Abstract:
Magnetic tool belts and tool belt accessories for holding work items comprise a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. The one or more magnets providing a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects and securing them to the surface such that they are readily available for use. The body comprising a tool belt, tool pouch, hammer holder, belt clip or any other suitable tool belt accessory.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The Patent Application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. section 119(e) to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/998,839, filed Oct. 11, 2007, and entitled “MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS,” to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/003,751, filed Nov. 19, 2007, and entitled “MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS” and to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/004,440, filed Nov. 26, 2007, and entitled “MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to magnetic tool holders. More particularly the present invention relates to a magnetic tool belt and tool belt accessories. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Professional users of small hand tools such as carpenters, seamstresses, auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, as well as non-professional do-it-yourselves are often frustrated whenever they misplace, drop or fumble tools or supplies while doing their jobs. Workers often times wear aprons or similar devices to hold these supplies to keep them close at hand and also to be able to move more freely. However, wearing an apron or similar device has certain limitations. For instance, repetitive reaching in pockets for supplies is tedious. Moreover, wearing an apron or similar device does not help the task of reaching for supplies while holding a perfectly aligned work piece or holding a heavy work piece with one hand and some other tool with the other. Additionally, aprons and similar devices are prone to accidentally spill the tools and work items that are held within the pockets of the apron or similar device. Often this spillage is caused because the worker accidentally knocked the tools or work items over with their hand or because of how the worker is positioned while doing their job. Other times the contents will spill whenever the worker removes the pouch from his waist and puts it down. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Magnetic tool belts and tool belt accessories for holding work items comprise a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. The one or more magnets providing a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects and securing them to the surface such that they are readily available for use. The body comprising a tool belt, tool pouch, hammer holder, belt clip or any other suitable tool belt accessory. 
         [0005]    One aspect of the present application is directed to a belt that receives belt accessories. The belt comprises a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. The body is an elongated strap having a first and second end, wherein the first and second ends are positioned substantially opposite each other. The belt further comprises, a first fastener coupled to the first end and a second fastener coupled to the second end, wherein the first fastener is configured to removably attach to the second fastener forming a loop. The first fastener and the second fastener are adjustable and thereby allow the circumference of the loop to vary. The second fastener and the first fastener comprise any combination of a hook-and-loop fastening system, a zipper, a button or a buckle. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are removably attached to the surface. In some embodiments, the surface comprises a plurality of layers for housing the one or more magnets wherein the one or more magnets are completely enclosed within the plurality of layers. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are accessible from within the plurality of layers. In other embodiments, at least some portion of the one or more magnets is exposed. The shape of the one or more magnets is selected from a set comprising a strip, a ball bearing, and a disc. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are positioned to avoid mutual magnetic attraction between each other. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more magnets comprise a ceramic magnet and or a neodymium magnet. 
         [0007]    The surface comprises any combination of leather, cotton, cotton/polyester blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, rubber or other material. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are distributed across the surface so as to allow metallic work items to be secured to substantially all points of the surface. 
         [0008]    The belt further comprises one or more belt accessories, wherein the one or more belt accessories are removably attached to the surface of the belt wherein the one or more belt accessories comprise an accessory fastener for removably attaching the accessory to the belt, an accessory body having an accessory surface and one or more accessory magnets coupled to the accessory surface for holding work items. In some embodiments, the accessory body comprises a tool pouch. In other embodiments, the accessory body comprises a belt clip. In yet other embodiments, the accessory body comprises a hammer holder. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the accessory surface comprises a plurality of accessory layers for housing the one or more accessory magnets wherein the one or more accessory magnets are completely enclosed within the plurality of accessory layers. Alternatively, the one or more accessory magnets are accessible from within the plurality of accessory layers. In some embodiments, at least some portion of the one or more accessory magnets is exposed. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets and one or more accessory magnets are interchangeable. In some embodiments, the accessory body of the one or more belt accessories comprise any combination of a tool pouch, a belt clip, or a hammer holder. 
