A wrench

Abstract

A wrench (10) with a body (12), a fixed jaw (14) extending from an end region (16) of the body (12), a displaceable jaw (18) mounted displaceably on the body (12) to define a size-adjustable receiving zone (20) for receiving an object therein, a retaining mechanism (22) for retaining the displaceable jaw (18) in position relative to the fixed jaw (14), including a retaining member (24) having an engaging formation (26.1) extending therefrom for engaging complementally with another engaging formation (26.2) extending from the displaceable jaw (18), a biasing means (28) for biasing the retaining member (24) into a retained condition, and a finger-operated actuator (30) extending from the retaining member (24), and protruding from the body (12), for allowing displacement of the retaining member (24) into a released condition.

Description

[0001] A WRENCH

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This invention relates to an adjustable wrench. In particular, this invention relates to an adjustable sliding-jaw wrench commonly known as a shifting spanner.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Adjustable wrenches, also known as shifting spanners, present a versatile solution in various mechanical operations due to their adjustable nature, which allows them to adapt to a broad spectrum of nut sizes. Their design primarily consists of a pair of jaws, one of which is fixed while the other can be moved by adjusting a wormscrew mechanism. The capacity for size adjustment makes shifting spanners an indispensable asset in the toolbox of any professional. However, a prevalent issue associated with these tools involves the unintentional and gradual displacement of the worm-screw adjustment mechanism during use. This leads to a minor but noticeable loosening of the fit between the jaws and the nut. As a consequence, there is an increased likelihood damaging the nut, predominantly in the form of rounding off the corners or causing undue strain. This issue is fundamentally attributed to the play and movement in the tool's adjustment mechanism, an unfavourable phenomenon that tends to worsen over time due to wear and tear. Thus, while shifting spanners present a convenient and adaptable approach to handling a diverse range of nuts, they are not exempt from certain operational challenges that can potentially compromise the integrity of a workpiece.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to the invention, there is provided a wrench including: - a body; a fixed jaw extending from an end region of the body; a displaceable jaw mounted displaceably on the body so as to define a size- adjustable receiving zone for receiving an object between the jaws; a retaining mechanism mounted on the body for retaining the displaceable jaw in a desired position relative to the fixed jaw, including: - a retaining member having an engaging formation extending therefrom for engaging complementally with another engaging formation extending from the displaceable jaw, the retaining member being displaceable relative the body between a retained condition wherein the respective engaging formations are in engagement with each other in order to inhibit displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw, and a released condition wherein the respective engaging formations are disengaged from each other in order to allow displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw thereby allowing adjustment of the size of the receiving zone; a biasing means for biasing the retaining member into the retained condition; and a finger-operated actuator extending from the retaining member, and protruding from the body, for allowing displacement of the retaining member into the released condition by a user with the use of a finger.

[0008] The body may have a generally elongate shape, preferably defining a handle portion along its length, preferably a majority thereof, for allowing the user to grip the wrench in use. Preferably, the handle portion may have a length in the range of about 150mm to about 500mm. The handle portion may have a width and / or thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.

[0009] An intermediate portion of the body, preferably being located generally between the fixed jaw and the handle portion, may be sized, shaped and / or configured to accommodate mounting of the displaceable jaw and / or to house the retaining mechanism. In particular, the intermediate portion may have a length in the range of about 30mm to about 100mm. The intermediate portion may have a width in the range of about 10mm to about 100mm. The intermediate portion may have a thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm. The jaws may have a size and / or shape for optimising stress distribution therethrough, preferably having a wider base region and a thinner tip region. In particular, the jaws may have generally curved outer surfaces. Further, the jaws may include gripping surfaces against which objects received between the jaws may be gripped with sufficient force to permit turning of the object, the respective gripping surfaces preferably being arranged opposite the respective curved outer surfaces. The gripping surfaces may include gripping formations for reducing a likelihood of slippage between the jaws and an object, in use, typically when the object is gripped between the jaws and is being turned. The gripping formations may be in the form of toothed or serrated profiles. The gripping surfaces may be coated with a non-slip coating for further reducing the likelihood of slippage between the jaws and an object in use.

[0010] The fixed jaw may be integrally formed with the body.

[0011] The displaceable jaw may include a mounting formation extending from a base region thereof.

