CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] For the purposes of the United States, the present application is:

(a) a U.S. nonpro visional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U. S. C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional application serial number 61/160,306, filed March 14, 2009 ("the '306 application"), which '306 application is hereby incorporated by reference herein; and

(b) a U.S. continuation patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U. S. C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application serial no. 12/495,689, filed June 30, 2009 ("the '689 application"), which '689 application published as U.S. patent application publication no. 2010/0000378 Al, and which '689 application and any patent application publications thereof are hereby incorporated by reference herein, which '689 application is a U.S. continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U. S. C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application serial no. 12/404,304, filed March 14, 2009 ("the '304 application"), which '304 application and any publications thereof are hereby incorporated by reference herein, which '304 application is a U.S. continuation-in-part patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S. C. §120 to, U.S. nonprovisional patent application serial number 11/796,350, filed April 26, 2007 ("the '350 application"), which '350 application published as U.S. patent application publication no. 2008/0105093, and which '350 application and any patent application publications thereof are hereby incorporated by reference herein, which '350 application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application serial number 60/797,190, filed May 2, 2006 ("the ' 190 application), which ' 190 application is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For many years, traditional wrenches have been widely used. Traditional wrenches are frequently found inconvenient, inefficient, cumbersome and new wrenches are highly demanded. For instance, wrenches having closed openings with planar engagement surfaces often result in stress being applied to a hexagonal fastener and thus cause deformation of the fastener as well as providing inefficient torquing ability. Prior art wrenches having closed openings with curved engagement surfaces are known. See U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,378 to Colvin. Although the prior art

1 wrenches include six-point and twelve -point versions, problems with stress distribution are not resolved. Furthermore, the twelve-point version is configured using either metric or inch sizing, rather than both as in a duplex system. Ruzicka et al. discloses rotary wrenching tools capable of wrenching fastener heads in various measuring systems (U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,486. to Ruzicka et al.), but does not disclose a duplex system for both metric and inch sizes. Heberlie discloses ornamental designs for a double-ended box wrench showing the contour of the wrench heads. U.S. Pat. No. D303,069. The invention, however, discloses a double-ended one-sided crown. As the DIY ers encounter an increasing number of metric fastener and diminishing percentage of inch sizes, they are required to have two sets of wrenches, for both inch and metric sizes, which are cumbersome, weighty and costly in investment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of a wrench, the present invention is not limited to use only in the context of a wrench, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0004] An aspect of the present invention relates to a dual wrench. The dual wrench includes a head comprising an internal guide, first and second crowns separated by said internal guide, each of said first and second crowns comprising a plurality of interior faces, and a bolt receiving space defined by said plurality of interior faces and an outer surface of said internal guide; a shank connected to said head; wherein each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and each bolt receiving space of the dual wrench is configured to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts.

[0005] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the dual wrench further includes a second head, the second head comprising an internal guide; and first and second crowns separated by said internal guide, each of said first and second crowns comprising a plurality of interior faces, and a bolt receiving space defined by said plurality of interior faces and an outer surface of said internal guide; wherein each bolt receiving space of each crown of the second head is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of

2 either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and the shank connects together the first said head and said second head.

[0006] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each first certain size of bolt is an SAE bolt and each second certain size of bolt is a metric bolt.

[0007] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that when a bolt of either certain size is received in the bolt receiving space and the head the crown is a part of is rotated by applying force to the shank, force is applied to hex flats of the bolt and the bolt is rotated.

[0008] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said internal guide is a tapered internal guide.

[0009] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said internal guide includes an aperture defined therethrough.

[0010] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said internal guide is a tapered internal guide, and wherein said internal guide includes an aperture defined therethrough.

[0011] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the aperture is defined therethrough in a direction generally orthogonal to the direction of tapering.

[0012] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each interior face is curved inwards towards a horizontal midpoint.

[0013] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said plurality of interior faces consists of six interior faces.

[0014] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said six interior faces are joined by six corner sections.

[0015] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section comprises two curved faces joined by a planar face.

