JPH0454478Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention relates to a holder for supporting a measuring rule or similar object.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Spring clips are commonly attached to tape measure casings, implements, etc. to easily support or use such objects in convenient locations on belts or other clothing items. It is removable. However, originally this type of clip was
Several aspects remain unsatisfactory, particularly with regard to the ease and reliability of engagement provided by such clips. It has also been found that inserting the support belt into the clip often requires the use of both hands. Also, measuring scales often become accidentally dislodged when the instrument or tool comes into contact with a part of the user's body. Of course, either case is inconvenient for the user. Other drawbacks include frequently attached and removed clips that cause the belt to become smeared and cause undesirable wear.

Various attempts to provide new belt support holders to which articles, rings or the like can be attached are well known in the prior art. Various structures of this holder have been developed, as is clear from the following US patents.

For example, US Pat.
There are No. 3970227, No. 3992776, No. 4226006 and No. 4358036. The aforementioned patents disclose members adapted to engage belts, waistbands or other parts of clothing.
Among others, U.S. Patent No. 3992776 of Mr. Kotpe et al.
issue) refers to metal spring bands. The metal spring band includes a first belt retention portion adjacent the upper end of the band and a pair of curved portions adjacent the lower end. The curved portion creates a spring tension to hold the knife sheath. Mr. Hardy's U.S. patent (No.
No. 3970227) is a tongue-like part 2 bent outward.
2 and an inner bend 25. Also, Mr. Maltais' U.S. Patent No.
No. 4358036 discloses a belt clip with a pocket portion. The pocket portion can receive the tongues of a clip permanently secured to an instrument or other object (see FIG. 7).

As an alternative to these patented techniques, tape measures or other objects can be easily assembled with spring clips or similar support fixtures, and the tape measures or other objects can be secured and secured to prevent accidental release. There has been a demand for a holder that can fit Of course, such a holder must be able to quickly and securely engage itself, a belt or other part of the garment. From a practical standpoint, it must also be relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

A related application, Serial No. 06/732681, filed on May 10, 1985, in the name of Bernard G. Lecher, Sr. RULE CLIP HOLDER FOR BELT OR
THE LIKE). In this application, a holder is shown and specified in the claims that satisfies the above-mentioned problems to some extent. However, this holder is still unsatisfactory in many respects, such as the high level of safety that prevents the supported object from becoming accidentally dislodged.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new holder in which instruments such as measuring rules or other objects can be suspended. The device or other object may include a spring clip or similar fastener with an elastically deformable tongue or insert. The holder easily receives and firmly engages the insert and cooperates with the insert to prevent accidental dislodgement.

A further object of the invention is to provide a holder that can be easily installed and securely fixed to a belt or other support, and that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

(Means for Solving the Problems) Some of the objects of the present invention described above and related objects are to provide a holder comprising a member having a relatively wide (laterally) substantially flat lower portion. ,
It turned out to be easily accomplished. The lower portion includes a laterally extending slot formed through the member adjacent the lower edge of the member. The member also includes means for attaching the holder to the user's belt. said slot is sized and shaped to facilitate insertion of the tongue of the spring clip of the object to be supported;
Further, the means for attaching the holder to the belt is arranged above the slot so that the belt and the spring clip inserted into the slot do not interfere with each other. The edge element is narrow enough to provide suitable clearance and can move within the space formed in the vicinity of the upper connecting part of the spring clip. This border element has virtually no inward or outward deflection. The mounted object can thus rotate relatively freely around the edge element.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by using a holder consisting of substantially parallel inner and outer legs. The legs are connected by an elastically deformable upper connecting part and adapted to engage an upwardly inserted user's belt or similar support part. The lateral leg is substantially longer than the medial leg and has a relatively wide and generally flat lower portion. A slot is formed adjacent the lower edge of the outer leg and extending laterally through the lower portion. The slot is also sized and shaped to facilitate insertion of the spring clip tongue. The slot forms a relatively narrow edge element on the underside of the slot. The slot itself is defined by an inwardly deflecting upper tongue element and an outwardly deflecting lower tongue element.
can be formed. The action of these tongue elements allows the tongue to be easily inserted into the slot. The inner legs of the holder end shorter than the slots in the outer legs so that they do not contact the spring clips inserted into the slots. Also, the edge element is
It is dimensioned and shaped so that the attached object can freely rotate around the edge element.

