A wall plug removal device

Abstract

A wall plug removal device is provided. The device includes an insert, wherein the insert includes an elongated shank having a left hand external thread and a plug engaging head, the plug engaging head including a right hand thread. The device further includes a handle, wherein the handle includes a mating left hand internal thread and a laterally extending gripping portion that grips the wall around the plug when the insert is withdrawn from the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a wall plug removal device, specifically to a device for removing plugs from a wall; more specifically, for removing plastic plugs that have been inserted into a wall cavity as screw anchors or the like. Background Technology

[0002] In particular, with the increasing popularity of electric screwdrivers, people are more inclined to drill holes in walls for hanging pictures, curtain tracks or other items, or for other purposes.

[0003] Therefore, many people drill holes in their walls that they may later find misplaced. When people use wall plugs to fill and anchor these holes, especially on older properties, these plugs can cause problems if they are misplaced. Wall plugs are often difficult to remove from walls without causing significant further damage to the surrounding walls or the holes themselves.

[0004] GB2492764 (BENNETT) discloses a manual tool for removing wall plugs, wherein one end of a central shaft is a screw and plug engagement portion, and the other end of the central shaft is fitted with a handle. The tool has a collar that contacts the wall, allowing the screw to be pulled toward the wall, and the area around the wall is protected, so that the relative movement generated by the threaded engagement between the collar and the plug engagement portion is in opposite directions (clockwise vs. counterclockwise) to prevent the puller from disengaging from the plug when it is rotated to move the plug away from the wall.

[0005] EP1175968 (SCHURR) discloses a plastic wall plug removal tool having a hook extending from a shaft end for insertion into the interior of the plug, allowing the plug to be pulled out of the wall.

[0006] DE19520308 (SPIRA et al.) discloses a tool for removing plastic wall plugs from a wall, the tool comprising a cylindrical part having a handle element at one end and a truncated conical thread at the other end, the thread tapering conically toward that end such that the conical end is introduced into an opening in the shaft of the plastic wall plug and rotated to engage the plug and allow its removal. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect, a wall plug removal device is provided for removing a plug from a wall, the wall plug removal device including an insert, wherein the insert includes an elongated shank and a plug engagement head, the elongated shank having a left-handed external thread and the plug engagement head having a right-handed thread; and wherein the wall plug removal device further includes a handle and a laterally extending gripping portion, wherein the handle includes a mating left-handed internal thread, and the gripping portion is used to grip the wall surrounding the plug when the insert is withdrawn from the handle.

[0008] In this way, the device provides a two-part, easy-to-operate tool that first engages a wall plug and then allows the user to remove the plug from the wall. The device may include a two-part structure comprising an insert and a handle.

[0009] The device includes threads on the stopper engagement head, allowing it to be screwed into place to engage the stopper. The device includes left-hand threads on the elongated shank and handle, and reverse threads on the stopper engagement head, ensuring that the device does not loosen from the stopper when removed from a wall.

[0010] The insert includes both a left-hand external thread and a right-hand thread. In other words, the insert comprises two threads that rotate in opposite directions. The right-hand thread rotates clockwise to tighten the plug engagement into the plug and grip it, while the left-hand thread rotates counterclockwise to pull the plug from the wall. In use, the plug engagement is pushed into the plug by rotating it clockwise, and once the engagement is securely gripped, the handle is rotated counterclockwise along the elongated shank, causing it to move toward the engagement and thus toward the wall until the laterally extending gripping portion of the handle contacts and grips the wall surrounding the plug. The insert can then be rotated clockwise by the handle, causing the left-hand thread of the elongated shank to move upward through the handle, thereby pulling the plug from the wall. Thus, the wall plug removal device uses torque to pull the plug from the wall. The terms "wall plug" and "plug" are used interchangeably throughout this application.

[0011] The term "handle" is used throughout the instruction manual, but this feature may also be referred to as a backplate or collar.

[0012] The gripping portion can be conceived as contacting a wall or similar object where the plug is located. In this way, it can be envisioned that the wall plug can be pulled against the laterally extending gripping portion. The handle includes a mating left-hand internal thread, allowing the handle to move along an elongated shaft including a left-hand external thread. Therefore, the handle can include a mating left-hand internal thread having features complementary to the left-hand external thread of the elongated shaft. For example, the mating left-hand internal thread can include the same thread size / diameter and pitch as the left-hand external thread.

