Tool retention device

A tool retention device is described. In implementations, a tool retention device may involve interchangeable panels that are used to retain tools. For example, an interchangeable panel has opposing first and second sides, where the first side includes tool retainers for retaining the tools. Additionally, a flexible bag component has an interior side that may removably secure the interchangeable panel. The flexible bag component also has an exterior side that may be removably secured to a user-wearable rig.

BACKGROUND

A variety of different tools may be employed by a user to perform a variety of different manual jobs, e.g., jobs performed by hand. For example, electricians, plumbers, construction workers and so on may utilize a variety of different tools to perform a variety of different tasks. Accordingly, these users may be confronted with carrying and organizing a multitude of different tools. However, traditional techniques that were used to carry the tools were inefficient, thereby resulting in a large amount of lost time by the user in fetching and tracking the various tools to perform the job.

SUMMARY

A tool retention device is described. In implementations, a tool retention device may involve interchangeable panels that are used to retain tools. For example, an interchangeable panel may have opposing first and second sides, where the first side includes tool retainers for retaining the tools. Additionally, a flexible bag component has an interior side that may removably secure the interchangeable panel. The flexible bag component also has an exterior side that may be removably secured to a user-wearable rig.

In implementations, a panel includes a plurality of sleeves in which tools may be retained. The sleeves may have opposing sides, at least one of which is configured to receive a tool via an opening. Additionally, a flexible member may be pivotally connected to the panel for pivotal movement. The flexible member may be configured for first and second configurations. The first configuration includes a secured position that is rolled to provide access to the sleeves, whereas the second configuration includes an unrolled position that is secured to restrict access to the tools via the opening of the sleeves. The flexible member is also pivotally connected to an extending member that is configured to extend a length of the flexible member.

In implementations, a tool retention device includes a flexible bag component that includes interior and exterior sides, and is mountable to a user wearable rig via one or more of the exterior sides. In addition, a panel is included that has opposing first and second sides. The first side may have a plurality of sleeves that are configured to retain one or more tools. Each of the sleeves may have an opening to receive the one or more tools. The second side may be configured to removably couple to an interior side of the flexible bag component. Additionally, the flexible bag component includes first and second configurations. The first configuration may include an open position that allows access to the one or more tools whereas the second configuration may include a closed position to restrict removal of the one or more tools.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

Traditional techniques that were used to retain a wide variety of tools for different manual jobs are inefficient. For example, a large amount of lost time may result by the user fetching and tracking the various tools used to perform a job.

A tool retention device is described. In implementations, a panel with opposing sides includes a plurality of tool retainers on one side, whereas the other side is configured to removably couple to an interior side of a flexible bag component. The tool retainers may comprise sleeves with an end open to receive one or more tools. In addition, the flexible bag component is mountable to a user-wearable rig via an exterior side of the bag component and is configured to secure the panel to an interior side of the bag component. Further, the panel may be interchangeable with other panels with different configurations of tool retainers. By retaining and securing tools in this fashion, a user may spend less time fetching and tracking tools.

In the following discussion, an example environment is described that includes implementations of a tool retention device for retaining tools described herein. Example illustrations of the tool retention device are described, which may be employed in the example environment as well as in other environments. Accordingly, the example environment is not limited to performing the example techniques. Likewise, the example techniques are not limited to the implementations in the example environment.

Example Environment

FIG. 1is an illustration of an environment100in an example implementation that includes a tool retention device for retaining tools. The illustrated environment100includes one or more panels102,104and a bag component106. The panels102,104may be removably affixed to one or more interior sides of the bag component106. Additionally, the panels102,104may be interchangeable with one another and/or other panels.

One or more of the panels102,104may have opposing sides. For example, panel102is illustrated as having opposing first and second sides102and108, respectively. The first side102may include a plurality of tool retainers configured to retain a variety of different tools. For example, the tool retainers may include loops, hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO), elastic, sleeves, pockets, and so on. The plurality of tool retainers may also include any combination of different types of tool retainers. Some examples of tools that may be retained by the tool retainers may include, but are not limited to, electric hand tools (e.g., cordless screwdrivers, flashlights, multimeters, voltage meter), non-power hand tools (e.g., wrenches, screwdriver, pliers, knives, tape measures), electrical tools (e.g., splice connecters, tape), and so on. Other examples may include tools for plumbing or construction.

