Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PORTABLE HAND TOOL CARRIER HARNESS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a novel design of portable hand tool carrier
harness for use
by workers in the construction industry. More specifically, the invention
pertains to a
portable hand drill carrier harness. The carrier harness combines a quick-draw
drill
carrying holster with a harness which fits about the torso of a hand drill
user. The carrier
harness can be used for holding portable hand operated equipment such as a
portable hand
drill, which can either be powered by a power cord or a rechargeable battery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the years, in the construction industry, a large number of
products have been
invented which have made construction work less labor intensive and more
efficient.
Some examples are the retractable tape measure, the skill saw, the chop saw,
the air
powered nailing gun and portable cord powered or cordless hand drills.
[0003] Among portable drills, the cordless drill has been improved in design
and power
since it first appeared on the market and has become a standard and
indispensable piece of
equipment to workers in the construction industry. This is true to the extent
that many
construction tradespeople have the drill constantly "at hand". Most trades
people in
North America possess a cordless drill and appreciate its advantages and
assistance in
performing jobs such as screwing screws into construction components. Such
trades
people experience frustration in constantly having to find a safe place to put
down the drill
when not in use. This problem is particularly true if the worker is on a
ladder. In such
situations, there is a risk that the cordless drill will fall off the ladder
and break or damage
something or hurt someone below. Another problem is that dropped cordless
drills often
break and cease to function once they drop on a hard object. There is a
continuing
problem that a tool such as a cordless drill, which is frequently used in the
construction
industry, must have a convenient and handy location to be placed when not in
use. The
tool must also be oriented appropriately and conveniently for regular, safe
and convenient
access in all situations. A potential location is on the body of the worker.
[0004] Carrier systems for portable construction equipment such as cordless
drills have
been developed over the years and have included work belt drill holsters, side
sling drill
holsters and combination drill holsters with tool carriers. A common problem
with
cordless drill holsters in the art is that they are modeled on a gun holster
which is snugly
secured to the body of the user so that it does not move. This restricts its
versatility.
Construction work is usually performed by the workers in positions other than
upright.
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Such work usually involves the worker bending over, crawling or climbing at
various
angles. A cordless drill holster must therefore include a securement means,
such as straps,
clips, etc., to hold the drill in the holster and ensure the drill does not
fall out of the
holster during movement of the worker or when the worker bends forward. Such
straps
and the like must be continuously secured or disengaged. This process is
tedious and
inconvenient and is soon abandoned. The result is that when the drill is left
unsecured in a
conventional body mounted drill holster with securing strap, the drill falls
free virtually
any time the worker bends over or leans sideways. Thus drill holsters that are
secured to
the body, and rely on conscientious use of the drill securement means, are not
safe when
the drill is not secured.
[0005] Another problem with conventional drill holsters available on the
market is that
they are usually designed to be secured to a tool belt worn by a worker. The
tool belt
provides a convenient pre-existing place where tools are carried. However, due
to the
rising complexity of construction, as well as the requirements of increasingly
technical
trades, the conventional tool belt is usually cluttered with holders and tools
and there is
little or no room to accommodate a holster for a large portable cordless
drill. A drill
holster mounted in a sling or harness under the arm of the worker that allows
a side draw
still requires a securement means to prevent the drill from falling out of the
holster when
the worker bends over or leans to the side. A drill holster mounted in the
center of the
chest of the worker is a potential convenient solution because it allows the
worker access
to the drill while also permitting the use of a full tool belt around the
waist of the worker
for holding other tools. However, prior art describing chest mounted article
carriers still
suffer from the flaw that the drill holster must be snug against the body of
the worker and
the tool must be secured by a step or other mechanism.
[0006] Ergonomically designed equipment maximizes both user productivity and
safety
because it is physically easier and safer for the worker to use on a daily
basis.
Unfortunately, it seems that equipment designers seldom consult end users such
as workers
during the design or re-design process, nor are their concerns addressed in a
comprehensive or integrated fashion. This propensity to ignore the trade
worker often
results in a product that is inadequate in some fundamental way for the use
intended.
