AU650231B2 - Locking socket wrench drive device - Google Patents

Description

OPI DATE 02/04/90 PCT AOJP DATE 10/05/90 APPLN- ID 26186 88 PCT NUMBER PCT/US88/03057 INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (51) International Patent Classification 4 (11) International Publication Number: WO 90/02634 23/16 Al (43) International Publication Date: 22 March 1990 (22.03.90) (21) International Application Number: (22) International Filing Date: 6S PCT/US88/03057 Published With intenational search report.

eptember 1988 (06.09.88) (71)(72) Applicant and Inventor: NICKIPUCK, Michael, F.

[US/US]; 4524 South DuBois, Brookfield, IL 60513

(US).

(74) Agents: DVORAK, George, F. et al.; 53 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 (US).

(81) Designated States: AT (European patent), AU, BE (European patent), CH (European patent), DE (European patent), FR (European patent), GB (European patent), IT (European patent), JP, KR, LU (European patent), NL (European patent), SE (European patent).

650 231 (54) Title: LOCKING SOCKET WRENCH DRIVE DEVICE 28 I II 1 y 1°27 (57) Abstract A socket wrench drive extension incorporates a quick release and locking feature. The extension is used in conjunction with a ratchet drive and standard mechanics sockets for driving threaded fasteners. The extension uses a longitudinal control bar (14) which bears directly or indirectly on a detent (22, 24, 37, 38) contained in a transverse bore (19) at the driving end of the extension. The control bar (14) fits in a channel (10) on the exterior and is operated through the retraction of a spring loaded collar (15).

"LOCKING SOCKET WRENCH DRIVE DEVICE" Socket wrenches incorporating ratchet drives and standard sockets for driving threaded fasteners including most commonly hexagonal nuts and bolt heads are commonly used in the mechanic's field. In situations where a mechanic is confronted with the requirement for driving a fastener located in a tight space restricting the swing of the drive ratchet handle, extension drives are utilized to transmit the force from the ratchet to the socket. When driving a fastener in a remote location and particularly in a situation where the work must be accomplished in close quarters and with obstructions present, it is desirable to have a mechanism by which the socket can be locked to the extension.

In addition to the desirability of a locking feature, it is necessary to provide for the rapid changing of sockets for driving various sizes of fasteners. In the environment in 2 which a mechanic works, for example, in repairing vehicles or machinery, the mechanic often encounters an adverse o environment involving temperature variations, corroded or damaged fasteners, time pressures regarding the completion of jobs as well as oily and greasy conditions rendering a o positive locking and releasing feature desirable. Under these situations, it is desirable for any mechanism to be o simple and reliable as well as durable while proving an effective means of improving the efficiency of the work. Another requirement for mechanic's tools is that they be relatively simple to manufacture and maintain.

o Various methods are known by which fastener drive sockets can be affixed to mechanism with which to drive those 30 sockets.

Most systems involve methods tailored to specific needs providing positive locking mechanisms for tools such as impact wrenches, where it is important to have the sockets firmly attached to the drive. In these applications complicated machining may be utilized since the drive mechanisms are of a relatively large size and bulk providing adequate strength despite extensive internal machining. In addition, these mechanisms are all devised to be utilized in a location where the operator is provided ample work space and compactness of the mechanism is not an important factor.

Known mechanisms incorporate locking means such as external rotating collars which are unsuitable release from friction with obstructions (Rhinevault Patent No. 2,162,353). Other mechanisms involve plungers as locking mechanisms which must be released utilizing a separate (Beers Patent No. 2,954,934; Wendling Patent No. 2,987,334). Other locking mechanisms involve the use of set screws, pins or other awkward releasing mechanisms requiring the removal of the socket from the fastener or workpiece and preventing rapid releasing of sockets in work in close quarters (Coffman Patent No.

2,677,562).

One other type of mechanism known in an application similar to that for the instant invention is a push button release for a ratchet socket drive. This mechanism is unlike the invention in that it requires relatively complicated machining is relatively difficult to maintain and subject to malfunction from dirt or wear and is unsuitable for use on extensions because of the utilization of a central axial bore and pushbutton. Finally, this type of mechanism involves application of both a downward pressure on a pushbutton plunger while requiring the resistance against which this force is applied as well as the simultaneous movement of the socket in the same direction as the 0."30 pushbutton and in the direction opposite the resistance, which is an awkward motion for a mechanic in tight spaces.

The pushbutton ratchet release also requires that the mechanism be machined out of larger pieces for the same strength as non-machined parts, rendering it frequently difficult to utilize the ratchet and socket combination alone in tight spaces (Smyers Patent No. 3,762,245).

L 3 The invention provides for the utilization of the locking and quick releasing feature as a supplement to the ratchet handle which may be made smaller yet stronger than the cumbersome quick release type ratchet handle.

