Abstract:
An elongate grabber tool that has a handle including an actuator on the first end of a first shaft, and grasping means located on the distal end of a second shaft. The shafts are connected together by a hinge, and linkage between the controller and engagement elements to control the grasping means is disclosed. Said second shaft includes a flexible element and an illuminating element. Said grasping means may include at least one magnetic element.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of grab and reach extending devices. The present invention more particularly relates to grabber devices which are angularly adjustable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Well known in the art is a wide variety of tools designed for picking up objects or manipulating objects from a distance. A tool with an elongate handle allows manipulation of the object without the need to bend over or directly handle the object, as well as allowing the retrieval of objects from high shelves or other hard to reach areas. Another common application for such tools is for changing light bulbs from recessed lighting fixtures. 
         [0003]    A desirable feature that is sometimes incorporated on these devices is a locking mechanism that enables the engagement hands to be retained in a fixed position. A locking feature allows the user of the device to retain the engagement elements in a closed position while in contact with an object and thereby allowing a user to release pressure on the actuator while maintaining control over the object. Consequently, the user can use their free hand to further manipulate the object, either directly or indirectly. A further desirable feature of elongated engagement tools is the ability for the device to fold or collapse. Because these devices employ an elongated rod, the devices are somewhat cumbersome in connection with shipping, handling, display and storage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    An elongate grabber tool that has a handle including an actuator on the first end of a first shaft, and grasping means located on the distal end of a second shaft. The shafts are connected together by a hinge, and linkage between the controller and engagement elements to control the grasping means is disclosed. Said second shaft includes a flexible element and an illuminating element. Said grasping means include at least one magnetic element. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the present invention in a deployed in-use position and including a pair of engagement hands. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the present invention in a collapsed or storage position. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a sectional side view of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIGS. 4A ,  4 B, and  4 C are all magnified detail views of aspects of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the hinging means of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 6B  is a top view of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a view of the magnetic capabilities of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views of the illumination activation system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the grabber end of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a side view of one of the engagement hands. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of one of the engagement hands. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12A  is a side view of an alternate embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12B  is a top view of an alternate embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a detailed view of the grabber design. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of the grabber design of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the grabber end of the second shaft. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the handle including a power source. 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is an exploded view of the hinge. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the inside section of a first side of the handle of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the inside section of a first side of the handle with a cable, electrical wires, and locking mechanism. 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the inside section of a second side of the handle of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIGS. 21A and 21B  are perspective views of the front and back of an optional flexible fixture, wherein the flexible feature is to removably couple with either engagement hand of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a first preferred embodiment of the present invention is generally depicted as device  100 . Device  100  includes a handle  102  located at a first end. Said handle  102  comprises an actuator  104 , and locking mechanism  106 . Locking mechanism  106  is comprised of a flat spring, and a protuberance thereon. Said handle  102  also comprises a protuberance  107  which is independent of locking mechanism  106 . When actuator  104  is depressed fully into handle  102 , locking mechanism  106  travels within a channel of handle  102 , locks at a predetermined end point, and causes protuberance  107  to protrude out from handle  102 . When protuberance  107  is depressed into handle by user, locking mechanism  106  releases actuator  104  from within handle  102 , subsequently releasing tension from grabber hands, and thereby releasing pressure from article being held by grabber. Affixed to said handle  102  is a first shaft  108  and a second shaft  112 . First and second shafts are rotatably affixed by a locking hinge  110 .  FIG. 1  presents the device  100  in a deployed position wherein the locking hinge  110  is releasably placed in a first locked state and therein temporarily maintains and supports the first shaft  108  and the second shaft  112  in the deployed position and at a  180  degree relative position between the first shaft  108  and the second shaft  112 . The second shaft  112  may be or comprise a suitable flexible plastic or metal tubing or length, such as, but not limited to, a Series CWH-S TM flexible braided stainless steel water supply line or an LFBK LBF-24 TM stainless steel water heater supply sine as marketed by Watts, Inc. of North Andover, Mass. 
