WO2018208321A1

WO2018208321A1 - Torque multiplier wrench

Info

Publication number: WO2018208321A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/034249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert L. GRANGER
Original assignee: Granger Robert L
Priority date: 2017-05-08
Filing date: 2017-05-24
Publication date: 2018-11-15

Abstract

A wrench device includes an elongated body having a first end and a second end; a footing attached at the first end; a socket head attached at the second end, the socket head having a socket assembly with an adapter to engage with a socket; a lever pivotally attached to the elongated body; and a linking assembly attached at a first end to the socket head and at a second end to the lever; the lever pivots relative to the elongated body to exert torque force on the first adapter via the linking assembly.

Description

TORQUE MULTIPLIER WRENCH

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to tools for loosening and tightening bolts, nuts, lugs, and can be used for changing vehicle tires, and more specifically, to a vehicle lug socket system for a vehicle tire.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Lug wrenches for changing tires are well known in the art and are typically effective means for changing a flat tire. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a conventional lug wrench 101 having a plurality of arms 103, 105, 107, and 109 configured to provide gripping access along with providing means to carry a lug socket 1 1 1 having an opening configured to engage with a vehicle car tire lug nut (not shown).

[0003] It should be understood that the vehicle car tire lug nuts can be fastened such that extreme force is required for removal of the lug nut. The force necessary could be greater than most drivers, including teens, elderly, and women, can exert to remove the lug with wrench 101 . In cases, the user may secure a pipe 201 and/or other extension means to an arm of wrench 101 , which in turn increases the torque exerted on the lug nut. However, the use of a pipe 201 could cause the wrench to disengage from the lug nut and could cause stripping. In addition, use of pipe 201 presents unsafe conditions. The wrench may become detached or suddenly break free, which could result in harm to the operator. Further, it is not practical to store a pipe within the vehicle for transit.

[0004] Accordingly, although great strides have been made in the area of lug nut wrenches, many shortcomings remain. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The novel features believed characteristic of the embodiments of the present application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the embodiments themselves, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front views of a conventional lug nut wrench;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the wrench system in accordance with an embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are side views of the wrench system of FIG. 3 during use;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top views of the system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the system of FIG. 3 during use;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the lever of the system of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the wrench system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application;

FIGS. 10 and 1 1 are top views of the system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the socket assembly of the system of FIG. 9; and

FIGS. 13-21 are side views of the wrench system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present application.

[0006] While the system and method of use of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0007] Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of use of the present application are provided below. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0008] The system and method of use will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless described otherwise.

[0009] The preferred embodiment herein described is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It is chosen and described to explain the principles of the invention and its application and practical use to enable others skilled in the art to follow its teachings.

[0010] Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 3-21 depict various views of a lug nut system 301 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present application. It will be appreciated that the system 301 overcomes one or more of the above-listed problems commonly associated with the conventional lug nut wrenches. Detailed explanation of these differences and unique features of the system 301 are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] With respect to FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, 7, 9, it should be noted that the Figures shown here depict the device operating in the "tightening mode." In FIG. 13, it should be noted that this Figure depicts "tightening mode." In FIG. 14, it should be noted that this figure depicts "tightening mode." In addition, it should be noted that the extendable arm 1417 although shown attached to arm 1413, could just as well be attached to crank arm 1313 in FIG 13. In FIG. 15, it should also be noted that this depicts the "loosening mode." In FIG. 16, it should be noted that this depicts the "loosening mode" and that this figure depicts the second preferred embodiment. In FIG. 17, the figure depicts the "loosening mode" and FIG. 18 depicts the "loosening mode." In FIG. 19, this is the first preferred embodiment and depicts the "loosening mode."

[0012] Referring now to FIG. 3, system 301 includes one or more of an elongated body 303 having a footing 305 at a first end and a socket head 307 at an opposing second end. In the contemplated embodiment, the footing 305 preferably includes an elongated rod 309 that extends in a direction perpendicular to the elongated length of body 303 and provides means for a user to hold with a hand or for placement on the ground surface 701 during use, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0013] In one contemplated embodiment, the footing 305 could include a shaft 601 that threadedly attaches to body 303 and fixedly attaches to rod 309 as shown in FIG. 6. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 601 could simply slide within the body 303 and secured in location via a fastening device, e.g., a clip or merely friction. This feature allows selective adjustment of the overall length of footing 309 during use. It should be understood that extended reach could be required for use of system 301 due to the changes in height of different vehicles tires 705 relative to the ground surface 701 as shown in FIG. 7.

