Abstract:
A universal tool attachment is provided for quick and easy attachment and detachment for almost any work tool. The apparatus includes a support member for supporting a work tool securely on separate pieces or surfaces when the tool is not in use. The universal tool support apparatus is adapted for supporting a work tool on various separate support pieces. A belt member has a securing element for releasably securing the belt member to the tool. An attachment member has a first element connected to the belt and a second element adapted to be supported by the separate support piece.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a universal tool support apparatus and, more particularly, to a universal tool support apparatus for releasably connecting to a tool to enable the tool to be supported by various support pieces.  
           [0003]    2. State of the Art  
           [0004]    A common problem for workmen, such as construction workers, is to temporarily secure a work tool while the worker carries out some other task. Frequently, a worker is not in a place where the tool can simply be placed on the ground or any level place without the possibility of it falling or sliding, risking damage to the tool and injury to others. The worker typically needs some means to secure a tool so that it will not move or fall, and will be ready for further use as the work progresses.  
           [0005]    Work belts or utility straps are commonly used to hold tools thereon, such as the utility belt shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,438, issued to Price. Other tool holders are designed to fit on ordinary belts. An example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,338 granted to Tamura. However, attaching one or more tools to a worker&#39;s belt of any kind might encumber the other tasks at hand by making the worker less able to maneuver. Moreover, large tools, such as a large drill or a small saw, may simply be too large to affix to a work belt.  
           [0006]    In addition, a tool might not have any means for easily attaching the tool to a work belt. Brackets and flanges exist for bolting onto various tools to form a permanent attachment. The process of attaching such devices is a rather expensive and cumbersome, and does not satisfy the need for a universal mechanism which can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from many different work tools.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, what is needed is an attachment apparatus for attaching to a work tool to enable the tool to be supported or hung from a variety of support pieces and surfaces, including a work belt, a pouch or pocket, a ladder rung or any other such surface. In addition, an attachment apparatus is needed for easily and quickly attaching to and detaching from a large variety of tools, so that the same attachment apparatus can be used on more than one tool as a workman progresses through a series of tasks.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0008]    The present invention provides a universal tool attachment apparatus that may be easily and quickly attached to and detached from almost any work tool. The apparatus of the present invention includes a support member for supporting a work tool securely on separate pieces or surfaces when the tool is not in use.  
           [0009]    The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a universal tool support apparatus adapted for supporting a work tool on various separate support pieces. A belt member has a securing element for releasably securing the belt member to the tool. An attachment member has a first element connected to the belt and a second element adapted to be supported by the separate support piece.  
           [0010]    In another embodiment, a tool attachment apparatus is provided for adapting a tool to be supported by an external member. A strap is adapted for connecting to the tool. A securing element is disposed on the strap for releasably securing the strap to the tool. A flange member is connected to the strap, and a support member is connected to the flange for making contact with the external member to support the tool thereon. The support member may be a hook or clamp, depending on the type of surface to be contacted for support.  
           [0011]    Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a connector apparatus adapted to connect a belt to a work piece. A buckle member has a securing element for releasably securing the belt to the buckle member. An attachment member has a first element connected to the buckle member and a second element connected to the first element, the second element being adapted to function as the work piece.  
           [0012]    One advantage of the present invention is that the attachment apparatus may be easily and readily attached to and detached from a portion, such as the handle, of almost any work tool. Thus, each tool being used does not require a separate attachment piece. Moreover, the attachment apparatus of the present invention enables a work tool to be supported on a variety of support pieces or surfaces, such as a worker&#39;s belt or pocket, a ladder rung, a shelf or any of a number of other surfaces, depending on the location and needs of the worker. In summary, the attachment apparatus of the present invention is versatile, inexpensive and flexible in its uses. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    The above-mentioned features and advantages of this invention, and others related thereto, as well as the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the attachment apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 3 is a plan exploded view of the attachment apparatus in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 is a plan view of the attachment apparatus in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the attachment apparatus in FIGS. 1 and 2;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the attachment apparatus of the present invention connected to a work tool according to the present invention;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 7 is a pictorial view showing an example of one way in which the attachment apparatus of the present invention may support a work tool according to the present invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 8 is a perspective exploded view of the attachment apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the flange member of the attachment apparatus shown in FIG. 8;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the attachment apparatus in FIG. 8, showing one embodiment of a securing member for securing the attachment apparatus to a work tool;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the attachment apparatus in FIG. 8, showing another embodiment of a securing member for securing the attachment apparatus to a work tool; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the attachment apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0025]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]    Referring now to the drawings, and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2, one embodiment of the present invention is shown. An attachment apparatus  10  includes a belt  12 , a connector member  14  and a hook member  16 . Connector member  14  includes a buckle member  18  disposed on a flat support member  20  running transverse across the connector member  14 .  
