Abstract
The invention regards a tool (1) for applying torque to an maneuvered object, such as for example a screw head or nut, including at least a first jaw (4), and at least a second jaw (5) where the first jaw (4) and the second jaw (5) are connected to at least one lever (arm) (2). What is unique with the tool is that at least one of the jaws (4, 5) includes at least one recess (7) with a first contact surface (8) and a second contact surface (9) of which at least one of the contact surfaces (8) and (9) is arch-shaped. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.
Claims
1. A tool for applying torque to a maneuvered object, such as for example a screw head or nut, comprising: a grip comprising at least a first jaw, and at least a second jaw where the first jaw and the second jaw are connected to at least one lever (arm), wherein at least one of the jaws include at least one recess comprising a first contact surface and a second contact surface, wherein at least one of the first or second contact surfaces is arch-shaped with the depth of the recess between about 0.1 and about 0.6 of the width of the contact surfaces as measured at the extension of the contact surfaces, and the radius of the arch-shapes between about 0.3 and about 1.5 of the depth of the recess, and wherein the arched shape provides a mechanical equilibrium of vectors contributing to prevent the tendency of said object to escape from the grip, the first and second contact surfaces of the first jaw and the second jaw making contact with the maneuvered object, such as for example a screw head or nut, when applying torque to the maneuvered object.
2. The tool of claim 1, wherein at least one of the jaws includes at least one recess with a first contact surface and a second contact surface of which both contact surfaces are arch-shaped.
3. The tool of claim 2, wherein a first arch-shaped contact surface and a second arch-shaped contact surface essentially converge at a point or converge into a point and that the direction of the arch-shaped convergence is essentially in a latitudinal direction in relation to the jaws.
4. The tool of claim 1, characterized in that the jaws make up an accessory to an existing tool's jaws.
5. The tool of claim 1, characterized in that the relative position of the jaws may be adjusted with a maneuvering organ.
6. The tool of claim 5, wherein the maneuvering organ comprises a screw function where the rotating movement is transferred via at least one gear so that the jaws move in relation to each other.
7. (canceled)
8. The tool of claim 1, wherein at least one of the contact surfaces are entirely or partly fitted with transversal grooves in one or more directions.
9. (canceled)
10. The tool of claim 1, characterized in that at least one pivotable element is positioned to form at least one of said arch-shaped contact surfaces.
11. The tool according to claim 1 further comprising a pivotable element pivotably arranged around a fixed axis in relation to its jaw.
12. A method for applying torque to a maneuvered object, such as for example a screw head or nut, including the steps of providing a tool with a grip comprising at least a first jaw, and at least a second jaw where the first jaw and the second jaw are connected to at least one lever (arm), wherein at least one jaw include at least one recess, characterized by providing at least one of the jaws to include at least one recess with a first contact surface and a second contact surface, wherein at least one of said contact surfaces is arch-shaped providing a mechanical equilibrium of vectors contributing to prevent the tendency of said object to escape from the grip.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of the jaws includes at least one recess with a first contact surface and a second contact surface of which both contact surfaces and are arch-shaped.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein a first arch-shaped contact surface and a second arch-shaped contact surface essentially converge at a point or converge into a point and that the direction of the arch-shaped convergence is essentially in a latitudinal direction in relation to the jaws and.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein said jaws make up an accessory and to an existing tool's jaws.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0018] The invention will be described in detail in the following text with reference to the enclosed schematic drawings that in an exemplifying purpose show preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein;
[0019] FIG. 1 shows schematically the present invention in perspective.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of contact surfaces.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows a second alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows a third alternative embodiment of the present invention,
[0023] FIG. 5 shows a fourth alternative embodiment for the present invention,
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
[0025] FIG. 7 shows a sixth alternative embodiment in accordance with the invention,
[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a seventh embodiment in accordance with the invention, and
[0027] FIGS. 10 and 11 show a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] With reference to the figures a tool 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The design includes at least one lever (arm) 2 and at least one grip 3 whose grip includes at least a first jaw 4 and a second jaw 5. The lever 2 is preferably made up of a handle (shaft) or the like. The jaws' 4 and 5 design may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention.