[0013] In some embodiments, the device may include a tapered plug engagement head, thereby allowing for gradual or incremental engagement with various plugs.

[0014] In some embodiments of the device, the device includes a funnel-shaped opening at a first end of the handle leading to the handle, such that the plug can be pulled into the opening during removal, thereby allowing the plug to be pulled into the device from a wall and thus making the device easier to manipulate from a wall. In other words, the handle may include a funnel-shaped opening for receiving the removed plug, wherein the funnel-shaped opening extends from a laterally extending gripping portion. The handle may include an opening that is wider at one end of the handle and narrows toward the opposite end of the handle.

[0015] In some embodiments of the device, the device includes a first gripping portion located at a first end of a handle, such that the insert moves relative to the handle, which is conceived to remain in contact with a wall during use. In some embodiments, the device includes a first gripping portion for gripping a wall and a second gripping portion for the user to grip.

[0016] The handle may include a proximal surface configured to contact and grip a wall during use. The proximal surface may be integral with a laterally extending gripping portion. The handle may also include a distal surface opposite the proximal surface. When the handle engages with an insert, the distal end of the handle may be furthest from the plug engagement head of the insert, while the proximal end of the handle may be closest to the plug engagement head of the insert.

[0017] The handle may include an inner surface defining a cavity extending along the longitudinal length of the handle. The cavity may extend from a distal surface of the handle to a proximal surface of the handle; in other words, the cavity may extend along the entire longitudinal length of the handle. The cavity may form openings on both the proximal and distal surfaces of the handle. The cavity may have a diameter from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, for example, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, or about 19 mm. The inner surface may include a mating left-hand internal thread. The mating left-hand internal thread may extend from an opening at the proximal surface of the handle to an opening at the distal surface; in other words, the mating left-hand internal thread may extend internally along the entire longitudinal length of the handle.

[0018] The inner surface of the handle may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the inner surface of the handle may include a mating left-hand internal thread. The second portion of the inner surface of the handle may be unthreaded. Therefore, the handle can be configured such that an elongated shank interacts with the first portion of the inner surface within the handle. The first portion of the inner surface may extend from the distal surface of the handle, while the second portion of the inner surface may extend from the proximal surface of the handle.

[0019] In some embodiments, a first portion of the inner surface of the handle defines a first portion of the cavity, and a second portion of the inner surface of the handle defines a second portion of the cavity, wherein the second portion of the cavity has a larger diameter than the first portion of the cavity. The cavity diameter may gradually change between the first and second portions of the cavity. Alternatively, the cavity diameter may abruptly change between the first and second portions of the cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second portion of the cavity may be located at the proximal end of the handle, and the first portion of the cavity may be located at the distal end of the handle. Therefore, the first portion of the cavity may be closer to the distal surface of the handle, while the second portion of the cavity may be closer to the proximal surface of the handle. The second portion of the cavity may be configured to accommodate a plug pulled from a wall.

[0021] The diameter of the second portion of the cavity can be approximately 150% to approximately 200% of the diameter of the first portion of the cavity. For example, the diameter of the second portion of the cavity can be approximately 160%, approximately 170%, approximately 175%, approximately 180%, approximately 185%, or approximately 190% of the diameter of the first portion of the cavity. The second portion of the cavity can be configured to accommodate a plug of a specific size or a range of sizes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the second portion of the cavity extends from the laterally extending gripping portion. This arrangement allows the removed plug to move directly into the second portion of the cavity.

[0023] In some embodiments, the laterally extending gripping portion includes one or more radially extending portions with an enlarged diameter. It is conceivable that the gripping portion may include a circular wall-jointing plate or pad, which may be elastically deformable to provide enhanced friction. In other words, the laterally extending gripping portion may include one or more radial portions extending to an enlarged diameter. Therefore, the laterally extending gripping portion can have a larger diameter compared to the distal end of the handle. Thus, in this arrangement, the laterally extending gripping portion provides a larger surface area, thereby improving grip with the wall.

[0024] In some embodiments of the device, the device includes a resiliently deformable pad on the end face of the gripping portion. The handle may include a resiliently deformable material on the end face of the laterally extending gripping portion for contact with a wall. It is contemplated that the laterally extending gripping portion may include a circular wall-jointing plate, a washer, or a pad. The laterally extending gripping portion may be resiliently deformable to provide enhanced friction. For example, the circular wall-jointing plate, washer, or pad may be resiliently deformable. The circular wall-jointing plate, washer, or pad may include silicone.

