US3745862A - Adjustable wrench - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable wrench including a wrench body with a straight support section, a handle section angularly located with respect to the straight section and joined to one end thereof, and a stationary jaw integral with the other end of the support section. A movable jaw unit having a complementary jaw and a carrier is provided for cooperating with the stationary jaw. The carrier defines a passage therethrough for receipt of the wrench body and is dimensioned and arranged to pass over the juncture of the supporting and handle sections. An adjusting mechanism is provided for selectively positioning the movable jaw unit with respect to the stationary jaw.

Description

Umted States Patent 11 1 1111 3,745,862 Sharp 5] July 17, 1973 ADJUSTABLE WRENCH Primary Examiner-James L. Jones, Jr. [76] Inventor: Thomas H. Sharp, 502 Dorr AmmeyB Pmvc" Avenue, Belvedere. S.C.

[22] Filed: June 25, 197] ABSTRACT [21] A pl. No; 156,788 An adjustable wrench including a wrench body with a straight support section, a handle section angularly located with respect to the straight section and joined to [2%] ..b8l/l47 one end thereof, and a Stationary jaw integral with the l B25 13/24 other end of the support section. A movable jaw unit le 0 eal'c 8 i g a Complementary j and a carrier is provided 81/92 for cooperating with the stationary jaw. The carrier defines a passage therethrough for receipt of the wrench [56] References Clted body and is dimensioned and arranged to pass over the UNITED STATES PATENTS juncture of the supporting and handle sections. An ad- 66,177 6/1867 Secor 81/147 justing mechanism is provided for selectively position- 2,659,259 11/1953 Jones 81/147 ing the movable jaw unit with respect to the stationary 2,444,686 7/1948 White 31 147 jaw 515,070 2/1894 Carpenter 81/92 3 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures ADJUSTABLE WRENCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Numerous adjustable wrenches are available on the market today. Certain of these wrenches use a movable jaw which is carried by a wrench body and handle member. One of the problems with such wrenches is that the mounting of the movable jaw on the body- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other problems associated with the prior art are overcome by the invention disclosed herein by providing an adjustable wrench which is inexpensive to manufacture, lightweight, has a wide range of adjustability, and is capable of use on fasteners with limited accessibility.

The apparatus of the invention includes a wrench body with a supporting section and a handle section integral with one end of the supporting section. A stationary jaw is integral with the opposite end of the supporting section and extends outwardly generally perpendicular to the centerline of the supporting section. The centerline of the handle is angularly located with respect to the centerline of the supporting section and ex- I tends away from the supporting section oppositely to the stationary jaw. A movable jaw defines a passage therethrough dimensioned to receive the wrench body therethrough and pass over the juncture of the supporting and handle sections. Adjusting means is provided for selectively spacing the movable jaw with respect to the stationary jaw.

These and other features and advantages of the invention disclosed herein will become more readily apparent upon consideration of the following specification and accompanying drawings wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout the several views and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of that embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along lines 33 in FIGS. l and 2;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the movable jaw unit;

FIG. 5 is a partial side elevational view showing the movable jaw in cross-section and the jaw being inserted over the wrench body;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the movable jaw in another position on the wrench body;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing the movable jaw in still another position on the wrench FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial side elevational view of a ratchet mechanism joining the supporting and handle sections;

FIG. 11 is a partial top view of that embodiment of the invention of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the movable jaw unit taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 14-44 in FIG. 13; and,

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 14 showing the adjusting mechanism in a released position.

These figures and the following detailed description disclose specific embodiments of the invention, however, it is to be understood that the inventive concept is not limited thereto since it may be embodied in other forms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the first embodiment of the invention includes generally a wrench body 10, a movable jaw unit 11 and an adjusting mechanism 12.

The wrench body 10 includes a straight supporting section 14 which has a rectangular cross-section with parallel sides 18, a top edge 19 and a bottom edge 20 as seen in FIG. 3. A stationary jaw 15 is integral with one end of section 14 and extends outwardly from the bottom edge thereof to form a fastener engaging surface 16. The plane of the jaw 15 is the same as the sides 18 and the surface 16 is substantially perpendicular to the centerline CL of the supporting section 14.

Body 10 also includes a handle section 21 integral with that end of the supporting section 14 opposite the stationary jaw 15 and is angularly oriented with respect to the supporting section 14 so that it extends away from the top edge of section 114. The thickness of the handle section 21 is the same as section 14 with both sections lying in the same plane as seen in FIG. 2. That end of handle section 21 integral with section 14 is tapered so that its width W is less than the width W of section 14 as will be explained. It will also be noted that the maximum width W of handle section 21 is no greater than the width W,.

