U.S. patent application number 10/822998 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-21 for apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning a powered tool.
Invention is credited to Chong, Ian M., Johnson, Jeffrey B..
Application Number | 20040206859 10/822998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33162404 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040206859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chong, Ian M. ; et
al. |
October 21, 2004 |
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning a powered
tool
Abstract
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning a powered tool
are provided. A support member has an adjustable length between a
first end and a second end. A control device is operably coupled
with the support member. The control device is configured to
receive a supply of a motivating force and to receive a user input.
The control device is further configured to direct at least a
portion of the motivating force to the support member to direct the
support member to at least one of extend or contract as indicated
by the user input received. A tool bracket configured for receiving
a tool is disposed at the first end of the support member is
tiltable relative to a position of the support member. A base end
is disposed at the second end of the support member. The base end
is configured to engage a supporting surface.
Inventors: |
Chong, Ian M.; (Seattle,
WA) ; Johnson, Jeffrey B.; (Bellevue, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mark L. Lorbiecki
BLACK LOWE & GRAHAM PLLC
Suite 4800
701 Fifth Avenue
Seattle
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
33162404 |
Appl. No.: |
10/822998 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60463977 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
248/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 1/0035 20130101;
B25D 17/30 20130101; B25H 1/0021 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
248/121 |
International
Class: |
B24B 049/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for supporting a tool, the apparatus comprising: a
support member, the support member having an adjustable length
between a first end and a second end; a control device operably
coupled with the support member, the control device being
configured to receive a supply of a motivating force and a user
input, the control device being further configured to direct at
least a portion of the motivating force to the support member to
direct the support member to at least one of extend and contract as
indicated by the user input received; a tool bracket disposed at
the first end of the support member, the tool bracket being
configured for receiving a tool and including a tiltable coupling
joining the tool bracket to the support member such that the tool
bracket is tiltable relative to a position of the support member;
and a base end disposed at the second end of the support member,
the base end being configured to engage a supporting surface.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member includes an
extensible cylinder, the extensible cylinder including a shaft and
a housing, the shaft being slidable within an inner channel of the
housing such that relative positioning of the shaft within the
housing causes the support member to one of extend and
contract.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the support member includes a
pressure cylinder and the motivating force includes a pressure
source.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the control device is
configured to direct a pressure from the pressure source into the
pressure cylinder causing the shaft to extend from the housing
thereby causing the support member to extend when the user input
indicates the support member is to be moved to an extend
position.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the control device is
configured to direct a pressure from the pressure source into the
pressure cylinder causing the shaft to retract into the housing
thereby causing the support member to contract when the user input
indicates the support member is to be moved to a contract
position.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the control device is
configured to release pressure from the pressure cylinder allowing
the shaft to retract into the housing thereby allowing the support
member to contract when the user input device is motivated to a
contract position.
7. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure cylinder includes
a pneumatic cylinder and the pressure source includes a pressurized
gas source.
8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure cylinder includes
an hydraulic cylinder and the pressure source includes a
pressurized liquid source.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member includes a
plurality of slidable members coupled with at least one motorized
coupling, the motorized coupling being configured to position the
slidable members relative to each other such that a relative
positioning of the plurality of members causes the support member
to one of extend and contract.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the motorized coupling
includes at least one electric motor and the motivating force
includes an electric power source.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control device includes a
multiple-position control including an extend position, a contract
position, and a neutral position, the control device being
configured such that when the multiple-position control is in the
neutral position the control device neither directs the support
member to extend nor to contract.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control device includes
an extend control and a contract control, the control device being
configured so that when neither the extend control and the contract
control is actuated, the control device neither directs the support
member to extend nor to contract.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control device includes
at least one of a hand-operable device and a foot-operable
device.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a support handle
extending from the tiltable tool bracket.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the control device is
disposed on the support handle.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the tiltable coupling
includes at least one of rotatable joint and a swiveling joint.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base end is configured to
be tiltable relative to a surface receiving the base end.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base plate, the
base plate being configured to be engaged by the supporting surface
and further configured to tiltably receive the base end of the
support member.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the base plate is configured
to tiltably receive the base end with one of a hinged joint and a
ball joint configured to tiltably couple the base end of the
support member to the base plate.
