TW202327816A - Non-conductive magnetic retrieval tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-conductive retrieval tool with a magnet connected a handle by a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly can be adjustable to maintain an orientation or position based on manipulation of a user, and can be made of a non-conductive material to safely operate in electrical applications. In some embodiments, the tool can include a socket portion near the magnet to apply torque to work pieces.

Description

Non-Conductive Magnetic Retrieval Tool

The present invention generally relates to retrieval tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to non-conductive magnetic retrieval tools with adjustable linkages.

Retrieval tools are common in automotive or electronics applications. Retrieval tools allow a user to grip or otherwise attach an object to a tool to remove the object from a location. For example, a retrieval tool may include collapsible jaws that grip and remove objects in a claw-like fashion when the user removes the retrieval tool from a location.

Objects that can be removed by a retrieval tool include metal objects, such as workpieces. Additionally, some retrieval tools are used in high voltage or other electrical applications where conductivity is disadvantageous. Further, some retrieval tools lack versatility and are only used to retrieve objects.

The present invention broadly includes 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, a linkage assembly may include a plurality of interconnected linkages, each linkage having a frustoconical section leading to a circular section adapted to Other linkages are connected to form an adjustable linkage assembly that maintains a user-selected orientation 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 an embodiment, the tool may include a sleeve portion proximate the magnet (eg, at the end of the linkage assembly) to apply torque to the remote workpiece in addition to being used as a conventional retrieval tool.

In particular, the present invention broadly includes a tool including a handle and a linkage assembly connected to the handle. The linkage assembly includes: an initial link connected to the handle and having a circular portion of the initial link opposite the handle; an intermediate link connected to the initial link having a first intermediate link a frustoconical portion and an intermediate link circular portion, the first intermediate link frustoconical portion connected to the initial link circular portion, the intermediate link circular portion being connected to the intermediate link frustoconical portion opposite; and an end link connected to the middle link and including a magnet. In one embodiment, the links are substantially identical in construction. In an embodiment, there may be multiple intermediate links connected together to expand 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 connected to the handle. The linkage assembly includes: an initial link connected to the handle and having an initial link circular portion opposite the handle; an intermediate link connected to the initial link and comprising an intermediate link frustoconical portion and an intermediate link circular portion, the intermediate link frustoconical portion connected to the initial link circular portion, the intermediate link circular portion opposite the intermediate link frustoconical portion; and an end link, which Connected to the intermediate link and including a sleeve portion opposite the intermediate link and a magnet positioned between the sleeve portion and the intermediate link. In one embodiment, the links are substantially identical in construction. In an embodiment, there may be multiple intermediate links connected together to expand the usability of the tool.

While the present invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, the preferred embodiments of the invention which are shown in the drawings and which will be described in detail herein are to be understood as such that this disclosure is considered to be exemplary of the principles of the invention, And it is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of claims of the present invention, but is used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention for explanatory purposes only.

The present invention broadly includes retrieval tools. In one embodiment, a magnetic end is positioned opposite the handle to allow magnetically picking up distant objects. For example, a linkage assembly may connect the magnetic end with the handle, and the linkage assembly may be adjustable to maintain an orientation or position based on user manipulation. In an embodiment, the linkage assembly may be constructed of a non-conductive material for safe operation in electrical (eg, high voltage) applications. In an embodiment, a sleeve portion may be disposed adjacent the magnet, the sleeve portion being adapted to engage and apply a torque to the 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 retrieval tool can be used as a conventional retrieval tool, a retrieval tool in electrical applications, a torque applying tool, or any combination of the above.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a tool 100 may include a handle 105 and a linkage assembly 110 extending from the handle 105 . Linkage assembly 110 may include an initial link 115 connected to one or more intermediate links 120 and terminated by an end link 125 . For example, a plurality of intermediate links 120 may be provided, which may be considered as intermediate intermediate links 120 between the first intermediate link 120 and the last intermediate link 120 . In an embodiment, magnets 130 may be located in or near the end links to allow magnetic engagement and pickup of objects such as metal screws and other workpieces.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the starting link 115 may include a base 135 connected to the starting link circular portion 140 through a starting link neck 145 . Base 135 may be attached to handle 105 in any manner (eg, via adhesive, threads, welding, or any other fixed or detachable attachment method). The initial link opening 150 may be confined within the initial link circular portion 140, allowing the initial link circle when a corresponding portion of the intermediate link 120 engages the initial link circular portion 140. The radial movement of the shaped part 140. In this way, the intermediate link 120 frictionally engages the initial link circular portion 140, thereby allowing the intermediate link 120 to be frictionally connected relative to the initial link 115, and the intermediate link 120 can also be rotated in a 360-degree manner. Rotate manually about the starting link circular portion 140 to the desired position or orientation. The initial link neck 145 may provide clearance between the initial link circular portion 140 and the base 135 to allow better rotation of the intermediate link 120 about the initial link 115 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , optionally, the starting link 115 may include threads 155 disposed circumferentially about the base 135 to allow threadable engagement between the starting link 115 and the handle 105 . For example, threads 155 of start link 115 may threadably engage corresponding threads located in 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 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 connected to an intermediate link circular portion 165 through an intermediate link neck 170 . Similar to the initial link opening 150, the intermediate link 120 may include an intermediate link opening 180 that allows frictional engagement and radial movement of the intermediate link circular portion 165, thereby allowing the intermediate link 120 to communicate with the The connection of adjacent intermediary intermediate links. 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 circular portion 165b of the second intermediate link 120b, the first intermediate link 120a The second intermediate link 120b may be frictionally engaged to frictionally interlock the two parts. As shown, the frictionally interlocking between the two parts allows the user to maintain the desired position and orientation while still allowing The first intermediate link 120a is rotatable around the second intermediate link 120b. For example, the intermediate link neck 170b of the second intermediate link 120b may be the first intermediate link by spacing the intermediate link frustoconical portion 175b and the intermediate link circular portion 165b of the second intermediate link 120b from each other. Additional rotational movement of link 120a provides clearance. 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 120b. It should be understood that any number of frictionally coupled intermediate links 120 may be used to achieve the desired length and availability of the tool.

