Abstract:
A tool holder containing at least, one service tool for servicing a power-operated device. The tool holder is permanently attached to a retractable pull cord incorporated into a manual starter of a power-operated device. The service tool or tools are pivotally mounted on the tool holder, allowing the service tool or tools to be folded out for servicing the power operated device and subsequently folded in and stowed compactly within the main body of the tool holder. The tool holder may include a mechanism for reducing the recoil of the manual starter. A cord locking means secures the retractable pull cord of the manual starter in a retracted state. The cord locking means affords a range of mobility to the tool holder, permitting the tool holder and service tools thereon to be easily used to service a power-operated device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a tool holder. More specifically the present invention relates to a pull handle of a power operated device incorporating a tool holder having at least one service tool permanently attached. The pull handle is permanently coupled to the pull cord. Also described is a means for locking the pull cord in a retracted state.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Power operated devices often require maintenance that necessitates the use of service tools. This maintenance can include cleaning, tightening, and sharpening components of the device, or removing and attaching parts and accessories of the device. To this end, there exists a plethora of service tools and several ways of holding service tools so that they are readily available once such servicing is required. The operator of a powered device may carry individual service tools, but depending on their shape and size it may be cumbersome and/or dangerous for the operator to carry the individual service tools while using the power-operated device.  
         [0005]     An attempt to remedy these problems has been made by Pichler et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,835 incorporated herein by reference. The &#39;835 patent demonstrates a tool carrier formed as an essential component necessary to operate a power operated device. The tool carrier must be detached from a power-operated device in order to effectively use the service tools that are permanently attached to the tool carrier. Pichler et al. contend that, as an essential operating component of the power operated device, a removable tool carrier fashioned as described above makes misplacing the tool carrier practically impossible. However, the &#39;835 patent does not successfully solve the problem associated with a service tool&#39;s vulnerability to being misplaced. For instance, it is not unforeseeable that under certain circumstances, once removed for the purpose of servicing a power operated device, the tool carrier of the &#39;835 patent may be misplaced, forgotten, or dropped in an area from which it may not be easily retrieved. Further, due to the functional relation of the tool carrier of the &#39;835 patent to the power-operated device, misplacement of this tool carrier would create an additional undesirable consequence of rendering the power-operated device inoperable.  
         [0006]     Presently there is, by way of example, need for an apparatus, such as that taught in the present invention, which effectively addresses and solves the aforementioned shortcomings and others. Specifically, an apparatus is needed that can conveniently store service tools for a power operated device while affording safe and unburdening operation of that power operated device. Moreover, it is essential to eliminate the service tool&#39;s susceptibility to being lost, which may be caused by the circumstances of the service tools use.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention is directed toward a tool holder containing at least one service tool for servicing a power-operated device.  
         [0008]     In accordance with one embodiment, the tool holder is permanently attached to a retractable pull cord incorporated into a manual starter of a power-operated device. The service tool or tools are pivotally mounted on the tool holder, allowing the service tool or tools to be folded out for servicing a power operated device and subsequently folded in and stowed compactly within the main body of the tool holder. An additional aspect of the present embodiment is a mechanism integrated into the tool holder for reducing the recoil of a manual starter.  
