Abstract: A lid opener for accommodating wide and narrow rim lids, especially lids with an outwardly extending skirt portion which is crimped or curled over to form a reinforcing bead. The opener includes a strap loop attached to one or both ends to a handle. The strap is adapted to encircle the lid and be cinched thereagainst by the handle to apply a leveraged turning force to open the lid.

Abstract: A work-holding implement for use in honing or otherwise machining the inner surface of a bore in a workpiece comprises a torsion-carrying spring band coil mounted at one end of a handle. Most of the inwardly exposed surface of the innermost turn of the coil is a gripping surface, while the remaining turns in the coil have smooth bearing surfaces. A workpiece is gripped by the innermost turn, and as an interior bore in the workpiece is being honed or otherwise machined, rotational torques exerted on the workpiece by the machine tool cause the coil to become more tightly wound around the workpiece. As the workpiece is being worked on, the tightened coil bears against a planar segment of the spring band forming part of the implement and deforms it into a curved surface conforming to the workpiece surface over which contact is made.

Abstract: A load carrying handle for securement to an article to be hand-supported or displaced. The carrying handle comprises a handle grip having a strap retaining elongated cavity therein. The cavity has an open end and a bottom end wall. An article attaching element having at least a flat grip attaching portion is also provided. A wedge rod is disposed in tight fit in the cavity with the attaching portion of the attaching element wedged between the wedge rod and extends over opposed sides of the wedge rod and an inner end thereof. The wedge rod is dimensioned so that an outer end thereof terminates substantially flush with a peripheral end wall of the handle grip about the open end so that when the carrying handle is secured to an article and the attaching element is secured tightly about the article, the wedge rod outer end will abut the object and provide a solid connection therewith with the attaching portion held secured between the handle grip and wedge.

Abstract: A tool is provided for removing oil filters from internal combustion engines. The tool includes a long flexible strap which includes an adjustable loop at one end. The loop is placed over the filter and by pulling the strap handle the loop tightens around the filter. The placing of an additional wrap around the filter causes the filter to rotate when the strap is pulled so the filter can be finally turned by hand and easily removed.

Abstract: A strap-type wrench for use in removing rotatable closures is disclosed which has two rings to assist in removing the slack in the gripping strap, and a pressure plate with a frictional gripping surface positioned on the wrench to allow the frictional gripping surface to be forced radially inwardly against the object being gripped by the wrench, thereby enhancing the frictional grip of the frictional gripping surface on the object. The rings may be sequentially pulled to first tighten the gripping strap by pulling the first ring and then to pull the slack portion of the gripping strap gathered by the first ring with the second ring in a path which will resist loosening due to frictional restraint of a portion of the gripping strap located between the wrench handle and itself.

Abstract: A device for loosening and tightening the lids on jars or containers. The device has a handle, and a strap and brace attached to the handle. The strap is placed through the brace and formed into a loop so that it may be slipped over the lid. When a rotational force is applied to the handle, the brace pulls against the strap so as to apply a rotational force to the lid which is greater than the force applied to the handle. A spike extends from the top of the device which is placed through a hole in the strap to secure the strap to the handle. The strap has a series of holes to accommodate a large variation in sizes of lids. For loosening the lid, a counter-clockwise force, relative to the center of the lid when viewed from above, is applied to the handle. For tightening the lid, the handle is reversed and a clockwise force is applied to the handle.

Abstract: Improved hand tools for installing or removing cap screws, bolts, nuts and the like from locations of difficult access. In one embodiment, the tool is fitted with a continuous elastomeric member that engages the work item and holds it on the tool while imparting rotation to it, thereby to install or remove the item. Disclosed additionally is a novel device featuring a handle part and a head part that permit installation or removal of the work item using one hand only. The head part is connected to the handle part by a section that permits double hinge-like movement between the parts, thereby imparting a high degree of adjustability for access to areas not directly accessible.

Abstract: A strap wrench adapted to fit about an object having a connection to another object, so that the connection may be tightened or loosened, comprising a flexible strap having an end attached to a securing member and a free end which is received in a securing member which provides infinite adjustment of the periphery of the strap and retains the strap at a predetermined size determined by the circumference of the object to be turned, a wrenching member is pivotally connected to the securing member and the wrenching member has a shape defining a corner or projection for bearing on the strap and exerting a force thereon when the wrenching member is rotated by a turning tool inserted therein.

