Patent Publication Number: US-11383360-B1

Title: Box wrench with positioning-retaining tab

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not Applicable 
     REFERENCE TO APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the field of performing operations including tools for fastening and disengaging objects, more specifically, an arrangement for holding and positioning a screw or nut prior to and during rotation. (B25B3/101) 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The wrench with position-retaining tab comprises a box wrench and a position-retaining structure. The box wrench is a hand tool used for tightening and loosening a threaded connection formed by a bolt or bolt-like structure. The box wrench and the threaded connection are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The position-retaining structure attaches to the box wrench. The position retaining structure is a spring loaded structure that inhibits the box wrench from slipping off the bolt or bolt-like structure during the tightening and loosening of the threaded connection. 
     These together with additional objects, features and advantages of the wrench with position-retaining tab will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     In this respect, before explaining the current embodiments of the wrench with position-retaining tab in detail, it is to be understood that the wrench with position-retaining tab is not limited in its applications to the details of construction and arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustration. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concept of this disclosure may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the wrench with position-retaining tab. 
     It is therefore important that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the wrench with position-retaining tab. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. They are meant to be exemplary illustrations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a top unlocked view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a top locked view of an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments of the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Detailed reference will now be made to one or more potential embodiments of the disclosure, which are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3 . 
     The wrench with position-retaining tab  100  (hereinafter invention) comprises a box wrench  101  and a position-retaining structure  102 . The box wrench  101  is a hand tool used for tightening and loosening (hereinafter tightening/loosening) a threaded connection formed by a bolt or bolt-like structure  131  (hereinafter bolt/bolt-like structure). The box wrench  101  and the threaded connection are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The position-retaining structure  102  attaches to the box wrench  101 . The position retaining structure is a spring loaded structure that inhibits the box wrench  101  from slipping off the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  during the tightening/loosening of the threaded connection. 
     The box wrench  101  is a hand tool. The box wrench  101  is defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The box wrench  101  is configured for use in screwing a bolt/bolt-like structure  131  in order to tighten/loosen a threaded connection. The bolt and the threaded connection are defined elsewhere in this disclosure. The position-retaining structure  102  attaches to the box wrench  101 . The box wrench  101  comprises a first working element  111 , a second working element  112 , and a lever  113 . 
     The first working element  111  is a disk-shaped structure. The first working element  111  has a ring structure. The lateral face of the disk structure of the first working element  111  attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure of the lever  113  to form a lateral disk structure. The lateral face of the disk structure of the first working element  111  attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure of the lever  113  with the least span of distance. The inner diameter of the ring structure of the first working element  111  is sized such that the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  inserts into the interior negative space of the ring structure of the first working element  111 . 
     The first working element  111  receives the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  such that the center axis of the prism structure of the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  aligns with the center axis of the disk structure of the first working element  111 . The first working element  111  grips the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  such that the rotation of the lever  113  around the center axis of the disk structure of the first working element  111  will tighten/loosen the threaded connection formed by the bolt/bolt-like structure  131 . 
     The second working element  112  is a disk-shaped structure. The second working element  112  has a ring structure. The lateral face of the disk structure of the second working element  112  attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure of the lever  113  to form a lateral disk structure. The lateral face of the disk structure of the second working element  112  attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure of the lever  113  that is distal from the first working element  111 . The inner diameter of the ring structure of the second working element  112  is sized such that the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  inserts into the interior negative space of the ring structure of the second working element  112 . 
     The second working element  112  receives the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  such that the center axis of the prism structure of the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  aligns with the center axis of the disk structure of the second working element  112 . The second working element  112  grips the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  such that the rotation of the lever  113  around the center axis of the disk structure of the second working element  112  will tighten/loosen the threaded connection formed by the bolt/bolt-like structure  131 . 
     The lever  113  forms a grip used to rotate a working element selected from the group consisting of the first working element  111  and the second working element  112  around the center axis of the disk structure of the selected working element. The lever  113  has a disk shape. The lateral face of the disk structure of the lever  113  attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure of the first working element  111  to form a lateral disk structure. The lateral face of the disk structure of the lever  113  attaches to the lateral face of the disk structure of the second working element  112  to form a lateral disk structure. 
     The position-retaining structure  102  is a retaining tab. The position-retaining structure  102  attaches to the box wrench  101  is such that the position-retaining structure  102  rotates relative to the box wrench  101 . Specifically, the position-retaining structure  102  attaches to the lever  113  of the box wrench  101  is such that the position-retaining structure  102  rotate relative to the lever  113 . The position-retaining structure  102  is an elastic structure. The position-retaining structure  102  rotates onto the bolt/bolt-like structure  131 . The position-retaining structure  102  changes from a relaxed shape into a deformed shape when the position-retaining structure  102  is rotated onto the bolt/bolt-like structure  131 . The deformation of the position-retaining structure  102  by the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  generates a counter force that secures the box wrench  101  to the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  during the tightening/loosening of the threaded connection. The position-retaining structure  102  comprises a spring disk  121 , a mounting pedestal  122 , and a mounting pivot  123 . 