[0025] In some embodiments of the device, the device includes a second gripping portion for a user to grasp. The second gripping portion may be located at a second (or distal) end of the handle remote from the first gripping portion. The second gripping portion may include two radially extending wings for manual gripping. In other words, the device may include a handle grip for a user to grasp. The handle grip may be located at the distal end of the handle. This allows the user to rotate the handle toward the plug engagement head. The handle grip may include radially extending wings for manual gripping. Alternatively or additionally, the handle grip may include knurling or have a knurled pattern.

[0026] Inserts may include two different pitch sizes. Pitch is the distance between two adjacent threads. The terms "pitch" and "pitch size" are used interchangeably throughout the application. The left-hand external thread of the slender shank may have a tighter thread (fine thread) compared to the right-hand thread of the plug engagement head, which may have a looser winding (coarse thread). In other words, the left-hand external thread of the slender shank may have a smaller pitch size compared to the pitch size of the right-hand thread of the plug engagement head. For example, the pitch size of the left-hand external thread of the slender shank may be approximately 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the pitch size of the right-hand thread of the plug engagement head. The looser winding of the right-hand thread allows the plug engagement head to hold the plug more securely. A fine-threaded screw with a slender shank requires less torque to pull the plug out of a wall compared to a coarse-threaded screw.

[0027] In some embodiments, the left-hand external thread on the elongated shank may include a pitch from about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm. For example, the left-hand external thread on the elongated shank may include a pitch from about 1.0 mm to about 1.3 mm. Preferably, the left-hand external thread on the elongated shank may include a pitch of about 1.25 mm.

[0028] Left-hand external threads with slender shanks can include a pitch diameter from about 3.5 mm to about 10.0 mm. For example, left-hand external threads with slender shanks can include pitch diameters of about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 8.0 mm, about 8.5 mm, about 9.0 mm, or about 9.5 mm. Preferably, left-hand external threads with slender shanks can include a pitch diameter of about 7.2 mm. The pitch diameter (also known as the "effective diameter") is the diameter in which the thread thickness is equal to the thread pitch and typically coincides with the center of the thread bevel.

[0029] In some embodiments, the left-hand external thread of the elongated shank includes a principal diameter from about 4 mm to about 11 mm. For example, the left-hand external thread of the elongated shank may include a principal diameter of about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, or about 10 mm. Preferably, the left-hand external thread of the elongated shank includes a principal diameter of about 8 mm. The principal diameter is the maximum diameter of the screw.

[0030] In some embodiments, the left-hand external thread on the elongated shank includes a minor diameter of about 2.5 mm to about 9.5 mm. For example, the left-hand external thread on the elongated shank includes a minor diameter of about 3.0 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 4.0 mm, about 4.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 5.5 mm, about 6.0 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 7.0 mm, about 7.5 mm, about 8.0 mm, about 8.5 mm, or about 9.5 mm. The minor diameter is the smallest diameter of the screw, equal to the principal diameter minus twice the thread depth.

[0031] In some embodiments, the major diameter of the left-hand external thread on the slender shank is about 10% to about 50% of the minor diameter of the left-hand external thread on the slender shank. For example, the major diameter may be about 20%, about 30%, or about 40% of the minor diameter.

[0032] In some embodiments of the device, the insert includes a hexagonal shank end, which is envisioned to allow engagement of a screwdriver bit. This, in turn, allows the electric actuator to quickly and efficiently remove the insert from the handle, thereby removing the plug from the wall. Alternatively, the insert may include a shank end with flat sides for engagement with a screwdriver bit having complementary openings.

[0033] In some embodiments, the hexagonal shank end or the shank end including flat sides may include a detent. The detent is designed for a detent lock bit holder to ensure that greater force can be applied without the first end separating from the electric or manual screwdriver.

[0034] The insert can be made of or formed of metal, such as aluminum or steel, especially stainless steel or hardened steel. This provides sufficient strength for removing the plug from the wall.

[0035] The handle may include metal, such as aluminum or steel, particularly stainless steel or hardened steel, to provide a more robust device. The handle may also include plastic materials. For example, the handle may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, or nylon. Using plastic materials reduces the weight of the device. The handle may include both metal and plastic materials simultaneously. For example, the handle may include a core containing metal and an exterior containing plastic material. Thus, the mating left-hand internal thread of the handle may be formed of metal, while the exterior of the handle may be formed of plastic material.