[0007] The following patents disclose apparatus for carrying items on the body
of a
person.
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[0008] U.S. Patent No. 6,719,178, Taylor, issued on April 13, 2004, discloses
a chest
mounted paint carrier. The paint carrier is removably attached to a chest and
shoulder
strap so that the paint receptacle is held at chest level. The paint
receptacle is hinged and
adapted to pivot from the chest strap so that it is maintained in an upright
or near upright
position. The device is designed for efficient placement of the paint
receptacle for access
and use by the wearer. Taylor is unsuitable as a holder for a cordless drill.
[0009] Canadian Patent No. 1,282,381, Rowledge, issued April 2, 1991,
discloses a
harness for carrying items on the chest of the wearer. Rowledge discloses a
simple,
comfortable, silent apparatus to carry binoculars and cameras and includes a
pair of
identical shoulder straps which extend from approximately the center of the
chest of a user
over the shoulders, cross in the back and pass under the arms of the user to
the chest area.
The apparatus includes swivel hooks which are slidable on the shoulder straps
for
releasably retaining the article suspended from the chest area of the shoulder
straps, so that
the article can be slid smoothly and silently from the carrying to the use
position without
disconnecting the article from the carrier.
[0010] U.S. Patent No. 5,307,967, Seals, May 3, 1994, discloses a harness
carrier similar
to Rowledge. The carrier comprises an inverted U-shaped sling strap carried
over a
shoulder of a user. The carrier can be configured into a strip system which
extends around
the torso and over both shoulders of the user.
[0011] U.S. Patent No. 6,155,471, Lichtenberger, December 5, 2000, discloses a
cordless
drill holster mounted on a shoulder strap assembly. The assembly can be
adopted for a left
or right-handed person. The drill holster is mounted on the upper torso but it
is not
mounted in the center of the chest. The holster relies upon a retaining strap
to keep the
drill within the holster. The holster is not adapted to pivot on the strap. It
does not
remain in a vertical position when the wearer bends over or leans to the side.
[0012] U.S. Patent No. 6,016,944, Girbert, January 25, 2000, discloses a
combined
shoulder harness with a pouch for containing a cordless drill. The drill is
placed at chest
height but it is not placed at the chest center. The drill holster can be made
to be right or
left-handed but does not possess an inclination mechanism to suit the
handedness of the
wearer. Girbert also discloses the placement of another storage pouch on the
same harness
for such things as extra batteries.
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[0013] U.S. Patent No. 6,065,658, Hashimoto, May 23, 2000, discloses an
apparatus for
holding an electric drill that is worn by a user. The apparatus includes a
pair of shoulder
straps that pass over opposite shoulders of the user and attach to a belt that
is worn about
the waist of the user at the front and back of the user. The belt is
adjustable about the waist
of the user. A holster adapted to receive the electric drill therein is
attached to one of the
pair of shoulder straps intermediate the waist and one of the opposite
shoulders of the user.
Hashimoto shows a cross-strap (30). The holster is left or right hand
positioned. The
holster does not sit center-chest and does not appear to be adapted for
pivoting.
[0014] U.S. Patent No. 6,561,402, Holland et al., May 13, 2003, discloses a
waist belt
mounted drill holster that can be used left or right-handed. The drill holster
is accessible
for both a left-handed or a right-handed user. A reinforcement type material
is provided
for strengthening the tool belt pass-through neck of the weight bearing pouch.
[0015] The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related
thereto are
intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the
related art will
become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the
specification and a study
of the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and
illustrated in
conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary
and
illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of
the
above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other
embodiments are
directed to other improvements.
[0017] The invention disclosed herein provides a novel integrated, inventive
solution to the
various securement and ergonomic challenges that face a construction worker
using a
portable tool such as a cordless drill while working in various positions
during the day.
