MAGNETIZED ARMBAND

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Patent Application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending Patent Application Serial No. 1 1/403,347, filed April 12, 2006 and entitled "MAGNETIZED ARMBAND," which claims priority under 35 U. S. C. section 1 19(e) of co-pending United States Provisional Patent Application Number 60/671,922, filed April 14, 2005, and entitled "MAGNETIZED ARMBAND," both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The Patent Application also claims priority under 35 U. S. C. section 1 19(e) to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/998,839, filed October 1 1, 2007, and entitled "MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS," to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No.

61/003,751 , filed November 19, 2007, and entitled "MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS" and to the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 61/004,440, filed November 26, 2007, and entitled "MAGNETIC TOOL HOLDERS," all of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to magnetic accessories. More particularly the present invention relates to a magnetized armband.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Professional users of small hand tools such as carpenters, seamstresses, auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, as well as non-professional do-it-yourselfers are often frustrated whenever they misplace, drop or fumble tools or supplies while doing their jobs. Workers often times wear aprons or similar devices to hold these supplies to keep them close at hand and also to be able to move more freely. However, wearing an apron or similar device has certain limitations. For instance, repetitive reaching in pockets for supplies is tedious. Moreover, wearing an apron or similar device does not help the task of reaching for supplies while holding a perfectly aligned work piece or holding a heavy work piece with one hand and some other tool with the other. Additionally, aprons and similar devices are prone to accidentally spill the tools and work items that are held within the pockets of the apron or similar device. Often this spillage is caused because the worker accidentally knocked the tools or work items over with their hand, or because of how the worker is positioned while doing their job.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A band for holding work items comprises a first region, a second region, a layered portion and at least one magnet. The layered portion is located between the first region and the second region. The layered portion is configured to receive a magnet which provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects.

In a particular embodiment of the application, the second region is configured to couple to the first region. In some embodiments, the coupling is also capable of being released. In some embodiments, the coupling is such that, when the second region is coupled to the first region, the band forms a closed loop. In some embodiments hook and loop fasteners are used to close the loop. Zippers, buttons and buckles are also utilized in other embodiments. In some embodiments of the present application the closed loop is adjustable to a range of diameters of approximately one (1) to twelve (12) inches.

Typically, the layered portion comprises multiple layers of flexible fabric. In some embodiments, a magnet is completely stitched within the multiple layers. The one or more magnets are also capable of being partially stitched within the multiple layers. In some embodiments, the magnets are partially stitched within the multiple layers and some other means, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or buckles, are used to completely enclose the magnet. Various shaped magnets are contemplated by the present application including but not limited to strips, discs, and ball bearings. Any other shapes are alternatively appropriate.

In some embodiments, the magnets are configured to completely encircle a worker's wrist when the armband is worn. In other embodiments the magnets only partially encircle the wrist. Typically the magnets are configured to avoid mutual magnetic attraction. In some embodiments of the present application, neodymium type magnets are used. In another embodiment of the present application, the band can be used by a worker by forming a closed loop around the rung of a ladder, or other workplace fixtures, in order to gain easy access to supplies.

A sleeve for holding work items which comprises a layered sleeve portion configured to hold a magnet and a flap to tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface is also disclosed. In some embodiments the sleeve portion is fabric. The magnet provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects to the layered sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the flap gathers loose material and tightens the sleeve around a worker's wrist. Various means are contemplated to couple the flap to the sleeve including, but not

limited to: hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons and buckles.

In some embodiments of the present application, magnets are evenly distributed throughout the sleeve portion so as to allow magnetically attracted tools and supplies to be attracted to substantially all points of the sleeve. In another embodiment, a band for holding work items comprises a first region, a second region, a layered portion, at least one magnet and a cushioned portion. The layered portion is located between the first region and the second region. The layered portion is configured to receive a magnet which provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects. The cushioned portion is located between the first and second regions and configured to receive at least one object.

In a particular embodiment, the second region is configured to couple to the first region. In some embodiments, the coupling is also capable of being released. In some embodiments, the coupling is such that, when the second region is coupled to the first region, the band forms a closed loop. In some embodiments hook and loop fasteners are used to close the loop. Zippers, buttons and buckles are also utilized in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the closed loop is adjustable to a range of diameters of approximately one (1) to twelve (12) inches.

Typically, the layered portion comprises multiple layers of flexible fabric. In some embodiments, a magnet is completely stitched within the multiple layers. The one or more magnets are also capable of being partially stitched within the multiple layers. In some embodiments, the magnets are partially stitched within the multiple layers and some other means, such as a zipper, hook and loop fasteners, buttons or buckles, are used to completely enclose the magnet. Various shaped magnets are contemplated by the present application including but not limited to strips, discs, and ball bearings. Any other shapes are alternatively appropriate.

