CA2820062A1 - Hub to form collapsible spider-type lug wrench - Google Patents
Hub to form collapsible spider-type lug wrench Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2820062A1 CA2820062A1 CA2820062A CA2820062A CA2820062A1 CA 2820062 A1 CA2820062 A1 CA 2820062A1 CA 2820062 A CA2820062 A CA 2820062A CA 2820062 A CA2820062 A CA 2820062A CA 2820062 A1 CA2820062 A1 CA 2820062A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wrench
- attachment means
- ratchet
- central body
- spider
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A hub for a collapsible spider wrench has a central body 12 with four coplanar ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12, each of which is perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means 14. A spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders WE to each of the ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12, and attaching a socket to the outer end of at least one of the wrench extenders WE. The spider wrench can be collapsed by detaching the wrench extenders WE from the central body 12, and the parts can easily fit inside a standard tool box.
Description
DESCRIPTION
=
Hub to Form Collapsible Spider-Type Lug Wrench Technical Field.
This invention relates to a hub to form a collapsible spider-type lug wrench.
A spider-type lug wrench is a type of socket wrench used for turning lug nuts on automobile wheels, which has cross members to serve as lever arms to provide torque. For brevity, these wrenches will be referred to as "spider wrenches" below. Spider wrenches usually have four rigidly joined coplanar arms, each arm being perpendicular to adjacent arms, with a female socket at the outer end of at least one arm to receive the lug nut to be tightened or loosened, so that the two adjacent perpendicular arms form the cross members to serve as lever arms. Commonly each arm of a spider wrench is approximately the same length and is provided with a different size of socket at the outer end, so that a single spider wrench can be used for up to four different sizes of nuts.
Spider wrenches allow the user to apply substantial torque to tighten or loosen lug nuts and other fastening devices. However, the need for the arms of spider wrenches to be perpendicular makes them very wide, and therefore difficult to transport and store in standard tool boxes, automobiles, or other small spaces.
Wrench extension bars or wrench extenders are well known for allowing access to nuts that are difficult to reach. Wrench extenders are typically used in conjunction with a set of sockets and a ratchet that can be detachably attached to, and rotate, the sockets.
Each of the sockets typically receives a nut of a specific size and type at one end, and has a ratchet receiver means at the opposite end. Typically, the ratchet has a ratchet attachment means that is received by the ratchet receiver means of the socket, so that the socket can be detachably attached to the ratchet. The ratchet attachment means is preferably a square cross section stud having a spring loaded ball extending outwardly from a recess formed in the rotating portion of the ratchet, and the ratchet receiver means is a square cross section aperture in the socket configured to receive the stud,, having a dimple to receive the ball when the socket is properly engaged with the ratchet.
The wrench extender comprises an elongated member having a ratchet attachment means at one end to be received by the ratchet receiver means of a socket, and a ratchet receiver means at the other end to receive the ratchet attachment means of the ratchet. In this manner, the wrench extender can be interposed between the socket and the ratchet, allowing the socket to be placed over a difficult to reach nut, and the ratchet to rotate the socket by rotating the wrench extender. The ratchet attachment means can be male and the ratchet receiver means can be female, or vice versa.
Background Art.
US Patent 1360121 to Lawrence discloses a multiple-socket head having a body and three branches. The frame holding the branches in position is spot welded, riveted, or otherwise rigidly fastened to the branches.
US Patent 2738694 to Boatright discloses a folding lug wrench.
US Patent 4505171 to Chang discloses a foldable cross wrench with four wrench members pivoted to a coupling member.
=
Hub to Form Collapsible Spider-Type Lug Wrench Technical Field.
This invention relates to a hub to form a collapsible spider-type lug wrench.
A spider-type lug wrench is a type of socket wrench used for turning lug nuts on automobile wheels, which has cross members to serve as lever arms to provide torque. For brevity, these wrenches will be referred to as "spider wrenches" below. Spider wrenches usually have four rigidly joined coplanar arms, each arm being perpendicular to adjacent arms, with a female socket at the outer end of at least one arm to receive the lug nut to be tightened or loosened, so that the two adjacent perpendicular arms form the cross members to serve as lever arms. Commonly each arm of a spider wrench is approximately the same length and is provided with a different size of socket at the outer end, so that a single spider wrench can be used for up to four different sizes of nuts.
Spider wrenches allow the user to apply substantial torque to tighten or loosen lug nuts and other fastening devices. However, the need for the arms of spider wrenches to be perpendicular makes them very wide, and therefore difficult to transport and store in standard tool boxes, automobiles, or other small spaces.
