US4572041A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Torque limiting wrench
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-05-10
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Granted: 1986-02-25
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Expires: 2005-05-10
Abstract
Abstract A torque limiting wrench is provided having an input member and an output member coupled to each other so as to limit the transmitted torque therebetween. The coupling is provided by spring rods supported in the output member surrounding the input member, the spring rods being arranged along a pitch circle disposed concentric with respect to the input member and, in the tension-free state, disposed within the zone of axial catches arranged on the circumference of a collar provided on the input member. When a sufficient input torque is admitted, the spring rods are bent outwardly by the flanks of the catches and out of the range of the catches when the predetermined torque is reached.
Inventors
- 👤 Horst-Gunter Rissmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:59
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D7/00; F16D7/04; F16D7/048; B; B25; B25B; B25B23/00; B25B23/14; B25B23/141; B25B23/142; B25B23/1422; B25B23/1427
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A torque limiting wrench, comprising: (a) an output member, (b) an input member aligned with said output member and rotatably supported therewith, (c) a collar provided on said input member having a plurality of axially directed circumferentially disposed catches, and (d) a plurality of spring rods, each being associated with a catch of said collar, arranged on a pitch circle disposed coaxially with respect to said input member, at least one of the ends of said rods being radially supported by said output member, said pitch circle being such that said spring rods, in the tension-free state, are engaged within an associated catch of said collar, said catches being profiled so that when a sufficient torque is applied to said input member, said spring rods bend outwardly in the radial direction and as a result of their design disengage from said catches at a predetermined torque applied to said input member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A torque limiting wrench, comprising: (a) an output member, (b) an input member aligned with said output member and rotatably supported therewith, (c) a collar provided on said input member having a plurality of axially directed circumferentially disposed catches, and (d) a plurality of spring rods, each being associated with a catch of said collar, arranged on a pitch circle disposed coaxially with respect to said input member, at least one of the ends of said rods being radially supported by said output member, said pitch circle being such that said spring rods, in the tension-free state, are engaged within an associated catch of said collar, said catches being profiled so that when a sufficient torque is applied to said input member, said spring rods bend outwardly in the radial direction and as a result of their design disengage from said catches at a predetermined torque applied to said input member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The torque limiting wrench as defined in claim 1, wherein the circumference of said collar and said catches are shaped in the axial direction to conform to the flexure curve of said spring rods.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The torque limiting wrench as defined in claim 1, wherein said spring rods are supported at both ends, and said collar is disposed centrally along the axis of said spring rods.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
The torque limiting wrench as defined in claim 1, which further comprises additional spring rods arranged and supported in at least one additional pitch circle disposed radially outside of the zone of said catches circumferentially in the space between the spring rods of said first pitch circle, the adjacent spring rods of different pitch circles being in contact with each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The torque limiting wrench as defined in claim 4, wherein a plurality of spring rods are arranged on said at least one additional pitch circle circumferentially between the spring rods of said first pitch circle, said spring rods of said at least one additional pitch circle being in contact with each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
The torque limiting wrench as defined in claim 1, wherein each catch of said collar has a first flank which cooperates with the associated spring rod in one direction of rotation and a second flank which cooperates with the spring rod in the other direction of rotation, the profiles of said flanks being different.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The torque limiting wrench as defined in claim 3, wherein said spring rods are axially freely supported on footplates, said footplates being axially adjustable and lockable with respect to said output member.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-02-24 | 1989-08-26 | 1990-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-24 | 1993-08-26 | 1994-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-24 | 1997-08-26 | 1998-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |