Adjustable wrench

Abstract

An adjustable wrench is provided. The adjustable wrench includes an adjustable head that makes it possible to be used in narrow spaces, such as around a pipe fixture. Various embodiments include a head having a fixed jaw and a movable jaw such that a position of the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw is adjustable when the adjustment mechanism is actuated. In particular embodiments, the adjustment mechanism allows a user to change the position of the head with one hand and / or thumb.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 477,665, filed on December 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The utility model relates to a wrench, such as a faucet wrench, a self-tightening wrench and the like. Background Art

[0004] The utility model generally relates to the field of hand tools, and specifically relates to a wrench, such as a tap wrench, a self-tightening wrench, etc. Utility Model Content

[0005] One embodiment of the utility model relates to an adjustable wrench, which includes a handle and a wrench head, and the handle extends along the longitudinal axis of the wrench. The wrench head includes a movable jaw and a fixed jaw. The fixed jaw is connected to the handle and includes a first contact surface. The movable jaw is slidably connected to the handle and includes a neck and a second contact surface, the neck extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned in the handle. The second contact surface faces the first contact surface. The wrench further includes an adjustment mechanism, which includes a neck slider, a switch device, and a biasing member. The neck slider extends along the longitudinal axis and faces the neck. The switch device includes an engagement arm, which is configured to engage the neck slider. The biasing member extends between the handle and the movable jaw and connects the handle and the movable jaw. The biasing member biases the movable jaw toward the handle. The wrench head can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position, in which the movable jaw is engaged with the fixed jaw, and in which the movable jaw is a certain distance from the fixed jaw.

[0006] The biasing member provides a closing force to the movable jaw such that the movable jaw is pulled toward the fixed jaw.

[0007] The adjustment mechanism further includes a locking mechanism including a release button extending through the neck of the movable jaw, the neck slide, and the handle.

[0008] When the release button is in the locked position, the release button engages with the movable jaw and prevents movement of the movable jaw, such that the movable jaw is fixed relative to the handle.

[0009] When the release button is in the unlocked position, the release button is disengaged from the movable jaw, allowing the movable jaw to slide relative to the handle.

[0010] The release button includes a button portion and a receiver positioned within the handle and configured to receive the button portion and engage with a neck of the movable jaw.

[0011] The handle further includes a cam extending away from the movable jaw, and the fixed jaw further includes a recess shaped to receive the cam.

[0012] When torque is applied to the workpiece, the cam applies a force to the fixed jaw.

[0013] The handle is a single integral part.

[0014] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to an adjustable wrench, which includes a handle and a head. The handle includes a cavity. The head includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The fixed jaw is connected to the handle and includes a first contact surface. The movable jaw is slidably connected to the handle and includes a neck and a second contact surface, the neck extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned in the cavity. The second contact surface faces the first contact surface. The wrench further includes an adjustment mechanism, which includes a neck slider, a switch device, and a spring. The neck slider extends along the neck and faces the neck. The switch device includes an actuation surface and an engagement arm, which extends along the length of the handle. The engagement arm extends into the cavity and is configured to engage the neck slider. The spring extends between the handle and the movable jaw and connects the handle and the movable jaw. When the user grasps the handle with his hand, the switch device can be actuated by the user's hand.

[0015] When the switch device is actuated, the distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface changes.

[0016] The actuation surface of the switch device extends along the longitudinal axis of the handle, and wherein the actuation surface faces away from the fixed jaw and the movable jaw.

[0017] The spring includes a first end coupled to a fastener and a second end opposite the first end coupled to an anchor; wherein the fastener is coupled to the movable jaw.

[0018] The spring provides a closing force to the movable jaw so that the movable jaw is pulled toward the handle.

[0019] The adjustable wrench further includes a release button extending through the movable jaw, the release button abutting against the movable jaw to prevent the movable jaw from moving relative to the handle.

