Patent Grant
7272996
The present invention relates generally to spanner wrenches, i.e. wrenches having a pair of projections which may be engaged in spaced apart holes, slots, notches or other forms of tool receiving recesses formed in an article to be turned. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices adaptable for use which conventional standard hand tools to manipulate threaded nuts, collets, ferrules and similar mechanical fastening devices.
Spanner wrenches of various forms and configurations have been in use for many years. They have proven to be especially useful in applications where traditional open or closed wrenches, crescent wrenches, pliers and the like cannot be useful due to interference from nearby structures or the need for the application of extremely high levels of torque to the associated mechanical fastening device. Frequently, spanner wrenches are designed for a specific application, such as applying torque axially to a mechanical fastening device located in a restricted area such as a blind cavity, where conventional tools cannot be applied.
A major shortcoming of historical spanner wrench designs arises from their tendency toward special applications. Artisans and tradesmen were required to acquire a spanner wrench for each applications and distinct fastener size that he may encounter. Thus, over time they will be obligated to incur substantial costs as well as maintain a large and bulky tool collection.
Producers of industrial power tools, such as hand grinders employing consumable aggregate grinding wheels frequently employ spanner nuts for specialized applications. A prime example is the retention of grinding and cut-off wheels, which, by their nature, must be regularly replaced. As a result, the power tool producers are obligated to provide equally specialized spanner wrenches as an adjunct to the power tools. These spanner tools are prone to loss, damage and wear. Power tools designed for mass merchandizing to the general public similarly employ specialty spanner tools. But in their case frequently suffer from poor design and quality as the manufacturer focuses on low cost processes. In both cases, a lost, worn or defective tool can destroy the utility of an expensive power tool. Lastly, replacement spanner tools can be difficult to obtain inasmuch as they are frequently produced by only a single manufacturer.
The forgoing problems have been partially overcome by various improvements over the years. For example, there are several adjustable spanner wrenches described in the patent literature which provide an adjustable span between slots in a mechanical fastening device.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,803,981, shows a spanner wrench in which a pivotally mounted bar at the base of the wrench has a slot wherein drive pins are mounted. The span between the drive pins is adjusted by moving the drive pins within the slots and the drive pins are tightened at a desired position by nuts mounted on a threaded upper portion of the drive pin. The spanner wrench according to the '981 patent has the disadvantage that as the tightening nuts become loosened, the drive pins slide along the slots and it is difficult to maintain the proper spacing. Also, with wear, the drive pins would tend to slide in the slots, thus limiting the usefulness of the wrench. Further, the range of adjustment is limited to twice the length of the slot.
Another adjustable spanner wrench is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,010,347, in which the L-shaped members are attached to the movable and fixed jaws of a crescent wrench. Adjustment of spacing is made by opening or closing the jaws of the crescent wrench. While the '347 patent shows a device which has a certain amount of flexibility, the handle of the crescent wrench must be relatively at a right angle to the axis about which the article is to be turned. In many applications where space is limited, such a wrench would not be usable.
Another adjustable spanner wrench in the prior art is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 3,731,560, which teaches of a wrench having a Y-shaped handle wherein each of the branches of the Y had a hole therein to accept a disc which is rotatably mounted in the hole and wherein the disc has a drive pin mounted near the edge of one face thereof An adjustable spanner wrench according to the '560 patent is limited to a range of adjustment which is equal to twice the diameter of the discs mounted in the holes the Y-shaped handle. Also, as above, the handle must be at a right angle to the article, which is to be turned.
Still another adjustable spanner wrench is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,210,037. The '037 patent represents an improvement over the design of the '560 patent, but suffers from many of its shortcomings. The assemblies which effect the adjustability are difficult to adjust with substantial precision and inevitably tend to loosen during use promoting rapid wear. Furthermore, the long handles typically found on prior art spanner wrenches do not lend themselves to smaller scale applications.
Universal among the above described prior art spanner wrenches are their excessive specialization coupled with their lack of robust design suitable for application of large torque levels while affording great flexibility in downscaling and application in conjunction with other more common hand tools.
The present invention overcomes the forgoing difficulties of traditional spanner wrench designs by providing a spanner socket, which can be employed either by itself or with ubiquitous hand tools such as ratchets or wrenches as force multipliers. The invention further provides for adjustability of spacing as well as the number of drive pins, rendering a device well adaptable for many varied applications. Lastly, the invention facilitates the easy removal and replacement of worn drive pins and reconfiguration of the types and positioning of various pin sets.