20. A system for supporting a tool, the apparatus comprising: a
supply of a motivating force; a support member, the support member
having an adjustable length between a first end and a second end; a
control device operably coupled with the support member and the
supply of the motivating force, the control device being configured
to receive a user input directing the support member to one of
extend or contract and further configured to direct at least a
portion of the motivating force to the support member to direct the
support member to at least one of extend or contract as indicated
by the user input received; a tool bracket disposed at the first
end of the support member, the tool bracket being configured for
receiving a tool and including a tiltable coupling joining the tool
bracket to the support member such that the tool bracket is
tiltable relative to a position of the support member; and a base
end disposed at the second end of the support member, the base end
being configured to engage a supporting surface.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the support member includes an
extensible cylinder, the extensible cylinder including a shaft and
a housing, the shaft being slidable within an inner channel of the
housing such that relative positioning of the shaft within the
housing causes the support member to one of extend and
contract.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the support member includes a
pressure cylinder and the supply of the motivating force includes a
pressure source.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the control device is
configured to direct a pressure from the pressure source into the
pressure cylinder causing the shaft to extend from the housing
thereby causing the support member to extend when the user input
indicates the support member is to be moved to an extend
position.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein the control device is
configured to direct a pressure from the pressure source into the
pressure cylinder causing the shaft to retract into the housing
thereby causing the support member to contract when the user input
indicates the support member is to be moved to a contract
position.
25. The system of claim 22, wherein the control device is
configured to release pressure from the pressure cylinder allowing
the shaft to retract into the housing thereby allowing the support
member to contract when the user input device is motivated to a
contract position.
26. The system of claim 22, wherein the pressure cylinder includes
a pneumatic cylinder and the pressure source includes a pressurized
gas source.
27. The system of claim 22, wherein the pressure cylinder includes
an hydraulic cylinder and the pressure source includes a
pressurized liquid source.
28. The system of claim 20, wherein the support member includes a
plurality of slidable members coupled with at least one motorized
coupling, the motorized coupling being configured to position the
slidable members relative to each other such that a relative
positioning of the plurality of members causes the support member
to one of extend and contract.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the motorized coupling includes
at least one electric motor and the supply of the motivating force
includes an electric power source.
30. The system of claim 20, wherein the control device includes a
multiple-position control including an extend position, a contract
position, and a neutral position, the control device being
configured such that when the multiple-position control is in the
neutral position the control device neither directs the support
member to extend nor to contract.
31. The system of claim 20, wherein the control device includes an
extend control and a contract control, the control device being
configured so that when neither the extend control and the contract
control is actuated, the control device neither directs the support
member to extend nor to contract.
32. The system of claim 20, wherein the control device includes at
least one of a hand-operable device and a foot-operable device.
33. The system of claim 20, further comprising a support handle
extending from the tiltable tool bracket.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the control device is
disposed on the support handle.
35. The system of claim 20, wherein the tiltable coupling includes
at least one of rotatable joint and a swiveling joint.
36. The system of claim 20, wherein the base end is configured to
be tiltable relative to a surface receiving the base end.
37. The system of claim 20, further comprising a base plate, the
base plate being configured to be engaged by the supporting surface
and further configured to tiltably receive the base end of the
support member.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the base plate is configured to
tiltably receive the base end with one of a hinged joint and a ball
joint configured to tiltably couple the base end of the support
member to the base plate.
39. A method for supporting a tool, the system comprising: tiltably
coupling a first end of a support member to a tool, the support
member having an adjustable length; engaging a second end of the
support member with a supporting surface; controllably coupling a
source of the externally applied motivating force to the support
member; and selectably directing the motivating force to the
support member to direct the support member to at least one of
extend or contract.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the motivating force is
selectably directed to the support member using at least one of a
hand-operated control and a foot-operated control.
41. The method of claim 39, further comprising further comprising
providing a support handle extending from the first end of the
support member.
