Belt clip for hand-held power tool

Abstract

A tool with a tool body, a clip and a retainer. The tool body has a clip aperture that extends through first and second sides of the tool body. The clip has a clip structure and a post that is generally transverse to the clip. The retainer is carried by one of the tool and the post and is configured to releasably engage the other one of the tool body an the post when the post is inserted into the clip aperture. The post may be inserted into the clip aperture from either the first side of the tool body or the second side of the tool body. A method for attaching a belt clip to a tool is also provided.

1 . A tool comprising: 
 a tool body having a clip aperture that extends through first and second sides of the tool body;    a clip having a clip structure and a post that is generally transverse to the clip; and    a retainer carried by one of the tool and the post, the retainer being configured to releasably engage the other one of the tool body an the post when the post is inserted into the clip aperture;    wherein the post may be inserted into the clip aperture from either the first side of the tool body or the second side of the tool body.    
   
   
       2 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer is carried by the tool body and carries a locking element that is biased into the clip aperture.  
   
   
       3 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the post includes a tapered leading edge that pushes the locking element outwardly from the clip aperture when the post is pushed into the clip aperture.  
   
   
       4 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the retainer includes a button that extends from the tool housing and wherein the locking element is moved away from the clip aperture when the button is pushed toward the tool housing.  
   
   
       5 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the retainer includes a button that is adapted to receive a manual input from a user, the button being disposed in-line with a spring that biases the locking element into an extended position.  
   
   
       6 . The tool of  claim 4 , wherein the locking element translates between the extended position and a retracted position.  
   
   
       7 . The tool of  claim 6 , wherein the retainer is carried by the tool body.  
   
   
       8 . The tool of  claim 7 , wherein a recess is formed into the post, the recess being configured to matingly engage the locking element.  
   
   
       9 . A method comprising: 
 pushing a button to release a latch;    withdrawing a belt clip from an aperture in a tool body;    inserting the belt clip into the aperture from an opposite side of the tool body; and    latching the belt clip to the tool housing.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein latching the belt clip to the tool housing occurs automatically when the belt clip is inserted into the aperture.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the latch is carried by the tool body.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the button is carried by the tool body.  
   
   
       13 . A fastening tool comprising: 
 a housing having an aperture formed therethrough;    a motor disposed in the housing;    an output member that is configured to be driven by the motor;    a latch carried by the housing, the latch including a locking element and a button;    a spring biasing the locking element into an extended position within the aperture; and    a clip having a post that is removably disposed in the aperture, the post including a recess that is configured to matingly engage the locking element.    
   
   
       14 . The fastening tool of  claim 13 , wherein the output member is a driver.  
   
   
       15 . The fastening tool of  claim 13 , wherein the post includes a tapered leading edge that pushes the locking element away from the extended position when the post is pushed into the aperture.  
   
   
       16 . The fastening tool of  claim 13 , wherein the spring is disposed in-line with the button.  
   
   
       17 . The fastening tool of  claim 13 , wherein the latch translates between the extended position and a retracted position.