torque wrench

Abstract

A double-beam torque wrench with a linear display and a linear locking member is provided. The torque wrench includes a head that is coupled to a socket for rotating fasteners or bolts. A housing extends from the head to form a handle. Within the housing forming the handle are two beams: a lever beam that transmits force from the handle to the head; and a deflection beam coupled to the head but not to the handle. The deflection beam deflects away from the lever beam to indicate that a predetermined torque has been applied. A torque adjustment assembly moves the lever beam relative to the head to set the predetermined torque, and a pin follows the linear display to indicate the set predetermined torque to the user.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing of related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 004,877, filed April 3, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of torque wrenches for tightening fasteners to a predetermined applied torque setting or value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One embodiment of the invention relates to a torque wrench having a head configured to engage with a fastener and a handle configured to be gripped by a user. The torque wrench further includes a lever, a deflection beam, and a torque adjustment mechanism. The lever is coupled to the handle at one end and to the head at the opposite end. The deflection beam is coupled to the head and selectively coupled to the lever. The torque adjustment mechanism includes a frame, a pinion, and a locking lever. The frame is located within the handle and has a rack. The pinion is coupled to the rack. The locking lever is biased away from the rack. A locking member selectively engages the locking lever with the frame to lock the torque adjustment mechanism relative to the handle.

[0005] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a torque wrench having a head and a handle, the head being configured to engage a fastener, and the handle extending along a longitudinal axis and including a window passing through the handle. The torque wrench further includes a beam, a deflection beam, and a torque adjustment mechanism. The beam is coupled to the head at a first end and to the handle at a second end. The deflection beam is coupled to the head. The torque adjustment mechanism includes a frame and a pin. The frame is located within the handle and has a groove extending along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The pin extends through the groove to indicate the applied torque on the beam.

[0006] Another embodiment of the invention relates to a torque wrench comprising a head, a handle, a beam, a deflection beam, and a torque adjustment mechanism. The head is configured to engage with a socket and / or fastener and is coupled to the handle. The handle extends along a longitudinal axis and has a window passing through it. The beam is coupled to the handle at one end and to the head at the opposite end. The deflection beam is coupled to the head and selectively coupled to the beam such that disengagement of the deflection beam from the beam indicates that a torque limit has been applied. The torque adjustment mechanism has a partially exposed frame within the handle. The frame includes a rack and a readout slot, the readout slot being at least partially visible through the window and extending along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The torque adjustment mechanism further includes a pinion coupled to the rack, a locking lever, a locking member, and a pin. The locking lever is biased away from the rack and selectively engages the rack of the frame to lock the torque adjustment mechanism relative to the handle. The locking member is coupled to the frame opposite to the rack and engages a portion of the locking lever to force the locking lever against the rack of the frame. The pin extends through a slot to indicate the applied torque on the beam.

[0007] In several different additional embodiments, the handle is coupled to the head and surrounds the rod beam and deflection beam. In some embodiments, a frame is formed within the handle such that the frame and handle are a single integral piece, and the handle includes a rack and slots. In some embodiments, a locking member is located on the handle.

[0008] In several different embodiments, the cover and / or linear display enhance the visibility and / or resolution of the applied torque setting. The linear display extends along the frame in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to increase the linear display area. In several different embodiments, the cover moves as the applied torque increases or decreases, and / or includes a window to focus the user's gaze on the applied torque setting.

[0009] Alternative exemplary embodiments involve other features and combinations of features, as typically described in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0010] This application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements:

[0011] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a torque wrench according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A side view of a torque wrench with the handle removed.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a separate handle of a torque wrench according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment, the locking member is captured in Figure 3 Exploded view of the cover on the handle.

[0015] Figure 5 is a frame that captures the locking member and the torque adjustment mechanism connected to the beam according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 is a torque adjustment mechanism connected to a beam according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the locking member and torque adjustment mechanism on the frame according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 A top view, including pins for indicating the applied torque and for connection to a rod or torque adjustment mechanism.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the first side of the locking member and torque adjustment mechanism in the unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 The cross-sectional view shows the locking member and torque adjustment mechanism in the locked position.

[0021] Figure 11 The locking member and torque adjustment mechanism in the unlocked position according to an exemplary embodiment are, for example, related to... Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the second side opposite to the first side.

