Patent Grant
7490880
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to retrieval tools and more particularly pertains to a new retrieval tool for retrieving articles positioned in a bed of a vehicle that are out of reach.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of retrieval tools is known in the prior art. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the need remains for a device that has certain improved features that allow for the device to be compactly stored to prevent damage to the device. Additionally, the device should be magnetically securable to a vehicle to maintain the device in a desired location.
The present invention meets the needs presented above by generally comprising a handle sleeve being graspable to facilitate manipulation of the handle sleeve. An extension rod is slidably mounted to the handle sleeve. The extension arm is telescopic to vary a length of the extension rod. The extension rod is extended from the handle sleeve when the extension rod is lengthened. A portion of the extension rod is positioned in the handle sleeve when the extension rod is retracted. An offset arm is coupled to a free end of the extension rod. A retrieval arm is hingedly coupled to the offset arm. The retrieval arm is pivoted between a deployed position aligned with the offset arm and a stored position.
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
The objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure.
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such descriptions makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
As best illustrated in
An offset arm 18 is coupled to a free end 20 of the extension rod 14. The offset arm 18 is positioned approximately perpendicular to the extension rod 14. A retrieval arm 22 is hingedly coupled to the offset arm 18. The retrieval arm 22 is pivoted between a deployed position aligned with the offset arm 18 and a stored position. The stored position is defined by the retrieval arm 22 being positioned orthogonally to the offset arm 18 and extending back towards the handle sleeve 12. The retrieval arm 22 is positioned adjacent a planar face 24 of the handle sleeve 12 when the retrieval arm 22 is in the stored position and the extension rod 14 is retracted into the handle sleeve 12. The handle sleeve includes a first end 40 and a second end 42 and the extension rod 14 is attached to the second end. The planar face 24 extends from the second end 40 to a flange 44 abutting the first end 40. The retrieval arm extends to the flange 44 when the retrieval arm is in the stored position. The handle sleeve 12 is cylindrically shaped and the planar face 24 forms a depression in the handle sleeve 12.
In use, the retrieval arm 22 is positioned in the deployed position and abutted against articles in a bed of the vehicle. The articles are slid out of the bed when the handle sleeve 12 and the extension rod 14 are pulled out of the bed. The retrieval arm 22 is positioned in the stored position. The handle sleeve 12 is attached to a metallic surface of the vehicle with the magnet 16.
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
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| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 3246527 | Jun 1984 | DE |
