Abstract
The present invention defines a unique structure and methodology for creating a plurality of configurable and extensible tools that can be affixed to a plurality of digits and equipment to form tool sets for working more easily with objects.
Claims
1. A tool kit comprising: a plurality of sleeves, the proximal end of each of said sleeves sized and shaped with an interior void to fit snuggly upon at least one first digit on at least one first hand of a user; a plurality of lower connectors, a proximal surface of one of the lower connectors being operationally coupled to a distal end of one of said sleeves; a plurality of shaft segments, each comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the plurality of shaft segments allow for an operating shaft selected from the group consisting of: a single shaft segment, a plurality of shaft segments adjustably coupled together for adjustment of a total length of said plurality of shaft segments along a single axis during use of the tool kit, two shaft segments coupled together to form a fixed angle from close to 0 up to 180 degrees and two shaft segments coupled together with a joint allowing for adjustment of an angle of the two shaft segments from close to 0 up to 180 degrees relative to each other during use of the tool kit, wherein the proximal end of said operating shaft is operationally coupled to a distal surface of said one of the lower connectors; a plurality of upper connectors, each comprising a proximal surface and a distal surface, the proximal surface one of said upper connectors being operationally coupled to the distal end of said operating shaft; a plurality of tools, a proximal end of one of the tools being operationally coupled to the distal surface of said one of the upper connectors; wherein said tool kit allows for combination of above said lower connectors, shaft segments, upper connectors and first tools to define a plurality of tool sets attachable to a plurality of digits.
2. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the lower connectors and said one of said sleeves are operationally coupled by at least one of threads, a screw, a clip, and a spring loaded key slot.
3. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein the digit is a finger of a human hand.
4. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein the digit is a finger on a prosthetic hand.
5. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said operating shaft comprises at least two shaft segments.
6. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the shaft segments comprises a flexible material.
7. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the plurality of the upper connectors comprises a slot into which a lower end of said one of the tools is connected.
8. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the upper connectors and said one of the tools are operationally coupled by at least one of friction, threads, screws, clips, and spring loaded key slots.
9. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the tools comprises at least one from the group consisting of metal, wood, plastic, rubber, fibers and fabric.
10. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the tools is capable of at least one selected from the group consisting of grasping, scraping, cutting, spearing, punching, brushing, hooking, screw driving, and picking up.
11. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the tools has a shape selected from the group consisting of flat wedged-shaped, cup-shaped, triangular-shaped, rectangular-shaped, serrated-shaped, brush-shaped, punch-shaped, screw-driver-shaped and hook-shaped.
12. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein the interior void comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of a polygon-shape, a ribbed-shape, a threaded-shape and a smooth-shape.
13. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein said one of the upper connectors comprises a lower surface comprising a void into which the operating shaft fits and further comprises an upper surface comprising an upper void to engage said one of the tools.
14. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the shaft segments end comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of a smooth surface, a surface scored with vertical ridges, a spring loaded key slot, and threads, whereby allowing said at least one shaft segments end to be coupled to another shaft segment defining said operating shaft.
15. The tool kit of claim 1, wherein the joint comprises one selected from the group consisting of a hinge and a ball joint.
Description
DRAWINGSREFERENCE NUMERALS AND LINES
(1) Each part revealed herein below is identified uniquely. This identifier is linked to a part by a simple line. Closely related parts revealed in the same figure are assigned the same number but different alphabetic suffixes ranging from a through z indicating that each is a variation or modification of a part with the same or similar function. Lines ending in arrows indicate an assembly or subassembly of parts referenced in the specifications. The same parts in different views of the drawings bear the same number.
(2) FIG. 1a is an exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention.
(3) FIG. 1b is an exploded, perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.
(4) FIG. 1c is an exploded, perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention.
(5) FIG. 1d is an exploded, perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
(6) FIG. 1e is an exploded, perspective view of a still further embodiment of the invention.
(7) FIG. 2a is a cross-sectional view of sleeve 106a of FIG. 1a.
(8) FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view of sleeve 106b of FIG. 1b.
(9) FIG. 2c is a cross-sectional view of sleeve 106d of FIG. 1 c.
(10) FIG. 2d is a cross-sectional view of sleeve 106d of FIG. 1d.
(11) FIG. 3a is a front view, partially in phantom, of a further embodiment of the invention.
(12) FIG. 3b is a front view, partially in phantom, of an additional embodiment of the invention.
(13) FIG. 3c is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention where the shafts 303a and 303b are at a fixed angle to one another.
(14) FIG. 3d is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of a further embodiment of the invention where shafts 303c and 303d are provided with a joint 306 allowing the adjustment of the angle of the shafts 303c, 303d, relative to one another.
(15) FIG. 4 is a top view of an upper connector 102 of FIG. 1a.
(16) FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an upper connector 102 of FIG. 1a.
