Extension tool

An extension tool is disclosed and comprises a first pole and a second pole. The second pole is slidably received within the first pole. The second pole has a plurality of apertures. A pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the first pole. A pin slidably engages within the pin lever. The pin lever is released for inserting the pin into the plurality of apertures of the second pole for terminating displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. The pin lever is depressed for removing the pin from the plurality of apertures of the second pole for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. A device, tool or support may be secured to the second ends of the second pole. In one embodiment, a claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of a railroad car.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to tools and more particularly to an extension tool.

2. Description of the Related Art

Various types of tools have been devised in the past for moving, rotating, positioning, supporting or contacting an object. One particular application of these tools is a paint stick wherein a paint dispensing device is secured to the end of the tool. The length of the paint stick may be altered by telescoping a first pole relative to a second pole.

Another application of these tools is an outrigger wherein a line may be supported from a first location on a vessel to a second location distant from a vessel. The length of the outrigger may be altered by telescoping a first pole relative to a second pole.

Another application of these tools is a railroad tool wherein a claw is located on an end of the tool for rotating a break actuator on a railroad car. Typically, the railroad car wheel break is actuated by rotating the break actuator. The break actuator may include a wheel having a plurality of spokes extending from a central hub. The rotation of the wheel rotates the hub and a shaft attached thereto for manually engaging a brake shoe to a surface of the railroad car wheel. The engagement of the brake shoe against the railroad car wheel prevents undesired movement of the railroad train car.

In most cases, the break actuator is located on the upper end of the railroad car. This necessitated the railroad employee to climb a ladder between typically two adjacent railroad cars to rotate the wheel on each of the railroad cars. Thereafter, the employee must descend the latter to move to the next railroad car and climb the ladder and rotate the wheel in a similar pattern.

This procedure is very time consuming and possibly dangerous activity since the railroad employee is required to climb the ladders on each of the railroad cars that are in many cases located between two adjacent railroad cars. The following U.S. patents are examples of attempts of the prior art to solve these problems.

U.S. Pat. No. 684,858 to Pearson discloses a wire fence tool comprising a handle, a hatchet-blade thereon having a disk-shaped facial recess in one side. A wire-cutter is seated in the recess and forms a flush portion of the hatchet-blade. An opening lever-handle is connected with the cutter-disk and a retaining loop for the lever-handle. The hatchet-blade and cutter-disk are provided with registering wire-receiving notches.

