Tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved tool for use in scaffolding construction, in particular for use in the erection and dismantling of scaffolding. The tool according to the invention comprises a ratchet, a socket incorporated into the ratchet, and a handle, wherein an end of the handle opposite the ratchet has a socket opening with a first wrench size.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved tool for use in scaffolding construction, in particular for use in the erection and dismantling of scaffolding. Technological background

[0002] The term "scaffold" refers to a temporary support structure used as a work platform, for securing formwork, or as a safety barrier. Scaffolds are also used for grandstands. They are generally reusable and typically consist of standardized components, usually made of metal such as steel or aluminum, which are connected to one another. To connect the individual scaffold components in a detachable manner, couplings are used, particularly in the case of standard steel tube scaffolds. These couplings connect the tubes by bolting or wedging.

[0003] Modified wrenches, commonly known as scaffold ratchets, are typically used to tighten and loosen the couplings. These wrenches, which are familiar in themselves, consist of a socket inserted into a reversible ratchet mechanism and a handle. The handle terminates in a pointed conical pin, allowing it to also be used as a lever. A disadvantage of these standard scaffold ratchets is that the socket can only be positioned and turned on the bolt heads if there is sufficient space. Therefore, in many cases, an additional tool is required. Typically, those assembling or disassembling the scaffold carry these tools within easy reach to avoid having to leave the scaffold. This can be very time-consuming and strenuous, especially on large and tall scaffolds. Description of the invention: Problem, solution, advantages

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved tool which overcomes the disadvantages of the known scaffold ratchets.

[0005] This problem is solved by a tool according to the main claim. Further embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims and the description.

[0006] The tool according to the invention is preferably designed as a scaffold ratchet. It comprises a socket inserted into a ratchet and a handle.

[0007] The nut can also be shaped like a socket nut.

[0008] Unlike familiar scaffolding ratchets, the handle has a bowl-shaped opening at the end opposite the ratchet, instead of a pointed cone mandrel.

[0009] The wrench-shaped jaw allows the tool according to the invention to also be used for loosening and tightening screws and nuts that are difficult to access, where there is no space available to place a socket.

[0010] The tool can therefore also be described as a multi-functional tool.

[0011] The keyway has a first key width.

[0012] The size, wrench size, and shape of the wrench jaw are preferably determined by the commonly used screws or nuts, or by standard wrench sizes. The standardized sizes SW 19 or SW 18 and SW 22 or SW 21 are generally used.

[0013] The handle may have a plastic coating.

[0014] In addition, the handle can be ergonomically shaped.

[0015] In one embodiment, the handle is additionally provided with elements or designs that improve its grip.

[0016] For example, the handle or the plastic coating may have indentations or grip recesses. The indentations or grip recesses are preferably arranged along the handle or the plastic coating in such a way that the fingers of a person gripping the handle can rest in the indentations or grip recesses.

[0017] The handle, in particular the plastic coating, may, preferably in the area of ​​the key jaw, have an insertion chamfer circumferentially around the handle.

[0018] The insertion ramp ensures that the tool does not get caught when inserted into a tool belt or a designated tool pocket, such as work trousers.

[0019] The handle can also be wrapped with adhesive tape, either alternatively or additionally.

[0020] Preferably, the keyhole has tapered ends. The tapering is designed such that the end of the tool shaped as a keyhole does not exceed a certain width. In this way, for example, a steel tube, in particular a scaffold tube, with a suitable inner diameter can be attached to the keyhole, thus extending the handle as needed to increase leverage.

[0021] The ends are preferably blunt or ground down. Furthermore, at least one of the ends can be approximately conical or ground down on at least one side. This conical end has roughly the shape of a pointed taper. In other words, the tool has a socket at the end opposite the ratchet and a pointed taper formed by the corresponding end of the socket.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the tool has an insert element for detachable arrangement in the wrench jaw, wherein the insert element has a receiving area designed to receive screws or nuts, the receiving area having a second wrench size which is smaller than the first wrench size.

