FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to tools designed for tightening or loosening fasteners, in particular bolts and nuts. More specifically, the present invention is an anti-slip torque tool designed to engaged bolts, nuts, and other similar fasteners with little chance of slippage through two sets of engagement teeth.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hex bolts, nuts, screws, and other similar threaded devices are used to secure and hold multiple parts together by being engaged to a complimentary thread, known as a female thread. The general structure of these types of fasteners is a cylindrical shaft with an external thread and a head at one end of the shaft. The external thread engages a complimentary female thread tapped into a hole or a nut and secures the fastener in place, binding the associated components together. The head is the means by which the fastener is turned, or driven, into the female threading. The head is shaped specifically to allow an external tool like a wrench to apply a torque to the fastener in order to rotate the fastener and engage the complimentary female threading to a certain degree. This type of fastener is simple, extremely effective, cheap, and highly popular in modern construction.
One of the most common problems in using these types of fasteners, whether male or female, is the tool slipping in the head portion, or slipping on the head portion. This is generally caused by either a worn fastener or tool, corrosion, overtightening, and damage to the head portion of the fastener. The present invention is a wrench or wrench socket design that virtually eliminates slippage. The present invention uses a plurality of recessed regions in the internal sidewalls of the socket in order to ensure that significant contact is made between the tool and the head portion. Additionally, the present invention eliminates the need for the common bolt extractors as they require unnecessary drilling and tools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a top enlarged view of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a detailed view taken about oval section 3 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a detailed view taken about oval section 4 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5 is a detailed view taken about oval section 5 in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is an alternative detailed view of the primary cavity and the secondary cavity of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is another alternative detailed view of the primary cavity and the secondary cavity of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the alternative embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a top view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is detailed view taken about circle section 11 in FIG. 8.
FIG. 12 is a top enlarged view of another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION
All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
The present invention is an anti-slip torque tool used to tighten or loosen any fastener such as a nut or bolt. Traditional wrench and wrench socket designs transfer the majority of the torque to the fastener through the lateral corners of the fastener head. Over time, the degradation of the lateral corners reduces the efficiency of transferring torque from the wrench to the fastener head and, as a result, causes slippage. The present invention overcomes this problem through the use of grooves integrated into the lateral surfaces of the torque tool which provide an additional gripping or biting point for the fastener head, regardless of the wear and tear of the fastener head.
The present invention utilizes sets of teeth and serrations to engage the lateral bracing surface of the fastener head, damaged or otherwise, in order to efficiently apply torque onto the fastener. The sets of teeth allow an improved grip to be applied on to the fastener head by a torque tool. The present invention may be integrated into or utilized by a variety of general tools to increase the torque force applied to a fastener. General tools include, but are not limited to, open-end wrenches, adjustable wrenches, pipe wrenches, socket wrenches, plumber wrench, and other similar fastener engaging tools. The present invention is compatible with male-member based head designs of fasteners. Fasteners which utilize a male-member head design, also known as male fasteners, use the external lateral surface of the fastener head to engage a tool for tightening or loosening, such fasteners include hex bolts and nuts. In addition, the present invention is compatible with fasteners of a right-hand thread and fasteners of a left-hand thread. Furthermore, the present invention may be altered and configured to fit different types and different sizes of fasteners.
In reference to FIG. 1, the present invention comprises a wrench torque-tool body 1 and an at least one engagement element 16. The wrench torque-tool body 1 is used as a physical structure to apply torque onto the fastener head. In particular, the wrench torque-tool body 1 is a tubular extrusion sized to fit over the male fastener in an interlocking manner, essentially a wrench socket. The wrench torque-tool body 1 comprises a plurality of internal sidewalls 2, a first base 13, and a second base 14. The length, width, and diameter of the wrench torque-tool body 1 may vary to fit different sized fasteners. The plurality of internal sidewalls 2 delineates a fastener-receiving cavity that is shaped complimentary to the fastener being engaged. In particular, the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 is radially distributed about the wrench torque-tool body 1. Additionally, each of the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 comprises a first lateral edge 3, a second lateral edge 4, and a bracing surface 5.
