Abstract:
A universal offset wrench with a width-adjustable head for fire sprinkler systems includes an operating end having a width-adjustment mechanism used to expand and retract an adjustable jaw relative to a fixed jaw. The adjustable jaw accommodates sprinkler heads of various sizes and types. The offset operating end can be used with concealed sprinkler heads by allowing the wrench to fit under the sprinkler head while clearing ceiling obstructions.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to wrenches, and in particular, to an offset wrench with a width adjustable head for use with fire sprinklers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As anyone who performs a lot of mechanical work will attest, nothing beats having the proper tool for a job. The proper tool can save time and money, produces a higher quality job, reduces damage to equipment, and provides for the increased safety of the worker. Each field of mechanical work has its own type of specialty tools, each performing a specialized task. The field of fire sprinkler installation has many such specialized tools, but one important tool is still missing. 
     Overhead sprinkler heads attach to their respective piping systems by use of a threaded fitting and must be tightened or loosened with a wrench. One (1) problem with current tools is that the opening for the wrench is typically extremely narrow. Additionally, the sprinkler heads are often concealed within the ceiling or other structure which presents an even greater access problem. 
     Another problem is that each style and model of sprinkler head typically includes different sizes and diameters and needs a wrench or tool sized specifically for each type of sprinkler head. This requires the purchase of a new tool each time the sprinkler heads are replaced. Should a regular wrench be used, damage to the head, the piping system, or the surrounding ceiling is often the inevitable result. 
     While known sprinkler head tools exist, nothing addresses the aforementioned problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The inventor has recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and lack in the art and observed that there is a need for a means by which various work activities on sprinkler heads can be accomplished without the disadvantages as described above. The inventor has thus realized the advantages and benefits of providing an offset wrench with adjustable head. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present embodiments of the invention to address this need by developing an offset wrench with adjustable head that is simple to use in the removal and installation of fire sprinkler heads. Another object is to avoid the disadvantages of the known art by providing a single tool that is size-adjustable to fit sprinkler heads of different size, style, and type. 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, it is a feature of the invention to provide a device having a handle, a generally flat shank extending from the handle at a first offset angle relative to the handle, and a fixed jaw extending from the shank having a second offset angle relative to the shank. 
     Another feature of the invention is that the device includes an adjustable jaw moveably coupled to the shank. The adjustable jaw includes a generally flat base member and a jaw member extending from the base member at the second offset. 
     Another feature of the invention is that the device includes a smooth collar formed from a tubular member having smooth interior wall affixed to a back surface of the shank opposite the fixed jaw and a threaded collar formed from a tubular member having threaded interior wall affixed to a back surface the base member opposite the jaw member. 
     Another feature of the invention is that the device includes an adjustment recess disposed in the shank to accommodate the threaded collar. 
     Another feature of the invention is that the device includes an adjustment mechanism mechanically connected between the smooth collar and the threaded collar for adjusting a distance between the fixed jaw and the adjustable jaw. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to provide an adjustment mechanism having an actuator wheel, a smooth shaft extending from a first side of the wheel and attached to the smooth collar, and a threaded shaft extending from an opposing second side of the wheel and attached to the threaded collar. The threaded shaft threadingly mates with the threaded interior of the threaded collar such that rotation of the wheel adjusts a distance between the fixed jaw and the adjustable jaw. 
     Furthermore, the described features and advantages of the disclosure may be combined in various manners and embodiments as one skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The disclosure can be practiced without one (1) or more of the features and advantages described in a particular embodiment. 
