Abstract:
An improvement to elongate tools for engaging objects from remote distances includes a connection between the rod on which the engagement elements are provided and the handle of the that allows for the orientation of the rod with respect to the handle to occupy at least two pre-selected fixed positions which are angular positions approximately 90 degrees from one another.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The applicant claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 60/989,111 filed on Jan. 30, 2007. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to improvements for tools designed to engage objects from remote distances. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are a wide variety of tools designed for picking up objects or manipulating objects from a distance. One common application for such tools is use by maintenance workers to pick up debris for subsequent disposal. A tool with an elongate handle allows manipulation of the object without the need to bend over or to directly handle the material. Such tools are also useful for individuals that have physical handicaps which may impede their ability to bend over and reach the ground. There are also numerous additional household applications for such tools such as retrieval of materials from high shelves, from under furniture, and cooking applications wherein it is desirable to keep away from heat. Such tools may also be used for the manipulation of logs in a fireplace. Another common application for such tools is for changing light bulbs from recessed lighting fixtures. Another entire class of devices that operate in a similar manner and perform a similar function as the pick-up tools described above can be marketed as toys. Other tools may have blades on the distal end for cutting that may be used for a wide range of uses including those tools used in the surgical field and tools used for trimming high branches from trees. 
     Common elements that are shared by such devices that are addressed by the improvement disclosed herein include (1) an elongate shaft having (2) a handle on one end and (3) engagement elements on the opposite end, (4) a controller element on the handle and (5) a linkage from the controller element to the engagement elements. The user of these tools can manipulate a controller, such as a lever or trigger, which is provided on the handle end of the device to operate the engagement elements that are provided on the opposite end of the elongate shaft. The engagement elements may include arrangements such as claws, arms, scoops, calipers, tongs, blades or cups. In typical designs, the control lever pulls an internal linkage that draws together the engagement elements that are biased apart by springs or other biasing means. 
     Exemplary arrangements of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,957 (the &#39;957 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 4,709,839 (the &#39;839 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 3,527,492 (the &#39;492 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,179 (the &#39;179 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 4,669,769 (the &#39;769 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,634 (the &#39;634 patent), U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,520 (the &#39;520 patent) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,731 (the &#39;731 patent). 
     BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to improvements for such pick-up devices. A first improvement allows a user of the tool to alter the orientation of engagement elements with respect to the lever or trigger that the user manipulates to control the engagement elements. While a user may be able to turn his or her arm to achieve alternative orientations of the engagement elements, this solution may be unsatisfactory in some applications, particularly when the object that is to be engaged is heavy. For example, in connection with devices that employ a pistol grip, the rear surface of the grip which rests in a section of the user&#39;s palm beneath the thumb, serves to offset the force caused by the weight of an object engaged by the engagement elements of the device in an ergonomically comfortable manner. In the event that the hand is turned 90 degrees in one direction, a side of the pistol grip engages a different part of the user&#39;s palm—a portion directly beneath the user&#39;s fingers—which offsets the force that is imposed by a downward force imposed on the opposite end of the extended arm. If the device is rotated from the upright position in the opposite direction 90 degrees, forces transmitted to the side of the pistol grip may be offset by a user&#39;s thumb. When the thumb is used to offset the force, it cannot conveniently be used to manipulate the locking mechanism of the device. It is submitted that both alternative orientations described above result in a less favorable ergonomic arrangement. 
     In some applications, such as the retrieval of objects under furniture, it is beneficial to orient the handle so that it is in a plane horizontal with the surface of the floor upon which the furniture rests. In this application, the engagement elements must be operated in narrow confines and may be limited to orientation in a single plane. The orientation of the handle so the engagement elements can operate within the confined space may result in an inconvenient position of the handle. In addition it may be desirable to extend the handle itself into the confined space in order to extend the effective range of the device. In these applications, if the engagement elements come together in a plane that is transverse to a plane defined by the pistol grip handle, the handle may not fit within the space or the manipulation of the trigger may be inconvenient. 
