Protective tool receptacle apparatus

A protective tool pouch apparatus. The protective tool pouch apparatus includes a receptacle component for accepting and holding tools and/or building materials. The protective tool pouch apparatus includes keeping tools and/or building materials in a vertical orientation with friction and/or magnetics and/or grooves and/or ridges and/or removable dividers in a pre-determined size for preventing the tools and/or building materials from wearing a bottom surface and/or creating a hole in the bottom surface of the receptacle component. The protective tool pouch apparatus can be used as a standalone component and/or inserted into existing tool belts, arm belts, apron pockets, vest pockets, holsters, bags, pouches, clothing pockets, backpack pockets, etc.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This application relates to pouches for holding tools. More specifically, it relates to a protective tool pouch apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tools and other building materials such as nails, screws, bolts, rivets, electrical components, plumbing components, etc. are carried, used and transported on a daily basis from tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches and in a user's pockets in a shirt, jacket, pants, etc.

Most tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets are made from cloth materials, leather materials or some other type of fabric materials.

There are several problems associated with such tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets, etc. made from cloth materials, leather materials or some other type of fabric materials.

One problem is that a bottom surface of the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets experiences wearing and becomes thin due to the movement of tools in and out many times on a daily basis, weekly basis, monthly basis, etc. and the poking of sharp ends of tools and building materials into the bottom surface. This wearing allows the tools and building materials to poke through the bottom surface of the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets causing injury to the user, accidental loss of the tool, damage to the tools, loss of the building materials, damage to the building materials, etc.

Another problem is that the side surfaces of the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets also experiences wearing expansion of the side surfaces. Such expansion allows tools to change their orientation from a vertical orientation into a semi-horizontal or horizontal orientation allowing the tools and building materials to become stuck or jammed into the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets, making removable difficult.

Another problem is that when a bottom surface or a side surface of the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, etc. experience wearing or holes in the surfaces develop, the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, etc. must be discarded and a new tool belt, apron, holster, bag, pouch, etc. purchased.

Thus, it is desirable to solve some of the problems associated with the tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets used to store and transport tools and building materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, some of the problems associated with tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, etc. are overcome. A protective tool pouch apparatus is presented.

The protective tool pouch apparatus includes a receptacle component for accepting and holding tools and/or building materials. The protective tool pouch apparatus includes keeping tools and/or building materials in a vertical orientation with friction and/or magnetics and/or grooves and/or ridges and/or removable dividers in a pre-determined size for preventing the tools and/or building materials from wearing a bottom surface and/or creating a hole in the bottom surface of the receptacle component. The protective tool pouch apparatus can be used as a standalone component and/or inserted into existing tool belts, arm belts, apron pockets, vest pockets, clothing pockets, holsters, bags, pouches, backpack pockets, etc.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of preferred embodiments of the present invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description. The detailed description proceeds with references to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1is a block diagram10illustrating an exemplary protective tool pouch apparatus12.

The protective tool pouch apparatus12includes a receptacle component14for accepting and holding a tool and/or a building material. The receptacle component14includes a first receptacle portion16comprising a first flexible material18of a first pre-determined size, a second receptacle portion20comprising a second flexible material22of a second pre-determined size and a third receptacle portion24comprising a first rigid material26of a third pre-determined size. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

The tools include, screwdrivers40(FIG.2), wrenches54, pliers, cutters, punches, drill bits, adjustable wrenches, socket wrench, hex key wrenches, taps, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to these tools and more, fewer and/or other different tools can be used to practice the invention.

The building materials include, but are not limited to, as nails, screws, bolts, rivets, electrical components, plumbing components, roofing components, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) components, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to these building materials and more, fewer and/or other different building materials can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first rigid material26includes plural reinforcing components28, including but not limited to reinforcing ribs. The reinforcing components28may be a same and/or a different material used for the third rigid material26. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments with and/or without reinforcing components28in the third rigid material26can be used to practice the invention.

The first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16further includes one more sets of ridges30,30(only two of which is illustrated for simplicity) and/or receptacle grooves32,32′ (only two of which is illustrated for simplicity) to help keep the tools and/or building materials in a vertical orientation. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

The exemplary protective tool pouch apparatus12includes one or more removable divider components34comprising a second rigid material36insertable and removable from the receptacle component creating individual compartments for the tools or building materials. However, the present invention is not limited to the components described and more, fewer and/or other types of components can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16includes a flexible material including a surface with a desired coefficient of friction to prevent movement of the tools and/or building materials.

