Abstract:
A multi-functional wrench having an adjustable construction that allows the nut or bolt engaging surfaces of the wrench to be located at different angles or positions relative to a handle in order to allow the wrench to be used in otherwise difficult to reach areas. The wrench optionally includes a secondary handle removably connected to a preferably arcuate, multi-functional wrench body that is, in turn, removably connectable to a desired wrench head which includes a work-engaging fitting. The multi-functional wrench has a body that is archial or curved in shape and includes at least one drive post or ratchet and a plurality of sockets that are useful for many applications. The wrench is particularly useful to manipulate the body of straight stop and angle stop compression valves connectable to plumbing under sinks, behind toilets and inside cabinets, as well as nuts and bolts.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a multi-functional wrench having an adjustable construction that allows the nut or bolt engaging surfaces of the wrench to be located at different angles or positions relative to a handle in order to allow the wrench to be used in otherwise difficult to reach areas. The wrench optionally includes a secondary handle removably connected to a preferably arcuate, multi-functional wrench body that is, in turn, removably connectable to a desired wrench head which includes a work-engaging fitting. The multi-functional wrench has a body that is archial or curved in shape and includes at least one drive post or ratchet and a plurality of sockets that are useful for many applications. The wrench is particularly useful to manipulate the body of straight stop and angle stop compression valves connectable to plumbing under sinks, behind toilets and inside cabinets, as well as nuts and bolts. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Ever since the existence of nuts and bolts, inventors have been creating wrenches that can be utilized to manipulate the same. Many different types and styles of wrenches are available and some antique wrenches are highly collectable based upon their fanciful constructions. Examples of various wrenches are set forth in the following documents. U.S. Pat. Nos. 174,745; 2,379,536; 1,384,887; 1,568,442; 1,840,685; 2,804,794; 3,715,937; and 5,870,932. 
         [0003]    In spite of the large number of different styles of wrenches available, there is still a need in the art for an adjustable wrench that can be configured to access and manipulate the body of shut-off valves and nuts and bolts in difficult to reach areas, such as under sinks, behind toilets and inside cabinets where common wrenches sometimes cannot reach or create enough torque to manipulate a nut or bolt. More specifically, a wrench is needed to manipulate valve bodies or nuts on valves containing shut-off knobs and can function in tight or low clearance spaces. An adjustable wrench is needed that can approach a valve from the rear such as in the case of a straight stop valve or from a top or bottom in the case of an angle stop valve in order to make repair or installation a relatively easy task. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In view of the above noted problems, it would be desirable to provide a wrench that is adaptable and able to manipulate nuts and bolts in difficult to reach locations. The above-noted problems are solved by the multi-functional wrench according to the invention. 
         [0005]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional wrench having an archial body that comfortably fits the hand of a user. In some embodiments the wrench body is provided with a side surface having alternating flat and archial areas which create desirable ergonomics and allow the user to create torque necessary to adjust or manipulate a workpiece such as a nut or bolt. The design of the multi-functional wrench allows for more precise execution of tasks and longer working time. 
         [0006]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional wrench having an archial body and a drive post located on each of a pair of working faces on opposite sides of the wrench, which allows for both left and right side use of the wrench. 
         [0007]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional wrench having an archial body having a plurality of sockets present within at least one working face of the body between a first end and a second end. In a preferred embodiment, the sockets are located on both the first working face and a second working face, with the sockets extending therethrough. In yet another embodiment, the archial body includes a central socket located substantially equal distance between first and second ends of the body. The central socket can accept a desired wrench head. In such an embodiment, the wrench can be grasped with two hands on opposite sides of the central socket in order to manipulate a work piece such as a nut or bolt. A desired wrench head can be connected, independently, to the drive post or socket of the archial body. 
         [0008]    Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-functional wrench comprising a pair or more of archial bodies that are removably connected, such as end to end, utilizing the drive post of a first body and a socket of a second body. Connection of two or more archial bodies allows a user to access tight or low clearance areas, such as within an engine compartment, under a sink, or the like. 
