Method and device for collecting metallic debris
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsAnton G. Banks, James W. Norris
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of and device for picking up ferrous debris off of a walking surface in a work area provides a way for workers to passively help maintain the work area and keep it free from the debris. Workers wear magnetic footwear onto the walking surface. A magnet is inserted or affixed in any recessed portion of a sole of the footwear such that a receptacle is created in the bottom of the sole to which any metallic debris that is capable of being magnetized can be attracted and retained as the workers move around the walking surface. The footwear can then be cleaned when the workers leave the work area, either by cleaning the debris from the magnet or removing some part that has retained the debris with its magnetic attraction.
Claims20
A method for collecting magnetic debris from a walking surface, the method comprising:
- placing a device that attracts and retains magnetic debris on a foot before entering a work area with magnetic debris on the walking surface;
- wearing the device while working in the work area, allowing the magnetic debris to be attracted to and retained by the device;
- and
- removing the device after leaving the work area.
A device for collecting magnetic debris off a walking surface comprising:
- an article of footwear having a sole, the sole having at least one indentation;
- and
- at least one magnet shaped to fit within the indentation, the magnet having a collection surface to which magnetic material and debris are attracted.
A magnetic element for use in conjunction with an article of footwear to collect magnetic debris off a walking surface, the magnetic element being shaped to fit within a recessed portion defined by a tread on a sole of the article of footwear;
- and the magnetic element having a magnetic force to attract and retain the magnetic debris.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.