U.S. Pat. No. 872,271 to Benet discloses a device combining a pair of members connected pivotally together and provided with claws for the purpose of gripping a nail or the like. One of the members is provided with a longitudinal portion for increasing the leverage between the claws. The longitudinal portion terminates at one of its ends in a screw driver blade having a sharp portion and also having shoulders disposed upon opposite sides of the sharp portion. A handle is mounted telescopically upon the longitudinal portion of the blade and is provided with a pair of oppositely disposed impact surfaces for engaging the shoulders and receiving therefrom the force of impact so as to avoid injury to the sharp portion of the screw driver blade.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,378 to Borden discloses a combination tool comprising a first and a second tool members with hinge structure pivotally securing the first and the second members together so that they may be selectively pivoted between opened and closed positions of use wherein. The first tool member includes a pair of spaced-apart generally parallel extending side walls forming a sheath portion between which the second tool member may be folded or enclosed in closed position thereof. The first tool member also includes a first tool portion and a first bridge portion at one end thereof and a second bridge portion adjacent the other end thereof but intermediate these ends. The first and second bridge extend between and integrally connecting sidewalls. The second tool member includes a second and third tool portions at opposite ends thereof and an intermediate region adjacent the second tool portion with this intermediate region being disposed between the side walls and hingedly assembled adjacent the other end of the first tool member, wherein in the folded or closed position of the combination tool, the second tool member is disposed between the side walls and resting on the bridge portions and the second and third tool portions extend beyond the opposite ends of the first tool member and the first tool portion is disposed in exposed condition so that all three tool portions are available for use in both the opened and folded or closed conditions of the tool members.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,252 to Pella discloses a device for safely rotating the wheel of a large or hard-to-turn valve. The wrench comprises an elongated handle, and a wheel grip. The wheel grip further consists of a rim grip and a spoke grip. The rim grip extends upwardly (when viewed from above) around the bottom of the rim of a valve wheel. The spoke grip extends downwardly, first around the rim of the wheel, then inwardly, so as to grasp the spoke of the valve wheel.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,469 to Pella discloses a device for safely rotating the handwheel of hard-to-turn valves has an elongate handle terminating in a fixed wheel-rim-engaging jaw. A movable wheel-engaging jaw is pivotally attached to the handle behind the fixed jaw. When the movable jaw is applied to the inner surface of the handwheel rim and the fixed jaw is applied to the outer surface of the rim, turning force on the handle forces the two jaws together by a leveraged force to enhance gripping of the rim while turning the wheel. Protuberances on the movable jaw enhance gripping the wheel rim and spoke.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,481,950 to Browning discloses a rigid head extending laterally from an adjustable handle has an elongate slot therethrough aligned with the longitudinal axis, of the handle for receiving and operating the handle of a valve. A first concave surface is formed in the upper edge of the head for pushing on the spokes of a brake wheel. The first concave surface has opposite ends of similar slope approaching ninety degrees relative to the upper edge for pushing on the spokes of a brake wheel and preventing kick-out of the tool from the brake wheel. A second concave surface is formed in the lower edge of the head for pulling on the spokes of a brake wheel. A first end of the second concave surface has a slope approaching ninety degrees relative to the lower edge of the head that is significantly less than the slope of the first end to facilitate kick-out of the tool while the brake wheel is in motion. The second concave surface slopes to a point where it joins the outer edge of the head to define a point adapted to fit within a hole in a knuckle of a railroad car.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,539 to Webster discloses a telescoping handle assembly including an inner and outer telescoping handle sections. The inner section has an outer surface and a series of grooves at predetermined locations spaced along the length of the inner section. The outer section includes locking teeth that are fixed axially in position along the length of the outer section and that are resiliently movable between a locked condition disposed in one of the grooves on the inner section and an unlocked condition. The handle assembly includes a locking sleeve movable in a first direction to apply radially inwardly directed force to the locking teeth to maintain the locking teeth in the locked condition and thereby to block telescopic movement of the inner section relative to the outer section. The locking sleeve is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction to enable movement of the locking teeth out of the locking condition thereby to enable telescopic movement of the inner section relative to the outer section.

Although the aforementioned prior art have contributed to the development of the art of tools, none of these prior art patents have solved the needs of the art.

Therefore, is an object of this invention to provide an improved tool for moving, rotating or contacting an object.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool for mounting a tool device thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool for mounting a sensor device thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool for mounting a support device thereon.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool for rotating the break actuator of a railroad car for actuating a wheel break.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool for pivoting a knuckle coupler of a railroad car.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool that is light-weight and easy to carry.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool that can be extended and retracted for varying the length of the tool.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool that may be extended and retracted with a minimum resistance force.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tool that may be extended and retracted without jamming.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention, the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specific embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to an improved extension tool. The extension tool comprises a first pole defining an interior bore and a first exterior surface with the first pole extending between a first end and a second end. A second pole defines a second exterior surface with the second pole extending between a first end and a second end. A first bushing defines an internal bore and an exterior surface. A second bushing defines an internal bore and an exterior surface. The second pole is partially disposed in the first pole with the internal bore of the first bushing slidably engaging with the exterior surface of the second pole and with the exterior surface of the second bushing slidably engaging with the internal bore of the first pole for enabling the second pole to be slidably displaced relative to the first pole. A plurality of apertures are defined in the second pole. A pin is mounted to the first pole for movement between a retracted position and a protruded position. A spring biases the pin into the protruded position for extending into a selected one of the plurality of apertures of the second pole for fixing the position of the second pole relative to the first pole. A pin lever moves the pin into the retracted position for permitting displacement of the first pole relative to the second pole. An upper telescoping stop comprises the first bushing cooperating with the second bushing to limit an outward movement of the second pole relative to the first pole upon engagement of the first bushing with the second bushing.

