Universal quick-change adapter

Abstract

A universal adapter is disclosed herein to facilitate easy and efficient replacement of needle scrapers and chisel attachments associated with pneumatic tool receivers / couplings, the adapter including a sleeve with a spring and spacer, an adapter bearing an O-ring, and an anvil component in contact with a base of a plurality of needles.

Description

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims all benefits under 35 USC §119(e) of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 115,111, entitled “Universal Quick-Change Adapter,” filed November 18, 2020, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The subject matter disclosed in this article generally relates to hardware accessories, and more specifically to a connector configured to engage with pneumatic tools to enable quick and efficient replacement of needle, chisel, and / or hammer attachments without the need for additional tools such as screwdrivers. Background Technology

[0003] Pneumatic tools such as pneumatic hammers, rock drills, nail guns, and rivet guns have been known in the art for many years. Pneumatic hammers, also known as pneumatic chisels or air hammers, have a wide variety of uses, including cutting, breaking, carving, and surface refinishing of various objects and / or surfaces. Pneumatic scrapers, also known as needle-gun scrapers, needle scrapers, or needle guns, are similar to pneumatic hammers in most respects and are similarly used for a wide variety of activities. However, instead of a single, solid chisel attachment attached to the front, as is the case with pneumatic hammers, needle scrapers (as their name suggests) rely on an attachment containing multiple elongated metal "needles" to perform their work. Both pneumatic hammers and needle scrapers are valuable tools in the manufacturing industry, and as mentioned above, many of their mechanical structures are similar (if not identical). However, given the operating environment of the respective tools and how they operate, the ability to switch between chisel attachments and needle attachments is a time-intensive process that incurs inefficiency and higher costs.

[0004] Therefore, in view of the problems and disadvantages associated with prior art devices, the subject matter of this disclosure is conceived, and one of its objectives is to provide a universal connector configured (i.e., sized, shaped and designed) to facilitate the replacement of chisel and / or needle scraper attachments without requiring semi-permanent fasteners such as screws.

[0005] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a universal connector that includes a sleeve component, an adapter component, a spacer component, and an anvil component.

[0006] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a universal connector with a sleeve component defining a length of approximately 3.5 inches (8.89 cm), an outer diameter of 1.5 inches (3.81 cm), and tapering to 1.3 inches (3.30 cm) at one end, wherein the sleeve component has an internal bore of 0.87 inches (2.22 cm). The opposite end defines a bore of 1.32 inches (3.35 cm), the last 0.6 inches (1.52 cm) of the internal diameter being threaded with a UNEF thread of 1 3 / 8 x 20.

[0007] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a universal connector with an adapter component having a secondary ring tube portion and a primary ring tube portion connected by a post. The secondary ring tube portion defines an outer diameter of 0.77 inches (1.96 cm), the primary ring tube portion defines an outer diameter of 1.37 inches (3.48 cm), and the post defines an outer diameter of 0.56 inches (1.42 cm). An aperture extending through the secondary ring tube, post, and primary ring tube, defining a diameter of 0.41 inches, flares outward from the last 0.24 inches (0.61 cm) of the primary ring tube portion to 0.75 inches (1.91 cm). A 1.31-inch (3.32 cm) recess may be formed between the primary ring tube portion and the post via a shield extending beyond the circumference of the primary ring tube portion and defining a thickness of 0.15 inches (0.38 cm).

[0008] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a universal connector with an anvil portion that defines a length of 3.825 inches (9.72 cm) and a diameter of 0.395 inches (1.00 cm) at a first portion, but first flares out to a diameter of 0.745 inches (1.89 cm) at a second portion, and then flares out to a diameter of 1.29 inches (3.28 cm) at a third portion.

[0009] Another objective of the subject matter of this disclosure is to provide a universal adapter comprising an annular spacer defining an outer diameter of 1.30 inches (3.30 cm), an inner diameter of 0.87 inches (2.22 cm), and an internal aperture of 17 / 40 inches (1.08 cm).

