GB2315449A - Washer handling tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A ferromagnetic tool for positioning a ferromagnetic washer, the tool comprising an elongate member 37, 43 having a working face P conforming with a portion of the periphery of the washer 36, 46. At least one of the tool working face and the washer and the washer having a magnetised portion.

Description

WASHER TOOL This invention relates to a tool for positioning one or more washers for example over a threaded fastener. The invention is of particular utility in aviation but is not limited to such use and may for example find application in the home, garages, factories and so forth.

It is well known that engineers would normally place a plain ferromagnetic washer on a flat bladed magnetic type screwdriver and try to manoeuvre it into position in a confined space. Also, it is known that when several plain washers are placed one on top of each other in a "stacked form" the engineers would stick them together with grease and then try to manoeuvre them into position.

However, this procedure can be time consuming when the washer(s) start to fall or roll off the screwdriver blade tip or when the screwdriver blade itself is too thick to position the washer(s) into a particular confined space in order to get an attachment bolt through it/them.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a universal plain washer tool kit comprising of a rectangular box with a hinged transparent top and a means for securing it shut and a moulded bottom half which provides specific compartments for a universal plain washer tool, a selection of single and multi-positioning claws and adaptor(s) therefor for the universal plain washer tool, a selection of single and multi-positioning screwdriver claw bits which can be used on any compatible screwdriver and a selection of double ended single and multi-positioning claw tools with fixed/removable claws of various sizes thereof, the selections of screwdriver claw bits, double ended positioning claw tools and positioning claws for the universal plain washer tool being provided in various lengths, thicknesses, widths, in different types of measurements, materials, shapes and types of construction such as straight, flexible, rigid, offset, c-shape or a combination of these thereof, and those of magnetic metal construction being permanently magnetised at the claws/tip area.

According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a ferromagnetic tool for positioning a ferromagnetic washer, the tool comprising an elongate member having a working face conforming with a portion of the periphery of the washer, at least one of the tool working face and the washer having a magnetised portion. Hereinafter this arrangement may be referred to as a "single positioning claw" According to an embodiment of the invention there is further provided a tool for positioning a washer the tool comprising an elongate member of resilient material having a working face capable of conforming with more than half the periphery of the washer. This embodiment may be referred to hereinafter as the third aspect of the invention" According to an embodiment of the invention there is provided a tool for positioning a washer, the tool comprising a pair of opposed arms having a working face conforming to a portion of the washer at least one of the arms being of resilient material, the arrangement being such that in use the resilient arm is biased away from its rest position and thus exerting pressure upon the washer. Hereinafter this arrangement may be referred to as a "multipositioning claw" A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a tool kit box with the lid open; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the box of Fig. 1; Figure 2A shows an end view of the box of Fig. 1; Figure 3 shows a side view of a washer tool of the invention with single and multi-positioning claws extended; Figure 3A shows a side view of a claw holder; Figure 3B shows a plan view of the holder of Fig 3A; Figure 4 shows a top view of the washer tool of Figure 3 with a plurality of washers held by a multi-positioning claw; Figure 4A shows an exploded view of a multipositioning claw; Figure 4B shows a plan view of a single positioning claw; Figure 5 shows a top view of a double ended single positioning claw; Figure 5A shows a side view of the tool of Fig 5; Figure 5B shows a side view of a further double ended single positioning claw; Figure SC show a still further double ended single positioning tool; Figure SD shows a top view of an arcuate double ended single positioning claw; Figure SE shows a top view of an embodiment of the third aspect of the invention; Figure SF is a side view of the tool of Fig 5E Figure 6 shows a top view of a double ended multi-positioning claw; Figure 6A is a section along A-A; Figure 6B is a section along B-B; Figure 6C is a section along C-C; Figure 6D is a side view of the embodiment of Fig. 6; Figure 6E is a top view of a further embodiment of the tool of 6D; Figure 6F is a side view of a yet further multipositioning claw; Figure 6G is a top view of a still further multipositioning claw; Figure 7 shows a front view of a single positioning claw for fitment to a screwdriver; Figure 7A an end view of the tool of Fig 7; Figure 7B shows a plan view of the tool of Fig 7; Figure 7C shows an end view of a further tool for fitment to a screwdriver; Figure 7D shows a front view of yet a further tool; Figure 8 shows a front view of a tool having a female fitting for mounting on the clawholder of Figs 3A and B; Figure 8A shows an end view of the tool of Fig 8; Figure 8B shows a front view of a multipositioning claw for fitment to a screwdriver; Figure 8C shows an end view of the tool of Fig 8B; Figure 8D shows a side view of the tool of Fig 8B; Figure 8E is a section on E-E; Figure 8F is a section on F-F; Figure 8G is a side view of a still further tool; and Figure 8H is a front view of a yet further tool.

