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WO2024259457A1 - Clé - Google Patents

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Publication number
WO2024259457A1
WO2024259457A1 PCT/ZA2024/050014 ZA2024050014W WO2024259457A1 WO 2024259457 A1 WO2024259457 A1 WO 2024259457A1 ZA 2024050014 W ZA2024050014 W ZA 2024050014W WO 2024259457 A1 WO2024259457 A1 WO 2024259457A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wrench
retaining member
finger
jaw
operated actuator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/ZA2024/050014
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ebenezer MARAIS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2024259457A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024259457A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
    • B25B13/10—Spanners; Wrenches with adjustable jaws
    • B25B13/12—Spanners; Wrenches with adjustable jaws the jaws being slidable
    • B25B13/14—Spanners; Wrenches with adjustable jaws the jaws being slidable by rack and pinion, worm or gear
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
    • B25B13/10—Spanners; Wrenches with adjustable jaws
    • B25B13/12—Spanners; Wrenches with adjustable jaws the jaws being slidable

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an adjustable wrench.
  • this invention relates to an adjustable sliding-jaw wrench commonly known as a shifting spanner.
  • Adjustable wrenches also known as shifting spanners
  • Their design primarily consists of a pair of jaws, one of which is fixed while the other can be moved by adjusting a wormscrew mechanism.
  • the capacity for size adjustment makes shifting spanners an indispensable asset in the toolbox of any professional.
  • a prevalent issue associated with these tools involves the unintentional and gradual displacement of the worm-screw adjustment mechanism during use. This leads to a minor but noticeable loosening of the fit between the jaws and the nut. As a consequence, there is an increased likelihood damaging the nut, predominantly in the form of rounding off the corners or causing undue strain.
  • a wrench including: - a body; a fixed jaw extending from an end region of the body; a displaceable jaw mounted displaceably on the body so as to define a size- adjustable receiving zone for receiving an object between the jaws; a retaining mechanism mounted on the body for retaining the displaceable jaw in a desired position relative to the fixed jaw, including: - a retaining member having an engaging formation extending therefrom for engaging complementally with another engaging formation extending from the displaceable jaw, the retaining member being displaceable relative the body between a retained condition wherein the respective engaging formations are in engagement with each other in order to inhibit displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw, and a released condition wherein the respective engaging formations are disengaged from each other in order to allow displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw thereby allowing adjustment of the size of the receiving zone; a biasing means for biasing the retaining member into the retained condition; and a finger-operated actuator extending from the retaining member,
  • the body may have a generally elongate shape, preferably defining a handle portion along its length, preferably a majority thereof, for allowing the user to grip the wrench in use.
  • the handle portion may have a length in the range of about 150mm to about 500mm.
  • the handle portion may have a width and/or thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.
  • An intermediate portion of the body may be sized, shaped and/or configured to accommodate mounting of the displaceable jaw and/or to house the retaining mechanism.
  • the intermediate portion may have a length in the range of about 30mm to about 100mm.
  • the intermediate portion may have a width in the range of about 10mm to about 100mm.
  • the intermediate portion may have a thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.
  • the jaws may have a size and/or shape for optimising stress distribution therethrough, preferably having a wider base region and a thinner tip region.
  • the jaws may have generally curved outer surfaces.
  • the jaws may include gripping surfaces against which objects received between the jaws may be gripped with sufficient force to permit turning of the object, the respective gripping surfaces preferably being arranged opposite the respective curved outer surfaces.
  • the gripping surfaces may include gripping formations for reducing a likelihood of slippage between the jaws and an object, in use, typically when the object is gripped between the jaws and is being turned.
  • the gripping formations may be in the form of toothed or serrated profiles.
  • the gripping surfaces may be coated with a non-slip coating for further reducing the likelihood of slippage between the jaws and an object in use.
  • the fixed jaw may be integrally formed with the body.
  • the displaceable jaw may include a mounting formation extending from a base region thereof.
  • the mounting formation may be shaped to be received complementally by a receiving zone defined in the body, preferably the intermediate portion thereof. More particularly, the mounting formation and the receiving zone may be shaped to permit one degree of freedom displacement, preferably in the form of translational or sliding displacement, of the displaceable jaw relative the body, preferably towards and away from the fixed jaw.
  • the mounting formation may have a generally T -shaped cross-section, typically an inverted T-shape as shown in the Figures.
  • the T-shape may define a stem portion and crossbar portion, typically being arranged normally relative to each other.
  • Walls defining the receiving zone may have a generally C-shaped cross-section, which provides the receiving zone with a T-shaped cross-section for allowing complementary receipt of the mounting formation therein.
  • the crossbar portion may have a length which may be dependent on the overall size of the wrench. It is to be appreciated that the larger the wrench, the longer the crossbar portion will be, which in turn allows greater variation in the size of the receiving zone.
  • the mounting formation may have a generally L-shape when viewed from the side.
  • the mounting formation and walls defining the receiving zone may be machined using low tolerance, preferably zero- or near zero-tolerance, machining for maximising the tightness of the fit therebetween.
  • the intended extremely tight tolerance serves to eliminate any gaps, clearances or deviations between the mating parts of the mounting formation and the walls of the receiving zone.
  • having such a tight fit improves the level of flushness between the mating surfaces which reduces a build-up of stress concentrations and/or reaction forces in the region of the engaging teeth of the displaceable jaw and the retaining member, which is believed to minimise or eliminate play between the jaws, thereby improving longevity and reliability of the wrench as well as reducing unwanted wear on objects, such as nuts for example, being gripped and turned. Having the surfaces so flush improves the distribution of stresses and/or reaction forces throughout the strongest parts of the wrench.
  • the retaining member may be located within a recess defined in the intermediate portion of the body.
  • the recess may extend into the body from a surface of the receiving zone, the surface preferably forming part of a wall defining the crossbar portion of the T-shaped receiving zone.
  • the retaining member may have any suitable geometric shape.
  • the engaging formations of the retaining member and the displaceable jaw may be in the form of ridges or teeth which may be orientated substantially parallel to each other for allowing engagement therebetween.
  • the engaging formations may extend from the mounting formation of the displaceable jaw, preferably from a side thereof which is opposite the displaceable jaw, and from the retaining member, respectively, preferably extending towards each other.
  • the teeth of the engaging formations may be sized and/or spaced apart to permit fine adjustment of the position of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw.
  • teeth may be spaced apart in the range of 0.2mm to 7mm, preferably being spaced apart in the region of 1 mm for allowing adjustment of the size of the receiving zone in 1 mm increments.
  • the teeth may have any shape of the group including square, triangle, and sawtooth, preferably being generally triangular.
  • the biasing means may be arranged between the retaining member and a surface of the recess so as to push the retaining member into the retained condition, typically being towards the mounting formation so that the respective engaging formations may engage each other.
  • the biasing means may be in the form of any of the group including a spring, elastic or resiliently deformable member, magnet arrangement, and the like.
  • the finger-operated actuator may be in the form of a projection or nub-like extension.
  • the finger-operated actuator may be integrally formed with the retaining member.
  • the finger-operated actuator may extend from one side of the retaining member.
  • the finger-operated actuator may extend from opposing sides of the retaining member for allowing a user to displace the retaining member from either side of the body, preferably by utilising an index finger and/or thumb to displace the actuator, typically being dependent on user preference.
  • the finger-operated actuator may be mounted on a side region of the retaining member.
  • a pair of finger-operated actuators may be mounted on opposite side regions of the retaining member.
  • the finger- operated actuators may have a generally planar shape.
  • the finger-operated actuators may have a length, width and thickness in the ranges of 15mm to 30mm, 5mm to 20mm, and 1 mm to 5mm, respectively, preferably having a length, width and thickness in the region of 24.5mm, 13mm and 3mm, respectively.
  • the finger-operated actuator may have a side profile which is shaped and/or configured to improve grip thereon.
  • the side profile may define a plurality of ridges.
  • the ridges may have a generally triangular form.
  • the ridges may have a generally saw-tooth form.
  • the ridges may be orientated generally parallel with the length of the finger-operated actuator to facilitate displacement thereof, and with it, the retaining member, away from the retained condition.
  • the finger-operated actuator may protrude from the body via an aperture defined therein, the aperture preferably being defined in a side wall of the body, further preferably being ergonomically located for facilitating actuation by the user with a thumb and/or index finger of a hand gripping the wrench. It is to be appreciated that in the case where the finger-operated actuator extends from only one side of the retaining member, an opposite side of the body may have a smooth, flush and/or continuous surface.
  • the finger-operated actuator may have rounded edges for improving comfort of use.
  • the finger-operated actuator may be coated in a softer material for further improving comfort of use.
  • the wrench may be manufactured from any suitable material with sufficient strength properties.
  • the wrench may be manufactured from any suitable plastic or metallic material.
  • the wrench may be manufactured from any of the group including steel, chrome vanadium, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, reinforced plastic composites, and reinforced fiberglass composites.
  • Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a wrench in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged three-dimensional schematic showing a portion of the wrench shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the schematic of Figure 2;
  • Figure 4 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the portion of the wrench shown in Figures 2 and 3;
  • Figure 5 is a three-dimensional cut-away view showing how a displaceable jaw of the wrench is mounted on a body thereof;
  • Figure 6 is a three-dimensional schematic showing an alternative form of a retaining member and finger-operated actuator in accordance with the present invention.
  • reference numeral 10 refers generally to a wrench in accordance with the present invention.
  • the wrench 10 includes, a body 12, a fixed jaw 14 extending from an end region 16 of the body 12, a displaceable jaw 18 mounted displaceably on the body 12 so as to define a size-adjustable receiving zone 20 for receiving an object (not shown) to be gripped between the jaws 12 and 14, a retaining mechanism 22 mounted on the body 12 for retaining the displaceable jaw 18 in a desired position relative to the fixed jaw 14, including a retaining member 24 having an engaging formation 26.1 extending therefrom for engaging complementally with another engaging formation 26.2 extending from the displaceable jaw 18, the retaining member 24 being displaceable relative the body 12 between a retained condition wherein the respective engaging formations 26 are in engagement with each other to inhibit displacement of the displaceable jaw 18 relative to the fixed jaw 14, and a released condition wherein the respective engaging formations 26 are disengaged from each other in order to allow displacement of the displaceable jaw 18 relative to the fixed jaw 14 to allow
  • the body 12 has a generally elongate shape, typically defining a handle portion 32 along its length, typically a majority thereof, for allowing the user (not shown) to grip the wrench 10 in use.
  • the handle portion 32 has a length in the range of about 150mm to about 500mm.
  • the handle portion 32 has a width and thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.
  • the intermediate portion 34 has a length in the range of about 30mm to about 100mm.
  • the intermediate portion 34 has a width in the range of about 10mm to about 100mm.
  • the intermediate portion 34 has a thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.
  • the jaws 14 and 16 have a size and shape for optimising stress distribution therethrough, typically having a wider base region 36 and a thinner tip region 38.
  • the jaws 14 and 16 have generally curved outer surfaces 40.
  • the jaws 14 and 16 include gripping surfaces 42 against which objects (not shown) received between the jaws 14 and 16 are gripped with sufficient force to permit turning of the object (not shown), the respective gripping surfaces 42 typically being arranged opposite the respective curved outer surfaces 40 and being arranged substantially parallel to each other.
  • the fixed jaw 14 is integrally formed with the body 12.
  • the displaceable jaw 18 includes a mounting formation 44 extending from a base region 36 thereof.
  • the mounting formation 44 is shaped to be received complementally by a receiving zone 46 defined in the body 12, typically the intermediate portion 34 thereof. More particularly, the mounting formation 44 and the receiving zone 46 are shaped to permit one degree of freedom displacement, typically in the form of translational or sliding displacement, of the displaceable jaw 18 relative the body 12, typically towards and away from the fixed jaw 14.
  • the mounting formation 44 has a generally T-shaped cross-section, typically an inverted T-shape as shown in the Figures and most clearly shown in Figure 5.
  • the T-shape defines a stem portion 48 and crossbar portion 50, typically being arranged normally relative to each other.
  • Walls 52 defining the receiving zone 46 has a generally C-shaped cross-section, which provides the receiving zone 46 with a T-shaped crosssection for allowing complementary receipt of the mounting formation 44 therein.
