GB2214851A

GB2214851A - Multi-purpose tool

Info

Publication number: GB2214851A
Application number: GB8803258A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James David Kiteley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-02-12
Filing date: 1988-02-12
Publication date: 1989-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2008-02-12
Also published as: GB2214851B; GB8803258D0

Abstract

The tool for transmitting rotational torque selectively to one of a plurality of fastenings which differ in shape and/or size includes a lever-arm 1 which supports at one end a central carrier 3. Projecting from each side face of the central carrier is an elongate tool member 4, 5 whose cross-section varies along its length to define a plurality of discrete tools 7, 8, 9, 10, 16. The cross-section of the outermost tool of each elongate tool member is generally less than that of the innermost tool of the member such that in use the innermost tool can be fitted into or onto the respective fastening for which it is designed. The tool has particular application in the field of plumbing where a multiplicity of fastenings are encountered, these including water tank connectors, radiator valves, radiator plugs, and air vents found in radiators. <IMAGE>

Description

Multi-Purpose Tools This invention relates to a multi-purpose tool for applying rotational torque to a multiplicity of fastenings which differ in shape and size.

Tools which can be used in association with a plurality of fastenings of different shapes and sizes are, of course, well known. One example of such a tool can be found in my co-pending United Kingdom patent application 2183188A.

Hitherto, such tools have generally been designed to apply rotational torque to two or more fastenings of the same type. Thus, in my co-pending patent application, the tool disclosed is for use.especially with a plurality of ston-cocks of different size and snare. Similarl v .

tools known as the "Allen Ke'JFare known which comprise a bent hexagonal bar, one end of which can be inserted into a hexagonal hole of different dimensions to the hole in which the other end of the key can be inserted.

The present invention sets out to provide a multipurpose tool which can be used to engage a multiplicity of fastenings which are not necessarily of the same type.

In a preferred arrangement, the tool can be employed in association with a multiplicity of fastenings encountered by plumbers during the course of their trade. Such fastenings include water tank connectors; radiator valves; radiator plugs; and air vents to be found in radiators.

According to the present invention there is provided a multi-purpose tool for transmitting rotational torque to a plurality of fastenings which differ in shape and size, the tool comprising an arm which supports a carrier from each side face of which extends a tool member comprising a progression of individual tool members of different external and/or internal dimensions.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a multi- purpose tool in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 is an end view of the tool illustrated in Figure 1 taken in the direction of arrow A of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end view of the tool taken in the direction of arrow B of Figure 1; and Figure 4 is an end view of the tool taken in the direction of arrow C of Figure 1.

The illustrated tool comprises an arm 1 by which rotational torque can be applied to a tool head 2. The head 2 includes a central carrier 3 from each side of which protrudes an elongate member 4, 5 each defining a plurality of different tool functions. The carrier is generally circular in cross-section and may be premanently or separably mounted on the arm 1. Further, the elongate tool members 4, 5 may be rigidly mounted within the carrier 3 or may be connected thereto through a ratchet mechanism similar to that to be found in conventional torque convertors. The arm 1 and carrier 3 may, therefore, form a separable member capable of receiving a variety of elongate tool members similar to those illustrated.

The central carrier 3 defines on each of its plain surfaces a tool for engaging a water tank connector of the type which is formed with lugs extending axially from the end face that end of the connector which, in use, is positioned within the tank interior. Thus, the opposite faces of the carrier 3 are each formed with radial channels 6 capable of receiving and locating the lugs of such water tank connectors of the appropriate sizes whereby rotational torque can be applied thereto via the arm 1. When the tool is used for this purpose, the respective elongate tool member 4, 5 passes through the central bore of the connector.

Protruding from the two faces of th-e carrier 3 are tool members 7, 8 of generally circular cross-section each of which is formed along its length with a radially extending channels 9, 10 respectively. The channels 9, extends along the full length of the elongate member 4 and the channel 10 extends along the major length of the elongate member 5. The diameter of the sections 7, 8 are different from one another and correspond to the internal diameter of water tank connectors of the type which include radially inwardly protruding lugs by which the respective connector can be tightened or loosened. Thus, in use, a respective tool 7, 8 is inserted into the internal bore of an appropriate water tank connector with the connector lugs sited in the respective channel 9, 10 and rotational torque is applied to the connector via the arm 1.

The open ends of the channels 9, 10 of the tools 7, 8 define vertical channels 11, 12 to engage further tank connectors of diameter different from those referred to above which are formed with axially extending lugs protruding from one end face. In this case, therefore, the vertical channels 11, 12 overlie the lugs of the tank connector to enable torque to be applied to the connector.

For tank connectors which carry both radially inwardly and axially protruding lugs, the horizontal channels 9, 10 and vertical channels 6 or 11 and 12 together combine to engage the two sets of lugs to enable the required rotational torque to be applied.

In addition to water tank connectors provided with radially or axially extending lugs, there are currently available socket connectors formed with an internal bore comprising a plurality of flat surfaces. To enable the multi-purpose tool to be used for applying rotational torque to these connectors, the tool member 5 includes a hexagonal section tool piece 14 dimensioned to protrude into and complement the bore of such a tank connector to enable the required rotational torque to be applied.

In addition, the elongate member 4 includes at its end a tool 15 of similar shape and function to tools 7, 8 but of smaller diameter for use with appropriately dimensioned water tank connectors.

The multi-purpose tool described can, therefore, be employed to apply rotational torque to a large number of tank connectors of different dimensions, shapes and configurations.

In addition to the tool functions described above, the multi-purpose tool illustrated includes at the end of elongate member 5, a square section tool 16 for cooperation with an air vent fitting of a radiator to remove and/or replace the same.

Furthermore, the end of the bar 1 is recessed to define an internal square section socket spanner for engaging a suitably dimensioned square section valve stem of a radiator.

Thus, the tool includes individual tool members for turning a variety of nuts and valve and air vent fittings.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of one embodiment of a multi-purpose tool in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention. Thus, the elongate members 4, 5 and the outer surfaces of the tools carried thereby may be tapered from a maximum adjacent the carrier 3 to a minimum at their free ends.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A multi-purpose tool for transmitting rotational torque selectively to one of a plurality of fastenings which differ in shape and/or size, the tool comprising a lever-arm which supports at one end a central carrier from each side of which projects an elongate tool member whose cross-section varies along its length to define at least two discrete tools, the cross-section of the outermost tool being generally less than that of the innermost tool such that in use the innermost tool can be fitted into or onto the respective fastening for which it is designed.

2. A multi-purpose tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the carrier is generally circular in cross-section and is permanently mounted on the lever-arm.

3. A multi-purpose tool as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein each elongate tool member is rigidly mounted on the carrier.

4. A multi-purpose tool as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the free end of at least one elongate tool member is formed with an axially extending hollow lug the internal surface of which defines a tool for engaging a complementary shaped fastening.

5. A multi-purpose tool as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein each opposite face of the carrier is formed with radial channels capable of receiving and locating protruding lugs of a fastening whereby rotational torque can be applied to the fastening via the lever-arm.

6. A multi-purpose tool as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein each tool member is generally circular in cross-section and is formed along its length with one or more channels,each such channel being dimensioned and positioned to receive a complementary lug of a fastening whereby rotational torque can be applied to the fastening via the lever-arm.

7. A multi-purpose tool for transmitting rotational torque to a plurality of fastenings which differ in shape and size, the tool comprising an arm which supports a carrier from each side face of which extends a tool member comprising a progression of individual tool members of different external and/or internal dimensions.

8. A multi-purpose tool substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.