Tool holder

Abstract

Tool holders are disclosed herein that include a cradle portion including a first pocket and a second pocket, the first and the second pockets being configured to suspend a hand tool by a first end and a second end of a head of the hand tool. The tool holder further includes a locking mechanism adapted to secure the hand tool within the first and the second pockets, a release mechanism adapted to open the locking mechanism to enable a user to lift the head of the hand tool from the cradle portion, and a mount adapted to enable a user to attach the tool holder to a worn item.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A tool holder, comprising:
 a cradle portion comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, the first and the second pockets being configured to suspend a hand tool by a first end and a second end of a head of the hand tool;   a locking mechanism adapted to secure the hand tool within the first and the second pockets;   a release mechanism adapted to open the locking mechanism to enable a user to lift the head of the hand tool from the cradle portion; and   a mount adapted to enable a user to attach the tool holder to a worn item.   
     
     
         2 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the first pocket comprises a first lateral opening and the second pocket comprises a second lateral opening, and wherein the first lateral opening and the second lateral opening face one another. 
     
     
         3 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch, a detent, a magnet, a spring-loaded button, a friction fitting, or a flap. 
     
     
         4 . The tool holder of  claim 3 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a flap. 
     
     
         5 . The tool holder of  claim 4 , wherein the flap is securable with one or more of a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a magnet, and a tie. 
     
     
         6 . The tool holder of  claim 5 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a strap attached to the flap. 
     
     
         7 . The tool holder of  claim 3 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch. 
     
     
         8 . The tool holder of  claim 3 , wherein the locking mechanism forms an interference fit with a top surface of the hand tool. 
     
     
         9 . The tool holder of  claim 3 , wherein the locking mechanism forms a snap fit. 
     
     
         10 . The tool holder of  claim 7 , wherein the latch is adapted to automatically secure a hand tool within the tool holder when the hand tool is inserted therein. 
     
     
         11 . The tool holder of  claim 7 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a lever attached to the latch. 
     
     
         12 . The tool holder of  claim 11 , wherein the release mechanism comprises a paddle portion. 
     
     
         13 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the mount comprises at least one of a paddle or a belt loop. 
     
     
         14 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the tool holder is configured to allow a user to remove a hand tool carried therein using one hand. 
     
     
         15 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein the tool holder is configured to allow a user to secure a hand tool within the tool holder using one hand. 
     
     
         16 . The tool holder of  claim 1  further comprising one or more supports spaced between the first and second pockets. 
     
     
         17 . The tool holder of  claim 1 , wherein a supporting surface of the cradle has an angle relative to a horizontal axis H of the mount of about 10° to about 45°. 
     
     
         18 . The tool holder of  claim 17 , wherein a handle of a hand tool carried in the tool holder has an angle relative to a vertical axis V of the mount of about 10° to about 45°. 
     
     
         19 . A tool holder, comprising:
 a cradle portion comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, the first and the second pockets being configured to suspend a hand tool by a first end and a second end of a head of the hand tool;   a locking mechanism adapted to secure the hand tool within the first and the second pockets;   a release mechanism adapted to open the locking mechanism to enable a user to lift the head of the hand tool from the cradle portion; and   a paddle adapted to enable a user to attach the tool holder to a worn item.   
     
     
         20 . A tool holder, comprising:
 a cradle portion comprising a first pocket and a second pocket, the first and the second pockets being configured to suspend a hand tool by a first end and a second end of a head of the hand tool;   a flap adapted to secure the hand tool within the first and the second pockets;   a strap adapted to open the flap to enable a user to lift the head of the hand tool from the cradle portion; and   a mount adapted to enable a user to attach the tool holder to a worn item.