CA2509084A1 - Quick connect break-away tool tether - Google Patents
Quick connect break-away tool tether Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2509084A1 CA2509084A1 CA 2509084 CA2509084A CA2509084A1 CA 2509084 A1 CA2509084 A1 CA 2509084A1 CA 2509084 CA2509084 CA 2509084 CA 2509084 A CA2509084 A CA 2509084A CA 2509084 A1 CA2509084 A1 CA 2509084A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coupler
- tether
- tool
- quick coupler
- break
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25H—WORKSHOP EQUIPMENT, e.g. FOR MARKING-OUT WORK; STORAGE MEANS FOR WORKSHOPS
- B25H3/00—Storage means or arrangements for workshops facilitating access to, or handling of, work tools or instruments
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/14—Carrying-straps; Pack-carrying harnesses
- A45F2003/144—Pack-carrying waist or torso belts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F5/00—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
- A45F2005/006—Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping comprising a suspension strap or lanyard
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F2200/00—Details not otherwise provided for in A45F
- A45F2200/05—Holder or carrier for specific articles
- A45F2200/0575—Portable tools
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Workshop Equipment, Work Benches, Supports, Or Storage Means (AREA)
Abstract
A tool tether apparatus includes a quick coupler with a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion. A
fast tether portion has a user end for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler. A second tether portion has a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to the second coupler portion of the quick coupler. At least one of the first and second tether portions is resilient, and the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler. A second tether portion can be attached to each of a plurality of tools in a tool belt, and the first tether portion attached by the quick coupler to the tool being used.
fast tether portion has a user end for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler. A second tether portion has a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to the second coupler portion of the quick coupler. At least one of the first and second tether portions is resilient, and the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler. A second tether portion can be attached to each of a plurality of tools in a tool belt, and the first tether portion attached by the quick coupler to the tool being used.
Description
OUICK CONNECT BREAK-AWAY TOOL TETHER
This invention is in the field of tools and like articles, and in particular systems for retaining such articles in attachment to a user's body.
BACKGROUND
For safety reasons, especially when working above other personnel, tools are often required to be tethered to the operator to prevent such tools from falling and injuring 1o people below. Such tethers attach to the wearer at one end and to the tool at the other such that if the tool is dropped, it will fall only until the tether is at its maximum length.
Such tethers are disclosed in United States Patent Numbers 6,776,317 to Parker and 6,299,040 to Matins. The tethers there disclosed both include a resilient portion, is provided by an elastic cord inside a flexible but non-resilient sleeve that bunches ug when the elastic cord retracts, and extends to a maximum length when the cord extends. Thus a tool attached to the tether will initially stretch the elastic cord, slowing the fall, and then when the non-resilient sleeve is fully extended, the fall will be stopped.
Thus the shock force on the operator from a falling tool is reduced.
zo Alternatively the tether can comprises a coil as disclosed in United States Patent Number 6,530,131 to Hopkins, or a cord attached to the wearer's wrist as disclosed in United States Patent Number 6,216,319 to Elkins. By attaching the cord to the wrist, the length required is very short compared to other tethers that attach to the general area of the 25 operator's torso. It is however not possible to lay the tool down, or deposit same in a tool belt, to free the hand from the tool when it is desired to even briefly use the hand for another purpose.
When changing tools, it is necessary to remove the tether from the first tool and reattach it to the second tool. Typically the tool is attached by a looped cord or strap as disclosed in the Parker and Matias devices, or a tie as disclosed in the Hopkins device.
A separate tether can be provided for each tool that will be used, however the tethers often become s tangled when changing tools, interfering with operation of the tools.
Alternatively the Elkins device discloses tool receptacles sized to accommodate various tools, and including an eyelet. A clasp is mounted on the end of the cord for attachment to the eyelet such that the receptacles holding the different tools can be attached to the to cord or detached as the tools in the receptacles are being used or not used. The receptacles must be sized to accommodate each tool, and thus have limited versatility compared to the looped cord of Parker which can be tightened to hold a wide variety of tools.