[0012] The mounting formation may be shaped to be received complementally by a receiving zone defined in the body, preferably the intermediate portion thereof. More particularly, the mounting formation and the receiving zone may be shaped to permit one degree of freedom displacement, preferably in the form of translational or sliding displacement, of the displaceable jaw relative the body, preferably towards and away from the fixed jaw.

[0013] The mounting formation may have a generally T -shaped cross-section, typically an inverted T-shape as shown in the Figures. The T-shape may define a stem portion and crossbar portion, typically being arranged normally relative to each other. Walls defining the receiving zone may have a generally C-shaped cross-section, which provides the receiving zone with a T-shaped cross-section for allowing complementary receipt of the mounting formation therein. The crossbar portion may have a length which may be dependent on the overall size of the wrench. It is to be appreciated that the larger the wrench, the longer the crossbar portion will be, which in turn allows greater variation in the size of the receiving zone. The mounting formation may have a generally L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0014] The mounting formation and walls defining the receiving zone may be machined using low tolerance, preferably zero- or near zero-tolerance, machining for maximising the tightness of the fit therebetween. It is to be appreciated that the intended extremely tight tolerance serves to eliminate any gaps, clearances or deviations between the mating parts of the mounting formation and the walls of the receiving zone. It is to be appreciated further that having such a tight fit improves the level of flushness between the mating surfaces which reduces a build-up of stress concentrations and / or reaction forces in the region of the engaging teeth of the displaceable jaw and the retaining member, which is believed to minimise or eliminate play between the jaws, thereby improving longevity and reliability of the wrench as well as reducing unwanted wear on objects, such as nuts for example, being gripped and turned. Having the surfaces so flush improves the distribution of stresses and / or reaction forces throughout the strongest parts of the wrench.

[0015] The retaining member may be located within a recess defined in the intermediate portion of the body. The recess may extend into the body from a surface of the receiving zone, the surface preferably forming part of a wall defining the crossbar portion of the T-shaped receiving zone. The retaining member may have any suitable geometric shape.

[0016] The engaging formations of the retaining member and the displaceable jaw may be in the form of ridges or teeth which may be orientated substantially parallel to each other for allowing engagement therebetween. The engaging formations may extend from the mounting formation of the displaceable jaw, preferably from a side thereof which is opposite the displaceable jaw, and from the retaining member, respectively, preferably extending towards each other. The teeth of the engaging formations may be sized and / or spaced apart to permit fine adjustment of the position of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw. In particular, teeth may be spaced apart in the range of 0.2mm to 7mm, preferably being spaced apart in the region of 1 mm for allowing adjustment of the size of the receiving zone in 1 mm increments. The teeth may have any shape of the group including square, triangle, and sawtooth, preferably being generally triangular.

[0017] The biasing means may be arranged between the retaining member and a surface of the recess so as to push the retaining member into the retained condition, typically being towards the mounting formation so that the respective engaging formations may engage each other. The biasing means may be in the form of any of the group including a spring, elastic or resiliently deformable member, magnet arrangement, and the like.

[0018] The finger-operated actuator may be in the form of a projection or nub-like extension. The finger-operated actuator may be integrally formed with the retaining member. The finger-operated actuator may extend from one side of the retaining member. The finger-operated actuator may extend from opposing sides of the retaining member for allowing a user to displace the retaining member from either side of the body, preferably by utilising an index finger and / or thumb to displace the actuator, typically being dependent on user preference.

[0019] In an alternate form of the invention, the finger-operated actuator may be mounted on a side region of the retaining member. A pair of finger-operated actuators may be mounted on opposite side regions of the retaining member. The finger- operated actuators may have a generally planar shape. The finger-operated actuators may have a length, width and thickness in the ranges of 15mm to 30mm, 5mm to 20mm, and 1 mm to 5mm, respectively, preferably having a length, width and thickness in the region of 24.5mm, 13mm and 3mm, respectively. The finger-operated actuator may have a side profile which is shaped and / or configured to improve grip thereon. In particular, the side profile may define a plurality of ridges. The ridges may have a generally triangular form. Preferably, the ridges may have a generally saw-tooth form. The ridges may be orientated generally parallel with the length of the finger-operated actuator to facilitate displacement thereof, and with it, the retaining member, away from the retained condition.

