood that these two
elements can be combined and formed as one unit, depending on the
materials used to construct the carrier system. The top lip, which
is the top edge of the front panel, can be reinforced to withstand
wear from repeated insertion and extraction of the drill. Likewise,
the chuck hole, which is at the bottom of the front panel, is
reinforced to withstand wear from various sharp edge tools that are
inserted in the chuck of the drill and which protrude from the
bottom of the carrier holster. The accessory slots or pockets on
the front panel of the carrier provide a convenient place for the
worker to store and access drill bits, pencils, chuck keys,
etc.
[0053] The adjustable length and width chest harness provides a
means for positioning the carrier holster or the hook system and a
tool such as a drill when placed in the holster or hook system, on
the chest of the worker at convenient adjustable elevation for
optimal ergonomic access to the tool by the worker. At chest level,
it prevents interference with tool belts or tool aprons or coats
that may be worn by the worker.
[0054] The vertical axis of the holster or hooks can be offset by
setting each side of the top of the holster hooks at a different
elevation on the respective front and chest areas of the pair of
shoulder straps.
[0055] The third embodiment of the drill carrier system shown in
FIG. 4 is the simplest to manufacture, but it can have the tendency
to prevent consistent orientation of the chest belt during repeated
use. It may cause alignment creep due to the amount of play in the
belt loop. An advantage of this embodiment is that the play in the
belt loop allows for ambidextrous use of the carrier holster since
it tends to be pulled into a convenient orientation for easy
removal and replacement by the weight of the drill when it the
carrier holster.
[0056] The fourth embodiment of the cordless drill carrier system
shown in FIG. 5 uses a "ring and clip mount" version of the
tilt-mounting feature. The tilt-mounting feature allows the drill
to stay in its carrier holster even when the worker bends forward,
by allowing the carrier holster to tilt forward and remain
essentially vertical. The tilt-mounting mechanism also enables the
vertical axis of the holster to be canted to the left or right as
required so that the horizontal balance point of the drill allows
quicker, more convenient ergonomic access by either left or
right-handed workers.
[0057] It will be understood that in place of the tilt-mounting
mechanism, a hinge assembly can be used to achieve the same
objectives as the "ring and clip" embodiment. A hinge assembly
shown in FIG. 6 connects the front of chest belt to the rear of
rear panel and allows the carrier holster to tilt forward when the
worker bends forward. In this case, a thicker rear panel that
supports the straps in the center of the chest and allows proper
righting action might be necessary. It is understood that other
embodiments or similar methods leading to the same result of
enabling the holster to remain essentially vertical are included
within the scope of the invention.
[0058] The body of the quick-draw carrier holster can be made of
leather or semi-rigid durable plastic to give it a reasonably rigid
shape. The plastic or leather can be covered with cordura or
ballistic nylon to give it durability in a construction
environment. The top lip and chuck hole of the holster can have
durable taping stitched into the edges of the carrier. The
accessory slots or pockets can be made of cordura or elastic
material and stitched into the front wall of he carrier holster.
Rivets may be used to reinforce the carrier in areas of potential
wear, and as a backup to stitching. The belts of the chest harness
can be constructed of a woven nylon material similar to that used
for automobile driver restraints or backpack hip belts. Similarly,
the length adjusters, grommets, quick action separating buckles,
orientation rings, and strap or belt clips can be items which are
commonly used in constructing durable portable man-carried
equipment for outdoors or construction uses. Securement of these
items is by means of nylon or polypropylene straps stitched into
appropriate carrier or belt materials, or by self-securing methods
such as used in separating buckles or belt clips. A hinge style
tilt-mounting may be constructed of durable rigid plastic or
similar materials, as long as it achieves similar objectives to the
preferred embodiments. Similarly, the entire quick-draw carrier may
be constructed of durable strong plastic materials as one unit, or
multiple interconnecting pieces, and may or may not include the
alternate hinge tilt-mounting. It will be understood that the
carrier system can be adapted and used for carrying other portable
power or manual tools instead of cordless drills.
[0059] In the dual hook embodiments illustrated in FIG. 7 and 8,
the pair of hooks removably cradle the drill and provide an
alternative method of mounting the drill on the front of the chest
harness at selected elevation. The dual hooks can be fixed to the
front of the chest harness or secured by a hinge system. The curved
dual hooks enable the cordless drill to pivot and remain in an
essentially vertical position when the worker bends forward.
However, a hinge system can be utilized when preferred to enable
the dual hooks to remain substantially vertical when the worker
bends forward.
[0060] The foregoing description of the preferred apparatus and
materials used in its construction should be considered as
illustrative only, and not limiting. Other techniques and other
materials may be employed towards similar ends. Various changes and
modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, without
departing from the true scope of the invention as defined in the
above disclosure, and the following general claims. Those of skill
in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations,
additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended
that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced
are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations,
additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and
scope.
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