[0020] Another embodiment of the utility model relates to an adjustable wrench, which includes a handle and a head. The handle extends along the longitudinal axis. The head includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. The fixed jaw is connected to the handle and includes a first contact surface. The movable jaw is slidably connected to the handle and includes a neck and a second contact surface, the neck extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned in the handle. The second contact surface faces the first contact surface. The wrench further includes an adjustment mechanism, which includes a neck slider, a switch device, and a biasing member. The neck slider extends along the longitudinal axis and engages with the neck. The switch device includes an engagement arm, which is configured to engage the neck slider. The biasing member extends between the handle and the movable jaw and connects the handle and the movable jaw. When the switch device is engaged by the user and moves toward the head, the engagement arm pushes the neck slider toward the head, thereby moving the movable jaw away from the handle.

[0021] When the switch device is released, the biasing member applies a closing force to the movable jaw so that the movable jaw is pulled toward the fixed jaw.

[0022] The neck includes a first plurality of teeth facing the neck slide, and the neck slide includes a second plurality of teeth facing the neck.

[0023] Engagement between the first plurality of teeth of the neck and the second plurality of teeth of the neck slide prevents movement of the movable jaw relative to the handle.

[0024] The adjustable wrench further includes a release button extending through the movable jaw, the release button including a third plurality of teeth that abuts the first plurality of teeth to prevent movement of the movable jaw relative to the handle.

[0025] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the description or will recognize in part these additional features and advantages by practicing the embodiments as described in the included written description and in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that both the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

[0026] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles and operations of various embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a wrench according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Bottom perspective view of a wrench.

[0030] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a wrench with the head in an open position.

[0031] Figure 4 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4.

[0032] Figure 5 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a wrench with the head in the open position.

[0033] Figure 6 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Partial exploded view of a wrench.

[0034] Figure 7 According to an exemplary embodiment Figure 1 Exploded view of the adjustment mechanism of the wrench.

[0035] Figure 8 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8.

[0036] Fig. 9 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Referring generally to the drawings, a number of different embodiments of wrenches (eg, pipe wrenches, faucet wrenches, etc.) are provided.

[0038] As discussed herein, Applicants have made a number of improvements to wrenches of the type described herein.

[0039] Unlike the wrenches discussed herein, many wrenches may be difficult to maneuver or adjust in small spaces, such as around plumbing fixtures (e.g., under a sink, near a wall or other plumbing fixture). Applicants have designed an adjustment mechanism that allows a user to change the position of the wrench head, and specifically change the position of the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw with one hand. The adjustment mechanism allows the user to change the position of the movable jaw, which can then be adapted to the size of the workpiece. In a particular embodiment, the adjustment mechanism includes a switch or sliding device that can be actuated by the thumb. The adjustability of the wrench head allows the user to tighten and loosen a variety of workpieces of varying diameters, while the ability to perform adjustments with a single hand allows for use in small spaces where a second hand may not fit.

[0040] Additionally, in a number of different embodiments, the wrench includes a single handle with spring-loaded jaws. Unlike the wrenches discussed herein, many wrenches require two handles, with the second handle being required to achieve the desired jaw pressure and / or clamping force. As is generally understood, for wrenches such as faucet wrenches, clamping force is important to ensure that the fastener (i.e., nut) is not damaged and / or rounded during tightening or loosening of the fastener, as faucet wrenches are often used with chrome-plated fixtures. Applicant believes that using a spring load to close the jaws of the wrench as an alternative allows for a wrench design with a single handle that includes the desired clamping force (i.e., applying sufficient force to the fastener to tighten and / or loosen the fastener without damaging the fastener). The use of a single wrench handle further enhances the ability to manipulate or adjust the wrenches discussed herein within the small spaces around plumbing fixtures.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 to Figure 2 , showing various aspects of a wrench, which is shown as a pliers wrench 10 having an adjustable wrench head 16. The wrench 10 includes a wrench head 16 extending along a longitudinal axis 25 (see, e.g. Figure 2 ) extends from a shank or handle 12. In various embodiments, the handle 12 is a single, unitary component. The wrench head 16 includes a lower or fixed jaw 18 and an upper, movable and / or adjustable jaw 20. The adjustment mechanism 15 allows a user to move and / or adjust the wrench head 16. The adjustment mechanism 15 includes a switch device or slide (shown as a thumb slide 14) that, when engaged by a user, moves the adjustable jaw 20 toward and / or away from the fixed jaw 18. The adjustability of the wrench head 16 allows a user to tighten and / or loosen a variety of workpieces of varying sizes, diameters, and / or dimensions.

