Patent Grant
7114824
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates broadly to power tools and, more particularly, to a multi-functional power tool having a removable and interchangeable adjustable wrench head with a sliding jaw.
2. Description of the Prior Art
A powered adjustable jaw wrench having a sliding jaw and a stationary jaw is known in the prior art. As illustrated in
The prior art powered adjustable jaw wrench 10 further includes a drive mechanism: a motor 22, a sprocket 21, a drive belt 20, and control switch assembly 25, a switch actuator 26, and a power source 27 all housed in the unitary single-piece part wrench body member 12.
As further illustrated in
Therefore, the powered adjustable wrenches of the prior art are made of a unitary single-piece body member having an integral elongated handle portion and a head portion contain the motor, switch, batteries and power transmission integrally in the unitary design for each size powered adjustable wrench manufactured. Each prior art powered adjustable wrench is a single unit and by design is limited to the individual size and characteristic of its jaw opening. Thus, when the size of the powered wrench jaw is not accommodating to the size of the work, a user will have to seek a larger powered wrench to perform the work. In the prior art, it is necessary to have a few individually powered wrenches on hand to perform various sizes of work. The portability of carrying a few powered wrenches in a tool belt is both cumbersome and weight restrictive. Prior art powered adjustable wrenches do not possess a rotating head feature to accommodate various work angles. Prior art powered adjustable wrenches do not have means for detachable heads and handles, nor do they have extendable handles for reach and leverage.
The present invention is an improvement over the adjustable jaw wrench of the prior art disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,512,221 and 6,477,921 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/726,646 filed Dec. 4, 2003 by John A. Picone incorporated herein by reference.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide for a novel and improved multi-functional tool with interchangeable head units.
In accordance with the present invention, the multi-functional tool comprises a tool handle unit including a handle body member having a fitting portion, and a first tool head unit removably attachable to the handle unit. The first head unit has a fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit so as to removably secure the first head unit to the handle unit. Preferably, the first head unit is an adjustable jaw wrench comprising a head body member defining a stationary jaw, a movable jaw reciprocally mounted to the head body member in alignment with the stationary jaw and including a gear rack portion, and a drive mechanism mounted to the head body member of the first head unit. The drive mechanism is operably coupled to the movable jaw for moving the movable jaw relative to the stationary jaw. The drive mechanism includes a worm gear rotatably mounted in the head body and engaging said gear rack portion of the movable jaw.
The adjustable wrench head unit incorporates a self-contained drive transmission that turn the worm gear to produce the linear movement of the sliding jaw. The adjustable wrench heads have an integral bottom “post” or “stem” that fits into a reciprocal mating area or “seat” of the power wrench handle. The tool handle unit incorporates means to quick connect and disconnect wrench heads between the post and seat by way of a spring loaded pin or ball, or by a locking device means such as a spring plunger, threaded fastener, cam lock, or a ratchet pawl located at the top portion of the handle. An electrical energy in the tool handle provides power to a control switch and an electric motor.
In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, power is transferred from the handle to the head via a mechanical coupling device or a receptacle-coupling device shared between the two members. The control switch on the handle controls the function of the power heads.
In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the motor is located in the power handle unit and power from the motor is transferred from the handle to the adjustable wrench head via a mechanical coupling device and shaft shared between the two components. Rotating torque from the motor is transferred to the transmission drive in the adjustable wrench head that rotates the worm gear and, the worm gear is meshed with the rack of the moveable jaw producing linear movement of the sliding jaw. The control switch on the handle controls the function of the power heads.
In accordance with the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments of the present invention the electric motor and transmission is incorporated in the interchangeable adjustable wrench head unit where power from the handle unit is transferred to the head unit through an electrical coupling device shared between the two components.
The fifth and sixth exemplary embodiments of the present invention are adaptable power tool handles and extension tool handles which are used to power interchangeable heads and, to connect to one another to form longer handles to facilitate extended reach and leverage as needed.
The seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a manually operated interchangeable wrench head and adaptive tool handle adapted to be removably connected to interchangeable tool head units utilized with the adaptive tool handle of the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a power tool handle including both a mechanical handle coupling device and an electric handle connector combined in the one tool handle unit. Rotating torque and electrical power can be simultaneously transferred from the power tool handle unit to the interchangeable head units as desired. Two separate switches are provided on the power tool handle unit to control multiple functions of various integrated head units.