An object of the present invention is to develop a low cost spanner socket suitable for use by itself or, preferably with a traditional socket wrench. Drive pins designed to engage and apply torque to a work piece such as a spanner nut can be replaced when worn, and readjusted, reconfigured and reoriented for specific applications, giving the tool great utility and flexibility of use.
According to the present invention, a spanner socket is adapted for application with a driving tool, which is configured for releasable coupling therewith for selectively imparting torque to a work piece about an axis of rotation. The inventive spanner socket comprises a generally cylindrical base member defining a plurality of engagement surfaces circumferentially arranged about the axis of rotation for coupling with the driving tool. Furthermore, a plurality of elongated drive pins are carried by said base member for rotation about the axis of rotation and said pins are spaced from the axis of rotation for engagement with the work piece for the application of torque thereto.
As an additional feature, the spanner socket's base member has a axial passage formed there through for receiving apportion of the driving tool as well as providing a recess for receiving an axially extending central portion of a work piece. This arrangement provides a simple compact design, which is extremely robust structurally.
According to another aspect of the invention, the spanner socket's base member has circumferentially disposed flats arranged on the external surface thereof to provide for use of external force multipliers, such as adjustable wrenches. This arrangement provides additional flexibility and utilitarian design.
According to another aspect of the invention, each drive pin includes a stepped shank portion adapted for engaging a parallel bore within the base member, a work piece engaging portion having a characteristic cross-sectional dimension somewhat smaller than that of the shank portion and a head portion having a characteristic cross sectional dimension somewhat larger than that of the shank portion. This arrangement provides a design to facilitate easy removal and reconfiguration of drive pin sets and means for precisely limiting axial positioning of each drive pin with respect to the base member.
According to still another aspect of the invention, the base member includes a radially extending sector shaped opening formed therein for radial positioning of the spanner socket with a work piece. This arrangement has the advantage of applying the inventive spanner socket on mechanical fastening devices concentrically joined on an elongated work piece such as a pipe or conduit where neither end is accessible. In this case, the spanner socket can be positioned concentrically with the work piece, engage the mechanical fastening device as well as a driving tool.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, the base member is formed in two or more discrete pieces which preferably comprise an inner ring member removably nestingly engaging with a substantially concentric outer ring member for rotation therewith, wherein the outer ring member carries said drive pins and both of the ring members define engagement surfaces for affixation with a driving tool. This arrangement has the advantage of allowing the base member to be reconfigured for use with different types of driving tools and with different configurations of work pieces.
These and other features and advantages of this invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification, which, along with the drawings, describes and discloses preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail.
Faceted edge portion 26 defines a number, of radially outwardly facing flats or engagement surfaces 28 of equal size circumferentially arranged around axis A-A′. Preferably, edge portion 26 is formed as a hex-head of standard size such to accept a conventional ⅞-inch drive socket or similar conventional hand tool. Although illustrated as having six flats 28, edge portion 26 could have fewer or more flats 28, and vary dimensionally without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
It is to be understood that use of the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and the like in this specification are in reference to the drawing figures and are intended only to facilitate a clear understanding of the structures described herein, and are not to be construed as limiting when interpreting the scope of the claims.
Base member 12 is preferably constructed of case hardened tool steel with a chromium finish. However, for low cost or less demanding applications, other materials such as mild steel, aluminum or even polymeric materials could be substituted. Likewise, cylindrical portion 14 and extension portion 16 are preferably integrally formed for maximum strength. However, they could alternatively be formed separately and joined by physical attachment means, welding or the like.
Spanner socket 10 defines a relatively large central bore 30 disposed concentrically about axis A-A′ and extending there through. Bore 30 terminates upwardly through upper surface 24 of extension portion 16 and downwardly through lower surface 20 of cylindrical portion 14 of base member 12.
A plurality of relatively small diameter bores 32 are formed within cylindrical portion 14, extending between upper and lower surfaces 18 and 20, respectively, thereof Each small diameter bore 32 defines a vertical axis B-B′ (see
An elongated drive pin 34 is disposed in each bore 32 and fixedly attached to base member 12.
Four permanent magnets 36 are nestingly embedded or press fit within blind bores 38 opening through the lower surface 20 of cylindrical portion 14 of base member 12. Magnets 36 are flush mounted within bores 38 so as to not extend below lower surface 20. The magnets are clockwise positioned at 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 and 10:30. In application, the magnets serve to attract and hold in place work pieces such as mechanical fastening devices formed of ferrous materials.