         [0027]    As better seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, connector member  14  also includes a flange piece  22  connected at a right angle to the flat support member  20 . As shown, flange piece  22  may be integral with flat support member  20 . A hole  24  is disposed in the flange piece  22  through which a threaded end  26  of hook member  16  extends. A nut  27  and O-ring  28  are positioned on the proximal side of flange piece  22 , and a lock nut  29  and washer  30  are disposed on the threaded end  26  of hook member  16  on the distal side of the flange piece  22 . This arrangement enables hook member  16  to swivel relative to flange piece  22 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, hook member  16  is bent so that one end  32  of the hook forms a J-shaped hook portion  33  having a tapered end  34  thereon. Alternately, end  34  might have a beaded end or form a rectangular or other shape.  
         [0028]    Belt member  12  may be made of a nylon or nylon tube netting with a loop strap at each end and being heat seared at each end. Alternately, belt member  12  may be composed of plastic, rubber, polyurethane or other flexible material. Connector member  14  and hook member  16  may be made of aluminum or some alloy thereof. Alternately, connector member  14  and hook member  16  may be composed of plastic. Likewise, bead  34  may be made of plastic or metal.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 . Buckle member  18  includes a securing post  38  disposed transverse to the flat support member  20 . A loop  40  at the end of belt member  12  is wrapped around the securing post  38  and secured to the belt member  12  permanently by heating or stitching or temporarily by clinging fabric, such as Velcro. Buckle member  18  includes a clip member  42  pivotal about a hinge pin  43 .  
         [0030]    A clamp portion  44  is formed on the underside of clip member  42  in close proximity with a separate clamp-mating piece  45  on buckle piece  18 . When clip member  42  is pivoted open, as shown by the dotted lines, the loose end  46  of belt  12  is inserted between clamp portion  44  and clamp mating piece  45 . With clip member  42  pivoted shut, the end of belt  46  is clamped in place between clamp portion  44  and clamp mating piece  45 .  
         [0031]    The belt member  12  may be about eight inches long and one inch wide. However, the belt may be about of any desired length and width. The hook member  16  may be cut from a two inch by ¼ inch “U” bolt. The connector member  14  may be made of a single ⅛ inch aluminum piece, bent at a right angle to form flat support member  20  and flange piece  22 .  
         [0032]    In the foregoing embodiment, the buckle member  18  may fit integrally within a groove, indentation or aperture in the flat support member  20 , as shown. Buckle member  18  performs the function of attaching the hook member  16  to the belt member  12  and the function of securing the belt member  12  at the desired position on a work tool. Alternately, or in addition to securing end  46  of belt member  12  between clamp portion  44  and clamp mating piece  45 , the end  46  may be composed on a fabric, such as Velcro®, having a property of clinging to the fabric of belt  12  so the end  46  is folded back over one surface of belt  12  to be secured thereto by a clinging fabric.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 shows one manner in which the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS.  1 - 3  may be utilized in connection with a tool  60 . As shown, belt  62  is wrapped around the handle of tool  60  with the belt being secured to the body of the belt  62  by one of the securing elements previously mentioned. As shown therein, hook  64  has a J-shaped end  66  extending outward for connecting the end  66  of hook  64  to a suitable surface or support piece. Hook member  64  may be swiveled relative to tool  60  and belt  62  to place the hook end  66  out of the way when it is not being used.  