The principal advantage for the present invention is to provide for a unique power wrench system utilizing a common power handle with a set of variable size wrench head units. It is much easier to transport one handle and a few wrench head units in a tool belt than to carry around several cumbersome wrenches with handles in the same fashion. The variable size wrench head units can be constructed of materials to adapt to the work application such as a non-sparking wrench head made of zinc alloy, aluminum or aluminum bronze, a steel wrench head for heavy-duty work and a composite plastic wrench head for sensitive fittings requiring light duty tightening.
The present invention is further adapted to select and rotate the position of the wrench head unit relative to a switch actuator of the tool handle unit. The rotating wrench head feature has its major advantages when the angle of the work related to the wrench head unit is most difficult to achieve, and when the user encounters a tight spot and hand access is limited. Rotation of the head unit in relation to the handle unit and switch actuator facilitates a correct and true right hand or left hand use of the adjustable wrench head unit. Detents incrementally spaced around the perimeter of the bottom post facilitate indexing and receive a pin, ball, ratchet or fastener to lock the desired position of the rotating wrench head unit.
The present invention power tool handle of the present invention is a versatile power source and has interchangeability characteristics that can adapt and control other various tool attachments for drilling, mixing, clamping, tightening and grabbing. The tool handle unit can be made of various materials such as zinc alloy, aluminum, aluminum bronze, steel or plastic or a combination thereof. The power source media stored in or to the handle unit can be that of batteries or any type of fluid pressure.
One skilled in the arts realizes the present invention includes the use and benefits of a similarly non-powered handle and manually operable interchangeable wrench head units with all the features described herein.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with the reference to accompanying drawings.
Referring now to
As illustrated in
Preferably, the handle body member 34, illustrated further in detail in
As further illustrated in
It will be appreciated that any appropriate type of electrical switches known in the prior art may be utilized in the present invention, such as a double pole double throw (DPDT) switch. Preferably, the control switch assembly 40 includes a pair of single pole double throw (SPDT) switches 40′ and 40″ and the single switch actuator 41, as shown in
The power source 44, the control switch assembly 40 and the electric batteries 42 are disposed in the corresponding compartments 36a, 36b and 36c, respectively, formed in the handle body member 34 of the handle unit 32, as illustrated in
It will be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the arts of the present invention can adapt the power tool according the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention to be powered by a fluid motor and fluid pressure stored in the handle by reservoirs or cartridges and carried through tubing to the motor. It can further be appreciated that fluid power can be provided to the adaptive power handles in accordance with the present invention by an externally supplied means, such as a compressor or pump, as disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,477,921 incorporated herein by reference. It will further be appreciated that one skilled in the arts of the present invention can adapt all the electrically powered handle embodiments of the present invention to accept an externally supplied battery power pack, DC plug-in adapter and/or transformer in lieu of batteries stored in the handle of the present invention.
Preferably, the head body member 52, illustrated further in detail in
It will be appreciated that the adjustable jaw wrench head unit 50 may be manufactured in various size proportions to accommodate a large range of fasteners and fittings. Therefore, the multi-functional power tool of the present invention may be provided with a plurality of the adjustable jaw wrench head units 50 of various size proportions.
The adjustable jaw wrench head unit 50 according to the present invention further includes a drive mechanism 57 mounted to the head body member 52 within the cavity 54 formed therein. The drive mechanism 57 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the adjustable jaw wrench head unit 50, comprises a worm gear 58 and a first toothed sprocket 59 both rotatably mounted to the head body member 52 of the wrench head unit 50 coaxially with respect to each other. The worm gear 58 is operably connected to the toothed rack 56 of the movable jaw 55 so that the rotatable movement of the worm gear 58 is transformed into the linear movement of the movable jaw 55 toward and away from the stationary jaw 53.
The drive mechanism 57 further comprises a self-contained transmission including first and second pulleys 59 and 60, respectively, connected by an endless toothed drive belt 62, and offset bevel gears 64 and 66 to transfer rotary movement to the worm gear 58. The bevel gear 66 is drivingly coupled to a power take-off shaft 67. As illustrated in
The handle unit 32 also includes a handle coupling device 48 operatively coupled to an output shaft (not shown) of the gearbox 46, while the first head unit 50 includes a head coupling device 68 operatively coupled to the power take-off shaft 67 at a distal end thereof. The head coupling device 68 is complementary to the handle coupling device 48 and is provided to drivingly couple the power source 44 to the power take-off shaft 67 of the drive mechanism 57.