[0020] The finger-operated actuator may protrude from the body via an aperture defined therein, the aperture preferably being defined in a side wall of the body, further preferably being ergonomically located for facilitating actuation by the user with a thumb and / or index finger of a hand gripping the wrench. It is to be appreciated that in the case where the finger-operated actuator extends from only one side of the retaining member, an opposite side of the body may have a smooth, flush and / or continuous surface.

[0021] The finger-operated actuator may have rounded edges for improving comfort of use. The finger-operated actuator may be coated in a softer material for further improving comfort of use.

[0022] The wrench may be manufactured from any suitable material with sufficient strength properties. In particular, the wrench may be manufactured from any suitable plastic or metallic material. Preferably, the wrench may be manufactured from any of the group including steel, chrome vanadium, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, reinforced plastic composites, and reinforced fiberglass composites.

[0023] It is to be appreciated that although various dimension ranges for parts of the wrench are provided, the precise dimensions are dependent on specific use requirements, and may be varied as desired.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A wrench in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of the following, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In the drawings: -

[0026] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional schematic showing a wrench in accordance with the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is an enlarged three-dimensional schematic showing a portion of the wrench shown in Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the schematic of Figure 2;

[0029] Figure 4 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the portion of the wrench shown in Figures 2 and 3;

[0030] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional cut-away view showing how a displaceable jaw of the wrench is mounted on a body thereof; and

[0031] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional schematic showing an alternative form of a retaining member and finger-operated actuator in accordance with the present invention.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring now to the drawings, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a wrench in accordance with the present invention. The wrench 10 includes, a body 12, a fixed jaw 14 extending from an end region 16 of the body 12, a displaceable jaw 18 mounted displaceably on the body 12 so as to define a size-adjustable receiving zone 20 for receiving an object (not shown) to be gripped between the jaws 12 and 14, a retaining mechanism 22 mounted on the body 12 for retaining the displaceable jaw 18 in a desired position relative to the fixed jaw 14, including a retaining member 24 having an engaging formation 26.1 extending therefrom for engaging complementally with another engaging formation 26.2 extending from the displaceable jaw 18, the retaining member 24 being displaceable relative the body 12 between a retained condition wherein the respective engaging formations 26 are in engagement with each other to inhibit displacement of the displaceable jaw 18 relative to the fixed jaw 14, and a released condition wherein the respective engaging formations 26 are disengaged from each other in order to allow displacement of the displaceable jaw 18 relative to the fixed jaw 14 to allow adjustment of the size of the receiving zone 20, a biasing means 28 for biasing the retaining member 24 into the retained condition, and a finger-operated actuator 30 extending from the retaining member 24, and protruding from the body 12, for allowing displacement of the retaining member 24 into the released condition by a user (not shown) with the use of a finger (not shown).

[0034] The body 12 has a generally elongate shape, typically defining a handle portion 32 along its length, typically a majority thereof, for allowing the user (not shown) to grip the wrench 10 in use. Typically, the handle portion 32 has a length in the range of about 150mm to about 500mm. The handle portion 32 has a width and thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.

[0035] An intermediate portion 34 of the body 12, typically being located generally between the fixed jaw 14 and the handle portion 32, is sized, shaped and configured to accommodate mounting of the displaceable jaw 18 and to house the retaining mechanism 22. In particular, the intermediate portion 34 has a length in the range of about 30mm to about 100mm. The intermediate portion 34 has a width in the range of about 10mm to about 100mm. The intermediate portion 34 has a thickness in the range of about 5mm to about 40mm.

[0036] The jaws 14 and 16 have a size and shape for optimising stress distribution therethrough, typically having a wider base region 36 and a thinner tip region 38. In particular, the jaws 14 and 16 have generally curved outer surfaces 40. Further, the jaws 14 and 16 include gripping surfaces 42 against which objects (not shown) received between the jaws 14 and 16 are gripped with sufficient force to permit turning of the object (not shown), the respective gripping surfaces 42 typically being arranged opposite the respective curved outer surfaces 40 and being arranged substantially parallel to each other. The fixed jaw 14 is integrally formed with the body 12.

[0037] The displaceable jaw 18 includes a mounting formation 44 extending from a base region 36 thereof.

