U.S. patent application number 14/628400 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for multi-feature air frame tool pouch system.
This patent application is currently assigned to L.F. Centennial Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is L.F. Centennial Ltd.. Invention is credited to Terrence P. KINSKEY.
Application Number | 20150237992 14/628400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881038 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150237992 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KINSKEY; Terrence P. |
August 27, 2015 |
MULTI-FEATURE AIR FRAME TOOL POUCH SYSTEM
Abstract
A tool belt system comprises a tool pouch and a belt sleeve. The
tool pouch comprises a base, a back wall, and a primary wall. The
primary wall extends from a first side of the back wall to a second
side of the back wall. The back wall and the primary wall are
coupled to, and extend up from, the base. The base, the back wall,
and the primary wall define a storage volume. The belt sleeve is
adapted for receiving a belt. The belt sleeve extends laterally
across an upper portion of the back wall. A divider can extend
laterally across a width of the storage volume. The divider is
spaced apart from the back wall. The tool belt system can include
one or more additional tool belts coupled to the belt sleeve.
Inventors: |
KINSKEY; Terrence P.;
(Alpharetta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
L.F. Centennial Ltd. |
Road Town |
|
VG |
|
|
Assignee: |
L.F. Centennial Ltd.
Road Town
VG
|
Family ID: |
53881038 |
Appl. No.: |
14/628400 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61942854 |
Feb 21, 2014 |
|
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|
62001666 |
May 22, 2014 |
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62001669 |
May 22, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/681 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2200/0575 20130101;
A45F 3/02 20130101; A45F 5/021 20130101; A45F 3/005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/00 20060101
A45F003/00 |
Claims
1. A tool belt system, comprising: a tool pouch, comprising: a
base; a back wall; a primary wall extending from a first side of
said back wall to a second side of said back wall, wherein said
back wall and said primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from,
said base, wherein said base, said back wall, and said primary wall
define a storage volume; a belt sleeve adapted for receiving a
belt, said belt sleeve extending laterally across an upper portion
of said back wall.
2. The tool belt system according to claim 1, wherein, when empty,
said tool pouch maintains an upright position when the base is
placed on a horizontal surface.
3. The tool belt system according to claim 2, wherein said primary
wall comprises a primary wall reinforcing member between two
primary wall facings, and said primary wall is coupled to said base
by a base binding, wherein said base binding projects downward from
said base across a front portion of the tool pouch.
4. The tool belt system according to claim 3, wherein said back
wall comprises a back wall reinforcing member between an inner back
wall facing and an outer back wall facing, wherein said back wall
reinforcing member extends below a top edge of said base binding
along the front portion of the tool pouch.
5. The tool belt system according to claim 4, wherein said outer
back wall facing comprises a padded portion adapted for resting
against a user wearing the tool belt system.
6. The tool belt system according to claim 5, wherein said padded
portion comprises a first padding material and a second padding
material, wherein said second padding material extends over a lower
edge of said back wall reinforcing member, and wherein said second
padding material is more wear resistant than said first padding
material.
7. The tool belt system according to claim 6, wherein said back
wall reinforcing member comprises a flexible sheet configured to
flex towards said primary wall when under a predetermined load.
8. The tool belt system according to claim 1, comprising a divider
extending laterally across a width of said storage volume, wherein
said divider is spaced apart from said back wall.
10. The tool belt system according to claim 1, further comprising a
hammer holder coupled to said tool pouch.
11. The tool belt system according to claim 1, further comprising
an air gun holder coupled to said tool pouch, said air gun holder
comprising an air gun support arm spaced apart from said tool
pouch, said air gun support arm comprising a first side support
arm, a second side support arm, and a front support arm extending
between a distal end of said first side support arm and said second
side support arm, said first side support arm and said second side
support arm being coupled to said primary wall.
12. The tool belt system according to claim 11, comprising a
reinforcing member coupled between said first and second side
support arms and said primary wall.
13. The tool belt system according to claim 1, further comprising
at least one pouch fastening ring coupled to an upper portion of
said back wall.
14. The tool belt system according to claim 13, further comprising:
a belt passing through said belt sleeve; and at least one belt loop
comprising at least one belt fastening ring coupled to said belt
loop, said belt passing through said at least one belt loop.
15. The tool belt system according to claim 1, wherein said belt
sleeve comprises a padded belt having a first arm extending from a
first side of said back ball and a second arm extending from a
second side of said back wall.
16. The tool belt system according to claim 15, comprising at least
one additional tool pouch coupled to said padded belt.
17. The tool belt system according to claim 1, wherein said primary
wall comprises a primary wall reinforcing member sandwiched between
an inner and outer primary wall facing, wherein said primary wall
reinforcing member extends continuously from proximate the first
side of the back wall to proximate the second side of the back
wall.
18. The tool belt system according to claim 1, comprising at least
one corner cap coupled to a corner of said primary wall.
19. The tool belt system according to claim 18, comprising a fabric
covering coupled to an opening of said fastener pouch, said fabric
covering comprising a circumferential opening having a drawstring
coupled thereto, wherein said drawstring is operable to transition
said circumferential opening from a first diameter to a second
diameter.
