# US 11,440,122 B2 · Accessory and kit for welding and cutting devices > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,440,122 B2 - Document ID: US11440122B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/829,602 - Filed: 2020-03-25 - Published: 2020-07-30 - Granted: 2022-09-13 - Earliest claimed: 2015-05-14 - Applicants: Martin Albrecht - Inventors: Martin Albrecht - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11440122B2 ## CPC - B23K 9/28: Supporting devices for electrodes - B23K 37/0205: {guided by hand} - B23K 9/126: {Controlling the spatial relationship between the work and the gas torch (between wire tip and piece B23K9/073)} - B23K 9/287: {Supporting devices for electrode holders} - B23K 9/32: Accessories - B23K: SOLDERING OR UNSOLDERING; WELDING; CLADDING OR PLATING BY SOLDERING OR WELDING; CUTTING BY APPLYING HEAT LOCALLY, e.g. FLAME CUTTING; WORKING BY LASER BEAM ## Abstract A welding accessory that allows a welder to easily maintain the proper electrical arc gap between the welding torch and the surface being welded, and that improves the consistency of the shield gas plume by reducing the variation of gap between the shield gas nozzle and the surface being welded while in motion is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the welding accessory is comprised of a body portion, a slidable and rotatable repositionable arm; and a wheel attached to one end of said repositionable arm. A kit that comprises the welding accessory of the present invention and other accessories for welding and/or oxy-fuel cutting is also disclosed. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A welding accessory device comprising: a body portion; a repositionable arm comprised of a first end with a longitudinal axis, a second end, and a ball bearing race; a ball bearing positioned within the body portion and adjacent to the ball bearing race; a block; a first cap attached to the first end of the repositionable arm and a second cap attached to the second end of the repositionable arm, wherein the first cap creates a preset distance between the device and a workpiece; and a wheel positioned on the repositionable arm, wherein the wheel is rotatable about both the longitudinal axis and the second end. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The welding accessory device of claim 1 wherein said body portion is comprised of an inboard surface, an outboard surface and a continuous opening extending between said inboard surface and said outboard surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The welding accessory device of claim 2 wherein said body portion is further comprised of at least one side, a second continuous opening extending between said inboard surface and said outboard surface, and a slot extending between said continuous opening and said at least one side. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The welding accessory device of claim 3 wherein said slot also extends between said inboard surface and said outboard surface. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The welding accessory device of claim 1, wherein the block has a tapered portion that interacts with the wheel to permit the wheel to wobble as it rotates about the second end. ### Claim 6 (depends on 2) The welding accessory device of claim 2 further comprising a screw, wherein said continuous opening is adjustable in size by turning said screw. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The welding accessory device of claim 1, wherein the first end is approximately perpendicular to the second end. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The welding accessory device of claim 1, wherein the repositionable arm is further comprised of a series of caster like bends. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The welding accessory device of claim 1, wherein said device is rotatable 360 degrees about a welding head portion. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The welding accessory device of claim 1, wherein said wheel is positioned along and rotatable about said repositionable arm between said block and said second cap. ### Claim 11 (depends on 3) The welding accessory device of claim 3, wherein said repositionable arm is repositionable longitudinally and rotatably within said second continuous opening. ### Claim 12 A welding accessory device comprising: a body portion comprised of a first continuous opening and a second continuous opening; a repositionable arm positioned in and rotatable within said second continuous opening, wherein said repositionable arm further comprises a ball bearing race and a series of caster like bends; a ball bearing; a tapered block, a first cap and a second cap, wherein the first cap and the second cap are each attached to an end portion of the repositionable arm, and further wherein the first cap creates a preset distance between the device and a workpiece; and a wheel attached to and rotatable about said repositionable arm. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The welding accessory device of claim 12 wherein said body portion further comprises a slot adjacent to said first continuous opening. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The welding accessory device of claim 13 further comprising a screw, wherein said first continuous opening and said slot are adjustable in size by turning said screw. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The welding accessory device of claim 12, wherein said device is rotatable 360 degrees about a welding head portion. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The welding accessory device of claim 12, wherein said wheel is positioned along said repositionable arm between said block and said second cap. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The welding accessory device of claim 12, wherein said repositionable arm is repositionable longitudinally and rotatably within said second continuous opening. ### Claim 18 A welding accessory device comprising: a body portion; a repositionable arm comprised of a series of caster like bends and a ball bearing race; a ball bearing for interacting with the ball bearing race; a block having a tapered portion; and a wheel rotatable about the repositionable arm and positioned between the tapered portion of the block and a cap. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The welding accessory device of claim 18, wherein the repositionable arm is further comprised of a first end having a longitudinal axis. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The welding accessory device of claim 19, wherein the wheel has an orientation that is generally planar with the longitudinal axis.