Abstract:
A plumbing tool for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke. A method for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke.

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to the field of manual wrench tools. More particularly, this disclosure relates to manual wrench tools for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware in a confined or difficult to reach space. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wrench technology has somewhat advanced over the past couple of decades, but one thing that has not changed significantly is the ability of a wrench to access a piece of plumbing hardware in difficult to reach places. For example, fluid meter yokes are commonly located in subterranean boxes or other difficult to reach locations. In addition to being difficult to access, a piece of plumbing hardware generally require the application of large amounts of force to install or remove as the associated plumbing hardware must be installed tight enough to substantially prevent leaks. 
     In a typical method of manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware in a difficult to reach location, such as, for example, a water meter valve, two or more persons are required to both manipulate the valve with a wrench and to hold the water meter in place during manipulation. Further, these existing methods frequently require one of the persons manipulating the valve to lie down or kneel so that the wrench may be placed on the desired valve. Thus, manipulating a water meter valve and other pieces of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke may be physically strenuous and difficult, if not impossible, for one person to perform. 
     What is needed, therefore, is a tool for manipulating a valve or other plumbing hardware associated with a fluid meter yoke wherein the fluid meter yoke is located in a difficult to reach location that allows an individual to manipulate the valve or other hardware and reduces the physical strain required to manipulate the valve or other plumbing hardware. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above and other needs are met by a tool configured for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke, the tool comprising a wrench member including a wrench head and an attachment portion; an elongate arm member including a proximal end and a distal end wherein the distal end of the arm member is connected to the attachment portion of the wrench member, the arm member configured to optionally extend substantially orthogonal to the wrench member; a handle member connected to the arm member, the handle member configured to extend at an angle α relative to the lengthwise orientation of the arm member; a first appendage adjacent the distal end of the handle member extending at an angle τ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member; and a second appendage proximate the first appendage, the second appendage extending at an angle σ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member, forming a gap between the first appendage and the second appendage for partially receiving an elongate shaft of a separate object wherein the separate object is free to rotate along its length axis while the tool optionally remains unmoved. 
     The attachment portion of the wrench member may include, for example, a first hinge portion and the arm member includes a second hinge portion adjacent the proximal end of the arm member that is engageable with the first hinge portion of the wrench member to form a hinge providing a hinge connection between the wrench member and the arm member. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the tool may further comprise a contact portion adjacent the distal end of the handle member extending substantially orthogonal to the lengthwise orientation of the arm member for partially contacting an elongate shaft of a separate object wherein the separate object is free to rotate along its length axis while the tool optionally remains unmoved. 
     As examples, the wrench head member may comprise a wrench selected from the group consisting of a pipe wrench, pliers, an adjustable wrench and a fixed-width wrench. 
     In another aspect, a tool is provided for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke, the tool comprising a wrench member including a wrench head and an attachment portion, the attachment portion including a first hinge portion; an elongate arm member including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a second hinge portion is located adjacent the distal end of the arm member and is engageable with the first hinge portion to form a hinge such that the first arm member is configured to optionally extend substantially orthogonal to the wrench member; an elongate handle member including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the handle member is removably connected to the proximal end of the first elongate arm member, the handle member configured to extend at an angle α relative to the arm member; a securing structure to secure the connection between the arm member and the handle member; a first appendage adjacent the distal end of the handle member extending at an angle σ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member; and a second appendage proximate the first appendage, the second appendage extending at an angle α relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member, forming a gap between the first appendage and the second appendage for partially contacting an elongate shaft of a separate object wherein the separate object is free to rotate along its length axis while the tool optionally remains unmoved. 
     Optionally, the tool may further comprise a first length portion of the arm member starting from the proximal end of the arm member and a first length portion of the handle member starting at the proximal end of the handle member wherein the first length portion of the arm member is slidably engageable along the first length portion of the handle member. 
     As examples, the wrench head may comprise a wrench selected from the group consisting of a pipe wrench, pliers, an adjustable wrench and a fixed-width wrench. 
     Preferably, the tool further comprises a grip portion disposed around the proximal end of the handle member. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the tool may further comprise a second length portion of the handle member starting at the distal end of the handle member and extending orthogonal to the first length portion of the handle member, first length portion of the arm member is slidably engageable with the second length portion of the handle member. 