20. A tool apron system, comprising: a padded belt; a first tool
pouch and a second tool pouch coupled to said padded belt, wherein
each of said first tool pouch and said second tool pouch comprise:
a base; a back wall coupled to said padded belt, wherein said back
wall and said padded belt define a belt sleeve adapted for
receiving a belt; a primary wall extending from a first side of
said back wall to a second side of said back wall, wherein said
back wall and said primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from,
said base, wherein said base, said back wall, and said primary wall
define a storage volume; and at least one of said first tool pouch
and said second tool pouch comprises a fastener pocket having a
cinch sack closure, said cinch sack closure comprising: a fabric
covering coupled to an opening of said fastener pouch, said fabric
covering comprising a circumferential opening; drawstring coupled
to said circumferential opening and operable to transition said
circumferential opening from a first diameter to a second diameter;
and a cord lock coupled to said drawstring, said cord lock
configured to maintain the drawstring in a fixed position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/942,854, "Hand Tool
Toolbelt," filed Feb. 21, 2014, U.S. Application Ser. No.
62/001,666, "Multi-Feature Air Frame Tool Pouch System," filed May
22, 2014, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/001,669, "Wide Body Tool
Pouch and System," filed May 22, 2014, each of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to tool belts and
pouches, particularly, tool belts and pouches adapted for both
professional construction workers and do-it-yourself
enthusiasts.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A variety of belts, bags, and carriers have been used for
holding and transporting tools. Tool belts have also been used so
that tools can be transported while leaving the hands of the wearer
free to perform other functions. As always, there remains the
opportunity to develop improved tool belts.
SUMMARY
[0004] In some embodiments, a tool belt system is disclosed. The
tool belt system comprises a tool pouch and a belt sleeve. The tool
pouch comprises a base, a back wall, and a primary wall. The
primary wall extends from a first side of the back wall to a second
side of the back wall. The back wall and the primary wall are
coupled to, and extend up from, the base. The base, the back wall,
and the primary wall define a storage volume. The belt sleeve is
adapted for receiving a belt. The belt sleeve extends laterally
across an upper portion of the back wall.
[0005] In some embodiments, a tool apron system is disclosed. The
tool apron system comprises a padded belt, a first tool pouch and a
second tool pouch coupled to the padded belt. Each of the first
tool pouch and the second tool pouch comprise a base, a back wall,
and a primary wall. The back wall is coupled to the padded belt.
The back wall and the padded belt define a belt sleeve adapted for
receiving a belt. The primary wall extends from a first side of the
back wall to a second side of the back wall. The back wall and the
primary wall are coupled to, and extend up from, the base. The
base, the back wall, and the primary wall define a storage volume.
At least one of the first tool pouch and the second tool pouch
comprises a fastener pocket having a cinch sack closure. The cinch
sack closure comprises a fabric covering coupled to an opening of
the fastener pouch and comprising a circumferential opening. A
drawstring is coupled to the circumferential opening and is
operable to transition the circumferential opening from a first
diameter to a second diameter. A cord lock is coupled to the
drawstring to maintain the drawstring in a fixed position.
[0006] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the
art from the following description and claims when read in light of
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front view of a tool pouch as described
herein.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a right side, perspective view of the tool pouch
of FIG. 1 showing the air gun holster.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a right side view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a right, top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a left side view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1
showing the hammer holder.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a back view of the tool pouch of FIG. 1
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 6.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the tool pouch of FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a front, elevation view of the tool pouch of FIG.
1 loaded with a tape measure and a speed square.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment
of the tool pouch as described herein.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a top view of the tool pouch of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a top view of a pocket sheet as described
herein.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fastener pouch as
described herein.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener pouch of
FIG. 13 taken along cut line 14-14.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener pouch of
FIG. 13 taken along cut line 15-15.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment
of a tool pouch as described herein.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of
a tool pouch as described herein.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a top, perspective view of the tool pouch of FIG.
17.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a front, perspective view of another embodiment
of a tool pouch as described herein.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a front view of the tool pouch of FIG. 19.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the tool pouch of FIG.
20 taken along cut line 21-21.
[0028] FIG. 22 is a front view of the tool pouch of FIG. 20 with
the fastener pouch flipped up to expose the back-up pencil
holder.
[0029] FIG. 23 is a right, perspective view of one embodiment of a
full apron tool pouch system as described herein.
[0030] FIG. 24 is a left, perspective view of the full apron system
of FIG. 23.
[0031] FIG. 25 is a front view of the full apron system of FIG.
23.
[0032] FIG. 26 is a rear view of the full apron system of FIG.
23.
[0033] FIG. 27 is a right side view of the full apron system of
FIG. 23.
[0034] FIG. 28 is a left side view of the full apron system of FIG.
23.
[0035] FIG. 29 is a top view of the full apron system of FIG.
23.
[0036] FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the full apron system of FIG.
23.
[0037] FIG. 31 illustrates one embodiment of a tool pouch having a
flexible back reinforcing member as described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1-31, a tool belt system 10 comprising a
tool pouch 12 and, in some embodiments, a tool belt 14 is
disclosed. The tool pouch 12 can include a base 16, a back wall 18,
and a primary wall 20. The primary wall 20 can extend from a first
side 24 of the back wall 18 to a second side 26 of the back wall
18. The back wall 18 and the primary wall 20 can be coupled to, and
extend up from, the base 16. The base 16, the back wall 18, and the
primary wall 20 define a storage volume 28. In some embodiments, a
divider 22 extends laterally across a width of the storage volume
28, and the divider 22 is spaced apart from the back wall 18. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the divider 22 extends
laterally from the back wall 18 to the front portion of the primary
wall 20. In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 can include a
belt sleeve 32 extending laterally across an upper portion of the
back wall 18, where the belt sleeve 32 is adapted for receiving the
tool belt 14.
