Patent ID: 6591716
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: B25B,G08B

Abstract:
A tool for removing overhead mounted electronic detectors such as smoke and heat detectors having a detector head including a detector housing supported to a detector base and disengageable therefrom by relative rotation of the detector head, comprising:a tool head; a handle attached to said tool head for elevating the tool head into proximity to a detector head to be removed; and a plurality of grip elements arranged on said tool head for capturing said detector housing in frictional engagement when said tool head is urged against the detector housing such that the detector head may be rotated relative to the detector base by turning said handle thereby to disengage or reengage the detector head and the detector base; said grip elements each including a relatively high friction contact surface to engage the said detector housing and in combination define a detector housing capture perimeter between said grip elements of diminishing size with increasing proximity to the tool head for capturing the detector housing between said contact surface of some or all of said grip elements by pressing the grip elements against the exterior of the detector housing; said grip elements being reconfigurable on said tool head into any one of multiple grip patterns, each grip pattern being adapted to capture a differently shaped or sized detector housing.