Abstract: An oil filter gripping tool including a looped band, the ends of which are connected to scissors levers through a pair of double pivot hinges. The hinges allow movement of the levers to tighten the band to contract to closely fit and grip the oil filter. With the band tightened about the oil filter, turning the levers causes rotation of the oil filter. The hinges also allow the levers to be laterally moved to avoid engine and vehicle parts.

Abstract: A tool for gripping and moving an alternator or generator about a pivot point on an engine, or the like, to tighten the driven pulley of the alternator or generator against a drive belt or chain. A handle attached by a swivel connection to an adjustable pressure pad to aid in such moving motion. A flat band capable of being disconnected at one point to allow the tool to encircle an alternator or generator housing. The pressure pad affixed to the band in such a manner as to allow a screw-like advancement of the pad between the band and the alternator or generator housing. A friction coating covering both the band and the pad.

Abstract: A vehicle door unlocking device utilizes a pair of spaced, rigid hollow guide tubes to form a guide member that is insertable into the interior of a vehicle through an opening in the vehicle formed by the door or window and a resilient seal. A pair of flexible wires are slideably carried in the guide tubes and have manipulating handles on ends thereof which remain on the exterior of the vehicle. The ends of the wires positionable interiorly of the vehicle are manipulatable from outside the vehicle to form an enlarged loop that is positioned about a poor unlocking rod. Once the loop has been properly positioned, its size is reduced and the door lock rod can then be raised to unlock the vehicle door.

Abstract: A flexible C-shaped band with a pliers engagement opening at each free end. The openings are in alignment with the center axis of the band. An elongated handle extends transversly from the band longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved and simplified tool for rotating a cylindrical object as conventionally accomplished by a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench, but protecting the circumference of the object from damage. A standard length of rod having a polygonal cross section the sides of which intersect at sharply defined fulcrum points, generally square or hexagonal, from a conventional socket wrench set will make it perform the additional function as a multipurpose tool simply by extending an axial slit inwardly from one end to receive thereinto a flexible strap forming a loop about the cylindrical object. The polygonal shape provides fulcrum corners gripping the strap as it is wrapped about the rod to tightly grip and rotate the cylindrical object and thus prevent circumferential slip which together with elasticity in the strap significantly reduces the leverage necessary to rotate the cylindrical objects with small diameter rods.

Abstract: A band or ring, split at one point in its circumference, forming end portions directed toward each other. A pair of handles are welded to the band, at the end portions, each at points distributed over substantial length of the band. The band is of work hardened steel, and knurled on its inner surface. The steel band is self-biased to an outer or enlarged size, and contractible to an inner or smaller size by squeezing on the handles, for gripping an object.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench for use in rotating screw-on oil filters and the like. The wrench has a strap for encircling the filter, and a lever for tightening the strap about the filter. The lever has a first end attached to a first end of the strap, an intermediate portion attached to the second end of the strap, and a second end for movement between a first position in which the strap is loose about the filter and a second position in which the strap is tight about the filter. The second end of the lever being located substantially at the center of a circle defined by the strap when in the second position.

Abstract: A wrench system provides for resiliently holding a nut periphery between opposed jaws and holding washer axially of the nut between arms at right angles to the jaws and with the jaws between the arms; adjustment of inter-jaw spacing is provided by a first sliding member carrying past an extended portion of each jaw at an inclined angle thereto respective provisions urging it inward toward the other jaw or outward away from it, depending on direction of sliding; convolutions in the extended portions of the jaws provided for step setting of jaw spacing; a second sliding member carries the washer holding arms into position for washer holding in alignment with a nut held by the wrench system, or away from that position to provide clear access for nut loading; a headed screw fixes the first and second sliding members in selected relation to the handle.

Abstract: An improved wrench includes a rigid band extending between a pair of spaced-apart end plates which are supported directly upon a common threaded shaft. In a preferred form of the invention, the band has a plurality of sequential and incremental flat surfaces extending along one edge between the end plates, and a file-like inner gripping surface strengthened by a V-shaped ridge forming the remainder of the band. As the shaft is rotated by hand about its longitudinal axis, one end plate remains generally stationary with respect to the shaft while the other end plate moves along the shaft either toward or away from the stationary end plate, depending on the direction of shaft rotation. When placed about a portion of an article such as an oil filter or the like, movement of the end plates toward one another causes the inner surfaces of the band to substantially uniformly grip the article about its circumference.