         [0009]     According to further embodiments of the present invention, a cord locking means is described for securing the retractable pull cord of the manual starter in an extended state. The cord locking means affords a range of mobility to the tool holder, permitting the tool holder and service tools thereon to be easily used to service a power-operated device, while at the same time remaining tethered to the power operated devices by the retractable pull cord.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The abovementioned and other aspects and features of the present invention in various embodiments will become apparent, and will be best understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments in conjunction with the figures attached hereto, wherein:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a drawing illustrating a service tool, tool holder, and cord locking means in relation to a power-operated device, which is shown in silhouette;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is an illustration depicting the tool holder of  FIG. 1  shown in front perspective and in cross section, wherein the tool holder has a folding service tool demonstrated as a screwdriver, and both ends of the tool holder are molded to form socket wrenches, and wherein a cord locking means comprised of a spring and piston assembly;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a diagram in side perspective showing the tool holder of  FIG. 2  and a folding service tool demonstrated as a screwdriver, wherein an end forms a socket wrench, wherein the tool holder is shown resting in a sheath, which is shaped similar to a pull handle;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a drawing in front perspective depicting the tool holder and sheath of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is an illustration in end perspective showing the tool holder and sheath of  FIG. 3 . The end of the tool holder formed as a socket wrench is shown;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a drawing in front perspective and cross-section, of the tool holder and sheath of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is an illustration in end perspective showing a variation of the tool holder of  FIG. 1  removed from a sheath, with the end of the tool holder formed as a socket wrench;  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a diagram of the tool holder in  FIG. 7  in front perspective, wherein the tool holder has a folding service tool, demonstrated as a socket wrench, shown folded out, wherein an end of the tool holder is molded to form a socket wrench, and wherein the tool holder is shown removed from a sheath that is shaped similar to a pull handle;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is an illustration in top pe rspective of the tool holder of  FIG. 8  having a service tool demonstrated as a screwdriver, wherein an end of the tool holder forms a socket wrench;  
         [0020]      FIG. 10  is a depiction of the tool holder of  FIG. 9  in front perspective having a service tool demonstrated as a screwdriver, which is folded out, wherein an end of the tool holder forms a socket wrench;  
         [0021]      FIG. 11  is a diagram shown in top perspective, an alternative embodiment of the tool holder of  FIG. 9  having a service tool demonstrated as a file;  
         [0022]      FIG. 12  is a depiction of the tool holder of  FIG. 11  in front perspective, with the service tool folded out;  
         [0023]      FIG. 13  is a drawing depicting the tool holder of  FIG. 11  in end perspective, wherein the end shown has a cavity containing a socket wrench insert;  
         [0024]      FIG. 14  is a drawing in front view, an embodiment of the tool holder sheath of the tool holder of  FIG. 1 , including a cord locking means comprising a V-shaped notch in the top edge of the tool holder sheath;  
         [0025]      FIG. 15  is a depiction in front view of another embodiment of the tool holder sheath of  FIG. 14 , including a cord locking means having a pair of bodies having a plurality of teeth;  
         [0026]      FIG. 16  is an illustration in end view of the tool holder sheath of  FIG. 15 , including a cord locking means having a pair of bodies having a plurality of teeth;  
         [0027]      FIG. 17  is an illustration of yet a further embodiment of the tool holder sheath of  FIG. 14  in front cross section, which contains a cord locking means comprised of a spring and piston assembly;  
         [0028]      FIG. 18  is a diagram of another further embodiment of the tool holder sheath of  FIG. 14  in front cross section, which contains a cord locking means comprised of a spring and winged piston assembly;  
         [0029]      FIG. 19  is a drawing of the cord locking means of  FIG. 18  in end perspective, showing the winged piston in cross section;  
         [0030]      FIG. 20  is a depiction in front cross section, of a further embodiment of the furtherembodiment of tool holder of  FIG. 1  and sheath, wherein the sheath has a recoil reducing means, shown in steady state, comprised of a spring and hollow piston assembly;  
         [0031]      FIG. 21  is a depiction in front cross section, of the further embodiment of the tool holder of  FIG. 20  and sheath of  FIG. 20 , with the recoil reducing means shown in a recoil reducing state;  
         [0032]      FIG. 22  is an illustration in front cross section of an additional embodiment of the tool holder of  FIG. 1  and sheath, wherein the tool holder has a recoil reducing means, shown in steady state, comprised of a deformable body that stretches; and  
         [0033]      FIG. 23  is an illustration in front cross section of the additional embodiment of the tool holder of  FIG. 22  and sheath of  FIG. 22 , with the recoil reducing means, shown in a recoil reducing state. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0034]     The forthcoming description sets forth various embodiments envisioned for practicing the present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made for the purpose of illustrating the general tenants of the invention. To ascertain the scope of the invention, one should reference the issued claims.  
