Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Rigid jaws
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-20
2001-12-11
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Rigid jaws
C081S121100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327939
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hand tools, particularly wrenches which have an orifice for turning fasteners, including sockets and box wrenches.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the past, there have been many attempts, some successful, to improve the lateral turning interaction between a wrench and fastener. These attempts have focused upon increased surface-to-surface engagement between wrench and fastener and/or improved lateral friction between wrench and fastener to preclude fastener slippage within a turning wrench.
Although there have been attempts to increase the lateral friction between a wrench and fastener, there has been little or no attempt to increase the longitudinal friction between a wrench and fastener to reduce the effects of “tilt-off” and/or “taper-off” between a turning wrench and fastener as defined herein.
Applicant defines the “tilt-off” effect as an effect which occurs when a user is turning a fastener (either tightening or loosening) and the wrench becomes slightly tilted on the fastener. When this occurs, the forces involved tend to push the wrench orifice away from and off the fastener often damaging the fastener and/or wrench, and possibly injuring the user. Applicant defines the “taper-off” effect as an effect which occurs when a user is turning a fastener (either tightening or loosening) which is slightly eroded, rusted, and/or manufactured with a slight tapered or conical head. When this occurs, the forces involved also tend to push the wrench away from and off the fastener often damaging the fastener and/or wrench, and possibly injuring the user.
Applicant believes that the “tilt-off” and “taper-off” effects defined herein occur easily and frequently because it is difficult for a user to maintain a continuous, properly seated relationship between a wrench and fastener when both are being forcibly turned. Additionally, it is common to encounter a fastener which is slightly eroded, rusted, and/or manufactured such that the head of the fastener is slightly tapered or conical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention involves a wrench tool or tool attachment which has an orifice for controlling the rotation of a fastener.
The present invention more specifically involves a wrench tool which has an orifice for turning fasteners. The orifice is substantially cylindrical and has a predetermined maximum circumference and a driving end for engaging with various fasteners. The orifice comprises an array of longitudinal, fastener engaging surfaces positioned therein around an imaginary central axis. At least one of the longitudinal, engaging surfaces has at least one groove formed at least partially therein. Each groove is formed laterally, relative to the imaginary central axis and has a depth that does not penetrate outwardly beyond the maximum circumference of the orifice, and, each groove is positioned at least slightly away from the driving end of the orifice.
Each groove promotes longitudinal friction between wrench and fastener thereby reducing the “tilt-off” and/or “taper-off” effects defined herein. Importantly, this longitudinal friction technology may be used in conjunction with known lateral friction technologies to provide for a wrench tool with superior lateral and longitudinal gripping performance under torque.
Accordingly, it is an important objective of the present invention described above to increase the longitudinal friction between a turning wrench and a fastener thereby preventing or significantly reducing the effects of “tilt-off” and/ or “taper-off” between wrench and fastener as defined herein.
It is another objective of the present invention to reduce wrench wear and breakage.
It is yet another objective of the present invention to reduce the potential of injury to a user.
It is yet another objective of the present invention that it be compatible with other known lateral friction technologies so as to provide for a wrench tool with superior lateral and longitudinal gripping performance under torque.
And, it is yet another objective of the present invention that it be commercially viable, simple in design, and cost efficient to manufacture.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2834240 (1958-05-01), Schlichting
patent: 3253626 (1966-05-01), Stillwagon, Jr. et al.
patent: 4644831 (1987-02-01), Yang
patent: 5724872 (1998-03-01), Shih
Danganan Joni B.
Hail III Joseph J.
Proprietary Technologies, Inc.
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