CA2595846C - Wrench engagement technologies - Google Patents
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- CA2595846C CA2595846C CA2595846A CA2595846A CA2595846C CA 2595846 C CA2595846 C CA 2595846C CA 2595846 A CA2595846 A CA 2595846A CA 2595846 A CA2595846 A CA 2595846A CA 2595846 C CA2595846 C CA 2595846C
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Abstract
A wrench tool is described which comprises an orifice configured to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece. The orifice is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances substantially form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis for engagement with the hexagonal work piece. In one embodiment, each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle. And, in yet another embodiment, the protuberances may be positioned apart relative to each other by predetermined distances, and, each protuberance may have a predetermined height to length ratio.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hand tools, particularly hand operated wrenches, and more particularly box type wrenches and wrench sockets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hand operated wrenches have been around for many years and most are designed to control the rotation of nuts, bolts and various fasteners. These wrenches usually have either a six or twelve point socket opening for turning the fasteners. It is believed by some that the six point design can apply more torque to a fastener then the twelve point design without "rounding" the fastener. On the other hand, the twelve point design is desirable because it requires less re-engagement swing arc than the six point design. The language of "re-engagement swing arc" shall be defined herein as the least amount of swing arc required (measured in degrees) for a wrench to re-engage a work piece such as a fastener that is being tightened or loosened. The minimum re-engagement swing arc of a twelve point wrench design is thirty degrees, or half of the minimum re-engagement swing arc of a six point design which is sixty degrees.
Applicant contemplates an improved wrench that will require less re-engagement swing arc than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs, while maintaining reasonable, if not substantial wrench strength to maximize the application of torque to a work piece such as a fastener, while minimizing fastener deformation and wrench breakage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A wrench tool is described which comprises an orifice configured to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece. The orifice is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances substantially form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis for engagement with the hexagonal work piece. In one embodiment, each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle.
And, in yet another embodiment, the protuberances may be positioned apart relative
The present invention relates to hand tools, particularly hand operated wrenches, and more particularly box type wrenches and wrench sockets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hand operated wrenches have been around for many years and most are designed to control the rotation of nuts, bolts and various fasteners. These wrenches usually have either a six or twelve point socket opening for turning the fasteners. It is believed by some that the six point design can apply more torque to a fastener then the twelve point design without "rounding" the fastener. On the other hand, the twelve point design is desirable because it requires less re-engagement swing arc than the six point design. The language of "re-engagement swing arc" shall be defined herein as the least amount of swing arc required (measured in degrees) for a wrench to re-engage a work piece such as a fastener that is being tightened or loosened. The minimum re-engagement swing arc of a twelve point wrench design is thirty degrees, or half of the minimum re-engagement swing arc of a six point design which is sixty degrees.
Applicant contemplates an improved wrench that will require less re-engagement swing arc than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs, while maintaining reasonable, if not substantial wrench strength to maximize the application of torque to a work piece such as a fastener, while minimizing fastener deformation and wrench breakage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A wrench tool is described which comprises an orifice configured to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece. The orifice is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances substantially form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis for engagement with the hexagonal work piece. In one embodiment, each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle.
And, in yet another embodiment, the protuberances may be positioned apart relative
2 to each other by predetermined distances, and, each protuberance may have a predetermined height to length ratio.
With regards to the present invention above, applicant considers the following objectives:
It is an important objective of the present invention that it requires less re-engagement swing arc than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs.
It is another important objective of the present invention that it provide a user with better accessibility to fasteners than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs, especially in limited access environments.
It is another important objective of the present invention that it provide better synchronization and initial engagement with a work piece such as a fastener, than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs.
It is another important objective of the present invention that it achieves reasonable, if not substantial wrench strength to maximize the application of torque to a work piece such as a fastener, while minimizing fastener deformation and wrench breakage.
And, it is yet another important objective of the present invention that it be cost efficient to manufacture and commercially viable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a hexagonal work piece such as a bolt head; and,
With regards to the present invention above, applicant considers the following objectives:
It is an important objective of the present invention that it requires less re-engagement swing arc than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs.
It is another important objective of the present invention that it provide a user with better accessibility to fasteners than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs, especially in limited access environments.
It is another important objective of the present invention that it provide better synchronization and initial engagement with a work piece such as a fastener, than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs.
It is another important objective of the present invention that it achieves reasonable, if not substantial wrench strength to maximize the application of torque to a work piece such as a fastener, while minimizing fastener deformation and wrench breakage.
And, it is yet another important objective of the present invention that it be cost efficient to manufacture and commercially viable.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a hexagonal work piece such as a bolt head; and,
3 Figure 2 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies; and, Figure 3 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance; and, Figure 4 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance; and, Figure 5 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance; and, Figure 6 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance; and, Figure 7 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies; and, Figure 8 shows a top plan view of a wrench socket comprising another embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies; and, Figure 9 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement structures; and, Figure 10 shows an enlarged fragmentary view of the wrench head shown in Figure 9.
4 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The various drawings provided herein are for the purpose of illustrating possible embodiments of the present invention and not for the purpose of limiting same. Therefore, the drawings herein represent only a few of the many possible variations of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a hexagonal work piece such as a bolt head. Hexagonal work piece 3 has six points represented by point 5. The present invention wrench engagement technologies are generally designed to function best with hexagonal fasteners such as nuts, bolts, hexagonal screws etc.
Figure 2 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies. Wrench tool 7 has a wrench head 9, and handle 11, and an orifice 13 configured to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece such as that shown in Figure 1. Orifice 13 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 15. Groove 18 is representative of such grooves. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 17 is representative of such protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 15 as shown for engagement with a work piece, such as that shown in Figure 1.
The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. Each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces such as 19 and 21 positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is not defined in this Figure.
Figure 3 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 3. Protuberance 31 has at least two engaging surfaces 33 and 35 Which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 230 degrees with an engaging angle point 37 as shown. Protuberance 31 has a tip 38 which does not fully extend to the point 37 of the predetermined engaging angle of 230 degrees as shown. Accordingly, engaging surfaces 33 and 35 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together they are in at least partial, if not substantial alignment with the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Figure 4 shows a large fragmentary view of another possible example of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 4. Protuberance 41 has at least two engaging surfaces 43 and 45 which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 229 degrees with an engaging angle point 47 as shown. Protuberance 41 has a tip 48 which does not fully extend to the point 47 of the predetermined engaging angle of 229 degrees as shown.
Accordingly, engaging surfaces 43 and 45 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together they are in at least partial, if not substantial alignment with the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Figure 5 shows a large fragmentary view of another possible example of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 5. Protuberance 51 has at least two engaging surfaces 53 and 55 which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 231 degrees with an engaging angle point 57 as shown. Protuberance 51 has a tip 58 which does not fully extend to the point 57 of the predetermined engaging angle of 231 degrees as shown.
Accordingly, engaging surfaces 53 and 55 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together they are in at least partial, if not substantial alignment with the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Figure 6 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 6. Protuberance 61 has at least two engaging surfaces 63 and 65 which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 230 degrees with engaging angle point 67 as shown. Protuberance 61 has a tip 68 which does not fully extend to the point 67 of the predetermined engaging angle of 230 degrees as shown. In this embodiment shown, the at least two engaging surfaces 63 and 65 are each substantially arcuate and positioned tangent to the predetermined engaging angle of 230 degrees as shown. Accordingly, engaging surfaces 63 and 65 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together must be in at least partial alignment with, or tangent to, the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Therefore when referring to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 together, the engaging surfaces of the present invention may be substantially flat, substantially arcuate, or multi-faceted to achieve off-corner loading and force distribution between wrench and work piece. Off-corner loading and force distribution will maximize the application of torque to a work piece while minimizing deformation of the work piece and wrench breakage.
Figure 7 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies. Wrench tool 77 has a wrench head 79, and handle 81, and an orifice 83 configured to Control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece such as a nut, bolt etc. Orifice 83 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 85. Groove 88 is representative of such grooves. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 87 is representative of such protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 85 =
as shown for engagement with a work piece, such as that shown in Figure 1.
The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. In this embodiment of the present invention, each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces such as 89 and 91 positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle preferably in the range of 223 through 237 degrees inclusive; and, more preferably in the range of 226 through 234 degrees .
inclusive such as 230 degrees as shown. Such a configuration provides off-corner loading and force distribution between wrench and work piece. Off-corner loading and force distribution will maximize the application of torque to a work piece while minimizing deformation of the work piece and wrench breakage. In the event that the engaging surfaces are curved or arcuate, the engaging surfaces are simply positioned tangent to the aforementioned preferred engaging angles. And, each protuberance could be formed the same as, or similar to, any of the examples shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, so that the tip of each protuberance does not fully extend to the point of the predetermined engaging angle as more fully described in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6. Therefore, engaging surfaces 89 and 91 need not fully align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together must be in at least partial alignment with, or tangent to, the predetermined engaging angle.