     As examples, the arm member may comprise a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular, ovular, polygonal, and combinations thereof; and wherein the handle member comprises a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of circular, ovular, polygonal, and combinations thereof. 
     Optionally, the second length portion of the handle member may further comprise a tube proximate the distal end of the handle member wherein the tube includes an elongate aperture therethrough wherein the cross-sectional shape of the elongate aperture is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the majority of the length of the elongate arm member, wherein the handle member can be connected to the arm member via a slidable connection wherein the tube is slidable along the majority of the length of the arm member. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the first length portion of the arm member may further comprise a plurality of alternate bores therethrough crosswise wherein the first bore and each member of the plurality of alternate bores can be substantially aligned wherein a removable pin can be inserted therethrough to hold the arm member in place relative to the handle member. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the second length portion of the handle member includes a first bore therethrough crosswise and the first length portion of the arm member includes a second bore therethrough crosswise, wherein the first bore and the second bore are substantially aligned wherein the removable pin can be extended therethrough to hold the arm member in place relative to the handle member 
     In another aspect, embodiments of the disclosure provide for a method for manipulating a piece of plumbing hardware configured for connection to a fluid meter yoke, the method comprising the steps of: (a) engaging a wrench tool to a first section of a fluid meter yoke configured for connection to a piece of plumbing hardware, wherein the wrench tool further comprises (i) a wrench member including a wrench head and an attachment portion, (ii) an elongate arm member including a proximal end and a distal end wherein the distal end of the arm member is connected to the attachment portion of the wrench member, the arm member configured to be extendable in a manner substantially orthogonal to the wrench member, (iii) an elongate handle member including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the handle member is connected to the proximal end of the first elongate arm member, the handle member configured to be extendable in a manner substantially orthogonal to the arm member, (iv) a first appendage proximate the distal end of the handle member extending at an angle τ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member; and (v) a second appendage proximate the first appendage, the second appendage extending at an angle σ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member, forming a space between the first appendage and the second appendage for partially receiving an elongate shaft of a separate object; (b) engaging a valve wrench to a first section of a valve to manipulate the valve relative to the fluid meter yoke; (c) situating the shaft of the valve wrench at least partially between the first appendage and the second appendage of the wrench tool; and (d) rotating the shaft of the valve wrench along its lengthwise axis to manipulate the valve relative to the fluid meter yoke while holding the fluid meter yoke steady using the wrench tool. 
     As examples, the valve preferably comprises a valve selected from the group consisting of a check valve and an angle valve. 
     Optionally, the distal end of the handle member is removably connected to the proximal end of the first elongate arm member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of an embodiment of a wrench tool in a first configuration as described herein; 
         FIG. 2  shows a partially disengaged side view of the wrench tool of  FIG. 1  as described herein; 
         FIG. 3  shows a side view of the wrench tool of  FIG. 1  in a second configuration; 
         FIG. 4  shows a somewhat schematic close-up perspective view of the contact portion of an embodiment of a wrench tool described herein; 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of a fluid meter yoke as described herein; 
         FIG. 6  shows a somewhat schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a wrench tool manipulating a fluid meter valve as described herein; 
         FIG. 7  shows a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of a wrench tool manipulating a fluid meter valve as described herein; 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the wrench tool of  FIG. 1  shown in a third configuration. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of another configuration of the wrench tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of yet another configuration of the wrench tool of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of yet another configuration of the wrench tool of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 12  shows a close-up perspective view of a hinge portion of an embodiment of a wrench toot as described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a wrench tool  10  including a wrench member  12 , an elongate arm member  14 , and a handle member  16 . The wrench member  12  is preferably connected to a distal end  15  of the arm member  14  such that the arm member  14  preferably can extend substantially orthogonal to the lengthwise orientation of the wrench member  12 . The handle member  16  is preferably connected to the arm member  14  with the handle member  16  extending at an angle α from the arm member  14 , the angle α preferably ranging from about 30° to about 150° and more preferably from about 80° to about 100°. 
       FIG. 2  shows a side view of the wrench tool  10  in a disassembled format. The wrench member  12  includes a wrench head  18  and an attachment portion  20 . The wrench head  18  preferably includes a pipe wrench, pliers, an adjustable wrench or a fixed-width wrench. The wrench member  12  also preferably includes a first hinge portion  22  for hingedly connecting the wrench member  12  to the distal end  15  of the elongate arm member  14 . 