Abstract: A handle for a strap wrench or other tool is assembled from two components (1,2), which components are provided with cooperating elements whereby the two components may be releasably joined together. Preferably, each component is provided with at least one projection (4) adapted to be received within a recess (5) in the other component. A strap wrench comprises such a handle together with a strap (3), one end of the strap being attached, e.g. by a pin (15), to one component (1), the second component (2) of the handle being associated with the strap (3) by means of a guide member (18) through which the strap may pass, thereby permitting variation in the size of the loop (16) formed by the strap for engagement with a workpiece. The means for releasably joining together the components of the handle permit the use of the strap wrench on objects, such as a length of pipe, having inaccessible ends.

Abstract: A wrench comprising a handle carrying a flexible strap that is arranged as a loop with both of its ends anchored to the handle. A loop-adjusting slide is mounted on the handle for movement relative to the anchoring point and has the doubled ends of the strap slideably passing through it outwardly of the anchoring point so that movement of the slide adjusts the size of the loop. A ratchet is provided to hold the slide member in loop-tightening position and a spring returns it to its original position upon release of the ratchet.

Abstract: A belt, which passes around a pulley on a shaft of an element movable about a pivotal connection to tighten the belt, is tightened by a tool including a body, which rests on the pivotal element, and a handle pivotally mounted to the body. A flexible band has one end attached to the body and is passed around the pivotal element and through guides on the body prior to being releasably connected to the handle. When the handle is pivoted relative to the body with the flexible band tight around the pivotal element, the pivotal element is moved about its pivotal connection to tighten the belt.

Abstract: A strap wrench especially designed for removing oil filters. Both ends of the strap are retained in the wrench body and this forms a loop of the strap which passes around the oil filter. By applying a twisting action to the wrench body, the oil filter can be loosened with a minimum of torque applied to the wrench. The strap wrench comprises a strap structure which has its two ends formed into a loop structure. The two ends of the strap pass through both parts of a two-part holder structure. The two-part holder structure has one part inside the second part. Rotation of the inside part of the holder will lock the ends of the strap to the holder and further rotation of the holder then causes the strap to rotate the oil filter held in the loop of the strap.

Abstract: A lever attachment for a rotary door knob comprises an arcuate collar adapted to embrace the knob, the collar terminating at its opposite ends in arms and being formed on an arc such that the arms have a tendency to diverge. The collar is formed of material sufficiently resilient to enable the arms to be moved into engagement with one another, thereby causing radial contraction of the collar and enabling the latter to grip the knob. The arms are releasably maintained in engagement by any one of a number of different kinds of latches.

Abstract: A hand tool for removing light bulb bases from conventional light bulb sockets is disclosed with a tubular central portion comprising a handle and one end of said tool comprising a light bulb base removal member. The light bulb base removal member is made of rubber or equivalent elastomeric material and comprises a cylindrical shank portion, a tapered conical portion, and a thin cylindrical flange portion insertable in a light bulb base for enclosing filament tubes and gripping and removing the base from a socket.

Abstract: A device is disclosed herein for aiding in properly connecting the threaded segment of one object, for example a spark plug, to a complementary threaded segment of a second object, for example an engine block including a complementary threaded hole. This device is designed so as to be capable of applying sufficient torque to the first object to loosely connect its threaded segment to the threaded segment of the second object in a properly threaded fashion. On the other hand, the device is designed so as not to be able to apply sufficient torque to the first object to connect together the threaded segments in a way which would strip or otherwise damage the threads. In this way, once the two objects are loosely connected together in a properly threaded fashion, a second device, for example a standard socket wrench, can be utilized for tightening the two objects without fear of damaging their threads.

Abstract: An impact-actuated tool for gripping and unscrewing an atomizing air tube which is screwed into the internal structure of a burner assembly. The tool includes an elongated bar member having slidable hammer means thereon and a gripping head mounted on one end thereof, said gripping head being radially expandable and torsionally deformable.

Abstract: A narrow band of a flexible, spring material is formed into a loop and has equally spaced, laterally extending slots threadedly engaged by a worm on a handle extending tangentially of the loop so that rotation of the handle adjusts the size of the loop.

Abstract: A strap wrench especially designed for removing oil filters. The strap is retained at the end of the wrench by a retainer structure so that the strap is readily tightened on the oil filter and can be used to loosen the oil filter with minimum torque applied to the handle of the wrench.