42. The method of claim 39, further comprising tiltably engaging
the second end of the support member with the supporting service
such that the support member is tiltable relative to the supporting
surface.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the motivating force includes
at least one of a pressure source or an electric power source.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This invention claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/463,977, filed Apr. 17, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to tools and, more
specifically, to support of a powered tool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Electrically, pneumatically, and hydraulically powered tools
have greatly reduced labor demands and costs associated with
construction, destruction, and renovation projects. To name one
example, removal of concrete, masonry, stone, or other similar hard
substances from a wall or another partially vertical surface once
had to be performed by human laborers wielding hammers and/or
chisels. The process was time consuming, demanded a great deal of
energy and strength, and resulted in an appreciable cost chargeable
to the project. However, the advent of powered tools has simplified
this process with the proliferation of devices such as chipping
hammers. A chipping hammer, which is a small, generally handheld
pneumatically-powered jackhammer, can be wielded by an individual
to chisel away such substances in a fraction of the time.
[0004] As useful and beneficial as such as tool as a chipping
hammer can be, however, the use of such a tool is not without its
drawbacks. First, although a chipping hammer is light enough to be
held by a human operator, a chipping hammer is still a relatively
heavy appliance. In order to be able to provide useful impulse
strength at the chisel tip, the chipping hammer desirably
incorporates a reasonably sturdy--and therefore heavy--metal
pneumatic cylinder. Similarly, the chisel installed in the chipping
hammer must be hard, durable, and, once again, heavy. In addition,
associated hardware, such as handles provided for gripping the
device and fittings for receiving the pneumatic pressure from a
compressor or similar device, also add weight to the device.
Finally, because the chipping hammer is coupled through a hose
sufficiently sturdy to provide pneumatic pressure, the drag weight
of the pneumatic hose also contributes to the apparent, working
weight of the chipping hammer when in use. All totaled, a typical
chipping hammer weighs in the range of 15 to 25 pounds not even
including the drag weight of the hose.
[0005] Although an object weighing 15 to 25 pounds does not present
a troubling concern in terms of lifting or carrying the object, the
task of holding a chipping hammer in one's hands supporting the
chipping hammer at various angles presents a very significant
physical challenge for the user. Unlike a jackhammer, which is used
to remove hard materials from a floor or generally horizontal
substance and is largely supported by a reaction force of a lower
surface, an operator of a chipping hammer must provide continual
support for the tool.
[0006] Second, positions in which an operator must wield a chipping
hammer can be very strenuous and awkward. It is not unusual for an
operator, standing on a ladder or scaffold to have to hold the
chipping hammer away from his or her body, often having to reach
upward or even support the tool over his or her head. Strain
resulting from working above one's head is highly fatiguing and
potentially injurious to the muscles, particularly those of the
neck, shoulders, arms, and back, as well as throughout the body.
Moreover, the strain resulting from supporting a heavy implement
above one's head, potentially for an entire work shift, day in and
day out, is tremendously rigorous.
[0007] Last, but not least, not only is the chipping hammer a heavy
tool, but by its very nature, operation of a chipping hammer
results in relatively violent reciprocating movement and vibration.
Unlike the jackhammer, whose recoil from the lower surface on which
it is used is partially restrained by gravity, the chipping hammer
must be restrained and controlled by the operator. Simply holding
onto a tool moving with such force, to say nothing of the force of
the tool continually recoiling from impact with the surface on
which the operator operates the tool, is very strenuous. Such work
strains both the larger muscles of the body, including the neck,
shoulders, arms, and back, and also the smaller muscles of the
body, including the wrists, hands, fingers, and knuckles. An
instinctive reaction to tightly grip such a shaking, thrashing tool
imparts further strain on the operator's body.
[0008] Operation of a chipping hammer presents a tremendous
challenge for a strong, healthy operator. Accordingly, it will be
appreciated what a challenge operating such a tool presents to an
operator who is not as strong or healthy, including older operators
or persons suffering from work-related or other physical
limitations. Laws today are in place to ensure worker safety, and
now also call for accommodations to challenged workers such that
they, too, can perform their jobs.
[0009] Furthermore, relying on a human operator to both support and
operate a vibrating, reciprocating tool presents a risk of harm. If
the operator becomes fatigued or otherwise is not up to the
challenge of supporting and controlling the tool, the tool could
slip from his or her hands. The tool could fall or bounce away from
the surface on which it is being used. An uncontrolled tool could
cause damage to the surface on which the tool was being operated or
the floor surface a falling tool could strike. Much worse, an out
of control or falling tool could strike and injure the operator or
others standing nearby.
