AU2014101072A4 - A combined file - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention provides a combined file, including a file body and a handle. The file body is adapted to be removably arranged on the handle; and the handle is 5 configured with a locking device adapted to be toggled between a first status and a second status. In the first status the file body mounted on the handle is fixed and unable to be removed from the handle. In the second status the file body mounted on the handle is adapted to be freely removed from the handle. The combined file as described not only can be combined during the use just like a traditional file which has two 10 handles and is convenient for the user to hold it with two hands to control and manipulate, but also when the file is not in use it can be separated into several individual parts, e.g. the file body, the handle and adjusting device, etc. Such separable design can effectively reduce the size and volume of the file, making it convenient for carrying or storing, etc. 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA cc eq IC) / / r-I / N / it \ *'wc~) '2 / ~v\ /~ N> / ,J/) 'N' /1

Description

1 A Combined File Technical Field 5 This patent relates to a hardware tool, especially a hardware used for grinding and burnishing. Background 10 In the field of mechanical fitter, file is a frequently used tool for burnishing small metal wares. A file generally contains a bar-shaped file body, and a handle arranged on one end or simultaneously on both ends of the body. When it is in use, users generally holds the handle of the file with the right hand, or holds handles with both hands where handles are configured on both ends, and then moves around the file body reciprocally 15 to make reciprocating friction of the file body on the object to be processed, so as to achieve the effect of grinding. However, traditional files are in general manufactured in a fixed shape as a single piece, where the handle(s) is permanently configured on one end or both ends of the file body, 20 but the handles can neither be removed nor moved. This makes the size of the file relatively large and fixed, which is not convenient for the user to carry or store such files when they are not used. In addition, for files with fixed handles, the length of file body between the two handles is also not adjustable. It may not be suitable for grinding operation under certain working conditions, e.g. when the surrounding space of the 25 object is too limited. In addition, sometimes the overly long file body is not easy for the user to exert force on the file to move it reciprocally. Summary of Invention 30 Thereby, the embodiments of this invention provide an improved combined file, which has overcome or at least alleviate the above-mentioned inconveniences in the technical problems. In on aspect, this present invention provides a combined file, including a file body and a 35 handle. The file body is adapted to be removably arranged on the handle; and the handle is configured with a locking device adapted to be toggled between a first status and a second status. In the first status the file body mounted on the handle is fixed and unable to be removed from the handle. In the second status the file body mounted on the handle is adapted to be freely removed from the handle. 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 2 Preferably, the locking device is arranged on one end of the handle. The locking device contains a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion is fixedly connected to the end of the handle and the movable portion is adapted to receive an end of the file 5 body and match therewith. More preferably, the movable portion of the locking device has a central axis, around which the movable portion is centrally symmetric. The movable portion is adapted to be slidably received in the fixed portion of the locking device. 10 In one implementation, on a peripheral surface of the movable portion there is a locking member. On an inner surface of the fixed portion there is a sliding slot, wherein when the locking member is received within the fixed portion, the locking member is arranged within the sliding slot and capable of sliding between the first position and the 15 second position along the circumferential direction. Preferably, the locking member is engaged with the geometrical structure of the sliding slot at the first position, such that the movable portion is unable to slide within the fixed portion along the direction of the central axis, which corresponds to the first status. The 20 locking member quites engagement with the geometrical structure of the sliding slot at the second position, such that the movable portion is adapted to freely slide within the fixed portion along the direction of the central axis, which corresponds to the second status. 25 In one implementation, the locking member is a L-shaped block formed on the peripheral surface of the movable portion. The L-shaped block has a locking end protruding along the circumferential direction. The geometrical structure of the slide is a gap allowing only entrance of the locking end along the circumferential direction. After the locking end entered the gap, the gap engages with the locking end to prevent 30 the movable portion from sliding within the fixed portion along the direction of the central axis. In one variation, the movable portion is in the shape of a truncated cone. 35 In another variation, the handle is L-shaped. In one exemplary embodiment, the combined file further contains an adjusting device configured on an end of the file body opposite to the end mounted where the locking 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 3 device is configured. The adjusting device is adapted to move along the length of the file body and be locked at a predetermined position. Preferably, the adjusting device further contains a sliding member having a through 5 opening for the file body to pass through the sliding member, and an adjusting handle configured on the sliding member and adapted to lock the sliding member to the file body, thus preventing the sliding member from sliding relative to the file body.. More preferably, the adjusting device further contains a locking member which 10 connects to the sliding member by threads. A first end of the locking member is fixedly connected with the adjusting handle. A second end of the locking member is adapted to contact the surface of the file body to lock the sliding member to the file body.. In one implementation, by the thread connection, the clocking member is adapted to 15 move relative to the sliding member along a locking direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the file body. Therefore, according to the above technical solutions, the combined file of the present invention provides much convenience. The combined file not only is capable of being 20 combined in the use, just like traditional files which has two handles and being convenient for the users' holding with two hands to control and manipulate, but the combined file can also be disassembled into several individual parts when it is not being used, e.g. the file body, the handle and adjusting device, etc.. Such separable design can effectively reduce the size and volume of the combined file, which is convenient for 25 delivery or storage, and etc. In addition, the adjusting device of this combined file also may be convenient for the users adjusting the effective length of the file body between two handles, so that they can choose the most suitable file length for different working conditions. 