[0010] Another objective of this disclosure is to provide a universal adapter assembly configured to engage with a quick-connect coupling of a conventional pneumatic hammer.

[0011] As will be described in more detail below, various other objectives and advantages of the subject matter of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The foregoing and other objectives are achieved by providing a universal adapter for easy and efficient replacement of needle scrapers and chisel attachments associated with pneumatic tool receivers / connectors, the adapter comprising a sleeve component, an adapter component, a spacer component, and an anvil component disposed between a spring, a spacer, and an O-ring. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A side plan view showing the universal quick-change adapter of the subject matter of this disclosure in both a disassembled configuration and an assembled configuration;

[0014] Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 End plan and cross-sectional views of the components of a universal quick-change adapter;

[0015] Figure 3 Depicting Figure 1 End plan and cross-sectional views of the components of a universal quick-change adapter;

[0016] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 A plan view of the components of a universal quick-switch adapter; and

[0017] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 Plan view, top view, and side view of the components of the universal quick-change adapter. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below. The use of the term "exemplary" is intended to be illustrative or merely exemplary, and any reference to "the invention" herein is not intended to limit or restrict the invention to the precise features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification. References to "exemplary embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that embodiments of the invention thus described may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes said specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, the repeated use of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an exemplary embodiment," or "in an alternative embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0019] It should also be noted that terms such as “preferredly,” “usually,” and “typically” are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or to imply that certain features are critical, necessary, or even important to the structure or function of the invention. In fact, these terms are only intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be used in specific embodiments of the invention.

[0020] The subject matter of this disclosure is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention. Throughout the document, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; in fact, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure operable, implementable, and complete. Accordingly, the specific arrangements disclosed are intended to be illustrative only and do not limit the scope of the invention or any and all its equivalents. Furthermore, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the invention.

[0021] Although specific terms are used herein, they are used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for limiting purposes. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, these terms are intended to have their broad, common, and customary meanings consistent with those applicable in the relevant industry and are not limited to any specific embodiments described below. As used herein, the article “a” implies one or more items. In cases where only one item is specified, the terms “one and only one,” “single,” or similar wording are used. When used herein to connect lists of items, the term “or” indicates at least one item, but does not exclude multiple items in the list.

