Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Rigid jaws
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-24
2001-07-10
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Rigid jaws
C081S176150
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257099
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to multi-function faucet wrenches for installing faucets and/or making faucet repairs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Faucets often require special plumbing tools to install and to disassemble to make repairs to parts that sometimes wear out or require cleaning. Some faucet manufacturers provide special tools or wrenches to assist in the installation and/or repair of their own faucets. However, these tools typically are designed to perform a single function, thus either necessitating the manufacturer to provide the installer or homeowner with more than one tool, or as is more often the case, leave it up to the installer or homeowner to provide his or her own tools to perform the necessary installation and/or repair. It would therefore be desirable to provide a tool that could be used to perform more than one faucet installation and/or repair function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a multi-function socket wrench is provided including an elongated body member having a nut receiving socket at one end for drivingly engaging a faucet mounting nut, and a pair of laterally spaced spanner-like projections protruding axially outwardly from one or the other end for drivingly engaging a cartridge valve retainer nut or the like.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, these spanner-like projections are at the same end of the body member as the socket.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an aerator receiving recess is provided in the end of the body member opposite the socket.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, one or more aerator receiving recesses are provided in the outer surface of the body member intermediate the ends thereof.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a pair of aerator receiving recesses are provided on opposite sides of the body member directly opposite each other.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, four aerator receiving recesses are provided in the outer surface of the body member, two per side directly opposite each other.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fluted and/or textured handle may be provided adjacent the end of the body member remote from the socket for improved grip and increased torque when grasped in one hand of the user.
These and other objects, advantages, features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description and the annexed drawings setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but several of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed.
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MOEN® Single Handle Kitchen Faucet Publication, © 1996.
MOEN® Two Handle Lavatory Faucet Publication, © 1995.
Renner , Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
Smith James G.
Thomas David B
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