[0016] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said bolt receiving space of said first crown is defined by said plurality of interior faces of said first crown and an upper outer surface of said internal guide.

[0017] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said upper outer surface of said internal guide is planar. [0018] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said bolt receiving space of said second crown is defined by said plurality of interior faces of said first crown and a lower outer surface of said internal guide.

[0019] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, both said upper outer surface and said lower outer surface of said internal guide are planar.

[0020] An aspect of the present invention relates to a dual wrench. The dual wrench includes a head comprising first and second opposing crowns, each crown including a plurality of lobes, an aperture defined therethrough, a rim surrounding the periphery of said aperture, said rim having an upper surface defining an upper lip and a lower surface defining a lower lip, a first bolt receiving space defined by said first crown and said upper lip, and a second bolt receiving space defined by said second crown and said lower lip; a shank connected to said head.

[0021] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and each bolt receiving space of the dual wrench is configured to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts.

[0022] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each first certain size of bolt is an SAE bolt and each second certain size of bolt is a metric bolt.

[0023] An aspect of the present invention relates to a dual wrench. The dual wrench includes first and second heads, each head comprising a tapered internal guide, first and second crowns separated by said tapered internal guide, each of said first and second crowns comprising a plurality of lobes, and a bolt receiving space defined by said plurality of lobes and an outer surface of said tapered internal guide; a shank connecting together said first and second heads; wherein each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that when a bolt of either certain size is received in the bolt receiving space of the crown, corners of the bolt are spaced from the crown and hex flats of the bolt are generally abutted by lobes of the crown such that when the head the crown is a part of is rotated by applying force to the shank, force is applied to the bolt at hex flats of the bolt rather than at corners of the bolt, and each bolt receiving space of the dual wrench is configured to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts. [0024] An aspect of the present invention relates to a quad wrench. The quad wrench includes a head comprising an internal guide, first and second crowns separated by said internal guide, each of said first and second crowns comprising a plurality of interior faces, and first and second bolt receiving spaces, each bolt receiving space being at least partially defined by an outer surface of said internal guide and some of said plurality of interior faces; a shank connected to said head; wherein each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and each bolt receiving space of the quad wrench is configured to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts.

[0025] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the quad wrench further includes a second head, the second head comprising an internal guide; and first and second crowns separated by said internal guide, each of said first and second crowns comprising a plurality of interior faces, and first and second bolt receiving spaces, each bolt receiving space being at least partially defined by an outer surface of said internal guide and some of said plurality of interior faces; wherein each bolt receiving space of each crown of the second head is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and the shank connects together the first said head and said second head.

[0026] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said plurality of interior faces consists of a first group of four interior faces that are generally identical to one another, a second group of two interior faces that are generally identical to one another but generally not identical to the interior faces of the first group, and a third group of two interior faces that are generally identical to one another but generally not identical to the interior faces of the first or second groups.

[0027] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said interior faces are joined by ten corner sections.

[0028] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said ten corner sections consist of a first group of five corner sections that are generally identical to one another, a second group of three corner sections that are generally identical to one another but generally not identical to the corner sections of the first group, and a third group of two corner sections that are generally identical to one another but generally not identical to the corner sections of the first or second groups.

[0029] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said first group of corner sections consists of two curved faces joined by a planar face.

[0030] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said second group of corner sections consists of two curved faces joined by a planar face.

[0031] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said third group of corner sections consists of a curved face.

[0032] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said third group of corner sections consists of a curved face and a planar face.

[0033] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said first group of corner sections comprises two curved faces joined by a planar face.

[0034] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said second group of corner sections comprises two curved faces joined by a planar face.

[0035] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said third group of corner sections comprises a curved face.

[0036] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each corner section of said third group of corner sections comprises a curved face and a planar face.

[0037] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each bolt receiving space of said first crown is at least partially defined by an upper outer surface of said internal guide and some of said plurality of interior faces.

[0038] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, said upper outer surface of said internal guide is planar.

[0039] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each bolt receiving space of said second crown is at least partially defined by an upper outer surface of said internal guide and some of said plurality of interior faces.