1 s While improving safety for others, such prior art tethers can be hazardous to the user. In some applications the tool can be caught in moving machinery, or jammed in a falling object, and the user can be dragged into the machine, or off a scaffold or the like. Matias addresses this hazard by providing a tear-away portion at the end of the tether where it is attached to the user, such that when an excessive force is exerted the tether will separate 2o from the wearer and allow the tool and tether to fall away_ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool tether for securing tools and the 25 like to a worker that overcomes pmblems in the prior art.
The present invention provides, in a first embodiment, a tool tether apparatus comprising a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion operative _ Page 4 _ to releasably engage the first coupler portion. A first tether portion has a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, and a second tether portion has a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to the second coupler portion of the quick coupler.
s At least one of the first and second tether portions is resilient, and the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
The present invention provides, in a second embodiment, a tool tethering system 1o comprising a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion. A resilient first tether portion has a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler. The first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted is thereon that is less than a break-away force. A plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each has a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion. The quick coupler is configured to break apart when a farce 20 exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
The present invention provides, in a second embodiment, a method of tethering an operative tool selected from a plurality of available tools to a user, the method comprising providing a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of 25 second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
providing a resilient first tether portion having a user end attached to the user and attaching a connection end to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, wherein the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response -PageS-to a force exerted thereon that is less than a break-away force; providing a plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each having a tool end adapted for attachment to an available tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion; configuring the quick coupler to break apart when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler; attaching a tool end of a second tether portion to each available tool; and from the plurality of available tools, selecting an operative tool attached to a corresponding second tether portion and engaging the second coupler portion attached thereto with the first coupler portion.
The resilient tether reduces the shock forces on the quick coupler when a toot is dropped, such that the break-away force is not exceeded, however if the tool is caught, for example in rotating machinery or in a falling object, the quick coupler will break apart so that the user is not dragged along with the tool. The second tether portions can be made relatively short such that when tethering one of a plurality of toots, a second tether portion can be attached to each tool in a tool belt or pouch, and then when a particular tool is being used the s~ond coupler portion of the corresponding second tether portion is simply engaged in the first coupler portion attached to the fast tether portion which in 2o turn is attached to the user. The second tether portions are also relatively simple and inexpensive compared to the resilient first tether portion, and so a tethering system can be economically provided comprising a single first tether section and any required number of the second tether portions. When worn or damaged, the second tether portions can be discarded and replaced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a tope view of an embodiment of a tool tether apparatus of the invention showing the first tether portion at its relaxed length and disconnected from the second tether portion;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the first tether portion of the embodiment of Fig. 1 at its maximum length;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing the first tether portion at its relaxed length and connected to the second tether portion by the quick coupler;
~5 Fig. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing the loop in the second tether portion open for attachment to a tool;
Fig. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing the loop in the second 20 tether portion closed for tightening to a tool, and with the first tether portion at its maximum length;
Fig. 6 is a side view of a tool tethering system using a single first tether portion and a plurality of second tether portions of the embodiment of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1 - 5 schematically illustrate a tool tether apparatus 1 of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a quick coupler 3 with a first coupler portion 5 and a second coupler portion 7 operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion 5.
A first tether portion 9 has a user end 11 adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end 13 attached to the first coupler portion 5 of the quick coupler 3. A second tether portion 15 has a tool end 17 adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end 19 attached to the second coupler portion 7 of the quick coupler 3.
The quick coupler 3 is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away to force is exerted on the quick coupler. Although other known mechanisms, properly selected, could provide the required quick coupler, the illustrated quick coupler 3 is a common nylon clip where the first coupler portion 5 comprises a male end that is releasably engaged in a corresponding female end that provides the second coupler portion 7. In order to prevent a tethered tool from being caught and dragging the user into machinery, or dragging him off a scafiFold or the like, the quick coupler 3 is sized such that the break-away force is about 60 - 70 pounds. With a quick coupler 3 as illustrated it has been found that when the force on the tether apparatus 1 exceeds that break-away force, the first and second coupler portions 5, 7 will either disengage or, more often one of the first and second coupler portions 5, 7 will fracture such that the 2o first and second tether portions 9, IS become disconnected.