     The spring disk  121  is a disk-shaped structure. The spring disk  121  has a non-Euclidean disk structure. The spring disk  121  is a rotating structure. The spring disk  121  is an elastic structure. The spring disk  121  rotates from a position where the spring disk  121  is not in contact with a bolt/bolt-like structure  131  inserted into a working element selected from the group consisting of the first working element  111  and the second working element  112  into a position where the spring disk  121  is in contact with the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  inserted into the selected working element. The spring disk  121  deforms as the spring disk  121  comes in contact with the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  inserted into the selected working element. The deformation of the spring disk  121  by the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  generates a counter force that presses the lever  113  and the selected working element against the bolt/bolt-like structure  131  such that the deformation of the spring disk  121  secures the box wrench  101  to the bolt/bolt-like structure  131 . 
     The mounting pedestal  122  is a prism-shaped structure. The spring disk  121  attaches to the lever  113  such that the spring disk  121  rotates relative to the lever  113 . The mounting pedestal  122  attaches to a congruent end of the disk structure of the lever  113  such that the center axis of the prism structure of the mounting pedestal  122  projects vertically away from the lever  113 . The spring disk  121  attaches to the congruent end of the mounting pedestal  122  that is distal from the lever  113 . The mounting pedestal  122  forms an extension structure that sets the reach between the spring disk  121  and the lever  113 . The spring disk  121  attaches to the mounting pedestal  122  such that the spring disk  121  rotates relative to the mounting pedestal  122 . 
     The mounting pivot  123  is a shaft like structure. The mounting pivot  123  physically attaches the spring disk  121  to the mounting pedestal  122  such that the mounting pivot  123  forms a center of rotation around which the spring disk  121  rotates relative to the mounting pedestal  122 . 
     The following definitions were used in this disclosure: 
     Align: As used in this disclosure, align refers to an arrangement of objects that are: 1) arranged in a straight plane or line; 2) arranged to give a directional sense of a plurality of parallel planes or lines; or, 3) a first line or curve is congruent to and overlaid on a second line or curve. 
     Bolt: As used in this disclosure, a bolt is a cylindrical shaft that is formed with an exterior screw thread. A bolt is defined with an outer diameter. 
     Box Wrench: As used in this disclosure, a box wrench is a wrench that has a fixed ring shaped structure as the working element. The box wrench is configured for use with a bolt or bolt-like structure as the specified structure. The negative space characteristic of the fixed ring shape structure is geometrically similar to the bolt or bolt like structure such that the head of the bolt or bolt-like structure inserts into the fixed ring shape structure. The lever of the wrench structure provides the leverage necessary to rotate the bolt or bolt-like structure during the screwing process. 
     Center: As used in this disclosure, a center is a point that is: 1) the point within a circle that is equidistant from all the points of the circumference; 2) the point within a regular polygon that is equidistant from all the vertices of the regular polygon; 3) the point on a line that is equidistant from the ends of the line; 4) the point, pivot, or axis around which something revolves; or, 5) the centroid or first moment of an area or structure. In cases where the appropriate definition or definitions are not obvious, the fifth option should be used in interpreting the specification. 
     Center Axis: As used in this disclosure, the center axis is the axis of a cylinder or a prism. The center axis of a prism is the line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a pyramid refers to a line formed through the apex of the pyramid that is perpendicular to the base of the pyramid. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures share the same line they are said to be aligned. When the center axes of two cylinder, prism or pyramidal structures do not share the same line they are said to be offset. 
     Congruent: As used in this disclosure, congruent is a term that compares a first object to a second object. Specifically, two objects are said to be congruent when: 1) they are geometrically similar; and, 2) the first object can superimpose over the second object such that the first object aligns, within manufacturing tolerances, with the second object. 
     Correspond: As used in this disclosure, the term correspond is used as a comparison between two or more objects wherein one or more properties shared by the two or more objects match, agree, or align within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. 
     Disk: As used in this disclosure, a disk is a prism-shaped object that is flat in appearance. The disk is formed from two congruent ends that are attached by a lateral face. The sum of the surface areas of two congruent ends of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk is greater than the surface area of the lateral face of the prism-shaped object that forms the disk. In this disclosure, the congruent ends of the prism-shaped structure that forms the disk are referred to as the faces of the disk. 
