Socket Reducers Patents (Class 81/185)
  • Patent number: 12272918
    Abstract: An electrical connector installation tool for electrical connectors that include a main body and a screw-on end cap. The electrical connector installation tool includes a separate end cap tool and main body tool. The end cap tool and the main body tool may be structured to be hand gripped and hand turned around the tool body. To accommodate different electrical connectors of different sizes or different types, the end cap tool may include a pair of end cap sockets positioned on opposite ends of a hollow interior within the end cap tool. The end cap sockets may be sized and shaped to receive and turn screw-on end caps of different sizes. For example, one end cap socket could be sized and shaped to accommodate MC4 electrical connectors while the other end cap socket could accommodate H4 electrical connectors with larger screw-on end caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Inventor: Kevin King
  • Patent number: 12251794
    Abstract: A fastener driver includes a shank and a socket. The socket includes a first engagement portion with a first fastener and a second engagement portion engageable with a second fastener. The first fastener is different than the second fastener. The socket is movable relative to the shank between a first position, in which the first engagement portion is usable to engage the first fastener, and a second position, in which the second engagement portion is usable to engage the second fastener. The socket is movable between the first and second positions without physically separating the socket from the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2025
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: John J. Springer, Kailyn M. Longueville, Carter A. Gibson
  • Patent number: 12226864
    Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a workpiece has a frame and a supporting field consisting of end faces of a plurality of supporting pins which are guided parallel to one another in their main extension directions in the frame and which can each be pushed in against a restoring force with respect to the frame. Further, the apparatus has a detection device including a light barrier in order to detect relative positions of at least some of the supporting pins with respect to the frame. A light source and a light sensor of the light barrier are facing one another across the main extension directions of the supporting pins. The light source is divided into a plurality of sub-sources along one side of the supporting field, and the light sensor is divided into a plurality of sub-sensors along another side situated opposite the aforementioned side of the supporting field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2025
    Assignee: Matrix GmbH Spannsysteme und Produktionsautomatisierung
    Inventor: Joachim Schwenk
  • Patent number: 12134168
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of accessories for use with impact drivers that are useful for removing a valve seat from a fitting. The device has a first end, a second end and a central body portion. The first end has a shaft that allows the device to be attached to the chuck of an impact driver or drill. The second end has a head that can be placed within a valve seat. Once inserted into the valve seat, the impact driver or drill can be used to spin the device to remove the valve seat from the surrounding fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Inventor: Zachary Zufelt
  • Patent number: 11969872
    Abstract: A multifunctional hand tool has a grip and a metal working rod. The grip has an assembly hole. A polygonal coupling part is disposed on the assembly hole has. The metal working rod has two action sections, each action section has a polygonal portion, and each polygonal portion has an insertion hole. When one of the two action sections is inserted in the assembly hole, one of the two polygonal portions is engaged with the polygonal coupling part, the other action section is assembled to a suitable tool head, and a torque exerting element may be used to exert torque to the other polygonal portion or the insertion hole thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to provide versatility by having interchangeable tool heads on a top end and a bottom end of the metal working rod, and increasing torque on the top end and the bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: YIH CHENG FACTORY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 11931868
    Abstract: A wrench head for a universal wrench is disclosed that may include a housing having an upper portion and a lower portion. The wrench head may further include a base plate positioned inside the housing towards the upper portion of the housing, and a plurality of push-rods positioned inside the housing. The wrench head may further include a resilient member positioned inside the housing between the base plate and the distal end of each of the plurality of push-rods. In the default position, the resilient member biases each of the plurality of push-rods, and in the retracted position, the proximal end of each of the plurality of push-rods is pushed against the resilient member to be received along with a portion of the resilient member by a compartment of the plurality of compartments defined at the bottom surface of the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: L&T TECHNOLOGY SERVICES LIMITED