[0040] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, both said upper outer surface and said lower outer surface of said internal guide are planar.

[0041] An aspect of the present invention relates to a quad wrench. The quad wrench includes a head comprising first and second opposing crowns, each crown including a plurality of lobes, an aperture defined therethrough, a rim surrounding the periphery of said aperture, said rim having an upper surface defining an upper lip and a lower surface defining a lower lip, first and second bolt receiving spaces at least partially defined by said first crown and said upper lip, and first and second bolt

6 receiving spaces at least partially defined by said second crown and said lower lip; and a shank connected to said head.

[0042] In a feature of this aspect of the invention, each bolt receiving space of each crown is configured to correspond to both a first certain size of bolt and a second certain size of bolt such that a bolt of either certain size received in the bolt receiving space can be rotated when force is applied to the shank, and each bolt receiving space of the quad wrench is configured to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts.

[0043] An aspect of the present invention relates to a quad wrench having a shank connecting two heads, wherein each head includes two crowns and each crown includes two bolt receiving areas.

[0044] An aspect of the present invention relates to a means for engaging sixteen different sized hex bolts.

[0045] An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of using a quad wrench.

[0046] In an aspect of the present invention, duplex open end and duplex box wrench are paired. Although the head of the open end is significantly smaller in profile than traditional wrenches, the paired crowns and the tapered internal guide adds tangential strength to the wrench head thereby permitting a slight reduction in the thickness of the wall of the both open and box wrenches. More noticeable is the smaller profile of the open end version, which has jaws that are more blunt than those of conventional wrenches. Although the wrenches are paired, the head is less than twice as thick as traditional wrenches. The tapered internal guide increases the offset quality of both end and box crowns.

[0047] In an aspect of the present invention, a box crown can be either six or twelve lobes. In one embodiment, the open end has four lobes to contact the fastener and thus distributes the stresses over the four flats of the hex nut. This decreases deformation of the fastener and inefficient torquing ability.

[0048] In an aspect of the present invention, a duplex wrench is compact. Compactness enables the duplex wrench to operate in tighter spaces than most traditional wrenches can do. In one or more preferred embodiments, optimum contact is assured on and around the hex while the depth of the crowns is minimized. The tapered internal guide prevents the crown from slipping past the hex.

[0049] In an aspect of the present invention, a provides perfect alignment between wrench and hex because of the bottoming out of the hex against the guide.

7 [0050] In an aspect of the present invention, a single piece rotary wrenching tool with a tapered internal guide is provides sufficient space for the shaft of a hex bolt to pass through. The operator can nest a hex nut in the crown of the duplex wrench and carry it to a bolt in a different place to reach or to the underside of an object, making dropped and lost nuts less of a problem. The wide range of hexes that can be accommodated by the duplex set makes these unique tools an appealing, lightweight addition to a handy emergency kit or other tool box. With four sizes on each wrench it is easy to pick the right one for the job. This eliminates the need for the user to gather a bundle of wrenches before beginning a job. The concept of combining double crowns with a tapered internal guide can be applied to other related tools, such as drive socket, crow foot, nut driver, and flare nut and ratchet wrenches.

[0051] In an aspect of the present invention, two sets of duplex wrenches, both inch and metric, on back to back crowns, provide a do it yourselfer (DIY er) with additional benefits. The pairing of inch and metric sizes dramatically reduces the number of wrenches needed to work on both measuring systems. They are not required to have or carry a toolbox of mixed wrenches. The duplex three pack enables a DIY to operate on twenty-four metric and inch size hex fasteners. This also minimizes guesswork on choosing the right size wrench. In one or more preferred embodiments, less weight and metal for construction than would be required for a traditional wrench.

[0052] In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features.

[0053] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood and appreciated from a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken together with the accompanying drawings, which, however, should not be taken as limitative to the present invention but for elucidation and explanation only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0055] FIG. IA depicts a traditional open end wrench.

[0056] FIG. IB depicts a traditional box wrench.

