BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Over the years, plumbing and plumbing fixtures have become increasingly more sophisticated. Many homes are now provided with multiple access points for both hot and cold water as well as associated drains connected to liquid waste disposal pipes. For example, water outlets are typically found in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms and the like.

Naturally, the installation and maintenance of such water related assemblies present their own particular challenges. Often, for example, the connection of a faucet is accomplished by fittings which are disposed on the underneath of a cabinet or enclosure located closely adjacent to a wall or other vertical support. Such fittings are normally secured by nuts that are situated in difficult to reach and confined areas. Thus, engaging the nut with the wrench can sometimes be difficult.

Moreover, tightening or loosening such nuts can be difficult and time consuming due to the lack of space to engage the nut and/or to maneuver the wrench.

Accordingly, there has been a variety of different wrenches constructed to help a worker gain access to the fittings and connecting nuts used for such assemblies. One of the more common devices is known as the basin wrench. A typical basin wrench has an elongated handle supporting a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly has a first jaw mounted to the handle. A second jaw is then hinged to the first jaw so that it may be opened so as to engage a fitting. In order to gain purchase on the target fitting, the hinged jaw is spring biased towards a closed position, and ridge-like teeth are provided on the opposed surfaces of the first and second jaws so as to engage the fitting. For example, these ridge-like teeth may engage the vertices of a nut so as to either tighten or loosen the nut when the wrench is manipulated.

The spring biased relationship of the jaws allows the wrench head to be ratcheted around the nut or the pipe.

In some basin wrenches, the first jaw is mounted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis in order to change the position of jaw assembly relative to the handle. This allows some degree of positional selection and use in confined spaces.

It is also known, in such basin wrenches, to provide a pair of telescoping handle sections so that the effective length may be adjusted, as desired. A T-bar may also provided at the end of the handle opposite the jaw assembly in order to facilitate manipulation of the wrench.

The existing basin wrenches, however, are not without their disadvantages.

For example, in order to position the jaw assembly on a fitting, it is necessary for the user to hold the wrench in one hand and to physically separate the spring loaded second jaw to the open position. At a minimum, this procedure is awkward to implement. On the other hand, due to the confined quarters, it may sometimes be extremely difficult for the user to gain access to the head of the wrench while it is positioned against the fitting. In such instances, the user is forced to try to move the hinge jaw to the open position by pressing it against the fitting. This action can be extremely difficult and time consuming. Should the jaw assembly slip off of the fitting, the awkward process of re-engaging the jaw assembly must be repeated.

Further, if the jaw slips, the user is often in danger of injuring his/her knuckles or other parts of the hand.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved basin wrenches which can address these issues. There is a need for a basin wrench that can be more easily engaged on plumbing fixtures and the like. There is a need for such a wrench that can operate with greater efficiency in confined quarters. There is a further need for such a wrench that has jaws that can be opened more easily to engage a fitting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful tool for connecting and disconnecting fittings in confined spaces.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a basin wrench that is easy to manipulate in confined spaces.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a basin wrench that is may be used in a wide variety of positions.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a basin wrench when the jaw assembly can be opened without requiring the user to directly pivot the hinge jaw thereof.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a basin wrench having a jaw assembly wherein the operator can easily open the jaws to grasp and regrasp nuts, fittings and the like.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a basin wrench construction that allows a single hand operation.

According to the present invention, then, a basin wrench is provided which includes an elongated handle having opposite first and second end portions. A jaw assembly is disposed at the first end portion of the handle, and an actuator is disposed at the second end portion of the handle. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member which have opposed gripping surfaces. The jaw members are pivotal with respect to one another about a jaw pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. A spring element biases the first and second jaw members towards the closed position. A linkage mechanically interconnects the actuator and the jaw assembly such that, when the actuator is operated, the linkage acts to pivot the first and second jaw members from the closed position to the open position with the spring element then being operative to return the jaw members toward the closed position when the actuator is released.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the first and second jaw members have opposed gripping surfaces each provided with ridge like teeth that extend in a direction generally parallel to the jaw pivot axis. According to another aspect of the present invention, the first jaw member is pivotally mounted to the first end portion of the handle about a transverse axis. The second jaw member is then pivotally mounted to the first jaw member for pivotal movement with respect to the first jaw member about the jaw pivot axis that is generally perpendicular to the transverse axis. Still a different aspect of the invention provides that the second jaw member may arcuately configured. Here, at least one, but if desired, both of the opposed grouping surfaces of the jaw members may be arcuate in configuration.

