Abstract:
An apparatus for tethering tool(s) to a worker, object, support or the like, allows single or multiple tools to remain in close proximity to the worker for easy access and use. The tool(s) remain secured, so as not to fall out of the worker&#39;s range or fall to a point where the tools become lost.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to and claims priority from commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/986,090, entitled: Tool Retaining Apparatus, filed Nov. 7, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosed subject matter is directed to mechanisms that allow tools and other instruments to be held safely and securely and in proximity to the operator. 
     BACKGROUND 
     When a worker is working on a job, they typically use multiple tools and switch between these multiple tools contemporaneously. This involves placing the tool they have finished using down in close proximity to where they are working, picking up another proximately placed tool, and repeating this process with the same or another tool. This may not be possible if the worker is elevated, such as on a ladder, stool, or the like, or there is not a surface proximate the work area where the tool or tools can be placed. 
     Additionally, should the worker be working over water or at great heights, the tools can be knocked off of a surface on which they rest and become lost, or if at great heights, create a safety hazard from a falling tool. This results in substantial time being spent in recovering tools as well as switching tools, leading to additional costs associated with a job. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosed subject matter overcomes the problems of working with multiple tools that must be used contemporaneous with each other at short intervals or a single tool used at close intervals. The tool or tools remain in close proximity to the worker for easy access and use and remain secured, so as not to fall out of the worker&#39;s range or fall to a point where the tools become lost (and must be replaced). 
     The disclosed subject matter includes an apparatus for tethering tool(s) to a worker, object, support or the like, allowing for single or multiple tools to remain in close proximity to the worker for easy access and use. The apparatus keeps the tool(s) secured, so as not to fall out of the worker&#39;s range or fall to a point where the tools become lost. 
     The disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus for holding a tool. The apparatus includes a main body with a flexible portion and oppositely disposed first and second ends. There is a first holder at the first end of the main body and a second holder at the second end of the main body. Each of the first and second holders includes a strap that is foldable over itself to retain at least one object, such as a human wrist, tool or the like, and is self engaging to define a ring for attaching to a structure. 
     Another embodiment is directed to an apparatus for holding a tool, that includes a flexible member, for example, a flexible cord, including oppositely disposed first and second ends, a first holder coupled to the first end of the flexible member and a second holder coupled to the second end of the flexible member. The first holder includes a strap that is self-engaging to attach to or retain at least one object, and the second holder includes at least one structure for attaching to at least one object. The second holder may be, for example, a strap, that is self-engaging, to attach to or retain at least one object, or a ring-like or ring element. Both straps may, for example, include ring members, allowing the straps to be foldable over themselves, and may have sections of cooperating material that when brought together engage each other (for example, hook material and loop material). 
     Another embodiment is directed to a method for securing a tool within an area proximate to a worker. The method initially includes providing an apparatus for holding a tool, including a flexible member including oppositely disposed first and second ends, a first holder at the first end of the flexible member and a second holder at the second end of the flexible member. The first holder includes a strap that is self-engaging to attach to or retain at least one object, and the second holder includes at least one structure for attaching to at least one object. The second holder is attached to at least one tool, for example, a drill, screwdriver or the like, and the first holder is attached to another object, for example, the arm (at the wrist) of a worker or user, or the clothing of the worker. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Attention is now directed to the drawing figures, where like or corresponding numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the disclosed subject matter; and, 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are diagrams of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  in exemplary operations. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows the apparatus  20  without tools. The apparatus  20  includes a main body  22  intermediate to attachment portions or holders  24   a ,  24   b , for example, attached at opposite ends  22   a ,  22   b  of the main body  22 . The attachment portions  24   a ,  24   b  may be of configurations to support attachment to a user, or other stable structure, or for attaching to and holding tools. 
     The main body  22  is, for example, a flexible member. For example, it is a flexible wire or wires, cord, or the like, plastic or rubber coated, similar to that of a conventional telephone cord. The main body is configured, so as to allow for expansion, giving the worker a wide span for access to the tool or tools held in the opposite attachment portion. 
     Each attachment portion  24   a ,  24   b  attaches to the main body  22 , for example, with a range of motion. The attachment is, for example, with a clip  30 , for example, joined to the main body  22  at loops  26   a ,  26   b . The loops  26   a ,  26   b  are at the ends  22   a ,  22   b  of the main body  22 . 