[0014] Socket head 307 includes a socket assembly 31 1 with an adapter 315 configured to engage with a socket 501 as shown in FIG. 5. The assembly 31 1 is further provided with an elongated lever 313 configured to rotate adapter 315. One of the unique features believed characteristic of the present invention is the use of the lever 313 along with the adapter 315 to remove a lug nut 703 from tire 705. During use, the lever 313 pivots relative to body 303, which in turn rotates the adapter 315. These features are illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0015] Referring specifically to FIG. 8, a partial cross-sectional view of the socket assembly 31 1 is shown. It will be appreciated that assembly 31 1 is provided with one of more of the components of a conventional socket wrench assembly. Specifically, assembly 31 1 is provided with a hollow housing 81 1 that carries a disc 809 having a plurality of teeth that engage with a locking device 807 to allow rotation of the adapter 315 in a single rotational direction. The locking device 807 is controlled via a lock 803 that slidingly engages within a hollow interior 801 of second housing. It will be appreciated that lock 803 is preferably accessible to the user and extends to an outer surface of the lever 313. This feature enables the user to select rotational movement of the adapter 315 for removing and thereafter attaching the lug nut 703. However, it should be understood that alternative embodiments could include the process of merely flipping over the device for reverse action.

[0016] Referring now to FIGS. 9-12 in the drawings various views of an alternative embodiment of system 301 are shown. In the contemplated embodiment, system 901 includes one of more of the features of system 301 discussed herein. Like system 301 , the preferred embodiment of system 901 includes a body 903, a footing 905 with a rod 909 at one end, a socket head 907 with a socket assembly 91 1 having an adapter 915 and a lever 913. The system 901 is further provided with a second adapter 1001 configure to engage with a socket 1003. In the exemplary embedment, it is contemplated having two socket adapters that rotate in opposite directions relative to each other; however, it should be understood that it is preferred to have a single adapter as shown in the other drawings.

[0017] To achieve the feature of simultaneously providing torque to both adapters, it is contemplated having a central shaft 1 105 secured to lever 913 and configured to engage with ratchet assemblies 1 101 , 1 103 rigidly attached to the body 903 and operably associated with respective adapters 915, 1 001 .

[0018] In FIG. 12, a cross-sectional side view of the socket assembly 1 101 is shown having an inner housing 1203 adapted to carry a disc 1201 with a plurality of teeth that are controlled via a locking device 1205. During use, the lever 913 pivots relative to body 903, which in turn rotates the internal components of assemblies 1 101 , 1 103. It will be appreciated that assemblies 1 101 , 1 103 are substantially similar to known ratchet devices utilized with socket wrenches.

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 13 in the drawings various views of an alternative embodiment of systems 301 and 901 are shown. In the contemplated embodiment, system 1301 includes one of more of the features of the system discussed herein. Like systems 301 and 901 , the preferred embodiment of system 1301 includes a body 1303, a footing 1305 with a rod 1309 at one end, a socket head 1307 with a socket assembly 131 1 having an adapter 1315 and a lever 1313. It should be understood that although shown with a 1 :1 ratio with the simple linkage, it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments could include different ratios to achieve the desired pulling and torque force necessary to remove the lug nuts.

[0020] The system 1301 is further provided with a link assembly 1317 configured to provide additional pulling force of the lever during use. The link assembly include a second lever 1319 configured to rotate the socket assembly 131 1 and pivotally attached to the first lever 1313 via a third link 1321 . It will be appreciated that the link assembly provide significant pulling force during use.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 14 in the drawings various views of an alternative embodiment of system 301 are shown. In the contemplated embodiment, system 1401 includes one of more of the features of the systems discussed herein. Like system 301 , the preferred embodiment of system 1401 includes a body 1403, a footing 1405 with a rod 1409 at one end, a socket head 1407 with a socket assembly 141 1 having an adapter 1415 and a lever 1413. [0022] The system 1401 is further provided with a lever extension 1417 secured to the lever 1413. In the preferred embodiment, the lever extension 1417 slidingly engages within a hollow interior of lever 1413. It will be appreciated that the lever extension increases torque force exerted on the adapter 1415 during use.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 15-21 , various alternative embodiments are shown. It will be appreciated that the embodiments discussed in FIGS. 15-21 could interchange features and incorporate the features discussed above although not shown in the drawings as a combination thereof.

[0024] In FIG. 15, a system 1501 is shown having a main support link 1503 operably associated with a link assembly 1505. The link assembly 1505 includes an actuating ratchet arm 1507 pivotally attached to a link 1509 via joint 151 1 . The link 1509 in turn is pivotally attached to the crank arm 1513 via a joint 1515 and pivotally attached to the main support link 1503 via a joint 1517. During use, the pivoting movement of the ratchet arm 1507 and the pivoting movement of the main support link 1503 rotates ratchet 1519.

[0025] The system 1501 further includes a tee support 1521 configured to slidingly engage within the main support link 1503 and a handle grip 1523 secured to the crank arm 1513.

[0026] In FIG. 16, a system 1601 is shown having a main support link 1603 operably associated with a link assembly 1605. The link assembly 1605 includes an actuating ratchet arm 1607 pivotally attached to ratchet 1609. The arm 1607 engages with a crank arm 161 1 via a sliding joint 1613. The crank arm 161 1 pivotally attaches to the main support link 1603 via a joint 1615. During use, the pivoting movement of the ratchet arm 1607 and the pivoting movement of the main support link 1603 rotates ratchet 1609. The pivoting movement of arm 161 1 causes the pivoting movement of arm 1607 via sliding joint 1613.

[0027] The system 1601 further includes a tee support 1619 configured to slidingly engage within the main support link 1603 and a handle grip 1617 secured to the crank arm 161 1 . A tension spring 1600 is secured to arm 1607 and main body 1603 to assist in the forces between the two members.

[0028] In FIG. 17, a system 1701 is shown having a main support link 1703 operably associated with a link assembly 1705. The link assembly 1705 includes an actuating ratchet arm 1707 pivotally attached to ratchet 1709. The arm 1707 engages with a crank arm 171 1 via a gear assembly 1713, which in turn engages with a plurality of gear teeth extending from a member 1715 of main support link 1703. The system 1701 further includes a tee support 1617 configured to slidingly engage within the main support link 1703.

[0029] In FIG. 18, a system 1801 is shown having a main support link 1803 operably associated with a link assembly 1805. The link assembly 1805 includes an actuating ratchet arm 1807 pivotally attached to ratchet 1809. The arm 1807 engages with a crank arm 181 1 via a gear assembly 1813, which in turn engages with a plurality of gear teeth extending from a member of arm 1807. The system 1801 further includes a tee support 1815 configured to slidingly engage within the main support link 1803.

[0030] In FIG. 19, a preferred embodiment of the system is shown. The system 1901 is shown having a crank arm 1907 operably associated with a link assembly 1905. The link assembly 1905 includes an actuating ratchet arm 1913 pivotally attached to ratchet 1915. The arm 1913 engages with a cam 191 1 , which is turned via a crank arm 1907 via a joint 1909. The crank arm 1907 pivotally attaches to the main support link 1903 via joint 1909. During use, the pivoting movement of the ratchet arm 1913 and the pivoting movement of the main support link 1903 rotates ratchet 1915. The system 1901 further includes a tee support 1917 configured to slidingly engage within the crank arm 1907. A tension spring 1900 is secured to arm 1913 and main body 1903 to assist in the forces between the two members.

[0031] In FIG. 20, a system 2001 is shown having a main support link 2003 operably associated with one or more link assemblies discussed above. The system 2001 includes a tee support 2007 configured to slidingly engage within the main support link 2003 and a ratchet 2005 rotatably attached to a ratchet arm. System 2001 is further provided with a torque adjuster 2009 having a pivot support 201 1 attached to an adjustment nut 2013 at one end and a pivot at an opposing second end. During use, the torque adjuster 2009 is configured to assist in the adjustment of the torque applied. It should be noted that the identifier 2000 is the fulcrum pivot point, for use on 1517, 1615, 1909.

[0032] In FIG. 21 , a system 2101 is shown having a main support link 2103 operably associated with one or more link assemblies discussed above. The system 2101 includes a tee support 2107 configured to slidingly engage within the main support link 2103 and a ratchet 2105 rotatably attached to a ratchet arm. System 2101 is further provided with a torque adjuster 2109 having a pivot joint 21 1 1 configured to engage with a slot 21 13 extending inwardly within the thickness of link 2103 and a spring retainer 21 15 adapted to engage with and secure the joint 21 1 1 in position. During use, the torque adjuster 2109 is configured to assist in the adjustment of the torque applied, by relocating the fulcrum pivot point 21 1 1 , for use on 1517, 1615, 1909.

[0033] The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the embodiments may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. Although the present embodiments are shown above, they are not limited to just these embodiments, but are amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1 . A wrench device, comprising:

an elongated body having a first end and a second end;

a footing attached to the first end;

a socket head attached to the second end, the socket head having:

a first socket assembly with a first adapter configured to engage with a socket; and

a lever extending away from the socket head and configured to rotate the adapter;

wherein the lever pivots relative to the elongated body to exert torque on the adapter.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the footing is an elongated rod attached perpendicular to the elongated body.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the footing further comprises:

an elongated rod; and

a threaded shaft engaged with an interior of the elongated body;

wherein the elongated rod is perpendicularly attached to the threaded shaft; and wherein the threaded shaft is configured to adjust a length of the footing.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the socket assembly further comprises:

a locking mechanism configured to alter a rotational direction applied to the adapter.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein the socket head further comprises:

a second socket assembly with a second adapter facing opposite of the first adapter; and

a central shaft extending between the first socket assembly and the second socket assembly; wherein the second adapter is configured to rotate in a direction opposite the first adapter;

wherein the lever is connected to and extends away from the central shaft; and wherein the lever pivots to exert torque on the central shaft, the central shaft transferring the torque to the first adapter and the second adapter.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the lever further comprises:

an extension slidingly engaged with an interior of the lever.

7. A wrench device, comprising:

an elongated body having a first end and a second end;

a footing attached at the first end;

a socket head attached at the second end, the socket head having:

a socket assembly with an adapter configured to engage with a socket; a lever pivotally attached to the elongated body; and

a linking assembly attached at a first end to the socket head and at a second end to the lever;

wherein the lever pivots relative to the elongated body to exert torque force on the first adapter via the linking assembly.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the linking assembly further comprises:

an actuating ratchet arm pivotally attached to the adapter; and

a link segment connected to the actuating ratchet arm and to the lever via one or more joints.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the linking assembly further comprises:

an actuating ratchet arm pivotally attached to the adapter;

a spring extending from the actuating ratchet arm to the elongated body; and a sliding joint securing the actuating ratchet arm to the lever,

wherein the sliding joint allows movement of the actuating ratchet arm along the lever.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the linking assembly further comprises:

an actuating ratchet arm pivotally attached to the adapter;

a member extending from the elongated body, the member having:

a plurality of teeth;

a gear connected to the lever and configured to engage with the plurality of teeth.

1 1 . The device of claim 7, wherein the linking assembly further comprises: an actuating ratchet arm pivotally attached to the adapter, the actuating ratchet arm having:

a member extending from the actuating ratchet arm the member having a plurality of teeth;

12. The device of claim 7, wherein the linking assembly further comprises:

an actuating ratchet arm pivotally attached to the adapter;

a cam attached to the elongated body and configured to engage with the actuating ratchet arm;

wherein the lever rotates the cam to exert force on the actuating ratchet arm.

13. The device of claim 7, further comprising:

a torque adjustor pivotally attached to the elongated body and configured to adjust the torque applied by the lever.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the torque adjustor further comprises:

a plurality of slots configured to secure a joint connection between the lever and the elongated body; and

a spring retainer configured to retain the joint connection in place;

wherein moving the joint connection from one of the plurality of slots to another of the plurality of slots alters the torque force.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein the torque adjustor further comprises:

a screw having an adjustable nut configured to manipulate the position of the first lever to alter the torque force applied by the lever.

16. The device of claim 7, wherein the footing further comprises:

an elongated rod; and

a threaded shaft engaged with an interior of the elongated body;