Abstract: An open end ratchet wrench has a head portion which includes a slot into which a plurality of cantilever spring segments project. The ends of the cantilever spring segments engage and turn the flat surfaces of a nut when the wrench is turned in a tightening direction. When the wrench is turned in the opposite direction, the cantilever springs flex to override the corners of the nut and then spring back to engage adjacent flat surfaces of the nut.

Abstract: A tool for engagement with the periphery of a cylindrical device includes a rigid, outer band supporting a flexible, split, inner band having deflectable, arcuate, distal portions joined by an actuating arm having a free end disposed substantially along an axis extending through the center of the bands and the cylindrical device. A pair of link assemblies having one end fixedly mounted upon the outer band having their opposite ends joined to the inner band distal portions and are slidably engaged by the actuating arm such that arcuate displacement of the arm free end shifts the link assemblies to contract the inner band and produce a rotary displacement of the entire tool.

Abstract: A torque amplifier for increasing torque applied to rotatable connectors, including a generally perimetrical member for rotation about a central axis; means for inwardly biasing that perimetrical member; connector gripping means carried by said perimetrical member and inwardly directed by said means for biasing; and at least one salient portion extending from the perimetrical member generally in the direction of the axis of rotation of the perimetrical member for increasing applied torque; and a method and a tool for engaging and disengaging the torque amplifier with the connector.

Abstract: A wrench particularly adapted for removing automotive oil filters and similar cannister type filters without crushing the relatively thin outer shell of the filter. The wrench includes a relatively wide, flat, flexible metal strap having a length less than the circumference of the filter and pivotally connected at one end to an end of a rigid handle. The strap carries a pivotally mounted hook at its opposite end and the hook is adapted to engage the cross pins of a link chain which is pivotally connected at one end to the handle at a point spaced inwardly from the end of the handle to which the strap is attached.

Abstract: A new method and tool for removing the conventional spin-on oil filter cartridge which typically is threaded onto the engine block of an internal combustion engine in proximity to other engine parts and which comprises the wrapping of the cartridge or canister with one end portion of a length of flexible material with the balance of the length coming off of the canister tangentially in the direction of unthreading the canister from the motor block; cinching of the end portion around the canister; extending the opposite end of the length tangentially away from the canister to a remote position spaced from the engine block and parts; and manually pulling on the free outer end of the length tangentially of the canister to tension the length and to apply a rotating torque to the canister and unthreading it from the motor block.

Abstract: A wrench for firmly grasping a vehicle oil filter during installation or removal thereof; the wrench including a bolt or rod which one end has a hexagonal head for being grasped by a conventional wrench, the bolt having a long slot through which an endless fabric strap is fitted, and which in use fits around the filter, so that when the bolt is then rotated, it winds up the strap tightly around the filter and firmly grasps it, in order that the filter can then be rotated and screwed or unscrewed from the vehicle engine; the device in a modified construction having the bolt slot extending from the hexagonal head end so to be stronger.

Abstract: A wrench adapted to turn a rotatable workpiece or tool about its central axis. The wrench comprises an elongated handle received through a bracket having an inwardly facing surface that engages the workpiece or tool. A pivotal connection between the inner end of the handle and the bracket permits adjustment of the handle about a pivot axis perpendicular to the longitudinal handle axis. A flexible loop is provided as a work-engaging member. It has one end connected to the inner end of the handle at one side of the pivot axis and its remaining end connected to the inner end of the handle at the opposite side of the pivot axis. Adjustment means is provided by manipulation of a sleeve surrounding a rigid inner handle section or shaft, the sleeve being both rotatable and axially movable with respect to the inner shaft. Radial cam surfaces are formed on the inner end of the sleeve and the outer end of the bracket to vary the angular position of the handle with respect to the bracket about the transverse pivot axis.

Abstract: There is disclosed an adjustable oil filter wrench including a bearing shoe formed with a cylindrically shaped bearing pad for complimentally fitting the circumference of an oil filter cartridge and turned back along its opposite sides to form upstanding parallel ears formed with a pair of aligned diametrically projecting adjustment slots which turn laterally at their outer extremities to angle radially inwardly for a short distance to form a small filter cartridge leg. A transversely extending pivot pin is slidably received at its opposite extremities in such slots and has one end of a handle connected therewith and normally projecting laterally in one direction therefrom. A flexible band is connected with such pivot pin and projects in the direction opposite the handle and loops about the bearing surface to cooperate therewith in forming a cartridge engaging loop and has its opposite extremity connected medially with the handle.