The invention bypasses problems associated with belt mounted drill holders
which are
cumbersome and awkward when attached to a tool belt carrying other tools. The
invention
comprises a central harness that is worn around the torso of an individual. In
one
embodiment, the open top drill holster is mounted on the harness in the middle
chest area
of the individual for efficient and ready access. The drill holster is hinged
to the harness
and is adapted to tilt forward when the individual leans forward or to one
side. Gravity
holds the drill within the open top holster. The holster is canted at a
predetermined angle
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to the right or to the left depending on the handedness of the worker for
ergonomic and
convenient grasping and replacement of the cordless drill when not in use. In
an
alternative embodiment, the holster is replaced with a pair of curved hooks
which support
the portable tool.
[0018] The invention is directed to a portable tool carrier apparatus
comprising: (a) a
harness for fitting around the torso and over the shoulders of a person; (b) a
tool carrier
apparatus connected to a front chest area of the harness; and (c) a mechanism
which
enables the elevation of the tool carrier apparatus to be adjusted relative to
the harness.
[0019] The tool carrier apparatus can be pivotal relative to the harness and
can remain in a
substantially vertical orientation when the person bends forward. The
elevation of the tool
carrier apparatus can be adjustable by means of one or more slidable
mechanisms attached
to the harness. The tool carrier apparatus can include a mechanism whereby the
vertical
axis of the tool carrier apparatus can be offset to the right or to the left
to accommodate a
right-handed or left-handed worker.
[0020] The harness can include a chest belt, a pair of shoulder straps and at
least one quick
release mechanism for enabling the harness to be removed from the torso of the
person.
The chest strap and the shoulder straps can include mechanisms which permit
the lengths
of the chest strap and the shoulder straps to be adjusted.
[0021] The tool carrier apparatus can be a holster that has top and bottom
openings and the
tool can be inserted in the holster through a top opening and the bottom of
the tool can
protrude through a bottom opening. The tool carrier apparatus can be a pair of
curved
open top hooks which can be connected to the front of the harness. The pair of
curved
open top hooks can be pivotal relative to the harness. The tool can be a
cordless drill.
[0022] The mechanism for offsetting the carrier holster can comprise a tilt-
mounting
mechanism which can include a belt loop extending from the top area of the
carrier holster
for enveloping the chest belt of the harness, the loop being secured in place
on the chest
belt by a fastening mechanism. The tilt-mounting mechanism can comprise two
pairs of
orientation rings attached to the rear of the carrier holster, the rings being
releasably
attached to a chest belt by means of clips, the clips removably fitting within
the
appropriate rings to adjust the vertical offset orientation of the carrier
holster.
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[0023] The apparatus can include tool receptacles on the front area of the
carrier holster.
The apparatus can include reinforcing material around the top opening in the
carrier
holster. A rear panel of the carrier holster and a front area of the harness
can be one piece
and a horizontal hinge line can be formed in the rear panel to enable the
carrier holster to
pivot relative to the harness.
[0024] The invention is also directed to a cordless drill carrier apparatus
comprising: (a) a
harness for fitting about the torso and over the shoulders of a person, the
harness including
a chest belt, a pair of shoulder straps and at least one quick release
mechanism for
enabling the harness to be removed from the torso of the person; (b) a carrier
holster
connected to the front chest area of the harness, the carrier holster being
pivotal relative to
the harness and remaining in a substantially vertical orientation when the
person bends
forward, the carrier holster having openings at the top and bottom, the drill
being inserted
in the carrier holster through the top opening so that the chuck of the drill
protrudes
through the bottom opening; and (c) a mechanism whereby the elevation of the
carrier
holster can be raised or lowered relative to the chest area of the harness.
[0025] The mechanism can be used to tilt the vertical axis of carrier holster
to one side or
the other. The carrier holster can be replaced by a pair of curved open top
hooks for
supporting the drill.
[0026] The invention is also directed to a method of enabling a cordless drill
to be carried
on the chest of a person by fitting the torso of the person with a harness
that carries a
pivotal drill carrier apparatus on the front of the harness, the carrier
apparatus being
adjustable in elevation relative to the harness, the carrier apparatus
comprising either a
holster which remains substantially vertical when the person bends forward, or
a pair of
curved open top hooks for carrying the drill.
