Patent Publication Number: US-10766123-B1

Title: Magnetic tools

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of Inventions 
     The field of this application and any resulting patent is magnetic tools. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Various magnetic tools and methods for handling ferromagnetic objects have been proposed and utilized, including some of the methods and structures disclosed in some of the references appearing on the face of this patent. However, those methods and structures lack the combination of steps and/or features of the methods and/or structures covered by the patent claims below. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the methods and/or structures covered by at least some of the claims of this issued patent solve many of the problems that prior art methods and structures have failed to solve. Also, the methods and/or structures covered by at least some of the claims of this patent have benefits that would be surprising and unexpected to a hypothetical person of ordinary skill with knowledge of the prior art existing as of the filing date of this application. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure herein includes a magnetic tool for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which tool may include: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the base. 
     The disclosure herein also includes a magnetic tool for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which tool may include: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; a handle rotatably coupled to the base; and a shield slidably coupled to the chassis and the handle. 
     The disclosure herein further includes a magnetic assembly for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which assembly may include a magnetic tool that includes: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; a handle rotatably coupled to the base; and a shield slidably coupled to the magnetic tool. 
     The disclosure herein additionally includes a magnetic assembly for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which assembly may include a first magnetic tool and a second magnetic tool, each first and second magnetic tool including: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the base; and a coupler coupled to each chassis of the magnetic tools. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     1. Introduction 
     A detailed description will now be provided. The purpose of this detailed description, which includes the drawings, is to satisfy the statutory requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112. For example, the detailed description includes a description of the inventions defined by the claims and sufficient information that would enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions. In the figures, like elements are generally indicated by like reference numerals regardless of the view or figure in which the elements appear. The figures are intended to assist the description and to provide a visual representation of certain aspects of the subject matter described herein. The figures are not all necessarily drawn to scale, nor do they show all the structural details of the systems, nor do they limit the scope of the claims. 
     Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention which, for infringement purposes, is recognized as including equivalents of the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to the subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions, and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these specific embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology. Various terms as used herein are defined below, and the definitions should be adopted when construing the claims that include those terms, except to the extent a different meaning is given within the specification or in express representations to the Patent and Trademark Office (PTO). To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below or in representations to the PTO, it should be given the broadest definition persons having skill in the art have given that term as reflected in at least one printed publication, dictionary, or issued patent. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic tool including a shield. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic tool coupled to a shield. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of a magnetic assembly having a magnetic tool and a shield. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic assembly having two magnetic tools coupled together. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic assembly having two magnetic tools coupled together and positioned parallel to each other. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of a coupler for coupling two magnetic tools of a magnetic assembly. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of a handle of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a frontal view of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a first side view of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a second side view of a magnetic tool having a slot to store an adjustment tool. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a bottom view of a chassis and base of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a cross-sectional frontal view of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a magnetic tool. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross-sectional frontal view of magnetic assembly having a magnetic tool and a shield. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of a magnetic assembly having a magnetic tool coupled to a shield. 
     
    
    
     2. Selected Definitions 
     Certain claims include one or more of the following terms which, as used herein, are expressly defined below. 
     The term “abutted against” as used herein is defined as being positioned adjacent to and either physically touching or pressing against, directly or indirectly. For example, a first object may be abutted against a second object such that the second object is limited from moving in a direction of the first object. For example, a face of a chassis may be abutted against a portion of a shield. 
     The term “adjacent” as used herein is defined as next to and may include physical contact, but does not require physical contact. 
     The term “aligned” as used herein is defined as manufactured, formed, or adjusted in a line; or positioned in relation to something else. For example, apertures disposed in two different structures may be aligned so that an imaginary line can pass through both apertures. For example, an elongated member such as a bolt or screw may be capable of passing through both an aperture in one structure and also a different aperture in an adjacent structure and thus be capable of positioning both structures as desired. 
