Magnetic strip assembly for use with socket-type tools and the like

Abstract

 A magnetic strip assembly for use with socket-type tools includes a flexible magnetized strip (12) which is releasably attached to a carrier member (14) with pressure sensitive adhesive. The strip is die-cut to form an array of lift-off inserts (20) in various sizes and shapes for selective removal and registered placement within a socket (28) of a drive-tool (26). The insert (20) magnetically holds a metal fastener (30), such as a nut or bolt, for initiating nut or bolt tightening and is especially adapted for applications in hard-to-reach areas. A core (22) of the insert is attachable to an end of a rod to magnetically retrieve small metal objects, such as washers, nuts and screws from similar locations.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates generally to an accessory for hand tools and especially for socket type-tools. In particular, the device of this invention concerns a magnetic strip assembly for providing conventional socket tools with magnetic holding capabilities.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Automobile mechanics, as well as other types of repairmen, inevitably encounter the difficulties associated with bolt-tightening, nut-driving and similar operations that must be performed within confined areas.

[0003] In an attempt to facilitate these procedures, individual magnetized tools are currently available. However, these tools are relatively expensive and a complete tool set, such as a socket wrench set, typically consists of multiple sockets and is relatively costly. Furthermore, dual sets of tools, to cover both standard (conventional) and metric sizing, compounds the expense.

[0004] Another problem with current magnetized tools is that the misplacement or loss of a particular size tool, especially at the job site, presents a frustrating situation.

[0005] The present invention is intended to overcome these and other shortcomings of the presently available magnetic drive tools by providing a relatively inexpensive device suitable for on-location conversion of socket drive-tools to magnetic tools, if and as needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Briefly, the magnetic strip assembly of this invention includes a flexible magnetized strip that is preferably releasably bonded to a carrier member. The strip is pre-cut to form an array of lift-off inserts in various shapes and sizes for compatible seating within a socket.

[0007] The magnetic strip assembly can be conveniently stored within a tool box to be available at the job site. Additionally, the carrier member can be color-coded or marked with other indicia for reference. A selected insert may thus be readily identified and peelably removed from the carrier member as needed.

[0008] A disc-like core defining a central aperture of the insert, can be removed from the insert and applied to an end of a rod for use in retrieving metal objects especially in hard-to-reach places.

[0009] In an alternative embodiment, the insert is continuous, having no central aperture, and provides an intensified magnetic field, for holding larger screws or bolts.

[0010] In view of the foregoing, it should be apparent that the present invention overcomes the previously discussed deficiencies and provides a practical solution.

[0011] Having thus summarized the invention, it will be seen that it is an object thereof to provide a magnetic strip assembly for use with socket-type tools of the general character described herein which is not subject to the aforementioned limitations.

[0012] Another object of this invention is to provide a magnetic strip assembly with lift-off inserts for use with socket-type tools.

[0013] A further object of this invention is to provide a magnetic strip assembly for use with socket-type tools that is practical to use, reliable in operation, simple in design and economical to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the accompanying drawings in which is shown exemplary embodimentsof the invention:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a magnetic strip assembly in accordance with this invention illustrating a plurality of pre-cut hexagonal shaped flexible magnetic inserts in progressively varying sizes with one of said inserts being shown partially removed from a carrier member;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view, taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 showing the insert, an adhesive backing and the carrier member;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view in perspective, of a typical nut driver tool illustrating placement of a magnetic insert and a hex nut to be magnetically held within the socket of the nut driver tool;

FIG. 4 is an elevational view, partially in section, taken substantially along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing the nut driver socket with the magnetic insert holding the hex nut in contiguous relationship during initiation of threaded engagement with a bolt; this illustration can also be interpreted as showing the nut driver holding a hex head cap screw in a vertical position ready to be threaded into a tapped hole;

FIG. 5 is a plan view, with a portion broken-away, illustrating an alternative configured magnetic strip assembly wherein the inserts have an uncut core;

FIG. 6 is an exploded elevational view, partially in section, detailing a socket for a ratchet drive tool having a magnetic insert of FIG. 5 seated in the socket and a hex nut positioned to be magnetically held in the socket for engagement with a threaded bolt; and

FIG. 7 is an elevational view, in perspective, of a retrieval rod improvised by use of a pencil shaft, showing a magnetic insert core affixed to an end of the rod for pick-up of small metal objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally denotes a magnetic strip assembly of this invention. The assembly 10 includes a flexible magnetic strip 12, such as commercially available flexible magnetic stripping. The magnetic strip 12 of the assembly 10 is substantially co-extensive with and removably secured along one face to a carrier member 14 with a pressure sensitive adhesive backing 16. It should also be understood that a high-tack, foam, or similar type of bonding may be used. The carrier member 14 is preferably made of a silicone-coated release paper or equivalent material.

[0016] By way of further example, the flexible magnetic strip 12, can have a uniform thickness dimension typically of about .03"-0.2" and can be magnetized in multi-pole formation with the poles spaced about .125" apart to provide a magnetic force field on a face opposite to the adhesive backing 16. Alternatively, the magnetic strip 12, can be of a conventional magnetic pole design having an equal force field on each of the opposite faces and/or other variants thereof.

[0017] With specific reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and for the purpose of illustration, the magnetic strip 12 has been die-cut at 18 to form a plurality of hexagonal shaped inserts 20, in progressively varying sizes, substantially conforming to typical hex nut configurations, with nominal tolerances. It should be noted that the depth of the die-cut 18 extends to but preferably does not penetrate into the carrier member 14. In lieu of the die-cutting, the strip 12 may be scored or slit. It should also be apparent that alternative configurations, such as circular, square or custom patterns,may similarly be formed. Furthermore, when the magnetic strip 12 is scored, the inserts 20 will be self-supporting, without the need for the carrier member 14 or the adhesive backing 16. The inserts 20 can then be frangibly detached or separated for use.