8 [0057] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a duplex open wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a duplex box wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C & 4D depicts a duplex box wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 5 depicts a duplex wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIGS. 6A, 6B & 6C depict a schematic view of a duplex box wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] FIG. 7 A illustrates a profile view of a duplex wrench having both metric and inch sizes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] FIG. 7B illustrates a plain view of the metric and inch sizes contacting lobes of the crown.

[0064] FIG. 8 depicts a duplex wrench having inch sizes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 9 depicts a duplex wrench having metric sizes according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] FIGS. 1OA & 1OB depicts an open end duplex wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 11 illustrates a dual wrench in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 12 is a fragmented close-up view of one of the heads of the dual wrench of FIG. 11.

[0069] FIG. 13A is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the head of FIG. 12.

[0070] FIG. 13B is a fragmented perspective view of the head of FIG. 12.

[0071] FIG. 13C is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13B.

[0072] FIGS. 13D-F are fragmented cross-sectional views of the head of FIG. 12 illustrating the receipt of bolts in bolt receiving areas.

[0073] FIG. 13G is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the head of FIG. 12 illustrating an aperture defined therethrough.

[0074] FIG. 13 H is a fragmented cross-sectional view of a dual wrench in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 14A is a fragmented top perspective view of the head of FIG. 12.

9 [0076] FIG. 14B is a fragmented perspective view of the head of FIG. 12.

[0077] FIGS. 15-16 are fragmented top perspective views of the head of FIG. 12 illustrating the receipt of two different sized bolts in a bolt receiving area.

[0078] FIG. 17 illustrates wrenches in accordance with preferred implementations .

[0079] FIG. 18 illustrates a quad wrench in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] FIG. 19 is a fragmented close-up view of one of the heads of the quad wrench of FIG. 18.

[0081] FIG. 2OA is a fragmented cross-sectional view of the head of FIG. 19.

[0082] FIG. 2OB is a fragmented perspective view of the head of FIG. 19.

[0083] FIGS. 20C-D are cross-sectional views of FIG. 2OB.

[0084] FIGS. 20E-M are fragmented cross-sectional views of the head of FIG. 19 illustrating the receipt of bolts in bolt receiving areas.

[0085] FIG. 21A is a fragmented top perspective view of the head of FIG. 12.

[0086] FIGS. 21B-C are fragmented perspective views of the head of FIG. 12.

[0087] FIG. 22 includes Table 1.

[0088] FIG. 23 includes Table 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan") that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0090] Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which

10 scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

[0091] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

[0092] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein-as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term-differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

[0093] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one apple."

[0094] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket

11 having cheese and crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese."

[0095] Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

[0096] FIG. IA depicts a traditional open end wrench. A traditional open end wrench 100 slips by when the user applies it on a hex fastener 101.

[0097] FIG. IB depicts a traditional box wrench. A traditional box wrench 102 makes a partial contact with a hex fastener 103.

[0098] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a duplex open wrench 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, six inwardly projecting lobes 202 of the same size disposed within a uniform interior of the duplex wrench 200 enable the wrench 200 to exert pressure on flat sides (i.e. flats) of a hexagonal object 204. The head 206 of the duplex open wrench 200 includes a crown having four faces to contact the hexagonal object 204 and thus distribute the stresses over four hex flats of hexagonal object 204.

[0099] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a duplex box wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention. A wrench includes a head 304 and a shank 306. The head includes a two-sided crown 300 and a tapered internal guide 302. The paired crowns 300 and the tapered internal guide 302 add strength to the wrench head 304, thereby permitting a slight reduction in the thickness of the box wall of the wrench head 304. Each of the paired crowns 300 can be used as a basket to carry nuts to remote areas or to inverted bolts. The box crown can include either six or twelve lobes.

[00100] FIG. 4A depicts a schematic view of a duplex box wrench according to one embodiment of the present invention. A wrench with six inwardly projecting lobes 402 of the same size within a uniform interior of the duplex wrench 400 is disclosed.

[00101] FIGS. 4B through 4D depict duplex box wrench sets according to the present invention.