         [0035]     The present invention remedies the problems associated with the prior art by incorporating a service tool or tools into a standard operating component of a power-operated device, and further by selecting a component that is permanently coupled to the power-operated device. Subsequently, a further aspect of the invention provides mobility for the fixed component to which the service tool or tools are integrated. Providing mobility for the fixed component allows practical use of the service tool or tools while preserving their permanence to the power operated device, virtually eliminating any of the service tool&#39;s vulnerability to being misplaced.  
         [0036]     Looking now to the figures attached hereto, features and embodiments are now further described in detail. Turning first to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of a tool holder  1  of the present invention is shown with respect to a chain saw  6 , as an example of a power-operated device in relation to the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 1  illustrates a tool holder  1 , a folding service tool  2 , cord locking means  3 , pull cord  4 , manual starter  5  and chain saw  6 . It is important to note that the chain saw  6  depicted is only an example of a power-operated device, and an embodiment of the present invention may be incorporated into the manual starter  5  of any power-operated device including, but not limited to, lawn mowers, weedwackers, hedgers, blowers, and tree trimmers. The manual starter  5  of the chain saw  6  incorporates a pull cord  4 . Those skilled in the art are aware that a manual starter  5  will typically further comprise a rewind mechanism coupled to the pull cord  4  and a clutch assembly for engaging a flywheel of the chain saw&#39;s  6  engine, whereby pulling the pull cord  4  turns the engine crank shaft and starts the chain saw  6 .  
         [0037]     In accordance with one functional aspect of the present invention, the tool holder  1  is shaped as pull handle and is permanently coupled to the pull cord  4 , allowing an operator to utilize the tool holder  1  to retract the pull cord  4  and subsequently start the chain saw  6  for operation.  FIG. 1  depicts a cord locking means  3 , opposing the wind back force applied to the pull cord  4  by the rewind mechanism of the manual starter  5 . Consequently, the pull cord  4  is locked ifi a retracted state. With the pull cord  4  locked in a retracted state as shown, an operator may use the service tool  2  to service the chain saw  6 .  
         [0038]     Focusing now on  FIG. 2 , greater insight is gained into a tool holder  1  and cord locking means  3  of the present embodiment. Depicted are a tool holder  1  having a handle  11  and shaft  12  segment, a folding service tool  2 , a service tool-shaped cavity  23 , a pivot axis  24 , socket-shaped cavities  25 , a notch  26 , a conduit  27 , and a chamber  28 . Further, a cord locking means  3  comprised of a hollow cylinder  30 , a coil spring  31 , and a piston  32  having a head  321  and shaft  322  are shown. Also shown are a pull cord  4  and coupling means  41 . The service tool  2  is permanently attached to the tool holder lby the pivot axis  24 . The pivot axis  24  permits the service tool  2  to fold out, as illustrated, to perform service functions and to fold into the service tool-shaped cavity  23  when it is not in use. Both distal ends of the tool holder handle segment  11  have socket-shaped cavities  25  which may be used to loosen or tighten a sparkplug, nuts, bolts, and other components of a power-operated device. Additionally, a distal end of the handle segment  11  has a notch  26  that may help facilitate the loosening and tightening of wing nuts, for example, or the cap of a fuel can. The tool holder shaft  12  has a conduit  27  allowing the pull cord  4  to pass into the chamber  28  where a coupling means  41  at the end of the pull cord  4  is housed. In the embodiment depicted, the coupling means  41  is a knot, permanently coupling the pull cord  4  and thetool holder  1 . Those skilled in the art will know that various other means useful for coupling the tool holder  1  and pull cord  4 , such as various types of glue, may be us ed by this or alternative embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0039]     Cord locking means  3  is comprised of a hollow cylinder  30 , which houses a coil spring  31  and the shaft of a piston  322 . The hollow cylinder  30  has two opposing holes, roughly the circumference of the pull cord  4 , aligned on its surface. Additionally, a portion of the piston shaft  322  has a conduit through its midsection, having roughly the circumference of the pull cord  4 . These holes in the surface of the hollow cylinder  30  in conjunction with the conduit through the piston shaft  322 , allow the pull cord  4  to run through the cord locking means  3 .  
