CA1257487A - Box end wrench - Google Patents
Box end wrenchInfo
- Publication number
- CA1257487A CA1257487A CA000508984A CA508984A CA1257487A CA 1257487 A CA1257487 A CA 1257487A CA 000508984 A CA000508984 A CA 000508984A CA 508984 A CA508984 A CA 508984A CA 1257487 A CA1257487 A CA 1257487A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wrench
- points
- box end
- wall
- nut
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
- B25B23/0071—Abutment for screws or nuts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
- B25B13/02—Spanners; Wrenches with rigid jaws
- B25B13/04—Spanners; Wrenches with rigid jaws of ring jaw type
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
BOX END WRENCH
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventional multi-point box end wrenches or ring wrenches are broached completely therethrough so that when used on a bolt head or nut spaced above a sur-face, the wrench can slide down clear of the bolt head or nut and thus slip as pressure is being applied thereto.
Also, it is difficult to ensure that the full depth of the wrench is engaged upon the bolt head or nut and that the plane of the wrench head is substantially parallel with the plane of the bolt head or nut. In the present invention, the broaching terminates spaced from the upper side of the blank from which the wrench is formed thus defining a retaining shoulder which rests on the upper surface of the bolt head or nut so that the wrench cannot slip downwardly thus maintaining an aligned engagement of the wrench with the bolt head or nut yet at the same time permitting the member, such as a stud, upon which the nut is engaged, to pass clear through the wrench head without interference to the threads of the stud, as the nut is being manipulated by the wrench.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Conventional multi-point box end wrenches or ring wrenches are broached completely therethrough so that when used on a bolt head or nut spaced above a sur-face, the wrench can slide down clear of the bolt head or nut and thus slip as pressure is being applied thereto.
Also, it is difficult to ensure that the full depth of the wrench is engaged upon the bolt head or nut and that the plane of the wrench head is substantially parallel with the plane of the bolt head or nut. In the present invention, the broaching terminates spaced from the upper side of the blank from which the wrench is formed thus defining a retaining shoulder which rests on the upper surface of the bolt head or nut so that the wrench cannot slip downwardly thus maintaining an aligned engagement of the wrench with the bolt head or nut yet at the same time permitting the member, such as a stud, upon which the nut is engaged, to pass clear through the wrench head without interference to the threads of the stud, as the nut is being manipulated by the wrench.
Description
~2S~8'7 BOX E~D WRENCH
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and useful imp-rovements in multi-point box end wrenches which are pro-vided with conventionally accepted broached ends and handle structures and which are adapted to be placed over and onto a bolt head or nut when engaging and turning same.
There are three basic methods for rotating bolts and and nuts, whether these nuts are engaged upon a bolt or a stud. These include flat, open-ended wrenches in which the opposed jaws engage opposed flats of the fastener, socXet wrenches which may be fixed upon the end of a handle or may be detachable therefrom and ratchet-operated 80 that seueral sizes of sockets may be engaged upon a single handle, and multi-point box end wrenches or ring wrenches.
Open-ended, flat wrenches suffer from several disadvantages, the principal one of which is that only two opposed faces of a fastener are engaged at any one time thus limiting the degree of pressure which may be applied, and the requirement of a relatively flat arc of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ~.2S~
bolt or stud.
SocXet wrenches while extremely useful in many applications also require an arc of rotation which rest-ricts the locations in which they may be used, but the obvious disadvantage of such socket wrenches is that they cannot be centralled apertured to permit a stud to pass readily therethrough if the fastener, such as a nut, is situated upon a stud at a depth greater than the internal recess of the socket being used.
While multi-point box end wrenches permit studs to pass clear therethrough, they suffer from other severe disadvantages in that the placement and retention of said box end wrenches upon the fastener is relatively dif~i-cult particularly when being used in restricted locations where they are not easily viewed when they are being manipulated.
In the designing of the present invention, priority was given to determining all the most necessary and desirable structural and functional requirements relative to a multi-point box end wrench which would enable it to function at maximum capacity under all cir-cumstances. These requirements included:
(a) an effective broach structure that en-sures easy access of and positive engagement with the 31~2S7~37 outer extremities of the sides of the bolt head or nut each time the wrench is engaged therewith.
(b) a complementary handle structure, prefer-ably offset or angled, for clearance of the knuckles of the user.
These two requirements (a) and (b) are taken for granted as conforming to conventionally accepted standards.
(c) a wrench head structure that consistently attains perfect alignment with the fastener when engaged therewith.
(d) making full use of the broach structure.
(e) in conjunction with (d), ensuring the retention of the bolt head or nut within the wrench head when engaging and turning same.
(f) allowing for the structurally unimpeded and unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud, regardless of length, through the wrench head.