     Further advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is rear perspective view of an offset wrench with adjustable head in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded partial rear perspective view of the offset wrench with adjustable head; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the offset wrench with adjustable head; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial front perspective view of the offset wrench with adjustable head; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the offset wrench with adjustable head; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the offset wrench with adjustable head in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a cheater bar attachable to the offset wrench with adjustable head in accordance with the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8  is side view of the offset wrench with adjustable head with the cheater bar attached. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  offset wrench with adjustable head 
               20  handle 
               21  shank 
               22  fixed jaw 
               23  adjustable jaw 
               24  first offset angle 
               25  adjustment recess 
               26  second offset angle 
               27  adjustment mechanism 
               28  base member 
               29  keeper feature 
               29   a  upper keeper feature 
               29   b  lower keeper feature 
               30  keeper channel 
               30   a  upper keeper channel 
               30   b  lower keeper channel 
               31  jaw member 
               32  smooth collar 
               33  wheel 
               34  smooth shaft 
               35  threaded shaft 
               37  open area 
               38  threaded collar 
               39  handle cover 
               40  cheater bar 
               41  handle end 
               42  bar handle cover 
               43  outer handle retainer 
               44  inner handle retainer 
               45  closed top surface 
               46  retainer end 
               47  standoff member 
               48  third offset angle 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In accordance with the invention, the best mode is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 , and in terms of alternate embodiments, herein depicted within  FIGS. 6 through 8 . However, the disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the disclosure and that any such work around will also fall under its scope. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure, and only one particular configuration may be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 8 , depicting an offset wrench with adjustable head (herein described as a “device”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure describes an adjustable device  10  for removing and installing fire sprinkler heads from fire sprinkler systems. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , the device  10  is provided with a double offset embodiment generally including an elongated handle  20 , a shank  21 , a fixed jaw  22 , and an adjustable jaw  23 . The device  10  is preferably fabricated from cast aluminum, cast iron, or similarly durable and rigid materials. The handle  20  has a generally flat shape from a grip end and to the shank  21 . The handle  20  is approximately six inches (6 in.) long, one inch (1 in.) wide and between one quarter inch (¼ in.) and five-sixteenths inch ( 5/16 in.) thick; however it can be appreciated that these general dimensions can vary depending upon final manufacture and design. In certain embodiment a handle  20  also includes a rubberized handle cover  39  integrally affixed to an exterior surface. The shank  21  is preferably flat. The handle  20  and the shank  21  preferably have rounded and tapered sides to provide a comfortable grip to a user. The shank  21  extends from the handle at a first offset angle  24 , defined between a back surface of the shank  21  and a top surface of the handle  20 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , this first offset angle  24  is preferably between ninety degrees (90°) and one hundred degrees (100°), preferably ninety-five degrees (95°). The shank  21  has a generally flat front and back surface and a thickness of approximately between one-fourth inch (¼ in.) and five-sixteenths inch ( 5/16 in.). 
     The fixed jaw  22  is disposed at an upper side shoulder of the shank  21  and extends from an end of the shank  21  opposite the handle  20  at a second offset angle  26 . The second offset angle  26  is defined between a lower surface of the jaw  22  and the front surface of the shank  21 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , this second offset angle  26  is approximately between ninety degrees (90°) and one hundred degrees (100°), preferably ninety-five degrees) (95°. The offset angles  24 ,  26  allow the jaws  22 ,  23  to access and engage recessed or concealed sprinkler heads. The adjustable jaw  23  is movably attached to the shank  21 . An adjustment mechanism  27  is attached to the shank  21  and mechanically connected to the adjustable jaw  23  for slidably adjusting the position of the adjustable jaw  23  relative to the fixed jaw  22 , thereby adjusting the width between the jaws  22 ,  23 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the adjustable jaw  23  includes a base member  28  and a jaw member  31 . The base member  28  is a generally flat rectangular member in contact with the front surface of the shank  21 . The back surface of the base member  28  contacts the front surface of the shank  21 . The jaw member  31  extends from the base member  28  at the second offset angle  26 , such that the fixed jaw  22  and the adjustable jaw member  31  are parallel and aligned. The fixed jaw  22  and the adjustable jaw member  31  are approximately between one and five-eighths inch (1⅝″) and one and three-fourths inch (1¾ in.) long and seven-sixteenths inch ( 7/16 in.) and five-eighths inch (⅝ in.) wide. These dimension ranges provide for standard and large embodiments of the device  10 . The outside edges of the fixed jaw  22  and the adjustable jaw member  31 , particularly approaching the end, are rounded to accommodate fitting into obstructed areas when engaging a concealed sprinkler head. 