[0042] Reference Figures 2 to 3, the adjustable jaw 20 is connected to a neck 42 that extends into the handle 12 when the wrench 10 is assembled. In other words, the neck 42 is at least partially positioned within the handle 12 when the wrench 10 is assembled. The adjustment mechanism 15 further includes a release button 22. When the user is ready to adjust the wrench 10, engaging the thumb slide 14 and specifically pushing the thumb slide 14 toward the wrench head 16 will move the thumb slide 14 and the neck slide 44. The neck slide 44 is positioned within the handle 12 and extends along the neck 42. The movement of the thumb slide 14 causes the neck slide 44 to release and / or disengage the release button 22, so that the wrench head 16 is adjustable.

[0043] As will be discussed in more detail below, when the release button 22 is disengaged from the neck 42, the wrench 10 is in a sliding or moving position and can be adjusted for a particular workpiece (i.e., the wrench head 16 is in an unlocked position). In other words, when the wrench 10 is in the sliding or unlocked position, the adjustable jaw 20 can be moved toward and / or away from the fixed jaw 18. When the wrench head 16 is in the locked or engaged position, the release button 22 is engaged with the neck 42, such that the movable jaw 20 is fixed relative to the handle 12.

[0044] The release button 22 includes a button portion 24 and a receiver 26. The receiver 26 is positioned within the handle 12 and is configured to receive and engage the button portion 24. When the release button 22 moves toward and / or into the handle 12, the release button 22 moves in a direction that is generally perpendicular (i.e., 90 degrees ± 10 degrees) to the longitudinal axis 25 of the wrench 10.

[0045] The fixed jaw 18 includes a first jaw contact surface or face 30 and the adjustable jaw 20 includes a second jaw contact surface or face 32. A distance D1 is defined between the jaw surface 30 and the jaw surface 32. In certain embodiments, D1 is adjustable between 0 and 2.5 inches. The adjustability of the head 16 allows a user to tighten and loosen a variety of workpieces of varying sizes and / or diameters. In certain embodiments, D1 includes a range that enables the head 16 to grasp workpieces of varying diameters (i.e., 3 / 4 inch nuts, 2 inch nuts, 2 3 / 8 inch nuts, etc.).

[0046] The handle 12 includes a gripping end or distal end 38 configured to be grasped by a user and a proximal end 40 positioned adjacent the head 16. The cavity 28 is positioned within the handle 12. In a particular embodiment, the cavity 28 is positioned at the proximal end 40 of the handle 12. The handle 12 also includes a cam 36 located at the proximal end 40 of the handle 12. The fixed jaw 18 includes a cam recess 34 having a size corresponding to the cam 36 and configured to engage the cam 36. When torque is applied to the workpiece, the cam 36 applies pressure and / or force to the fixed jaw 18.

[0047] Reference Figures 4 to 5 , shows a cross-sectional view of the wrench 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the wrench head 16 is in a closed position and an open position. Figure 4 As shown, when the wrench head 16 is in the closed position, the jaw surface 32 of the adjustable jaw 20 and the jaw surface 30 of the fixed jaw 18 contact and / or engage each other so that D1 is approximately zero. When the user provides a force to the thumb slide 14 so that the thumb slide 14 moves toward the wrench head 16 along the longitudinal axis 25, D1 increases and the wrench 10 is in the open position (see, e.g. Figure 5 ).

[0048] The cam 36 of the handle 12 extends away from the neck 42 and includes a cam surface 46. The cam recess 34 includes an inner surface 48 that abuts the cam surface 46 when the cam 36 applies pressure to the fixed jaw 18. The neck 42 includes an elongated opening or slot 50. The elongated opening 50 extends along the longitudinal axis 25 of the wrench 10.

[0049] The thumb slide 14 includes an engagement arm 52 positioned within the cavity 28 of the handle 12. The engagement arm 52 has an inner surface 54 facing the movable jaw 20. When the user moves the thumb slide 14 toward the wrench head 16, the inner surface 54 of the engagement arm 52 engages and / or pushes a portion of the neck slide 44. The engagement arm 52 also includes an outer surface 70 opposite the inner surface 54. The cavity 28 includes an inwardly facing surface 68 that generally faces the movable jaw 20 and / or the engagement arm 52. Specifically, the inwardly facing surface 68 of the cavity 28 faces the outer surface 70 of the engagement arm 52. When the thumb slide 14 is used to adjust the movable jaw 20, the cavity distance D2 defined between the inwardly facing surface 68 of the cavity 28 and the outer surface 70 of the engagement arm changes. In other words, when the wrench head 16 moves to the open position and D1 increases, the cavity distance D2 increases. Similarly, when the wrench head 16 moves to the closed position and D1 decreases, the cavity distance D2 decreases.

[0050] As previously mentioned, in certain embodiments, the movable jaw 20 is spring loaded. Applicants believe that the closure of the spring loaded movable jaw 20 allows the wrench 10 to include a single handle 12 while maintaining the desired clamping force (i.e., applying sufficient force to the fastener to tighten and / or loosen the fastener without damaging the fastener), unlike similar hand tools, which are not spring loaded and may require the use of a second handle to maintain the clamping force. A hole 64 extends through the engagement arm 52, wherein the hole 64 is configured to receive a fastener 56 (i.e., a retaining screw) schematically shown extending into the neck 42. The fastener 56 is coupled to a biasing member 62 schematically shown. In a number of different embodiments, the biasing member 62 is a spring. In certain embodiments, the biasing member 62 is a tension spring. In other words, the biasing member 62 provides a biasing or closing force to the movable jaw 20 to move or pull the movable jaw 20 toward the handle 12.

[0051] The biasing member 62 extends through the channel 58 in the handle 12. The channel 58 is connected to the cavity 28 of the handle 12 at a channel first end 66. In certain embodiments, the channel 58 extends from the cavity 28 to the distal end 38 at a certain angle (i.e., the channel 58 is not parallel to the longitudinal axis 25). The biasing member 62 is coupled to the fastener 56 at a first end and to the anchor 60 at an opposite second end. The anchor 60 is at least partially positioned within the handle 12 at the channel second end 67. In certain embodiments, the outer surface of the anchor 60 (i.e., the portion facing away from the biasing member 62) is positioned outside the handle 12. In such embodiments, the channel second end 67 is open.

[0052] Reference Figure 6 , shows a partially exploded view of the wrench 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The neck 42, the elongated opening 50, and the neck slide 44 each extend along a longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42. In a particular embodiment, the elongated opening 50 and the neck slide 44 are centered about the longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42. When the wrench 10 is assembled, the longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42 extends in the same direction or parallel to the longitudinal axis 25.

[0053] The fixed jaw 18 includes an open portion or channel 72. When the wrench 10 is assembled, the channel 72 allows the fixed jaw 18 to extend around and / or surround the neck 42. The neck 42 includes a bottom surface 74, wherein the neck slide 44 is positioned along and engaged with the bottom surface 74. Specifically, the neck slide 44 engages with a plurality of teeth 76 located on the bottom surface 74 of the neck 42. The plurality of teeth 76 are positioned along the elongated opening 50 and extend along a longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42. In a particular embodiment, the plurality of teeth 76 are positioned on both sides of the elongated opening 50.

[0054] The thumb slide 14 further includes a first pair of clamping arms 80. The first pair of clamping arms 80 are coupled to the engagement arms 52 and extend along the longitudinal axis 78 toward the movable jaw 20. A second pair of clamping arms 82 are coupled to an opposite side of the engagement arms 52. The second pair of clamping arms 82 extend along the longitudinal axis 78 toward the movable jaw 20. The first pair of clamping arms 80 and the second pair of clamping arms 82 each engage one side of the neck 42 so that when the thumb slide 14 moves, the neck 42 and the movable jaw 20 will also move.