[0029] Further the jaws' 4 and 5 relative positions (distance) to each other are preferably arranged to be adjustable with a maneuvering (adjustment) organ 6. This adjustment can be accomplished by one jaw being fixed and the other movably arranged such as is the case of a crescent wrench, water-pump pliers or similar.
[0030] Alternatively, the tool may be so designed that both jaws are movably arranged.
[0031] The handle's (lever's) design may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. For example, the handle may have a similar design as known types of crescent wrenches or the like as for example shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the handle (lever) may consist of a first and a second maneuvering organ such as is the case of water-pump pliers shown in FIG. 3.
[0032] What is unique with the present invention is that each respective jaw includes at least one recess 7. The recess 7 includes a first contact surface 8 and a second contact surface 9 which connect to each other in a point 10. Contact surfaces 8 and 9 may be arch-shaped or straight.
[0033] In the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the first contact surface 8 and the second contact surface 9 are arch-shaped. The arch-shape may be of an elliptical shape, radial shape or another for the purpose suitable shape. The first contact surface 8 and the second contact surface 9 converge into a point 10. The first arch-shaped contact surface (8) and the second arch-shaped contact surface (9) essentially converge at a point (10) or converge into a point (10) and the direction of the arch-shaped convergence is essentially in a latitudinal direction L in relation to the direction DJ of the jaws (4) and (5). Accordingly, as is apparent from FIG. 1 a latitudinal line L in relation to the direction of the jaws JD, will pass through both interconnecting points 10 of opposing, interacting recesses 7 of the jaws 4, 5. Further, FIG. 1 shows that the depth t of each recess 7 is relatively large, i.e. in the size of about a third of the longitudinal extension T of the grip 3, and/or alternatively expressed about 0.4 of the width W of the jaw 4, 5. In FIG. 1 there is shown an embodiment where T generally corresponds to the distance between the starting points 8a, 9a of each recess. However even if this in many is a preferred relationship, it is evident for the skilled person that sometimes the depth t may be much smaller than T.sub.tot in relation to the extension of the jaws. For the skilled person it is evident that also a smaller, or a larger, depth t may be desired depending on the use of the tool, but normally the depth t will be above 0.1 T and up to 0.6 T, (assuming a relatively equal size of longitudinal extension of the grip 3 as the extension between the starting points 8a, 9a of the recess 7), and/or 0.1-0.7 W. The radius R of the arch-shaped surfaces 8, 9 would normally be within the range 0.3-1.5 t, depending on specific design adaptations, whereby should be understood that the curvature along the arch-shaped surface 8, 9 may vary and indeed at least in the area near the intersection point 10 be infinit (i.e. transform into a straight line), possibly combined with an inverse curvature in the area of the intersection point 10. It is evident for the skilled person that therefore the radius R shown in FIG. 1 should be understood as a kind of mean radius R used for the main part of the arch-shaped surface 8, 9 forming the converging, curved main part of each surface 8, 9 having its starting point at an upper gripping surface level 40 and 50 respectively, of each jaw 4, 5. In some application it may be an advantage to use the following thumb rules regarding R; [0034] If t<0.5 T then [0035] Rmin=t (in the latitude direction of R) [0036] Rmax=T/2 (in the longitude direction of R) [0037] If t>0.5 T then [0038] Rmax=t (in the latitude direction of R) [0039] Rmin=T/2 (in the longitude direction of R)
[0040] FIGS. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention; i.e., that the contact surfaces 8 or 9 may be arch-shaped and the other of the contact surfaces 8 or 9 may be straight.