Furthermore, the handle unit 32 has a fitting portion, while the first head unit 50 includes a fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit 32 so as to removably secure the first head unit 50 to the handle unit 32. Preferably, the fitting member of the first head unit 50 is in the form of a hollow elongated mating post 70 extending from the head body member 52, while the fitting portion of the handle unit 32 is in the form of a mating post cavity 38 in the handle body member 34 provided to matingly receive the elongated post 70 of the fitting member of the first head unit 50 therein. Preferably, the elongated post 70 of the fitting member is formed integrally with the head body member 52 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part.
The fitting member of the first head unit 50 further includes at least one detent 70a preferably provided on the elongated post 70. On the other hand, the fitting portion of the handle unit 32 also includes at least one retractable spring plunger 39 disposed in a through opening 38′ in the handle body member 34 and adapted to engage the complementary detent 70a. Accordingly, when the elongated post 70 of the first head unit 50 is inserted into the mating post cavity 38 in the handle body member 34, a tip of the retractable spring plunger 39 engages the complementary detent 70a, thus securing (or locking) the first head unit 50 to the handle unit 32.
Those of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the elongated post 70 of the fitting member of the first head unit 50 may be of any appropriate shape (or cross-section) including but not limited to rectangular (shown in
Further in accordance with the present invention, there are different types of spring plungers, ball plungers and detents, as well as fasteners utilized to connect and secure the interchangeable head units to the tool handle unit 32. Some of the preferred modes to carry out the invention include the retractable spring plunger 39 with a round knurled knob shown in
One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the present invention is adapted to select and rotate the position of the wrench head unit 50 relative to the switch actuator 41 of the tool handle unit 32. The rotating wrench head feature has its major advantages when the angle of the work related to the wrench head unit is most difficult to achieve, and when the user encounters a tight spot and hand access is limited. Rotation of the head unit 50 in relation to the handle unit 32 and switch actuator 41 facilitates a correct and true right hand or left hand use of the adjustable wrench head unit 50. The detents 70a incrementally spaced around the perimeter of the bottom post 70 facilitate indexing and receive a pin, ball, ratchet or fastener to lock the desired position of the rotating wrench head unit 50.
It will be appreciated that when the first head unit 50 is properly secured to the handle unit 32, i.e. when the elongated post 70 of the head body member 52 is fully received in the mating post cavity 38 in the handle body member 34, the head coupling device 68 appropriately engages the handle coupling device 48, thus drivingly coupling the power source 44 to the power take-off shaft 67 of the drive mechanism 57. In other words, when the first head unit 50 is united with and secured to the handle unit 32, head coupling device 68 and the handle coupling device 48 also connect and engage each other to transfer rotatable movement from the power source 44 to the worm gear 58 of the head unit 50.
The head coupling device 68 and the handle coupling device 48 are a set of mechanical coupling devices that engage with one another to transfer rotary power from the power source 44 to the drive mechanism 57 of the wrench head unit 50. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the handle coupling device 48 and the complementary head coupling device 68 may be of any appropriate design.
In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In accordance with a second exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In accordance with a third exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In accordance with a fourth exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
In accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
In this embodiment, the power tool comprises a power tool handle unit 132 and the first interchangeable head unit 50 removably attachable to the tool handle unit 132. The handle unit 132 comprises a handle body member 134 and a handle cover 135 removably fastened to the handle body member 134 by any appropriate fashion known in the art, such as screws. Preferably, the handle body member 134 is formed as a unitary single-piece part. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the handle body member 134 may be made of any appropriate material such as metal (steel, aluminum, etc.) or plastic material. The metal handle body member 134 may be manufactured, preferably, of stainless steel by forging. However, any other appropriate methods for manufacturing the handle body member 134 made of metal, such as die-casting or punching from a metal plate, are within the scope of the present invention. The plastic handle body member is manufactured, preferably, by injection molding. However, any other appropriate methods for manufacturing the handle body member made of plastic material well known in the prior art, are within the scope of the present invention.