Another possible characteristic of the present invention is that each of the eighteen grooves may have at least two engaging surfaces such as those represented by engaging surfaces 92 and 94 (one engaging surface from each of two adjacent protuberances) which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined groove engaging angle This groove engaging angle is preferably in the range of 100 through 120 degrees inclusive; and, more preferably in the range of 103 through 117 degrees inclusive, such as 110 degrees as shown.
Figure 8 shows a top plan view of a wrench socket comprising another embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies. Wrench *socket 101 is shown comprising an orifice 103 which is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 105.
Groove 106 is one of the eighteen grooves and is representative of such. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 107 is one of the eighteen protuberances and is representative of such. The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 105 for engagement with a work piece, such as hexagonal work piece 3 shown in Figure 1. Each of the eighteen protuberances has at least two engaging surfaces such as engaging surfaces 109 and 111 which are substantially arcuate convex. In this embodiment of the present invention, each protuberance is formed similar to the protuberance described and shown in Figure 6.
Figure 9 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench =
head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wherein wrench tool 207 has a wrench head 209, and handle 211, and an orifice 213 formed to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece such as that shown in Figure 1.
Orifice 213 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 215. Groove 219 is representative of such grooves. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 217 is representative of such protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 215 as shown for engagement with a work piece, such as that shown in Figure 1.
The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. Each protuberance is formed having at least one engaging surface such as engaging surface 221 which may be substantially flat, arcuate, concave, convex and/or any combination thereof. In this Figure each protuberance is formed having engaging surfaces that are substantially flat. The protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other by predetermined distances, whereas, the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is less than the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1. Preferably, the protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other such that the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is equal to or greater than about eighty-eight percent of the least distance =
between any ten adjacent protuberances D1; and, equal to or less than about ninety-eight percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1 as shown. More preferably, the protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other such that the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is equal to or greater than about ninety percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1;
and, equal to or less than about ninety-six percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1 as shown. And most preferably, the protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other such that the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is equal to or greater than about ninety-two percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1; and, equal to or less than about ninety-four percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1 as shown. Such predetermined dimensions and spacing of the protuberances are significant structural features of the present invention that are clearly distinct from all other prior art wrench designs that do not have exactly eighteen teeth.
Figure 10 shows an enlarged fragmentary view of the wrench head shown in Figure 9. In this view a closer look at the grooves and protuberances is provided. In this embodiment of the present invention, each protuberance has a height to length ratio, whereas, the height of each protuberance is preferably equal to or less than about one third of its length; and more preferably, the height of each protuberance is equal to or less than about one quarter of its length.
Here the height D4 of protuberance 223 is about eighteen percent of its length D3 as shown. The length of a wrench protuberance shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the two outer points of the protuberance at which the protuberance starts to enter the orifice. The height of a wrench protuberance shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the imaginary line created by the length of the protuberance defined above, and the point of the protuberance closest to the orifice central axis.
Also shown in Figure 10 is groove 225 with a depth dimension D5 and a length dimension D6. In this embodiment of the present invention, each groove has a depth to length ratio, whereas, the depth of each groove is preferably equal to or less than about one third of its length. Here the depth D5 of groove 225 is about twenty-seven percent of its length D6 as shown. The length of a wrench groove shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the centers of two adjacent protuberances. The depth of a wrench groove shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the imaginary line created by the length of the groove defined above, and the point of the groove farthest away from the orifice central axis.
Each of the novel "eighteen point" design configurations of the present invention described above require significantly less re-engagement swing arc than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs. Again, the language of "re-engagement swing arc" is defined herein as the least amount of swing arc required (measured in degrees) for a wrench to re-engage a work piece such as a fastener that is being tightened or loosened. The minimum re-engagement swing arc of the present invention is just 20 degrees, while the prior art six and twelve point designs require 60 degrees and 30 degrees respectively.
Accordingly, the next best prior art wrench design (12 points) requires an additional 50% more re-engagement swing arc than the present invention. And, the prior art six point design requires an additional 200% more re-engagement swing arc than the present invention. Therefore, the present invention described above provides superior accessibility to fasteners, especially in limited access environments. Another benefit of the present invention described above is that it requires less time and effort to synchronize the wrench orifice onto a work piece during the initial engagement process, because synchronization requires less rotation of the wrench head than either the aforementioned prior art wrench designs.