[0041] FIG. 1 shows more specifically a tool of a crescent wrench type where the jaws 4 and 5 are fitted with arch-shaped contact surfaces 8 and 9. FIG. 3 shows a variant of the tool according to the present invention where it is essentially made up of tool of a water-pump pliers type. FIG. 3 does not show the parts of the handle, it is however formed in accordance with known techniques.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a variant of the present invention where each respective jaw 4 and 5 is fitted with a first recess 7 and a second recess 13 with arch-shaped contact surfaces 8 and 9. The design may consist of a tool with a similar design such as a crescent wrench, water-pump pliers or other for the purpose suitable tool with recesses 7 with arch-shaped contact surfaces 8 and 9. FIG. 4 does not show the handle, it is however formed in accordance with known techniques. As is apparent from Fig. 4 there is no need to have a substantially correspondence regarding the distance T between starting points of recess 7 and the total longitudinal extension T.sub.tot, especially in a case like the one shown in FIG. 4 where the jaws 4, 5 are arranged to be functional for objects of substantially different size, by the use of a first pair of recesses 13 with a relatively small depth t.sub.13and a second pair of recesses 7 having a depth t.sub.7 that is at least about twice the size of the depth of the first pair 13. In such a case there will of course be a need of using a total longitudinal extension T.sub.tot that is substantially larger than the distance between the starting points of the recesses 7, 13. In general it may be preferred to have tin a preferred range of 0.2-0.5 T, wherein T refers to the distance between the starting points of a corresponding recess.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows more specifically a tool with removable jaws 14 and 15. The removable jaws 14 and 15 may be applied to existing jaws such as shown for example in FIG. 2. The removable jaws 14 and 15 each include at least one recess 7 with at least one arch-shaped contact surface 8 or 9. In the figure is shown a variant where both the contact surface 8 and the contact surface 9 arc arch-shaped. In other respects the jaws' 14 and 15 shape and size may vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. A tool in accordance with the present invention may thereby both be used such as a tool with the advantages in accordance with the present invention and even be used such as earlier known tools such as a crescent wrench, water-pump pliers or other corresponding tool.
[0044] In alternative embodiments the adjustment device (organ) on the tool may be of an automatic type such as one marketed by Black & Decker. Alternatively, the adjustment device may be made up of another previously known adjusting device or in the future developed adjustment device which is suitable for purpose. In alternative embodiments the contact surfaces may be fitted with transversal grooves (not shown in the figures) in one or more directions. It is conceivable for example that the contact surfaces are entirely or partly knurled.
[0045] It is conceivable that the present invention only be defined as an accessory to an existing tool. The invention is then only made up of a jaw as shown in designations 14 and 15, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0046] In FIG. 6 there is shown a further embodiment in accordance with the invention. There is shown that the first arch-shaped surface 8 of each recess 7 is made of a fixed surface integrated with the jaws 4, 5. Furthermore there is shown a pivotable member 41, 51 positioned within each recess 7, to provide the interacting arch-shaped other surface 9, within each recess 7. The pivoting elements 41, 51 are pivotally arranged around an axis 42, 52 that is fixed in relation to each one of the jaws 4, 5. Accordingly there is either arranged a fixed shaft and a corresponding hole (not shown) within the pivot elements 41, 51 or the pivot elements 41, 51 arc arranged with stub shaft members, to facilitate pivoting motion thereof. The pivoting axis 42, 52 is positioned adjacent a mid-distance between the upper gripping surface level 40 and the bottom point of each recess 7. When using pivoting elements 41, 51 the radius of curvature of the interacting surface 9 may preferably be larger than when using fixed surfaces.
[0047] As a consequence of using a pivoting element 41, 51 the point of intersection 10 may vary, depending on the object that is to be gripped. When using the device for a hexagonal object (120°), as indicated with full lines in FIG. 6, the pivoting element 41, 51 will be positioned automatically when getting into contact with the object in a position presenting an intersection point 10′ which is relatively close to the outer level of the gripping surface 40, 50, whereas if a square object(90°) is gripped the intersection point 10″ will be positioned further away from said level 40, 50. The surface of the pivoting element will adapt to the contours of the object that is being gripped. Accordingly the use of the pivoting element will provide an even grade of flexibility of grip ability for a tool in accordance with the invention, due to the ability to adapt to any kind of form of the object, and maintaining essentially balanced vectors acting on the object within each recess 7 providing safe and gentle gripping.
