GB2606407A

GB2606407A - Hand tool and measuring device

Info

Publication number: GB2606407A
Application number: GB2106566.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Usman Mohammed
Original assignee: Eunoia Enterprises Ltd
Current assignee: Eunoia Enterprises Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-07
Filing date: 2021-05-07
Publication date: 2022-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2041-05-07
Also published as: GB2606407B

Abstract

The hand tool, such as a socket wrench, includes a tool portion 4 configured to engage a fastener in use. A handle 6 depending from the tool portion is for manual actuation of the tool portion when engaging the fastener. A measuring member 12 is movably mounted to the handle to define a variable spacing between the measuring member and a further portion 14 of the handle. Indicia 26 indicate the magnitude of the spacing. The measuring member is mounted to the handle via an interlocking guide (24, Figure 8) to prevent rotation relative to the handle. The measuring member may be slidable along the elongate axis of the handle and may comprise a sleeve surrounding the handle. The guide may include a protrusion or channel on the first measuring portion and a channel or protrusion on the handle. A retaining mechanism such as a resiliently biased detent (36, Figure 7) or a manually actuable pin (42, Figure 11) may be used to retain the measuring member and/or further measuring portion at a fixed position on the handle. A kit of parts includes the measuring device and multiple tool attachments to engage different sized fasteners.

Description

Hand Tool and Measuring Device The present disclosure relates to a measuring device, particularly to a measuring forming part of a hand tool.

Background of the invention

A prior art measuring device is shown in US 2010/0077553. As best shown in figure 8, the measuring device comprises a socket wrench 30 or spanner. Indicia 36 are provided along the length of the handle 32 to allow measurement of an adjacent piece.

The inventor has found numerous problems with the prior art arrangement. In order to use the measuring device, the handle 32 is placed alongside the piece to be measured. The user then manually aligns the end of the handle 32 with the end of the piece and observes the length of the piece using the scale. This often provides an inaccurate reading, as end of the piece and the handle 32 may not be correctly aligned. Manual observation may also be inaccurate due to parallax effects of the user not being perpendicularly aligned with the relevant indicia.

It has been found that the accuracy of measurement is particularly important for small components, e.g. when trying to measure the width/size of the head of a fastener so that the correct socket can be applied.

The present invention aims to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems.

Statement of invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided: a hand tool comprising: a tool portion; a handle depending from the tool portion for manual actuation of the tool portion; a measuring member movably mounted to the handle to define a variable spacing between the measuring member and a further portion of the handle; and indicia to indicate the magnitude of said spacing.

The tool portion may engage a fastener in use. The tool portion may comprise a head formation at an end of the handle.

The handle may define a lever, e.g. a lever arm, for applying torque to the tool portion. The tool may be used to tighten/loosen a fastener in use, e.g. by application of torque to the tool portion by the handle.

The handle may be integral with the tool portion or a part thereof.

The indicia are provided along the elongate axis of the handle. The indicia may be engraved, etched or embossed. The indicia may be provided by an electronic sensor. The indicia may comprise a length scale.

The measuring member may be moveable linearly towards and away from the further portion. The measuring member may be constrained to linear motion only.

The measuring member may be moveable along an axis of the handle.

The measuring member and/or the further portion may be slidable along the elongate axis of the handle.

The measuring member and/or the further portion may comprise a sleeve configured to surround the handle.

The measurement member and/or the further portion may be mounted to the handle via an interlocking guide to prevent rotation of the measuring member relative to the handle.

The guide may comprise a protrusion/channel on the measuring member/further portion and a channel/protrusion on the handle.

The device may comprise a retaining mechanism (e.g. a releasable retaining mechanism) to retain the measurement member and/or the further portion at a fixed position on the handle.

The retaining mechanism may comprise a resiliently biased detent. The resiliently biased detent may be mounted to the measuring member and/or the further portion The retaining mechanism may fix the measuring member at one or more discrete/fixed intervals.

The resiliently biased detent may be configured to engage one of a plurality of indents provided at spaced intervals. The indents may be provided on the handle portion. The indents may extend along the elongate axis of the handle portion.

The intervals may be less than or equal to lOmm The retaining mechanism may comprise manually actuable pin.