[0055] Reference Figure 7 , shows an exploded view of the wrench 10 according to an exemplary embodiment. The proximal end 40 of the handle 12 includes a first through hole 84 defined in a bottom surface 86 of the handle 12. When the wrench 10 is assembled, the first through hole 84 receives the release button 22. A second through hole 90 is defined in an upper surface 92 of the handle 12 (see, e.g. Figure 7 ). The size of the second through hole 90 is smaller than the size of the through hole 84. The handle 12 includes a gap or space 88 positioned between the first through hole 84 and the second through hole 90.

[0056] A post 94 extends from the button portion 24 of the release button 22. The post 94 is configured to engage a passage 96 extending through the receiver 26 of the release button 22. The receiver 26 includes a pair of surfaces 98 facing inwardly toward the cavity 28. Each surface 98 includes a plurality of teeth 100. When the wrench 10 is assembled, the teeth 100 of the release button 22 and / or receiver 26 engage the neck 42, and specifically the teeth 76 located along the elongated opening 50.

[0057] The thumb slide 14 includes an actuation surface 102 with a protrusion 104. The actuation surface 102 is configured to be engaged by the thumb of a user, thereby allowing the adjustment mechanism 15 to be used by the fingers, thumb, and / or one hand when the user grasps the wrench 10. The actuation surface 102 extends to the rear surface of the handle 12 in a generally parallel (i.e., ±10 degrees parallel) orientation and is positioned adjacent to the proximal end 40 of the handle 12 and / or the head 16. The thumb slide 14 and, in particular, the actuation surface 102 faces in a direction away from the fixed jaw 18 and the movable jaw 20. In other words, the fixed jaw 18 and the movable jaw 20 extend outwardly from the head 16 in a first direction, while the thumb slide and the actuation surface 102 face in a second direction opposite the first direction.

[0058] The thumb slide 14 is positioned along the length of the handle 12 defined between the proximal end 40 and the distal end 38. In various embodiments, the thumb slide 14 is positioned in the uppermost or proximal end 40 of the handle 14. In various embodiments, the thumb slide 14 is positioned in the uppermost 60% of the handle 12, and more specifically, in the uppermost 50% of the handle 12.

[0059] The neck slide 44 further includes an engagement end 106 that abuts the inner surface 54 of the engagement arm 52. The neck slide 44 includes a pair of extensions 108 extending from the engagement end 106 on opposite sides of the elongated opening 110. The extensions 108 extend along the longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42. In a particular embodiment, the elongated opening 110 is centered about the longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42. A plurality of teeth 114 are positioned along the bottom surface 112 of the neck slide 44. Specifically, the teeth 114 are positioned along the extensions 108. In a particular embodiment, the plurality of teeth 114 are positioned on both sides of the elongated opening 110.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the width of the elongated opening 110 is greater than the width of the elongated opening 50 so that the teeth 100 of the release button 22 can engage the neck 42 and the plurality of teeth 76 while the plurality of teeth 114 of the neck slide 44 engage the teeth 76. In addition, at least a portion of each extension 108 is positioned between the receiver 26 and the neck 42 so that when the adjustment mechanism 15 is assembled, there is engagement between the receiver 26 and the neck slide 44. In other words, the slide 44 is positioned between the neck 42 and the receiver 26 of the release button 22.

[0061] The bottom surface 74 of the neck 42 includes a pair of opposing walls 116. When the neck slide 44 is engaged with the bottom surface 74, the neck slide 44 is positioned between the pair of opposing walls 116. The neck 42 further includes side projections 118 that extend outwardly and / or away from the longitudinal axis 78 of the neck 42 toward the sides of the handle 12. One side projection 118 is positioned between and engaged with the first pair of clamp arms 80, while the second side projection 118 is positioned between and engaged with the second pair of clamp arms 82.