     In addition, because conventional pick-up devices as described herein employ extended rods, the packaging, shipping, storage and display of these devices may be inconvenient. The present invention, which involves the combination of a hinge provided at a medial location on the rod and the ability to orient the engagement elements in approximately the same plane in which the handle exists allows the device to be stored in manner where the overall profile of the device is minimized. Thus, depending on the orientation of the rod with respect to he handle, the engagement element may rest either on the lateral sides of the handle or on top section of the handle. When the engagement element are folded in such a manner where the engagement elements are brought into close on the top of the handle the engagement elements are oriented in a plane that is transverse to a plane defined by the handle and trigger. When at rest on the side, the profile of the device is larger than in the alternative arrangement because the outer extension elements that connect the engagement element to the rod extend both above and below the opposite lateral sides of the handle. In the alternative arrangement, theses engagement elements are in a plane that is parallel with that plane defined by the handle and, the total distance comprised of the width of the handle and the width of the engagement elements is reduced. 
     There also exist pick-up devices in the prior art wherein the handle section is in line with the extension arm or rod and the trigger or lever is designed to move toward this handle. When such devices are oriented in a position wherein the thumb is not positioned on the top of the handle, the distribution of forces on the user&#39;s hand and arm are not in an optimal arrangement. In addition, in these embodiments the thumb is often placed on the top of the device to offset the force imposed by the handle. If the orientation of the extended rod is changed, one cannot use the thumb to perform this function. Further, if the device is oriented so that the trigger is positioned on the side of the device, the orientation of the device with respect to the user&#39;s arm is also altered. 
     Yet a further improvement disclosed herein is the provision of a light in connection with the device. In a preferred embodiment a lamp or LED is positioned at the distal end of the rod and oriented in a manner to allow the illumination of an area near the location that the engagement elements come together. This feature is particularly advantageous when the device is used to retrieve objects that have fallen behind or from underneath furniture or appliances. In these circumstances the ambient lighting near the object that is intended to be retrieved is often poor and providing a light in association with the device assists the user in locating and manipulating the objects. A light is also beneficial when retrieving items from shelves where the ambient lighting is often not optimal. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the light source is positioned within the extended arm or rod thereby maintaining a streamlined profile for the device. This arrangement also allows the device to be used in narrow passages which may not be possible in the event that a light fixture or flashlight was mounted above or below the rod. In addition, the provision of a light source, such as an LED or bulb in at the end of the rod serves to provide a closure to the end of the rod which presents debris from entering the rod and contributes to a more pleasing appearance. 
     A further feature of the present invention is the provision of predetermined discrete angular positions that the rod may occupy with respect to the handle. The manner in which the rod is seated typically provides two alternative positions that are positioned ninety degrees with respect to each other. The alternative manners in which the rod is seated provide adequate support to resist the twisting of the rod in the seat when a load or torque force is placed from either the engagement elements or handles. The pre-selected positions that the rod may occupy are also advantageous because it allows the user to quickly and accurately alter the orientation of the engagement elements from alternative positions depending on the desired function or application sought by the user. 
     It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide a manner in which the orientation of the engagement elements may be altered from two pre-selected positions each at angular positions that approximately ninety degrees apart from one another in connection with the elongate engagements tools so that the orientation of the engagement elements may be altered while the orientation of the user&#39;s hands may remain unchanged. A further object of the present invention is to provide a light source in the rod section in connection with elongate pick-up tools that also serves as a cap for the rod. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view in elevation of a first embodiment of a pick-up device with the engagement elements which move together in a horizontal plane and at a 90 degree angle from a vertical plane in which the handle of the pistol grip is oriented. 
         FIG. 2  is a view in elevation of the pick-up device shown in  FIG. 1  wherein the movement of the engagement elements is in a vertical plane and in alignment with orientation of the plane formed by the pistol grip handle. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the first embodiment showing an annular lock fitting in a seated position with an annular seat section provided on a pistol grip handle. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 3  wherein the annular lock fitting s displaced from the seat fitting and its locking channels may be viewed. 