[0022] Figure 12 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 The cross-sectional view shows the locking member and torque adjustment mechanism in the locked position. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, several different embodiments of a split-beam torque wrench are illustrated. Split-beam torque wrenches are robust tools used, for example, in high-torque applications requiring relatively precise torque. In some embodiments discussed herein, the torque wrench uses a rotating wheel to adjust the torque setting on the beam and includes a display showing the applied torque setting. In some embodiments, a spring-loaded locking member is used to apply the torque setting. The applicant has found that by using a locking member on the frame for adjusting the beam, the torque wrench design discussed herein improves resolution, provides easier assembly, reduces the number of parts in the torque wrench, and / or allows for single-handed operation (e.g., one-handed operation).

[0024] Figure 1A torque wrench 10 is shown, which applies a predetermined or preset amount of torque (e.g., applied torque) to a fastener within a socket. The torque wrench 10 includes: a head 12; a handle 14 formed on or part of a housing 16 defining a longitudinal axis 18; and a torque adjustment mechanism 20. Figure 2 ); and a sliding button or locking member 22. In a particular embodiment, the handle 14 extends along the longitudinal axis 18 and is configured to be gripped by a user. The head 12 is configured to engage with a fastener. In use, the user rotates the adjustment dial 24 on the torque adjustment mechanism 20 to select the applied torque or maximum torque applied to the fastener or sleeve by the head 12 when the handle 14 is rotated.

[0025] Figure 2 Handle 14 and / or cover 26 are shown. Figure 3 The torque wrench 10 is removed. The torque wrench 10 includes a main beam or lever 30 and a secondary beam or deflection beam 32. In some embodiments, the lever 30 and / or deflection beam 32 are located within the housing 16 of the handle 14. The lever 30 has: a first end 34 coupled to the head 12; and a second end 36 opposite to the first end 34, coupled to or forming the handle 14. The lever 30 is coupled to the force applied by the user at the handle 14 to rotate together with the head 12 and / or a fastener or sleeve coupled to the head 12. The lever 30 and the deflection beam 32 extend adjacent to each other along a longitudinal axis 18.

[0026] A deflection beam 32 is coupled to the head 12 and selectively coupled to the lever 30. Unlike the lever 30, the deflection beam 32 does not extend fully from the head 12 to the handle 14, but is located between the handle 14 and the head 12, beneath the housing 16 and / or cover 26. A trigger or switch 38 releasably engages the deflection beam 32 to the lever 30. In some embodiments, a biasing element (shown as a spring 40) biases the switch 38 against at least one of the lever 30 and the deflection beam 32. Because the torque applied to the handle 14 exceeds a set applied torque (e.g., a maximum torque selected by the torque adjustment mechanism 20), the switch 38 overcomes the biasing force of the spring 40 to disengage the deflection beam 32 from the lever 30. In several different embodiments, the disengagement of the lever 30 from the deflection beam 32 produces an audible, tactile, and / or release mechanism 42 in the head 12, preventing further rotation of the handle 14 from applying torque to the sleeve or fastener coupled to the head 12. Therefore, the torque adjustment mechanism 20 is configured for the user to adjust and / or set a predetermined applied torque on the fastener connected to the sleeve in the head 12, and to limit excessive twisting of the fastener or sleeve.

[0027] Figure 3A handle 14, formed together with a cover 26 on a torque wrench 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, is shown. The cover extends along a housing 16 between the head 12 and the handle 14, and defines a length 28 of the housing 16 of the torque wrench 10. The length 28 begins at the bottom of the switch and extends to the connection with the head 12. Figure 3 As shown, housing 16 includes a handle 14, which forms a continuous integral portion within housing 16 such that the gripping portion of housing 16 held by the user is the handle 14. Another portion of housing 16 surrounds the lever 30 and / or deflection beam 32, for example, to prevent moisture or debris from interfering with switch 38. For example, handle 14 is directly coupled to head 12 and at least partially surrounds lever 30 and / or deflection beam 32.