         [0009]    The objects of the invention are achieved by the multi-functional wrench of the invention. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention a multi-functional wrench is disclosed, comprising an archial body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body has a first working face and a second working face on an opposite side of the body with respect to the first working face, wherein a drive post is present on each of the first working face and the second working face, and wherein a socket is present within each of the first working face and the second working face. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of the present invention discloses a multi-functional wrench, comprising an archial body having a first end having a first drive post extending outwardly from a working face of the body and a second end having a socket formed in the working face of the body. 
         [0012]    Still another aspect of the present invention discloses a multi-functional wrench, comprising a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body has a first working face and a second working face on an opposite side of the body with respect to the first working face, wherein a drive post is present on each of the first working face and the second working face, and wherein a socket is present within each of the first working face and the second working face. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description of the invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a multi-functional wrench according to the present invention including an optional secondary handle removably connected to a second end of a multi-functional wrench having an archial body and a wrench head removably connected to the archial body at a second end thereof; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench, wherein the ability to approach a workpiece from the opposite side as compared to  FIG. 2  is shown; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  shows a front view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench according to the present invention including a ratcheting wrench head connected to the archial body; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  shows a front view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench according to the present invention including an open-end wrench connected to the archial body; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C  illustrate the adjustability of the wrench including the archial body of the present invention connected to the secondary handle and wrench head at different locations on the body utilizing the available fittings thereof including the drive post and sockets. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  shows a top view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench according to the present invention including an open-end wrench connected to the archial body; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  shows a top view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench according to the present invention including a ratcheting wrench head connected to the archial body; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  shows a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench according to the present invention including an optional secondary handle removable connected to a second end of the multi-functional wrench having an archial body, a ratchet mechanism attached to a second end of the archial body, and wrench head having self centering jaw, the wrench head operatively connected to the archial body adjacent the ratchet mechanism; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is an exploded view of the wrench head illustrated in  FIG. 9 ; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a slightly downward-looking perspective view of a portion of the wrench head shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a front, exploded view showing the archial body separate from the wrench head and handle; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire written description of this invention. In the description, corresponding reference numbers are used throughout the several views to identify the same or functionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “up,” “upper”, “down,” “lower”, “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and are not intended to require a particular orientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including “inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term “operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship. 
         [0028]    The multi-functional wrench of the present invention has a body that is archial in shape and preferably has a desirable radius of curvature, with the body including at least one drive post and/or ratchet mechanism and at least one socket. The wrench body can be utilized in combination with wide variety of wrench heads having assorted connector fittings, either male or female that can attach the wrench head to the wrench body. The design of the wrench facilitates operation in close or tight quarters. When coupled with an appropriate wrench head, the multi-functional wrench is able to approach workpieces from a variety of different angles, even from behind. 
         [0029]    Referring now to the drawings, a multi-functional wrench  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Multi-functional wrench  10  has a body that is archial or curved in shape, generally between a drive end or first end  34  and a socket end or second end  36 , considered with reference to a working face  30  of body  20 . The degree of curvature can vary depending on application of the multi-functional wrench. The degree of curvature should be sufficient in some embodiment in order to provide one or more of the following benefits: user comfort, form that allows use of the wrench in close or tight quarters, necessary generation of torque, and precise execution of wrenching activities. 
         [0030]    Body  20 , in various figures, includes a drive post  22 , preferably located at first end  34 . Drive post  22  extends outwardly from working face  30 . In a preferred embodiment drive post  20  is a square post which is engageable in the square socket of any of the known types of socket heads or wrenches, such as wrench head  70 . 
         [0031]    In a further embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , multi-functional wrench  10  is provided with a body  10  having at least two drive posts  22 . In one embodiment at least one drive post  22  is located on each working face  30 . Two such drive posts  22  are illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . In a particularly preferred embodiment, a first drive post  22  is directly opposite, e.g. 180°, a second drive post  22  on a different working face  30  of body  20 . Locating a drive post  22  on each working face allows the multi-functional wrench  10  to be utilized on either a right or left side of a particular construction or workpiece without requiring an additional wrench. By possessing two or more drive posts  22 , the multi-functional wrench  10  can also be connected to a plurality of wrench heads that may be necessary to complete the desired task. 