[0010] It will be appreciated that a chipping hammer is not the
only such device where such problems are manifest. Just to name one
example, drills, particularly reciprocating concrete drills, also
present a challenge to an operator in supporting, manipulating, and
controlling such a device. In addition, grinders, sanders, buffers,
polishers, pressure-washing nozzles, sprayers, and many other tools
present operational concerns when an operator must both operate a
tool and support its weight.
[0011] Thus, there is an unmet in the art for an apparatus and a
method to position and support a power tool. In particular, it is
desired to be able to provide lightweight, portable support for a
power tool to provide tool support in a wide range of
situations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for
positioning a powered tool for operation in a way that reduces
physical demands on a human operator using the tool. Embodiments of
the present invention include an extendable/retractable shaft and
one or more swiveling joints at a base and/or a head of the shaft
where the tool is mounted. Using embodiments of the present
invention, the tool support can be swiveled at its base to position
the tool in a desired range. The tool support can be extended or
retracted in length through the use of one or more control pedals
or other control devices to further position the tool. Also, being
mounted to a swiveling head, the tool can also be tilted and
otherwise adjusted to position the tool at a desired working
positioning. It will be appreciated that these steps can be
undertaken in any order or undertaken simultaneously or
continuously to position the tool to a desired working
position.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention provide a number of
benefits. Embodiments of the present invention help in supporting
the weight of the tool and maintaining the tool in a desired
operating position. As a result, physical demands of the operator
are reduced. The tool can then be operated by a person not having
the physical capacity ordinarily desired of an operator of the
tool. A person with adequate strength and physical mobility to
operate the tool without embodiments of the present invention will
experience less strain and fatigue. By reducing physical demands,
accidents may be avoided. Moreover, by supporting the tool,
effectiveness of using the tool can be enhanced. Embodiments of the
invention can be used with chipping hammers, drills, and other
powered tools.
[0014] More particularly, apparatuses, systems, and methods for
positioning a powered tool are provided. A support member has an
adjustable length between a first end and a second end. A control
device is operably coupled with the support member. The control
device is configured to receive a supply of a motivating force and
to receive a user input. The control device is further configured
to direct at least a portion of the motivating force to the support
member to direct the support member to at least one of extend or
contract as indicated by the user input received. A tool bracket
configured for receiving a tool is disposed at the first end of the
support member. A base end is disposed at the second end of the
support member. The base end is configured to engage a supporting
surface.
[0015] In accordance with further aspects of the invention, the
support member includes an extensible cylinder. The extensible
cylinder includes a shaft and a housing, with the shaft being
slidable within an inner channel of the housing such that relative
positioning of the shaft within the housing causes the support
member to one of extend and contract. The support member may
include a pressure cylinder and the motivating force may include a
pressure source.
[0016] In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the
control device may be configured to direct a pressure from the
pressure source into the pressure cylinder, thereby causing the
shaft to extend from the housing. Extension of the shaft from the
housing causes the support member to extend when the user input
indicates the support member is to be moved to an extend position.
The control device also may be configured to direct a pressure from
the pressure source into the pressure cylinder, thereby causing the
shaft to retract into the housing. Retraction of the shaft into the
housing causes the support member to contract when the user input
indicates the support member is to be moved to a contract position.
The control device also may be configured to release pressure from
the pressure cylinder allowing the shaft to retract into the
housing. Release of the pressure thereby allows the support member
to contract when the user input device is motivated to a contract
position.
[0017] Further in accordance with aspects of the present invention,
the pressure cylinder includes a pneumatic cylinder and the
pressure source includes a pressurized gas source. Alternatively,
the pressure cylinder includes an hydraulic cylinder and the
pressure source includes a pressurized liquid source. Further
alternatively, the support member may include a plurality of
slidable members coupled with at least one motorized coupling. The
motorized coupling is configured to position the slidable members
relative to each other such that a relative positioning of the
plurality of members causes the support member to one of extend and
contract. The motorized coupling suitably includes at least one
electric motor and the motivating force includes an electric power
source.
[0018] In accordance with additional aspects of the present
invention, the control device includes a multiple-position control
including an extend position, a contract position, and a neutral
position. The control device is configured such that when the
multiple-position control is in the neutral position the control
device neither directs the support member to extend nor to
contract. Alternatively, the control device includes an extend
control and a contract control, with the control device being
configured so that when neither the extend control and the contract
control is actuated, the control device neither directs the support
member to extend nor to contract. The control device suitably
includes at least one of a hand-operable device and a foot-operable
device.