[0062] Reference Figures 8 to 9 , shows a cross-sectional view of the wrench 10 according to an exemplary embodiment, wherein the wrench head 16 is in a closed position and an open position. In order to move from the closed position to the open position, the user must provide a force to the thumb slide 14 and specifically to the actuation surface 102. As previously described, there is engagement between the extension 108 of the neck slide 44 and the receiver 26 of the release button 22. As the thumb slide 14 moves toward the movable jaw 20, the engagement end 106 is pushed, thereby providing a force to move the neck slide 44. Compared to conventional hand tools that may use a sliding mechanism within a smooth groove, the applicant believes that the use of teeth on the components of the adjustment mechanism 15 provides a secure hold to maintain the position of the wrench head 16.

[0063] Generally speaking, the force from the thumb slide 14 moves the wrench head 16 from the locked position, wherein the teeth 114 move from engagement with the plurality of teeth 76 on the neck 42, while the extension 108 also pushes and / or moves the release button 22 and the teeth 100 of the receiver 26 out of engagement with the teeth 76, so that the wrench head 16 and / or the movable jaw 20 can be adjusted (i.e., when the wrench head is in the unlocked position). When the thumb slide 14 is released and no longer exerts force on the neck slide 44, the teeth 114 and the teeth 100 of the release button 22 reengage with the plurality of teeth 76 on the neck 42, thereby moving the wrench head 16 back to the locked position. The reengagement between the teeth 114 of the neck slide 44, the teeth 100 of the release button 22, and the plurality of teeth 76 along the neck 42 locks the movable jaw 20 back into position, so that the movable jaw is fixed relative to the handle 12, thereby allowing the user to engage the workpiece.

[0064] It should be understood that the drawings show exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present 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 as limiting.

[0065] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the utility model will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be interpreted as being only illustrative. The construction and arrangement shown in different exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (for example, the size, size, structure, shape and proportion of various elements, parameter values, installation arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of discrete elements can be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logic algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the utility model, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangements of various exemplary embodiments.

[0066] Different embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to any combination of any features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or a future application. 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.

[0067] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection may be fixed in nature, or removable in nature. Such connection may be achieved by the two components and any additional intermediate components being integrally formed with each other as a single unitary body, or by the two components or the two components and any additional components being attached to each other. Such connection may be permanent in nature, or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0068] Although the present application describes a specific combination of features in the appended claims, different embodiments of the present invention relate to any combination of any features described herein (whether or not such combination is currently required), and any such combination of features may be claimed in this application or in 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.

[0069] In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions (including angles, lengths, and radii) shown in the drawings are proportional. Actual measurements of the drawings will disclose the relative dimensions, angles, and ratios of the various exemplary embodiments. The various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around absolute and relative dimensions, angles, and ratios that can be determined from the drawings. The various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that can be determined from the drawings. Further, actual dimensions not explicitly stated in this specification may be determined by using ratios of dimensions measured in the drawings in combination with explicit dimensions stated in this specification.

Claims

1. An adjustable wrench, wherein: The adjustable wrench includes: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; The header includes: a fixed jaw coupled to the handle, the fixed jaw comprising a first contact surface; and a movable jaw slidably coupled to the handle, the movable jaw comprising: a neck extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned within the handle; and a second contact surface, the second contact surface facing the first contact surface; The regulating mechanism comprises: a neck slide extending along the longitudinal axis and facing the neck; a switch device comprising an engagement arm configured to engage the neck slide; and a biasing member extending between and coupling the handle and the movable jaw, the biasing member biasing the movable jaw toward the handle; Wherein, the head can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position, in which the closed position, the movable jaw is engaged with the fixed jaw, and in the open position, the movable jaw is a certain distance away from the fixed jaw.

2. The adjustable wrench according to claim 1, wherein: The biasing member provides a closing force to the movable jaw such that the movable jaw is pulled toward the fixed jaw.

3. The adjustable wrench according to claim 1, wherein: The adjustment mechanism further includes a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism comprising: A release button extends through the neck of the movable jaw, the neck slide, and the handle.