[0036] In some embodiments, the device may further include an auxiliary handle attached to the insert. The auxiliary handle may be permanently or detachably attached to the insert. In particular, the auxiliary handle may be attached to / located at the distal end of the insert. The auxiliary handle may be cylindrical and may include knurling. The auxiliary handle may include an auxiliary cavity for receiving the distal end of the insert. The auxiliary cavity may extend along a portion of the longitudinal length of the auxiliary handle. The auxiliary handle may allow the user to more easily rotate the insert. In particular, the auxiliary handle may more easily allow the user to rotate the insert clockwise to insert the plug engagement head into the plug and obtain sufficient grip on the plug, and to pull the plug out of a wall. The auxiliary handle may include wings to allow the user to better grip the auxiliary handle.

[0037] According to a second aspect, a kit for removing wall plugs is provided, the kit including an insert comprising an elongated shank having a left-handed external thread and a plug engagement head having a right-handed thread; and wherein the kit also includes a plurality of handles, each of the plurality of handles including a mating left-handed internal thread and a laterally extending gripping portion for gripping a wall surrounding the plug when the insert is withdrawn from the handle; wherein the plurality of handles are interchangeable and each of the plurality of handles has a different size.

[0038] Therefore, according to the second aspect, the handles can be disassembled and replaced with handles of different sizes to accommodate a specific plug size. Each handle may include a cavity of a different size for receiving a removed wall plug. The cavity of each handle may have a different diameter. Each handle may include a second part of the cavity of a different size. The diameter of the second part of the cavity of each handle may be different. Therefore, the kit can provide multiple handles, each of which can receive a plug of a different size in its cavity. The kit does not require modification of the insert, as it can engage with any handle within the kit. Specifically, the left-handed external thread of the insert can interact with the mating left-handed internal thread of any handle. The kit may include a single insert and two or more handles, thus the kit may include three or more parts. The insert can engage with a screwdriver.

[0039] The kit may also include an auxiliary handle for attaching to the insert, particularly to the distal end of the insert. Therefore, the user may not need a screwdriver, but can instead use the auxiliary handle to rotate the insert. The auxiliary handle may be cylindrical in shape and may include knurling. The auxiliary handle may include an auxiliary cavity for receiving the distal end of the insert. The auxiliary cavity may extend along a portion of the longitudinal length of the auxiliary handle. The auxiliary handle may include knurling or wings to allow the user a better grip.

[0040] According to a third aspect, a kit for removing wall plugs is provided, the kit comprising: a plurality of inserts, each of the plurality of inserts including an elongated shank having a left-handed external thread and a plug engagement head having a right-handed thread; wherein the plurality of inserts are interchangeable and each of the plurality of inserts has a different size; and wherein the kit further comprises a plurality of handles, each of the plurality of handles including a mating left-handed internal thread and a laterally extending gripping portion for gripping a wall surrounding the plug as the insert is withdrawn from the handle; wherein the plurality of handles are interchangeable and each of the plurality of handles has a different size.

[0041] Therefore, according to the third aspect, both the handle and the insert are detachable and interchangeable, so that both the handle and the insert can be selected to fit a specific plug size. Each handle may include a cavity of a different size for receiving the removed wall plug. The cavity of each handle may have a different diameter. Each handle may include a second portion of the cavity of a different size and / or a first portion of the cavity of a different size. The diameter of the first portion of the cavity of each handle and / or the diameter of the second portion of the cavity of each handle may be different compared to another handle among a plurality of handles. Each insert may include an elongated shaft of a different diameter compared to another insert among a plurality of inserts. Thus, the user can select a handle with a cavity that accommodates the size (i.e., diameter) of the wall plug to be removed, and then the user selects an insert to engage with the selected handle such that the left-handed external thread of the insert engages with the mating left-handed internal thread of the handle. The kit may include two or more inserts and two or more handles, and therefore the kit may include at least four parts. Each insert can engage with a screwdriver. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is an isometric view of an embodiment of the device including the insert and the handle; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A reverse isometric view of an embodiment of the device shown; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded isometric view of the device embodiment shown; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The reverse exploded isometric view of the device embodiment shown; Figure 5 This is a view of the distal end of the insert, wherein the insert has (a) a hexagonal cross-sectional profile and (b) a generally rectangular cross-sectional profile; Figure 6This is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the device; Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The reverse exploded isometric view of the device embodiment shown; Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of the device shown; Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of an alternative embodiment of the device; Figure 10 This is a view of the far end of the handle, showing three different configurations of the handle grip. Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the handle; and Figure 12 yes Figure 9 The illustrated device embodiment is shown as a schematic side view, and also includes an auxiliary handle. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the accompanying drawings described herein, the same reference numerals are used to indicate equivalent features.

