Abstract:
A tool belt includes a belt portion formed by two coplanar sheets of material, the ends of which have a detachable, mating attachment mechanism. At attachment points along the belt potion, the coplanar sheets are joined by, for example, stitching. The space between the attachment points forms an attachment area at which the layers separate from each other for inserting objects such as a paper towel holder a scrapping tool, a squeegee holder, a knife pouch a box of new blades, and a spent blade holder.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application related taking priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/830,232, filed Jun. 3, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention is directed generally to tool belts and more particularly to tool belts configured to support devices used in the window tinting industry. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    This invention is generally directed to a tool belt configured to support one or more tools in a position that improves safety while facilitating easy removal of the tools. Often, window tinting is performed within a structure such as a home or office. There are several tools particularly used in the window tinting industry such as razor knifes, blades, squeegees, scrapers, etc. Many of these tools are sharp and capable of inflicting injury on the window tinting installer as well as damaging of an area surrounding the target window, perhaps if one of the tools were dropped, etc. 
         [0004]    There are many tool belts currently manufactured for general use having features for containing hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. These tool belts sometimes contain one or more pouches, with or without covers, of various sizes. Often such belts are used by window tinting installers due to lack of a better solution. Unfortunately, the size and shape of items used in window tinting installation do not readily adapt to the features of existing belts, and, therefore lead to inefficiencies, injuries, and/or damage to the home and offices in which the window tinting is being installed. For example, it is known to use the pouches of existing tool belts to store razor knifes used in scoring, along with other items. When the installer reaches into this pocket to obtain the razor knife, it is possible to lance their fingers on the sharp blade of the razor knife. 
         [0005]    Additionally, in wide use is a snap-off blade that has an extended blade portion with a plurality of segments, each segment having a razor edge such that, as the razor edge of one segment dulls, that segment is snapped off and the next, sharp segment, is ready for use. Often window tint installers snap the used segment off using their fingers, which leads to potential for injury. Additionally, it is very difficult to snap off only one segment and often, two segments are snapped off, creating added waste and costs. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a tool belt with features designed for the window tint installation industry. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A tool belt includes a belt portion formed by two coplanar sheets of material, the ends of which have a detachable, mating attachment mechanism. There is at least one paper towel holder removably affixed to the belt portion by a carabineer, at least one loop formed between each of the two coplanar sheets of material for holding a scrapping tool, and at least one squeegee holder affixed to the belt portion, the squeegee holder having a length of material looped around the belt portion and closed at an end distal from the belt portion, and the squeegee holder having a bracket affixed to the end distal from the belt portion. A knife pouch is affixed to the belt portion, the knife pouch sized to snuggly hold a razor knife. A loop is formed in the belt portion for holding a box of new blades, the blade for the knife and a second loop is formed in the belt portion for holding a spent blade holder. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a tool belt is disclosed having a belt portion formed by two coplanar sheets of material, and having a detachable and mating attachment mechanism at each end. A paper towel holder is removably affixed to the belt portion by a carabineer. A first loop is formed between the two coplanar sheets of material for holding a scrapping tool. A squeegee holder is also affixed to the belt portion. The squeegee holder has a length of material looped around the belt portion and closed at an end distal from the belt portion, and the squeegee holder has a bracket affixed to an end distal from the belt portion. A knife pouch is affixed to the belt portion. A second loop is formed between the two coplanar sheets of material of the belt portion for holding a box of new blades and a third loop is formed between the two coplanar sheets of material of the belt portion for holding a spent blade holder. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a tool belt is disclosed having a belt portion with an inner layer made of a stiff, bendable material and an outer layer made of a resilient material. The inner layer is periodically affixed to the outer layer at attachment points along the length of the belt portion, forming insertion areas along the belt portion between adjacent attachment points. Each end of the belt portion has a detachable and mating attachment mechanism. A knife pouch for snuggly holding a razor knife is affixed to a first insertion area of the insertion areas. A second insertion area of the insertion areas sized for holding a box of new blades and a third insertion area of the insertion areas is sized for holding a spent blade holder. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, a tool belt is disclosed having a belt portion with an inner layer made of a stiff, bendable material and an outer layer made of a resilient material. The inner layer is periodically affixed to the outer layer at a plurality of attachment points along the length of the belt portion, thereby forming a plurality of insertion areas along the belt portion between adjacent attachment points. Each end of the belt portion has a detachable and mating attachment mechanism. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of a tool belt. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a blade holder of the tool belt. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a perspective view of a spent blade receptacle in the tool belt. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a perspective view of a spent blade receptacle accepting a spent blade section. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a squeegee holder of the tool belt. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a paper towel roll holder of the tool belt. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of the tool belt in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  4 - 6 , views of a tool belt  10  is shown. In the window tinting profession, the window tinting is typically a sheet of material that is larger than the window is installed on the inside surface of the windows by a window tinting expert, making sure that the sheet is properly squared on the window and that there are no bumps, bubbles, or blisters as might happen if an air pocket or foreign matter (e.g. dust) is trapped between the window surface and the sheet of window tinting material. After the sheet of window tinting is in place and air pockets eliminated, the edges are trimmed to the size of the window. 