The last four requirements are the basic functions of any box end wrench structure and, as such, are the most im-portant as well as the most necessary in fulfilling the following requirements:
(g) a wrench head structure that prevents diagonal, cross-corner engagement with the fastener, ~S741137 i.e., the instinctive reaction of the operator to brace the wrench head againæt ~he side of the fastener when engaging an~ turning same.
(h) a wrench structure that prevents the fastener from being lodged or stuck within the wrench head once engaged.
(i) a wrench structure that minimizes the human error factor by structurally minimizing the depend-ency placed on the dexterity, concentration and coordina-tion of the operator.
(j) a wrench structure that prevents the wrench head from slipping off or past the fastene~ with the subsequent risk of personal injury and/or damage to both the wrench and fastener as well as the consumption of unnecessary time when using the wrench.
(k) a wrench structure that works as effec-tively when the fastener is in a difficult location as it does under ideal conditions.
From the above, it will follow that any multi-point box end wrench structure unable to fulfil any of the above requirements, especially the requirements list-ed under (c) through (f), will be structurally and func-tionally ineffective and will have related problems and di~advantages.
:~.2~
Conventional multi-point box end wrenches are only able to fulfil the requirements of (a), (b), (f) and (g) consistently. They fulfil requirements (a) and (b) because, as mentioned above, they relate to conven-tionally acceptable standards in broach and handle struc--tures. They fulfil requirements (f) and (h) because they relate to the through-broached structure of these conven-tional wrenches and the circumferential dimensions of the central aperture, the most notable of these being re-quirement (f), which is one of the foremost important requirements, mainly, the unimpeded and unobstructed passage of a bolt shaft or threaded stud through the wrench head, regardless of the length thereof. On the negative side, conventional wrenches are structurally incapable of fulfilling the requirements listed under (c) through (e), (g), (i) and (k), with any acceptable degree of consistency relying instead on the dexterity, concen-tration and coordination of the operator. However, their structural faults, together with the relative reliance upon the operator, are responsible for their consistent poor alignment with the fastener, diagonal or cross-corner engagement therewith, unreliable retention of the fastener within the wrench head when operating same and poor use of the full depth of the broached structure ~:S7~87 resul~ing in the wrench slipping off or past the fastener with the subsequent result of personal injury or damage to both the wrench ~r the fastener. These disadvantages become increasingly pronounced when the fastener is in a less than ideal location.
While socket wrenches overcome many of the disadvantages listed above, particularly socket wrenches with a universal joint connection, in no way can socket type wrenches permit for the structurally unimpeded and unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud through the wrench head, regardless of the length there-of, the requirement listed in item (f) above.
Conventional box end wrenches, although incap-able of operating at maximum capacity in the majority of instances, nevertheless do succeed in fulfilling all the necessary requirements when the nut or bolt head is in actual or very close contact with the worki.ng surface upon which the wrench head may be solidly supported. For instance, when a bolt or nut is snugged down upon a com-plementary support structure which is relatively flat, and presuming that the stud length is not too great, the supporting surface permits the box end wrench to fulfill all the requirements. However, this ideal situation is again only applicable relative to the above temporary ' ;7~
location of the fastener and the equally temporary use of the worXing surface as a support structure because as soon as the fastener becomes spaced above the support structure, the faults defined for conventional box end wrenches may occur. The ideal condition also presumes that the fastener is situated s~uarely on the support surface when engaged therewith, a situation that is not always present.
Attempts have been made in the past to provide a support structure, ~ut conventionally these support structures have been exaggerated, and in attempting to fulfil many of the requirements above, including perfect alignment of the wrench head with the fastener, full use of the broached structure and the retention of the fast-ener within the wrench head, they fail in providing the structurally unimpeded and unobstructed passage of a bolt shaft or threaded stud through the wrench, and also fail in fulfilling the requirements listed at (i), (j) and part of (k). Any exaggeration of the support structure, for example, when the structure overhangs or overlaps the smallest circumference relating to the broached struc-ture, structurally decreases the circumference of the aperture through the top of the wrench head thereby im-peding and obstructing the passage of the given bolt i7~7 shaft or th~eaded ~t~d through the head and, at the same time, forces the operator to concentrate more fully when applying the wrench. The exaggeration of the support structure effectively obstructs the otherwise easy align-ment with the wrench with the fastener, and there is a tendency, under certain circumstances, to force the wrench past the top o~ the given boLt shaft or threaded stud in order to save time, particularly when the fasten-er is situated in a less than ideal location.
Prior art known to applicant includes U.S.
