Abstract:
A number of tools and protective clothing/gear for tradesmen, such as plumbers, carpenters, roofers, HVAC workers, painters, mechanics, and the like are functionally and aesthetically benefitted by the addition of padding and/or support in key areas. Some of the disclosed tools and protective clothing may have applications in other fields such as hunting, climbing, machine repair, and the like. The added benefits include less wear, greater durability, and longer life.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application claims the filing benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/043,592 titled “Tools and Protective Clothing For Tradesmen” and filed on Aug. 29, 2014 (hereafter the &#39;592 Application). The &#39;592 Application is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present application relates to tools and protective clothing/gear for tradesmen, such as plumbers, carpenters, roofers, HVAC workers, painters, mechanics, and the like. Some of the disclosed tools and protective clothing may have applications in other areas such as hunting, climbing, machine repair, and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Tradesmen are constantly bending, squatting, twisting, turning, kneeling, crawling, etc., as a means to do whatever job they are working on. In some cases, the work environment may involve uneven, sloped, abrasive, and/or hard surfaces on which the tradesman will need to sit, lay or kneel. In addition to being uncomfortable, working in such conditions can take a toll on the clothing of a tradesman as well. 
         [0004]    With respect to tools, there is always a need to properly store and carry any number of tools on a job site. For example, paint brushes might need to be stored until they can be properly cleaned. Also, a tradesman might need to carry a number of tools while working, but cannot always spare a hand to hold extra tools. 
         [0005]    Finally, painters and other tradesmen working with five-gallon buckets filled with a liquid, may have problems handling the weight and bulk during pouring from the typical spout. Clean up of a non-removable spout can also cause problems. 
         [0006]    These and other problems are addressed by the presently disclosed devices to provide numerous advantages in work place operation and effectiveness for tradesmen and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND APPENDED DOCUMENTS 
         [0007]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and appendices embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 1-3  illustrate a rubberized and padded roofing pad; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  illustrates a rubberized and padded work sweater; 
           [0010]      FIGS. 5-10  illustrate rubberized and padded work bibs; 
           [0011]      FIGS. 11-13  illustrate a rubberized paint brush cover; 
           [0012]      FIGS. 14-16  illustrate rubberized and padded sportsmen pants; 
           [0013]      FIG. 17  illustrates a rubberized and waterproof tool pouch; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 18-20  illustrate rubberized and padded hip/seat and knee pad pants; and 
           [0015]      FIGS. 21-23  illustrate a spill-proof five-gallon bucket lid with removable spout. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    While these inventions are susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the appendices and accompanying drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of each invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the inventions and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the inventions to embodiments illustrated. 
         [0017]    The first invention is a rubberized and padded roofing pad, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . The Padded Roofing Pad is much thicker in the areas of the padding that matters most for comfort than all other pads, namely the seating (buttock) area. The Padded Roofing Pad is contoured at the seating area up the front of your slightly turned hip several inches up-ward, across the top is a contoured/cut out leather roped grip handle, and two contoured cutouts for roofing coil nails or bottled water; one on the left, and one on the right. The Padded Roofing Pad has contoured areas for the legs that break away from the seating area for a more natural roofing stance, whether you are left handed or right. The Padded Roofing Pad is padded like a sofa from home and encased with 60 mil rubber from middle area to bottom encasement. The Rubberized and Padded Roofing Pad upper area has an added layer of soft leather to add to comfort and protect the user from the rubber being heated by the sun. 
         [0018]    The second invention is a rubberized and padded work/tradesmen sweater, as shown in  FIG. 4 . The Tradesmen Sweater is preferably made of 50% Dacron DuPont Polyester and 50% Cotton. The Tradesmen Sweater is machine washable and tumble dry. The Tradesmen Sweater is padded at the elbows and the shoulders for added comfort and protection from injury and normal wear and tear on the body and clothing. The padding is covered with 45 mil. rubber to protect not only the padding, but to give added protection to the wearer from injury and or normal wear and tear abuse. The Rubberized Padded Work/Tradesmen Sweater is tightly cuffed at the wrist and the waist in order to keep the cold winds and damp weather out. The neckline is also able to be zippered up under the chin to keep out the undesirable weather conditions, as well as protect wearer during use in certain material handling motions. The Tradesmen Sweater may come in a variety of designs to suit specific needs such as:
       A) Detachable Hood   B) Oversized Front Stomach Pockets   C) Rollaway and Snap Hood   D) Front Chest Pockets   E) Inner Pockets
 
All Rubberized and Padded Work/Tradesmen Sweaters come with lower hip hand pockets that are zippered and Velcro closed.
       
