Abstract:
In accordance with one embodiment, a pick-up tool includes an elongated hollow body having first and second pick-up fingers extending divergently outward from a distal end of the body. Engagement elements, such as rubber cups, may be individually located at terminating outer ends of each of the first and second pick-up fingers. The pick-up tool further includes first and second linkages respectively extending from the first and second pick-up fingers. A lighting element is coupled to the body, a magnet is coupled to the first linkage, and a switch, preferably a reed switch is coupled to the distal end of the body. The switch causes the lighting element to emit light for a predetermined period of time upon detecting the magnet at an effectively close distance relative to the switch. A lever or trigger pivotally coupled to the body may be used for drawing the first and second linkages rearward, causing the engagement elements to move closer together, and substantially simultaneously causing the magnet to effectively actuate the switch.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a pick-up tool, and in particular to a pick-up tool having a lighting assembly mounted thereon.  
         [0003]     2. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [0004]     There are a wide variety of tools designed for picking up objects or manipulating objects from a distance. One common application for such tools is use by maintenance workers to pick-up debris for subsequent disposal. A tool with an elongated handle allows manipulation of the object without the need to bend over or to directly handle the material. Such tools are also useful for individuals that have physical limitations that may impede their ability to bend over and reach the ground. There are also numerous household applications for such tools including retrieval of materials from high shelves or from under furniture. Another common application for these tools is for changing light bulbs from recessed lighting fixtures.  
         [0005]     In general, pick-up tools include an elongated shaft having a handle and a control device on one end, and engagement elements on the opposite end. Some sort of linkage typically couples the engagement elements to the control element. The user of these tools may manipulate the controller, which may be constructed as a lever or trigger, to operate the engagement elements that are provided on the opposite end of the elongated shaft. The engagement elements may include arrangements such as claws, arms, scoops, calipers, tongs, blades or cups. In typical designs, a control lever or trigger pulls an internal linkage that draws together the engagement elements that are biased apart by springs.  
         [0006]     Situations arise in which the user is forced to locate an object for retrieval in a dimly lit area. Examples of such areas include closets, attics or crawlspaces, under a bed, behind furniture, tool sheds, pantries, outdoors at night, and the like. While existing devices have enjoyed considerable success, such devices are not especially suited for use in low-light and no-light environments.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     In accordance with one embodiment, a pick-up tool includes an elongated hollow body having first and second pick-up fingers extending divergently outward from a distal end of the body. Engagement elements, such as rubber cups, may be individually located at terminating outer ends of each of the first and second pick-up fingers. The pick-up tool further includes first and second linkages respectively extending from the first and second pick-up fingers. A lighting element is coupled to the body, a magnet is coupled to the first linkage, and a switch, preferably a reed switch is coupled to the distal end of the body. The switch causes the lighting element to emit light for a predetermined period of time upon detecting the magnet at an effectively close distance relative to the switch. A lever or trigger pivotally coupled to the body may be used for drawing the first and second linkages rearward, causing the engagement elements to move closer together, and substantially simultaneously causing the magnet to effectively actuate the switch.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0008]     The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, wherein:  
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a pick-up tool having an attached lighting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a close-up top-view of the distal end of the pick-up tool of  FIG. 1 , and is shown in the open position;  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a close-up top-view of the distal end of the pick-up tool of  FIG. 1 , and is shown in the closed position;  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a partial close-up side-view of the pick-up tool of  FIG. 2 , showing the light in the off condition;  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a partial close-up side-view of the pick-up tool similar to  FIG. 4 , showing the light actuated; and  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the various components of an exemplary lighting assembly which may be used in conjunction with the pick-up tool of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0015]     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawing figures which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustration specific embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood by those of ordinary skill in this technological field that other embodiments may be utilized, and that structural, electrical, as well as procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. As a matter of convenience, various embodiments of the invention will be described using exemplary materials, sizes, shapes, and dimensions, but the present invention is not limited to the stated examples.  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of pick-up tool  10 , which is shown having handle  15  attached to elongated hollow body  20  at proximal end  25 . First and second pick-up fingers  30  may be attached at their proximal ends to an outside portion of the body using a suitable fastening device or technique including rivets, welding, bolt and nut combinations, straps, clamps, and the like. If desired, cover  35  may be used to conceal the interface between the pick-up fingers and the body, and may additionally aid in the fastening of the pick-up fingers to the body.  
