AU2021204591A1

AU2021204591A1 - Socket drive improvement

Info

Publication number: AU2021204591A1
Application number: AU2021204591A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Jeffrey M. Arendt; Daniel M. Eggert; Gene E. Olson; Christopher D. Thompson
Original assignee: Snap On Inc
Current assignee: Snap On Inc
Priority date: 2017-10-13
Filing date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2022-06-09
Also published as: AU2023203529A1; GB202108959D0; TWI827949B; GB2602367B; CA3124038A1; TW202202280A; GB2622958A; CN113878530B; CN113878530A; CA3124034C; GB2602367A; CA3124034A1; GB202315102D0

Abstract

Tools, for example, hexagon sockets, dodecagonal sockets, splined sockets, wrenches, etc., that have inner surface geometries adapted to engage a flank of a fastener at a point away from a comer of the fastener. This increases the strength and life of the socket, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming locked or stuck in the socket, and reduces the risk of the fastener being stripped or the socket slipping on the fastener. 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 1/15 I SEE FIG.1A FllR 100 102 120 106 104 122 FIG. 1

Description

1/15

I SEE FIG.1A 100

102

FllR 120

106

104 122

FIG. 1

SOCKET DRIVE IMPROVEMENT CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the priority benefit to, U.S.

Patent Application No. 16/504,718, filed July 8, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent

Application No. 15/634,697 (now U.S. Patent No. 10,442,060), filed June 27, 2017, which is a

continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/309,954 (now U.S. Patent No. 9,718,170), filed

June 20, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

61/904,754, filed November 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference

in their entirety. This application is also a patent of addition of AU2017245465.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates generally to tools for driving fasteners, and in particular

to sockets and drives for tools.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A variety of wrenches and tools are commonly used to apply torque to a workpiece, such

as a threaded fastener. The workpiece may be any number of different sizes and shapes and

fitments. Accordingly, many tools include a driver adapted to mate with one or more different

adapters, such as sockets, to engage and rotate the different workpieces. For example, for a typical

bolt having a hex head, inner walls of a hexagonally shaped socket engage the fastener at or very

near the corners of the fastener head, thereby allowing the tool to impart torque to the workpiece.

However, due to this engagement, the socket may become pre-maturely fatigued and fail due to

1 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 repeated stress being placed on the socket walls from the corners of the fastener. In addition, upon application of torque to the fastener, the fastener can become frictionally locked in the socket due to minor amounts of rotation of the fastener within the socket or easily stripped due to inadequate head to socket interaction.

SUMMARY

[0004] The present application relates to sockets and other tools, for example, hexagon sockets,

double hexagon sockets, spline sockets, wrenches, etc. adapted to engage fasteners at a location

further from a corner of the fasteners, relative to conventional sockets and tools. By shifting the

point of contact or engagement of the socket and fastener head away from the comers of the

fastener head, the strength and life of the socket is increased, and the risk of the fastener becoming

frictionally locked in the socket or stripped by the socket is decreased.

[0005] In an embodiment, a dodecagonal type socket includes an axial bore having a generally

dodecagonal cross-section with twelve sidewalls respectively extending between twelve

corresponding recesses. Each of the sidewalls includes a first portion and a second portion that

are angularly displaced by about 130-140 degrees relative to each other. This geometry of the

socket provides for a contact point between the socket and a flank of a head of a dodecagonal type

fastener that is a distance of about 75-90 percent of a length of the flank away from a comer of the

head of the fastener, thus increasing the surface area of contact and life expectancy of the socket.

[0006] In another embodiment, a hexagonal type socket includes an axial bore having a

generally hexagonal cross-section with six sidewalls respectively extending between six

2 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 socket provides for a contact point between the socket and a flank of a head of a hexagonal type fastener that is a distance of about 30-60 percent of half a length of the flank away from a corner of the head of the fastener, thus increasing the surface area of contact and life expectancy of the socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Embodiments of devices and methods are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying

drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended

to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a hexagonal socket in accordance with an embodiment of

the present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0009] FIG. 1A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 1 in accordance

with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head

or nut.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a dodecagonal socket in accordance with an embodiment of

[0011] FIG. 2A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 2 in accordance

or nut.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a splined socket in accordance with an embodiment of the

present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.

3 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

[0013] FIG. 3A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 3 in accordance

or nut.

[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional top plan view of a splined socket in accordance with an

embodiment of the present application.

