Patent Application
20190152026
The present invention relates to a multi-functional wrench having an adjustable construction and including i) a ratchet mechanism that can be disposed at a plurality of different angular positions with respect to a body of the wrench and ii) a plurality of sockets which are useful for many applications and can accept various bits or tools engageable within the socket. The multi-functional wrench has a body that is archial or curved in shape, which is a particular benefit when the wrench is used in difficult to reach areas.
Ever since the existence of nuts and bolts, inventors have been creating wrenches that can be utilized to manipulate the same. Many different types and styles of wrenches are available and some antique wrenches are highly collectable based upon their fanciful constructions. Examples of various wrenches are set forth in the following documents. U.S. Pat. Nos. 174,745; 2,379,536; 1,384,887; 1,568,442; 1,840,685; 2,804,794; 3,715,937; and 5,870,932.
Various wrenches having heads that pivot with respect to the wrench's handle axis for adjusting fasteners in difficult to reach areas are known. Some existing pivotal-head wrenches are attached to a handle at a pivot joint so that a user may adjust the angular position of the head relative to the handle. Some of the wrenches may include a locking mechanism for fixing the head portion in a desired position with respect to the handle.
In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a wrench that is adaptable and able to manipulate nuts and bolts in difficult to reach locations. It would also be desirable to provide a multi-functional wrench which has a ratchet mechanism that pivots with respect to the wrench's body.
The above-noted problems are solved by the multi-functional wrench according to the invention. In one embodiment, a multi-functional wrench is provided having a body, preferably an archial or curved body, having a first working face on one side of the body and a second working face on a second side of the body, preferably opposite or substantially opposite the first side, wherein a socket is present within each of the first working face and the second working face.
In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-functional wrench having an archial body that comfortably fits the hand of a user. In some embodiments, the wrench body is provided with a side surface having alternating flat and archial areas which create desirable ergonomics and allow the user to create torque necessary to adjust or manipulate a workpiece such as a nut or bolt. The design of the multi-functional wrench allows for more precise execution of tasks and longer working time.
In an additional embodiment of the present invention, the multi-functional wrench is provided with a ratchet mechanism having a drive post or ratchet ring that is rotatable upon a ratchet mechanism pivot axis such that the drive post or ratchet ring can be disposed alternatively on each of the first and second working faces, which allows for both left and right side use of the wrench.
In various embodiments, any socket present on a working face of the body can be used to manipulate a nut or a bolt and/or accept a bit or and/or wrench head which can be used to manipulate a particular nut or bolt.
The above objects and embodiments of the invention can be combined in any suitable manner such that a multi-functional wrench of the present invention includes one or more or all of the embodiments described herein.
The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein:
This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout the several views to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as, but not limited to, “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “upper”, “down,” “lower”, “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.
The multi-functional wrench of the present invention has a body that is archial in shape and thus a radius of curvature, with the body including at least one ratchet mechanism and at least one socket. The wrench can be utilized in combination with a wide variety of bits or wrench heads having assorted connector fittings, either male or female, that can operatively attach the bit or wrench head to one of the sockets on the body and/or the ratchet mechanism. The design of the wrench facilitates operation in close or tight quarters. The multi-functional wrench is able to approach workpieces from a variety of different angles, even from behind.
Referring now to the drawings, a multi-functional wrench 10 is illustrated in the figures, in particular
Body 12 is archial or curved in shape, generally between first end 14 and second end 16, considered with reference to a working face, such as working face 20 as illustrated in
As illustrated in the figures, body 12 is also provided with one or more sockets 30. In a preferred embodiment, the body includes two or more sockets 30. Four sockets are illustrated on the first working face 20 in
Ratchet mechanism 50 is operatively and pivotally connected to body 12 through yoke 40. Yoke 40 is substantially U-shaped in one embodiment. Yoke 40 is formed by a pair of opposing arms 42, see
As can be imagined from
In view of the construction of wrench 10, it should be clear that the ratchet mechanism 50 is disposable at a plurality of different angles with respect to body 12 of wrench 10.
In a preferred embodiment, drive post 60 is a square post which is engageable in a square socket of any of the known types of socket heads or wrenches. Drive post 60 has a central axis 62. Due to the pivotability of ratchet mechanism 50, the drive post 60 can be disposed at a plurality of angular positions with respect to the plane 18 of body 12. Drive post 60 can be adjusted between an angular position generally perpendicular to a plane 18 of the body on first working face 20 to a position also perpendicular to a plane of the body on second working face 22. Thus, the drive post 60 can be rotated from a working position on the side of first working face 20 to a position on the second working face 22. The angular position of drive post central axis 62 of drive post 60 is pivotable in a range of about 270°. Thus, the drive post 60 of wrench 10 is quite versatile and can be utilized in a variety of different working positions.
As illustrated in
For the avoidance of doubt, the devices of the present invention encompass all possible combinations of the components, including various ranges of said components, disclosed herein. It is further noted that the term “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements. However, it is to also be understood that a description of a product or composition comprising certain components also discloses a product consisting of said components.
In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth; the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.