Improved embodiments utilize alternative arrangement of the elements so as to enhance the utility and ease of operation of the tool. Through the co-action of the various elements in these improvements several additional goals can be accomplished in addition to those discussed in my prior applications and patent. The first of these improvements utilizes the camming engagement of a series of retainer balls and a novel camming control bar to provide wedging between the bar and balls for effectively locking an associated socket. The second improvement uses the placement of a spring co-acting with the retainer balls so as to prevent loss of an associated socket upon accidental release of the locking sleeve. The third improvement utilizes a lock-back mechanism to increase the ease of placement of the socket on the tool. A fourth embodiment uses a securemnent portion as a separate structure from an extension shank. A fifth embodiment uses a notched control bar to provide for semiautomatic retraction.

The advantage in the use of a camming control bar is that the forces contributing to retention are increased under load. Another advantage is that engagement with a recess in a socket is less important that in any prior embodiments.

An advantage in the use of a spring co-acting with retainer balls is that a degree of increased friction is imparted between the drive extension and the socket walls 00 30 even in the released position.

An advantage to the lock-back mechanism and the notch control bar embodiment are that either provides a degree of semi-automatic action in the retraction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention resides broadly in a wrench apparatus a

>I,

.0 socket member; an extension structure engaged with the socket member for rotating the socket member; drive means engaged with the extension structure for rotating the extension structure and the socket member; said extension structure comprising a shank member supported on the drive means for receiving rotative motion therefrom; a control bar member supported on the shank member for longitudinal movement and generally radially outward movement with respect thereto between a locked position and a release position; the socket member having a pair of opposing inner wall portions defining an opening in the socket member therebetween, said opening as defined by said inner wall portions receiving a portion of the shank member; detent means supported on the shank member for movement with respect thereto into and out of a securement recess for selectively securing and releasing said shank member in said opening in said socket member; and said control bar member having an outward surface facing generally away from the shank member and an inward surface facing the shank member and being angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank member; said inward surface of the control bar member cammingly engaging the detent means when the control bar member is moved into the locked position to move said detent means into said securement recess for securing the socket member in engagement with the shank member; the control bar member moving generally radially C 0- outwardly from the shank member said outward surface of the control bar member contacting the other of the inner wall portions of the socket member when the inward surface cammingly moves the detent means into engagement with the wall of the socket, whereby the socket member is generally centered on and secured to the extension structure.

In another aspect the invention provides a wrench apparatus comprising: drive means; an extension structure having a first portion engaged with the drive means for receiving rotative motion therefrom and a second portion distal to the first portion; a socket member supported on the second portion of the extension structure; the extension structure comprising: a shank member having a recess therein receiving a portion of the drive means; a sleeve member receiving the shank member therein; the shank member having an opening therein communicating with the recess and with the sleeve member; detent means supported for movement in the opening in the shank member; said sleeve member being movable with respect to the shank member between a locked position and a released position; said sleeve member selectively engaging the detent means and moving said detent means into a securement opening in the drive means when the sleeve member is moved to the locked position for securing the engagement structure to the drive means; and the extension structure having securement means thereon for selectively securing said socket member on the second portion of the extension structure; the securement means securing said socket member to said second portion when the sleeve member is moved to the locked o 30 position, and releasing the socket member to be removed from Sthe extension structure when the sleeve member is moved to the released position, whereby the drive means and the socket member are substantially simultaneously secured by movement of the sleeve member into the locked position and substantially simultaneously released by movement of the sleeve member into the released position.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a socket wrench drive extension is designed for use in conjunction with a ratchet drive handle and standard sockets for driving threaded fasteners. The extension incorporates a longitudinal control bar channel machined in one face of the square drive portion of the socket and extending past the shoulder separating the driven portion from the extension portion of the device. A control bar is incorporated which is slidably mounted within the machined control bar channel, moving longitudinally therein. The lower end of the control bar is machined in this embodiment to an angle of approximately 15'-30' beveled to the lips. The control bar comprises a flat portion contiguous to the inclined or beveled portion. The inclined or beveled portion in this embodiment is of a dimensions longitudinally such that the lower most portion of the control bar does not extend past the lower-most portion of the extensive drive portion when the control bar is deflected fully forward or downward, while the upper edge of the inclined portion of the control at full forward or downward deflection does not extend as far as the bearing means which transmit the lateral force from the control bar to the detent and thereafter maintaining the socke in locked position until release. When the control bar is at full forward extension the flat portion of the control bar comes in contact with the locking ball bearing thereby locking the detent in position against the wall of the socket and the retainer groove machined therein. A detent or retainer ball is slidably carried in the transverse aperture of the drive portion of the extension Q 30 which when in locked position against the locking bearing ball and control bar exerts lateral force against the detent 1 extending past the face in the square drive portion of the extension opposite the face into which the control bar channel is machined. The lateral extension of this detent mates with standard recesses machined in the drive walls of standard sockets and prevents the downward or forward 7 movement of said sockets. The outward extension of the detent further serves to lock the socket in position with relation to the drive axis of the extension in that lateral pressure is exerted on the drive wall of the socket by the detent in its locked position and the control bar along the opposite face of the drive wall of the socket.