[0015] FIG. 4A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 4 in accordance

with an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a prior art hexagonal socket in engagement with a typical

hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0017] FIG. 5A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 4 in engagement

with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional top plan view of a prior art dodecagonal socket in

engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a prior art splined socket in engagement with a typical

hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0020] FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 6 in engagement

with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another dodecagonal socket in accordance with an

embodiment of the present application.

[0022] FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 8 in accordance

with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical dodecagonal bolt head

or nut.

4 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Detailed embodiments of devices and methods are disclosed herein. However, it is to

be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the devices and methods,

which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional details disclosed herein

are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative

example for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0024] The present application relates to tools adapted to engage a head of a fastener, such as a

hexagonal nut or bolt (also referred to herein as a fastener head). The tools are adapted to engage

fasteners at a point away from a corner of the fasteners, which increases strength and life of the

tool, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming frictionally locked or stuck in the tool, and reduces

the risk of the fastener being stripped or the tool slipping on the fastener.

[0025] In an embodiment, the tools are sockets adapted to mate with lugged wrenches, such as

ratchets. In general, the sockets include a body having first and second ends. A first axial bore in

the first end is adapted to receive a fastener head, such as a bolt head or nut, and a second axial

bore in the second end adapted to matingly engage with a lugged wrench in a well-known manner.

The first axial bore may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape axially extending at least partially

through the body from the first end toward the second end. In an embodiment, the polygonal cross

sectional shape is a generally hexagonal shape adapted to engage the fastener head, such as a

hexagonal bolt head or nut. The hexagonal cross sectional shape may be, for example, about a 1/2

inch cross sectional shape. In other embodiments, the hexagonal cross sectional shape may be

larger or smaller, for example, the cross section shape may be SAE 1/4 inch, a 3/8 inch, a 3/4 inch,

a 1 inch, a 1 and 1/2 inch, etc. or metric sizes, inclusive of all ranges and sub-ranges there between.

In yet other embodiments, the first axial bore may be formed to have different cross-sectional

5 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 shapes adapted to mate with different shaped fastener heads, for example, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, hex shaped, double hexagonal, spline or other shapes of the type.

[0026] The second axial bore may have a substantially square cross-sectional shape extending

at least partially through the body from the second end to the first end. The second axial bore may

be adapted to matingly engage a drive shaft or drive lug of a tool, for example, a hand tool, a socket

wrench, a torque wrench, an impact driver, an impact wrench, and other tools, in a well-known

manner. The squared cross-sectional shape may be, for example, about a 1/2 inch square or other

SAE or metric sizes. In yet other embodiments, the second axial bore may be formed to have

different cross-sectional shapes adapted to mate with different shaped receptacles of different

tools, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the second axial bore may be triangular,

rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, hex shaped or other shapes of the type.

[0027] FIGS. 1 and 1A illustrate an embodiment of a socket 100 having a first axial bore 102

with a generally hexagonal shape. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the socket 100 is disposed on a typical

head 120 of a fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or nut.

[0028] The first axial bore 102 includes six (6) corresponding recesses 104 equally spaced

circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the socket 100. The recesses 104 are equally spaced from

one another at about sixty (60) degree intervals circumferentially around the socket 100 so as to

receive the corners 122 of the hexagonal head 120 of the fastener. The recesses 104 are

dimensioned to provide for about three (3) degrees of rotation off center of the socket 100 with

respect to the comers 122 of the head 120 of the fastener in either direction when corners 122 of

the head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 104.

6 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

[0029] The first axial bore 102 also includes six (6) longitudinal sidewalls 106 that extend

between and are respectively interconnected by the recesses 104. Referring to FIG. 1A, each of

the sidewalls 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1) includes afirst substantially straight portion 108 disposed

adjacent to second straight portion 110 that is angularly displaced with respect to the first portion

108. The second portion 110 extends from a recess 104 and intersects the first portion 108 at an

angle. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the second portion 110 is disposed at an angle (al) with respect

to the first portion 108. In an embodiment, the angle (al) is about 4-12 degrees, and preferably

about 5-7 degrees. The second portion 110 may also have a length (LI) equal to about 20-30

percent of a length of the first portion 108, and preferably about 26 percent.