The pin may be located in the measuring member and/or the further portion and manually actuable to frictionally engage the handle. The pin may engage a groove/channel and/or a recess/indent in the handle. The pin may comprise a grip member/knob. The pin may comprise a screw thread.

The pin may extend through an interlocking guide to prevent rotation of the measuring member and/or the further portion relative to the handle.

The retaining mechanism and the interlocking guide may be provided on opposing sides of the handle.

The further portion may be removably attached to the handle (e.g. via a screw thread).

The further portion may comprise a formation on the handle. The further portion may or may not oppose the measuring member. The further portion may comprise a fixed or moveable member of the handle. The further portion may comprise a 5 further measuring member.

The further portion may comprise an abutment/stop or projection.

The further portion may be located relative to the indicia. The further portion may be, or be provided at, a zero or datum position relative to the indicia. The further portion may be fixed at an end of the handle opposing the tool portion.

The measurement member and/or the further measurement portion may comprise an outwardly extending protrusion and/or abutment member configured to engage an object to be measured in use.

The protrusion may comprise a flange/ring The outwardly extending protrusions may be configured to engage an internal cavity of an object to be measured in use, the protrusions arranged such an outer edge of respective protrusions is equal to the space between the first and second measuring portion. The protrusions may comprise a pin or post. The protrusions may be offset inwardly relative to the flanges.

The area surrounding the protrusions may be flat.

The handle may comprise a non-uniform cross-section along the axis thereof.

The tool portion comprises a socket wrench.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided: a kit of parts comprising: the measuring device according to the first aspect; and a plurality of tool attachments, the tools attachments configured to be removably connected to the measuring device and configured to engage different sized fasteners. The tool attachments may comprise sockets.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided: a hand tool comprising: a tool portion; a handle depending from the tool portion for manual actuation of the tool portion when engaging the fastener in use; a measuring member removably mounted to an end of the handle to define an abutment member.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a first side view of a first embodiment of a measuring device; Figure 2 shows a second side view of a first embodiment of the measuring 15 device; Figure 3 shows a third side view of a first embodiment of the measuring device; Figure 4 shows a fourth side view of a first embodiment of the measuring device; Figure 5 shows a side view of the measuring device measuring an object; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of a handle portion of the measuring device; Figure 7 shows a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a retaining mechanism; Figure 8 shows a sectional side view of a first measurement portion of the retaining mechanism; Figure 9 shows a side view of the measuring device measuring an object according to a second embodiment; Figure 10 shows a sectional view of a handle portion of the measuring 30 device according to the second embodiment; Figure 11 shows a sectional side view of a second embodiment of a retaining mechanism; Figure 12 shows a sectional side view of the first measurement portion of the second embodiment of the retaining mechanism; Figure 13 shows a side view of a second measurement portion removably attached to the measuring device; Figure 14 shows a sectional side view of a first and second measurement portion according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 shows a sectional side view of the first measurement portion according to the third embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 shows a sectional side view of the second measurement portion according to the third embodiment of the invention; Figure 17 shows a side view of a measuring device according a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 18 shows a side view of a measuring device according a fifth embodiment of the invention.

A measuring device 2 is shown in figures 1-4. The measuring device 2 is connected to, mounted on, or otherwise part of a hand tool. The hand tool may comprise any a suitable tool, including, inter alia: a socket wrench; a wrench/spanner; an adjustable wrench; pliers; locking pliers (mole grips); knife; screwdriver; allen key or keyset; bolt cutter; wire stripper/cutter; pipe cutter; pipe wrench; shears; or any other suitable tool. The measuring device 2 thus comprises a tool portion 4.

The measuring device comprises a handle portion 6 to allow actuation and/or leverage of the tool portion 4 in use. The handle portion 6 is generally elongate.

The handle portion 6 is linear/straight. The handle 6 is generally circular in profile. However, it can be appreciated that any suitable profile may be used.

The handle provides a lever, e.g. a lever arm, for applying torque to the tool portion 4. The tool may be used to tighten/loosen a fastener in use, e.g. by application of torque to the tool portion by the handle. The handle 6 is generally integral or permanently fixed to the tool 6.