It is believed that the present invention wrench engagement technologies will have many applications to different wrenches, including but not limited to box wrenches, double-box wrenches, combination wrenches and wrench sockets of all lengths. When considering the present invention, simplicity and obviousness should not be confused or considered the same. Accordingly, the novelty and complexity of the present invention must be measured by its structure resulting from the many interrelated objectives set forth herein, including wrench to fastener accessibility in normal and limited access environments, wrench to fastener synchronization (initial engagement), wrench strength, wrench torque capacity, deformation of the work piece, manufacturability, and commercial viability.
Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein in detail, it should be noted and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations may be made within the scope of this invention without departing from the principles and chief advantages of this invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms and expressions have been used herein as terms of description and not limitation. There is no intention to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof, and this invention should be defined in accordance with the claims that follow, or the equivalence thereof.
The various drawings provided herein are for the purpose of illustrating possible embodiments of the present invention and not for the purpose of limiting same. Therefore, the drawings herein represent only a few of the many possible variations of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a hexagonal work piece such as a bolt head. Hexagonal work piece 3 has six points represented by point 5. The present invention wrench engagement technologies are generally designed to function best with hexagonal fasteners such as nuts, bolts, hexagonal screws etc.
Figure 2 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies. Wrench tool 7 has a wrench head 9, and handle 11, and an orifice 13 configured to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece such as that shown in Figure 1. Orifice 13 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 15. Groove 18 is representative of such grooves. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 17 is representative of such protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 15 as shown for engagement with a work piece, such as that shown in Figure 1.
The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. Each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces such as 19 and 21 positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is not defined in this Figure.
Figure 3 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 3. Protuberance 31 has at least two engaging surfaces 33 and 35 Which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 230 degrees with an engaging angle point 37 as shown. Protuberance 31 has a tip 38 which does not fully extend to the point 37 of the predetermined engaging angle of 230 degrees as shown. Accordingly, engaging surfaces 33 and 35 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together they are in at least partial, if not substantial alignment with the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Figure 4 shows a large fragmentary view of another possible example of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 4. Protuberance 41 has at least two engaging surfaces 43 and 45 which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 229 degrees with an engaging angle point 47 as shown. Protuberance 41 has a tip 48 which does not fully extend to the point 47 of the predetermined engaging angle of 229 degrees as shown.
Accordingly, engaging surfaces 43 and 45 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together they are in at least partial, if not substantial alignment with the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Figure 5 shows a large fragmentary view of another possible example of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 5. Protuberance 51 has at least two engaging surfaces 53 and 55 which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 231 degrees with an engaging angle point 57 as shown. Protuberance 51 has a tip 58 which does not fully extend to the point 57 of the predetermined engaging angle of 231 degrees as shown.
Accordingly, engaging surfaces 53 and 55 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together they are in at least partial, if not substantial alignment with the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Figure 6 shows a large fragmentary view of one of many possible examples of a present invention protuberance. For example, each of the eighteen protuberances of the wrench tool shown in Figure 2 could be formed as shown here in Figure 6. Protuberance 61 has at least two engaging surfaces 63 and 65 which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle which is, in this example, 230 degrees with engaging angle point 67 as shown. Protuberance 61 has a tip 68 which does not fully extend to the point 67 of the predetermined engaging angle of 230 degrees as shown. In this embodiment shown, the at least two engaging surfaces 63 and 65 are each substantially arcuate and positioned tangent to the predetermined engaging angle of 230 degrees as shown. Accordingly, engaging surfaces 63 and 65 do not completely align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together must be in at least partial alignment with, or tangent to, the predetermined engaging angle as shown.
Therefore when referring to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 together, the engaging surfaces of the present invention may be substantially flat, substantially arcuate, or multi-faceted to achieve off-corner loading and force distribution between wrench and work piece. Off-corner loading and force distribution will maximize the application of torque to a work piece while minimizing deformation of the work piece and wrench breakage.
Figure 7 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies. Wrench tool 77 has a wrench head 79, and handle 81, and an orifice 83 configured to Control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece such as a nut, bolt etc. Orifice 83 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 85. Groove 88 is representative of such grooves. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 87 is representative of such protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 85 =
as shown for engagement with a work piece, such as that shown in Figure 1.