         [0040]     Coil spring  31  is positioned between the closed end of the hollow cylinder  30  and the end of the piston shaft  322 , whereby it exerts a moving force on the piston  32 . In the embodiment of the cord locking means  3  shown in  FIG. 2 , in steady state the coil spring  31  exerts a lateral force on the end of the piston shaft  322  causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft  322  and the holes in the hollow cylinder  30 . Consequently, a pinching force is applied to the section of the pull cord  4  that runs through the conduit in the piston shaft  322 . As a result, the pull cord  4  is prevented from sliding through the cord locking means  3 , and the cordlocking means  3  is fixed to a section of the pull cord  4 . In an alternative embodiment, as described herein below, the coil spring  31  may be fixed to the end of the piston shaft  322 , whereby it exerts a rotating force on the end of the piston shaft  322  causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft  322  and the holes in the hollow cylinder  30 .  
         [0041]     By depressing the piston head,  321  and aligning the holes in the hollow cylinder  30  with the openings of the piston shaft&#39;s  322  conduit, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the pull cord  4  is allowed to pass freely through the cord locking means  3 . An operator may effectively lock the pull cord  4  in a retracted state by depressing the piston head  321  and subsequently sliding the cord locking means  3  down the length of a retracted pull cord  4  proximate to the manual starter. Consequently, a rewind mechanism of the manual starter is prevented from drawing in the pull cord  4  by the cord locking means  3 , and the tool holder  1  coupled to the pull cord  4  may be used to service a power operated device to which it is attached.  
         [0042]     Turning now to  FIG. 3  through  5 , side perspective, front perspective, and end perspective images are shown of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Depicted is a tool holder  7  resting in a sheath  8 , which is shaped similar to a pull handle. Detailed are the tool holder  7 , a folding service tool  2 , socket wrench shaped end  71  of the tool holder, the tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, and pull cord  4 . The tool holder  7  is cylindrical in shape, with anend formed as a socket wrench  71 . The tool holder sheath  8  is roughly T-shaped, giving the present embodiment the characteristic shape of a starter cord pull handle. The sheath  8  is comprised of a vertically oriented shaft segment  82  connected to a horizontally oriented receptacle segment  81 . The receptacle segment  81  is open, such that it has a cross section of approximately C-shape. As illustrated in  FIG. 3  through  5 , the receptacle  81  can receive the tool holder  7 , whereby the tool holder  7  in combination with the sheath  8  can be used as a pull handle to facilitate starting a power-operated device. One skilled in the art will understand that the tool holder  7  of this and alternative embodiments and the sheath  8 , may be composed of, but not limited to, various woods, fiberglass, polymers, metals, and composites. Furthermore, the exact dimensions of the tool holder  7  of this and alternative embodiments and the sheath  8 , may vary in order to meet the specifications of a particular power-operated device.  
         [0043]     Focusing now on  FIG. 6 , further insight is gained into the present embodiment of the invention comprised of a tool holder  7  and a sheath  8 . Shown are the tool holder  7 , a folding service tool  2 , a socket-shaped cavity  71 , a pivot axis  72 , a chamber  73 , the tool holder sheath  8  having a receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, a pull cord  4 , and coupling means  41 . Shaft segment  82  of the sheath  8  is hollow and open where it connects to the receptacle segment  81 . The bottom of the shaft  82  is also open, which allows the pull cord  4  to pass through the shaft  82  to the tool holder  7 , where a permanent connection is made between the tool holder  7  and the pull cord  4 . The tool holder  7  has a chamber  73  for the purpose of housing a coupling means  41 . The coupling means  41  may be, for example, a knot  41  at the end of pull cord  4  permanently coupling the pull cord  4  and the tool holder  7 . The tool holder  7  has a socket-shaped cavity  71  formed in an end, which facilitates using the tool holder as a socket wrench.  
         [0044]     In the embodiment represented in  FIG. 6 , folding service tool  2  is housed in the tool holder&#39;s  7  top surface and fixed thereto by the pivot axis  72 . In  FIG. 6  folding service tool  2  is a screwdriver. However, in this and alternative embodiments the folding service tool  2  could be any of a range other service tools including various wrenches, files, knives, feeler gauges, picks, and brushes, all of which may be of different size and type. Moreover, although the folding service tool  2  is shown housed in the top surface of the tool holder  7 , it may be just as advantageous and conceivable to house a service tool  2  in the bottom surface of a tool holder  7 . Additionally, in this and alternative embodiments, folding service tool  2  may be complimented by a plurality of folding service tools of different make, size, and type, for performing a variety of service functions on a power operated device.  