[0018] The carrier member 14 can be marked with indicia such as color-coding, to identify pattern sequences or other characteristics of the inserts 20 contained on that particular carrier member 14.

[0019] As will be observed in FIG. 1, the insert 20 can be removed from the carrier member 14 with a center portion, defined by a disc-like core 22, remaining attached to the carrier member 14, for later removal, so as to provide an aperture 24 to accommodate a bolt. It should also be apparent that the insert 20 can alternatively be peeled-off the carrier member 14 united with the core 22 without damaging the adhesive backing 16.

[0020] Although the carrier member 14 provides a convenient vehicle for retaining the inserts 20 prior to use, the inserts 20 can also be manufactured fully detached as independent units and ready to use, with the face opposite the magnetized face having either an adhesive backing, being left untreated, or having a magnetic field.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a typical application of the strip assembly 10 for a nut driver tool 26 having a socket 28. In order to hold a nut 30 within the socket 28, as when the mechanic is reaching into a space having limited accessibility, an insert 20, adapted for accommodation within the socket 28, is peelably removed from the carrier member 14. The insert 20 can be seated in the socket 28, for example, by urging it in with the user's finger, by using the same nut 30 or another nut or bolt head of the same of smaller size, or with another instrument. The insert 20 is frictionally or magnetically held in the socket 28; alternatively the adhesive backing 16 may be utilized for this purpose.

[0022] FIG. 4 shows the insert 20 seated against a bottom wall 21 and in contiguous contact with the nut 30 for temporary magnetic retention in the socket 28 during mechanical tightening about a bolt 32. It should be understood that the insert 20 can be used for magnetically retaining other types of metal fasteners.

[0023] An alternative magnetic strip assembly 10a is illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein like numerals have been employed to denote like components to the prior embodiment, however being designated with the suffix "a" for this alternative embodiment. A flexible magnetic strip 12a is releasably attached to a carrier member 14a by an adhesive backing 16a as described in the prior embodiment. A plurality of pre-cut inserts 20a are formed without a center aperture. The insert 20a thus provides a greater magnetic flux for holding larger size steel nuts, hex head cap screws or bolts or for small size, but longer and thus heavier screws or bolts. The insert 20a is peelably removable from the carrier member 14a, as illustrated in FIG. 5. A typical application is shown in FIG. 6 wherein the insert 20a is positioned within a ratchet socket 34 attached to a ratchet handle extension 36 for magnetically retaining a hex nut 38 for threading onto a bolt 40.

[0024] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown a retrieval rod 42, wherein the disc-like core 22 has been attached to an end 44 of the rod 42. In this instance, a pencil shaft has been used; similar elongated instruments can be substituted. The retrieval rod 42 is effective for the pick-up of small metal objects such as steel lock washers, flat washers, small nuts and screws from hard-to-reach places especially while working on a project where no commercial magnetic pick-up is available, or where the commercial pick-up is not of sufficient length to reach the object.

[0025] It should thus be seen that there is provided a magnetic strip assembly for use with socket type tools and the like which achieves the various objects of this invention and which is well adapted to meet conditions of practical use.

Claims

1. A magnetic strip assemblyfor use with a socket tool, comprising a carrier member, a magnetic strip releasably attached to said carrier member, said magnetic strip defining at least one insert, said insert substantially conforming to and being adapted for accommodation within a tool socket for magnetically holding a fastener in contiguous relationship with the insert during initiation of threadable engagement of the fastener.

2. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the magnetic strip is substantially co-extensive with the carrier member and defines a plurality of inserts.

3. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the or each insert is defined by at least one of a die-cutting, scoring and slitting of the magnetic strip in a predetermined pattern.

4. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the magnetic strip is flexible.

5. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the flexible magnetic strip includes an adhesive backing on one surface thereof.

6. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the insert includes a central aperture defined by a removable core.

7. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in claim 6 wherein the core defines a magnetic disc, said magnetic disc being attachable to the end of a rod for magnetic retrieval of metal objects within confined areas.

8. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the carrier member includes indicia for denoting characteristics of the insert(s).

9. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the magnetic strip is magnetized in multi-pole formation.

10. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in any preceding claim 1 to 8 wherein the magnetic strip is magnetized in conventional pole formation.

11. A magnetic strip assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wheein the carrier strip is a silicone-coated release paper

12. A strip assembly for use with socket-type tools comprising a carrier member, an insert strip having a plurality of pre-formed patterns defining inserts, said inserts being selectively removable from the carrier member and accommodatable within a correspondingly sized socket, said socket being adapted to receive a fastener registrable with the insert for interaction with the insert to temporarily retain the fastener within the socket.

13. A strip assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the insert strip is attached to the carrier member by a pressure sensitive adhesive.

14. A strip assembly as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the patterns defining the inserts correspond to specific socket configurations.

15. A strip assembly as claimed in claim 14 wherein the carrier member is coded for identifying the patterns.

16. A strip assembly as claimed in claim 12, 13, 14 or 15 wherein the insert includes a removable core element that defines a central aperture.

17. A magnetic strip assembly for use with socket tools comprising a magnetic strip, said magnetic strip defining at least one insert, said insert being frangibly detachable from the magnetic strip for accommodation within a tool socket, said socket being adapted to receive a fastener registrable with the insert for magnetic interaction to temporarily retain the fastener within the socket.

18. A magnetic insert for use with socket tools, said insert having opposite faces and a magnetic force field emanating from at least one of said opposite faces, said insert substantially conforming to and being adapted for accommodation within a tool socket for magnetic interaction with a fastener registrable within the socket.

Drawing