Referring to
Each drive pin 34 is formed of hardened tool steel and has an axis of elongation concentric with axis B-B′. As best seen in
The work piece engaging portion 56 of each drive pin 34 extends downwardly below lower surface 20 of cylindrical portion 14 an amount roughly the same dimension as the axial depth of the tool engaging opening 50 of the spanner nut 40. This ensures the maximum ‘bite’, i.e. provides the maximum surface area engagement between the outer surface of each drive pin 34 with the inner surface of the associated tool receiving openings 50, minimizing unit loading with attendant wear and damage to the drive pins 34.
In application, lower surface 20 of base member 12 is flush (substantially coplanar) against the upper surface 49 of the flange 42 of the spanner nut. 40. The spanner socket 10 and spanner nut 40 are held in juxtaposition by downward pressure applied by the tool user as well as magnetic attraction effected by permanent magnets 36. In this orientation, drive pins 34 are fully engaged within openings 50 and the upper portion of output shaft 48 extends within central through bore 30. In this manner, user applied torque on the spanner socket will be applied to the spanner nut 40 through the drive pins 34. As long as precise alignment is maintained, the drive pins are subjected to almost exclusively shear forces and virtually no bending forces.
Referring to
Ratchet driver 60 includes a push to release function including a spring loaded button 65 which acts to release a detent ball 66 which, in application, engages a hemispherical concave recess 68 formed in one or more of the flats 62 of through bore 30. This arrangement serves to retain ratchet driver 60 in assembly with spanner socket 10 unless selectively released by the user.
The lower portion of through bore 30 transitions into a generally circular cross-section at its lowermost extent adjacent lower surface 20 of cylindrical portion 14 of base member 12. The lower portion of through bore 30 is enlarged to facilitate receiving various configurations of spanner nuts 40 and associated mounting hardware such as the uppermost end of output shaft 48.
An intermediate transition zone is a gently rounded convex fillet 70. Likewise, the transition point between the outer edge portion 26 of extension portion 16 and the upper surface 18 of cylindrical portion 14 of base member 12 is a large fillet 72. Fillets 70 and 72 uniformly circumscribe central through bore 30 and materially aid in providing an extremely strong and robust design.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive pins 34, which are subject to wear and abuse, are removable and replaceable. In the embodiment described in
As best seen in
The upper surface of head portion 52 of drive pins 34 has a tool receiving recess 74 suitable for a screwdriver. Alternative recess designs could be substituted, such as for an Allen wrench, without departing from the spirit of the invention.
A circumferential recess 76 is provided at the intersection of the lower surface 20 and circumferential outer edge surface 22 of the cylindrical portion 14 of the base member 12. When in application as described hereinabove, recess 76 is still accessible to a prying tool when spanner socket 10 is engaged with a spanner nut 40. Should an over torque condition occur and the work piece engaging portions 56 deform sufficiently to lock the spanner socket 10 and spanner nut 40 together, they can be easily manually separated with any suitable prying tool. Although tool receiving recess 76 is illustrated as circumferentially continuous, segmented radially outwardly opening recesses could be substituted.
Referring to
This embodiment would be applicable for use with spanner nuts containing tool receiving radial slots therein, as opposed tool receiving bores.
Referring to
An axially aligned central through bore 106 is illustrated as having a round cross-section as it extends upwardly through the faceted extension portion 100. This design requires the user to apply any torque enhancing tool to radially outwardly facing flats or engagement surfaces 108.
A generally radially extending work piece access slot 110 cuts entirely through both a sector of generally cylindrical portion 98 and an aligned sector of faceted extension portion 100. This arrangement permits spanner socket 94 to be applied with work pieces having threaded mechanical spanner fasteners applied to endless, or at least very long structures which extend out of and into the drawing figure as viewed in
Referring to
A series of small bores 126A-F extending normally into cylindrical portion 118 of spanner socket 116 are each spaced at a different radius, designated R1-6, respectively, from the origin, designated O. Bores 126 are all of the same diameter and otherwise are adapted to accept elongated drive pins (not shown) of common design. This arrangement permits the reconfiguration of an array of drive pins on base member 114 to accommodate a wide variety of spanner nuts and similar mechanical fastening devices.
Although it is considered preferable to set up an array of drive pins symmetrically for any given situation, other options are possible. If the drive pins are not set up symmetrically, the resulting use of the spanner socket will result in an offset in the torsional axis applied by the torque multiplying tool and the torsional axis applied by the spanner socket to the work piece. This offset will result in bending loads, which, if excessive, could be damaging to the spanner socket and associated tools.
For unique situations, such as encountering nonstandard spanner nuts, the present invention permits configuring the drive pins in a non-symmetrical arrangement.