“Friction” is a force resisting a relative motion of material elements sliding against each other. Dry friction is a force that opposes the relative lateral motion of two solid surfaces in contact.

“Coefficient of friction” is ratio of a frictional force resisting a motion of two surfaces in contact to the normal force pressing the two surfaces together. Many Rubberized materials, plastic materials, and/or composite materials have a large coefficient of friction which opposes movement of tools and/or building materials when such tools and/or building materials are pressed against such materials in the protective tool pouch apparatus12. The coefficient of friction is a ratio of a force to a force and therefore has no units.

Table 1 includes exemplary coefficients of friction from Barrett, “Fastener Design Manual,” NASA Reference Publication p. 1228, 1990.

TABLE 1Coefficients of Static and Sliding FrictionStaticSlidingMaterialsDryGreasyDryGreasyHard steel on hard steel0.780.11(3)0.420.029(k)—0.23(b)—0.081(e)—0.15(c)—0.080(i)—0.11(d)—0.058(j)—0.0075(p)—0.084(d)—0.0052(h)—0.105(k)———0.096(l)———0.108(m)———0.12(a)Mild steel on mild steel0.74—0.570.09(a)———0.19(u)Hard steel on graphite0.210.09(a)——Hard steel on babbitt0.700.23(b)0.330.16(b)(ASTM No. 1)—0.15(c)—0.06(c)—0.08(d)—0.11(d)—0.085(e)——Hard steel on babbitt0.420.17(b)0.350.14(b)(ASTM No. 8)—0.11(c)—0.065(c)—0.09(d)—0.07(d)—0.08(e)—0.08(h)Hard steel on babbitt—0.25(b)—0.13(b)(ASTM No. 10)—0.12(c)—0.06(c)—0.10(d)—0.055(d)—0.11(e)——Mild steel on cadmium silver———0.097(f)Mild steel on phosphor bronze——0.340.173(f)Mild steel on copper lead———0.145(f)Mild steel on cast iron—0.183(c)0.230.133(f)Mild steel on lead0.950.5(f)0.950.3(f)Nickel on mild steel——0.640.178(x)Aluminum on mild steel0.61—0.47—Magnesium on mild steel——0.42—Magnesium on magnesium0.60.08(y)——Teflon on Teflon0.04——0.04(0)Teflon on steel0.04——0.04(f)Tungsten carbide on tungsten0.20.12(a)——carbideTungsten carbide on steel0.50.08(a)——Tungsten carbide on copper0.35———Tungsten carbide on iron0.8———Bonded carbide on copper0.35———Bonded carbide on iron0.8———Cadmium on mild steel——0.46—Copper on mild steel0.53—0.360.18(a)Nickel on nickel1.10—0.530.12(w)Brass on mild steel0.51—0.44—Brass on cast iron——0.30—Zinc on cast iron0.85—0.21—Polystyrene on Steel0.35——0.05(f)Magnesium on cast iron——0.25—Copper on cast iron1.05—0.29—Tin on cast iron——0.32—Lead on cast iron——0.43—Aluminum on aluminum1.05—1.4—Glass on glass0.940.01(p)0.400.09(a)—0.005(q)—0.116(v)Carbon on glass——0.18—Garnet on mild steel——0.39—Glass on nickel0.78—0.56—Copper on glass0.68—0.53—Cast iron on cast iron1.10—0.150.070(d)———0.064(n)Bronze on cast iron——0.220.77(n)Oak on oak (parallel to grain)0.62—0.480.164(r)———0.067(s)Oak on oak (perpendicular)0.54—0.320.072(s)Leather on oak (parallel)0.61—0.52—Cast iron on oak——0.490.075(n)Leather on cast iron——0.560.36(t)———0.13(n)Laminated plastic on steel——0.350.05(f)Fluted rubber bearing on steel———0.05(t)Steel on rubber0.86———

In one embodiment the first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16, includes, but is not limited to, a rubberized material, plastic material, and/or composite material, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to these materials and other materials can be used to practice the invention.

“Rubber” is an elastic polymeric substance made from a latex of a tropical plant and or synthetically. “Plastic” is one of many synthetic material made from a wide range of organic polymers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, etc., that can be molded into shape while soft and then set into slightly elastic form. A “composite material” is a material which is produced from two or more constituent materials. These constituent materials have notably dissimilar chemical and/or physical properties and are merged to create a material with properties unlike the individual elements.

For example, a coefficient of friction for rubber against steel, a common material used for tools, is about 0.86, polystyrene against steel is about, 0.35, etc., wherein a larger number for a coefficient of friction requires a larger force to move an object (e.g., tool, building material, etc.) against a surface made of such a material. Different types of plastics and/or composite materials have different coefficients of friction which are available in standardized tables.

The first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16with the desired coefficient of friction helps keeps tools and/or building materials in vertical orientation in the protective tool pouch apparatus12and helps prevent the tools and/or building materials from slipping in a non-vertical orientation including, but not limited to, a semi-horizontal and/or horizontal orientation. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16includes a magnetic material. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other materials may be used to practice the invention.

In another embodiment, the first receptacle portion16, the second receptacle portion20, the third receptacle portion26, one or more set of ridges30and/or receptacle grooves32and/or the one or more removable divider components34, include a magnetic material. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other materials may be used to practice the invention.

A “magnetic material” is a material that experiences a force when placed in a magnetic field. Although all magnetic materials are metallic, not all metals are magnetic. Common metals that attach to magnetic materials include: iron, steel, nickel, cobalt, etc. Copper and aluminum are metals which are included in many tools and building materials are not magnetic. Rubber and plastic are also not magnetic.

The magnetic materials help keep any tools and/or building materials that include any magnetic metals in a vertical position in the protective tool pouch apparatus12and help prevent any tools and/or building materials that include any magnetic metals from slipping into a semi-horizontal and/or horizontal orientation.

In another embodiment, the first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16includes a combination of a rubberized material, plastic material, composite material with a desired coefficient of friction and/or magnetic material. In such an embodiment, this combination helps keep both any tools and/or building materials that include any magnetic metals with magnetics in a vertical position and any tools and/or building materials that do not include any magnetic metals in a vertical position with friction. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other combinations of materials be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first pre-determined size of the first flexible material18for the first receptacle portion16includes about one to about three inches (i.e., about 2.54 centimeters (cm) to about 7.62 cm). However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other pre-determined sizes can be used to practice the invention.

The second receptacle portion20comprising the second flexible material22of a second pre-determined size includes, but is not limited to, a leather, natural and synthetic fabrics, plastic, nylon, KEVLAR, and/or composite material. The second receptacle portion20comprises a body portion of the protective tool pouch apparatus12.

“Leather” includes a material made from the skin of an animal by tanning or a similar process. “Fabric” includes cloth and/or other material produced by weaving or knitting fibers. “Nylon” includes a tough, lightweight, elastic synthetic polymer with a protein-like chemical structure, able to be produced as filaments, sheets, and/or molded objects.

One type of synthetic fabric includes KEVLAR. KEVLAR (i.e., para-aramid) is a heat-resistant and strong synthetic fiber used in synthetic fabrics. KEVLAR is used in bullet-proof vests and other protective clothing and has a high resistance to puncturing. However, the present invention is not limited to KEVLAR and other synthetic fabrics can be used to practice the invention.

One type of flexible plastic includes Low Density PolyEthylene (LDPE). LPPE is a soft, flexible, lightweight plastic material. LDPE is noted for its low temperature flexibility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. However, the present invention is not limited to LPPE and other flexible plastics can be used to practice the invention.

The present invention is also not limited to such embodiments and other materials can be used for the second flexible material22for the second receptacle portion20to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the second pre-determined size of the second flexible material22for the second receptacle portion20includes about three inches to about ten inches (i.e., about 7.62 cm about to 25.4 cm). The second pre-determined size includes plural different sizes to be compatible for insertion into plural different existing tool belts, arm belts, apron pockets vest pockets clothing pockets, holsters, bags, pouches, backpack pockets, etc. and/or for different sized and shaped tools and/or building materials. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other pre-determined sizes can be used to practice the invention.

The third receptacle portion24comprising the first rigid material26of the third pre-determined size. The first rigid material26helps prevent tools and building materials from wearing and/or creating holes in a bottom surface of the protective tool pouch apparatus12.

The first rigid material26and the second rigid material36includes, but is not limited to a wood, metal, plastic, rubber and/or composite material. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and rigid materials can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the wood includes, but is not limited to, bamboo, oak, ash, walnut, maple and/or beech woods. However, the present invention is not limited to these woods and other woods can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment the metals include, but is not limited to, iron, aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, other metal alloys, and/or other metals. However, the present invention is not limited to these metals and other metals can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the third pre-determined size of the first rigid material24for the third receptacle portion26includes about one to three inches (i.e., about 2.54 centimeters (cm) to 7.62 cm). However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other pre-determined sizes can be used to practice the invention.