Patent No. 2774259 which relates to the above negative aspects of multi-point box end wrenches in that it is provided with exaggerated support structures. This patent also has other obvious disadvantages particularly having regard to the half-spherical construction of the support structure provided therein as this rounded off support structure cannot possibly make contact or engage with the top of the fastener being structurally unable to do so. Instead, the top corners of the fastener will obviously make contact or engage with the initial curva-ture of the shoulder within the support structure and, thus, will be prevented from progressing further into the ~rench head even taking into consideration a relative amount of play between the broached structure and the ~ls~
fastener. This means that at l~ast 3/4's of the actual support structure is of no practical use and the relative corner contact with the fastener will cause damage to both the corners of the fastener and the inside of the wrench head~ as well as causing the fastener to become stuck or lodged momentarily within the wrench head when torque is applied. It should also be noted that such exaggerated support structures are, in all cases, more expensive to produce because they require extensive changes and additions to conventional manufacturing steps.
By contrast, the present invention provides consistent perfect alignment of the wrench head with the fastener and simultaneous full use of the broached struc-ture. The fastener is easily retained within the wrench head when engaging and turning same, and there is provid-ed, the unimpeded, unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud through the box end wrench, regardless of length. The wrenches are provided with a support structure which i5 based on the same relative dimensions, circumferential boundaries and functional capacity of conventionally broached structures, and the broached end of the support structure may be simultaneously formed by the broaching method employed which may be likened to ;7~
that used in the manufacture of socket wrenches.
The resulting broach and support structures allow all the necessary structural and functional re-quirements listed above to be obtained with the minimum of cost being involved.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a multi-point box end wrench for fasteners, such as multi-faceted bolt heads and nuts and the like; comp-rising in combination a handle and a box end fastener engaging portion formed on at least one end of said han-dle, said box end fastener engaging portion having a central opening formed therethrough defined by a plural-ity of alternately situated outer and inner points, with wall portions therebetween, said outer points lying on an outer circumference, said inner points lying on an inner circumference and means on one side of said box end fast-ener engaging portion restricting the passage of the associated fastener therethrough but permitting the pas-sage of the member engaged by said fastener.
A further advantage of the invention is to provide a method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench which comprises the steps of forming a cylin-drically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said blank being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, ~L2~
and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cyli~drical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end ex-tending between and spanning adjacent inner points, æaid outer points lying situated outwardly of the inner dia-meter of said flange.
This means that any exaggeration of the support structure is totally unnecessary because the ultimately effective support ~tructure conforms to and is based upon the same relative dimensions, circumferential boundaries and functional capacity of conventional multi-point box end wrenches.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described in which conventional blanks for box end wrenches can be used with a slightly different broaching method, to pro-vide a wrench which is superior to conventional box end wrenches and has advantages of both box end wrenches and socXets.
;7~7 A yet further advantage of the invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described whi~h is simple in construction, economical to manufac-ture, and otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.
With the foregoing in view, and other advant-ages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, which includes a description of the best mode known to the applicant and of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of a box end wrench blank or slug before broaching, usable for both conven-tional box end wrenches and the present device.
Figure 2 is a plan view of a conventional box end wrench.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 along the line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the present inven-tion after broaching the blank of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the ~z574~37 line 5-5 of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an isometric view from the upper end of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the lower end of Figure 4.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, reference character 10 illustrates a box-end wrench blank or slug which consists of a cylindrically apertured portion 11 formed integrally on one end of a handle 12 which is preferably offset or angled towards the upper side thereof as clearly shown in the drawings.
Conventionally, "points" 13 are formed by broaching the angulated portions 14 with a conventional broaching device, extending from the upper surface 15 of a cylindrical end 11 clear through to the lower surface 16 thereof with the points 13 lying on the circumference 15 of the cylindrical aperture through the end 11. The diameter of this aperture is indicated as the distance between the dotted lines 17 and 18. Figures 2 and 3 show conventional, prior art devices.
The invention, which is shown in Figures 4 ~2iS~7 through 7, is formed in a similar manner as previously detailed, but the broaching terminates at a location 19 spaced inwardly from the upper face 15 as clearly shown, for example, in Figure 5 with the "points" 13 once again lying on the inner surface 15A of the cylindrical end 11.
These inner points lie on an inner circumference equal to the original circumference indicated between the lines 17 and 18.
~ at might be termed the outer points 14 all lie on an outer circumference between lines 17A and 18A
and the outer and inner points are alternately situated and joined by planar vertical walls 21.
By broaching to the position 19 spaced from the upper face 15A, intermittent circumferentially-connected shoulder portions 20 remain between adjacent points 13 which act as the aforementioned support structures when the wrench is used upon a nut or bolt head, said support structure being clearly shown in Figures 4 through 7.
