Universal Joint Patents (Class 81/177.75)
  • Patent number: 11739796
    Abstract: A central connector for a universal joint and a universal joint utilizing said central connector. The central connector includes a substantially cylindrical body. The connector further includes a first and second pair of arms positioned orthogonal to one another. The body of the central connector also includes a male spherically concave surface between the first pair of arms, a female spherically concave surface between the second pair of arms. The body further defines an opening allowing communication between the male and female spherically concave surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER MEA FZE
    Inventors: Ching-Yi Tu, Yi Tung Chan
  • Patent number: 11458602
    Abstract: A hex tool including a hex head having a hex portion for engaging socket head cap screws or wrenches. The hex portion also having a body portion extending from the hex portion. The body portion having a spherical-shaped cavity disposed therein. The hex tool also includes a handle with a ball end and a primary handle portion. The ball end disposed in the spherical-shaped cavity to provide the hex tool a significant range of motion during use. Another type of hex tool having a hex head having a hex cavity for engaging a hex head bolt. The hex head also having a body portion extending from the hex cavity. The body portion having a spherical-shaped cavity disposed therein. The hex tool also including a handle with a ball end and a primary handle portion. The ball end disposed in the spherical-shaped cavity to provide the hex tool a significant range of motion during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Raul Marin
  • Patent number: 11433512
    Abstract: An angle drive socket tool that provides interchangeable multi-angular socket for inserting a tool. A drive shaft has a driver engagement end and a magnetic enabled concave fastener receiving end with retainment and drive engagement pins. A driver component having a spherical insert end with a drive pin engagement channel extending there about an oppositely disposed drive configured input end, such as a hex socket suitable to drive a fastener of choice as illustrated in the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: BCD Unlimited, LLC
    Inventor: Robert S. Doroslovac
  • Patent number: 11231073
    Abstract: A two-stage universal joint includes a sleeve, a driving member and a restricting member. The sleeve defines an axial direction and includes a receiving groove and an assembling portion. The driving member includes a polygonal ball head. The polygonal ball head has a plurality of arcuate portions. The polygonal ball head is inserted into the receiving groove. The driving member is slidable between a first position and a second position relative to the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: YUAN LI HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chia-Yi Chen, Hui-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 11007625
    Abstract: A two-stage universal joint includes a sleeve member, a driving member, and an elastic member. The sleeve member defines an axial direction and has a sleeve portion and a connection portion. The sleeve portion has a receiving groove having plural positioning protrusions extending axially on an inner wall thereof. One of the positioning protrusions has a recessed portion. The driving portion has a polygonal ball-joint having plural arc-face sections. The polygonal ball-joint is inserted into the receiving groove. The driving member is slidable with respect to the sleeve member between a first position and a second position. The polygonal ball-joint has a biasing member tending to move outward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: YUAN LI HSING INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hui-Chien Chen, Chia-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 10655683
    Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a self-retaining drive shaft assembly for use with a device for tightening and loosening of an industrial fastener having: a drive retainer drive shaft; a drive retainer cap; a drive retainer plunger; and a drive retainer segment assembly. The segment assembly is formed between the drive shaft and the cap. The cap is formed between the segment assembly and the plunger. The segment assembly, the cap and the plunger are formed substantially within the drive shaft. Advantageously the retainer assembly is of unitary construction; requires no loose parts or external implements to engage and secure the drive shaft to a drive head of the device; reduces likelihood of device failure during operation due to improper engagement of the drive shaft; and increases user safety during device operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HYTORC Division UNEX Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Gregorio
  • Patent number: 10335933
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench provides a drive head that rotates about two axis with respect to a drive gear. The wrench includes a wrench casing having an orbital cavity. A drive head, drive gear, pawl gear and an axis pin bushing are positioned in the orbital cavity. A drive head axis pin connects the drive head to the axis pin bushing such that the drive head can rotate about a first axis with respect to the drive gear. A drive gear axis pin connects the drive gear to the axis pin bushing such that the drive head can rotate about at second axis with respect to the drive gear. The pawl gear and drive gear rotate the drive head about a third axis with respect to the wrench casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Luke William Michas
  • Patent number: 9669537
    Abstract: An adjustable tool extender comprising an elongated body, where the elongated body is divided between a handle and an extendable drive; an engaging end at a far end of the extendable drive, where the engaging end fits into a tool bit; a receiving end at a far end of the handle, where the receiving end receives a drive on a tool; and a means for locking along the handle, where the means for locking extends the extendable drive a distance from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Chad Hartman
  • Patent number: 9623487
    Abstract: A tool having a flexible extension shaft, a first end and, a second end and capable of being bent about its axis. The tool transfers rotary motion from a device to an implement. Both of the ends may be capable of independently being bent about the axis. The shaft may include a male member and a female member for a kit. Further, one end of the tool may include a rotatable member having a first and second implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Combined Products Co. Inc.