In order to use a tethered tool, the tether must be long enough to reach from attachment point of the user end 11 of the first tether portion 9 to the user to the end of the user's extended arm, as illustrated in Fig. 6. While the tether apparatus 1 could simply be made long enough to allow this reach, excessive tether length increases the occurrence of tangling the tether_ To reduce the required length of the tether apparatus I, the tether apparatus 1 is resilient. In addition to reducing the length of the apparatus 1, the resiliency also reduces the shock loading on the quick coupler 3. A heavy tool falling from the user's hand and being jerked to a halt by the tether apparatus 1 could cause a force to be exerted on the Quick coupler 3 that exceeds the break-away force.
By gently breaking the tool's fall by stretching and exerting an increasing force as it lengthens, the tether apparatus reduces the force exerted on the quick coupler 3, providing more secure s tool tethering and reducing the risk that the break-away quick coupler 3 might separate when it should be stopping a tool from falling.
In the illustrated tether apparatus 1 the fwst tether portion 9 is resilient and the second tether portion 15 is substantially non-resilient. The first tether portion 9 comprises an to elastic cord inside a flexible but non-resilient sleeve that bunches up when the elastic cord retracts, and extends to a maximum length when the cord extends. Thus the first tether portion 9 is extendable from a relaxed length, as illustrated in Fig. 1 to a maximum Iength as illustrated in Fig. 2 in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than the break-away force. Thus in use the tether apparatus 1 will stretch to its maximum length 15 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 in response to a normal reaching force, less than the break-away force, exerted thereon by the user, and then if for some reason the force increases to the break-away force, the quick coupler 3 will break apart, either by disengaging or fracturing in the illustrated embodiment, or by some similar means in other contemplated embodiments.
In the illustrated embodiment, the tool end 17 of the second tether portion 15 comprises a cord 21 forming a loop 23 and a cord grip 25 slidable on the cord 21 to open the loop 21, as illustrated in Fig. 4 to fit same over a tool, and then slidable to the position of Fig. 3 and adapted to releasably engage the cord 21 to tighten the loop 23 around a tool. The cord 21 forming the Ioop 23 also passes through a retainer 27, provided by a short plastic tube or the like, such that the cord grip 25 is prevented from sliding off the end of the loop. The user end 11 of the first tether portion 9 is attached to a hook 29 that can be opened or closed to releasably engage with an anchor worn by the user, such as a ring on a harness, belt, or the like:
The second tether portion 15 is substantially non-resilient such that same retains substantially the same length regardless of the force exerted on it, up to a breaking force which is of course also greater than the break-away force. In the illustrated embodiment the first portion 9 has a relaxed length that is slightly longer than the length of the second tether portion 15.
i0 The tether apparatus 1 can conveniently provide a tether system for tethering an operative tool selected from a plurality of available tools to a user, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The first tether portion 9 has a length that is substantially equal to or greater than a length of the second tether portion 15. A relatively shorter second tether portion 15 is attached at the tool end thereof to each of an available plurality of tools illustrated as a drill 31, hammer 33, and screwdriver 35. In Fig. 6 a second tether portion 15A is attached to the drill 31, second tether portion 15B is attached to the hammer 33, and second tether portion 15C is attached to the screwdriver 35. The second coupler portions 7 at the connection ends of each second tether portions 15A, ISB, 15C are each engagable with the first coupler portion 5 on the connection end of the first tether portion 9 that is anchored to the user.
In Fig. 6 the user has selected the drill 31 as the operative tool from the plurality of available tools, and has attached the corresponding second tether portion 15A
by engaging the second coupler portion 7 attached thereto with the first coupler portion 5.