     The elongate arm member  14  preferably includes an elongate piece of square tubing. However, it is also understood that the arm member  14  may be formed of circular, ovular, or polygonal cross-sectionally shaped tubing. The arm member  14  includes a second hinge portion  24  located proximate a the distal end  15  of the arm member  14  adjacent the wrench head  12  for hingedly connecting the arm member  14  to the wrench member  12 . With reference to  FIG. 12 , the first hinge portion  22  of the wrench member  12  is hingedly connected to the second hinge portion  24  of the arm member  14  using a fastener  120 . In this embodiment, the fastener is in the form of a bolt, but other fasters and/or hinge designs known to a person having ordinary skill in the art are contemplated including, for example, universal joints and barrel hinges. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 12 , the fastener  120  extends substantially through the first hinge portion  22  and the second hinge portion  24 , thereby connecting the arm member  14  to the wrench member  12  and allowing the wrench member  12  to hinge with respect to the arm member  14 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 2 , the wrench tool  10  further includes a handle member  16  including a distal end  25  and a proximal end  27  and is preferably formed of an elongate piece of polygonal tubing. However, it is also understood that the handle member  16  may be formed of circular, ovular, or other cross-sectionally shaped tubing. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the handle member  16  includes a sleeve portion  42  adjacent the distal end  25  of the handle member  16  for connecting the handle member  16  to the arm member  14 . The sleeve portion  42  is formed such that the sleeve portion  42  fits along the arm member  14 , preferably in a manner in which the sleeve portion  42  can be slid along the arm member  14  to different locations lengthwise along the arm member  14 . In one embodiment, a first bore  26  extends through the sleeve portion  42  and a second bore  29  extends through the arm member  14 . When the sleeve portion  42  is connected to the arm member  14 , a pin  44  can be inserted through the first bore  26  and the second bore  29 , thereby removably connecting the handle member  16  to the arm member  14 . 
     The handle member  16  further includes a contact portion  45  shown in  FIG. 4 . While the present discussion describes a first contact portion  45  located along one side of the handle member  16 , it is also contemplated that a second contact portion  45  may be located on the opposite side of the handle member  16  and configured in the same manner as discussed herein. The contact portion  45  preferably includes a first appendage  46 A and a second appendage  46 B extending from the arm member  16  proximate the distal end  25  of the handle member  16  adjacent the arm member  14 . The first appendage  46 A preferably extends at an angle τ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member  16 , the angle preferably ranging from about 30° to about 150° and more preferably from about 80° to about 100°. In one embodiment, the second appendage  46 B extends substantially parallel to the first appendage  46 A. In an alternative embodiment, the second appendage  46 B may extend at an angle σ relative to the lengthwise orientation of the handle member  116 , the angle σ preferably ranging from about 30° to about 150° and more preferably from about 80° to about 100°. The first appendage  46 A and the second appendage  46 B form a gap W for receiving an elongate shaft of a separate tool. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the wrench tool  10  configured for transportation, storage, or an alternate use. In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the cross-sectional width of the arm member  14  is less than the cross-sectional width of the hollow interior of the handle member  16  such that the arm member  14  may fit within and slidingly engage with the handle member  16 . A third bore  32  ( FIG. 2 ) extends cross-sectionally through the handle member  16  such that the removable pin  44  may be inserted through the third bore  32  and the second bore  29  to removably connect the arm member  14  to the handle member  16  in the configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, the width of the handle member  16  may be less than the width of the arm member  14  such that the handle member  16  may be secured within the arm member  14 . 
       FIGS. 8-11  illustrate various alternative configurations of the wrench tool  10 . Optionally, the second portion of the handle member may further comprise a tube or sleeve portion  42  proximate the end of the handle member wherein the tube includes an elongate aperture therethrough wherein the cross-sectional shape, of the elongate aperture is substantially the same as the cross-sectional shape of the majority of the length of the elongate arm member, wherein the handle member can be connected to the arm member via a slidable connection wherein the tube is slidable along the majority of the length of the arm member. For example,  FIG. 8  shows the handle member  16  connected to the arm member  14  adjacent the wrench head  12 .  FIG. 9  shows the handle member  16  connected to the proximal end  17  of the arm member  14 ,  FIGS. 10 and 11  show various positions of the handle member  16  in relation to the wrench member  12 .  FIG. 10  further shows a plurality of alternate bores  29 ′ where the handle member  16  can be secured to the arm member  14  at different locations along the arm member  14 . 