[0028] The linear display 44 is visible through a window 46 in the cover 26, housing 16, and / or handle 14. In a particular embodiment, an opening (shown as window 46) through the handle 14 extends through the handle 14. The linear display 44 shows the applied torque setting of the torque adjustment mechanism 20. For example, the linear display 44 includes markings indicating the applied torque in metric units (e.g., Nm [Newton-meter]) and / or imperial units (e.g., ft-lb [foot-pound]). In some embodiments, the linear display 44 extends along the longitudinal axis 18 to increase the length 28 of the linear display 44. Conventional torque wrenches have a radial display showing the applied torque setting and are limited by the width 48 dimension of the housing 16 ( Figure 2 (For example, extending laterally to the longitudinal axis 18). The resolution of the applied torque shown on a conventional display is limited by the width dimension 48. The applicant has found that the linear display 44 improves the visual readability of the applied torque setting because it provides a larger surface area to display the adjusted and set applied torque. Furthermore, the length 28 and / or resolution of the linear display 44 are independent of the width dimension 48 of the handle 14. For example, a pin 50 is coupled to the lever 30, and when the adjusting dial 24 rotates to move the components of the torque adjustment mechanism 20, the pin moves along with the lever 30 through the readout slot 52 on the frame 54. This configuration creates a high-resolution and scalable linear display 44 (Figures 5 and 6).

[0029] The adjustment dial 24 has a shaft 56 (FIG. 6) that extends through the lever 30 and is fixed to the opposite end of the housing 16. For example, the shaft 56 extends from the adjustment dial 24 to a follower 58 (or another adjustment dial 24) at the opposite end of the shaft 56. In some embodiments, the adjustment dial 24 and / or the follower 58 are partially enclosed by the housing to increase portability (ease of storing the torque wrench in a pocket or bag). In some embodiments, two adjustment dials 24 are located at opposite ends of the shaft 56. Alternatively, the adjustment dials 24 are configured for left-handed and / or right-handed use.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the cover 26, locking member 22, and handle 14 (e.g., including housing 16). The exploded view shows window 46, which captures the locking member 22 against the handle 14. In a particular embodiment, the locking member 22 is coupled to the handle 14. For example, the cover 26 includes window 46 and is slidably coupled to the handle 14 such that the cover 26 and / or window 46 can move relative to pin 50 (e.g., proportionally) to indicate the applied torque of the torque adjustment mechanism 20. This configuration enables a sliding scale or adjustable linear torque value display 44 when the applied torque is changed.

[0031] Figure 4 A protrusion or projection 60 on the locking member 22 is shown, which engages within a guide rail 62 of the housing 16 to guide and / or restrict movement of the locking member 22. Similarly, a plurality of different openings 64 in the housing 16 are designed to guide and / or restrict movement of the cover 26 relative to the housing 16. The locking member 22 is slidably captured between the cover 26 and the frame 54 of the torque adjustment mechanism 20 by a second window 46 of the cover 26. The locking member 22 is coupled to the handle 14 and / or captured between the cover 26 and the frame 54. In a particular embodiment, the locking member 22 is coupled to the frame 54 opposite to the rack 70. In some embodiments, the projection 60 of the locking member 22 is configured to engage a portion of the locking lever 66 to force the locking lever 66 against the rack 70 of the frame 54. For example, protrusion 60 extends through a groove in handle 14 or housing 16 (e.g., a groove forming guide rail 62) to engage with a forming portion or pawl 68 on locking lever 66 (which engages with rack 70), thereby setting the applied torque value. Figure 4 up to Figure 5 and Figures 9 to 12 In this way, the user presses the gripping area 72 of the locking member 22 to slide the protrusion 60 into the pawl 68 of the locking lever 66, and forces the teeth 74 on the bottom of the locking lever 66 to engage with the teeth 74 on the rack 70, thereby locking the torque adjustment mechanism 20 at a predetermined applied torque. In this way, the locking lever 66 selectively engages the rack 70 of the frame 54 to lock the torque adjustment mechanism relative to the handle 14.

[0032] Figure 5 shows a frame 54 that captures the locking member 22 and / or the torque adjustment mechanism 20. A surface area 76 includes applied torque markings for the linear display 44 near a readout slot 52 marked on the frame 54. The resolution on the surface area 76 for the markings in the linear display 44 is improved due to the extended length 28 (compared to the width 48) of the housing 16. The torque adjustment mechanism 20 includes a lever 30 that selectively and releasably engages the locking member 22. In some embodiments, the linear display 44 is directly applied to the frame 54 and is visible through a window 46 (e.g., in the cover 26, handle 14, and / or housing 16). For example, the linear display 44 is located on the frame 54 and is visible through a window 46 in the cover 26, housing 16, and / or handle 14. The linear display 44 includes markings for applied torque resolution in metric units (e.g., Nm [Newton-meter] or J / rad) and imperial units (e.g., ft-lb [foot-pound] or in-lb [inch-pound]), or other torque units.