         [0021]    This installation requires several tools that are, perhaps, different than those used by other craftsman who work in homes and offices. For example, other craftsman use tools such as hammers, drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., while window tint installers typically use tools to remove dust, tools to spread the sheets of window tinting, tools to remove air bubbles from beneath the sheets of window tinting, compressed air, and cutting tools. Such tools do not readily fit within the typical carpenter&#39;s tool belt. When a carpenter&#39;s tool belt is used, some of the window tinting professional&#39;s tools are often difficult to locate or fit loosely, thereby easily falling and potentially marring a home or office floor. 
         [0022]    The tool belt  10  includes features for properly holding one or more of the typical tools and items used by a window tinting professional  8  (see  FIG. 6 ). In the examples shown, features are included in the tool belt  10  for holding various items such as paper towel rolls  34  (see  FIG. 5 ), blade cutters  44 , squeegees  58 / 94 , razor knifes  82 , new razor blades  60 , spent razor blades  70 , scrapers  54  (or other thin, planar objects such as paper), air lines  102 , etc. Although in the examples shown, features are included for all of the aforementioned tools or objects, in some embodiments, a subset of such features are present. Likewise, it is also anticipated that features known in other tool belts are also included such as features for holding a tape measure or a screwdriver, etc. 
         [0023]    The foundation of the tool belt  10  is a belt portion  12  having a length adjustment mechanism  20  and devices  14 / 16 / 18  at each end for connecting the ends together. There are many known length adjustment mechanisms  20  and devices  14 / 16 / 18  for connecting the ends together, those shown being excellent examples of such, while any known length adjustment mechanisms  20  and devices  14 / 16 / 18  for connecting are anticipated. For example, magnets, hooks, belt mechanisms (as in fashion belts) and the like are equally substitutable for the devices  14 / 16 / 18  shown in the examples. 
         [0024]    Although any suitable material is anticipated for the belt portion  12  and other features, a nylon material is a good example as it is strong, yet flexible. 
         [0025]    Although not required, in a preferred embodiment, the belt portion  12 , as shown, is made of a double layer of material  13 / 15  such as nylon or other cloth-like suitable material. By using a double layer of material, several of the disclosed features take advantage of gaps between the layers. In embodiments with two (or more) layers  13 / 15  of material, it is anticipated that the individual layers are joined at attachment points (where needed) by any mechanism known in the industry such as rivets (shown), stitching, adhesives, and the like. The area between two adjacent attachment points provides an insertion area through which or in which various features are stored/held. In such, in the insertion area between two attachment points, the layers  13 / 15  are separable to form a gap or opening  40  as shown in  FIG. 2  though which a tool or attachment system is held (in this example, a scraping tool  44 / 44 / 46 ) 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, an inner layer  13  of the belt portion (layer intended to be worn closest to the torso of the user) is made of a suitable stiff, yet bendable material such as nylon webbing and an outer layer  15  is made of a resilient material such that the gaps between the layers expand by virtue of the resilient outer layer. In such, it is anticipated that another section of stiff, yet bendable material such as nylon webbing be inserted between the inner layer  13  and the outer layer  15  between two locations where the layers  13 / 15  of material are joined (e.g. by stitching). By using a section of stiff, yet bendable material such as nylon webbing that is slightly wider than a distance between the locations where the layers  13 / 15  of material are joined, the section of stiff material forces the outer layer  15  of resilient material to bow outwardly, maintaining a space between the layers  13 / 15  for insertion of objects to be carried. 
         [0027]    The first feature starting at the left of  FIG. 1  is a paper towel holder  32 . In the example shown, the paper towel holder  32  is shaped to be of length similar to a standard roll of paper towels  34  (see  FIG. 5 ) such that the ends stretch slightly to accept and hold the roll of paper towels  34 , thereby optionally enabling rotation of the roll of paper towels  34  to dispense one or more paper towel as needed. The paper towel holder  32  is removably connected to the tool belt  10  by a carabineer  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the carabineer  30  passes through a gap between two layers of the belt portion  12  (visible in  FIG. 5 ) to maintain a particular position for the carabineer  30  along the belt portion. The carabineer  30  is opened by spring action as known in the industry, for removal and replacement of the paper towel holder  32  from the tool belt  10 . 
