Aspects, of this document relate generally to hand-held utility tool holders that allow a user to hold a utility tool in an ergonomic fashion for self-defense.
In particular, conventional utility tools, such as, keys, are ergonomically hard to hold between the fingers in a manner that would allow for use to fend off an attacker. There are tools that help a user hold a key or a pocket tool. However, these holders do not allow a user to hold the tool in an ergonomic fashion while also retaining the intended functionality of the utility tool. Many ergonomic key holders intended for self-defense do contain functioning keys.
The present invention comprises apparatus for and a method of holding a utility tool by hand for use in self-defense using a holder. The holder comprises a finger grip contoured to fit between the user's fingers, an opening on the bottom end of the holder in fluid communication with a channel that allows for a utility tool to be inserted into the holder, and a locking nub located in the channel to lock the tool in place in the holder. The combination of the finger grip, opening on the bottom end of the holder in fluid communication with a channel and locking nubs inside the channel allow a user to hold a utility tool ergonomically for self-defense purposes. This combination also allows the utility tool to maintain its intended functionality.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.
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The key with sharpened tip 10, can be constructed out of titanium, brass, steel, aluminum or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or metal. The key holder 20, can be constructed out of any kind of plastic, metal or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as high-strength plastic or metal.
The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation, that it is portable and exceedingly easy to transport. It can allow the user to fend off an attacker similar to a knife. It is easy to hold and it is relatively small and lightweight. Further, the devices generally will store a house key on a keychain in a safe and efficient way. Further, the devices can provide a feeling of security while carrying around an object that everyone is always carrying around with them all the time.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for a key 11 to be inserted into the holder 20. The invention is not limited to this embodiment. In another embodiment, the holder may be configured to receive a different utility device.
While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.
This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/433,116 filed on Dec. 12, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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62433116 | Dec 2016 | US |