CA1175261A - Z style speed wrench - Google Patents

Abstract

Z STYLE SPEED WRENCH
Abstract of the Disclosure A wrench which includes an elongated shaft having means at one end to receive a drive means, such as handle or the like, which drive means usually is free to rotate on the elongated shaft, and means at the other end to receive a socket or similar article. Alternatively, the other end may itself be configured in socket from or other tool, such as a phillips screwdriver head. The elongated shaft includes two swivel points along its length, per-mitting the tool to take various operating configurations, including straight through, an L form for high torque, and a lazy Z form for high speed.

Description

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Background of the Invention This invention relates generally to the mechanical tool art and more specifically concerns a tool for driving sockets and the like wherein the tool has swivel points along its length which enables the tool to take various configurations, depending upon the torque and speed desired.
Many articles of manufacture are assembled with a large number o~ securing articles, such as bolts/nuts and screws.
Often, the assembly of these articles, as well as their partial or complete disassembly for inspection, maintenance or repair, is a tedious and time consuming task. Examples of such articles include the rear panel on many television sets, aircraft panels and engine oil pans, all of which use a large number of the same size nut/bolt combinations or screws in their construction. Power driven tools are available for such tasks, but they are expensive, and cumbersome. Also, power may not be readily availabl~ in a particular situation. There are also specialty tools, like nut drivers, which provide some improvement, but even these tools have proven to be too 810w for applications such as those mentioned above.
Thus, there is a need for a simple, relatively in-expensive, tool for rapid insertion and removal of nut~, screws and the like which is easy to use and does not require external electrical power.
Accordingly, it is a general o~ject of the pre~ent invention to provide such a tool which overcome~ one or more of the di~advantage~ of the prior art noted above.

-2-It is an object of the present invention to provide such a tool which is capable of rapid removal of securing articles such as nuts and screws.
It is another object of the present invention to S provide such a tool which in com~ination with a socke~
can operate both as a conventional nut driver and as a rapid nut driver.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide such a tool which, depending on the configuration of the head or head attachment, i8 usaful with different shaped nuts and certain types of screws.
It is a urther object of the present invention to provide such a tool which is simple to operate, and can be operated by hand.
It i8 yet another object o~ the present invention to provide one embodiment of such a tool which can operate both as a wrench extension and as a speed wrench.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a tool which has a variable speed and torque capability.

Description of the Drawings Figure 1 show~ a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention with both swivel connections in their ~traight-through configu~ationO
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodim~nt of Figure 1 showing both swivel connections in a 90 configurationO

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Figure 3 shows the ~r[bodiment of Fi~ure 1 with the rear swivel connecticln in a 90 co~figu:ration.
Fiyure 4 shows ~he embodiment of Figure 1 with the swivel connections in configurations which pPrmit rapid rotation of the tool~
Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 with the swivel connectionR in a configuration which result~ in lower speed ~ut higher torque capability.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention, showing one swivel connection in a 90 configuration.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6, showing ~oth swivel connections in a 90 con-figuration.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6, showing the swivel connection~ in a configuration for rapid rotation of the tool.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment o the present invention, showing both swivel connections 2~ in a straight-through configuration.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the embodiment of Figure 9, with the swivel connections in a configuration for rapid rotation of the tool.
Figure 11 i~ a per~pective view of a ~our~h embodiment of the present invention, showing the swivel connections in a straight-through configuration.
Figura 12 i~ a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 11, showing the ~wivel co~nections in a con~igura~ion for rapid rotation of the tool.

Summary o the Invention The present invention is a tool which in certain embodiments can be used alone or in other embodiments as an attachment for other tools. The tool includes an elongated shank having two swivel-like connections a~
points along its length, which divides the shank into a ~ase seotion, a middle section and a head section. The head section is adapted so that it can be joined to a nut or sLm:ilar article in such a manner that rotation of the 10 head section causes a rotation of the nut. The head section may be itself configured to ~e joined directly to the nut or it may be configured to receive a socket or similar means which in turn may be joined to the nut. The tool is capable of being arranged into a ~irst operative con-15 fi~uration in which the swivel-like connections are arranged such that the shank is substantially straight, a second opexative configuration in which the swivel connections are arranged such that at least one o~ the sections of the shank i8 at an angle ~elative to the others, and a third operative 20 configuration in which the swivel connections are arranged such that the sections of the shank are all at angles relative to each other.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment Figures 1 through 5 show a firs embodim2nt o the 25 present invention. ~he first embodiment is similar in appearance in one configuration (Figure 1) to a conYentional ~ 6~

