US3290970A

US3290970A - Sliding jaw wrench having claw handle jaw adjustment means

Info

Publication number: US3290970A
Application number: US467190A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lucia Santo De
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1965-06-18
Filing date: 1965-06-18
Publication date: 1966-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 1983-12-13

Description

Dec. 13, 1966 5. DE LUCIA 3,290,97fl

SLIDING JAW WRENCH HAVING CLAW HANDLE JAW ADJUSTMENT MEANS Filed June 18, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Sanro De Lucia BY ATTORNEY Dec. 13, 1966 5. DE LUCIA SLIDING JAW WRENCH HAVING CLAW HANDLE JAW ADJUSTMENT MEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 18, 1965 FIG.8

FIG.5

FIG.7

FIG.6

R O T N E V I Samo De Lucia ATTORNEY Dec. 13, 1966 5. DE LUCIA 3,290,970

SLIDING JAW WRENCH HAVING CLAW HANDLE JAW ADJUSTMENT MEANS Filed June 18, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet L3 FIG.12 H013 INVENTOR. SaM'o Ba Lucia ATTDRNEY Dec. 13, 1966 5. DE LUCIA 3,290,970

SLIDING JAW WRENCH HAVING CLAW HANDLE JAW ADJUSTMENT MEANS Filed June 18, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

Sanro De Lucia ATTORNEY Dec. 13, 1966 s. DE LUCIA 3,290,970

SLIDING JAW WRENCH HAVING CLAW HANDLE JAW ADJUSTMENT MEANS Filed June 18, 1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

Sanro De Lucia BY W7-M ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,290,970 SLIDING JAW WRENCH HAVING CLAW HANDLE JAW ADJUSTMENT MEANS Santo De Lucia, 41 Dodgingtown Road, Newtown, Conn. Filed June 18, 1965, Ser. No. 467,190 11 Claims. (Cl. 81-127) This is a continuation in part application of an application Serial No. 366,719, filed May 12, 1964, now abancloned.

This invention relates in general to a ratcheting tool, and more specifically to a ratcheting opened end Wrench for variable sized workpieces, as for example nuts, bolts, pipes and the like falling within a given range of sizes.

Heretofore, many efforts have been made in an effort to produce a satisfactory ratcheting opened end wrench. Evidences of such efforts are shown in US. Patents No. 1,434,753; 2,476,369; 2,537,838; 2,762,249; 3,000,245 and 3,044,335. However the known ratcheting wrench constructions are relatively complex in structure and they are ditficult and costly to manufacture and assemble. For this reason the known ratcheting wrench constructions have not attained wide commercial acceptance.

It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an improved ratcheting end wrench that is relatively simple in construction, can be easily fabricated, and is economical and positive in operation.

Another object is to provide a ratcheting open end wrench constructed and arranged so that any play due to wear or working tolerance between the respective component parts thereof is taken up or minimized during the operation of the wrench, and thereby eifectively eliminates any tendency of the wrench to slip on the workpiece or otherwise deform the workpiece, e.g. rounding the corners of a nut.

Another object is to provide an improved ratcheting wrench construction in which the respective jaw members can be adjusted so that the range between the minimum and maximum openings of the jaw members can be readily adjusted.

Another object is to provide an improved ratcheting open end wrench in which the gripping force of the respective jaw members on a workpiece is increased as the resistance to the applied torque is increased.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved ratcheting open end wrench in which the jaw members can be readily adapted for gripping variable sized workpieces which fall within a given range of sizes.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved ratcheting opened end wrench which can be readily fitted to the workpiece to be operated on.

Another object is to provide in a ratcheting open end wrench a concealed spiral wound spring arranged to be automatically wound in assembly for normally biasing the movable jaws of the wrench toward their inoperative position.

Another object is to provide a ratcheting open end wrench with a strengthened wrench head.

Another object is to provide a ratcheting open end wrench with a compound leverage for effecting maximum torque.

Another object is to provide a ratcheting wrench with a squeeze grip lever for enhancing the gripping power of the wrench head.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings in which,

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view of a wrench construction embodying the instant invention.

FIGURE 2 illustrates the wrench construction of FIG- ice URE 1 in engaging relationship with a workpiece, and having parts thereof shown in section.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation view of a wrench construction of FIGURE 1, but illustrating the relative position of the parts with the jaws adjusted or positioned in an initially opened arrangement to thereby accommodate the wrench to a range of larger sized workpieces.

FIGURE 4 is a detail side view of one of the jaw members of the wrench head of FIGURES 1 to 3, and having parts thereof shown in section.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a detail side elevation view of the other jaw member of the wrench head of FIGURES 1 to 3.

FIGURE 7 is an end view of the jaw member of FIG- URE 6.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the wrench construction of FIGURES 1 to 3.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged end view taken along line 9-9 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 10 illustrates a modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 11 illustrates another modified form of the invention.

FIGURE 12 illustrates still another modified form of the invention having parts thereof shown in section.

FIGURE 13 is an exploded view of the wrench construction of FIGURE 12, and having portions thereof shown in section.

FIGURE 14 is a section view taken along line 1414 of FIGURE 13.

FIGURE 15 illustrates the wrench construction of FIG- URE 12 shown in a ratcheting position.

FIGURE 16 is the right end view of the wrench of FIG- URE 12.