[0030] This geometry of the first axial bore 102 provides for a contact point 112 between the

sidewalls 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1), substantially at an intersection of a second portion 110 with

the first portion 108, and a flank 124 or flat of the head 120 of the fastener that is away from the

corner 122 of the fastener. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the contact point 112 is a distance (D1) away

from the corner 122. In an embodiment, the distance (D1) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a length

of the flank 124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of the fastener, more

preferably, the distance (D1) is about 40-55 percent of half the length of the flank 124, and more

preferably, the distance (D1) is about 45 percent of half the length of the flank 124. It is to be

understood that each end of sidewalls 106 intersection around the hexagonal shape is generally the

same and mirrored as described above.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-lA and 5-5A, when compared to a typical prior art hexagonal

socket 500 having six (6) recesses 504 and six (6) longitudinal sidewalls 506, the contact point

112 of the socket 100 is further away from the comer 122 of the head 120 of the fastener than a

contact point 512 of the socket 500. When the sockets 100 and 500 are 3/4 inch sockets, for

7 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 example, the contact point 112 of the present invention is at a distance (D1) of about 0.092 inches, compared to the contact point 512 of the prior art having a distance (DPI) of about 0.0548 inches.

Additionally, the sidewalls 506 of the prior art socket 500 are merely straight, and do not include

second portions, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A.

[0032] The increase in the distance of the contact point 112 away from the comer 122 of the

head 120 of the fastener increases the surface area and shifts the load from the corner 122 and

distributes the stress concentration further away from the corner 122. This allows more surface

area of the sidewall 106 to contact the head 120, thereby improving the strength and operable life

of the socket 100. This also reduces the risk of the head 120 becoming frictionally locked or stuck

in the socket 100, and reduces the risk of the head 120 being stripped or the socket 100 slipping

on the head 120.

[0033] FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 200 having a first axial bore

202 having a generally dodecagonal type shape (a/k/a double hexagonal). As illustrated in FIG.

2, the socket 200 is disposed on the head 120 of the fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or nut.

The first axial bore 202 includes twelve (12) corresponding recesses 204 equally spaced

circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the socket 200. The recesses 204 are equally spaced from

one another at about thirty (30) degree intervals circumferentially around the socket 200 so as to

receive the hexagonal head 120 of the fastener. In this embodiment, the recesses 204 are

dimensioned to provide about three and six tenths (3.6) degrees of rotation off center of the socket

200 with respect to the head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the comers 122 of the

head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 204. In another embodiment, the

recesses 204 are dimensioned to provide about one and nine tenths (1.9) degrees of rotation off

8 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 center of the socket 200 with respect to the head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the comers 122 of the head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 204.

[0034] The first axial bore 202 also includes twelve (12) longitudinal sidewalls 206 respectively

between the recesses 204. Referring to FIG. 2A, each of the sidewalls 206 includes a first straight

portion 208 and a second straight portion 210 that are angularly displaced with respect to each

other. The first and second portions 208, 210 each extend from respective recesses 204 and

intersect with one another at an angle. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first portion 208 is disposed

at an angle (a2) with respect to the second portion 210. In an embodiment, the angle (U2) is about

-48 degrees, and preferably about 43 degrees. The first and second portions 208 and 210 may

also have lengths substantially equal to one another.

[0035] This geometry of the axial bore 202 provides for a contact point 212 between the

sidewalls 206 substantially at the intersection of the first and second portions 208 and 210 and the

flank 124 is away from the corner 122 of the fastener. When in use, the socket 200 initially contacts

the flank 124 of the fastener at the contact point 212 and as load increases, a surface area contact

between the socket 200 and the flank 124 gradually increases in a direction towards the corner 122

and a recess 204.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the contact point 212 is a distance (D2) away from the comer

122. In an embodiment, the distance (D2) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a length of the flank

124 (half of the length between comers 122) of the head 120 of the fastener, and preferably the

distance (D2) is about 40 percent of half the length of the flank 124. It is to be understood that

each end of sidewalls 208, 210 intersection around the dodecagonal shape is generally the same

and mirrored as described above.

9 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-2A and 6, when compared to a typical prior art dodecagonal type

socket 600 having twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 604 and twelve (12) sidewalls 606,

the contact point 212 of the socket 200 is further away from the comer 122 of the head 120 of the

fastener than a contact point 612 of the socket 600. For example, when the sockets 200 and 600

are 3/4 inch sockets, the contact point 112 is at a distance (D2) of about 0.0864 inches and the

prior art contact point 612 is at a distance (DP2) less than 0.0864. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the

contact point 612 of the socket 600 is proximal to an intersection of a first portion 608 and the

recess 604. Additionally, the sidewalls 606 of the prior art socket 600 include first and second

portions 608, 610 that are disposed at an angle (P2) of about 36-37 degrees, which is smaller than

the angle (a2) of the socket 200.