[0038] The mounting formation 44 is shaped to be received complementally by a receiving zone 46 defined in the body 12, typically the intermediate portion 34 thereof. More particularly, the mounting formation 44 and the receiving zone 46 are shaped to permit one degree of freedom displacement, typically in the form of translational or sliding displacement, of the displaceable jaw 18 relative the body 12, typically towards and away from the fixed jaw 14.

[0039] The mounting formation 44 has a generally T-shaped cross-section, typically an inverted T-shape as shown in the Figures and most clearly shown in Figure 5. The T-shape defines a stem portion 48 and crossbar portion 50, typically being arranged normally relative to each other. Walls 52 defining the receiving zone 46 has a generally C-shaped cross-section, which provides the receiving zone 46 with a T-shaped crosssection for allowing complementary receipt of the mounting formation 44 therein. The crossbar portion 50 has a length which is dependent on the overall size of the wrench 10. It is to be appreciated that the larger the wrench 10, the longer the crossbar portion 50 will be, which in turn allows greater variation in the size of the object receiving zone 20. The mounting formation 44 has a generally L-shape when viewed from the side.

[0040] The mounting formation 44 and walls 52 are machined using low tolerance, typically zero- or near zero-tolerance, machining for maximising the tightness of the fit therebetween. It is to be appreciated that the intended extremely tight tolerance serves to eliminate any gaps, clearances or deviations between the mating parts of the mounting formation 44 and the walls 52. It is to be appreciated further that having such a tight fit improves the level of flushness between the mating surfaces which reduces a build-up of stress concentrations and reaction forces in the region of the engaging formations 26 of the displaceable jaw 18 and the retaining member 24, which is believed to minimise or eliminate play between the jaws 14 and 16, thereby improving longevity and reliability of the wrench 10 as well as reducing unwanted wear on objects (not shown), such as nuts (not shown) for example, being gripped and turned. Having the surfaces as flush as possible improves the distribution of stresses and reaction forces throughout the strongest parts of the wrench 10 and directs them away from the parts keeping the displaceable jaw 18 in place in use.

[0041] The retaining member 24 is located within a recess 54 defined in the intermediate portion of the body 12. The recess 52 extends into the body 12 from a surface of the receiving zone 46, the surface typically forming part of a wall defining the crossbar portion 50 of the T-shaped receiving zone 46. The retaining member 24 has any suitable geometric shape.

[0042] The engaging formations 26 of the retaining member 24 and the displaceable jaw 18 are in the form of teeth 56 which are orientated substantially parallel to each other for allowing engagement therebetween. The engaging formations 26 extend from the mounting formation 44 of the displaceable jaw 18, typically from a side thereof which is opposite the displaceable jaw 18, and from the retaining member 24, respectively, typically extending towards each other. The teeth 56 of the engaging formations 26 are sized and spaced apart to permit fine adjustment of the position of the displaceable jaw 18 relative to the fixed jaw 14. In particular, teeth 56 are spaced apart in the range of 0.2mm to 7mm, typically being spaced apart in the region of 1 mm for allowing adjustment of the size of the object receiving zone 20 in 1 mm increments. The teeth 56 have any shape of the group including square, triangle, and sawtooth.

[0043] The biasing means 28 is arranged between the retaining member 24 and a surface of the recess 54 so as to push the retaining member 24 into the retained condition, typically being towards the mounting formation 44 so that the respective engaging formations 26 engage each other. The biasing means 28 is in the form of any of the group including a spring, elastic or resiliently deformable member, magnet arrangement, and the like, typically being in the form of a spring 58 as shown in the figures.

[0044] The finger-operated actuator 30 is in the form of a projection or nub-like extension. The finger-operated actuator 30 is integrally formed with the retaining member 24. Although not shown, the finger-operated actuator 30 could have rounded edges for improving comfort of use or it could be coated in a softer material for further improving comfort of use. The finger-operated actuator 30 protrudes from the body 12 via an aperture 60 defined therein, the aperture 60 typically being defined in a side wall of the body 12, further typically being ergonomically located for facilitating actuation by the user (not shown) with a thumb of a hand gripping the wrench 10. It is to be appreciated that an opposite side (not shown) of the body 12 has a smooth, flush and / or continuous surface. Although not shown in the Figures, in an alternative embodiment, finger-operated actuators may extend from opposing sides of the retaining member 24, protruding from both sides of the body 12 via apertures defined in side walls thereof, for allowing a user to displace the retaining member 24 from either side of the body 12, typically by utilising an index finger or thumb to actuate the actuator 30, typically being dependent on user preference.