A concave fillet 22 connects the top edge 19 of section 14 with the top edge 24 of handle section 21 as best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5-7 and defines a transition surface 25 lying along an arc defined by radius R A convex shoulder 26 connects the bottom edge 20 of section M with the bottom edge 28 of handle section 21 and defines a second transition surface 29 lying along an arc defined by radius R The pivot center of radius R; is displaced vertically from the pivot center of radius R by a distance d and laterally by a distance d The relationship of fillet 22 and shoulder 26 with the operation of the wrench shall be explained.

The movable jaw unit 11 includes a complementary jaw 30 depending from a carrier 31. Carrier 31 is a member having a generally rectangular cross-section and defining a body receiving passage 32 longitudinally therethrough. Passage 32 is dimensioned to provide for the slidable receipt of the support section 114 therethrough. Thus, carrier 31 is provided with a pair of side walls 34, a bottom wall 35 and a top wall 36 integral with each other which surround the section 14. The complementary jaw 30 is integral with bottom wall 35 and extends outwardly therefrom in alignment with stationary jaw 15. A fastener engaging surface 38 is defined by complementary jaw 30 which is complementary to surface 16 and parallel thereto when the unit 1 1 is received on section 14.

In order that the carrier 31 pass over fillet 22 and shoulder 26, the leading edge of the top wall 36 thereof is notched at 39 to provide a shoulder 37 as best seen in FIG. 5. Further, the trailing edge of top wall 36 is relieved to provide an arcucate surface 40 facing the passage 32 which has a radius of curvature R the same length as radius R of fillet 22. The leading edge of the bottom wall 35 is relieved at 41 to provide for further closing of the movable jaw unit 11 around the fillet 42 extending from the fastener engaging surface 16 of jaw 15 to the bottom edge 20 of section 14.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the passage 32 has a dimension corresponding to the width W of section 14 and a dimension 0 corresponding to the thickness t, of the wrench body as best seen in FIG. 2. The centerline CL, of handle section 21 defines an angle 6 with the centerline of section 14. Angle 0 may be different acute angles to allow the wrench to be used on nuts having limited accessibility. One convenient angle for 0 that has been found is 50.

FIG. 5 shows the unit 11 being inserted over the handle section 14. Since the maximum width W of the handle section 21 as seen in FIG. 1 is no greater than the width W of section 14, the unit 11 will easily pass thereover.

In FIG. 6, the unit 11 is passing over the juncture of the handle section 21 and supporting section 14. It will be seen that the handle section 21 has the width W at the juncture which is approximately 60 percent of the width W of the section 14. The shoulder 37 engages the fillet 22 and directs the unit 11 therealong. Since the pivot center of radius R is displaced forward of the pivot center of radius R, the distance d which is approximately one fifth the width W and since the radius R is approximately 1.4 times the radius R,, the leading edge of the bottom wall 35 will not engage the bottom edge of the section 14 until the centerline C14 of the unit 11 is substantially perpendicular to the centerline CL of the section 14. As the unit 11 moves around the juncture of sections 14 and 21, the arcuate surface 40 moves around the fillet 22 to allow the unit 11 to pivot until the top and bottom walls 36 and 35 are aligned with the top and bottom edges 19 and 20 of the section 14. The length of the surface 33 of the top wall 35 facing passage 32 which is straight is approximately one half the width W When the centerline CL of unit 11 is perpendicular to the centerline CL of section 14, the unit 11 can be slid along the length of section 14 as seen in FIG. 7.

The adjusting mechanism 12 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 3 includes an elongate slot 50 defined through section 14. The slot 50 is located along the centerline CL of section 14 and extends from just inwardly of stationary jaw 15 to just inwardly of the juncture of section 14 with section 21. The slot 50 has a width W as will be explained and has a plurality of transversely extending threads 51 formed at the inside edges 52 of the section 14 facing slot 50. The teeth 51 are engaged by a worm assembly 54 mounted in unit 11 to selectively position the jaw 30 with respect to jaw 15.

The carrier 31 has a pair of aligned rectangular openings 55 defined through the side walls 34 thereof and aligned with slot 50 when unit 11 is positioned on section 14. The leading and trailing ends of each opening 55 is recessed at 56 to mount the assembly 54 as will be explained.

The assembly 54 as seen in FIG. 4 includes a worm 60 rotatably mounted on a pin 61 carried by bearing blocks 62 and 64. Bearing blocks 62 and 64 are dimensioned to be received in passage 32 of carrier 31 and between opposite teeth 51 of section 14 in conventional manner. A pair of retaining flanges 65 that fit within recesses 56 are provided on each block 62 and 64 to position same. A passage 66 is defined through each block 62 and 64 to receive pin 61. Block 64 is internally threaded around passage 66 to be engaged by the threaded end 68 of pin 61 to hold the pin in place.