FIGURE 17 is the left end view of the wrench of FIG- URE 12.

FIGURE 18 is a fragmentary side elevation View of modified wrench construction in which the jaws are illustrated in the closed position thereof.

FIGURE 19 is a view similar to that of FIGURE 18 but showing the jaws rotated to an opened position.

FIGURE 20 is a detail view of the handle means i1- lustratin-g the gear sector and wound spring thereon.

FIGURE 21 is an enlarged perspective detail view of the pivoting pin,

FIGURE 22 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along line 22-22 on FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 23 illustrates a modified wrench head for use in a wrench construction as disclosed in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 24 is a side elevation view of still another modified form of wrench head.

FIGURE 25 is a side elevation view of still another modified form of wrench head.

FIGURE 26 is a detail perspective view of a modified jaw construction for use in a ratcheting wrench of the type disclosed in FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 27 is an end view of the complementary jaw member for use in conjunction with the jaw member of FIGURE 26.

FIGURE 28 illustrates a side elevation view of still another form of the invention having parts thereof shown in section.

FIGURE 29 is a side elevation view of the wrench construction of FIGURE 28, but illustrated with the wrench head thereof rotated to jaw close the position.

FIGURE 30 is a fragmentary showing of a wrench construction of the type disclosed in FIGURES 28 and 29, but illustrating a modified portion thereof.

FIGURE 31 illustrates a sectional view of still another modified construction of the wrench disclosed of the type shown in FIGURES 28 and 29.

Referring to the drawings, the wrench construction 30 of FIGURES 1 through 9 comprises a handle portion 31 which has a gear sector 32 formed on the upper end thereof. In the illustrated form of the invention, the teeth 32A of the gear sector are rounded, however, the teeth on the gear sector 32 may be otherwise formed.

A wrench head 33 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the handle portion 31. As best seen in FIGURES 1 through 9, the wrench head 33 comprises a pair of relatively

movable jaw members

34, 35. Accordingly, one of the jaw members 34 is pivotally connected to the handle portion 31 by a suitable pin means 36, and it is rendered readily rotatable about its pivoted connection or pin means 36. As shown, the pivoting jaw member 34 is provided with a jaw portion 34A formed integral with a bifurcated base portion 34B arranged to straddle the gear section 32 formed on the end of handle 31. An aperture 37 extending through the sides of the bifurcated base portion 34B is provided, and it is arranged to align with an opening formed in the handle whereby the pin 36 is extended therethrough to pivotally secure the jaw member 34 to the handle structure 31.

Extending through the base portion 348 of the pivotally connected jaw is a groove defining a slide way 38 in which the other jaw member 35 is slidably supported. Jaw member 35 has integrally formed therewith a jaw portion 35A and a toothed rack sector 35B which is adapted to be slidably received within the slide way 38 of jaw member 34. Accordingly, the respective jaw means 34, 35 are rendered relatively movable with respect to one another, the arrangement being such that jaw member 35 is. free to slide relative jaw member 34, as will be hereinafter described.

As shown in FIGURE 4, the slide way 38 of jaw member 34 is separated from the bifurcated portion 34B by a web 39 which has formed therein a longitudinally extending slotted opening 40. As best seen in FIGURES 1 to 3, in the assembled position of the wrench head, the pivoting jaw member 34 is connected to the handle 31 so that a circumferential portion of the gear sector 32 of the handle will project through the slotted opening 40 formed in the web. Accordingly, the rack 35B of the movable jaw 35 disposed in the slide way 38 of the pivotally connected head is disposed in meshing relationship with the gear sector 32 projecting through the slotted opening 40. Consequently, whenever the wrench head 33 is rotated, for example in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot pin 36, relative to the handle as indicated by arrow 41 in FIGURE 1, the co-action between the gear sector 32 and cooperating rack sector 35B of the movable jaw 35 is such that the movable jaw member 35 will slide relative to the pivoting jaw member 34 causing the

jaw members

34, 35 to spread open for accommodating a workpiece 42, e.g. a nut and the like.

' Accordingly, it will be realized that the spread or opening formed between the

respective jaw members

34, 35 is rendered proportional to the angular rotation of the wrench head 33 about its pivot 36 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the handle 31. For this reason, the wrench head 33 can be readily adapted to any size workpiece or nut 42 falling within range or spread attained by angular rotation of the head 33 about its pivot 36.

To normally maintain the wrench head 33 rotated toward its inoperative position, or toward its minimum spread or open position, a spring means is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 43 is disposed along one side of the handle. Accordingly, the handle is provided with a pair of spaced laterally projecting

lugs

44, 45 between which there is extended a guide pin 46. Slidably disposed about the guide pin 46 is a guide slide 47 having a bifurcated end portion for straddling the upper lug 44. The end of the guide 47 engages the base portion of the pivotally connected jaw member 34, and a coil spring 43 is disposed about the guide pin 46 between the guide 47 and the bottom lug 45 so as to exert 4 a spring tension on the guide 47. Thus, the guide 47 engaging the base of the pivoting jaw member 34 func tions as a cam against which the bottom of the jaw member 34 rides during angular displacement of the wrench head.

As best seen in FIGURE 8, the guide pin 46 is provided at its lower end with a threaded head 46A end which is readily threaded into a tapped hole 45A formed in the bottom lug 45. The upper end 46A of the guide pin 46 is maintained in place by extending into a guide hole 44A formed in the upper lug. In this manner, it will be noted that the guide pin 46 can be rendered readily removable, if so desired.