[0023] The insert element therefore represents a wrench size reducer and can be described as such.

[0024] The insert element thus serves to provide a second wrench size. Since, particularly in scaffolding construction, only two different sizes of screws and nuts are usually used, the insert element ensures that the tool is suitable and can be used for both of the screw and nut sizes.

[0025] For example, the first wrench size of the wrench jaw can correspond to the standardized size SW 22 and the second wrench size of the receiving area of ​​the insert element can correspond to the standardized size SW 19.

[0026] Preferably, the insert element has a fastening section and a keyhole section encompassing the receiving area.

[0027] The preferably U-shaped key jaw section can have two freestanding ends and a base, the freestanding ends and the base forming the receiving area.

[0028] The second wrench size, determined by the distance between the ends, is smaller than the first wrench size of the wrench jaw.

[0029] The fastening section serves to securely fasten the insert element in the wrench jaw. For this purpose, the fastening section can have retaining tongues or retaining rails, whereby the retaining tongues or retaining rails are designed to be positioned on the flat sides of the wrench jaw when the insert element is inserted into the wrench jaw.

[0030] The retaining tongues or retaining rails can be designed in such a way that the insert element is securely held in the key jaw due to frictional forces between the retaining tongues or retaining rails and the flat sides of the key jaw.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, locking devices for the releasable locking of the insert element in the keyway may also be provided.

[0032] The locking means can comprise a ball, preferably spring-loaded, or a pin, preferably spring-loaded, or a protrusion, preferably hemispherical, and the locking means can further comprise a complementary receptacle, in particular a recess or a hole, for the ball or pin or protrusion.

[0033] In one embodiment, the ball or pin or protrusion is recessed into or arranged on a flat side of the key jaw, and the complementary receptacle for the ball or pin or protrusion is arranged in at least one of the retaining tongues or retaining rails.

[0034] When the insert is inserted into the keyhole, the ball or pin can penetrate the flat surface of the keyhole or the keyhead. If the complementary receptacle is located above the ball or pin, the ball or pin can engage in the receptacle. Applying sufficient force can release the resulting connection.

[0035] Alternatively, it is also possible that the ball or pin or protrusion is arranged on at least one of the retaining tongues or retaining rails, and that the complementary receptacle for the ball or pin or protrusion is arranged in a flat side of the key jaw.

[0036] Furthermore, it is also possible that, in addition to or instead of a ball or pin, a projection, preferably hemispherical, is provided. The projection can be arranged on one of the flat sides of the key jaw or on at least one of the retaining tongues or retaining rails. The corresponding receptacle is then arranged accordingly in at least one of the retaining tongues or retaining rails or in one of the flat sides of the key jaw.

[0037] The retaining tongues or rails can be designed with at least a slight degree of elasticity. This minimal elasticity allows the retaining tongues or rails to spread slightly when the insert is inserted into the key jaw, when the raised section is positioned on a retaining tongue or rail upon contact with the key jaw, or when the raised section is positioned on a flat side of the key jaw upon contact with a retaining tongue or rail. If the complementary receptacle is located above the raised section, the corresponding retaining tongue or rail springs back, causing the raised section to engage in the receptacle.

[0038] The fastening section may preferably have at least two, and more preferably at least three, retaining tongues or retaining rails.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the fastening section may be provided with a magnet. When inserting the insert element into the key jaw or when positioning the insert element within the key jaw, the magnet allows the insert element to be held in place in the key jaw in a releasable manner.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the tool according to the invention comprises a socket with different wrench sizes at its opposing socket openings. The size and shape are determined by the screws or nuts commonly used. Wrench sizes SW 19 or S18 and SW 22 or S21 are preferred.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the nut according to the invention has wall lengths that are significantly shorter compared to known frame ratchets. This allows the ratchet to be used even when there is only limited space available for positioning and moving the tool.

[0042] The wall length of the nut, preferably measured from a first nut opening to an opposite second nut opening, can be between 2 cm and 4 cm.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the ratchet of the tool according to the invention comprises a device for reversing the direction of rotation. Preferably, a device is used which has at least one pawl.

