Universal tool support apparatus and methods

Abstract

A universal tool attachment is provided for quick and easy attachment and detachment for almost any work tool. The apparatus includes a support member for supporting a work tool securely on separate pieces or surfaces when the tool is not in use. The universal tool support apparatus is adapted for supporting a work tool on various separate support pieces. A belt member has a securing element for releasably securing the belt member to the tool. An attachment member has a first element connected to the belt and a second element adapted to be supported by the separate support piece.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tool support apparatus adapted for supporting a work tool on various support pieces or surfaces, comprising: 
 a belt member having a securing element for releasably securing the belt member to the tool;    an attachment member having a first element connected to the belt member and a second element adapted to be supported by the separate support piece or surface.    
     
     
         2 . The tool support apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the first element of the attachment member is a buckle member connected to the belt member.  
     
     
         3 . The tool support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second element of the attachment member is a hook member adapted for hanging from the support piece.  
     
     
         4 . The tool support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securing element is connected to the end of the belt member, having a fabric adapted to cling to the fabric of the belt member.  
     
     
         5 . The tool support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the securing element is a clip buckle disposed on the belt member.  
     
     
         6 . The tool support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment member is connected to the buckle member to swivel relative to the buckle member.  
     
     
         7 . The tool support apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second element is a clip member for attaching to various support pieces.  
     
     
         8 . A connector apparatus adapted to connect a belt to a work piece, comprising: 
 a buckle member having a securing element for releasably securing the belt to the buckle member; and    an attachment member having a first element connected to the buckle member and a second element connected to the first element and adapted to function as the work piece.    
     
     
         9 . The connector apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the buckle member comprises a flat surface piece having a clip buckle piece secured thereto.  
     
     
         10 . The connector apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the first element of the attachment member is a flange piece and the second element is a hook member attached to the flange piece.  
     
     
         11 . Tool attachment apparatus for adapting a tool to be removably supported by an external member, comprising: 
 a strap member adapted for connecting to the tool;    a securing member on the strap for releasably securing the strap to the tool;    a flange member connected to the strap; and    a support member connected to the flange member for making contact with the external member to support the tool thereon.    
     
     
         12 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the strap member is adapted for encircling a portion of the tool.  
     
     
         13 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the securing member releasably secures the strap about the portion of the tool.  
     
     
         14 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the securing member is a buckle.  
     
     
         15 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the securing element is a piece of material on the belt having a fabric that clings to the fabric of the belt.  
     
     
         16 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the flange member has a first element attached to the belt and a second element attached to the support member.  
     
     
         17 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the first element is attached to the securing member.  
     
     
         18 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the support member is a hook.  
     
     
         19 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the support member is a clip.  
     
     
         20 . The tool attachment apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the support member is disposed to swivel relative to the flange member.  
     
     
         21 . A method for supporting a work tool on various support pieces or surfaces, comprising releasably securing a belt member to the work tool, and connecting a support member to the belt member, the support member being adapted to be supported by the separate support piece or surface.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the support member is attached to the belt member by a buckle member.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising connecting a bracket member to the buckle member to secure the support member to the belt member.  
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the support member is a hook member adapted for hanging from the support piece.