Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle or shank
Reexamination Certificate
2002-06-24
2003-04-22
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle or shank
C081S438000, C081S180100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06550358
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to socket wrenches and hexagonal wrenches and, more particularly, to an hexagonal wrench socket adapter.
2. Description of the Related Art
As anyone who performs a lot of mechanical work will attest, nothing beats having the proper tool for a job. The proper tool can save time, save money, produce a higher quality job, reduce damage to equipment, and provide for the increased safety of the worker. One tool that is found in many lines of work is that of the Allen wrench. These “L” shaped wrenches are used on Allen bolts to remove or tighten them. Their design however is prone to several problems. First, they are held in one's hand, making their applications limited in confined areas where one cannot get their hand. Secondly, their short handle length makes it difficult to apply even a moderate amount of leverage to remove or tighten stubborn Allen bolts.
Numerous attempts have been made to correct for the foregoing. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No.
Inventor
Issue Date
6,092,441
Jarvis
Jul. 25, 2000
5,992,625
Loiselle
Nov. 30, 1999
5,394,984
Aiba
Mar. 7, 1995
5,287,775
Moore
Feb. 22, 1994
4,892,632
Barmore
Jan. 8, 1991
4,767,006
Wasem
Aug. 30, 1988
4,750,750
Batalorf, Jr.
Jun. 14, 1988
4,101,025
Jordan
Jul. 18, 1978
3,997,053
Bondhus
Dec. 14, 1976
2,810,472
Midkiff
Jul. 20, 1956
D 433,613
Jialin
Nov. 14, 2000
D 415,403
Sterpka et al
Oct. 19, 1999
D 373,943
Fehrman
Sep. 24, 1996
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a socket adapter for connection to a hexagonal wrench in a manner that provides for increased leverage and torque, works in tight spaces, and can be used with any tool with a square socket connection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved socket wrench adapter.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved hexagonal wrench socket adapter.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that allows the use of a standard ratchet wrench on the “L” shaped Allen wrenches. With a square drive on one end, the end which normally goes over a bolt or nut has a slotted design which fits over the “L” shaped end of an Allen wrench. The invention then provides increased leverage and control to remove or tighten stubborn Allen bolts and also protects the user's hands from sudden slippage and associated rapped knuckles.
An advantage of the present invention is that it allows use of an Allen wrench in confined quarters where it is difficult or impossible to get one's hand on the wrench.
The use of the present invention further provides users of Allen wrenches an extra leverage of power and torque in tight locations in a manner which is not only quick, easy and effective, but safe as well.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2810472 (1957-10-01), Midkiff
patent: 3997053 (1976-12-01), Bondhus
patent: 4101025 (1978-07-01), Jordan
patent: 4750750 (1988-06-01), Batalorf, Jr.
patent: 4767006 (1988-08-01), Wasem
patent: 4982632 (1991-01-01), Barmore
patent: 5287775 (1994-02-01), Moore
patent: 5394984 (1995-03-01), Aiba
patent: D373943 (1996-09-01), Fuhrmann
patent: D415403 (1999-10-01), Sterpka et al.
patent: 5992625 (1999-11-01), Loiselle
patent: 6092441 (2000-07-01), Jarvis
patent: D433613 (2000-11-01), Jialin
Gugliotta John D.
Shakeri Hadi
Smith James G.
York, III Olen L.
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