Based on a twelve point wrench, the wrench head 10 will contain wrench head supports consisting of twelve individual areas 20 spanning adjacent inner points 13 and which basically meet at and form the circumference of the inner surface or access aperture of the top side 15A of the wrench head. In other multi-point wrenches the num--ber of wrench head supports/ fastener retainers will, of course, remain constant with the inner point size of the wrench.
The circumference of the access aperture, as noted above, in all wrench sizes remains equal to or, if necessary, is bored out to be equal to the smallest circumference within the wrench head as defined by the longitudinally extending circumferentially arranged ribs or "points" 13 which make up the broached area. These given circumferences, which are geometric extensions of each other, allow for the unimpeded and unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud, regardless of length, through the wrench head.
This unique and novel wrench design takes into consideration all the necessary structural and functional requirements relating to a box end wrench and, as such, achieves maximum possible efficiency throughout its use and in the most practical and simplified form possible.
It will, therefore, be seen that although con-ventional multi-point box end wrenches may be capable of holding the fastener within the wrench head as opposed to retaining same as in the present invention and, under optimum circumstances, conventional wrench heads may effectively engage and turn fastener devices.
~2.S~
However, the present invention, although main-taining the same relative dimensions, circumferential boundaries and relative functional capacity of the broached structures, is also adapted to function as a totally integrated and complementary support structure comprising a number of individually circumferentially connected areas located within, around and parallel to the top of the wrench head immediately above and between each consecutive rib-liXe structure of any given broached design. In the utilization of the present multi-point box end wrench structure, the support structure simultan-eously engages the outer top extremities of the fastener when the broached structure engages the outer extremities of the sides of the fastener thereby working in unison and simultaneously strengthening and reinforcing each other structurally and also allowing for the unimpeded and unobstructed passage through the top of the wrench head, of the associated bolt shaft or threaded stud re-gardless of the length.
It should also be noted that the present sup-port structure requires 6ubstantially less pressure to retain the wrench on the top o~ the fastener than it does to turn same, the latter fact becoming important because the structural depth or thickness of the support struc-~7~7 ture can be relatively less than that of the broachedstructure said depth being approximately l/16th of an inch or less. I~is is a positive factor in the produc-tion of the wrench because it can effectively use conven-tional box end wrench blanks as used in the production of conventional wrenches.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it i8 intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to new and useful imp-rovements in multi-point box end wrenches which are pro-vided with conventionally accepted broached ends and handle structures and which are adapted to be placed over and onto a bolt head or nut when engaging and turning same.
There are three basic methods for rotating bolts and and nuts, whether these nuts are engaged upon a bolt or a stud. These include flat, open-ended wrenches in which the opposed jaws engage opposed flats of the fastener, socXet wrenches which may be fixed upon the end of a handle or may be detachable therefrom and ratchet-operated 80 that seueral sizes of sockets may be engaged upon a single handle, and multi-point box end wrenches or ring wrenches.
Open-ended, flat wrenches suffer from several disadvantages, the principal one of which is that only two opposed faces of a fastener are engaged at any one time thus limiting the degree of pressure which may be applied, and the requirement of a relatively flat arc of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the ~.2S~
bolt or stud.
SocXet wrenches while extremely useful in many applications also require an arc of rotation which rest-ricts the locations in which they may be used, but the obvious disadvantage of such socket wrenches is that they cannot be centralled apertured to permit a stud to pass readily therethrough if the fastener, such as a nut, is situated upon a stud at a depth greater than the internal recess of the socket being used.
While multi-point box end wrenches permit studs to pass clear therethrough, they suffer from other severe disadvantages in that the placement and retention of said box end wrenches upon the fastener is relatively dif~i-cult particularly when being used in restricted locations where they are not easily viewed when they are being manipulated.
In the designing of the present invention, priority was given to determining all the most necessary and desirable structural and functional requirements relative to a multi-point box end wrench which would enable it to function at maximum capacity under all cir-cumstances. These requirements included:
(a) an effective broach structure that en-sures easy access of and positive engagement with the 31~2S7~37 outer extremities of the sides of the bolt head or nut each time the wrench is engaged therewith.
(b) a complementary handle structure, prefer-ably offset or angled, for clearance of the knuckles of the user.
These two requirements (a) and (b) are taken for granted as conforming to conventionally accepted standards.
(c) a wrench head structure that consistently attains perfect alignment with the fastener when engaged therewith.
(d) making full use of the broach structure.
(e) in conjunction with (d), ensuring the retention of the bolt head or nut within the wrench head when engaging and turning same.
(f) allowing for the structurally unimpeded and unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud, regardless of length, through the wrench head.