         [0034]    Looking now at FIG. 7, one manner of using the attachment apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 to support tool  60  is shown. Hook  64  extends from belt  62  that is firmly secured to tool  60 . Hook  64  is hooked in a loop  68  of a workman&#39;s belt. Alternately hook  64  may be hooked over a worker&#39;s utility belt or to the pocket of a workman&#39;s pants. Hook  64  may also be hung over the rung of a ladder or any other surface that would provide stability for the hook.  
         [0035]    Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. An attachment apparatus  70  includes a belt  72 , a connector member  73  and a hook member  78 . Connector member  73  includes a flat buckle piece  74  with two parallel slots  75  and  76  running transverse across the connector member  73  and a center post  77  disposed between the slots.  
         [0036]    As best seen in FIG. 9, connector member  73  includes a flange piece  82  connected at a right angle to the buckle member  74 . A hole  84  is disposed in the flange piece  82  through which a threaded end  83  of hook member  78  extends. A nut  85  and O-ring  86  are positioned on the proximal side of flange piece  82 , and a lock nut  87  and washer  88  are disposed on the threaded end  83  of hook member  78  on the distal side of the flange piece  82 . This arrangement enables hook member  78  to swivel relative to flange piece  82 .  
         [0037]    As shown in FIG. 8, hook member  78  is bent to form a J-shaped portion  79  with the distal end having a bead  80  thereon. Alternately, portion  79  might form a rectangle or other shape.  
         [0038]    Referring now to FIG. 10, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is shown, assembled together with a securing member  89  at the end of the belt member  72 . Securing member  89  may be a piece of Velcro or other fabric that will attach to the fabric of the belt to secure the belt  72  in any desired position about a work tool. The belt member  72  may be about eight inches long and one inch wide. However, the belt may be about of any desired length and width. The hook member  78  may be cut from a two inch by ¼ inch “U” bolt. The belt member  72 , connector member  73  and hook member  78  may be made of the same materials as described for belt member  12 , connector member  14  and hook member  16  in the discussion regarding the embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 4 .  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which an attachment apparatus  90  includes a clip buckle  92  having a belt  94  threaded through the lower part of the clip buckle. Clip buckle  92  is a conventional buckle having a lower piece (not shown) similar to buckle piece  98  through which the belt member  94  is threaded. Clip buckle also has a hinged cover piece  93  that swivels to clamp on the belt member  94  at the desired location. A connector member  96  has a buckle piece  98  and a flange piece  99 , essentially identical to buckle piece  74  and flange piece  82  shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.  
         [0040]    Referring now to FIG. 12, apparatus  100  shows another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a clip piece  102 , rather than a hook, is attached to a flange piece  104 . As in the other embodiments shown, a buckle piece  106  has a belt  108  threaded through it. Buckle piece  106  is connected to the flange piece  104 , which in turn hold clip piece  102 .  
         [0041]    One advantage of this embodiment is that the clip piece  102  may be used to secure the work tool to a support piece or surface that could not be used with a hook member. For example, clip  102  may attach to an article of clothing on the worker, to a hanging construction sheet or to some other member not conducive for a J-shaped hook. Clip  102  may also make a more secure connection to a support piece than could be done by a hook member.  
         [0042]    Similarly, the clip embodiment shown in FIG. 12 may be clipped to a loop, a belt, a piece of clothing or other hanging material or anything to which the clip  102  might be secured.  
         [0043]    It is understood that the present invention includes any other conventional type of attachment member, other than a hook or a clip, attached to a buckle piece.  
         [0044]    In summary, the apparatus of the present invention may be releasably attached to and removed from any work tool. A buckle or securing fabric holds the strap in place around a portion of the work tool. The apparatus of the present invention is strong, lightweight and inexpensive. It can pivot to move the hook out of the way when not being used.  
         [0045]    While this invention has been described in certain embodiments, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.