    Inventor: Burt Kozak
  • Patent number: 9526546
    Abstract: A surgical bone screw 1) and driver (31), and a method for using them for repairing an osteotomy or fracture. The screw has a shaft having a head (5) at its proximal end, screw threads (3) at its distal end and a compression member (7) between the head and the screw threads. In an embodiment, the threads are self-tapping and self-drilling, the head is polygonal, and the sides of the polygon are convex. The driver turns the screw until the threads cross a fracture site and the compression member contacts the proximal bone fragment. The threads and compression member draw the fragments together and leaves the head entirely clear of the bone surface. The screw is removed through a small incision. Tilting the driver to allow the socket to engage an inwardly extending lower portion of the head permits the driver to lift the screw out of the bone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Inventor: Michael H. Horwitz
  • Patent number: 9321157
    Abstract: A wrench includes a first part having a first pivotal portion, a first recess and a first hole, a second part having a second pivotal portion, a second recess and a second hole, and a third part which is received in the first and second recesses. The third part has third, fourth and fifth holes, and a control slot. A control unit is connected to the third part and has four urging members, two first acting members and a second acting member. The urging members are located in the third and fourth holes, and engaged with the first and second holes to pivotably connect the first and third parts, and the second and third parts. The first acting members are located in the fifth hole. The second acting member is located in the control slot and controls the first acting members to contact and the urging members or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Inventor: Cheng-Pu Yang
  • Patent number: 8956236
    Abstract: A universal joint structure for a tool contains an operating rod, a fitting sleeve, and a retaining member. The operating rod includes a universal joint formed on one end thereof, the universal joint is formed in a polygonal sphere shape, the fitting sleeve includes a polygonal locking groove defined thereon for fitting the universal joint, the fitting sleeve also includes a circular recess arranged adjacent to an opening of the locking groove and retaining with the retaining member. The retaining member is a C-retaining ring and includes a tilted guiding face defined around one surface thereof, and wherein one end of the titled face away from the circular recess is larger than another end of the titled guiding face adjacent to the circular recess so that when the universal joint is fitted into the locking groove, the titled guiding face retains with the universal joint of the operating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Hung-Pin Chu
  • Patent number: 8746113
    Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Joda Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Davidson, C. Robert Moon
  • Patent number: 8671808
    Abstract: A wrench includes a body having a driving head which has a ratchet mechanism having a rotatable ratchet gear. An engaging hole is defined in one side of the ratchet gear and a groove is defined in the inner periphery of the engaging hole. A stop portion extends from the other side of the ratchet gear. A universal connector has a driving part extending from the first end thereof and a head is located on the second end of the universal connector. The head is located within the engaging hole and swingable relative to the axis of the head and non-rotatable relative to the axis of the head. A resilient member is located in the engaging hole and located between the stop portion and the head. A clip is engaged with the groove so as to restrict the universal connector from dropping out from the engaging hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Huei-Feng Huang
  • Patent number: 8650992
    Abstract: A driver accessory includes a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion movable relative to the first housing portion, an input shaft at least partially received in the first housing portion and defining a first axis, and an output shaft at least partially received in the second housing portion and defining a second axis. The output shaft is supportable by the housing in a first position relative to the input shaft in which the first and second axes are substantially parallel, and in a second position relative to the input shaft in which the first and second axes are non-parallel. The driver accessory also includes a locking mechanism operable to secure the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion when the output shaft is in the first position and the second position relative to the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Neitzell, Kaitlyn Beinlich, Ryan J. Malloy
  • Patent number: 8505419
    Abstract: A wrench includes a body and a driving head connected to the body. The body includes a push rod, two first push pieces, two second push pieces and a push unit so as to control the position and angle that the driving head rotates relative to the body. The driving head includes multiple positioning holes, an engaging protrusion, a through hole in the engaging protrusion, a bead and a control rod to control the engagement or disengagement between the engaging protrusion and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Shun Cheng
