CA2572701C - Support assembly - Google Patents
Support assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2572701C CA2572701C CA2572701A CA2572701A CA2572701C CA 2572701 C CA2572701 C CA 2572701C CA 2572701 A CA2572701 A CA 2572701A CA 2572701 A CA2572701 A CA 2572701A CA 2572701 C CA2572701 C CA 2572701C
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- drive member
- socket
- torque
- target
- wrench
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
- B25B13/02—Spanners; Wrenches with rigid jaws
- B25B13/06—Spanners; Wrenches with rigid jaws of socket type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
- B25B13/48—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes
- B25B13/488—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes for connections where two parts must be turned in opposite directions by one tool
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Disclosed is a socket wrench, comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a torque arrest member extending through the passage, the torque arrest member having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member having a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
Description
SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the coupling of fasteners and to methods and/or devices therefor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
The manufacture and assembly of most articles requires the successful securing in place of various and assorted fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. Examples maybe found in US patents 3,8125,211, 6,189,416 and US 4,688,416.
There are certain circumstances, however, where the proper tightening of a bolt on a nut is complicated by the tendency for the bolt to twist under the torque exerted on the nut. A
common approach to this task is to secure the bolt with one wrench while tightening the nut with another. This may be done effectively if the head of the bolt is accessible for receiving the wrench. In some cases, the bolt may not have a head, requiring an effective grip on the shaft of the bolt while turning the nut.
Similar situations may also exist with other fasteners.
It would be desirable to provide a novel approach to this task.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, there is provided a socket wrench, comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a torque arrest member extending through the passage, the torque arrest member having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
In an alternative embodiment, the torque arrest member has a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight-sided cross section.
In an alternative embodiment, the first end of the torque arrest member has a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal cross section, to engage a complementary recess formed in an exposed end region of the target bolt.
In an alternative embodiment, the torque arrest member has a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, and a shaft portion extending between the first and second end.
In an alternative embodiment, the handle portion is mounted transverse to the first axis.
An alternative embodiment further comprises the socket, the socket being removably attached to the drive member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises the socket, the socket being fixed to the drive member.
In an alternative embodiment, the socket and drive member has aligned passages, a lock member threadably engaged with the aligned passages.
An alternative embodiment further comprises the socket, the socket having an inner passage with a first diameter to engage the target nut, the socket including a throat region with a second diameter, the throat region being arranged to guide the torque arrest member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar having a lateral dimension greater than the passage for retaining the arrest member therein.
An alternative embodiment further comprises a ratchet assembly for interconnecting the lever member with the drive member.
In an alternative embodiment, the lever member is pivotally attached to the drive member.
Another alternative embodiment provides a wrench device, comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut, a drive motor unit operatively coupled to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a control member extending through the passage, the control member having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the control member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
In an alternative embodiment, the drive motor unit includes an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and/or internal combustion motor.
An alternative embodiment further comprises an anchor portion for removably anchoring the control member to the housing.
In an alternative embodiment, the control member has a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, Still another alternative embodiment provides a method of fastening a nut on a bolt, comprising providing a socket drive unit with a socket-receiving drive member, providing a socket on the drive member to fit a target nut, providing a passage through the drive member, providing an anchor key in the passage and in a condition to engage a complementary formation of the bolt, manipulating the anchor key to engage the bolt to anchor the bolt against relative rotational movement of the nut thereon, directing the socket drive unit to rotate the nut against the bolt for tightening the nut thereon, while maintaining engagement of the bolt with the anchor key.
An alternative embodiment further comprises threading the nut on the bolt before engaging the socket with the nut.
An alternative embodiment further comprises coupling a lever member with the drive member, the directing of the socket drive unit including manually torquing the lever member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises providing a ratchet arrangement between the lever member and the drive member, the directing of the socket drive unit including applying a force to the lever member to deliver a torque the drive member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises selecting the socket and assembling the socket on the drive member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises providing a drive motor in an operative coupling with the socket drive unit, and switching the drive motor to deliver a torque to the socket.
Still another alternative embodiment provides a kit comprising a wrench, the wrench having a drive member, at least one socket for coupling with the drive member and for engaging a target nut, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, at least one torque arrest member to extend through the passage and having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
Still another alternative embodiment provides a device for threadably coupling a first fastener with a second fastener to form a connection therebetween, comprising a drive member to receive a first coupler for engaging a first fastener, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a connection force thereto relative to a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a second coupler extending through the passage, the second coupler being arranged for positively engaging a second target fastener, the second coupler being operable independent of the first coupler to control movement of the second fastener during tightening of the first fastener thereon.