[0033] The torque adjustment mechanism 20 includes a frame 54 having a rack 70 and a mating pinion 78 coupled to an adjustment dial 24, a locking member 22, and a locking lever 66. The pinion 78 is rotatably engaged with the rack 70. In a particular embodiment, the pinion 78 is actuated relative to the rack 70 along a longitudinal axis 18. In a particular embodiment, the frame 54 is within a handle 14. In some embodiments, the frame 54 is partially exposed within the handle 14, for example, to support a linear display 44 (e.g., a marked sticker applied to the frame 54). The frame 54 includes the rack 70 and a readout slot 52 at least partially visible through a window 46, for example, to keep the movable cover 26 visible through the window 46. The frame 54 extends along the longitudinal axis 18 of the handle 14.

[0034] A pinion (e.g., pinion 78) is engaged (e.g., rigidly engaged) to an adjusting disc 24 to move components of the torque adjusting mechanism along the rack 70 and / or to move the lever 30 relative to the head 12. For example, rotation of the adjusting disc 24 moves the pinion 78 along the rack 70 to move the locking lever 66 relative to the head 12 within the frame 54 and the lever 30. In a particular embodiment, the adjusting disc 24 engages with the frame 54 and is actuated along the longitudinal axis 18. In some embodiments, the locking lever 66 is biased away from the rack 70 of the frame 54 such that the torque adjusting mechanism 20 remains in the unlocked position when no external force is applied to the locking lever. When a force is applied to overcome the biasing force, the locking lever 66 selectively engages the frame 54, for example, along the rack 70, to lock the movement of the torque adjusting mechanism 20 relative to the handle 14 and / or the head 12. In this way, the locking lever 66 sets (e.g., locks) the applied torque value that limits the applied torque on the head 12's restrictive fasteners and / or sleeves.

[0035] In some embodiments, the locking member 22 is also coupled to the frame 54, for example, on the side opposite to the rack 70. For example, the rack 70 is located on the inner bottom plane of the frame 54, and the locking member 66 is located on the outer top plane of the frame 54. The locking member 22 selectively engages a portion (e.g., a protrusion or pawl 68) on the locking lever 66 to overcome the bias between the locking lever 66 and the rack 70, and forces the locking lever 66 to engage (e.g., abut) with the rack 70 of the frame 54, such that the teeth 74 on the locking lever engage or mesh with the teeth 74 on the rack 70. Thus, the torque adjustment mechanism 20 is locked relative to the handle 14. In this configuration, the locking member 22 is used to lock the applied torque of the torque wrench 10.

[0036] Pin 50 extends through and / or is visible through the readout slot 52 to indicate the applied torque setting applied to the lever 30. In some embodiments, the readout slot 52 in the frame 54 has an elongated shape and extends along the longitudinal axis 18 of the handle 14. Pin 50 and readout slot 52 together form a linear display 44. In other words, the linear display 44 surrounds the readout slot 52 and includes a marking for the applied torque on the torque adjustment mechanism 20. The marking has an indication of applied torque resolution in one-hundredth of a foot-pound (ft-lb).

[0037] A support rail or guide rail 62 extends along the top plane surface of the frame 54 to allow movement of the locking member 22. As shown in FIG6, the guide rail 62 extends along the top plane surfaces on both sides of the frame 54 and along the longitudinal axis 18 to support or slide the locking member 22 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 18. Similarly, the guide rail 62 restricts the movement of the locking member 66 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis 18, such that the locking member 22 moves back and forth relative to the handle 14 and / or the housing 16 along the longitudinal axis 18, but cannot move freely in other directions.