     The term “aperture” as used herein is defined as any opening in a solid object or structure. For example, an aperture may be an opening that begins on one side of the solid object and ends on the other side of the object. An aperture may alternatively be an opening that does not pass entirely through the object, but only partially passes through, e.g., as a groove. An aperture can be an opening in an object that is completely circumscribed, defined, or delimited by the object itself. Alternatively, an aperture can be an opening in the object when the object is combined with one or more other objects or structures. One or more apertures may be disposed and passed entirely through a chassis, base, handle, bearing, washer, and spacer. An aperture may receive another object and permit ingress and/or egress of the object through the aperture. 
     The term “coupled” as used herein is defined as directly or indirectly connected, attached, or integral with, e.g., part of. A first object may be coupled to a second object such that the first object is positioned at a specific location and orientation with respect to the second object. A first object may be either permanently or removably coupled to a second object. Two objects may be permanently coupled to each other via adhesive, welding, or mechanically pressed together; or they may be removably coupled via nails, screws, or nuts and bolts. Also, two objects may be capable of being threadably coupled together, e.g., where a threaded outer surface of one object is capable of engaging with or to a threaded inner surface of another object. Thus, a threaded assembly may be threadably coupled to a threaded portion of a base, chassis, and/or handle. 
     The term “cylindrical” as used herein is defined as shaped like a cylinder, e.g., the shape of a structure having straight parallel sides and a circular or oval or elliptical cross-section. A cylindrical body or structure, e.g., chassis, may be completely or partially shaped like a cylinder. A chassis is an example of a solid cylindrical body. 
     The term “threaded assembly” as used herein refers to an assembly that includes threads, and preferably also includes one or more bolts, one or more springs, one or more washers, and/or one or more spacers used for coupling two objects together. A bolt and a washer may, for example, share a common central axis line. Also, a bolt and a spring may share a common central axis line. 
     The term “threaded” as used herein is defined as having threads. Threads may include one or more helical protrusions or grooves on a surface of a cylindrical object. Each full rotation of a protrusion or groove around a threaded surface of the object is referred to herein as a single “thread.” A bolt may include a “threaded portion” wherein a section of the bolt includes threads. A threaded portion may be threadably mated with a “box thread” disposed in a chassis, base, or handle. 
     The term “exemplary” is used exclusively herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Anything, including any embodiment, structure, element, or step, described herein as exemplary, is not to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments, structures, elements, steps, etc. 
     3. Certain Specific Embodiments 
     The disclosure herein includes a magnetic tool for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which tool may include: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the base. 
     The disclosure herein includes a magnetic tool for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which tool may include: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; a handle rotatably coupled to the base; and a shield slidably coupled to the chassis and the handle. 
     The disclosure herein includes a magnetic assembly for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which assembly may include: a magnetic tool including: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the base; and a shield slidably coupled to the magnetic tool. 
     The disclosure herein includes a magnetic assembly for attaching to and moving a ferromagnetic workpiece which assembly may include: a first magnetic tool and a second magnetic tool, each magnetic tool including: a chassis having a magnetic face; a base rotatably coupled to the chassis; and a handle rotatably coupled to the base; and a coupler coupled to each chassis of the magnetic tools. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, a rotation axis of the base relative to the chassis may be orthogonal to a rotation axis of the handle relative to the base. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the magnetic face of the chassis may include an aperture for receiving a magnet. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the base may be rotatably coupled to opposing ends of the chassis. 
     Any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include a threaded assembly extended through the chassis and the base. 
     Any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include a threaded assembly extended through the base and the handle. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the chassis and the base may further include apertures that are aligned for receiving a pin. 
     Any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include a pin extendable through the chassis and the base for preventing the base from rotating relative to the chassis. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the base and the handle may further include apertures that are aligned for receiving a pin. 
     Any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include a pin extendable through the base and the handle for preventing the handle from rotating relative to the base. 
     Any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include a threaded assembly extended through the chassis and the shield, the threaded assembly slidable along a portion of the shield. 