Tool 100 may terminate at end link 125 of linkage assembly 110, and tool 100 may include functionality for retrieving objects, such as magnetic or collapsible jaws. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the end link 125 may include a housing 190 having a magnet 195 located inside the housing 190 and extending to a wall 197 . Opposite the wall 197 is a housing stop 202 which prevents the magnet 195 from exiting the housing 190 during use. Like the initial 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, Frictionally connect to other link circular portions, such as the middle link circular portion 165, by a ball and sleeve type method similar to that described above.

Magnet 195 may be used to retrieve ferromagnetic material, such as a metal workpiece. For example, tool 100 may be used to magnetically attach to and retrieve screws, bolts, washers, and nuts in hard-to-reach locations or areas. The magnitude of the force exerted by the magnet 195 can be designed based on the size of the magnet 195 and the thickness of the wall 197 located near the magnet 195 . For example, the force of the magnet 195 may be greater if the wall 197 is thinner, or in some embodiments, the wall 197 is not provided such that the magnetic force of the magnet 195 is large enough to retrieve the object without hindrance. As shown, the housing 190 may be cylindrical, the cylindrical shape being used to direct the magnetic strength of the magnet 195 into place.

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

As shown in FIG. 7 , magnet 195 may be located in a central portion of end link 125 within housing 190 and may be separated from sleeve portion 212 through wall 202 . The shape of the sleeve portion 212 can be set as hexagon, double hexagon, square or any other shape capable of clamping the head of the workpiece and transmitting torque to the workpiece. For example, the sleeve portion 212 may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the head of the workpiece. As mentioned above, the magnet 195 can apply a magnetic force to the workpiece, and the magnitude of this magnetic force can 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, magnetically connect to, and apply torque to a 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, linkage assembly 110 can be connected to end link 125 through a square drive, and linkage assembly 110 can also be connected to other end links based on the conventional properties of a square drive connection mechanism. Accordingly, the tool 100 can utilize interchangeable tip links 125 that can be used for a variety of different applications.

In another embodiment, the intermediate link 120 may be inverted or turned so that the intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 faces away from the handle 105 . For example, referring to FIG. 9 , tool 300 may include handle 105 and linkage assembly 310 extending from handle 105 . Linkage assembly 310 may be similar to linkage assembly 110 described above, except that intermediate link 120 is flipped or turned so that intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 faces away from handle 105 . For example, linkage assembly 310 may include a start link 115 connected to 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, which may be considered as intermediate intermediate links 120 between the first intermediate link 120 and the last intermediate link 120 . In an embodiment, a magnet may be located in or near the end link 325 to allow magnetic engagement and pickup of objects such as metal screws and other workpieces.

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

The intermediate link 120 may also be the same as described above. For example, referring to FIG. 10 , intermediate link 120 may include intermediate link frustoconical portion 160 connected to intermediate link circular portion 165 through intermediate link neck 170 (shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ). The intermediate link 120 may also include an intermediate link opening 180 that allows frictional engagement and radial movement of the intermediate link circular portion 165 to allow connection of the intermediate link 120 with an adjacent intermediate link. It should be understood that any number of frictionally coupled intermediate links 120 may be used to achieve the desired length and availability of the tool.