The whole apparatus12and/or separate components thereof may be injection molded, extruded, pultruded, pull-winded and/or, sewn, 3D printed and/or manufactured and/or produced with other manufacturing techniques. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and more, fewer or other types of manufacturing techniques can be used to practice the invention.

“Injection molding” is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold. Injection molding can be performed with plural different materials including metals, glasses, plastics, and most commonly thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.

“Extrusion” is a manufacturing process where a material is pushed through a die to create long objects of a fixed cross-section. Hollow sections are usually extruded by placing a pin or mandrel in the die. Extrusion may be continuous (e.g., producing indefinitely long material) or semi-continuous (e.g., repeatedly producing many shorter pieces). Some extruded materials are hot drawn and others may be cold drawn.

Feedstock for extrusion may be forced through the die by various methods: by an auger, which can be single or twin screw, powered by an electric motor; by a ram, driven by hydraulic pressure, oil pressure or in other specialized processes such as rollers inside a perforated drum for the production of many simultaneous streams of material.

“Pultrusion” is a continuous process for manufacture of materials with a constant cross-section. Reinforced fibers (e.g., fiberglass fibers, etc.) are pulled through a resin, possibly followed by a separate preforming system, and into a heated die, where the resin undergoes polymerization. Pultrusion is not limited to thermosetting polymers or polymides. More recently, pultrusion has been successfully used with thermoplastic matrices such either by powder impregnation of fibers or by surrounding it with sheet material of a thermoplastic/polymide matrix, which is then heated. Fiberglass is a textile fabric made from woven glass filaments.

In one embodiment, components of the apparatus12are produced with an overwrapping transverse winding process that combines continuous filament winding with a pultrusion manufacturing process to produce a pultruded pullwound hollow cylindrical structure with the shape of hollow cylindrical structure that is used for components in apparatus12.

The “pullwinding” process incorporates plural longitudinal reinforcement fibers with plural helical-wound (e.g., hoop, etc.) layers, providing maximum torsional properties and hoop strength. A self-contained inline winding unit is used with a pultrusion machine for feeding angled fibers between layers of unidirectional fibers before curing in a pultrusion die. The plural longitudinal re-enforcement fibers are used for axial and bending resistance while the plural helical-wound fibers are used for hoop tension and compression resistance. The pullwinding equipment is comprised of twin winding heads which revolve in opposite directions over a spindle. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can also be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the whole apparatus12and/or separate components thereof are 3D printed. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and more, fewer or other types manufacturing techniques can be used to practice the invention.

A “3D printer” include 3D printing or “Additive manufacturing.” 3D printing is a process of making a three-dimensional solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using an “additive process,” where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes. 3D printing is also considered distinct from traditional machining techniques, which mostly rely on the removal of material by methods such as cutting or drilling and are “subtractive” processes.

In one embodiment, the whole apparatus12and/or separate components thereof are manufactured with casting, melt molding, compression molding and/or transfer molding. However, the present invention is not limited to such manufacturing techniques and other techniques can be used to practice the invention.

Casting includes creating an object made by pouring molten metal or other material into a mold. Melt molding includes combining polymer and porogen particles to in a mold and heated above the polymer's glass transition temperature (e.g., for amorphous polymers, etc.) or melting temperature (e.g. for semi-crystalline polymers, etc.). Compression molding is a process of molding in which a feeding material is placed into an open, heated mold cavity. The mold is then closed with a top plug and compressed with large hydraulic presses in order to have the material contact all areas of the mold. The charge cures in the heated mold. Transfer molding is a manufacturing process in which casting material is forced into a mold.