  • Patent number: 8505418
    Abstract: A tool extension includes a positioning ring engaged with a housing, a detent extendible into a bore of the housing, a shank attached to the housing for supporting a tool element, a shaft engaged in the housing and having two or more outer peripheral grooves for engaging with the detent, and a control device having a sleeve and a control ferrule secured together and engaged onto the housing, and two spring biasing members engaged with the positioning ring and the sleeve and the control ferrule, and the control ferrule includes two troughs for engaging with the detent and for defining an inner peripheral actuator between the troughs and for easily operating the sleeve and the control ferrule of the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Wen Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 8495934
    Abstract: A tool extension for a socket wrench includes a jointed, articulated series of square-drive male/female adapter ends with intermediate couplers having hex ball-head and socket joints. Three such intermediate couplers together in one series allow for an overall 90-degrees of flex. Each coupler has a bell body over which a pliable control cover is stretched. Each hex ball head and socket joint is bridged over by a corresponding pliable control cover which then snaps over a retaining lip just under a neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Schneider, Dave Garoutte
  • Patent number: 8375829
    Abstract: A wrench includes a handle, a yoke, a shaft, a head, a mandrel, a first transmitting unit and a second transmitting unit. The shaft includes a first section securely connected to the handle and a second section rotationally inserted in the yoke. The head is pivotally connected to the yoke. The mandrel is inserted through the head. The first transmitting unit can be used to transmit a small torque to the mandrel from the handle spun relative to the yoke. The second transmitting unit can be used together with the first transmitting unit to transmit a large torque to the mandrel from the handle pivoted together with the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Pard Hardware Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Da-Sen Lin
  • Patent number: 8366339
    Abstract: A two-section tool joint comprises a support member including a polygonal ball knob disposed on one end thereof; an acting head including a receiving chamber fixed on end thereof, and on a side wall of the receiving chamber being arranged a plurality of raised rims in response to the ball knob; a limiting structure defined between the support member and the acting head so that the ball knob of the support member is limited in the receiving chamber and moves between a first and a second positions; wherein the raised rims are longitudinally defined on a side wall of the receiving chamber and spaced apart equally from each other, the number of the raised rims is in response to that of the angles of the ball knob, and each raised rim is provided with a convex arc contacting surface so that the support member rotates with the acting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Hsiu-Nien Lin
  • Publication number: 20120325060
    Abstract: An angularly accessible head assembly for a torque hand tool includes a drive shank and a head rotatably disposed on a coupling shell about drive and driven axes that intersect with each other by an angle of at least 90 degrees. First, second and third force transmitting members are disposed to couple the drive shank and the head by means of four joint subassemblies, each having a socket wall surface and an orientable portion matingly engaged with each other. A torque exerted upon the drive shank is transmitted to the head through the force transmitting members and the joint subassemblies so as to activate a rotational movement of a threaded connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Publication number: 20120272795
    Abstract: A hand tool comprises a shaft including a first coupled portion, a double-ended joint including a second coupled portion coupled to the first coupled portion and a third coupled portion. The double-ended joint is pivotable with respect to the shaft between a first position they are coaxial and a second position they have various relative tilting positions. An interconnecting member includes a fourth coupled portion coupled to the third coupled portion and a mounted portion. The interconnecting member is pivotable with respect to the double-ended joint between a first position they are coaxial and a second position they have various relative tilting positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Tsai-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 8250949