    Inventor: Shubham Shrivastava
  • Patent number: 11897090
    Abstract: A tool including a wrench attached to an elongate shaft to open and close a subterranean stop and waste valve. The wrench may be removably coupled to the shaft by way of an attach mechanism. Sometimes, the attach mechanism can be configured to couple with the distal end of a commercially available valve actuation tool. The instant tool can couple with the actuating handle of the stop and waste valve at a plurality of orientations of the tool's handle with respect to the valve's handle. A preferred wrench includes anti-stiction structure to facilitate insertion and retraction of the wrench with respect to an access port for the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Inventor: Peter H. Hines
  • Patent number: 11865677
    Abstract: Various wrenches, wrench systems, and methods of the present invention include inner and outer mouths that provide increased strength and utility. The inner mouth may be configured with an open or a closed end to receive removable open or closed end gears and perform ratcheting action when the gear seated in the inner mouth and engaged and a rotational force is applied to the gear via the wrench. The outer mouth may prevent the gear from disengaging from the inner mouth when the inner mouth is installed in the outer mouth and provide structural strength to the inner mouth when force is applied to the gear via the wrench. Various embodiments include a handle and a head, where the head includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, or belt, forming a mouth configured to receive removable open or closed end gears and perform ratcheting action when a fitting is engaged by the gear positioned in the mouth and rotational force is applied to the fitting via the gear and the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Jeffrey Dean MacDonald
  • Patent number: 11607781
    Abstract: An attaching and detaching tool for removing a flywheel connected to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine using a nut, in which the flywheel is removed by pulling the flywheel with an axial force generated in the nut when the nut is loosened, is provided. A socket wrench is coupled to a nut connected to a crankshaft and a flywheel is coupled to a puller assembled to the socket wrench via a bolt, and then the socket wrench is rotated while the rotation of the puller is stopped by a spinner handle, whereby the nut is loosened and the flywheel is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Usui
  • Patent number: 11597062
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of socket adaptors for retaining impact sockets to impact tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Inventor: Gary Raymond Krupey
  • Patent number: 11396087
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench main body provided at an end thereof with a through hole, wherein a ratchet wheel is disposed, which is provided from top to bottom thereof in order with an upper ratchet portion, an upper annular groove, a middle ratchet portion, a lower annular groove and a lower ratchet portion. The upper and lower ratchet portions both protrude out of the through hole. The middle ratchet portion is located in the through hole. Two retainers are respectively disposed in the upper and lower annular grooves located out of the through hole, for retaining the ratchet wheel in the through hole. As a result, in the ratchet wrench of the present invention, the wrench main body doesn't need much processing, thereby improved in processing convenience. Besides, the installation of the members is convenient and firm, thereby benefiting the operation of the ratchet wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Chih-Min Chang
  • Patent number: 11311985
    Abstract: A shifting device includes a sleeve module and a shifting member movably disposed in the sleeve module. The sleeve module has a through hole. The through hole is divided into a first hole region, a buffering region, and a second hole region. The shifting member includes a third operating section and a fourth operating section. The shifting member is movable between a first position and a second position. The fourth operating section of the shifting member is situated in the buffering region when the shifting member assumes the first position, and the second hole region and the third working hole are adapted to turn a fastening member. The third operating section of the shifting member is situated in the buffering region when the shifting member assumes the second position, and the first hole region and the fourth working hole are adapted to turn the fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: HUA WEI TOOLS CO.