[0045] The wrench 10 is manufactured from any suitable material with sufficient strength properties. In particular, the wrench 10 is manufactured from any suitable plastic or metallic material. Typically, the wrench 10 is manufactured from any of the group including steel, chrome vanadium, stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, reinforced plastic composites, and reinforced fiberglass composites.

[0046] Referring now to Figure 6, reference numeral 130 refers to a finger-operated actuator which is mounted on a side region 162 of alternative retaining member 124. In particular, a pair of finger-operated actuators 130 are mounted on opposite side regions 162 of the retaining member 124. The finger-operated actuators 130 have a generally planar shape. The finger-operated actuators 130 have a length, width and thickness in the ranges of 15mm to 30mm, 5mm to 20mm, and 1 mm to 5mm, respectively, preferably having a length, width and thickness in the region of 24.5mm, 13mm and 3mm, respectively. The finger-operated actuators 130 have side profiles 164 which are shaped and / or configured to improve grip thereon. In particular, the side profiles 164 define a plurality of ridges 166. The ridges 166 have a generally saw-tooth form. The ridges 166 are orientated generally parallel with the length of the finger- operated actuator 130 to facilitate displacement thereof, and with it, the retaining member 124, away from the retained condition.

[0047] It is, of course, to be appreciated that the wrench in accordance with the invention is not limited to the precise constructional and functional details as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings and which may be varied as desired.

[0048] Although only certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be understood by any person skilled in the art that other modifications, variations, and possibilities of the invention are possible. Such modifications, variations and possibilities are therefore to be considered as falling within the spirit and scope of the invention and hence form part of the invention as herein described and / or exemplified. It is further to be understood that the examples are provided for illustrating the invention further and to assist a person skilled in the art with understanding the invention and is not meant to be construed as unduly limiting the reasonable scope of the invention.

[0049] The inventor believes that the wrench in accordance with the present invention is advantageous in that it exhibits minimal to no play between the jaws, which provides significant advantages that directly counter the typical issues associated with conventional adjustable wrenches. The invention is believed to ensure an almost perfect fit each time it is adjusted to grip a nut. The absence of play ensures that the fit between the jaws and the nut remains secure and unaltered during the entirety of its operation. This enhanced stability eliminates the risk of the jaws slipping or readjusting unintentionally, thereby protecting the nut from potential damage, such as deformation or corner rounding. Furthermore, an adjustable wrench or shifting spanner with virtually no play is also less prone to degradation over time. Unlike conventional adjustable wrenches, where frequent use tends to exacerbate the play and hence the chances of damaging the nut, the design of the present invention significantly extends functional lifespan without compromising the safety and integrity of the workpiece. The invention is thus believed to combine the convenience and adaptability of traditional adjustable wrenches or shifting spanners with a level of precision and durability that ensures a reliable, damage-free operation each time.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wrench including: - a body; a fixed jaw extending from an end region of the body; a displaceable jaw mounted displaceably on the body so as to define a size- adjustable receiving zone for receiving an object between the jaws; a retaining mechanism mounted on the body for retaining the displaceable jaw in a desired position relative to the fixed jaw, including: - a retaining member having an engaging formation extending therefrom for engaging complementally with another engaging formation extending from the displaceable jaw, the retaining member being displaceable relative the body between a retained condition wherein the respective engaging formations are in engagement with each other in order to inhibit displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw, and a released condition wherein the respective engaging formations are disengaged from each other in order to allow displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw thereby allowing adjustment of the size of the receiving zone; a biasing means for biasing the retaining member into the retained condition; and a finger-operated actuator extending from the retaining member, and protruding from the body, for allowing displacement of the retaining member into the released condition by a user with the use of a finger.

2. A wrench as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body has a generally elongate shape, so as to define a handle portion along its length for allowing the user to grip the wrench in use.

3. A wrench as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein an intermediate portion of the body is sized, shaped and configured to accommodate mounting of the displaceable jaw and to house the retaining mechanism.

4. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the jaws have a size and shape for optimising stress distribution therethrough.

5. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the jaws have a wider base region and a thinner tip region.

6. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the jaws include gripping surfaces against which objects received between the jaws are gripped with sufficient force to permit turning of the object.

7. A wrench as claimed in claim 6 wherein the gripping surfaces include gripping formations for reducing a likelihood of slippage between the jaws and an object, in use.

8. A wrench as claimed in claim 7 wherein the gripping formations are in the form of toothed or serrated profiles.

9. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the claims 6 to 8 wherein the gripping surfaces are coated with a non-slip coating for further reducing the likelihood of slippage between the jaws and the object in use.

10. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the displaceable jaw includes a mounting formation extending from a base region thereof.1 1. A wrench as claimed in claim 10 wherein the mounting formation is shaped to be received complementally by a receiving zone defined in the body.

12. A wrench as claimed in claim 11 wherein the mounting formation and the receiving zone are shaped to permit one degree of freedom displacement of the displaceable jaw relative to the body.

13. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the claims 10 to 12 wherein the mounting formation has a generally T-shaped cross-section.

14. A wrench as claimed in claim 13 wherein the T-shape may define a stem portion and crossbar portion.

15. A wrench as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12 wherein walls defining the receiving zone have a generally C-shaped cross-section, which provides the receiving zone with a T- shaped cross-section for allowing complementary receipt of the mounting formation therein.

16. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the claims 10 to 15 wherein the mounting formation and walls defining the receiving zone are machined using low tolerance machining for maximising the tightness of the fit therebetween.

17. A wrench as claimed in claim 16 wherein the mounting formation and walls defining the receiving zone are machined using zero- or near zero-tolerance.

18. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the retaining member is located within a recess defined in the intermediate portion of the body.

19. A wrench as claimed in claim 18 wherein the recess extends into the body from a surface of the receiving zone.

20. A wrench as claimed in claim 19 wherein the surface forms part of a wall defining the crossbar portion of the T-shaped receiving zone.21 . A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the engaging formations of the retaining member and the displaceable jaw are in the form of ridges or teeth which are orientated substantially parallel to each other for allowing engagement therebetween.

22. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the engaging formations extend from a mounting formation of the displaceable jaw and from the retaining member, respectively.

23. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein teeth of the engaging formations are sized and spaced apart to permit fine adjustment of the position of the displaceable jaw relative to the fixed jaw.

24. A wrench as claimed in claim 23 wherein the teeth are spaced apart in the range of 0.2mm to 7mm.

25. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the claims 18 to 24 wherein the biasing means is arranged between the retaining member and a surface of the recess so as to push the retaining member into the retained condition.

26. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means is in the form of any of the group including a spring, elastic or resiliently deformable member, and magnet arrangement.

27. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator is in the form of a projection or nub-like extension.

28. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator is integrally formed with the retaining member.

29. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator extends from one side of the retaining member.

30. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator extends from opposing sides of the retaining member for allowing a user to displace the retaining member from either side of the body.31 . A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator is mounted on a side region of the retaining member.

32. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein a pair of finger-operated actuators are mounted on opposite side regions of the retaining member.

33. A wrench as claimed in claim 32 wherein the finger-operated actuators have a generally planar shape.

34. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator has a side profile which is shaped to improve grip thereon.

35. A wrench as claimed in claim 34 wherein the side profile defines a plurality of ridges.

36. A wrench as claimed in claim 35 wherein the ridges have a generally triangular form.

37. A wrench as claimed in claim 35 wherein the ridges have a generally saw-tooth form.

38. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the claims 35 to 35 wherein the ridges are orientated generally parallel with the length of the finger-operated actuator to facilitate displacement thereof, and with it, the retaining member, away from the retained condition.

39. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator protrudes from the body via an aperture defined therein.

40. A wrench as claimed in claim 39 wherein the aperture is defined in a side wall of the body.41 . A wrench as claimed in claim 39 or 40 wherein the aperture is ergonomically located for facilitating actuation by the user with a thumb or index finger of a hand gripping the wrench.

42. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator has rounded edges for improving comfort of use.

43. A wrench as claimed in any one or more of the preceding claims wherein the finger-operated actuator is coated in a softer material for further improving comfort of use.

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