Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
e~ 1 ~
The invention relates to a universal wrench for
tightening or loosening bolt heads, nuts, pipe nipples, and
similar connecting elements.
Universal wrenches of this kind (German
Gebrauchsmuster ~Utility Model) 74 03 522, Canadian Patent
935,677) are equipped with a closed wrench element for
gripping various size~ of bolt heads, nuts, and similar
connecting elements. This angular, polygonal wrench
element is secured pivotably to one end of the handle by
means o~ a pin running at right angles to its gripping plane.
In order to grip the connecting element to be gripped, a
pressure nose formed at the end of the handle interacts
with the wrench element. These universal wrenches, however,
can ~e used only to grip connecting elemen*s which are
axially accessible.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved
universal wrench of the type mentioned at the beginning
hereof, which may be used not only for connecting elements
which are built~in, but also for those which are only radially
accessible.
According to the invention there is provided a uni-
versal wrench for tightening and loosening bolt heads, nuts,
pipe nipples, and similar connecting elements, comprising;
~ z -~
at least one annular wrench element adapted to pivot~ at
one end of a handle, in the plane thereof; said at least one
wrench element having a polygonal gripping aperture for the
connecting element to be gripped, and also having a
pressure nose at said one end of said handle; said pressure
nose having a pressure-edge entering, when the said wrench-
element is swung-in, into the said gripping aperture; the at
least one wrench element comprising on a side which swings
over said pressure nose, a jaw for the acccmmodation of the
connecting element to be gripped.
The jaw in the wrench element of the invention
makes it possible to fit this uni.versal wrench also to a
built-in connecting element, for exampleJ a p:ipe nipple or
a pipeline, to grasp it firmly, and to turn it. The jaw may
be relatively wide, to accommodate all connecting elements
acceptable to the gripping aperture o the wrench element.
The universal wrench so designed may the~efore also be
used as a pipe wrench or connecting elements which are
only radially accessible, and even cylindrical connecting
elements and lengths o pipe may be gripped and turned,
It is desirable for the pivot axis of the wrench
element to be adjustable in an arcuate bearing slot. This
not only varies the width.of the gripping aperture, but the
jaw can also be set further away from the pressure edge, in
order to facilitate the accommodation of a connecting eiement.
~ 3 ~ 6~
The innovation is described hereinafter in greater
detail, in conJunction with a particular embodiment by
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a universal wrench
with wrench elements at each end of the
handle, shown in the open position;
FIGURE 2 shows a part of this universal wrench of
Figure 1 in the gripping position; and
FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of the embodiment
illustrated in Figure 2.
With further reference to the drawings the
universal wrench illustrated consists of a handle 1
having approximately annular wrench elements 2 and 3 of dif--
ferent sizes, fitted to opposite ends thereof.
The wrench elements 2 and 3 have polygonal gripping
apertures 4 and 5 respectively. The elements 2 and 3
are adapted to pivot about the ends of the handle 1 on
pins 6 and 7 respectively itted in pressure noses l0 and 11
respectively, having pressure edges 12 and 13 respectively.
20 ~ Each wrench element 2,3 has a bearing flange which, in
the case of element 2, is a orked 1ange 15 flanking the
pressure nose 10 on both sides, whereas flange 16 of wrench
element 3 is mounted between forked pressure nose 11.
Gripping apertures 4,5 are defined by irregularly bent
6~
~ 4 ~
peripheral legs, leg 18, remote from pressure edges 12,13
merging into a gripping angle 20 and terminating in a free
leg 21.
From a defining edge 22, jaw 24 extends as far
as a base edge 25 on bearing flange 15. The base edge 25
is preferably arranged in such a manner that, when the wrench
element 2,3 is swung out, (Figure 1)~ the base edge 25 coincides
appro~imately with pressure edge 12,13. On the other hand,
defining edge 22 may be so far away as to provide the widest
possible jaw 24, although full use may still be made of
gripping angle 20.
With this universal wrench, therefore, both large
and small bolt heads, nutsJ pipe nipples, and the like may
be tightened or loosenedJ regardless of whether the connecting
elements are axially or only radially accessible. The jaw 24
is preferably made wide enough to accommodate the largest
of the connecting elements which can be gripped by the gripping
aperture. The internal surfaces of the gripping apertures
4J5 at least the gripping angle 2a of the wrench ring, and
preferably the pressure edges 12,13 alsoJ may be roughened
or ribbed, in order to proYide a better grip in the case of
circular heads or cylindrical profiles, for example of pipes.
~ 5
The wrench elements 2,3 may also be adapted to tilt
laterally, in known fashion, about a transverse axis 30.
According to a further development of this universal
wrench, pivot pin 6 of the wrench element 2 is mounted in a
bearing slot 31 Cshown in dotted lines) and can therefore
assume two different positions. This allows the gripping
aperture 4 to be made larger or smaller in its ac~ive or
operative position, as required.
The jaw 24 may also be moved further away from the
pressure edge 12, and may thus be made more accessible.
As may be gathered from the drawings, wrench element
2 as shown, is particularly suitable for the accommodation
of a hexagonal connecting element 33 which can be gripped
through jaw 24. In Figure 2, connecting element 33 is shown
in the gripped or clamped position.
The invention is not restricted to wrench elements
2,3 as shown in the drawing with their trapezoidal gripping
angles 20, which may also have legs of different lengths and
unequal angles. If the gripping angle is in the orm of an
acute angle, square and octagonal connecting element~ may
also be gripped satisfactorily.
Pressure nose lQ may also be designed with a
reinforcement 14 of the same thickness as wrench elemen* 2,
in order to obtain a pressure edge 12 of equal area to grip
flat connecting elements.