[0019] Also in accordance with aspects of the present invention,
the tool bracket includes a tiltable coupling joining the tool
bracket to the support member such that the tool bracket is
tiltable relative to a position of the support member. The tiltable
coupling includes at least one of rotatable joint and a swiveling
joint. Also, the base end is configured to be tiltable relative to
a surface engaging the base end. The base end suitably is joined
with a base plate configured to tiltably receive the base end of
the support member. The base plate may be joined with the base end
of the support member with one of a hinged joint and a ball joint
configured to tiltably couple the base end of the support member to
the base plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present
invention are described in detail below with reference to the
following drawings.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of a presently preferred embodiment of
the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2A is a top view of one form of a control pedal for
controlling extension and/or retraction of an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2B is a side view of the control pedal shown in FIG.
2A;
[0024] FIG. 2C is a top view of one form of a control pedal for
controlling extension and/or retraction of an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 2D is a side view of the control pedal shown in FIG.
2C; and
[0026] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a routine for using a present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] By way of overview, apparatuses, systems, and methods for
positioning a powered tool are provided. A support member has an
adjustable length between a first end and a second end. A control
device is operably coupled with the support member. The control
device is configured to receive a supply of a motivating force and
to receive a user input. The control device is further configured
to direct at least a portion of the motivating force to the support
member to direct the support member to at least one of extend or
contract as indicated by the user input received. A tool bracket
configured for receiving a tool is disposed at the first end of the
support member. A base end is disposed at the second end of the
support member. The base end is configured to engage a supporting
surface.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view of a presently preferred embodiment of
a tool support 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1,
the tool support 100 supports a tool 102 such as a
pneumatically-powered chipping hammer. The tool 102 has a body 104
which, in this example, consists primarily of a pneumatic cylinder
housing which drives a tip 106 as is understood in the art. The
tool 102 also features a handle 108 which, without the tool support
100, provides the principle means of support for the tool 102. The
tool 102 also includes a power input 110 which, in this case, is a
pneumatic pressure coupling for receiving a pneumatic hose 112
which drives the tool 102. The tool 102 also includes a mount 114
which allows the tool 102 to be secured to the tool support
100.
[0029] Although this description of the invention contemplates a
tool 102 such as a chipping hammer being used with the tool support
100, it will be appreciated that the tool support 100 also could be
used with other tools. Embodiments of the present invention can be
used with any tools having any appreciable weight and/or generating
reactive forces on the operator, such as grinders, sanders,
buffers, polishers, pressure-washing nozzles, sprayers, drills,
reciprocating concrete drills, hole saws, and other tools. Benefits
derived by an operator of a chipping hammer through the use of the
tool support 100 similarly will be derived by operators of other
tools.
[0030] The tool support 100 is coupled with the tool 102 at a
swiveling or tiltable head 114. The tiltable head 114 allows for
the tool 102 to be directed to operate at various angles. In one
presently preferred embodiment, the tiltable head 114 suitably is a
ball joint connector allowing for freedom of rotational movement in
pitch, yaw, and to a lesser extent, roll. In other words, a ball
joint allows for rotational, angular manipulation of the chipping
hammer in all three planes in free-space. For another non-limiting
example, the tiltable head 114 also suitably is a dual-hinged
pivot, allowing the tool 102 to be rotationally turned in two
directions determined by the positioning of the hinges. For another
non-limiting example, the tiltable head 114 suitably is a
single-hinged pivot having an axis disposed to allow the chipping
hammer to be rotated about a single axis, with the single axis in
this case extending perpendicularly from the page of FIG. 1. As
will be appreciated from the continued description below,
additional freedom of movement of the tip 106 of the tool 102 can
be gained by manipulating other controllable positioning aspects of
the tool support 100.
[0031] The tiltable head 114 resides atop a support member 120. The
support member 120 in the presently described embodiment includes
an extensible/retractable shaft 124 extending from a housing 126.