     Any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include a threaded assembly including: a spring positioned between the shield and the handle; and a pin extended through the shield, the handle, and the spring. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein may further include: a first threaded assembly extended through the coupler and the chassis of the first magnetic tool; and a second threaded assembly extended through the coupler and the chassis of the second magnetic tool. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, wherein the coupler may be solid. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the coupler may be a wall. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the coupler may be a triangular prism. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the coupler may a rectangular prism. 
     In any one of the methods or structures disclosed herein, the magnetic faces of the magnetic tools may be coplanar. 
     4. Specific Embodiments in the Drawings 
     The drawings presented herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the claims. Rather, the drawings are intended to help enable one having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the claimed inventions. 
     This section addresses specific versions of magnetic tools shown in the drawings, which relate to assemblies, elements and parts that can be part of a magnetic tool and/or magnetic assembly, and methods for operating (using) such magnetic tools and magnetic assemblies. Although this section focuses on the drawings herein, and the specific embodiments found in those drawings, parts of this section may also have applicability to other embodiments not shown in the drawings. The limitations referenced in this section should not be used to limit the scope of the claims themselves, which have broader applicability. 
     Although the methods, structures, elements, and parts described herein have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. Those skilled in the art may be able to study the preferred embodiments and identify other ways to practice the invention that are not exactly as described herein. It is the intent of the inventors that variations and equivalents of the invention are within the scope of the claims, while the description, abstract and drawings are not to be used to limit the scope of the invention. The invention is specifically intended to be as broad as the claims below and their equivalents. 
     Described herein is a system that is intended for the use of moving, handling, transferring or orienting a workpiece and which may have other as yet undefined applications. The system consists of three major elements that can be used in tandem or separately as a task requires. 
     Element One may be a magnetic handling device (MHD) which comprises or consists of the following parts: a magnet or cluster of magnets; an articulating base that allows rotation of the above magnetic cluster about a major axis; a handle, grip or other interface that, when attached to the base, allow for rotation about an axis that is transverse to that of the previously defined articulating base. 
     Element Two may be a coupler attachment which, when attached to the magnetic clusters or any other part of the independent MHDs as defined above, ties two or more MHDs together to form a single lifting unit. 
     Element Three may be a partially or fully enveloping attachment which allows for Element One to move about an axis perpendicular to the workpiece, thereby enabling disengagement of the magnetic field from the workpiece as desired. Distinguishing features relative to known prior art include the following. The ability for the MHD to rotate in two axes relative to the workpiece, thereby allowing optimal wrist position and reduced operator fatigue. The ability to lock rotation of the handle, grip or other interface relative to the articulating base. The ability to lock rotation of the articulating base relative to the magnetic cluster. The ability to couple multiple MHDs into one device using Element Two to increase lifting capacity. The ability of the MHD to selectively engage and disengage the magnetic field from the workpiece when used in tandem with Element Three. The ability of the MHD to be engaged with hands, a lifting sling/cable or hook. The integration of an adjustment key for assembly, maintenance and operation. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic tool  100 . The magnetic tool  100  includes a chassis  102 , a base  104 , and a handle  106 . The base  104  may be rotatably coupled to the chassis  102 . 
       FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic tool  100  including a shield  228 . The shield  228  may be removably coupled the chassis  102 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a magnetic tool  100 . The chassis  102  may have a generally cylindrical body  202  with two opposing ends  210   a ,  210   b . A face  208  may be disposed on the body  202 . A groove (not shown) may be disposed in the face  208 . A magnet  204  may be disposed within the groove. A first cover  206  may be disposed in the groove over the magnet  204 . The first cover  206  may be removably coupled to the body  202  via one or more threaded assemblies (not shown) extended through the first cover  206  and the body  202 . 