The last four requirements are the basic functions of any box end wrench structure and, as such, are the most im-portant as well as the most necessary in fulfilling the following requirements:
(g) a wrench head structure that prevents diagonal, cross-corner engagement with the fastener, ~S741137 i.e., the instinctive reaction of the operator to brace the wrench head againæt ~he side of the fastener when engaging an~ turning same.
(h) a wrench structure that prevents the fastener from being lodged or stuck within the wrench head once engaged.
(i) a wrench structure that minimizes the human error factor by structurally minimizing the depend-ency placed on the dexterity, concentration and coordina-tion of the operator.
(j) a wrench structure that prevents the wrench head from slipping off or past the fastene~ with the subsequent risk of personal injury and/or damage to both the wrench and fastener as well as the consumption of unnecessary time when using the wrench.
(k) a wrench structure that works as effec-tively when the fastener is in a difficult location as it does under ideal conditions.
From the above, it will follow that any multi-point box end wrench structure unable to fulfil any of the above requirements, especially the requirements list-ed under (c) through (f), will be structurally and func-tionally ineffective and will have related problems and di~advantages.
:~.2~
Conventional multi-point box end wrenches are only able to fulfil the requirements of (a), (b), (f) and (g) consistently. They fulfil requirements (a) and (b) because, as mentioned above, they relate to conven-tionally acceptable standards in broach and handle struc--tures. They fulfil requirements (f) and (h) because they relate to the through-broached structure of these conven-tional wrenches and the circumferential dimensions of the central aperture, the most notable of these being re-quirement (f), which is one of the foremost important requirements, mainly, the unimpeded and unobstructed passage of a bolt shaft or threaded stud through the wrench head, regardless of the length thereof. On the negative side, conventional wrenches are structurally incapable of fulfilling the requirements listed under (c) through (e), (g), (i) and (k), with any acceptable degree of consistency relying instead on the dexterity, concen-tration and coordination of the operator. However, their structural faults, together with the relative reliance upon the operator, are responsible for their consistent poor alignment with the fastener, diagonal or cross-corner engagement therewith, unreliable retention of the fastener within the wrench head when operating same and poor use of the full depth of the broached structure ~:S7~87 resul~ing in the wrench slipping off or past the fastener with the subsequent result of personal injury or damage to both the wrench ~r the fastener. These disadvantages become increasingly pronounced when the fastener is in a less than ideal location.
While socket wrenches overcome many of the disadvantages listed above, particularly socket wrenches with a universal joint connection, in no way can socket type wrenches permit for the structurally unimpeded and unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud through the wrench head, regardless of the length there-of, the requirement listed in item (f) above.
Conventional box end wrenches, although incap-able of operating at maximum capacity in the majority of instances, nevertheless do succeed in fulfilling all the necessary requirements when the nut or bolt head is in actual or very close contact with the worki.ng surface upon which the wrench head may be solidly supported. For instance, when a bolt or nut is snugged down upon a com-plementary support structure which is relatively flat, and presuming that the stud length is not too great, the supporting surface permits the box end wrench to fulfill all the requirements. However, this ideal situation is again only applicable relative to the above temporary ' ;7~
location of the fastener and the equally temporary use of the worXing surface as a support structure because as soon as the fastener becomes spaced above the support structure, the faults defined for conventional box end wrenches may occur. The ideal condition also presumes that the fastener is situated s~uarely on the support surface when engaged therewith, a situation that is not always present.
Attempts have been made in the past to provide a support structure, ~ut conventionally these support structures have been exaggerated, and in attempting to fulfil many of the requirements above, including perfect alignment of the wrench head with the fastener, full use of the broached structure and the retention of the fast-ener within the wrench head, they fail in providing the structurally unimpeded and unobstructed passage of a bolt shaft or threaded stud through the wrench, and also fail in fulfilling the requirements listed at (i), (j) and part of (k). Any exaggeration of the support structure, for example, when the structure overhangs or overlaps the smallest circumference relating to the broached struc-ture, structurally decreases the circumference of the aperture through the top of the wrench head thereby im-peding and obstructing the passage of the given bolt i7~7 shaft or th~eaded ~t~d through the head and, at the same time, forces the operator to concentrate more fully when applying the wrench. The exaggeration of the support structure effectively obstructs the otherwise easy align-ment with the wrench with the fastener, and there is a tendency, under certain circumstances, to force the wrench past the top o~ the given boLt shaft or threaded stud in order to save time, particularly when the fasten-er is situated in a less than ideal location.
Prior art known to applicant includes U.S.