[0027] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above,
further
aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and
by study
of the following detailed descriptions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0028] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the
drawings. It is
intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be
considered illustrative
rather than restrictive.
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[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a worker bending
forward while
wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster according to a first embodiment
of the
invention.
[0030] Figure 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of a worker bending
forward while
wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster according to a first embodiment
of the
invention.
[0031] Figure 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of a worker bending
forward and
wearing a cordless drill carrier holster according to a second embodiment of
the invention.
[0032] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of a third embodiment of the
cordless drill
carrier holster.
[0033] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the drill
carrier holster,
wherein the holster is tilted off its vertical axis to accommodate a cordless
drill for a right-
handed worker.
[0034] Figure 5a illustrates an opposite image of Figure 5 wherein the holster
is tilted off
its vertical axis to accommodate a cordless drill for a left-handed worker.
[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of a fifth embodiment of a cordless
drill holster
carrier with drill holster and adjustable shoulder and back straps.
[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of tool
carrier
apparatus comprising a cordless drill open top hook carrier.
[0037] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the
cordless
open top drill hook carrier with pivot attachment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in
order to
provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However,
well
known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid
unnecessarily
obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be
regarded in
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an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. The following discussion,
for purposes of
illustration, focuses on cord powered or cordless power drills but it is
understood other
portable power tools can be adapted to the system.
[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a worker bending
forward and
wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster according to a first embodiment
of the
invention. As seen in Figure 1, the worker 1 is wearing a chest harness 2
which
comprises a pair of adjustable length shoulder straps 4 and an adjustable
width chest strap
6. The pair of shoulder straps 4 have a respective pair of slide fasteners 5
mounted on the
front of each of the two shoulder straps 4. Pivotally secured to the pair of
slide fasteners 5
is a holster 3 which holds a cordless drill 8. The chest strap 6 can be
readily detached and
released by a detachment buckle 7. As seen in Figure 1, the holster 3, by
being pivotally
attached to the respective slide fasteners 5, rather than being secured snugly
to the body of
the worker, is encouraged by gravity to maintain a relatively vertical
position. This action
holds the cordless drill 8 in place within the holster 3. The points where the
top two ends
of the holster 3 are pivotally secured to the pair of slide fasteners 5 can be
constructed of
any reasonable hinge-like attachment. The elevation of the holster 3 relative
to the vertical
position on the front sides of the two shoulder straps 4 can be altered by
moving the
respective pair of slide fasteners 5 up or down in order to suit the specific
needs of the
worker 1. Also, the vertical axis of the holster 3 can be tilted to the right
or left by setting
the slide fasteners 5 at different elevations. This enables the holster 3 to
be adjusted to
accommodate right or left-handed workers.
[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of a worker bending
forward and
wearing a portable hand drill carrier holster according to a first embodiment
of the
invention. Figure 2 is particularly useful in that it clearly illustrates the
manner in which
the holster 3 and cordless drill 8 are maintained in a near vertical
orientation by means of
the pivotal attachment of the top ends of the holster 3 to the adjustable
elevation slide
fasteners 5 on the front region of the respective shoulder straps 4. It can be
noted that in
the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the belt 9 of the worker 1
remains separate
and can be used to hold various pouches, holders and the like to enable the
worker 1 to
carry other tools. The pivotally attached holster 3 secured to the front
region of the pair of
shoulder straps 4 of the chest harness 2 does not interfere with tools carried
on the belt 9.
[0041] Figure 3 shows a left side perspective view of a worker 14 bending
forward while
wearing a cordless drill carrier holster according to a second embodiment of
the invention.
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The ergonomic cordless drill carrier holster system 10 is constructed of a
quick-draw drill
carrier holster 16 which holds a cordless drill 12. The holster 16 is hingedly
or pivotally
connected to the central area of a chest, back and shoulder harness 30 at
hinge point 46.
The hinge point 46 should be at a reasonably high elevation to ensure that the
holster 16
remains in a reasonably vertical position as the worker 14 moves about or
bends over. In
Figure 3, it can be seen that the hinge point 46 is at the top rather than the
bottom of the
front chest position of the harness 30.