30 Brief Description of the Drawings The remaining part of the specification together with the drawings may be used to further understand the performance and advantages of the present invention. In the drawings, the same component is marked with the same sign. Under some conditions, 35 the sub-signs are arranged after a certain mark and the hyphen to represents one of the similar components. When a mark is mentioned but no existing sub-sign is specifically indicated, it is intended to represent all similar components. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the combined file according to one embodiment 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 4 of the present invention. Figure 2 shows a partial enlarged view of the file body of the combined file according to one embodiment of the present invention. 5 Figure 3 is an exploded view of the components of the combined file in Fig. 1. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the locking device in the combined file in Fig. 1. 10 Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking device along the line A-A in Figure 4. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the locking device along the line B-B in Figure 4. 15 Figure 7a shows the appearance of the adjusting device of the combined file in Fig. 1 at a specific angle. Figure 7b shows the appearance of the adjusting device of the combined file in Fig. 1 at 20 another specific angle. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the adjusting device of the combined file in Fig. 1. 25 Figure 9 shows an appearance view of the adjusting device of the combined file being configured on the file body in Fig. 1. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 30 Embodiments of the present invention provide structures of combined files in a combined way, which can be separated for saving space when it is not used. According to the following descriptions it can be easily realized that there are other benefits and advantages provided by the present invention. 35 Firstly, referring to Figure 1, it a combined file according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a file body 22 and a handle 20. As shown in the figure, the handle is a L-shaped handle, which is convenient for holding. However, skilled persons in the art should understand that handles in other types, e.g. in the shape of stick, and etc. can also be used. The file body 22 is approximately in the shape of a strip, of which 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 5 one end is adapted to be removably configured on the handle 20. In particular, one end of the handle 20 is arranged with a locking device 25, so that the file body 22 can either be secured to the locking device 25, or can be removed from the locking device 25. In addition, the other end of the file body 22 relative to the end configured with the 5 locking device 25, also connects with an adjusting device. The adjusting device is adapted to move along the longitudinal direction of the file body 22 and be locked to any position desired the user. As shown in Figure 1, the adjusting device including a sliding member 28 and an adjusting handle 26 which is arranged under the sliding member 28 and approximately vertical to the longitudinal direction of the file body 22. 10 Figure 2 shows the surface structure of the file body 22 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Along the longitudinal direction of the file body 22, on all four sides of the file body 22 there are alternatively arranged protruding ribs 50 protruding from the surface of the file body 22, and rib gaps 52 which are lower than the height of 15 the protruding ribs 50. Such structures enable the file body 22 to achieve grinding and burnishing effects when the file body 22 is rubbed on the surface of the object. Figure 3 further illustrates internal components of the combined file shown in figure 1, wherein the handle 20 includes a first half-handle 30 and a second half handle 32, 20 which when combined form a part for the user to grip on the handle 20. On the other side, the aforesaid locking device contains a fixed portion 24 and a movable portion 34. The fixed portion is contained in the top shell 36, which is fixedly connected to the above-mentioned first half-handle 30 and a second half-handle 20 to form the whole body. Of handle 20 As shown in the figure, the movable portion 34 has a central axis 35, 25 where the movable portion 34 is centrally symmetric around the central axis 35. The movable portion 34 preferably is in a shape of truncated cone. The movable portion 34 is slidably received in the fixed portion 24 of the locking device. The movable portion 34 is also adapted to receive one end of the file body 22, and snap-fit with it. Here, snap-fitting means that the file body 22 cannot easily be removed from the movable 30 portion 34 when the end of the file body 22 is inserted into and contacts with the inner side of the movable portion 34 by force. In addition, Figure 3 further shows the locking member 54, which is configured on the peripheral surface of the movable portion 34 and preferably as an L-shaped block. 35 On the another side, the above adjusting device as shown in Figure 3 contains a sliding member 28 and an adjusting handle. The adjusting handle includes a handle body 44, a handle loop 46, and a cover 48, which are combined to form the main body of the adjusting handle. In addition, the adjusting device further contains a locking member 42 which preferably is a screw. The first end of the screw 42 is fixed on the top end of the 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 6 handle body 44, while its other end goes through the bottom of the sliding member 28 (not shown) and connecting with the gasket 40 inside the sliding member 28. The gasket 40, through a nut 38, is fixed with the second end on the screw 42 which is relative to the first end. In other words, the screw 42 is connected with the sliding 5 member 28, and the screw 42 is adapted to move upwards along the locking direction approximately vertical to the longitudinal direction of the file body 22. The adjusting handle is configured on the sliding member 28 and is adapted to lock the sliding member 28 on the file body 22 so as to avoid its sliding in relative to the file body 22. 