Patent No. 2774259 which relates to the above negative aspects of multi-point box end wrenches in that it is provided with exaggerated support structures. This patent also has other obvious disadvantages particularly having regard to the half-spherical construction of the support structure provided therein as this rounded off support structure cannot possibly make contact or engage with the top of the fastener being structurally unable to do so. Instead, the top corners of the fastener will obviously make contact or engage with the initial curva-ture of the shoulder within the support structure and, thus, will be prevented from progressing further into the ~rench head even taking into consideration a relative amount of play between the broached structure and the ~ls~
fastener. This means that at l~ast 3/4's of the actual support structure is of no practical use and the relative corner contact with the fastener will cause damage to both the corners of the fastener and the inside of the wrench head~ as well as causing the fastener to become stuck or lodged momentarily within the wrench head when torque is applied. It should also be noted that such exaggerated support structures are, in all cases, more expensive to produce because they require extensive changes and additions to conventional manufacturing steps.
By contrast, the present invention provides consistent perfect alignment of the wrench head with the fastener and simultaneous full use of the broached struc-ture. The fastener is easily retained within the wrench head when engaging and turning same, and there is provid-ed, the unimpeded, unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud through the box end wrench, regardless of length. The wrenches are provided with a support structure which i5 based on the same relative dimensions, circumferential boundaries and functional capacity of conventionally broached structures, and the broached end of the support structure may be simultaneously formed by the broaching method employed which may be likened to ;7~
that used in the manufacture of socket wrenches.
The resulting broach and support structures allow all the necessary structural and functional re-quirements listed above to be obtained with the minimum of cost being involved.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a multi-point box end wrench for fasteners, such as multi-faceted bolt heads and nuts and the like; comp-rising in combination a handle and a box end fastener engaging portion formed on at least one end of said han-dle, said box end fastener engaging portion having a central opening formed therethrough defined by a plural-ity of alternately situated outer and inner points, with wall portions therebetween, said outer points lying on an outer circumference, said inner points lying on an inner circumference and means on one side of said box end fast-ener engaging portion restricting the passage of the associated fastener therethrough but permitting the pas-sage of the member engaged by said fastener.
A further advantage of the invention is to provide a method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench which comprises the steps of forming a cylin-drically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said blank being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, ~L2~
and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cyli~drical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end ex-tending between and spanning adjacent inner points, æaid outer points lying situated outwardly of the inner dia-meter of said flange.
This means that any exaggeration of the support structure is totally unnecessary because the ultimately effective support ~tructure conforms to and is based upon the same relative dimensions, circumferential boundaries and functional capacity of conventional multi-point box end wrenches.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described in which conventional blanks for box end wrenches can be used with a slightly different broaching method, to pro-vide a wrench which is superior to conventional box end wrenches and has advantages of both box end wrenches and socXets.
;7~7 A yet further advantage of the invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described whi~h is simple in construction, economical to manufac-ture, and otherwise well suited to the purpose for which it is designed.
With the foregoing in view, and other advant-ages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, the invention is herein described by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, which includes a description of the best mode known to the applicant and of the preferred typical embodiment of the principles of the present invention, in which:
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of a box end wrench blank or slug before broaching, usable for both conven-tional box end wrenches and the present device.
Figure 2 is a plan view of a conventional box end wrench.
Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 along the line 3-3 of Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a plan view of the present inven-tion after broaching the blank of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the ~z574~37 line 5-5 of Figure 4.
Figure 6 is an isometric view from the upper end of Figure 4.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the lower end of Figure 4.
In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Proceeding therefore to describe the invention in detail, reference character 10 illustrates a box-end wrench blank or slug which consists of a cylindrically apertured portion 11 formed integrally on one end of a handle 12 which is preferably offset or angled towards the upper side thereof as clearly shown in the drawings.
Conventionally, "points" 13 are formed by broaching the angulated portions 14 with a conventional broaching device, extending from the upper surface 15 of a cylindrical end 11 clear through to the lower surface 16 thereof with the points 13 lying on the circumference 15 of the cylindrical aperture through the end 11. The diameter of this aperture is indicated as the distance between the dotted lines 17 and 18. Figures 2 and 3 show conventional, prior art devices.
The invention, which is shown in Figures 4 ~2iS~7 through 7, is formed in a similar manner as previously detailed, but the broaching terminates at a location 19 spaced inwardly from the upper face 15 as clearly shown, for example, in Figure 5 with the "points" 13 once again lying on the inner surface 15A of the cylindrical end 11.
These inner points lie on an inner circumference equal to the original circumference indicated between the lines 17 and 18.
~ at might be termed the outer points 14 all lie on an outer circumference between lines 17A and 18A
and the outer and inner points are alternately situated and joined by planar vertical walls 21.
By broaching to the position 19 spaced from the upper face 15A, intermittent circumferentially-connected shoulder portions 20 remain between adjacent points 13 which act as the aforementioned support structures when the wrench is used upon a nut or bolt head, said support structure being clearly shown in Figures 4 through 7.