The engagement element 16 prevents slippage between the wrench torque-tool body 1 and the fastener head. In general, the engagement element 16 is a tooth-like feature that is laterally integrated into a specific sidewall 6 from the plurality of internal sidewalls 2, wherein the specific sidewall 6 denotes any from the plurality of internal sidewalls 2. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the engagement element 16 comprises a first pair of grooves 17 and a second pair of grooves 18. The first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 are positioned offset from each other along the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 to delineate an engagement tooth in between thereof. More specifically, the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 each comprise a primary cavity 19 and a secondary cavity 22. The primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 each traverse normal and into the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6. Additionally, the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 each traverse into the wrench torque-tool body 1 from the first base 13 to the second base 14, thus ensuring that the engagement tooth is extends along the pivot axis 15 of the wrench torque-tool body 1.
The present invention is designed to provide a multitude of gripping points in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. For the most efficient gripping action and symmetrical design, the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 are preferably centrally positioned in between the first lateral edge 3 and the second lateral edge 4 of the specific sidewall 6. Although, alternative positioning for the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 may be implemented as well, the determining factor being the tooth of bracing surface 5 positioned between the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 positioned to engaged about the center of the lateral bracing surface of a male fastener head. Additionally, the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 are oriented towards each other; more specifically, the primary cavity 19 from the first pair of grooves 17 is positioned adjacent to the primary cavity 19 from the second pair of grooves 18 as seen in FIG. 3. Resultantly, the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 mirror each other about a sagittal plane of the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6. This creates a symmetrical engagement tooth that is capable of providing gripping action to the fastener head in either the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation. Furthermore, when engaged with a male hexagonal fastener, it is preferred the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 that is positioned in between the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 is generally engaged with the center of the male hexagonal fastener.
Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 are designed with minimum stress points. More specifically, an entire cross-section 21 of the primary cavity 19 is preferably a partially-circular profile; wherein the partially circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge 3 to the second lateral edge 4 of the specific sidewall 6. Similarly, an entire cross-section 24 of the secondary cavity 22 is preferably a partially circular profile; wherein the partially circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge 3 to the second lateral edge 4 of the specific sidewall 6. Resultantly, the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 each have minimum number of possible high stress points, thus increasing the durability and life of the present invention. The depth, size, location, orientation, and curvature of the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 are subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user.
Preferably, the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 and the first pair of grooves 17 are adjoined by a curved corner, and the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 and the second pair of grooves 18 are also adjoined by a curved corner. However, the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 and the first pair of grooves 17 can be adjoined by an angled corner or a sharp corner, and the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 and the second pair of grooves 18 can be adjoined by an angled corner or a sharp corner.
Referring to FIG. 3, the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 are designed to provide significant gripping action and further comprise a first gripping point and a second gripping point. The first gripping point and the second gripping point are formed by the configuration and location of the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22. The primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 partially intersect each other. The first gripping point is formed at the intersecting portion in between the secondary cavity 22 and the primary cavity 19. The second gripping point is formed by the intersecting portion of the primary cavity 19 and the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6, the engagement tooth specifically. The second gripping point is, more specifically, positioned opposite the first gripping point, across the primary cavity 19. Resultantly, three different contact points are used to transfer torque to the fastener head depending on the wear and tear of the fastener head. Accordingly, if the fastener head is not stripped, then the bracing surface 5 of the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 apply the torque force. If the fastener head is partially stripped, then an engaging corner of the fastener head slips past the specific sidewall 6 and falls into the secondary cavity 22 of the first pair of grooves 17 and engages the first gripping point of the first pair of grooves 17. An identical process occurs if the engaging corner engages the second pair of grooves 18.