 
         [0024]    The third invention is directed to rubberized and padded work and play bibs, as shown in  FIGS. 5-10 . The Work and Play Bibs are padded from the knee area, lower back area, shin area, and back pocket areas. The back pocket padding is permanently sewn in. The knee areas have a zippered and Velcro top so as to allow removal of the padding and replace with any alternate padding, preferably of the proper width and depth. The shin area padding is done the same way as the knee area, although the pad inserts are on the inside area of the calf. The lower back area has a zippered and Velcro top so as to allow pad replacement the same as the knee and shin areas. The Work and Play Bibs&#39; padding is all covered with 45 mil rubber not only protecting the padding, but adding many years of added protection and longevity to the Rubberized Padded Work and Play Bibs. The Work and Play Bibs all have zippered down legs with a snap bottom, adjustable hinge hook shoulder straps, and metal button fasteners at the waistline. The Rubberized Padded Work and Play Bibs can be constructed from Waterproof Gortex as well. 
         [0025]    The next invention is rubberized paint brush cover or “glove”, as shown in  FIGS. 11-13 . The Paint Brush Gloves are individually custom fit to hold paint brushes while not in use. The Paint Brush Gloves are uniquely designed for a better storage of paint brushes; far superior to any storage device currently being offered. The Paint Brush Glove last indefinitely because they are made from 45 mil rubber which allows storage of damp brushes after being thoroughly cleaned, as this helps brushes retain their original shape. The Paint Brush Glove is a four-fold storage system for a paint brush. With the cost of some of the finer brushes on the market today, painters do not want to have to purchase the same type of brush more than once. Not only does the Paint Glove last indefinitely and help the brush retain its original shape, but it keeps all dirt, dust, and oils out and away from the brush during storage. These contaminants can seep into other ordinary brush holder and damage or even ruin the brush. It has been found that the Rubberized Paint Brush Gloves not only perform superbly on all new forms of paint brushes, but they have been used successfully to bring back to life old damaged paint brushes that were dying in their original manufacturer storage cases. The Rubberized Paint Brush Gloves can be designed for every brush size and type on the market to date. 
         [0026]    The next invention is a rubberized and padded hunter/sportsmen pant, as shown in  FIGS. 14-16 . The Rubberized Hunter/Sportsmen Pants are designed for greater comfort and durability, as well as staying dry on hunters/sportsmen to go out on the hunt. Most hunters have enough to worry themselves, e.g., bow, arrows, guns, clothing, snow, climate, etc. What they do not need to weigh them down or bother with is a tree stand. Tree stands can be costly, not to mention dangerous setting up at times. The Rubberized Hunter/Sportsmen Pants are padded at the knees, shins, and buttocks (seating area), for added comfort and protection from the elements in the field as well as any wild animals that the hunter may encounter. The padded areas are covered with 45 mil rubber not only to protect the padding but to add extra protection to the wearer. The Rubberized Hunter Pants come with a 45 mil RUBBERIZED FIELD DRESS-OUT APRON that snaps to the front of the pants at the waist, and unrolls to keep blood and other matter off the pants while dressing out game. With a simple wipe, the Rubberized Field Dress-out Apron can be cleaned with snow or water, rolled back upward, then attached with three snap straps. The entire front leg area from the knee down to the ankle is covered in 45 mil rubber and the entire buttock area is covered in the same. This 45 mil rubber of the Hunter Pants not only protects the comfort padding and adds to the protection from the elements in the field and added protection from game animals; but it is also waterproof. A further unique feature to the rubberized buttock area (seating area) is that it creates a natural friction between the wearer and any strong rough tree limb typically used to sit on and wait for game animals. The Rubberized Hunter/Sportsmen Pants can be designed in a variety of types such as, but not limited to:
       Jeans   Gortex Wooded Camo   Gortex Desert Camo   Gortex Swamp Camo   Gortex Snow Camo   Gortex Rainforest Camo   Standard U.S. ARMY Greens       
 