         [0045]     Looking now at  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a tool holder  7  of the present embodiment is shown removed from its sheath  8 . Illustrated are tool holder  7 , folding service tool  2 , pivot axis  72 , socket wrench shaped end  71  of the tool holder, the tool holder sheath  8  having a receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, and pull cord  4 . The openings of the shaft  82  allows the sheath  8  to slide up and down the length of the pull cord  4  when the pull cord  4  is retracted, the reason for which will be described later in the application. Consequently, the tool holder  7  may be separated from the sheath  8  allowing the service tool  2  to be used to service a power-operated device.  
         [0046]     The pivot axis  72  is mounted in an end of the tool holder  7  and has aservice tool  2  pivotally attached. Pivot axis  72  permits the service tool  2  to fold out, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , to service a power-operated device and to fold into the tool holder  7  when the service tool  2  is not in use. One skilled in the art will know that various other hinging or pivotal embodiments, such as a small ball-and-socket assembly, can be used to permanently attach the service tool  2  to the tool holder  7  of this or alternative embodiments. Furthermore, it should be apparent that the pivot axis  72 , or equivalent, is not restricted to being mounted in an end of the tool holder  7  and could, for example, be mounted in the center of the tool holder  7 . Such a centered pivot axis placement may be advantageous for an embodiment having a plurality of service tools of shorter length.  
         [0047]      FIGS. 9 and 10  further illustrate a tool holder  7  of the present embodiment of the invention. Tool holder  7 , a folding service tool  2 , socket wrench shaped end  71  of the tool holder, a pivot axis  72 , and pull cord  4 , are shown. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 9  the top surface of tool holder  7  has a holding cavity for housing service tool  2 , which is roughly the shape and size of the service tool  2  pivotally attached thereto. In alternative embodiments of the tool holder  7 , the, holding cavity may be larger, whereby it does not conform to the size and shape of a particular service tool  2 . This may be advantageous for standardizing the manufacturing of a tool holder  7  for different service tool types, or required for embodiments having a plurality of service tools.  
         [0048]     The socket wrench shaped end  71  of tool holder  7 , may be used to loosen or tighten a sparkplug, nut, bolt, or other components of a power-operated device. An operator may unfold the service tool  2  and use it to provide leverage when using the socket shaped end  71  of the tool holder  7 . One skilled in the art will understand that the socket wrench shaped end  71  may be of standard or metric unit and may be any of various socket sizes well known in the art. The size of the components on a power-operated device to be serviced, will likely dictate the size and unit to which the socket shaped end  71  conforms. Furthermore, in this and alternative embodiments, either or both, ends of the tool holder  7  may be shaped as a particular size and unit of socket wrench, to aid in servicing different sized components of a power-operated device.  
         [0049]     Focusing now on  FIG. 11  through  13 , insight is gained regarding an alternative embodiment of a tool holder  7  of the present invention. Illustrated are the tool holder  7 , a folding service tool  2 , a holding cavity  74 , a pivot axis  72 , and a socket wrench insert  13 . The service tool depicted in  FIGS. 11 and 12  is a file. The holding cavity  74  for this service tool  2  in the tool holder&#39;s  7  top surface is roughly the shape and size of a larger alternative embodiment of a service tool  2 , namely a screwdriver. Correspondingly, the pivot axis  72  is capable of being temporarily removed from the tool holder  7  whereby the service tool  2  mounted on the pivot axis  72  may also be removed and replaced by an alternative embodiment of service tool  2 , such as a screwdriver. The tool holder  7  has a cavity formed in an end, which as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , can receive a socket wrench insert  13 . This cavity in an end of the tool holder  7  is advantageous in that it facilitates the interchanging of socket wrench inserts  13  of different size and unit, as required to service various components of different size and unit on a power operated device.  