As shown in FIGURE 2, whenever the head 33 of the wrench is rotated to spread the jaws for accommodating workpieces, e.g. a nut, the base 343 of the pivotally connected jaw member 34 acting on the spring guide 47 will cause the same to be displaced longitudinally of the guide pin 46 thereby compressing the spring 43. Accordingly, the

jaws

34, 35 are biased closed on the workpiece 42 under the tension of spring 43.

With the construction described, if it is desired to increase the range between the minimum and maximum spread or opening of the

respective jaw members

34, 35, the slidably mounted jaw member 35 may be displaced outwardly relative to its complementary jaw member 34 to a position as indicated in FIGURE 3 so that in the normal inoperative position of the wrench head, the

jaws

34, 35 are initially disposed in a spaced or open relationship.

This adjustment can be readily accomplished by securing the pivoting head 33 to the handle 31 by means with readily detachable pivot pin or screw 36. Therefore, to effect the adjustment, one simply removes the pivot pin 36 thereby rendering the pivotally connected jaw member 34 and the movable jaw 35 slidably carried therein to be removed from the handle. The movable jaw'member 35 is then moved outward relative to its complementary jaw member 34 to the extent necessary to attain the desired initial spread or opening between

jaw members

34, 35. The pivoting jaw 34 and the movable jaw 35 carried in its adjusted position are then reattached to the handle 31 by aligning the opening 37 in the base portion 34B of the pivoting jaw member with the opening in the handle, and securing the same with the readily detachable pin connection 36. Thus it will be readily apparent that with the jaw members initially spread open, that the range between minimum and maximum jaw openings is readily increased.

In operation, it will be noted that when a workpiece 42 is positioned between the

jaw members

34, 35, as shown in FIGURE 2, a rotation of the handle in a direction as indicated by arrow 48 will cause the gear sector 32 to operate on the gear rack 35B of the movable jaw 35 in such a manner that the

jaws

34, 35 are moved toward each other so as to firmly engage and grip the flats of the nut whereby a turning or torque applied on the handle is imparted to the nut to rotate the same. Rotating the handle in an opposite direction as indicated by arrow 49 will cause the jaw members 35 to be outwardly moved relative to the jaw member 34 thereby permitting the

respective jaw members

34, 35 to ratchet around the corners of the nut 42 so that the

jaw members

34, 35 may engage other flats on the nut. Thus, upon a subsequent reversal of the movement of the handle in the direction of arrow 48, a working force or torque is again applied to the nut 42.

The embodiment of FIGURE 10, the wrench 50 there shown, is similar to that hereinbefore described with reference to FIGURES l to 9 with the exception that the jaw members are provided with serrated teeth 51 so as to render the wrench head 52 applicable for gripping pipe or other round workpieces.

FIGURE 11 illustrates another modified form of the invention. is provided with means for facilitating the adjustment of In this form of the invention, the wrench 60 I j the minimum-maximum spread or opening between the

respective jaw members

61, 62 so as to eliminate the need for removing the pivot pin 65 connecting wrench head 63 to the handle 64 as described with reference to FIGURES 1 to 9.

In this form of the invention, the handle 64 is provided with an elongated slot 64A for receiving the pivot pin 65 which secures the wrench head 63 to the handle 64. As best seen in FIGURE 11, a spring means 66 is interposed between the pivot pin 65 which secures the head and the upper edge of the elongated slot 64A. The arrangement is such that the spring will normally maintain the pivot pin 66 adjacent the opposite or lower end of the slot 64A so that the gear sector 67 of the handle is normally maintained in meshing relationship to the rack sector 68 of the movable jaw member carried in the slide way of the pivoting jaw member. In all other respects, the wrench is the same as that described with reference to FIGURES 1 to 9.

Therefore, it will be noted that in order to effect an adjustment in the range between minimum to maximum opening of the jaw members, all that one is required in the embodiment of FIGURE 11, is to move the wrench head 63 upwardly, or outwardly relative to the handle means 64 and against the bias of the spring 66 acting on the pivot pin 65 connecting the same, so that the rack sector 68 of the movable jaw member is disengaged from the gear sector 67 of the handle. With the rack 68- so disengaged from the gear section 67, the movable or sliding jaw member 69 is free to be slidably adjusted to the de sired extent with respect to the other jaw member 20. When such adjustment has been made, the wrench head 63 is released so that the spring 66 acting on the pivot pin 65 will cause the head 63 to be moved toward the handle whereby the rack 68 of the movable jaw member 69 is again disposed into meshing relationship with the gear sector 67, but in an adjusted position therebetween.

In operation of applying torque and ratcheting, the wrench of FIGURE 11 is otherwise similar in all respects to that of FIGURES 1 to 9.

FIGURES 12 through 17 illustrate still another form of the invention. In this form of the invention, the wrench 75 includes a handle 76 provided with a bifurcated portion 77 at one end. The other end '78 of the wrench may be provided with a common, opened end wrench head 79, as seen in FIGURE 15.

