FASTENER POSITION HOLDING TOOL

A tool can include a structural member defining a hub and at least one arm extending from the hub; and a mounting fastener secured to the arm of the structural member at a position distal from the hub and configured to automatically adjust to and hold itself in place against a non-flat mating surface of a structure, the tool configured to contact and maintain a position of a fastener assembly in a direction of an axis of the fastener assembly.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Field of Use

This disclosure relates to tools for holding at least a portion of a fastener in place during assembly or removal. More specifically, this disclosure relates to tools for holding at least a portion of a fastener in place during assembly or removal, the tools being able to compensate for a height of the portion of the fastener.

Related Art

Removing assembled portions of a fastener assembly (e.g., a head or nut of a threaded fastener assembly) can be as simple as engaging a fastener removal tool (e.g., a wrench or socket) to the head or the nut and rotating the tool until the fastener assembly has been loosened and disassembled. In some aspects, however, it can be beneficial or necessary to hold one side of the fastener assembly while the other side is engaged with the fastener removal tool. While it can be convenient for a user (e.g., a mechanic) to directly hold the one side of the fastener assembly with his or her hand, direct contact with the one side of the fastener assembly while the other side is engaged with the fastener removal tool, which often produces high RPM (revolutions per minute, i.e., a rotational speed of the fastener removal tool), high torque, and/or high temperature in the fastener assembly, can result in a safety risk to the mechanic.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, disclosed is a tool comprising: a structural member defining a hub and at least one arm extending from the hub; and a mounting fastener secured to the structural member and configured to hold itself in place against a mating surface. In a related aspect, disclosed is a tool comprising: a structural member defining a hub and at least one arm extending from the hub; and a mounting fastener secured to the arm of the structural member at a position distal from the hub and configured to automatically adjust to and hold itself in place against a non-flat mating surface of a structure, the tool configured to contact and maintain a position of a fastener assembly in a direction of an axis of the fastener assembly.

In a further aspect, disclosed is a tool comprising: a mounting fastener defining a cavity configured to hold itself in place against a mating surface; and a holding fastener adjustably secured to and extending through the mounting fastener and into the cavity. In a related aspect, disclosed is a tool comprising: a mounting fastener configured to hold itself in place against a mating surface of a structure, the mounting fastener comprising a magnet; and one of a spacer and a holding fastener, the one of the spacer and the holding fastener secured to a surface of the tool, the one of the spacer and the holding fastener positioned inside a cavity defined by the mounting fastener, a position of a surface of the spacer and a tip of the holding fastener being adjustable with respect to a working end of the mounting fastener in a direction of an axis of a fastener assembly, the one of the spacer and the holding fastener configured to contact and maintain a position of the fastener assembly extending through the structure in the direction of the axis of the fastener assembly.

In yet another aspect, disclosed is a method of using a tool, the method comprising: aligning an axis of a holding fastener of a tool with a first connecting portion of a fastener assembly, the fastener assembly securing a first structure to a second structure; securing a mounting fastener of the tool to the first structure, the mounting fastener configured to hold itself in place against a mating surface of the first structure; and adjusting the holding fastener to prevent premature dislocation of the first connecting portion from the first structure. In a related aspect, disclosed is a method of using a tool, the method comprising: aligning one of a spacer and a holding fastener of the tool with a first connecting portion of a fastener assembly, the fastener assembly configured to secure a first structure to a second structure, the first structure being a wearable blade; and securing a mounting fastener of the tool to the first structure, the mounting fastener configured to automatically adjust to and hold itself in place against a non-flat mating surface of the first structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in their best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a quantity of one of a particular element can comprise two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise. In addition, any of the elements described herein can be a first such element, a second such element, and so forth (e.g., a first widget and a second widget, even if only a “widget” is referenced).

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also comprises any combination of members of that list. The phrase “at least one of A and B” as used herein means “only A, only B, or both A and B”; while the phrase “one of A and B” means “A or B.”

To simplify the description of various elements disclosed herein, the conventions of “left,” “right,” “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inside,” “outside,” “inboard,” “outboard,” “horizontal,” and/or “vertical” may be referenced. Unless stated otherwise, “front” describes that end of a vehicle600(shown inFIG. 6) in front of a user of the vehicle600—or a tool100(shown inFIG. 1A) used thereon—from the perspective of the user; “rear” is that end of the seat that is opposite or distal the front; “left” is that which is to the left of or facing left from a person sitting in the vehicle600and facing towards the front; and “right” is that which is to the right of or facing right from that same person while sitting in the vehicle600and facing towards the front. “Horizontal” or “horizontal orientation” describes that which is in a plane extending from left to right and aligned with the horizon. “Vertical” or “vertical orientation” describes that which is in a plane that is angled at 90 degrees to the horizontal.