[0044] Furthermore, the ratchet can be designed as a hammer head, so that the tool according to the invention can also be used as a hammer. The hammer head can also include a peen.

[0045] The fin can be a wedge-shaped, tapered part of the hammerhead. In one embodiment, the fin can be a fixed fin.

[0046] In another embodiment, the fin is pivotable. The fin can be designed so that it can be folded towards the handle. This allows the tool to be stored in a space-saving manner, which is particularly advantageous when carrying it along during scaffolding assembly and dismantling.

[0047] To prevent the fin from unfolding unintentionally, the tool, in particular the ratchet, may further have one or more devices which are attached in such a way as to hold the fin in the folded-down position.

[0048] Suitable devices include magnets.

[0049] Furthermore, the tool may have a holding device for small parts.

[0050] Preferably, the holding means is a magnet for at least temporarily holding magnetized or magnetizable small parts, for example small metal parts such as nails, screws or nuts.

[0051] The holding device, in particular the magnet, can be arranged on the ratchet, especially on the ratchet designed in the form of a hammerhead.

[0052] In this case, it is particularly preferred that the holding means, in particular the magnet, is arranged approximately halfway between a striking face of the hammer head and the fin.

[0053] Through holes, meaning holes that penetrate the handle, can be provided at the ends. A retaining cord can be threaded through these holes, allowing the tool to be attached to a tool belt, for example, to prevent loss.

[0054] Especially in scaffolding construction, all necessary tools must be readily accessible, so they are usually carried by the people erecting or dismantling the scaffolding. The weight and number of tools therefore play a significant role; the less that needs to be carried, the better. Due to its special design, the tool can be used in a wide variety of functions. Carrying additional tools such as wrenches and hammers is therefore no longer necessary. The tool according to the invention saves time, money, and physical effort during use. Brief description of the characters

[0055] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 01 a top view of a first tool with a ratchet and a bowl-shaped jaw and an insert element, Fig. 02 a side view of the first tool, Fig. 03 a first perspective view of the first tool, Fig. 04 a second perspective view of the first tool, Fig. 05 a top view of a second tool with a ratchet designed as a hammer head and a folded-down fin, and Fig. 06 a top view of the second tool with the fin folded down. Detailed description of the characters

[0056] In the Figs. 01 to 06 Tools 1 are shown in accordance with the invention. Identical or corresponding parts of the tools 1 are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0057] The tool 1 has a handle 2 and a ratchet 3. At the end opposite the ratchet 3, instead of a pointed cone mandrel, a bowl-shaped jaw 5 with a first wrench size is arranged.

[0058] In the embodiment according to the Figs. 01 to 04 A plastic sheath 2a. The handle 2, including the plastic sheath 2a, is ergonomically shaped. The plastic sheath 2a has recesses or grip grooves 17, which are distributed along the handle 2 and the plastic sheath 2a in such a way that the fingers of a person gripping the handle 2 can rest in the recesses or grip grooves 17. Furthermore, in the area of ​​the wrench jaw 5, a circumferential insertion ramp 2b is provided as part of the plastic sheath 2a. The insertion ramp 2b ensures that the tool 1 does not get caught on the plastic sheath 2a when the tool 1 is inserted into a tool belt or a designated tool pocket, such as work trousers.

[0059] The ratchet 3 has a socket 4 with different wrench sizes at its opposing socket openings 4a and 4b. The size and shape are determined by the screws or nuts commonly used. Preferred wrench sizes are 19 mm (SW 18) and 22 mm (SW 21). The socket 4 has wall lengths that are significantly shorter than those of known scaffold ratchets. This allows the ratchet 3 to be used even when there is only limited space available for positioning and maneuvering the tool 1. For example, the wall length of the socket 4, measured from the first socket opening 4a to the second socket opening 4b, can be between 2 cm and 4 cm.

[0060] The ratchet 3 of the tool 1 further comprises a device for reversing the direction of rotation, which can be designed as a pawl operable by means of a lever 7.

