Abstract:
A tool retaining apparatus including a base and a tool support secured to the base. The tool support has a pair of spaced arms for supporting a tool there between. A securement member is disposed on the base between the two arms. The support member has a distal end. The distal end and the pair of spaced arms forming a tool holding space there between adapted to receive at least a portion of a tool. The distal end is movable between a first position wherein a path to the tool holding space is closed to prevent removal of the tool therefrom and a second position wherein the path is open to permit removal of the tool from the tool holding space.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/273,830 filed on Dec. 31, 2015 the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a tool retaining apparatus. More particularly, the present disclosure relates an apparatus for securely retaining a tool to a user to prevent unintentional removal of the tool or separation of the tool from the user. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Workers who need ready access to tools in order to complete a project often desire to have the tool attached to their person. This is typically achieved through the use of tool pouches, clips, or loops. When working at heights, it is very important that any tool attached to the user be secured such that it does not inadvertently become unattached and thus fall. In these working environments, unintentional separation of a tool, such as a hammer, from a user can result in serious personal injury and property damage. 
         [0004]    Various tool holders have been contemplated in order to secure a tool to a user such that it prevents the tool from inadvertently separating from the user. Various construction sites mandate workers to include drop prevention devices for securing their tools. However, such tool securing devices can make it difficult for the tool to be removed and reattached to the securing device. This reduces a worker&#39;s productivity. In addition, difficulty in using the tool holder increases the likelihood that a worker will not properly use the holder to secure the tool. Thus the tool may not be properly secured. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a device which securely retains a tool to a user but also allows the tool to be easily removed and replaced securely in the device. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides a tool retaining apparatus including a base and a tool support secured to the base. The tool support has a pair of spaced arms for supporting a tool there between. A securement member is disposed on the base between the two arms. The support member has a distal end. The distal end and the pair of spaced arms forming a tool holding space there between adapted to receive at least a portion of a tool. The distal end is movable between a first position wherein a path to the tool holding space is closed to prevent removal of the tool therefrom and a second position wherein the path is open to permit removal of the tool from the tool holding space. 
         [0007]    The present disclosure also provides a tool retaining apparatus including a base and a tool support secured to the base. The tool support has a pair of spaced arms for supporting a tool there between. The arms have a support surface for supporting a tool thereon. A securement member is disposed on the base between the two arms and spaced from the support surface. The securement device and support arms form a space there between adapted to receive a head of a tool. The securement member has a first position extending over and above the support surface and adapted to prevent removal of a tool from the tool support, and a second position disposed toward the base and creating a path between the support surface and ends of the arms adapted to permit removal of the tool from the tool support. 
         [0008]    The present disclosure further provides a tool retaining apparatus including a base and a tool support secured to the base. The tool support has a pair of spaced arms for supporting a tool there between. The arms have a support surface for supporting a tool thereon. A securement member is disposed on the base between the two arms and spaced from the support surface. The securement device and support arms form a space there between adapted to receive a head of a tool. The securement member has a first position extending over and above the support surface and adapted to prevent removal of a tool from the tool support, and a second position disposed toward the base and creating a path between the support surface and ends of the arms adapted to permit removal of the tool from the tool support. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is perspective view of a tool retaining apparatus 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is perspective view of the tool retaining apparatus. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side elevational view showing the tool retaining apparatus holding a tool with a securement member in a locked position. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view showing the tool retaining apparatus holding a tool with a securement member in an unlocked position. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a tool retaining apparatus. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a side elevational view of the tool retaining apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a front elevational view of the tool retaining apparatus of  FIG. 5   
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a back elevational view of the tool retaining apparatus of  FIG. 5   
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a top perspective view showing the tool retaining apparatus of  FIG. 5  holding a tool. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  front elevational view showing the tool retaining apparatus of  FIG. 5  holding a tool. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view showing the tool retaining apparatus holding a tool with a securement member in a locked position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view showing the tool retaining apparatus holding a tool with a securement member in an unlocked position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. 
         [0022]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , a tool retaining apparatus  10  for securing a tool  12  to a user is shown. The tool retaining apparatus permits a tool to be securely retained while allowing it to be repeatedly unsecured and removed and then secured to the apparatus  10  by a user. The tool  12  to be secured may be in the form of a hammer. Other tools may be secured such as tools that have a handle and a shoulder, for example, a spud wrench, wrench, pick, mallet, etc. This listing is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. 
         [0023]    The tool retaining apparatus  10  includes a planar base  14  to which a tool support  16  is secured. The base  14  may be formed of a rigid material such as steel or aluminum or a pliable material such as leather. A tool securement member  18  is connected to the base  14  and selectively secures the tool  12  in the tool support  16 . The securement member  18  prevents the tool from inadvertently separating from the tool support  16 . The base  14  may further include an attachment device for securing the tool retaining apparatus  10  to a user. 