The handle body member 134 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, further comprises of a plurality of cavities formed therein to contain internal components of the handle unit 132: a power source cavities 136a, a switch cavities 136b, and a battery cavities 136c, shown in
As further illustrated in
The power source 44, the control switch assembly 140 and the electric batteries 42 are disposed in the corresponding cavities 136a, 136b and 136c, respectively, formed in the handle body member 134 of the handle unit 132, as illustrated in
The handle body member 134 is also provided with a post cavity 138 therein to matingly receive the elongated post 70 of the first head unit 50 therein. The handle unit 132 also includes two non-retractable ball plungers 139 disposed in through openings 138′ in the handle body member 134 and adapted to engage the complementary detents 70a in the elongated post 70 of the first head unit 50. Accordingly, when the elongated post 70 of the first head unit 50 is inserted into the mating post cavity 138 in the handle body member 134, tips of the ball plungers 139 engage the complementary detents 70a, thus securing (or locking) the first head unit 50 to the handle unit 132.
The second interchangeable head unit 150 is in the form of a interchangeable, powered tool head unit comprising of a body member 152, a mechanical coupling device 168 provided at a distal end of a power take off shaft 167 disposed within the body member 152, a tool bit barrel 176 and a tool bit holder spindle 178.
The second head unit 150 further includes a fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit 32 (or, alternatively, the handle unit 132 of
The fitting member of the second head unit 150 also includes at least one detent 170a provided on the elongated post 170. Accordingly, when the elongated post 170 of the second head unit 150 is inserted into the mating post cavity 38 in the handle body member 34, a tip of the retractable spring plunger 39 engages the complementary detent 170a, thus removably securing (or locking) the second head unit 150 to the handle unit 32.
Rotary power provided from the power tool handle 32 is transferred to the second interchangeable powered tool head unit 150 via the power take off shaft 167 and the coupling device 168, which is integrally connected to the tool bit holder spindle 178.
The tool bit barrel 176 is a support and acts as a bearing for the tool bit holder spindle 178. Preferably, the tool bit holder spindle 178 is in the form of a female hexagonal shaped receiving socket, as illustrated in
The multi-functional power tool 230 comprises a power tool handle unit 232 and a first interchangeable head unit 250 removably attachable to the tool handle unit 232.
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
Preferably, the control switch assembly 40 includes a pair of single pole double throw (SPDT) switches 40′ and 40″ and the single switch actuator 41, as shown in
The electric handle connector 248, the control switch assembly 40 and the electric batteries 42 are disposed in the corresponding compartments 236a, 236b and 236c, respectively, formed in the handle body member 234 of the handle unit 232, as illustrated in
Preferably, the head body member 52, illustrated further in detail in
The adjustable jaw wrench head unit 250 according to the present invention further includes a drive mechanism 257 mounted to the head body member 52 within the cavity 54 formed therein. The drive mechanism 257 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprises a worm gear 58 and a first toothed sprocket 59 both rotatably mounted to the head body member 52 of the wrench head unit 250 coaxially with respect to each other. The worm gear 58 is operably connected to the toothed rack 56 of the movable jaw 55 so that the rotatable movement of the worm gear 58 is transformed into the linear movement of the movable jaw 55 toward and away from the stationary jaw 53.
The drive mechanism 257 further comprises a self-contained transmission including a second toothed sprocket 60 connected to the first toothed sprocket 59 by an endless toothed drive belt 62, to transfer rotary movement to the worm gear 58. The wrench head unit 250 further includes a power source 44. The power source 44 comprises a reversible electric motor 45 and a gearbox 46 drivingly coupled to the electric motor 45. As illustrated in
Furthermore, the handle unit 232 has a fitting portion, while the first head unit 250 includes a fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit 232 so as to removably secure the first head unit 250 to the handle unit 232. Preferably, the fitting member of the first head unit 250 is in the form of a hollow elongated post 70 extending from the head body member 52, while the fitting portion of the handle unit 232 is in the form of a mating post cavity 238 in the handle body member 234 provided to matingly receive the elongated post 70 of the coupling member of the first head unit 250 therein. Preferably, the elongated post 70 of the coupling member is formed integrally with the head body member 52 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part. The fitting portion of the handle unit 232 also includes at least one retractable spring plunger 239 disposed in a through opening 238′ in the handle body member 234 and adapted to engage the complementary detent 70a of the elongated post 70.