         [0034]    The Hunter Pants wrap around and snap tight at the ankle so as to keep wind, brush, water, and debris out. The knee areas have a zippered and Velcro top so as to allow the user to remove the knee pads and replace with pads of their choosing, provided it is of the proper depth and width. The same goes for the shin areas of each leg area, although the pocket area is located on the inside calf area of each leg. The buttock (seating) area is preferably permanently padded. The Rubberized and Padded Hunter/Sportsmen Pants also have an expandable, stretchy waistline to adjust for extra clothing, gear or for other purposes. 
         [0035]    The Tool Pouch is preferably made from very durable 60 mil rubber and triple stitched all around at every seam. The belt is nylon/polyester/cotton mix with a heavy duty plastic fastening clasp, and machine washable. The Tool Pouch has grommets in the bottom of the pouches to allow for the release of any fluid that might find its way into the pouch in any way, or any other unwanted debris. One thing that makes the Tool Pouch stand out is that it is made with 60 mil rubber and is 100% water proof. Nearly every tradesman has been caught unexpectedly in a rain storm on the job site and they have to button things down for the night. All those tradesmen know what an uncomfortable feeling it is to start the next morning out with a soaking wet leather tool pouch; not to mention the fact that half the stuff in it got wet and ruined or needs time to dry out in the sun. With this Tool Pouch, the user simply dumps out the contents of the pouch, wipes the pouch dry, refills pouch with dry contents and begins the day. The Tool Pouches can be designed in most conceivable models and sizes for tradesman, including, but not limited to the following different trade uses:
       Roofer&#39;s Shingling Pouch   Roofer&#39;s BUR Systems Pouch   Roofer&#39;s Shake Systems Pouch   Carpenter&#39;s Rough Pouch   Carpenter&#39;s Roof Pouch   Carpenter&#39;s Finish Pouch   Carpenter&#39;s Cabinetry Pouch   Carpenter&#39;s Trim Pouch   Drywaller&#39;s Pouch   Plumber&#39;s Pouch   Electrician&#39;s Pouch   Heating and Airmen&#39;s Pouch   Stone man or mason&#39;s Pouch   Insulator&#39;s Pouch   Painter&#39;s Pouch   Siders Pouch       
 
         [0052]    The seventh invention is a rubberized padded hip/seat and knee pad pant, as shown in  FIGS. 18-20 . The Hip/Seat and Knee Pad Pants are unique and unlike any other pair of jeans, hip pad, or knee pad anywhere on the market to date, and you will not find anything like them again. The Hip/Seat and Knee Pad Pants are padded at the knee area, down the shin area, and then have 45 mil. rubber encasing the padding as well as covering and wrapping around the outside of the leg area, all around to the backside, up the backside of the leg, wrapping up into the seat (buttock area), as well as both back pocket areas. The back pocket padding is permanently sewn in. The 45 mil rubber not only protects the padding but protects the Hip/Seat and Knee Pad Pants as well in the generalized areas that take the most abuse in the field. The knee areas have a zippered and Velcro top so as to allow removal of the padding to be replaced with alternate padding, providing it is the correct width and depth. The shin area padding is done the same way as the knee area, although the pad inserts are on the inside area of the calf. The Rubberized Hip/Seat and Knee Pad Pants also have an expandable stretchy waistline. 
         [0053]    The final invention is a washable, spill-proof, five gallon bucket lid, as shown in  FIGS. 21-23 . The Washable Spill Proof Five-Gallon Paint Lid is unique in that it allows the user many features that other pouring lids on the market do not offer. The Washable Spill Proof Five-Gallon Paint Lid is a very durable plastic lid which uses several plastic washers, nuts, elbows, and a main cap that are all re-movable and washable. The Washable Spill Proof Five-Gallon Paint Lid can be used over any five gallon paint pail and will help prevent spilling paint all over floor areas while trying to transfer smaller amounts of paint from a five-gallon bucket to smaller, more manageable hand held paint containers. The Washable Spill Proof Five-Gallon Paint Lid can be used over and over again with proper care and proper cleaning and maintenance. Simply buy a five gallon pail of paint from the store, remove the factory lid, rinse and set aside for later storage or disposal of container, affix the Washable Spill Proof Five-Gallon Paint Lid to new paint container, remove cap and pour desired amount into chosen handheld container or spraying machine and replace cap to cut off flow of air so paint does not dry up. When a new paint container is empty or no longer in use simply remove the Washable Spill Proof Five-Gallon Paint Lid, affix original lid to the new paint pail and dispose of properly. Un-screw the few parts of the Spill Proof Paint Lid, rinse thoroughly, reaffix parts, and set aside for next time. 
         [0054]    The present application describes eight different inventions, each having multiple embodiments, some of which can be characterized by the outline below: 
         [0055]    A roofing pad comprising:
       a body comprised of a heavy duty foam material and having a flat bottom surface and a contoured top surface, the body being shaped with front and rear sections wider than and extending from a narrower mid-section, the rear and mid-sections being slightly thicker than the front section;   a first handle integral to the front section of the body;   a second handle integral to the rear section of the body; and   at least one cutout in the body configured for holding roofing coil, nails or bottled water; wherein the top surface comprises a layer of soft leather.       
 