         [0024]    The base  14  of the tool retaining apparatus may be a generally flat planar member. In one embodiment it may be formed of a pliable material such as leather. Alternatively, the base  14  may be a rigid member formed of metal or other rigid material. The attachment device may include one or more slots  21  in the planar member sized to receive a belt so it may be secured to a user. Alternatively, the attachment device may be in the form of a lug  20  secured to the back surface of the base  14  for allowing the tool retaining member to be releasable attached to a holder (not shown). The holder may be secured to the user and include a slot for releasably receiving the lug  20 . In this arrangement, the tool retaining apparatus  10  may pivot freely thereby allowing a user to rotate the tool retaining apparatus to facilitate removal and insertion of the tool therein. The ability to pivot also allows the user to move the tool to a desired location while working and not using the tool such that the tool does not hamper the movement. 
         [0025]    The tool support  16  may be in the form of a pair of curved arms  22  having a hook-like configuration. Each arm  22  may have a first generally straight portion  24  which ends in an upwardly curved end member  26 . The straight portions  24  may form a support surface  28  upon which the tool  12  rests as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The arms  22  may be fastened to the base  14  via rivets, screws or other fastening devices  30  known in the art. The arms  22  may be formed of a rigid member such as steel or other structurally supportive material. The arms  22  may be spaced a distance D from each other such that they support the head  12   a  of a tool and allow the handle to extend therebetween. For example, when a tool such as a hammer is being supported, one arm  22  may support the claw and the other arm  22  may support the neck of the hammer disposed adjacent to the hammers face. When the hammer is placed within the tool support, the handle of the hammer  12   b  and/or lower part of the head extends downwardly between the arms  22  with the head being supported by the arms  22 . The arms  22  may be coated in a resilient material  32  in order to help seat the hammer head  12   a  onto the tool support  16 . 
         [0026]    The tool retaining apparatus  10  includes a securement member  18  attached to the base  14 . The securement member  18  prevents the tool  12  from inadvertently separating from the tool support  16  such as when a user is moving, or changing opposition, and also allows the tool to be easily removed and placed securely back into the tool support. The securement member  18  may include a cantilevered, resilient member having a first end  34  fixedly secured to the base  14  above the arms  22 . The securement member  18  may be disposed between the two spaced arms  22 . The securement member  18  may be formed of steel, spring steel, plastic, or other resilient material. 
         [0027]    The securement member  18  extends outwardly from the first end  34  toward a second unsupported distal second end  36 . The distal end  36  forms a catch  38 . The catch  38  may include a curved engagement portion  40  that extends generally outwardly from the securement member  18 . The securement member  18  may be urged by a user toward the base  14  against the resilient action of the material. When released, the securement member  18  moves away from the base  14  and returns to its initial position. Thus, the securement member  18  is biased toward its initial position. Accordingly, the catch  38  has a first extended locking position disposed away from the base  14 . In the first position, the securement member  18  may be in an unbiased state. The catch  38  may be urged toward the base  14  to a second retracted unlocked position which is disposed closer to the base  14  than when in the first extended position. In the retracted position, the securement member  18  is in a biased or flexed position. 
         [0028]    When a tool  12 , such as a hammer, is inserted into the tool support  16 , the hammer engages the catch  38  and moves the securement member  18  from the first position, shown in  FIG. 3 , toward the retracted second position, shown in  FIG. 4 . When the hammer head is seated on the arms  22 , the top of the hammer head sits below the catch  38 . Accordingly, the resilient securement member  18  flexes back toward the first position. The catch  38  and support surface  28  form a space  44  there between for securely retaining the hammer. In the first position, shown in  FIG. 3 , the catch  38  is disposed over the hammer head  12   a.  If the tool  12  is moved upwardly, it will engage the catch; therefore, the tool&#39;s movement is restricted. In this position, the securement member  18  with its catch  38  prevents the tool  12  from being moved upwardly to a point where the tool would clear the upwardly extending end members  26  of the support arms  22 . Accordingly, the securement member  18  prevents the tool  12  from being removed from the tool retaining apparatus  10 . Even if the user moves in a certain way or if the tool  12  gets bumped, the tool will not separate from the tool retaining apparatus  10 . 
         [0029]    In order to secure the tool within the tool retaining apparatus  10 , the user may place the handle between the arms and lower the hammer head such that it passes the catch and sits on the support arms. The catch then extends outwardly above the tool head,  FIG. 3 . In this secured position, the tool  12  is securely retained in the tool retaining apparatus  10 . For example, if the user were to run or fall or make other motions, the tool  12  would not inadvertently separate from the tool retaining apparatus  10 . The act of placing the tool within the tool securement device  10  causes it to be secured therein. No further action of the user is required. 