Referring to
Inner portion 134 of base member 130 is also symmetrically formed about axis C-C′. Inner portion 134 is nestingly disposed within a pocket 144 formed by a shaped, radially inwardly directed wall surface 146 of outer portion 132 of base member 130. Inner portion 134 has an upper surface 148, a lower surface 150 and a shaped, radially outwardly directed wall surface 152. Wall surface 146 of outer portion 132 and wall surface 152 of inner portion 134 are complimentary, whereby when juxtaposed as illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
A radial step 158 formed at the interface of outer and inner edge surfaces 140 and 146, respectively, of outer and inner portions 132 and 134, respectively, of base member 130 precisely axially positions portions 132 and 134, ensuring that upper surfaces 136 and 148 are coplanar and lower surfaces 138 and 150 are coplanar. Step 158 axially interlocks inner and outer portions 132 and 134, respectively, from relative axial displacement in one direction. Inner portion 134 is magnetized to resist axial separation of the inner and outer portions 132 and 134, respectively, in the opposite axial direction. Alternatively, mechanical fastening, such as that described in connection with the embodiment of the invention of
Inner portion 134 of base member 130 defines a relatively large central through bore 160 disposed concentrically about axis C-C′ and extending there through. Bore 160 terminates upwardly through upper surface 148 and downwardly through lower surface 150 of inner portion 134. Bore 160 has a substantially square cross-section dimensioned to nestingly receive a ½ inch drive member 58 of a conventional ratchet driver 60 as described herein in connection with
Four relatively small bores 164, 166, 168 and 170 are formed in the generally cylindrical outer portion 132. The small bores 164, 166, 168 and 170 are circumferentially arranged, with each equally radially spaced from axis C-C′ and define a line of extension parallel thereto. Bores 164, 166, 168 and 170 are each also equally spaced from the two circumferentially closest adjacent bores. Each bore receives an axially elongated drive pin 172, 174, 176 and 178, respectively.
Inasmuch as each of the elongated drive pins 172, 174, 176 and 178 vary structurally and functionally somewhat, each will be described herein below.
Bore 164 extends entirely through outer portion 132, maintaining a smooth constant diameter. Drive pin 172 includes a shank portion 180 which forms a snug slip fit within bore 164. A work piece engaging portion 182 extends below lower surface 150. A head portion 184 of greater diameter than shank portion 180 is disposed above and abuts upper surface 136 to limit downward axial displacement of drive pin 172 within bore 164. Head portion 184 of drive pin 172 defines a tool receiving recess 186 which facilitates removal of drive pin 172 with a separate pry tool should work piece engagement portion become worn or damaged.
Bore 166 extends entirely through outer portion 132, maintains a constant diameter and defines a thread form entirely there along. Drive pin 174 includes a threaded shank portion (not illustrated), which engages the threads within bore 166. A work piece engaging portion (not illustrated) extends below lower surface 150. Drive pin 174 has no head portion but, rather, has an adjusting tool receiving recess 188 in the top horizontal surface thereof This arrangement allows selective variable positioning of drive pin 174 through the use of an Allen wrench or the like should it be necessary to lengthen or shorten the extension length of the work piece engaging portion.
Bore 168 extends entirely through outer portion 132 but has a diameter reduction step 190 therein located near the upper surface 148 of outer portion 132. Drive pin 175 includes a shank portion 192, which is press fit within bore 168. A work piece engaging portion 194 extends below lower surface 150. Step 190 defines an upward limit of travel for drive pin 176 as illustrated in
Bore 170 is a blind bore, extending axially upwardly from lower surface 138 of outer portion 132 and terminating short of upper surface 136. As in the case of drive pin 176 described in the above paragraph, drive pin 178 includes a shank portion (not illustrated) which is press fit upwardly into bore 170 until the upper end of drive pin 178 contacts the closed end of bore 170. A work piece engaging portion 198 extends below lower surface 150.
Each of the four forgoing design variations of the present invention can be employed individually or in combination. For example, many, if not most spanner nuts employ only two tool engaging openings. Thus, it may be convenient to employ a spanner socket design, which has two, opposed, relatively permanently affixed drive pins and two easily removed opposed drive pins.
When assembled as illustrated in
It is to be understood that the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and variations to provide the features and advantages previously described and that the embodiments are susceptible of modification as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in applications where axial restrictions in the proximity of the work piece are not an issue, the axial length of the faceted extension portion could be increased and the diameter of the central through bore increased to accommodate work pieces with greater drive/mounting shaft axial extensions. Accordingly, the forgoing is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than limitation.
Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims wherein reference numerals are merely for illustrative purposes and convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principals of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents, may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20060169109 A1 | Aug 2006 | US |