In this form of the invention, the pivoting wrench head 80 comprises a pivoting jaw member 81 and a complementary jaw member 82. As best seen in FIGURES 12 and 13, the pivoting jaw member 81 includes a jaw portion 81A and a connected tail or base portion 8113 which is adapted to be received between the bifurcates 77 of the handle portion. The tail portion 81B is thus provided with an aperture 83 which is disposed in alignment with apertures 84 formed in the respective bifurcates 77 of the handle. Accordingly, the jaw member 81 is pivotally connected by a suitable hinge pin 85 extending through the aligned apertures 83 and 841. Cooperatively associated with jaw member'81 is the complementary jaw member 82. The

respective jaw members

81, 82 are slidably connected so as to be rendered relatively movable. Accordingly, the pivotally connected jaw member 81 is provided with a slide way 86 having a longitudinally extending keyway 87 formed integral therewith. The movable jaw members 82 in turn are provided with an integrally connected slide 88 and key 89 for complementing the slide way 86 and associated keyway 87 so that the respective jaw members are slidably connected for relative movement.

Means are provided for interconnecting the movable jaw member 82 for relative movement to the pivoting jaw member 81 so as to effect limited sliding movement therebetween. The latter means comprises a headed pin 90. As shown, the jaw member 81 is provided with a bore 91 adapted for receiving the headed pin 90. The other jaw member 82 is provided with an aligned bore 92 having a tapped portion 92A for receiving the threaded end 90A of the pin. Thus the

respective jaw members

81, 82 are connected by the pin 98 extending through bores 91 and '92, with the end 90A of pin being threaded to bore portion 92A of the other jaw member 82. The arrangement is such that the axis of the pin 90 is parallel to the axis of the cooperating slide way 86 and slide 88 of the respective jaw members so as to not aifect binding therebetween on relative sliding movement of the

respective jaw members

81, 82.

As best seen in FIGURES l2 and 15, the head 90B of the pin 90 is spaced from the end of the bore 91 which is defined by a shoulder 91A. Accordingly, the spacing between the shoulder 91A or end of the bore 91 and the head 90B of the pin 90 in the assembled position of the wrench head permits for relative movement between the

respective jaw members

81, 82; the amount of movement being determined by the distance between shoulder 91A and the head of the pin 9813. In order to maintain a bias on the

respective jam members

81, 82, a spring 94 is disposed about the shank of the pin so as to be anchored between the shoulder 91A of the bore 91 and the head 90B of the pin 90. Thus, the spring 94 tends to normally maintain the jaw portions of the

respective jaw members

81, 82 biased toward one another, or gripped on a workpiece 95 disposed therebetween.

In accordance with this invention, the upper end of the handle portion 86 is provided with an arcuately shaped rocker seat 95. The movable jaw member 82, in turn, is provided with a rocker portion 96 shaped to complement or rock in the seat. Accordingly, the jaw member 82 is rockingly supported in the rocker seat 95.

To assemble the wrench head, the movable jaw member 82 is disposed so that the slide portion 88 thereof is received in the slide way 86 of jaw member 81. The

respective jaw members

81, 82 are then secured for limited relative movement therebetween by the screw element or pin 90 being inserted through the aligned bores 91, 92 formed in the

respective jaw member

81, 82 and through the coil spring 94 interposed between the end or shoulder portion 91A of the bore and the head end 90B of the pin as best seen in FIGURE 12.

With the construction of FIGURES 12 to 17, it is to be noted that within predetermined limits, whenever the head is rotated relative to the handle 76 counterclockwise about pivot pin 85, a relative movement will occur between the

respective jaw members

81, 82 causing the

jaw members

81, 82 to open a limited extent so that the same can be adapted to a workpiece, e.g. a nut. Accordingly, the

jaw members

81, 82 can be opened to a limited extent, to adapt to any size nut which may fall within the range opening of the jaw member without adversely affecting the ratcheting thereof.

The arrangement is such that with the

jaw

81, 82 placed on a workpiece, and the handle 76 rotated in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrow 97 in FIGURE 12, a driving force will be imparted which will apply a turning force or torque to the nut.

To ratchet the wrench head 88 about the nut, the handle 76 is rotated in the opposite or counterclockwise direction as indicated by arrow 98 in FIGURE 15. In this direction of rotation, the handle 76 will cause the

jaws

81, 82 to overcome the bias of spring 94 to spread the

jaw members

81, 82 apart thereby ratcheting the

jaw portions

81 and 82 over the corners of the nut to again advance the bite of the wrench head so that a succeeding turning stroke may be applied to the wrench.

FIGURES 18 through 21 illustrate another form of the invention. In this form of the invention the wrench 100 comprises a handle means 101 which, in the illustrated embodiment, is constructed with laterally extending flanges 102 along the longitudinal side edge thereof. Accordingly the handle 101 is I-shape in cross section. The upper end of the handle has formed thereon a gear sector 7 103 similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIGURE 1.