Longitudinal movement of the control bar from the locked to the release position is accomplished by the rearward movement of the sleeve. The rearward force is transmitted to the control bar through the utilization of a spur, or appendage in the control bar from a slidably mounted collar located some distance up the extension from the drive portion of the extension. The rearward motion of the slidably mounted collar is accomplished by moving said collar rearward against the forward spring pressure of the helical spring enclosed by the collar and wound around the body of the extension itself.

o The mechanism is maintained in its locked position through the use of a spring exerting forward or downward pressure against the release collar and locked in its forward extension through the use of circular clip ring or clamp.

An additional embodiment utilized the device herein described with modifications so as to provide for a locking and release action at both the driven end of a socket wrench 000 o0o 25 drive shank and the driving end. In this embodiment, the o' sliding collar has been rearwardly extended and is of a dimension sufficient to be slidably carried relative to the "00 outside diameter of the driven portion of the placement of a fixedly mounted pin in the surface of the shank, said pin 0 30 intersecting a generally L-shaped slot permits limited forward and rearward travel and limited rotational travel.

The further modification of the sleeve to encompass this embodiment includes the placement of one or more grooves or recesses in the inner surface of the sleeve in the section where it rearwardly extends over the surface of the driven end of the shank. These recesses permit the retraction of 8 a retainer ball placed in said driven end. The recesses are so oriented such that the rotation and rearward movement of the sleeve results in the exertion of inward pressure on the driven end retainer ball or balls. When one driven end retainer ball is oriented so as to compress the customary retainer ball on the driving end of a ratchet wrench or other equivalent driving tool, the shank of the invention is fixedly mounted with respect thereto.

Through the use of this embodiment, the device can function as an adaptor, rather than a mere quick release provision on the end of an extension of a fixed length. In this way the quick release and locking features may he utilized in complete compatibility with a mechanic's existing set of driving tools, particularly with extensions of varied lengths. A further advantage is that the driven end locking feature provides a positive locking action thus avoiding unwanted release of the device itself or the tools attached to the driving end of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the invention and a standard socket in the release position.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the invention and a standard socket in the locked position.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the invention in its released position.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the invention in its locked position shown in conjunction with a standard socket.

Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the invention showing its parts in relation to each other.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the device as adapted to a power socket wrench drive device through the use of a yoke and bearing.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the device in its embodiment utilizing a retainer ball and single bearing

A

139" 0 CP67 ball.

Fig. 8 is a fragarentary sectional view of the device utilizing a multiplicity of ball bearings as force transmittal device.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of an embodiment of the device utilizing a single retention member of generally cylindrical configuration.

Fig. 10 constitutes a perspective view of the device in its double locking embodiment in the locked position.

Fig. 11 constitutes a fragmentary sectional view of the device in its double locking embodiment in the released position.

Fig. 12 constitutes a fragmentary sectional view of the device in its double lockfng embodiment in the locked position.

Fig. 13 constitutes an exploded view of the device in its double locking embodiment, further demonstrating the method of assembly and disassembly.

S0 0 Fig. 14 is an enlarged sectional view of the element :20 shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 14a is a perspective cut away view of another embodiment of my socket locking extension.

Fig. 15 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the -proved socket locking extension in the locked position.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view of one embodiment of the improved socket locking extension in its released position.

SFig. 17 is an enlargement of the embodiment in Fig. Fig. 18 is an enlargement of the embodiment in Fig. 3.

o Fig. 19 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the o 030 improved socket locking extension in its locked position.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the improved socket locking extension in its locked position device.

Fig. 21 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the improv3d socket locking extension in its released position device.

%''14 \Q I( Fig. 22 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the improved socket locking extension in its locked position device.

Fig. 23 is a sectional view of an embodiment in which a separate securement structure is attached to a drive shank.

Fig. 24 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment in which a separate securement structure is attached to a drive shank.

Fig. 25 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the improved socket locking extension in its locked position.

Fig. 26 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the improved socket locking extension in its locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The drawings appended hereto illustrate in Fig. 1 a socket wrench drive extension including a driven portion of the socket drive extension 11, the socket wrench drive extension shank 9, and the driving portion of the socket wrench drive extension 12. The socket wrench drive extension is designed to be driven by the square drive portion of a standard ratchet handle mating with the drive portion 11.

The sock-t wrench drive extension 12 drives a standard socket 21 which mates with the driving portion of the socket wrench extension 12.

Machined in the surface of the socket wrench drive extension shank 9 is a control bar channel 10 which channel extends to a substantial portion of the shank 9 through the shoulder 27 between the shank 9 which is cylindrical in cross-section and the driving portion 12 which is square in cross-section. The control bar 14 includes the outer 30 positive locking and centering portion 13 at its lower end.

The sleeve engagement spur 16 is an integral part of the control bar 14 which is located equidistant from the end of the control bar and serves to engage the control bar with the sleeve The sleeve 15 includes internally machined control bar engagement spurs 28 which transmit motion from the sleeve to control bar 14.

Internal of the sleeve is a helical spring 17 which bears on the upper portion of the control bar engagement means 28 at the lower end of the spring 17 while being retained by a C-clip 18 fitting a groove 30 machined in the circumference of the drive extension shank 9.