         FIG. 5  is an axial view of the annular seat fitting used in connection with a first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the annular seat fitting of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is an axial view of the lock fitting depicted in  FIG. 3  from which the locking channels may be viewed. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the lock fitting element depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the front section of the device showing the engagement elements and lighting element. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial sectional view of the front end of the device depicting the circuit used in connection with the lighting element. 
         FIG. 11   a  is an alternative embodiment of seat fitting that can be provided on the handle section of the device. 
         FIG. 11   b  is a perspective view of the seat fitting depicted in  FIG. 11   a.    
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a rod element in a first engagement position with the seat fitting depicted in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b.    
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a rod element in engagement with the seat fitting depicted in  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  in a second alternative orientation. 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the invention including a rod, a locking fitting, a seat fitting and handle. 
         FIG. 15  depicts the embodiment of  FIG. 15  wherein a pulling force is exerted on the biasing means and the locking block portion is removed from the locking. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a sectional view of the lock fitting and the seat fitting and rod in an unlocked position along line  16 - 16 ′. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a sectional view of the lock fitting and the seat fitting and rod in an unlocked position along line  17 - 17 ′. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a sectional view in perspective of the lock fitting used in the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 14-17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Now referring to  FIG. 1 , a first embodiment of the elongate grabber tool  8  is depicted in a first position. Grabber tool  8  incorporates engagement cups  10  on a distal end of an elongate hollow rod  12  and includes a pistol grip  14  on the opposite proximal end. In this embodiment an axial section of rod  12  is rectangular. A trigger  16  is provided adjacent to pistol grip  14  for manipulation by a user&#39;s fingers. As shown on the side of pistol grip  14 , a switch  18  is provided that effects a locking feature of the engagement elements of the device. In this embodiment at a medial point on elongate hollow rod  12  is hinge  20  that allows the distal portion of the rod  12  to fold in a direction toward the top side of handle  14 . Stabilizer prong  25  is attached to the lateral side of the rod  12 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2 , this depiction shows rod  12  that has been rotated 90 degrees with respect to the pistol grip  14 . In this position engagement elements  30  which comprise the cups  10 , outer prongs  25   a  and  25   b  and inner control prongs  27   a  and  27   b  operate in the same plane that the handle of the pistol grip defines. In this position the outer prong  25   a  is attached to the top of the rod and outer prong  25   b  is attached to the bottom of the rod. Prongs  25   a  and  25   b  are flexible and bias the cups  10  away from one another. When the engagement elements  30  are in this orientation, pivotal movement at hinge  20  causes the rod  12  to fold so that the engagement elements are drawn toward the side of the handle. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3 , attached to rod  12  is annular locking element  300  which is in engagement with seat  302 . Seat  302  is provided on the front of pistol grip  14 . The annular locking element is maintained in position against seat  302  by a spring (not shown) and may be displaced from the seat in a rectilinear fashion by application of a pulling force on rod  12 . Now referring to  FIG. 4 , the annular locking element  300  is shown which has been displaced from seat  302  and a locking block located in the seat  302  is removed from channels  401  and  403  thereby allowing for limited rotation of the rod  12  with respect to the handle  14 .  FIGS. 5 and 6  depict the annular seat  302  which receives the locking element  300 . Locking block  308  has a rectangular profile and extends from the inner side wall  310  of the seat toward a central axis defined by rod  12 . The locking block  308  may be received in either channel  401  or  403  to alter the orientation of the rod with respect to the handle  14 . As seen in  FIGS. 8 and 9  the locking element  300  defines a central aperture  450  through which the control cable is routed down the rod to an attachment location on control prongs  27   a  and  27   b.  