  • the crossbar portion 50 has a length which is dependent on the overall size of the wrench 10. It is to be appreciated that the larger the wrench 10, the longer the crossbar portion 50 will be, which in turn allows greater variation in the size of the object receiving zone 20.
  • the mounting formation 44 has a generally L-shape when viewed from the side.
  • the mounting formation 44 and walls 52 are machined using low tolerance, typically zero- or near zero-tolerance, machining for maximising the tightness of the fit therebetween. It is to be appreciated that the intended extremely tight tolerance serves to eliminate any gaps, clearances or deviations between the mating parts of the mounting formation 44 and the walls 52. It is to be appreciated further that having such a tight fit improves the level of flushness between the mating surfaces which reduces a build-up of stress concentrations and reaction forces in the region of the engaging formations 26 of the displaceable jaw 18 and the retaining member 24, which is believed to minimise or eliminate play between the jaws 14 and 16, thereby improving longevity and reliability of the wrench 10 as well as reducing unwanted wear on objects (not shown), such as nuts (not shown) for example, being gripped and turned. Having the surfaces as flush as possible improves the distribution of stresses and reaction forces throughout the strongest parts of the wrench 10 and directs them away from the parts keeping the displaceable jaw 18 in place in use.
  • the retaining member 24 is located within a recess 54 defined in the intermediate portion of the body 12.
  • the recess 52 extends into the body 12 from a surface of the receiving zone 46, the surface typically forming part of a wall defining the crossbar portion 50 of the T-shaped receiving zone 46.
  • the retaining member 24 has any suitable geometric shape.
  • the engaging formations 26 of the retaining member 24 and the displaceable jaw 18 are in the form of teeth 56 which are orientated substantially parallel to each other for allowing engagement therebetween.
  • the engaging formations 26 extend from the mounting formation 44 of the displaceable jaw 18, typically from a side thereof which is opposite the displaceable jaw 18, and from the retaining member 24, respectively, typically extending towards each other.
  • the teeth 56 of the engaging formations 26 are sized and spaced apart to permit fine adjustment of the position of the displaceable jaw 18 relative to the fixed jaw 14.
  • teeth 56 are spaced apart in the range of 0.2mm to 7mm, typically being spaced apart in the region of 1 mm for allowing adjustment of the size of the object receiving zone 20 in 1 mm increments.
  • the teeth 56 have any shape of the group including square, triangle, and sawtooth.
  • the biasing means 28 is arranged between the retaining member 24 and a surface of the recess 54 so as to push the retaining member 24 into the retained condition, typically being towards the mounting formation 44 so that the respective engaging formations 26 engage each other.
  • the biasing means 28 is in the form of any of the group including a spring, elastic or resiliently deformable member, magnet arrangement, and the like, typically being in the form of a spring 58 as shown in the figures.
  • the finger-operated actuator 30 is in the form of a projection or nub-like extension.
  • the finger-operated actuator 30 is integrally formed with the retaining member 24.
  • the finger-operated actuator 30 could have rounded edges for improving comfort of use or it could be coated in a softer material for further improving comfort of use.
  • the finger-operated actuator 30 protrudes from the body 12 via an aperture 60 defined therein, the aperture 60 typically being defined in a side wall of the body 12, further typically being ergonomically located for facilitating actuation by the user (not shown) with a thumb of a hand gripping the wrench 10. It is to be appreciated that an opposite side (not shown) of the body 12 has a smooth, flush and/or continuous surface.
  • finger-operated actuators may extend from opposing sides of the retaining member 24, protruding from both sides of the body 12 via apertures defined in side walls thereof, for allowing a user to displace the retaining member 24 from either side of the body 12, typically by utilising an index finger or thumb to actuate the actuator 30, typically being dependent on user preference.
  • the wrench 10 is manufactured from any suitable material with sufficient strength properties.
  • the wrench 10 is manufactured from any suitable plastic or metallic material.
  • the wrench 10 is manufactured from any of the group including steel, chrome vanadium, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, reinforced plastic composites, and reinforced fiberglass composites.
  • reference numeral 130 refers to a finger-operated actuator which is mounted on a side region 162 of alternative retaining member 124.
  • a pair of finger-operated actuators 130 are mounted on opposite side regions 162 of the retaining member 124.