In some embodiments, the cushioned portion is located adjacent to the layered portion. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion is located on top of a part of the layered portion.

In some embodiments, the magnets are configured to completely encircle a worker's wrist when the armband is worn. In other embodiments the magnets only partially encircle the wrist. Typically the magnets are configured to avoid mutual magnetic attraction. In some embodiments of the present application, neodymium type magnets are used.

In another embodiment of the present application, the band can be used by a worker

by forming a closed loop around the rung of a ladder, or other workplace fixtures, in order to gain easy access to supplies.

In an alternative embodiment, a sleeve for holding work items which comprises a layered sleeve portion comprising a cushioned portion and configured to hold a magnet and a flap to tighten the layered sleeve portion around a surface is disclosed. In some embodiments the sleeve portion is fabric. The magnet provides a magnetic force for attracting magnetically attractable objects to the layered sleeve portion. In some embodiments, the flap gathers loose material and tightens the sleeve around a worker's wrist. Various means are contemplated to couple the flap to the sleeve including, but not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, zippers, buttons and buckles.

In some embodiments, magnets are evenly distributed throughout the sleeve portion so as to allow magnetically attracted tools and supplies to be attracted to substantially all points of the sleeve. In some embodiments, the cushioned portion is located adjacent to the magnet. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion is located on top of a part of the magnet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure I A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of the present application. Figure IB illustrates a bottom view of one embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the present application.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of another embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 illustrates one embodiment of the present application where the magnets are configured to substantially encircle a workers wrist when wrapped around a worker's wrist.

Figure 5 illustrates one embodiment of the present application when the band forms a closed loop around a workers wrist.

Figure 6 illustrates a worker using an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present application dangling from the rung of a ladder.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present application around a worker's wrist.

Figure 9 A illustrates an embodiment of the present application around a worker's wrist comprising a cushioned portion.

Figure 9B illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the present application including

a cushioned portion.

Figure 9C illustrates a back view of an embodiment of the present application including a cushioned portion.

Figure 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present application around a worker's wrist comprising a cushioned portion.

Figure 1 IA illustrates a top view of an alternative embodiment of the present application around a worker's wrist comprising one or more straps.

Figure 1 1 B illustrates a bottom view of an alternative embodiment of the present application around a worker's wrist comprising one or more straps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purpose of explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the invention may be practiced without the use of these specific details. Referring to Figure 1 , a first embodiment of the magnetized armband is depicted therein. A magnetized armband 100 is shown which comprises an elongated fabric band having a layered portion 110 located between a first region 130 and a second region 140. The band is constructed from a flexible fabric such as woven cloth. Various other types of materials could alternatively be used including, but not limited to leather, cotton, cotton/polyester blends, plastic, nylon, vinyl, neoprene, synthetic leather, knit or rubber.

The first region 130 and a second region 140 can be coupled to form a closed loop. In some embodiments of the present application, the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener fabric 170 is stitched to the top of the second region 140. As shown in Figure IB, the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastener 150 is stitched to the underside of the of the band substantially underneath the first region 130. Additionally, a fabric tab 160 has the hook side of the hook- and-loop fastener fabric 180 stitched to the bottom side of the tab 160. Alternatively, other means for fastening the magnetized armband 100 can be utilized including but not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments the second region 140 and the hook-and-loop fastener fabric 170 is sufficiently long so as to allow for adjustability. In some embodiments of the present application, the diameter of this closed loop ranges from one (1) inch to twelve (12) inches. However, a closed loop with any other appropriate diameter is contemplated.

In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 IA and 1 IB, the first and second regions

(1 130, 1 140) are coupled to a first and second strap (1 135, 1 145), wherein the first and second straps are releasably attachable to each other via a hook-and-loop fastener fabric (1 150, 1 170) coupled to their surfaces. Alternatively, other means for fastening the magnetized armband 1 100 are able to be utilized including but not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments the second strap and/or first strap (1 145, 1 135) and the hook-and-loop fastener fabric (1150, 1 170) is sufficiently long so as to allow for adjustability.

In some embodiments, the layered portion 1 10 has multiple layers of fabric to hold one or more magnets 120. As shown in Figure 1, the one or more magnets 120 are long strips. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 3, these magnets are either small balls or discs, respectively. These magnets are substantially permanently stitched into the multiple layers. Alternatively, the magnets 120 are partially stitched into the multiple layers to allow access to them. In the example of the magnetized armband where the magnets 120 are partially stitched into the multiple layers, various means can be utilized to completely seal the magnets. These means include, but are not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers.