[0042] While not shown, the chest harness 30 can include a quick action
separating buckle
for a chest belt and length adjusters for the shoulder belts. It is understood
that any
suitable buckle or quick release fastening attachment or shoulder belt length
adjusting
mechanism can be used in place of the separating buckle 44 or length adjuster
within the
spirit of the invention.
[0043] As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the holster with the drill
remains basically
vertical even though the worker is bending over forwardly or to the side. This
ensures
that the cordless drill 12 remains securely in the holster 14 and does not
fall out. The drill
12 can be readily inserted into or removed from the holster 14. Holding the
drill 12 in the
holster 16 by gravity minimizes the risk of damaging the cordless drill 12 or
anything that
the drill drops on, such as an object or a person, if the drill 12 falls out.
Having the
holster and drill remain in a vertical position eliminates the need to have a
releasable strap
or fastener on the holster to hold the drill in place. However, if required, a
releasable
securing strap can be included with the holster 16 to ensure the drill remains
in the holster.
It is preferable that the holster be hingedly attached to the belt or harness
at a top region of
the belt to ensure that the majority of the mass and the center of gravity of
the drill and
holster remains below the hinge point. The elevation of the holster can be
adjusted and
pivotally joined to the chest belt at the top, middle or bottom of the belt.
This enables the
holster to be positioned at an optimum elevation to accommodate different
sizes of workers
and weights of cordless drills and ensure that the holster remains vertical
while being worn
by the worker. The dimensions of the chest harness can be altered to
accommodate
different sizes of workers by incorporating adjustable fasteners and buckles
in the chest
harness
[0044] Figure 4 shows an isometric view of a third embodiment of the carrier
holster
system 10, wherein the quick-draw carrier holster 16 is releasably mounted
onto the chest
belt 40 by a belt loop 58, that is formed from an upward extension of the rear
panel 24 of
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the holster 16. The belt loop 58 is affixed in a loop configuration by rivets
or fasteners 60
or similar means of loop securement. Figure 4 also shows elements of the quick-
draw
carrier holster 16, such as its front panel 18, top lip 20, which can be
reinforced to
withstand wear, side panel 22, rear panel 24, and chuck hole 26. The rim of
the chuck
hole 26 can be reinforced to withstand wear. The base of the rear panel 24
extends below
the bottom hole 26 in the holster 16 and keeps the chuck of the drill 12 and
any tool
mounted in the chuck from rubbing on the clothing of the worker, or on other
tools carried
by the worker.
[0045] Figure 5 shows a rear view of a fourth embodiment of the drill carrier
system 10
including the quick-draw carrier holster 16, a tilt-mounting connection 46 for
a right-
handed worker (not shown), and a front section of the components of the chest
harness 30
(shown from the inside). The carrier holster 16 is attached to the chest
harness 30, by
means of any one of a vertical series of orientation rings 48 affixed to the
rear panel 24 of
the holster 16. The rings 48 are secured to the rear panel 24 with appropriate
stitching,
riveting, or similar means of ring securement 50, to strap clips 54 attached
to the front of
the chest belt 40. As shown in Figure 5, by attaching strap clips 54 to the
appropriate
elevation of orientation rings 48, the drill carrier holster 16 can be
correctly oriented
(tilted) to the right for ready ergonomic access to the handle of the drill 12
(not shown) by
a right-handed worker 14. Figure 5 also shows the inside of a front section of
the chest
belt 40 which is supported by a right shoulder belt 32, and a left shoulder
belt 34, each of
which terminate in length adjustable shoulder belt clips 38 which are attached
to the chest
belt 40, for example, by respective reinforced grommet holes 42. Figure 5a
shows a
reverse image of Figure 5, wherein the holster 16 is tilted to the opposite
side according to
the tilt-mounting 46 configuration required for use by a left-handed worker.