In a more specific embodiment of the invention, a mounting is secured to the second end of the second pole for mounting a device thereon. A collar is secured to the second end of the first pole and has a pin aperture. The pin slidably engages within the collar between a retracted position and a protruded position.

In another embodiment of the invention, the extension tool engages a railroad car. A claw is secured to the second end of the second pole for engaging either a knuckle coupler or a wheel brake of the railroad car.

In another embodiment of the invention, the extension tool comprises a third pole defining an interior bore and a third exterior surface with the third pole extending between a first end and a second end. The first end of the first pole is received within the second end of the third pole for positioning the first pole into the internal bore of the third pole. The first pole has a plurality of apertures defined in the first pole. A second pin lever is pivotably mounted relative to the exterior surface of the third pole. A second pin slidably engages within the second pin lever between a retracted position and a protruded position. The second pin lever is released for positioning the second pin into the protruded position and inserting the second pin into the plurality of apertures of the first pole for terminating displacement of the third pole relative to the first pole. The second pin lever is depressed for positioning the second pin into the retracted position and removing the second pin from the plurality of apertures of the first pole for permitting displacement of the third pole relative to the first pole. In the alternative, either of the first and second pin levers and pins may be replaced by a pin fastener.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS. 1-28are various views of an extension tool10for moving, rotating, positioning, supporting or contacting an object. A first embodiment of the extension tool10is shown inFIGS. 1-8and12-16wherein the extension tool10includes a claw200for engaging a railroad car12. Further embodiments are shown inFIGS. 21-24wherein the extension tool10incorporates either a device11, tool15or support17.

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13, the railroad car12includes a container13having a front side14, a rear side16, a left side18and a right side20. The railroad car12further includes a plurality of wheels22for rotatably engaging along a rail system24. The plurality of wheels22support the container13and permitting the container13to be displaced to multiple locations. A brake30engages the plurality of wheels22for terminating rotation of the plurality of wheels22. A wheel brake32is rotatably coupled to the railroad car12. The wheel brake32has a plurality of spokes34extending between a central hub36and a circular rail38. A brake linkage40couples the wheel brake32with the brake30such that upon rotation of the wheel brake32the brake either compresses or expands relative to the plurality of wheels22.

The front side and/or the rear side of the railroad car12include a knuckle coupler42for linking with a second railroad car26. The knuckle coupler42has a generally J-shape hook44for linking with other generally J-shape hooks44. The knuckle coupler42pivotably engage the railroad car12for permitting the generally J-shape hook44to be displaced during engagement with another generally J-shape hook44.

In the past an operator2was required to ascend a railroad car latter28in order to rotate the wheel brake32. Furthermore, prior to the coupling of the knuckle couplers42the operator2may be required to apply a horizontal force to the knuckle coupler42for pivoting the generally J-shape hooks44. In the past the operator2may have utilized their limbs4for pivoting the generally J-shape hooks44. Having the operator2ascending the railroad car latter28and positioned in close proximity to the knuckle coupler42could prove highly dangerous by causing great bodily harm or death.

FIGS. 1-19illustrate the tool10that may eliminate the need for the operator2to ascend the ladder28to rotate the wheel brake and to move in between the adjacent railroad cars12. The tool10may be positioned between an extended length120and a retracted length122for varying the overall length of the tool10. The tool10comprises a first pole50. The first pole50has an internal bore52, an exterior surface54and extends between a first end56and a second end58. A second pole100defines a second internal bore102, a second exterior surface104and extends between a first end106and a second end108. As seen inFIGS. 10,11,17-20and25-28, the second pole100has a second internal bore102for reducing the weight of the extension tool10. Alternatively, as seen inFIG. 26the second pole100may have a solid cross-section103for increasing the rigidly of the extension tool10.

