CN116442174A

CN116442174A - Non-conductive magnetic retrieval tool

Info

Publication number: CN116442174A
Application number: CN202310034267.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 奥托里奥·库特-阿恩贝克; 迪伦·约翰逊; 尼古拉斯·艾伦·加贝
Original assignee: Snap On Inc
Current assignee: Snap On Inc
Priority date: 2022-01-14
Filing date: 2023-01-10
Publication date: 2023-07-18
Also published as: GB202216847D0; GB2614789A; TWI836855B; GB2614789B; TW202327816A; CA3182423A1; GB202405356D0; GB202404744D0

Abstract

A non-conductive retrieval tool having a magnet connected to a handle by a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly may be adjustable to maintain a direction or position based on user manipulation, and may be made of a non-conductive material to safely operate in electrical applications. In some embodiments, the tool may include a sleeve portion located adjacent the magnet to apply torque to the workpiece.

Description

Non-conductive magnetic retrieval tool

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application is a continuation of the section of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/592,373 entitled "non-conductive magnetic retrieval tool," filed on even 3, 10, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to retrieval tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to non-conductive magnetic retrieval tools having adjustable links.

Background

Retrieval tools are common in automotive or electronic applications. Retrieving the tool allows the user to grip or otherwise couple the object to the tool to remove the object from a location. For example, the retrieval tool may include a collapsible jaw that grips and removes an object in a claw-like manner when the user removes the retrieval tool from a location.

The object that is removable by the retrieval tool includes a metal object, such as a workpiece. In addition, some retrieval tools are used in high voltage or other electrical applications where electrical conductivity is disadvantageous. Further, some retrieval tools lack versatility, only for retrieving objects.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention broadly comprises a non-conductive retrieval tool having a handle at a first end, a magnet at a second end, and a linkage assembly connecting the handle and the magnet. For example, the linkage assembly may include a plurality of interconnected links, each having a frustoconical section leading to a circular section adapted to couple with other links to form an adjustable linkage assembly that maintains a user selected direction and position. For example, when the tool is used in high voltage applications, the linkage assembly may be constructed of a non-conductive material to minimize electrical conductivity. In one embodiment, the tool may include a sleeve portion proximate the magnet (e.g., at the end of the linkage assembly) to apply torque to a remote workpiece in addition to serving as a conventional retrieval tool.

In particular, the present invention broadly consists in a tool comprising a handle and a linkage assembly coupled to the handle. The connecting rod assembly includes: a starting link coupled to the handle and having a starting link rounded portion opposite the handle; an intermediate link coupled to the start link, the intermediate link having a first intermediate link frustoconical portion coupled to the start link rounded portion and an intermediate link rounded portion opposite the intermediate link frustoconical portion; and a distal link coupled to the intermediate link and including a magnet. In one embodiment, the links are substantially identical in construction. In one embodiment, there may be multiple intermediate links linked together to extend the usability of the tool.

The present invention also broadly includes a tool for transmitting torque to a remote workpiece, the tool including a handle and a linkage assembly coupled to the handle. The connecting rod assembly includes: a starting link coupled to the handle and having a starting link rounded portion opposite the handle; an intermediate link coupled to the start link and comprising an intermediate link frustoconical portion coupled to the start link rounded portion and an intermediate link rounded portion opposite the intermediate link frustoconical portion; and an end link coupled to the intermediate link and including a sleeve portion opposite the intermediate link and a magnet between the sleeve portion and the intermediate link. In one embodiment, the links are substantially identical in construction. In one embodiment, there may be multiple intermediate links linked together to extend the usability of the tool.

Drawings

In order to facilitate an understanding of the subject matter to be protected, embodiments thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which upon review of the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, when considered in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages, should be readily understood and appreciated.

Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a starter link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another starter link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an intermediate link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of two intermediate links coupled to each other according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an end link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another end link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another end link according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a side perspective view of a tool according to another embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the tool of fig. 9, taken along line A-A of fig. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the end link of the tool of FIG. 9, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 is a side view of the end link of fig. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the end link of FIG. 12 taken along line B-B of FIG. 12.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the connecting link of the tool of fig. 9, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 15 is a side view of the connecting link of fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting link of fig. 15 taken along line C-C of fig. 15.

FIG. 17 is a side view of a starter link according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of another starter link according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings, and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. As used herein, the term "invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claims of the invention, but is used for illustrative purposes only to discuss exemplary embodiments of the invention.