In the present embodiment, the tool portion 4 comprises a socket wrench. The socket wrench comprises a plurality different sized sockets (not shown) configured to be removably attached to the wrench. The sockets are connected to the wrench by an attachment protrusion 8. The attachment protrusion 8 may comprise a resiliently biased detent or the like to retain the socket thereon. The attachment protrusion 8 is connected to the wrench via a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism comprises a switch 10 to allow selective reversal of the ratchet mechanism. In some embodiments, the protrusion 8 may be fixed relative to the wrench.

Providing a measuring device on a socket wrench is particularly beneficial as it allows the user to select a correct size socket. This mitigates the need to try a plurality sockets to find the correctly sized piece.

A measuring member 12 is mounted to the handle 6. The measuring member is movably mounted to the handle 6. The measuring member 12 is therefore movable/slidable along axial length of the handle 6. The measuring member 12 surrounds the handle 6 to provide a sleeve or ring (see figure 8).

The sleeve 12 may comprises a low-friction material and/or coating. The handle 6 may comprise a low-friction material and/or coating. The low friction material/coating may comprise PTFE or nylon.

A further measuring portion 14 is mounted to the handle 6. The further measuring portion 14 is provide at a fixed position on the handle 6. The further measuring portion 14 is provided at an end 16 the handle 6 distal the tool portion 4. The further measuring portion 14 is detachable from the handle. For example, as shown in figure 13, the further measuring portion 14 is attachable via a screw thread 18. This may allow insertion/removal of the measuring member 12. It can be appreciated that the further measuring portion 14 may be attachable by any suitable means, for example: interference fit; fasteners; snap fit, latches etc. The measuring member 12 and the further measuring portion 14 comprise respective protrusions 20,22. As best seen in figure 5, the protrusions are configured to abut against an object 24 to be measured. This allows measurement of the width of the object 24 (in the present example, a bolt head) between the respective protrusions 20,22. In the present embodiment, the protrusions 20,22 comprise flanges. The further measuring portion 14 may therefore comprise a plate-like arrangement. The flanges 20,22 extend perpendicularly to the axial length of the handle 6. The flanges 20,22 surround the handle 6 to provide an annulus/ring. The flanges 20,22 collectively define a calliper like arrangement. In other embodiments, the protrusions 20,22 may be provided as one or more discrete portions (e.g. to provide ones or more arms). The flange 22 on the further measuring portion also provides a stop member to prevent the measurement member from sliding off the handle 6.

The handle 6 comprise indicia 26 to allow measurement between the flanges 20,22. The indicia 26 comprise graduations and/or numbering etc. The graduations may comprise different spacing for different units/scales. For example, the present embodiment comprises first graduations 28 for millimetres and second graduations 30 for centimetres. The graduations may comprise one or more of: metric units; imperial units; standardised tool scales/sizes; standardised piping scales/sizes; and/or standardised wire scales/sizes. The indicia 26 will typically have a datum point (i.e. a zero point) aligned with the flange 22 on the further measuring portion 14. This ensures accurate measurement between the flanges 20,22. The indicia 26 extend along the full length of the handle 6, thereby allowing a large measurement range.

The indicia 26 are generally integral to or form part of the handle 6. The prevents the indicia wearing or peeling off etc. The indicia may be provided by any suitable means, for example, one or more of: laser etching; engraving; or stamping etc. In some embodiments, the further measuring portion 14 may be merely provided by the end 18 of the handle 6. The user may therefore measure the distance between end 18 of the handle 6 and the measuring member 12. In some embodiments, the further measuring portion 14 is movable. The further measuring portion 14 may be mounted to the handle 6 in the same fashion as the measuring member 12 as herein described. This may allow measurement of the object 24 at any position along the handle. Thus, it can be appreciated that the further measuring portion 14 may comprise any suitable datum or reference point either integral with or mounted to the handle 6..

Referring to figures 3 and 6, the handle 6 comprises a guide 32 therein. The guide 32 comprises a recess/channel/slot extending along the axis of the handle 6. As shown in figure 8, the sleeve 12 comprises a corresponding protrusion 34 configured to be received within the guide 32. The protrusion 34 extends radially inward. This provides an interlocking arrangement. Such an arrangement prevents rotation of the sleeve 12 and/or jamming of the sleeve 12 during axial movement along the handle 6. The protrusion 34 comprises a ridge/flange. The ridge 34 may extend along the axial length of the sleeve 12. In other embodiments, the protrusion may be provided in handle 6 and the recess may be provided on the sleeve 12, however, the present embodiment is preferred, as a ridge on the handle 6 may be uncomfortable for the user.

