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Title:
A SWIVEL JOINT MECHANISM FOR A HAND TOOL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/010522
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is provided a swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool. The swivel joint mechanism comprises an upper concave disc defining a working edge and a lower convex disc coupled to the handle. The lower convex disc is accommodated within the upper concave disc. Furthermore, the discs have equal respective radius of curvature for flush interface between the discs. Furthermore, a central pin pivotally couples the discs together. We have found that the curved discs surprisingly enhance the swivel action between the working edge and the handle as compared to prior art arrangements making the hand tool easier to use. In embodiments, the configuration of the discs may be adjusted to adjust the performance characteristics of the swivel joint mechanism.

Inventors:
WIELAND HERMAN (AU)
Application Number:
PCT/AU2018/050504
Publication Date:
January 17, 2019
Filing Date:
May 24, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
WIELAND HERMAN (AU)
International Classes:
F16C11/06; B25G3/38; F16L27/02
Foreign References:
US4068961A1978-01-17
US7090378B12006-08-15
US20020120339A12002-08-29
EP1817978A12007-08-15
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
PATENTEC PATENT ATTORNEYS (AU)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. A swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool, mechanism comprising:

an upper concave disc defining a working edge;

a lower convex disc coupled to handle, the lower convex disc accommodated within the upper concave disc, the discs having equal respective radius of curvature for flush interface between the discs; and

a central pin pivotally coupling the discs.

2. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radius of curvature is configured to adjust swivel performance.

3. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the swivel performance is sweep radius.

4. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central pin imparts a resultant force vector between the discs and wherein the radius of curvature imparts an additional resultant force vector between the discs and wherein the discs define an arc radius therebetween and wherein the arc radius is configured to adjust the additional resultant force vector to adjust swivel performance.

5. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle defines an elongate axis and wherein the lower convex disc defines a perpendicular axis and wherein the elongate axis is angled with respect to the perpendicular axis at an angle.

6. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the angle is configured to adjust swivel performance.

7. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein the angle is configured to adjust a sweep radius.

8. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working edge is coupled to an implement in line.

9. A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working edge is coupled to an implement perpendicularly.

AMENDED CLAIMS

received by the International Bureau on 18 October 2018 (18.10.2018)

[Claim 1] A swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool, mechanism comprising: an upper concave disc defining a working edge; a lower convex disc coupled to handle, the lower convex disc accommodated within the upper concave disc, the discs having equal respective radius of curvature for flush interface between the discs; and a central pin pivotally coupling the discs.

[Claim 2] [Amended] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the radius of curvature is configured to affect swivel performance. [Claim 3] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the swivel performance is sweep radius.

[Claim 4] [Amended] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central pin imparts a resultant force vector between the discs and wherein the radius of curvature imparts an additional resultant force vector between the discs and wherein the discs define an arc radius therebetween and wherein the arc radius is configured to affect the additional resultant force vector to affect swivel performance.

[Claim 5] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle defines an elongate axis and wherein the lower convex disc defines a perpendicular axis and wherein the elongate axis is angled with respect to the perpendicular axis at an angle.

[Claim 6] [Amended] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the angle is configured to affect swivel performance.

[Claim 7] [Amended] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 6, wherein the angle is configured to affect a sweep radius.

[Claim 8] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working edge is coupled to an implement in line.

[Claim 9] A swivel joint mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the working edge is coupled to an implement perpendicularly.

Description:
A swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool

Field of the Invention

[I] This invention relates generally to hand tools. More particularly, this invention relates to a swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool.

Summary of the Disclosure

[2] In the embodiments that follow, there is provided a swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool. The swivel joint mechanism comprises an upper concave disc defining a working edge and a lower convex disc coupled to the handle. The lower convex disc is accommodated within the upper concave disc. Furthermore, the discs have equal respective radius of curvature for flush interface between the discs. Furthermore, a central pin pivotally couples the discs together.

[3] We have found that the curved discs surprisingly enhance the swivel action between the working edge and the handle as compared to prior art arrangements making the hand tool easier to use.

[4] In embodiments, the configuration of the discs may be adjusted to adjust the performance characteristics of the swivel joint mechanism.

[5] For example, the arc radius of the interface between the discs may be adjusted to adjust swivel performance. Furthermore, the radius of curvature of the discs may be adjusted to adjust swivel performance such as the sweep radius. Furthermore, the angle between the handle and the lower convex disc may be adjusted to adjust swivel performance, such as sweep radius

[6] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[7] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[8] Figure 1 shows a side elevation assembled view of a swivel joint mechanism for a hand tool in accordance with an embodiment;

[9] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of the swivel joint mechanism of Figure 1;

[10] Figures 3 and 4 show side perspective views of the swivel joint mechanism assembled and exploded respectively;

[II] Figure 5 shows a side cross-sectional elevation view of the swivel joint mechanism illustrating various configurational parameters;

[12] Figures 6, 7 show various exemplary applications of the swivel joint mechanism; [13] Figure 8 shows a rear cross-sectional elevation view of the swivel joint mechanism illustrating various configurational parameters; and

[14] Figure 9 shows the effect of the adjustment of the radius of curvature on the sweep angle of the swivel joint mechanism in accordance with an embodiment.