The first head unit 250 includes an electric head connector 268 electrically coupled to the electric motor 45 of the power source 44. The electric head connector 268 is complementary to the electric handle connector 248 and is provided to electrically connect the control switch assembly 40 to the power source 44 for selectively supplying electrical current form the batteries 42 to the electric motor 45. Preferably, as illustrated in
As further illustrated in
As illustrated, the first head unit 260 is a powered adjustable jaw closed wrench head unit comprising an integral head body member 262 defining a stationary jaw 263, and a moveable sliding jaw 265 adjustable relative to the stationary jaw 263. The movable jaw 265 is formed integral with a toothed rack 266, as shown in
Preferably, the head body member 262 is a unitary single-piece part. The adjustable jaw wrench head unit 260 further includes a drive mechanism 267 mounted to the head body member 262. The drive mechanism 267 comprises a worm gear 58 and a first toothed sprocket 59 both rotatably mounted to the head body member 262 of the second head unit 260 coaxially with respect to each other. The worm gear 58 is operably connected to the toothed rack 266 of the movable jaw 265 so that the rotatable movement of the worm gear 58 is transformed into the linear movement of the movable jaw 265 toward and away from the stationary jaw 263. Two cover members 272a and 272b fastened to the head body member 262 are used to contain all the components in the second wrench head unit 260. The cover members 272a and 272b are provided with worm gear access windows 274a and 274b.
The drive mechanism 267 further comprises a self-contained transmission including first and second pulleys 59 and 60, respectively, connected by an endless toothed drive belt 62, to transfer rotary movement to the worm gear 58. The second wrench head unit 260 further includes a power source 44. The power source 44 comprises a reversible electric motor 45 and a gearbox 46 drivingly coupled to the electric motor 45. As illustrated in
Furthermore, the second head unit 260 includes a fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit 232 so as to removably secure the second head unit 260 to the handle unit 232. Preferably, the fitting member of the second head unit 260 is substantially similar to the fitting member of the first head unit 250, and is in the form of the hollow elongated post 70 extending from the head body member 262 adapted to engage the mating post cavity 238 in the handle body member 234. Preferably, the elongated post 70 of the coupling member is formed integrally with the head body member 262 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part.
The second head unit 260 further includes the electric head connector 268 substantially similar to the electric head connector of the first head unit 250 and electrically coupled to the electric motor 45 of the power source 44. The electric head connector 268 is complementary to the electric handle connector 248 of the tool handle unit 232 and is provided to electrically connect the control switch assembly 40 to the power source 44 for selectively supplying electrical current form the batteries 42 to the electric motor 45.
The third interchangeable head unit 275 is in the form of a interchangeable powered tool head unit removably attachable to the tool handle unit 232 and comprising of a hollow body member 276 having a bottom post 278 with an electric head connector 268 and at least one detent 278a, and a first spring plunger with a lock-out feature 286. The bottom post 278 is adapted to be received in the mating post cavity 238 in the handle body member 234 of the power tool handle unit 232. Preferably, the bottom post 278 is formed integrally with the body member 276 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part. Accordingly, when the bottom post 278 of the third head unit 275 is inserted into the mating post cavity 238 in the handle body member 234, a tip of the retractable spring plunger 239 engages the complementary detent 278a, thus removably securing (or locking) the third head unit 275 to the handle unit 232.
The third head unit 275 further includes a power source 44 comprising a reversible electric motor 45 and a gearbox 46 drivingly coupled to the electric motor 45, a gearbox coupling 48, a power take off shaft 284 and a coupling 68, a tool bit barrel 280 and a tool bit holder spindle 282. Thus, the power source 44 is employed for rotating the spindle 282 through the couplings 48 and 68.
The electric head connector 268 of the third head unit 275 is substantially similar to the electric head connector of the first head unit 250 and electrically coupled to the electric motor 45 of the power source 44. The electric head connector 268 is complementary to the electric handle connector 248 of the tool handle unit 232 and is provided to electrically connect the control switch assembly 40 to the power source 44 for selectively supplying electrical current form the batteries 42 to the electric motor 45. More specifically, the electric head connector 268 includes a pair of female receptacle pins 269 adapted to receive the complementary male pins 249.
Tool bit spindle 282 is integrally formed with the power take-off shaft coupling device 68, and rotates in tool bit barrel 280. The tool bit barrel 280 is a support and acts as a bearing for the tool bit holder spindle 282. Preferably, the tool bit holder spindle 282 is in the form of a female hexagonal shaped receiving socket able to accept various tools having a common male hexagonal shaft member 180 as shown in
As further illustrated in
As illustrated, the fourth head unit 290 is an interchangeable powered illumination head unit comprising of a bottom post 292 with an electric head connector 268, at least one detent 292a, an illumination device, preferably, in the form of an LED 296, and a magnifying cover 298.