[0044] Figures 1 to 4 A wall plug removal device 99 is shown, comprising two main parts: an insert 10 and a handle 20. The insert 10 includes an elongated shank 40 with external threads 4 and a plug engagement head 5. The handle 20 includes mating internal threads 62 and a laterally extending wall gripping portion 23. The handle 20 engages with the insert 10 and is movable along the insert 10.

[0045] Especially Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the insert 10 is elongated or has an elongated structure extending from a first end (also called the distal end) to a second end (also called the proximal end), and is formed from a single component. The proximal end includes a plug engagement head 5. The longitudinal length of the insert is from about 80 mm to about 150 mm, for example, between 100 mm and about 120 mm, preferably about 102 mm, about 104 mm, about 106 mm, about 108 mm, about 110 mm, about 112 mm, about 114 mm, about 116 mm, or about 118 mm.

[0046] The first or distal end 1 includes a hexagonal cross-section. Specifically, the first or distal end 1 includes a hexagonal cross-sectional length 3. The hexagonal cross-sectional length includes two regions: a first region 31 and a second region 32, separated by a reduced-diameter collar 2, which acts as a slot. The cross-sectional shape of the distal end is configured to engage with an electric or manual screwdriver. The reduced-diameter collar 2 is designed to mate with a quick-change bit adapter, ensuring the distal end is securely held by the screwdriver, thus allowing for the application of greater force without the distal end 1 separating from the screwdriver. The hexagonal cross-sectional length has a length sufficient to adequately retain it within the screwdriver. For example, a hexagonal cross-sectional length of approximately 20 mm can be installed within the screwdriver. The hexagonal cross-sectional length can range from approximately 10 mm to approximately 70 mm, for example, approximately 20 mm, approximately 30 mm, approximately 35 mm, approximately 40 mm, approximately 45 mm, approximately 50 mm, approximately 55 mm, approximately 60 mm, or approximately 65 mm. The width of the hexagonal cross section can range from about 3 mm to about 10 mm, for example from about 4 mm to about 8 mm, preferably about 5 mm, about 6 mm, about 6.5 mm or about 7 mm.

[0047] Figure 5 (a) shows the hexagonal cross-section as viewed from the distal end 1 of the insert 10. The hexagonal cross-section advantageously reduces slippage when inserted into the screwdriver. To make the hexagonal cross-section shape more securely mounted in the screwdriver, the corners between the longitudinal length of the insert and the distal end of the insert are trimmed or cut to provide a tapered angle. Alternatively, as Figure 5 As shown in (b), the distal end of the insert may have a flat side, such that the first end or distal end 1 includes a generally rectangular shape. Figure 5 The hexagonal cross section shown in (a) and Figure 5 The generally rectangular shapes shown in (b) are shaped to allow them to engage with electric or manual screwdrivers. The distal ends of the inserts may also have different cross-sectional shapes, such as triangles, squares, pentagons, heptagons, octagons, nonagons, or decagons.

[0048] Back Figure 3 and Figure 4The hexagonal cross-section 3 extends along the insert toward the second end (proximal end) and has a reduced-diameter collar 2. In other words, the left-hand external thread 4 is adjacent to the hexagonal cross-section length 3. The left-hand external thread 4 continues after the hexagonal cross-section length 3, and the thread has a diameter larger than the cross-section. The slender shank including the external thread 4 is cylindrical with a circular cross-section. The left-hand external thread has fine external threads. The term "fine" in this document refers to the large number of threads per unit distance along the slender axis of the left-hand external thread, thus providing higher tensile strength than coarse-threaded screws. The left-hand external thread can extend to a length of about 20 mm to about 100 mm, for example, about 30 mm, about 40 mm, about 50 mm, or about 60 mm, or about 70 mm, or about 80 mm, or about 90 mm.