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a body having a receptacle. An adapter includes a shoulder, a head, and a neck interconnecting the head and the shoulder. The head engages with an inner periphery of the receptacle, allowing joint rotation of the adapter and the body. The head is slideably received in the receptacle between first and second positions. A C-clip is received in a retaining groove in the inner periphery of the receptacle. When the head is in the first position, the shoulder is received in the receptacle, the C-clip distends and clamps the shoulder to keep the adapter to be coaxial to the body. When the head is in the second position, the shoulder is outside of the receptacle, the C-clip abuts an outer periphery of the head, and the head is rotatable to a position such that the adapter is at an angle to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 8215208
    Abstract: A bit holder and an interchangeable bit that can pivot or articulate relative to the bit holder. The bit holder includes a multi-depth socket for receiving the interchangeable bit. The different depths of the socket determine whether the interchangeable bit operates as a straight-on bit or an off-angle bit. An outer sleeve can slide along a longitudinal axis of a shaft to change the depth of the socket. Alternatively, opposite ends of the bit holder have different depth sockets for receiving the interchangeable bit and/or a shank portion. By flipping over the bit holder, the interchangeable bit can operate as either a straight-on bit or an off-angle bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bondhus Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Blackston, Mark Petroske
  • Patent number: 8192103
    Abstract: An easily assembled swivel mount device includes a housing having a peripheral shoulder abutment and a peripheral ramp which extends toward the shoulder abutment and which terminates at a peripheral blocking protrusion, a swivel member swivelably mounted on the housing by means of a shaft, and a sleeve member having a leading abutment edge which is brought to abut against the shoulder abutment, and an inner peripheral guideway which extends away from the leading abutment edge and which terminates at a peripheral blocked ledge such that the blocked ledge can be retained behind the blocking protrusion after slipping over the peripheral ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jen-Chu Tsai
  • Patent number: 8176817
    Abstract: A tool coupling structure comprises a first post member including a fitting end disposed on one end thereof and a polygonal cavity mounted on another end thereof; the cavity including a hole formed on an outer wall thereof, and the hole including a biasing element installed therein; a second post member including a coupling end fixed on one end thereof and a polygonal sphere knob formed on another end thereof to be fitted to the cavity of the fist post member, and the sphere knob including an elastic engaging member fixed on a peripheral side thereof in response to the hole of the first post member to be retained in the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Kuo-Han Liu
  • Patent number: 8151671
    Abstract: The tool adaptor of the present invention includes a first work piece, a second work piece and a block element. The work pieces are pivoted with each other. The block element is sleeved on the first work piece and slidable between a first position and a second position. As the block element locates at the second position, it engages with the first and second work pieces simultaneously to restrict the sway of the first work piece about the second work piece. The tool adaptor is therefore switchable between a swayable mode and a fixation mode by moving the block element between such positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Hui-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 8117950
    Abstract: An extension shaft for holding a tool for rotary motion of the tool includes a first end adapted to cooperate with a chuck of a handheld instrument and a second end including a tool holder for holding the tool for rotary driven motion thereof. The tool holder includes a base portion operatively connected to the extension shaft and a swivel portion capable of holding the tool. The swivel portion is pivotly coupled to the base portion through a pivot assembly, wherein the tool is capable of being rotated about an angle with respect to an axis of the chuck through rotation of the extension shaft in response to rotation of the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventors: Burton Kozak, Ira Kozak
  • Publication number: 20120036969
    Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: John B. Davidson, C. Robert Moon
  • Patent number: 8104382
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a coupling member having an end for coupling with a tool. A body includes a rounded base pivotably mounted to the other end of the coupling member. The body further includes a drive column spaced from the rounded base along an axis. A reinforcing section is intermediate the rounded base and the drive column. The reinforcing section includes an outer periphery having a recessed portion with a receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis. A control member is moveably received in the receptacle to control coupling of the drive column and an object to be driven. In any case, a spacing from an outer end of the control member to the axis in the radial direction is substantially not larger than a spacing from the outer periphery of the reinforcing section to the axis in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 8096212
    Abstract: A two-section tool joint comprises a first rod, an engaging element, a second rod and a limiting element. The two-section tool joint utilizes an elastic engaging structure to obtain an engaging effect during a multi-angle screwing/unscrewing operation, meanwhile, the tool joint can be fixed stably, avoiding the retraction of the tool joint and reducing the difficulty and inconvenience of the screwing/unscrewing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Patent number: 8047103
    Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Joda Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Davidson, C. Robert Moon
  • Patent number: 8001873
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises a tool set including a driving portion secured on one end thereof and a spherical member fixed on another end thereof; a base including a receiving chamber disposed on one end thereof and a circular groove mounted on another end thereof to receive the spherical member of the tool set, between the groove and the spherical member of the tool set being defined a stooping structure, the stopping structure including two opposite sliding slots and two locking tabs relative to the sliding slots, and a locking structure disposed on the base and including two annular recesses arranged on an outer periphery of the base and communicating with the groove to receive two engaging members respectively, on an outer periphery of the base being fitted a pressing member in which an abutting surface formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng Chia Peng
  • Publication number: 20110197719
    Abstract: A driver accessory includes a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion movable relative to the first housing portion, an input shaft at least partially received in the first housing portion and defining a first axis, and an output shaft at least partially received in the second housing portion and defining a second axis. The output shaft is supportable by the housing in a first position relative to the input shaft in which the first and second axes are substantially parallel, and in a second position relative to the input shaft in which the first and second axes are non-parallel. The driver accessory also includes a locking mechanism operable to secure the second housing portion relative to the first housing portion when the output shaft is in the first position and the second position relative to the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Roger D. Neitzell, Kaitlyn Beinlich, Ryan J. Malloy
  • Publication number: 20110179915
    Abstract: An universal joint capable of replacing various tool sets contains a tool set having a driving portion disposed on one end thereof and a spherical knob fixed on another end thereof, and the spherical knob includes two retaining segments disposed on two sides thereof respectively; a holder having a fitting portion disposed on one end thereof and a chamber fixed on another end thereof to receive the spherical knob, and between the holder and the tool set being defined a locking structure, wherein the locking structure includes a hole fixed on the retaining segment of the tool set to communicate with the chamber. The hole includes a lock boss placed therein, and the holder also includes a sleeve member fitted thereon. The sleeve member includes an abutting face for pushing the lock boss to extend out of the chamber of the holder to engage with the retaining segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng-Chia PENG
  • Patent number: 7966915
    Abstract: An extensive device is disclosed to connect a bit to a handle of a tool. The extensive device includes a rod, a polygonal sphere, a socket and a retaining element. The polygonal sphere is connected to the rod near an end. The socket includes a polygonal cavity, a tunnel and a groove. The polygonal cavity receives the polygonal sphere so that the surface of the polygonal sphere is in contact with the wall of the polygonal cavity. The rod and the socket are coaxial when the end of the rod is disposed in the tunnel. The rod can be pivoted relative to the socket when the end of the rod is located outside the tunnel. The groove is defined in the wall of the polygonal cavity. The restraining element is fit in the groove of the socket to keep the polygonal sphere in the polygonal cavity of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Chien Chen
  • Patent number: 7942426
    Abstract: A driving tool assembly includes a drive component adapted to be connected to a power tool or hand tool. A driven component is pivotally connected to the drive component and is adapted to receive a tool bit, drill bit, or otherwise provide a nut driver or socket wrench. A locking mechanism is provided for lockingly engaging the driven component to be in co-axial alignment with the drive component. The drive component includes a shaft or a mandrel having a driving shank formed or provided on one end thereof. The driving shank has a non-circular cross-section formed or defined by three or more curved and planar sidewalls. The number of sidewalls preferably includes three, four or six sidewalls, for engaging with a non-circular cavity of the driven component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Peters
  • Publication number: 20110083535