    Inventor: Zhong-Song Li
  • Patent number: 11203098
    Abstract: A torque tool to remove a sensor body includes a substantially circular base, the base having a substantially hexagonal interior extending away from the circular base, the circular base having an exterior that extends into an outer hexagonal body; and an elongated opening extending from a rim of the base to the hexagonal interior, wherein each tip of the hexagon interior has a corner relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Hurley
  • Patent number: 11179786
    Abstract: A pipe cutting machine, which includes a hole-type movable cutting die (6b), which is driven by a drive lever (7), by means of which circular movements with a continuously variable stroke (h) can be performed, an eccentrically shaped crank pin bearing (26) in an outer shaft (18), in which a crank pin (11), which is arranged eccentrically on a crank pin drive (23), is movably supported in relation to the outer shaft (18), the crank pin (11) being in operative connection with the drive lever (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Rattunde AG
    Inventor: Ulrich Rattunde
  • Patent number: 11090782
    Abstract: A socket is provided, including a first member, a second member and a third member. The second member is movably inserted within the first member. The third member is movably sleeved with the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Shin Ying Entpr Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wen-Hung Chiang
  • Patent number: 10953521
    Abstract: An accessory driver tool connectable to a power tool includes a main body and a sleeve. The main body includes a first end, a second end, a tool coupling mechanism at the first end, and a first fastener driving member disposed at the second end. The sleeve, disposed concentrically about the main body, includes a second fastener driving member disposed adjacent the second end of the main body. The sleeve is axially displaceable along the main body between a retracted position, in which the first fastener driving member is exposed to engage a first fastener, and an extended position, in which the second fastener driving member is exposed to engage a second fastener. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the main body while in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Zimmermann, Smith C. Theiler
  • Patent number: 10549411
    Abstract: A universal tool which can be a screwdriver, wrench, pliers, or any other tool. The tool can operate on an object (e.g., a screw, bolt, etc.) of any shape because of a set of pins that can mold to match a shape of the object. For example, a same universal screwdriver has pegs which mold themselves to match a shape of a slotted screw head or mold themselves to match a shape of a philips screw head. A user of the universal screwdriver can then turn such screw by turning the universal screwdriver in a standard fashion. When the universal screwdriver is removed from the object, then the pegs automatically revert themselves to a default position so a different shaped screw head can then be operated on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Alexander Berman
  • Patent number: 10442063
    Abstract: A self-forming socket assembly includes a socket having an operational end and a connection end. A recess is defined in the operational end and a passage is defined in the connection end and communicates with the recess. A board is rested on a shoulder in the recess and includes a central hole and multiple bores. Each bore has a gripping pin retractably inserted therein, and includes a polygonal section. A bit movably extends through the passage of the socket and the central hole of the board. The bit is positioned in the central hole of the board or positioned to protrude beyond the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Ming-Cheng Wu
  • Patent number: 10093001
    Abstract: A right-angle socket for ratchet tools includes a hexagonal drive port adapted to receive interchangeable interface fittings, or adapters, which accept ratchet drives from various styles of ratchets. The interface fitting journals within and coaxial with the hexagonal drive port and is held in place by a keeper such as a spring ball. A coaxial port within the interface fitting accepts one type of conventional ratchet drive, such as a square drive, of selected size commonly available. Other interface fittings accept other types of ratchet drives, such as pass-through drives. The interface fitting may be inserted from either side of the socket and includes a circumferential groove that receives the keeper to hold the interface fitting axially affixed within the hexagonal port. Both single and double-sided interface fittings are provided, as well as swivel fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Brent Louis Hock
  • Patent number: 9731406
    Abstract: A socket assembly includes an outer socket, an inner socket mounted in the outer socket, and an intermediate socket mounted in the outer socket. The outer socket has a plurality of drive blocks and a plurality of retaining grooves. The inner socket includes a first base, a plurality of first driving sections, and a plurality of first openings. The intermediate socket includes a second base, a plurality of second driving sections, and a plurality of second openings. Thus, the inner diameter defined between the first driving sections is smaller than that defined between the second driving sections by 2 mm, and the inner diameter defined between the second driving sections is smaller than that defined between the drive blocks by 2 mm, so that the inner socket, the intermediate socket and the outer socket co-operate to operate three successive sizes of nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Plus Craft Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Timmy Chen
  • Patent number: 9636806