[0049] The external thread 4 of the slender shank has an external groove referred to as a thread, while the internal thread 62 of the handle has an internal thread to allow the internal thread 62 of the handle to engage with the external thread 4 of the slender shank of the insert. Therefore, the internal thread 62 of the handle has the same pitch diameter, thread diameter, thread crest, pitch, etc. as the external thread 4 of the slender shank of the insert.

[0050] The external thread 4 terminates at a plug engagement head 5, which includes a tapered tip that begins at a diameter smaller than the external thread and extends substantially to a single point as it extends away from the external thread. The plug engagement head 5 has a longitudinal length sufficient to adequately clamp the plug. The plug engagement head 5 can have a longitudinal length from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, for example, about 10 mm, about 15 mm, about 20 mm, about 22 mm, about 24 mm, about 25 mm, about 26 mm, about 28 mm, about 30 mm, about 32 mm, about 34 mm, about 35 mm, about 40 mm, or about 45 mm.

[0051] The plug connector 5 also includes a coarse right-hand thread to allow the plug connector to be manually screwed into the plug, thereby effectively engaging the softer plastic of the wall plug and allowing it to be forced open against the wall for better engagement of the device and plug. Specifically, the coarse right-hand thread provides an improved grip on the plug. The coarse right-hand thread can have a head diameter from about 4 mm to about 8 mm, such as about 5 mm, about 6 mm, or about 7 mm. The coarse right-hand thread can also have a shank diameter (also referred to as a “small diameter”) from about 2 mm to about 5 mm, such as about 3 mm or about 4 mm.

[0052] The insert can be integrally formed of metal, and more particularly, it can be formed from a single piece of sheet metal (e.g., steel). For example, the insert can include steel, such as stainless steel or hardened tool steel. The insert can be formed from a single piece of hardened tool steel. The insert can be formed by computer numerical control (CNC) machining or milling. The insert can include a coating, for example, a coating can include zinc, nickel, chromium, brass, copper, silver, or tin. Such a coating can provide corrosion resistance.

[0053] The handle 20 is conceivable as including a cast component with internally tapped internal threads 62. The handle may include metal. Alternatively, the handle may include a plastic material having a metal core including internal threads. The handle may have a longitudinal length of about 20 mm to about 70 mm, for example about 30 mm to about 60 mm, preferably about 35 mm, about 40 mm, about 45 mm, about 50 mm, or about 55 mm.

[0054] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the device may include an annular resilient washer or liner 25 arranged to contact a first end or proximal end 24 of the handle 20. Specifically, the base of the first end 24 of the handle includes an annular resilient washer 25 or a surface that is envisioned to contact surfaces surrounding the wall plug during use and limit damage to such surfaces. During use, the washer 25 contacts surfaces surrounding the wall plug (e.g., a wall) and limits damage to such surfaces. The washer 25 may include or be composed of silicone resin to provide a soft, non-abrasive surface, thereby reducing damage to the wall, and is therefore elastically deformable. Silicone resin may also provide a high-friction surface to provide improved grip with the wall. The washer may be formed by stamping a sheet of silicone resin. The washer defines an aperture having a diameter from about 5 mm to about 25 mm, for example from about 10 mm to about 15 mm, preferably about 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, or 14 mm. The diameter of the hole in the washer allows the plug to expand after being removed from the wall. Although washer 25 is a separate part of the device, it forms part of the laterally extending gripping portion, and thus forms part of the handle 20. The washer forms the proximal surface 27 of the handle.

[0055] Alternatively, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the device does not have washers. In this case, the proximal surface 27 of the handle proximal end 24 may include knurling to provide improved grip with the wall. Furthermore, the proximal surface 27 of the laterally extending grip portion contacts the wall.

[0056] like Figures 1 to 4 and Figures 6 to 8As shown, the handle 20 is wider toward the proximal end 24 than the distal end 34. Specifically, the width or diameter of the laterally extending grip portion is greater than the width or diameter of the distal end 34 of the handle. The width change between the proximal end 24 and the distal end 34 can be gradual or abrupt. The distal end 34 is primarily cylindrical, while the proximal end 24 tapers outward toward the proximal surface 27.