A wrench head 104 is pivotally connected to the upper end of the handle means 101. In accordance with this form of the invention the Wrench head 104 comprises a pair of complementary relatively

movable jaw members

105, 106. .T aw member 105 is pivotally connected to the handle 101 by means of pin 107 of a particular construction, as will be hereinafter described. Accordingly, the pivoting jaw member 105 has a bifurcated base portion 105A arranged to straddle the gear sector 103 of the handle means 101 as hereinbefore described and an integrally formed jaw portion 105B. Formed within the pivotable jaw member 105 is a slideway 100 in which the other jaw member 106 is slidably supported. Accordingly, the slidable supportable jaw member 106 includes a complementary jaw portion 106A and an integrally formed rack sector 10613 that is slidably received within the slideway 108 of the pivoting jaw member 105. The arrangement is such that the rack portion 10613 of the movable jaw is disposed into meshing relationship with the gear sector 103 of the handle means 101 in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described. Thus jaw member 106 is free to slide between open and close position relative to jaw member 105 as the latter is rotated or pivoted in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot pin 107 as viewed in FIGURE 18.

In this form of the invention the bifurcated base portion 105A of the pivotable jaw member 105 is provided with aligned openings 109 which are adapted to be disposed in alignment with a pin opening formed in the gear sector portion 103 of the handle means. Referring more specifically to FIGURES and 21, the pin 107 about which the Wrench head 104 is pivotally secured to the gear sector 103 of the handle means has a shank portion which is bifurcated or notched as at 110. The head end 111 is key shaped. The aperture 109 formed in the pivotable head for receiving the pin 107 is defined with a complementary key shape arranged to receive the pin head 111 so that by rotation of the pin 107, the pin head 111 is seated in the opening 109 of the wrench head.

In accordance with this invention the respective jaw members are normally biased toward their inoperative or closed position as viewed in FIGURE 18, by means of a helically wound or spiral spring 112. As shown, one end of the spring 112 is anchored by suitable means, as a pin 113 or the like to the handle 101. The other end of the spiral spring 112 is received in the bifurcated shank end 110 of the pin 107. Referring to FIGURES 20 and in FIGURE 21, the slot 110 formed in the end of the pivot pin 107 is disposed at an angle with respect to the lug or offset 111A of the key shaped head portion 111 of the pin 107. The arrangement is such that with the end of the spring anchored to pin 113 and the other end secured between the bifurcated portions 110 of the pin 107, the pin 107 is required to be rotated a predetermined amount to recess the head end 111 of the pin in the key shaped aperture 109 in the wrench head. Consequently, the angular displacement required to orientate the key shaped head 111 of the pin 107 so as to seat in the key shaped opening of the wrench head is such that the spring 112 will be automatically wound to impart thereto a bias that will normally urge the

jaw members

105, 106 to their closed position, as indicated in FIGURE 18.

To facilitate the opening of the jaw members to accommodate a nut or the like, a means is provided to rotate the wrench head 104 about the gear sector of the handle means, thereby afiecting displacement of the jaws to a desired open or spread position, accordingly. As best seen in FIGURES 18, 19, and 22, the latter means comprise a slider 114 having a T shaped slot 115 for receiving a flanged edge portion 102 of the handle means in a manner to render the slider 114 readily slidable therealong. A connecting link 116 interconnects the slider 114 with the pivoting head 104 of the wrench. The

opposed ends of the connecting link are respectively pivotally connected to the slider 114 and to the jaw memher by a suitable pin connection. Thus by displacing the slider 114 upwardly as indicated by the arrow 117 in FIGURE 18 to a position shown in FIGURE 19, the wrench head 104 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 107. In doing so, the jaw portions are displaced to an open position.

In operation, it will be noted, that to spread or open the

respective jaw members

105, 106, all that an operator need do is to slide the slider 114 in an upwardly direction to rotate the wrench head about the gear sector of the handle means. In so doing, the rack 106B meshing the gear sector 103 will shift the movable jaw portion relative to the jaw portion of the pivoting jaw member. When the nut or the like has been positioned between the open jaw members, release of the slider 114 will cause the spiral spring to automatically bias the jaws together to close onto the nut disposed therebetween. Thus when a turning movement or torque is applied to the handle of the wrench, the co-action between the rack sector 106B and the meshing gear sector 103 of the Wrench head and handle means, respectively, will cause the slidable jaw member 106 to lock on the nut to firmly secure the same in the direction of handle rotation. Rotation of the handle in the opposite direction will cause the movable jaw 106 to be moved outwardly relative to the other jaw member 105, thereby permitting the respective jaws to ratchet around the corner of the nut so that the jaw members may engage other flats on the nut. Upon a subsequent reversal of movement of the handle 101 in the direction of torque, at working force is then again applied to the nut. Thus the operation of the wrench of FIGURES 18 through 21 is similar to that hereinbefore described in so far as the ratcheting principle is concerned.

In the structure of FIGURES 18 through 21, the coil or spiral spring 112 is concealed for the most part, and consequently is protected from fouling or damage. Also the slider 114 enables an operator to have complete control over the wrench in a very simple and economic manner. The entire structure of the wrench of FIGURE 18 enables an operator to work faster, and thereby render him a more effective mechanic.

FIGURE 23 illustrates a slightly modified form of jaw construction 120 adapted for use with the wrench construction of FIGURE 18. This form of wrench head 120 is similar in all respects with respect to the wrench head 104 of FIGURE 18 with the exception that the respective jaw members are provided with complementary V-shaped notches 121 in the opposed gripping faces of the jaw portions to provide for a more positive grip on a nut. With the jaw construction of FIGURE 23, slippage between the wrench head and the nut secured therebetween is minimized.