Wrench extension bars or wrench extenders are well known for allowing access to nuts that are difficult to reach. Wrench extenders are typically used in conjunction with a set of sockets and a ratchet that can be detachably attached to, and rotate, the sockets.
Each of the sockets typically receives a nut of a specific size and type at one end, and has a ratchet receiver means at the opposite end. Typically, the ratchet has a ratchet attachment means that is received by the ratchet receiver means of the socket, so that the socket can be detachably attached to the ratchet. The ratchet attachment means is preferably a square cross section stud having a spring loaded ball extending outwardly from a recess formed in the rotating portion of the ratchet, and the ratchet receiver means is a square cross section aperture in the socket configured to receive the stud,, having a dimple to receive the ball when the socket is properly engaged with the ratchet.
The wrench extender comprises an elongated member having a ratchet attachment means at one end to be received by the ratchet receiver means of a socket, and a ratchet receiver means at the other end to receive the ratchet attachment means of the ratchet. In this manner, the wrench extender can be interposed between the socket and the ratchet, allowing the socket to be placed over a difficult to reach nut, and the ratchet to rotate the socket by rotating the wrench extender. The ratchet attachment means can be male and the ratchet receiver means can be female, or vice versa.
Background Art.
US Patent 1360121 to Lawrence discloses a multiple-socket head having a body and three branches. The frame holding the branches in position is spot welded, riveted, or otherwise rigidly fastened to the branches.
US Patent 2738694 to Boatright discloses a folding lug wrench.
US Patent 4505171 to Chang discloses a foldable cross wrench with four wrench members pivoted to a coupling member.
US Patent 4939960 to Kinzli discloses an electrical enclosure wrench.
US Patent 6343532 to Lucy discloses a cross-bar socket wrench having pivotally mounted torque bars.
US Patent 6662688 to Avery discloses a lug wrench having two foldable arms and a detachable arm.
US design patent Des. 218140 to Johannsen disclsose US design patent Des. 409060 to Lucy discloses a , cross-bar torque wrench.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spider wrench that can be collapsed to be easily transported and stored in standard tool boxes, automobiles, or other small spaces.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a spider wrench that can be inexpensive because it can be formed using readily available components that may already be present in a user's tool box.
Disclosure of Invention.
These and other objects are achieved by a hub for a collapsible spider wrench, including a central body, and four coplanar ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body, with each of the ratchet attachment means being perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means. In this manner, a spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders (having ratchet receiving means at inner ends and having ratchet attachment means at outer ends) to at least three of the ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body, and attaching a socket to the outer end of at least one of the wrench extenders. Further, the spider wrench can be collapsed by detaching the wrench extenders from the central body.
US Patent 6343532 to Lucy discloses a cross-bar socket wrench having pivotally mounted torque bars.
US Patent 6662688 to Avery discloses a lug wrench having two foldable arms and a detachable arm.
US design patent Des. 218140 to Johannsen disclsose US design patent Des. 409060 to Lucy discloses a , cross-bar torque wrench.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a spider wrench that can be collapsed to be easily transported and stored in standard tool boxes, automobiles, or other small spaces.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a spider wrench that can be inexpensive because it can be formed using readily available components that may already be present in a user's tool box.
Disclosure of Invention.
These and other objects are achieved by a hub for a collapsible spider wrench, including a central body, and four coplanar ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body, with each of the ratchet attachment means being perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means. In this manner, a spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders (having ratchet receiving means at inner ends and having ratchet attachment means at outer ends) to at least three of the ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body, and attaching a socket to the outer end of at least one of the wrench extenders. Further, the spider wrench can be collapsed by detaching the wrench extenders from the central body.
The ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body can be male or female.
Preferably, the ratchet attachment means is a square cross section stud having a spring loaded ball extending outwardly from a recess in the stud, and the ratchet receiving means is a square cross section aperture configured to receive the stud, and has a dimple to receive the ball. Preferably, the four ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body are integrally formed with the central body from metal.
Brief Description of Drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being identical;
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;
Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view from the front of a second embodiment thereof;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the second embodiment, the bottom plan view being identical; and Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view thereof.
Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention.
The presently preferred best modes for carrying out the present invention are illustrated by way of example in Figs. 1 to 7.
Referring to Fig. 1, shown is a perspective view from the front of a first embodiment 10 of the present invention. A central body 12 has four coplanar ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12, and each of the ratchet attachment means 14 is perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means 14.
Preferably, the ratchet attachment means 14 is a square cross section stud 16 having a spring loaded ball 18 5 extending outwardly from a recess 20 in the stud, and the ratchet receiving means (not shown) is a square cross section aperture configured to receive the stud, and has a dimple to receive the ball 18.