[0046] Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a fifth embodiment of
a portable
drill carrier system with drill holster and adjustable shoulder and back
straps. As seen in
Figure 6, this embodiment is constructed of a front holster panel 70, and a
rear holster
pane172, which are secured together to form a drill carrying holster. The
front of the
pane170 has formed therein tool pockets 74 for holding worker tools. A
reinforcing
border 76 is sewn around the periphery of panels 70 and 72. The ends of a pair
of
adjustable length shoulder straps 78 with movable buckles 80 are affixed to
each side of
the rear pane172. A quick release buckle or dagger fastener 88 can be
installed in one or
both straps 78. The opposite ends of the adjustable length shoulder straps 78
are affixed to
a back pad 82. A pair of lower torso straps 84 are connected between the back
pad 82 and
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the respective sides of the rear panel 72. This embodiment of the drill
carrier system is
designed so that there is a horizontal hinge or pivot line 86 formed in the
rear panel 72 so
that the major area of the front and rear panels 70 and 72 can remain in a
vertical position
when the worker bends over to the front or the side. It will be appreciated
that the
elevation of the hinge line 86, which is typically a weakened or flexible
region in the panel
72, can be set to accommodate different sizes and weights of tools. The
interior of the
holster can be padded to protect and cradle the drill (not shown).
[0047] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a
carrier apparatus
comprising a cordless drill open top hook carrier. As seen in Figure 7, a
worker 90 is
wearing a chest harness comprising a pair of shoulder straps 92 and horizontal
chest strap
94. The front of the chest strap 94 is equipped with a dual open top hook
system 96 which
cradles a cordless drill 98 or other portable power tool. The pair of hooks of
the hook
system 96 are curved and enable the drill 98 to pivot within the pair of hooks
and remain
in a virtually vertical orientation when the worker 90 bends forward.
[0048] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the
cordless drill
hook carrier with pivot attachment. The chest harness and hook system
illustrated in
Figure 8 is basically the same as illustrated in Figure 7 except that the
front of the chest
strap 94 includes a pivot mechanism 100 which enables the pair of hooks 96 and
drill 98 to
maintain basically a vertical orientation when the worker 90 bends forward.
O eration
[0049] Fundamentally, there are four basic interdependent components of the
ergonomic
portable power tool carrier system in all embodiments of the invention, namely
a quick-
draw carrier holster or hook harness, an adjustable length and width chest,
shoulder and
back harness, a holster or hook elevation adjustment mechanism and a holster
or hook tilt
mounting mechanism.
[0050] The carrier system with the quick-draw carrier holster or carrier in
the various
embodiments discussed and shown provides a convenient means for a worker to
carry and
easily use a portable power tool such as a cord powered or cordless drill in a
manner
which does not interfere with other equipment worn by the worker such as tool
belts, tool
vests, and the like. The carrier system allows the worker to quickly and
easily remove and
replace the drill in the holster or in the pair of hooks without a need for
additional drill
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securement means. It eliminates the need for the worker to mount a holster or
hooks on a
waist belt or failing that, find a place to lay down the drill when not in
use.
[0051] The carrier with the holster has a durable rear panel which forms the
rear surface
of the body of the holster. This protects the worker and his clothing from
wear due to the
repeated insertion of the drill into and removal from the holster. The front
panel is
durably and strongly attached to the back panel to form the body of the drill
carrier
holster. It will be understood that these two elements can be combined and
formed as one
unit, depending on the materials used to construct the carrier system. The top
lip, which
is the top edge of the front panel, can be reinforced to withstand wear from
repeated
insertion and extraction of the drill. Likewise, the chuck hole, which is at
the bottom of
the front panel, is reinforced to withstand wear from various sharp edge tools
that are
inserted in the chuck of the drill and which protrude from the bottom of the
carrier holster.
The accessory slots or pockets on the front panel of the carrier provide a
convenient place
for the worker to store and access drill bits, pencils, chuck keys, etc.
[0052] The adjustable length and width chest harness provides a means for
positioning the
carrier holster or the hook system and a tool such as a drill when placed in
the holster or
hook system, on the chest of the worker at convenient adjustable elevation for
optimal
ergonomic access to the tool by the worker. At chest level, it prevents
interference with
tool belts or tool aprons or coats that may be worn by the worker.