     Elastic: As used in this disclosure, an elastic is a material or object that deforms when a force is applied to it and that is able to return to its relaxed shape after the force is removed. A material that exhibits these qualities is also referred to as an elastomeric material. A material that does not exhibit these qualities is referred to as inelastic or an inelastic material. 
     Elastic Nature: As used in this disclosure, an elastic nature refers to a flexible structure that returns to its relaxed shape after the flexible structure has been deformed. 
     Extension Structure: As used in this disclosure, an extension structure is an inert physical structure that is used to extend or bridge the reach between any two objects. 
     Form Factor: As used in this disclosure, the term form factor refers to the size and shape of an object. 
     Geometrically Similar: As used in this disclosure, geometrically similar is a term that compares a first object to a second object wherein: 1) the sides of the first object have a one to one correspondence to the sides of the second object; 2) wherein the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides are equal; 3) the angles formed by the first object have a one to one correspondence to the angles of the second object; and, 4) wherein the corresponding angles are equal. The term geometrically identical refers to a situation where the ratio of the length of each pair of corresponding sides equals 1. 
     Grip: As used in this disclosure, a grip is an accommodation formed on or within an object that allows the object to be grasped or manipulated by a hand. 
     Handle: As used in this disclosure, a handle is an object by which a tool, object, or door is held or manipulated with the hand. 
     Hand Tool: As used in this disclosure, a hand tool refers to a tool that is small and light enough to allow a person to hold the tool during use. 
     Inelastic Nature: As used in this disclosure, an inelastic nature refers to a flexible structure that maintains its new shape after the flexible structure has been deformed. 
     Lateral Disk Structure: As used in this disclosure, a lateral plate structure refers to the juxtaposition of a first lateral face of a first disk-shaped structure to a second lateral face of a second disk-shaped structure such that: a) the center axes of the first disk and the second disk are parallel; and, b) the congruent ends of the first disk are parallel to the congruent ends of the second disk. The span of the length of the center axes of the first disk and the second disk need not be equal. The form factor of the congruent ends of the first disk and the second disk need not be geometrically similar. 
     Lateral Prism Structure: As used in this disclosure, a lateral prism structure refers to the juxtaposition of a first lateral face of a first prism structure to a second lateral face of a second prism structure such that: a) the center axes of the first prism and the second prism are parallel; and, b) the congruent ends of the first prism are parallel to the congruent ends of the second prism. The span of the length of the center axes of the first prism and the second prism need not be equal. The form factor of the congruent ends of the first prism and the second prism need not be geometrically similar. 
     Lever: As used in this disclosure, a lever is a simple machine that comprises a shaft that rotates around a fulcrum, axis of rotation, or pivot point. 
     Lock: As used in this disclosure, a lock is a fastening device that fixes the position of a first object relative to a second object such that the first object and the second object are subsequently releasable. 
     Locking Tab: As used in this disclosure, a locking tab is a two element fastener wherein the first element of the fastener, which is mounted on a first object is a cantilever spring and the second element of the fastener is a hole which is formed in a second object. The free end of the cantilever spring has a hook formed in it such that when the free end of the cantilever spring is inserted into the hole, the hook latches against the edge of the hole preventing inadvertent removal of the cantilever spring. The first element is removed from the second element by bending the cantilever spring such that the hook clears the edge of the hole and then pulling the first element away from the second element. 
     Loop: As used in this disclosure, a loop is the length of a first linear structure including, but not limited to, shafts, lines, cords, or webbings, that is: 1) folded over and joined at the ends forming an enclosed space; or, 2) curved to form a closed or nearly closed space within the first linear structure. In both cases, the space formed within the first linear structure is such that a second linear structure such as a line, cord or a hook can be inserted through the space formed within the first linear structure. Within this disclosure, the first linear structure is said to be looped around the second linear structure. 
     Negative Space: As used in this disclosure, negative space is a method of defining an object through the use of open or empty space as the definition of the object itself, or, through the use of open or empty space to describe the boundaries of an object. 
     Non-Euclidean Disk: As used in this disclosure, a non-Euclidean structure is a disk-shaped structure wherein the congruent end (faces) of the disk structure lies on a non-Euclidean plane. 
     One to One: When used in this disclosure, a one to one relationship means that a first element selected from a first set is in some manner connected to only one element of a second set. A one to one correspondence means that the one to one relationship exists both from the first set to the second set and from the second set to the first set. A one to one fashion means that the one to one relationship exists in only one direction. 
     Perimeter: As used in this disclosure, a perimeter is one or more curved or straight lines that bounds an enclosed area on a plane or surface. The perimeter of a circle is commonly referred to as a circumference. 