[0039] In some embodiments, a belt flap 34 can extend from the top
of the back wall 18. As best seen in FIG. 21, in some embodiments,
the belt flap 34 can be folded back so that it is adjacent the rear
side of the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the distal end of
the belt flap 34 is coupled to the rear side of the back wall 18.
In some embodiments, the belt flap 34 can be coupled to the back
wall 18 by belt flap rivets 35. The belt sleeve 32 can be adapted
to receive a belt up to 2'' tall, or up to 2.5'' tall, or up to 3''
tall.
[0040] In some embodiments, when the tool pouch 12 is empty or
contains evenly distributed weight, the tool pouch 12 maintains an
upright position when the base 16 is placed on a horizontal
surface. In some embodiments, the tool pouch 12 can be
self-supporting. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 and the
primary wall 20 comprise a back wall reinforcing member 36 and a
primary wall reinforcing member 38, respectively.
[0041] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the primary wall
20 includes a primary wall reinforcing member 38 between two
primary wall facings 40a, 40b, and the primary wall 20 is coupled
to the base 16 by a base binding 42. In some embodiments, the base
binding 42 extends along the entire length of the bottom edge of
the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the primary wall
reinforcing member 38 comprises a single member that extends
continuously from proximate the first side 24 of the back wall 18
to proximate the second side 26 of the back wall 18.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the base binding
42 projects downward from the base 16 across a front portion of the
tool pouch. As shown in FIG. 21, in some embodiments, the base
binding 42 is covered by a reinforcing binding 44 along at least
part of the front portion. In some embodiments, the base binding
42, the reinforcing binding 44, or both, can be formed of a rugged
material that functions as a skid guard when the tool pouch 12 is
placed or dropped on an abrasive surface, such as concrete or
gravel, commonly found at worksites. Examples of materials useful
for the base binding 42 and/or reinforcing binding 44, include, but
are not limited to, natural rubber, synthetic rubber,
styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, silicone
rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, or
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the base binding 42 is
sufficiently skid resistant that a reinforcing binding 44 is not
necessary.
[0043] In some embodiments, the back wall 18 includes a back wall
reinforcing member 36 between an inner back wall facing 46 and an
outer back wall facing 48. As shown in FIG. 21, the back wall
reinforcing member 36 can extend below a top edge 50 of the base
binding 42 along the front portion 52 of the tool pouch 12. In some
embodiments, the front portion 52 can be the middle of the primary
wall 20.
[0044] In some embodiments, the reinforcing members (e.g., 36, 38)
described herein can independently be a sheet of material formed of
plastic, wood, metal, or a combination thereof. Where the
reinforcing member is a plastic sheet or board, the reinforcing
member can be formed of a plastic material including, but not
limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene
(PS), polyesters, combinations thereof, and other durable polymer
materials. In some embodiment, the reinforcing member 36, 38 can be
sheet with a thickness of at least 1/32'', or at least 1/16'', or
at least 3/32''. In some embodiment, the reinforcing member 36, 38
can be sheet with a thickness of 1/4'' or less, or 3/16'' or less,
or 5/32'' or less, or 1/8'' or less. The thickness of the
reinforcing member 36, 38 can be such that the reinforcement member
36, 38 maintains a substantially planar shape when placed under an
appropriate load. In some embodiments, the thickness of the back
wall reinforcing member 36 can be such that the reinforcing member
36 flexes or bows when placed under an appropriate load, as
described in more detail below.
[0045] In some embodiments, the outer back wall facing 48 comprises
a padded portion 54 adapted for resting against a user wearing the
tool belt system 10. In some embodiments, a first padding material
56 is disposed between the padded portion 54 and the back wall
reinforcing member 36. In some embodiments, a second padding
material 58 extends from the first padding material 56 to the base
16. In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 extends
over a lower edge of the back wall reinforcing member 36. In such a
configuration, the tool pouch rests on the second padding material
58 when the tool pouch 12 is placed upright on a horizontal
surface, such as the ground.
[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 31, the tool pouch 12
is configured to flex or bow when placed under the load of one or
more tools, such as, for example, one or more hand tools. When a
user places one or more tools into the storage volume 28, the
weight of the tools causes the tool pouch 12 to flex or bow, away
from the user. In some embodiments, the back wall 18 comprises a
material that is designed to flex in a direction towards the front
portion 52 of the tool pouch 12 when the tool pouch 12 is work on a
belt 14 and loaded. In some embodiments, the material can be
relatively stiff and resilient, but still flexible, while the
material can be flexible and resilient in other embodiments. The
flexed tool pouch 12 defines an air passage between the back wall
18 of the tool pouch 12 and the user in order to allow air to flow
between the tool pouch 12 and a user. In some embodiments, the back
wall 18 can flex at any point along its length. In some
embodiments, the back wall 18 flexes at an intermediate point.
[0047] The outward flex of the back wall 18 provides a channel for
air to pass behind the back wall 18. The air movement cools the
user. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 15, the padded portion
54 contacts a user when the tool pouch 12 flexes away from the
user. In some embodiments, the first padded section 56, the second
padded section 58, or both have a substantial thickness. The
thickness of the first padded section 56, second padded section 58,
or both allows the tool pouch 12 to flex at a greater angle while
providing comfort to the wearer. In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 10, the thickness of the second padded section 58 is at least
twice the thickness of the first padded section 56. In some
embodiments, the second padded section 58 projects at least 1'', or
at least 1.5'', or at least 2'' further back than other portions of
the back wall 18, including the first padded section 56.