     Each clip  30  attaches to a clip receiving structure  31 , on each of the attachment portions  24   a ,  24   b . The clip receiving structure  31  is formed of an outer ring  32 , for example, including a V-shaped end  33  and a straight end  34 , with an inner cross member  35 , extending between the sides  36  of the ring  32 . 
     A belt or strap  40 , for example, a strip of a nylon material, is attached to the clip receiving structure  31 . For example, this attachment is by a portion  41  of the belt  40  being folded over the remainder of the belt  40  around the straight end  34  (and before the cross-member  35 ). The folded over portion  41  is affixed to the remainder of the belt  40  by fasteners, such as stitches, adhesives and the like. This attachment is at a first end  40   a  of the belt  40 . 
     There is an area  42  formed by the folded over portion  41  that is not affixed to the remainder of the belt  40 . An adjustment ring  44  is slideable in this area  42 , as a portion of the belt  40  extends through this ring  44 . 
     The belt  40  extends from the clip receiving structure  31 , at a first end  40   a  to an opposite second end  40   b  and includes opposite sides  40   x  and  40   y . A first side  40   x  includes a strip of loop material  50  or other fastening material. The strip of loop material  50  extends from the end  40   a  of the belt inward, and may be fastened to the belt  40  by fasteners such as such as stitches, adhesives and the like. 
     The first side  40   x  also includes a strip of hook material  51  or other fastening material. The strip of hook material  51  is at the end  40   b  of the belt  40  and may extend beyond the belt  40 . The strip of hook material  51  may be fastened to the belt  40  by fasteners such as such as stitches, adhesives and the like. 
     The loop material and the hook material are designed to engage each other when brought into contact and hold in place, until manually disengaged. For example, one type of corresponding hook material and loop material that may be used is VELCRO®. Alternately, the positions on the belt  40  of the strip of loop material  50  and strip of hook material  51  may be reversed. 
     The opposite side  40   y  of the belt  40  proximate the end  40   a  may include a portion of soft material  54 , for example, rubber, sponge, or the like. The portion of soft material  54  prevents the belt material from rubbing against the skin of the user. The portion of soft material  54  may be fastened to the belt  40  by fasteners such as stitches, adhesives and the like. The belt  40  may also be pre-creased, for example, as shown by the broken lines  55 , allowing its strips of loop  50  and hook  51  material to be mated for storage. 
     One or both ends of the apparatus  20  may include sub holders  56 , for example, ring-like elements, for additional attachment to tools or other structures. These sub holders  56  may, for example, attach at the respective loops  26   a ,  26   b , and they may be hold a string or wire by being spring biased. 
       FIG. 2  shows the apparatus in an exemplary operation. One attachment portion  24   a , is attached to the arm, for example, at the wrist  80  of a worker  82 . The other attachment portion  24   b  is holding tools, for example, a drill  90 . While a single tool is shown held, multiple tools may be held by the attachment portion  24   b  in the same manner. The tool, e.g., the drill  90 , rests on a platform tethered to the worker  82 , allowing the worker  82  easy, convenient and rapid access to the tool. 
     The attachment portion  24   a  attaches to the wrist  80  as the portion of soft material  54  is placed facing the wrist  80 . The belt  40  is placed through the adjustment ring  44 , wrapped around the wrist  80 , and once secure around the wrist  80 , the end  40   b  is folded over at the ring  44 . The end  40   b  of the belt  40  is moved into contact with the belt  40 , such that the strip of loop material  50  engages the strip of hook material  51 , forming a closed loop around the wrist  80 . 
     The attachment portion  24   b , as shown attaches to a tool, e.g., the drill  90 , by being frictionally engaged in a closed loop, similar to that detailed above for the attachment portion  24   a . Alternately, the tool, e.g., the drill  90  could be engaged between the folded over ends  40   a ,  40   b  of the belt  40 , as portions of the strip of loop material  50  would engage portions of the strip of hook material  51 . 
       FIG. 3  shows another operation, where a worker  82  is elevated. The tool, e.g., the drill  90 , engaged in the attachment portion  24   b , has fallen from the worker&#39;s hand, and off of the platform on which the worker  82  is working. However, the worker  82  remains in control of the tool, e.g., the drill  90 , by virtue of its being held by the apparatus  20 . The tool, e.g., the drill  90 , has not fallen out of the work area or become lost, as it remains tethered to the worker  82 . 
     While preferred embodiments of the present disclosed subject matter have been described, so as to enable one of skill in the art to practice the present disclosed subject matter, the preceding description is intended to be exemplary only. It should not be used to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter, which should be determined by reference to the following claims.