Based on a twelve point wrench, the wrench head 10 will contain wrench head supports consisting of twelve individual areas 20 spanning adjacent inner points 13 and which basically meet at and form the circumference of the inner surface or access aperture of the top side 15A of the wrench head. In other multi-point wrenches the num--ber of wrench head supports/ fastener retainers will, of course, remain constant with the inner point size of the wrench.
The circumference of the access aperture, as noted above, in all wrench sizes remains equal to or, if necessary, is bored out to be equal to the smallest circumference within the wrench head as defined by the longitudinally extending circumferentially arranged ribs or "points" 13 which make up the broached area. These given circumferences, which are geometric extensions of each other, allow for the unimpeded and unobstructed passage of the bolt shaft or threaded stud, regardless of length, through the wrench head.
This unique and novel wrench design takes into consideration all the necessary structural and functional requirements relating to a box end wrench and, as such, achieves maximum possible efficiency throughout its use and in the most practical and simplified form possible.
It will, therefore, be seen that although con-ventional multi-point box end wrenches may be capable of holding the fastener within the wrench head as opposed to retaining same as in the present invention and, under optimum circumstances, conventional wrench heads may effectively engage and turn fastener devices.
~2.S~
However, the present invention, although main-taining the same relative dimensions, circumferential boundaries and relative functional capacity of the broached structures, is also adapted to function as a totally integrated and complementary support structure comprising a number of individually circumferentially connected areas located within, around and parallel to the top of the wrench head immediately above and between each consecutive rib-liXe structure of any given broached design. In the utilization of the present multi-point box end wrench structure, the support structure simultan-eously engages the outer top extremities of the fastener when the broached structure engages the outer extremities of the sides of the fastener thereby working in unison and simultaneously strengthening and reinforcing each other structurally and also allowing for the unimpeded and unobstructed passage through the top of the wrench head, of the associated bolt shaft or threaded stud re-gardless of the length.
It should also be noted that the present sup-port structure requires 6ubstantially less pressure to retain the wrench on the top o~ the fastener than it does to turn same, the latter fact becoming important because the structural depth or thickness of the support struc-~7~7 ture can be relatively less than that of the broachedstructure said depth being approximately l/16th of an inch or less. I~is is a positive factor in the produc-tion of the wrench because it can effectively use conven-tional box end wrench blanks as used in the production of conventional wrenches.
Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it i8 intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims
(1) A multi-point box end wrench for fasteners, such as multi-faceted bolt heads and nuts and the like; comprising in combination a handle and a box end fastener engaging portion formed on at least one end of said handle, said box end fastener engaging portion having a central opening formed therethrough defined by a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points, with wall portions there between, said outer points lying on an outer circumference, said inner points lying on an inner circumference and means on one side of said box end fastener engaging portion restricting the passage of the associated fastener therethrough but permitting the passage of the member engaged by said fastener, said means including an inwardly extending flange on said one side, the inner diameter of said flange being substantially equal to the inner diameter upon which said inner points lie.
(2) The wrench according to Claim 1 in which the depth of said flange is between 1/16th of an inch and 1/4 of an inch.
(3) The wrench according to Claim 1 in which the plane of said handle is angulated from the plane of said box end fastener engaging portion.
(4) A method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench of Claim 1 comprising the steps of forming a cylindrically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said aperture being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cylindrical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end extending between and spanning adjacent inner points, said outer points lying situated outwardly of the inner diameter of said flange.
(5) A method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench or Claim 2 comprising the steps of forming a cylindrically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said aperture being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cylindrical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end extending between and spanning adjacent inner points, said outer point lying situated outwardly of the inner diameter of said flange.
(6) A method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench of Claim 3 comprising the steps of forming a cylindrically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said aperture being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cylindrical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end extending between and spanning adjacent inner points, said outer points lying situated outwardly of the inner diameter of said flange.
(7) The method according to Claims 4, 5, or 6 in which the formation of said inner and outer points is by broaching.
(2) The wrench according to Claim 1 in which the depth of said flange is between 1/16th of an inch and 1/4 of an inch.
(3) The wrench according to Claim 1 in which the plane of said handle is angulated from the plane of said box end fastener engaging portion.
(4) A method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench of Claim 1 comprising the steps of forming a cylindrically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said aperture being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cylindrical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end extending between and spanning adjacent inner points, said outer points lying situated outwardly of the inner diameter of said flange.
(5) A method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench or Claim 2 comprising the steps of forming a cylindrically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said aperture being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cylindrical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end extending between and spanning adjacent inner points, said outer point lying situated outwardly of the inner diameter of said flange.
