Tool Holder With Curved Backing And Extension Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tool holsters are inadequate for securely retaining bulkier battery-powered tools and other tools due to variations in handle and battery pack dimensions, leading to slippage and potential falling, especially when hung from a user's waist.
Innovation Solution
A tool holster design featuring a backing member with a curvature that conforms to the user's hip, an extension member for spacing, and a tool holder with adaptable configurations, including a 'J' shaped saddle and internal ramps, to securely hold tools and prevent contact with the user's leg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pouch is used to carry battery-powered tools, then multiple tools can be carried, but the tools may fall out due to bulk and improper retention
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder is divided into distinct functional segments: a backing member for waist attachment, an extension member for spacing, and a tool holder member with specific retaining features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function, with the holder member specifically designed with ramps and engaging portions to securely retain tools of various sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member acts as an intermediary element between the backing member and the tool holder member. It provides the necessary spacing to position the tool away from the user's leg, preventing contact and injury while maintaining secure retention. This intermediary component resolves the conflict between secure holding and user safety.
2Ease of operation
If a belt holster is used to carry power tools, then hands-free carrying is achieved, but tools slip due to varying handle dimensions and battery pack sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The tool holder member features localized retaining structures including ramps and engaging portions specifically positioned to contact and secure the tool handle. These local features are designed to adapt to varying handle dimensions and battery pack sizes, providing secure retention without requiring the entire holster structure to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder design incorporates dynamic adapting features that can accommodate tools with varying dimensions. The engaging portions and ramps are shaped to flexibly contact different tool configurations, allowing the holder to dynamically adjust to various handle and battery pack sizes while maintaining secure retention.
3Reliability
If a holster retains tools close to the user's leg, then secure retention is achieved, but the tool may contact and injure the user during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The extension member serves as a safety intermediary that creates a protective buffer zone between the tool and the user's leg. It maintains the optimal spacing that prevents harmful contact during movement while ensuring the tool remains securely retained in the holder member, thus resolving the safety-retention conflict.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-size holster is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate tools with varying handle and battery pack dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire holster variable in size, the design uses local quality variations in the tool holder member. The ramps and engaging portions are specifically shaped to contact and secure different tool configurations, while the overall holster structure remains relatively standardized for easier manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool holder is described, that is suitable for securely holding a variety of tools within the holder. The tool holder of the invention is particularly well suited for holding a variety of cordless power tools, hammers, squares or other loose tool objects. The apparatus may include a saddle member that partially clamps around the handle of a tool.