[0061] The ratchet 3 is also designed as a hammerhead 8, so that the tool 1 can also be used as a hammer. The hammerhead 8 includes a fixed fin 9, which is a wedge-shaped, tapered part of the hammerhead 8. The fin has a claw 14.

[0062] The open-end wrench 5 allows the tool 1 to be used for loosening and tightening hard-to-reach screws and nuts where there is insufficient space to attach the socket 4. The open-end wrench 5 has a first wrench size. The size, wrench size, and shape of the open-end wrench 5 are preferably determined by the screws or nuts commonly used, or by standard wrench sizes. The standard sizes 19 mm or 18 mm and 22 mm or 21 mm are typically used.

[0063] The keyhole 5 has tapered ends 6. The tapering is designed such that the end of the tool 1 shaped as the keyhole 5 does not exceed a certain width. In this way, for example, a steel tube, in particular a scaffold tube, with a corresponding inner diameter can be fitted onto the keyhole 5, thus extending the handle 2 as desired to increase leverage. One of the ends 6b is ground at least on one side into an approximately conical shape and can be used as a pointed taper 20.

[0064] Tool 1 after the Figs. 01 to 04The wrench has an insert element 11 for detachable assembly in the wrench jaw 5, wherein the insert element 11 has a receiving area 10 designed to receive screws or nuts. The receiving area 10 has a second wrench size, which is smaller than the first wrench size of the wrench jaw 5. The insert element 11 can also be referred to as a wrench size reducer 21.

[0065] The deployment element 11 comprises, as in Fig. 03 shown, a fastening section 11a and a keyway section 11b encompassing the receiving area 10.

[0066] The deployment element 11 can, as in Figs. 01, 02 and 04 shown, into which the keyhole 5 is inserted.

[0067] The fastening section 11a serves to securely fasten the insert element 11 in the keyway 5. For this purpose, the fastening section can have retaining tongues 18 or retaining rails.

[0068] Locking means 13 are provided for the releasable locking or fastening of the insert element 11 in the keyway 5. The locking means 13 comprise a spring-loaded ball 13a and a complementary receptacle 13b for the ball 13a.

[0069] The ball 13a is embedded in a plan side 19 of the key jaw 5 and the complementary receptacle 13b for the ball 13a is arranged in one of the retaining tongues 18.

[0070] When the insert element 11 is inserted into the wrench jaw 5, the ball 13a can engage in the flat surface 19 of the wrench jaw 5. When the complementary receptacle 13b is located above the ball 13a, the ball can engage in the receptacle 13b. The resulting fastening can be released by applying a sufficient force.

[0071] Furthermore, the tool 1 can have a holding device 15 for small parts.

[0072] Preferably, the holding means 15 is a magnet 15a for at least temporarily holding magnetized or magnetizable small parts, for example small parts made of metal such as nails, screws or nuts.

[0073] The magnet 15a is arranged on the ratchet 3 which is shaped like a hammer head 8.

[0074] Through holes 16 are provided in the end areas of the handle 2. A retaining cord can be threaded through these holes 16, by means of which the tool 1 can be attached, for example, to a tool belt to prevent loss.

[0075] Figs. 05 and 06 show a variant of tool 1. Tool 1 of the Figs. 05 and 06 It does not have a plastic coating 2a. Furthermore, compared to tool 1, the Figs. 01 to 04The peen 9 of the hammerhead 8 is not fixed but pivotable. The peen 9 can be folded towards the handle 2. This allows the tool 1 to be stored in a space-saving manner, which is particularly advantageous when carrying it along during scaffolding assembly and disassembly. To prevent the peen 9 from unfolding unintentionally, one or more devices can be provided that are attached in such a way as to hold the peen 9 in the folded-down position. Suitable devices include, for example, magnets. Fig. 05 shows the hammerhead 8 with the fin 9 unfolded, Fig. 06 shows the hammerhead 8 with the folded-down fin 9. List of reference symbols