     As best seen in  FIG. 2 , the adjustment mechanism  27  includes an actuator wheel  33 , a smooth shaft  34  extending from a first side of the wheel  33 , and a threaded shaft  35  extending from the opposing second side of the wheel  33 . A smooth collar  32  is affixed to the back surface of the shank  21  for connection of the smooth shaft  34 . The smooth collar  32  is a tubular member having a smooth interior surface for allowing the smooth shaft  34  to freely rotate therewithin. An end of the smooth shaft  34  opposite the wheel  33  has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the smooth collar  32  which acts as a stop and retains the smooth shaft  34  within the smooth collar  32 . A threaded collar  38  is affixed to the back surface of the base member  28  between a pair of keeper features  29 . The threaded collar  38  is a tubular member having a threaded interior surface for mechanically engaging the threaded shaft  35 , such that rotation of the adjusting mechanism  27  moves the adjustable jaw  23  inwardly and outwardly relative to the fixed jaw  22 . An end of the threaded shaft  35  opposite the wheel  33  has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the threaded collar  38  which acts as a stop to prevent the adjustable jaw  23  from moving off of the threaded shaft  35  due to over rotation. 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the shank  21  includes an adjustment recess  25  extending laterally inward from a side portion opposite the fixed jaw  22  to accommodate the threaded collar  38  during movement of the adjustable jaw  23 . The pair of keeper features  29  extends generally perpendicularly outward and laterally along a back surface of the base member  28  opposite the jaw member  31 . An upper keeper feature  29   a  is disposed on an upper end of the base member  28  and a lower keeper feature  29   b  is disposed on a lower end of the base member  28 . A pair of keeper channels  30  extends laterally inward from the side portion opposite the fixed jaw  22 . An upper keeper channel  30   a  is disposed above the adjustment recess  25  at an upper end of the shank  21 . A lower keeper channel  30   b  is disposed below the adjustment recess  25  at a lower end of the shank  21 . The keeper features  29  align with and slide within the keeper channels  30 . The keeper features  29  have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape and the keeper channels  30  have a matching generally triangular cross-sectional profile and dimensions, within close tolerance of the keeper feature  29 , such that the keeper features  30  are slidable and securely retained within the keeper channels  30 . The keeper channels  30  extend through the shank  21   a  sufficient distance to allow the adjustable jaw  23  to close and approach the fixed jaw  22 . 
     As best seen in  FIG. 5 , the threaded collar  38  extends away from the back surface of the base member  28  at a distance approximately equivalent to the thickness of the shank  21  by a standoff member  47 . The adjustment recess  25  allows the threaded collar  38  to move linearly along the threaded shaft  35 . 
     As best seen in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the adjustment mechanism  27  extends laterally along the back of the shank  21  and mechanically connects the smooth collar  32  and the threaded collar  38 . The wheel  33  is generally disposed at a center of the back surface of the shank  21  and is not in contact with nor is it connected to the shank  21  or the either of the collars  32 ,  38 ; thus allowing it to freely rotate. In certain embodiments, the adjustment recess  25  extends inwardly a sufficient distance such that the wheel  33  is positioned within the adjustment recess  25 . This embodiment allows the wheel  33  to be larger by accommodating a larger diameter without interfering with the back surface of the shank  21 . In certain embodiments, the wheel  33  also includes a knurled or textured surface for improving contact with the finger or thumb of the user during rotation of the wheel  33  and width adjustment of the adjustable jaw  23 . Rotation of the wheel  33  in a first direction expands the adjustable jaw  23  outwardly to an expanded state by incrementally sliding the base member  28  out from the shank  21  and away from the fixed jaw  22 . Rotation of the wheel  33  in an opposing second direction retracts the adjustable jaw  23  inwardly to a retracted state by incrementally sliding the base member  28  into the shank  21  and toward the fixed jaw  22 . Preferably the distance between the jaws  22 ,  23  in the standard version of the device  10  is width-adjustable between approximately five-eighths inch (⅝ in.) in the retracted state and three-fourths inch (¾ in.) in the expanded state, in order to accommodate sprinkler heads of varying sizes. Preferably the distance between the jaws  22 ,  23  in the large version of the device  10  is width-adjustable between approximately three-fourths inch (¾ in.) in the retracted state and one and one-eighths inches (1⅛ in.) expanded state, in order to