In addition, different panels may include different configurations of tool retainers for retaining various types of tools. For example, each interchangeable panel may be configured to include tools for a specific job. Indeed, a variety of different configurations of tool retainers are contemplated to provide a user with a variety of options for retaining different tools. For example, panel102illustrates an arrangement including tool retainers in the form of pockets with an opening at one end to receive one or more tools. The example arrangement includes two tool retainers disposed proximate to one another and each having a side proximate to an outer edge of the panel102. The arrangement also includes additional tool retainers each having two opposing sides proximate to the outer edges of the panel102, and one of the additional tool retainers overlapping the other. In addition, the arrangement includes three small tool retainers that are smaller in size than the other tool retainers included on the panel102and which are disposed proximate to one another. The small tool retainers, in this example, are disposed in a configuration that is parallel to the other tool retainers included on the panel102.

A different configuration of tool retainers is illustrated by example panel104, which includes two tool retainers disposed proximate to one another and each having a side proximate to an outer edge of the panel104. The panel104also includes two sets of four tool retainers, each tool retainer in each respective set disposed proximate and parallel to one another. The tool retainers described in these examples may also differ in size (e.g., length or width). These configurations illustrated by the panels102and104are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting configurations of tool retainers. Other configurations of tool retainers are also contemplated. For example, another example configuration may include eight assorted pockets and five small tool or bit pockets. Yet another example configuration may include four assorted pockets, two toll pockets, two pockets for bulky items, and three

The second side108of the panel102may be configured to be removably coupled to an interior side of the bag component106. Any suitable method of coupling may be used. For example, fasteners used may include hook and loop (e.g., VELCRO), loops, elastic, clips, snaps, and so on. The panel102may then be removed from the bag component106and replaced with a different panel, such as panel104, configured to retain different tools.

In addition, an edge of the panel102that is proximate to the open ends of the tool retainers may include a component, such as a loop, hook, clip, and so on, that is configured to support the panel102in a hanging position. For example, a user may wish to remove the panel102from the bag component106and hang the panel102on a hook for storage purposes while coupling a different panel to the bag component106. This may enable the user to quickly and conveniently prepare to carry a different set of tools without having to remove and replace tools from the tool retainers one at a time.

In addition, the panels102,104may be formed from a variety of different substances, such as a puncture resistant nylon with a rubber lining to help retain tools within the tool retainers and provide protection from the elements and foreign objects, e.g., dust. Additionally, the substance may be lightweight to reduce the load when being carried by the user. The substance may also be flexible, rigid, or a combination thereof.

The bag component106may be configured to house one or more of the panels102,104in a secured position. The environment100illustrates the bag component106in an open configuration in which the panels102and104may be coupled to the interior sides of the bag component106. This allows access to tools stored in the tool retainers on the panels102,104. The bag component106may also include two or more members pivotally connected along corresponding confronting ends to allow the bag component106to open and close in a pivotal movement.

Having considered the open configuration of the bag component inFIG. 1, consider now a closed configuration of the bag component as shown inFIG. 2, which is illustrated in an example environment200of a tool retention device. In this example environment200, the closed configuration may be secured by fastening together lateral side edges of the bag component106. Any suitable fastener may be used including, but not limited to, a zipper, clip, snap, hook and loop, hook, and so on. Securing the bag component106in a closed configuration may limit access to tools stored in the tool retainers on the panels and also may reduce and even prevent loss of tools from the tool retainers.

Additionally, the bag component106may be mountable to an apparatus wearable by a user. By way of example and not limitation, the apparatus may include a Modular Lightweight Load-bearing Equipment (MOLLE) rig, or any other suitable rig wearable by a user. The rig may be configured as a chest rig, shoulder rig, thigh rig, tool belt, backpack, and so on. In this way, the user may be provided with a variety of different options to affix and carry the panels.

For example, the different options may include various locations relative to the user's body, such as the user's thigh level, hip level, waist level, rib level, chest level, back, and so on. Accordingly, the user may affix and carry multiple panels in a variety of mountable positions that are customizable for and by the user. The bag component106may be mountable to the rig via one or more of the exterior sides of the bag component106to enable the user to access the tools without disconnecting the bag component from the rig. For example, the environment200illustrates one or more straps302configured to loop around a component of the rig and fasten each end of the straps together. For example, the one or more straps302may loop around a belt or other horizontal component of the rig. Additionally, the environment200illustrates a strap304that may be formed as a sleeve and open at both opposing ends to allow a rig component to slide through the sleeve. Other mountable configurations are also contemplated.