The helical spring 17 is shown in its compressed position in Fig. 1 as the sleeve 15 is pulled axially toward the driven end of the extension shaft 11 and away from the driving end of the extension shaft 12 through a force exerted directionally upward by the user against the grippable portion 29 machined into the exterior of the sleeve. The rearward displacement of the sleeve and connected control bar accomplished the operation as demonstrated in greater detail in Fig. 3 and 4. The control bar bevel 25 then releases the ball detent mechanism thereby releasing the standard fastener driving socket 21.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view which shows the preferred embodiment in position for use with the sleeve 15 released by the user and forced downward by the spring 17. As the sleeve 15 is forced downward it in turn forces the control bar 14 downward through the engagement spurs 16 and 28 which displaces the locking mechanism outward and retains the socket 21 in a locked position. The maximum extension of the control mechanism including the sleeve 15, spring 17 and control bar sleeve engagement spur 16 is restricted by a-Cclip or circlip fitted in a circumferential groove machined in the shank 9 of the extension drive shaft. In S improved embodiments, such as those expressed in Fig. 10-13, other fastening means can be substituted for C-clips.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment showing the lower portion of the drive extension shank 9, the square driving portion of the socket wrench drive extension shaft 12. The entire control mechanism, a sleeve-bar engagement means 28, bar-sleeve of the sleeve member into the locked Position and substantially simultaneously released by movement of the sleeve member into the released Position.

12 engagement means 16, control bar 14, spring 17, and C-clips 18 as shown in this sectional view.

Also shown in sectional view Fig. 3 is the lower locking portion of the control bar 14 which comprises the outer positive locking and centering portion of the control bar 13, as well as the beveled release surface 25 of the control bar 14. Apparent in this sectional view is the transverse bore 19 positioned in such a way as to intersect the control bar channel 10. This transverse bore 19 is knurled or otherwise machined at either end to decrease the diameter of the bore so as to retain the locking bearing ball 24, the transmission shaft 23 the tie in shaft for transmitting the locking force to the retainer ball 22.

Fig. 3 shows the preferred embodiment in the springcompressed position as in Fig. 1 which permits the retainer mechanisms ball bearing 22 and 24, and force transmission shaft 23 free to be displaced radially through the transverse bore toward the control bar channel thereby permitting the removal of the socket.

As can be seen in Fig. 3 the C-clips 18 further serve to provide radial pressure against the outer surface of the control bar 14 to prevent its displacement outward, as does the inner wall of the sleeve Fig. 4 is fragmentary sectional view showing the features as described in Fig. 3 as well as the drive socket 21 which includes a recess 26 against which the retainer ball bearing 22 is forced through operation of the control bar-. Fig. 4 shows the spring 17 in its extended configuration o forcing the sleeve 15 downward through operation of the %30 engagement spurs 28 and 16 to its maximum extension which is n. restricted by the C-clips 18. Through the operation of the engagement spurs 28 and 16 the control bar 14 is also extended downward to its maximum operating extension point.

Through the range of motion the control bar downward beveled release surface 25 of the control bar applies constant force across the ball bearings 24 which through the force 13 transmission shaft 23 extends the retainer ball 22 progressively farther outward on the opposite face the square socket drive portion 12. It is important to have the angle of the beveled surface 25 and the narrowest portion of proper dimensions so as to displace the locking mechanism far enough to permit the locking of standard sockets by using a dimension appropriate given the standard dimension of the socket locking depression 26.

As a downward or forward most extension of the control bar 14 occurs and outward most displacement of the locking mechanism 24, 23 and 22 occurs, the flat interface of the control bar 14 prevents further transverse movement of the locking mechanism 22, 23 and 24 by virtue of the fact that the force is acting approximately 90 degrees in relationship to the locking surface of the control bar 14.

In the locked position the outer positive locking and centering portion of the control bar 13 is in contact with the inner drive wall 31 of the square drive on the standard socket 21. Because of the positive locking nature of the locking mechanism any downward force on the socket while in the locked position is distributed evenly through the retainer ball 22 force transmittal shaft 23 and locking ball bearing 24 through the positive locking and centering portion of the control bar 13 to provide even forces on opposite inner walls 31 of the square drive of a standard socket which serves to centre the socket so that as rotational forces act '444 Son the entire mechanism through the socket wrench drive extension shaft these forces are distributed appropriately o equally on or near each corner of the walls of the driving portion of the socket wrench drive extension shaft 12 and the driven inner walls 31 of the standard socket wrench 21. The centering action is desirable in general to transmit equal rotational forces and in particular in cases where the driven inner walls of the standard sockets suffer from wear and or being oversized.

Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment 14 showing the parts separately in relation to each other.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment in which the sleeve 15 is non-rotatably mounted relative to the drive shaft of a power driven socket wrench 32. In this embodiment the sleeve itself is mounted on a rotating bearing 33 through which the downward or rearward force is transmitted through a mechanism pivotally mounted at on the casing of the power driven socket wrench, which mechanism utilizes a semi-circular yoke 36 around the drive shaft and sleeve. The exertion of force on the release lever 34 is transmitted through the bearing to the sleeve which in turn transmits the force through a mechanism as described in Figs. 1-5 which provides a ready and quick means of releasing said sockets.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment in which the locking ball bearing 24 bears S directly on the retainer ball dispensing with the force transmission shaft.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of another embodiment in which multiple ball bearings 37 are utilized to transmit force from the control bar to the retainer ball.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view in which cylindrical detent 38 is utilized, extending completely through the transverse bore.

Fig. 10 constitutes a perspective view or the device in its double locking configuration. Apparent in Fig. 10 are S the common features including the sleeve, 29 and control-bar, 13. The sleeve is rearwardly extended over the driven end of the shank. The rearward travel is permitted by and '.30 limited by a substantially L-shaped slot, 42, machined thorough he surface of the sleeve, 29. Retention of the sleeve is accomplished through the use of a pin 43, placed within the slot, 42, and fixedly mounted in the shank. Fig.

11 is a fragmentary sectional view of the device in its double locking embodiment in the released configuration.

The interior of the rearward extension of the sleeve, 29, is i provided with a recess or recesses, 40 into which the driven end locking ball, 41 is carried, and permitted to retract in the release configuration. Further apparent is the locking slot 42, and pin 43. The operation of the driving end section, utilizing the detent, 38, engaging a drive socket, 21, acted upon by the control bar, 31 is substantially the same as the other embodiments.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary sectional view of the device in its double locking embodiment in the locked configuration.

The detent, 38, engages the recess in the socket, 21. The downward or inward pressure of the sleeve 29 is exerted upon the driven end detent, 41 which detent itself mates with the standard detent of the driving member, 45. Because the detent in the driving member 45 is spring loaded, it can be compressed below the driving surface by the locking detent, 41.

Fig. 13 constitutes an exploded view of the device showing the components in a disassembled configuration.

Assembly and disassembly is generally accomplished through removal of the retainer pin, 43.

Fig. 14 illustrates a socket locking extension with a driven portion 11 extension shank 9 and square driving portion 12. The driving portion 12. The driving portion 12 fits into socket 21 for imparting rotational movemont.

The shank 9 terminates at a shoulder 27 at the end of the shank 9. A slot or channel 10 is formed in the surface of the shank and extends into one face or wall of the drive portion 12.

A control bar 14 which has an outer surface 13 is oo j30 carried in the control bar channel. A raised portion or spur 16 extends outward from the outer surface 13 and fits .4 1 into sleeve 15. The sleeve has internal annular engagement elements or flanges. In this embodiment these constitute an inner annular ring 28 and terminal annular ring 29 of the sleeve defining an angular groove 30 between them. This preferred embodiment does not foreclose the use of other '"4 methods of engagement. The forward motion of the sleeve toward the driving end is limited by a circular clip 18 as in prior embodiments. Rearward movement, however, is limited by a limiting collar 57 which engages the rear edge of the sleeve. In the preferred embodiment the sleeve may be covered with a friction increasing surface pattern such as knurling 29 or other arrangements making the sleeve easy to grip and retract.

Fig. 15 is sectional view of this embodiment. The socket 21 has a plurality of faces 31 which engage the drive portion 12. Apparent in this view is a transverse bore 19 in which retainer balls 22 and 24 are carried. The clearances between the retainer balls and bore are such that a slight off centre condition results in a camming action.

The control bar 14 carried in the control bar channel extends forward or toward the distal end 95 (to the left).

The outer surface 13 of the control bar engages the socket surface 31 when in the locked position. The inner surface of the control bar slides on the floor 60 of the channel 10. The inner surface 50 merges into a bevel 25. It has been found in development that a bevel angle of approximately degrees is preferable in this embodiment. For improved clearance and engagement of the socket, the tip of the control bar is also beveled 51 adjacent to the outer surface 13.

Further apparent in this view are the sleeve-control bar engagement elements 28 and 29 which engage the outwardly- extending spur 16 of the control bar permitting retraction and imparting a forward (leftward) force through the action of a compressed coil spring 17. As noted in connection with Fig. 15 forward and radially outward motion is limited by circular clip 18 snapped into groove 96 in the shank although other appropriate structures may be used.

As shown in Fig. 16, the spring 17 is compressed between the engagement element 28 of the sleeve 15 and an opposing edge of the limiting collar 57. The limiting collar itself

A,

IL~

I

is carried on the shank and has an inner surface 55 carried on a reduced diameter shank surface 56. The end of the limiting collar 57 engages a shoulder 58 formed at the intersection of the reduced diameter surface 56 and outer surface of the shank. The limiting collar further incorporates an outwardly extending shoulder 54 formed around its circumference which engages the rearward end 53 of the sleeve 15 at the rearward most extensi.on of travel. This in turn retracts the control bar 14 and the retainer balls 22 and 24 are permitted by the movement of the bevel 25 to disengage from the socket face 31.

As shown in Fig. 18 the distance of travel permitted is less than the horizontal distance between the tip of the control bar 51 and the point where the bevel 25 merges into the inner control bar surface 50. As a result of this arrangement in the locked position the retainer ball 22 continues to engage the bevel surface 25. This may be compared to my patent 4,480,511 where the forward travel of the control bar and rearward travel of the control bar was such that the flat surface engaged the retainer ball.

As shown in Fig. 17 there are several advantages to this arrangement. In the environment where t:he tool is likely to be utilized and given the typical dinension and clearances of standardized sockets, the sockets frequently become canted, twisted and otherwise misaligned under the forces exerted thereon. This may result in the jamming of the tool rendering it difficult to the release the socket Engagement of the retainer ball 22 cooperating with the socket engagement retainer ball 24 on the bevel surface 0 o 0 reduces the tendency to jam. Even slight retraction of the control bar 14 necessarily reduces the transverse dimension between the outer surface of the 2ontrol bar and the outermost point of the retainer of the retainer ball 24 thereby reducing any transverse pressure across the tool.

The increased ease of release permits the use of closer tolerances in the tool which permit improved gripping force 'IrrO because of the co-acting of rotational and wedging forces in the respective components. When a socket engaging the retainer ball 24 and control bar outer surface 13 on opposite walls is pulled forward (leftward) friction from the wall which engages the retainer ball 24 will tend to impart a rotation clockwise as shown by the arrows in Fig. 17. Near the point of tangency (considering the slight off centre alignment of the balls) and near the point diametrically opposed thereto, the retainer ball 24 engages the other retainer ball 22. The rotation of the first ball 24 imparts a counter clockwise rotation in the second ball 22 also shown by arrows. A lateral force is transferred to the control bar bevel or wedging edge 25 and tends to impart a forward (leftward) motion to the control bar as shown by the arrow.

Z 5 This movement of the bar, because of the bevel arrangement, tightens the engagement of the retainer ball 24 with the Scontrol bar surface. Thus the bar is tightly wedged between the ball 22 and socket walls. The opposing surface S 31 develops a tight frictional fit resisting the pulling of *420 the socket off the tool in its locked position.

This permits the utilization of sockets whose interior walls do not have the recesses designed to engage retainer balls 24 which were noted in prior art and my earlier inventions. In the field this provides increased utility as sockets may become worn, sockets may be produced with recesses or none of their interior walls 31 or sockets may be S produced with recesses or equivalent structures on less than all of the walls as in the case of impact sockets. In this later instance a retainer ball expected to engage a recess n would only engage the socket if a transverse hole extending from the outer surface of the socket through to the interior S* surface of socket is lined up with the retainer ball. This becomes cumbersome in the field and the present improved configuration permits the locking of said sockets even when flat walls are engaged by the retainer ball 24 and outer control bar surface 13.

o- Fig. 19 corresponds to Fig. 15 with the addition of a helical spring 61 interposed between the retailer balls 24 and 22. While in the released position the retainer balls are essentially free to move inward and outward within limits. A reduced diameter 62 of the transverse bore limits outward movement in a direction opposite the control bar and movement toward the control bar is limited either by the control bar itself or by reducing the diameter by machining flanges or tapering the bottom of the transverse bore during drilling and before machining the control bar channel. This loose carriage of the retainer balls provides essentially negligible resistance to the forward movement of the socket.

In Fig. 20 it is shown that the placement of the spring exerts an outward force on the retainer balls. This outward force provides for increased resistance against the wall of or recess in the wall of the socket thereby reducing the likelihood of the socket falling off the tool when the control bar is retracted in the released position, either intentionally or accidently.

S 20 As illustrated in Fig. 17 and 18 the relative dimensions Sof retainer balls, spring and transverse bore diameter are such that in the locked position the retainer balls bear directly on one another resulting in the rotational and wedging action discussed with reference to the previous Figures. The spring diameter is nearly equal to that of the bore and in the locked position the spring is nearly fully compressed so that any deformation of the balls permits afully compressed spring to bear some of the load. The use of the bevel or welding surface engagement described with o 30 reference to Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 and the use of the spring described in connection with Fig. 17 and S Fig. 18 provide the higlest degree of utility in use.

Fig. 21 shows a sectional view of another embodiment.

This view is analogous to Fig. 15 and 17 which show the device in the locked position. It will be noted toward rear (right) end of the control bar 14 the control bar bottom .0 Alit surface 50 has been notched 65. Rearward (to the right) of the notch is a downwardly projecting latch element 66 terminating along an extended imaginary line from the control bar bottom surface 50. A second transverse bore 68 which may constitute a blind bore exterding partially downward from the control bar channel floor 60 is shown.

Fig. 22 shows this embodiment of the tool in the released position. The spring 61 acting through retainer ball 22 exerts an upward force on the tip of the control bar.

This and the placement of the recess 68 in the channel floor permits the downward biasing of the rear end of the control bar and corresponding upward biasing of the tip of the control bar. The downward biasing results in the engagement of the latching element 66 in the recess 68.