[0053] The vertical axis of the holster or hooks can be offset by setting each
side of the top
of the holster hooks at a different elevation on the respective front and
chest areas of the
pair of shoulder straps.
[0054] The third embodiment of the drill carrier system shown in Figure 4 is
the simplest
to manufacture, but it can have the tendency to prevent consistent orientation
of the chest
belt during repeated use. It may cause alignment creep due to the amount of
play in the
belt loop. An advantage of this embodiment is that the play in the belt loop
allows for
ambidextrous use of the carrier holster since it tends to be pulled into a
convenient
orientation for easy removal and replacement by the weight of the drill when
it the carrier
holster.
[0055] The fourth embodiment of the cordless drill carrier system shown in
Figure 5 uses
a "ring and clip mount" version of the tilt-mounting feature. The tilt-
mounting feature
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allows the drill to stay in its carrier holster even when the worker bends
forward, by
allowing the carrier holster to tilt forward and remain essentially vertical.
The tilt-
mounting mechanism also enables the vertical axis of the holster to be canted
to the left or
right as required so that the horizontal balance point of the drill allows
quicker, more
convenient ergonomic access by either left or right-handed workers.
[0056] It will be understood that in place of the tilt-mounting mechanism, a
hinge
assembly can be used to achieve the same objectives as the "ring and clip"
embodiment.
A hinge assembly shown in Figure 6 connects the front of chest belt to the
rear of rear
panel and allows the carrier holster to tilt forward when the worker bends
forward. In this
case, a thicker rear panel that supports the straps in the center of the chest
and allows
proper righting action might be necessary. It is understood that other
embodiments or
similar methods leading to the same result of enabling the holster to remain
essentially
vertical are included within the scope of the invention.
[0057] The body of the quick-draw carrier holster can be made of leather or
semi-rigid
durable plastic to give it a reasonably rigid shape. The plastic or leather
can be covered
with cordura or ballistic nylon to give it durability in a construction
environment. The top
lip and chuck hole of the holster can have durable taping stitched into the
edges of the
carrier. The accessory slots or pockets can be made of cordura or elastic
material and
stitched into the front wall of he carrier holster. Rivets may be used to
reinforce the
carrier in areas of potential wear, and as a backup to stitching. The belts of
the chest
harness can be constructed of a woven nylon material similar to that used for
automobile
driver restraints or backpack hip belts. Similarly, the length adjusters,
grommets, quick
action separating buckles, orientation rings, and strap or belt clips can be
items which are
commonly used in constructing durable portable man-carried equipment for
outdoors or
construction uses. Securement of these items is by means of nylon or
polypropylene straps
stitched into appropriate carrier or belt materials, or by self-securing
methods such as used
in separating buckles or belt clips. A hinge style tilt-mounting may be
constructed of
durable rigid plastic or similar materials, as long as it achieves similar
objectives to the
preferred embodiments. Similarly, the entire quick-draw carrier may be
constructed of
durable strong plastic materials as one unit, or multiple interconnecting
pieces, and may or
may not include the alternate hinge tilt-mounting. It will be understood that
the carrier
system can be adapted and used for carrying other portable power or manual
tools instead
of cordless drills.
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[0058] In the dual hook embodiments illustrated in Figure 7 and 8, the pair of
hooks
removably cradle the drill and provide an alternative method of mounting the
drill on the
front of the chest harness at selected elevation. The dual hooks can be fixed
to the front of
the chest harness or secured by a hinge system. The curved dual hooks enable
the cordless
drill to pivot and remain in an essentially vertical position when the worker
bends forward.
However, a hinge system can be utilized when preferred to enable the dual
hooks to
remain substantially vertical when the worker bends forward.
[0059] The foregoing description of the preferred apparatus and materials used
in its
construction should be considered as illustrative only, and not limiting.
Other techniques
and other materials may be employed towards similar ends. Various changes and
modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, without departing from
the true scope
of the invention as defined in the above disclosure, and the following general
claims.
Those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations,
additions and
sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended
claims and
claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications,
permutations,
additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.