(17) FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partially in phantom, of one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an environment of use of the invention on a digit (finger) of human hand (in phantom).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Multiple Embodiments of Configurable Tools and Tool Set; Exploded Views
(18) Shown in FIG. 1a is a three-dimensional exploded, perspective view of one of the embodiments of the tool of the present invention. This embodiment comprises an element (101a) constructed of rigid, semi-rigid, or pliable materials including, but not limited to metal, wood, plastic, rubber, fibers, and fabric. In this embodiment the element (101a) shown is a cup shaped element for grasping or picking up. Other elements of different shape as shown in the several embodiments of the invention can be substituted for element (101a) in FIG. 1a. Elements, such as (101d), shown in FIG. 1d is a flat wedge shape for grasping, scraping or cutting. A triangular shaped element (101b), shown in FIG. 1b, can be used for grasping or spearing. A rectangular shaped element (101c) as shown in FIG. 1 c can be used for grasping or cutting. A serrated element (101e), as shown in FIG. 1e, can be used for grasping, spearing, or cutting. A person skilled in the art will see that a plurality of additional elements may be fashioned to meet a plurality of needs, including but not limited to screw drivers, punchers, brushes, and hooks. Each said device is assembled to one of a plurality of upper connectors (102) constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials. A slot (102a), as shown in FIG. 4, is manufactured into an upper end of the upper connector (102) to accept the lower end of one of a plurality of devices (101a, 101b, 101c,101d, 101e) and the lower end of the upper connector (102), as shown in FIG. 5 manufactured to create a cylindrical opening (102b) to accept one of a plurality of shafts (103, 104a) (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) and (303a, 303c) (FIG. 4) constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials. A person skilled in the art will see that the lower ends of devices (101a, 101b, 101c,101d, 101e) and the upper end of the upper connector (102a) can be designed and manufactured to allow the affixing of said devices to said upper connector (102) by a plurality of methods including but not limited to friction, threads, screws, clips, spring loaded key slots, welding, and cement allowing said devices (101a, 101b, 101c,101d, 101e) to be assembled temporarily or permanently. A person skilled in the art will also see that the cylindrical opening shown in the lower end (102b) of the upper connector (102) of FIG. 5 can be smooth, scored with vertical ridges, threaded, or otherwise manufactured to accept and temporarily affix the lower end (102c) of said upper connector (102) to the upper end of a plurality of one of shafts (103, 104a) (FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) and (303a, 303c) (FIG. 4) which, in turn, can be manufactured to be received. In this embodiment of the invention, a fixed shaft is shown as a straight cylinder (103). However, a person skilled in the art will also see that said fixed shaft can be assembled from a plurality of straight or curved rods with a plurality of cross sections such as a polygon and, furthermore, that the shaft can be manufactured of pliable material to allow for flexing and spring-like action. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will see that a shaft can be assembled from a plurality of smaller shafts herein below referred to as shaft segments that can be fitted together by a plurality of means like those revealed hereinabove. In this case, an example is shown consisting of two shaft segments (104a, 104b) in FIG. 1b whereby the upper end of the lower shaft segment (104b) is manufactured to accept the lower end of the upper shaft segment (104a) such that the upper shaft segment (104a) can be slid up and down inside the lower shaft segment (104b). This relationship can be reversed so that the upper shaft segment (104a) slides up and down over the lower shaft segment (104b). When assembled, the two segments (104a, 104b) form an extensible shaft that can be adjusted to a plurality of lengths. A person skilled in the art will see that the ends of shaft segments (104a, 104b) can be smooth, scored with vertical ridges, spring loaded key slots, threaded, or otherwise manufactured allowing the upper shaft segment (104a) to be affixed to the lower shaft segment (104b) introducing the ability to adjust the total length defined by the shaft segments (104a,104b) when assembled while providing enough stability to temporarily fix said length while further allowing shaft segments (104a,104b) to be separated for additional configurability, extensibility, capability, and functionality through the attachment of a plurality of additional shorter, longer, angled, or articulated shaft segments (also see FIGS. 3b, 3c and 3d). The lower end of either the shaft (103) or shaft segment (104b) can be assembled to the upper end of one of a plurality of possible lower connectors (105a) (FIG. 1a, 1c), or (105b) (FIG. 1d), constructed of rigid or semi-rigid materials, that can be like or identical to the above said upper connector (102). The lower end of one of a plurality of lower connectors (105a,105b) can be assembled to the upper end of one of a plurality of possible sleeves (106a,106b,106c,106d) constructed from a plurality of materials with shape, consistency, and surfacing that allows them to be affixed to a digit or equipment, such that it remains in place during use of the entire assembly. A person skilled in the art will see that a plurality of lower connectors (105a,105b) can be assembled to a plurality of sleeves (106a,106b,106c,106d) by a plurality of methods including but not limited to threads, a screw, clip, spring loaded key slots, welding, and cement so that it they can be either removable or permanently assembled. Furthermore, as shown, the sleeves (106a, 106b, 106c, 106d) can be manufactured to be affixed to round, polygonal, or irregular surfaces using ridges, matching polygonal shape, screws, threads, spring loaded key slots or friction. The entire assembly above described is hereinbelow referred to as a tool. A person skilled in the art will see that the upper connector (102) and lower connectors (105a, 105b) can be dispensed with by incorporating their capabilities into the upper ends of said shafts (103, 104a, 303a, 303c) and lower ends of said shafts (103, 104b, 303b, 303d) as shown in FIGS. 1b and 3b. Said assembled plurality of tools can be used to work with a plurality of objects and provides the means of assembling and disassembling a plurality of shafts, connectors, and sleeves to accommodate a plurality of digits and equipment. When at least two of the above said tools are affixed to at least two digits or pieces of equipment, a tool set is created. Furthermore, the number of tools that can be assembled into a tool set is limited only by the number of digits and/or pieces of equipment that can work in concert with each other.