Referring to the drawings, the plain washer tool kit of the invention may comprise a rectangular box 14, with a transparent top 11, a moulded bottom 13, a catch 10 or a similar means of securing the box shut and a selection of washer positioning tools and accessories. At the rear of the box two hinges 12 are provided.

In order to store the tools and accessories, the moulded compartments 15,16,17,18,19 and 20 shown in Fig. 2 are provided in the appropriate length, depth, width and shape as shown in Fig. 1 and 2 to conform to the tool or accessory. The selection of a particular tool or accessory is done by looking through the transparent top/lid 11, then the catch 10 is released and the lid 11 is lifted open on the two supporting hinges 12 as shown in Fig. 1. The tool or accessory is then taken from the appropriate compartment. For example compartment 15 in Fig.2 contains a washer tool and compartments 16 and 20 each contain accessories therefor. Compartments 17 and 18 which contain double ended tools and compartment 19 tools which may be mounted on a screwdriver. Other tools such as the offset screwdriver mounted tools and the offset single positioning claw are not shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the interest of clarity they may also be stored in compartments.

In accordance with an aspect of the invention in order to reduce the tendency of a washer to fall off a tool during mounting a working edge of the mounting tool is provided closely conforming to the periphery of a part of the washer. Preferably the tool of the second and fourth embodiments conforms to 20 to 1750 for example 45 to 1350 ofthe periphery ofthe washer. Additionally in accordance with the aspect of the invention at least one of the washer and the working edge of the tool are magnetised. Preferably the tool is magnetised.

As can be seen from Fig 7 a precision cut area P which fits closely the outer diameter of the washer with a contact surface area of up to half of the periphery of the washer is provided.

In the third aspect of the invention the working face embraces more than half of the periphery of the washer typically 185 to 220 preferably 190 to 210 so as to grip the washer. Desirably the working face comprises a precision formed groove. In accordance with this aspect neither the tool nor the washer need be magnetised or even ferromagnetic. The resilient tool thereby holds the washer until placed over the stud or other threaded fastener. The tool is then pulled away and the washer springs free.

In another aspect of the invention two "prongs" on the non-magnetic multi-positioning claws are usually longer and "hug" greater than half of the outer diameter of the plain washers in the "stacked form" The positioning claws that are of magnetic material construction, may contain permanently magnetised area(s) M. As hereinafter explained it may be possible to induce a magnetic pole in the claw by mounting on a magnetised member. All the positioning claws contain precision cut area(s) P.

Wherever the letters L, W and T are seen on the drawings, they represent the length, width and thickness respectively.

In order to give a greater understanding of the various positioning devices and accessories, a detailed description is given in each of the following sections with reference to the appropriate drawings/figure.

The drawing in Fig.3 shows the side view and in Fig. 4 a top view of a universal plain washer tool, it consists of a body 25, three fine threaded screws 22, four fixed spacers 23, three fixed nuts 24, a pair of multi-positioning claws 26, a selector point 33 and a set of single positioning claws 34. The entire universal plain washer tool can be disassembled to facilitate the removal and changing of the single and multi-positioning claws by unscrewing the three screws 22 and pulling apart the body 25; after the desired positional claws are taken from the compartments 16 and 20 in Fig. 2, they are placed on the body 25 and the holes 32 are lined up, the three screws 22 are put through the holes 32 and screwed into three fixed nuts 24, thus holding the assembled tool together.

The single positioning claws 34 can be stored in the body 25, as shown in Fig. 4; to select one of these claws 34, the selector point 33 facilitates the use of a pushing movement upwards to spread the positioning claws 34 in such a manner as to give ease of selection, as shown in Fig.3.

The example of an offset single positioning claw 21 in Fig.4 cannot be stored in the body 25, but is kept instead in the compartment 16 of the tool box in Fig. 2.

The examples of multi-positioning claws 26, 27 and 28 cannot be stored in the body 25, but are kept in compartment 20 of the tool box, as shown in Fig. 2; they are only placed in the universal plain washer tool prior to washer application; they are also provided in varying shapes, lengths L, thicknesses T and widths W, the widths being equal to that of a plurality for example two, three or four thick plain washers 30; or more, whatever is the amount required in a "stacked form" The thickness T of a single positioning claw 34 is or may be about that of a single thin or thick plain washer. Therefore a combination of four thick and one thin plain washers in a "stacked form" can be achieved by first using the multi-positioning claws 26 to apply the four thick plain washers 29, push an attachment bolt through, then use a single positioning claw 34 to place a thin plain washer and push the bolt all the way through.

The four "stacked" washers 29 are held fast by the pair of multipositioning claws 26 due to the strong spring tension of the material 28 and the two permanently magnetised areas M which each give an opposite polarity contact face, to the washers 29.