         [0017]     In general, separate linkages respectively extend from each engagement element, shown in  FIG. 1  as cup  45 . Both cups are effectively coupled to trigger  50  using linkage components. For example, in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , linkages  40  each extend from a separate cup and pass through at least a portion of the interior of body  20 . Both linkages may be attached to a separate linkage component which passes through the hollow body and is coupled to trigger  50 . Alternatively, linkages  40  may each directly couple to the trigger. The trigger may be pivotally mounted at proximal end  25  of the body so that the trigger pulls the linkages  40  rearward when the trigger is squeezed by a user. Optional thumb lock  52  may be used to secure the pick-up tool in the closed position.  
         [0018]     Pick-up tool  10  is also shown having a lighting assembly composed of light element  55 , an electrical switch (not shown in this figure), and magnet  60 . The light element is selectively actuated and will be termed herein as a “flashlight” without attaching any special meaning to that term. The flashlight may be coupled to distal end  65  of the body. The magnet is shown secured to an inner side of one of the linkages  40 , such that the magnet is located proximate to the flashlight, and more particularly, to the electrical switch, when the pick-up tool is in the open position. Flashlight  55  and magnet  60  may be secured to their respective components of the pick-up tool using a suitable fastener including adhesives, clamps, hook and loop materials such as Velcro, straps, and the like.  
         [0019]     The engagements elements, such as cups  45 , may be formed from an assortment of different materials which allows the pick-up tool to grasp or otherwise engage an item of interest such as, for example, trash, books, coins, clothing, food items, garden debris, and the like. Possible engagement elements include arrangements such as cups, claws, arms, scoops, calipers, tongs, blades, and the like. Suitable materials for the engagement elements include rubber, plastic, metal, and alloys, among others. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the cups may have a diameter of about 0.5-2.5 inches, or more. However, the cups may be dimensioned to facilitate the retrieval of particular types of items such as cans, books, rocks, coins, golf balls, tennis balls, and the like.  
         [0020]     Body  20 , fingers  30 , and linkages  40  may be formed from any suitably ridged material such as aluminum, steel, steel-alloy, plastic, and the like. The overall length of pick-up tool  10  is typically dependent upon the type of environment (for example, household, office, medical facility, outdoor garden, roadside, garage, golf course, tennis courts, and the like), in which the pick-up tool is to be used. Other applications include the retrieval of items from water (for example, swimming pools and ponds), and from elevated locations such as trees and building roofs and rafters. The pick-up tool may therefore be sized to accommodate such uses, and consequently may have an overall length of about 1-7 feet, or more.  
         [0021]     Handle  15  and trigger  20  may be constructed any suitably ridged material. For instance the handle may be formed from two injection-molded, half-handles, which are attached together with rivets, screws, or other types of fasteners. The trigger may be constructed in a similar fashion.  
         [0022]     Exemplary operation of pick-up tool  10  will be now be described with additional reference to  FIGS. 2 through 5 .  FIGS. 2 and 4  are close-up top and side views, respectively, of the distal end of the pick-up tool in the open position. Conversely,  FIGS. 3 and 5  are close-up top and side views, respectively, of the same pick-up tool, but in the closed position.  
         [0023]     To operate the pick-up tool, a user may first grasp the pick-up tool by handle  15  while locating the item for retrieval. As previously noted, situations may arise in which the user is forced to locate an object for retrieval in a dimly lit or dark area. Examples of such areas include closets, attics or crawlspaces, under a bed, behind furniture, tool sheds, pantries, outdoors at night, and the like.  
         [0024]     Flashlight  55  is shown secured to the body using adhesive  57 , and may be used to assist users in providing desired illumination. For instance, to activate the flashlight, the user may squeeze trigger  50  in direction  70 . This causes the rearward pull of linkages  40 , resulting in at least a portion of the linkages to withdraw into proximal end  65  of the hollow body. Since magnet  60  is attached to one of the linkages, it also moves inwardly toward the proximal end. Ultimately, the magnet reaches an effectively close location adjacent to flashlight  55 . In accordance with an embodiment, the magnet interacts with a cooperating electrical switch housed within, for example, the flashlight. Whenever the magnet is placed in close physical proximity to the switch, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the switch causes the flashlight to emit light. A timing circuit within the flashlight maintains the light on or actuated for a predetermined period of time.  
         [0025]     After the light is actuated, the user may release the trigger and the cups will disengage, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Even though magnet  60  is no longer positioned near the electrical switch associated with the flashlight, the flashlight remains illuminated for a predetermined length of time (10-60 seconds being typical, but it could 0-60 seconds). The length of time that the flashlight remains activated may be controlled using a conventional time delay circuit, such as a resistor/capacitor (R/C) time delay circuit. Note that 60 seconds is specified here only for practical reasons. It could be longer if desired. This enables the user to see the object to be picked up, even though the engagement elements, or cups, are separated, awaiting the trigger to be squeezed to pick up the object. The just-described process of squeezing and releasing trigger  50  may be repeated as often as necessary to provide additional time periods of illumination. The specifics relating to the electrical switch are discussed in more detail in conjunction with  FIG. 6 .  