[0038] FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 300 having a first axial bore

302 with a generally splined-type cross-sectional shape. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the socket 300 is

disposed on the head 120 of the fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or nut. The axial bore 302

includes twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 304 equally spaced circumferentially in an inner

sidewall of the socket 300. The recesses 304 are equally spaced from one another at about thirty

(30) degree intervals circumferentially around the socket 300 and have two (2) rounded inner

comers. In this embodiment, the recesses 304 are dimensioned to provide about three and six

tenths (3.6) to about four (4) degrees of rotation off center of the socket 300 with respect to the

head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the corners 122 of the head 120 are centrally

aligned in the recesses 304.

[0039] The axial bore 302 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 306 respectively between the

recesses 304. Referring to FIG. 3A, each of the sidewalls 306 includes a first portion 308 and a

second portion 310 that are angularly displaced with respect to each other. The first and second

10 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 portions 308 and 310 each extend from a recess 304 and intersect with one another at a rounded comer. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first portion 308 is disposed at an angle (3) with respect to the second portion 310. In an embodiment, the angle (3) is about 40-45 degrees, and preferably about42degrees. The first and second portions 308 and 310 may also have lengths substantially equal to one another. It is to be understood that each end of sidewalls 306 intersection around the splined shape is generally the same and mirrored as described above.

[0040] This geometry of the axial bore 302 provides for a contact point 312 between the

sidewalls 306, proximal to an intersection of the first and second portions 308 and 310, and the

flank 124 that is away from the comer 122 of the fastener. When in use, the socket 300 also

initially contacts the flank 124 of the fastener at the contact point 312 and as load increases, a

surface area contact between the socket 300 and the flank 124 gradually increases in a direction

towards the corner 122 and a recess 304.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the contact point 312 is a distance (D3) away from the comer

122. In an embodiment, the distance (D3) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a length of the flank

124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of the fastener, and preferably the

distance (D3) is about 35 percent of half the length of the flank 124.

[0042] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate another socket 400 having a first axial bore 402 having a

splined type shape, similar to the socket 300. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the axial bore 402 includes

twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 404 equally spaced circumferentially in an inner sidewall

of the socket 400. The recesses 404 are equally spaced from one another at about thirty (30) degree

intervals circumferentially around the socket 400 and have two (2) rounded inner corners. In this

embodiment, similar to the socket 300, the recesses 404 are dimensioned to provide about three

and six tenths (3.6) to about four (4) degrees of rotation off center of the socket 400 with respect

11 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 to the head of a fastener in either direction when the corners of the head are centrally aligned in the recesses 404.

[0043] The axial bore 402 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 406 respectively between the

recesses 404. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the sidewalls 406 includes a first portion 408 and a

second portion 410 that are angularly displaced with respect to each other. The first and second

portions 408 and 410 each extend from a recess 404 and intersect with one another at a rounded

corner. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first portion 408 is disposed at an angle (U4 or a4a) with

respect to the second portion 410. In an embodiment, the angle (U4) is about 40-45 degrees, and

preferably about 41.6 degrees, and the angle (a4a) is about 140-135 degrees, and preferably about

138.4 degrees. The first and second portions 408 and 410 may also have lengths substantially

equal to one another.

[0044] In an embodiment, the recesses 404 form angled wall portions 414 and 416 that are

angularly displaced with respect to one another at an angle (a4b). In an embodiment, the angle

(a4b) is about 20-24 degrees, and preferably about 22 degrees. Referring to FIG. 4A, additionally,

a radius (resulting from an arc tangent to Z at point X and tangent to flank Y) is maximized within

the allowable spline geometry of the socket 400. In this embodiment, the width of the teeth (i.e.

the sidewalls 406) may be reduced to increase strength of the walls of the socket 400. It is to be

understood that each end of sidewalls 406 intersection around the dodecagonal shape is generally

the same and mirrored as described above.

[0045] Like the socket 300, the geometry of the axial bore 402 may provide for a contact point

between the sidewalls 406, proximal to an intersection of the first and second portions 408 and

410, and the flank that is away from the comer of the fastener. Similarly, when in use, the socket

400 may also initially contacts the flank of the fastener at the contact point and as load increases,

12 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 a surface area contact between the socket 400 and the flank may increase in a direction towards the corner and a recess 404.