(6) A method of manufacture for the multi-point box end wrench of Claim 3 comprising the steps of forming a cylindrically apertured blank on the end of the handle, said aperture being defined by the surrounding cylindrical wall, and then forming a plurality of alternately situated outer and inner points on said inner wall of said cylindrical opening, with the outer points lying on an outer circumference and the inner points lying on an inner circumference substantially coincident with said wall of said blank and terminating the formation of said points spaced from one end of said cylindrical wall thereby defining a flanged shoulder at said one end extending between and spanning adjacent inner points, said outer points lying situated outwardly of the inner diameter of said flange.
(7) The method according to Claims 4, 5, or 6 in which the formation of said inner and outer points is by broaching.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000508984A CA1257487A (en) | 1986-05-13 | 1986-05-13 | Box end wrench |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000508984A CA1257487A (en) | 1986-05-13 | 1986-05-13 | Box end wrench |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1257487A true CA1257487A (en) | 1989-07-18 |
Family
ID=4133133
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000508984A Expired CA1257487A (en) | 1986-05-13 | 1986-05-13 | Box end wrench |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1257487A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0591732A1 (en) * | 1992-09-24 | 1994-04-13 | UTENSILERIE ASSOCIATE S.p.A. | Method for the production of an open-jawed spanner |
| WO1999007519A1 (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 1999-02-18 | William Russell Tanner | Box wrench and socket wrench having stopper portions for preventing slippage along a nut or a bolt head |
| WO2001014104A1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-03-01 | Natus Gmbh & Co. Kg | Spanner for screws or nuts |
| EP1245339A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-10-02 | Hand Tool Design Corporation | Spanner with prevention of disengagement of fastener |
| CN112894686A (en) * | 2021-01-21 | 2021-06-04 | 菲时特集团股份有限公司 | A kind of spanner |
-
1986
- 1986-05-13 CA CA000508984A patent/CA1257487A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0591732A1 (en) * | 1992-09-24 | 1994-04-13 | UTENSILERIE ASSOCIATE S.p.A. | Method for the production of an open-jawed spanner |
| WO1999007519A1 (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 1999-02-18 | William Russell Tanner | Box wrench and socket wrench having stopper portions for preventing slippage along a nut or a bolt head |
| US5983758A (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 1999-11-16 | Tanner; William Russell | Box wrench and socket wrench having stopper portions for preventing slippage along a nut or a bolt head |
| AU740372B2 (en) * | 1997-08-12 | 2001-11-01 | William Russell Tanner | Box wrench and socket wrench having stopper portions for preventing slippage along a nut or a bolt head |
| WO2001014104A1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-03-01 | Natus Gmbh & Co. Kg | Spanner for screws or nuts |
| EP1245339A1 (en) * | 2001-03-28 | 2002-10-02 | Hand Tool Design Corporation | Spanner with prevention of disengagement of fastener |
| CN112894686A (en) * | 2021-01-21 | 2021-06-04 | 菲时特集团股份有限公司 | A kind of spanner |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5219392A (en) | Rotary wrenching tool | |
| US5983758A (en) | Box wrench and socket wrench having stopper portions for preventing slippage along a nut or a bolt head | |
| US6609867B2 (en) | Anti-loosening nut assembly | |
| US4947712A (en) | Socket device | |
| JP5911025B2 (en) | Torque transmission driver | |
| WO1983002137A1 (en) | Socket drive | |
| TW201838776A (en) | Multi-Directional Driver Bit | |
| US5092203A (en) | Wrench openings | |
| JPH05305575A (en) | Surface conforming and torque enhancing wrench | |
| CN103097061B (en) | Slip-proof clamping system | |
| JPH06509859A (en) | Threaded fasteners, especially screws and screw-driving tools | |
| JPS58502162A (en) | socket drive | |
| CA1257487A (en) | Box end wrench | |
| US5671644A (en) | Open-ended ratcheting wrench | |
| EP0236630B1 (en) | Wrenching tool | |
| US20020078800A1 (en) | Socket wrench extension with improved torque transmission | |
| JPH0224567Y2 (en) | ||
| JPH08136Y2 (en) | Multi-level socket for wrench | |
| JPH0618787Y2 (en) | Torque transmission member for screw tightening | |
| JP3027815U (en) | Bolts that can be rotated with various hand tools | |
| US20030041700A1 (en) | Close end wrench | |
| EP0626277A1 (en) | An improved nipple for connecting a spoke to the rim of a spoked wheel | |
| JP2002364619A (en) | Screw part and screw part tightening tool | |
| JPH0348107U (en) | ||
| JPS5934735Y2 (en) | Structure of bolts and nuts |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |