Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Having work engaging and force exerting portion inserted...
Reexamination Certificate
1997-07-18
2001-01-23
Meislin, D. S. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Having work engaging and force exerting portion inserted...
C081S180100, C081S177850
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176160
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field
This invention relates to a an assembly of operatively related devices, which, according to this invention, includes a bit tool for use with a wrench or driver device for applying torque to a decorative flange cover for a gas shut off valve such as that used in connection with gas fireplaces and traditional wood fireplaces having a gas starter jet.
2. State of the Art
Flange covers for gas shut off valves such as used in connection with gas fireplaces and traditional wood burning stoves and fireplaces having gas starter jets are in common use. The gas valve in such installations are usually located behind a wall or underneath a floor with access to the valve stem provided through a rough opening in the floor or wall. The rough opening is covered over by a decorative flange cover which usually has a decorative face with an access opening providing access to the valve stem and an internally threaded cylindrical portion for mating engagement with an externally threaded collar on the gas valve. Thus, when the flange cover is coupled to the gas valve, the rough opening is sealed and access is provided to the valve stem in the chamber formed between the gas valve housing and the flange cover. This chamber may collect dust, dirt, and fireplace debris which may be difficult to clean. It would be advantageous to provide a tool for uncoupling the flange cover for cleaning or other purposes and for initial installation as well. Heretofore coupling and uncoupling of the gas flange cover has been accomplished by hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide for installing a gas control valve and its accessory components, which may include a gas valve, a flange cover, and to provide an inexpensive bit tool for applying torque to the flange cover for original installation or for removing the flange cover for cleaning or other purposes, and a driving tool for transmitting torque to the aforementioned tool. The bit tool provided in such an assembly has a bit portion which interlockingly engages with the usual access opening in the usual flange cover and thereby provides for easy installation or removal of the flange cover and also allows application of torque to it without causing damage to the face of the flange cover.
A key feature of the invention is the tool for transmitting torque to a threaded device, normally a flange cover, to couple the threaded flange cover to the receiving threads of a specially threaded gas valve, which comprises a novel bit. All flange covers are provided with an access opening, but with the instant invention the shape of the bit and the shape of the hole in the flange cover are interlocking to permit the transmission of torque. In a preferred embodiment the bit has a hole extending axially therethrough and the bit is progressively smaller toward the end. This tapering allows for easy entry of the undersize portion of the bit into the flange cover opening, the accommodation of flange covers having different sized openings for receipt of the bit, and the oversize portion of the bit acts as a stop to prevent the bit from continuing to slide into the hole in the flange. The hole referred to above is of sufficient size to allow free movement around the normally square shaped valve stem. The bit may be attached to shaft and handle or may be incorporated into an elongated tool having two functional ends, i.e., a bit end and a drive end of the same or different shape than the bit end. In the most preferred embodiment, the drive end has a square shaped recess for receipt of an appropriate corresponding shaped driving tool, such as a square ended lug of a rachet wrench. In another embodiment a round shoulder is provided which separates the bit end and drive end and prevents the bit end from sliding into the flange cover opening. The bit may be injection molded of a soft plastic material to prevent marring of the decorative flange cover surface.
The invention also encompasses a novel method for coupling and uncoupling a flange cover to a gas valve by use of a bit which has a shape for mating interlocking engagement with the access hole of a flange cover.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3875829 (1975-04-01), Evans et al.
patent: 4436005 (1984-03-01), Hanson
patent: 4503737 (1985-03-01), DiGiovanni
patent: 5216940 (1993-06-01), Hedden
patent: 5361656 (1994-11-01), Starr
patent: 5568757 (1996-10-01), Lewis
patent: 5813296 (1998-09-01), Hoff et al.
Brooks Joe R.
Ruhlander Gordon P.
Mallinckrodt Philip A.
Meislin D. S.
Peer Peter M.
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