The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. In this embodiment of the present invention, each protuberance is formed having at least two engaging surfaces such as 89 and 91 positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined engaging angle preferably in the range of 223 through 237 degrees inclusive; and, more preferably in the range of 226 through 234 degrees .
inclusive such as 230 degrees as shown. Such a configuration provides off-corner loading and force distribution between wrench and work piece. Off-corner loading and force distribution will maximize the application of torque to a work piece while minimizing deformation of the work piece and wrench breakage. In the event that the engaging surfaces are curved or arcuate, the engaging surfaces are simply positioned tangent to the aforementioned preferred engaging angles. And, each protuberance could be formed the same as, or similar to, any of the examples shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, so that the tip of each protuberance does not fully extend to the point of the predetermined engaging angle as more fully described in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6. Therefore, engaging surfaces 89 and 91 need not fully align with the entire engaging angle, but when positioned together must be in at least partial alignment with, or tangent to, the predetermined engaging angle.
Another possible characteristic of the present invention is that each of the eighteen grooves may have at least two engaging surfaces such as those represented by engaging surfaces 92 and 94 (one engaging surface from each of two adjacent protuberances) which are positioned together in at least partial alignment with a predetermined groove engaging angle This groove engaging angle is preferably in the range of 100 through 120 degrees inclusive; and, more preferably in the range of 103 through 117 degrees inclusive, such as 110 degrees as shown.
Figure 8 shows a top plan view of a wrench socket comprising another embodiment of the present invention wrench engagement technologies. Wrench *socket 101 is shown comprising an orifice 103 which is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 105.
Groove 106 is one of the eighteen grooves and is representative of such. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 107 is one of the eighteen protuberances and is representative of such. The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 105 for engagement with a work piece, such as hexagonal work piece 3 shown in Figure 1. Each of the eighteen protuberances has at least two engaging surfaces such as engaging surfaces 109 and 111 which are substantially arcuate convex. In this embodiment of the present invention, each protuberance is formed similar to the protuberance described and shown in Figure 6.
Figure 9 shows a top plan cut view of a box type wrench having a wrench =
head comprising an embodiment of the present invention wherein wrench tool 207 has a wrench head 209, and handle 211, and an orifice 213 formed to control the rotation of a hexagonal work piece such as that shown in Figure 1.
Orifice 213 is substantially cylindrical and comprises an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis 215. Groove 219 is representative of such grooves. The eighteen grooves are formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen principle longitudinal protuberances. Protuberance 217 is representative of such protuberances. The protuberances form a symmetrical pattern around the imaginary central axis 215 as shown for engagement with a work piece, such as that shown in Figure 1.
The present invention is designed to function best with only eighteen longitudinal grooves and only eighteen longitudinal protuberances. Each protuberance is formed having at least one engaging surface such as engaging surface 221 which may be substantially flat, arcuate, concave, convex and/or any combination thereof. In this Figure each protuberance is formed having engaging surfaces that are substantially flat. The protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other by predetermined distances, whereas, the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is less than the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1. Preferably, the protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other such that the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is equal to or greater than about eighty-eight percent of the least distance =
between any ten adjacent protuberances D1; and, equal to or less than about ninety-eight percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1 as shown. More preferably, the protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other such that the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is equal to or greater than about ninety percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1;
and, equal to or less than about ninety-six percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1 as shown. And most preferably, the protuberances of the present invention are positioned apart relative to each other such that the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances D2 is equal to or greater than about ninety-two percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1; and, equal to or less than about ninety-four percent of the least distance between any ten adjacent protuberances D1 as shown. Such predetermined dimensions and spacing of the protuberances are significant structural features of the present invention that are clearly distinct from all other prior art wrench designs that do not have exactly eighteen teeth.
Figure 10 shows an enlarged fragmentary view of the wrench head shown in Figure 9. In this view a closer look at the grooves and protuberances is provided. In this embodiment of the present invention, each protuberance has a height to length ratio, whereas, the height of each protuberance is preferably equal to or less than about one third of its length; and more preferably, the height of each protuberance is equal to or less than about one quarter of its length.
Here the height D4 of protuberance 223 is about eighteen percent of its length D3 as shown. The length of a wrench protuberance shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the two outer points of the protuberance at which the protuberance starts to enter the orifice. The height of a wrench protuberance shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the imaginary line created by the length of the protuberance defined above, and the point of the protuberance closest to the orifice central axis.