     Pivot: As used in this disclosure, a pivot is a rod or shaft around which an object rotates or swings. 
     Plate: As used in this disclosure, a plate is a smooth, flat and semi-rigid or rigid structure that has at least one dimension that: a) is of uniform thickness; and b) that appears thin relative to the other dimensions of the object. Plates often have a rectangular appearance. Plates often have a disk-like structure. The face of the plate is a surface of the plate selected from the group consisting of: a) the surface of the plate with the greatest surface area; b) the surface of the plate that is distal from the surface of the plate with the greatest surface area. The edges of the plate comprises the surfaces of the plate that would not be considered faces as defined above. As defined in this disclosure, plates may be made of any material, but are commonly made of metal, plastic, and wood. When made of wood, a plate is often referred to as a board or a plank. 
     Prism: As used in this disclosure, a prism is a three-dimensional geometric structure wherein: 1) the form factor of two faces of the prism are congruent; and, 2) the two congruent faces are parallel to each other. The two congruent faces are also commonly referred to as the ends of the prism. The surfaces that connect the two congruent faces are called the lateral faces. In this disclosure, when further description is required a prism will be named for the geometric or descriptive name of the form factor of the two congruent faces. If the form factor of the two corresponding faces has no clearly established or well-known geometric or descriptive name, the term irregular prism will be used. The center axis of a prism is defined as a line that joins the center point of the first congruent face of the prism to the center point of the second corresponding congruent face of the prism. The center axis of a prism is otherwise analogous to the center axis of a cylinder. A prism wherein the ends are circles is commonly referred to as a cylinder. 
     Reach: As used in this disclosure, reach refers to a span of distance between any two objects. 
     Relaxed Shape: As used in this disclosure, a structure is considered to be in its relaxed state when no shear, strain, or torsional forces are being applied to the structure. 
     Ring: As used in this disclosure, a ring is term that is used to describe a disk-like structure through which an aperture is formed. Rings are often considered loops. 
     Screw: As used in this disclosure, to screw is a verb meaning: 1) to fasten or unfasten (unscrew) a threaded connection; or 2) to attach a helical structure to a solid structure. 
     Socket: As used in this disclosure, a socket is an opening or a cavity that acts as a receptacle for an inserted part. 
     Spring: As used in this disclosure, a spring is a device that is used to store mechanical energy. This mechanical energy will often be stored by: 1) deforming an elastomeric material that is used to make the device; 2) the application of a torque to a semi-rigid structure; or 3) a combination of the previous two items. 
     Tab: As used in this disclosure, a tab is a first object that is attached to a second object for the purpose of: facilitating the manipulation of the second object; or, 2) identification of the second object. 
     Threaded Connection: As used in this disclosure, a threaded connection is a type of fastener that is used to join a first cylindrical object and a second cylindrical object together. The first cylindrical object is fitted with a first fitting selected from an interior screw thread or an exterior screw thread. The second cylindrical object is fitted with the remaining screw thread. The cylindrical object fitted with the exterior screw thread is placed into the remaining cylindrical object such that: 1) the interior screw thread and the exterior screw thread interconnect; and, 2) when the cylindrical object fitted with the exterior screw thread is rotated the rotational motion is converted into linear motion that moves the cylindrical object fitted with the exterior screw thread either into or out of the remaining cylindrical object. The direction of linear motion is determined by the direction of rotation. 
     Tool: As used in this disclosure, a tool is a device, an apparatus, or an instrument that is used to carry out an activity, operation, or procedure. 
     Torsion Spring: As used in this disclosure, a torsion spring is a mechanical device that stores mechanical energy through an opposing torque when the mechanical device is bent or twisted. The torsion spring will return to its original relaxed shape when the twisting force is removed. 
     Working Element: As used in this disclosure, the working element of a tool is the physical element on the tool that performs the actual activity, operation, or procedure the tool is designed to perform. For example, the cutting edge of a blade is the working element of a knife. 
     Wrench: As used in this disclosure, a wrench is a tool that used to rotate a specified structure around an axis of rotation that is aligned with the center axis of the specified structure. The specified structure is selected from the group consisting of a prism and a composite prism. The wrench comprises a working element and a lever. The working element attaches to the selected structure such that the lever can rotate the selected structure. The working element of the wrench is often called the head. The portion of the working head that contacts the selected structure is called the profile. The lever is often called the handle. 
     With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationship for the various components of the invention described above and in  FIGS. 1 through 3  include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the invention. 
     It shall be noted that those skilled in the art will readily recognize numerous adaptations and modifications which can be made to the various embodiments of the present invention which will result in an improved invention, yet all of which will fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.