Alternatively, the tool100can be described below on the basis of a coordinate axis of X-Y-Z directions shown in the figures. An X-axis direction can be referred to as a left-right or horizontal direction. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the X-axis direction coincides with a width of a structural member110of the tool100. A Y-axis direction is orthogonal to the X-axis direction (left-right direction) and a Z-axis direction (upper-lower direction) and can also be referred to as a front-rear direction. A surface of a structural element that is parallel with the front-rear direction can be referred to as a lateral side. An upper-lower direction is the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the X-axis direction and to the Y-axis direction and typically coincides with a height direction of the tool100.

In one aspect, a tool and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatuses are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the tool can be a fastener position holding tool and can comprise a magnet and a holding fastener.

FIG. 1Ais a top perspective view of a tool100in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure. The tool100, which can be a fastener holding tool, can be used to more safely disassemble fastener assemblies. More specifically, the tool100can be configured to contact and maintain a position of a fastener assembly690(shown inFIG. 6) in a direction angled with respect to or, more specifically, perpendicular to a mating surface of a structure. For example, a user of the tool100(e.g., a mechanic) can with the tool100avoid direct contact with either side of any one of a plurality of fastener assemblies690securing a blade650(shown inFIG. 6) to a bucket610(shown inFIG. 6) of a vehicle600(shown inFIG. 6) such as, for example and without limitation, a skid steer or bulldozer or other construction vehicle or equipment. The blade650, which can be a bucket blade, can be any wearable blade on the vehicle600or equipment. As shown inFIG. 7and described in further detail in a description ofFIG. 7below, the user can engage a stationary side of the fastener assembly690with the tool100while engaging the other side with a fastener removal tool (e.g., a wrench or a socket). This can be beneficial when, due to vibration or gravity or other influencing factors, the portion of the fastener assembly690being held in place by the tool100would not otherwise remain in a position necessary to keep the fastener assembly690stationary. For example, a user may need to use an impact tool or hammer-action tool to apply a more jarring removal torque to remove a rusty or worn fastener assembly, and significant vibration can result from such use. More specifically, a portion of the fastener assembly690such as a first connecting portion692(shown inFIG. 6), which can be or can comprise a bolt, can be configured to lock (i.e., not rotate) within a hole of the blade650through which the first connecting portion692extends—for example and without limitation, when the first connecting portion692is a carriage bolt—and the tool100can keep the first connecting portion692engaged with the blade650during removal of a second connecting portion694(shown inFIG. 6) of the fastener assembly690. More specifically, a shank portion693(shown inFIG. 8A) of the first connecting portion692that is square in shape can remain engaged with a hole618(shown inFIG. 8A) defined in the bucket610as long as the first connecting portion692is held in an engaged position (i.e., engaged with the hole618so as to prevent rotation of the first connecting portion692) by the tool100.

The tool100can comprise a structural member110, a holding fastener140, and at least one tool mounting fastener170. In some aspects, the structural member110can be a bar or plate. More specifically, the structural member110can comprise or define a hub120and one or more arms130a,b,each of which can extend from the hub120in a radial direction with respect to an axis101of the tool100or an axis141of the holding fastener140. As shown, the structural member110can comprise the two arms130a,b,each of which can extend from the hub120in the radial direction and in a longitudinal direction113. In some aspects, each of the arms130a,bof the structural member110and any portions of the tool100can be radially symmetric about one or both of the axes101,141. As shown, the structural member110can define a length L in the longitudinal direction113and a width W in a transverse direction114, and a thickness T (shown inFIG. 1B). It can be beneficial for the structural member110to be strong enough to resist bending or other deformation under use so that pressure applied to the fastener assembly690and, more specifically, the first connecting portion692does not cause the structural member110, and thereby also the holding fastener140, to move away from and apply less holding force to or even separate from the first connecting portion692. In some aspects, as shown, the structural member110can define a substantially rectangular shape (i.e., substantially rectangular minus, for example, edge treatments defined at corners of the structural member110). In some aspects, for example and without limitation, the length L can be five inches, the width W can be one inch, and the thickness T can be 3/16 inch. The structural member110can define a first end115, a second end116, a first side117(shown inFIG. 1B), and a second side118.

The holding fastener140can be adjustably secured to the structural member110and can extend through the hub120of the structural member110. The holding fastener140can define a first end145(shown inFIG. 3A) and a second end146distal from the first end145. The first end145of the holding fastener140can be adjustably secured to and can extend through the structural member110. The holding fastener140can comprise a main portion150and a locking portion160.

The main portion150of the holding fastener140can comprise a shaft152and a head154, which can comprise or define a knob. The head154and, more specifically, the knob can define a plurality of lobes or ridges extending radially outward to ease rotation of and tightening of the holding fastener140with a hand of a user of the tool100. As shown, the head154can define seven lobes, although in other aspects any number of lobes or ridges can be defined in the head154. In any case, the head154can define a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft152and which can vary with respect to an axial position along the axis141. The locking portion160of the holding fastener140can comprise a locking fastener162, which can comprise or can be a nut. In some aspects, the locking fastener162can be a locking nut or a lock nut. In some aspects, any individual portion of the holding fastener140can be formed from multiple materials or components. In other aspects, the holding fastener140or any individual portion thereof can be formed monolithically, i.e., as a single piece of material.