         [0030]    In order to remove the tool  12  from the tool retaining apparatus  10 , deliberate action of the user is required. A user may urge the catch  38  toward the second unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 4 . In this position, with the catch  38  is moved away from the tool  12  and a clear unobstructed path  50  is created between the upwardly ending portion of the arms and the catch. This permits the tool  12  to be lifted up and over the arms  22  and separated from the tool retaining apparatus  10 . The position of the catch  38  just above the head of the hammer permits a user to, with one hand, depress the catch and lift the hammer free of the tool retaining apparatus  10 . For example, the user need only depress the catch  38  with their thumb while lifting up on the tool  12  with the other fingers. Therefore, only one handed operation is needed in order to release the tool from the tool retaining apparatus. 
         [0031]    Accordingly, a user can easily and repeatedly secure and remove the tool  12  from the tool retaining apparatus without any undo complications. No further action of the user is required. 
         [0032]    With reference to  FIGS. 5-13 , an alternative embodiment of the tool retaining apparatus  60  is shown. The apparatus  60  is similar to the apparatus  10  described above except that the base  62  and curved support arms  66  may be formed of a single piece of rigid material. The material may be metallic such as steel or aluminum. The spaced arms  66  each extend downwardly from the base  62  and then outwardly from the base forming a tool support surface  72 . The arms  66  then extend upwardly and curl outwardly to an upper end  76 . The arms support the tool head  12   a  on a support surface  72  and the tool handle  12   b  passes through the space D between the arms  66  as shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . 
         [0033]    The base  62  may included thereon a securement member  68  in the form of a cantilevered piece of resilient material similar to the securement member  18  described above. The securement member  68  has a proximal end  67  secured to the base. The securement member  68  extends from the proximal end  67  to the unsupported distal end  69 . The distal end  69  of the securement member has an inwardly curved portion forming a catch  70  that may be disposed above the support surface  72  of the arms. With reference to  FIG. 12 , the catch  70  may have a locking first position in which it is spaced from the base  62  and extends above the support surface  72  and over the head of a tool  12   a.  In this position, the distal end  69 , with the catch  70 , may be disposed over a medial portion of the support surface  72  as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 12 . The catch  70  is also disposed below the arms upper ends  76 . Thus, upward movement of the tool  12  is limited by the catch  70  when it is in the locked position. 
         [0034]    With reference to  FIG. 13 , the distal end  69  may be urged toward an unlocked second position in which it is moved toward the base  62 . In the unlocked position, the securement member catch  70  is positioned such that it permits a clearance path  74  to be formed to permit the tool  12  to be moved upwardly above the ends of the arms  76  and cleared of the tool retaining apparatus  60 . In the unlocked position, the catch  70  may be positioned such a that in a fully retracted position it may extend into an open space  71  in the base between the arms  76  and past a back side of the base  62 . 
         [0035]    A holding space  78  is formed between the arms support portion  72  and the securement member distal end  69  to accommodate the retained portion of the tool  12 . When the tool is in the retained position, the securement member  68  sits above and over the tool  12  and prevents it from being lifted upwardly above the top ends of the arms  76 . In order to remove the tool, the securement member  68  may be urged toward the unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this position, the distal end  69 , with catch  70 , is no longer disposed above a medial portion of the support surface  72 , but instead lies closer to the base  62  then when in the locked position. This creates the path  74  through which the tool head may travel so that the tool may be separated from the tool retaining apparatus  10 . 
         [0036]    The base  62  may be secured to the belt of a user via slots  80  formed therein. A belt or strap may be inserted through the slots. Alternatively, the back side of the base may include a lug for attachment to a retaining device or a clip for securement to a belt or other equipment. 
         [0037]    Similar to the previously described embodiment, in order to secure the tool within the tool retaining apparatus  60 , the user may place the handle between the arms and lower the hammer head such that it retracts the catch  69  and sits on the support arms  66 . The catch then extends outwardly above the tool head,  FIG. 12 . In this secured position, the tool  12  is securely retained in the tool retaining apparatus  60 . The act of placing the tool within the tool securement device  10  causes it to be secured therein. No further action of the user is required. 
         [0038]    In order to remove the tool  12  from the tool retaining apparatus  60 , a user may urge the catch  69  toward the second unlocked position as shown in  FIG. 13 . In this position, with the catch  69  moved away from the tool  12 , a clear unobstructed path  74  is created between the upwardly ending portion of the arms  66  and the catch. This permits the tool  12  to be lifted up and over the arms and separated from the tool retaining apparatus  10 . The position of the catch  69  just above the head of the hammer permits a user to, with one hand, depress the catch and lift the tool  12  free of the tool retaining apparatus  10 . 
         [0039]    Even though the invention has been described above with reference to an example according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the invention is not restricted thereto but can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiment. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Further, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but are not required to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.