Preferably, the first pole50has a substantially circular cross-section51. Similarly, the second pole100has a substantially circular cross-section101.

The first end106of the second pole100engages the second end58of the first pole50for positioning the second pole100into the internal bore52of the first pole50. A handle53is defined in proximity to the first end56of the first pole50for the operator2to engage with the extension tool10. The exterior surface54of the first pole50may have a textured surface59or a knurled portion57for assisting in handling the tool10.

The second pole100has a plurality of apertures110extending between the second exterior surface104to the second internal bore102. A pin lever150is pivotably mounted relative to the exterior surface54of the first pole50. A pin152slidably engages within the pin lever150between a retracted position154as shown inFIG. 11and a protruded position156as shown inFIG. 10. More specifically, a collar180may be utilized for coupling the pin lever150to the first pole50. The collar180includes a pole bore182for slidably engaging the first pole50. One or more set screws183may be used to secure the collar180relative to the first pole50. A collar bore188is aligned with a first pole pin aperture53in the first pole50. The collar180further includes a first pin column184and a second pin column186positioned on opposing sides of the collar bore188. A bridge member190extends and is secured between the first pin column184and the second pin column186. The bridge member190has a bridge bore192for receiving a bore bushing194.

The pin lever150include a pin plate162and a handle plate164coupled by an angled portion166. The pin plate162includes a pin bore163that is aligned with the collar bore188. The collar180and the bridge member190encompass the pin lever150, pin152, a pin spring158, bore bushing194, a pin key170and a pin washer172. The pin lever150slidably engaging through the bridge bore192, pin bore163and the collar bore188for contacting the second pole100. The pin key170maintains the pin lever150between the collar180and the bridge member190.

The pin lever150is released for positioning the pin152into the protruded position156. The pin spring158biases the pin lever150to the protruded position156in the absent a force160applied to the pin lever150. The protruded position156permits the insertion of the pin152into one of the plurality of apertures110of the second pole100. Upon insertion of the pin152into one of the plurality of apertures110, the first pole50terminates displacement relative to the second pole100. Since the handle plate164is substantially longer than the pin plate162and the angled portion166couples the pin plate162and a handle plate164, the pin lever150applies a mechanical advantage force168against the pin spring158upon the force160being applied to the handle plate164. A pin key170encircles the pin152and engages the pin lever150for retracting the pin152relative to the pin lever150.

To vary the overall length of the tool10, the force160is applied to the handle plate164. The force160causes the pin plate162to impress against the pin key170and to compress the spring158. The pin key170displaces the pin152into the retracted position154and removes the pin152from one of the plurality of apertures110of the second pole100. Upon the pin152removed from one of the plurality of apertures110, the second pole100is permitted to displace relative to the first pole50.

As best seen inFIGS. 7,10and11, the first pole50includes a guide pin60extending within the internal bore52of the first pole50. The second exterior surface104of the second pole100includes a guide groove112. The guide pin60slidably engages within the guide groove112for preventing rotation of the second pole100relative to the first pole50during the pin152located in the retracted position154.

As best seen inFIGS. 17,19,20and25-28alternatively, the second exterior surface104of the second pole100may include a chord114defining a flatten portion116of the substantially circular cross-section101. An anti-rotation insert118extends form the collar180into the interior bore52of the first pole50and is positioned adjacent to the chord114for inhibiting rotation between the second pole100relative to the first pole50. Furthermore, the anti-rotation insert118extending from the collar180into the interior bore52defines a collar lock120for securing the collar180to the first pole50. In addition, the anti-rotation insert118extending from the collar180into the interior bore52defines a bushing lock122for securing a first bushing70to the first pole50.

As seen inFIGS. 1,3and18, the first pole50includes a stop pin62traversing the internal bore52of the first pole50for engaging the first end106of the second pole100. Upon engagement between the stop pin62and the first end106of the second pole100the second pole100is terminated from further retraction of the second pole100into the first pole50.