[0048] In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 is more
wear resistant than the padded portion 54. In some embodiments, the
padded portion 54 and first padding material 56 can be foams, such
as a polyurethane foam, which can optionally be covered by a fabric
facing. In some embodiments, the first padding material 56 can be
thicker than the padded portion 54. In some embodiments, the second
padding material 58 can be a natural rubber material or a synthetic
rubber material. Examples of natural rubber materials include, but
are not limited to, isoprene. Examples of synthetic rubber
materials include, but are not limited to, styrene-butadiene
rubber, nitrile rubber, neoprene rubber, silicone rubber, ethylene
propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, rubbers comprising one or
more of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), chloroprene
(2-chloro-1,3-butadiene), and isobutylene, and combinations
thereof. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second
padding material 58 can be the raw rubber sheet in order to provide
a no-slip surface and minimize the appearance of wear over time. In
some embodiments, the second padding material 58 is covered by a
fabric facing.
[0049] In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 can
extend at least 0.5 inches onto each of the back wall 18 and the
base 16. In some embodiments, the second padding material 58 can
extend at least 1 inch onto each of the back wall 18 and the base
16, or at least 1.5 inches onto each of the back wall 18 and the
base 16.
[0050] In some embodiments, each side of the primary wall 20 can be
coupled to the respective side 24, 26 of the back wall 18. The
first and second sides 24, 26 of the back wall 18 can be coupled to
the primary wall via first and second bindings 49, 51,
respectively. In some embodiments, the first binding 49, second
binding 51, and base binding 42 are all part of a single,
continuous binding. In some embodiments, the first and/or second
bindings 49, 51 can bind the inner back wall facing 46, the outer
back wall facing 48, and the primary wall facings 40a, 40b
together. In some embodiments, the primary wall 20 contacts or
intersects the back wall 18 only at the first and second bindings
49, 51.
[0051] In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes a
hammer holder 74 coupled to the tool pouch 12. As shown in FIGS. 1,
2, 7, 17, and 20, the hammer holder 74 can include an upper hammer
support arm 76 forming a first hammer opening 78 sized to enable a
handle of a hammer to be inserted into the first hammer opening 78
yet prevent the head of the hammer from passing through the first
hammer opening 78.
[0052] In some embodiments, the hammer holder 74 can also include a
lower hammer support arm 80 disposed downwardly at a distance from
the upper hammer support arm 76. The lower hammer support arm 80
can form a second hammer opening 82 sized to receive a handle of a
hammer. In such embodiments, a surface 84 to which the hammer
holder 74 is attached and the lower hammer support arm 80
completely surrounds the handle of a hammer supported by the hammer
holder 74 to limit the movement of the handle when a head of a
hammer is supported by the upper hammer support arm 76. In some
embodiments, the second hammer opening 82 is defined by the surface
84 and the lower hammer support arm 80.
[0053] In some embodiments, a first side of the lower hammer
support arm 80 can be connected to a first side of the upper hammer
support arm 76 by a first support leg 81, while a second side of
the lower hammer support arm 80 can be connected to a second side
of the upper hammer support arm 76 by a second support leg 83. In
some embodiments, the first support leg 81 and the second support
leg 83 can include at least one orifice 77, and fasteners 79, such
as rivets, can pass through each orifice 77 and the surface 84 to
secure the hammer holder 74 to the tool pouch 12. In some
embodiments, the hammer holder 74 can be attached to the primary
wall 20 and a rivet can pass through each orifice 77 and be secured
to the underlying primary wall reinforcing member 38.
[0054] In some embodiments, the upper hammer support arm 76 can be
perpendicular or generally perpendicular to the first support leg
81 and the second support leg 83. In some embodiments, the lower
hammer support arm 80 can be perpendicular or generally
perpendicular to the first support leg 81 and the second support
leg 83.
[0055] In some embodiments, the hammer holder 74 includes an
accessory unit 86 that (a) is coupled to the upper hammer support
arm 76 and the lower hammer support arm 80, and (b) extends from
the upper hammer support arm 76 to the lower hammer support arm 80.
In some embodiments, the accessory unit 86 includes at least one
pocket 87 or storage sleeve 89 for storing a hammer accessory.
[0056] In some embodiments, the accessory unit 86 includes an upper
coupling sleeve 88 extending generally horizontally proximate a top
of the accessory unit 86 and a lower coupling sleeve 90 extending
generally horizontally proximate a bottom of the accessory unit 86.
In such embodiments, the upper hammer support arm 76 passes through
the upper coupling sleeve 88 and the lower hammer support arm 80
passes through the lower coupling sleeve 90. In some embodiments,
the upper and lower coupling sleeves 88, 90 are connected as part
of a single sleeve (e.g., the body of the accessory unit 86 is a
continuous loop).