Electrical power provided from the batteries 42 of the tool handle unit 232 is transferred through the electric connectors 248 and 268 to the illumination device 296. Magnifying cover 298 enhances brilliance and light coverage. It will be appreciated that the illumination device 296 can be of any appropriate type known in the art, such as incandescent, fluorescent or LED type. It shall be noted that the illumination device 296 can be comprised of a single or multiple units. Also the LED can be a multi-color unit where changing the polarity of the DC current changes the color emitted. An example would be a first green color emitted when a positive charge is induced and a second red color is emitted when a negative charge is induced. This is helpful when a stagehand or person in distress needs to communicate from a distance to signal the apparent status at that time. The accommodating powered tool handle unit 232, incorporates DPDT switches that are inherently designed to alternate the polarity of the DC current provided by the batteries 42 in accordance with the present invention.
The multi-functional power tool 330 of
The multi-functional power tool 330 comprises a power tool handle unit 332 and a first interchangeable head unit 350 removably attachable to the tool handle unit 332. The power tool handle unit 332 has an electric handle connector 348 electrically coupled to the batteries 42 through the control switch assembly 40. Preferably, the electric handle connector 348 includes a single male pin 349. On the other hand, the head unit 350 has an electric head connector 368 located in the mating post 70 and electrically connected to the electric motor 45. More specifically, the electric head connector 368 includes a single connective female pin 369 adapted to receive the complementary single male pin 349. When the tool handle unit 332 and the first head unit 350 are united and secured to one another, the female pin 369 and the male pin 349 also connect and engage to each other providing the electrical power transfer between the two components, or between the electrical batteries 42 and the electric motor 45 via the control switch assembly 40.
The multi-functional power tool 430 comprises a power tool handle unit 432 and a first interchangeable head unit 450 removably attachable to the tool handle unit 432.
The power tool handle unit 432 is substantially identical to the handle unit 332 in accordance with the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention and includes the batteries 42, the control switch assembly 40 and the electric handle connector 348 electrically coupled to the batteries 42 through the control switch assembly 40. The interchangeable head unit 450 is a powered adjustable jaw pipe-wrench head comprising a unitary single-piece wrench head body member 452 provided with a stationary jaw 53, and a movable jaw 55 adjustable relative to the stationary jaw 53. The stationary jaw 53 is integral to the wrench head body member 452. Two cover members 472a and 472b fastened to the head body member 452 are used to contain all the components in the wrench head unit 450. The cover members 472a and 472b are provided with worm gear access windows 480a and 480b.
The adjustable jaw wrench head unit 450 further includes a drive mechanism 457 mounted to the head body member 452 within a cavity 454 formed therein. The drive mechanism 457 comprises a worm gear 58 and a first toothed sprocket 59 both rotatably mounted to the head body member 452 of the wrench head unit 450 coaxially with respect to each other. The worm gear 58 is operably connected to the toothed rack of the movable jaw 56 so that the rotatable movement of the worm gear 58 is transformed into the linear movement of the movable jaw 55 toward and away from the stationary jaw 53.
The drive mechanism 457 further comprises a self-contained transmission including first and second pulleys 59 and 60, respectively, connected by an endless toothed drive belt 62, to transfer rotary movement to the worm gear 58. The wrench head unit 450 further includes a power source 44 that comprises a reversible electric motor 45 and a gearbox 46 drivingly coupled to the electric motor 45. As illustrated in
Furthermore, the handle unit 432 has a fitting portion, while the first head unit 450 includes a fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit 432 so as to removably secure the first head unit 450 to the handle unit 432. Preferably, the fitting member of the first head unit 450 is in the form of a hollow elongated post 70 extending from the head body member 452, while the fitting portion of the handle unit 432 is in the form of a mating post cavity 238 in the handle body member 234 provided to matingly receive the elongated post 70 of the coupling member of the first head unit 450 therein. Preferably, the elongated post 70 of the coupling member is formed integrally with the head body member 452 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part. The fitting portion of the handle unit 432 also includes at least one retractable spring plunger 239 provided with a pull ring 239′ and disposed in the through opening 238′ in the handle body member 234 and adapted to engage the complementary detent of the elongated post 70.
The first head unit 450 includes the electric head connector 368 electrically coupled to the electric motor 45 of the power source 44. The electric head connector 368 is complementary to the electric handle connector 348 and is provided to electrically connect the control switch assembly 40 to the power source 44 for selectively supplying electrical current form the batteries 42 to the electric motor 45. Preferably, as illustrated in
The multi-functional power tool according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an adaptive power tool handle unit 532 and an extension handle unit 582 removably attachable to the adaptive power tool handle unit 532.
