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  Tool beltUSPTO Application #: 20070006367Title: Tool belt Abstract: A tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso comprises a support belt having a first end and a second end each having attachment means for securing the belt about the wearer's torso. A plurality of individual cushion pads is attached to the support belt on a proximal surface of the support belt. At least one of a plurality of magnetic elements is associated with one of the individual cushion pads. The individual cushion pad has an indentation formed in a proximal surface thereof, shaped to correspond to a shape of the at least one magnetic element, and the at least one magnetic element is at least partially disposed within the indentation in the cushion pad to restrict movement of the magnetic element relative to the cushion pad while the belt is in use about the wearer's torso. (end of abstract) Agent: Thorpe North & Western, LLP. - Sandy, UT, US Inventors: Kirk B. Newman, Alex Yu-Feng Liu USPTO Applicaton #: 20070006367 - Class: 002338000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Apparel, Head Coverings, Elements, Belt, Strap, Or Strip Constructions The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070006367. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to belts for storing and carrying tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to tool belts that provide a therapeutic benefit to the wearer and that are easily handled by a wearer. [0003] 2. Related Art [0004] Tool belts have been used for some time to carry or store a variety of tools, fasteners, equipment, etc., about a wearer's waist or torso. Such belts typically include pouches, hooks, clips and similar structure on or in which tools and equipment are carried by the belt while the belt is secured about the individual's waist. In this manner, as the individual travels from one working location to another, he or she can ensure that the tools and equipment necessary for a particular job are available for use in any particular location. [0005] While tool belts have become much needed accessories for individuals in a variety of trades, they continue to suffer from a number of problems. For example, storage of tools and equipment on a tool belt necessarily adds, sometimes significantly, to the weight of the belt. As the weight of a loaded tool belt increases, detrimental stress applied to the wearer's back and body increases. This problem is often exacerbated by the fact that many tool belts are not "loaded" uniformly, e.g., they are often heavier on one side or another, increasing the detrimental stress or strain applied to a wearer's back. Increased stress or strain on a wearer's back can result not only in discomfort, but can lead to injury that can result in loss of productivity and morale, and may require expensive medical procedures. [0006] In addition, the types of tools and equipment often stored or carried on a tool belt have disparate shapes, lengths and weights. While the tool belt is generally capable of adequately storing such tools when the belt is strapped about a waist of the individual, many of the pouches, hooks or clips are designed to properly hold tools and other devices only when the belt is in an upright orientation. This design not only allows the belt to be used to store a variety of odd-shaped tools and equipment, but also allows relatively easy insertion and withdrawal of the tools from the belt by the individual. [0007] As a result, in the event the belt is tipped, or not otherwise held in an upright orientation, the tools and equipment can easily fall out of the pouches, hooks or other storage structure. Most wearers of such tool belts become accustomed to this and compensate for this fact by maintaining a generally upright posture when wearing the belt. However, when the individual removes the tool belt it can be very difficult to retain all portions of the belt in an upright configuration while holding or transporting the belt by hand, and carrying the belt by hand can result in tools or equipment falling from the belt. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0008] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a tool belt that provides a therapeutic benefit to a wearer of the tool belt during use of the tool belt. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a tool belt that can be readily manipulated or handled while not in use without dislodging tools or equipment from the belt. [0009] The present invention provides a tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso, including a support belt configured to be disposed about the wearer's torso and having a first end and a second end. The first and the second end can each have attachment means for securing the belt about the wearer's torso. A plurality of individual cushion pads can be attached to the support belt on a proximal surface of the support belt. A plurality of magnetic elements can also be provided, at least one of which is associated with one of the individual cushion pads. The individual cushion pad can have an indentation formed in a proximal surface thereof, the indentation being shaped to correspond to a shape of the at least one magnetic element. The at least one magnetic element can be at least partially disposed within the indentation in the cushion pad to restrict movement of the magnetic element relative to the cushion pad while the belt is in use about the wearer's torso. [0010] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso is provided, including a support belt having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end can each have attachment means for securing the belt about the wearer's torso. A plurality of individual cushion pads can be attached to the support belt on a proximal surface of the support belt. A plurality of magnetic elements can also be provided, each being coupled to a proximal surface of one of the individual cushion pads. Each of the individual cushion pads can have at least two configurations: i) a first, relaxed configuration in which the magnetic element associated with the individual cushion pad protrudes partially above the proximal surface of the cushion pad; and ii) a second, compressed configuration in which the magnetic element is compressed into the individual cushion pad in substantially a same plane as the proximal surface of the cushion pad. [0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a tool belt for fastening about a wearer's torso is provided, including a support belt having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end can each have attachment means for securing the belt about the wearer's torso. At least one handle can be attached to the tool belt, the handle being operable to receive a hand of the wearer to enable the wearer to support the tool belt with his or her hand. [0012] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] Additional features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention, and wherein: [0014] FIG. 1A is a front view showing a proximal side of a tool belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0015] FIG. 1B is a rear view showing a distal side of the tool belt of FIG. 1A; [0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of a cushion pad section of the tool belt of FIG. 1A, taken along section A-A of FIG. 1A; [0017] FIG. 3 is another view of the cushion pad of FIG. 2, shown in a compressed configuration; [0018] FIG. 4A is a side view of another cushion pad section of the tool belt of FIG. 1A, taken along section A-A of FIG. 1A; and [0019] FIG. 4B is an exploded view of cushion pad section of FIG. 4A. [0020] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated, and specific language will be used herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Continue reading... Full patent description for Tool belt Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Tool belt patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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