Tool support

Abstract

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.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to retractable hanging tool stands, and more particularly, the present invention relates to low drag hanging stands for lightweight hand tools, such as hair dryers. Background technique [0002] Workers in all walks of life use hand-held tools and other utility devices on a daily basis. Most of these devices are heavy and require significant arm strength to lift, hold in place, or maneuver. Gravity-compensating suspensions may be required to support heavier objects from above, such as engine blocks on automotive assembly lines. These devices enable the easy movement of heavier objects onto or along the production line, allowing workers to turn them for easy access to them, for example to facilitate attaching parts, or to lower them into place, such as lowering them into a car in the engine compartment. To support the heavier objects, these suspensions can be made from heavier components to give them the requisite struct...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Also, during such rapid elevation movements, such as during the hairstyling / drying operations described above, there may be a lag between raising the blower and the corresponding cable retraction

This lag can cause the cable to alternately loosen and then tighten, providing uneven tool support which can be disruptive to the user

Also, a momentary lag can lead to continued retraction at too high a speed as the device attempts to wind the cable loosely

Alternatively, the device attempts to retract the cable even when the user attempts to lower the object, which may be more disruptive and place undue stress on the user's wrist and on the various components of the suspension device. stress

Uneven application of force due to the hysteresis can lead to unfavorable cocking or seizure of components of the device

Images