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates the components of the torque adjustment mechanism 20 connected to the lever 30. Specifically, Figure 6 shows the locking lever 66, adjusting disc 24, pinion 78, shaft 56, follower 58, lever 30, and pin 50. In several different embodiments, pin 50 is connected to at least one of the lever 30, torque adjustment mechanism 20, and / or locking lever 66. Locking lever 66 is connected to and pivots about shaft 56, extending from adjusting disc 24 to follower 58 (or another adjusting disc 24). In other words, shaft 56 serves as the pivot of locking lever 66. Teeth 74 on pinion 78 engage with teeth 74 on rack 70 of frame 54 to move locking lever 66 and lever 30 relative to handle 14 and head 12 and to change the applied torque at head 12 by altering the biasing force between lever 30 and deflection beam 32 at switch 38. As lever 30 moves relative to deflection beam 32, the force used to overcome the bias at switch 38 is proportional to a predetermined applied torque applied at head 12. Pin 50 indicates the relative movement of lever 30, thereby indicating a set applied torque limit at head 12. In some embodiments, when the applied torque is reached, audible, visual, and / or spring-loaded mechanisms within ratchet mechanism 42 limit further torque application to handle 14 at head 12.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cover 26, handle 14, housing 16, and / or frame 54 have a window 46 such that the bottom of the locking member 22 extends within the cover 26 and / or the frame 54 located inside the cover 26. As will be described in more detail below, the locking member 22 selectively engages or is coupled to a locking lever 66 on the torque adjustment mechanism 20 to lock the applied torque setting and limit the torque applied at the head 12. In some embodiments, the cover 26 and / or the locking member 22 may be slidably coupled to the frame 54 such that the window 46 of the cover 26 is narrowed or the user's field of vision is limited to a specific area in the readout slot 52 containing the pin 50. This embodiment enhances the focus of the linear display 44 and also allows for higher resolution along the linear display 44, since the resolution is limited by the length 28 of the housing 16 rather than by the width 48 of the housing.

[0040] Figure 7This is a perspective view of the locking member 22 and the torque adjustment mechanism 20 on the frame 54. The adjusting turntable 24 rotates the pinion 78 and the teeth 74 that engage with the teeth 74 of the rack 70, thereby moving the torque adjustment mechanism 20. As described above, referring to FIG6, when the torque adjustment mechanism 20 moves, the lever 30 moves, and the applied torque setting changes. This change is reflected in the surface area 76 of the frame 54, including the markings on the side of the readout slot 52. The position of the pin 50 on the lever 30 within the readout slot 52 indicates the mark indicating the applied torque setting. Figure 7 As shown, pin 50 extends through readout slots 52 on both sides of frame 54, allowing the user to read the applied torque setting from both sides (e.g., top and bottom) of torque wrench 10. Once pin 50 indicates that torque adjustment mechanism 20 has reached the desired applied torque limit of head 12, the user slides locking member 22 on locking lever 66. In this way, locking member 22 presses against locking lever 66 so that teeth 74 on locking lever 66 engage with corresponding teeth 74 on rack 70. Engagement of locking lever 66 with rack 70 locks or sets the desired applied torque limit of head 12. In some embodiments, locking member 22 is recessed within cover 26 to prevent accidental locking / unlocking of torque adjustment mechanism 20. Additionally, the force exerted by locking member 22 and / or locking lever 66 (e.g., the force required for locking / unlocking mechanism) can be varied by changing the length and / or form of protrusion 60, and / or the number and / or size of teeth 74 on locking lever 66 and rack 70.

[0041] In some embodiments, the frame 54 is formed directly within the handle 14 to form a single part. For example, the frame 54 and the handle 14 are a single integral piece or part, and the interior of the handle 14 includes a rack 70 and a readout slot 52. In some embodiments, the housing 16, the handle 14, and the frame 54 are all a single integral part.

[0042] Figure 8 A top view is shown of the locking member 22 on the guide rail 62 of the frame 54 and the pin 50 on the lever 30 inserted through the readout slot 52. In this configuration, the initial vertical position of the pin 50 determines the applied torque value, so that as the adjustment dial 24 rotates, the movement of the pin 50 in the readout slot 52 will vary in both the horizontal and vertical directions to indicate the change in applied torque. The pin 50 is coupled to a moving component, such as the lever 30 and / or a component of the torque adjustment mechanism 20 that moves as the adjustment dial 24 rotates. In a particular embodiment, the pin 50 is actuated along the longitudinal axis 18. In some embodiments, the locking member 22 moves as the adjustment dial 24 rotates to hold it near the locking lever 66, for example, the edge of the window 46 on the movable cover 26 holds the locking member 22 close to the locking lever 66. Figure 8 The torque adjustment mechanism 20 is also defined on a first side 80 and a second side 82.

[0043] Reference Figures 9 to 12 This shows the unlocked position of the locking lever 66 within the rack 70. Figure 9 and Figure 11 ) and locking position ( Figure 10 and Figure 12 Multiple different configurations on both sides (e.g., opposite sides). Figure 9 The locking member 22 and the first side 80 of the torque adjustment mechanism 20 are in the unlocked position. Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the torque adjustment mechanism 20. The locking lever 66 of the torque adjustment mechanism 20 includes a biasing element or compression spring 84 to bias the locking lever 66 into disengagement from the rack 70. In the unlocked position, the compression spring 84 is stretched, and there is a gap between the teeth 74 on the bottom of the locking lever 66 and the teeth 74 on the rack 70.

