Tool reach extension apparatus
US5460458A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 24, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 24, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/7077
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for extending the reach of a tool includes a tubular receiving member and an elongated slidable member telescopically received therein. A locking assembly is provided between the members for releasably locking the slidable member in any selected axial position relative to the receiving member upon relative rotation of the members. The locking assembly includes a cam supported on the slidable member, and a shoe supported between the cam and the inner surface of the receiving member. The cam is rotatably snapped between a locked position in which the cam forces the shoe against the inner surface of the receiving member to lock the slidable member against axial movement, and an unlocked position in which the cam releases the locking force on the shoe to allow the slidable member to be extended and retracted. The snap-fit movement of the cam positively retains the cam in the locked and unlocked positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.