. In the detailed embodiment, the first jaw member is configured to have a first jaw portion with a pair of spaced apart flanges projecting from the first jaw portion. The second jaw member is then configured as a second jaw portion with a web projecting from the second jaw portion. The web is disposed between the flanges and pivotally mounted thereto whereby the second jaw member is moveable between the closed position and the open position.

In any event, the handle may include a drive head disposed on the second end portion so as to permit use of an auxiliary tool to gain mechanical advantage in locating the jaw assembly. A T-bar may also be secured to a second end portion of the handle.

In the disclosed embodiment, the handle is generally hollow and has a sidewall surrounding an interior. This sidewall can have a pair of opposed slots, and the actuator can include a slide plug that is slideably disposed in the interior of the handle and a transverse rod secured to the slide plug with the transverse rod extending outwardly through the opposed slots in the sidewall. The mechanical linkage in the disclosed embodiment is defined by an elongated flexible cable extending through the hollow interior of the handle, through a hollow pivot pin that defines the transverse pivot axis after which it is connected to the second jaw such that pulling on the cable opens the jaws. This pivot pin is generally C-shaped in cross section.

Where the jaw assembly is pivotal on the first end portion of the handle, a detent assembly may be provided to interface the jaw assembly and the first end portion of the handle. The detent assembly is operative to releasably retain the jaw assembly at selected pivotal positions relative to the first end portion of the handle.

A limit stop may be associated with the first and second jaw members with the limit stop being operative to prevent relative movement of the first and second jaw members past the open position.

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a basin wrench according to the present invention; Figure 2 is side view in elevation of the jaw assembly shown in Figure 2 moving between a closed position (shown in phantom) and an open position; Figure 3 is an end view in elevation showing the pivotal movement of the jaw assembly according to the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a first end portion of the handle and the jaw assembly of the basin wrench of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an end view in elevation showing the jaw assembly of the present invention; Figure 6 is an end view in elevation of the guide plug shown in Figure 4; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 7-7 of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side view in cross-section of the jaw assembly of the present invention shown with the jaw members in a closed position; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view, similar to Figure 8, showing the jaw members in an open position; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken about lines 10-10 of Figure 8; Figure 11 is an end view in elevation, partially broken away, of the second end portion of the handle of the basin wrench of Figure 1 showing the actuator assembly therefore; Figure 12 is a side view in partial cross-section of the second end portion of the handle assembly shown in Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a perspective view of the drive head according to the basin wrench of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT The present invention is broadly directed to hand operated tools, but more particularly, the present invention concerns plumbing tools of the type used to manipulate plumbing fixtures. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a basin wrench which has spring loaded jaws that are adapted to grip a nut or other fitting in tight, confined spaces. An important feature of the basin wrench according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is the ability of the user to open and close the jaws, which are located at a first end of the basin wrench handle, by means of an actuator that is located at a second end portion of the handle.

With reference first to Figure 1, a basin wrench 10 is illustrated and includes a handle 12 that has a first end portion 14 and a second end portion 16. Handle 12 is elongated and has a longitudinal axis"L". A jaw assembly 20 is pivotally disposed on first end portion 14 of handle 12 while an actuator assembly 80 is disposed on second end portion 16 opposite first end portion 14. Jaw assembly 20 includes a lower or first jaw member 22 and an upper or second jaw member 24. As is shown in Figure 2, first and second jaw members 22,24 are pivotal with respect to one another about a jaw pivot axis between an open position and a closed position (shown in phantom). Moreover, as is shown in Figure 3, jaw assembly 20 is also pivotal with respect to handle 12 about a transverse pivot axis.

Jaw assembly 20 may be seen in greater detail in Figures 2,4, 5, and 8-10, with individual components being also shown in Figures 6 and 7. With reference to these figures, jaw assembly 20 is seen to include the first jaw member 22 and the second jaw member 24 that are pivotal with respect to one another about a jaw pivot axis"A"that is formed by an axle pin 26. It may also be seen that the first and second jaw members 22,24 respectively have opposed gripping surfaces 23,25 that are each arcuate in configuration and are each provided with ridge like teeth 120 that extend in a direction generally parallel to the jaw pivot axis"A".