In one embodiment, the components of the protective tool pouch apparatus12is manufactured in one solid color and/or plural different colors. For example, the first receptacle portion16comprising the first flexible material18of the first pre-determined size includes a safety color (e.g., red, orange, yellow, etc.) to allow a user to more easily visually determine where an opening in the protective tool pouch apparatus12is to insert and remove tools and/or building materials. The protective tool pouch apparatus12may also be manufactured in other ecstatically pleasing colors and/or colors to match existing and/or new product lines and/or trademarked and/or other colors used for product branding. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments with and/or without colors can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first flexible material18includes a colored portion with a color selected (e.g., red, yellow, orange, etc.) for allowing a user to more easily visually determine where an opening in the protective tool pouch apparatus12is located to insert and remove tools and/or building materials. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments with and/or without colors can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first receptacle portion16comprising the first flexible material18is a same material as the second receptacle portion20comprising the second flexible material22. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first receptacle portion16comprising the first flexible material18is dipped into a material and/or has its surfaces coated with a material that becomes rigid upon drying such as a liquid rubberized, plastic, metal material, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such and embodiment and the invention can be practiced with and/or without dipping the third receptacle portion24into any materials that become rigid upon drying.

In one embodiment, the first receptacle portion16comprising the first flexible material18is a same material as the second receptacle portion20comprising the second flexible material22and a same material as the third receptacle portion24comprising the first rigid material26. In such an embodiment, the third receptacle portion24dipped into a material and/or has its surfaces coated with a material that becomes rigid upon drying such as a rubberized, plastic, metal, material, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the third receptacle portion24comprising the first rigid material26is a same material as the second receptacle portion20that is dipped into a material and/or has its surfaces coated with a material that becomes rigid upon drying such as a rubberized, plastic, metal, material, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to such and embodiment and the invention can be practiced with and/or without dipping the third receptacle portion24into any materials that become rigid upon drying.

Various other combinations of a same and/or different types of materials and/or dipping and/or surface coating for the protective tool pouch apparatus12can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the first receptacle portion16comprises a fourth rigid material, the second receptacle portion20comprises the fourth rigid material, and the third receptacle portion24comprises the fourth rigid material72(FIG.7). However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In such an embodiment, the fourth rigid material72includes, but is not limited to a wood, metal, plastic, rubber and/or composite material. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and rigid materials can be used to practice the invention.

FIG.2is a block diagram38illustrating a see-through perspective view the protective tool pouch apparatus12.

FIG.2illustrates a tool40, a screwdriver placed against the first the first flexible material18held in a vertical orientation (e.g., with friction42and/or magnetics42′, etc.) and also in contact44with the first rigid material26.

In one embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12is manufactured in a pre-determined size and shape to be used as standalone component in tool belts52(FIG.3), aprons51, arm bands49, holsters, bags, pouches, user pockets, etc.

In another embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12is manufactured in a pre-determined size and shape to be insertable and/or removable into existing tool belts52, aprons51, arm bands49, holsters, bags, pouches, clothing pockets, backpack pockets, etc.

The insertable and/or removable embodiment allows the protective tool pouch apparatus12to be used in existing tool belts, aprons, holsters, bags, pouches, clothing pockets, backpack pockets, etc. that have already been purchased by a user that may have significant wear and/or include one or more holes in their bottom surfaces and therefore is used to the extend the usable life of such items.

The insertable and/or removable embodiment also allows the protective tool pouch apparatus12to be used in new tool belts, arm belts, apron pockets, vest pockets, holsters, bags, pouches, clothing pockets, backpack pockets, etc. that have been purchased new to prevent such significant wear and/or one or more holes in their bottom surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

FIG.3is a block diagram46illustrating a perspective view of the protective tool pouch apparatus12used as a removable component12′ and/or integral component12″ and/or as an insert12′″ insertable and/or removable48and/or an existing receptacle component47on an arm band49, and/or an existing pocket53in apron51and/or in an existing receptacle component50on a tool belt52. The protective tool pouch apparatus12accepts tools40,54building materials56, etc.

FIG.3illustrates the protective tool pouch apparatus12as a pouch receptacle for use on tool belts52. However, the present invention is not limited to the protective tool pouch apparatus12manufactured as pouch receptacle.

In other embodiments, the protective tool pouch apparatus12is manufactured in other specific sizes and shapes, including but not limited to, specific sizes and shapes for aprons51, arm bands49, holsters, bags, pouches, clothing pockets, backpack pockets, etc. In other embodiments, the protective tool pouch apparatus12is manufactured for other types of bags, backpacks, containers, etc.

In one embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12is manufactured as a single component. In another embodiment, the first, second and third receptacle components16,20,24are manufactured and/or created separately and the separate components are combined into the protective tool pouch apparatus12. There are various other combinations for manufacturing the first, second and third receptacle components16,20,24of the protective tool pouch apparatus12and the present invention is not limited to the combinations described herein.