         [0032]    As illustrated in the figures, body  20  is also provided with one or more sockets  24 . In a preferred embodiment, body  20  includes a plurality of sockets  24 . While the sockets can be formed in any particular shape, preferably at least one socket and preferably all sockets  24  are square sockets and able to accept a square post present on an accessory such as a wrench head  60  shown in  FIG. 1  which includes a connector fitting  62 , in particular square post  63 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, a plurality of sockets, that is two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or the like, are located on a single working face  30 , and spaced, independently, a desired distance from each other. Accordingly, the multi-functional wrench  10  body  20  is quite adaptable to a variety of different applications. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment of the present invention, the body  20  includes a socket  24  in the form of an intermediate or central socket  25  that is generally centrally located between first end  34  and second end  36  of body  20 . When utilized herein, the term “centrally located” with respect to the central socket means that at least a portion of the central socket falls within a centerline of the body equal distance between the first end and second end of the body. 
         [0035]    Body  20  of multi-functional wrench  10  includes a pair of sides  32  located between the two working faces  30 . The sides  32  can be provided with one or more ribs  26  and one or more flat or substantially flat areas  28 . A combination of ribs and flats have been found to provide excellent grip to the wrench  10 . The second end  36  of body  20  serves as a handle  38  in one embodiment of multi-functional wrench  10 . The first end  34  can also serve as a handle for example when central socket  35  is fitted with a wrench head. As such, both ends  34 ,  36  of body  20  can be grasped by the user to provide an actuating force to the wrench  10 . 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the sockets  24  of body  20  preferably extend completely therethrough such that a socket  24  on one working face  30  is present as a socket  24  on the opposite working face. 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , wrench head  60  having adjustable jaw  66  includes a connector fitting  62  comprising a square post  63  that is mateable and removable from socket  24 . Wrench head  60  is also provided with a secondary fitting  64  in the form of a groove or depression at the end where wrench head  60  is connected to wrench body  20  with the groove or depression mating with rib  26  and areas adjacent thereto in contact with or generally adjacent flat  28  of body  20 . Such a construction including the two different types of fittings ensures that wrench head  60  is securely yet removably joined to wrench body  20 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates optional secondary handle  50  that can be connected to body  20 . Secondary handle  50  includes a grip end  52  including a hand grip  53  and a connector fitting end  54  including a connector fitting  55 , and post  56 , as illustrated. Intermediate section  58  is located between the connector fitting end  54  and grip end  52  and can vary in length as to desired in order to provide the multi-functional wrench  10  with a desired configuration. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a rear view of the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing the ability of the multi-functional wrench  10  to approach a workpiece from the opposite side as compared to  FIGS. 1 and 3 , with  FIG. 3  being a front view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  illustrates a further embodiment of multi-functional wrench  10  of the present invention including a wrench head  60  including a ratchet mechanism  68 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  illustrates a further embodiment of multi-functional wrench  10  of the present invention including a wrench head  60  including an open end wrench  69 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C  present a series of images showing a wrench head  60  being connected to body  20  at a plurality of different locations thereon. Thus, multi-functional wrench  10  can be configured in many ways and applied under many different circumstances and situations. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 7 and 8  show a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench  10  according to the present invention including different styles of a ratcheting mechanism  68  and open end wrench  69 , wherein wrench head  70  includes a socket at one end that is connected to drive post  22  of body  20 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 9  illustrates a further embodiment of a multi-functional wrench of the present invention, with the primary construction thereof being similar to the multi-function wrench illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, in  FIG. 9 , the first end or drive end  34  includes a ratchet mechanism  80 . The ratchet mechanism  80  has a drive system that allows continuous rotary drive motion in only one direction, while preventing a drive motion in the opposite direction. When turned in the opposite direction, the ratchet does not turn the drive, but allows the wrench to be repositioned for another turn while staying attached to the object that is acted upon. The ratcheting mechanism allows rapid manipulation of the drive, a drive head attached thereto and a component operatively connected to the ratcheting mechanism in small increments without requiring the drive head to be disconnected from the component being worked upon. In one preferred embodiment, a switch is built into the ratchet mechanism that allows the user to apply the ratcheting action in either direction, as needed to tighten or loosen the component being worked on. The ratchet mechanism includes a round gear and a pivoting, spring loaded pawl that engages the teeth of the gear. The teeth are shaped as desired to allow forward movement and restrict backward movement, as known in the art. 