[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3-4 and 7-7A, when compared to a typical prior art splined type

socket 700 having twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 704 and twelve (12) sidewalls 706,

the contact point 312 of the socket 300 and the contact point of the socket 400 is further away from

the comer 122 of the head 120 of the fastener than a contact point 712 of the socket 700. For

example, when the sockets 300 and 700 are 3/4-inch sockets, the contact point 312 is at a distance

(D3) of about 0.076 inches and the contact point 712 of the prior art socket is at a distance (DP2)

of about 0.0492. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the contact point 712 of the socket 700 is proximal to

an intersection of a first portion 708 and the recess 704. Additionally, the sidewalls 706 of the

prior art socket 700 include first and second portions 708 and 710 that are disposed at an angle

(0P3) of about 36-37 degrees, which is smaller than the angle (3) of the socket 300 and the angle

(a4) of the socket 400.

[0047] FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 800 having a first axial bore

802 with a generally dodecagonal type shape (a/k/a double hexagonal). As illustrated in FIG. 8A,

the socket 800 is disposed on the head 920 of a typical fastener, such as a dodecagonal type (a/k/a

double hexagonal) bolt head or nut. The first axial bore 802 includes twelve (12) equidistantly

spaced corresponding recesses 804 equally spaced circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the

socket 800. The recesses 804 are equally spaced from one another at about thirty (30) degree

intervals circumferentially around the socket 800 so as to receive the head 920 of the fastener. In

this embodiment, the recesses 804 are dimensioned to provide about zero and five tenths (0.5) to

about four (4) degrees, and more preferably about one and nine tenths (1.9) degrees of rotation off

13 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 center of the socket 800 with respect to the head 920 of the fastener in either direction when the comers 922 of the head 920 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 804.

[0048] The first axial bore 802 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 806 respectively between

adjacent ones of the recesses 804 (such as first and second adjacent recesses). Referring to FIG.

8A, each of the sidewalls 806 includes a first portion 808 and a second portion 810 that are

angularly displaced with respect to each other. The first and second portions 208, 210 each

respectively extends from recesses 804 and are angled with one another. As illustrated in FIG.

8A, the first portion 808 is disposed at an angle (a8) with respect to the second portion 810. In an

embodiment, angle (a8) is about 130-140 degrees, and preferably about 133-136 degrees. In other

words, the first portion 808 is disposed at an angle of about 40-50 degrees, and preferably about

44-47 degrees, with respect to the second portion 810.

[0049] The first and second portions 208 and 210 may also have lengths substantially equal to

one another, and may be substantially straight. The sidewall 806 may also include a third portion

814 between the first and second portions 808, 810. The third portion 814 may be a concave

surface sized to fit, but not interfere with a minor diameter of the fastener. The intersection where

the third portion 814 intersects the flank 924 creates a contact point 812. In an embodiment, the

concave third portion 814 has a radius of about 51% to about 54%, and more particularly, about

52% to about 53% of a nominal hex size. In an alternative embodiment, the third surface 814 may

be substantially straight.

[0050] This geometry of the axial bore 802 creates the contact point 812 between the sidewalls

806 proximal to the intersection of the first and second portions 808 and 810 (such as substantially

at the third portion 814) and the flank 924 away from the comer 922 of the fastener. When in use,

the socket 800 initially contacts the flank 924 of the fastener at the contact point 812 and, as torque

14 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 load application increases, a surface area contact between the socket 800 and the flank 924 gradually increases in a direction towards the corner 922 and a recess 804. The geometry of the axial bore 802 also provides for an angle (P8) between either of the first or second portion 808,

810 and the flank 924. In an embodiment, the angle (§8) is about 2-8 degrees, and preferably

about 5-7 degrees.

[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the contact point 812 is a distance (D8) away from the comer

922. In an embodiment, the distance (D8) is about 75-90 percent of a length of the flank 924, and

preferably the distance (D8) is about 80-85 percent of the length of the flank 924. With respect to

a hexagonal fastener, the distance (D8) is about 30-60 percent of half a length of the flank 124

away from the comer 122, and preferably the distance (D8) is about 49-54 percent of half the

length of the flank 124. It is to be understood that each end of sidewalls 806 around the

dodecagonal shape is generally the same and mirrored as described above.