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, vertically configured magnets 120 are numerous and spread out so as to substantially encircle the whole wrist of a worker when the magnetized armband is wrapped in a closed loop around a worker's wrist. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the magnetized armband 200 is wrapped around a worker's wrist 210. The hook fasteners (depicted in Figure 1 as 150) line up with the loop fasteners area 250, allowing the armband to become a closed loop around the worker's wrist 210. The fabric tab 240 is included to be held by the worker to wrap the magnetized armband and also allows the worker to easily loosen the loop fasteners area 250 from the hook fasteners or to remove the magnetized armband 200. The fabric tab 240 also fastens to the loop fastener area 250. Magnetically attractable tools and supplies 220 are attracted and held to the armband by the magnetic field from the one or more magnets 230 stitched into the fabric. This allows the attracted tools and supplies 220 to be readily accessible to the worker. In some embodiments, neodymium magnets are utilized to attract such tools and supplies. Neodymium has been chosen because it is one of the strongest permanent magnets made and does not lose its strength over time.

Figure 6 illustrates some embodiments of the present application being used by a worker. The magnetized armband 300 is wrapped around a worker's wrist 310 and connected by coupling a second region 330 and a fabric tab 340 to a first region 350. Magnetically attractable tools and supplies 320 are held to the magnetized armband 330 by the magnets 360. As depicted, the worker can hold screws in place while drilling and can easily gain access to additional supplies held in place on the magnetized armband.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of the present application. The second region 430 and the fabric tab 440 is coupled to the first region 450 to form a closed loop. The closed loop that is formed is loose which allows the band to dangle from a surface. This embodiment can be used with various surfaces or workplace fixtures, including but not limited to the rung of a ladder 470. In this embodiment of the present application, a worker using a ladder can set the band to dangle at the appropriate height, and attach magnetically attractable tools and supplies to the band for easy access to them.

Figures 9A-9C show yet another embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment the magnetized armband 900 further comprises a cushioned portion 990 positioned between the first region 930 and the second region 940. This cushioned portion 990 may be used for receiving objects such as pins (not shown) by puncturing the surface of the cushioned portion 990 with the pins and thereby lodging the pins in the cushioned portion 990. This allows the pins and other similar objects to be securably removable from their lodged position due to friction and therefore readily accessible to the worker. In some embodiments, the cushioned portion 990 is positioned substantially adjacent to the layered portion 910. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion 990 is positioned on top of a part of the layered portion 910. This further secures the pins and other similar metallic objects in their lodged position via magnetic attraction when at least one magnet 920 is inserted in the layered portion 910. Alternatively, the cushioned portion 990 is able to be in any position on the surface of the magnetized armband 900.

The first region 930 and a second region 940 is able to be coupled to form a closed loop. In some embodiments of the present application, the loop side of a hook-and-loop fastener fabric 970 is stitched to the top of the second region 940. As shown in Figure 9B, the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastener 950 is stitched to the underside of the band substantially underneath the first region 930. Additionally, a fabric tab 960 has the hook side of the hook-and-loop fastener fabric 980 stitched to the bottom side of the tab 960. Alternatively, other means for fastening the magnetized armband 900 are able to be utilized

including but not limited to buttons, buckles, snaps, hooks, threads or zippers. In some embodiments, the second region 940 and the hook-and-loop fastener fabric 970 is sufficiently long so as to allow for adjustability. In some embodiments of the present application, the diameter of this closed loop ranges from one (1) inch to twelve (12) inches. However, a closed loop with any other appropriate diameter is contemplated.

Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment the magnetized armband 500 is a sleeve for holding work items 520 comprising a sleeve portion 510, having at least one magnetic substance 530 enclosed in it and a strap 540 with a fastener. There is also a fastening area 550 with a corresponding fastener. The strap is wrapped around the wrist 560 or other surface and gathers any loose sleeve material 570. The strap 540 adjustably and releasably tightens the sleeve 510 onto the wrist or arm 560 and is fastened onto a corresponding fastener in the fastening area 550.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment, the magnetized armband 1000 is a sleeve for holding work items 1020 comprising a sleeve portion 1010, having at least one magnetic substance 1030 enclosed in it and a strap 1040 with a fastener. Further, the sleeve portion 1010 also comprises a cushioned portion 1090 for receiving objects such as pins (not shown) by puncturing the surface of the cushioned portion 1090 with the pins and thereby lodging the pins in the cushioned portion 1090. In some embodiments, the cushioned portion 1090 is positioned adjacent to the metallic substance 1030. In other embodiments, the cushioned portion 1090 is positioned on top of a part of the magnetic substance 1030. Alternatively, the cushioned portion 1090 is able to be in any position on the surface of the sleeve portion 1010. There is also a fastening area 1050 with a corresponding fastener. The strap is wrapped around the wrist 1060 or other surface and gathers any loose sleeve material 1070. The strap 1040 adjustably and releasably tightens the sleeve 1010 onto the wrist or arm 1060 and is fastened onto a corresponding fastener in the fastening area 1050.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of the principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the device of the present invention could be

implemented in several different ways and have several different appearances.