Also, in the latter configuration of the holder, the inner leg further has a relatively wide and generally flat lower portion, and preferably both legs have lower portions. The lower part is provided with inwardly extending terminal elements to facilitate insertion of the belt and to prevent accidental removal of the belt. The members that make up the holder are generally integrally formed as a single piece from an elastically deformable material such as spring steel. Also, this member is
Advantageously, it has a substantially constant width along its entire length.

(Example) First, please refer to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings. The drawings show a holder, designated generally by the reference numeral 2. This holder schematically shows the type of device to which the present invention is applied. However, it does not have all of the novel features of the invention. The holder is generally flat and has a generally U-shaped cross section. The holder is made in one piece by bending a single strip of spring steel or the like, forming an outer leg 4 and a short inner leg or tongue 6. Both of these legs extend from the curved upper connecting part 8 (in the normal use position).
extends downward.

Each of the legs 4, 6 is substantially flat and has an inwardly curled lower portion 3. This rounded part on the inner leg makes it easier to attach the holder to a belt. Further, the outer leg is provided with an element located below the lower edge of the belt to which the holder is attached. This element is placed in the way of the belt so that it cannot be accidentally dislodged. The lower portion of the outer leg 4 is also provided with a laterally extending elongated slot 5 formed therethrough. This slot is bordered by upper and lower tongue-like elements 7, 9 which are respectively curved inwardly and outwardly from the plane of the leg.

Figures 3 to 8 illustrate holders embodying the invention. The holder is indicated generally by the reference numeral 10 and is shown attached to a belt 12. Like the holder of FIGS. 1 and 2, this holder is generally flat and has a generally U-shaped cross-section, also made from one strip, with an outer leg 14 and a short inner leg. 16 is formed. These legs are curved connecting parts 1
It extends from 8.

Each of the generally flat legs 14, 16 includes a lower corner portion 20. These lower corner parts 20
are curled inward to perform the same function as the lower part 3 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2.
The relationship between these lower corner portions and the belt 12 is as follows:
This is shown in detail in FIGS. 4 and 5. The lower portion 14 of the outer leg 14 is also provided with a slot 26 formed by upper and lower rounded tongue elements 28,30. But in this example,
The edge element 24 formed on the outer leg 14 on the underside of the slot 26 is relatively narrow (ie, relatively small in dimension from top to bottom). The terminal edge 17 of the tongue 16 is also deflected into its normal position, abutting the inner surface of the upper tongue element 28. The lower part of the tongue element 30 cannot be displaced inwardly or outwardly (ie remains flat).

4 and 5, a measuring tape of standard construction is mounted in a holder 10. In FIGS. The measuring tape is equipped with a conventional retaining spring clip, generally indicated by the reference numeral 32. This retaining spring clip is attached to one side of the casing 34 and
It has an elastically deformable tongue portion 36.
This tongue slopes downwardly from the upper connecting part 35 towards the casing and also forms a space 37. This space is relatively wide at the top and narrows towards the free end of the tongue.

The holder is attached to the belt as shown in FIG. 5 and engages and supports the tape measure. The tongue 36 of the tape measure clip 32 is inserted through the slot 26 of the outer leg 14, so that the upper connecting portion 35 rests on the outwardly projecting lower tongue element 30. Because the edge element 24 is narrow, the distance that the outer leg 14 projects into the space 37 is limited. The clip is therefore not obstructed and the tape measure can be pivoted freely on the edge of the tongue element 30, as indicated by the double-headed arrow in FIG. This configuration allows the tape measure to deform as the user bends or bends, without coming into contact with the user's hips or upper thighs and causing displacement (and eventual dislodgement). Therefore, the configuration of the holder shown in FIGS. 3 to 8 is a further improvement over that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

However, in the two embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 8, the tongue elements 7, 9 and 28, 3
0, and the slots 5 and 26, which are placed well below the upper edge of the belt, allow the tape measure to be easily attached and detached with one hand. The upper tongue element and the curved portion on the lower edge of the outer leg cooperate with the inner leg to hold the holder on the belt. Inserting or removing a holder typically requires bending the holder's legs, or the holder's own tension helps to reduce the possibility of accidental dislodgement. I'm doing less. On the other hand, the relative position and shape of the lower parts of the two legs allows convenient attachment of the belt. Furthermore, since the supported holder can remain attached to a predetermined position, the belt will hardly be scratched even if it is frequently removed and attached.