The present invention broadly includes a retrieval tool. In one embodiment, the magnetic end is disposed opposite the handle to allow for magnetic pick-up of remote objects. For example, the linkage assembly may couple the magnetic end with the handle, and the linkage assembly may be adjustable to maintain an orientation or position based on the user's manipulation. In one embodiment, the linkage assembly may be constructed of a non-conductive material to safely operate in electrical (e.g., high voltage) applications. In one embodiment, a sleeve portion may be disposed adjacent the magnet, the sleeve portion being adapted to engage and apply torque to a remote workpiece. In yet another embodiment, a protrusion may be provided adjacent the magnet, the protrusion being adapted to matingly engage a sleeve adapted to engage a remote workpiece. Thus, the retrieving tool may be used as a conventional retrieving tool, a retrieving tool in electrical applications, a torque applying tool or any combination of the above.

Referring to fig. 1, the tool 100 may include a handle 105 and a linkage assembly 110 extending from the handle 105. The linkage assembly 110 may include a start link 115 coupled to one or more intermediate links 120 and terminating in an end link 125. For example, a plurality of intermediate links 120 may be provided, and the plurality of intermediate links 120 may be regarded as intermediate links 120 between the first intermediate link 120 and the last intermediate link 120. In an embodiment, the magnet 130 may be located in or near the end link to allow magnetic engagement and pick up of objects such as metal screws and other workpieces.

Referring to fig. 2, the starter link 115 may include a base 135, the base 135 coupled to a starter link circular portion 140 by a starter link neck 145. The base 135 may be coupled to the handle 105 in any manner (e.g., by adhesive, threads, welding, or any other fixed or removable coupling method). A start link opening 150 may be defined in the start link circular portion 140, the start link opening 150 allowing radial movement of the start link circular portion 140 when a corresponding portion of the intermediate link 120 engages the start link circular portion 140. In this manner, the intermediate link 120 frictionally engages the starting link circular portion 140, allowing the intermediate link 120 to be frictionally coupled relative to the starting link 115, and the intermediate link 120 may also be manually rotated 360 degrees about the starting link circular portion 140 to a desired position or direction. The starter link neck 145 may provide a gap between the starter link rounded portion 140 and the base 135 to allow the intermediate link 120 to better rotate about the starter link 115.

Referring to fig. 3, the start link 115 may optionally include threads 155 disposed circumferentially about the base 135 to allow threadably engagement between the start link 115 and the handle 105. For example, the threads 155 of the starting link 115 may threadably engage corresponding threads located in the handle 105. In particular, as one example, the threads of the handle 105 may extend axially within the interior cavity of the handle 105.

Fig. 4 illustrates an intermediate link 120 in accordance with at least some presently disclosed embodiments. As shown, the intermediate link 120 may include an intermediate link frustoconical portion 160, the intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 coupled to an intermediate link rounded portion 165 by an intermediate link neck 170. Similar to the starting link opening 150, the intermediate link 120 may include an intermediate link opening 180, the intermediate link opening 180 allowing for frictional engagement and radial movement of the intermediate link rounded portion 165, thereby allowing for coupling of the intermediate link 120 with an adjacent intermediate link. For example, as shown in fig. 5, by placing the intermediate link frustoconical portion 175a of the first intermediate link 120a over the intermediate link rounded portion 165b of the second intermediate link 120b, the first intermediate link 120a may frictionally engage the second intermediate link 120b to frictionally interlock the two portions. As shown, the frictional interlock between the two portions allows the user to maintain a desired position and orientation while still allowing the first intermediate link 120a to be rotatable about the second intermediate link 120b due to the spherical and sleeve-like coupling between the two intermediate links 120a, 120 b. For example, by spacing the intermediate link frustoconical portion 175b and the intermediate link rounded portion 165b of the second intermediate link 120b from one another, the intermediate link neck 170b of the second intermediate link 120b may provide clearance for additional rotational movement of the first intermediate link 120 a. In this manner, the intermediate link frustoconical portion 175a of the first intermediate link 120a is not obstructed by the intermediate link frustoconical portion 175b of the second intermediate link 120 b. It should be appreciated that any number of frictionally coupled intermediate links 120 may be used to achieve the desired length and usability of the tool.