FIGURE 24 illustrates still another modified form of wrench head construction 1125. In this form, the pivoting jaw member 126 is provided with an arcuate jaw portion 126A in which the inner periphery or gripping surface thereof has formed thereon a series of serrated or V- shaped notches 127. The slidable jaw 128 is provided with a complementary jaw portion 128A having a series of complementary serrations 129. With the jaw portions constructed as shown in FIGURE 24, the arrangement is such that it is particularly adapted for use on twelve point nuts or bolt heads. Also, this jaw construction may be interchangeably used for operation on hex head bolts and/ or nuts. This construction renders the wrench head interchangeable for use with hex shaped nuts and bolts and/ or twelve point head nuts and bolts.

FIGURE 25 illustrates another modified form of wrench head. In this form the wrench head 130 is provided with a pivoting jaw member 131 which is provided with arcuate portion 132 having a serrated inner portion 133 as shown to accommodate hex nuts of varying sizes. The jaw portion 134 of the slidable jaw member is provided with a complementary shape 135 to accommodate two sides of a hex nut. Accordingly, the arrangement of the cooperating

surfaces

133, 135 of the

respective jaw members

131, 134 are such that hex nuts of varying sizes may be disposed between the complementary surfaces of the respective jaw members.

FIGURES 26 and 27 illustrate a further modified form of wrench head construction. In this form of the invention the pivoting jaw member 140 is provided with a guide way 141 having diametrically opposed key ways 141A and 14113 formed integral therewith. The arrangement is such that the movable jaw member 142, as disclosed in 26, is adapted to be slidably received in the slideway 141 defined in the pivoting jaw 140. Accordingly, the rack portion 143 of the movable jaw member 142 is connected to the jaw portion 142A by means of a web 144 which is adapted to be received in the key way 141B of the slideway 141.

The rack portion 143 of the jaw member 142 in turn is provided with a plurality of tooth extensions 145 to define the tooth sector of the rack. The teeth sector thus formed enhances the strength so that greater torque may be applied to the head, than could otherwise be applied to the wrench head. Accordingly, a stronger construction is attained.

FIGURES 28 and 29 illustrate still another form of the invention. In this form of the invention the wrench 156 comprises a handle means 151 that includes an elongated shank that has formed on one end thereof a gear sector 152 similar to that hereinbefore described. The wrench head 153 comprises a pivoting jaw member 154 which is provided with a slideway 155 for receiving a movable jaw member 156, the latter having a rack portion 157 disposed into meshing relationship with the gear sector 152 in a manner similar to that hereinbefore described. The respective jaw portions of the jaw members are each provided with a V-shaped notch 158 for accommodating opposed adjacent flats of a nut disposed therebetween. In this form of the invention the Wrench head 153 is pivotally connected by means of a pivot pin 159 to the gear sector 152 of the handle means in a manner similar to that described with respect to FIGURE 1.

A squeeze grip or lever 160 is pivotally connected to the pivoted jaw 154 of the head by means of a pivot pin 161. In the illustrated embodiment the squeeze or grip lever 160 has length substantially equal to that of the handle 151 and cooperates therewith in a manner so that an operator may easily grip both the handle means 115 and the squeeze or grip lever 160 in operating the wrench.

A spring 162 is provided for normally maintaining the jaw members to their spread or open inoperative position, as in FIGURE 28. Accordingly, the spring 162 comprises a coil spring having one end anchored to the upper end portion of the lever grip 160 by a suitable pin connection 163, and has its other end suitably anchored intermediate the length of the handle 151.

As shown, a connecting link 164 is interconnected between the squeeze grip lever 160 and the handle portion 151 of the wrench. Each end of the connecting link 161 is pivotally connected to the respective handle and grip lever by a

suitable pin connection

165, 166. In embodiment of FIGURES 28 and 29, the handle means 151 is provided with a recess 151A for receiving one end of the connecting link 164. Accordingly, the upper edge 167 of the recess 151A defines a stop to limit the movement of the connecting link 164 in the maximum closed position of the wrench head as shown in FIGURE 21. In operation the spring 162 maintains the wrench head rotated so that the respective jaw portions are maintained in a normal open or spread position. Accordingly, to close the respective jaw members onto a nut or the like in preparation for applying torque thereto, the operator merely has to squeeze the lever or grip 160 toward the handle means 151. In doing so the head 153 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 159.

The meshing relationship between the movable jaw member and the gear sector is such that the movable jaw portion 156 will close onto the jaw portion of the jaw member 154. Accordingly, the respective jaw portion will close onto a nut or the like. A torque is applied in a direction of arrow 168 whereby the respective jaw members close onto a nut or bolt disposed therebetween.

To ratchet the wrench construction of FIGURES 28 and 29, the operator merely has to release his squeeze or grip on the handle, an amount suflicient to permit the

respective jaw members

154, 156 to part enough to permit the jaw portions to rotate about the corners of the nut disposed therebetween. When the wrench head 153 has been rotated about the nut in an amount suflicient to again apply torque thereto, the lever is again squeezed toward the handle means, and torque applied in the direction of rotation of arrow 168. Accordingly, with the construction described, a positive and greater torque can be applied to the nut or bolt. The edge 167 of the recess 151A or stop defined thereby is arranged to keep the lever at a proper minimum angle to obtain the maximum leverage.