         [0050]     Turning now to  FIG. 14  through  19 , cord locking means incorporated into a sheath of the present embodiment of the invention are described. The cord locking means serves to lock a pull cord in a retracted state so that a range of motion is granted to a tool holder of the present invention, allowing the tool holder to be used to service components of a power operated device.  
         [0051]     Looking first to  FIG. 14 , a V-notch cord lock embodiment  14  is illustrated. Shown are a tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, V-notch  14  having an open  141  and tapered  142  end, and a pull cord  4 . The V-notch  14  is in a top edge of tool holder sheath&#39;s receptacle  81 . One skilled in the art will know that alternatively, the V-notch  14  may be in a side edge of tool holder sheath&#39;s receptacle  81  segment. The V-notch  14  is characterized by an opening  141  in one end, which tapers to converge to a single point at an opposite end  142 . An operator will utilize the V-notch  14  by retracting the pull cord  4 , sliding the sheath  8  down the length of the pull cord  4  proximate to a manual starter, inserting a segment of the pull cord  4  into the open end  141  of the V-notch  14  and pressing this segment of the pull cord  4  into the tapered end  142  of the V-notch  14 . The tapered end  142  of the V-notch  14  applies a pinching force on the inserted segment of the pull cord  4 , such that the sheath  8  is prevented from sliding along the length of the pull cord  4 . In this state, with the pull cord  4  retracted and the tool holder sheath  8  fixed proximate to the manual starter, via the V-notch  14 , a rewind mechanism of the manual starter is prevented from drawing in the pull cord  4 . Consequently, a range of motion is supplied to a tool holder, fixed to an end of the pull cord  4 .  
         [0052]     Focusing now on  FIGS. 15 and 16 , a cord lock embodiment comprised of a pair of bodies  15  having a plurality of teeth  151  is illustrated. Shown are a tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, a pair of bodies  15  having a plurality of teeth  151 , pivot axes  152 , coil springs  16 , and a pull cord  4 . The pivot axes  152  are fixed parallel to each other in the inner surface of the tool holder sheath&#39;s shaft  82 . A pair of bodies  15  are pivotally mounted on the pivot axes  152 . A surface of each body  15  contains a plurality of teeth  151 , and the bodies  15  are mounted on the pivot axes  152  so that the surfaces having a plurality of teeth  151  are opposed and are spaced by a distance sufficient for receiving the pull cord  4 . A coil spring  16  is positioned between the inner surface of the shaft  82  and each body  15 , whereby a coil spring  16  engages a body  15  exerting a lateral force that causes a body  15  to pivot about the pivot axis  152  toward an opposing body  15 .  
         [0053]     An operator can insert a segment of the pull cord  4  between the bodies  15  by pulling the pull cord  4  sideways towards the side of the shaft  82  where the bodies  15  are pivotally mounted, as illustrated in the end view of the shaft  82  shown in  FIG. 16 . When the pull cord  4  is inserted between the bodies  15 , the lateral force exerted by the coil springs  16  on the bodies  15  cause the plurality of teeth  151  to forcibly engage the pull cord  4 , creating an applied compressive force on the pull cord  4 , which prevents the tool holder sheath  8  from sliding along the length of the pull cord  4 . Consequently, after retracting the pull cord  4 , sliding the sheath  8  down the length of the pull cord  4  adjacent to a manual starter, and inserting the pull cord  4  between the bodies  15 , the rewind mechanism of a manual starter will be prevented from drawing in the pull cord  4 . Subsequently, a tool holder of the present invention that is fixed to the pull cord  4  may be used to service a power-operated device.  
         [0054]     Turning to  FIG. 17 , shown is an embodiment of a cord locking means comprised of a piston  18  and coil spring  19  assembly. Detailed are a tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, a hollow cylinder  17 , a piston  18  having a shaft  181  and flat head  182 , a coil spring  19 , and a pull cord  4 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 17 , the shaft  82  of the tool holder sheath  8  has a hole in one side. The hollow cylinder  17  has an open end, and is arranged horizontally in the shaft  82  with its open end aligned on the hole in the side of the shaft  82 . Piston shaft  181  is positioned within the hollow cylinder  17  and the piston head  182  is external to the sheath  8 . The hollow cylinder  17  has two opposing holes aligned on its surface, which are roughly the circumference of pull cord  4 . Additionally, the piston shaft  181  has a conduit through its midsection, also roughly the circumference of pull cord  4 . The holes in the surface of the hollow cylinder  17  in conjunction with the conduit through the piston shaft  181 , allow the pull cord  4  to run through the present embodiment of the cord lock.  