The tool 100 may terminate in an end link 125 of the link assembly 110 and the tool 100 may include a functionality for retrieving objects, such as magnetic or foldable jaws. For example, as shown in fig. 6, the end link 125 may include a housing 190, the housing 190 having a magnet 195 located inside the housing 190 and extending to a wall 197. Opposite wall 197 is a housing stop 202, which housing stop 202 prevents magnet 195 from exiting housing 190 during use. Like the start link 115 and the intermediate link 120, the end link 115 may include an end link frustoconical portion 185 having an end link opening 207 defined therein to frictionally couple to a rounded portion of another link, such as the intermediate link rounded portion 165, by a similar method as described above for the ball and socket type.

The magnet 195 may be used to retrieve ferromagnetic materials, such as metal workpieces. For example, the tool 100 may be used to magnetically couple to and retrieve screws, bolts, washers, and nuts in difficult to reach locations or areas. The amount of force applied by the magnet 195 may be designed based on the size of the magnet 195 and the thickness of the wall 197 located adjacent to the magnet 195. For example, the force of the magnet 195 may be greater where the wall 197 is thin, or in some embodiments, the wall 197 is not provided so that the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet 195 can retrieve objects unimpeded. As shown, the housing 190 may be cylindrical in shape that serves to direct the magnetic strength of the magnet 195 into place.

Fig. 7 shows an end link 125, which end link 125 may be used not only with a retrieval tool, but also as an end link for a tool 100 that transmits torque to a remote workpiece. For example, the end link 125 of fig. 7 may be located at an end of the link assembly 110 opposite the handle 105, and the user may transfer torque to the workpiece by rotating the handle 105. Because of the semi-rigid nature of the chain 110, the user can selectively adjust the intermediate link 120 to a preferred configuration, and then the tool 100 can be engaged with the workpiece at the end link 125 to transfer torque to the workpiece.

As shown in fig. 7, the magnet 195 may be located in a central portion of the end link 125 within the housing 190 and may be separated from the sleeve portion 212 by a wall 202. The shape of the sleeve portion 212 may be provided as a hexagon, a double hexagon, a square, or any other shape capable of gripping the head of a workpiece and transmitting torque to the workpiece. For example, the shape of the sleeve portion 212 may be configured to correspond to the shape of the head of the workpiece. As described above, the magnet 195 may apply a magnetic force to the workpiece, and the magnitude of the magnetic force may be designed based on the thickness of the wall 202 and the size and material of the magnet 195. Thus, a user may use the tool 100 to grip a workpiece, magnetically couple to the workpiece, and apply torque to the workpiece.

Fig. 8 illustrates another end link 125 in accordance with at least some presently disclosed embodiments. As shown, the end link 125 of fig. 8 is similar to the end link 125 of fig. 7, but the end link 125 of fig. 8 includes a square driver 217 instead of the end link frustoconical portion 207. In this manner, the link assembly 110 may be coupled to the end links 125 by a square drive, and the link assembly 110 may also be coupled to other end links based on the conventional nature of square drive coupling mechanisms. Thus, the tool 100 may utilize interchangeable tip links 125, and the interchangeable tip links 125 may be used in a variety of different applications.

In another embodiment, the intermediate link 120 may be flipped or turned such that the intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 faces away from the handle 105. For example, referring to fig. 9, the tool 300 may include a handle 105 and a linkage assembly 310 extending from the handle 105. The linkage assembly 310 may be similar to the linkage assembly 110 described above, except that the intermediate link 120 is flipped or turned such that the intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 faces away from the handle 105. For example, the linkage assembly 310 may include a start link 115 coupled to the connecting link 301, one or more intermediate links 120, and an end link 325. For example, a plurality of intermediate links 120 may be provided, and the plurality of intermediate links 120 may be regarded as intermediate links 120 between the first intermediate link 120 and the last intermediate link 120. In an embodiment, magnets may be located in or near the end links 325 to allow magnetic engagement and pick up of objects such as metal screws and other workpieces.

The start link 115 may be the same as described above. For example, the starter link 115 may be coupled to the handle 105 and include a starter link rounded portion 140 (shown in fig. 2 and/or 3). The starter link 115 may also include a starter link opening 150, and the starter link 115 allows radial movement of the starter link circular portion 140 when a corresponding portion of the connecting link 301 engages the starter link circular portion 140, as described in further detail below.