The locking portion160of the holding fastener140can be adjustably positioned adjacent to the structural member110and can receive the shaft152of the main portion150. The axis141of the holding fastener140and an axis of the shaft152can be angled with respect to the structural member110. More specifically, the axis141and the axis of the shaft152can be angled at 90 degrees with respect to the structural member110. The locking portion160can be configured to lock a rotational position of the holding fastener140with respect to the structural member110. As shown, the locking portion160can be a hex nut.

The tool100can comprise a plurality of mounting fasteners170a,b,which can be synonymous with the mounting fastener170. One or more of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan, in some aspects, comprise a magnet or magnetized material configured to be magnetically attracted to a ferromagnetic material. Such a magnet can be a rare-earth magnet such as, for example and without limitation, neodymium. More specifically, the magnet can be an NdFeB magnet made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. For example and without limitation, as shown, the magnet can define a diameter of one inch and a height of 0.315 inches and can comprise a magnet820(shown inFIG. 8B) received within a fastener body830(shown inFIG. 8B). In some aspects, the magnet820can be donut-shaped or can define an annular shape. In some aspects, each of the mounting fasteners170a,band, more specifically, a magnet thereof can define an attraction force or attachment force in a range of 15 to 120 pounds of force. In some aspects, each of the mounting fasteners170a,band, more specifically, a magnet thereof can define an attraction force or attachment force in a range of 50 to 60 pounds of force. In some aspects, each of the mounting fasteners170a,band, more specifically, a magnet thereof can define, depending on a material forming the magnet and the size and configuration of the magnet, an attraction force of less than or greater than the range of 50 to 60 pounds of force. In some aspects, it can be beneficial for the attachment force to be greater than the vibration the fastener assembly690experiences during removal and stronger than the downward force (i.e., towards the tool100) applied to the second connecting portion694during the process of removing the second connecting portion694from the first connecting portion692. In some aspects, as shown, each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan define a cylindrical shape, and a first surface172(shown inFIG. 1B) thereof can be circular. In other aspects, each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan define a non-cylindrical shape.

In some aspects, each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan comprise an electromagnet, which can be activated through the flow of current through a coil contained therein. By adjusting the amount of current or turning off the current, the magnetic force can be increased or decreased or removed altogether such as, for example and without limitation, during removal of the tool100from a mating structure such as the bucket610(shown inFIG. 6).

The mounting fastener170a,bneed not comprise a magnet or magnetized material. In other aspects, one or more of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan comprise a suction cup or other fastener able to be secured to a surface such as a lower surface of the blade650of the bucket610. In some aspects, the mounting fastener170a,bdoes not require a mechanical connection. In some aspects, the mounting fastener170a,bcan comprise one or more fasteners making a mechanical connection. In some aspects, for example, each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan comprise a fastener (not shown) such as a bolt or screw extending into or through the bucket610or other mating structure to secure the mounting fastener170a,bto the bucket610or other mating structure. In some aspects, one portion of a mounting fastener such as a hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastener can be secured to the mating structure and a second portion of the mounting fastener such as a loop portion of the hook-and-loop fastener can be secured to the structural member110.

Each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan be secured to the structural member110with a fastener190, which can comprise a first connecting portion192and a second connecting portion194. The first connecting portion192can be any suitable fastener including one containing a shaft such as, for example and without limitation, a bolt or a screw or a pin. The second connecting portion194can be any suitable fastener including one defining a hole for receiving the shaft of the first connecting portion192such as, for example and without limitation, a nut or cotter pin. As shown, each of the fasteners190can be angled at 90 degrees with respect to the structural member110. At the same time, however, each of the fasteners190can be free to rotate with respect to the default orientation—and sufficient play can be provided in the openings398(shown inFIG. 3B) defined in the structural member110—to allow movement of the mounting fasteners170a,b.

FIG. 1Bis a side elevation view of the tool100. As shown, the mounting fastener170acan define the first surface172proximate to the structural member110and a working surface or second surface174distal from the first surface172. Each of the mounting fasteners170a,band the corresponding fasteners190can be aligned and can be secured to the structural member110along respective axes171a,b,each of which can be angled with respect to the structural member110. More specifically, each of the axes171a,bcan be angled at 90 degrees with respect to the structural member110in a default position but, as described below, can rotate to form a different angle with respect to the structural member110. In some aspects, a washer196, which can be a lock washer, can be positioned between the second connecting portion194and the structural member110. The washer196can be used to set a gap G between the first side117of the structural member and the first surface172of the corresponding mounting fastener170a,b.A center-to-center spacing177between the axes171a,bcan be increased or decreased for, generally speaking, more or less flexibility. In some aspects, as shown, the structural member110can be flat and can be formed from a blank of material.

A spacer180can be positioned between the structural member110and the corresponding mounting fastener170a,b.As shown, the spacer180can define an annular shape and can be an O-ring. The spacer180can be at least one of an elastic and a compressible material and, as such, can be configured to allow movement of the mounting fastener170a,bwith respect to the structural member110. More specifically, the spacer180can be configured to allow one of rotation of the mounting fastener170a,babout an axis orthogonal to the corresponding axis171a,band translation of the mounting fastener170a,balong the corresponding axis171a,bof the of the mounting fastener170a,bin an adjustment direction corresponding to the Z-axis (shown inFIG. 1) of the tool100. An elastic material such as, for example and without limitation, natural or synthetic rubber, EPDM, or silicone can form the spacer180and can define a desired hardness. A compressible material such as, for example and without limitation, foam (including EPDM foam) can form the spacer180and can be compressible in a desired range. In some aspects, a durometer of the material can be in a range between 30 and 80 on the Shore A scale. The spacer180can compress to a thickness equal or less than the gap G. In some aspects, the spacer180can dampen vibrations in the tool100and thereby limit vibrational forces from directly causing vibration and dislocation of the mounting fasteners170a,b,and the hardness of the spacer180can be adjusted to control or minimize such vibration.

A separate shim (not shown) defining a desired thickness corresponding to the gap G can be positioned between the structural member110and the first surface172of the corresponding mounting fastener170ato set the gap G therebetween. By adjusting the gap G up or down, a connection between the mounting fastener170a,band the structural member110can be made generally more or less flexible to adjust more readily to surfaces against which the tool100may be attached. For example and without limitation, the gap G can be set to 1/16 inch.

Upon tightening of the locking portion160of the holding fastener140and, more specifically, the locking fastener162against a surface of the structural member110such as, for example and without limitation, a surface of the second side118, each of a rotational position and an axial position of the holding fastener140can be fixed with respect to the structural member110. The shaft152of the holding fastener140is shown not yet extending beyond a surface of the first side117of the structural member110.

FIG. 2is a side elevation view of the tool100in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. As shown, the locking portion160can comprise a washer166such as, for example and without limitation, a locking washer. The washer166can be positioned between the locking fastener162and the structural member110. In some aspects, as shown, the washer166can be an external tooth or “star” washer, which is a type of locking washer, and can facilitate rotational locking of the locking fastener162of the locking portion160with respect to the main portion150and the structural member110.

In some aspects, as shown, the second connecting portion194of the fastener190can be a lock nut such as, for example and without limitation, a nylon lock nut resisting rotation about the first connecting portion192of the fastener190by a friction fit between an insert defined in a bore of the nut and formed from a resin such as, for example and without limitation, a polyamide such as nylon. In other aspects, the fastener190can comprise a washer (not shown), which can be positioned between the second connecting portion194and the structural member110. The second connecting portion194can facilitate setting of the gap G (shown inFIG. 1B) by allowing the fastener190to be tightened to a certain degree and maintain such a position or tightened condition.

In some aspects, as shown, the spacer180can be a sheet or can be monolithic and can, in any case, extend across the structural member110and between each of the mounting fasteners170a,band the structural member110. The spacer180can, in some aspects, define a substantially rectangular shape. In some aspects, a portion of the spacer180facing a head of the first connecting portion692(shown inFIG. 8A) can be an elastic and/or compressible material to protect the hands of a user from pinch hazards during attachment of the tool100. More specifically, if and when a hand or a portion thereof is positioned between the tool100and a structure such as the bucket610(shown inFIG. 6), the spacer180can compress to avoid injury to the user.

FIG. 3Ais a bottom perspective view of the tool100in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. A head of the first connecting portion192of each of the fasteners190can be countersunk to fit inside and sit flush with the corresponding mounting fastener170a,b.The holding fastener140can comprise or define a tip310at a tip of the first end145of the holding fastener140and can define the first end145. More specifically, the tip310can comprise a cup defining a clearance bore or clearance opening318, the purpose of which will be described below. In some aspects, the tip310can comprise or can be a flat disc to increase a size and/or surface area of the first end145of the holding fastener140and thereby facilitate contact between the first end145of the holding fastener140and the fastener assembly690(shown inFIG. 8A), including when the axis141of the holding fastener140and/or the axis101of the tool100are not aligned with an axis801(shown inFIG. 8A) of the fastener assembly690).