Referring to Fig. 2, shown is a top plan view of the embodiment 10 of Fig. 1.
Referring to Fig. 3, shown is a front elevational view of the embodiment 10 of Fig. 1, with wrench extenders WE shown attached to the central body 12 shown in broken line. As can be seen, all the balls 18 extend outwardly towards the front in Figs. 1-3, but the balls 18 can extend from each ratchet attachment means 14 in any direction.
Referring to Fig. 4, shown is a rear elevational view of the embodiment 10 of Fig. 1. As can be seen, none of the balls extends rearwardly, so none is visible.
Referring to Fig. 5, shown is a perspective view from the front of a second embodiment 30 of the present invention. Again, the central body 12 has four coplanar ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly, each perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means 14.
Again, the ratchet attachment means are square cross section studs 16. However, the balls 18 extend outwardly from the studs 16 from recesses 20 on the clockwise facing sides of the studs 16.
Referring to Fig. 6, shown is a top plan view of the second embodiment 30.
Referring to Fig. 7, shown is a rear elevational view of the second embodiment 30, showing the balls 18 extending outwardly from the clockwise facing sides of the studs 16.
As can be appreciated from the above and the drawings, a spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders WE (having ratchet receiving means at inner ends and having ratchet attachment means at outer ends) by their inner ends to each of the ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12, and attaching a socket (not shown) to the outer end of at least one of the wrench extenders WE. As can also be appreciated, the spider wrench can also be collapsed by detaching the wrench extenders WE from the central body 12.
It is expected that users will already own wrench extenders WE in connection with their previously purchased socket sets. However, users can readily purchase any additional wrench extenders WE and sockets that may be necessary. A minimum of three wrench extenders WE would be necessary - one to hold the socket, and two others to form crossbars to serve as lever arms. However, it is preferred that four wrench extenders WE be used, to maximize the number of sockets that can be simultaneously attached to the spider wrench, and thereby maximize the number of types of nuts on which the spider wrench can be used.
Preferably, the central body 12 is integrally formed (preferably of metal) with the outwardly extending ratchet attachment means 14 for strength and durability.
Of course, other types of ratchet attachment means and ratchet receiving means can be used, as long as they allow the wrench extensions WE to be detachably attached by their inner ends to the central body 12, and to allow at least one socket to be attached to the outer end of a wrench extension WE.
Preferably, the ratchet attachment means is a square cross section stud having a spring loaded ball extending outwardly from a recess in the stud, and the ratchet receiving means is a square cross section aperture configured to receive the stud, and has a dimple to receive the ball. Preferably, the four ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from the central body are integrally formed with the central body from metal.
Brief Description of Drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a top plan view thereof, the bottom plan view being identical;
Fig. 3 is a front elevational view thereof;
Fig. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view from the front of a second embodiment thereof;
Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the second embodiment, the bottom plan view being identical; and Fig. 7 is a rear elevational view thereof.
Best Modes for Carrying Out Invention.
The presently preferred best modes for carrying out the present invention are illustrated by way of example in Figs. 1 to 7.
Referring to Fig. 1, shown is a perspective view from the front of a first embodiment 10 of the present invention. A central body 12 has four coplanar ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12, and each of the ratchet attachment means 14 is perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means 14.
Preferably, the ratchet attachment means 14 is a square cross section stud 16 having a spring loaded ball 18 5 extending outwardly from a recess 20 in the stud, and the ratchet receiving means (not shown) is a square cross section aperture configured to receive the stud, and has a dimple to receive the ball 18.
Referring to Fig. 2, shown is a top plan view of the embodiment 10 of Fig. 1.
Referring to Fig. 3, shown is a front elevational view of the embodiment 10 of Fig. 1, with wrench extenders WE shown attached to the central body 12 shown in broken line. As can be seen, all the balls 18 extend outwardly towards the front in Figs. 1-3, but the balls 18 can extend from each ratchet attachment means 14 in any direction.
Referring to Fig. 4, shown is a rear elevational view of the embodiment 10 of Fig. 1. As can be seen, none of the balls extends rearwardly, so none is visible.
Referring to Fig. 5, shown is a perspective view from the front of a second embodiment 30 of the present invention. Again, the central body 12 has four coplanar ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly, each perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means 14.
Again, the ratchet attachment means are square cross section studs 16. However, the balls 18 extend outwardly from the studs 16 from recesses 20 on the clockwise facing sides of the studs 16.
Referring to Fig. 6, shown is a top plan view of the second embodiment 30.