    Abstract: A nut driver for driving nuts of various sizes includes an elongated housing with opposing driver and handle ends. The driver end is open and assumes a largest size. A rigid collar and plunger are fixed about the housing and positioned at any of a number of selectable radial positions, each of which is associated with a different nut size. A plurality of nested sockets are each slidably movable by the plunger between forward and rearward positions. Each socket has a foot adapted for contacting the plunger at one of the selectable radial positions. The elongated housing is preferably separated into two sections, including a handle and a two-sided socket mechanism that includes two opposing driver ends each having sockets of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Mike Zwiesler
  • Patent number: 9597724
    Abstract: A wire twisting tool provides a rotatable jaw housing defining an interior cavity and a housing slot shaped for receiving one or more strands of wire. One or more jaw members are disposed in the interior cavity of the jaw housing. The jaw housing is generally rotatable relative at least one jaw member. At least one jaw member advances inwardly during jaw housing rotation and is operable to engage the wire. One or more jaw members can be rotated simultaneously with the jaw housing for twisting the wire. Methods of twisting wire using a wire twisting tool are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jon R. Kodi
  • Patent number: 9573252
    Abstract: A nut driver for driving a nut within a range of nut sizes includes a housing. An open driver end thereof assumes a largest size of the nut sizes, and a selector end thereof terminates in a rotational knob that is positionable at any of a number of selectable radial positions. A cam is rotationally fixed with the knob and within the housing and terminates at a forward end with a selector ramp. A plurality of plungers are each slidably fixed within the housing and at a rear end thereof engage the selector ramp. Each plunger terminates at a forward end at a notched socket selector. A plurality of nested sockets each assume one of the different nut sizes and are slidably movable by at least one of the elongated plungers between a forward position within the open driver end of the housing and a rearward position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: David M. Lee, Uttaran Hazarika
  • Patent number: 9511483
    Abstract: A hollow shaped socket insert adapter rotatively driven by a single socket driver for tightening, loosing, and removing various sizes of nuts/bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: James W. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9283661
    Abstract: An impact socket includes a socket body having a first end configured to mount to a drive shaft of an impact wrench and an opposing second end, the socket body defining at least one socket body fastener driving structure at the second end. The impact socket includes a collar assembly carried by the socket body, the collar assembly defining at least one collar assembly fastener driving structure. The collar assembly is configured to move linearly between (i) a first position relative to the socket body where a distal end of the collar assembly extends beyond a distal end of the socket body and (ii) a second position where the distal end is disposed at least equidistant to the second end of the socket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Lowell Corporation
    Inventors: David S. Cummings, Derek Silsby, Paul Carnes
  • Patent number: 9205537
    Abstract: A detachable ratchet wrench spanner made accordance with the present invention includes a spanner body, a ratchet gear, a retaining collar, and a locking device. The spanner body includes a first surface, a second surface, and a through hole extending from the first surface to the second surface, and an annual recess defined within an inner wall of the through hole. A ratchet gear is rotationally disposed within the through hole. And a retaining collar is attached to a first opening of the through hole located on the first surface. The retaining collar includes a blocking ring and an anchor and a retainer extending from the blocking ring, wherein the blocking ring is located within the through hole, and the anchor is disposed within the annual recess of the spanner body, and the retainer is engaged to the spanner body with a locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Chih-Min Chang
  • Patent number: 9169667
    Abstract: A rekeying tool for a lock having a lock body, cylinder, upper and lower tumbler pins and upper springs, includes a cylindrically elongated follower having opposing ends. At least one of the ends is hollow and has a V-shaped or U-shaped groove. A cylindrically elongated solid piston having a corresponding V-shaped or U-shaped groove at an end is resiliently positioned in the hollow end of the follower. The solid piston includes a cut-through channel and a pin. The pin extends a cross-section of the hollow end of the follower and passing though the cut-through channel to guide reciprocating travel of the piston from an inwardmost position to an outwardmost extension. The V-shaped or U-shaped groove of the solid piston is substantially aligned with the corresponding V-shaped or U-shaped groove of the hollow end of the follower when the piston is at the outwardmost extension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventor: Louis A. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 8893372
    Abstract: A tool assembly for a rotary hammer is provided. The tool assembly includes an adapter and a drive socket removably mounted on the adapter. The adapter has a first end portion configured to be held by a chuck of the rotary hammer and a second end portion that includes a socket square drive fitting on which the drive socket is removably mounted. The socket drive fitting can have any suitable size. For example, the socket drive fitting can be a ¼ inch, a ? inch, a ½ inch, or a ¾ inch square drive fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: George Fanourgiakis, Henry H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8893365