In one presently preferred embodiment, the housing supports a
handle 128 which allows an operator to grip, turn, carry, and
otherwise impart force to the housing 126 and, therefore, the tool
support 120 as a whole. In addition, one presently preferred
embodiment of the invention includes a support handle 129. The
support handle 129 is coupled with the tiltable head 114 and
extends from the tiltable head 114 perpendicularly both to an
operational axis of the tool 102 and the support member 120. Thus,
the support handle 129 advantageously provides a grip by which a
user can control the position of the tool as well as to apply
manual force as desired. If desired, an end of the support handle
129 can include a hand-operable control device for controlling
extension and contraction of the support member in addition to the
foot pedal 130, operation of which will be described further
below.
[0032] In one presently preferred embodiment of the tool support
100, the shaft 124 and the housing 126 are part of a
pneumatically-powered cylinder assembly. In a pneumatically-powered
embodiment, the shaft 124 is extended and retracted by selectively
directing a motivating force in the form of compressed air from an
externally supplied source into an end of the cylinder assembly. It
will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that
selective application of compressed air on one side of a piston
driving the shaft 124 can be used to extend or retract the shaft
124 and thereby control deployment of the tool 102 mounted on the
tool support. It will also be appreciated that application of
compressed air on a side of the piston below the shaft 124 can be
used to extend the shaft while, taking advantage of gravity,
venting of pressure on the side of the piston below the shaft can
be used to lower or retract the shaft in the exemplary embodiment
shown. As also shown in FIG. 1, the tool 102 receives its power
input 110 from an auxiliary supply on a control pedal 130 for the
sake of convenience in only running a single supply line (not
shown) to the work environment. However, the tool 102 also can be
operated from its own power input 110. Thus, the tool 102 may be
powered using a different form of input power than the tool support
100.
[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to
using a pneumatic cylinder assembly. It will be appreciated that a
hydraulic cylinder assembly also could be used. Similarly, a
motor-driven structure using electric or other motors could be used
to extend or retract the shaft 124 from its housing 126. Other
extending/retracting mechanisms also can be used to support a tool
in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. For
example, the extending/retracting mechanism could include a
plurality of slidable members such as a rack and pinion system (not
shown). In such an embodiment, extension and retraction of the
extending/retracting mechanism could be facilitated by an electric
motor driving the pinion to cause the relative displacement of the
racks.
[0034] The support member 120 is extended or retracted in the
exemplary embodiment shown by a pneumatic foot pedal 130. The foot
pedal 130 receives a supply of compressed air (not shown) and
selectively directs the flow of compressed air to one side of a
piston to control the extension or contract of the support member
120. Depending on the actuation of the foot pedal 130, compressed
air will be directed to either an expanding pneumatic hose 132 or a
retracting pneumatic hose 134 coupled with the housing 126 at
respective input couplings (not shown). Alternatively, as
previously described, actuation of the foot pedal 130 can be used
to direct compressed air to extend the shaft 124 and to vent
compressed air from the housing 126 to lower or retract the shaft.
The hoses 132 and the operation of the foot pedal 130 will be
further described in connection with FIGS. 2A-2D.
[0035] It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments of the
invention, the foot pedal 130 could be hydraulic foot pedal for a
hydraulic cylinder assembly, and electric switch for an electrical
motor-driven assembly, or another control device appropriate to the
construction of the cylinder. It will also be appreciated that the
foot pedal 130 could be replaced or supplemented by hand-operable
controls, finger-operable controls, or other controls mounted on
the housing 126, on the support handle 129, or at another position
to control extension of the shaft 124. In the exemplary embodiment
shown, a foot pedal 130 is used to allow the operator to have both
hands free to manipulate the tool 102.
[0036] Finally, the tool support 100 has a base 140. The base 140
supports the weight of the tool support 100 and the tool mounted
thereon 102. The base 140 also suitably provides additional swivel
mobility of the tool support 100 and, therefore, mobility of the
tool 102 itself. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base 140 is
a shaft that allows the tool support to be rotated about a major
axis of the support member 120 as well as pivoted in any direction
relative to a surface on which the base 140 rests. It will be
appreciated that the base 140 also could provide this degree of
pivotal movement if the base 140 included a stand or base plate to
be rested on the surface and a hinged joint, a swiveling ball and
socket joint, or a similar joint were used to join the base plate
and the housing 126. The described embodiment of the invention
contemplates a base end 140 of the tool support 100 resting on a
lower surface with the tool 102 coupled to an upper end of the tool
support 100. However, it will be appreciated that the base end 140
of the tool support 100 could engage an upper surface or a side
surface, with the tool 102 being coupled to a lower end or an
opposite side end of the tool support.