         [0055]     The coil spring  19  is positioned between the closed end of the hollow cylinder  17  and the end of the piston shaft  181 , whereby a moving force is exerted on the piston  18 . In steady state, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the coil spring  19  exerts a lateral force on the end of the piston shaft  181  causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft  181  and the holes in the hollow cylinder  17 . Consequently, a pinching force is applied on the segment of the pull cord  4  in the piston shaft&#39;s  181  conduit, and the pull cord  4  is prevented from sliding through the conduit in the piston shaft  181 . As a result, the sheath  8  is fixed to a segment of the pull cord  4 . To counter-act the lateral force applied to the piston shaft  181  and unf ix the sheath  8 , an operator can depress the piston head  182 , aligning the holes in the hollow cylinder  17  with the openings of the conduit in the piston shaft  181 , allowing the pull cord  4  to slide freely through. By depressing the piston head  182  and subsequently sliding the sheath  8  down the length of a retracted pull cord  4  proximate to a manual starter, an operator can lock the pull cord  4  in a retracted state, and a tool holder of the present invention may be used to service a power-operated device.  
         [0056]     In  FIG. 18  and  19  an alternative embodiment of a cord locking means comprised of a winged piston  20  and coil spring  19  assembly, is taught. Detailed are a tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, a hollow cylinder  17 , a winged piston  20  having a shaft  201  and winged head  202 , a coil spring  19 , and a pull cord  4 . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 18 , the shaft  82  of tool holder sheath  8  has a hole in one side. Hollow cylinder  17  has an open end, and is arranged horizontally in the shaft  82  with its open end aligned on the hole in the side of shaft  82 . Piston shaft  201  is positioned within hollow cylinder  17  and winged piston head  202  is external to the sheath  8 . The hollow cylinder  17  has two opposing holes, roughly the circumference of the pull cord  4 , aligned on its surface. Similarly, a portion of the piston shaft  201  has a conduit through its midsection, also having roughly the circumference of the pull cord  4 . The holes in the surface of the hollow cylinder  17  in conjunction with the conduit through the piston shaft  201 , allow the pull cord  4  to run through the present embodiment of the cord lock.  
         [0057]     An end of the coil spring  19  is permanently fixed to the closed end of the hollow cylinder  17 , and the other end of coil spring  19  is permanently fixed to the end of the piston shaft  201 , whereby a moving force is exerts on the winged piston  20 .  FIG. 19 , depicting a cross section of the hollow cylinder  17  and the piston shaft  201 , shows the piston shaft  201  as it would be positioned when the coil spring  19  is in steady state. In steady state the coil spring  19  exerts a rotating force on the end of the piston shaft  201  causing misalignment of the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft  181  and the holes in hollow cylinder  17 . Consequently, a pinching force is applied on the segment of pull cord  4  that runs through the conduit in the piston shaft  201 , and the pull cord  4  is prevented from sliding through this conduit. As a result, the sheath  8  is fixed to a section of the pull cord  4 . By turning the winged piston head  202 , an operator can counter-act the torque applied to the piston shaft  201  and align the holes in the hollow cylinder  17  with the openings to the conduit in the piston shaft  201 , permitting the pull cord  4  to slide freely through. By turning the winged piston head  202  and subsequently sliding the sheath  8  down the length of a retracted pull cord  4  proximate to a manual starter, an operator can lock the pull cord  4  in a retracted state, and a tool holder of the present invention may be used to service a power-operated device.  
         [0058]     Turning now to  FIG. 20  through  23 , different tool holder and sheath embodiments are shown incorporated with a mechanism for reducing the recoil of a manual starter.  
