Patent Application
20090044667
The present invention relates generally to a swivel adaptor for a fastener driving tool, and more particularly, to a swivel adaptor used to connect the drive shaft of a fastener driving tool to a socket head.
It is common to use a swivel adaptor to connect a fastener driving tool to a socket head when it is desirable to drive a fastener from various angles. For example, one may use a swivel adaptor to connect an impact driver, such as a pneumatic wrench, to a socket head. However, when driven by a high powered fastener driving tool such as a pneumatic driver, a swivel adaptor may be subjected to torque exceeding 300 lb-ft over repeated impacts. As such, the high forces and repetitive impacts have caused prior art swivel adaptors to fracture and prematurely fail.
A well known prior art swivel adapter comprises a housing, ball and pin. A pin is used to couple the ball to the housing by passing freely though a bore, which extends transversely through the housing. A collar keeps the pin from axially sliding relative to the bore and disengaging from the housing. When in use, such swivel adapters permit the pin to apply force to the collar. High forces applied by the pin and ball have caused the collar to loosen, wear thin or fracture, thus causing premature failure of the swivel adapter. Failures have also occurred at the pin itself. As such, it is desirable to have a more durable swivel adaptor capable of withstanding the high torque and repeated impacts applied by pneumatic drivers or the like.
An embodiment of the present invention includes a first member having a longitudinal axis, a first recess at one end, a drive recess at the other end and an outer surface. First and second apertures are disposed at diametrically opposing locations on the first member and communicate with the first recess. A second member has a proximal end disposed within the first recess and a distal end. A first bore is disposed substantially adjacent to the proximal end and extends transversely through the second member and is substantially coaxial with the first and second apertures. A pin having first and second ends is axially disposed in the first aperture, second aperture and first bore, whereby the first and second members are permitted to pivot relative to each other about the pin. A first weld is used to fixedly attach the first end of the pin to an outer surface of the first member adjacent to the first aperture to prevent axial movement thereof. A bias member is disposed within the first recess. The bias member is adapted to urge the second member to a position that is substantially upright relative the longitudinal axis.
For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages, should be readily understood and appreciated.
Referring to
A second member 60 having proximal and distal ends 61, 62 has a drive shaft 65 at the distal end 62, preferably in the form of a square shaft as shown in
A pin 45 having a horizontal axis B-B and first and second ends 47, 48 is disposed axially through the first aperture 35, second aperture 37 and first bore 75. The pin 45 may have a circular cross section and first and second ends 47, 48 respectively adjacent to the first and second apertures 35, 37. The pin 45 may have a diameter of, at least, 0.290 inches and preferably 0.293 inches. The first member 15 includes a means for fixedly attaching the first and second ends 47, 48 to the outside surface of the first member 15. The means may include applying first and/or second welds 50, 55 respectively to the first and second ends 47, 48 adjacent to the first and second apertures 35, 37. The first and second welds 50, 55 are preferably formed by a laser welding process, but it will be appreciated that other welding means may be used.
The pin 45 rotatably engages the first bore 75, whereby the second member 60 is permitted to pivot between a substantially upright position, shown in
A bias member 80 in the form of a coil spring or the like abuts ledge 25 and acts against the proximal end 61. It will be appreciated that as the second member 60 approaches the tilted position, the force applied by the bias member 80 increases, thereby urging the second member 60 toward the upright position as shown in
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicant's contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.