         [0028]    Another feature is a loop  40  for holding a scrapping tool  42 / 44 / 46 . Scrapping tools  42 / 44 / 46  used in the industry often have a handle and a blade (not visible) held to a base  44 . The blade is typically very sharp and, therefore, is contained within a cover  42  while not being used for safety reasons. The loop  40  is sized to snuggly hold the cover  42 /base  44 . In this way, the scrapping tool  42 / 44 / 46  is safely held in the loop  40 , making it very difficult to dislodge the cover  42  from the base  44 , which would expose the blade and create the potential for injury as well as damage to the surrounding surfaces, furniture, etc. 
         [0029]    Another feature is a Squeegee holder  50 / 56 / 90 / 92 . Various sizes of squeegees  58 / 59 / 94  are often used in the process or tinting windows. As shown in the examples of  FIGS. 1 ,  4 , and  6 , the squeegee holders  50 / 56 / 90 / 92  are made from two components, the first being a loop of material  50 / 90  (similar or the same as the material used for the belt portion  12 ) that loops around the belt portion  12  and closed at an end distal from the belt portion  12  by, for example, rivets (shown), stitching, adhesives, etc. The second component is a bracket  56 / 92  that is attached to the distal end of the loop of material  50 / 90 . The bracket  56 / 92  is sized to accept the handle  59  or blade  58 / 92  of the desired squeegee. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket  56 / 92  is made from metal and has a bend of approximately  90  degrees as visible in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the same fasteners (e.g. rivets as shown) closed the distal end of the loop of material  50 / 90  as well as affix the bracket  56 / 92  to the respective loop of material  50 / 90 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, a spring clip  52  is fastened to an outside surface of the loop of material  50 / 90  for holding any planar device such as a plastic bubble scraper  54 , papers, etc. 
         [0031]    Another feature is a hook  100 . Although of general purpose, one use for such a hook  100  is to hold a water hose  102  or air hose  102 , or the like. In some embodiments, it is anticipated that the hook  100  be made of a malleable material such as soft metals like aluminum. These embodiments enable the hook  100  to be closed around the hose  102  the capture the hose  102 . 
         [0032]    Many window tint professionals  8  use a knife  82  that have snap-off razor blades  74  (see  FIGS. 3A and 3B ). These blades  74  are well known and, when the end blade becomes dull, the end blade segment is “snapped” off at a break line  76  to expose an adjacent blade segment that is sharp. In the past, window tint professionals broke of the dull blade segments by hand, but this causes safety issues as the small segment that is broken off is very small and easily lost in carpeting, etc. Furthermore, it is very difficult to break off just one blade by hand (often a good blade segment is lost with the dull blade segment), leading to waste and extra cost. 
         [0033]    Furthermore, each blade used in the knife  70  has a fixed number of blade segments and the window tint professionals  8  will likely need replacement blades. 
         [0034]    To alleviate the above problems, the tool belt  10  has two smaller loops  62 / 72 . One of the loops  62  holds a case  60  for containing new blades and the other loop  72  holds a spent blade holder  70 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the spent blade holder  70  has a slit  78  that is just wide enough and thick enough to accept the end segment of the blade  74 . The window tint professionals  8  positions the end segment of the blade  74  into the slit  78  and skews the blade  74  (bends pivotal to the lengthwise surface) until the dull blade segment breaks of along the break line  76 . The dull blade segment then falls into the spent blade holder  70 . In some embodiments, a magnet  77  is positioned at the bottom of the spent blade holder  70 . In such, the broken segments of the blades  74  are attracted to the magnet  77 , making it difficult for the broken segments of the blades  74  to work their way out of the spent blade holder  70 . Additionally, by holding the broken segments of the blades  74  against the magnet  77 , noise from rattling will be reduced. It is anticipated that the magnet  77  be mounted within or outside of the spent blade holder  70  and be stationary or removable. For example, in embodiments in which the magnet  77  is external and removable, when the spent blade holder  70  needs to be emptied, it is opened (e.g. through access screws) and, while holding over a proper receptacle, the magnet  77  is removed to allow all spent blade segments to fall into the receptacle. In some embodiments, one or more of the access screws has a slot size that is similar to an end of the knife  82 , allowing access without the need to carry a screwdriver. 
         [0035]    To hold the knife  82  when not in use, a pouch  80  is affixed to the belt portion  12 . The pouch  80  snuggly holds the knife  82  so the knife  82  does not inadvertently fall out when tilted. In some embodiments, the pouch  80  is made of the same or a similar material as the belt portion  12 . In some embodiments, the pouch  80  is riveted to the belt portion  12  (not shown) while in other embodiments, the pouch portion  80  is made of a strip of material (e.g. nylon cloth) that loops around the belt portion  12 , enabling repositioning along a portion of the length of the belt portion  12 . 
         [0036]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0037]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.