Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Rigid jaws
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-27
2001-11-13
Eley, Timothy V. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Rigid jaws
C081S124200, C081S124400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314841
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of hand tools. More particularly, this invention relates to a compact nonmetallic hand tool having a plurality of different fastener-engaging cavities. The invention is especially useful for plumbing work.
Combination wrenches having sockets or cavities on both ends for receiving nuts, bolts or screw heads are well known. However, such combination wrenches are typically constructed of metal for strength and durability. A problem arises when using metallic wrenches around glass, ceramic and porcelain materials like typically found in plumbing fixtures. If the wrench slips and contacts the plumbing fixture, the surface of the fixture can become damaged or marred. Furthermore, space around plumbing fixtures is often limited to such a degree that the worker can barely get a hand in the vicinity of the fastener.
A variety of fasteners are used on plumbing fixtures. For instance, on a toilet or water closet one can find one size hexagonal head bolt for securing the tank to the floor, another size hexagonal head bolt for securing the toilet bowl to the tank, yet another size bolt or nut for securing the seat to the bowl, and perhaps even a wing nut or two. It would be handy and efficient if one compact nonmetallic tool could be used on all of these fasteners without marring or otherwise damaging the fixture.
Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of a compact multi-purpose hand tool.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a nonmetallic hand tool having a plurality of cavities therein for correspondingly receiving and engaging different types of fasteners.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a hand tool which can be economically produced by conventional plastic injection molding techniques.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a hand tool which will not mar glass, ceramic, or porcelain surfaces.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a hand tool that will yield before the fastener which it engages, thereby preventing the fastener from being broken by excessive torque.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a hand tool which is economical to produce, durable, and reliable in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hand tool which includes an elongated substantially rigid body having generally opposite first and second ends thereon. The first end has a first socket of a given nominal width thereacross and a given depth formed longitudinally therein. A first slot extends longitudinally into the first end and transversely across the first socket. The first slot has a width less than the nominal width of the first socket. The second end has a similar second socket formed therein. The sockets can be of different sizes and additional slots can be added.
This hand tool is particularly useful for a toilet having at least two different fasteners thereon. The first socket is adapted to operatively mate with and engage a first fastener and the second socket is adapted to mate with and engage a second fastener on the toilet.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4291425 (1981-09-01), Sweitzer
patent: 5186083 (1993-02-01), Hsiao
patent: 5542321 (1996-08-01), Fuca
patent: 5557992 (1996-09-01), Macor
Richard Specialty Co, Inc. Catalog, 1997, p. 12, (Closet Seat Wrench).
Bloom Michael R.
Burk Larry K.
Hodyniak, Jr. Raymond S.
Berry Jr. Willie
Eley Timothy V.
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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