     In some case, a shield  228  may be disposed over the face  208  for providing protection to the face  208  when the magnetic tool  100  is not in use. Preferably, the shield  228  has a metallic portion that for attraction to the magnet  204  and may be retained against the body  202 , as shown in  FIG. 1B . Additionally, the shield  228  may have a nonmagnetic portion for preventing magnetic forces to extend past the shield  228 . 
     The base  104  may be a structure having an elongated portion  212 . Two end portions  214   a ,  214   b  may extend from opposing ends of the elongated portion  212 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Preferably, the two end portions  214   a ,  214   b  is extended at ninety (90) degrees from the elongated portion  212 , to form a C-shape or a D-shape. Each end portion  214  may be rotatably coupled to a respective end  210  of the chassis  102 . Additionally, a threaded assembly  224  may be extended through each end portion  214  and each respective end  210  of the chassis  102 . Each threaded assembly  224  may have a threaded portion for threadable mating with a box thread  226  disposed at each end  210  of the chassis  102 . Thus, the base  104  is capable of being rotated on an axis around the chassis  102 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the handle  106  may be a D-shaped structure. Preferably, an aperture  220  may be disposed in the handle  106  to define a lower portion  216  and an upper portion  218 . The aperture  220  may receive an object, e.g., human hand, strap, clip, and/or hook, for grasping, hooking, and/or attaching to the upper portion  218 . Also, one or more apertures  222  may be disposed in the upper portion  218  of the handle  106 . Each aperture  222  may receive an object, e.g., strap, clip, and/or hook, for grasping, hooking, and/or attaching to the upper portion  218 . 
     A threaded assembly having a bolt  224  and a washer  230  may be provided for rotatable coupling of the elongated portion  212  of the base  104  to the lower portion  216  of handle  106 . The washer  230  may be disposed between the elongated portion  212  and the lower portion  216 . The bolt  224  may be extended through the elongated portion  212 , the washer  230 , and the lower portion  216 . Also, the bolt  224  may have a threaded portion for threadable mating with a box thread (not shown) disposed in the handle  106 . 
     Preferably, the elongated portion  212  of the base  104  and the lower portion  216  of the handle  106  are parallel to each other so that, in some cases, they do not touch. Thus, the handle  106  is capable of rotating on an axis relative to the base  104 . Additionally, the axis of rotation of the handle  106  may be orthogonal, i.e., perpendicular, at a right angle, transverse, or at 90 degrees, to the axis rotation of the base  104  around the chassis  102 . Also, the handle  106  may be rotated independently of any rotation applied to the base  104 . Alternatively, the base  104  may be rotated independently of any rotation applied to the handle  106 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , apertures  234  may be disposed in each end  210  of the chassis  102  and each end portion  214  of the base  104 . The apertures  234  of the respective end  210  and the end portion  214  may be aligned. For example, the apertures  234  of the end  210   a  of the chassis  102  and the end portion  214   a  of the base  104  may be aligned to receive a pin  232  there through. Likewise, the apertures (not shown) of the end  210   b  of the chassis  102  and the end portion  214   b  of the base  104  may be aligned to receive a pin  232  there through. A pin  232  that is extended through the respective apertures  234  of the ends  210  of the chassis  102  and the end portion  214  of the base  104  may prevent the base  104  from being rotated relative to the chassis  102 . 
     Additionally, apertures  236  may be disposed in the base  104  and the handle  106 . The apertures  236  of the base  104  and the handle  106  may be aligned to receive a pin  238 . A pin  238  that is extended through the apertures  234  may prevent the handle  106  from being rotated relative to the base  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic tool  100  coupled to a shield  300 . The magnetic tool  100  and the shield  300  may share a central plane. Additionally, the face  208  of the chassis  102  may be positioned adjacent to or abutted against a lower portion of the shield  300 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exploded view of a magnetic assembly having a magnetic tool  100  and a shield  300 . The shield  300  may have a lower portion  402 , an upper portion  404 , and side portions  406   a ,  406   b . Preferably, the portions  402 - 406  may form a rectangular or D-shape. A threaded assembly including a bolt  408  and a spring  410  may be provided for slidable coupling of the upper portion  404  of the shield  300  to the upper portion  218  of the handle  106 . The spring  410  may be positioned between the upper portions  404 ,  218 . The bolt  408  may extend through the upper portion  404  of the shield  300 , the spring  410 , and the upper portion  218  of the handle  106 . Additionally, the bolt  408  may include a threaded portion for threadable mating with a box thread  412  disposed in the upper portion  218  of the handle  106 . 