The adaptive power tool handle unit 532, illustrated in
The extension handle unit 582, illustrated in
The extension handle unit 582 is adapted to be connected to the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 via an adaptive extension post 590. One end of the adaptive extension post 590 is received into the distal end of the adaptive handle body member 534 of the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 at the post cavity 538b and is secured by the locking screws 539b. The other end of the adaptive extension post 590 is received into the distal end of the extension handle body member 584 of the extension power tool handle unit 582 at the post cavity 588a and is secured by the spring plunger 589a, thus attaching the extension handle unit 582 to the adaptive power tool handle unit 532.
The multi-functional power tool according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises an adaptive power tool handle unit 532 and an extension handle unit 632 removably attachable to the power tool handle unit 532.
The adaptive power tool handle unit 532, illustrated in
The extension handle unit 632, illustrated in
The extension handle unit 632 further comprises two opposite electrical handle connectors 648a and 648b disposed at the opposite ends of the extension handle body member 634 in compartments 636a and 636b, respectively, formed within the extension handle body member 634, as illustrated in
The extension handle unit 632 is adapted to be connected to the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 via an adaptive extension post 650. The adaptive extension post 650 has two internal female pin connections 652 adapted to mate with the male conductive pins 249 of the electric handle connector 248 of the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 at one side of the adaptive extension post 650, and with the male conductive pins 649a of the electric handle connector 648a of the extension handle unit 632. The adaptive extension post 650 further has detents 654a and 654b located around an outer peripheral surface thereof.
One end of the adaptive extension post 650 is received into the distal end of the adaptive handle body member 534 of the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 at the post cavity 538a and is secured by the spring plunger 539a and the locking screw 539b. The other end of the adaptive extension post 650 is received into the distal end of the extension handle body member 634 of the extension power tool handle unit 632 at the post cavity 638a and is secured by the locking screw 639a and the spring plunger 639b, thus attaching the extension handle unit 632 to the adaptive power tool handle unit 532.
Therefore, the adaptive extension post 650 connects the extension handle unit 632 to the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 to mechanically secure them to each other and to transfer electrical power from the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 to one of the power head units, such as the adjustable wrench head unit 250 of the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, through the adaptive extension post 650. Thus, it is possible to build a longer handle by adding one or more extension handle unit 632 and securing them to each other with the adaptive extension posts 650 between each extension handle unit 632.
Interchangeable power head units having the appropriate electrical connector configuration as shown in
Moreover, the position of the adaptive power tool handle unit 532 relative the extended handle units 632 defines the position where the user desires the location of the switch actuator 41 on the extended handle to be. This is beneficial where the reach is more important than the leverage and when actuation of the switch actuator is restricted to tight areas. It will further be appreciated that any interchangeable power head units of the present invention having the electrical connectors is compatible with the adaptable power tool handle unit and the extension handle units of the present invention.
The multi-functional tool 730 comprises a tool handle unit 732 and a first interchangeable head unit 750 removably attachable to the tool handle unit 732.
As illustrated, the first head unit 750 is an adjustable jaw wrench head unit comprising an integral first head body member 752 defining a stationary jaw 53, and a moveable jaw 55 adjustable relative to the stationary jaw 53. The movable jaw 55 is formed integral with a toothed rack 56, as shown in
The multi-functional tool 730 according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention is able to receive a plurality of interchangeable head units via a mating post cavity 38 in the handle body member 734 provided to matingly receive the bottom post 70, and secured by a spring plunger 39. Preferably, the bottom post 70 is formed integrally with the head body member 752 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part. The tool handle body member 734 can be manufactured out of steel, zinc alloy, aluminum, aluminum bronze or a composite plastic.
Located at the distal end of tool handle unit 732, is a thru slot 734a provided for attaching a wrench tether to, and connect to a belt loop for easy access and transporting.
The multi-functional power tool 930 comprises a power tool handle unit 932 and a first interchangeable head unit 950 removably attachable to the tool handle unit 932.
As illustrated in
As further illustrated in
Preferably, the head body member 52 is a unitary single-piece part. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the head body member 52 may be made of any appropriate material such as metal (steel, aluminum, zinc alloy, etc.) or plastic material.
