Tool holder

Abstract

An apparatus for holding a hand-held tool is provided. The apparatus includes a band for securing around a tool handle and a belt clip to which the band can be engaged in order to suspend the tool to the waist. An elongated strap is connectable, at one end, to the tool band and, at the other end, to the pants. The strap may be worn as a harness, and it suspends the tool when the tool hangs disengaged from the belt clip.

1 . A tool holder comprising:
 a band for securing about the handle portion of a hand-held tool, the band including an engaging element;   a strap having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end fastens to the band;   means for connecting the distal end of the strap to a user's pants; and   a belt clip for securing to a user's pants waist and for engaging with the band, thus, allowing the tool to be suspended from the belt clip.   
   
   
       2 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein a quick-release buckle fastens the proximal end of said strap to said band. 
   
   
       3 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the size of said band may be selectively adjusted to fittingly secure to the tool. 
   
   
       4 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein said connecting means comprises a D-clamp, wherein the clamp is attached to the distal end of said strap and can be further attached to the user's pants. 
   
   
       5 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein said strap can be draped over the user's shoulders in harness fashion and wherein a portion of said strap is padded for neck and shoulder comfort. 
   
   
       6 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the length of said strap is selectively adjustable. 
   
   
       7 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein said belt clip comprises:
 a spring clip; and   a receptacle affixed to the spring clip, wherein said band is engageable with the receptacle.   
   
   
       8 . The tool holder of  claim 7 , wherein said receptacle has a vertical slot therewithin for retaining said engaging element, wherein said engaging element may be slidably inserted into the slot and the weight of the band-secured tool effectively holds said engaging element down within the slot, thereby keeping said band secured to said belt clip and the tool suspended therefrom. 
   
   
       9 . A tool holder comprising:
 a band for securing about the handle portion of a hand-held tool, the band including an engaging element; and   a belt clip for securing to a user's pants waist and for engaging with the band, thus, allowing the tool to be suspended from the belt clip.   
   
   
       10 . The tool holder of  claim 9 , wherein the size of said band may be selectively adjusted to fittingly secure to the tool. 
   
   
       11 . The tool holder of  claim 9 , wherein said belt clip comprises:
 a spring clip; and   a receptacle affixed to the spring clip, wherein said band is engageable with the receptacle.   
   
   
       12 . The tool holder of  claim 11 , wherein said receptacle has a vertical slot therewithin for retaining said engaging element, wherein said engaging element may be slidably inserted into the slot and the weight of the band-secured tool effectively holds said engaging element down within the slot, thereby keeping said band secured to said belt clip and the tool suspended therefrom.