GB2405314A

GB2405314A - A tool harness

Info

Publication number: GB2405314A
Application number: GB0320084A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Boris Toinko
Original assignee: Makita
Current assignee: Makita
Priority date: 2003-08-27
Filing date: 2003-08-27
Publication date: 2005-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2023-08-27
Also published as: GB0320084D0; GB2405314B

Abstract

A harness 1 for carrying a tool 60 having a right angled corner 62 and a lateral protrusion 64 comprises a carrying plate 3 having a first bracket 10. The harness may be worn on the chest. The first bracket has front and back plates (Fig 2, 14, 13) which sandwich the tool at the right angled corner, with one of the plates abutting the lateral protrusion. A second bracket 20 may also be provided having a rotatable fastening plate 23, which fits through a hole 63 on the tool. The harness may comprise shoulder straps and side straps, and may be suitable for both right and left handed tools. The harness may also comprise a radio.

Description

A HARNESS

The present invention relates to harnesses for carrying tools, in particular power tools.

Power tools are used to drill holes or hammer nails into walls, pylons or other structures. The torque or force required for such processes can be large and consequently the power tools can be heavy due to large batteries. Such power tools commonly have replaceable components such as drill bits of varying sizes and qualities. If the tool is heavy it can be cumbersome to hold the tool in one hand while removing and replacing a drill bit with the other.

Furthermore, power tools are often used on parts of structures several metros from the ground. The user therefore needs to climb up a ladder or the pylon in order to access the position to be drilled. It is both difficult and dangerous to climb a ladder or pylon to a great height holding a tool in one hand and using the other hand to climb. The user could easily loose his grip and fall or alternatively loose his grip on the power tool causing it to fall and possibly injure a third party. To prevent such dangerous climbing and falls users have conventionally clipped the tool to their waist. However using this conventional method the tool may swing and thus be both uncomfortable and difficult for climbing. If a particularly heavy power tool (e.g. a gas nailer or stapler) is used this problem will be accentuated further and indeed may be completely impractical as the user, carrying the tool would be completely off balance. Furthermore, when the user has climbed to a great height, he may still need to change the drill bit which, if the tool is not secured in a stationary position will still require two hands.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a harness for carrying a tool while allowing the user free use of both hands.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a harness for carrying a tool while the carrier is at a great height from the ground.

Power tools are often adapted for use by both left and right-handed people. It is a further object of the invention to provide a harness which is suitable for use in conjunction with a tool adapted for use by both a right-handed and left-handed user.

According to the invention there is provided a harness for a tool having a substantially right-angled corner and a lateral protrusion on the opposite side of the substantially right-angled corner from the centre of gravity of said tool, the harness comprising a first bracket for holding said tool and having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of said first bracket being arranged to sandwich said tool at said substantially right-angled corner and one of said first and second end to abut said lateral protrusion. Thus, as the centre of gravity (or the centre of mass) generates a rotation around the first bracket the lateral protrusion abuts the first bracket and preventing further rotation and holding the tool in place. The lateral protrusion may be a power switch or a mode of operation switch. The invention has been found to be particularly suitable for nailer or stapler tools, in particular gas nailer and/or stapler tools.

The tool can be rested on the bracket when not in use allowing the user free movement of his hands. The first and second ends of the first bracket are optionally substantially a mirror image of each other. This can simplify machining of the tool.

Optionally said tool is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users, either said first or second end of said first bracket abutting said lateral protrusion when said tool is adapted for use by a right- handed user and the other of said first or second end of said first bracket abutting said lateral protrusion when said tool is adapted for use by a left-handed user. A single harness for use by both right-handed and left-handed people can therefore be produced. The first bracket preferably comprises a shaft between said first and second ends and said first and second ends comprise plates, the faces of said plates having a greater area than the cross sectional area of said shaft. This design has been found to be particularly suitable and also simple to manufacture.

Optionally the harness further comprises a second bracket, the shape of the tool defining a hole, said second bracket fitting through said hole. The second bracket can provide a means of securing the tool immovably. Optionally, a first end of said second bracket is attached to said carrying plate, said second end having a locking member movable between two positions, said first position allowing said tool to move freely around and along said second bracket, and in said second position abutting said tool and preventing movement of said tool around or along said second bracket. In said first position the tool can therefore be placed on or removed from the second bracket and in said second position the tool is therefore secured securely to the harness. The user is therefore able to carry the tool while climbing ladders, rooves or up pylons etc. The locking member has two ends, each end abutting said tool in said second position and said locking member being rotatable between said first and second positions. Thus, if the tool is being used by a right-handed person one end of the locking member will abut the tool and when the tool is being used by a left-handed user the other end of the locking member will abut the tool. When said tool is adapted for use by a left-handed person said locking member rotates either clockwise or anti- clockwise and when said tool is adapted for use by a right-handed person said locking member rotates in the other of either a clockwise or an anti- clockwise direction between said first and second positions. Thus the harness can be used by a left-handed or a right-handed person without requiring any further adaption.