nut driver~ It includes a handle ll, and an elongated shank 13, which has a head section 15 which is adapted to receive various size sockets, one of which is shown b~ way of example at 17. The shank 13 i5 removable from handle ll, as shown most clearly in Figure 2. Shank 13 includes ears 19-19 near the rear end 21 thereof, which mate with corresponding slotQ 20-20 in handle 11.
Handle ll includes a ratchet, so it rotates freely in one direction, but not the other,on shank 13, depending upon the position of select lever 23 at the end of the handle. Handle 11 is a conventional item and may be purchased as an off-the-shelf itam, or through catalogs from various manufacturers.
~t the front end of head section 15 of shank 13 is a square front head 25 which is adapted to receive sockets 17 of various sizes. Front head 25, however, may take other configurations, either to receive other sockets, or it may be itself configured into a socket form or other tool head, such asa hex or phillips screwdriver head.
The shank 13 of the embodiment shown in Figure~ 1-5 i5 circular in cross-section,approximately 3/8" in diam~ter and is approximately S 1/2 inches long, including the portions which extend into handle 11 and socket 17. The shank may be made from a number of dif~erent materials.
The material should be rigid, however, and fairly 3trong, such as a steel alloy, An important part of the present invention i~ the swiv~l connections 27, 29 at two point~ along the length of shank 13. The swivel connections 27 and 29 are in the same plane, so that i~ both ~wivels are rotated as shown in ~ ~ ~5 ~ ~ ~

Figure 2, each s~cti~n of the shank 13 will ~till be in one plane. The first swivel connection 27 is approximately l inch from the front end of shank 13, while the second swivel connectio~ 29 is at a point approximately 3 3/q inches from the front end of shank 13. ~lthough ~he part-icular dimensions of the sections of the shank are not critical, it i8 important that the middle and base sections be sufficiently long that the tool can be arranged in~o the configuration of Figure 4 and proper rotational movement of the tool, as described hereinafter, achieved.
Referring specifically now to Figure ~, shank 13 includes a middle section 33, and a handle or base ection 35, in addition to head section 15. Each end of the middle section 33 includes a longitudinal slot which in the embodi-lS ment shown ex~ends cross-sectionally through the shank.
Each slot is approximataly l/8" inch wide and 3/8" deep.
The two end ears on either side of each slot, e.g. ears 30 and 32 at the junction of head section 15 and middle section 33, are rounded at their end edges.
Approximately central of each ear is located a hole approximately l/8" in diameter which extends throu4h both ears. In the embodiment shown, a projection from the front end of the handle section 35 and a projection from the rea~
end of head section 15 is adapted to fit into the re&pective slot~ of both ends of middle section 33. Each projection, e.g. projection 36J extends across the full cross-~ectional dimension of the shank, and i9 approximately as high ~s its mating slot in the middle section is deep, and approx-imately as wide as the slot~.

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The top o~ the projec ion is rounded. On either side of the base of the projection and perpendicular thereto is a flat surface which extends from the projection out to the exterior surface o~ the shaft. ~lence, when the middle section 33 is mated with the handle and head sections, the ears of each end o~ the middle section 33 lie adjacent the pxojections from the mating ends o~ the head and handle sections, and the rollnded top~ o the ears are just adjacent the flat surfaces adjacent the projections.
Completing each swivel connection is a pin 3g which extends through the two ears and a corresponding hole in the mating projection. The pins are fitted and arranged so as to permit rotation of the head and handle section~
relative to the middle sections.
Within each swivel connection is a frictional stop, (not shown) which tend~ to hold shank 13 in a straight line configuration, as shown in ~igure 1. The stop comprises a spring loaded ball located in the bottom surface of each slot of middle section 33. The ball extends above the sur~ace a sllght di~tance, but can ~e forced down to surface level. A detent is provided in the top of each projection, which when mated with the spring loaded ball tends to hold shank 13 in the con-figuration of Figure 1. In this configuxation, the tool may be used as a conventional nut driver, a~ the ~hank a~ a whole will have su~ficient longitudinal xigidity to permit the rotation of the ~ool by the user. The tool in such a configuration may be inserted through ~mall opening~ and the like to reach a nut. Application of a small amount of s~

force is su~ficient, however, to urge the ball down, releasing the swivel connection.
Figures 2 through 5 show the articlP in various configurations. Figure 3, for instance, shows the S swivel connection 27 in a ~traight-through configuration and the swivel connection 29 at a 90 angle. In another arrangement (not shown) the swivel connection 29 may k~
straight-through, and swivel connection ~7 at a 90 angle. Both are high torque configurations to be used primarily when a nut or the like is to be initially loosened or tightened.
Figures 2, 4 and 5 show swivel connection configurations which are generally lower torque than the arrangement of Figure 3. Figure 2 shows both swivel connections at gO
angles, in which configuration the tool may be used like a crank, with a fairly high torque capability, and still a somewhat low speed capability, although higher than that ~or Figure 3.
Figure 4 shows an arrangement of swivel connections which maximizes speed capability, but results in a reduction of torque capability over the configuration of Figure 3.
The arrangement of Figure 4 is a lazy Z, with th~ ~ottom edge 38 of the handle 11 being approximately on the center-line 40 of head portion 15. In thi~ position, the tool may be rotated at a high ~peed with a simple wri~t action, while the arm of the operator remain~ 3ubstantially steady.
The fit of the swivel joints i~ usually ~ufficiently tight that when the tool is m~ved into the configuration of Figure 4, it te~ds to remain in that configuration during ~175~

rotation of the tool, as described below. This permits the opexator to exert some longitudinal pressure along the tool, insuring a good joining of the tool with the article, i.e. nut, to be removed or inserted, without the tool changin~ configuration. SwivPl connection 27 rotates in place, rotating with it the socket 17, while swivel 29 describes a circle about centerline 40. The bottom edge 38 will also remain approximately on the centerline ~0.
The radius of the circle described by swivel connection 29 will depend upon the relative lengths of the middle and.base section and the angles of the three sections relative to each other.
With the two swivel connection tool as shown, the relative angular relationship between the handle section 35, the middle section 33 and the head section 15 may be altered over a reiatively wide ranye, with the tool having a maximum torque capability in Figure 3, and a maximum speed capability in Figure 4. In terms of angular relation-ship, the embodiment of Figure 3 shows one of the swivel connection~ at a 90 angle while the other is straight through. In Figure 4, ~he angle of middle section 33 relative to centerline 40 is approximately 45 and ~he angle between middle seCtiQn 33 and handle section 35 approximately 100, although these angles will vary depending on the lengths of the ~hank sections and the handle.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 show a second embodimPnt of the article of the present invention, for use with a wrench having a con~entiona~ swivel head connection 41. The article includes a ~hank 42, which, like the embodiment of Figure 1, has three sections, a head section 41, a middle section 43, and a handle or base section 45 which is secured by a spring 49 to a handle 51.
The middle section 45 and head section 41 form a ~ortion of a conventional swivel head wrench, with head section 41 including a swivel connection 46 and a front head 44 which is adapted to receive various size sockets such as the one shown at 53 in Figure 6. The handle section 45 and swivel connection 47, which connects handle section 45 Lo middle section 43 completes this embodiment.
When the swivel connection 47 i8 straight~ as qhown in Figure 6, the swivel connection 47 and thP handle saction 45 are hidden within handle 51. A flange 54 in the shape ~ o~ l u~lo~l 1u ~ u~ ~round ml~ tion 45 ~n a position where it abuts against the top end of handle 51 when swivel connection 47 is stxaight-through, thus hiding swivel connection 47 from view.
Swivel connection 47 i8 similar in configurat~on to the swivel connections of the embodimentof Figures 1-5, except that there is no ball and detent arrangement, because the swivel is held in the straight through configuration by the handle 51. However, spring loaded balls are positioned on the shank just below the conical section and detents are posi$ioned on the inside of the handle 51 to prevent the shank from easily coming out of the handle 51. With application of some force, however, the handle portion 45 of shank 42 may be pulled ou~ of the handle 51, agains the action of the ball/detent and the spring 49.
The swivel connections may be arranged as shown in Figure 6 for maximum torque to provide the initial loosening ~L~t75~
or tightening of the nut. The ~rrangement of Figure 7 will permit relatively high torque with a medium speed, while the arrangement of Figure 8, with the end edge 56 o handle 51 on approximately the centerline o~ ~ront head 44 permits maximum speed of the tool. In the con-figuration of Figure 8, the user can rotate the tool with a simple wrist action, similar to that shown ~or the arrangement of Figure 4.
It should be understood that the principle of the present invention may be used in a variety of tool~, and with a variety of different head attachments and/or configuration~. For instance, the tool may be u~ed to drive sockets or it may itsel~ have a hex head, phlllips head or an allen head configuration. Other configura~isns and/or attachments are possible, as long as a rotational action of the tool is required ~or action on the nut or the like, and there i8 a good connection between ~he ~ut and the tool.
Figùres 9 through 12 show two additional embodiments which demonstrate the appl~cability of the principle of the present inven ion to other tool~. Figure~ 9 and 10 show a tire iron embodiment, in which a shank 60 ha~ a short head portion 61 which is secured to a socket 63 which is of a size appropriate for the nuts on a con-ventional automobile wheel. The shank 60 further includes a middle portion 65 and an end or bas~ portion 67. The middle portion 65 is connected to the head portion 61 and end portion 67, respectively/ by swivel connections 6~ and 71.