10 Referring Figure 4 and Figure 5, there shows in particular the specific structure of the aforesaid locking device. Here, the movable portion 34 is received and fixed to the interior of the fixed portion 24. As shown in the figures, on two opposite sides of the outer peripheral faces of the movable portion 34, there are symmetrically formed two locking members 54 contained in the sliding slot 56. Their relationships will be further 15 described in details. Since the circumferential length of a single sliding slot 56 is longer than the circumferential length of a single locking member 54, the locking member 54 is capable of a circumferential rotation within the sliding slot 56. That is to say, the movable portion 34 may rotate in the interior side of the fixed portion 24 within a certain range. In addition, the insert space in the interior portion 34 for receiving the file 20 body 22 is approximately in a shape of rectangle, which has four lateral surfaces 58, and being arranged with cylindrical slots 60 at its four vertices. Referring Figure 6, it shows the structural relationships between the locking member 54 and the sliding slot 56 on the movable portion 34. The locking member 54 in located in 25 the sliding slot 56 when the movable portion 34 is received within the fixed portion 24, and the locking member is capable of sliding between the first position and the second position along the circumferential direction. In particular, as mentioned above, the locking member 54 is an L-shaped block and has a locking end 57 protruding along the circumferential direction. The sliding slot 56 further has a geometrical structure adapted 30 to be engaged with the locking end 57, i.e. the geometrical structure only allowing the access of the locking end 57 into the gap 59 along said circumferential direction. After the locking end 57 enters into the gap 59, the gap 59 engages with the locking end 57 and avoids the movable portion 34 from sliding within the fixed portion 24 along the direction of central axis. Meanwhile, as mentioned above, the circumferential length of 35 the sliding slot 56 is longer than the circumferential length of the locking member 54. Thus, whenever it is, the locking member 54 can always move within the sliding slot 56 along the circumferential direction. Therefore, the locking device of the file body may shift between the first status and the 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 7 second status. Under the first status, the file body 22 configured on the handle is locked and cannot be removed from the handle. Under the second status, the file body 22 configured on the handle can be freely removed from the handle. The aforesaid locking status is implemented through the movement of locking member 54. At the first 5 position of the locking member 54, it engages with the geometrical structure of the sliding slot 56, i.e. the locking end 57 inserting into the gap 59, so that the movable portion 34 cannot slide within the fixed portion along the direction of its central axis. This is because that the shape of the gap renders the locking member 54 and the movable portion 34 unmovable along the other directions except for the circumferential 10 direction. This corresponds to the first status. On the contrary, at the second position of the locking member 54, it separates from the engagement with the sliding slot 56, i.e. the locking end 57 separating from the gap 59. At this time, the locking end 57 is no longer obstructed by the gap 59. Thus, the movable portion 34 can freely slide within the fixed portion 24 along the direction of the central axis, so that the file body 22 can 15 be removed from the handle. This corresponds to the aforesaid second status. Therefore, by using the locking structure of the present invention, the users only need to hold and rotate the file body 22 by hands, and simultaneously the movable portion in the locking structure will be driven to rotate due to the rectangle joint surface of the file body 22. The movable portion can then be shifted between locking position and 20 non-locking position, which is convenient for securing the file body 22 on the handle. In addition, referring Figures 7a-7b, there shows that the sliding member 28 in the adjusting device of the combined file has a through opening 31, allowing the file body 22 passing through the sliding member 28. The areas of both ends of the through 25 opening 28 preferably are different, one being larger (cf. Figure 7a) but the other being smaller (cf. 7b). Referring Figure 8 to Figure 9, in operation the users can rotate the adjusting handle 26 by hand, and the rotation of the adjusting handle 26 will drive the locking member, i.e. the screw 42 to rotate. Since the thread of the screw 42 is connected to the sliding member 28, and the first end of the screw 42 fixedly connected 30 with the adjusting handle 26, the rotation of the screw 42 causes reciprocation of the screw along the vertical direction. On the other aspect, the gasket 40 on the second end of the screw 42 is adapted to contact with the surface of the file body 22. When the user rotates the adjusting handle 26 making the screw 42 approach to the sliding member 28, the gasket 40 closely contacts with the surface of the file body 22 and creates friction so 35 that, in relative to the surface of the file body 22, the sliding member 28 is locked and irremovable. When users rotates the adjusting handle 26 making the screw 42 away from the sliding member 28, the gasket 40 leaves away from the surface of the file body 22 so that, the sliding member 28 may freely be moved in relative to the surface of the file body 22. 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 8 Therefore, after introducing several embodiments, the skilled person in the art may realize that, all the different changes, other structures, and equivalent objects may be used without departing the core idea of the present invention. Correspondingly, the 5 above description should not be deemed as the limitation on the scope defined by the following claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an 10 inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 15 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA

Claims (12)

1. A combined file, comprising a file body and a handle, characterized in that: said file body adapted to be removably arranged on said handle; and 5 said handle configured with a locking device adapted to be toggled between a first status and a second status; in said first status said file body mounted on said handle fixed and unable to be removed from said handle; in said second status said file body mounted on said handle adapted to be freely removed from said handle. 10

2. The combined file of claim 1, wherein said locking device is arranged on one end of said handle; said locking device comprising a fixed portion and a movable portion; said fixed portion fixedly connected to said end of said handle; said movable portion adapted to receive an end of said file body and match therewith. 15

3. The combined file of claim 2, wherein said movable portion of said locking device has a central axis, around which said movable portion is centrally symmetric; said movable portion adapted to be slidably received in said fixed portion of said locking device. 20

4. The combined file of claim 3, wherein on a peripheral surface of said movable portion there is a locking member; on an inner surface of said fixed portion there being a sliding slot, wherein when said locking member is received within said fixed portion, said locking member is arranged within said sliding slot and capable of sliding between said first position and said second position along said circumferential direction. 25

5. The combined file of claim 4, wherein said locking member is engaged with said geometrical structure of said sliding slot at said first position, such that said movable portion is unable to slide within said fixed portion along said direction of said central axis, which corresponds to said first status; said locking member quitting engagement 30 with said geometrical structure of said sliding slot at said second position, such that said movable portion is adapted to freely slide within said fixed portion along said direction of said central axis, which corresponds to said second status.

6. The combined file of claim 5, wherein said locking member is a L-shaped block 35 formed on said peripheral surface of said movable portion; said L-shaped block having a locking end protruding along said circumferential direction; said geometrical structure of said slide being a gap allowing only entrance of said locking end along said circumferential direction; wherein, after said locking end entered said gap, said gap engaging with said locking end to prevent said movable portion from sliding within said 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA 10 fixed portion along said direction of said central axis.

7. The combined file of claim 3, wherein said movable portion is in the shape of a truncated cone. 5

8. The combined file of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said handle is L-shaped.

9. The combined file of any one of claims 1-7, further comprises an adjusting device configured on an end of said file body opposite to said end mounted where said locking 10 device is configured; said adjusting device adapted to move along said length of said file body and be locked at a predetermined position.

10. The combined file of claim 9, wherein said adjusting device further comprises a sliding member having a through opening for said file body to pass through said sliding 15 member, and an adjusting handle configured on said sliding member and adapted to lock said sliding member to said file body, thus preventing said sliding member from sliding relative to said file body.

11. The combined file of claim 10, wherein adjusting device further comprises a 20 locking member which connects to said sliding member by threads; a first end of said locking member fixedly connected with said adjusting handle; a second end of said locking member adapted to contact said surface of said file body to lock said sliding member to said file body. 25

12. The combined file of claim 11, wherein by said thread connection, said clocking member is adapted to move relative to said sliding member along a locking direction substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal direction of said file body. 5727458_1 (GHMatters) P97977.AU NIOUSHAA