[0052] The increase in the distance of the contact points away from the corner of the head of

the fastener, described with reference to FIGS. 1-4A and 8-8A, shifts the load on the corner and

distributes the stress concentration away from the corner of the fastener. This allows more surface

area of the sockets to contact the head of the fastener, thereby improving the strength and operable

life of the sockets. This also reduces the risk of the head becoming locked or stuck in the sockets,

and reduces the risk of the head being stripped or the sockets slipping on the head. Moving the

contact point away from the corner of the fastener also allows the sockets to be used on damaged

or stripped fasteners where existing sockets cannot.

[0053] The sockets described herein are described generally with respect to a 3/4 inch socket;

however, the sizes and dimensions of the various elements of the socket described herein may be

modified or adapted for a particular use with one or more different tools. For example, the socket

15 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 may be adapted to receive different fastener sizes, for example, 1 inch, 1/2 inch, 10 mm, 12 mm,

14 mm, etc., as known in the art. Similarly, the size of the second axial bore can be adapted to

receive different sizes and types of drive shafts or drive lugs of socket wrenches.

[0054] Further, the geometry of the inner surface of the sockets described herein may be applied

to other types of tools for applying torque to fasteners. For example, a wrench or box wrench may

include the geometries disclosed herein to allow the wrench or box wrench to have a contact point

positioned away from a corner of a fastener. Similarly, other tools and/or fasteners may include

the geometries disclosed herein.

[0055] Although the devices and methods have been described and illustrated in connection

with certain embodiments, many variations and modifications will be evident to those skilled in

the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The

present disclosure is thus not to be limited to the precise details of methodology or construction

set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be included within the scope of

the present disclosure. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the terms first, second, etc.

do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are merely used to

distinguish one element from another.

[0056] It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not

constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the

art, in Australia or any other country.

[0057] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except

where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word

"comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.

16 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6 to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

17 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A tool adapted to engage a head of a dodecagonal type fastener having a corner and

a flank with a flank length, comprising:

a surface having a sidewall extended between first and second recesses, wherein the

sidewall includes substantially straight first and second portions respectively having first and

second portion lengths, the first and second portions are angularly disposed by about 130 to 140

degrees relative to each other, thereby creating a contact point that is adapted to engage the flank

at a distance of about 75 to 90 percent of the flank length away from the comer.

2. The tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are angularly disposed

by about 133 to 136 degrees relative to each other.

3. The tool of claim 1, wherein the contact point is adapted to engage the flank at a

distance of about 80 to 85 percent of the flank length away from the comer

4. The tool of claim 1, further comprising a socket body having an axial bore, and

wherein the surface is an inner surface disposed in the axial bore.

5. The tool of claim 1, wherein the surface is disposed on a wrench body.

6. The tool of claim 1, wherein the inner surface includes 12 equidistantly spaced

recesses and 12 sidewalls, wherein each sidewall extends between two adjacent recesses.

7. The tool of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes a third substantially straight

portion between the first and second portions.

8. The tool of claim 1, wherein the sidewall includes a third portion between the first

and second portions, and the third portion is concave.

18 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

9. A tool adapted to engage a head of a hexagonal type fastener having a corner and a

flank with a flank length, comprising:

a surface having first and second recesses and a sidewall extending between the first and

second recesses, wherein the sidewall includes substantially straight first and second portions

respectively having first and second portion lengths, the first and second portions are angularly

disposed by about 130 to 140 degrees relative to each other, thereby creating a contact point that

is adapted to engage the flank at a distance of about 30 to 60 percent of half the flank length away

from the comer.

10. The tool of claim 9, wherein the first and second portions are angularly disposed

by about 133 to 136 degrees relative to each other.

11. The tool of claim 9, wherein the contact point is adapted to engage the flank at a

distance of about 49 to 54 percent of half the flank length away from the comer

12. The tool of claim 9, further comprising a socket body having an axial bore, and

wherein the surface is an inner surface disposed in the axial bore.

13. The tool of claim 9, wherein the surface is disposed on a wrench body.

14. The tool of claim 9, wherein the inner surface includes 12 equidistantly spaced

15. The tool of claim 9, wherein the sidewall includes a third substantially straight

portion between the first and second portions.

16. The tool of claim 9, wherein the sidewall includes a third portion between the first

and second portions, and the third portion is concave.

19 17838919 1 (GHMatters) P98022.AU.6

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