One First and Second Embodiment of a Configurable Tool Set; Assembled View: FIGS. 3a and 3b
(19) Shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b are front views, partially in phantom of two fully assembled nonexclusive embodiments of the present invention. The first tool (201) consists of a cup-shaped device (101b) assembled to one of a plurality of an upper connectors (102) assembled to one of a plurality of shafts (103) assembled to one of a plurality of lower connectors (105a) assembled to one of a plurality of sleeves (106b). The second tool (202) consists of a flat rectangular device (101c) assembled to one of a plurality of shaft segments (104a,104b) assembled into an adjustable length shaft (203) further assembled to one of a plurality of sleeves (106b).
One Third and One Fourth Embodiment of a Configurable Tool Set; Assembled View FIGS. 3c and 3d
(20) Shown in FIGS. 3c and 3d are perspective views of two additional embodiments of the present invention fully assembled. The tool (301) consists of a cup-shaped device (101a) assembled to one of a plurality of upper connectors (102) assembled to one of a plurality of first shaft segments (303a) assembled to one of a plurality of second shaft segments (303b) to form one of a plurality of fixed angle tools (304) further assembled to one of a plurality of lower connectors (105a) assembled to one of a plurality of sleeves (106b). A person skilled in the art will see that a plurality of fixed angle tools (304) can be achieved varying from near zero degrees (0) to near one hundred-eighty degrees (180) using a plurality of above said methods. The tool (302) consists of a flexible brush device (305) assembled to one of a plurality of upper connectors (102) assembled to one of a plurality of first shaft segments (303c) assembled to one of a plurality of adjustable joints (306) assembled to one of a plurality of second shaft segments (303d) that allows the formation of an adjustable angle between the above said two shaft segments (303c,303d) assembled to one of a plurality of lower connectors (105a) assembled to one of a plurality of sleeves (106c). A person skilled in the art will see that the joint (306) can be either a simple hinge that allows rotation in one plane or a ball joint that allows rotation in a plurality of planes. A person skilled in the art will also see that the affixing of a plurality of nonexclusive shaft segment types revealed herein above (104a,104b,303a,303b, 303c,303d) with a plurality of joints (306) would allow the assembly of a shaft with fixed or adjustable length with either fixed or adjustable angle and even a combination of all of the above capabilities greatly increasing configurability, extensibility, capability, and functionality; and, therefore, usefulness of the subsequent tool set in working with objects.
(21) As shown in FIG. 6, a sleeve (106b) can be affixed to a digit, such as a finger of a human hand. The sleeve (106b) is connected to the lower connector (105a) which is connected to shaft (103) which is connected to upper connector (102), which can be connected to any of elements (101a, 101b, 101c, 101d, 101e, or 305) at the upper end 102a. A person skilled in the art will also see this embodiment is not limited to these elements or their equivalents, as described herein. Of course, more tools could be attached to any of a plurality of digits, other than the illustrated index finger of a human hand.
SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
(22) In summary, the various embodiments of the present invention revealed herein above provide a new and unique structure and methodology of manufacturing and assembling tool sets that can be fitted to a plurality of digits and equipment that allows for working with a wide variety of objects including but not limited to food.
(23) Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present invention provide the additional unique benefit of being capable of assembly to a plurality of other devices not shown herein above to form a plurality of additional tools and tool sets including, but not limited to drills, grinders, flash lights, aerosol projectors, writing tools, and laser pointers.
(24) Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present invention provide the additional unique benefit of being capable of assembly to a plurality of other tools to create a plurality of enhanced tools that can be assembled to robotic systems to increase configurability, extensibility, capability, and functionality.
(25) Furthermore, the various embodiments of the present invention provide the additional unique benefit of being capable assembly to a plurality of prostheses to increase configurability, extensibility, capability, and functionality in persons with lost digits, hands, and even feet who have fixed prostheses.
OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
(26) The above revealed embodiments and implementations are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. A person skilled in the art will see that many other unspecified capabilities may be added to the tool set. A first nonexclusive example would be a tool set for rapidly sorting objects too small to be easily handled by the digits or seen without lighting or magnification such as small gemstones, seeds, screws, and electronic or computer components. The assembly of a magnifying device with a light to one of the tools in a tool set solves this problem.