Similar to tip link 125 described above, tip link 325 may include functionality for object retrieval, such as magnetic or collapsible jaws. For example, referring to FIGS. 10-13 , the end link 325 may include a housing 390 having a magnet 395 disposed within a cavity of the housing 390 and enclosed by a wall 397 . The end link 325 includes an end link circular portion 342 and an end link opening 307 that allows frictional engagement and radial movement of the end link circular portion 342 to pass through a ball and sleeve similar to that described above. The barrel-type approach allows connection of the end link 325 to the middle link 120 via the engagement of the end link circular portion 342 with the middle link frusto-conical portion 160 of the end middle link 120 .

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 can be disposed in a cavity in a square cross-sectional shape housing, and the square cross-sectional shape housing can be disposed in or engaged with the square driver 217 (square opening) shown in FIG. 8 .

Magnet 395 may be used to retrieve ferromagnetic material, such as a metal workpiece. For example, tool 300 may be used to magnetically attach to and retrieve screws, bolts, washers, and nuts in hard-to-reach locations or areas. The magnitude of the force exerted by the magnet 395 can be designed based on the size of the magnet 395 and the thickness of the wall 397 located near the magnet 395 . For example, the force of the magnet 395 can be greater if the wall 397 is thinner, or in some embodiments, the wall 397 is not provided such that the magnetic force of the magnet 395 is large enough to retrieve the object without hindrance. As shown, the housing 390 may be cylindrical, the cylindrical shape being used to direct the magnetic strength of the magnet 395 into place.

Similar to tip link 125, tip link 325 may not only be used with a retrieval tool, but may also be used as the tip link of a tool that transmits torque to a remote workpiece. For example, end link 325 may be modified to include sleeve portion 212, magnet 195, and wall 202 as shown in FIG. 7, except that end link frustoconical portion 185 shown in FIG. Section 342 replaces the other.

With the middle link 120 capable of being turned over or turned, and the middle link frustoconical portion 160 of the end middle link 120 engaged with the end link circular portion 342, the middle link circular portion 165 faces away from the handle 105 for directions. To connect the initial or initial intermediate link 120 located near the handle 105 to the initial link 115, a connecting link 301 may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 14-16 , the connecting rod 301 may include a first connecting rod frustoconical portion 302 and a second connecting rod frustoconical portion 303 connected together through a connecting rod neck 304 . The first connecting link frustoconical portion 302 and the second connecting link frustoconical portion 303 may also be located away from each other and on opposite ends of the connecting link 301 . The first connecting link frustoconical portion 302 and the second connecting link frustoconical portion 303 may include respective connecting link openings 305, 306 which allow frictional engagement and radial movement of the connecting link 301, and Connection of connecting link 301 to initial link 115 and initial or initial intermediate link 120 is permitted. For example, first connecting link frustoconical portion 302 may engage initial link circular portion 140 and second connecting link frustoconical portion 303 may engage an intermediate link of initial or initial intermediate link 120. The circular portion 165 engages.

In other embodiments, start link 115 may be modified to include start link frustoconical portion instead of start link circular portion 140 . For example, referring to FIG. 17 , initial link 415 may include base 435 connected to initial link frustoconical portion 440 through initial link neck 445 and may replace initial link 115 and connecting link 301 And combined in the linkage assembly 310. Base 435 may be attached to handle 105 in any manner (eg, via adhesive, threads, welding, or any other fixed or detachable attachment method). The initial link opening 450 may be confined within an initial link frustoconical portion 440 adapted to interface with the intermediate link circular portion of the initial or initial intermediate link 120 165 engagement. The initial link neck 445 may provide clearance between the initial link frustoconical portion 440 and the base 435 to allow better rotation of the intermediate link 120 about the initial link 415 .

Referring to FIG. 18 , optionally, the starting link 415 may include threads 155 disposed circumferentially about the base 435 to allow threadable engagement between the starting link 415 and the handle 105 . For example, threads 155 of start link 415 may threadably engage corresponding threads located in 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, linkage assemblies such as linkage assemblies 110, 310 may be used in electrical applications where electrical conduction is not preferred. To this end, a linkage assembly, such as linkage assembly 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 linkage assembly, such as linkage assembly 110, 310, relative to metallic materials. A linkage assembly, such as linkage assembly 110, 310, does not have to be constructed entirely of non-conductive material, nor does a linkage assembly, such as linkage assembly 110, 310, need to include metal as a structural skeleton material.

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 orientation or position of a linkage assembly, such as linkage assembly 110, 310, can be manipulated by the user as desired, but the linkage assembly, such as the linkage assembly, can be maintained while retrieving or transmitting torque to the workpiece. 110, 310) direction or position.

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

What has been set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is by way of illustration only and not 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 broader aspects of the inventor's contribution. When viewed in the proper light based on the prior art, the actual scope of protection sought is intended to be limited in the appended claims.