[0057] The handle has a first end or proximal end 24, which includes a widened base comprising a circular flat surface (also referred to as an "end face") that tapers rearward to a cylindrical body 22. The base is the end where the plug engagement head of the insert 10 is located during use. In use, the plug engagement head of the insert 10 extends from the proximal end 24 of the handle. The handle also has a second end or distal end 34 including a handle grip. The base 22 of the handle tapers towards the second end 34. The handle grip includes two laterally extending wings 21 (such as...). Figure 1 , 2 (As shown in 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8). In particular, the second or distal end 34 includes two laterally extending wings 21. Figure 10 (a) shows a view of the distal end of the handle, revealing its cross-sectional shape. The wing 21 provides a means for gripping and manually rotating the handle during use, allowing for the application of high torque. Alternatively, the handle may be without the wing, and the second or distal end 34 of the handle may include a cylindrical shape (e.g., Figure 9 (As shown). The distal end 34 of the handle may include a surface pattern, such as knurling, to provide an improved grip for the user. Alternatively or additionally, the handle may include flat sides 28 such that the cross-section facing the distal surface 66 becomes generally more rectangular. Figure 10 (b) shows a view taken from the distal end 34, illustrating the arrangement of the distal surface 66 and the handle, including a flat side 28. Further toward the proximal end 24 of the handle, the handle gradually forms a columnar body 22. The user can grasp the flat side 28 of the handle to rotate it. Alternatively or additionally, the handle may include an inwardly projecting groove 29, which allows the user to grip the handle more easily. Figure 10 (c) shows a view of the distal end 34 of the handle, which includes two grooves 29.

[0058] The handle includes an aperture or cavity 26 located at the first or proximal end 24, which is envisioned to receive the wall plug when it is removed. The aperture 26 may be funnel-shaped, meaning that the aperture is wider at the proximal end 24 and narrower at the distal end 34.

[0059] The handle 20 includes an inner surface defining a hole or cavity 26. For example... Figure 11As shown, cavity 26 extends along the longitudinal length of handle 20 and forms an opening 86 at the distal surface 66 of the handle and an opening 76 at the proximal surface 27. A first portion of the inner surface of the handle (including a mating left-hand internal thread 62) defines a first portion 72 of the cavity, and a second portion 64 of the inner surface of the handle defines a second portion 74 of the cavity. Figure 11 As shown, the second portion 74 of the cavity has a larger diameter or width than the first portion 72 of the cavity, allowing a pulled-out plug that may subsequently expand to be accommodated within the cavity. The second portion 74 of the cavity can have a diameter from about 5 mm to about 20 mm, for example, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, about 12 mm, about 13 mm, about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, or about 19 mm. Conversely, the first portion 72 of the cavity can have a diameter less than about 10 mm, for example, about 9 mm, about 8 mm, about 7 mm, about 6 mm, or about 5 mm. The combination of the first portion 72 and the second portion 74 of the cavity forms a funnel, and the opening 76 of the cavity or funnel (also referred to as a funnel-shaped opening) extends from the laterally extending gripping portion.

[0060] The width or diameter of the handle 20 at its distal end 34 can be from about 20 mm to about 40 mm, for example, between 25 mm and about 35 mm, preferably about 26 mm, about 27 mm, about 28 mm, about 29 mm, about 30 mm, about 31 mm, about 32 mm, about 33 mm, or about 34 mm. The width or diameter of the handle 20 at its proximal end 24 can be about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about 19 mm, or about 20 mm.

[0061] Figure 12 It shows Figure 9 The embodiment also includes an auxiliary handle 92. The auxiliary handle is attached to the distal end of the insert 10, specifically to the hexagonal cross-sectional length 3 of the insert 10. The auxiliary handle 92 includes an auxiliary cavity such that the distal end of the insert 10 can be received within the auxiliary cavity. Approximately 20 mm of the hexagonal cross-sectional length of the insert can be fitted within the auxiliary cavity of the auxiliary handle. The auxiliary handle eliminates the need for a screwdriver and allows the user to easily rotate the insert manually. The auxiliary handle 92 may include knurling on its outer surface to provide a better grip for the user. Alternatively, the auxiliary handle 92 may include laterally extending wings (not shown) or inwardly projecting grooves (not shown).

[0062] In use: Using a manual or electric screwdriver, screw the right-hand thread at the plug engagement of the insert clockwise into the wall plug.

[0063] The handle is rotated counterclockwise along the left-hand thread of the insert's slender shank until it is firmly positioned against the wall. Specifically, the laterally extending gripping portion grips the wall surrounding the plug.

[0064] While firmly gripping the handle, rotate the insert clockwise to pull the plug out of the wall, causing it to retract into the opening and enter the cavity of the handle.