FIG. 3Bis a top perspective exploded view of the tool100ofFIG. 3A. As shown, the locking portion160of the holding fastener140can be or can comprise a wing nut defining wings, which can facilitate rotation and tightening of the locking portion160with respect to the main portion150of the holding fastener140and/or with respect to the structural member110, particularly when a hand of a user of the tool100, as opposed to a wrench, is used for direct tightening of the locking portion160. The structural member110can define a main bore or main opening348, which can be sized and otherwise configured to receive the holding fastener140and, more specifically, the first end145thereof. In some aspects, as shown, the first end145can define a plain end of the main portion150of the holding fastener140or, more specifically, the shaft152thereof. In some aspects, as also shown, a diameter of the holding fastener140and, more specifically, the shaft152thereof including the first end145can be constant. An exception can be an edge treatment on or other slight narrowing or widening of the shaft152at the first end145. The structural member110can define the openings398, each of which can be sized and otherwise configured to receive the corresponding fastener190and, more specifically, the first connecting portion192thereof. Each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan define an opening378, which can also be sized and otherwise configured to receive the corresponding fastener190.

The main opening348can be aligned with the axes101,141of the tool100and the holding fastener140, respectively. The openings398can be offset from the first end115and the second end116, respectively, by a distance such as, for example and without limitation, one half inch. In some aspects, each of the shaft152of the main portion150and the locking fastener162of the locking portion160can be threaded. In other aspects, the shaft152or, more generally, the holding fastener140, can be otherwise configured to move and be fixed, with or without indexing, with respect to the structural member110. In some aspects, as shown, the washer166can be a flat or smooth washer.

FIG. 4Ais a top perspective view andFIG. 4Bis a bottom perspective view of the tool100in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. In some aspects, as shown, the structural member110can comprise the hub120and three arms130a,b,cextending from the hub120. In some aspects, the structural member110can comprise a single arm130. In some aspects, the structural member110can comprise more than three arms130. In some aspects, the structural member110can comprise a plate without separate arms per se, and mounting fasteners such as the mounting fasteners170a,b,ccan be arranged on and secured to the plate at a desired distance from each other so as to define a space therebetween for the first end145(shown inFIG. 3B) of the holding fastener140. In some aspects, as shown, the tool100can have planar and radial symmetry in the arrangement of the holding fastener140, the mounting fasteners170a,b,the arms130a,b,c,and any one or more other components. In some aspects, the tool100need not have planar or radial symmetry in the arrangement of the holding fastener140, the mounting fasteners170a,b,or any other components. For example and without limitation, instead of the holding fastener140being positioned halfway between the mounting fasteners170in the X-axis direction, the holding fastener140can be positioned anywhere between the mounting fasteners170or can be offset from each of the mounting fasteners170in the same direction. For example, the first mounting fastener170a,the second mounting fastener170b,and then the holding fastener140can be arranged sequentially on the structural member110. Each of the arms130a,b,ccan define a length measured from a center of the hub120of the structural member110and can define a width measured in a distance orthogonal to the length thereof. In some aspects, the structural member110can define an overall diameter.

FIG. 5Ais a top perspective view andFIG. 5Bis a bottom perspective view, of the tool100in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. The structural member110can be a disc, and the mounting fastener170can comprise a single magnet through which the holding fastener140can extend. As shown, the magnet can define an annular or “donut” shape defining a central cavity578(shown inFIG. 5B) therein. The mounting fastener170can be joined or secured to the structural member110with an adhesive or other fastener. In some aspects, the main portion150and, in some aspects, the locking portion160can be secured directly to the mounting fastener170without the structural member110positioned therebetween. In some aspects, a second locking fastener164can be tightened against the locking fastener162to resist or prevent rotation of the holding fastener140with respect to the locking portion160or the mounting fastener170.

Momentarily skippingFIGS. 6-9,FIG. 10is a side exploded view of the tool100comprising suction cups as the mounting fasteners170a,bin accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. As shown, each of the openings398can be sized and otherwise configured to receive the corresponding mounting fastener170a,bitself. More specifically, each of the openings398can extend from the respective ends115,116of the structural member110and can define a locking portion1010to secure a portion of the mounting fastener170a,band a pass-through portion1020for allowing the mounting fastener170a,bto be more easily assembled. In some aspects, the structural member110need not define the pass-through portion1020. Each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan define grooves1070for engaging with or receiving the structural member110without necessarily the fasteners190(shown inFIG. 1A). When present, the openings378can extend only partially through the mounting fasteners170a,bto facilitate suction by definition of a closed space between each of the mounting fasteners170a,band the mounting structure, e.g., the bucket610(shown inFIG. 7). Each of the suction cups forming the mounting fasteners170a,bcan be formed from any elastic material such as, for example and without limitation, natural or synthetic rubber, EPDM, or silicone.

