This invention relates to apparatus for retaining hand-held implements when not required for immediate use. More particularly although not exclusively it discloses a holder for hair blow driers or the like.

When servicing customers a hairdresser normally makes frequent use of his blow drier. Such implements are commonly in the shape of a gun with an elongated air nozzle and laterally extending handle. Between uses the hairdresser currently has to place the drier on the work bench or perhaps wedge it under an arm or between his legs in order to attend to a client's hair. In the former case the work bench may not be conveniently close to the client. With the latter the hairdresser is uncomfortable and his ability to work efficiently is diminished.

It is therefore an object of this invention to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages and accordingly a holder for a hand-held implement such as a hair blow drier or the like is disclosed, said holder including a crad. le means for releasibly retaining said implement and a mounting bracket adapted to attach said cradle means to a user's belt whereby said implement when not immediately required for use can be temporarily stored at a readily accessible position at the user's hip.

Preferably the mounting bracket is also adapted for attachment to a wall or other support surface.

The currently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings in which : - figure 1 is a perspective view of a blow drier holder according to this concept, and figure 2 shows the holder in a position of use.

Referring first to figure 1 the holder may comprise a contoured ring 1 which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the air outlet nozzles of a range of commonly used hair blow driers. One side of the ring is formed with or attached to a U shaped bracket 2 which is adapted for hooking over a user's belt. With this particular embodiment there is also an elongated flange 3 which extends down from the ring and also connects with the bracket through ribs 4. This supports the ring against the weight of the blow drier and also helps to align said drier in the holder. The upper lip 5 of the ring may also be rounded or bevelled to facilitate insertion of the drier nozzle.

As shown in figure 2 the holder in use can be hooked over a user's belt 6 so that it. functions in the manner of a holster to temporarily store the blow drier 7 when it is not required ior immediate use. The blower nozzle 7A is shown inserted through the ring 1 with the handle 7B extending out to the side. The hairdresser thus has both hands free to work while tile drier is retained in a readily accessible position at his hip.

Preferably as shown. n figure 2 the bracket is also provid. ed with a pair of invert. ed keyhole shaped apertures 8 whereby the holder can alternatively be hung on mounting screws set into a wall or other support surface.

It will thus be appreciated that this invention at least in the form of the embodiment disclosed provides a novel and useful accessory for hair blow driers. Clearly however the example-described i5 only the currently preferred form of the invention and a wide variety of modifications may be made which would be apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example the shape and configuration of the ring may be <BR> changed according to design preference or to adapt the holder to different driers. Also. while it is currently preferred. to mould the holder from polypropylene the invention extends to the use of any other suitable material.