[00102] FIG. 5 depicts a duplex wrench 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tapered internal guide, or lip, 502 increases the offset

12 quality of both box and end crowns. The wrench 500 is configured such that a grip on a hex nut 506 is retained while wrenching the nut on a protruding hex bolt 504. Once contact is made around a hex nut 506 on a protruding bolt 504, the lip 502 keeps the head centered. Ratcheting is done without false torque or tension. In one embodiment, for example, the angle of the of the tapered internal guide angle relative to the shank is 3°.

[00103] FIG. 6A depicts a schematic view of a duplex box wrench 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A wrench with twelve inwardly projecting lobes 602 of the same size within a uniform interior of the duplex wrench 600 is disclosed.

[00104] FIGS. 6B through 6D depict duplex box wrench sets according to the present invention.

[00105] FIGS. 7A & 7B illustrate a duplex wrench 700 having both metric and inch sizes according to one embodiment of the present invention. A duplex wrench 700 for both inch and metric sizes provides additional benefits. The pairing of inch and metric sizes dramatically reduces the number of wrenches needed to work on both measuring systems. For example a hexagonal object 701 measured in inches and a hexagonal object 702 in centimeters can each be engaged by the same duplex wrench.

[00106] FIG. 8 depicts a duplex wrench 800 measured in inch sizes according to one embodiment of the present invention. A set of different inch sizes will dramatically reduce the number of wrenches needed to work on inch measuring system.

[00107] FIG. 9 depicts a duplex wrench 900 measured using the metric system according to one embodiment of the present invention. A set of different metric sizes will dramatically reduce the number of wrenches needed to work on metric measuring system.

[00108] FIGS. 1OA & 1OB depict an open end duplex wrench 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. A tapered internal guide 1002 and jaws with blunt nose 1004 are disclosed. The blunt nose 1004 provides tangential strength to the wrench head when the wrench engages the hex nut 1006.

Dual Wrench

[00109] FIG. 11 illustrates a dual wrench 1100 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Wrench 1100 comprises two heads

13 1104,1105 connected by a shank 1106. FIG. 12 is a close-up view of one of the heads 1104.

[00110] As can be seen in FIG. 13A, which is a cross-sectional view of the head 1004 of FIG. 12, each head 1004 includes paired, opposing crowns 1110,1120 generally separated by a tapered internal guide 1102. As its name implies, and as can be seen in FIG. 13 A, the tapered internal guide 1102 is tapered in that it is thicker proximate the shank 1106 and tapers off as it moves away therefrom, as is perhaps best seen by comparison of FIG. 13A with FIG. 13C, which figure is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13B.

[00111] It will be appreciated, however, that the internal guide does not have to be tapered as illustrated in FIG. 13 A. FIG. 13H illustrates a dual wrench 1300 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention which includes an internal guide 1302 which, rather than being tapered, is of a generally constant thickness. It will be appreciated then that, although the description herein focuses largely on wrenches having a tapered internal guide, such as tapered internal guide 1102, aspects and features disclosed herein, to the extent practicable, are equally contemplated for use with wrenches having a non-tapered internal guide, such as internal guide 1302.

[00112] Returning to wrench 1100, each crown 1110,1120 includes a plurality of interior faces 1112,1122 which, together with a planar surface 1114,1124 of the tapered internal guide 1102 (and preferably corner sections as described hereinbelow), define a bolt receiving space 1119,1129. Thus, in FIG. 13 A, the bolt receiving space 1119 of the upper crown 1110 is defined by interior faces 1112 and an upper outer surface 1114 of the tapered internal guide 1102, while the bolt receiving space 1129 of the lower crown 1120 is defined by interior faces 1122 and a lower outer surface 1124 of the tapered internal guide 1102.

[00113] It will be appreciated that when a bolt is received within the bolt receiving space 1119,1129 of one of the crowns 1110,1120, tapered internal guide 1102 will prevent the bolt from passing through to the other bolt receiving space 1119,1129, as illustrated in FIGS. 13D-F. The tapered internal guide 1102 can thus be characterized as a lip, or ledge, upon which a bolt can rest. The tapered internal guide 1102 has an aperture 1105 defined therethrough, as can be seen in FIG. 13B. The aperture 1105 is defined therethrough in a direction generally orthogonal to the direction of tapering, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 13G.