100: Tools 105: handle 110: Connecting rod assembly 115: Starting connecting rod 120: Intermediate connecting rod 120a: the first intermediate link 120b: the second intermediate link 125: end link 130: magnet 135: base 140: The circular part of the initial connecting rod 145: Start connecting rod neck 150: Starting link opening 155: Thread 160: Frusto-conical part of intermediate link 165: The circular part of the middle connecting rod 165b: The circular part of the middle connecting rod 170: Intermediate connecting rod neck 170b: Intermediate connecting rod neck 175a: Frusto-conical part of intermediate link 175b: Frusto-conical part of intermediate link 180: middle connecting rod opening 185: Frusto-conical part of the end link 190: shell 195: magnet 197: wall 202: shell stopper 207: end link opening 212: Sleeve part 217: Square drive 300: tools 301: connecting rod 302: frusto-conical portion of first connecting rod 303: second connecting rod frusto-conical part 304: Connect the connecting rod neck 305, 306: connecting rod opening 307: end link opening 310: Connecting rod assembly 325: end link 342: The round part of the end link 390: shell 395: magnet 397: wall 415: Start connecting rod 435: base 440: frusto-conical portion of starting link 445: Start connecting rod neck 450: Starting link opening A-A, B-B, C-C: line

Figure 1 is a side perspective view of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side view of a starting link according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a side view of another starting link according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a side view of an intermediate link according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 is a side view of two intermediate links connected to each other according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an end link according to an embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another end link according to an embodiment of the present invention. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another end link according to an embodiment of the present invention. 9 is a side perspective view of a tool according to another embodiment of the invention. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the tool of FIG. 9 taken along line A-A of FIG. 9 . 11 is a perspective view of a tip link of the tool of FIG. 9 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a side view of the end link of FIG. 11 . 13 is a cross-sectional view of the end link of FIG. 12 taken along line B-B of FIG. 12 . 14 is a perspective view of a 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 . 16 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting link of FIG. 15 taken along line C-C of FIG. 15 . Figure 17 is a side view of a starting link according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 18 is a side view of another starting link according to another embodiment of the present invention.

105: handle

115: Starting connecting rod

120: Intermediate connecting rod

300: tools

301: connecting rod

310: Connecting rod assembly

325: end link

A-A: line

Claims (20)

A retrieval tool comprising: handle; A connecting rod assembly comprising: an initial link connected to the handle and including an initial link circular portion opposite the handle; a connecting link comprising opposing first and second connecting link frustoconical portions, wherein the first connecting link frustoconical portion is frictionally connected to the starting The circular part of the connecting rod; a first intermediate link comprising an intermediate link circular portion frictionally coupled to said second connecting link frustoconical portion; a second intermediate link connected to said first intermediate link via one or more third intermediate links and comprising an intermediate link frustoconical portion; and An end link including an end link circular portion frictionally connected to the intermediate link frustoconical portion. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein said tip link includes a drive portion opposite a circular portion of said tip link. The retrieval tool of claim 2, wherein the drive portion has a square cross-sectional shape. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein said tip link includes a sleeve portion opposite a circular portion of said tip link. 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. The retrieval tool of claim 4, wherein the sleeve portion is shaped to engage a workpiece. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the tip link includes a magnet. The retrieval tool of claim 7, wherein the magnet is disposed within a housing of the end link. 8. The retrieval tool of claim 8, wherein said tip link includes a wall within said housing, said wall being on a side opposite said tip link circular portion. 9. The retrieval tool of claim 9, wherein said end link includes a stop opposite said wall and forming said housing. The retrieval tool of claim 8, wherein the housing is cylindrical. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the end link includes collapsible jaws. The retrieval tool of claim 1, wherein the linkage assembly is at least one of made of and coated with a non-conductive material. A retrieval tool comprising: handle; A connecting rod assembly comprising: an initial link connected to the handle and including an initial link frustoconical portion opposite the handle; a first intermediate link comprising an intermediate link circular portion frictionally connected to said initial link frustoconical portion; a second intermediate link connected to said first intermediate link via one or more third intermediate links and comprising an intermediate link frustoconical portion; and An end link including an end link circular portion frictionally connected to the intermediate link frustoconical portion. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein said tip link includes a drive portion opposite a circular portion of said tip link. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein said tip link includes a sleeve portion opposite a circular portion of said tip link. The retrieval tool of claim 16, wherein the sleeve portion is shaped to engage a workpiece. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein the tip link includes a magnet. The retrieval tool of claim 18, wherein the magnet is disposed within a housing of the end link. The retrieval tool of claim 14, wherein the linkage assembly is at least one of made of and coated with a non-conductive material.