4. The adjustable wrench according to claim 3, wherein: When the release button is in the locked position, the release button engages with the movable jaw and prevents movement of the movable jaw, such that the movable jaw is fixed relative to the handle.

5. The adjustable wrench according to claim 3, wherein: When the release button is in the unlocked position, the release button is disengaged from the movable jaw, allowing the movable jaw to slide relative to the handle.

6. The adjustable wrench according to claim 3, wherein: The release button includes: Button section; and A receiver is positioned within the handle and is configured to receive the button portion and engage the neck of the movable jaw.

7. The adjustable wrench according to claim 1, wherein: The handle further includes a cam extending away from the movable jaw, and the fixed jaw further includes a recess shaped to receive the cam.

8. The adjustable wrench according to claim 7, wherein: When torque is applied to the workpiece, the cam applies a force to the fixed jaw.

9. The adjustable wrench of claim 1, wherein: The handle is a single integral part.

10. An adjustable wrench, wherein: This adjustable wrench includes: a handle, the handle comprising a cavity; The header includes: a fixed jaw coupled to the handle, the fixed jaw comprising a first contact surface; and a movable jaw slidably coupled to the handle, the movable jaw comprising: a neck extending along the handle and positioned within the cavity; and a second contact surface, the second contact surface facing the first contact surface; The regulating mechanism comprises: a neck slider extending along the neck and facing the neck; A switch device, the switch device comprising: an actuation surface extending along the length of the handle; and an engagement arm extending into the cavity and configured to engage the neck slide; and a spring extending between the handle and the movable jaw and coupling the handle and the movable jaw; When the user grasps the handle with his hand, the switch device can be actuated by the user's hand.

11. The adjustable wrench of claim 10, wherein: When the switch device is actuated, the distance between the first contact surface and the second contact surface changes.

12. The adjustable wrench of claim 10, wherein: The actuation surface of the switch device extends along the longitudinal axis of the handle, and wherein the actuation surface faces away from the fixed jaw and the movable jaw.

13. The adjustable wrench of claim 10, wherein: The spring includes: a first end portion coupled to a fastener; and a second end opposite the first end, the second end coupled to an anchor; Wherein, the fastener is connected to the movable jaw.

14. The adjustable wrench of claim 10, wherein: The spring provides a closing force to the movable jaw so that the movable jaw is pulled toward the handle.

15. The adjustable wrench of claim 10, wherein: The adjustable wrench further includes a release button extending through the movable jaw, the release button abutting against the movable jaw to prevent the movable jaw from moving relative to the handle.

16. An adjustable wrench, wherein: This adjustable wrench includes: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; The header includes: a fixed jaw coupled to the handle, the fixed jaw comprising a first contact surface; and a movable jaw slidably coupled to the handle, the movable jaw comprising: a neck extending along the longitudinal axis and positioned within the handle; and a second contact surface, the second contact surface facing the first contact surface; The regulating mechanism comprises: a neck slider extending along the longitudinal axis and engaging the neck; a switch device comprising an engagement arm configured to engage the neck slide; and a biasing member extending between and coupling the handle and the movable jaw; Wherein, when the switch device is engaged by the user and moved toward the head, the engagement arm pushes the neck slide toward the head, thereby moving the movable jaw away from the handle.

17. The adjustable wrench of claim 16, wherein: When the switch device is released, the biasing member applies a closing force to the movable jaw so that the movable jaw is pulled toward the fixed jaw.

18. The adjustable wrench of claim 16, wherein: The neck includes a first plurality of teeth facing the neck slide, and the neck slide includes a second plurality of teeth facing the neck.

19. The adjustable wrench of claim 18, wherein: Engagement between the first plurality of teeth of the neck and the second plurality of teeth of the neck slide prevents movement of the movable jaw relative to the handle.

20. The adjustable wrench of claim 18, wherein: The adjustable wrench further includes a release button extending through the movable jaw, the release button including a third plurality of teeth that abuts the first plurality of teeth to prevent movement of the movable jaw relative to the handle.

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