The present invention is able to provide different configurations for the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 based upon the three different contact points. Preferably, a depth 23 of the secondary cavity 22 is equal to a depth 20 of the primary cavity 19 within the present invention as shown in FIG. 3. However, in some embodiment of the present invention, the depth 23 of the secondary cavity 22 can be greater than the depth 20 of the primary cavity 19 as shown in FIG. 6. Oppositely, in some embodiment of the present invention, the depth 23 of the secondary cavity 22 can be lower than the depth 20 of the primary cavity 19 as shown in FIG. 7.
Furthermore, the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 can each comprise a first side surface, a second side surface, and a base surface. More specifically, the first side surface and the second side surface are oppositely positioned of each other about the base surface. The intersecting point between each surface can be a sharp angular point or a smooth radius point, wherein the intersecting points functions as additional gripping points within the present invention. The first side surface is selected from the group consisting of: a flat surface, a convex surface, and a concave surface so that the overall profile of the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 can differ with respect to the first side surface. The second side surface is selected from the group consisting of: a flat surface, a convex surface, and a concave surface so that the overall profile of the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 can differ with respect to the second side surface. The base surface is selected from the group consisting of: a flat surface, a convex surface, and a concave surface so that the overall profile of the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 can differ with respect to the base surface. The primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 can be formed with just two side surfaces as in overall profile is shaped into a V-shaped or triangular shaped if desired for ease of manufacturing and cost purpose or superior structural integrity and performance.
If the fastener head is significantly stripped or rounded then the fastener engaging corner slips past the specific sidewall 6 and the first gripping point to be pushed against the second gripping point of the first pair of grooves 17. An identical process occurs if the engaging corner engages the second pair of grooves 18 instead. The engaging corner is a specific corner of the fastener head that is closest to either the first pair of grooves 17 or the second pair of grooves 18. The intersecting points between the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 is preferably not colinear with the bracing surface 5 of the sidewall 6 as shown in FIG. 3. However, in alternative embodiment, the intersecting points between the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 may be colinear with the bracing surface 5 of the sidewall 6.
In one embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 2, the engagement element 16 further comprises a set of primary serrations 25. Each within the set of primary serrations 25 is a tooth feature designed to provide an additional gripping point. The size, depths, design, and number within the set of primary serrations 25 is subject to change. The set of primary serrations 25 is positioned in between the first pair of grooves 17 and the first lateral edge 3 of the specific sidewall 6 as preferred by the user; in particular the set of primary serrations 25 is a multitude of teeth that are serially distributed in between the first lateral edge 3 of the specific sidewall 6 to the first pair of grooves 17. The set of primary serrations 25 is laterally integrated into the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6; and, additionally, each within the set of primary serrations 25 extends from the first base 13 to the second base 14 to ensure adequate surface contact between the set of primary serrations 25 and the fastener head. This embodiment is preferably designed for an open-end wrench in a clockwise rotation. This embodiment may further be designed without the set of primary serrations 25 if desired.
The plurality of internal sidewalls 2 is designed to further facilitate the engagement between the fastener head and the engagement element 16. More specifically, the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 comprises an arbitrary sidewall 10 and an adjacent sidewall 11; wherein the arbitrary sidewall 10 denotes any from the plurality of internal sidewalls 2. Preferably, the arbitrary sidewall 10 is adjacently adjoined to the adjacent sidewall 11 by a curved corner. Resultantly, corners formed within the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 are curved to a certain degree, the degree is subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user. At the extreme, the curved corners are implemented as a semi-circular hole traversing into and along the wrench torque-tool body 1 as seen in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the arbitrary sidewall 10 is adjacently adjoined to the adjacent sidewall 11 by an angled corner. Resultantly, corners formed within the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 are angled to a certain degree, the degree is subject to change to meet the needs and preferences of the user. Another feature which promotes the engagement between the fastener head and the engagement element 16 is the curvature of each of the plurality of internal sidewalls 2. More specifically, an entire cross-section 12 for each of the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 is preferably a partially-circular profile; wherein the partially-circular profile is convex along a direction from the first lateral edge 3 to the second lateral edge 4. This positions the engagement points of the engagement element 16 closer to the pivot axis 15, and thus closer to the sides of the fastener head. The plurality of internal sidewalls 2 may alternatively be flat if desired.