Also shown in Figure 10 is groove 225 with a depth dimension D5 and a length dimension D6. In this embodiment of the present invention, each groove has a depth to length ratio, whereas, the depth of each groove is preferably equal to or less than about one third of its length. Here the depth D5 of groove 225 is about twenty-seven percent of its length D6 as shown. The length of a wrench groove shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the centers of two adjacent protuberances. The depth of a wrench groove shall be defined herein as the least, straight line distance between the imaginary line created by the length of the groove defined above, and the point of the groove farthest away from the orifice central axis.
Each of the novel "eighteen point" design configurations of the present invention described above require significantly less re-engagement swing arc than each of the prior art, six and twelve point wrench designs. Again, the language of "re-engagement swing arc" is defined herein as the least amount of swing arc required (measured in degrees) for a wrench to re-engage a work piece such as a fastener that is being tightened or loosened. The minimum re-engagement swing arc of the present invention is just 20 degrees, while the prior art six and twelve point designs require 60 degrees and 30 degrees respectively.
Accordingly, the next best prior art wrench design (12 points) requires an additional 50% more re-engagement swing arc than the present invention. And, the prior art six point design requires an additional 200% more re-engagement swing arc than the present invention. Therefore, the present invention described above provides superior accessibility to fasteners, especially in limited access environments. Another benefit of the present invention described above is that it requires less time and effort to synchronize the wrench orifice onto a work piece during the initial engagement process, because synchronization requires less rotation of the wrench head than either the aforementioned prior art wrench designs.
It is believed that the present invention wrench engagement technologies will have many applications to different wrenches, including but not limited to box wrenches, double-box wrenches, combination wrenches and wrench sockets of all lengths. When considering the present invention, simplicity and obviousness should not be confused or considered the same. Accordingly, the novelty and complexity of the present invention must be measured by its structure resulting from the many interrelated objectives set forth herein, including wrench to fastener accessibility in normal and limited access environments, wrench to fastener synchronization (initial engagement), wrench strength, wrench torque capacity, deformation of the work piece, manufacturability, and commercial viability.
Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein in detail, it should be noted and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that numerous variations may be made within the scope of this invention without departing from the principles and chief advantages of this invention. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the terms and expressions have been used herein as terms of description and not limitation. There is no intention to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof, and this invention should be defined in accordance with the claims that follow, or the equivalence thereof.
Claims (6)
1. A wrench tool comprising an orifice having a predetermined geometry for controlling the rotation of a hexagonal work piece, said orifice being substantially cylindrical and comprising an array of only eighteen longitudinal grooves positioned therein substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around an imaginary central axis, said eighteen grooves being formed and spaced apart so as to create an array of only eighteen longitudinal protuberances, said protuberances substantially forming a symmetrical pattern around said imaginary central axis for engagement with said work piece, each said protuberance further being formed having at least two outer engaging surfaces substantially forming an outer engaging angle within the range of 223 through 237 degrees inclusive and, said protuberances being positioned apart relative to each other and to said imaginary central axis by predetermined dimensions whereas the least distance between said imaginary central axis and each said protuberance being a predetermined Dimension A, and the least distance between any eight adjacent protuberances being a predetermined Dimension B, and, Dimension A being substantially equal to or greater than 52% of Dimension B and substantially equal to or less than 55% of Dimension B.
2. A wrench tool of claim 1, wherein Dimension A is substantially equal to or greater than 52.5% of Dimension B and substantially equal to or less than 54.5%
of Dimension B.
of Dimension B.
3. A wrench tool of claim 1, wherein said wrench tool is a wrench socket.
4. A wrench tool of claim 1, wherein said wrench tool comprises a box type wrench head.
5. A wrench tool of claim 1 wherein said engaging surfaces are substantially flat.
6. A wrench tool of claim 1, wherein said engaging surfaces are substantially arcuate and tangent to said outer engaging angle within the range of 223 through 237 degrees inclusive.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US11/504,153 | 2006-08-15 | ||
| US11/504,153 US7311021B2 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2006-08-15 | Wrench engagement technologies |
| US11/591,923 US20070044595A1 (en) | 2005-02-04 | 2006-11-02 | Wrench engagement structures |
| US11/591,923 | 2006-11-02 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2595846A1 CA2595846A1 (en) | 2008-02-15 |
| CA2595846C true CA2595846C (en) | 2015-07-14 |
Family
ID=39091940
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2595846A Active CA2595846C (en) | 2006-08-15 | 2007-08-02 | Wrench engagement technologies |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2595846C (en) |
-
2007
- 2007-08-02 CA CA2595846A patent/CA2595846C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2595846A1 (en) | 2008-02-15 |
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