Referring to Fig. 7, shown is a rear elevational view of the second embodiment 30, showing the balls 18 extending outwardly from the clockwise facing sides of the studs 16.
As can be appreciated from the above and the drawings, a spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders WE (having ratchet receiving means at inner ends and having ratchet attachment means at outer ends) by their inner ends to each of the ratchet attachment means 14 extending outwardly from the central body 12, and attaching a socket (not shown) to the outer end of at least one of the wrench extenders WE. As can also be appreciated, the spider wrench can also be collapsed by detaching the wrench extenders WE from the central body 12.
It is expected that users will already own wrench extenders WE in connection with their previously purchased socket sets. However, users can readily purchase any additional wrench extenders WE and sockets that may be necessary. A minimum of three wrench extenders WE would be necessary - one to hold the socket, and two others to form crossbars to serve as lever arms. However, it is preferred that four wrench extenders WE be used, to maximize the number of sockets that can be simultaneously attached to the spider wrench, and thereby maximize the number of types of nuts on which the spider wrench can be used.
Preferably, the central body 12 is integrally formed (preferably of metal) with the outwardly extending ratchet attachment means 14 for strength and durability.
Of course, other types of ratchet attachment means and ratchet receiving means can be used, as long as they allow the wrench extensions WE to be detachably attached by their inner ends to the central body 12, and to allow at least one socket to be attached to the outer end of a wrench extension WE.
With the structure of the present invention, a spider wrench can easily be provided to a user who may already own a socket wrench and one or more wrench extenders, merely by purchasing the central body 12 and sufficient additional wrench extenders to have three in total. After collapsing, all the parts of the present invention can easily fit inside standard tool boxes, automobiles and other small spaces.
Although the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the presently preferred embodiments disclosed herein, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Accordingly, no limitations are to implied or inferred in this invention, except as specifically and explicitly set forth in the claims.
Industrial Applicability.
This invention can be used whenever it is desired to have a spider wrench that can be transported and stored in standard tool boxes, automobiles and other small spaces. This invention can also be used whenever it is desired to provide an inexpensive spider wrench that uses readily available or already owned wrench extenders and sockets.
Although the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the presently preferred embodiments disclosed herein, it should be understood that there may be other embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims. Accordingly, no limitations are to implied or inferred in this invention, except as specifically and explicitly set forth in the claims.
Industrial Applicability.
This invention can be used whenever it is desired to have a spider wrench that can be transported and stored in standard tool boxes, automobiles and other small spaces. This invention can also be used whenever it is desired to provide an inexpensive spider wrench that uses readily available or already owned wrench extenders and sockets.
Claims (5)
1. A hub for a collapsible spider wrench, comprising:
a central body;
four coplanar ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from said central body, each of said ratchet attachment means being perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means;
whereby a spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders having ratchet receiving means at inner ends and having ratchet attachment means at outer ends to at least three of said ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from said central body, and attaching a socket to said outer end of at least one of said wrench extenders; and whereby said spider wrench can be collapsed by detaching said wrench extenders from said central body.
a central body;
four coplanar ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from said central body, each of said ratchet attachment means being perpendicular to adjacent ratchet attachment means;
whereby a spider wrench can be formed by attaching wrench extenders having ratchet receiving means at inner ends and having ratchet attachment means at outer ends to at least three of said ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from said central body, and attaching a socket to said outer end of at least one of said wrench extenders; and whereby said spider wrench can be collapsed by detaching said wrench extenders from said central body.
2. A hub for a collapsible spider wrench according to claim 1, wherein said ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from said central body is male.
3. A hub for a collapsible spider wrench according to claim 1, wherein said ratchet attachment means extending outwardly from said central body is female.
4. A hub for a collapsible spider wrench according to claim 1, wherein:
said ratchet attachment means is a square cross section stud having a spring loaded ball extending outwardly from a recess in said stud.
said ratchet attachment means is a square cross section stud having a spring loaded ball extending outwardly from a recess in said stud.
5. A hub for a collapsible spider wrench according to claim 1, wherein said four coplanar attachment means extending outwardly from said central body are integrally formed with said central body.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2010/003174 WO2012011889A1 (en) | 2010-07-20 | 2010-12-14 | Hub to form collapsible spider-type lug wrench |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2820062A1 true CA2820062A1 (en) | 2012-01-26 |
Family
ID=48795367
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2820062A Abandoned CA2820062A1 (en) | 2010-12-14 | 2010-12-14 | Hub to form collapsible spider-type lug wrench |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2820062A1 (en) |
-
2010
- 2010-12-14 CA CA2820062A patent/CA2820062A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20151202 |
|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20180420 |