Please refer to FIGS. 9 and 10. A second form of holder according to the invention is indicated generally by the reference numeral 40. The holder is made from one generally flat piece with a central panel portion 42. Edge elements 44 extending longitudinally along both sides of the central panel portion 42 are deflected rearwardly to form slots 46. The user's belt 12 is passed through the slot. Therefore, these figures 9 and 1
Holder 40 in Figure 0 and holder 1 in Figures 3 to 8
0 is that the embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10 do not have rear legs, and the panel portion 42 and element 44 form an integral passageway.

A slot 26 is formed in the lower portion of the holder 40. The slot is defined by rounded upper and lower tongue elements 28,30. The edge element 24 formed on the underside of the slot 26 is flat and relatively small in dimension from top to bottom. Holder 4 as shown in FIG.
0 engages and supports the tape measure through the tongue 36 of the tape measure clip 32 which is inserted into the slot 26. As a result, the upper connecting part 35 rests on the outwardly projecting lower tongue element 30. Similarly, the edge element 24 is narrow, so that the distance by which the holder projects into the space 37 is limited. The clip is therefore not obstructed and the tape measure can be pivoted freely on the edge of the tongue element 30.

Therefore, the holders shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 have the advantage that they can be bent without accidentally coming off, similar to the holders of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 to 8. In addition, it is easy to manufacture, and since only a small amount of material is required for the structure, it can be manufactured at low cost. It also eliminates the possibility of it accidentally coming off the user's belt.

Typically, the shape of the holder shown in the last two drawings is approximately rectangular, with external dimensions (in millimeters and squared inches) of 63.5 (2.5) and 70 (2.756), respectively. ).
The length and width of the slot at the bottom of such a holder is
Preferably, there are 41 (1.614) and 1.6 (0.063), approximately
A lower edge element is provided with a top to bottom dimension of 7.7 (0.303). From the point of view of allowing free movement of the tape measure on the holder, the last-mentioned dimensions are of course the most practical. However, the actual dimensions are limited in size to the area inside the clip of the measuring tape or other object to be supported. For practical purposes, the edge element will generally not exceed 15 millimeters (0.59 inches) in width at any point.

As previously mentioned, the holder is preferably fabricated from a uniform width strip or panel of spring steel. Conventional bending and punching processes can thus be used. However, other materials (in particular plastics) can also be substituted and other suitable manufacturing methods can also be used. Special construction and structural modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Therefore, there is no need to explain it in further detail.

As mentioned above, the present invention provides a novel holder for suspending objects such as measuring rules equipped with spring clips or similar fasteners with elastically deformable tongues or inserts. I can understand what you are doing. The holder easily receives the tongues of the clip, engages the tongues with a clamp, and cooperates with the tongues to prevent accidental release. The holder itself can be easily fitted onto a belt and fixedly attached, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to make.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a type of holder to which the present invention is applied. 2 is a side view of the holder of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a holder embodying the invention, with the holder partially engaged with the illustrated belt. Figure 4 shows the third
An elevational view of the holder shown along line 4--4 also shows the measuring tape in position to allow the tongues of the spring clip to be inserted into the slots in the holder. FIG. 5 is a partial view similar to FIG. 4 showing the measuring rule attached to the holder. Figure 6 shows 6- in Figure 3.
6 is a cross-sectional view of the holder along line 6, also showing a portion of the belt. FIG. 7 shows the area of the slot of a portion of FIG. 6, shown on a greatly enlarged scale. FIG. 8 is a slightly enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 6, with the belt removed. FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 3 showing a second embodiment of the holder of the present invention attached to a partially illustrated belt; FIG. 10 is a partial view similar to FIG. 5 showing the measuring rule attached to the holder of FIG. 9, with the cutout in the area of the lower slot being surrounded by two S-shaped lines. 2...Holder, 3...Lower part, 4...Outer leg, 5...Slot, 6...Inner leg, 7...Upper tongue element, 8...Upper connecting part, 9...Lower tongue element, 10... holder, 12... belt, 14... outer leg, 16... inner leg, 17...
...Terminal edge, 18...Curved connecting portion, 2
0...lower corner part, 24...edge element,
26...Slot, 28...Upper tongue-like element, 30...Lower tongue-like element, 32...Retaining spring clip, 34...Casing, 35...Upper connecting portion, 36...Tang-like portion, 37... …space,
40...Holder, 42...Central panel portion, 44
...edge element, 46...slot.

