Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle or shank
Patent
1998-05-01
2000-05-16
Smith, James G.
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle or shank
811772, 403328, B25B 1300
Patent
active
060621125
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for coupling part of a male component to part of a female component which is equipped with a locking recess.
The present invention applies in particular to the coupling between an extension bar or a universal joint of a rotational-drive tool, for example a ratchet wrench, and another extension bar, an interchangeable socket or a universal joint for screwing/unscrewing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
In known coupling devices of the above type (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,864,466), the actuator is a ring mounted so that it can slide on the male component and is connected directly to the transmission means, which consists of a central rod, by a transverse pin. In order to allow the transmission of forces as well as movement, the pin passes through a diametral slot in the male component. The slot has to be long enough and wide enough to accommodate the pin, and this considerably weakens the male component.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a coupling device which is more robust than the known devices, while at the same time being reliable, comfortable to manipulate and not very sensitive to soiling.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a tool for driving in rotation, especially a rigid or flexible extension bar, universal joint, cranked, sliding or articulated handle, comprising a part of a male component. The distal end part of the tool is intended to fit into a part of a female component of a driving member, especially a socket, a universal joint or a rigid or flexible extension bar, equipped with a locking recess, the part of the male component comprising a coupling device as defined above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Several embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 depicts, in part sectional view, an extension bar in accordance with the present invention, associated with a socket and with a rotational-drive tool;
FIG. 2 depicts the extension bar shown in FIG. 1, with a distal end part thereof in section;
FIG. 3 depicts, in a longitudinal sectional view and on a larger scale, the distal end of the extension bar, with the coupling device in an at-rest or a locking position;
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, but with the coupling device in the unlocked position;
FIGS. 5 and 7 are views similar respectively to FIGS. 3 and 4, but corresponding to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a view taken in section on line VI--VI of FIG. 5;
FIGS. 8 and 10 are views similar respectively to FIGS. 3 and 4, but corresponding to a third embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a view taken in section on line IX--IX of FIG. 8;
FIGS. 11 and 13 are views similar respectively to FIGS. 3 and 4, but relating to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a view taken in section on line XII--XII of FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but corresponding to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 15 is a half view similar to the upper part of FIG. 4, but relating to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but corresponding to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 15 but relating to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a part view in axial section of a universal joint in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a part view taken along the direction of the arrow XIX of FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a part half view in section taken along line XX--XX of FIG. 18; and
FIGS. 21 to 23 are views respectively similar to FIGS. 18 and 20, of an alternative form of the universal joint.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIGS. 1 and 2 show an extension bar 1 which has an overall shape of a straight bar having an axis X--X, and is assumed to be horizontal for the convenience of the description. This extension bar is intended to interact, via its proximal or rear end (to th
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Facom
Smith James G.
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