    Abstract: A two-section tool joint comprises a first rod, an engaging element, a second rod and a limiting element. The two-section tool joint utilizes an elastic engaging structure to obtain an engaging effect during a multi-angle screwing/unscrewing operation, meanwhile, the tool joint can be fixed stably, avoiding the retraction of the tool joint and reducing the difficultly and inconvenience of the screwing/unscrewing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei SU
  • Publication number: 20110017029
    Abstract: A hand tool comprises a shaft including a first coupled portion; a double-ended joint including a second coupled portion coupled to the first coupled portion and a third coupled portion; wherein the double-ended joint is pivotable with respect to the shaft between first and second positions; an interconnecting member including a fourth coupled portion coupled to the third coupled portion and a mounted portion; and wherein the interconnecting member is pivotable with respect to the double-ended joint between first and second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Tsai-Ching Chen
  • Publication number: 20100294092
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a body having a receptacle. An adapter includes a shoulder, a head, and a neck interconnecting the head and the shoulder. The head engages with an inner periphery of the receptacle, allowing joint rotation of the adapter and the body. The head is slideably received in the receptacle between first and second positions. A C-clip is received in a retaining groove in the inner periphery of the receptacle. When the head is in the first position, the shoulder is received in the receptacle, the C-clip distends and clamps the shoulder to keep the adapter to be coaxial to the body. When the head is in the second position, the shoulder is outside of the receptacle, the C-clip abuts an outer periphery of the head, and the head is rotatable to a position such that the adapter is at an angle to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100170368
    Abstract: A universal joint includes a coupling member having an end for coupling with a tool. A body includes a rounded base pivotably mounted to the other end of the coupling member. The body further includes a drive column spaced from the rounded base along an axis. A reinforcing section is intermediate the rounded base and the drive column. The reinforcing section includes an outer periphery having a recessed portion with a receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis. A control member is moveably received in the receptacle to control coupling of the drive column and an object to be driven. In any case, a spacing from an outer end of the control member to the axis in the radial direction is substantially not larger than a spacing from the outer periphery of the reinforcing section to the axis in the radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7726919
    Abstract: A machine tool includes a driver, a tool holder, and a locking device in the form of, for example, an alignment collar. In use, the machine tool carries a tool, such as a surface refinishing bit, which may be lowered into a workpiece bore, such as a cylinder head valve seat, and subsequently rotated by a machine spindle for resurfacing the bore. The machine tool receives a pilot shaft placed in a reference bore associated with the workpiece bore. The pilot shaft functions to ensure general alignment of the machine tool cutting axis and the refinishing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Rottler Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Brooks Rottler, Anthony R C Usher, Ranjit (Robin) Chera, Andrew Rottler
  • Publication number: 20100031784
    Abstract: An extension device for a socket member may include a ratchet member, a first U-joint member connecting the ratchet member and the socket member, a first sleeve member for connecting the ratchet member and the socket member to inhibit the operation of the first U-joint member. The sleeve member may include a threaded connection to the ratchet member, and the U-joint member may include a first ball and socket member. The U-joint member may include a first central shaft member, and the first central shaft member may radially rotate on a first traverse shaft member. The traverse shaft member may be connected to a first pair of arms, and the first arms may be connected to the socket member. The extension device may include a second U-joint member, and the extension device may include a second sleeve member to inhibit the operation of the second U-joint member. The second sleeve member may include a threaded connection, and the second U-joint member may include a second ball and socket member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Johnxing Situ
  • Patent number: 7597031
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a tool stem having a non-circular spatial engaging member and having one or more flat surfaces, a tool shank having a non-circular socket opening and having one or more curved surfaces for pivotally receiving the spatial engaging member of the tool stem and for allowing the tool shank to be selectively tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool stem. A control ferrule is slidably engaged onto the tool shank and slidable and engageable onto the tool stem for retaining the tool shank in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool stem and for preventing the tool shank from being tilted relative to the tool stem to other angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: Wen Hung Chiang