         [0010]    Another aspect of the present application is directed to a belt accessory. The belt accessory comprises a body having a surface, one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items and a fastener for removably attaching the belt accessory to a belt. In some embodiments, the body comprises a tool pouch. In other embodiments, the body comprises a belt clip. In yet other embodiments, the body comprises a hammer holder. The fastener comprises any combination of a belt loop, hook-and-loop fastening system, a zipper, a button, or a buckle. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are removably attached to the surface. In some embodiments, the surface comprises a plurality of layers for housing the one or more magnets wherein the one or more magnets are completely enclosed within the plurality of layers. Alternatively, the one or more magnets are accessible from within the plurality of layers. In some embodiments, at least some portion of the one or more magnets is exposed. The shape of the one or more magnets is selected from a set comprising a strip, a ball bearing, and a disc. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are positioned to avoid mutual magnetic attraction between each other. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more magnets comprise a ceramic magnet and or a neodymium magnet. 
         [0011]    The surface comprises any combination of leather, cotton, cotton/polyester blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, rubber or other material. In some embodiments, the one or more magnets are distributed across the surface so as to allow metallic work items to be secured to substantially all points of the surface. In some embodiments, the body comprises any combination of a tool pouch, a belt clip, or a hammer holder. 
         [0012]    Another aspect of the present application is direct to a belt for receiving accessories. The belt comprises a body having a surface, one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items and one or more belt accessories comprising a body having an accessory surface, one or more accessory magnets coupled to the accessory surface for holding work items and at least one fastener for removably attaching the one or more belt accessories to the belt. 
         [0013]    Yet another aspect of the present application is directed to a method of manufacturing a belt and belt accessories. The method comprises constructing a belt body having a surface, coupling one or more magnets to the surface for holding work items. The method further comprises constructing an accessory body having an accessory surface, coupling one or more accessory magnets to the accessory surface for holding work items and coupling the accessory body to the surface of the belt body. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a front view of one embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt with removably attachable accessories. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  illustrates a front view of another embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt with removably attachable accessories. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a hammer holder.  FIG. 2B  illustrates an angled view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a hammer holder. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a belt clip. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3B  illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a belt clip. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3C  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a belt clip. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a tool pouch. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the present application comprising a tool belt accessory wherein the body is a tool pouch. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of manufacturing the belt and belt accessories of the present application 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0023]    In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a first embodiment of the magnetic tool belt  100  is depicted therein. Specifically, the magnetic tool belt  100  shown comprises a body  110  with a surface  120 , one or more magnets  130  coupled to the surface  120  for magnetically holding work items  140  and one or more belt accessories  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  removably attached to the surface  120 . Alternatively, any number of accessories are able to be removably attached to the surface  120  of the belt  100 . The body  110  comprises an elongated strap having a first and second end  150   a ,  150   b , wherein the first and second ends  150   a ,  150   b  are positioned substantially opposite each other. It is noted that the precise structure of the body  110  can take many forms which are each compatible with the present device and well known in the art. A first fastener  160   a  is coupled to the first end  150   a  and a second fastener  160   b  is coupled to the second end  150   b  wherein the first and second fasteners  160   a ,  160   b  are able to removably attach to each other forming a loop. The first and second fasteners  160   a ,  160   b  are also adjustable such that the circumference of the loop is allowed to be varied by adjusting the first and second fasteners  160   a ,  160   b . In some embodiments, the first and second fasteners  160   a ,  160   b  comprise any combination of a hook-and-loop fastening system, a zipper, a button, or a buckle. In other embodiments, the first and second fasteners  160   a ,  160   b  comprise any other fastening means. The surface  120  comprises various types and combinations of materials including, but not limited to leather, cotton, cotton/polyester blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, knit or rubber. In some embodiments, the surface  120  further comprises a plurality of layers  200 . 
         [0025]    The magnets  130  are neodymium magnets, however in some embodiments, the magnets  130  are ceramic or any other type or combination of magnets. Neodymium has been chosen because it is one of the strongest permanent magnets made and does not lose its strength over time. Typically, as shown in  FIG. 1A , a portion of the magnets  130  is exposed outside of the surface  120 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the layers  200  of the surface  120  completely enclose and house the magnets  130 . In some embodiments, the magnets  130  are accessible from the surface  120 . Where the magnets  130  are accessible from the surface  120 , various means can be utilized to selectively seal them into the surface  120  to prevent them from falling out of place. These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the magnets  130  are strips. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A and  4 B, the magnets  130 ′ are discs or small balls respectively. In some embodiments, the magnets  130  comprise any combination of strips, discs or small balls. 