Tlte user can readily change the operative tool by disengaging the second coupler portion 7 from the first coupler portion 9 and engaging with the first coupler portion a second coupler portion 7 attached to a different selected one of the available tools.
The second tether portions attached to idle tools simply hang beside the user where they are readily - Page LO -available when required. The relatively shorter and non-resilient second tether portions 15 are subject to tangling to a lesser degree than a full length tether. The second tether portions 15 are relatively simple and economical compare to the first tether portion 9, and can be replaced as required if damaged or worn while maintaining use of the more costly first tether portion.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation to shown and described, and accordingly, alI such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
This invention is in the field of tools and like articles, and in particular systems for retaining such articles in attachment to a user's body.
BACKGROUND
For safety reasons, especially when working above other personnel, tools are often required to be tethered to the operator to prevent such tools from falling and injuring 1o people below. Such tethers attach to the wearer at one end and to the tool at the other such that if the tool is dropped, it will fall only until the tether is at its maximum length.
Such tethers are disclosed in United States Patent Numbers 6,776,317 to Parker and 6,299,040 to Matins. The tethers there disclosed both include a resilient portion, is provided by an elastic cord inside a flexible but non-resilient sleeve that bunches ug when the elastic cord retracts, and extends to a maximum length when the cord extends. Thus a tool attached to the tether will initially stretch the elastic cord, slowing the fall, and then when the non-resilient sleeve is fully extended, the fall will be stopped.
Thus the shock force on the operator from a falling tool is reduced.
zo Alternatively the tether can comprises a coil as disclosed in United States Patent Number 6,530,131 to Hopkins, or a cord attached to the wearer's wrist as disclosed in United States Patent Number 6,216,319 to Elkins. By attaching the cord to the wrist, the length required is very short compared to other tethers that attach to the general area of the 25 operator's torso. It is however not possible to lay the tool down, or deposit same in a tool belt, to free the hand from the tool when it is desired to even briefly use the hand for another purpose.
When changing tools, it is necessary to remove the tether from the first tool and reattach it to the second tool. Typically the tool is attached by a looped cord or strap as disclosed in the Parker and Matias devices, or a tie as disclosed in the Hopkins device.
A separate tether can be provided for each tool that will be used, however the tethers often become s tangled when changing tools, interfering with operation of the tools.
Alternatively the Elkins device discloses tool receptacles sized to accommodate various tools, and including an eyelet. A clasp is mounted on the end of the cord for attachment to the eyelet such that the receptacles holding the different tools can be attached to the to cord or detached as the tools in the receptacles are being used or not used. The receptacles must be sized to accommodate each tool, and thus have limited versatility compared to the looped cord of Parker which can be tightened to hold a wide variety of tools.
1 s While improving safety for others, such prior art tethers can be hazardous to the user. In some applications the tool can be caught in moving machinery, or jammed in a falling object, and the user can be dragged into the machine, or off a scaffold or the like. Matias addresses this hazard by providing a tear-away portion at the end of the tether where it is attached to the user, such that when an excessive force is exerted the tether will separate 2o from the wearer and allow the tool and tether to fall away_ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool tether for securing tools and the 25 like to a worker that overcomes pmblems in the prior art.
The present invention provides, in a first embodiment, a tool tether apparatus comprising a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion operative _ Page 4 _ to releasably engage the first coupler portion. A first tether portion has a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, and a second tether portion has a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to the second coupler portion of the quick coupler.
s At least one of the first and second tether portions is resilient, and the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
The present invention provides, in a second embodiment, a tool tethering system 1o comprising a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion. A resilient first tether portion has a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler. The first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted is thereon that is less than a break-away force. A plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each has a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion. The quick coupler is configured to break apart when a farce 20 exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
The present invention provides, in a second embodiment, a method of tethering an operative tool selected from a plurality of available tools to a user, the method comprising providing a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of 25 second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
providing a resilient first tether portion having a user end attached to the user and attaching a connection end to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, wherein the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response -PageS-to a force exerted thereon that is less than a break-away force; providing a plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each having a tool end adapted for attachment to an available tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion; configuring the quick coupler to break apart when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler; attaching a tool end of a second tether portion to each available tool; and from the plurality of available tools, selecting an operative tool attached to a corresponding second tether portion and engaging the second coupler portion attached thereto with the first coupler portion.
