Modular Tool Belt System

Abstract

A modular tool belt is implemented in which the locations and quantities of pouches and other accessories are customizable for the user while simultaneously providing a level of comfort and craftsmanship. The tool belt is based on a ratchet system with custom thickness and memory foam on the inside for comfort and temperature control. The pockets are reinforced with additional and/or stronger material, such as Kevlar. The top pouches and accessories are larger and easier to access using, for example, elastic. The modular tool belt utilizes a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) strap system for attaching bags and accessories. The overlapping ballistic nylon panels at the front buckle prevent pinch points and help the user dial in their waist size while the tightening system gives the user that final snug adjustment.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A modular tool belt, comprising:
 a support frame comprised of multiple layers, the support frame being linearly arranged and bendable to enable wrapping around a user's waist;   pockets arranged around an outside surface of the support frame, wherein individual pockets are arranged in rows and columns to enable customizable attachment of items to the pockets; and   one or more accessories that respectively attach to one or more pockets on the modular tool belt.   
     
     
         2 . The modular tool belt of  claim 1 , wherein the modular tool belt includes a front side that includes a belt and belt buckle and a rear side that includes a raised support surface that extends above the support frame. 
     
     
         3 . The modular tool belt of  claim 2 , wherein the raised support surface includes a closable opening with a cavity, in which the cavity receives a hot or cold pack. 
     
     
         4 . The modular tool belt of  claim 3 , wherein the raised support surface is positioned on an inside portion of the support frame. 
     
     
         5 . The modular tool belt of  claim 4 , wherein the support frame is configured as two separate components that, when worn, respectively extend along left and right hips of the user, and the belt at the front side and the raised surface at the rear side attach to each of the support frame components to create a single unit. 
     
     
         6 . The modular tool belt of  claim 5 , wherein the support frame includes a first arm and a second arm on the respective separate components, and the first and second arms overlap when the buckle is connected in the front side. 
     
     
         7 . The modular tool belt of  claim 1 , further comprising a tightening mechanism that custom fits the modular tool belt to a user's dimensions, in which tightening of the tightening mechanism tightens a lace that extends along the support frame and around the user. 
     
     
         8 . The modular tool belt of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more accessories include MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) straps that secure to the pockets along the outside surface of the support frame. 
     
     
         9 . The modular tool belt of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more accessories include a pouch that is attached to the MOLLE straps. 
     
     
         10 . The modular tool belt of  claim 1 , wherein layers of the support frame include Lycra on an inside portion of the support frame that is proximal to the user. 
     
     
         11 . The modular tool belt of  claim 10 , wherein the layers of the support frame include ballistic nylon on an outside portion of the support frame that is distal from the user. 
     
     
         12 . The modular tool belt of  claim 11 , wherein the layers of the support frame include spacer mesh and memory foam. 
     
     
         13 . The modular tool belt of  claim 1 , wherein the support frame includes openings inside which a belt inserts and attaches to, wherein the belt extends along a front portion of the modular tool belt.