The intermediate link 120 may also be the same as described above. For example, referring to fig. 10, the intermediate link 120 may include an intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 coupled to an intermediate link rounded portion 165 by an intermediate link neck 170 (shown in fig. 4 and 5). Intermediate link 120 may also include an intermediate link opening 180 that allows for frictional engagement and radial movement of intermediate link rounded portion 165, thereby allowing for coupling of intermediate link 120 with an adjacent intermediate link. It should be appreciated that any number of frictionally coupled intermediate links 120 may be used to achieve the desired length and usability of the tool.

Similar to the end links 125 described above, the end links 325 may include a functional body, such as a magnetic or foldable jaw, for retrieving an object. For example, referring to fig. 10-13, the end link 325 may include a housing 390 having a magnet 395, the magnet 395 disposed in a cavity of the housing 390 and enclosed by a wall 397. The end link 325 includes an end link rounded portion 342 and an end link opening 307, the end link opening 307 allowing for frictional engagement and radial movement of the end link rounded portion 342 to allow for coupling of the end link 325 to the intermediate link 120 via engagement of the end link rounded portion 342 with the intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 of the end intermediate link 120 in a ball and socket type manner similar to that described above.

The end link housing 390 may have a square cross-sectional shape instead of the cylindrical shape shown in fig. 11. In this way, the magnet 395 may be disposed in a cavity in a square cross-sectional shaped housing, and the square cross-sectional shaped housing may be disposed in or engaged with the square driver 217 (square opening) shown in fig. 8.

The magnet 395 may be used to retrieve ferromagnetic materials, such as metal workpieces. For example, tool 300 may be used to magnetically couple to and retrieve screws, bolts, washers, and nuts in difficult to access locations or areas. The amount of force applied by the magnet 395 may be designed based on the dimensions of the magnet 395 and the thickness of the wall 397 located adjacent to the magnet 395. For example, the force of the magnet 395 may be greater where the wall 397 is thinner, or in some embodiments, no wall 397 is provided so that the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet 395 is able to retrieve objects unimpeded. As shown, the housing 390 may be cylindrical in shape that serves to direct the magnetic strength of the magnet 395 into place.

Similar to the end link 125, the end link 325 may be used not only with retrieval tools, but also as an end link for tools that transmit torque to a remote workpiece. For example, the end link 325 may be modified to include the sleeve portion 212, the magnet 195, and the wall 202 shown in fig. 7, except that the end link frustoconical portion 185 shown in fig. 7 is replaced by an end link rounded portion 342.

With the intermediate link 120 capable of being flipped or rotated and the intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 of the end intermediate link 120 engaged with the end link rounded portion 342, the intermediate link rounded portion 165 faces away from the handle 105. To couple the starting or initial intermediate link 120 located near the handle 105 to the starting link 115, a connecting link 301 may be used.

Referring to fig. 9 and 14-16, the connecting link 301 may include a first connecting link frustoconical portion 302 and a second connecting link frustoconical portion 303 coupled together by a connecting link neck 304. The first connecting rod frustoconical portion 302 and the second connecting rod frustoconical portion 303 may also be remote from each other and located on opposite ends of the connecting rod 301. The first and second connecting rod frustoconical portions 302, 303 may include respective connecting rod openings 305, 306 that allow for frictional engagement and radial movement of the connecting rod 301 and for coupling of the connecting rod 301 with the starting rod 115 and the starting or starting intermediate rod 120. For example, the first connecting rod frustoconical portion 302 may be engaged with the starting connecting rod rounded portion 140 and the second connecting rod frustoconical portion 303 may be engaged with the intermediate connecting rod rounded portion 165 of the starting or starting intermediate connecting rod 120.

In other embodiments, the starter link 115 may be modified to include a starter link frustoconical portion instead of the starter link circular portion 140. For example, referring to fig. 17, the starter link 415 may include a base 435 connected to a starter link frustoconical portion 440 by a starter link neck 445 and may be incorporated into the link assembly 310 in place of the starter link 115 and the connecting link 301. The base 435 can be coupled to the handle 105 in any manner (e.g., by adhesive, threads, welding, or any other fixed or removable coupling method). The starting link opening 450 may be defined in a starting link frustoconical portion 440, the starting link frustoconical portion 440 being adapted to engage the intermediate link rounded portion 165 of the starting or initial intermediate link 120. The starting link neck 445 may provide a gap between the starting link frustoconical portion 440 and the base 435 to allow the intermediate link 120 to better rotate about the starting link 415.