     In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the handle member  16  further includes a grip portion  28  ( FIG. 2 ) disposed around the proximal end  27  of the handle member  16 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a common water meter yoke assembly  50  including an angle valve  52 A and a check valve  52 B. The water meter typically installed in the water meter yoke assembly  50  has been omitted from this figure for the purpose of more clearly illustrating, for example, the installation and removal of valves  52 A and  52 B. Examples of common valves used on a water meter yoke assembly include both check valves and angle valves. The valves  52 A and  52 B include a valve attachment section  56  that is engaged with a yoke attachment section  58 . To remove or install the valves  52 A and  52 B, the yoke attachment section  58  must be substantially secured in place while manipulating the valve attachment section  56  or valve  52 A. Securing the yoke attachment section  58  allows the valve attachment section  56  to be rotated in relation to the yoke attachment section  58 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 , a method of using an embodiment of the present wrench tool  10  to manipulate a valve  52 A on a water meter yoke assembly  50  is shown. To manipulate the valve  52 A, the wrench tool  10  of the present disclosure and a valve wrench  62  may be used concurrently by a single person.  FIG. 7  shows a close-up view of the wrench tool  10  and the valve wrench  62  engaging the valve  52 A of the water meter assembly  50 . In one embodiment, the wrench member  12  of the wrench tool  10  engages the yoke attachment section  58  of the valve  52 A. The first hinge portion  22  and the second hinge portion  24  of the wrench tool  10  allow the arm member  14  to extend substantially orthogonally to the wrench member  12  such that the arm member  14  may extend in an upward direction from the water meter yoke assembly  50  toward a user. The valve wrench  62  then engages the valve  52 A. The valve wrench  62  engages the first contact portion  45  such that the valve wrench  62  fits between the first appendage  46 A and the second  46 B. 
     To remove the valve  52 A from the water meter yoke assembly  50 , the valve wrench  62  may be rotated counter-clockwise along its lengthwise axis relative to the yoke attachment section  58  held in place by the wrench tool  10 . To install the valve  52 A, the process may be reversed such that the wrench tool  10  secures the yoke attachment section  58  in place while the valve wrench  62  rotates the valve  52 A in a clockwise direction relative to the yoke attachment section  58 . In an alternative embodiment, the wrench tool  10  may rotate the valve  52 A relative to the yoke attachment section  58 . 
     When the valve wrench  62  applies a torque to the valve  52 A, the torque is also applied to the yoke attachment section  58  and the wrench tool  10  engaged with the yoke attachment section  58 . The torque transfers through the wrench member  12 , arm member  14 , and to the handle member  16 . The handle member  16  is placed directly adjacent the user such that the user holds the wrench in place in some manner (e.g., by holding the handle member  16  against the user&#39;s leg) and thereby resists the torque created by the valve wrench  62  turning the valve  52 A and thereby allowing the valve  52 A to rotate with respect to the yoke attachment section  58  held in place by the wrench tool  10 . 
     The wrench member  12 , the arm member  14  and the handle member  16  may be formed of iron, aluminum, copper, titanium and other similar metals as well as alloys made of these and other metals, such alloys including, for example, various grades of steel. 
     The previously described embodiments of the present disclosure have many advantages, including the advantage of enabling a single user to perform the above-described method of removing a valve  52 A from a water meter yoke assembly  50 . Other methods of removing the valve  52 A from the water meter yoke assembly  50  require a second user to engage the yoke attachment section  58  with a wrench to hold the yoke attachment section  58  in place while a first user manipulates the valve  52 A with a valve wrench  62 . One embodiment of the present wrench tool  10  allows a user to position the handle member  16  directly adjacent the user&#39;s body to prevent rotation of the yoke attachment section  58  while the user installs or removes the valve  52 A of the water meter yoke assembly  50 . Alternative embodiments of the wrench tool  10  allow the tool to be used in various configurations to allow the tool to engage a valve or other component of a water meter yoke assembly in difficult to reach locations. Further, the wrench tool  10  may be configured for use as a traditional pipe wrench. 
     The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The described preferred embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the disclosure to the precise form(s) disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the concepts revealed in the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.