The resilient tether reduces the shock forces on the quick coupler when a toot is dropped, such that the break-away force is not exceeded, however if the tool is caught, for example in rotating machinery or in a falling object, the quick coupler will break apart so that the user is not dragged along with the tool. The second tether portions can be made relatively short such that when tethering one of a plurality of toots, a second tether portion can be attached to each tool in a tool belt or pouch, and then when a particular tool is being used the s~ond coupler portion of the corresponding second tether portion is simply engaged in the first coupler portion attached to the fast tether portion which in 2o turn is attached to the user. The second tether portions are also relatively simple and inexpensive compared to the resilient first tether portion, and so a tethering system can be economically provided comprising a single first tether section and any required number of the second tether portions. When worn or damaged, the second tether portions can be discarded and replaced.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
Fig. 1 is a tope view of an embodiment of a tool tether apparatus of the invention showing the first tether portion at its relaxed length and disconnected from the second tether portion;
Fig. 2 is a top view of the first tether portion of the embodiment of Fig. 1 at its maximum length;
Fig. 3 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing the first tether portion at its relaxed length and connected to the second tether portion by the quick coupler;
~5 Fig. 4 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing the loop in the second tether portion open for attachment to a tool;
Fig. 5 is a top view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 showing the loop in the second 20 tether portion closed for tightening to a tool, and with the first tether portion at its maximum length;
Fig. 6 is a side view of a tool tethering system using a single first tether portion and a plurality of second tether portions of the embodiment of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS:
Figs. 1 - 5 schematically illustrate a tool tether apparatus 1 of the invention. The apparatus 1 comprises a quick coupler 3 with a first coupler portion 5 and a second coupler portion 7 operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion 5.
A first tether portion 9 has a user end 11 adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end 13 attached to the first coupler portion 5 of the quick coupler 3. A second tether portion 15 has a tool end 17 adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end 19 attached to the second coupler portion 7 of the quick coupler 3.
The quick coupler 3 is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away to force is exerted on the quick coupler. Although other known mechanisms, properly selected, could provide the required quick coupler, the illustrated quick coupler 3 is a common nylon clip where the first coupler portion 5 comprises a male end that is releasably engaged in a corresponding female end that provides the second coupler portion 7. In order to prevent a tethered tool from being caught and dragging the user into machinery, or dragging him off a scafiFold or the like, the quick coupler 3 is sized such that the break-away force is about 60 - 70 pounds. With a quick coupler 3 as illustrated it has been found that when the force on the tether apparatus 1 exceeds that break-away force, the first and second coupler portions 5, 7 will either disengage or, more often one of the first and second coupler portions 5, 7 will fracture such that the 2o first and second tether portions 9, IS become disconnected.
In order to use a tethered tool, the tether must be long enough to reach from attachment point of the user end 11 of the first tether portion 9 to the user to the end of the user's extended arm, as illustrated in Fig. 6. While the tether apparatus 1 could simply be made long enough to allow this reach, excessive tether length increases the occurrence of tangling the tether_ To reduce the required length of the tether apparatus I, the tether apparatus 1 is resilient. In addition to reducing the length of the apparatus 1, the resiliency also reduces the shock loading on the quick coupler 3. A heavy tool falling from the user's hand and being jerked to a halt by the tether apparatus 1 could cause a force to be exerted on the Quick coupler 3 that exceeds the break-away force.