[0057] In some embodiments, the accessory unit 86 comprises at
least one pocket 87 and at least one storage sleeve 89 for storing
hammer accessories. Examples of hammer accessories include, but are
not limited to, nail pullers, awls, and bradawls. Due to the long,
generally L-shaped body of industrial nail pullers, the at least
one storage sleeves 89 may be particularly useful for storing a
nail puller. Due to the cylindrical shape of awls and bradawls, the
at least one pocket 87 may be particularly useful for storing awls
and bradawls. Examples of hammer holders 74 and accessory units 86
useful in connection with the tool belt system 10 include those
found in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013/026200, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0058] In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes
an air gun holder 92 coupled to the tool pouch 12. As shown in
FIGS. 1 & 2, the air gun holder 92 can include an air gun
support arm 94 spaced apart from the tool pouch 12, and two
coupling arms 96a, 96b extending from the air gun support arm 94
are coupled to the tool pouch 12. The coupling arms 96a, 96b can be
secured to the tool pouch 12.
[0059] In some embodiments, the air gun support arm 94 has a
maximum height (h.sub.ag) at least twice a maximum thickness
(t.sub.ag) thereof. In some embodiments, the maximum height
(h.sub.ag) is at least three times the maximum thickness (t) of the
air gun support arm 94, while the maximum height (h.sub.ag) is at
least four times the maximum thickness (t.sub.ag) in other
embodiments. In some embodiments, the air gun support arm 94 can
include a thin sheet extending down from a thicker rod and the
maximum thickness (t.sub.ag) is the thickness of the rod. In some
embodiments, the air gun support 94 and the coupling arms 96a, 96b
are made from a continuous sheet of molded or pressed material,
such as, for example, a metal material.
[0060] Each of the coupling arms 96a, 96b can include an extension
leg 98a, 98b and a coupling leg 100a, 100b extending from an
intersect 102a, 102b. In some embodiments, for each coupling arm
96a, 96b, the respective extension leg 98a, 98b and coupling leg
100a, 100b are perpendicular or generally perpendicular to one
another.
[0061] In some embodiments, each coupling leg 100a, 100b can
include at least one orifice 104, and a fastener 106, such as a
rivet, can pass through each of the orifices 104 and a part of the
tool pouch 12 to secure the air gun holder 92 to the tool pouch 12.
In some embodiments, the air gun holder 92 can be attached to the
primary wall 20 and a fastener 106 (e.g., a rivet) can pass through
each orifice 104 and be secured to the underlying primary wall
reinforcing member 38.
[0062] Examples of air gun holder 92 useful in connection with the
tool belt system 10 include the air gun holster described in
co-pending U.S. Provisional patent application entitled "Air Gun
Holster Pouch and Method of Using the Same," also filed May 22,
2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0063] In some embodiments, such as those in FIGS. 17 & 18, the
back wall 18 is not symmetrical and includes an upper, back wall
extension 19 projecting out wider than the primary wall 20, while
the opposite side of the back wall 18 does not extend wider than
the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures,
the upper, back wall extension can be semi-circular or
half-elliptical in shape. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17
& 18, the air gun holder 92 and the upper, back wall extension
19 are located on the same side of the tool belt 12. In some
embodiments, a tape measure clip 150 is attached to the upper, back
wall extension 19.
[0064] In some embodiments, a protective flap 97 is located between
the coupling legs 100a, 100b of the air gun holder 92 and the
primary wall 20. The protective flap 97 can be a sheet material
formed a plastic, wood, metal, rubber, fabric, or a combination
thereof. When the protective flap 97 is a plastic sheet, the
protective flap 97 can be formed of a material including, but not
limited to, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene
(PS), polyesters, combinations thereof, and other durable polymer
materials. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the side
pocket 142a includes the protective flap 97, for example, as the
bottom portion of the pocket 142a. The side pocket 142a and/or the
protective flap 97 can overlap with the binding 42. For example, in
some embodiments, a lower edge 99 of the protective flap 97 extends
to or below the binding 42. The protective flap 97 protects the
binding 42 from damage, such as tearing, that may be caused by an
air gun hook used to secure the air gun to the air gun holder 92
and/or contact between the binding 42 and the air gun.
[0065] In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the tool pouch
12 includes a tape loop connector 190. As shown in FIGS. 5, 10, 19,
and 25, in some embodiments the tape loop connector 190 includes a
receiving loop 192 (e.g., a D-ring). In some embodiments, the tape
loop connector 190 includes a clip 193 tethered to the tool pouch
12, where the tether is secured, for example, with one or more
rivets. The clip 193 is threaded through a hole in the middle of a
tape roll the releasably secured to the receiving loop 192. The
tape roll is the retained by and rotates on the tether to allow
tape to be removed from the tape roll. In some embodiments, the end
of the tether opposite the clip 193 can be used to secure the
receiving loop 192 to the tool pouch. In other embodiments,
separate material (e.g., webbing) is used to attach the receiving
loop 192 to the tool pouch 12.
[0066] In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also includes a
clip sleeve 108 adapted for receiving and securing a belt clip,
such as those commonly attached to retractable tape measures. The
clip sleeve 108 can be coupled to a material sheet forming a
component of the tool pouch 12. The clip sleeve 108 can include two
opposing clip walls 112a, 112b that are spaced apart from one
another and adapted to sandwich around an upper edge of the
material sheet, such as, but not limited to, the upper edge of a
pocket 142, a fastener pocket 164, or the primary wall 20, e.g.,
the front storage wall 134.