Optionally, said first bracket is rotatable between a first rotatable position and a second rotatable position. This allows the tool to have some movement when resting only on the first bracket. The rotation axis is in the plane of said carrying plate and perpendicular to an axis between said first and second brackets. There may be an angle of approximately 30 between said first and second positions. No large movements of the tool are therefore possible. The first bracket is prevented from rotating any further by abutting the carrying plate.

The harness is preferably a chest harness and in order to provide a snug fit a comfortable carrying position should comprise two shoulder straps and two side straps. Carrying the tool on the chest keeps it out of the user's way when climbing ladders or pylons.

The harness may further comprise additional elements such as a portable radio for the amusement of the user.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a chest harness for securely holding a power tool. The chest harness comprises shoulder straps and side straps.

In order that the present invention may more readily be understood, the following description is given, merely by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying non-limiting drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a chest harness according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a carrying plate according to the invention with the first bracket in a first position; Figure 3 is a side view of a carrying plate according to the invention with the first bracket in a second position; Figure 4 shows a side view of a tool adapted for use by a left handed user and a carrying plate according to the invention; Figure 5 is a front view of a tool adapter for use by a left handed user and a can ying plate according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a side view of a tool adapted for use by a left handed user and a carrying plate according to the invention; Figure 7 is a front view of a tool adapter for use by a left handed user and a carrying plate according to the invention; Figure 8 shows a tool adapter for use by a left handed user secured by the second bracket to a carrying plate according to the invention; Figure 9 is a side view of a tool adapted for use by a right handed user and a carrying plate according to the invention; Figure 10 shows a harness according to the invention being worn by a left handed user; Figure 11 shows a harness according to the invention being used by a right handed user; Figure 12 shows a back view of a person wearing a harness according to the invention; Figure 13 shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 shows an alternative means of securing a tool to the carrying plate; and Figure 15 shows an alternative means of securing a tool to the carrying plate.

In the Figures corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts.

To wear the chest harness 1, shoulder straps 45 which are attached to carrying plate 3 are placed over the shoulders of the user and side straps 41 are placed under the anns and around the body of the user. Bolts 44 protruding from carrying plate 3 are mushroom shaped having a large cross-sectional area at their ends than closer to the carrying plate. Thus when bolts 44 are fitted through the hole 43 of clasp plate 42 and slid to the narrower end of hole 43, clasp plate 42 cannot moved in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the carrying plate 3.

Carrying plate 3 also comprises a first bracket 10 and a second bracket 20.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the first bracket 10 comprises a front plate 14 and a back plate 13 joined together by a shaft 12. The front and back plates are substantially a mirror image of each other. These are attached to carrying plate 3 by pivoting means 11. First bracket 10 is therefore movable between a first position shown in Figure 2 and a second, vertical position shown in Figure 3. In this example, first bracket 10 rotates by approximately 30 between the first and second position and is prevented from rotating further by the back plate 13 abutting the main part of the carrying plate 3.

This harness is for use in conjunction with a tool 60. The tool 60 has a right angled corner 62. In this example, the right angled corner 62 is part of the outer perimeter of the tool but it could also be part of a hole through the tool. The corner should be substantially right angled in particular, between 70 and 110 . In the vicinity of the right angled corner 62 is a lateral protrusion 64. The lateral protrusion could be for example an on/off switch or a switch for changing the mode of operation of the tool. The tool shown in Figure 5 also has a hole 63 forming a first handle 66 for the tool.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the tool 60 can be rested on the first bracket 10 hanging on the substantially right angled corner 62. The centre of gravity of the tool 68 generates a rotational force around the first bracket 10 but lateral protrusion 64 abuts the front plate 14 of first bracket 10. In this example, the tool 60 is shown adapted for use by a left handed person. However, the harness 1 could equally be used in conjunction with the tool adapted for use by a right handed person. Lateral -6.

protrusion 64 would then protrude out the side of the tool closest to the carrying plate 3 and abut back plate 13 of the first bracket 10 as shown in Figure 9. In Figures 4, 5 and 9, second bracket 20 is shown in dashed lines as it has no effect on the carrying of tool 60. Tool 60 can thus be briefly rested on the first bracket 10 while the user changes a drill bit or occupies his hands elsewhere.

Carrying plate 3 also comprises a second bracket 20. Second bracket 20 comprises a base 21, a pivoting axis 22 and a fastening plate 23. The fastening plate 23 is rotatable around pivot axis 22. Second bracket 20 also comprises a stopping means 24 for preventing the fastening plate from rotating 360 around the pivot axis 22. Fastening plate 23 is therefore rotatable between a first position when it is substantially parallel to base 21 and stopping means 24 abuts the base 21 and a second position in which fastening plate 23 is perpendicular to base 21, i.e. vertical.

In Figures 6 and 7, the first bracket 10 is in a second position with front and back plates 13 and 14 vertical. The tool 60 has also been rotated so second bracket ] 5 20 protrudes through hole 63. The fastening plate 23 of second bracket 20 is, as seen in Figure 7, in the first position, i.e. parallel to the base 21. If the fastening plate 23 was in the second position, i.e. perpendicular to the base 21, the second bracket 20 could not fit through hole 63.