         [0026]     An advantage provided by pick-up tool  10  is that the user does not have to utilize a separate lighting device when using the pick-up tool in dimly lit areas. This allows the user to manipulate the pick-up tool with one hand, leaving their other hand free. Another benefit is that the flashlight may be activated using the same action which would be required for holding the pick-up tool and retrieving an object. This simplifies the activation of the flashlight since the user does not have to locate a separate flashlight on/off switch. This is especially important when using the pick-up tool in darkened conditions which would make finding the on/off switch difficult.  
         [0027]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the various components of an exemplary lighting assembly which may be used in conjunction with, for example, the pick-up tool illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Flashlight  55  includes upper and lower housings  100  and  105 , which collectively contain lamp  110  and associated electrical switch  15 . Conventional reflector  120  is positioned within the upper and lower housings, relative to the lamp. Connector  125  engages cooperating threading located on the upper and lower housings. Adhesive  57  may be used to secure the flashlight to body  20 , for example. The adhesive may be any type, including a dual sided peel-and-stick tape or sheet. Magnet  60  is shown housed in housing  135 , which facilitates the attachment of this component to linkage  40 . The magnet may be similarly secured to the linkage. The flashlight may be powered using any suitable DC power source (not shown), such as one or more AA or AAA sized batteries, for example.  
         [0028]     In general, switch  115 , which will also be referred to as a proximity switch, may be implemented using known technologies which can sense, react to, or otherwise detect the relative proximity of a sensed device or component. An example of such a sensed device is magnet  60 . In accordance with an embodiment, switch  115  may be implemented as a reed switch. A reed switch is typically composed of an electric switch having a pair of ferrous metal contacts in a hermetically sealed glass envelope. During use, these contacts will pull together and complete an electrical circuit, which activates lamp  110 , whenever the magnet is placed in close proximity to the switch ( FIG. 3 ). That is, whenever a user squeezes trigger  50 , the attached linkages  40  are pulled inwardly, causing attached magnet  60  to be repositioned in close proximity to switch  115 .  
         [0029]     In accordance with an embodiment, magnet  60  may be alternatively located on one of the fingers  30 . In this embodiment, pulling of the trigger would cause the finger having the magnet to move inwardly toward body  20 . This action would actuate flashlight  55  in a manner similar to that described above.  
         [0030]     If desired, switch  115  may be further configured with manual override capabilities. This enables a user to turn the flashlight on or off manually, regardless of the relative positioning of the magnet and switch. Alternatively or additionally, the timing circuit associated with switch  115  may also be configured with a knob or slider switch, for example, which permits a user to manually specify the total elapsed time for which the flashlight remains activated. While the preferred embodiment is to have the light remain on for some period of time after it is actuated, embodiments of the invention contemplate a light that goes on and off by activating the trigger. Another possibility is to remotely mount switch  115  relative to the flashlight. In such embodiments, the flashlight need not be positioned in close proximity to the magnet.  
         [0031]     The figures show pick-up tool  10  having linkages  40  which pass through the center of body  20 . One possible alternative is to route the linkages along the outside of some or all of the body. In such an embodiment, fingers  30  may be structured to permit the linkages to pass the location at which the fingers are attached to the body.  
         [0032]     Various embodiments have been described in which the lighting assembly has been implemented as a conventional flashlight using a lamp for illumination. However, other lighting elements or devices (for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs), vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs), and the like) are possible and within the teachings of the present disclosure.  
         [0033]     The present disclosure provides various examples of pick-up tools which may be configured with a lighting assembly in accordance with the present invention. The EZ Grabber, the EZ Reacher, and the EZ Assist Reacher, all developed by ARCOA Industries of San Marcos, Calif., are several such pick-up tools that may be adapted in accordance with the invention for use with the lighting assemblies disclosed herein. Further examples of pick-up tools which may implement a lighting assembly in accordance with the invention are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,962,957 and 5,577,785, which are both assigned to the assignee of the present invention.  
         [0034]     While the invention has been described in detail with reference to disclosed embodiments, various modifications within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in this technological field. It is to be appreciated that features described with respect to one embodiment typically may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the invention properly is to be construed only with reference to the claims.