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US 2003/0192974 A1Published application
Tool support
AssigneeNone recorded
InventorMichael B. Hopper
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AssigneeNone recorded
InventorMichael B. Hopper
Estimating the term…
A support assembly and method is provided for suspending lightweight tools or other objects, such as hairdryers and the like. The assembly provides support and in particular embodiments, electrical power to the object suspended. In addition, the assembly provides management of the cord. Elevation of the object may be adjusted within a predetermined range of motion. The assembly exerts an upward force on the object that varies depending upon the elevation. This variable force is calibrated to provide the object with a uniformly weightless or virtually weightless “feel” nominally throughout the range of movement. The assembly is provided with low friction and low inertia, so that an object may be rapidly and easily moved between various elevations with little effort and little drag. The amount of force exerted on the object by the assembly may be adjusted.
A multi-elevational hairdryer support comprising:
A low-drag counter-balance apparatus for offsetting a constant force between two points of reference, over a range of movement, the points of reference respectively defining a point of attachment to the force and an axis of rotation, the apparatus comprising:
A low-drag multi-elevational hairdryer support comprising:
A method for offsetting a constant force between two points of reference, over a range of movement, the points of reference respectively defining a point of attachment to the force and an axis of rotation, the method comprising:
A multi-elevational hairdryer support comprising:
An adjustable apparatus for offsetting the weight of a hairdryer and cord over a range of movement, the apparatus comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Backward citations are indexed for grants only.
Automatic re-storing devices: arrangements or adaptations of the spring motor
Stands, supports or guiding devices for positioning portable tools or for securing them to the work: tool balancers
Traversing devices; means for orderly arranging the material on the drum: with a traversely moving drum
Traversing devices; means for orderly arranging the material on the drum: guiding ribs on the drum
Term end not estimated
1. Technical Field
This invention relates to retractable overhead tool supports, and more particularly to a low-drag overhead support for lightweight hand-held tools such as hairdryers.
2. Background Information
The above and other features and advantages of this invention will be more readily apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of an embodiment of the present invention, in conjunction with a hairdryer shown on a reduced scale;
FIG. 2 is another view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized. It is also to be understood that structural, procedural and system changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. For clarity of exposition, like features shown in the accompanying drawings shall be indicated with like reference numerals and similar features as shown in alternate embodiments in the drawings shall be indicated with similar reference numerals.
Where used in this disclosure, the term “axial” when used in connection with an element described herein, refers to a direction relative to the element, which is substantially parallel to axis of rotation a when the element is installed such as shown in FIG. 1. Similarly, the term “transverse” refers to a direction substantially orthogonal to the axial direction. The term “drag”, as used herein, refers to forces tending to resist the elevational changes of an object supported by embodiments of the present invention. These “drag” forces may include friction and inertia exhibited by various components of these embodiments.
An aspect of the present invention was the realization that lack of success using conventional counter-balancing suspension systems was related to the relatively high drag, e.g., inertia and friction, associated with such devices. Moreover, it was found that even when such systems are scaled-down in size in an attempt to accommodate lighter weight (e.g., about 1-25 lbs.) suspended objects, the drag forces become a significant, if not overwhelming factor, particularly for objects in the lower end of this weight range. Indeed, although various componentry may be reduced in size to compensate for lighter weight objects, the drag forces generated by friction and inertia of the moving components, were not proportionately reduced. As such, the ratio of drag forces to the weight of the object became unacceptably high, with the effect of exacerbating the ‘lagging’ problem associated with quick elevational movements as described hereinabove.