[0044] Figure 10 Is with Figure 9 The same cross-sectional view of the first side 80 is shown, but the locking member 22 and the torque adjustment mechanism 20 are shown in the locked position. Figure 10 The teeth 74 of the locking lever 66 are shown engaging with the teeth 74 of the rack 70 on the frame 54 to lock or secure the torque adjustment mechanism 20 relative to the frame 54 (e.g., head 12 and handle 14). The locking member 22 slides along the guide rail 62 on top of the locking lever 66 to engage the locking lever 66. Specifically, a protrusion 60 of the locking member 22 engages a pawl 68 on the locking lever 66 to press against a compression spring 84. When the biasing force of the compression spring is on the cover, the protrusion 60 is securely engaged (e.g., coupled) within the pawl 68 to lock the engagement of the locking lever 66 with the rack 70 on the torque adjustment mechanism 20. In other words, Figures 9 to 10 The unlock position is shown. Figure 9 ) and locking position ( Figure 10 The locking lever 66 of the torque adjusting mechanism 20 selectively engages with the rack 70 of the frame 54. The downward force generated by the protrusion 60 on the locking member 22 causes the teeth 74 on the locking lever 66 to engage with the teeth 74 in the rack 70 to lock the torque adjusting mechanism 20 at the applied torque indicated by the pin 50 and limit the torque applied to the sleeve or fastener at the head 12.

[0045] Figure 11 For example, with Figures 9 to 10 The first side 80 is opposite to the second side 82. Figure 8 Cross-sectional view of ). Figure 11 The locking member 22 and the torque adjustment mechanism 20 are shown in the unlocked position. Figure 12 Is with Figure 11 The same cross-sectional view is shown, and the locking member 22 and torque adjustment mechanism 20 are shown in the locked position.

[0046] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, and that this application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0047] In view of this description, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The constructions and arrangements shown in various exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. While only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the size, dimensions, structure, shape and proportion, parameter values, mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) of various different elements without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the positions of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be varied or altered. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be changed or reordered. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may also be made in terms of the design, operating conditions, and arrangements of various different exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0048] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" means that two components are directly or indirectly linked together. Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. Such a connection may be achieved by forming a single entity from which two components and any additional intermediate components are integrally formed, or by attaching two components or two components and any additional components to each other. Such a connection may be permanent in nature, or alternatively, may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0049] Although specific combinations of features are recited in the appended claims, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such a combination is currently claimed), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any feature, element, or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element, or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

[0050] In several different exemplary embodiments, as shown in the figures, relative dimensions, including angles, lengths (28s), and radii, are scaled. Actual measurements of the figures will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and scales of several different exemplary embodiments. These various exemplary embodiments extend to several different ranges surrounding the absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and scales that can be determined from the figures. The various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the figures. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification can be determined by using the size ratios measured in the figures in conjunction with the explicit dimensions stated in this specification. Additionally, in several different embodiments, this disclosure extends to various ranges surrounding any absolute or relative dimensions disclosed herein or that can be determined from the figures (e.g., plus or minus 30%, 20%, or 10%).

Claims

1. A torque wrench, the torque wrench comprising: The head is configured to engage with a fastener; A handle that extends along a longitudinal axis and is configured to be gripped by a user; The main beam is connected to the head at a first end and to the handle at a second end; A secondary beam, which is connected to the head and selectively connected to the main beam; as well as The torque adjustment mechanism includes: The frame within the handle includes a rack; An adjusting turntable engages with the rack of the frame, and the adjusting turntable is actuated along the longitudinal axis; A locking lever, which is biased away from engagement with the rack of the frame; and A locking member that selectively engages the locking lever with the rack to lock the torque adjustment mechanism relative to the handle.

2. The torque wrench of claim 1, comprising a housing surrounding the main beam and the secondary beam.

3. The torque wrench of claim 1, wherein, The locking component is attached to the handle.

4. The torque wrench of claim 1, wherein, A protrusion extending from the locking member extends through a groove in the handle to engage with the locking lever.

5. The torque wrench of claim 1, further comprising a cover slidably coupled to the handle such that the cover is movable relative to a pin for indicating the amount of torque applied by the torque adjustment mechanism.

