Patent Abstract:
A wrench extension tool is disclosed. The wrench extension tool may be used to engage a wrench in order to increase leverage and provides multiple attachment positions in which the wrench may be engaged.

Full Description:
PRIORITY AND RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of and claims priority to U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/545,471 filed May 8, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
       [0002]    The following relates to a wrench extension tool, and more specifically to a wrench extension tool having at least one end configured to engage a wrench. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Wrenches are a common tool for a variety of professions, including mechanics, engineers, etc. Further, many individuals are familiar with and use wrenches in a variety of everyday activities, even if such wrenches are not necessary for their profession. Wrenches are often needed for maintenance and other work on machinery, such as to loosen or tighten nuts, bolts, or other rotationally threaded objects. Further, work on machinery may include work in tight spaces. The tight space may limit the user&#39;s access to the machinery and may impact the wrench chosen to do a specific job. The limited space may also prevent the user from being able to exert full force or torque onto the nut, bolt, or other object to which the force or torque is to be applied. 
         [0004]    Typically, users must fetch another wrench or tool to combine with the original wrench for increasing the amount of torque or force applied to the wrench. While this method may assist with the loosening or tightening of frozen or seized nuts, bolts, or other objects, it is susceptible to unwanted disengagement during the application of torque or force. Disengagement between the wrenches under pressure causes injuries to the user&#39;s hands, fingers, and especially the knuckles. 
         [0005]    Thus, a wrench extension tool for more reliable engagement with a wrench or other hand tool would be well received in the art. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    A first aspect relates generally to a wrench extension tool, comprising: a tool end, wherein the tool end comprises a tool channel, a first pin attached across the tool channel, a second pin attached across the tool channel, and a front margin. 
         [0007]    A second aspect relates generally to a wrench extension tool, comprising: a first tool end, wherein the first tool end comprises a first tool channel, a pin attached across a first surface of the first tool channel, a pin attached across a second surface of the first tool channel, and a first front margin; a second tool end, wherein the second tool end comprises a second tool channel, a pin attached across a first surface of the second tool channel, a pin attached across a second surface of the second tool channel, and a second front margin; and a body connecting the first tool end and the second tool end. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective first end view of a wrench extension tool according to one embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the wrench extension tool shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the wrench extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-2 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a reverse side view (respective to  FIG. 3 ) of an embodiment of the wrench extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-3 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a 90 degree side view (respective to  FIG. 3 ) of an embodiment of the wrench extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-5  engaging an open end of a wrench according to one embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-6  engaging an open end of a wrench according to one embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-7  engaging an open end of a wrench according to one embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the extension tool shown in  FIGS. 1-8  engaging an open end of a wrench according to one embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 10 a    is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a wrench extension tool; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 10 b    is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a wrench extension tool. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0020]    A detailed description of the hereinafter described embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of exemplification and not limitation with reference to the Figures. Although certain embodiments are shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the present disclosure will in no way be limited to the number of constituting components, the materials thereof, the shapes thereof, the relative arrangement thereof, etc., and are disclosed simply as an example of embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         [0021]    As a preface to the detailed description, it should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 1-5  show a wrench extension tool  10  according to an embodiment. The wrench extension tool  10  may be made of any suitably sturdy material or combination of materials, for example it may be metal, wood, plastic, or composite. Further, the material of the wrench extension tool may include one or more coatings or treatments. In some embodiments, the wrench extension tool  10  may be comprised of steel. In further embodiments, the wrench extension tool  10  may be comprised of a steel core with a coating of nickel and/or zinc. The wrench extension tool  10  may be used in conjunction with a wrench A (shown in  FIGS. 6-9 ). The wrench extension tool  10  may be cast, molded, forged, or otherwise formed, and may be provided with a sufficient strength to avoid deformation when large amounts of torsion or force is applied to the wrench extension tool  10  and/or wrench A. In some embodiments, the linear strength of the wrench extension tool  10  may be equal to the linear strength of the wrench A, which may be made of a material with a high level of hardness on a hardness scale recognized by those skilled in the tool industry. Embodiments of the wrench extension tool  10  may be manufactured as a one-piece, solid component, or one or more components may be welded together to form a single, sturdy wrench extension tool  10 . 
         [0023]    As is depicted in the Figures, embodiments of the wrench extension tool  10  may comprise two tool ends, such as a first end  30  and a second end  130 . Embodiments may also include a wrench extension tool body  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 10 a    and  10   b,  in some embodiments, the wrench extension tool  10  may comprise only a single tool end. For example, embodiments of the wrench extension tool may include a first tool end  30  with the opposing end forming only a handle or handle portion  21 . Likewise, embodiments of the wrench extension tool  10  may include a second tool end  130 , with the opposing end forming only a handle or handle portion  121 . The handle or handle portion  21 ,  121  may be made of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the hand or handle portion  21 ,  121  may be of the same material or combination of materials as the wrench extension tool  10 , or may be of a different material or combination of materials. 