[0022] For exemplary methods or processes of the present invention, the order and / or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that while the steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described in one order or timing arrangement, the steps of any such process or method are not limited to being performed in any particular order or arrangement unless otherwise indicated. In practice, steps in such processes or methods can generally be performed in various different orders and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Furthermore, any mention of advantages, benefits, unintended consequences, or operability of the invention is not intended to confirm that the invention has been previously practiced or tested. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, the use of past tenses (present perfect or past tense) in verbs is not intended to indicate or imply that the subject matter of this disclosure has been previously practiced or tested. This disclosure relates to a universal quick-change adapter that allows a user to efficiently and effectively switch between pneumatic tool attachments such as chisels and needle scrapers without the need for semi-permanent fasteners such as screws and associated screwdrivers. Other attachments, such as drill bits and cutting tools, may also be included within the scope of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the subject matter of this disclosure and its operation, reference is now made to the drawings. Figure 1-5Showing various aspects of a preferred embodiment of the universal connector 10, the universal connector includes a sleeve component 11 containing a spacer 12 and a biasing component 13, an adapter component 14 carrying an O-ring 15, and an anvil component 16 contacting a plurality of needles 17.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the sleeve component 11 has a generally cylindrical shape with opposite ends 19, 20, and is defined as having a length between three and four inches (7.62cm-10.16cm) and more preferably approximately 3.5 inches (8.89cm) (+ / -1 inch), an outer diameter between one and two inches (2.54cm-5.04cm) and more preferably approximately 1.5 inches (3.81cm) (+ / -0.25 inches), and tapers to approximately (i.e., + / -1.0cm) 1.3 inches (3.30cm) at one end 19, wherein it has an internal hole 18 of less than one inch (2.54cm) and more preferably 0.87 inches (2.22cm). Opposite end 20 defines a bore 21 having a diameter of approximately (i.e., + / - 1.0 cm) 1.32 inches (3.35 cm), a portion of which, and more specifically, the last 0.6 inches (1.52 cm) of the inner diameter, is threaded; preferably, it has a UNEF thread 22 of 1 3 / 8 x 20. One or more embodiments of sleeve component 11 may further include a spacer 12 and a biasing component 13. A preferred embodiment of spacer 12 is an annular spacer defining an outer diameter of 1.30 inches (3.30 cm), an inner diameter of 0.87 inches (2.22 cm), and an inner bore of 17 / 40 inches (1.08 cm). A preferred embodiment of biasing component 12 has the properties of a helical spring.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, adapter component 14 has a secondary ring tube portion 23 and a main ring tube portion 24 connected by a rod post 25. The secondary ring tube portion 23 has an outer diameter of less than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably approximately (i.e., + / - 1.0 cm) 0.77 inches (1.96 cm), the main ring tube portion 24 has an outer diameter of more than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably approximately (i.e., + / - 1.0 cm) 1.37 inches (3.48 cm), and the rod post 25 has an outer diameter of less than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably 0.56 inches (1.42 cm). The secondary ring tube portion 23 is defined as less than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in length, the main ring tube portion 24 is defined as less than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably 0.65 inches (1.65 cm) in length, and the post 25 is defined as less than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably 0.815 inches (2.07 cm) in length. A hole 26 extends through the secondary ring tube 23, the post 25, and the main ring tube 24, the hole being defined as less than one inch (2.54 cm) and more preferably 0.41 inches in diameter, with the last 0.24 inches (0.61 cm) of the main ring tube portion 24 flaring outwards to 0.75 inches (1.91 cm). A 1.31-inch (3.32 cm) groove 27 may be formed between the main ring tube portion 24 and the post 25 via a shield 32 extending beyond the circumference of the main ring tube portion and defining a thickness of 0.15 inches (0.38 cm). In a preferred embodiment, the groove 27 is configured (i.e., sized and shaped) to receive an O-ring 15 therein. Alternatively, the adapter component 14 may include complementary threads for mating with the sleeve component 11.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the anvil component 16 defines a length between three and four inches (7.62 cm - 10.16 cm), more preferably approximately (i.e., + / - 1.0 cm) 3.825 inches (9.72 cm), and a diameter of approximately (i.e., + / - 0.5 cm) 0.395 inches (1.00 cm) at the first portion 28, but first flares outward at the second portion 29 to approximately (i.e., + / - 0.5 cm) 0.745 inches (1.89 cm) in diameter, and then flares outward at the third portion 30 to approximately (i.e., + / - 0.5 cm) 1.29 inches (3.28 cm) in diameter. In one or more embodiments, the third portion of the anvil component 16 contacts a base holding a plurality of needles 17, transmitting force applied from the hammer portion of a conventional pneumatic tool (not shown) via the adapter component 14. The anvil component 16 preferably includes a post portion 31 configured (i.e., sized, shaped, and oriented) to insert into and ideally pass through a hole defined by the adapter component 14, and a hole 26 configured (i.e., sized, shaped, and oriented) to receive a portion of the post 31 of the anvil component 16 therein and more preferably through it. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the post 31 of the anvil component 16 protrudes from the hole 26 opposite to one side of its entry hole.

[0027] In use, spacer 12 and biasing member 13 are positioned within sleeve 11, through which a plurality of needles 17 pass (in a preferred embodiment, the number of needles is sixteen). Anvil member 16 is positioned to frictionally contact the base of the plurality of needles 17, and adapter member 14 passes along the rod portion 31 of anvil member 16 via adapter member hole 26, such that adapter member 14 is in close frictional contact with a portion of anvil member 16 via O-ring 15. Another attachment, such as a chisel attachment, for pneumatic tools is removed from the quick-connect engagement of a conventional pneumatic hammer (not shown) and inserted into the secondary ring tube portion in a quick-connect manner. This means that the chisel attachment can be quickly and efficiently replaced with the plurality of needles 17 without the need for screws and associated screwdrivers.

