Non-conductive magnetic retrieval tool

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-12521867-B2
Application number	US-202217576478-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 14, 2022
Priority date	Oct 3, 2019
Publication date	Jan 13, 2026
Grant date	Jan 13, 2026

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.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1 . A retrieval tool including a handle, the retrieval tool comprising:
a linkage assembly including:
a starting link coupled to the handle and including a starting link round portion opposite the handle;
a connecting link including opposing first and second connecting link frustoconical portions, wherein the first connecting link frustoconical portion is frictionally coupled to the starting link round portion;
a first mid-link including a mid-link round portion frictionally coupled to the second connecting link frustoconical portion;
a second mid-link coupled to the first mid-link via one or more third mid-links, and including a mid-link frustoconical portion; and
a terminal link including a terminal link round portion frictionally coupled to the mid-link frustoconical portion.

2 . The retrieval tool of claim 1 , wherein the terminal link includes a drive portion opposite the terminal link round 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 terminal link includes a socket portion opposite the terminal link round portion.

5 . The retrieval tool of claim 4 , wherein the socket portion has a cross-sectional shape that is any one of a hexagonal cross-sectional shape, a double-hexagonal cross-sectional shape, and a square cross-sectional shape.

6 . The retrieval tool of claim 4 , wherein the socket portion is shaped to engage a work piece.

7 . The retrieval tool of claim 1 , wherein the terminal link includes a magnet.

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

9 . The retrieval tool of claim 8 , wherein the terminal link includes a wall within the housing on a side of the housing opposite the terminal link round portion.

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

11 . The retrieval tool of claim 8 , wherein the housing is cylindrically-shaped.

12 . The retrieval tool of claim 1 , wherein the terminal link includes collapsible jaws.

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

14 . A retrieval tool including a handle, the retrieval tool comprising:
a linkage assembly including:
a starting link coupled to the handle and including a starting link frustoconical portion opposite the handle;
a first mid-link including a mid-link round portion frictionally coupled to the starting link frustoconical portion;
a second mid-link coupled to the first mid-link via one or more third mid-links, and including a mid-link frustoconical portion; and
a terminal link including a terminal link round portion frictionally coupled to the mid-link frustoconical portion.

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

16 . The retrieval tool of claim 14 , wherein the terminal link includes a socket portion opposite the terminal link round portion.

17 . The retrieval tool of claim 16 , wherein the socket portion is shaped to engage a work piece.

18 . The retrieval tool of claim 14 , wherein the terminal link includes a magnet.

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

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

Assignees

• Snap On Incorporated

Inventors

• Kuter-Arnebeck Ottoleo
• Johnson Dylan
• Gabbey Nicholas Alan

Classifications

• B25B9/00

  Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00 (wrenches B25B13/00; specially adapted for watchmakers' or like use G04D) · CPC title

• B25J15/0608

  with magnetic holding means · CPC title

• B25B11/002

  Magnetic work holders · CPC title

• B25J1/02 Primary

  articulated or flexible · CPC title