FIG. 11Ais a side view of the tool100in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure. As shown, one of an elastic and compressive material such as, for example, any one or more of the materials forming the spacer180can form a spacer1110, which can be secured to the holding fastener140. In some aspects, an inflated or inflatable air bladder or gas-filled bladder can define the spacer1110. The spacer1110, including the spacer1110shown inFIG. 11A or 11B, can compress and can apply pressure to a portion of the fastener assemblies690with the use of the holding fastener140or, as shown inFIG. 8B, without the holding fastener140. The spacer1110can be positioned at the first end145of the holding fastener140and can define the first end145. The spacer1110can be secured with an adhesive, which can be applied to a first surface1112(shown inFIG. 110) of the spacer1110. In some aspects, as shown, the spacer1110or a maximum dimension thereof can be smaller than a diameter of the shaft152of the holding fastener140. In some aspects, a diameter or maximum dimension of the spacer1110can be greater than a diameter of the shaft152of the holding fastener140. In some aspects, the spacer1110can be attached to and can optionally cover the tip310of the holding fastener140. In some aspects, the spacer1110can be secured to a surface of the tool100shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Band positioned inside the cavity578(shown inFIG. 5B) defined by the mounting fastener170.

FIGS. 11B and 110show the tool100in accordance with another aspect of the current disclosure.FIG. 11Bis a bottom perspective view andFIG. 110is a side view of the tool100. The tool100need not comprise the holding fastener140at all. In some aspects, as shown, the tool100can comprise a handle1150and can also comprise the mounting fastener190a,b—and integrally so, as also shown. More specifically, in some aspects, the fastener190can secure both the corresponding mounting fastener170a,band the handle1150to the structural member110, including along respective axes171a,bin some aspects. In some aspects, the handle1150need not be a separate component of the tool100and can be formed from the structural member110. More specifically, the structural member110can be monolithically formed with the handle1150, i.e., it can be formed as a singular component that constitutes a single material without joints or seams. As shown inFIG. 11C, the handle1150can define a height H, which can—together with a height of the mounting fasteners170a,band any intervening parts such as the structural member110—define a lever arm or lever distance L. In some aspects, as shown, the spacer1110of the tool100can be secured to and extend from the first side117of the structural member110. Again, the spacer1110can be secured with an adhesive applied to the first surface1112, which can be distal from a second surface1114of the spacer1110. In some aspects, being formed one of an elastic and a compressible material, the spacer1110can compress when installed in position. In some aspects, the spacer1110can be formed from a rigid material and a thickness1115thereof can be set to maintain a position of the first connecting portion692(shown inFIG. 6) of the fastener assembly690(shown inFIG. 6). In some aspects, the structural member110itself can be shaped, e.g., with bending, to approach and contact, with or without the spacer1110(i.e., the structural member110can indirectly or directly contact), the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690.

Returning toFIGS. 6-9,FIG. 6is a front perspective view of the vehicle600comprising the bucket610, the blade650, and the plurality of fastener assemblies690securing the blade650to the bucket610in accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure. Each of the fastener assemblies690can comprise the first connecting portion692and a second connecting portion694. For example and without limitation, the first connecting portion692can be a bolt and the second connecting portion694can be a nut. More specifically, in some aspects, the first connecting portion692can be a carriage bolt, and the second connecting portion694can be a nut, which can optionally comprise or define a flange as shown inFIG. 8A. As shown, the first connecting portion692of any of the fastener assemblies690can extend upward from a bottom or outside of the bucket610through each of the blade650and a main portion810(shown inFIG. 8A) of the bucket610. More broadly, the fastener assembly690can secure any of a first structure such as, for example and without limitation, the blade650to a second structure such as, for example and without limitation, the bucket610. As shown, the first structure and the second structure can be a portion of a vehicle such as the vehicle600. In other aspects, the first structure and the second structure can be part of any non-vehicle or even non-movable, i.e., stationary structure.

FIG. 7is a side bottom perspective view of the tool100ofFIG. 1Ainstalled on the bucket610of the vehicle600. As shown, the holding fastener140can be aligned with the fastener assembly690(shown inFIG. 8A) or, as shown, a recessed portion758in the bucket610or, more specifically, the blade650in which the fastener assembly690is received. As shown, each of the mounting fasteners170a,bcan be attracted to and secure to the bottom or outside surface of the bucket610or, more specifically, the blade650, each of which can comprise or be formed from a ferromagnetic material such as steel.

FIG. 8Ais a sectional view of the tool100ofFIG. 1Ainstalled on the bucket610of the vehicle600(shown inFIG. 6) and with the holding fastener140of the tool100in contact with the fastener assembly690of the bucket610. As shown, a top or inside surface851of the blade650, which can be a replacement “sacrificial element” of the bucket610to prolong use of a remaining portion of the bucket610, can be mated or otherwise secured to a bottom or outside surface812of the main portion810of the bucket610. As shown, the working surfaces174of the corresponding mounting fasteners170a,bof the tool100can remain in flush or substantially flush (e.g., sufficiently close and/or parallel so as to remain in mating contact) with the blade650, including when a surface852, which can be a bottom or outer surface, of the blade650is not flat. More specifically, even though a portion of the blade650proximate to an edge855—or any other portion of the blade650or, more generally, the bucket610, may not lie in the same plane as neighboring portions of the same structure, the mounting fasteners can, as shown, be flexible enough to conform to the surface852, which can be non-flat as shown. One or more of the mounting fasteners170a,b,the spacers180, and other elements of the tool100can facilitate such conformity with a mating surface of the bucket610such as the surface852. As part of this, the axes171a,bneed not remain parallel during use of the tool100. Instead, each individual mounting fastener170a,bcan be allowed to “float” or self-adjust such that it remains perpendicular to the mating surface to which the tool100is attached during use.