[0037] Considering FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the tool
support 100 provides for a great deal of flexibility in positioning
the tool 102 mounted thereon. The base 140 can be moved to
reposition the entire apparatus. By applying force to the housing
126 relative to the base, the tool support 100 can be pivoted or
tilted about the base 140, thereby allowing the tool support to be
maneuvered in the plane above the surface on which the base 140
rests. The support member 120 can be extended or retracted to
position the tiltable head 114 and, thus, the tool 102 at a range
of distances relative to the base 140. The tool 102 can be swiveled
about the tiltable head 114 to allow the tip 106 of the tool 102 to
reach different locations or attack a surface at different angles.
Such flexibility of linear and/or pivotal movement is highly useful
when operating tools such as grinders, sanders, buffers, polishers,
pressure-washing nozzles, sprayers, and other such tools which
desirably are swept over a surface. Thus, the tool support 100
provides for a great deal of flexibility in positioning the tool
102 mounted on the tool support 100.
[0038] It will also be appreciated that the effectiveness of the
tool 102 can be enhanced coupled with the tool support 100. For one
non-limiting example, in many cases the operator of a chipping
hammer must chip away material at a surface situated above his or
her head. As a result, gravity works against the operator when the
operator attempts to apply force to the chipping hammer to direct
its impulse force against the desired part of the overhead surface.
Using an embodiment of the present invention, however, the operator
can use the tool support 100 to actually drive the tool 102
upwardly against the surface. The force applied to the tool 102 by
the tool support 120 adds to the impulsive force generated by the
tool itself. In sum, the force generated by the tool support 100
not only is useful for supporting and/or positioning the tool 102,
but the force generated by the tool support also can be exploited
to provide useful force to enhance in the operation of the tool 102
itself.
[0039] FIGS. 2A-2D show possible forms of control devices such as
pedals 200 and 250 that can be used to control the extension and
contraction of the tool support 120 (FIG. 1). The control pedals
200 and 250 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D are foot pedals. However, as
previously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention are not
limited to using foot pedals. The controls shown in FIGS. 2A-2D
could be adapted and positioned for hand, finger, or other control
of the device. As also was previously mention, exemplary
embodiments of the invention described here use pneumatic pressure
to operate the tool support 100 (FIG. 1), although hydraulics,
electronics, or other types of mechanisms could be used.
[0040] FIG. 2A is a top view of one form of a control device in the
nature of a control pedal 200 for controlling extension and
retraction of the shaft 124 (FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The control pedal 200 has a base 202
supporting the rest of the control pedal 200. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIG. 2A, the base 202 supports two foot pedals
204 and 206 for extending and retracting the shaft 124,
respectively. An intake coupling 208 receives a supply of
compressed air. In one embodiment of the present invention,
depending on whether foot pedal 204 or 206 is depressed, the
control pedal 200 will direct pneumatic pressure to an extension
output coupling 210 or a retraction output coupling 211 to extend
or contract the support member 120 (FIG. 1), respectively. The
couplings 210 and 211 are connected to appropriate extension and
retraction input couplings (not shown) on the tool support 100
(FIG. 1) to control deployment of the support member 120 (FIG. 1).
In another embodiment of the present invention, depending on
whether foot pedal 204 or 206 is depressed, the control pedal 200
will direct pneumatic pressure to an extension output coupling 210
to extend the support member 120 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, pressing
pedal 206 suitably may release pneumatic pressure through the
retraction output 211 to exploit gravity to lower or contract the
support member 120 (FIG. 1).
[0041] FIG. 2B is a side view of the control pedal 200 shown in
FIG. 2A. As can be seen from FIG. 2B, the foot pedals 204 and 206
are hingably mounted on a rotatable valve device 212. The valve
device 212 both supports the foot pedals 204 and 206, but also
directs the input pneumatic pressure to one of the output couplings
210 and 211 depending on which pedal 204 or 206 is depressed.