[0065] Once it's loose enough, the wall plug can be easily removed from the wall.

[0066] The handle is screwed down counterclockwise onto the wall plug, allowing the user to easily remove it from the end of the insert.

[0067] Although the accompanying drawings and description show and depict specific orientations of the threads in the insert and handle, the threads may also have orientations opposite to those described and shown. Specifically, the elongated shank may include right-hand external threads, while the plug engagement head includes left-hand threads, and the handle includes mating right-hand internal threads to mate with the elongated shank having right-hand external threads.

[0068] The various embodiments described herein are presented merely to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. Various embodiments of the invention may include combinations and modifications of the features described herein. It should be understood that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A wall plug removal device for removing a plug from a wall, the wall plug removal device comprising: An insert, wherein the insert comprises: A slender shank with a left-hand external thread; and Including right-hand threaded plug fittings; A handle, wherein the handle comprises: Matching left-hand internal threads, and A laterally extending gripping portion that holds the wall surrounding the plug when the insert is withdrawn from the handle.

2. The wall plug removal device according to claim 1, comprising a tapered plug engagement head.

3. The wall plug removal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The handle includes a funnel-shaped opening, wherein the funnel-shaped opening extends from the laterally extending grip portion.

4. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The handle includes an inner surface defining a cavity, wherein the cavity extends along the longitudinal length of the handle.

5. The wall plug removal device according to claim 4, wherein, The first portion of the inner surface of the handle includes a mating left-hand internal thread.

6. The wall plug removal device according to claim 5, wherein, The second portion of the inner surface of the handle has no threads.

7. The wall plug removal device according to claim 6, wherein, A first portion of the inner surface of the handle defines a first portion of the cavity, and a second portion of the inner surface of the handle defines a second portion of the cavity, wherein the second portion of the cavity has a larger diameter than the first portion of the cavity.

8. The wall plug removal device according to claim 7, wherein, The diameter of the second portion of the cavity is approximately 150% to approximately 200% of the diameter of the first portion of the cavity.

9. The wall plug removal device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The second part of the cavity extends from the laterally extending gripping portion.

10. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The laterally extending gripping portion includes one or more radial portions that extend to an increased diameter.

11. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The handle includes an elastically deformable pad located on the end face of the laterally extending grip portion.

12. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The device includes a handle grip for the user to hold.

13. The wall plug removal device according to claim 13, wherein the handle grip is located at the distal end of the handle.

14. The wall plug removal device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The handle grip includes radially extending wings.

15. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The handle grip portion includes knurling.

16. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The device includes an auxiliary handle attached to the insert for rotating the insert.

17. The wall plug removal device according to claim 16, wherein, The auxiliary handle is located at the distal end of the insert.

18. The wall plug removal device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The auxiliary handle includes knurling.

19. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The left-hand external thread of the slender shank has a pitch of about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm.

20. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The left-hand external thread of the slender shank includes a mean diameter of approximately 3.5 mm to approximately 10.0 mm.

21. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein, The left-hand external thread of the slender shank includes a main diameter of approximately 4 mm to approximately 11 mm.

22. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, The left-hand external thread of the slender shank includes a main diameter of approximately 8 mm.

23. The wall plug removal device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein, The insert includes a hexagonal handle end.

24. The wall plug removal device according to claim 23, wherein, The hexagonal shank end includes a slot.

25. A kit for removing wall plugs, the kit comprising: An insert, wherein the insert comprises: A slender shank with a left-hand external thread; and Including plug fittings with right-hand threads; A plurality of handles, wherein each of the plurality of handles includes: Matching left-hand internal thread, and A laterally extending gripping portion that holds the wall surrounding the plug when the insert is withdrawn from the handle; The plurality of handles are interchangeable, and each of the plurality of handles has a different size.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein, The kit also includes an auxiliary handle for attaching to the insert.

27. A kit for removing wall plugs, the kit comprising: A plurality of inserts, wherein each of the plurality of inserts includes: A slender shank with a left-hand external thread; and Including plug fittings with right-hand threads; The plurality of inserts are interchangeable, and each of the plurality of inserts has a different size; and A plurality of handles, wherein each of the plurality of handles includes: Matching left-hand internal thread; and A laterally extending gripping portion that grips the wall surrounding the plug when the insert is withdrawn from the handle; The plurality of handles are interchangeable, and each of the plurality of handles has a different size.

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