As shown, the first end145of the holding fastener140can be in contact with the fastener assembly690and, more specifically, the first connecting portion692to hold the first connecting portion692in place. The holding fastener140can hold the first connecting portion692in place even when the second connecting portion694is not present or when the second connecting portion694is loosened or even when a force pushing against a flange896of the second connecting portion694towards an outer surface811of the main portion810of the bucket610tends to push the first connecting portion692outward or downward or otherwise in a direction tending to separate the tool100from the mating structure. More specifically, the tool100can be configured to contact and maintain a position of the fastener assembly690in a direction of the axis801of the fastener assembly690. The first end145of the holding fastener140can be brought in contact with the fastener assembly690by adjusting a distance807between the structural member110and a nearest portion, e.g., a head, of the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690. More specifically, either or both of the axes101,141can be brought into alignment or substantial alignment with the axis801. The ability to adjust the distance807can facilitate use of the tool100with a variety of different bolt sizes and degrees of wear, especially to a head of the first connecting portion or bolt692. In some cases, for example, the head of the first connecting portion692can be completely worn and require greater extension of the first end145of the holding fastener140. In some aspects, the fastener assembly690can comprise a low-profile (e.g., countersunk or otherwise short or flat-top) head, which the tool100and, more specifically, the distance807can also be adjusted to accommodate. The tool100and, more specifically, the distance807can also be adjusted to accommodate variance in a depth of the recessed portion758.

FIG. 8Bis a sectional view of the tool100similar to that ofFIG. 8Abut taken along line8B-8B ofFIG. 11Cin accordance with one aspect of the current disclosure. More specifically, the spacer1110can be used with any tool100including the tool100ofFIG. 1A. As shown, the spacer1110can contact, be compressed at least partially by, and form a depression complementary to a shape of a head of the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690. The spacer1110can thus automatically accommodate a variety of sizes and/or conditions of wear of a head of the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690. Again, each magnet820can be received within the respective fastener body830of the corresponding mounting fastener170a,b.

FIG. 9is a side bottom perspective view of the tool100ofFIG. 1Aduring removal of the tool100from the bucket610of the vehicle600(shown inFIG. 6) and, more specifically, the surface852of the blade650. As shown, a user can apply a force F in a direction angled with respect to the axes101,141and thereby dislodge the tool100from the surface852. By applying the force F more specifically against the main portion150of the holding fastener140, a moment results, the moment (literally, a leveraged force) being roughly equal to the force F multiplied by a distance between the surface852and where the force F is applied such as the lever distance L. Even though a magnetic force produced by the mounting fasteners170a,b(or, as an alternative, a vacuum force produced by a mounting fastener comprising suction cups such as, for example and without limitation, that shown inFIG. 10) can require much greater force F to be removed in a direction parallel with the axis101of the tool100, such force F can be reduced by angling the force with respect to the axis101. For example, with the magnetic attachment force of a single mounting fastener being over 50 pounds, the removal force F may need to be 100 to 150 pounds to remove the tool in the direction parallel with the axis101of the tool100.

In some aspects, the spacer180can be placed on the working surface174of the mounting fastener170, e.g., with an adhesive, to facilitate conformance of the working surface174with the mating surface of the bucket610. More specifically, in some aspects, a circular spacer180could be secured to the working surface174shown inFIG. 3B, or an annular or ring-shaped spacer180could be secured to the working surface174shown inFIG. 5B. In such aspects, it can be beneficial to use a compressible material to form the spacer180. Because a gap can form between the working surface174of the mounting fastener170and the mating surface of the bucket610but the magnetic force of the mounting fastener170be sufficient to maintain its own position and thereby also the position of the tool100, an entirety of the working surface174need not be in contact with the mating surface of the bucket610.

A method of using the tool100can comprise brushing or otherwise cleaning a surface of the areas of a first structure and a second structure joined by the one or more fastener assemblies690. The method can comprise aligning the axis141of the holding fastener140of the tool100with the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690, in which case the fastener assembly690can secure a first structure to a second structure. The method can comprise securing the mounting fastener170—or the mounting fasteners170a,b,as also in the case of any other structures or method steps disclosed herein—of the tool100to the first structure, in which case the mounting fastener170can be configured to hold itself in place against a mating surface of the first structure (e.g., the surface852of the blade650). In some aspects, the method can comprise adjusting a position of the holding fastener140with respect to the structural member110joining the holding fastener140to the mounting fastener170to prevent dislocation of the first connecting portion692from the first structure. The method of adjusting the position of the holding fastener140can comprise adjusting and, more specifically, rotating the holding fastener until the first end145thereof contacts the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690. In some aspects, no holding fastener140and therefore no adjusting thereof is necessary. More specifically, the method can comprise contacting the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690with the tool100. In some aspects, contacting the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690with the tool100can comprise contacting the fastener assembly690with the spacer1110. In some aspects, contacting the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690with the tool100can comprise compressing the spacer1110. In some aspects, contacting the first connecting portion692of the fastener assembly690with the tool100can comprise directly contacting the first connecting portion692with the structural member110.