accommodate sprinkler heads of varying sizes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , the device  10  can also be provided in a single offset embodiment generally including the elongated handle  20 , the shank  21 , the fixed jaw  22 , and the adjustable jaw  23 . The single offset embodiment of the device  10  includes substantially similar features as the previously described double offset embodiment. In the single offset embodiment of the device  10 , the first offset angle  24  is approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) providing a generally straight handle  20  and shank  21 . In the single offset embodiment of the device  10 , the second offset angle  26  is approximately between one hundred forty-five degrees (145°) and one hundred sixty-five degrees (165°) between the shank  21  and the jaws  22 ,  23 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the device  10  can also include an attachable cheater bar  40 . The cheater bar  40  is preferably fabricated from cast aluminum, cast iron, or similarly durable and rigid materials. The cheater bar  40  included an elongated generally flat bar handle end  41  and a generally flat retainer end  46 . In certain embodiments the bar handle end  41  also includes a rubberized bar handle cover  42  integrally affixed to an exterior surface. A pair of handle retainers is affixed along the retainer end  46  for receiving and retaining the handle  20  of the device  10 . An outer handle retainer  43  is affixed to an end of the retainer end  46  opposite the grip of the bar handle end  41  for retaining the grip end of the handle  20  of the device  10 . An inner handle retainer  44  is affixed to the retainer end  46  at an intermediate position for retaining the end of the handle  20  of the device  10  near the shank  21 . The handle retainers  43 ,  44  are generally C-clamp type members having an open inner area suitably shaped and sized for insertingly receiving the handle  20  of the device  10 . The outer handle retainer  43  includes an open bottom and closed top surface  45  for inserting the handle  20  partially therethrough and stabilizing the handle  20  therewithin. The inner handle retainer  44  includes an open top and bottom for inserting the handle  20  entirely therethrough. As best seen in  FIG. 8 , the cheater bar  40  can be of any suitable length and is shown broken away to indicate indeterminate length for clarity. Preferably, the retainer end  46  of the cheater bar  40  has a length approximately equivalent to the length of the handle  20  of the device  10 . The cheater bar  40  also includes a third offset angle  48  defined between bottom surfaces of the bar handle end  41  and the retainer end  46 . The third offset angle  48  can be approximately one hundred eighty degrees (180°) providing a generally straight cheater bar  40 . In certain embodiments, the third offset angle  48  can be less than one hundred eighty degrees (180°) providing a generally offset cheater bar  40 . 
     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present disclosure and only certain particular configurations have been shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the various embodiments can be utilized by the user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it is installed and utilized as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 8 . The method of utilizing the device  10  can be achieved by performing a series of steps. It can be appreciated that the steps described can be performed in alternative order and as such should not be viewed as a limiting factor. 
     To use the device  10 , the user grips the handle  20  and positions the head, including the jaws  22 ,  23  next to a particular work surface. The device  10  is intended to be particularly beneficial for use when removing or installing recessed or concealed sprinkler head mechanisms of overhead fire sprinkler systems. The jaws  22 ,  23  are adjusted to a selected width-adjusted position by actuating the wheel  33  in a forward or rearward direction. Rotation of the wheel  33  in one (1) direction expands the adjustable jaw  23  outwardly for larger sizes of sprinkler heads. Rotation of the wheel  33  in the opposite direction retracts the adjustable jaw  23  inwardly for smaller sizes of sprinkler heads. The combined offsets of the first offset angle  24  and the second offset angle  26  provide for use of the device  10  around interfering structural features and allows the jaws  22 ,  23  to easily access the base of the sprinkler head. When removing or installing difficult or hard to turn sprinkler heads, the cheater bar  40  can be coupled to the handle  20  for providing additional torque and stability control. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Various modifications and variations can be appreciated by one skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles and practical application in accordance with the invention to enable those skilled in the art to best utilize the various embodiments with expected modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the invention.