US2294193A - Wrench for spark plugs and the like - Google Patents

Description

25, 1942- H. H. MERRIMAN 3 WRENCH FOR SPARK PLUGS AND THE LIKE Filed June 10, 1940 1N VENTOR,

HENRY H. NEWMAN ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. 25, 1942 UNITED STATES Henr H. Merriman, Jackson, Mich, assignor to Mechanics Engineering Company, Jackson,

Mich.

Application June 10, 1940, Serial No. 339,653

2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in wrenches for spark plugs and the like.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a wrench by means of which spark plugs may be quickly and easily removed with little likelihood of injuring the spark plug.

Second, to provide a Wrench socket member for use in removing and placing spark plugs and the like which protects the porcelain and other parts of the spark plug which are likely to be broken or injured, and also facilitates the removal and placement of spark plugs in positions which are not conveniently accessible.

Third, to provide a wrench socket member of the class described which is adapted not only to hold the work in placing, bu to prevent dropping, and is also adapted to serve as a holder for cleaning the spark plug.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of the invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of the invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a central longitudinal section of an embodiment of the invention as embodied in a wrench socket for spark plugs with a spark plug in position therein.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of my improved socket member as applied to a ratchet wrench.

The Wrench socket of this invention is especially desirable for use in connection with a reversible ratchet wrench of the type illustrated in application Serial No. 325,528, filed March 23, 1940, by Henry H. Merriman and C. D. Burbank.

In the accompanying drawing the reference numeral I indicates a reversible socket Wrench of the type illustrated in that application, the spindle 2 being adjustable to be extended at either side of the Wrench to secure the reverse operation. My improved wrench socket member comprises a tubular body portion 3 of substantial length and adapted to receive the major portion of a spark plug 4, the spark plug illustrated being one of the types of spark plugs now very extensively used. This improved socket member has a spindle receiving socket 5 at its inner end adapted to receive the spindle 2 of the Wrench. At its outer end I provide the member 3 with a suitably internally conformed socket 6 adapted to engage the non-circular portion 1 of the spark plug.

Seated within the member 3 intermediate these sockets 5 and '6 is a tubular cushioning and retaining element 8. This is preferably molded of rubber of suitable resilience and is provided with a restricted portion 9 adapted .to yieldably receive the binding post Ill of the spark plug. This serves the double purpose of retaining the spark plug within the socket member and also supporting the spark plug so that its porcelain and other frangible portion I is prevented from coming into contact with the Walls of the socket member, which might crack or break the same. This also tends to hold the spark plug in a yieldable center position to permit its being directed into the threaded bore provided for it in the cylinder head, and at the same time it may yield somewhat in the event the operator twists or cants the Wrench so that breakage does not result from such manipulation.

When my improved wrench socket member is employed with a reversible wrench of the type of the above mentioned application, spark plugs may be very quickly inserted and removed and this work canbe done on a hot engine as it is unnecessary to touch the engine parts and the spark plug may be easily guided to position. Further, the wrench socket member may be used to hold the spark plugs for cleaning.

Structures embodying my invention are desirable and well adapted both for new Work and repair work. The device is very desirable for use in service stations, as it makes rapid work possible.

I have illustrated and described the invention in embodiments which I consider very practical. I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments which I contemplate, as it is believed this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to adapt the invention as may be desired.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A wrench socket member comprising a tu bular body portion of substantial length and adapted to receive the major portion of a spark plug and having a driving spindle receiving socket at its inner end and a non-circular spark plug engaging socket at its outer end, and a tubular cushioning member of rubber seated within said body portion between said sockets and having an internally restricted annular portion intermediate the ends thereof adapted to yieldably receive and restrainingly grip the annularly undercut portion of the binding post of a spark plug, said restricted annular portion of the cushioning member yielding and snapping over the end of the binding post into snug retaining engagement with said undercut portion thereof.

2. A Wrench member comprising a chambered body portion adapted to receive the major portion of a spark plug and having a non-circular spark plug engaging socket at its outer end, and a resilient tubular cushioning member seated within said body portion above said socket and 10 having an internally restricted annular portion intermediate the ends thereof adapted to yieldably receive and restrainingly grip a binding post of a spark plug which is annularly undercut adjacent its tip, said restricted portions of the cushioning member yielding and snapping over said tips into snug retaining engagement with the undercut portion of the post adjacent said tip.

HENRY H. MERRIMAN.

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