Patent Application
20090078730
1. Field
The embodiments relate to utility belts, and in particular to an apparatus and system for switching utility belt items.
2. Description of the Related Art
Utility belts are used to assist workers by holding different devices, such as pouches/holders for tools, accessories and fastening devices (e.g., nails, screws, etc.). Utility belts help a worker save time from having to retrieve different tools, accessories, etc., and also frees up their hands.
Typical utility belts have a problem of quickly and smoothly changing tools or tool holders. This costs workers time lost in rearranging their utility belts or having to store one utility belt and put on another utility belt.
One embodiment includes a first connector having an opening portion; and a second connector having a locking portion. The first connector removably connects with the second connector, and the locking portion connects to the opening portion to prevent separation of the second connector from the first connector.
Another embodiment is a system including a utility belt having a strap, a first connecting device that operates to removably connect to the strap and the utility belt, and a second connecting device that operates to removably connect to the first connecting device. The second connecting device includes a wedge portion that operates to removably connect to an opening portion of the first connecting device.
Yet another embodiment includes a utility belt attachment system having a first connecting device that is adapted to removably connect to a utility belt and a second connecting device that operates to removably connect to the first connecting device. The first connecting device includes a slot that operates to removably hold a wedge portion of the second connecting device.
The embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:
The Embodiments discussed herein generally relate to a utility belt apparatus and system. Referring to the Figures, exemplary embodiments will now be described. The exemplary embodiments are provided to illustrate the embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments.
In one embodiment, attachment device 115 is made of a heavy duty material, such as hardened molded plastic or similar polymer, a metal or metal alloy, etc. In one embodiment, foldable retaining member 150 is made of a heavy duty material, such as polyester and nylon, canvas, leather, synthetic leather, suede, etc.
In one embodiment, coupling means 130 and 135 are snap devices made of heavy duty material, such as metal, metal alloy, hardened plastic, etc. In another embodiment, coupling means 130 and 135 can be other coupling means, such as socket devices, screw devices, or any other known connecting devices.
In one embodiment connector device 210 removably connects to suspenders or other supporting devices. In another embodiment, items, such as tools and accessories can attach to connector device 210.
In one embodiment, retaining belt 420 is made of a strong material, such as webbed material made of nylon or other polymers. First connector 300 is attached to retaining belt 420 by placing first folding portion 460 on one side of retaining belt 420 and second folding portion 465 on the other side. First connector 300 is then fastened to retaining belt 420 with fastening means (e.g., 130, 135, 910, 920). First connector 300 is attached to utility belt 440 by placing the back side of first connector 150 having hook and loop fasteners 930 onto hook and loop fastening material 430 and then tightening retaining belt 420 onto utility belt 440.
In one embodiment, utility belt 440 is made of heavy duty material, such as polyester, canvas, nylon, synthetic leather, leather, suede, etc. As utility belt 440 has hook and loop fastening material 430, first connector 300 (or 100) can be placed in any desired position on utility belt 440. Due to the first connector 300 (or 100) being retained by retaining belt 420 and fastened with hook and loop fasteners, first connector 300 (or 100) remains in place during movement, use, etc.
In one embodiment, second connector is made of the same or similar material as first connector 100 or 300. In one embodiment, fastener means 510 are similar or the same as connectors 320. Second connector 500 is permanently or removably connected to a holder, such as a tool holder, tool pouch, tool, etc.
In one embodiment locking portion or wedge 610 is a three-dimensional portion that can have multiple shapes to allow fitment into opening portion 110 and locking capabilities.
First connector 100 or 300 and second connector 500 make it simple and efficient for a person to switch or change out tool holders or tools that are desired to be connected to a utility tool belt. By using hook and loop fasteners on a utility a tool holder can be locked into place on a utility belt without unnecessary movement that can cause discomfort and safety concerns.
In the description above, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known equivalent components and elements may be substituted in place of those described herein, and similarly, well-known equivalent techniques may be substituted in place of the particular techniques disclosed. In other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring the understanding of this description.
Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments. The various appearances of “an embodiment,” “one embodiment,” or “some embodiments” are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiments. If the specification states a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included. If the specification or claim refers to “a” or “an” element, that does not mean there is only one of the element. If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.
While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.
