Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Pivoted side jaw
Patent
1997-12-30
1999-09-28
Smith, James G.
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Pivoted side jaw
87 903, 87 912, B25B 1328
Patent
active
059570105
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to wrench apparatus.
This invention has particular but not exclusive application to wrench apparatus for applying torque to shafts such as drive shafts, bolt stems or drill strings or the like and for illustrative purposes reference will be made to such application. However, it is to be understood that this invention could be used in other applications where an application of torque is required for objects resisting torsion.
In drilling apparatus and such like, drill heads and other apparatus connected to the end of drill rods frequently become tightly engaged by a threaded connection. Pipe wrenches (often referred to by the trade name Stillson) or chain tongs or chain vises (often referred to by the trade name Petol wrench) may be used to disengage such connections. Because a pipe wrench has a limited contact with the object to which torque is to be applied, the pipe wrench may slip or may damage the surface of the article.
Where chain tongs are used, the chain or the bolt connecting the chain to the jaw or jaws of the chain tongs may break causing damage to equipment or injury to a user. Additionally, pipe wrenches or chain tongs are not readily adaptable for remote operation such as by being powered by a hydraulic ram.
The present invention aims to alleviate one or more of the above disadvantages and to provide wrench apparatus which will be reliable and efficient in use.
With the foregoing in view, this invention in one aspect resides broadly in wrench apparatus for rotating a body about an axis and including:
a jaw assembly having opposed jaw members;
a lever assembly having lever means pivotally connected to one jaw member and abutment means associated with an inner portion of the lever means and cooperable with the opposing jaw member for urging the jaw assembly into tight engagement with the body to be rotated upon rotation of the lever assembly about the axis of the body, wherein the abutment means is adjustably engageable with the lever means whereby the operative position of the lever means relative to the jaw assembly may be selectively varied.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the abutment means provides a closure across the open end of the jaw assembly and is moveable independently of the lever assembly between an engaged closing position and an open position at which the jaw assembly can be accessed through its open end.
At least one, but preferably both of the jaw members preferably include an engagement portion for engagement with the object, and the engagement portion is preferably arranged in internally arcuate toothed portions provided on each of the first and second hinged portions respectively. Preferably, the arcuate portions are provided as removable toothed sections, or the internal portion of the first and second hinged portions may be formed with a toothed surface about the inner circumference. Where removable toothed sections are provided, two or more sets of toothed sections may be provided having a different cross-sectional profile or tooth pattern to permit the wrench apparatus to be used in more than one application.
Preferably, a ratchet and pawl assembly is provided between the lever means and the abutment means whereby the operative position of the lever means may be selectively varied by selectively engaging the pawl with the ratchet. The ratchet and pawl assembly are so formed and arranged that operation of the handle means operates the ratchet and pawl assembly to tighten the jaw members by engagement of the lever means against the abutment portion.
It is also preferred that the abutment means is in the form of a catch which hooks about the opposing jaw member for secure engagement therewith.
Additionally, the lever assembly preferably includes a distal end remote from the object a distance sufficient to permit a linear force applied thereto to provide a mechanical advantage in applying a torque sufficient to rotationally move the object.
In a further aspect, this invention resides in a method of applying torque to an object, said method
REFERENCES:
patent: 615643 (1898-12-01), Strahle
patent: 1569148 (1926-01-01), Stainbrook
patent: 2694331 (1954-11-01), Meredith
patent: 5427004 (1995-06-01), Monaco
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