         [0044]    Wrench head  60  illustrated in  FIGS. 9-11  includes a self-centering wrench head  90  which includes a first jaw  91  and a second jaw  92  that are moveable in opposite directions along track  93 . The length of track  93  is sufficient to provide a desired maximum clearance between the inner end faces  94  of the first and second jaws  91 ,  92 . Each jaw includes a fitting engagable with track  93  such that the jaw can be moved along a length thereof with the jaw being operatively connected to the guide or track  93 . Wrench head  90  also includes a worm screw  96  that is mateable with key  95  of each jaw  91  and  92 . Worm screw  96  includes two sets of continuous teeth journaled in opposite directions so that the jaws  91 ,  92  can be moved in opposite directions from each other when the worm screw  96  is manipulated such as by a user, or by a tool using worm screw key or knob  97 . In one embodiment, the worm screw key or knob  97  is configured to accept one or more of a square drive post, straight bit and a Phillips-type bit implement. Wrench head  90  also includes a track end fitting  98  secured to the track by any suitable means such as a fastener or pin  99  which extends through a portion of the track  93  and the track end fitting  98 . Manipulating the worm screw  96  in a first direction will bring the jaws closer together, whereas moving the worm screw in the opposite direction will separate the jaws. 
         [0045]    Wrench head  90  is self-centering in the sense that the jaws  91 ,  92  meet at substantially the center of track  93 , as opposed to one of the jaws being fixed at one end of the track and the remaining jaw adjustable in relation thereto. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the jaws  91 ,  92  are also in line with an axis formed by the longitudinal axis of secondary handle  50 . The jaws  91 ,  91  preferably face the secondary handle  50  in one embodiment. The jaws  91 ,  92  are disposed on the same side of the wrench head  90  as the handle  100 , and generally face the same direction as the user, as shown in  FIG. 9 . This particular arrangement facilitates alignment and manipulation of nuts in difficult to reach areas. The wrench head has jaws that are removable/interchangeable which enables the user to interchange different jaw types easily and quickly. The snap-in clips  95  that hold the jaws in place are removable and reusable. The clips  95  are also indexed the same as the worm gear which holds the worm gear in place and provides for the adjustment of the jaws. Track end fitting  98  is also removable by removing the coil pin  99 . The arm of the wrench  100  is at an angle which keeps the jaw centerline directly inline with the handle when in the primary position. The jaws  91 , 92  travel on the track  93  in such a way that, when engaging the work surface, the points that meet the bottom of the track and the top of the track at opposite corners lock the jaws in place. Unlike standard adjustable wrenches, the track  93  is unique because of the low clearance which enables the user to get into tight spaces and reach behind valves bodies when close to walls or back of cabinets. The worm gear knob  97  is located at the end of wrench instead of the top for easy access in tight spaces, unlike some standard adjustable wrenches which are located on the top of the wrench. So, when the wrench is being used in hard to reach areas, the wrench can still be adjusted without removing it from the workspace. Another unique feature about the knob structure and position is that if the user does not have access in tight spaces to turn the knob with his hand he can insert a Phillips, square drive or nut driver in the end of the knob to turn the knob and manipulate the jaws. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment the self-centering wrench head  90  includes a handle  100  of any desired length and has a connector fitting  62  attached at one end thereof. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , the connector fitting is a square post. Wrench head  90  also includes a secondary fitting  64  in the form of a groove or depression at the end where wrench head  90  is connected to wrench body  20 , with the groove or depression mating with a rib  26  and areas adjacent thereto in contact with or generally adjacent flat  28  of the body  20 . 
         [0047]    In accordance with the patent statutes, the best mode and preferred embodiment have been set forth; the scope of the invention is not limited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.