GB2295111A

GB2295111A - Radiator spanner

Info

Publication number: GB2295111A
Application number: GB9423278A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James David Kiteley
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-11-18
Filing date: 1994-11-18
Publication date: 1996-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2014-11-18
Also published as: GB9423278D0; GB2295111B

Abstract

A tool for turning radiator valves comprises at least 1, 2 two bars of hexagonal section joined to define a cruciform shape. One end 5 of one bar 1 is shaped to define a first hexagon of a first imperial size and includes at its outer end a square section protrusion 6 whose side is of a second and different imperial size and an internal bore of a third imperial size less than the said first and second sizes. The other bar 2 is formed at one end 2a with a first hexagon of a first metric size and at its other end 2b with a second hexagon of a second metric size different to that of the first. One free end 2b of the bar 2 has a hexagonal socket 12 with an internal bore with a square protruding pin for operating an air release valve of a radiator. <IMAGE>

Description

IMPROVKMKNTS IN AND RELATING TO TOOLS This invention relates to a multi-purpose tool for turning inter alia radiator valves.

Radiator valves conventionally comprise one or more sockets each formed internally with a hexagonal or square section bore. The socket may include inwardly projecting axially extending lugs. A radiator conventionally also includes an air release valve comprising a socket formed with a rectangular bore into which protrudes a stem of an air vent plug.

Before metrication a plumber would need to carry with him a set of hexagonal and square section spanners of different sizes to turn the various valves likely to be found on radiators. Conventionally, imperially sized sockets are predominantly i and 7/16 inch nominal diameter.

Following metrication the number of tools required doubled to include lOmm and 12mm hexagonal and square section valve spanners.

The present invention sets out to provide a single tool including a plurality of spanners capable of turning radiator valves whether they be of metric or imperial dimensions.

According to the present invention in one aspect there is provided a tool for turning radiator valves which comprises at least two bars of hexagonal section joined to define a cruciform shape, one end of one bar being shaped to define a first hexagon of a first imperial size and including at its upper end a square section protrusion whose side is of a second and different imperial size and an internal bore of a third imperial size less than the said first and second sizes; the other bar being formed at one end to define a first hexagon of a first metric size and at its other end of a second metric size different to that of the first; one free end of one bar being formed with an inset air release valve.

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a multi-purpose tool in accordance with the invention; Figures 2 to 5 are end views taken in the direction of arrows II to V of Figure 1; and Figure 6 is a turning device for use with the tool illustrated in Figure 1.

The multi-purpose tool illustrated in Figure 1 comprises a pair of bars 1,2 joined to define a cruciform.

Bar 1 is of hexagonal section of nominal dimension of i inch. One end 3 of the bar is formed with two axially extending grooves 4 and a tappered end. These grooves are dimensioned to receive projecting lugs to be found in some radiator valves. Projecting from the other end 5 of the bar 1 is a square section extension 6 of nominally 7/16th of an inch outside diameter. The projection 4 is formed with an internal bore 7 nominally of i inch diameter into which extends a pin 8. The bar 1 is formed with a central through hole 9 into which is received a close fitting pin 10.

The bar 2 is formed in two pieces 2a, 2b. Bar piece 2a includes a recess 11 into which the end of the pin 10 protrudes to assist welding of the two bar pieces to the bar 1. The pin 10 is secured to or forms part of the bar piece 2b.

Bar piece 2b is of hexagonal cross-section and is nominally of IOmm diameter. Projecting from the free end of this bar section is a hexagonal socket 12 formed with an internal bore 14 of nominally 3/32nds of an inch diameter and including a square section protruding pin 15 for operating an air release valve of a radiator. Bar piece 2a is also formed with a hexagonal cross section and is nominally of 12mm diameter. Axially extending grooves 16 are set into the bar piece 2a. The free end of piece 2a is tapered.

It will be appreciated that the multi-purpose tool described enables a plumber to turn at least the majority of valves of radiators whether they be of metric or imperial measurement. The tool is prefereably produced from steel and mawyh be fabricated or formed as a casting. Other materials other tan steel having the required strength characterisations may be employed.

To assist turning of the tool a hollow section tubular handle 17 as shown in Figure 6 is provided.

It will also be appreciated that the tool could include an additional bar set at right angles to the bars 1 and 2 and shaped to define additional differently sized spanners if such were to be required.

Finally, it will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of tools in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention. Thus the particular dimensions of the tool may vary; also, one or each end of the tool may taper.

Claims

1. A tool for turning radiator valves which comprises at least two bars of hexagonal section joined to define a cruciform shape, one end of one bar being shaped to define a first hexagon of a first imperial size and including at its outer end a square section protrusion of a second and different imperial size formed with an internal bore whose diameter is of a third imperial size which is less than the said first and second imperial sizes; the other bar being formed to define at one of its ends a first hexagon of a first metric size and at its other end a hexagon of a second metric size different to that of the first metric size; one end of one bar being formed with an inset capable of operating an air release valve of a radiator.

2. A tool as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the said first imperial size is nominally i inch.

3. A tool as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the said second imperial size is nominally 7/16th of an inch.

4. A tool as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein said third imperial size is nominally i inch.

5. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the said first metric size is nominally 10mum.

6. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the said second metric size is nominally 12mm.

7. A tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein the end of the said one bar remote from the square section protrusion is formed with a pair of axially extending grooves dimensioned to receive projecting lugs of radiator valves.

8. A tool as claimed in Claim & wherein the bar end formed with the grooves is tapered.

9. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein one of the two bars is formed in two pieces, one bar piece including a recess into which the end of a pin protrudes to assist welding of the two bar pieces, and the other bar including a throughhole receiving the other bar.

10. A tool as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the said other bar has projecting from one of its ends a hexagonal socket formed with an internal bore of nominally 3/32nds of an inch diameter in which is positioned a square section pin.

11. A radiator tool substantially as herein described and as described with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings.