Mason's magnetic trowel holster and holstering method

Abstract

A system and method for holstering a mason's trowel, known as THE THIRD HAND, comprising a magnetic holster 10 having slots 40 or other means for attachment to a person's clothing and having a base protector sheet 20 with two holding magnets 30, the entire system providing a “touch and feel” double click engagement method for securely and releasably holding a trowel, and eyelets 50 disposed about the perimeter of the base protector sheet 20 for receiving stop posts 60 for orienting a trowel in a preferred position for a user on the holster 10.

1 . A magnetic trowel holster comprising: 
 a base protector sheet;    a flat magnet portion; and    means for attaching said base protector sheet to a person's clothing.    
   
   
       2 . A trowel holster as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base protector sheet further includes: 
 at least one hole formed in said base protector sheet; and    at least one alignment post mounted on said base protector sheet in said at least one hole.    
   
   
       3 . A trowel holster as defined in  claim 1  wherein said flat magnet portion is comprised of at least two separate magnets.  
   
   
       4 . A trowel holster as defined in  claim 1  wherein said flat magnet portion is annular in shape.  
   
   
       5 . A trowel holster as defined in  claim 1  wherein said base protector sheet includes a plurality of said holes formed about the perimeter of said base protector sheet.  
   
   
       6 . A trowel holster as defined  claim 2  wherein said at least one hole includes an eyelet sized to fit said at least one hole and to securely receive said at least one alignment post.  
   
   
       7 . A trowel holster as defined in  claim 2  including at least two alignment posts installed in at least two holes to form a linear guide on said base protector sheet to properly align the trowel on the holster.  
   
   
       8 . A trowel holster as defined in  claim 4  wherein said annular magnet includes an annular protector piece surrounding, but spaced from said annular magnet.  
   
   
       9 . A trowel holster as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said attachment means is an enclosed loop formed in said base protector sheet to receive a person's belt.  
   
   
       10 . A trowel holster as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said attachment means is a spring clip member for clamping on an article of clothing or a belt.  
   
   
       11 . A magnetic trowel holster for releasably mounting a mason's trowel or float in a secure, yet easily accessible manner which comprises: 
 a generally rectangular base member having a spring biased tongue mounted on one side for engaging an article of clothing;    a magnetic member attached to said rectangular base member for securing the trowel by its blade to the holster; and    an alignment edge comprised of two posts configured to cooperatively engage the trowel or float blade adjacent said magnetic member and to properly align the trowel on the holster.    
   
   
       12 . A magnetic trowel holster comprised of: 
 a hand-sized sheet of material;    a means for attachment of the material to a belt or other article of clothing of a wearer of the trowel holster;    at least two magnets for flexibility and better adhesion of the trowel and to reduce downward rotation of the trowel handle to prevent inadvertent disengagement; and    at least one eyelet for mounting at least one mechanical stop for ensuring preferred orientation of the trowel handle for quick grasping.    
   
   
       13 . A method of holstering and unholstering a mason's trowel by its blade in a holster attached to the mason's hip having two magnetic members attached to a protector sheet including the steps of: 
 to holster, wiping the blade of the trowel to remove excess mortar or other cementious material:    swinging the trowel by hand back toward the holster bringing the blade in close proximity to the two magnetic members;    pressing the blade of the trowel against a first magnetic member;    sensing through the handle of the trowel the engagement of said first magnetic member;    bringing the blade in close proximity to a remaining second magnetic member;    sensing through the handle the engagement of said second magnetic member with the blade of the trowel;    releasing the handle of the trowel, thereby fully holstering the trowel against said two magnetic members;    to unholster, grasping the handle of the trowel;    pulling the handle of the trowel away from the holster:    sensing by “touch and feel” the release of said first magnetic member;    reducing the force of the pull on the trowel handle;    sensing by “touch and feel” the release of said second magnetic member:    moving the trowel to the desired place of work.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said holster further comprises eyelets penetrating the protector sheet in which are disposed at least one alignment post and wherein said method further includes the additional step of bringing the blade of the trowel to rest against the at least one alignment post before the step of pressing the blade of the trowel against said first magnetic member.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the steps of engaging both magnetic members create a tactile and audible signal to the user.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the tactile and audible signal constitutes a “double click.”