14 [00114] The interior faces 1112,1122 of each crown 1110,1120 are configured to engage a bolt received within that crown's bolt receiving space 1119,1129. As can be seen in FIG. 14A, each of the interior faces 1112 is curved inwards towards a horizontal midpoint such that each can be characterized as a lobe. Preferably, the crown 1110 includes six generally identical interior faces 1112 and six generally identical corner sections 1113, although in alternative embodiments the crown 1110 might include a different number of either or both, such as, for example, a crown having twelve interior faces and twelve corner sections. Each corner section 1113 preferably includes two curved faces 1114 joined by a planar face 1115, as illustrated in FIG. 14B.

[00115] It will be appreciated that dimensions of each interior face 1112, curved face 1114, and planar face 1115 can be varied. Table 1 of FIG. 22 provides general exemplary dimensions for line segments defining the top and bottom perimeter of each face.

[00116] The interior faces 1112 and corner sections 1113 are sized and dimensioned to correspond to a certain size of bolt, such that when a bolt of that certain size is received within the bolt receiving space 1119 and engaged by the crown 1110, force is applied via hex flats of the bolt rather than via corners of the bolt. FIG. 15 illustrates such a bolt 1191 received within the bolt receiving space 1119. As can be seen in FIG. 15, corners of the bolt 1191 are spaced from the crown 1110, while hex flats of the bolt are generally abutted by lobes of the crown 1110 such that when the head 1104 is rotated by applying force to the shank 1106, force is applied to the bolt 1191 at the hex flats of the bolt 1191 rather than at corners of the bolt 1191. It will be appreciated that this obviates "stripping" of the bolt 1191.

[00117] Preferably, the interior faces 1112 are sized and dimensioned to correspond to a second certain size of bolt as well, such that either certain size of bolt can be received within the bolt receiving space 1119 and engaged by the interior faces 1112. FIG. 16 illustrates such a bolt 1192 of a second certain size received within the bolt receiving space 1119. As can be seen in FIG. 16, just like for the bolt 1191, corners of the bolt 1192 are spaced from the crown 1110, while hex flats of the bolt 1192 are generally abutted by lobes of the crown 1110 such that when the head 1104 is rotated by applying force to the shank 1106, force is applied to the bolt 1192 at the hex flats of the bolt 1192 rather than at corners of the bolt.

15 [00118] Preferably, one of the certain sizes is measured in inches and the other of the certain sizes is measured in millimeters.

[00119] The interior faces 1122 of crown 1120 are generally similar to the interior faces 1112 of crown 1110, except in that the interior faces 1122 of crown 1120 are sized and dimensioned to correspond to two different certain sizes of bolts. For example, in a preferred implementation, crown 1110 is configured to correspond to seven eighths of an inch (7/8") bolts and twenty two millimeter (22 mm) bolts, while crown 1120 is configured to correspond to thirteen sixteenths of an inch (13/16") bolts and twenty one millimeter (21 mm) bolts.

[00120] Further, head 1105 is generally similar to head 1104, except in that the interior faces of each crown of head 1105 are sized and dimensioned to correspond to still yet different certain sizes of bolts. In the previously referenced preferred implementation, one of the crowns of head 1105 is configured to correspond to three fourths of an inch (3/4") bolts and nineteen millimeter (19 mm) bolts, while the other crown is configured to correspond to eleven sixteenths of an inch (11/16") bolts and seventeen millimeter (17 mm) bolts.

[00121] In another preferred implementation, one of the crowns of head 1104 is configured to correspond to five eighths of an inch (5/8") bolts and sixteen millimeter (16 mm) bolts, while the other is configured to correspond to nine sixteenths of an inch (9/16") bolts and fourteen millimeter (14 mm) bolts, and one of the crowns of head 1105 is configured to correspond to one half of an inch (1/2") bolts and thirteen millimeter (13 mm) bolts, while the other is configured to correspond to seven sixteenths of an inch (7/16") bolts and eleven millimeter (11 mm) bolts.