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Swivel connections 69 and 71 are virtually identical to swivel connections 27 and 29 of the embodiments o~
Figures 1-5. The free end 73 o~ end portion 67 is configured in the embodiment shown in tAe shape of ~ hub cap remover. Other configurations are possible, however.
~he tire iron of Figures 9 and 10 is a high torque tool when the swivel connection 69 is at 90 and swivel connection 71 is straight through, which is shown in dashed lines in Figure 10. In this position, the wheel nuts may be tightened or initially loosened. Fast rotation of the nuts, in either direction, i8 accomplished when the shank is in the configuration shown in solid lines in Figure 10, with the swivel connection~ being as shown. In such a configuration, middle section 65 is at an angle of approximately 30 from the horizontal, while there is an angle of approximately 120 between middle section 65 and end section 67. Again, as with the previous embodiments, a decrease in the angle between middle section 65 and the horizontal and a corresponding increase in the angle between middle section 65 and end sec~ion 67 results a lower torque but higher peed con-figuration, while the opposite will increase the torque but decreasa the ~peed capability of the tool.
In use, the operator grasps the end portion 67 with one hand and rotates it with a ~imple wrist action which results in swivel connection 71 describing a circle, a~d the rotation of swivel connection 69 in a fix~d po~l~lon, resulting in rotation of socket 63. Positioned in swivel connection 69 is a stop so that middle portion 65 may move only to an angle of 45 relative to head portion 61. Thi~

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permits pressure to be exerted by the user against the socket and hence against the nut along with the rotational force exerted~
Figures 11 and 12 show a further emhodLment of the S present invention. ~t i8 in the form of a conventional extension wi~h a ~wivel head. The shank of the extension includes a head portion 83, with the swivel head 85, which mates with a socket or similar tool 87, a middle portion 89 and a ratchet or base portion 91~ which is configured as a socket at its end to mate with the head of a ratchet 93.
The shank includes swiv~l connections 95 and 97.
When swivel connections 9S and 37 are in their straight through configuration, the shank looks and operates like a conventional ratchet extension with a swiv~l head. When the two swivel connections 9S and 97 are arranged at an angle, however, as shown in Figure 12, the apparatus may be uqed as a speed wrench. In use, the operator gra~ps the handle of xatchet 93 with one hand, grasps the middle section 89 of the ~hank with the other hand, and then rotates the middle section about the ratchet head, so that swivel conne~tion 95 describe~ a ircle but swivel connection 97 and ~wivel head 85 rotate in -the positions shown. Thi~ results in a rapid rotation o~ socket 87 and removal of the nut or like article.
Thus, a new tool useful in numerous applications has been described which may in ~ome embodiment~ be used alone, or ln other embodiments a~ an attachment to known tool~
The tool includes an elongated shank having a head end portion which i5 adapted to recelve a socket or like device.

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Along the shank are positioned two swivel COnneCtiOnQ which permit the tool to be arrang~d in various configurations.
In one typical configuration, one swivel connection is straight through and the other is at 90, giving a high torque but relatively low speed capability. In another typical configuratlon, the swivel connections are at angles, so that the tip of the free end section is approx-imately on the centerline of the head portion. In this configuration, the tool has a lower torque capability but a high speed capability. The tool may be adapted in various em~odiments for use in a wide variety of tool applications, some of which ara shown and described above.
The head portion of the tool may be adapted to receive various articles, such as a socket, or it may itself take various configurations, including a socket, and phillips, hex head, and other configurations.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and sub-stitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims which follow:

Claims (7)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tool, comprising:
an elongated, articlulated shank having exactly two swivel-like joints which divide said shank lengthwise into a base section, an intermediate middle section, and a head section, each of said sections being substantially straight and movable relative to each other in but a single plane, said head section including means permitting the joining of said head section to a nut or similar article such that rotation of said head section will result in rotation of the nut or similar article, said base section including a handle means, mounted thereon so that said base section is rotatable within said handle, such that when the tool is in an operative configuration where a) the rear end of said handle is on a tool centerline extending through said head section and the swivel-like joint connecting said head section and said middle section, and where b) the combination of said base section and said handle is at an angle which is substantially less than 90° from the tool centerline, so that the swivel-like joint connecting said middle section and said base section is off the tool centerline, then the entire tool can be rotated rapidly with only one hand by revolving said handle about the tool centerline, the revolution of the combination of said handle and said base section defining approximately the surface of a cone.

2. An apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said swivel-like joints have a sufficiently tight fit that said tool tends to remain in the operative configuration during use of -the tool after it has been moved into the operative configuration.

3. An apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the swivel-like joint between said base section and said middle section is generally disposed within said handle means when the tool is not in the operative configuration, the apparatus including spring-like means tending to maintain said base section and the swivel-like joint within said handle means.

4. An apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said permitting means includes means for receiving a socket.

5. An apparatus of Claim 1, wherein said head section is itself configured to mate with a nut or similar article.

6. An apparatus of Claim 1, wherein the combination of said base section and said handle is substantially longer than said middle section.

7. An apparatus of Claim 6, wherein the combination of said base section and said handle is approximately twice as long as said middle section.