The adjustable jaw wrench head unit 950 according to the present invention further includes a drive mechanism 957 mounted to the head body member 52 within the cavity 54 formed therein. The drive mechanism 957 according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, comprises a worm gear 58 and a first toothed sprocket 59 both rotatably mounted to the head body member 52 of the wrench head unit 950 coaxially with respect to each other. The worm gear 58 is operably connected to the toothed rack 56 of the movable jaw 55 so that the rotatable movement of the worm gear 58 is transformed into the linear movement of the movable jaw 55 toward and away from the stationary jaw 53.
The drive mechanism 957 further comprises a self-contained transmission including a second toothed sprocket 60 connected to the first toothed sprocket 59 by an endless toothed drive belt 62, to transfer rotary movement to the worm gear 58. The wrench head unit 950 further includes a second power source 944. The second power source 944 comprises a reversible electric motor 945 and a gearbox 946 drivingly coupled to the electric motor 945. As illustrated in
Furthermore, the handle unit 932 has a fitting portion, while the first head unit 950 includes a first fitting member provided to matingly engage the fitting portion of the handle unit 932 so as to removably secure the first head unit 950 to the handle unit 932. The fitting member of the first head unit 950 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is in the form of a first hollow elongated mating post 70 and a second elongated mating post 71 both extending from a head body member 952, while the fitting portion of the handle unit 932 is in the form of first and second mating post cavities 938 and 947, respectively, formed in a handle body member 934 provided to matingly receive the first and second elongated mating posts 70 and 71, respectively, of the fitting member of the first head unit 950 therein. Preferably, the elongated posts 70 and 71 of the fitting member is formed integrally with the head body member 952 as a homogenous, unitary single-piece head part.
The power tool handle unit 932 is dual functional, incorporating both a mechanical handle coupling device 48 and an electric handle connector 948. The mechanical handle coupling device 48 is disposed within the first mating post cavity 938, while the electric handle connector 948 is disposed within the second mating post cavity 947.
The mechanical handle coupling device 48 provides the option to matingly engage the complimentary mechanical head coupling device 68 of the compatible, interchangeable first head unit 50 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Similarly, the electric handle connector 948 provides the option to matingly engage the complimentary electric head connector 968 of the compatible, interchangeable first head unit 950 according to the eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
The electric handle connector 948 preferably includes a single connective male pin 949, while the electric head connector 968 includes a single female connector 969. The male pin 949 of the electric handle connector 948 matingly engages the female connector 969 of the electric head connector 968 of the complimentary first interchangeable head unit 950. The male pin 949 of the electric handle connector 948 of the power tool handle unit 932 is electrically coupled to the batteries 42 through the control switch assembly 40, and is further electrically connected to an independent on/off switch 970 located at the distal end of the power tool handle unit 932. Thus, stored power from the batteries 42 is applied equally to both the switch assembly 40 and the independent on/off switch 970. Power transferred to the switch assembly 40 controls the function of both the power source 44 and the electric handle connector 948. However, power transferred to the independent on/off switch 970 will control only the function of the electric handle connector 948 of the power tool handle unit 932.
The second elongated post 71 of
The second elongated post 71 of
Electrical power provided from the batteries 42 in the power tool handle 932 is transferred to the switch assembly 40 and activation of the switch assembly 40 provides power to the motor 45 and the handle coupling device 48. Mechanical power transferred from the handle coupling device 48 to a head coupling device 68c rotates the power take-off shaft 967 and an attached armature winding disc 983. Opposing magnets 984A and 984B spaced around the armature winding disc 983 absorb resistive electrical energy and that energy is transferred from the magnets 984A and 948B through wires 985 to the illumination device 996. Thus, the fourth interchangeable head unit 990c acts as an electrical generator providing electrical current to the illumination device 996.
With the above description of the multi-functional power tool 930, one skilled in the art realizes that various mechanical and electrical interchangeable head units of the present invention having one or two integral elongated mating posts can be adapted and utilized with the power tool handle unit 932. Furthermore, dual switches 40 and 970 provided on the power tool handle unit 932 allow the user to choose independent or multiple control functions of the interchangeable head units of the present invention.
Therefore, a multi-functional tool in accordance with the present invention includes a novel arrangement of an extendable tool handle unit with an interchangeable connect feature able to receive and power various size adaptable, interchangeable adjustable wrench head units and other adaptable tool attachments. The interchangeable adjustable wrench head units varying in size are easily connected and disconnected to the tool handle unit.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments disclosed hereinabove were chosen in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are followed. Thus, changes can be made in the above-described invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is also intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the claims appended thereto.
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