Description of Embodiments

[15] Figures 1 and 2 show side elevation views of a swivel joint mechanism 1 for a hand tool assembled and exploded respectively. Figures 3 and 4 show similar respective side perspective views.

[16] The swivel joint mechanism 1 comprises an upper concave disc 2 defining a working edge 3. Furthermore, the swivel joint mechanism 1 comprises a lower convex disc 4 coupled to a handle 5.

[17] The lower convex disc 4 is accommodated within the upper concave disc 2 and wherein the discs have equal radius curvature for flush interface.

[18] Furthermore, the discs 2, 4 are pivotally coupled together by a central pin 6. The central pin 6 may be retained using a locking nut 9 or the like.

[19] The swivel joint mechanism 1 may be utilised for various hand tools wherein figure 6 shows a scenario 10 wherein the swivel joint mechanism 1 is utilised for a windscreen wiper 15. In this embodiment, the working edge 3 may be coupled to a clamp 16 which holds the wiper 15 in place in line with the working edge 3.

[20] Figure 7 shows a scenario 11 wherein the swivel joint mechanism 1 is utilised for a sweeping brush 14. In this embodiment, the working edge 3 is coupled to a right-angled plate 12 so as to attach to the perpendicular rear edge of the brush 14 perpendicularly with respect to the working edge 3. In embodiment shown in figure 7, the brush backing may comprise water injection ports 13 for wet applications.

[21] The handle 5 may comprise a locking pin aperture 16 for selective attachment to a hand pole.

[22] The swivel joint mechanism 1 may similarly be utilised for other types of hand tools within the embodiments described herein.

[23] As such, the swivel joint mechanism 1 allows the working edge 3 to swivel with respect to the handle 5 such that the tool may be applied in a side-to-side sweeping motion.

[24] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the swivel joint mechanism 1. The discs 2, 4 may comprise a curvature radius r and an arc angle Θ. As alluded to above, both the upper and lower discs 4 have the same corresponding curvature radius r for flush interface. In other words, the entire upper surface of the lower convex disc 4 contacts the entire lower surface of the upper concave disc 2 when pressed together. [25] Figure 8 illustrates the effects of the adjustment of the arc angle Θ on the working of the swivel joint mechanism 1.

[26] Specifically, there is illustrated the force vector components F1-F3 provided by the central pin 6. Specifically, the central pin 6 imparts a lateral force vector Fl and a downward force vector F2 resulting in a resultant force vector F3.

[27] However, the curved interface between the discs 2, 4 impart additional force factors which improve the working and therefore ease-of-use of the swivel joint mechanism 1 allowing for a more fluid and ergonomic utilisation thereof.

[28] Specifically, as can be seen, the interface between the discs 2, 4 impart additional force factors FA1 - FA3 wherein, as can be seen, the curved interface between the discs 2, 4 impart both an additional lateral force vector F1A and an additional downward force vector F2A resulting in an additional resultant force vector F3A.

[29] The resultant additional force vector F3A compliments the resultant force vector F3 provided by the central pin 6 alone which improve the working of the swivel joint mechanism 1. Specifically, the additional resultant force vector F3A reduces the magnitude of the resultant force vector F3 acting on the central pin 6 and also the friction between the discs 2, 4 allowing the swivel joint mechanism 1 to swivel more easily.

[30] Furthermore, the additional resultant force vector F3A assist in the swivelling of the joint mechanism 1 when the handle 5 is twisted by the user along the elongate axis of the handle 5. Specifically, the curvature interface between the discs 2, 4 induces additional resultant force vector F3A when the handle 5 is twisted, therefore reducing the force vectors acting on the central pin 6 alone allowing the swivel joint mechanism 1 to swivel more easily.

[31] Increasing the arc angle Θ increases the resultant force vector F1A and therefore the lateral component of the resultant force vector F3A. As such, the arc angle Θ may be adjusted depending on the type of tool and the desirous performance characteristics of the swivel joint mechanism 1 therefor.

[32] Additionally, the radius curvature r may be adjusted to affect the sweeping performance characteristics of the swivel joint mechanism 1. Specifically, turning to figure 9 there is shown a comparison of two scenarios 12, 13 wherein scenario 12 has the discs 2, 4 having a curvature radius rl being less than that of those of scenario 13.

[33] As can be seen, the smaller curvature radius rl affords a smaller sweep radius srl as compared to that of scenario 13 allowing for tighter sweeping of the working edge 3.

[34] Furthermore, figure 5 further illustrates the handle 5 comprising an elongate axis and the lower convex disc 4 comprising a perpendicular axis and wherein the elongate axis and the perpendicular axis define an angle β therebetween. [35] In embodiment, the angle β may also be adjusted to adjust the performance characteristic of the swivel joint mechanism wherein, for example, decreasing the angle β increases swivelling with respect to twisting of the handle and vice versa and therefore can be adjusted to adjust the sweep radius.

[36] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, they thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.