Abstract: An improved wrench particularly adapted for use with cylindrical, delicate workpieces such as chrome-plated or plastic pipes, is provided with a resilient, spiralled strip adapted to be simply wrapped around the circumference of the workpiece for gripping and turning the latter when an elongated handle attached to one end of the strip is manipulated by the user. The strip is provided with a straight stretch adjacent the handle, which is held in substantial parallelism with the longitudinal axis of the handle, and is effective in translating an increased amount of the force applied to the handle into a usable tension force on the strip in a direction tangent to the circumference of the workpiece, rather than into an inwardly directed force that is either wasted or may damage the workpiece.

Abstract: A strap wrench has a handle having a strap element pivoted to the handle by a pair of links to permit passage of the free end of the strap portion between the links, whereby the strap may be wrapped in full circumscribing relation to a workpiece. The handle has a camming surface positioned to confront the exposed surface of the strap when it is wrapped around the workpiece and to engage the same and without moving parts to anchor the strap at that point when said handle is actuated to apply torque to the workpiece. The strap has a friction surface on the interior side confronting the workpiece and has a guide surface on the exposed side with lesser friction to permit the strap to slide over said camming surface prior to applying torquing action upon said handle to afford snug engagement of the strap with the workpiece. Preferably, the handle is formed of a one-piece rigid plastic composition having a density which permits the wrench to float near the surface of a body of liquid.

Abstract: An oil filter rotating wrench including a looped band, the ends of which are connected together by a drive fitting formed of rigid panels in confronting and spaced relation to each other and interconnected at one side edge portion, the confronting panels having aligned socket openings in which the detented lug of a ratchet drive is inserted for turning the drive fitting to tighten the band onto the oil filter and cause rotation thereof.

Abstract: A sliding or wrenching strap portion is secured by one end thereof to one side of a buckle frame and is formed into a bight. The other end passes through the buckle frame and terminates in a handle. A tension or locking strap is secured by one end to the other side of the buckle and also terminates in a handle. In use, the bight is engaged around the object or component to be turned and the brace handle steadies the buckle and acts as a reaction or tension member. Tangential pull on the first handle with tension applied by the second handle, causes torque to be applied to the object to be turned.

Abstract: A wrench for a substantially circular workpiece having an annular elastic body of rubber, plastic or the like adapted to be tensioned about the workpiece and having a resiliently compressible inner surface adapted to conform to the workpiece when the body is tensioned thereabout, and an outer surface providing outwardly extended grasping protuberances.

Abstract: A wrench is provided for removing or installing any rotatable member, such as an electrical cannon type plug that is accessible only from a position substantially along the rotational axis and in a manner that will not distort or damage the member.

Abstract: A flexible strap wrench that is especially adapted to aid in the insertion of one length of pipe into another such as where a threaded fitting is joined.

Abstract: A handle having a pair of elongated arms and a band-like ring portion adapted to encircle and engage a female hose coupling. The handle functions as a permanently attached wrench to facilitate connecting a section of hose to the threaded end of a spigot or faucet, or one section of hose to another, or to a sprinkler, nozzle or other device. Preferably, the handle comprises a unitary body consisting of a pair of arms and the band-like ring, and means for providing a wrapping force of the ring around the hose coupling.

Abstract: A tool for inserting and extracting small objects such as lamp bulbs from relatively inaccessible areas. The tool comprises a single molded plastic member having cup-like portions at opposite ends. One cup is resilient and frictionally grips the object for removal, whereas the opposed cup is relieved by means of a radial slot to permit temporary retention of the object while it is being inserted and to freely release the object after it has been inserted.

Abstract: A device of the type described includes a base having an arcuate serrated member for engaging a portion of a jar cap, and a flexible friction type member such as a strap or the like is adjustably arranged with the base and a spring biased handle. Operation of the handle as by squeezing tightens the strap around the cap, whereupon a gripping action is provided by the strap and the arcuate serrated member so that an operator exerted torquing or twisting action rotates the cap. The base may carry at one end thereof a can perforator and at the other end a bottle opener.

Abstract: Strap wrench having both loose ends mounted in a sliding fit through a slot of a rotatable wrenching member, that member being slided to adjust the size of the bight to fit about a large annular body so that rotation of the wrenching member tightly grips the secured bight around the annular body and turns it in either wrenching direction.