The areas marked P are generally precision cut areas, and in the case of at least the multi-positioning claws, they may be cut in such a way so as to facilitate the application of at least three different sizes of plain washers i.e.

their outer diameters in either imperial or metric measurements. The areas marked P on the multi-positioning claws can also have micro knurled indentations to give more grip on the "stacked" washers. In some embodiments of the invention magnetised particles are embedded in the precision cut optionally micro knurled portion to further increase grip. The multi-positioning claws are conveniently provided in pairs 27 whatever the length, thickness or width.

The appropriate size of the washer with a slash(/) followed by a number is stamped on the body 31 where it can easily be read for quick selection.

Those skilled in the art will however have little difficulty in devising other indicia for identifying individual tools. For example colours may be used to distinguish between the different sizes.

In the case of the multi-positioning claws, a slash(/) followed by the numbers 2,3,4,5 or more indicates that, 2,3,4,5 or more thick plain washers may be fitted to that pair of multi-positioning claws in a "stacked form" example, SIZE /4. The clawholder in Fig 3A and 3B may be used in place of the pair of multi-positioning claw 26, 27 and 28.

Fig. 5 and 5A show a basic straight rigid double ended single positioning tool, which consists of a body 37, two different sizes of positioning claws 41 and 42, two permanently magnetised areas M, two precision cut areas P. A single plain washer 36 is held fast by the positioning claw 41. Figures 5B, 5C and 5D show examples of slight variations of the basic straight rigid shape 35, which increase accessibility in certain confined spaces for plain washer application.

Fig SB shows a straight rigid offset, double ended single positioning tool so called because it is constructed from straight rigid sheet material and also it is straight when viewed from above as in Fig.S, but it is offset when viewed from the side 38.

Fig 5C also shows a straight rigid offset tool, but this is offset when viewed from above 39.

Fig SD shows a rigid C-shaped, doubled ended single positioning tool which is shaped like the letter C when viewed from above 40.

All the examples of double ended single positioning tool mentioned in this section illustrate a single plain washer 36 being held fast by one end 41 of the tool; also if they were all made from a flexible sheet material they would be called, starting from Fig.S uppermost, straight flexible, flexible offset and flexible C-shape.

Figs SE and SF show a third embodiment of the invention in which a resilient, conveniently plastics, tool is provided. A groove G is formed in the working face which embraces more than half the periphery of the washer holding it securely for positioning. When positioned the bias of the face can be overcome when the tool is pulled away. It may be necessary or desirable to increase the rigidity of tool by providing a rigid core or a corrugation to the surface of body 37.

All the basic constructional information applies to the other claws with appropriate modifications which will be apparent to the skilled worker on reading the description.

Fig. 6 and 6D show a straight rigid double ended multi-positioning tool, which consists of a straight body 43 with threaded ends 53, two multipositioning claws 44 and 45 of non-magnetic resilient material with threaded portions 54 mating with the threaded portions of the body 43. It will be apparent to the skilled worker that an integrally formed tool or one with a different means of fastening the claws to the body could be provided. Desirably some form of quick release is provided. Figs 6E, 6F and 6G show examples of convenient tool shapes. The body 43 is made of a small diameter bar as the cross sections Figs 6A, 6B and 6C show. In the illustrated embodiment the two ends 53 of the body 43 are male threaded (threads not shown) as indicated in Fig. 6 and the multi-positioning claws 44 and 45 which are of single piece construction are female threaded (threads not shown) in the areas 54 of Fig. 6.

The threaded areas 53 and 54 are preferably equal in size, thread pitch and depth on all of the double ended multi-positioning tools, therefore, irrespective of the shape of the body 43. Thus any combination of different sizes of multipositioning claws can be screwed onto any one of the bodies 43; bodies 43 being of rigid or flexible non-magnetic material; contact surface areas P have micro knurled indentations to increase grip on the washers. Figs 6D and 6F show one claw 45 of the tool holding four thick plain washers in a "stacked form" The thickness T of these claws are preferably provided in such sizes so as to hold 2,3,4,5 or more washers, the thickness T being equal to 2,3,4,5 or more thick plain washers stacked one on top of the other, the size being stamped on the claw e.g. SIZE/4.

The precision cut areas P of the positioning claws are provided in different sizes so as to conform closely to the outer diameter of different sizes of plain washers in either or both imperial and metric SIZES. It will be noted from the Figures that the tips of the claws of the multipositioning tool are rounded. This preferred feature facilitates separation of the washer from the tool and reduces the likelihood of scratching the washer.

Fig. 7, 7A and 7B show a basic straight rigid screwdriver positioning claw bit for single plain washer application and which consists of a single positioning claw 61, a body 59 with a hexagonal rear end 60, a permanently magnetised area M and a precision cut area P.

The rear end 60 allows the tool to fit a screwdriver provided with interchangable hexagon ended tips. If the screwdriver has a magnetised portion the tool itself need not be inherently magnetic.

