Universal oil filter wrench

Abstract

A tool for securing or removing a cylindrical object by grasping the object and rotating it about its central axis comprises a band clamp assembly and a hinged drive assembly. The band clamp assembly comprises a band clamp which is tightened by means of a thumbscrew or hex nut. The hinged drive assembly comprises at least four segments connected by at least three hinges. The end-segments of the hinged drive assembly have on their obverse surfaces raised slots through which the band clamp is slipped. The band clamp assembly then fits over and around a cylindrical object such as an oil filter canister. The clamp is tightened around the canister body such that the inner surface of the clamp and the reverse surfaces of the end-segments, which are knurled or scored, are in frictional contact with the canister wall. In the preferred embodiment--a hinged drive assembly having five segments connected by four hinges, rotation of the canister about its central axis is accomplished by one of three means. The tool may be engaged with a ratchet wrench, which fits into a square hole in the center mid-segment, or with a force bar implement, which slips through two rings attached to the obverse surface of the center mid-segment. Torque also may be applied manually by grasping the center mid-segment and employing the necessary wrist action.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.