         [0026]    As further shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the magnets  130  are substantially permanently coupled onto the surface  120 . Alternatively, the magnets  130  are removably attached to the surface  120 . Where the magnets  130  are removably attached to the surface  120 , various means are able to be utilized to removably attach them to the surface  120 . These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments, the magnets  130  are positioned along the surface  120  such that mutual magnetic attraction between each other is avoided. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the magnets  130  are sufficiently numerous and distributed across the surface  120  so as to allow metallic work items  140  to be secured to substantially all points of the surface  120 . 
         [0027]    Each of the belt accessories  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  comprise an accessory fastener  360  (as shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  3 B,  3 C and  4 B) that removably attaches the accessories  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  to the belt  100 , an accessory body  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  having an accessory surface  190 , and one or more accessory magnets  130 ′ coupled to the accessory surface  190  for holding work items  140 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the accessory bodies  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  comprise a belt clip  180   a , a tool pouch  180   b  and a combination of a tool pouch and a hammer holder  180   c . Alternatively, the accessory bodies  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  could be any belt accessory body including, but not limited to a tool pouch, a belt clip, a hammer holder and any combination thereof. Further, any number of belt accessories  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  and corresponding belt accessory bodies  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  can be utilized so long as the belt surface  120  has sufficient space to removably attach to them. The accessory fastener  360  (as shown in  FIGS. 2B ,  3 B,  3 C and  4 B) comprises any combination of a belt loop, a hook-and-loop fastening system, a zipper, a button, or a buckle. Alternatively, the accessory fastener  360  comprises any other fastening means. 
         [0028]    The accessory surface  190  comprises various types and combinations of materials including, but not limited to leather, cotton, cotton/polyester blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, knit or rubber. In some embodiments, the accessory surface  190  further comprises a plurality of accessory layers  210 . 
         [0029]    The accessory magnets  130 ′ are neodymium magnets, however in some embodiments, the accessory magnets  130 ′ are ceramic or any other type or combination of magnets. Neodymium has been chosen because it is one of the strongest permanent magnets made and does not lose its strength over time. Typically, as shown in  FIG. 1A , a portion of the accessory magnet  130 ′ is exposed outside of the accessory surface  190 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 1B , the accessory layers  210  of the accessory surface  190  completely enclose and house the accessory magnets  130 ′. In some embodiments, the accessory magnets  130 ′ are accessible from the accessory surface  190 . Where the accessory magnets  130 ′ are accessible from the accessory surface  190 , various means are able to be utilized to selectively seal them into the accessory surface  190  to prevent them from falling out of place. These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the accessory magnets  130 ′ are strips. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A and  4 B, the accessory magnets  130 ′ are discs or small balls respectively. In some embodiments, the accessory magnets  130 ′ comprise any combination of strips, discs or small balls. 
         [0030]    As further shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the accessory magnets  130 ′ are substantially permanently coupled onto the accessory surface  190 . Alternatively, the accessory magnets  130 ′ are removably attached to the accessory surface  190 . Where the accessory magnets  130 ′ are removably attached to the accessory surface  190 , various means are able to be utilized to removably attach them to the accessory surface  190 . These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments, the accessory magnets  130 ′ are positioned along the accessory surface  190  such that mutual magnetic attraction between each other is avoided. In some embodiments, the accessory magnets  130 ′ are sufficiently numerous and distributed across the accessory surface  190  so as to allow metallic work item  140  to be secured to substantially all points of the accessory surface  190 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the magnets  130  and accessory magnets  130 ′ are interchangeable. 
         [0031]    In operation, this design of the magnetic tool belt  100  allows a worker wearing the belt  100  to securely hold metallic work items  140  in readily accessible locations along the tool belt body  110  and the tool belt accessory bodies  180   a ,  180   b ,  180   c  via the magnetic attraction of the magnets  130  and the accessory magnets  130 ′. By doing so, the magnetic tool belt has the advantage of preventing the spilling of metallic work items  140  as well as making them more convenient to use by ensuring secure and convenient placement capabilities. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  4 A and  4 B show another aspect of the present application directed to a belt accessory  300 . The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  3 A,  3 B,  3 C,  4 A and  4 B are substantially the same as the belt accessories  170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c  discussed above except for the differences described herein. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the belt accessory  300  comprises a body  310  having a surface  320  and one or more magnets  130 ′ coupled to the surface  320  for holding work items  140  (not shown). In some embodiments, the belt accessory  300  further comprises a fastener  360  for removably attaching the belt accessory  300  to a belt (not shown). As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the body  310  comprises a hammer holder. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS.  3 A, 3 B and  3 C, the body  310  comprises a belt clip. In yet other embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the body  310  comprises a tool pouch. Alternatively, the body  310  is able to be any belt accessory body or combination thereof including, but not limited to a tool pouch, a belt clip, and a hammer holder. It is noted that the precise structure of the body  310  can take many forms which are each compatible with the present application and well known in the art. 