The thickness T of the screwdriver positioning claw is conveniently of appropriate size to fit a thin/thick plain washer; the length L is as required and width W being equal to the length of the diagonal (across corners) of the hexagonal shape 62 in Fig.7.

Figs 7C and 7D show rigid offset variants.

The precision cut area P is cut to conform to the outer portion of the preferably plain washer. The relevant size may be stamped on the body 59, near the permanently magnetised area M. in the Fig. 7. In other embodiments different or no size indicating indicia are provided.

The material from which the body 59 in Fig.7 is fashioned, can be either rigid or flexible ferromagnetic material.

Fig. 8B and 8D show a basic straight rigid screwdriver multipositioning claw bit and which consists of a removable non-magnetic multipositioning claw 69 with an interior thread 72 (thread not shown), a body 67 with an exterior thread 71 (thread not shown), a modified rear end 68 and a precision cut area P. The rear end 68 being modified in such a way so as to fit the screwdriver positioning claw bit to any compatible screwdriver i.e. the hexagonal shape 70 in Fig. 8C will allow the positioning claw bit to be fitted to the corresponding hexagonal slot on the magnetic type screwdriver.

The rounded body 67, as seen in the cross section 73, has a male threaded area 71. The body 67 is also modified at the area 75 to provide a smaller diameter cylindrical shape to fit into a cylindrical slot 76 in the rear end 68 and secured with appropriate adhesive, (the rear end 68 still being of magnetic material).

The diameter of the body 67, the threaded male 71 and female 72 areas are equal in dimensions in every respect to the corresponding body diameter and threaded areas of the double ended multi-positioning tools in Fig.6, therefore, the removable multi-positioning claws from either tool can be used on each other. The construction, dimensions and texture of the materials of the multi-positioning claws are also the same.

The multi-positioning claw 69 has a female threaded area 72 which allows it to be screwed onto the male threaded area 71 of the body 67, it is also made of non-magnetic material like the body 67, but it is highly resilient so that it grips the "stacked" plain washers 74 like the thumb and forefinger of the human hand.

The precision cut area P has micro knurled indentations on the surface area that is in contact with the "stacked" plain washers 74, so that there is an increased grip on the washers. As previously noted magnetised grains may be embedded in the tool at this point to further enhance the grip. In use the precision cut area P is slightly deformed so as to fit over the outer diameters of the "stacked" plain washers 74. That is to say as the washers are fitted onto the tool, they deform the claw 69 to fit the area P exactly, prior to washer application. Also, the "prongs" on the multi-positioning claw 69 are longer than those on single positioning claws, so that they "hug" greater than half of the outer diameter ofthe "stacked plain" washers.

The thickness T is conveniently equal to the thickness of a plurality of washers typically 2,3,4,5 or more plain thick washer application in the "stacked" form; the length L being in any appropriate length that may be required; and the width W being smaller than the hexagonal rear end 70 and 68.

Fig 8E shows a rigid offset tool that is straight when viewed from the front (not shown), but is offset when viewed from the front 65 while Fig 8F shows an example of a rigid offset that is straight when viewed from the side (not shown), but is offset when viewed from the front 66.

The precision cut area P can be provided in sizes which fit the outer diameters of the plain washers in the "stacked" form, in the relevant imperial or metric sizes. Indicia indicating the size may be provided on the tool one way of doing this is to stamp it on the claw.

Figs 8 and 8A front view and a side view respectively of a removable screwdriver single positioning claw bit and which consists of a body 78 with a female threaded area 80, a precision cut area P and a permanently magnetic area M.

The female threaded area 80 is preferably of exactly the same dimensions as the removable multi-positioning claw 69 and, therefore, can be fitted on both the body of the adaptor shown in Figs 3A and 3B. and the body 43 in Fig.6.

Conveniently the removable single positioning claw is of magnetic material and of a single piece construction. However it may be constructed of a resilient material as described by reference to the third aspect of the third invention. As hereinbefore described suitable thickness, width and length can readily be determined by the skilled worker in the art.

Claims (7)

1. A ferromagnetic tool for positioning a ferromagnetic washer, the tool comprising an elongate member having a working face conforming with a portion of the periphery of the washer at least one of the tool working face and the washer and the washer having a magnetised portion.

2. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the tool has a magnetised portion.

3. A tool as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the working face is arcuate.

4. A tool for positioning a washer the tool comprising an elongate member having a resilent working face capable of conforming with more than half the periphery of the washer.

5. A tool for positioning a washer the tool comprising a pair of opposed arms having a working face conforming to a portion of the washer at least one of the opposed arms being of resilient material, the arrangement being such that in use the resilient arm is biased away from its rest position thereby exerting pressure upon the washer.

6. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding claims removably mounted on a handle.

7. A tool substantially as described hereinbefore by reference to any one of the figures.