    Abstract: A tool assembly for a rotary hammer is provided. The tool assembly includes an adapter and a drive socket removably mounted on the adapter. The adapter has a first end portion configured to be held by a chuck of the rotary hammer and a second end portion that includes a socket square drive fitting on which the drive socket is removably mounted. The socket drive fitting can have any suitable size. For example, the socket drive fitting can be a ¼ inch, a ? inch, a ½ inch, or a ¾ inch square drive fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: George Fanourgiakis, Henry H. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8857300
    Abstract: A joint recognition member is revealed. The joint recognition member includes a joint body formed by a cylinder connected with a polygonal prism. A polygonal hole with a magnet part is set on the cylinder so as to attract driver bits by magnetic force. The device features on that: a narrow neck part with a ring groove is arranged at one end of the cylinder near the polygonal prism. The ring is wrapped around the narrow neck part and outside diameter of the ring is no smaller than that of the cylinder. A protruding ring on the ring is mounted and moved freely in the ring groove. An outer surface of the ring is labeled with words such as size. According to the corresponding polygonal hole, the ring has different shapes and sizes in various colors for fast recognition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Rote Mate Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying-Tsung Lai
  • Publication number: 20140251092
    Abstract: A hollow shaped socket insert adapter rotatively driven by a single socket driver for tightening, loosing, and removing various sizes of nuts/bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: JAMES W. TAYLOR, JR.
  • Patent number: 8752455
    Abstract: A hollow shaped socket insert adapter rotatively driven by a single socket driver for tightening, loosing, and removing various sizes of nuts/bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventor: James W. Taylor, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120210830
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dimension reducing flange equipped nut insert (2) to quickly and safely releasably insertion in a tool head (1) of an hydraulic wrench. The invention is characterized by at least two inserts (3) of a magnetic material intended to, at a mounted position of the insert, come to a close position towards magnetisable portions of the tool head (1) in such a way to allow a magnetic flow between the parts and exert a retaining action between the nut socket insert (2) and the tool head (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MOMENTO AB
    Inventor: Lars-Erik Rundquist
  • Patent number: 7886637
    Abstract: A universal socket that forms around a fastener to drive the fastener received by the universal socket generally includes a socket housing including a circumferential wall that defines a chamber having an inner periphery and an opening. The inner periphery extends through the socket housing along a longitudinal axis. A plurality of pin members is operable to be disposed in the chamber. A plate member has a first surface and a second surface that define through holes formed between the first and second surfaces. The through holes accommodate a cross-sectional diameter of a middle portion of the pin members but each of the through holes is too small to accommodate a cross-sectional diameter of a first end portion of the pin members. The plate member is operable to connect in the chamber to hold the plurality of pin members in the socket housing. A plurality of pin cap members includes frangible connections with an adjacent pin cap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Campbell, Marco Alessandro Mattucci, Robert H. Gifford
  • Patent number: 7587962
    Abstract: A ratcheting handle having a ratchet device, an asymmetrical, triangular-shaped grip, and a tool adapter connected to the grip by the ratchet device, and a selector for changing the ratcheting direction of the ratchet device. The selector has a cylindrical wall that surrounds the tool adapter, guides the tool into engagement with the tool adapter, and stabilizes the tool when the grip is being rotated. The tool may be a conventional socket tool or a universal socket tool having a plurality of pins that are closely packed in parallel to each other and which move in accordance with the size of the fastener. The grip includes a first gripping portion extending below the rotational axis of the ratchet device and a second gripping portion extending above the rotational axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Inventors: Joel S. Marks, Stephen Quick
  • Patent number: 7454998
    Abstract: A socket assembly includes an outer part and an inner part which is inserted in the outer part. A flange extends radially outward from an end of the inner part and is mounted on an end of the outer part. The outer part is made by steel and the inner part is made by aluminum. A positioning device is located between the outer part and the inner part. The positioning device includes a plurality of grooves defined in an inner periphery of the outer part and a plurality of ribs extend from an outer periphery of the inner part. The ribs are engaged with the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20080271578
    Abstract: A ratcheting handle having a ratchet device, an asymmetrical, triangular-shaped grip, and a tool adapter connected to the grip by the ratchet device, and a selector for changing the ratcheting direction of the ratchet device. The selector has a cylindrical wall that surrounds the tool adapter, guides the tool into engagement with the tool adapter, and stabilizes the tool when the grip is being rotated. The tool may be a conventional socket tool or a universal socket tool having a plurality of pins that are closely packed in parallel to each other and which move in accordance with the size of the fastener. The grip includes a first gripping portion extending below the rotational axis of the ratchet device and a second gripping portion extending above the rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: ENDEAVOR TOOL CO.