By gently breaking the tool's fall by stretching and exerting an increasing force as it lengthens, the tether apparatus reduces the force exerted on the quick coupler 3, providing more secure s tool tethering and reducing the risk that the break-away quick coupler 3 might separate when it should be stopping a tool from falling.
In the illustrated tether apparatus 1 the fwst tether portion 9 is resilient and the second tether portion 15 is substantially non-resilient. The first tether portion 9 comprises an to elastic cord inside a flexible but non-resilient sleeve that bunches up when the elastic cord retracts, and extends to a maximum length when the cord extends. Thus the first tether portion 9 is extendable from a relaxed length, as illustrated in Fig. 1 to a maximum Iength as illustrated in Fig. 2 in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than the break-away force. Thus in use the tether apparatus 1 will stretch to its maximum length 15 as illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 in response to a normal reaching force, less than the break-away force, exerted thereon by the user, and then if for some reason the force increases to the break-away force, the quick coupler 3 will break apart, either by disengaging or fracturing in the illustrated embodiment, or by some similar means in other contemplated embodiments.
In the illustrated embodiment, the tool end 17 of the second tether portion 15 comprises a cord 21 forming a loop 23 and a cord grip 25 slidable on the cord 21 to open the loop 21, as illustrated in Fig. 4 to fit same over a tool, and then slidable to the position of Fig. 3 and adapted to releasably engage the cord 21 to tighten the loop 23 around a tool. The cord 21 forming the Ioop 23 also passes through a retainer 27, provided by a short plastic tube or the like, such that the cord grip 25 is prevented from sliding off the end of the loop. The user end 11 of the first tether portion 9 is attached to a hook 29 that can be opened or closed to releasably engage with an anchor worn by the user, such as a ring on a harness, belt, or the like:
The second tether portion 15 is substantially non-resilient such that same retains substantially the same length regardless of the force exerted on it, up to a breaking force which is of course also greater than the break-away force. In the illustrated embodiment the first portion 9 has a relaxed length that is slightly longer than the length of the second tether portion 15.
i0 The tether apparatus 1 can conveniently provide a tether system for tethering an operative tool selected from a plurality of available tools to a user, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The first tether portion 9 has a length that is substantially equal to or greater than a length of the second tether portion 15. A relatively shorter second tether portion 15 is attached at the tool end thereof to each of an available plurality of tools illustrated as a drill 31, hammer 33, and screwdriver 35. In Fig. 6 a second tether portion 15A is attached to the drill 31, second tether portion 15B is attached to the hammer 33, and second tether portion 15C is attached to the screwdriver 35. The second coupler portions 7 at the connection ends of each second tether portions 15A, ISB, 15C are each engagable with the first coupler portion 5 on the connection end of the first tether portion 9 that is anchored to the user.
In Fig. 6 the user has selected the drill 31 as the operative tool from the plurality of available tools, and has attached the corresponding second tether portion 15A
by engaging the second coupler portion 7 attached thereto with the first coupler portion 5.
Tlte user can readily change the operative tool by disengaging the second coupler portion 7 from the first coupler portion 9 and engaging with the first coupler portion a second coupler portion 7 attached to a different selected one of the available tools.
The second tether portions attached to idle tools simply hang beside the user where they are readily - Page LO -available when required. The relatively shorter and non-resilient second tether portions 15 are subject to tangling to a lesser degree than a full length tether. The second tether portions 15 are relatively simple and economical compare to the first tether portion 9, and can be replaced as required if damaged or worn while maintaining use of the more costly first tether portion.
The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention.
Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation to shown and described, and accordingly, alI such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (23)
1. A tool tether apparatus comprising:
a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
a first tether portion having a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler;
a second tether portion having a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to the second coupler portion of the quick coupler;
wherein at least one of the first and second tether portions is resilient; and wherein the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a second coupler portion operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
a first tether portion having a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler;
a second tether portion having a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to the second coupler portion of the quick coupler;
wherein at least one of the first and second tether portions is resilient; and wherein the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding a break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the first tether portion is resilient such that the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than the break-away force.