The tool10includes a claw200for directly engaging the wheel brake32and the knuckle coupler42. The claw200is secured to the second end108of the second pole100by a mounting201. The claw200includes a pole receiver202for engaging over the second end108of the second pole100. A plate204extends from the pole receiver202. The plate204defines a first side206, a second side208, a top edge210, a side edge212and a bottom edge214. The bottom edge214includes an arcuate recess216for preventing disengaging between either the knuckle coupler42or the wheel brake32of the railroad car12with the extension tool10. More specifically, the arcuate recess216encircles one of the plurality of spokes34. As shown inFIGS. 12 and 13a tool force46is applied to the tool10which in turn applied either a rotational force48to the wheel brake32as shown inFIG. 12or a pivoting force49to the knuckle coupler42as shown inFIG. 13.

As seen inFIGS. 4,7,8and13-15, the claw200may further include a locking bore220. The locking bore220traverses the plate204for securing the extension tool10to the railroad car12. The extension tool10may be positioned within an elongated channel240. The elongated channel240includes a first channel aperture242and a second channel aperture244for positioning the extension tool10within the elongated channel240. A post246is positioned within the elongated channel244for engaging with the locking bore220of the extension tool10. The engagement between the extension tool10and the post246prevents the extension tool10from being accidentally engaged from the railroad car12.

FIGS. 16-19illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein the extension tool10includes a first bushing70and a second bushing130. The first bushing70defines an internal bore72, an exterior surface74and extending between a first end76and a second end78. A second bushing130defines an internal bore132, an exterior surface134and extending between a first end136and a second end138. The first bushing70is secured within the internal bore52of the first pole50. As seen in FIGS.20and25-28, the internal bore52of the first pole50may include a counterbore80for receiving the first bushing70. The first bushing70is retained within the counterbore80by the anti-rotation insert118.

The second bushing130is secured over the exterior surface104of the second pole100. Preferably, the second bushing130is affixed to the exterior surface104of the second pole100by a suitable adhesive or a mechanical fastener or the like. Furthermore, the first end106of the second pole100may included an outwardly flared edge109and a resilient bumper107. The second pole100slidably engages within the internal bore72of the first bushing70for telescoping the second pole100relative to the first pole50. Furthermore, the second bushing130slidably engages within the internal bore52of the first pole50for telescoping the second pole100relative to the first pole50. The first bushing70and the second bushing130reduce the friction between the first pole50and the second pole100during extension and retraction between the first pole50and the second pole100. The first bushing70and the second bushing130also prevent jamming between the first pole50and the second pole100during extension and retraction between the first pole50and the second pole100. Preferrably, the first pole50, the second pole100and the collar180are formed of a metallic material82such as aluminum, steel or other metallic materials. Furthermore, the first bushing70and the second bushing130may be formed of a polymeric material for creating a metallic82to polymeric84sliding engagement between the first pole50and the second pole100.

As seen inFIG. 19the first end76of the first bushing70and the second end138of the second bushing130contact for defining an upper telescoping stop140. The upper telescoping stop140terminates further extension of the second pole100from within the first pole50.

As seen inFIGS. 21-24, the mounting201may couple the second end108of the second pole100with a device11such as a gas meter sensor90or other devices, a tool15such as a hook92or other tools, or a support17such as a tent pole support94, a temporary brace96, a drywall brace98or other supports.

FIG. 21Ais an enlarged view of the second end108of the second pole100illustrating a mounting201. In this example, the mounting201includes a threaded bore209for receiving a threaded stud (not shown) for mounting a tool device support or the like.

FIGS. 22-28illustrate a fourth embodiment of an extension tool10wherein the first pole50is displaced relative to a third pole50A. The third pole50A defines an interior bore52A and a third exterior surface54A with said third pole50A extending between a first end56A and a second end58A. The first end56of the first pole50is positioned within the second end58A of the third pole50A for positioning the first pole50into the internal bore52A of the third pole50A. The first pole50includes a plurality of apertures110A defined in the first pole50. A second pin lever150A is pivotably mounted relative to the exterior surface54A of the third pole50A. A second pin152A slidably engaging within the second pin lever150A between a retracted position154A and a protruded position156A.