FIGURE 30 illustrates a modification to the wrench construction 170 described with respect to FIGURE 28. In this embodiment the wrench construction 170 is substantially similar to that hereinbefore described with re spect to FIGURE 28, with the exception that the connecting link 171 between the handle means 172 and the lever 173 is slightly modified. In this form of the invention one end of the interconnecting link is pivotally connected about a fixed pin 147 to the handle portion 172. The other end of the interconnecting link is connected to the lever grip 173 by means of a pin and slot connection. Accordingly, an elongated slot 174 is formed in the lever grip 173 of the wrench with the pivot pin 175 being slidably mounted within the slot of the lever grip as the lever grip is moved between its operative and inoperative position.

As shown in FIGURE 20, in the normal inoperative position the pin 175 is located at the top of the slot 174. As the lever is biased toward the handle means to lock the jaws onto the nut, the pivot pin 175 connecting the link 171 to the grip lever 173 is moved to the bottom of the slot 174. To insure the proper minimum angle so as to obtain optimum leverage a stop pin 176 is located adjacent the link pivot 174 on the handle means. Accordingly, as illustrated in the dotted lines thereof, the edge of the interconnecting link 171 engaging the stop pin 176 will limit the movement of the squeeze grip 173 toward the handle means 172.

FIGURE 31 illustrates another modified construction for eifecting the relative sliding movement between the squeeze grip and the interconnecting link. In this form of the invention the squeeze grip 178 is defined by a member having a T-shaped slot 179. Accordingly, the interconnecting link is provided with a T-shaped end portion 181 which is adapted to be slidably received within the T-shaped slot 179 of the lever grip 178. Accordingly, it will be noted that as the lever grip 178 is squeezed toward and away from the handle means, the interconnecting link 180 maintaining the same will be slidably received in T slot 179. It will, therefore, be apparent that in operation the wrench modification of FIG- URE 31 is similar in all respects to the wrench construction herein described.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that the respective wrench embodiments herein illustrated and described are relatively simple in structure and each can be readily fabricated at minimum costs. An important feature of the respective wrench constructions is that each is readily adapted to accommodate a variety of differently sized workpieces, e.g. nuts, within a given range of sizes for the reason that the respective jaw members can be spread within predetermined limits to accommodate such sizes without adversely effecting the ratcheting feature.

l. 1 Another important feature of the claimed invention is that the bite or holding force exerted by the respective jaw members on the workpiece held therebetween is increased as the driving force or torque imparted thereto is increased. Thus, slippage of the wrench on the workpiece is minimized.

While the instant invention has been described with reference to several embodiments thereof, it will be readily understood and appreciated that variations and modifications of the invention may be formed without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A ratcheting open end wrench comprising,

(a) a handle,

(b) a wrench head including a pair of complementary jaw members,

(c) means for slidably interconnecting said jaws for relative movement therebetween, I

(d) means for pivotally connecting only one of said jaw members to the end of said handle whereby rotation of said handle in one direction imparts a turning force on a workpiece secured between said jaw members, and rotation of said handle in the opposite direction effects ratcheting of said jaw members about said workpiece,

(e) spring means for biasing said jaw members toward their closed position,

(f) means for effecting rotation of said wrench head against the bias of said spring,

(g) and said latter means includes a slider mounted on said handle means, and means connecting said slider to said wrench head.

2. A ratcheting open end wrench comprising:

(a) a handle means having gear like teeth formed on one end thereof,

(b) a wrench head including a pair of complementary jaw members,

() a pin for pivotally connecting one of said jaw means to the said end of said handle means,

(d) said other jaw member being slidably connected with respect to said pivoting jaw member,

(e) said slidable jaw member having rack sector disposed in meshing engagement with said teeth formed on the end of said handle whereby pivoting of said wrench head about its pivot pin effects relative movement of said jaw members between open and closed position so that rotation of said handle means in one direction urges said jaw members toward one another to lock on a workpiece disposed therebetween, and rotation of said handle means in the opposite direction causes said jaw members to spread apart to ratchet about said workpiece,

(f) a helical spring for biasing said jaws toward inoperative position, and

(g) said pin including means to wind said spring to bias the same.

3. A ratcheting open end wrench comprising:

(a) a handle means,

(b) a wrench head including a pair of complementary jaw members adapted to open and close on a workpiece,

(c) means pivotally connecting one of said jaw members about the end of said handle means, said pivotally connected jaw member having a slideway formed therein,

(d) means slidably connecting the other jaw member within said slideway,

(e) said slide jaw member and adjacent end of said handle means having complementary meshing surfaces for effecting relative sliding movement between said jaw member as said jaw members pivot about said pivoting means to open and close said jaw member accordingly,

(f) a spring means for biasing said jaw members toward their close position,

(g) and means for effecting rotation of said wrench head against the bias of said spring means,

(h) said latter means includes a slider mounted on said handle means, and means connecting said slider to said wrench head.

4. A ratcheting open end wrench comprising:

(a) a handle means having a gear sector on one end thereof,

(b) a wrench head including a pair of relatively movable jaw members,

(c) means for pivotally connecting one of said jaw members about said gear sector to said handle means,

((1) said one jaw member having a slideway formed therein, and

(e) said other jaw member having a rack portion receivable within said slideway, said rack portion being disposed in meshing relationship with said gear sector,

(f) said pivotally connecting means including a pin having an offset portion to define a key shaped head portion and a slot formed in the other end thereof,

(g) a helical spring,

(h) one end of spring being anchored to said handle means, and the other end of said spring anchored to said slot in said pin,

(i) said one jaw member having a key shaped opening in the side for receiving the head of said pin,

(j) Said slot being angularly disposed with respect to the offset of said key shape pin head so that said helical spring is automatically wound when said pin is seated in the key shaped opening in said one jaw member, and

(k) said spring when Wound normally biasing said jaws toward closed position.