         [0033]    The fastener  360  comprises any combination of a belt loop, a hook-and-loop fastening system, a zipper, a button, or a buckle. Alternatively, the fastener  360  comprises any other fastening means. The surface  320  comprises various types and combinations of materials including, but not limited to leather, cotton, cotton/polyester blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, knit or rubber. In some embodiments, the surface  320  further comprises a plurality of layers  370  as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C. 
         [0034]    The magnets  130 ′ are neodymium magnets, however in some embodiments, the magnets  130 ′ are ceramic or any other type or combination of magnets. Neodymium has been chosen because it is one of the strongest permanent magnets made and does not lose its strength over time. Typically, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a portion of the magnets  130 ′ is exposed outside of the surface  320 . Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the accessory layers  370  of the surface  320  completely enclose and house the magnets  130 ′. In some embodiments, the magnets  130 ′ are accessible from the surface  320 . Where the magnets  130 ′ are accessible from the surface  320 , various means can be utilized to selectively seal them into the surface  320  to prevent them from falling out of place. These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the magnets  130 ′ are strips. Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  4 A and  4 B, the magnets  130 ′ are discs or small balls respectively. In some embodiments, the magnets  130 ′ comprise any combination of strips, discs or small balls. 
         [0035]    The magnets  130 ′ are substantially permanently coupled onto the surface  320 . Alternatively, the magnets  130 ′ are removably attached to the surface  320 . Where the magnets  130 ′ are removably attached to the surface  320 , various means can be utilized to removably attach them to the surface  320 . These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments, the magnets  130 ′ are positioned along the surface  320  such that mutual magnetic attraction between each other is avoided. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the magnets  130 ′ are sufficiently numerous and distributed across the surface  320  so as to allow metallic work items (not shown) to be secured to substantially all points of the surface  320 . 
         [0036]    In operation, this design of the magnetic belt accessory  300  allows a worker wearing the accessory  300  to securely hold metallic work items in readily accessible locations along the belt accessory body  310  via the magnetic attraction of the magnets  130 ′. By doing so, the magnetic belt accessory  300  of the present application has the advantage of preventing the spilling of metallic work items as well as making them more convenient to use by ensuring secure and convenient placement capabilities. 
         [0037]    Another aspect of the present application is directed to a method of manufacturing the tool belt and tool belt accessories. This method will now be discussed in conjunction with the flow chart illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In particular, a belt body having a surface is constructed at the step  500 . One or more magnets are then coupled to the surface at the step  502 . At the step  504 , an accessory body is constructed having an accessory surface. In some embodiments, the accessory body comprises a tool pouch. In other embodiments, the accessory body comprises a hammer holder. In yet other embodiments, the accessory body comprises a belt clip. Further, in some embodiments, the one or more magnets and accessory magnets are removably attached to the surface. One or more accessory magnets are then coupled to the accessory surface at the step  506 . At the step  508 , the accessory body is coupled to the surface of the belt body. 
         [0038]    The magnetic tool belt and belt accessories described herein comprise a body having a surface and one or more magnets coupled to the surface for holding work items. By incorporating these magnets with the body of the tool belt and tool belt accessories the present device allows a worker wearing or using the tool belt or tool belt accessories to securely hold metallic tools and other items in readily accessible locations along the body via the magnetic attraction of the magnets. Thus, the worker is able to work more efficiently as they are less likely to fumble or drop tools and other items thereby increasing work production. Further, the present device allows for more flexibility in the worker&#39;s body position while working because the magnets prevent tools from falling when tilted, even if tilted completely upside down. Accordingly, the magnetic tool belt and belt accessories described herein have numerous advantages. 
         [0039]    The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the body of the tool belt and belt accessories of the present invention can be any type of belt or belt accessory body. Further, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the precise structure of these bodies can be substantially varied while still being compatible with the present invention. Accordingly, the device of the present invention can be implemented in several different ways and have several different appearances.