FIG. 24Ais an enlarged view of a pin fastener260ofFIG. 24for terminating displacement of the second pole100relative to the first pole50. The pin fastener comprising a knob262having a threaded pin264. The threaded pin264threatably engages a threaded aperture266defined in the collar180A. The threaded pin264extends through the threaded aperture266to be received into one of the plurality of apertures110of the second pole100.

The second pin lever150A is released for positioning the second pin152A into the protruded position156A and inserting the second pin152A into the plurality of apertures110A of the first pole50for terminating displacement of the third pole50A relative to the first pole50. The second pin lever150A is depressed for positioning the second pin152A into the retracted position154A and removing the second pin152A from the plurality of apertures110A of the first pole50for permitting displacement of the third pole50A relative to the first pole50.

A third bushing70A defining an internal bore72A, an exterior surface74A and extending between a first end76A and a second end78A. A fourth bushing130A defining an internal bore132A, an exterior surface134A and extending between a first end136A and a second end138A. The third bushing70A is secured within the internal bore52A of the third pole50A. The fourth bushing130A is secured over the exterior surface54of the first pole50. The first pole50slidably engaging within the internal bore72A of the third bushing70A for telescoping the third pole50A relative to the first pole50. The fourth bushing130A slidably engaging within the internal bore132A of the third pole50A for telescoping the third pole50A relative to the first pole50.

A second upper telescoping stop140A comprises the third bushing70A cooperating with the fourth bushing130A to limit an outward movement of the first pole50relative to the third pole50A upon engagement of the third bushing70A with the fourth bushing130A. All further structure and function of the third pole50A is equivalent to that of the first pole50.

FIGS. 29-31are various views a fifth embodiment of the extension tool10wherein an illuminator270is engaging the first pole50for illuminating an area272in proximity to the second end108of the second pole100. The illuminator270may include a holder274. The holder274has a first cylindrical body276for defining a first illuminator bore278. The first illuminator bore278slidably engages the first pole50. A first body set screw280traversing the first cylindrical body278and compressing into the first pole50to terminate displacement of the illuminator270relative to the extension tool10. The illuminator270further includes a spacer plate282for distancing a second cylindrical body284from the first pole50. The second cylindrical body284defines a second illuminator bore286for receiving a cylindrical illuminating device288. A second body set screw290traversing the second cylindrical body284and compressing into the cylindrical illuminating device288to terminate displacement of the cylindrical illuminating device288relative to the holder274.

FIGS. 32-34illustrate a second illuminator300engaging the second pole100for illuminating an area272in proximity to the second end108of the second pole100. The second illuminator300may include a second holder302. The second holder302has a first clamp304defining a first clamp arm306and a second clamp arm308. The first clamp arm306and the second clamp arm308of the first clamp304yield upon engaging with the second pole100and apply a compressive force upon the second pole100when fully engaged. The compressive force terminates displacement of the second illuminator300relative to the extension tool10. The second illuminator300further includes a spacer plate282for distancing a second clamp310from the second pole100. The second clamp310defines a third clamp arm312and a fourth clamp arm314. The third clamp arm312and the fourth clamp arm314of the second clamp310yield upon engaging with the cylindrical illuminating device288and apply a compressive force upon the cylindrical illuminating device288when fully engaged. The compressive force terminates displacement of the cylindrical illuminating device288relative to the second illuminator300.

Although the extension tool10has been shown with the specific applications or uses, it should be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the extension tool10may be used for countless other applications and uses. A small but not inclusive list of readily apparent applications and uses include window cleaning, tent poles, gaff hooks, mooring poles, drywall supports, outboard motor, trailer supports, remote positioning of objects, gas sensors, load lock for trucks, garden tools, towers for vessels and illumination stands.