5. The invention as defined in claim 4 and including means for pivoting said jaws to open position to overcome the bias of said spring.

6. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said latter means includes:

(a) a slider mounted on the handle means for relative movement therealong,

(b) and a link connected between said slider and said head,

(c) said link having its opposite end portions pivotally connected to said head and said slider so that displacement of said slider along said handle effects rotation of said one head about said pivot pin accordingly.

7. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein each of said jaw members have complementary notches formed on the gripping surfaces thereof for seating a nut therebetween.

8. The invention as defined in claim 5 wherein said jaw member have complementary notches for accommodating different sized hex nuts.

9. A ratcheting open end wrench comprising;

(a) a handle means having a gear sector on one end thereof,

(b) a Wrench head including a pair of relatively movable jaw members,

(0) means for pivotally connecting one of said jaw members about said gear sector to said handle means,

(d) said one jaw member having a slideway formed therein, and,

(c) said other jaw member having a rack portion receivable within said slideway, said rack portion being disposed in meshing relationship with said gear sector,

(g) a helical spring,

(j) said slot being angularly disposed with respect to the offset of said key shaped pin head so that said helical spring is automatically wound when said pin is seated in the key shaped opening in said one jaw member,

(k) said spring when wound normally biases said jaws toward closed position,

(1) means for pivoting said jaws to open position to overcome the bias of said spring,

(m) and said jaw members having complementary notches for accommodating different sized hex nuts wherein said one jaw member has an arcuate jaw portion formed with a plurality of notches formed along the inner side thereof, and said other jaw member having an arcuate jaw portion having a series of complementary notches formed on the side opposed to the notches of said one jaw member to accommodate a twelve point nut.

10. A ratcheting open end Wrench comprising:

(a) a handle having a gear sector connected to one end thereof,

(b) a wrench head including a pair of relatively movable jaw members,

(c) one of said jaw members having a bifurcated base portion straddling said gear sector,

((1) said one jaw member having a slide way,

(e) the other jaw member having a rack sector slidably received in said slide way, said rack having teeth formed with extended portions for added strength, and

(f) said rack sector being in meshing engagement with the teeth of said gear sector,

(g) a pin pivotally connecting said one jaw member about the gear sector of said handle means,

(h) said pin having shank portion with a key shaped head connected to one end and a slot formed on the other end thereof,

(i) and said one member having an opening formed in the bifurcated portion thereof, said opening complementing the said key shaped head of said pin for receiving the same,

(j) a helically wound spring for biasing said jaw members toward closed position,

(k) said spring having one end anchored to said handle means and having its other end anchored in the slot in said pin, whereby the connection thereof is such that the spring is wound when said key shaped pin head is seated in said key shaped opening formed in said jaw member.

11. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein the teeth of the rack sector of said slidable jaw member is prothat greater torque may be applied to the head thereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 573,313 12/1896 Tiner 81-186 X 698,706 4/ 1902 Huntley 81-127 X 852,071 4/1907 Meyers 81-127 967,651 8/1910 Martrugue 81-127 1,181,654 5/1916 Eifel. 1,190,336 7/1916 Stanley et al 81-127 1,602,620 10/1926 Larson et a1. 81-127 1,758,013 5/1930 Schubert et al 81-127 1,924,023 8/1933 Carlberg 81-1778 X 2,223,306 11/1940 Mead 81-127 2,351,821 6/1944 Larson 81-127 FOREIGN PATENTS 617,063 12/ 1920 France.

36,081 4/ 1906 Switzerland.

WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner. MILTON S. MEHR, Examiner.

Claims

1. A RATCHETING OPEN END WRENCH COMPRISING, (A) A HANDLE, (B) A WRENCH HEAD INCLUDING A PAIR OF COMPLEMENTARY JAW MEMBERS, (C) MEANS FOR SLIDABLY INTERCONNECTING SAID JAWS FOR RELATIVE MOVEMENT THEREBETWEEN, (D) MEANS FOR PIVOTALLY CONNECTING ONLY ONE OF SAID JAW MEMBERS TO THE END OF SAID HANDLE WHEREBY ROTATION OF SAID HANDLE IN ONE DIRECTION IMPARTS A TURNING FORCE ON A WORKPIECE SECURED BETWEEN SAID JAW MEMBERS, AND ROTATION OF SAID HANDLE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION EFFECTS RATCHETING OF SAID JAW MEMBERS ABOUT SAID WORKPIECE, (E) SPRING MEANS FOR BIASING SAID JAW MEMBERS TOWARD THEIR CLOSED POSITION, (F) MEANS FOR EFFECTING ROTATION OF SAID WRENCH HEAD AGAINST THE BIAS OF SAID SPRING, (G) AND SAID LATTER MEANS INCLUDES A SLIDER MOUNTED ON SAID HANDLE MEANS, AND MEANS CONNECTING SAID SLIDER TO SAID WRENCH HEAD.