[0067] In some embodiments, the material sheet can be a fabric
strap 110 and the clip sleeve 108 can attach over an upper edge of
the fabric strap 110. In some embodiments, the clip walls 112a,
112b can include matching clip orifices 118 and a clip fastener
120, such as a rivet, can pass through each pair of matching clip
orifices 118 and the fabric strap 110.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 21 & 22, in other embodiments, the
material sheet can be a pocket 115 with a binding 116 covering the
upper edge. In such embodiments, the clip sleeve 108 can attach
over the binding 116, with the binding 116 being sandwiched between
the clip walls 112a, 112b. In some embodiments, opposing clip walls
112a, 112b can include matching clip orifices 118 and a clip
fastener 120, such as a rivet, can pass through each pair of
matching clip orifices 118 and the material sheet (e.g., fabric
strip 110 or pocket 115). In some embodiments, the clip fastener
120 can pass through and/or over the pocket 115 below the binding
116.
[0069] In some embodiments, the clip sleeve 108 can be tapered so
that an upper portion of the clip sleeve 108 is thicker than a
lower portion of the clip sleeve 108. In some embodiments, the clip
sleeve can be 25% thicker at the top than at the bottom. Such
configurations allow for enhanced retention of belt clips, such as
tape measure belt clips, attached to the clip sleeve 108.
[0070] In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 includes at
least one handle fastening ring 122 coupled to an upper portion of
the back wall 18. In some embodiments, the handle fastening ring(s)
122 can be D-rings. In some embodiments, the handle fastening
ring(s) 122 can be secured to the back wall 18 by fastening loops
124 secured to the back wall 18. The fastening loops 124 can be
fastened to the back wall 18 by appropriate fasteners, including,
but not limited to, rivets. In some embodiments, the handle
fastening ring(s) 122 can extend above a top edge of the back wall
16.
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 & 11, the D-rings can be
non-twisting D-rings 123. The non-twisting D-rings 123 include a
crossbar 125 extending within the outer D-ring 127 and parallel to
a generally linear arm 129 of the outer D-ring 127. In some
embodiments, the fastening loop 124 can pass between the crossbar
125 and the generally linear arm 129.
[0072] In some embodiments, the tool belt system 10 also include a
carrying strap 146 (e.g., a handle). As shown in FIGS. 1 & 2,
each end of the carrying strap 146 can include a releasable latch
148.
[0073] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 & 26, the tool
belt system 10 can include a tool belt 14 passing through the belt
sleeve 32; and at least one belt loop 128 comprising at least one
belt fastening ring 130 coupled to the belt loop 128. As shown to
the left of the tool pouch 12 in FIG. 21, the belt 14 can pass
through the at least one belt loop 128, such that the belt loop(s)
128 are slidably adjustable along the length of the belt 14. In
other embodiments, the fastening rings 130 are fixedly attached to
the tool belt 14.
[0074] The tool belt system 10 can include one or more support
straps 132, as shown in FIG. 5. Each end of the support strap 132
can include a latch 126 for releasably coupling to a pouch
fastening ring 122 or a belt fastening ring 130. When each end of
the support strap 132 is attached to a pouch fastening ring 122 or
a belt fastening ring 130, the support strap 132 can be worn over a
shoulder of a wearer (either the same should on which the tool
pouch 12 is carrier or the opposite shoulder). In such embodiments,
the tool pouch is placed on one side of the user (e.g., proximate
the right hip), while the shoulder strap rests on the opposite
shoulder (e.g., the left shoulder) of the user. In some
embodiments, the weight of the tool belt system 10 is even
distributed by the support strap 132 to increase comfort to the
wearer.
[0075] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 23-30, a
harness can be used. In such embodiments, the harness can be
attached to fastening rings 138 that are adjustably or fixedly
attached to the tool belt 14 or the padded belt 238. Examples of
such embodiments are well-known in the art.
[0076] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the tool pouch 12
includes an upper pocket 138 extending from an inner surface of the
back wall 18. In some embodiments, the upper pocket opening 140 is
adapted so that a 7'' speed square (S) fits into the pocket with
one leg of the speed square inserted into the pocket and a second
leg of the speed square extending below the fastening loops. In
some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the upper pocket 138 and the
tool pouch 12 are designed so that the second leg of the speed
square does not extend above an upper edge of the tool pouch 12. In
some embodiments, the upper pocket 138 can be designed so that
second leg of the speed square extends generally parallel to an
upper edge of the tool pouch 12.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 1-4, in some embodiments, a tape measure
clip 150 can be attached to an outer surface of the pouch 12, such
as, for example, an outer surface of the upper pocket 138. As shown
in FIG. 9, the tape measure clip 150 can be positioned so that a
tape measure attached to the tape measure clip 150 is above the
storage volume 28 formed by the primary wall 20.
[0078] In some embodiments, the tool pouch 12 includes a utility
blade holding system 152. The utility knife holding system 152 can
include a utility knife pocket 154 adapted for receiving a
retractable utility knife. As shown in FIGS. 3 & 4, the utility
knife pocket 154 can have a curved upper lip 156 extending from a
generally flat base surface. As evident from FIGS. 1 & 2, at
its base, the utility knife pocket 154 can be sewn directly to the
generally flat base surface. In some embodiments the utility knife
holding system is attached to an outer surface of the of the upper
pocket 138.
[0079] An exterior of the utility knife pocket 154 can include one
or more pencil holders 158. As shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, the pencil
holders 158 can be funnel shaped sheath where the tip of the pencil
extends out of the bottom of the pencil holder 158. As shown in
FIGS. 3 & 4, at least two rows of pencil holders 158 can be
attached one above the other on the exterior of the utility knife
pocket 154.
