Holder for spackling items

Abstract

A holder for a spackling item comprises a frame having a unitary structure. The frame is removably attachable to a belt of a user. The frame has a tubular portion for removably receiving a handle portion of the spackling item to thereby hold the spackling item so that when the frame is removably attached to the belt of the user, the user is allowed to keep the spackling item on the user's person during a spackling operation without interference with the user's body.

1 . A holder for spackling items, comprising:
 a base member removably attachable to a belt of a user, the base member having first and second opposite main surfaces; and   a holding member integrally connected to the base member and configured to hold a spackling item to allow the user to keep the spackling item on the user's person at all times during a spackling operation, the holding member extending from the first main surface of the base member so that the spackling item does not interfere with the user's body while the spackling item is held by the holding member.   
   
   
       2 . A holder according to  claim 1 ; wherein the base member and the holding member are formed as a unitary structure from a single piece of material. 
   
   
       3 . A holder according to  claim 2 ; wherein the unitary structure is made of a material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic, wood, and polymers. 
   
   
       4 . A holder according to  claim 2 ; wherein the unitary structure has a supporting portion for detachably attaching the unitary structure to the user's belt. 
   
   
       5 . A holder according to  claim 4 ; wherein the supporting portion comprises a clip or hook portion extending from an end of the base member and projecting inwardly toward the second main surface of the base member. 
   
   
       6 . A holder according to  claim 4 ; further comprising a strap for detachably attaching the unitary structure to a leg of the user. 
   
   
       7 . A holder according to  claim 4 ; wherein the holding member has a tubular portion for removably receiving a handle portion of the spackling item to thereby hold the spackling item. 
   
   
       8 . A holder according to  claim 7 ; wherein the tubular portion has a longitudinal axis disposed at a preselected angle of inclination relative to the first main surface of the base member. 
   
   
       9 . A holder according to  claim 8 ; wherein the preselected angle of inclination is approximately 45 degrees. 
   
   
       10 . A holder according to  claim 2 ; wherein the holding member comprises a first leg portion extending generally perpendicular from the first main surface of the base member, a second leg portion extending from the first main surface of the base member and connected to the first leg portion, and a tubular portion extending along the second leg portion for removably receiving a handle portion of the spackling item to thereby hold the spackling item. 
   
   
       11 . A holder according to  claim 10 ; wherein the tubular portion has a longitudinal axis disposed at a preselected angle of inclination relative to the first main surface of the base member. 
   
   
       12 . A holder according to  claim 11 ; wherein the preselected angle of inclination is approximately 45 degrees. 
   
   
       13 . A holder according to  claim 10 ; wherein the first and second leg portions of the holding member extend from the first main surface of the base member so as to form a generally triangular-shaped portion with a portion of the base member. 
   
   
       14 . A holder according to  claim 13 ; wherein the holding member has a reinforcing plate portion disposed within the triangular shaped portion for reinforcing the unitary structure. 
   
   
       15 . A holder for a spackling item, comprising: a frame having a unitary structure that is removably attachable to a belt of a user, the frame having a tubular portion for removably receiving a handle portion of a spackling item to thereby hold the spackling item so that when the frame is removably attached to the belt of the user, the user is allowed to keep the spackling item on the user's person during a spackling operation without interference with the user's body. 
   
   
       16 . A holder according to  claim 15 ; wherein the frame has a base member removably attachable to the belt area of the user, the tubular portion extending from a main surface of the base member at a preselected angle of inclination relative thereto. 
   
   
       17 . A holder according to  claim 16 ; wherein the preselected angle of inclination is approximately 45 degrees. 
   
   
       18 . A holder according to  claim 15 ; wherein the frame has a clip portion for removably attaching the frame to the belt of the user. 
   
   
       19 . A holder according to  claim 18 ; further comprising a strap for removably attaching the frame to a leg of the user. 
   
   
       20 . A holder according to  claim 15 ; wherein the unitary structure of the frame is formed from a single piece of material. 
   
   
       21 . In combination with a spackling item having a handle portion and a generally flat top surface on which spackling compound is placed, a holder for holding the spackling item, the holder comprising: a frame having a unitary structure that is removably attachable to a belt of a user, the frame having a tubular portion for removably receiving the handle portion of the spackling item to thereby hold the spackling item so that when the frame is removably attached to the belt of the user, the user is allowed to keep the spackling item on the user's person during a spackling operation without interference with the user's body. 
   
   
       22 . A holder according to  claim 21 ; wherein the unitary structure of the frame is formed from a single piece of material.