[0028] The illustrations and examples provided herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A universal adapter, comprising an adapter component, an anvil component including a rod portion, and a sleeve; in, The adapter component further includes a main ring tube portion, a secondary ring tube portion, and a rod connecting the main ring tube portion to the secondary ring tube portion. The main ring tube portion, the rod, and the secondary ring tube portion together define the diameter of a continuous internal adapter component bore passing through it. The secondary ring tube portion extends outside the sleeve and is configured for quick connection with a pneumatic tool. The continuous internal adapter component holes define the diameters of the main ring tube portion, the secondary ring tube portion, and the rod post hole, wherein the diameter of the main ring tube portion is larger than the diameter of the secondary ring tube portion, or the diameter of the main ring tube portion is larger than the diameter of the rod post hole. The main ring tube portion bore diameter is configured to receive a portion of the rod portion of the anvil assembly therein, wherein the rod portion of the anvil assembly is configured to be inserted into the adapter assembly bore through the main ring tube portion bore diameter. The anvil component is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in the first position, a portion of the rod portion of the anvil component extends from the adapter component hole, and in the second position, the rod portion of the anvil component does not extend from the adapter component hole.

2. The universal adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a groove between the main ring tube portion and the secondary ring tube portion.

3. The universal adapter of claim 2, further comprising an O-ring positioned within the groove between the main ring portion and the secondary ring portion.

4. The universal adapter of claim 1, wherein the secondary ring tube portion defines an outer diameter of less than 2.54 cm, and wherein the main ring tube portion defines an outer diameter of more than 2.54 cm.

5. The universal adapter of claim 4, wherein the secondary ring tube portion defines an outer diameter of approximately 1.96 cm, and wherein the primary ring tube portion defines an outer diameter of approximately 3.48 cm.

6. The universal adapter of claim 1, wherein the anvil component is defined by the first, second, and third portions.

7. The universal adapter of claim 6, wherein the first portion of the anvil component defines a diameter of approximately 1.00 cm.

8. The universal adapter of claim 6, wherein the second portion of the anvil component defines a diameter of approximately 1.89 cm.

9. The universal adapter of claim 6, wherein the third portion of the anvil component defines a diameter of approximately 3.28 cm.

10. The universal adapter of claim 6, wherein the anvil component defines a diameter of approximately 1.00 cm at a first portion, flares outward to a diameter of approximately 1.89 cm at a second portion, and further flares outward to a diameter of approximately 3.28 cm at a third portion.

11. The universal adapter of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a first end and a second end, the first end defining an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter defined by the second end.

12. The universal adapter of claim 11, wherein the first end defines an outer diameter of approximately 3.81 cm, which tapers to approximately 3.30 cm.

13. The universal adapter of claim 11, wherein the first end and the second end cooperate to define the sleeve, the first end and the second end together defining an inner bore, the inner bore defining a diameter of 3.35 ± 1.0 cm.

14. The universal adapter of claim 13, wherein the first end defines an internal hole having an inner diameter of less than 2.54 cm.

15. The universal adapter of claim 14, wherein the first end defines an internal hole having an inner diameter of 2.22 cm.

16. The universal adapter of claim 14, wherein a portion of the second end comprises a plurality of 1-3 / 8-20 UNEF threads.

17. The universal adapter of claim 1, further comprising an annular spacer sized and shaped to be placed within the sleeve.

18. The universal adapter of claim 1, further comprising a biasing component sized and shaped to be placed within the sleeve.

19. The universal adapter of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of pins attached to a substrate, the plurality of pins being configured to be contacted at the substrate by the anvil.

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