In implementations, the bag component106may include a handle306configured to allow a user to carry the bag component106by hand. The handle306may also be used to mount the bag component106to the user wearable rig. Additionally, a strap with a clip or other fastener may be disposed proximate to the handle to allow a user to hang the bag component106from a different object such as, for example, a ladder rung, a bar, a rail, a post, and so on. In addition, at least one exterior side of the bag component106may include MOLLE-type attachment loops. These attachment loops may be used to attach smaller bags and/or accessories.

To enable the user to affix and carry the tool retention device, a range of sizes is contemplated so as to not overburden the user. The bag component may be formed within a range of 5″×5″ to 9″×12.5″. One example size for the bag component may include 7.5″×8.5″×3.5″. Another example bag component size may include 8″×11.5″×3.5″. The panels may be suitably sized so as to fit inside the bag component and may include a range of sizes from 4″×4″ to 8.5″×12″. For example, a 7″×8″ panel may suitably secure to the interior side of a 7.5″×8.5″×3.5″ bag component. Another example sized panel may include a 7.5″×11″ panel to secure to the interior side of a 8″×11.5″×3.5″ bag component.

Having considered the bag component106which is configured to house the one or more panels102and104, consider nowFIG. 3, which illustrates an additional configuration of the tool retention device.FIG. 3is an illustration of an environment300in an example implementation of a tool retention device. The illustrated environment300includes a panel302with one side comprising one or more tool retainers. Different panels may include different arrangements of tool retainers as well as different sizes of tool retainers. The illustrated environment300also includes a member304that is pivotally connected to the panel302for pivotal movement of the member304. For example, the member304may include a flap or cover configured to cover the tools in the tool retainers.

In implementations, the member304may be flexible so as to be rolled up and secured in a rolled position306, or unrolled and secured in an unrolled position308. The rolled position306may be configured to enable access to the tool retainers and tools retained therein. On the other hand, the unrolled position308may be configured to restrict access to and restrict removal of the tools in the tool retainers. The member304may be disposed proximally to the opening of the tool retainers so that in the unrolled position308the tools are restricted from removal from the tool retainers. However, the member304may be pivotally connected to a variety of suitable locations on the panel302. For example, the member may be pivotally connected to the panel in a manner parallel to one or more of the tool retainers, or alternatively, proximal to a side of the panel that opposes the opening of the tool retainers.

The member304may include one or more fasteners to secure the member304in either the rolled position306or the unrolled position308. For example, the member304may comprise a flap that can reverse over and attach to itself to allow access to the tools in the tool retainers without the user having to hold the flap open. In addition, the flap may reverse over and attach to itself to hang from an object such as a ladder, scaffolding, railing, and so on as previously described. By way of example and not limitation, the one or more fasteners may include VELCRO, snaps, hooks, clips, loops, and so on.

In the unrolled position308, the member304may be secured to the panel302along an edge of the panel302that is opposite to the pivotal connection of the member304to the panel302. In this example, VELCRO is illustrated along the bottom edge of the panel302and along the outer edge of the member304. The unrolled position308can thereby be secured by connecting the outer edge of the member304to the bottom edge of the panel302.

The member304may also be connected to an extending member310which is configured to extend a length of the member304. This may be beneficial when bulky tools are stored in the tool retainers, which may limit a portion of the outer edge of the member304from reaching the bottom edge of the panel302that is sufficient to secure member304. The extending member310may include a fastener configured to fasten to the bottom edge of the panel302to secure the member304in the unrolled position and restrict removal of the bulky tools. In addition, the extending member310may be configured to affix to the member304when the outer edge of the member304is sufficient to secure the member304in the unrolled position.

The panel302may also be mountable to the apparatus worn by the user. For example, a side312of the panel that opposes the side with the tool retainers may include one or more straps configured to loop around a belt or a MOLLE-type attachment loop on a user-wearable apparatus. These straps may be configured to attach each end of the straps together to allow for a secured mount. In implementations, the panel may include a strap formed as a sleeve open at both opposing ends to allow an object to slide through and support the panel in a hanging position.

A panel's size may determine the size and/or weight of the tools being carried by the user. Thus, a variety of panel sizes is contemplated which may be tailored to a user's carrying capacity and/or the types of tools to be carried. An example range of suitable sizes of the panel302includes a range from 5″×5″ to 9″×12.5″. For example, the panel302may include a small size 6″×6.5″, a medium size 7.5″×8.5″, or a large size 8″×11.5″. These sizes are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Also, the extending member310may be formed in a variety of different lengths within an example range of 1″ to 4″. One example includes an extending member310that provides a 2″ extension to the member304to allow for bulky or long tools to be retained in the tool retainers.

Conclusion