  • Publication number: 20090173191
    Abstract: A universal joint includes first and second parts interconnected by a coupling element, and a coupling mechanism for detachably engaging tool attachments such as sockets. The disclosed coupling mechanisms include an engaging element and an actuating element. The engaging element can include a pin, and the pin can be oriented either obliquely or longitudinally in the drive stud of the universal joint. The actuating element can include a collar and a central portion that crosses the central longitudinal axis of the drive stud. The central portion can be offset along the longitudinal axis toward the coupling element, and the actuating element can be configured to extend into an aperture formed by the coupling element and the second part of the universal joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: John B. Davidson, C. Robert Moon
  • Patent number: 7481136
    Abstract: A tool device includes a shaft having a noncircular socket opening for slidably and tiltably receiving a three-dimensional engaging member of a tool member for allowing the tool member to be tilted relative to the shaft to different angular position, and the shaft includes an engaging hole for receiving a driven member, a control ferrule may retain the shaft in line with the tool member, and a sleeve includes a non-circular opening for engaging with another driven member, the sleeve is rotatable in concert with the shaft for allowing the driven members of different diameters or dimensions to be selectively rotated or driven by the shaft and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hsin Ying Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 7430943
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a tool stem having a non-circular spatial engaging member and having one or more flat surfaces, a tool shank having a non-circular socket opening and having one or more curved surfaces for pivotally receiving the spatial engaging member of the tool stem and for allowing the tool shank to be selectively tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool stem. A control ferrule is slidably engaged onto the tool shank and slidable and engageable onto the tool stem for retaining the tool shank in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool stem and for preventing the tool shank from being tilted relative to the tool stem to other angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hsin Ying Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Hung Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080168868
    Abstract: An assistant connector for a tool comprises a connecting member, a transmission member and a positioning sleeve. The connecting member is provided with a first engaging sleeve on one end thereof, an engaging section on the other end thereof and a pivot head extending from the engaging section. The pivot head is inserted in one end of a pivot groove of the transmission member provided with a second engaging sleeve on the other end thereof, for forming a freely rotary relationship. In the periphery of the transmission member are formed with a first and a second annular grooves for engaging with a C-shaped ring, respectively. The positioning sleeve formed with a first and a second annular positioning grooves in the inner surface thereof mounts on the transmission member. Thereby, it can meet the requirements of a straight-pole operational mode and a rotary operational mode, achieving simple and convenient operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Min-Li Yang
  • Patent number: 7363839
    Abstract: A driving tool includes a tool stem having a non-circular spatial engaging member and having one or more flat surfaces, a tool shank having a non-circular socket opening and having one or more curved surfaces for pivotally receiving the spatial engaging member of the tool stem and for allowing the tool shank to be selectively tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool stem. A control ferrule is slidably engaged onto the tool shank and slidable and engageable onto the tool stem for retaining the tool shank in line with the longitudinal axis of the tool stem and for preventing the tool shank from being tilted relative to the tool stem to other angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hsin Ying Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 7278342
    Abstract: A tool connecting device includes a tool mount having a non-circular socket opening for receiving a non-circular spatial engaging member of a tool shank to allow the tool shank to be selectively tilted relative to the tool mount to different angular position. An anchoring device may selectively anchor the tool shank and the tool mount together to retain the tool shank in line with the tool mount and to prevent the tool shank from being tilted relative to the tool mount to other angular positions. A magnetic member may attract the spatial engaging member of the tool shank to the tool mount. An actuating device may actuate a projection to detachably secure a tool member to the tool shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Sheng Ming Chang