[0042] FIG. 2C is a top view of another form of a control pedal 250
for controlling extension and contraction of the support member 120
(FIG. 1) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
control pedal 250 has a base 252 supporting the rest of the control
pedal 250. Unlike the first form of the control pedal 200 (FIGS. 2A
and 2B), in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2C, the base 252
supports a single, dual action foot pedal 254 for extending and
retracting the shaft 124, as will be further explained. An intake
coupling 258 receives a supply of compressed air. In one embodiment
of the present invention, depending on the direction in which the
foot pedal 254 is depressed, the control pedal 250 will direct
pneumatic pressure to an extension output coupling 260 or a
retraction output coupling 261 to extend or contract the support
member 120 (FIG. 1), respectively. The couplings 260 and 261 are
connected to appropriate extension and retraction input couplings
(not shown) on the tool support 100 (FIG. 1) to control deployment
of the shaft 124 (FIG. 1). In another embodiment of the present
invention, depending on the direction in which the foot pedal 254
is depressed, the control pedal 250 will direct pneumatic pressure
to an extension output coupling 260 to extend the support member
120 (FIG. 1) or vent pneumatic pressure through the retraction
output 261 to exploit gravity to lower or contract the support
member 120 (FIG. 1).
[0043] FIG. 2D is a side view of the control pedal 250 shown in
FIG. 2C. As can be seen from FIG. 2D, the foot pedal 254 is
hingably mounted on a bidirectional rotatable valve device 262. The
valve device 262 supports the foot pedal 254 and directs the input
pneumatic pressure to one of the output couplings 260 and 261. If a
first end of the foot pedal 254 is depressed, pneumatic pressure is
directed to the extension output coupling 260. Alternatively, if a
second end 271 of the foot pedal 254 is depressed, pneumatic
pressure is directed to the retraction output coupling 261.
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a routine 300 for supporting a
tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. The
routine 300 begins at a block 302. At a block 304, it is determined
if the tool support is aligned at its base so that the tool is
positioned at a proper angle for the task relative to the base. If
not, at a block 306 the tool support is swiveled at is base to
position the tool at the proper angle relative to the base. If the
tool is positioned at a proper angle or has been repositioned at a
proper angle, at a block 310 it is determined if the tool support
has been extended to an appropriate extension for the desired task.
If not, at a block 312 it is determined if the tool support as
deployed is not sufficiently extended for the task. If not, at a
block 314, the operator actuates a control pedal to extend the tool
support. On the other hand, if the tool support is not too short
for the task, at a block 316 it is determined if the tool support
as deployed is overly extended for the task. If so, at a block 318,
the operator actuates the control pedal to retract the tool
support.
[0045] On the other hand, if at the block 310 the tool support
length is determined to be appropriate, the tool support has been
appropriately extended at the block 314, or the tool support has
been appropriately retracted at the block 318, at a block 320 it is
determined if the tool is deployed at a proper angle at the head of
the tool support. If not, at a block 322 the tool is swiveled to
position the tool for the desired angle of attack. If the tool is
deployed at the proper angle at the head of the tool support has
been swiveled to a proper angle, at a block 324 the tool is
engaged.
[0046] As previously described, depending on the nature of the task
for which the tool is being used, it might be of benefit to further
extend the shaft to apply force to the tool, such as when driving a
chipping hammer or drill into an overhead surface. Thus, at a block
326 it is determined if it is desirable to apply additional force
to the tool. If so, at a block 328 the operator actuates a control
pedal to extend (or, depending on the application, retract) the
tool support. If it is determined at the block 326 that no
additional force is desired, the routine continues at a block 330,
and it is determined at a block 330 if the tool is needed at other
positions or otherwise it is desired that the tool be repositioned.
If so, the routine 300 loops to the block 304 and the routine 300
resumes. If not, at a block 332 the routine ends.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the steps of the routine
outlined in FIG. 3 are not rigid in their sequence. An operator of
a tool and a tool support according to an embodiment of the present
invention could undertake these steps in any order and/or execute
the steps concurrently and/or continually to achieve desired
position and operation of the tool. For one non-limiting example,
if the tool support is used to support a sander or a grinder, the
operator may desire to continually pivot and/or extend and retract
the tool support to effect a sweeping motion over a surface of
interest. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention
suitably are used for such continual manipulation and
repositioning.
[0048] While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the
disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the scope of the
invention should be determined by reference to the claims that
follow.
* * * * *