One particular embodiment of the present invention, referring to FIG. 1, is an open-end wrench with multiple gripping features. Referring to FIG. 2-5, this particular embodiment comprises the wrench torque-tool body 1, the engagement element 16, the fastener-receiving hole 30, a wrench handle 29, a first cavity 40, a second cavity 41, a third cavity 42, a fourth cavity 43, and a set of secondary serrations 26. In this embodiment, the engagement element 16 comprises the set of primary serrations 25 as well. The set of secondary serrations 26 provide additional gripping points. In particular, the set of secondary serrations 26 is positioned adjacent to an opposing sidewall 7 form the plurality of internal sidewalls 2; wherein the opposing sidewall 7 is positioned parallel and opposite to the specific sidewall 6, across the wrench torque-tool body 1. Additionally, the set of secondary serrations 26 is laterally integrated into the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 with each within the set of secondary serrations 26 extending from the first base 13 to the second base 14. This provides gripping points to either side of the fastener head. Furthermore, the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 is specifically curved in this embodiment for maximum clearance and engagement. In particular, an intermediate sidewall 8 from the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 is perpendicularly positioned in between the specific sidewall 6 and the opposing sidewall 7. The intermediate sidewall 8 is concave shaped to provide clearance for the fastener head and to increase the chances for the fastener head to engage the engagement element 16. More specifically, referring to FIG. 4, an entire cross-section 9 of the intermediate sidewall 8 is a partially-circular profile; wherein the partially-circular profile is concave along a direction from the first lateral edge 3 to the second lateral edge 4 of the intermediate sidewall 8. Furthermore, the specific sidewall 6 and the opposing sidewall 7 may be convex curved, as described above, or partially convex and partially flat, to additionally position the engagement element 16 close to the pivot axis 15 as seen in FIG. 5. It is preferred that the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 is a flat surface about the center in between the third cavity 42 and the fourth cavity 43, and a slight convex shape between the flat surface and the third cavity 42 and the fourth cavity 43 which taper away from the flat surface. It is therefore obvious a perpendicular length between the portion of the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 in between the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18 and the flat surface for the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 are less than a perpendicular length between the first cavity 40 and the third cavity 42 or a perpendicular length between the second cavity 41 and the fourth cavity 43.
The wrench handle 29 is externally and laterally connected to the wrench torque-tool body 1 and acts as a lever arm to substantially increase the torque force applied to the fastener. The length of the wrench handle 29 may vary depending on the torque force required to remove the fastener; a longer wrench handle 29 produces a greater torque force and vice versa. Furthermore, the general shape, design, and material composition of the wrench handle 29 may also vary to accommodate the needs of the user. For example, the wrench handle 29 may be padded at various regions to alter the handling characteristics of the tool to increase ease of use and comfort for the user.
Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one engagement element 16 comprises a plurality of engagement elements 16. This provides additional gripping action to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the plurality of engagement elements 16 is radially distributed about the pivot axis 15 with each of the plurality of engagement elements 16 being laterally integrated into a corresponding sidewall from the plurality of internal sidewalls 2. The number within the plurality of engagement elements 16 to the number within the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 is subject to change. In one embodiment the plurality of engagement elements 16 equals the plurality of internal sidewalls 2. In another embodiment, the plurality of engagement elements 16 is distributed amongst every other from the plurality of internal sidewalls 2 as seen in FIG. 8. FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein each within the plurality of engagement elements 16 comprises the set of primary serrations 25.
