US2283560A - Inspection tool - Google Patents

Description

May 19, 1942.

F. P. KRETCHMER 2,283,560

INSPECTION TOOL Filed April 7, 1941 Patented May 19, 1942 UNlTLE D ST ATENVT OFFICE INSPECTION TOOL Frank P. Kretch-mer, Los Angelcs, Calif. Application April 1941. Serial No. 387,129

' 1 Claim. (01. 88-404) This invention relates to. an inspection tool, and its primary object is the provision of a new and improved inspection tool havin a reflecting surface whereby the tool may be inserted within an opening so that the inspector or operator may see the inside of an article or machine, the device being capable of being manipulated at a remote position from the reflector so as to shift the reflecting surface to various positions or angles.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an inspection tool having a mirroredsurface which is adapted to be inserted in an opening for inspecting out-of-the-way places and dark corners of devices, such as automobile and airplane motors, there being new and improved means for efiecting the angular position of the mirror with respect to the handle,-whereby the operator or inspector, by shifting the angular position of the V mirror, may examine various sections of the article being inspected. A further object of the invention is the provi-' sion of an inspection tool constructed and arlected embodiment of the invention, and the views therein are as follows:

Fig. 1 is a detail perspective View of the improved inspection tool and embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a. detail side elevation;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal plan section;

Fig. 4 is a detail sectional view showing the manner in which the mirror or reflecting head is secured to the operating handle;

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view on the line 55 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a detail transverse sectional view on the line 66 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 7 is a detail sectional view on the line 'l-'I of Fig. 2.

The particular device herein shown for the purpose of illustrating the invention comprises an elongated handle member-l having a part cut away at its end substantially'one-half the thickness', as indicated at 2, Fig. 1, leaving a'projection 3'acting as a bearing portion to receive a similar bearing portion 4 on the head 5. A pivot pin 6 in the'form of ascrew or otherwise pivotally connects the head 5 to the handle I, as clearly shown in the various figures. This pivot connection 6 may comprise a threaded screw member Iv passing through the parts 3 and 4 and having its end peened over against a washer or nut 8 whereby the two parts are pivotally and frictionallyheld together by the pivot member 6.

A wire 9 is mounted within the handle I near the head end thereof and has its extreme end bent inwardly. and engaging'the part 4 on the; head 5, as indicated'at 10, Fig. 3; The opposite end of the wire 9 projects outwardly from the handle I and is connected at H to a sleeve l2.- Thus, when the sleeve I2 is shifted longitudinally along the handle I, the head 5 is adapted to assume various angular positions, as shown in Fig. 2. The body I is provided'with cut-outs or open spaces [3, I4, 15,. Fig; 2, so, as to permit easy threading of the wire into the handle member l to permit quick and easy assembly. More:

over, the open space I5 is sufliciently elongated so as to permit the wire 9 to extend outwardly therefrom to be connected to the sleeve l2. A semi-circular depression or cut-out I6 is also formed in the handle I for the same purpose of permitting the proper application of the wire 9 in the handle I In use when the sleeve l2 has been moved to rotate head 5 with its mirror, 20 into desired oblique positions, head 5 is held in said position by the frictional engagement of circular end portion 3 of handle I with the circular portion 4 of head 5, and the additional frictional engagement of that portion of rod 9 contacting brake member 26 within handle I.

The head 5 and the part 4 may be cast as a single unitary piece or the head 5 may be provided witha stud' ll, Fig. 4, which engages the part 4 for connecting the parts 4 and 5 together. If desired, this member I! may make a pivotal connection between the parts 5 and 4 so that the head 5 may be tilted on the member I! acting as an axis.

The head 5 and handle l'are preferably made from a plastic material that is clear and transparent, such as a cellulose derivative known as Tenite." The head 5 comprises a circular body portion having an annular rim l8 which is turned inwardly, as indicated at l9, Fig. 5, so as to provide a shoulder for a piece of reflecting material 20, such as a mirror, which is inserted from the rear of the head and pressed against the annular shoulder or ring 2| formed by the turned-in edge l9. The mirror 20 is held in position against the shoulder 2| by a plug or backing member 22 which is also inserted from the rear of head 5. Theback 22 is also preferably made of a plastic material similar to thatof the head and is sealed in position in the head by a corresponding material, such as cellulose acetate, whereby the backing member is held in position by the normal-- characteristics of the material from whichthe head is made. The reflector 20 is therefore locked in position and is protected on the back and about the edges thereof, leavingthelfront surface 23 thereof in plain view for use in inspection purposes.

The handle I is preferably rectangularin. cross.

section and has its outer end. 24 slightly smaller at thepoint commencing at'the shoulder 25. The.

part.24 is reduced. sufficientlyto conform. sub: stantially with the side of the co-operating ferrule or sleeve l2. Therefore, the sleeve or. ferrule l2 can not be positioned inwardly. any farther.

than the shoulder 25, at which time the head will be in relatively axial alinement with the handle The invention provides a relatively simple but efiiciently operating device. for use in inspection purposesparticularly for inspecting out-of-theway places. For instance, the tool is particularly adaptable for viewing the inside surfaces of motors, blocks, pistons, and otherpieces ofmachinery. Theheadis adapted tonbe inserted down into an 0pening, .after which time the sleeve I2 is operated to effect the proper, angular position so that thevinspector may shift'the head and bring the reflecting surface into position, sothat the rear, back or inside parts may be viewed and inspected. Moreover,.in many instance themside of the article to be inspected is dark, and by making the inspection tool of a clear material other light is used. The device is light in weight. rigid and durable in construction, positive and efficient in operation, and can be readily and inexpensively manufactured.

Changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages, and'the right is hereby reserved to make all such changes as fairly fall within the scope of the following claim.

This invention is hereby claimed as follows: An inspection tool of the character described for mechanical inspection purposes comprising an elongated handle, a sleeve slidably mounted on the upper endof said handle, said sleeve having an opening, said handle having at its lower end a circular end portion, a head having a circular portion rotatably attached to and in frictional contact, with said circular end, portion of said handle, a mirror, attached to said head, said circular portion of said head having an opening adjacent its circumference, a rod having an out:

wardly extendin projection at its upper end ex:

tending into said opening of said sleeve for en-v gagement of said sleeve, saidrod extending into said handle'and, a brake member formed integrally with said handle and positioned between said sleeve and said head, said rod engaging in frictional contact with said .brake member, said rod having, an inwardly extending bend .on its lowerend extending. within said opening in said circular portion for, engagement of said circular portion, said sleeve adapted @upon receipt of'directmanual, movement to slide along said handle to move said rod and rotate said head and mirror intodesired obliquepositions with respect to no shadows will be present when a flashlight or

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