6. The torque wrench of claim 5 wherein, The pin is actuated along the longitudinal axis.

7. The torque wrench of claim 5, further comprising a display adapted to the frame, the display including torque units.

8. The torque wrench of claim 1, further comprising a slot in the frame extending along the longitudinal axis of the handle, wherein, The slot is elongated, and the display surrounds the slot and includes a mark indicating the applied torque of the torque adjustment mechanism, wherein the mark includes an indication of the applied torque.

9. The torque wrench as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: A switch that can release the connection between the main beam and the secondary beam; as well as A biasing element that biases the switch against at least one of the main beam and the secondary beam.

10. The torque wrench of claim 9, wherein, The torque adjustment mechanism is configured to select a maximum torque, and wherein, due to the applied torque exceeding the selected maximum torque, the switch overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element, thereby disconnecting the main beam from the sub-beam.

11. A torque wrench, the torque wrench comprising: The head is configured to engage with a fastener; A handle that extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a window passing through the handle; The main beam is connected to the head at a first end and to the handle at a second end; A secondary beam, which is selectively connected to the main beam; as well as The torque adjustment mechanism includes: The frame within the handle includes a rack and a slot extending along the longitudinal axis of the handle; A locking lever, biased away from engagement with the rack, wherein the locking lever selectively engages with the rack of the frame to lock the torque adjusting mechanism relative to the handle; and The pin visible through the slot indicates the applied torque on the main beam, and the pin is actuated along the longitudinal axis within the window.

12. The torque wrench of claim 11, comprising a housing surrounding the main beam and the secondary beam.

13. The torque wrench of claim 11, further comprising: A switch that can release the connection between the main beam and the secondary beam; as well as A biasing element that biases the switch against at least one of the main beam and the secondary beam.

14. The torque wrench of claim 11, further comprising: A locking member that selectively engages the locking lever with the frame to lock the torque adjustment mechanism relative to the handle.

15. The torque wrench of claim 14, wherein, A protrusion extending from the locking member extends through a groove in the handle to engage with the locking lever.

16. The torque wrench of claim 14, wherein, The locking component is attached to the handle.

17. The torque wrench of claim 11, further comprising an adjusting disc engaged with the frame and actuated along the longitudinal axis.

18. A torque wrench comprising: The head is configured to engage with a fastener; A handle that extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a window passing through the handle; The main beam is connected to the head at a first end and to the handle at a second end; A secondary beam, which is selectively connected to the main beam; as well as The torque adjustment mechanism includes: A partially exposed frame within the handle, the frame including a rack and a slot at least partially visible through the window, the slot extending along the longitudinal axis of the handle; A pinion rotatably engages with the rack, the pinion being actuated relative to the rack along the longitudinal axis; An adjusting turntable, which is rigidly connected to the pinion; A locking lever, which is biased away from the rack, wherein the locking lever selectively engages the rack of the frame to lock the torque adjustment mechanism relative to the handle; A locking member, which is connected to the frame opposite to the rack, and configured to engage a portion of the locking lever to force the locking lever against the rack of the frame; and A pin, which extends through the groove, indicates the applied torque on the main beam.

19. The torque wrench of claim 18, wherein, The adjustment dial engages with the frame and is actuated along the longitudinal axis.

20. The torque wrench of claim 18, further comprising: A switch that can release the connection between the main beam and the secondary beam; as well as A biasing element that biases the switch against at least one of the main beam and the secondary beam.

21. The torque wrench of claim 18, further comprising a housing surrounding the main beam and the secondary beam.

22. The torque wrench of claim 18, wherein, The locking component is attached to the handle.

23. The torque wrench of claim 18, wherein, A protrusion extending from the locking member extends through a second groove in the handle to engage with the locking lever.

24. The torque wrench of claim 18, further comprising a cover slidably coupled to the handle such that the cover is movable relative to the pin.

25. The torque wrench of claim 18, further comprising a display adapted to the frame, the display including torque units.

26. The torque wrench as claimed in any one of claims 19 and 21 to 25, further comprising: A switch that can release the connection between the main beam and the secondary beam; as well as A biasing element that biases the switch against at least one of the main beam and the secondary beam.

27. The torque wrench of claim 26, wherein, The torque adjustment mechanism is configured to select a maximum torque, and wherein, due to the applied torque exceeding the selected maximum torque, the switch overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element, thereby disconnecting the main beam from the sub-beam.

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