    Inventors: Joel S. Marks, Stephen Quick
  • Publication number: 20080163727
    Abstract: An open end wrench includes a body portion including an elongated longitudinal portion defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior space, and an arcuate first jaw portion fixed to one end of the elongated portion; a second arcuate jaw portion pivotally attached to the arcuate first jaw portion and defining a gripping space therebetween for receiving a fastener, said second arcuate jaw portion being pivotally movable between a gripping condition for gripping the fastener when the wrench is turned in one direction and an non-gripping condition for permitting the arcuate second jaw portion to slip around the fastener without gripping when the wrench is turned in an opposite direction; and (c) resilient means longitudinally oriented and positioned in the interior space of the longitudinal portion of the body for biasing the second jaw portion into the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Tony O. Darien
  • Patent number: 7334506
    Abstract: A socket includes an inner lining detachably formed in an inner hole within the socket, with the inner lining formed therein with a differentially-sized torque recess including at least a large hexagonal hole defining a large diagonal distance (D1) between two diagonal points of the large hexagonal hole and a small hexagonal hole gradationally contracted inwardly from the large hexagonal hole and defining a small diagonal distance (D2) between two diagonal points of the small hexagonal hole, so that each inner lining may be provided for selectively engaging at least two differently-sized nuts (or bolts) for convenient and economic torquing purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: David Hui
  • Patent number: 7305909
    Abstract: The present application is directed to adjustable wrenches. In one embodiment, the open-ended wrench includes a head with a opening sized to receive workpieces. One or more shims are attached in an adjustable manner within the opening to alter the width of the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Arthur Bollinger
  • Patent number: 7290469
    Abstract: A heavy duty, large self-forming socket having a plurality of retractable gripping pins bundled in parallel and held in a frame within a housing is disclosed. The frame is positioned axially within the housing by radially extending, elongated hold elements that are positioned circumferentially around the housing. Slots in the housing exterior allow efficient inspection of the position of holes into which the hold elements are installed. A collar with shelf around the center pin protects the bias spring for the pin from over-compression. The gripping pins may be held to the frame by spring clips and/or a resilient O-ring. An adaptor is attached wherein a secondary operation is used to remove the adaptor from the square end of the socket. The self-forming socket is well suited for use with valves and controls for water, gas, sewage conduits and piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventors: Maynard A. Walters, Joel S. Marks, Stephen Quick
  • Patent number: 7243579
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the use of tools on underground pipeline systems including a socket having a polygonal open end, a pliable socket insert having a polygonal outer circumference corresponding to the polygonal socket opening adapted to fit snugly into the polygonal opening and flush with the open end of the socket and a locking device by which the socket insert is maintained within the socket during use. The socket insert is provided with a plurality of pliant inwardly extending projections which deform to the size and geometry of the tool to be employed when the socket is pressed onto the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Frank Hennessey, Dennis Jarnecke, John Steven Roxworthy, Angie Wood
  • Patent number: 7150209
    Abstract: A multifunctional hexagonal driver includes a driver section that has a plurality of unique driver heads having various sizes for engaging fasteners. The driver further includes a mechanism for securing the driver heads to the housing and a mechanism for adapting the driver heads between extended and retracted positions. A handle section has a bore formed therein for effectively receiving the driver section therein. Such a handle section includes a sleeve slidably positionable thereover and an elongated socket formed at a proximal end portion of the handle section. The socket includes a ball bearing extending radially and inwardly therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventors: Larry A. Loomis, Thomas E. Evans
  • Patent number: 7125010
    Abstract: A work piece holding arrangement (10) includes an array of engagement elements (12) for engaging a work piece. The arrangement (10) also includes an actuator (34) for moving a plurality of the engagement elements (12) into engagement with the work piece, and a deformable clamping member (26) to clamp the engagement elements (12). The clamping member (26) is deformable between a clamping condition in which at least some of the engagement elements (12) are engaged by the clamping member (26) and clamped in respective positions, and a non-clamping condition in which the engagement elements (12) can move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: John Moore, Nabil Gindy