3. The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein the second tether portion is substantially non-resilient.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3 wherein the first portion has a relaxed length substantially equal to or greater than a length of the second tether portion.
5. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the quick coupler is configured such that the first and second coupler portions disengage when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
6. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the quick coupler is configured to fracture when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler
7. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 6 wherein the tool end of the second tether portion comprises a cord forming a loop and a cord grip slidable on the cord and adapted to releasably engage the cord to tighten the loop around a tool.
8. The apparatus of Claim 7 wherein the cord passes through a retainer such that the cond grip is prevented from sliding off the end of the loop.
9. The apparatus of any one of Claims 1 - 8 wherein the user end of the first tether portion is attached to a hook, and wherein the hook is adapted for releasable engagement with an anchor worn by the user.
10. A tool tethering system comprising:
a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
a resilient first tether portion having a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, wherein the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than a break-away force;
a plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each having a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion;
wherein the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
a resilient first tether portion having a user end adapted for attachment to a user and a connection end attached to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, wherein the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than a break-away force;
a plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each having a tool end adapted for attachment to a tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion;
wherein the quick coupler is configured to break apart when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
11. The apparatus of Claim 10 wherein the quick coupler is configured such that the first and second coupler portions disengage when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
12. The apparatus of Claim 20 wherein the quick coupler is configured to fracture when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
13. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 12 wherein the tool end of at least one of the second tether portions comprises a cord forming a loop and a cord grip slidable on the cord and adapted to releasably engage the cord to tighten the loop around a tool.
14. The apparatus of Claim 13 wherein the cord passes through a retainer such that the cord grip is prevented from sliding off the end of the loop.
15. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 14 wherein the user end of the first tether portion is attached to a hook, and wherein the hook is adapted for releasable engagement with an anchor worn by the user.
16. The apparatus of any one of Claims 10 - 15 wherein the first portion has a relaxed length substantially equal to or greater than a length of the second tether portions.
17. A method of tethering an operative tool selected from a plurality of available tools to a user, the method comprising:
providing a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
providing a resilient first tether portion having a user end attached to the user and attaching a connection end to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, wherein the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than a break-away force;
providing plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each having a tool end adapted for attachment to an available tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion;
configuring the quick coupler to break apart when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler;
attaching a tool end of a second tether portion to each available tool;
from the plurality of available tools, selecting an operative tool attached to a corresponding second tether portion and engaging the second coupler portion attached thereto with the first coupler portion.
providing a quick coupler comprising a first coupler portion and a plurality of second coupler portions each operative to releasably engage the first coupler portion;
providing a resilient first tether portion having a user end attached to the user and attaching a connection end to the first coupler portion of the quick coupler, wherein the first tether portion is extendable from a relaxed length to a maximum length in response to a force exerted thereon that is less than a break-away force;
providing plurality of substantially non-resilient second tether portions each having a tool end adapted for attachment to an available tool and a connection end attached to one of the plurality of second coupler portions of the quick coupler such that each second tether portion can be connected by the quick coupler to the first tether portion;
configuring the quick coupler to break apart when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler;
attaching a tool end of a second tether portion to each available tool;
from the plurality of available tools, selecting an operative tool attached to a corresponding second tether portion and engaging the second coupler portion attached thereto with the first coupler portion.
18. The method of Claim 17 further comprising changing the operative tool by disengaging the second coupler portion from the first coupler portion and engaging with the first coupler portion a second coupler portion attached to a different selected one of the available tools.
19. The method of any one of Claims 17 and 18 wherein the quick coupler is configured such that the first and second coupler portions disengage when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
20. The method of any one of Claims 17 and 18 wherein the quick coupler is configured to fracture when a force exceeding the break-away force is exerted on the quick coupler.
21. The method of any one of Claims 17 - 20 wherein the tool end of at least one of the second tether portions is attached to an available tool by a cord forming a loop and a cord grip slidable on the cord and adapted to releasably engage the cord to tighten the loop around a tool.