         [0024]    Common parts between the tool ends  30 ,  130  are referred to with the same final two numbers, with a leading number “1” being used for the convenience and clarity when referring to the elements of the second tool end  130  and no leading “1” when referring to the first tool end  30 . 
         [0025]    The first tool end  30  and the second tool end  130  may be constructed to engage a wrench A, as is shown in  FIGS. 6-9 . The wrench A may be an open-ended wrench as is depicted. The wrench A may also be a dual-ended wrench (second side not depicted). Still further, the dual-ended wrench may comprise a first end of one size and a second end of a second size. For example, many common tool sets may include a dual-ended wrench having a first end with a ½ inch open-ended wrench and a second end with a 9/16 inch open-ended wrench. The wrench A may include a wrench opening B and a wrench neck C. The wrench extension tool  10  may cooperate with additional wrenches, including a combination wrench, which may have one end being an open end wrench and the other being a box end or a socket, joint, and the like. 
         [0026]    The first tool end  30  and the second tool end  130  may each comprise a tool channel  32 ,  132 . The tool channel  32 ,  132  may comprise a rear margin  34 ,  134 , a first side margin  36 ,  136 , a second side margin,  38 ,  138 , and a front margin  40 ,  140 . The tool channel  32 ,  132 , may comprise an first surface  50 ,  150 , and a second surface  55 ,  155 , wherein the first surface  50 ,  150  and the second surface  55 ,  155  form an “upper” and “lower” boundary of the tool channel  32 ,  132 , and are separated from each other by the first side margin  36 ,  136  and the second side margin  38 ,  138 . The tool channel  32 ,  132  may define a channel opening  60 ,  160 , that is bounded by the rear margin  34 ,  134 , the first side margin  36 ,  136 , the second side margin  38 ,  138 , and the front margin  40 ,  140 . 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, spanning the tool channel opening  60 ,  160  may be a first pin  70 ,  170 . Embodiments of the first pin  70 ,  170  may be a bar, a cross-bar, a cross-member, a rod, and the like. Embodiments of the first pin  70 ,  170  may be formed as one-piece with the wrench extension tool  10 , or may be welded on after formation of the wrench extension tool  10 . Embodiments of the first pin  70 ,  170  may be attached proximate to the front margin  40 ,  140  and attached on the first surface  50 ,  150 . Also spanning the tool channel opening  60 ,  160  may be a second pin  80 ,  180 . Embodiments of the second pin  80 ,  180  may be a bar, a cross-bar, a cross-member, a rod, and the like. Embodiments of the second pin  80 ,  180  may be formed as one-piece with the wrench extension tool  10 , or may be welded on after formation of the wrench extension tool  10 . Embodiments of the second pin  80 ,  180  may be attached proximate to the rear margin  34 ,  134  on the second surface  55 ,  155 . Which is considered the first surface  50 ,  150  and which is considered the second surface  55 ,  155  may be reversed. In yet further embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the first surface  50 ,  150  and the second surface  55 ,  155  may be offset from each other by the width of the first side margin  36 ,  136  and the second side margin  38 ,  138 . Offset as used in describing these elements may mean not on the same plane in relation to their positioning within the tool channel opening  60 ,  160 . For example, the first surface  50  and second surface  55  are at different levels of an axis  90  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Similarly, the first surface  150  and the second surface  155  are at different levels of an axis  190  as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the width of either the first side margin  36 ,  136  and the second side margin  38 ,  138  may not be consistent across the length of the tool ends  30 ,  130 . An embodiment in which the width may vary across the length of the tool end  30 ,  130  may be seen in  FIG. 4 . In some embodiments, the width may vary from approximately 0.5 cm to approximately 1.5 cm. In further embodiments, the width may vary to a greater or lesser extent; the width may also exceed the numerical ranges given, which are provided only as one example. 
         [0029]    In still further embodiments, the first surface  50 ,  150  and second surface  55 ,  155  may each be offset, i.e., not in line with the front margin  40 ,  140 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , neither the first surface  50 ,  150  nor the second surface  55 ,  155  is at the same level of the respective axes  90 ,  190 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, the first pin  70 ,  170  and the second pin  80 ,  180  may also be offset, as is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The offset of the first pin  70 ,  170  and the second pin  80 ,  180  may be due to the positioning of the first surface  50 ,  150  and second surface  55 ,  155  in some embodiments. In some embodiments, offsetting the first pin  70 ,  170  and the second pin  80 ,  180  may facilitate various attachment positions as is described more fully below. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, the first tool end  30  and the second tool end  130  may be offset approximately 90 degrees laterally from one another along the longitudinal axis X of the wrench extension tool  10  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . In some embodiments, the first tool end  30  may be a different size than the second tool end  130 . In yet further embodiments, each of the two tool ends  30 ,  130  may be sized to correspond to the size of the alternative ends of a dual open end wrench for which the extension tool  10  is designated to fit. 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, the first pin  70 ,  170  may be provided with a rounded profile, as shown in the cross sectional views of  FIGS. 6-9 . Similarly, in some embodiments, the second pin  80 ,  180  may also be provided with a rounded profile. Additionally, in further embodiments, the front margin  40 ,  140  may also be provided with a rounded profile. In yet more embodiments, each of the first pin,  70 ,  170 , the second pin  80 ,  180 , and the front margin  40 ,  140  may be provided with a rounded profile. The inclusion of a rounded profile on one or more of these components may facilitate engagement of multiple size wrenches by the wrench extension tool  10 . 