When the tool 60 is in position, the fastening plate 23 is then rotated to the second position where it abuts the tool 60. Tool 60 is therefore held firmly in place.

The second bracket 20 can be used equally well in conjunction with tools adapted for both left handed and right handed users. With the tool held firmly in position, the user can easily climb a ladder, a pylon or change a drill bit. The tool 60 can easily be moved by rotating fastening plate 23, and moving the first bracket 10 into the first position.

The tool 60 may also comprise additional handle 67 which is rotatable 360 around the drill axis. The carrying plate 3 is shaped and arranged such that additional handle 67 can be rotated into any position while tool 60 is secured to the carrying plate. The tool 60 may also comprise power switch 65 arranged in hole 63. In the second position, fastening plate 23 protrudes in front of power switch 65, preventing the tool being activated when in the harness.

Figure 10 shows a tool 60 adapted for use by a left handed person secured to a harness l being worn by a man. Figure 11 shows a tool 60 attached to a harness -being worn by a right handed man. Figure l l shows the connection of shoulder straps 45 and side straps 41 together. Also shown is a back strap used for clipping the harness to the belt or trousers of the user, to further prevent the chest plate 3 slipping forwards.

Figure 13 shows a harness l with an alternative means of securing the tool 60.

The base 71 of a bracket 70 protrudes through the hole 63 in the tool 60 such that it abuts the corners of the hole. A portion 72 of the bracket 70 is rotatable in a plane l O parallel to the plane of the carrying plate 3. As can be seen from Figure 13 the rotatable portion 72 rotates from being parallel (shown as B) to the base 71 of the bracket to a position such that the tool 60 is sandwiched between it and the carrying plate 3 (position C).

Figure 14 shows an alternative means of securing tool 60 to carrying plate 3.

A retention means 81 is shaped such that the handle of the tool 60 can slide into and through it. A protrusion 82 protrudes through the hole 63. The tool 60 can thus be slid into retention means 81 and secured in position by protrusion 82, as shown in Figure 14.

Figure 15 shows another alternative means of securing tool 60 to carrying plate 3. A bracket 90 is hinged at one side. The bracket 90 protrudes through hole 63 and the hinges 91 rotate a portion 92 of the bracket over the tool 60. A securing means 93 then secures the tool 60 in position.

The harness l may also comprise additional elements such as a radio for the amusement for the user or clasps in order to hold additional tools and parts such as screwdrivers, hammers, nails or screws.

For comfort the carrying plate 3 may also be covered by a soft, padded covering.

Whilst specific embodiments of the inventions have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described.

The description is not intended to limit the invention.

Claims

1. A harness for a tool having a substantially right-angled corner and a lateral protrusion on the opposite side of the substantially right-angled corner from the centre of gravity of said tool, the harness comprising a first bracket for holding said tool and having a first end and a second end, said first and second ends of said first bracket being arranged to sandwich said tool at said substantially right-angled corner and one of said first and second end to abut said lateral protrusion.

2. A harness according to claim 1, wherein said first and second ends of said first bracket are substantially a mirror image of each other.

3. A harness according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said tool is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users, either said first or second end of said first bracket abutting said lateral protrusion when said tool is adapted for use by a right-handed user and the other of said first or second end of said first bracket abutting said lateral protrusion when said tool is adapted for use by a left-handed user.

4. A harness according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first bracket comprises a shaft between said first and second ends and said first and second ends comprise plates, the faces of said plates having a greater area than the cross sectional area of said shaft.

5. A harness according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second bracket, the shape of the tool defining a hole, said second bracket fitting through said hole.

6. A harness according to claim 5, wherein a first end of said second bracket is attached to said carrying plate, said second end having an locking member movable between two positions, said first position allowing said tool to move freely around and along said second bracket, and in said second position abutting said tool and preventing movement of said tool around or along said second bracket.

7. A harness according to claim 6, wherein said locking member has two ends, each end abutting said tool in said second position, said locking member being rotatable between said first and second positions.

8. A harness according to claim 7, wherein when said tool is adapted for use by a left-handed person and said locking member rotates either clockwise or anti clockwise and when said tool is adapted for use by a right-handed person said locking member rotates in the other of either a clockwise or an anti-clockwise direction between said first and second positions.

9. A harness according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first bracket is rotatable between a first rotatable position and a second rotatable position.

l O. A harness according to claim 9, wherein said rotation axis is in the plane of said carrying plate and perpendicular to an axis between said first and second bracket.

11. A harness according to either claim 9 or claim 10, wherein there is an angle of 30 between said first and second positions.

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12. A harness according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said first bracket is prevented from rotating any further by abutting said carrying plate.

13. A harness according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said harness is a chest harness.

14. A chest harness according to claim 13, comprising the two shoulder straps and two side straps.

15. A harness according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a radio.

16. A chest harness for securely holding a power tool.

17. A chest harness according to claim 16 wherein said chest harness comprises shoulder straps and side straps.