The device 2 comprises a retaining mechanism configured to hold the sleeve 12 in a fixed position on the handle 6. A first embodiment of the retaining mechanism is shown in figures 5-8. A spring-loaded detent 36 is provided on the sleeve 12. Corresponding indents 38 are provided on the handle 6. The detent 36 is biased into engagement with the indents 38 thus retaining the sleeve 12 in position. The indents 38 are spaced along the axis of the handle 6, thus providing a plurality of fixed positions for the sleeve 12 along the axis of the handle. The indents 38 are spaced by a fixed interval, for example, 1mm or 1cm. The indents are provided at intervals less than or equal to lOmm; preferably less than or equal to 5mm.

In some embodiment, the indents may not be provided and the frictional engagement between the handle 6 and the detent 36 may be sufficient to retain the sleeve 12 in place. In some embodiments, the detent 36 may be provided on the handle 6 and the indent may or may not be provided on the sleeve 12. This may be beneficial where the length of the sleeve 12 is large relative to the handle 6, and/or where the travel distance of the sleeve 12 is limited.

A second embodiment of the retaining mechanism is shown in figures 9-12. The sleeve 12 comprises a manual actuator 40 configured to be manually actuated by the user to allow retention/release of the sleeve 12. The actuator 40 comprises a pin 42 configured to be moved in/out of engagement with the handle. The sleeve 12 is thus retained by frictional engagement with the handle 6. The pin 42 comprises a screw thread or the like. The pin 42 is configured to engage a groove/channel 44 in the handle 6. The groove 44 extends along the length of the handle 6. The pin 42 comprises a knob/grip member 46 to allow rotation of the pin 42. The sleeve 12 comprises a second guide protrusion 48 configured to be received with the channel 44. The pin 42 passes through the second guide protrusion 48.

In some embodiments, the pin 42 is biased into engagement with the handle 6. The user may therefore lift the pin out of engagement with the handle 6 (e.g. via the grip 46). In some embodiments, the pin 42 may be received within discrete apertures/recesses. The recesses may be spaced along the axis of the handle 6 (e.g. at regular intervals).

The retaining mechanism is provided in an opposing side of the sleeve 12 to the guide protrusion 34. The retaining mechanism channel 44/indents 38 are provided on an opposing side of the handle 6 to the guide 32. This ensures smooth movement of the sleeve 12.

The retaining mechanism allows to the sleeve 12 to remain in a fixed position. This may allow measurement of an object in a confined spaced (e.g. beneath a sink) where the user is unable to read the indicia whilst engaged with the object. This may also allow comparison of a plurality of objects to determine if they are a similar size. It may further allow the user to operate the device with a single hand.

In the embodiment shown in figures 14-16, the measuring device 2 is configured to measure the width of an internal cavity of an object. For example, the measuring device may measure the internal cavity size 50 of a socket 52. The measuring member 12 and the further measuring portion 14 comprises respective protrusions 54,56 configured to be received within the cavity. The protrusions 54,56 comprise posts/pins. The protrusions 54,56 are arranged such when engaged with the walls of the cavity, the width of cavity 50 is indicated on the handle 6. This is achieved by ensuring the outer edges 58 of the protrusions are aligned/planer with the inner edges 60 of the flanges 20,22. The spacing of the flanges 20,22 is therefore equal to the internal width 50 of the cavity. The protrusions 54,56 are offset inwardly relative to the flanges 20,22.

The area 62 about the protrusions 54,56 on the measuring member 12 and further measuring portion 14 is flat/level. This allows the socket to sit squarely on the 15 device.

Although the embodiment shown in figure 14 shows the device 2 configured to measure both the socket width 50 and the outer bolt head width, it can be appreciated that some embodiments the device 2 is only configured to measure the internal cavity width.