[00122] In still another preferred implementation, one of the crowns of head 1104 is configured to correspond to three eighths of an inch (5/8") bolts and ten millimeter (10 mm) bolts, while the other is configured to correspond to eleven thirty seconds of an inch (11/32") bolts and nine millimeter (9 mm) bolts, and one of the crowns of head 1105 is configured to correspond to five sixteenths of an inch (5/16") bolts and eight millimeter (8 mm) bolts, while the other is configured to correspond to one fourth of an inch (1/4") bolts and six millimeter (6 mm) bolts.

[00123] FIG. 17 illustrates wrenches 1100 in accordance with each of these three preferred implementations.

Quad Wrench

16 [00124] FIG. 18 illustrates a quad wrench 1200 in accordance with one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention. Wrench 1200 comprises two heads 1204,1205 connected by a shank 1206. FIG. 19 is a close-up view of one of the heads 1204.

[00125] As can be seen in FIG. 2OA, which is a cross-sectional view of the head 1204 of FIG. 19, each head 1204 includes paired, opposing crowns 1210,1220 generally separated by a tapered internal guide 1202. As its name implies, and as can be seen in FIG. 2OA, the tapered internal guide 1202 is tapered in that it is thicker proximate the shank 1206 and tapers off as it moves away therefrom, as is perhaps best seen by comparison of FIG. 2OA with FIGS. 20C-D, which figures are cross- sectional views of FIG. 2OB.

[00126] It will be appreciated, however, that, just at noted with respect to dual wrench 1100, the internal guide of a quad wrench does not have to be tapered. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a non-tapered internal guide of a generally constant thickness is utilized. It will be appreciated then that, although the description herein focuses largely on wrenches having a tapered internal guide, such as tapered internal guide 1202, aspects and features disclosed herein, to the extent practicable, are equally contemplated for use with wrenches having a non-tapered internal guide.

[00127] It will be appreciated from the description thus far that head 1204 is similar to head 1104 in many respects. Like each crown 1110,1120 of head 1104, each crown 1210,1220 of head 1204 includes a plurality of interior faces. However, whereas a single bolt receiving space 1119,1129 is defined by the plurality of interior faces 1112,1122 of each crown 1110,1120 and the planar surfaces 1114,1124 of tapered internal guide 1102, two bolt receiving spaces 1218,1228,1219,1229 are defined by the interior faces of each crown 1210,1220 and the planar surfaces 1214,1224 of tapered internal guide 1202 (and preferably corner sections as described hereinbelow).

[00128] It will be appreciated that when a bolt is received within the bolt receiving space 1218,1228,1219,1229 of one of the crowns 1210,1220, tapered internal guide 1202 will prevent the bolt from passing through to a bolt receiving space of the other crown as illustrated in FIGS. 20E-M. The tapered internal guide 1102 can thus be characterized as a lip, or ledge, upon which a bolt can rest. The tapered internal guide 1102 has an aperture 1105 defined therethrough, as can be seen

17 in FIG. 2OB. The aperture 1105 is defined therethrough in a direction generally orthogonal to the direction of tapering.

[00129] The interior faces of crown 1210 are configured to engage a bolt received within either bolt receiving space 1218,1219. Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 2 IA, the crown 1210 includes four interior faces 1232, two interior faces 1242, and two interior faces 1252. As can be seen in FIG. 2 IA, each of the interior faces is curved inwards towards a horizontal midpoint such that each can be characterized as a lobe.

[00130] The crown 1210 further includes five corner sections 1233, three corner sections 1243, and two corner sections 1253. Each corner section 1233 preferably includes two curved faces 1234 joined by a planar face 1235, as illustrated in FIG. 21B. Similarly, each corner section 1243 preferably includes two curved faces 1244 joined by a planar face 1245. Each corner section 1253 preferably includes either a curved face 1254, as illustrated in FIG. 21B, or a curved face 1254 and a planar face 1255, as illustrated in FIG. 21C.