A biasing element such as a spring (not shown) connects the locking element  300  to seat  302 . From one end of locking element  300  extends a portion  419  having a rectangular axial section that is received in the end of rod  12 . From the opposite end of transition section  421  extends the locking element portion  422 . The locking element portion defines channel  401 , channel  403  and sliding surface  415 . In operation, the locking block  308  may be within channel  403  which defines a first position wherein the engagement elements are in a first plane. If a pulling force is exerted on rod  12  the locking block  308  is displaced from channel  403  and surface  452  is displaced from surface  456 . When the locking block is cleared from channel  403  the rod and locking element  300  can turn with respect to the seat  302  causing locking block  308  to slide along surface  415  and into alignment with second channel  401 . If the force on the spring is then relaxed, the spring contracts and the lock block is received into second channel  401  and rotation of the rod with respect to the seat is prevented. In this second position the engagement elements are aligned in a plane that is 90 degrees offset from the previous plane. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 9 , a lamp  905  is positioned at the end of the rod  12  in a transparent fitting  908  made of synthetic resin that is received in the end of rod  12 . Fitting  908  protects the light source and seats the light source at the end of the rod. The fitting has openings  909  and  910  that allow the control prongs  27   a  and  27   b  to extend into the rod and connect with the control cable. In an alternative embodiment a LED is used as the light source which is provided in the fitting. While in a preferred embodiment the light source is mounted on the end of the rod, in contemplated alternative embodiments the light source may be provided at a location along the side of the rod. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 10  a sectional view of the end of rod  12  is depicted showing control prong  27   b  which passes through fitting  908  and is attached to the control cable  116  by nipple  138 . Control cable  116  extends down the length of the rod to the trigger in the handle. Lamp  905  is seated in socket  915  which is connected to battery  918  by lead  920 . The opposite terminal of the battery  918  is connected to lead  925  which is connected to switch  930 . Switch  930  extends through the rod  12  and the activation of the switch controls the flow of current through the circuit. Extending from switch  930  to the socket  915  is lead  931 . In the preferred embodiment of the device, the is seated in position by the biasing means which urge the engagement elements apart and which comprise members  25   a  and  25   b,    27   a  and  27   b  which are depicted in  FIG. 2 . A cable  116  that is attached to both the proximate ends of the  27   a  and  27   b  runs through the hollow rod and is attached to the trigger  16 . Then ends of member  27   a  and  27   b  come together inside the hollow rod at location  65 . If a pulling force is exerted on the rod from the handle, the rod may be unseated and members  27  and  27   b  slide into the top of the rod causing the engagement elements to be moved together. When the force is abated, the members  25   a  and  25   b  cause the engagement members to move apart to the open and relaxed position. 
       FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  depict an alternative embodiment of an annular fitting  902  that may be provided on the handle portion of a pick-up device and can receive a rod having a rectangular axial section. Fitting  902  defines aperture  906  that is generally in the shape of cross formed by two rectangular apertures that intersect one another. As best seen in  FIGS. 12 and 14 , the fitting  902  can receive rod  920  in a first position illustrated in  FIG. 12  or a second position, 90 degrees from the first position, which is illustrated in  FIG. 13 . In this embodiment the orientation of the rod with respect to the fitting—which stays fixed on the handle—is achieved by pulling the rod out of the filling and then inserting the rod. The rod is held in place by set screws  926  and  928  which engage an aperture provided in the rod. In contemplated alternative embodiments, the rod may be held in place in the fitting by biasing means such spring loaded pins in place of the screws wherein the pins exert a force on fitting element provided on the rod that can be unseated from an engagement area by either twisting the fitting or pulling the fitting apart with sufficient force. In a contemplated embodiment using the spring loaded pins, the rod may be removed by application of a force against the biasing force to remove the rod from its seat. Then the rod is rotated 90 degrees from its first orientation and reinserted into the fitting. It is further contemplated that a fitting that could be twisted and that has a plurality of locking positions could be employed in connection with yet further embodiments of the invention, such as an arrangement where the seat is a “star shaped” and the rod has an end with the a corresponding structure that may be received in the star shaped seat. The male and females parts of these structures may be provided either on the rod or on the handles section. In each of these preferred embodiments when the rod is seated, it is prevented from rotation by the construction of the seat and corresponding structure received in the seat. By construing the in this manner only pre-selected positions may be occupied by the rod and seat and a solid and stable engagement is achieved. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 14 , a sectional view of a yet a further embodiment of the invention is shown. In this embodiment annular seat fitting  950  is attached to handle  952  and receives rod  954 . At the end of rod  954  is an annular lock fitting that includes a raised rectangular shaped locking block section  960 . As shown in  FIG. 14  a central spring  965  is attached at one end to a strut  966  which is attached and fixed to rod  954  and an opposite end is attached to a strut  967  located within the handle. The rod  954  and annular fitting  957  may be displaced in a rectilinear fashion from the annular seat fitting  950  by application of a pulling force on the rod away from the handle section and thereby extending the spring  965 . The spring  965  biases rod  954  and fitting  957  against surface  969  of handle  952  and this engagement restricts further movement of the rod assembly toward the handle. As best seen in  FIG. 15 , the rectilinear motion is restricted in the other direction by the engagement of the locking block  960  with flange section  970  that extends from annular seat fitting  950 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts an axial sectional view of the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 14  along line  16 - 16 ′. In this view locking block portion  960  is depicted within channel  980  formed within the annular seat and locking block portion  978  is located within channel  981 . When locking blocks  960  and  978  are received in the channels, rotation of the rod  954  and lock fitting  957  is restricted with respect to the annular seat fitting  950 . 
     In  FIG. 17 , which is taken along line  17 - 17 ′, the locking blocks  960  and  978  have been displaced from the channels. In this position, rod  954  and lock fitting  957  can rotate in a clockwise direction to allow lock block  960  to align with channel  991  that is formed within annular seat  950 . When the lock block is aligned with the channel  991  the force on spring  965  may be released causing the spring to pull the rod towards the handle and causing lock block portion  960  to move into channel  991 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of an axial section of lock fitting  957  depicting the locking block portion extending from the top side of the fitting and lock. As shown the locking block generally has a rectangular profile. While a rectangular profile is shown, it is contemplated that other profiles may be advantageously used in connection with the invention. In this regard, while a number of specific embodiments have been disclosed, it is contemplated that the rotation of an extended rod from a handle may be achieved in a wide variety of manners and the disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by claims. In addition, it is contemplated that rods having other axial profiles including circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, ovals and other polygons may be used. In addition to engagement cups which are disclosed herein, it is contemplated that the engagement elements may comprise other arrangements such as cutting blades, tongs, forks, calipers and or probes. 
     While a pistol grip handle is depicted in some of the embodiments, it is contemplated that other handle arrangements can also be used, including handles that are in line with the rod. One application that the products may be particularly useful for the invention is in connection with the manipulation of logs in a fireplace. 
     In addition, while the preferred orientation depicted in the embodiments described herein is at 90 degrees, it is contemplated that in some applications other fixed and pre-selected positions may be beneficial. 
     While the controller depicted in the preferred embodiment is a trigger designed to be engaged by multiple fingers of the user, the applicant contemplates that alternative arrangements of the trigger or controller may also be provided. For example, in an alternative embodiment the trigger may be manipulated by a user&#39;s single finger. In yet another contemplated alternative embodiment, the trigger may be displaced on the rear side of the stationary pistol grip handle. 
     The device may further include a locking device such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,520 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In addition, in the preferred embodiment the device may employ a hinge feature that is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,731 that is also incorporated by reference herein. While the preferred embodiment uses the hinge disclosed in &#39;731 patent other conventional hinge mechanisms, including locking hinges and spring loaded hinges, may also be advantageously employed and which are generally known in the art. 
     While the preferred embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that certain details may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the foregoing specific embodiments and applications are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is contemplated that the invention will be functional and effective in diverse applications where it is desirable to have remote engagement elements or other manipulative elements that are designed to engage or otherwise manipulate objects from a remote distance, when it is desirable to be able to alter the orientation of the elements and illuminate the target object.