In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a socket wrench comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut. The socket and the drive member have aligned passages for threadably receiving a lock member so as to reversibly couple the socket to the drive member. A lever arm is operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis. The drive member has a passage parallel with the first axis and a torque arrest member extending through the passage. The torque arrest member has a first end for positively engaging a target bolt. The torque arrest member is operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided kit including a wrench, the wrench having a drive member, at least one socket for coupling with the drive member and for engaging a target nut, the at least one socket and the drive member being maintainable in communication via aligned passages having a lock member threadably engaged therein, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, at least one torque arrest member to extend through the passage and having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
HON-RSDICDA
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
Figures I to 6 are fragmentary perspective or side views of a wrench device;
and Figures 7 to 9 are perspective views of other wrench devices;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled,"
and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to {
HON-RSD/CDA 5a physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or"
is to be considered inclusive.
Referring to figure 1, there is provided a device known as a socket wrench shown generally at 10 having a drive member 12 to receive a socket 14 for engaging a target nut 16, itself selected to be threaded on to a target bolt 17. A lever arm generally identified at 18 is operatively attached to the drive member 12 for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis 20. In this case, a ratchet assembly shown schematically at 24 in figure 4 interconnects the lever arm 18 with the drive member 12, though the lever arm 18 may, if desired, be fixed to or pivotally coupled with the drive member 12.
Referring to figure 1, the drive member 12 has a passage 12a which is parallel with the first axis 20 and a torque arrest member 26 extends through the passage 12a. The torque arrest member 26 has a first end 26a for positively engaging the target bolt 17. The torque arrest member 26 has a second end 26b with a shaft portion 26c. A handle portion 30 is mounted on the second end 26b and transverse to the first axis 20, though the handle may be provided in other orientations as desired. As will be described, the torque arrest member 26 is thus operable independent of the drive member 12 to control movement of the target bolt 17 during tightening of the target nut 16 thereon.
The torque arrest member 26 may be provided in a number of different forms, such as with a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight-sided cross section. In other words, the torque arrest member 26 may be provided with a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal cross section. In this present example, the torque arrest member 26 is provided in the form of a tool known as an "Allen key" and is operable to engage a complementary cavity or recess 17a formed in an exposed end region of the target bolt 17.
The socket 14 is, in this case, fixed to the drive member 12. To achieve this, the socket 14 and drive member 12 have aligned passages 14a, 12b and a lock member 32 is threadably engaged with the aligned passages 14a, 12b. Alternatively, the socket 14 may be permanently attached or, for that matter integrally formed with, the drive member 12, or held thereon by a resilient coupling such as a spring loaded ball mounted in the drive member (not shown).
The socket 14 has an inner passage 34 with an outer region 34a and a throat region 34b. The outer region 34a has a first diameter which is complementary in cross section with the target nut 16. The throat region 34b has a second diameter which is selected so that the throat region 34b may guide the torque arrest member 26. In this case, the throat region 34b includes a sleeve 36 (figure 4) firmly held within the socket 14 and positioned against an inner limit edge 14b thereof.
Mounted on the shaft portion 26c is a collar 38 with a lateral dimension greater than the passage 12a, in the drive member 12, for retaining the torque arrest member 26 therein.
For use, the socket wrench 10 is assembled with the torque arrest member 26 as will be described.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, a prone bolt 17 is selected along with a complementary target nut 16. In this case, the prone bolt 17 is exposed to and/or accessible to the socket wrench 10 and is in a supported position relative to a reference, such as an anchor frame 40. The term "prone"
in this instance is intended to mean that the target bolt 17 is in a tentative position which governs the need to use the torque arrest feature of the socket wrench 10. In other words, the target bolt 17 is prone to a change of orientation or condition by the driving of the target nut 16 thereon, if not otherwise guided against movement relative to the reference by way of the torque arrest member 26.
The user selects a socket 14, which may, for instance, be provided from a collection of sockets 14 as shown at 42, to fit a target nut 16 for the target bolt 17. The user may use a generic torque arrest member 26, in the case where each of the target bolts has a complementary cavity 17a.
Alternatively, the user may select one from a collection of torque arrest members 26 as shown at 44. In this case, the appropriate torque arrest member 26 has a first end 26a which matches, or is complementary with, a corresponding cavity 17a located in the target bolt 17.
The user then passes the first end 26a of the torque arrest member 26 through the passage 12a and thereafter installs the collar member 38 on the shaft portion 26c. The user then positions the socket 14, with the sleeve 35 in place against the limit edge 14b, on the drive member 12 and aligns the passages 14a, 12b to receive the lock member 32, thus assembling the socket wrench 10, as shown in figure 2.
Alternatively, the wrench 10 may be pre-assembled so that the user may be provided with a pre-selected torque arrest member 26 in position in the drive member, thus avoiding the corresponding assembly steps for the convenience of the user.
The user aligns the socket with the target nut 16 and then manipulates the torque arrest member 26 to engage the target bolt 17 to anchor the target bolt 17 against relative rotational movement of the target nut 16 thereon. The user then directs the socket drive unit by grasping and manipulating the lever arm 18 with, for instance, the user's right hand and arm, to deliver a torque to the target nut 16 against the target bolt 17, (as represented by arrow "A" in figure 2) for deepening the threaded engagement therebetween and/or for tightening the interconnection between them, for example, to a prescribed torque (as represented by arrow `B"). During this step, the user manipulates the torque arrest member 26 with, for instance, the user's left hand and arm (as represented by Arrow "C"), to maintain engagement of the torque arrest member with the target bolt 17 in a stationary position, or otherwise in another operative position for as long as is necessary to tighten the threaded connection of the target nut 16 on the target bolt 17.
The device 10 is configured to provide a torque arrest member 26 which is generic to a range of bolts 17 to be used over an operating period. It follows that, once the torque arrest member 26 is in place, it would be beneficial to use the same torque arrest member for a range of bolts 17, each having a common or a substantially common cavity 17a. However, as mentioned above, the device may also be configured to be provided with a number of different torque arrest members to be matched with different bolts in much the same or similar way to the selection of sockets for different nuts.
Referring to figure 7, a wrench device is provided at 50 with a housing 52 having a first housing portion 52a which supports a drive member 54 to receive a socket 56 for engaging a target nut 58. The housing 52 has a second housing portion 52b which is configured to fit the hand of a user, thus to function as a handle.
The housing encloses a drive motor unit shown in dashed lines at 60 which is operatively coupled to the drive member 54 for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis 55 and which receives power via a cord 62. The housing 52 also supports a control switch unit 64 for controlling operation of the device 50. As before, the drive member 54 has a passage 66 parallel with the first axis. A
torque arrest member 70 extends through the passage 66 and has a first end 70a for positively engaging a complementary cavity in target bolt 72. As before, the torque arrest member 70 is operable independent of the drive member 54 to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target 58 nut thereon.
In this case, the drive motor unit 60 includes an electrical motor, though it may be provided in other forms, such as pneumatic, hydraulic and/or internal combustion.
The wrench device is operated in a manner similar to the device 10, in which the user selects a suitable socket 56 and torque arrest member 70. The then user grasps the device 50 by the handle provided by the second housing portion 52b with one hand and orients the socket 56 into position while, with the other hand, manipulates the first end 70a of the torque arrest member 70 into a corresponding cavity 72a in the target bolt 72.
Still another device is shown at 80 in figure 8. Similar to device 50, the device has an anchor portion 82 positioned on the housing for removably anchoring the torque arrest member 84 thereto. These arrangements may be convenient in some cases to allow the bolt to be controlled while freeing up one hand for the user.
Still another device is shown at 90 in figure 9, in which the torque arrest member 92 is provided without a collar of the type identified at 38 above or an equivalent device to restrain its removal. In addition, the device 90 is shown in use with a rear stabilizer ball stud 94, of the type used in the assembly of vehicles, among other bolts that may be utilized.
Thus, the target bolts 17 and 72 are each provided with a cavity which is complementary with the first end of the corresponding torque arrest members 26 and 70 to provide a coupling between them to allow the torque arrest members to hold the target bolts against movement under the torque appearing at the interface between the target nut and target bolt. There may for example be other ways to provide this coupling without necessarily having a cavity formed in the bolt. For instance, the bolt may be provided with an outer end with a cross sectional profile of a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight sided cross section for instance to fit within a cavity formed on the torque arrest member.
Alternatively, the torque arrest member may threadably engage temporarily with the bolt in first few threads thereof.
While the devices herein have been described with respect to bolts and nuts, one or more of the devices may be utilized with other fasteners requiring a connection force to be applied to a first of the fasteners while a second fastener is controlled. A number of nuts may be used, such as hexagonal, rectangular and wing nuts.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the coupling of fasteners and to methods and/or devices therefor.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
The manufacture and assembly of most articles requires the successful securing in place of various and assorted fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. Examples maybe found in US patents 3,8125,211, 6,189,416 and US 4,688,416.
There are certain circumstances, however, where the proper tightening of a bolt on a nut is complicated by the tendency for the bolt to twist under the torque exerted on the nut. A
common approach to this task is to secure the bolt with one wrench while tightening the nut with another. This may be done effectively if the head of the bolt is accessible for receiving the wrench. In some cases, the bolt may not have a head, requiring an effective grip on the shaft of the bolt while turning the nut.
Similar situations may also exist with other fasteners.
It would be desirable to provide a novel approach to this task.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment, there is provided a socket wrench, comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a torque arrest member extending through the passage, the torque arrest member having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
In an alternative embodiment, the torque arrest member has a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight-sided cross section.
In an alternative embodiment, the first end of the torque arrest member has a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal cross section, to engage a complementary recess formed in an exposed end region of the target bolt.
In an alternative embodiment, the torque arrest member has a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, and a shaft portion extending between the first and second end.
In an alternative embodiment, the handle portion is mounted transverse to the first axis.
An alternative embodiment further comprises the socket, the socket being removably attached to the drive member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises the socket, the socket being fixed to the drive member.
In an alternative embodiment, the socket and drive member has aligned passages, a lock member threadably engaged with the aligned passages.
An alternative embodiment further comprises the socket, the socket having an inner passage with a first diameter to engage the target nut, the socket including a throat region with a second diameter, the throat region being arranged to guide the torque arrest member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar having a lateral dimension greater than the passage for retaining the arrest member therein.
An alternative embodiment further comprises a ratchet assembly for interconnecting the lever member with the drive member.
In an alternative embodiment, the lever member is pivotally attached to the drive member.
Another alternative embodiment provides a wrench device, comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut, a drive motor unit operatively coupled to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a control member extending through the passage, the control member having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the control member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
In an alternative embodiment, the drive motor unit includes an electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and/or internal combustion motor.
An alternative embodiment further comprises an anchor portion for removably anchoring the control member to the housing.
In an alternative embodiment, the control member has a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, Still another alternative embodiment provides a method of fastening a nut on a bolt, comprising providing a socket drive unit with a socket-receiving drive member, providing a socket on the drive member to fit a target nut, providing a passage through the drive member, providing an anchor key in the passage and in a condition to engage a complementary formation of the bolt, manipulating the anchor key to engage the bolt to anchor the bolt against relative rotational movement of the nut thereon, directing the socket drive unit to rotate the nut against the bolt for tightening the nut thereon, while maintaining engagement of the bolt with the anchor key.
An alternative embodiment further comprises threading the nut on the bolt before engaging the socket with the nut.
An alternative embodiment further comprises coupling a lever member with the drive member, the directing of the socket drive unit including manually torquing the lever member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises providing a ratchet arrangement between the lever member and the drive member, the directing of the socket drive unit including applying a force to the lever member to deliver a torque the drive member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises selecting the socket and assembling the socket on the drive member.
An alternative embodiment further comprises providing a drive motor in an operative coupling with the socket drive unit, and switching the drive motor to deliver a torque to the socket.
Still another alternative embodiment provides a kit comprising a wrench, the wrench having a drive member, at least one socket for coupling with the drive member and for engaging a target nut, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, at least one torque arrest member to extend through the passage and having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
Still another alternative embodiment provides a device for threadably coupling a first fastener with a second fastener to form a connection therebetween, comprising a drive member to receive a first coupler for engaging a first fastener, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a connection force thereto relative to a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a second coupler extending through the passage, the second coupler being arranged for positively engaging a second target fastener, the second coupler being operable independent of the first coupler to control movement of the second fastener during tightening of the first fastener thereon.
In an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a socket wrench comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut. The socket and the drive member have aligned passages for threadably receiving a lock member so as to reversibly couple the socket to the drive member. A lever arm is operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis. The drive member has a passage parallel with the first axis and a torque arrest member extending through the passage. The torque arrest member has a first end for positively engaging a target bolt. The torque arrest member is operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided kit including a wrench, the wrench having a drive member, at least one socket for coupling with the drive member and for engaging a target nut, the at least one socket and the drive member being maintainable in communication via aligned passages having a lock member threadably engaged therein, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, at least one torque arrest member to extend through the passage and having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
HON-RSDICDA
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will be provided, by way of examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
Figures I to 6 are fragmentary perspective or side views of a wrench device;
and Figures 7 to 9 are perspective views of other wrench devices;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
It should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including,"
"comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms "connected," "coupled,"
and "mounted," and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms "connected" and "coupled" and variations thereof are not restricted to {
HON-RSD/CDA 5a physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Furthermore, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention. However, other alternative mechanical configurations are possible which are considered to be within the teachings of the instant disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or"
is to be considered inclusive.
Referring to figure 1, there is provided a device known as a socket wrench shown generally at 10 having a drive member 12 to receive a socket 14 for engaging a target nut 16, itself selected to be threaded on to a target bolt 17. A lever arm generally identified at 18 is operatively attached to the drive member 12 for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis 20. In this case, a ratchet assembly shown schematically at 24 in figure 4 interconnects the lever arm 18 with the drive member 12, though the lever arm 18 may, if desired, be fixed to or pivotally coupled with the drive member 12.
Referring to figure 1, the drive member 12 has a passage 12a which is parallel with the first axis 20 and a torque arrest member 26 extends through the passage 12a. The torque arrest member 26 has a first end 26a for positively engaging the target bolt 17. The torque arrest member 26 has a second end 26b with a shaft portion 26c. A handle portion 30 is mounted on the second end 26b and transverse to the first axis 20, though the handle may be provided in other orientations as desired. As will be described, the torque arrest member 26 is thus operable independent of the drive member 12 to control movement of the target bolt 17 during tightening of the target nut 16 thereon.
The torque arrest member 26 may be provided in a number of different forms, such as with a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight-sided cross section. In other words, the torque arrest member 26 may be provided with a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal cross section. In this present example, the torque arrest member 26 is provided in the form of a tool known as an "Allen key" and is operable to engage a complementary cavity or recess 17a formed in an exposed end region of the target bolt 17.
The socket 14 is, in this case, fixed to the drive member 12. To achieve this, the socket 14 and drive member 12 have aligned passages 14a, 12b and a lock member 32 is threadably engaged with the aligned passages 14a, 12b. Alternatively, the socket 14 may be permanently attached or, for that matter integrally formed with, the drive member 12, or held thereon by a resilient coupling such as a spring loaded ball mounted in the drive member (not shown).
The socket 14 has an inner passage 34 with an outer region 34a and a throat region 34b. The outer region 34a has a first diameter which is complementary in cross section with the target nut 16. The throat region 34b has a second diameter which is selected so that the throat region 34b may guide the torque arrest member 26. In this case, the throat region 34b includes a sleeve 36 (figure 4) firmly held within the socket 14 and positioned against an inner limit edge 14b thereof.
Mounted on the shaft portion 26c is a collar 38 with a lateral dimension greater than the passage 12a, in the drive member 12, for retaining the torque arrest member 26 therein.
For use, the socket wrench 10 is assembled with the torque arrest member 26 as will be described.
Referring to figures 1 and 2, a prone bolt 17 is selected along with a complementary target nut 16. In this case, the prone bolt 17 is exposed to and/or accessible to the socket wrench 10 and is in a supported position relative to a reference, such as an anchor frame 40. The term "prone"
in this instance is intended to mean that the target bolt 17 is in a tentative position which governs the need to use the torque arrest feature of the socket wrench 10. In other words, the target bolt 17 is prone to a change of orientation or condition by the driving of the target nut 16 thereon, if not otherwise guided against movement relative to the reference by way of the torque arrest member 26.
The user selects a socket 14, which may, for instance, be provided from a collection of sockets 14 as shown at 42, to fit a target nut 16 for the target bolt 17. The user may use a generic torque arrest member 26, in the case where each of the target bolts has a complementary cavity 17a.
Alternatively, the user may select one from a collection of torque arrest members 26 as shown at 44. In this case, the appropriate torque arrest member 26 has a first end 26a which matches, or is complementary with, a corresponding cavity 17a located in the target bolt 17.
The user then passes the first end 26a of the torque arrest member 26 through the passage 12a and thereafter installs the collar member 38 on the shaft portion 26c. The user then positions the socket 14, with the sleeve 35 in place against the limit edge 14b, on the drive member 12 and aligns the passages 14a, 12b to receive the lock member 32, thus assembling the socket wrench 10, as shown in figure 2.
Alternatively, the wrench 10 may be pre-assembled so that the user may be provided with a pre-selected torque arrest member 26 in position in the drive member, thus avoiding the corresponding assembly steps for the convenience of the user.
The user aligns the socket with the target nut 16 and then manipulates the torque arrest member 26 to engage the target bolt 17 to anchor the target bolt 17 against relative rotational movement of the target nut 16 thereon. The user then directs the socket drive unit by grasping and manipulating the lever arm 18 with, for instance, the user's right hand and arm, to deliver a torque to the target nut 16 against the target bolt 17, (as represented by arrow "A" in figure 2) for deepening the threaded engagement therebetween and/or for tightening the interconnection between them, for example, to a prescribed torque (as represented by arrow `B"). During this step, the user manipulates the torque arrest member 26 with, for instance, the user's left hand and arm (as represented by Arrow "C"), to maintain engagement of the torque arrest member with the target bolt 17 in a stationary position, or otherwise in another operative position for as long as is necessary to tighten the threaded connection of the target nut 16 on the target bolt 17.
The device 10 is configured to provide a torque arrest member 26 which is generic to a range of bolts 17 to be used over an operating period. It follows that, once the torque arrest member 26 is in place, it would be beneficial to use the same torque arrest member for a range of bolts 17, each having a common or a substantially common cavity 17a. However, as mentioned above, the device may also be configured to be provided with a number of different torque arrest members to be matched with different bolts in much the same or similar way to the selection of sockets for different nuts.
Referring to figure 7, a wrench device is provided at 50 with a housing 52 having a first housing portion 52a which supports a drive member 54 to receive a socket 56 for engaging a target nut 58. The housing 52 has a second housing portion 52b which is configured to fit the hand of a user, thus to function as a handle.
The housing encloses a drive motor unit shown in dashed lines at 60 which is operatively coupled to the drive member 54 for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis 55 and which receives power via a cord 62. The housing 52 also supports a control switch unit 64 for controlling operation of the device 50. As before, the drive member 54 has a passage 66 parallel with the first axis. A
torque arrest member 70 extends through the passage 66 and has a first end 70a for positively engaging a complementary cavity in target bolt 72. As before, the torque arrest member 70 is operable independent of the drive member 54 to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target 58 nut thereon.
In this case, the drive motor unit 60 includes an electrical motor, though it may be provided in other forms, such as pneumatic, hydraulic and/or internal combustion.
The wrench device is operated in a manner similar to the device 10, in which the user selects a suitable socket 56 and torque arrest member 70. The then user grasps the device 50 by the handle provided by the second housing portion 52b with one hand and orients the socket 56 into position while, with the other hand, manipulates the first end 70a of the torque arrest member 70 into a corresponding cavity 72a in the target bolt 72.
Still another device is shown at 80 in figure 8. Similar to device 50, the device has an anchor portion 82 positioned on the housing for removably anchoring the torque arrest member 84 thereto. These arrangements may be convenient in some cases to allow the bolt to be controlled while freeing up one hand for the user.
Still another device is shown at 90 in figure 9, in which the torque arrest member 92 is provided without a collar of the type identified at 38 above or an equivalent device to restrain its removal. In addition, the device 90 is shown in use with a rear stabilizer ball stud 94, of the type used in the assembly of vehicles, among other bolts that may be utilized.
Thus, the target bolts 17 and 72 are each provided with a cavity which is complementary with the first end of the corresponding torque arrest members 26 and 70 to provide a coupling between them to allow the torque arrest members to hold the target bolts against movement under the torque appearing at the interface between the target nut and target bolt. There may for example be other ways to provide this coupling without necessarily having a cavity formed in the bolt. For instance, the bolt may be provided with an outer end with a cross sectional profile of a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight sided cross section for instance to fit within a cavity formed on the torque arrest member.
Alternatively, the torque arrest member may threadably engage temporarily with the bolt in first few threads thereof.
While the devices herein have been described with respect to bolts and nuts, one or more of the devices may be utilized with other fasteners requiring a connection force to be applied to a first of the fasteners while a second fastener is controlled. A number of nuts may be used, such as hexagonal, rectangular and wing nuts.
While the present invention has been described for what are presently considered the preferred embodiments, the invention is not so limited. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
Claims (21)
1. A socket wrench, comprising a drive member to receive a socket for engaging a target nut, the socket and the drive member having aligned passages for threadably receiving a lock member so as to reversibly couple the socket to the drive member, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, a torque arrest member extending through the passage, the torque arrest member having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
2. A wrench as defined in claim 1, the torque arrest member having a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight-sided cross section.
3. A wrench as defined in claim 1, the first end of the torque arrest member having a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal cross section, to engage a complementary recess formed in an exposed end region of the target bolt.
4. A wrench as defined in claim 1, the torque arrest member having a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, and a shaft portion extending between the first and second end.
5. A wrench as defined in claim 4, the handle portion being mounted transverse to the first axis.
6. A wrench as defined in claim 1, wherein the socket is removably attached to the drive member.
7. A wrench as defined in claim 1, further comprising the socket, the socket having an inner passage with a first diameter to engage the target nut, the socket including a throat region with a second diameter, the throat region being arranged to guide the torque arrest member.
8. A wrench as defined in claim 1, further comprising a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar having a lateral dimension greater than the passage for retaining the arrest member therein.
9. A wrench as defined in claim 1, further comprising a ratchet assembly for interconnecting the lever member with the drive member.
10. A wrench as defined in claim 1, the lever member being pivotally attached to the drive member.
11. A kit comprising a wrench, the wrench having a drive member, at least one socket for coupling with the drive member and for engaging a target nut, the at least one socket and the drive member being maintainable in communication via aligned passages having a lock member threadably engaged therein, a lever arm operatively attached to the drive member for delivering a torque thereto about a first axis, the drive member having a passage parallel with the first axis, at least one torque arrest member to extend through the passage and having a first end for positively engaging a target bolt, the torque arrest member being operable independent of the drive member to control movement of the target bolt during tightening of the target nut thereon.
12. A kit as defined in claim 11, the at least one torque arrest member having a three-, four-, five-, six-, seven- or eight-sided cross section.
13. A kit as defined in claim 11, the first end of the at least one torque arrest member having a triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal or octagonal cross section, to engage a complementary recess formed in an exposed end region of the target bolt.
14. A kit as defined in claim 11, the at least one torque arrest member having a second end with a handle portion mounted thereon, and a shaft portion extending between the first and second end.
15. A kit as defined in claim 14, the handle portion being mounted transverse to the first axis.
16. A kit as defined in claim 11, the socket being removably attached to the drive member.
17. A kit as defined in claim 11, the socket being fixed to the drive member.
18. A kit as defined in claim 11, the socket having an inner passage with a first diameter to engage the target nut, the socket including a throat region with a second diameter, the throat region being arranged to guide the torque arrest member.
19. A kit as defined in claim 11, further comprising a collar mounted on the shaft, the collar having a lateral dimension greater than the passage for retaining the arrest member therein.
20. A kit as defined in claim 11, further comprising a ratchet assembly for interconnecting the lever member with the drive member.
21. A kit as defined in claim 11, the lever member being pivotally attached to the drive member.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2572701A CA2572701C (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2006-12-29 | Support assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2572701A CA2572701C (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2006-12-29 | Support assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2572701A1 CA2572701A1 (en) | 2008-06-29 |
| CA2572701C true CA2572701C (en) | 2013-03-05 |
Family
ID=39580521
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2572701A Expired - Fee Related CA2572701C (en) | 2006-12-29 | 2006-12-29 | Support assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2572701C (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010007402A1 (en) * | 2008-07-18 | 2010-01-21 | Bae Systems Plc | Spanner adaptor |
| EP3608062A1 (en) * | 2018-08-10 | 2020-02-12 | Hung-Wei Lin | Tool for a nut on a screw of a shock absorber |
| EP4186641A1 (en) * | 2021-11-26 | 2023-05-31 | Volvo Truck Corporation | A tool for a nut on a threaded rod of a shock absorber |
-
2006
- 2006-12-29 CA CA2572701A patent/CA2572701C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2572701A1 (en) | 2008-06-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20161229 |