Thus the mechanism is latched in the open position in this embodiment. This may be compared to other embodiments where the spring 17 always returns the mechanism to the locked position thus requiring retraction both to remove and to place the socket on the driving end 12 of the tool.

Release of the mechanism from its latch position is accomplished by the forcing of retainer ball 24 against spring 61 at point permitting further insertion of the socket. Then the socket end 69 engages the tip bevel 51 of the control bar when the socket is further moved on the tool at point of Fig. 22. The angle of this permits unlocking of the control bar by causing the downward biasing of the tip and corresponding upward biasing of the rear endof the control bar to the point where the latch element 68 disengages from the recess 68. The pressure of the spring 17 thereby locks the mechanism. This provides semiautomatic action by holding the control bar in a socket release position until replacement of a socket causes locking action.

Fig. 23 shows an alternative embodiment of my invention.

In this embodiment the securement portion of the tool is carried on a truncated body 80 of length limited to that 0 0 C

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1~ ~LL9~' necessary carry the sleeve 15, provide for the stop limiting retraction of the sleeve and is adapted to receive the driving end 81 of a second shank in corresponding recess 82 in the truncated body. Operation of the retainer mechanism is otherwise unchanged from the alternative embodiments previously discussed. The recess for driving the truncated body by the second shank 83 is defined by walls that correspond to the driving portion 81 of the secon, shank 83.

The truncated body 80 is further attached to the second shank 83 in a semi-permanent manner through the insertion of a pin 84 in a hole 85 extending through one wall 86 of the truncated body's recess, through the driving portion 81 of the second shank 83 and through the opposing wall 87 of the driven recess of the truncated body. This pin may be inserted and maintained in place by a compression fit thereby resulting in a unitary extension tool. Alternatively a spring loaded pin permits adaptation to power driven extensions.

Fig. 24 shows an alternative truncated body arrangement.

In this arrangement the pin 84 is carried in a hole 88 in the driving portion 81 of the second shank 83. In this case the pin 84 is of a rivet head or inverted shaped section and the neck of the hole 85 is reduced in diameter to retain the pin. A spring 89 forces the pin outward and this permits 0 easier removal by depressing the pin 85 with a suitable implement such as a probe, punch or the like. This is considered a semi permanent affixation because of the retention of the pin and need for an implement to remove the 0o truncated body A .30 The use of the arrangement in Fig. 23 and 24 permits the S° use of dissimilar alloy metals in the truncated body and second shank, the use differential treatment as by heat treating of the respective truncated body and second shank without requiring replacement of both. A further advantage is that production can be streamlined because of the previous mentioned material and heat treatment flexibility. Further, 22 the truncated body-second shank arrangement permits adaptation of various length extensions which may be more easily conformed to specific consumer needs.

Fig. 25 and 26 shows another embodiment which provides semi automatic retraction. In this embodiment the ,°ontrol bar 14 has a recess 101 placed in its tip 51. This recess includes a face 102 substantially parallel to the axis of the control bar 14 and forms a shoulder 103 perpendicular thereto. The shoulder is placed at such a position that as a socket is installed, the retainer balls are forced upward and the control bar tip 51 is biased upward so that it engages the base of the socket. Continued movement of the socket causes partial retraction of the control bar 14 against the pressure of the spring 17. The socket 31 moves rearward (to the right) to the point where there is sufficient clearance between the opposing walls 31 because of the reduced transverse dimension across the bevel 25 that the control bar 14 may move to the locked position.

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Claims (11)

1. 2. A wrench apparatus comprising: drive means; an extension structure having a first portion engaged with the drive means for receiving rotative motion therefrom and a second portion distal to the first portion; a socket member supported on the second portion of the extension structure; the extension structure comprising: a shank member having a recess therein receiving a portion of the drive means; a sleeve member receiving the shank member therein; the shank member having an opening therein communicating with the recess and with the sleeve member; detent means supported for movement in the opening in the shank member; said sleeve member being movable with respect to the shank member between a locked position and a released position; said sleeve member selectively engaging the detent means and moving said detent means into a securement opening in the drive means when the sleeve member is moved to the locked position for securing the engagement structure to the drive means; and the extension structuze having securement means thereon for selectively securing said socket member on the second portion of the extension structure; the securement means securing said socket member to said second portion when the sleeve member is moved to the locked position, and releasing the socket member to be removed from the extension structure when the sleeve member is moved to the released position, whereby the drive means and the socket member are substantially simultaneously secured by movement of the sleeve member into the locked position and substantially simultaneously released by movement of the sleeve member into the released position.
2. 3. In a tool for securement to socket members having variously spaced walls defining a securement opening, a tool having a securement structure for connecting such socket members for rotation therewith comprising: a shank member adapted to be selectively entered within the securement opening; a control bar member non-pivotally supported on the shank member for longitudinal movement with respect thereto to a locked position and a retracted release position and for substantially radial movement on the shank member toward and away from an adjacent wall of a socket member for locking engagement therewith and release therefrom; detent means supported on the shank member for movement transversely with respect thereto for selectively securing and releasing said shank member through said control bar member with respect to said socket member; said control bar member having an outward surface facing substantially away from the shank member and an acutely angled inward wedge surface facing the shank member; said inward surface of the control bar member having a wedging surface cammingly engaging the detent means when the control bar member is moved into the locked position to move said detent means against a first wall of the socket member for securing the socket member in engagement with the shank member; and the control bar member moving substantially radially outwardly from the shank member and said outward surface of the control bar member contacting another of the wall portions of the socket member within the opening therein coincident with the inward wedging surface cammingly moving the detent means to engage the first of the inner wall portions, whereby the socket member is substantially centered on and secured to the securement structure. a ao 0 0 0 Ct' 0aacc 0 0 "J
3. 4. The invention according to Claim 3, and wherein said detent means comprises a pair of retainer balls cammingly engaging each other into locking association with a wall of the member in opposition to the wall simultaneously engaged by the control bar member. The invention according to Claim 4, and wherein said shank member has a driven end socket adapted to receive a driving element.
4. 6. The invention according to Claim 5, and first and second motion limiting means and sleeve means mounted on the shank member; and said first limiting means limiting forward motion of the sleeve and control bar, and said second limiting means limiting rearward motion of the sleeve and control bar; said control bar being movable radially inwardly and outwardly, the radial outward movement being limited by said sleeve means, and means providing a recessed surface in said shank member limiting radially inward movement.
5. 7. The invention according to Claim 6, and wherein said driving element comprises a second shank member with driving means complementary to said driven end of said first shank member; and said second shank member being semi-permanently attached to said first shank member.
6. 8. The invention according to Claim 7, and engagement means for retracting said control bar; and for said socket member having retainer clearance means accommodating disengagement of said engagement means from said socket member.
7. 9. The invention according to Claim 8 and said shank having latch means and said control bar being adapted to engage and disengage said latch means. A tool for use with a replaceable socket, said tool comprising in combination: a shank member having an outer surface, a longitudinal 4 0 4 00 4 ~4440 4 4 ~V axis and two ends, a socket engagement means on one of said ends for engaging and driving a socket, and means at the other of said ends for receiving rotational force applied thereto, said socket engagement means including first and second parallel opposing surfaces said first and second surfaces parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shank member, said socket engagement means also having a transverse hole extending through said first surface to said second surface, said shank member having a longitudinal slot in said outer surface, said slot extending into said first surface of said socket engagement means, and intersecting said transverse hole, said shank member having a slot floor defining a bottom surface of said slot, a control bar having a first end, said control bar slidable within said longitudinal slot with said first end extending toward said socket engagement means, said control bar having an inner surface extending radially inward of said shank member, and an outer surface extending radially outward of said shank member, said inner surface of said first end diverging radially outward from said slot floor, a detent means moveable within said transverse hole, said detent means having an overall length greater than the distance between said slot floor and said second surface of said socket engagement means, spring means for urging said inner surface of said first end of said control bar against said detent means, and said control bar outer surface having a bevel at said first end. I I A
8. 11. A tool in accordance with claim 10 further comprising: said control bar having a latching element on said inner surface, and L9 said slot floor having a recess therein for receiving said latching element for selectively latching and unlatching said control bar out of engagement with said detent means.
9. 12. A tool in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for receiving rotational force applied thereto comprises a transverse hole for receiving a pin.
10. 13. A tool in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for receiving rotational force applied thereto comprises a socket for receiving a drive portion of a socket wrench.
11. 14. A tool for use with a replaceable socket, said tool comprising in combination: a shank member having an outer surface, a longitudinal axis and two ends, a socket engagement means on one of said ends for engaging and driving a socket, and means at the other of said ends for receiving rotational force applied thereto, said socket engagement means including first and second parallel opposing surfaces, said first and second surfaces parallel to said longitudinal axis of said shank member, said socket engagement means also having a transverse hole extending through said first surface to said second surface, said shank member having a longitudinal slot in said outer surface, said slot extending into said first surface of S said socket engagement means, and intersecting said (466 transverse hole, said shank member having a slot floor defining a bottom o o surface of said slot, So a control bar having a first end, said control bar slidable within said longitudinal slot with said first end extending toward said socket engagement means, said control bar having an inner surface extending radially inward of said shank member, and an outer surface extending radially outward of said shank member, said inner surface of said first end diverging radially outward from said slot floor, a detent means moveable within said transverse hole, said detent means having an overall length greater than the distance between said bottom surface of said slot and said second surface of said socket engagement means, spring means for urging said inner surface of said first end of said control bar against said detent means, and said control bar outer surface having a recess in said first end forming a shoulder, said recess in s'id outer surface and said shoulder for engaging an outer edge of a socket while said socket is positioned on said tool for retracting said inner surface form said detent means while a socket is being attached to said socket engagement means. The wrench apparatus as hereinbefore described and as illustrated in any of the figures 1 to 26. DATED THIS Fifteenth DAY OF April, 1994. MICHAEL F NICKIPUCK BY PIZZEY COMPANY 44 4 400 oo °oo o o0