         [0059]     Focusing first on  FIGS. 20 and 21  a recoil reducing mechanism comprised of a coil spring  22  and hollow piston  21  assembly is shown incorporated into a tool holder  7 . Detailed are a tool holder  7 , a cavity  75 , a tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, a hollow piston  21  having a shaft  211  and head  212 , a coil spring  22 , a washer  23 , a pull cord  4 , coupling means  41 , and a pull cord conduit  42 . The present embodiment of the tool holder  7  has a cavity  75  having a hole at its base. The cavity  75  houses the hollow piston  21  and coil spring  22  assembly comprising the recoil reducing mechanism. Piston shaft  211  has a void throughout, which forms a conduit  42  through which the pull cord  4  runs. Piston head  212  is hollow and contains the coupling means  41  at the end of the pull cord  4 , permanently coupling the pull cord  4  and the tool holder  7 . The coupling means  41  depicted in  FIGS. 20 and 21  is a knot. A coil spring  22  and washer  23  are disposed around the piston shaft  211 . An end of the coil spring  22  engages the base of the piston head  212  and the other end engages the washer  23 , which is centered on the hole in the base of tool holder cavity  75 . Piston shaft  211  and the segment of the pull cord  4  contained therein, pass freely through the hole in the base of tool holder cavity  75 . When the coil spring  22  is in steady state, as shownin  FIG. 20 , it retracts the piston  21  into the cavity  71 .  
         [0060]     When an operator pulls on the tool handle  7  to retract the pull cord  4  this force is opposed by a manual starter&#39;s rewind mechanism coupled to the opposite end of the pull cord  4 . This applied pulling force exerted by the operator creates an increased tension on the pull cord  4 , causing the piston  21  to move downward. Consequently, a segment of the piston shaft  211  will pass through the hole in the base of the tool holder cavity  75 .  FIG. 21  illustrates the state of the recoil mechanism when the tension in the pull cord is increased. As depicted, the downward movement of the piston exerts a force that causes the coil spring  22  to compress. This piston  21  movement and subsequent compression of the coil spring  22  dissipates, a majority of the opposing force created by the manual starter&#39;s rewind mechanism, effectively making the retraction of the pull cord  4  easier for the operator.  
         [0061]     Looking now to  FIGS. 22 and 23 , an alternative embodiment of a recoil reducing mechanism comprised of a deformable body integrated into a tool holder  7  is depicted. Detailed are the tool holder  7 , a tool holder sheath  8  having receptacle  81  and shaft  82  segments, a deformable body  24  having a shaft  241  and head  242 , a pull cord  4 , a coupling means  41 , and a pull cord conduit  42 . Deformable body  24  is made of a composite material having elastic qualities, whereby an applied pulling force on an end of the body will cause the body to stretch and the body will return to original form after the cessation of that applied force. The deformable body&#39;s head  242  is fixed permanently within the base of the tool holder  7  and the deformable body&#39;s shaft  241  passes through an opening at the base of the tool holder  7 . A void exist in the lower segment of the deformable body&#39;s shaft  241  forming a conduit  42  through which the pull cord  4  passes. A coupling means demonstrated as a knot  41  at the end of pull cord  4 , is disposed in the deformable body&#39;s shaft  241  at the top of the pull cord conduit  42 .  FIG. 22  illustrates the tool holder  7  and deformable body  24  in an un-stretched state.  
         [0062]     When an operator pulls on the tool handle  7  to retract the pull cord  4  this force is opposed by a manual starter&#39;s rewind mechanism coupled to the opposite end of the pull cord  4 .  FIG. 23  illustrates the effects that a pulling force on the tool holder  7  has on the deformable body  24 . As depicted, the pulling force and increased tension on the pull cord  4  causes the deformable body&#39;s shaft  241  to stretch. The stretching of the deformable body&#39;s shaft  241  effectively dissipates a majority of the opposing force created by the manual starter&#39;s rewind mechanism, making the retraction of the pull cord  4  easier for an operator.  
         [0063]     While particular embodiments of the tool holder and cord locking means have been described and illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that various alternative embodiments encompassing changes and modifications may be contemplated by those skilled in the art, it is intended therefore that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention. All references cited herein are incorporated by references.