Referring to fig. 18, the start link 415 may optionally include threads 155 disposed circumferentially about the base 435 to allow threadably engagement between the start link 415 and the handle 105. For example, the threads 155 of the start link 415 may threadably engage corresponding threads located in the handle 105. In particular, as one example, the threads of the handle 105 may extend axially within the interior cavity of the handle 105. As noted above, the linkage assemblies (such as linkage assemblies 110, 310) may be used in electrical applications where electrical conduction is not preferred. To this end, the linkage assemblies (such as linkage assemblies 110, 310) may be constructed of, or coated with, a non-conductive material. As used herein, the term "non-conductive" refers to any material that reduces the electrical conductivity of a connecting rod assembly (such as connecting rod assemblies 110, 310) relative to a metallic material. The linkage assemblies (such as the linkage assemblies 110, 310) need not be entirely composed of non-conductive materials, nor need the linkage assemblies (such as the linkage assemblies 110, 310) include metal as structural backbone material.

The linkage assemblies (such as linkage assemblies 110, 310) are described herein as being semi-rigid or capable of being selectively adjusted to a preferred configuration. Thus, the direction or position of the linkage assembly (such as the linkage assemblies 110, 310) may be manipulated by a user as desired, but the direction or position of the linkage assembly (such as the linkage assemblies 110, 310) may be maintained while retrieving or transmitting torque to the workpiece.

As used herein, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are not intended to be necessarily limited to direct mechanical coupling of two or more components. Conversely, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are intended to mean any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical coupling between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and/or environmental elements. In some examples, "coupled" is also intended to mean that one object is integral with another object.

The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the claims below when viewed in an appropriate perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A retrieval tool comprising a handle, the retrieval tool comprising:

a connecting rod assembly, comprising:

a starting link coupled to the handle and including a starting link rounded portion opposite the handle;

a connecting link comprising opposed first and second connecting link frustoconical portions, wherein the first connecting link frustoconical portion is frictionally coupled to the starting link circular portion;

a first intermediate link comprising an intermediate link rounded portion frictionally coupled to the second connecting link frustoconical portion;

a second intermediate link coupled to the first intermediate link via one or more third intermediate links and including an intermediate link frustoconical portion; and

a terminal link comprising a terminal link rounded portion frictionally coupled to the intermediate link frustoconical portion.

2. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the end link includes a drive portion opposite the end link rounded portion.

3. The retrieval tool of claim 2, wherein the drive portion has a square cross-sectional shape.

4. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the end link includes a sleeve portion opposite the end link rounded portion.

5. The retrieval tool of claim 4, wherein the sleeve portion has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, a double hexagonal cross-sectional shape, or a square cross-sectional shape.

6. The retrieval tool of claim 4, wherein the sleeve portion is shaped to engage a workpiece.

7. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the end link comprises a magnet.

8. The retrieval tool of claim 7, wherein the magnet is disposed within a housing of the end link.

9. The retrieval tool of claim 8, wherein the end link includes a wall within the housing 5, the wall being on a side opposite the rounded portion of the end link.

10. The retrieval tool of claim 9, wherein the end link includes a stop opposite the wall and forming the housing.

11. The retrieval tool of claim 8, wherein the housing is cylindrical.

12. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the end link comprises a jaw that is foldable 0 fold.

13. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly is at least one of made of and coated with a non-conductive material.

14. A retrieval tool comprising a handle, the retrieval tool comprising:

a connecting rod assembly, comprising:

a starting link coupled to the handle and comprising a starting link frustoconical portion opposite the handle;

a first intermediate link comprising an intermediate link circular portion frictionally coupled to the starting link frustoconical portion;

a second intermediate link coupled to the first intermediate link 0 bar via one or more third intermediate links and comprising an intermediate link frustoconical portion; and

15. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein the end link includes a drive portion opposite the end link rounded portion.

16. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein the end link includes a sleeve portion opposite the end link rounded portion.

17. The retrieval tool of claim 16, wherein the sleeve portion is shaped to engage a workpiece.

18. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein the end link comprises a magnet.

19. The retrieval tool of claim 18, wherein the magnet is disposed within a housing of the end link.

20. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein the linkage assembly is at least one of made of and coated with a non-conductive material.