With reference now especially to Figures 4,5, 8 and 9, it may be seen that first jaw member 22 includes a first jaw portion 30 from which a pair of spaced apart flanges 32 project. Flanges 32 are spaced apart so as to define an open region 34 therebetween. Each of flanges 32 includes a circular opening 33 and is sized and adapted to receive axle pin 26 press fit therein. Second jaw member 24 includes a second jaw portion 40 having a web 42 projecting therefrom with web 42 having a circular opening 43 extending therethrough. When first and second jaw members 22,24 are connected together for pivotal motion, axle pin 26 passes through opening 43 to allow pivotal movement of second jaw member 24 relative to first jaw member 22.

It should be understood that first and second jaw members 22,24 are spring biased towards the closed position. To this end, biasing spring element 28 is provided, as is illustrated best in Figure 4. Spring element 28 includes legs 50, coil portions 51 and a bridge portion 52. Coil portions 51 are sized so that axle pin 26 may pass therethrough while legs 50 bear against jaw member 22. Moreover, as noted, spring element 28 includes a bridge portion 54 that, when in an assembled state, extends across a rear side of web 42 so as to bias second jaw member 24 towards the closed position relative to first jaw member 22. A limit stop in the form of a nub 54 is located on each side of web 42 and is positioned to abut the corner 56 of each flange 32 to prevent over extension of first and second jaw members 22,24 past the open position, as shown best in Figure 2.

As noted above, jaw assembly 20 is secured to first end portion 14 of handle 12. To this end, it may be appreciated in reference to Figure 4 that handle 12 is a hollow tubular member having a sidewall 18 that forms a hollow handle interior 19.

First end portion 14 of handle 12 is bifurcated by a pair of notches 15 to form a pair of opposed wings 17 each having a hole 21 formed therein.

With continued reference to Figure 4, but also with reference to Figures 6-9, it may be seen that first end portion 14 of handle 12 receives a plug 60 in order to mount jaw assembly 20. Plug 60 includes a head 62 and a shaft 64 with shaft 64 being sized and adapted for close fitted insertion into the interior 19 of end portion 14 of handle 12. A pair of ears 63 extend form shaft 64 as a continuation of head 62.

Ears 63 are sized for mounting in notches 15. Shaft 64 includes a transverse bore 66 extending therethrough with bore 66 located at the edge of head 62. When inserted into first end portion 14 of handle 12, ears 63 engage notches 15 and bore 66 registers with holes 21. Thus, plug 60 in conjunction with handle 12 forms a mount for jaw assembly 20.

To this end, first jaw portion 30 of first jaw member 22 includes a pair of aligned bores 68 and 69 that are sized similarly to transverse bore 66. First jaw portion 30 has a U-shaped recess 70 that is sized to accommodate head 62 so that first jaw member may be positioned in surrounding relationship to head 62. When so positioned, a roll pin 72 may be inserted through holes 21, bore 68, transverse bore 66 and bore 69 to affix plug 60 in handle 12 and also first jaw member 22 onto plug 60. As is shown in the figures, roll pin 72 which may also be referred to as a pivot pin, is C-shaped in cross-section so as to have a hollow interior 73. First jaw member 22, and correspondingly, jaw assembly 20, is accordingly pivotally secured to first end portion 14 of handle 20 for pivotal movement with respect thereto about a transverse pivot access"T".

The pivotal movement of the first and second jaw members with respect to one another is therefore accomplished by pivoting second jaw member 24 relative to first jaw member 22 about pivot axis"A". This pivotal movement may be actuated remotely of the first end portion 14 of handle 12 to which jaw assembly 20 is attached. To this end, an actuator 80 is located at second end portion 16 of handle 12 as is illustrated in Figures 1,11 and 12. As may be seen in these figures, actuator 80 includes a slide plug 82 that has a channel 88 formed therein to provide clearance for any burr on the interior of handle 12. Slide plug 88 is freely slidable in the interior 19 of handle 12 at second end portion 16 and includes a bore 83 extending therethrough that mounts a transverse rod 84 that extends outwardly on either side of handle 12 through longitudinally extending opposed slots 86.