22. The method of Claim 21 wherein the cord passes through a retainer such that the cord grip is prevented from sliding off the end of the loop.
23. The method of any one of Claims 17 - 22 wherein the first portion has a relaxed length substantially equal to or greater than a length of the second tether portions.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2509084 CA2509084A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Quick connect break-away tool tether |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2509084 CA2509084A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Quick connect break-away tool tether |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2509084A1 true CA2509084A1 (en) | 2006-12-02 |
Family
ID=37480371
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2509084 Abandoned CA2509084A1 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2005-06-02 | Quick connect break-away tool tether |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2509084A1 (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2011154688A1 (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2011-12-15 | Colin Christopher Bolger | A hat tether |
| ITRM20100493A1 (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-03-24 | Otello Francesco Liquorini | UNIVERSAL TOOL HOLDER CLAMP |
| ITMI20110305A1 (en) * | 2011-02-28 | 2012-08-29 | Giovanni Ferioli | SAFETY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE CONSTRAINT OF AT LEAST ONE OBJECT, IN PARTICULAR A TOOL OR SIMILAR WORK TOOL, AS AN EXAMPLE TO THE BODY OF A USER |
| US9066575B2 (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2015-06-30 | Hang On Holder, Llc | Eyeglass and other personal items holder |
| US9591912B2 (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2017-03-14 | Hang On Holder, Llc | Eyeglass and other personal items holder |
| EP3168010A3 (en) * | 2015-11-02 | 2017-08-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Impact-absorbing tethering attachment |
| EP3517254A1 (en) * | 2018-01-09 | 2019-07-31 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tethering system for power tool and battery pack |
| CN111150267A (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2020-05-15 | 贝博士儿童用品发展有限公司 | Tether cord |
| US11504840B2 (en) | 2018-01-09 | 2022-11-22 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tethering system for power tool and battery pack |
| US11957237B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-04-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Lanyard |
-
2005
- 2005-06-02 CA CA 2509084 patent/CA2509084A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9066575B2 (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2015-06-30 | Hang On Holder, Llc | Eyeglass and other personal items holder |
| US9591912B2 (en) | 2006-03-30 | 2017-03-14 | Hang On Holder, Llc | Eyeglass and other personal items holder |
| WO2011154688A1 (en) * | 2010-06-07 | 2011-12-15 | Colin Christopher Bolger | A hat tether |
| ITRM20100493A1 (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-03-24 | Otello Francesco Liquorini | UNIVERSAL TOOL HOLDER CLAMP |
| ITMI20110305A1 (en) * | 2011-02-28 | 2012-08-29 | Giovanni Ferioli | SAFETY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE CONSTRAINT OF AT LEAST ONE OBJECT, IN PARTICULAR A TOOL OR SIMILAR WORK TOOL, AS AN EXAMPLE TO THE BODY OF A USER |
| US10045606B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2018-08-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Impact-absorbing tethering attachment |
| EP3168010A3 (en) * | 2015-11-02 | 2017-08-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Impact-absorbing tethering attachment |
| US10136722B1 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2018-11-27 | Black & Decker Inc. | Impact-absorbing tethering attachment |
| EP3517254A1 (en) * | 2018-01-09 | 2019-07-31 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tethering system for power tool and battery pack |
| US11504840B2 (en) | 2018-01-09 | 2022-11-22 | Black & Decker Inc. | Tethering system for power tool and battery pack |
| CN111150267A (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2020-05-15 | 贝博士儿童用品发展有限公司 | Tether cord |
| EP3876894A4 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2022-08-10 | B.Box For Kids Developments Pty Ltd | Tether |
| US11957237B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-04-16 | Black & Decker Inc. | Lanyard |
| US11980281B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-05-14 | Black & Decker Inc. | Lanyard |
| US12082684B2 (en) | 2020-10-29 | 2024-09-10 | Black & Decker Inc. | Lanyard |
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