The blocks 62 and 64 are inserted in the carrier 31 after it is on section 14 and the worm 60 is positioned therebetween so that its pin receiving passage 69 is aligned with passages 66. The pin 61 is then inserted so that the worm 60 is carried thereon and then is screwed into place in block 64. The movable jaw unit 11 can now be easily adjusted.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 8 and 9, a second embodiment of the adjusting mechanism is shown and designated 112. Those portions common to the first embodiment of the invention are indicated by primes of the numerals applied thereto.

The mechanism 112 includes a plurality of teeth 151 defined along the top and bottom edges 19 and 20' of section 14. A pair of rectangular openings 155 are defined through side walls 134 of carrier 131 and a ring nut is positioned therin to engage teeth 151 and selectively position the movable jaw unit 11'.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a third embodiment of the invention is shown in which the handle section is connected to the support section through a ratchet mechanism. Those portions of this embodiment of the invention common with the first embodiment thereof are indicated by double primes of the numerals applied to the first embodiment.

In this embodiment of the invention, the supporting section 14" is pivotally connected to the handle section 21 through a ratchet mechanism 200. Ratchet mechanism 200 is conventional and connects the support leg 201 on the lower end of handle section 21" with the complementary leg 202 on support section 14". The ratchet mechanism 200 is provided with a slot 204 to allow the handle section 21" to ratchet either up or down in known manner. Because legs 201 and 202 respectively define the fillet 22" and shoulder 26" so that the movable jaw unit 11" will pass over ratchet mechanism 200 when the centerline CL," of section 14" defines the angle 0" with centerline CL," of handle section 21".

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, the fourth embodiment of the invention uses a different adjusting mechanism but otherwise is similar to the first embodiment of the invention. Those portions of the fourth embodiment common with the first embodiment are referenced by the reference numbers of the first embodiment displaced by 400.

The adjusting mechanism 412 includes a plurality of rearwardly facing teeth 450 having vertical engaging surfaces 451 along the top edge 419 of support section 414. A plurality of forwardly facing teeth 452 with vertical engaging surfaces 453 are provided along the bottom edge 420 of support section 414. The surfaces 451 and 453 are vertically aligned and adjacent surfaces 451 or 453 are 1 I16 inch apart as will be explained.

The forward end of the inside edge 433 of top wall 436 of the movable jaw unit 41 1 is provided with a plurality of complementary teeth 454 adjacent shoulder 437 which engage the surfaces 451 of teeth 450 to hold the unit 411 in position when the centerline CL; of the unit is perpendicular to the centerline CL of section 414 as will be explained. The remainder of surface 433 is angled away from section 414 at 455 to allow the teeth 454 to clear teeth 450 as explained later. The rear end of the inside edge 456 of bottom wall 435 is likewise provided with complementary teeth 458 which engage the surfaces 453 of teeth 452 to hold unit 411 when the centerline GL is perpendicular to centerline CL,. The remainder of edge 456 is angled away from the bottom of section 414 at 459 to allow the teeth 458 to clear teeth 452 as will be explained.

A pivoting means 460 is provided at the rear end of the top wall 436 of unit 41 1 to constantly urge unit 41 1 in a counterclockwise direction as seen in FIGS. 14 and 15 to cause the teeth 454 and 458 to respectively engage teeth 450 and 452 and lock the unit 411 in position on section 414 as seen in FIG. 14. By manually pivoting the unit 411 clockwise as seen in FIG. 15, the teeth 454 and 458 clear teeth 450 and 452 and allow the position of unit 411 to be selectively positioned along support section 414. Since the teeth spacing is l/l6 inch, the spacing of unit 411 can be adjusted in l 16 inch increments.

The pivoting means 460 shown is a leaf spring 461. A recess 462 is provided in wall 435 to allow the spring 461 to retract into the recess 462 to prevent interference. This also allows the unit 411 to be inserted over the handle section 421.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed herein, it is to be understood that full use may be made of modifications, substitutions and equivalents without departing fromthe scope of the inventive concept.