[0080] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, one or more drill
bit extension holders 160 can be attached to an outside surface of
the tool pouch 12. The drill bit extension holders 160 can be
formed of an elastic material, e.g., an elastic fabric, and can
have a resting cross-section that is less than a diameter of some
or all of a drill bit extension.
[0081] Additional pockets 142 can be attached to surfaces of the
tool pouch 12. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the air gun
holder 92 can be coupled to a pocket 142a. In some embodiments, the
hammer holder 74 and/or the air gun holder 92 can be coupled to the
primary wall 20 and the fastener(s) 79, 106 can pass through the
primary wall reinforcing member 38.
[0082] As shown in FIGS. 10, 11, 17-21 & 23-30, in some
embodiments, a fastener pocket 164 can be coupled to the pouch. In
some embodiments, the interior surface of the fastener pocket 164
is formed from a puncture-resistant material, has no internally
facing seams, and the fastener pocket 164 has no seams in at least
one direction. This allows the user to scoop fasteners, such as
nails and screws, from the fastener pocket 164 with minimal risk of
being poked by the fasteners therein. Examples of a puncture
resistant materials include, but are not limited to, polymer (e.g.,
synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer reinforced
fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and similar
materials. An example of a synthetic rubber material that can be
used as a puncture-resistant material is a chlorosulfonated
polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber, such as Hypalon.RTM., which
is distributed by DuPont Performance Elastomers.
[0083] As shown in FIGS. 10-11, in some embodiments, the tool pouch
12 includes a first fastener pocket 164a and a second fastener
pocket 164b. The first fastener pocket 164a can be coupled to a
front storage wall 134 of the tool pouch 12. The second fastener
pocket 164b can be coupled to the back wall 18. In some
embodiments, the interior surface of the fastener pockets 164a,
164b is formed from a puncture-resistant material, has no
internally facing seams, and the fastener pocket 164 has no seams
in at least one direction. This allows the user to scoop fasteners,
such as nails and screws, from the fastener pockets 164a, 164b with
minimal risk of being poked by the fasteners therein. Examples of a
puncture resistant materials include, but are not limited to,
polymer (e.g., synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer
reinforced fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber,
and similar materials. An example of a synthetic rubber material
that can be used as a puncture-resistant material is a
chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE) synthetic rubber, such as
Hypalon.RTM., which is distributed by DuPont Performance
Elastomers.
[0084] As can be seen in FIGS. 13-15 & 21, the interior of the
fastener pocket 164 can have no seams in at least one dimension.
This can be achieved using a single piece of material, such as the
pocket sheet 166 shown in FIG. 12, to form the interior of the
fastener pocket 164. The pocket sheet 166 can have a rectangular
portion 168 that will define the front and back portions of the
pocket with a pair of wings 170 extending from each side of the
rectangle at one end. The wings 170 will define the sides of the
fastener pocket 164. The material can be folded and sewn together
as shown in FIGS. 13-15 in order to form the desired fastener
pocket 164, where the user can scoop from the front to the back of
the fastener pocket 164 without encountering a seam.
[0085] The fastener pocket 164 can be covered with another material
(e.g., within a pocket) to conceal the outwardly facing seams 172,
the outwardly facing seams 172 can simply be covered with a
binding, or both. Where the fastener pocket 164 is within a pocket
formed of another material, the upper edges of the fastener pocket
164 can be used for to form a binding 116. As shown in FIGS. 10,
17, 20 & 21, the back lip 174 of the fastener pocket 164 can be
attached to the primary wall 20 by a binding 113, a fastener 117
(e.g., a rivet), or both.
[0086] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 22, a back-up pencil
holder 176 can be attached to an outer surface of the primary wall
20. The fastener pocket 164 can be attached to an upper edge of the
primary wall 16 such that the fastener pocket 164 conceals the
back-up pencil holder 176 when the pouch is being worn, but the
user can reach under the fastener pouch 164 or flip-up the fastener
pouch 164 in order to easily access pencils stored in the back-up
pencil holder 176. The back-up pencil holder 176 can be formed from
an elastic strip 178 of material with a plurality of spaced-apart
attachment points 180, were the distance between the spaced-apart
attachment points 180 are separated by a sufficient distance for a
pencil to fit under the elastic strip 178 between adjacent
attachment points 180. In some embodiments, the attachment points
180 are lines sewing the elastic strip to the primary wall 16.
[0087] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 19 & 20, corner
caps 91 are coupled to one or more corners of the tool pouch 12.
The corner caps 91 are configured to absorb impact and to protect
the corners of the tool pouch 12 from wear. In some embodiments, as
shown in FIGS. 20, 25, 27 & 30, the corner caps 91 include a
front plate 91a with a side plate 91b and a bottom plate 91c joined
along adjacent edges of the front plate 91a to form a corner. The
area where corners of the three faces 91a, 91b, 91c meet can be
pointed or rounded.
[0088] In some embodiments, the corner caps 91 are disposed over
front corners of the primary wall 20. In some embodiments, the
corner caps 91 are disposed over the corners of the additional
pockets 142 and/or fastener pouches 164. The corner caps 91 can be
coupled to the tool pouch 12 by any suitable fastener 93,
including, but not limited to, rivets. In some embodiments, the
corner caps 91 include rounded free edges 95. The corner caps 91
can comprise a hard material, such as a plastic, polymer (e.g.,
synthetic rubber), reinforced fabrics (e.g., polymer reinforced
fabrics), leather, synthetic leather, synthetic rubber, and similar
materials.