  • the finger-operated actuators 130 have a generally planar shape.
  • the finger-operated actuators 130 have a length, width and thickness in the ranges of 15mm to 30mm, 5mm to 20mm, and 1 mm to 5mm, respectively, preferably having a length, width and thickness in the region of 24.5mm, 13mm and 3mm, respectively.
  • the finger-operated actuators 130 have side profiles 164 which are shaped and/or configured to improve grip thereon.
  • the side profiles 164 define a plurality of ridges 166.
  • the ridges 166 have a generally saw-tooth form.
  • the ridges 166 are orientated generally parallel with the length of the finger- operated actuator 130 to facilitate displacement thereof, and with it, the retaining member 124, away from the retained condition.
  • the wrench in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it exhibits minimal to no play between the jaws, which provides significant advantages that directly counter the typical issues associated with conventional adjustable wrenches.
  • the invention is believed to ensure an almost perfect fit each time it is adjusted to grip a nut.
  • the absence of play ensures that the fit between the jaws and the nut remains secure and unaltered during the entirety of its operation.
  • This enhanced stability eliminates the risk of the jaws slipping or readjusting unintentionally, thereby protecting the nut from potential damage, such as deformation or corner rounding.
  • an adjustable wrench or shifting spanner with virtually no play is also less prone to degradation over time.
  • the design of the present invention significantly extends functional lifespan without compromising the safety and integrity of the workpiece.
  • the invention is thus believed to combine the convenience and adaptability of traditional adjustable wrenches or shifting spanners with a level of precision and durability that ensures a reliable, damage-free operation each time.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une clé (10) avec un corps (12), une mâchoire fixe (14) s'étendant à partir d'une région d'extrémité (16) du corps (12), une mâchoire mobile (18) montée de manière mobile sur le corps (12) pour définir une zone de réception (20) à taille réglable pour recevoir un objet dans celle-ci, un mécanisme de retenue (22) pour retenir la mâchoire mobile (18) en position par rapport à la mâchoire fixe (14), comprenant un élément de retenue (24) ayant une formation de mise en prise (26.1) s'étendant à partir de celui-ci pour venir en prise de manière complémentaire avec une autre formation de mise en prise (26.2) s'étendant à partir de la mâchoire mobile (18), un moyen de sollicitation (28) pour solliciter l'élément de retenue (24) dans un état retenu, et un actionneur actionné par un doigt (30) s'étendant à partir de l'élément de retenue (24), et faisant saillie à partir du corps (12), pour permettre un déplacement de l'élément de retenue (24) jusque dans un état libéré.
PCT/ZA2024/050014 2023-06-12 2024-04-08 Clé Pending WO2024259457A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2023/06161 2023-06-12
ZA202306161 2023-06-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2024259457A1 true WO2024259457A1 (fr) 2024-12-19

Family

ID=93852726

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2024/050014 Pending WO2024259457A1 (fr) 2023-06-12 2024-04-08 Clé

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2024259457A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5152198A (en) * 1991-11-25 1992-10-06 Schmitz Jr Herman C Snap lock adjustable wrench
TWM304404U (en) * 2006-06-30 2007-01-11 Guo-Hua Huang Improvement structure of wrench
US20070175300A1 (en) * 2005-08-02 2007-08-02 Burry James M Adjustable wrench
CN206568055U (zh) * 2016-08-23 2017-10-20 新昌县城关伯苗轴承加工厂 一种短小折叠型扳手
US20190009393A1 (en) * 2015-12-07 2019-01-10 Gyu Chol KIM Span-adjustable wrench

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5152198A (en) * 1991-11-25 1992-10-06 Schmitz Jr Herman C Snap lock adjustable wrench
US20070175300A1 (en) * 2005-08-02 2007-08-02 Burry James M Adjustable wrench
TWM304404U (en) * 2006-06-30 2007-01-11 Guo-Hua Huang Improvement structure of wrench
US20190009393A1 (en) * 2015-12-07 2019-01-10 Gyu Chol KIM Span-adjustable wrench
CN206568055U (zh) * 2016-08-23 2017-10-20 新昌县城关伯苗轴承加工厂 一种短小折叠型扳手

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