     Additionally, a threaded assembly including a bolt  408  may be provided for slidable coupling of the side portions  406   a ,  406   b  of the shield  300  to the respective side portions  214   a ,  214   b  of the base  104 . Each bolt  408  may be extended through a groove  418  disposed in each side portion  406 . A portion  416  of the bolt  408  may be retained in the groove  418  such that the portion  416  may be slid along the length of the groove  418 . Furthermore, each bolt  408  may include a threaded portion for threadable mating with a box thread  412  disposed in a side portion  214  of the base  104 . 
     The face  208  of the chassis  104  may be positioned adjacent to the lower portion  402  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In lifting operations, an operator may position the magnetic tool  100  within a distance, e.g., over, near to, adjacent to, onto, or abutted against, one or more ferromagnetic objects (not shown), e.g. nails, screws, plates, and debris. The magnetic forces from the magnet ( FIG. 2 ) in the chassis  104  may extend through the lower portion  402  of the shield  300  to attract the one or more ferromagnetic objects against the lower portion  402 . 
     In release operations, the operator may grasp the upper portion  404  of the shield  300  and upper portion  218  of the handle  106 . Further, the operator may displace the chassis  104  away from the lower portion  402  of the shield  300  by clenching a fist and drawing the upper portions  404 ,  218  towards each other. Greater displacement of the chassis  104  from the lower portion  402  may diminish the attraction between the magnet and the ferromagnetic objects so that the shield  300  may be separated from the ferromagnetic objects. 
     The operator may release the handle  104  to return the chassis  102  to its original position against the lower portion  402  of the shield  300 . The lift and release operations describe above may be repeated with various ferromagnetic objects. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic assembly having two magnetic tools  100   a ,  100   b  coupled together. A coupler  500  may be coupled to each chassis  102  of each magnetic tool  100 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a magnetic assembly having two magnetic tools  100   a ,  100   b  coupled together and positioned parallel to each other. The faces of the chassis of the magnetic tools  100   a ,  100   b  are preferably coplanar. Also, each magnetic tool  100  may be rotated relative to its respective chassis. Additionally, each magnetic tool  100  may be rotated independently of the other. Thus, the magnetic tools  100   a ,  100   b  may be rotated away or towards each other to form an angle, as shown in  FIG. 5 . Alternatively, the magnetic tools  100   a ,  100   b  may be rotated and positioned parallel to each other, as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exploded view of a coupler  500  for coupling two magnetic tools  100   a ,  100   b  of a magnetic assembly. The coupler  500  may be a solid structure. Additionally, the coupler  500  may be a wall. Also, the coupler  500  may be a triangular prism. Furthermore, the coupler  500  may be a rectangular prism. 
     The coupler  500  may be positioned adjacent to and/or between the chassis  102   a ,  102   b . The chassis  102 *,  102   b  may also be adjacent to each other such that their faces  208  are coplanar. 
     The coupler  500  and the chassis  102   a ,  102   b  may be coupled via threaded assemblies that include a bolt  706 . The coupler  500  may include one or more apertures  702  that are aligned with box threads  704  disposed in each chassis  102 . Each bolt  706  may be extended through an aperture  702  of the coupler  500 . Also, each bolt  706  may include a threaded portion for threadable mating with a box thread  704 . 
       FIGS. 8-14  illustrate additional views of examples of a magnetic tool  100 . 
       FIGS. 15-16  illustrate additional views of examples of a magnetic assembly having of a magnetic tool  100  coupled to a shield  300 .