In the embodiments shown in figures 17 and 18, the handle 6 comprises a nonuniform cross-section. For example, this may provide a grip portion and/or reduce weight/material. The handle 6 may comprise a narrowed portion 64. The narrowed portion may be provided adjacent the tool portion and/or opposing end 18 of then handle 6. The guide 32 ensures the sleeve 12 is retained in the correct position on the handle 6. It can be appreciated the handles may be used with any of the other embodiments herein before described.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise an electronic means to indicate the spacing of the measuring member 12 and the further measuring portion 14. The measuring member 12 may comprise a sensor configured to determine the position thereof along the length of the handle. The sensor may comprise a resistive and/or opto-electrical sensor. A display may be provided to indicate the spacing.

It can be appreciated that any features of the described embodiments may be combined with any other embodiment as practicable.

The present invention allows measurement of a space between the measuring member and a further measurement portion, thus allowing accurate measurement of an object therebetween. As the measurement member (i.e. the sleeve) is mounted directly on the handle, this reduces parallax errors when reading the indicia. The further measurement portion prevents the need to awkwardly align the object with the end of the handle.

The present invention allows the user to quickly and accurately measure an external and/or internal dimensions of a fastener or socket or the like. This allows the user to select the appropriate tool piece. As the tool is provided at the same time as the measuring device, this provides convenience for the user. This may be especially beneficial where tool space in limited, for example, when working in confined spaces or on a ladder etc.

Claims

Claims 1. A hand tool comprising: a tool portion configured to engage a fastener in use; a handle depending from the tool portion for manual actuation of the tool portion when engaging the fastener in use; a measuring member movably mounted to the handle to define a variable spacing between the measuring member and a further portion of the handle; and indicia to indicate the magnitude of said spacing.
2. A measuring device according to claim 1, where the indicia are provided along the elongate axis of the handle.
3. A measuring device according to claims 1 or 2, where the measuring member is slidable along the elongate axis of the handle.
4. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the measuring member comprises a sleeve configured to surround the handle.
5. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the measuring member is mounted to the handle via an interlocking guide to prevent rotation of the first measuring portion relative to the handle.
6. A measuring device according to claim 5, where the guide comprises a protrusion/channel on the first measuring portion and a channel/protrusion on the handle.
7. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where device comprises a retaining mechanism to retain the measuring member and/or further measuring portion at a fixed position on the handle.
8. A measuring device according to claim 7, where the retaining mechanism comprises a resiliently biased detent.
9. A measuring device according to claim 8, where resiliently biased detent is configured to engage one of a plurality of indents provided at spaced intervals.
10. A measuring device according to claim 9, where the intervals are less than or equal to lOmm
11. A measuring device according to any of claims 7-10, where the retaining mechanism comprises manually actuable pin.
12. A measuring device according to claim 11, where the pin is located in the first measuring portion and manually actuable to frictionally engage the handle.
13. A measuring device according to any of claims 11 or 12, where the pin 15 comprises a grip member.
14. A measuring device according to any of claims 11-13, where the pin comprises a screw thread.
15. A measuring device according to any of claims 11-14, where the pin extends through an interlocking guide to prevent rotation of the first measuring portion relative to the handle.
16. A measuring device according to any of claims 7-15, where the retaining mechanism and the interlocking guide are provided on opposing sides of the handle.
17. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the further measuring portion is fixed at an end of the handle opposing the tool portion.
18. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the further measuring portion is removably attached to the handle.
19. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the measuring member and/or further measuring portion comprises an outwardly extending abutment member configured to engage an object to be measured in use.
20. A measuring device according to claim 19, where the abutment member comprises a flange/ring
21. A measuring device according to claims 19 or 20, where the abutment members are configured to engage an internal cavity of an object to be measured in use, the abutment members arranged such an outer edge of respective protrusions is equal to the space between the measuring member and/or further measuring portion.
22. A measuring device according to claim 21, where the area surrounding the abutment member is flat.
23. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the handle comprises a non-uniform cross-section along the axis thereof.
24. A measuring device according to any preceding claim, where the tool portion comprises a socket wrench.
25. A kit of parts comprising: the measuring device of any preceding claim; and a plurality of tool attachments, the tools attachments configured to be removably connected to the measuring device and configured to engage different sized fasteners.