[0089] FIGS. 23-30 illustrate one embodiment of a full apron tool
belt system 210. The full apron tool belt system 210 comprises a
first tool pouch 10a coupled to a padded belt 238. The padded belt
238 is configured to couple to a waist of user. The upper and lower
edges of the padded belt 238 can be defined by bindings 240, 241,
respectively. In some embodiments, the padded belt bindings 240,
241 can be continuous.
[0090] In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 and the tool belt
system 210 define a belt passage 234 therebetween. The belt passage
234 is sized and configured to receive a belt 14 therethrough. In
some embodiments, a handle 246 is coupled to the padded belt 238.
The handle 246 is coupled to the padded belt 238 by fastening loops
248 coupled to fastening rings 242.
[0091] In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 has a second tool
pouch 10b and a third tool pouch 10c coupled thereto. The second
tool pouch 10b can be coupled on a right side of the first tool
pouch 10a and the third tool pouch 10c can be coupled to the padded
belt 238 on a left side of the first tool pouch 10a. It will be
recognized that any of tool pouches 12, including but not limited
to the embodiments shown herein, may be coupled to the padded belt
238. In some embodiments, the tool pouches 10a-10c are coupled to
the padded belt 238 by a plurality of fasteners 218, for example,
rivets.
[0092] In some embodiments, the belt 14 includes a plurality of
holes 220 formed therethrough. The holes 220 are configured to
allow the user to adjust the length of the tool belt 214.
[0093] In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 comprises a first
arm 236a and a second arm 236b. The first and second arms 236a,
236b are configured to wrap around the waist of a user. In some
embodiments, the first and second arms 236a, 236b are coupled to
the user by a belt 14. In some embodiments, the first and second
arms 236a, 236b include one or more buckles to couple the first arm
236a to the second arm 236b. In other embodiments, an end portion
of the first arm 236a can include a hook or loop material 250a on
one side thereof and an end portion of the second arm 236b can
include an opposing loop or hook material 250b so that the padded
belt 238 can be secured to the user, with the belt 14 reinforcing
that attachment. In some embodiments, the padded belt 238 is
coupled to the belt 14 by a plurality of belt loops 128.
[0094] An inside surface 260 of the tool belt can include a
breathable foam and a breathable material to allow the skin under
the padded belt 238 to breathe. In addition, the inside surface 246
can include a plurality of vertical channels 262, which allow air
flow between the user and the padded belt 238. The outside of the
padded belt 238 include a plurality of loops 264 for slidably
coupling the tool belt 14 to the padded belt 238. The tool pouches
10a-c can also be attached to the padded belt 238 in order to form
a belt sleeve 32. As shown in FIG. 25, the back walls 18 of tool
pouches 10b & 10c are coupled to the top and bottom edges of
the padded belt 238 by a plurality of fasteners 218. In such
embodiments, the back wall 18 and the padded belt 238 forms the
belt sleeve 32 adapted for receiving the tool belt 14.
[0095] In some embodiments, at least one of the fastener pouches
164 coupled to one of the tool pouches 10a-10c includes a cinch
sack closure 212. The cinch sack closure 212 comprises a fabric
sheet 213 having an opening formed therethrough (not shown). A
drawstring 214 is threaded about the opening in the fabric sheet
213. Pulling the drawstring 214 reduces the diameter of the opening
in the fabric sheet 213 until the opening is substantially closed.
In some embodiments, a cord lock 216 is coupled to the drawstring
214 to keep tension on the drawstring and maintain the opening in a
closed position.
[0096] In some embodiments, a first tool pouch 10a is attached at a
central portion of the padded belt 238. As shown in FIG. 25, the
first pouch 10a can include a fastener pocket 164 hanging below the
tool belt 14 with a clip sleeve 108 over a front edge of the
fastener pocket 164. The back wall 18a can include a tape measure
clip 150 attached above the fastener pocket 164.
[0097] As shown in FIGS. 24 & 29, in some embodiments, a second
tool pouch 10b and third tool pouch 10c can be on opposite sides of
the first tool pouch 10a. In some embodiments, the tool pouches
10b, 10c can include a large storage volume 28. The storage volume
28 can include one or more first sleeve components 60 that form a
plurality of peaks 64 and valleys 66, where the sleeve components
60 are secured to material inside the storage volume 28 at the
valleys 66. In some embodiments, the first sleeve components 60 can
be attached to the back wall 18, while the sleeve components 60 can
be attached to the primary wall 20 or an additional pocket 142 in
other embodiments. A second sleeve component 68 can be coupled to a
first sleeve component at the peaks 64 of the first sleeve
component 60.
[0098] As shown in FIGS. 23-30, second and third tool pouches 10b,
10c can have any configuration disclosed herein. In some
embodiments, the sides of the second and third tool pouches 10b,
10c closest to the first tool pouch 10a can include one hammer
holder 74 and one air gun holder 92, respectively, while the sides
of the second and third pouches 10b, 10c opposite the first tool
pouch 10a can include one air gun holder 92 and one hammer holder
74, respectively. That way, regardless of whether the full apron
system 210 is worn forward or backwards, the user has easy access
to one air gun holder 92 and one hammer holder 74.
[0099] Although the figures show a number of different embodiments,
it will be understood that the features and elements described with
respect to one embodiment can be incorporated into the other
embodiment.
[0100] The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating,
explaining, and describing embodiments of this invention.
Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from
the scope or spirit of this invention.
* * * * *