A linkage then mechanically interconnects actuator 80 and jaw assembly 20 such that, when the actuator is operated, the linkage acts to pivot the first and second jaw members 20,22 from the closed position to the open position. In the exemplary embodiment, this mechanical linkage is provided by an elongated flexible cable 90 that has one end portion 91 affixed to slide plug 82 in any convenient manner such as by an adhesive, or by being embedded therein. Referring again to Figures 5,8 and 9, an opposite end portion 92 of cable 90 extends around web 42 in a channel 44 formed therein. End portion 92 is then affixed permanently to web 42 such as by gluing it in a bore 93. Thus, movement of slide plug 82 downwardly, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, will pivot second jaw member 24 about pivot axis"A" against the restoring force of spring element 28.

To help ensure that cable 90 may smoothly reciprocate through the interior of handle 12, plug 60 is provided with an arcuate channel 74 that communicates with transverse bore 66. As is shown in Figures 8 and 9, then, cable 90 is received in this channel 74 so that it may pass into the interior 73 of roll pin 72 and exit from roll pin 72 to extend around web 42.

With reference again to Figures 11 and 12, the second end portion 16 of handle 12 may also be provided with a T-bar 94 and a drive head 96. Second end portion 16 of handle 12 includes a pair of opposed openings 104, as illustrated in Figure 12, so that T-bar 94 may be inserted through second end portion 16 of handle 12. T-bar 94 allows the user to gain a mechanical advantage in rotating handle 12 and thus jaw assembly 20.

Drive head 96 is best illustrated in Figure 13 where it includes a shaft 98 that is sized and adapted for close-fitted insertion into the hollow interior 19 of handle 12 where it is secured by a suitably strong adhesive. Drive head 96 includes a shank 106 that is hexagonal in cross-section and that is integrally formed with base 110 a cap portion 108 is located at an end of shank 106 opposite base 100 and is provided with a square shaped cavity 110 that is sized to receive an auxiliary drive tool, such as the drive of a ratchet wrench or the like. Moreover, shank 106 is sized to receive the jaws of an auxiliary tool, such as an open end wrench, crescent wrench, and the like. Thus, mechanical advantage can also be gained by using an auxiliary tool to engage drive head 96.

In addition to the above described features, it should also be understood that jaw assembly 20 and, particularly, first jaw member 22, may be pivoted about transverse axis"T". Further, it should be recognized that transverse axis"T"and pivot axis"A"are generally perpendicular to one another. To help control the pivotal movement of jaw assembly 20 about transverse axis"T", a detent assembly interfaces the jaw assembly and the first end portion 14 of handle 12. This detent assembly is operative to releasably retain the jaw assembly at selected pivotal positions relative to the first end portion of the handle.

The detent assembly in the exemplary embodiment is provided by a ball detent that includes a ball 112 and a spring 114. Head 62 and ears 63 of plug 60 include dimples 75 that engage spring-biased ball 112 at selected positions. This allows pivoting of jaw assembly 20 away from the vertical, as is shown in Figure 3.

While head assembly 20 may be positioned at any desired angle with respect to the longitude"L"of handle 12, the detents are selected at about ninety degree angles or orientation.

In operation, then, a user places jaw assembly 20 adjacent a fixture, such as a nut, to be manipulated. If necessary, jaw assembly 20 is pivotally positioned about transverse pivot axis"T"to desired orientation. The user then simply pulls on transverse rod 84 of actuator 80 so as to apply a force on cable 90 that pivots second jaw member 24 relative to first jaw member 22 so that the fitting may be engaged. Upon releasing transverse rod 84, spring element 28 acts to close jaw assembly 20 around the fitting with ridge teeth 120 engaging selected facets of the fitting. The user may then manually operate basin wrench 10 in a standard manner.

T-bar 90 helps provide leverage upon manipulation. Alternatively, the user may use an auxiliary tool to engage drive head 96 to gain leverage in loosening or tightening the fitting. After a selected amount of rotation of the fitting, the user can reverse the direction of rotation so that first and second jaw members 22,24 ratchet around the fitting due to spring element 20 and the operation can then be repeated until the fitting is either loosened or tightened a sufficient amount.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present invention is defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior art so that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.