         [0029]    A pair of engagement hands  116  are each affixed to the second shaft  112  via non-retractable fingers  114 , and each engagement hand  116  contains a magnetically charged element  118  within its entirety. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the device  100  is shown in a collapsed or storage position as demonstrated by action Phi, wherein the locking hinge  110  enables the relative rotation of the first shaft  108  and the second shaft  112  and into the collapsed position as shown. This illustrated orientation of the device  100  as shown is generally used for shipping or storage. The range of rotational motion of the pivoting locking hinge  110  into the collapsed position of  FIG. 2  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , Actuator  104  is partially disposed within handle  102  and is pivotally affixed to said handle  102  at pivot point  322 . Cable  316  is affixed to actuator  104  at anchor point  318 . When in the in-use position (as shown here), the actuator  104  is to be squeezed into handle  102 , thereby causing retractable fingers  310  to constrict and pull together via cable  316  such that engagement hands  116  come in contact with acquirable article of interest (not shown). When the apparatus of the present invention is in the collapsed position via pivotable section  336 , said cable  316  is naturally pulled taught via anchor points  318  and  324 , thereby causing engagement hands  116  to constrict via retractable fingers  310 . An object of the present invention is to allow user to obtain articles in a manner that is not possible when using prior art grabbing systems. By incorporating a flexible shaft  306 , articles can be reached that could not otherwise be reached, or articles that could be reached previously, can now be reached far easier than without said flexible shaft  306 . The movement of said flexible shaft is better illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . Said flexible shaft  306  comprises a flexible member  306   a  such as a sectional tube, conduit, or the like. Said flexible member  306   a  is rigid enough to support many objects. A sub-member  306   b  may also be employed to further strengthen said flexible shaft  306 . Another object of the present invention is to provide illumination in the area of the acquirable article of interest. Said illumination is accomplished by illumination element  334 , which is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4B . Said illumination element  334  is powered by an electrical supply  330  such as a battery or batteries. The electricity to power said illumination element  334  is carried through wires  332 . An on/off switch is optional and not necessary. When the apparatus is in the open (in-use) position, the wires are in proximate communication at  336 , which is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C wherein magnified views show greater detail that is outlined in previous FIGURES. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an isolated perspective view of the locking hinge  110  and in a second releasably locked position wherein the first shaft  108  and the second shaft  112  may be positioned and manipulated by a user at a 90 degree angle relative to an orthogonal axis  502 . 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 6A , whereby device  100  is illustrated in an in-use orientation, and is called out in two sections  302   a,  and  302   b.  Apparatus section  302   a  has a first end that is pivotally attached to section  302   b  at the locking hinge  110  as demonstrated by the Phi motion. Apparatus section  302   a  also has a distal end which is affixed to handle  102 . Said affixing of distal end may be removable, stationary, or pivotal to handle  102  as demonstrated by the Delta motion. In this view, flexible shaft  306  is shown as bent in a downward position, but may also bend in an upward position as demonstrated by the Theta motion. This gives the user a distinct advantage in acquiring an article of interest that is located towards the back side of a shelf, or located behind another object, or which would otherwise be unattainable if the shaft was rigid. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 6B , wherein the device  100  is illustrated in the in-use orientation, and is called out in two sections  302   a,  and  302   b.  Apparatus section  302   a  is pivotally attached to section  302   b  at locking hinge  110 . In this view, flexible shaft  306  is shown as bent in a sideways position, but may also bend to the opposite side as demonstrated by the Theta prime motion. This gives the user a distinct advantage in acquiring an article of interest that is located around a corner, or located behind another object, or which would otherwise be unattainable if the shaft was rigid. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , whereby engagement hand  116  includes at least one permanently charged magnetic element  118 . Said magnetic element  118  is useful in acquiring small metal objects  706  without the need of actuating the apparatus of the present invention. Permanently charged, the magnet  118  releases a magnetic field  702  that, when in close proximity, draws one or more small metal objects  704  from a surface and becomes removably affixed to said magnet  118 , or to the body of engagement hand  116 . 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 8A , where a detailed view of pivotable section  336  is shown. Said pivotable section  336  acts as an electrical switch that activates the illuminating element. Cable  316  is seen in greater detail as well. As shown in  FIG. 3 , electricity is sent through electrical wires from a power source to an illuminating member. A first wire is attached to said power source at a first end, and to a connection spring  402   a  at a distal end. When the apparatus of the present invention is in the in-use position, said connection spring  402   a  transfers the current to connector spring  402   a′.  A second wire is attached to connector spring  402   a′  at a first end, and to an illuminating element at a distal end. Said illuminating element has a returning current wire attached as well. Said returning current wire (a third wire) is attached to the illuminating element at a first end, and to connecting spring  402   b  at a distal end. A fourth electrical wire is attached to connector spring  402   b′  at a first end, and returns current to the power supply at a distal end. It is easily seen here that when the apparatus of the present invention is in the collapsed (storage) position, electrical power to the illuminating element is lost, and illuminating element is thereby turned off. Referring now to  FIG. 8B , pivotable section  336  is shown in the engaged position. Wires are shown trailing from the shafts  108 ′, and  112 ′. In this position, the circuit will be complete and the illuminating element  334  (not shown) will be activated. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , engagement hands  116  are affixed to retractable fingers  310  which are cable-drawn, as well as non-retractable fingers  114 . Illuminating element  334  is shown. When in-use, illuminating element  334  radiates illumination  902  so that user can easily see into dark areas such as cupboards, closets, and under furniture. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 10  illustrates a section cut along an internal plane  11  that extends through an exemplary engagement hand  116 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 ,  FIG. 11  presents the exemplary hand  116  as being composed of multiple parts. The hand  116  includes a housing  1400 . A pin  1402  extends through apertures of the housing  1400 , the magnetically charged element  118 , the retractable finger  310  and the non-retractable finger  114  and maintains these elements  310 ,  114  &amp;  118  in a coupled state with the housing  1400 . A friction pad  1404  caps off the pin  1402  as positioned within the housing  1400 . The friction pad  1404  additionally allows for a better compressive grip on small objects that the present invention may be employed to grab. Fingers  114  and  310 , as well as magnet  118  can be affixed to or within the exemplary engagement hand  116  by a variety of suitable methods and structures known in the art. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , an alternate embodiment is generally shown as  1200 .  FIG. 12A  shows pivot means phi prime, delta prime, and phi double prime. Applying action to said pivot means allows this embodiment to become collapsible. The configuration shown in  FIG. 12B  is almost completely collapsed. Collapsed position is generally used for shipping or storage. The configuration of  FIG. 12A  shows a first pivot action at phi double prime. While this configuration is generally the first in the series of collapsible pivoting actions, it also demonstrates a ‘use’ position. While in this position, a user may hold handle upright (as shown) in order to reach items located at the far back edge of a shelf. By inverting entire apparatus  1200  via the delta prime axis 180 degrees, such that handle  102 ′ is upside down from what is shown, user may retrieve (as outlined in previous embodiments) items from underneath a bed, dresser, automobile, etc. that are stowed or that have dropped and rolled underneath such objects. 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , an detailed view of a first portion of the grabber design  1300 . The grabber design  1300  includes retractable finger  310 , non-retractable finger  114 , a housing  1400 , a friction pad  1404 , and at least one magnetically charged element  118 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an exploded view of the detail of the grabber design of  FIG. 13 . The hand  116 , is composed of multiple parts. The hand  116  includes a housing  1400 , which contains at least one magnetically charged element  118 , as well as secures retractable finger  310 , and non-retractable finger  114 . These components are retained by a pin or a screw  1402 , and capped off with a friction pad  1404 . The friction pad  1404  allows for better grip on small objects that the present invention may be employed to grab. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a view of the grabber end  1500  of the second shaft  112 . The grabber end  1500  of the second shaft  112  may be configured to have a light emitting element  334  which is secured in a first aperture  1502  by a grommet  1504 . A second aperture  1506  is configured to receive the retractable fingers  310  and cable  316  (not shown). 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a view of the handle  102  including a power source. The handle  102  is optionally configured to incorporate a battery compartment  1600 , covered by a battery cover  1602 , wherein a battery  1604  would be coupled to battery holder  1606  in order to power the light emitting element  334  (not shown). Although the electrical supply shown here is located within the handle, those skilled in the art will see that the electrical supply may easily be located within other parts such as the hinge, grabber end, or located independently of elements described herein. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , an exploded view of the locking hinge  110 . The locking hinge  110  is composed of links to the first shaft  108 ′ and foldably links to the second shaft  112 ′ held together by pin  1700 A and  1700 B which may allow either pivoting or locking of said links. Within the links to the second shaft  112 ′ is a cable channel  1702 A adapted to receive the cable  316  (not shown). A corresponding cable channel is found on the links to the first shaft  108 ′ at  1702 B (not seen from this perspective). 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 18 , an inside view of a first side  102 A of the handle  102 . The actuator side  104 A is inserted into the handle  102  internally includes an arced cable channel  1800 . The cable channel  1800  allows the cable  316  to be directionally secured to the actuator side  104 A. The arced design provided for additional mechanical force. Cable  316  is threaded through secure point  1802 , and subsequently affixed to actuator side  104 A. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 19 , a perspective view of the inside of the first side  102 A of the handle  102  configured with the cable  316  and the electrical wires  332 . A guide hole  1902  and a series of guide pins  1904  maintain the electrical wires  332  in a stable position within the first side  102 A. An attachment nut  1906  anchors the cable  316  in position relative to the cable channel  1800  and thereby anchors the cable  316  within the actuator  104 A. A pair of guideposts  1908  &amp;  1910  support and guide the cable  316  as the cable  316  may move within the handle  102 . The actuator  104  is rotatably coupled with an actuator post  1912  whereby the actuator  104  may be manually squeezed by a user to cause the actuator  104  to rotate about the actuator post  1912  and the cable  316  is pulled into the handle  102 . Locking mechanism  106  is also secured to actuator side  104 A. The protuberance thereon protrudes through the aperture of the corresponding handle side (not shown). 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 20 , a perspective view of the inside of a second side  102 B of the handle  102 . The second side  102 B is joinable with the first side  102 A to form the handle  102 . Channel  2002  accepts the protuberance of locking mechanism  106  and slot  2008  accepts actuator  104 . Said protuberance travels up the channel  2002 . Upon reaching the top of channel  2002 , the locking mechanism decompresses, thereby driving the protuberance thereon into chamber  2006  whereby it rests upon ledge  2004  of chamber  2006  thus locking the actuator within the handle. 
         [0050]      FIG. 21A and 21B  are perspective views of the front and back of an optional flexible fixture  2100 , wherein the flexible feature  2100  is adapted, sized and shaped to removably couple with either engagement hand of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIG. 21A , an elastic external side  2102  of the flexible feature  2100  is adapted to elastically engage with, compress against and grasp an object in combination with a second flexible feature  2100  when each of the flexible features are coupled to separate engagement hands  116 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 21B , an elastic internal side  2104  of the flexible feature  2100  is adapted to removably couple with a single engagement hand  116  of the device  100 . 
         [0053]    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 would be functional and effective in diverse applications where it is desirable to acquire objects that cannot be acquired using conventional grabbing tools as well as acquire objects in the dimly lit areas, and provide magnetic means to acquire small metal objects without the need to actuate the apparatus.