[00131] It will be appreciated that dimensions of each interior face 1232,1242,1252, curved face 1234,1244,1254, and planar face 1235,1245,1255 can be varied. Table 2 of FIG. 23 provides general exemplary dimensions for line segments defining the top and bottom perimeter of each face.

[00132] The interior faces 1232,1242,1252, curved faces 1234,1244,1254, and planar faces 1235,1245[,1255] defining each bolt receiving space 1218,1219 are sized and dimensioned such that each bolt receiving space 1218,1219 corresponds to a certain size of bolt. Notably, bolt receiving space 1218 and bolt receiving space 1219 correspond to different size bolts. Preferably, just as with wrench 1100, when a bolt of a certain size is received within proper corresponding bolt receiving space 1218,1219, corners of the bolt are spaced from the crown 1210, while hex flats of the bolt are generally abutted by lobes of the crown 1210 such that when the head 1204 is rotated by applying force to the shank 1206, force is applied to the bolt at the hex flats of the bolt rather than at corners of the bolt. Just as with wrench 1100, it will be appreciated that this obviates "stripping" of the bolt 1191.

[00133] Preferably, interior faces 1232,1242,1252, curved faces 1234,1244,1254, and planar faces 1235,1245[,1255] defining each bolt receiving space 1218,1219 are sized and dimensioned such that each bolt receiving space 1218,1219 corresponds to a second certain size of bolt as well, and thus either certain

18 size of bolt can be received within the bolt receiving space 1218,1219 and engaged by the interior faces 1232,1242,1252. Just like for the first certain sized bolt, preferably, when a bolt of the second certain size is received within proper corresponding bolt receiving space 1218,1219, corners of the bolt are spaced from the crown 1210, while hex flats of the bolt are generally abutted by lobes of the crown 1210 such that when the head 1204 is rotated by applying force to the shank 1206, force is applied to the bolt at the hex flats of the bolt rather than at corners of the bolt.

[00134] Preferably, one of the certain sizes is measured in inches and the other of the certain sizes is measured in millimeters.

[00135] Crown 1220 is generally similar to crown 1210, except in that each of the bolt receiving spaces 1228,1229 of crown 1220 correspond to two still yet different certain sizes of bolts. Thus, each bolt receiving space 1218,1219,1228,1229 corresponds to two different certain sizes of bolts, for a total of eight different corresponding bolt sizes.

[00136] For example, in a preferred implementation, bolt receiving space 1218 of crown 1210 is configured to correspond to nine sixteenths of an inch (9/16") bolts and fourteen millimeter (14 mm) bolts, bolt receiving space 1219 of crown 1210 is configured to correspond to eleven sixteenths of an inch (11/16") bolts and seventeen millimeter (17 mm) bolts, bolt receiving space 1228 of crown 1220 is configured to correspond to five eighths of an inch (5/8") bolts and sixteen millimeter (16 mm) bolts, and bolt receiving space 1229 of crown 1220 is configured to correspond to three fourths of an inch (3/4") bolts and nineteen millimeter (19 mm) bolts.

[00137] Further, head 1205 is generally similar to head 1204, except in that each bolt receiving space of head 1105 is sized and dimensioned to correspond to still yet different certain sizes of bolts. In the previously referenced preferred implementation, a first bolt receiving area of a first one of the crowns is configured to correspond to five sixteenths of an inch (5/16") bolts and eight millimeter (8 mm) bolts, the other bolt receiving area of the first one of the crowns is configured to correspond to seven sixteenths of an inch (7/16") bolts and eleven millimeter (11 mm) bolts, a first bolt receiving area of the other crown is configured to correspond to three eighths of an inch (5/8") bolts and ten millimeter (10 mm) bolts, and the other bolt receiving area of the other crown is configured to correspond to one half of an inch (1/2") bolts and thirteen millimeter (13 mm) bolts.

19 [00138] Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

[00139] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preceding examples and preferred embodiments are exemplary and not limiting to the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all permutations, enhancements, equivalents, and improvements thereto that are apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings are included within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

20