In one embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12is specifically sized and shaped to receive a specific type of tool (e.g., screwdriver, wrench, pliers, etc.) and/or specific type of building material (e.g., screw, nail, rivet, bolt, etc.) However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention including manufacturing the protective tool pouch apparatus12in one or more generic and/or standard sizes and shapes.

In one embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12includes a receptacle component14includes a first receptacle portion16comprising a first rigid material18′ of a first pre-determined size, a second receptacle portion20comprising a second rigid material22′ of a second pre-determined size and a third receptacle portion24comprising a third rigid material26′ of a third pre-determined size. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12includes a receptacle component14includes a first receptacle portion16comprising a first rigid material18′ of a first pre-determined size, a second receptacle portion20comprising a second flexible material22′ of a second pre-determined size and a third receptacle portion24comprising a third rigid material26′ of a third pre-determined size. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the protective tool pouch apparatus12includes a receptacle component14includes a first receptacle portion16comprising a first flexible material18of a first pre-determined size, a second receptacle portion20comprising a second flexible material22of a second pre-determined size and a third receptacle portion24comprising a third rigid material26′ of a third pre-determined size. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

There are various other combinations of rigid and flexible materials that can be used for the three portions16,20,24of the protective tool pouch apparatus12to practice the invention.

FIG.4is a block diagram58illustrating a perspective view of the protective tool pouch apparatus including ridges30,30′.

FIG.4illustrates a tool40within a set ridges30,30′. The set of receptacle ridges30,30′ keep the tool40(e.g., screw driver, etc.) in a vertical orientation.

FIG.5is a block diagram60illustrating a perspective view of the protective tool pouch apparatus12with dividers34,34′,34″

InFIG.5, three dividers34,34′,34″ are illustrated. In one embodiment the one or more dividers34,34′,34″ are insertable and removable from the one or more receptacle grooves32,32. In another embodiment, the one or more dividers34,34′,34″ are directly insertable and removable from the protective tool pouch apparatus12. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

FIG.6is a block diagram62illustrating a perspective view of the protective tool pouch apparatus with one or more rigid receptacle components64,66.

InFIG.6the one or more rigid receptacle components64,66insertable and removable from the receptacle component for holding tools or building materials of a specific size and shape (e.g., screw driver40, pliers, wrench54, cutters, etc.).

In one embodiment, the one or more rigid receptacle components64,66include, but is not limited to a wood, metal, plastic, rubber and/or composite material. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and rigid materials can be used to practice the invention.

FIG.7is a block diagram68illustrating a top view of the protective tool pouch apparatus12.

InFIG.7, the protective tool pouch apparatus12includes one divider component34and a back surface with curved component70to allow the protected tool pouch apparatus12to engage an arm or a leg of a user when the protected tool pouch apparatus12is used in an existing receptacle component50on a tool belt52and/or in an existing receptacle component57on an arm band59, and/or in a pocket53in an apron51and/or other items. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment and other embodiments can be used to practice the invention.

In one embodiment, the whole protective tool pouch apparatus12including the first receptacle portion16, second receptacle portion20and third receptacle portion24each comprise a fourth rigid material72including the curved component70. The fourth rigid material72includes, but is not limited to a wood, metal, plastic, rubber and/or composite material. In one embodiment, the whole protective tool pouch apparatus12with the fourth rigid material72is 3D printed. However, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments and rigid materials and other manufacturing methods can be used to practice the invention.

A protective tool pouch apparatus is presented herein. The protective tool pouch apparatus includes a receptacle component for accepting and holding tools and/or building materials. The protective tool pouch apparatus includes keeping tools and/or building materials in a vertical orientation with friction and/or magnetics and/or grooves and/or ridges and/or removable dividers in a pre-determined size for preventing the tools and/or building materials from wearing a bottom surface and/or creating a hole in the bottom surface of the receptacle component. The protective tool pouch apparatus can be used as a standalone component and/or inserted into existing tool belts, arm belts, apron pockets, holsters, bags, pouches, clothing pockets, backpack pockets, etc.

It should be understood that the architecture, programs, processes, methods and systems described herein are not related or limited to any particular type of computer or network system (hardware or software), unless indicated otherwise. Various types specialized systems may be used with or perform operations in accordance with the teachings described herein.

While various elements of the preferred embodiments have been described as being implemented in software, in other embodiments hardware and/or firmware implementations may alternatively be used, and vice-versa.

Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the various detailed descriptions and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.