Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle or shank
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-11
2001-02-13
Scherbel, David A. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle or shank
C081S177800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186034
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices utilized as tools, and more particularly, to a hand held tool, an adjustable wrench having an adjustable angle handle.
2. Description of Related Art
Many tools have been developed over time with specialized features adapted for particular conditions. One condition is the ability to use a single wrench on a variety of different sized hardware, especially nuts, bolts, screws or the like having different head sizes.
Adjustable wrenches, commonly known as crescent wrenches, are known in the art. In a common configuration, these tools have a handle connected to a fixed jaw and a movable jaw adjustable relative to the fixed jaw by a thumbscrew. The movement of the thumbscrew causes the movable jaw to move either closer to or farther away from the fixed jaw.
A second working condition which has given rise to a specialized tool feature is a crowded, or enclosed, environment. In this situation, the turning arc of the tool, such as a wrench, may be blocked or limited by neighboring objects or structures. Numerous designs of hand tools have been created to allow a user to alter the angle of the tool head relative to at least a portion of the tool handle. These tools are often described as having a flex-head or flex-handle. A variety of flex-handle tools have been developed which overcome the problem of obstructions in a plane parallel to the head of a tool. By allowing an operator to adjust the angular position of the handle orthogonally with respect to the plane of the tool head, an operator can maneuver the tool's handle to avoid an obstruction.
One type of prior art utilizes a single spring contact from within a bore in a handle to interface a recess in a portion of the tool head (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,581,959, 2,608,894, 2,886,998, 1,568,442). An advancement of this design is described and illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,080,121 and 1,568,442 which allows an operator to manually disengage the spring contact.
A second type of prior art device involves the use of a pivoting device such that the tool head may be freely pivoted relative to a handle (U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,456).
Even with these improvements, a need exists for an improved flex handle tool. Furthermore, a need exists for an improved pivoting head adjustable wrench.
A need exists for a flex handle tool which utilizes a pair of easily graspable wings to easily allow a user to alter an angle between the head of the tool and the tool handle.
A need exists for a simple, yet effective engagement mechanism to fix the angle of a tool head relative to a portion of the tool handle.
Furthermore, a need exists for an adjustable angle tool with an angle adjustment mechanism having significant holding strength once the desired angle is selected.
Further still, a need exists for an adjustable angle tool having an angle adjustment mechanism wherein the portion of the angle adjustment mechanism attached to the tool head is contained within planes containing the surfaces of the tool at working portions of the tool head.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing advantages, and others, of prior art construction and methods.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved adjustable angle tool that is suitable for use in a crowded environment. The preferred embodiment of this invention utilizes an adjustable wrench, commonly known as a crescent wrench, as a part of the tool head.
A first advantage of a presently preferred embodiment is the use of a pair of wings to easily allow a user to alter an angle between the head of the tool and the tool handle. These wings, or ears, can be operated either by a single finger on a single wing or by multiple fingers on the pair, or plurality, of wings.
A second advantage of a presently preferred embodiment is the incorporation of an effective engagement mechanism to fix the angle of a tool head relative to a portion of the tool handle. A minimum of two teeth of the tool head engagement portion engage a locking mechanism.
Another advantage of the presently preferred embodiment is the tool head engagement portion fits within an angle created by opposing outer surfacess of the working portion of the tool head.
Yet another advantage of the presently preferred embodiment is a linear disengagement feature of the locking mechanism to allow for a quick and effective angle adjustment capability.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description or accompanying drawings, or may be learned through practice of the invention.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.
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Danganan Joni B.
Miller & Martin LLP
Scherbel David A.
LandOfFree
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