Patent ID: 8869330
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: B25B,B25F

Abstract:
1. An improved automotive hand tool for use in service requiring use of a difficult-to-access quick-connect valve, hereinafter defined as a workpiece, of the type used for R134A-compatible air-conditioning systems, which comprises: a) a mechanical claw formed as a hollow cylinder body, said cylinder body having a rigid wall, a closed base and an open top with rim, said wall having a side slot extending from said top down said wall on one side, wherein said cylinder body with open top and side slot is dimensioned for receiving therein a workpiece disposed with valve on/off knob directed at said base, said rim is formed as an raised lip for retaining a workpiece within said cylinder and for engaging a quick-connect locking ring of a workpiece, and further wherein said side slot is dimensioned for accommodating a sidearm of a workpiece; b) a guide sleeve attached to said base of said claw, said guide sleeve having an opening through said base at a first end and a handle at a second end; c) a mechanical finger formed as an actuator rod dimensioned to springedly slide up and down inside said guide sleeve and to rotate therein, said actuator rod extending through said opening into said claw and having a first end with actuator nose comprising a friction tip for engaging a workpiece on the rotating surface of the valve knob and a control end extending beyond said second end of said guide sleeve, said control end comprising a knob affixed thereto, wherein said guide sleeve and mechanical finger define an extension handle assembly; d) further wherein said actuator rod has: