1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to tractor-trailers and the manner in which they are raised and lowered. More particularly, the present invention relates to a socket device attachable to an impact wrench, also known as an impact hammer, so as to raise and lower the jacks of a trailer.
2. The Relevant Technology
The most common way to raise and lower a tractor-trailer (semi-trailer) is by manually actuating the rotatable driveshaft by using a crank arm. This method is very difficult and time-consuming, especially when raising a loaded trailer. This method is also ill-suited for older individuals, those suffering from ailments, or during times of inclement weather. The prior art has attempted to alleviate the problem by using a drill (U.S. Pat. No. 5,897,121), but fails. Standard drills generally do not have sufficient torque, so specialized drills must be used. Furthermore, the chuckable-end portion may loosen under sufficient torque, rendering the socket useless. The present invention seeks to solve these problems.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a socket device comprises a sleeve portion for engaging the rotatable driveshaft and a socket portion for use with an impact hammer. The sleeve portion further comprises opposing openings to engage a locking mechanism, such as a pin-lock, nut and bolt, cotter pin, or other locking device appreciated by those with skill in the art.
In another embodiment, the socket portion comprises a keyed end. In one embodiment, the keyed end engages an adapter for use with a standard impact hammer. In another embodiment, the keyed end engages a keyed impact hammer.
The following descriptions depict only example embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting of its scope.
In general, an embodiment of the proposed invention relates to a socket device 100 for use with an impact wrench (not illustrated), also known as an impact hammer, so as to raise and lower the jacks on a trailer. As shown in
The sleeve portion 102 is sized so as to slide over and engage a rotatable driveshaft (not illustrated), and as shown in
As shown in FIGS. 1,2, and 5, the socket portion 104 may also comprise an outer portion in the shape of a hexagon, or similar, to allow for easy use with other hand-actuated tools.
As shown in
In another embodiment of the present invention, impact hammer 208 may comprise a keyed portion so as to engage a keyed socket directly without use of a keyed adapter. A keyed socket is useful in preventing theft, as an ordinary impact hammer cannot be used unless one has the adapter.
While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, it is not to be considered limiting of scope. Thus, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/558,138, filed on Nov. 10, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61558138 | Nov 2011 | US |