The present invention also incorporates an attachment feature which allows an external torque tool to attach to the wrench torque-tool body 1 and increase the torque force applied to the fastener. Referring to FIG. 9, the present invention comprises an attachment body 27 and an engagement bore 28 that allow an external tool such as a socket wrench or ratchet to be attached to the wrench torque-tool body 1. The attachment body 27 is centrally positioned around and along the pivot axis 15 in order to align with the axis wrench torque-tool body 1 as seen in FIG. 8. The attachment body 27 is preferably of a cylindrical design with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the wrench torque-tool body 1, however the attachment body 27 may be the same side or smaller in diameter than wrench torque tool body. The engagement bore 28 traverses into the attachment body 27 along the pivot axis 15, opposite the wrench torque-tool body 1. The engagement bore 28 is shaped to receive a male attachment member of a socket wrench; the preferred shape is square as the majority of socket wrenches utilize a square attachment member. In alternative embodiments, the shape and design of the engagement bore 28 and the attachment body 27 may vary to be adaptable to different torque tools and different attachment means. In one embodiment, only the attachment body 27 is utilized; wherein the attachment body 27 is shaped to fit within an external wrench. In particular, the attachment body 27 is hexagonal shaped for example, although other geometric shapes may also be utilized.
The wrench version of the present invention may be further implemented as an open-wrench embodiment wherein the present invention further comprises a fastener-receiving hole 30. The fastener-receiving hole 30 allows the present invention to engage the fastener head laterally, similar to traditional open-end wrenches, as seen in FIG. 1. In particular, the fastener-receiving hole 30 traverses through the wrench torque-tool body 1, perpendicular to the pivot axis 15. Additionally, the fastener-receiving hole 30 is preferably positioned opposite the wrench handle 29 and the intermediate sidewall 8, across the wrench torque-tool body 1. In relation to the engagement element 16, the fastener-receiving hole 30 is oriented parallel to the specific sidewall 6.
In reference to FIG. 3, the first cavity 40 is positioned in between the first lateral edge 3 of the specific sidewall 6 and the first pair of grooves 17 to further prevent damage or slippage of the fastener adjacent to the intermediate sidewall 8. More specifically, the first cavity 40 traverses normal and into the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 in such a way that the first cavity 40 is extended from the first base 13 to the second base 14. When torque is applied to the fastener through the wrench handle 29, the first cavity 40 makes no contact with a lateral edge of the fastener about the first lateral edge 3 of the specific sidewall 6 thus efficiently transferring the applied torque to the fastener and preventing slippage or damage to the fastener.
In reference to FIG. 3, the second cavity 41 is positioned in between the second lateral edge 4 of the specific sidewall 6 and the second pair of grooves 18 to further prevent damage or slippage of the fastener with adjacent to the fastener-receiving hole 30. More specifically, the second cavity 41 traverses normal and into the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 in such a way that the second cavity 41 is extended from the first base 13 to the second base 14. When torque is applied to the fastener through the wrench handle 29, the second cavity 41 makes no contact with a lateral edge of the fastener about the second lateral edge 4 of the specific sidewall 6 thus efficiently transferring the applied torque to the fastener and preventing slippage or damage to the fastener.
In reference to FIG. 5, the third cavity 42 is positioned in between the first lateral edge 3 of the opposing sidewall 7 and the set of second serrations 26 to further prevent damage or slippage of the fastener adjacent to the intermediate sidewall 8. More specifically, the third cavity 42 traverses normal and into the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 in such a way that the third cavity 42 is extended from the first base 13 to the second base 14. When torque is applied to the fastener through the wrench handle 29, the third cavity 42 makes no contact with a lateral edge of the fastener about the first lateral edge 3 of the opposing sidewall 7 thus efficiently transferring the applied torque to the fastener and preventing slippage or damage to the fastener.
In reference to FIG. 5, the fourth cavity 43 is positioned in between the second lateral edge 4 of the opposing sidewall 7 and the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 to further prevent damage or slippage of the fastener adjacent to the intermediate sidewall 8. More specifically, the fourth cavity 43 traverses normal and into the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 in such a way that the fourth cavity 43 is extended from the first base 13 to the second base 14. When torque is applied to the fastener through the wrench handle 29, the fourth cavity 43 makes no contact with a lateral edge of the fastener about the second lateral edge 4 of the opposing sidewall 7 thus efficiently transferring the applied torque to the fastener and preventing slippage or damage to the fastener.
