Patent · US Expired

Adjustable wrench

US5040439A · kind A · utility

2Cited by
5References
24Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateMar 9, 1989
Grant dateAug 20, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 9, 2009

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB25B13/52
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

This application discloses an improvement for a conventional open-end adjustable wrench comprising a recess in the movable jaw of the wrench adapted to receive the first end of a chain. Spring biasing means on the first end of the chain to releasably retain the first end of the chain in the recess and a curved lip on the fixed jaw adapted to receive and retain the opposite second end of the chain are also disclosed. Finally, a ratchet-like motion achieved by the modified wrench is disclosed wherein the work object is engaged in a non-slip manner during the movement of the wrench handle in one direction, and in a slipping manner during the movement of the wrench handle in the opposite direction. The unique refined feature of maximum adjustment provided by the flexible movement of the wrench jaw being repositioned where the knurl is moved allows the full ratchet-like action motion to be applied to the work object.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.