The method can comprise removing the second connecting portion694of the fastener assembly690from the first connecting portion692to disassemble the fastener assembly690, which again can comprise both of the first connecting portion692and the second connecting portion694. The method can comprise removing the tool100by applying the force F to a portion of the tool100. More specifically, the method of removing the tool100can comprise applying the force F to a portion of the tool100in a direction that is angled with respect to an axis101of the tool100, which can include rocking the tool with a side force. In some aspects, removing the tool100can comprise sliding the tool100across the mating surface (e.g., the surface852) until one of more of the mounting fasteners170a,bof the tool100disengage from the mating surface. In some aspects, removing the tool100can comprise tightening the holding fastener of the tool100to push against a portion of the mating surface and/or the fastener assembly and thereby lift the tool100from the mating surface. The method can comprise installing a new first structure such as a new blade650and inserting each of a plurality of new first connecting portions or bolts692into corresponding holes in the bucket610. The method can comprise installing the tool100at each position of one of the first connecting portions692and tightening, hands-free, the second connecting portion694from the top or opposite side. The method can therefore facilitate safe and consistent removal of any number of old fastener assemblies690, installation of any number of new fastener assemblies690, or both removal and installation. Because the tool100and not a user's hand holds the first connecting portion692in place, the user can avoid the impact and potential consequences (e.g., injury) of fatigue, insufficient training, or poor judgment on the removal and replacement process. Including in each of the above uses, the tool100can effectively be used to facilitate replacement of bolts such as the fastener assemblies690by retaining such bolts in position so that they can be extracted once disassembly is complete.

In other aspects, the tool need not hold a fastener in place but can hold a small piece of magnetic or other material during a fabrication process such as one involving drilling of a hole through a piece of sheetmetal material. A method of using the tool100to facilitate fabrication of a sheetmetal material can comprise aligning an axis141of the holding fastener140and specifically an axis of the tip310(shown inFIG. 3A), which can be secured to and/or can extend from the shaft152of the holding fastener140, with a desired hole location on a backside or bottom side of the sheetmetal material. The method can comprise securing the mounting fastener170of the tool100to the sheetmetal material. The method can comprise adjusting a position of the holding fastener140with respect to a structural member110joining the holding fastener140to the mounting fastener170to prevent deformation of the sheetmetal material during the drilling process. The method can comprise drilling or otherwise forming a hole in the sheetmetal material from the front side or topside of the sheetmetal material with the tool100remaining on the backside or bottom side of the material. The method of drilling or otherwise forming the hole in the sheetmetal material can comprise receiving a drilling bit or other bit within a clearance opening318(shown inFIG. 3A) of the tip310without damage to the tip310. The method can comprise removing the tool100through any one or more of the methods described above. In some aspects, the tip310can be magnetic and can through magnetic attraction hold a portion of the sheetmetal material cut out such as in a drilling operation or plasma cutting operation to avoid loss, injury, or damage to equipment by such portion.

The components of the tool100and any portion thereof can be formed from any one of a variety of materials selected based on their strength characteristics, weight, and cost. In some aspects, it will be beneficial to select a material with sufficient strength to avoid deformation, corrosion, or fatigue in use. In some aspects, for example, the structural member110and any portion of one or more of the holding fastener140, the mounting fastener(s)170, the fastener(s)190, and any other portion of the tool100can be formed from a material such as steel or aluminum, which can be cast, molded, and/or machined to produce any of the features disclosed herein. In some aspects, the tool100or portions thereof can be formed from a zinc-plated, galvanized, or stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant material or from a material such as carbon or tool steel that is less corrosion-resistant. In other aspects, another material can be used for any of the parts such as, for example and without limitation, a metal other than steel, a composite material, or a polymer resin—including of the fiber-reinforced kind. In some aspects, as shown, the tool100or portions thereof can be formed from sheet metal through traditional sheet metal forming processes. In other aspects, the structure can be formed from a powder in a three-dimensional printing process, from pellets in a molding process, or from another raw material and/or forming process. In some aspects, components such as the spacer180(shown inFIG. 1B) can be configured and selected to deform, in which case a material with appropriate characteristics such as, for example and without limitation, rubber or foam can be used. In other aspects, another material can be used for the parts configured to deform such as, for example and without limitation, a metal such as spring steel.