I claim:

1. An adjustable wrench including:

a wrench body comprising a straight supporting section, a stationary nut engaging jaw integral with one end of said supporting section, and a handle section connected to the opposite end of said supporting section; said stationary jaw defining a working surface substantially perpendicular to the centerline of said supporting section; and the centerline of said handle section being angularly located with respect to the centerline of said supporting section, a filet connecting said handle section to said supporting section on the near side toward which said handle section extends, a shoulder connecting said handle section to said supporting section on the far side opposite said near side, said filet being arcuate with a first radius and said shoulder being arcuate with a second radius greater than said first radius, the pivot center of said second radius located nearer said supporting section than the pivot center of said first radius by a first distance and laterally of the pivot center of said first radius toward said stationary jaw by a second distance, and the width of said handle section adjacent said filet and said shoulder being less than said supporting section by a prescribed amount; and

a movable jaw unit including a complementary jaw and a carriage member, said carriage member mounting said complementary jaw and defining a body receiving passage therethrough dimensioned and arranged for slidably receiving said handle and supporting sections therethrough, said body receiving passage having a height substantially equal to the width of said supporting section and a length greater than said first distance, said carriage member defining a forwardly facing notch in the top leading edge thereof, a relieved arcuate portion in the top trailing edge thereof with a radius substantially equal to said first radius, and a relieved portion in the bottom leading edge thereof.

2. An adjustable wrench of claim 1 further including adjusting means for selectively adjusting the spacing between said stationary and complementary jaws.

3.!An adjustable wrench as set forth in claim 1 wherein said adjusting means includes a plurality of holding teeth along the top and bottom edges of said support section, wherein said carriage member includes a top wall overlying the top edge of said supporting section; a bottom wall underlying the bottom edge of said support section, said top wall including a first plurality of check teeth on the inside edge therof adjacent the leading end of said top wall with the remainder of the inside edge of said top wall angled away from said support section toward the trailing end thereof, said bottom wall including a second plurality of check teeth on the inside edge therof adjacent the trailing end of said bottom wall with the remainder of the inside edge of said bottom wall angled away from said support section toward the leading end thereof; and pivoting means for resiliently'urging said check teeth into engagement with said holding teeth to selectively lock said movable jaw unit into position on said support section.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE (ZERTIFICATE OF EQRREQTWN Patent: No. 3,715,862 Dated July 17, 1973 Inventor(s) Thomas H. Sharpe It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the coversheet item "THOMAS H. SHARP" should read THOMAS H. SHARPE Signed and sealed this 26th day of March 19714..

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FL ETGHER,JR. C. MARSHALL DANN- Attesting Officer- Commissioner of Patents FORM PC4050 (10-69) U.S4 GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 0-866-335,

USCOMM-DC 50376-P69

Claims (3)

1. An adjustable wrench including: a wrench body comprising a straight supporting section, a stationary nut engaging jaw integral with one end of said supporting section, and a handle section connected to the opposite end of said supporting section; said stationary jaw defining a working surface substantially perpendicular to the centerline of said supporting section; and the centerline of said handle section being angularly located with respect to the centerline of said supporting section, a filet connecting said handle section to said supporting section on the near side toward which said handle section extends, a shoulder connecting said handle section to said supporting section on the far side opposite said near side, said filet being arcuate with a first radius and said shoulder being arcuate with a second radius greater than said first radius, the pivot center of said second radius located nearer said supporting section than the pivot center of said first radius by a first distance and laterally of the pivot center of said first radius toward said stationary jaw by a second distance, and the width of said handle section adjacent said filet and said shoulder being less than said supporting section by a prescribed amount; and a movable jaw unit including a complementary jaw and a carriage member, said carriage member mounting said complementary jaw and defining a body receiving passage therethrough dimensioned and arranged for slidably receiving said handle and supporting sections therethrough, said body receiving passage having a height substantially equal to the width of said supporting section and a length greater than said first distance, said carriage member defining a forwardly facing notch in the top leading edge thereof, a relieved arcuate portion in the top trailing edge thereof with a radius substantially equal to said first radius, and a relieved portion in the bottom leading edge thereof.

2. An adjustable wrench of claim 1 further including adjusting means for selectively adjusting the spacing between said stationary and complementary jaws.

13. An adjustable wrench as set forth in claim 1 wherein said adjusting means includes a plurality of holding teeth along the top and bottom edges of said support section, wherein said carriage member includes a top wall overlying the top edge of said supporting section; a bottom wall underlying the bottom edge of said support section, said top wall including a first plurality of check teeth on the inside edge therof adjacent the leading end of said top wall with the remainder of the inside edge of said top wall angled away from said support section toward the trailing end thereof, said bottom wall including a second plurality of check teeth on the inside edge therof adjacent the trailing end of said bottom wall with the rEmainder of the inside edge of said bottom wall angled away from said support section toward the leading end thereof; and pivoting means for resiliently urging said check teeth into engagement with said holding teeth to selectively lock said movable jaw unit into position on said support section.

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