         [0033]    In some embodiments, the tool channel  32 ,  132  and the tool channel opening  60 ,  160  may be dimensionally proportional to a corresponding open end wrench size in metric or standard sizes. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the provision and orientation of the first pin  70 ,  170  and second pin  80 ,  180  spanning a common channel  32 ,  132 , respectively, may provide for at least four selections of attachment positions between the wrench extension tool  10  and wrench A. The attachment position used may be determined by the user.  FIGS. 6-9  depict cross sectional representations of a variety of attachment positions between the wrench extension tool  10  and the wrench A. 
         [0035]    While  FIGS. 6-9  depict an engagement between wrench A and a second tool end  130  of the wrench extension tool  10  according to embodiments in which the wrench extension tool  10  has two tool ends  30 ,  130 , it should be understood that the first tool end  30  could also be used to engage the wrench A, depending upon the dimension of the tool end and the wrench A. Thus, for the following descriptions, the attachment positions (and related description) disclosed for the second tool end  130  may apply to the first tool end  30  (removing the leading numeral “1” from the element numbers as is described). 
         [0036]      FIG. 6  depicts a first attachment position according to an embodiment. In the first engagement position, the wrench extension tool  10  engages the wrench A when the wrench A is inserted within the tool channel opening  160  from the side opposite the first pin  170 . In this attachment position, the wrench opening B may contact the first pin  170  and the wrench neck C may be forced against the front margin  140  of the tool channel  132 . Similarly, this attachment position, in an embodiment, may be achieved on the first tool end  30  when the wrench A is inserted within the tool channel opening  60  from the side opposite the first pin  70 . In this attachment position, wrench opening B may contact the first pin  70  and the wrench neck C may be forced against the front margin  40  of the tool channel  32 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 7  depicts a second attachment position according to an embodiment. The second attachment position shows the wrench extension tool  10  engaging the wrench A that is inserted within the tool channel opening  160  from the side opposite the first pin  170 . The wrench opening B may engage the second pin  180  with the wrench neck C abutting the front margin  140  of the tool channel opening  160 , thus positioning the wrench and extension tool substantially in a straight line. Similarly, this attachment position may be achieved, in an embodiment, on the first tool end  30  when the wrench A is inserted within the tool channel opening  60 . In this attachment position, wrench opening B may contact the second pin  80  and the wrench neck C may be forced against the front margin  40  the tool channel  32 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 8  depicts a third attachment position according to an embodiment. The third attachment position shows the wrench A inserted within the tool channel opening  160  from the side opposite the second pin  180 . The wrench opening B may engage the first pin  170  and the wrench neck C may abut the front margin  140  of the tool channel  132 , thus positioning the wrench A and the wrench extension tool  10  at a shallow angle in relation to each other. Similarly, this attachment position may be achieved, in an embodiment, on the first tool end  30  when the wrench A is inserted within the tool channel opening  60 . In this attachment position, wrench opening B may contact the first pin  70  and the wrench neck C may abut the front margin  40  of the tool channel  132 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 9  depicts a fourth attachment position according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the wrench extension tool  110  may engage the wrench opening B of the wrench A when the wrench A is inserted within the tool channel opening  160  from the side opposite the second pin  180 . The wrench opening B may engage the second pin  180  and the wrench neck C may engage the first pin  170  of the tool channel  132 , thus positioning the wrench and extension tool  110  at a steeper angle than in attachment position three. Similarly, this attachment position may be achieved, in an embodiment, on the first tool end  30  when the wrench A is inserted within the tool channel opening  60 . In this attachment position, wrench opening B may contact the second pin  80  and the wrench neck C may abut the first pin  70  of the tool channel  132 . 
         [0040]    The selection of which attachment position to use may be made by the user. The user may make this selection based on the position of the wrench and the accessibility of the user to the object to be acted on by the wrench. The confines of the space in which the wrench is to be used may also be considered. 
         [0041]    With respect to  FIGS. 6-9 , it should be understood that force should be applied to the wrench extension tool  10  as shown by the directional arrows included in the figures. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, both the first tool end  30  and the second tool end  130  may be greater in circumference larger than the body  20  which connects them. This greater circumference of each tool ends  30 ,  130  may provide an enhanced hand grip location for the wrench extension tool  10  than would be provided by a straight handle when the first tool end is being used on a wrench and the second tool end used as a hand grip location or vice versa, which is an ergonomic benefit known by those skilled in the art of hand tools. 
         [0043]    While this disclosure has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as required by the following claims. The claims provide the scope of the coverage of the invention and should not be limited to the specific examples provided herein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1