  • Patent number: 6948407
    Abstract: A box end wrench includes an annular flange extending from a first side thereof and an inner diameter is larger than a maximum inner diameter of the box end. A compressible member is engaged with a second side of the box end and can be compressed by an object engaged with the box end. The compressible member pushes the object from the toothed inner periphery of the box end to a space enclosed by the annular flange, so that the object is retained in the box end while the handle of the wrench is allowed to be rotated in counter clockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6928906
    Abstract: A heavy duty, large self-forming socket having a plurality of retractable gripping pins bundled in parallel and held in a frame within a housing is disclosed. The frame is positioned axially within the housing by radially extending, elongated hold elements that are positioned circumferentially around the housing. Slots in the housing exterior allow efficient inspection of the position of holes into which the hold elements are installed. A collar with shelf around the center pin protects the bias spring for the pin from over-compression. The gripping pins may be held to the frame by spring clips. An adaptor is attached wherein a secondary operation is used to remove the adaptor from the square end of the socket. The self-forming socket is well suited for use with valves and controls for water, gas, sewage conduits and piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: WorkTools, Inc.
    Inventor: Joel S. Marks
  • Patent number: 6901824
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench structure includes a wrench body, a ratchet wheel, and a socket. The ratchet wheel has a center formed with a combination hole which has an inner periphery formed with a plurality of insertion ribs. Each of the insertion ribs of the ratchet wheel includes two first insertion faces located on the two opposite sides thereof, and a second insertion face located between the two first insertion faces. Thus, the ratchet wrench structure is available for sockets with sector-shaped and arcuate-shaped insertion recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Yu Tang Chen
  • Patent number: 6732615
    Abstract: A multiple-size nut driver comprising a socket portion and a handle connected to the socket portion for rotating the socket portion. The socket portion includes a plurality of concentric hexagonal sockets slidably mounted along a longitudinal axis of the driver. Each of the sockets slide between a forward operative position and a rearward retracted position. The handle includes a socket selector mounted behind the plurality of concentric hexagonal sockets. The socket selector holds a selected socket in the forward operative position while allowing unselected sockets to retract to the rearward retracted position. The selected socket is then placed over a nut, and turns the nut when the socket portion is rotated by the handle. Alternatively, the driver automatically selects the proper socket for a given nut by allowing sockets smaller than the nut to be retracted by the nut while the proper size socket and larger remain extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Richard Edward Layaou
  • Patent number: 6647831
    Abstract: An adaptor device includes an adaptor and a retainer. The adaptor includes a first end removably mounted in a box end of a wrench and a second end releasably engaged with an object such as a tool bit. The retainer is fixed to the first end of the adaptor and includes at least two resilient retaining sections on an outer periphery thereof. A slit is defined between two resilient retaining sections that are adjacent to each other. The resilient retaining sections abut against an edge of the box end of the wrench, thereby providing an engaging force between the resilient retaining sections and the edge of the box end that is greater than an engaging force between the adaptor and the tool bit. Thus, the tool bit can be disengaged from the adaptor without causing disengagement of the adaptor from the box end of the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 6637298
    Abstract: A socket mounted on the actuating handle of a socket wrench. The socket includes a hollow body member housing a number of individual sockets, which individual sockets can be moved inwards into the hollow body member to provide a socket of the correct size to engage a hexagonal bolt or nut. There is thus no longer the need to provide a number of sockets for placing on the socket wrench. The one socket will accommodate a large number of sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventors: Noel John O'Brien, Patrick Michael O'Brien