[0048] In FIG. 7 there is shown a further alternative in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment one of the jaws 5 does not extend all the way out to the outer part of the opening of the grip 3, but ends adjacent the latitudinal line L passing through the intersection point, as explained in relation to the above presented embodiments. The other jaw 4 presents a design generally that have been described above, i.e. a recess 7 with two opposing arch-shaped surfaces 8, 9. As is evident for the skilled person the design shown in FIG. 7 may merely be used for providing torque in one direction. However, as is also evident for the skilled person, torque may also be applied in the other direction to an object by simply turning the tool around to having it facing in the opposite direction. A big advantage with this kind of alternate design is that it presents a more compact tool thanks to the fact that there exists no protruding portion extending further on from the arch-shaped surface 9 of the shorten jaw 5. As a consequence such a tool may be used also in situations where there are blocking objects that may hinder unscrewing/locking of the object/screw/nut. Moreover, it provides the advantage that any object with a size of flat-to-flat equal to the distance between surface 9 of jaw 5 and surface 8 of jaw 4, i.e. 4/6/8 sides nut/bolt, will suit the implementation of high torque on this object without damaging its corners and while reducing the tendency of the object to escape from grip 3. Furthermore such a tool will provide for a very cost efficient embodiment in accordance with the invention.
[0049] In FIGS. 10 and 11 there is shown a slightly altered modification of a tool 1 in accordance with FIG. 7. The same basic principal is used for the tool 1 in FIGS. 10 and 11 as in FIG. 7, i.e. merely using one arch-shaped surface 9 at one of the jaws 5 to provide grip safe torque. Further the embodiment in FIGS. 10 and 11 there is shown a protrusion of the jaw 5 beyond the arch-shaped surface 9 in conjunction with an extended gap 70 that extends outwardly (in direction to the opening of the grip 3),from the and onwards. Hereby there is created space 70 that enables an object to be enclosed by the jaws 4, 5 and at the same time enabling rotation of the tool 1 without applying torque, a limited degree. Hence, thanks to the space/gap the object may be moved into the gripping recess 7. Furthermore it is shown that the outer portion of the jaws 4, 5 present on one side a similar kind of upper gripping surface 40 as presented above, and also a further, outwardly positioned, gripping surface 50b that is positioned at a distance x away from the level 50a that normally would be seen as the upper gripping surface of the second jaw. Thanks to this arrangement an object may be more quickly and easily screwed/unscrewed by merely using the gripping surfaces 40, 50b adjacent the opening grip, e.g. once the object has been loosened by the use of the recess 7.
[0050] In FIGS. 8 and 9 there is shown a further embodiment in accordance with the invention. The basic principle is the same as in all other shown embodiments, but a major difference resides in the fact that it does not relate to an open ended tool, but a tool where the two opposing jaws 4, 5 have been closed by an outer wall 16, such that it forms a box wrench or a ring wrench. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 it may be seen that an advantage in accordance with the invention, using opposing recesses 7 with arch-shaped surfaces 8, 9, may easily provide fitting of very different kind of objects, e.g. hexagonal and octagonal, when using the very same tool.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0051] A number of advantages are achieved with the present invention. The most obvious is that one and the same tool may be used for many more shapes and sizes than what it was designed for. Another advantage of the present invention is that worn or damaged contact surfaces on for example nuts, bolts and screws do not hinder them from being tightened or untightened. A further advantage with the present invention is that it applies torque to and between objects that are very sensitive to negative damage in a reliable and very gentle manner.
[0052] Even if certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications can within the scope of the invention become evident for specialists in the field and all such are regarded as falling within the scope of the following claims. It is conceivable for example that the present invention be designed with a ratchet function such as in a so called ratchet wrench or similar design. It is even conceivable that a tool with at least three jaws could be developed.