The bracing surface 5 is selected from the group consisting of: a flat surface, a convex surface, a concave surface, and a combination of thereof upon different embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the bracing surface 5 of the specific sidewall 6 can be a flat surface, a convex surface, a concave surface, and combination of thereof due to the placement of the engagement element 16, the first cavity 40, and the second cavity 41. The bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7 can be a flat surface, a convex surface, a concave surface, and combination of thereof due to the placement of the engagement element 16, the third cavity 42, the fourth cavity 43, and the set of secondary serrations 26. The bracing surface 5 of the intermediate sidewall 8 can be a flat surface, a convex surface, a concave surface, and combination of thereof due to radial configuration of the first lateral edge 3 and the second lateral edge 4 of the intermediate sidewall 8.
The first cavity 40, the second cavity 41, the third cavity 42, and the fourth cavity 43 each comprise a side section, a second side section, and a base section. More specifically, the first side section and the second side section can be a convex section, a concave section, or a straight section. The base section is preferably a flat surface that is tapered towards the first pair of grooves 17, the second pair of grooves 18, the set of second serrations 26, or the bracing surface 5 of the opposing sidewall 7. The first side section is adjacently connected to a proximal end of the base section and positioned adjacent to the fastener-receiving hole 30 or the intermediate sidewall 8. The second side section is adjacently connected to a distal end of the base section and positioned adjacent to the bracing surface 5. In other words, a first depth 50 that is configured about the intersecting point between the first side section and the proximal end the base section is greater than a second depth 51 that is configured about the distal end of the base section that is positioned adjacent to the bracing surface 5 as shown in FIG. 3. The base section may be parallel and not taper if desired as well as a concave or convex surface with the alternative embodiments or sections. For example, the first cavity 40, the second cavity 41, the third cavity 42, and the fourth cavity 43 may yield shapes of triangular, circular, partially circular, trapezoidal, rectangular, and square or any other shape geometrical shape. By tapering base section away from the first cavity 40 and the second cavity 41, as shown in FIG. 3, and away from third cavity 42 and the fourth cavity 43, as shown in FIG. 5, the present invention provides greater clearance for fastener lateral edge which further prevent damage or slippage of the fastener. In other words, the clearance between the lateral edge of the fastener and the base section of first cavity 40, the second cavity 41, the third cavity 42, and the fourth cavity 43 when engaged in the wrench is greater than the clearance between the base section of the first cavity 40, the second cavity 41, the third cavity 42, and the fourth cavity 43 the flank portion of the fastener.
Furthermore, the primary serrations 25 and the secondary serrations 26 may be shaped into a triangular, circular, partially circular, trapezoidal, rectangular, square or any other shape possible, wherein peaks and troughs of the primary serrations 25 and the secondary serrations 26 may be either sharp or radial in nature.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the primary cavity 19 and the secondary cavity 22 overlap each other to yield one continuous cavity. This provides a larger receiving space for the corners of the fastener head, ideal for severely damaged fastener heads. In this embodiment the set of primary serrations 25 is positioned in between the first pair of grooves 17 and the second pair of grooves 18, thus ensuring adequate grip in between the fastener head and the present invention. In particular, the set of primary serrations 25 extends from the first pair of grooves 17 to the second pair of grooves 18. It is preferred for this embodiment, that the present invention is an open-end wrench implementation with the addition of the set of secondary serrations 26, as described above. However, the features of this embodiment may be implemented in a box end or open ended wrench as described previously. All intersection between the bracing surface 5, the first cavity 40, the second cavity 41, the third cavity 42, and the fourth cavity 43, indentations, the first pair of grooves 17, the second pair of grooves 18, curved corners, angular corners or deviations may be implemented with sharp, angular, or radius corners of all or any of the embodiments in the present invention.
Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.
Patent Grant
11103983