Claims (1)

[Claims for Utility Model Registration] (1) A holder for supporting a measuring rule or similar object, wherein the object is inclined inwardly downward from the upper connecting portion and is connected to the upper connecting portion. a spring clip with elastically deformable tongues adjoining each other to form a space of sufficient size, said holder having an upper portion and a relatively wide, substantially flat lower portion; the lower portion includes a laterally extending slot formed through the member adjacent the lower edge of the member, the slot having:
having a size and shape that facilitates insertion of the tongue-like portion of the spring clip of the object to be supported;
In addition, a member of the holder is arranged such that the means for engaging the user's belt is located above the slot in the upper portion so that the belt and the spring clip inserted into the slot do not interfere with each other. Holder in position. (2) The holder according to claim (1), wherein the slot is formed by an upper tongue-like element that partially deflects inward. (3) The slot is also formed by an outwardly deflecting lower tongue-like element, both elements being curled in respective directions. holder. (4) The holder according to claim (1), wherein the member is integrally formed as a single component. (5) A user's belt or similar having substantially parallel inner and outer legs connected by an elastically deformable upper link and inserted upwardly between the legs; The holder according to claim (1) of the utility model registration, wherein the holder is adapted to engage with a support portion that is attached to the holder. (6) The holder according to claim 5, wherein the inner leg further includes a relatively wide and substantially flat lower portion. (7) Both said legs have lower portions with inwardly extending terminal elements to facilitate insertion of the belt between the legs and to prevent accidental removal of the belt from the legs. The holder described in paragraph (6) of the claims for utility model registration. (8) The holder according to claim 7, wherein the terminal element is curled inward and extends continuously along the lower edge of the leg. (9) The holder according to claim (5), wherein the member is integrally formed as a single component from an elastically deformable material. (10) The said member has a substantially constant width along the length of the member.
The holder described in paragraph (9). (11) The holder according to claim 9, wherein the member is a relatively flat curved material with an open end made of spring steel. (12) The slot is formed by an upper tongue-like element that partially deflects inwardly, and the terminal edge of the inner leg is normally located in contact with the inner surface of the upper tongue-like element. The holder described in paragraph (2) of claims for new patent registration. (13) said laterally extending slot formed through said lower portion forming a relatively narrow lower edge element between said slot and a lower edge of said member, said edge element being adapted to a spring clip; Utility model registration claim No. The holder described in section 1). (14) The member is integrally formed as a single part, and the part is formed through the part along the side edges and extends outwardly from the part to the side edge elements and between the side edge elements. a longitudinally extending slot forming an intermediate element, said longitudinally extending slot being adapted to receive a belt threaded between said side edge element and said intermediate element, so that the engagement of said holder is prevented; The holder set forth in claim (13) of the utility model registration claim constituting the means for joining. (15) The member is of generally rectangular shape, the longitudinally extending slots being substantially orthogonal to the laterally extending slots, and the side edge elements being offset from the plane of the intermediate element, with a belt between these elements. The holder according to claim (14) of the utility model registration claim, which facilitates the passage of the holder. (16) The holder according to claim 13, wherein the lower edge element has a dimension from top to bottom that does not exceed about 15 millimeters at any point.