1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to the field of tools and more specifically to a wrench with a socket and boss type connecting means.
2. Description of Related Art
Wrenches must conform to specific parts and the space available. A typical professional or consumer will have multiple wrenches of varying head configurations. In addition to carrying multiple types of wrenches, professionals and consumers often have multiple wrenches having the same wrench head with a varying body or handle shape. Despite the multiple wrenches available on the market, however, a typical professional or consumer often will not have an optimal wrench available for a specific job. Having the optimal wrench available adds efficiency to a project and relieves physical and mental stress.
Wrenches usually have a forged construction, relying on molds for manufacture. The cost associated with making various molds is one factor contributing to the lack of variation of wrenches available in the market. Wrenches also undergo treatments to ensure they withstand the pressures and forces experienced when performing a given job.
One disadvantage to needing multiple wrenches is the large storage space required. A professional may require multiple toolboxes when transporting wrenches to a job site, or may need to choose a limited number of wrenches. Often professionals need to choose a limited set of wrenches without having knowledge of the job site or what specific obstacles they will encounter.
Selecting wrenches and limiting a working collection, whether for a specific job or in whole, also limits the number of operations that a user can perform with the tools available. Wrenches are specialized tools, and require a different wrench, or wrench head, to perform each task. Workers are limited to a finite number of wrenching jobs based on the wrenches available.
A further disadvantage to needing multiple wrenches is the weight of transporting even a portion of the wrenches needed. Wrenches are usually solid to withstand the forces generated when tightening or loosening components and are therefore heavy. Carrying multiple wrenches unnecessarily increases the physical demands of an already physically intensive job.
Existing modular wrench systems known in the art have limited positions for which wrench heads may be varied. Modular system handles are constructed as single segments having a single fixed position.
It is desirable to expand and exponentially increase the operations that may be performed using one or more of the wrenches known in art.
It is further desirable to develop a wrench system that may be manufactured using alternative processes, such as polymer-based 3-D printing, for low-torque or low-force applications, or sintered metal 3-D printing for higher torque applications.