GB2387344A

GB2387344A - Tool extension and torque transfer device

Info

Publication number: GB2387344A
Application number: GB0208233A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Russell Sullman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-04-10
Filing date: 2002-04-10
Publication date: 2003-10-15
Also published as: GB0208233D0

Abstract

A tool extension and torque transfer device for use in restricted spaces comprises an elongate body (H fig 1) having a rotatable output element BC for turning an object such as a fastener or a tool at one end of said body and a rotatable input element AC at the other end of the elongate body, the two rotatable elements being connected by a chain, cable, belt or the like CT. The input element may be turned by handle D or operated by a power source, which may be integral. Elements such as cogs S may maintain the alignment and tautness of the belt CT. A gripping component G may releasably secure a fastener or tool and may be operated by chuck key K via a shaft (X figs 3 and 4). A hand grip M may be provided. The device may operate more than one object at a time. The device may be of variable length, extended and contracted by sprung cogs (N figs 5 and 6). A number of bends may be formed in the device. Means may be provided to secure the device in position during operation.

Description

I 2387344

LIMITED SPACES TOOL DEVICE

Background

Due to limitation in available space, it is not always easy to place or remove a screw or nut using everyday tools. For example, when trying to remove the screws that hold the side panel of a washing machine, it becomes necessary to remove the entire machine from the alcove into which it might have been placed, to expose all the screws for direct removal.

The Limited Spaces Tool Device, hereinafter referred to as the device, is for use specifically to place or remove and/or tighten or loosen securing mechanisms such as nuts and bolts, screws, etc (hereinafter described as securing objects) in areas of limited working space. The device is appropriately used where it is not possible to place such securing objects or use tools by standard means, i.e. by use of a standard screwdriver, spanner, etc, such as where space is severely limited.

Description

The device is composed of a housing that is shaped according to the spaces into which it has to be placed for function. It both contains and protects the internal mechanisms of operation.

The internal mechanisms comprise the chain or track that is positioned against one or more turning elements such as cogs that allow turning at one end of the device, and rotation at the other end to allow tightening/loosening and/or insertion or removal of one or more securing objects. Tools (e.g. for tightening/loosening screws, nuts, etc) may be placed in this turning mechanism as necessary. Movement of the chain/track facilitates turning of the cogs.

With greater numbers of cogs, it becomes possible to place more than one such object at a time. Other secondary cogs or similar turning features placed throughout the body of the device can be used to further secure the chain/track in a stable alignment, The cog or other turning platform that is used for positioning the securing object can be designed to reversibly secure the securing object by means of mechanisms to hold it in position as necessary.

The device may be provided with a secondary tool to hold the screw or nut in position for tightening or loosening, or it might be provided with such a means of holding the object to be instrumented, either detachably or integral to the device. 7-Z

The other end of the device is used for operation, which means it is the end that is used by the operator. It can be provided in a form that allows turning by manual means, or it might be operated by means of a power source, necessitating a connection for power or an onboard power source (e.g. a battery). It might also be provided with a mirror or other means of improving vision for the operator of the field of operation.

Example

A specific embodiment of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a view of an example of the device for manual operation.

Figure 2 shows a cutaway view of the device in figure 1 with the housing removed and the internal mechanisms exposed.

Figure 3 shows a view of the turning mechanism that carries the handle.

Figure 4 shows a view of the housing that can grip a tool head or a securing object.

Figure 5 shows a view of the device in a form that allows adjustment its length.

Figure 6 shows the device in figure 5 in the extended form.

Referring to the drawing, figure 1 illustrates the device comprising a housing H which carries turning elements at either end, a handle D at the end A for manual operation, and an operational end B. in use, the securing object or tool is placed and secured to the necessary connection/grip located at B. Turning the handle D at A, via the chain/track, facilitates turning of the turning component B. the whole is narrow in at least one dimension to allow operation in areas of limited space.

Figure 2 shows the device in cutaway form so that the chain/track CT running around and between cogs AC and BC that facilitates their turning, with secondary cogs S that maintain alignment and tautness of CT.

A chuck K can be inserted into opening OP near the base of end A, and this allows a spindle X, that stretches along the longitudinal length of the device from end A to end B, to be turned so that gripping component G, at B, might be tightened or loosened to allow reversibly securing of tool or securing object. A grip M allows increased stability and aids in use. 3I

Figure 3 shows an view of the end A, in which rotation of the handle Z turns the cog AC, thereby facilitating movement of the chain/track CT, which in turn turns the cog BC (not shown) during operation. The chuck K is inserted into the opening OP, that turns the spindle X, which lies in a recessed area beneath AC.

Figure 4 shows the element Y that reversibly grips the tool or securing object, in the figure here shown as a screwdriver head Q, so that movement of BC turns Q so that it might be used to tighten a screw in a location where use of a screwdriver is normally precluded.

The cogs/turning elements and track/chain can be arranged in such a way as to turn either in the same direction, or if required in opposite directions.

As stated previously, the device may be provided with a detachable or integral mechanism for holding the screw/nut, etc, in position whilst operating the device, or such a holder may be provided separately.

Figure 5 shows a device that can be extended or contracted by use of extendable/flexible lengths D that function by putting pressure onto or releasing springs W allowing movement of the cogs N. figure 6 shows the device in the extended form. A>

Claims

Claims

1) A Limited Spaces Tool device comprising one or more cogs or other turning elements situated at opposing ends of the longitudinal length of the device, that turn together by virtue of movement of one or more track/chain linking them, one end of the device being fitted with a handle or other means by which the turning element might be turned, thereby facilitating turning of the turning element at the other end of the device, so that a tool or securing object might be placed/removed, or be tightened/loosened; the turning elements and track/chain being arranged so that the when the device is operated they can turn either in the same direction or in opposite directions.

2) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the device may be provided with secondary cogs or other means by which the track/chain may be kept securely in alignment.

3) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device can be fitted to operate with both tools and securing object fittings.

4) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim where the device may be provided in a form that allows more than one tool or securing objects to be used at one time.

5) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be provided in a form that can be extended or shortened, and/or where it is provided with one or more angles or bends in the longitudinal length of the device to further assist in positioning.

6) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be provided with manual and/or powered methods of operation.

7) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be provided with a means by which the tool or securing object fitting can be reversibly secured.

8) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be fitted with mirrors or other means by which vision may be improved for the operator.

9) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is provided with one or more handles or other means by which it might be held more securely.

10) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be provided with a means by it may be secured in position to improve stability and positioning during operation11) A Limited spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device may be provided with gradations for orientation and positioning.

12) A Limited Spaces Tool device as claimed in any preceding claim and substantially as described herein.