[0076] 1 Tool 2 Handle 2a Plastic coating 2b Lead-in chamfer 3 Ratchet 4 Socket 4a Socket opening 4b Socket opening 5 Open jaw 6 End 6b End 7 Lever 8 Hammer head 9 Fin 10 Receptacle 11 Insert element 11a Mounting section 11b Open jaw section 12 End 13 Locking device 13a Ball 13b Receptacle 14 Claw 15 Retaining device 15a Magnet 16 Hole 17 Handle recess 18 Retaining tongue 19 Flat side 20 Pointed taper mandrel 21 Wrench size reducer

Claims

1. Tool (1) comprising a ratchet (3) and a nut (4) inserted into the ratchet (3) and a handle (2), characterized in that an end of the handle (2) opposite the ratchet (3) has a wrench mouth (5) with a first wrench width.

2. Tool (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle (2) has a plastic sheath (2a), and / or that the handle (2) is ergonomically shaped, and / or that the handle (2) and / or the plastic sheath (2a) has depressions or grip recesses (17).

3. Tool (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the key mouth (5) has tapered ends (6).

4. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe tool (1) has an insert element (11) for detachable arrangement in the wrench mouth (5), wherein the insert element (11) has a receiving area (10) designed to receive screws or nuts, wherein the receiving area (10) has a second wrench width which is smaller than the first wrench width.

5. Tool (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the insert element (11) has a fastening section (11a) and a key jaw section (11b) comprising the receiving area (10), wherein the key jaw section (11b) preferably has two free-standing ends (12) and a base, wherein the free-standing ends (12) and the base form the receiving area (10).

6. Tool (1) according to claim 5, characterized in thatthe fastening section (11a) has retaining tongues (18) or retaining rails, wherein the retaining tongues (18) or retaining rails are designed to be arranged on flat sides (19) of the key mouth (5) when the insert element (11) is inserted into the key mouth (5).

7. Tool (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that Locking means (13) are provided for releasably locking the insert element (11) in the key mouth (5), wherein the locking means (13) preferably comprise a, more preferably spring-loaded, ball (13a) or a, more preferably spring-loaded, pin or a, more preferably hemispherical, elevation, and that the locking means (13) comprise a complementary receptacle (13b), in particular a recess, for the ball (13a) or the pin or the elevation.

8. Tool (1) according to claim 7, characterized in thatthe ball (13a) or the pin or the elevation is recessed into a flat side (19) of the key jaw (5) or arranged on a flat side (19) of the key jaw (5), and that the complementary receptacle (13b) for the ball (13a) or the pin or the elevation is arranged in at least one of the retaining tongues (18) or retaining rails, and / or that the ball (13a) or the pin or the elevation is arranged on at least one of the retaining tongues (18) or retaining rails, and that the complementary receptacle (13b) for the ball (13a) or the pin or the elevation is arranged in a flat side (19) of the key jaw (5).

9. Tool (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the retaining tongues (18) or retaining rails are at least slightly elastic, and / or that the fastening section (11a) has at least two, preferably at least three, retaining tongues (18) or retaining rails.

10. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (4) has different wrench widths at its opposite ends, and / or that the nut (4) has shortened wall lengths, and / or that the ratchet (3) has a device for reversing the direction of rotation, wherein the device preferably has at least one pawl.

11. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ratchet (3) is designed in the form of a hammer head (8).

12. Tool (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the hammer head (8) has a fin (9), wherein preferably the fin (9) of the hammer head (8) is fixed or wherein the fin (9) of the hammer head (8) is pivotable, wherein further preferably the tool (1) has one or more devices which are mounted such that they hold the fin (9) in the folded-down position, wherein particularly preferably the devices are magnets.

13. Tool (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool (1) has a holding means (15) for small parts.

14. Tool (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the holding means (15) is a magnet (15a) for at least temporarily holding magnetized or magnetizable small parts, for example small metal parts such as nails, screws or nuts.

15. Tool (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the holding means (15) is arranged on the ratchet (3), in particular on the ratchet (3) designed in the form of a hammer head (8).

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