         [0060]    A protective sweater comprising:
       a body portion open at a bottom end for fitting about a torso of a user and open at a top end for fitting about a neck of the user;   two arm portions attached to and each extending from the body portion and open at a distal end;   two shoulder pads comprised of 45 mil rubber attached to shoulder regions of the body portion proximate attachment points of the two arms; and   two elbow pads comprised of 45 mil rubber attached to the two arm portions.       
 
         [0065]    A protective workmen bib comprising:
       a pair of bib overalls having first and second leg portions and front and rear bib areas extending to cover at least a substantial portion of a user&#39;s front and back torso;   at least one back pocket covered with a 45 mil rubber;   two knee pads comprised of 45 mil rubber attached via zippers to the first and second leg portions to create pockets, wherein the pads extend from mid-thigh to lower shin area; and   two pads insertable within the pockets.       
 
         [0070]    A paintbrush cover comprising:
       a planar body comprised of 45 mil rubber and having a plurality of extended panels including:
           first and second side panels, each having a flange along a bottom edge;   an upper panel; and   a lower panel having an opening therein for insertion of a paintbrush handle;   
           wherein the flange of each side panel inserts into the opening of the lower panel when the panels enclose a paintbrush.       
 
         [0076]    Protective pants comprising:
       two knee pads comprised of 45 mil rubber attached via zippers to the first and second leg portions to create pockets, wherein the pads extend from mid-thigh to lower shin area; and   two pads insertable within the pockets;   padding comprised of 45 mil rubber attached to a substantial portion of a rear of the pants to provide weather and wear resistance.       
 
         [0080]    A tool pouch comprising:
       a continuous sidewall comprised of 60 mil rubber material;   a bottom panel comprised of 60 mil rubber material triple stitched to a bottom edge of the sidewall to form a cavity open at a top end, the bottom panel having at least one aperture therein for drainage; and   a carrying strap detachably connected to the sidewall at two points.       
 
         [0084]    Protective pants comprising:
       two shin pads comprised of 45 mil rubber attached to the first and second leg portions, wherein the pads extend from below a knee to the ankle of the leg portions; and   rear padding comprised of 45 mil rubber attached to a substantial portion of a rear of the pants to provide weather and wear resistance;   wherein at least one of the shin pads wraps around and connects to the rear padding.       
 
         [0088]    A 5-gallon bucket lid comprising:
       a top panel sized to cover the opening of a 5-gallon bucket;   a rim attached to a periphery of the top panel configured to engage and secure to a top edge of a 5-gallon bucket;   a spout extending from the top panel, the spout having a valve for controlling flow of liquid from the 5-gallon bucket; and   a cap for closing an open end of the spout.       
 
         [0093]    The matters set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings are offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.