Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Background of the Invention
This invention relates generally to the mechanical
tool art and more specifically concerns a tool for driving
sockets and the like wherein the tool has swivel points
along its length which enables the tool to take various
configurations, depending upon the torque and speed desired.
Many articles of manufacture are assembled with a large
number o~ securing articles, such as bolts/nuts and screws.
Often, the assembly of these articles, as well as their
partial or complete disassembly for inspection, maintenance
or repair, is a tedious and time consuming task. Examples
of such articles include the rear panel on many television
sets, aircraft panels and engine oil pans, all of which
use a large number of the same size nut/bolt combinations
or screws in their construction. Power driven tools are
available for such tasks, but they are expensive, and
cumbersome. Also, power may not be readily availabl~ in a
particular situation. There are also specialty tools, like
nut drivers, which provide some improvement, but even these
tools have proven to be too 810w for applications such as
those mentioned above.
Thus, there is a need for a simple, relatively in-
expensive, tool for rapid insertion and removal of nut~,
screws and the like which is easy to use and does not
require external electrical power.
Accordingly, it is a general o~ject of the pre~ent
invention to provide such a tool which overcome~ one or
more of the di~advantage~ of the prior art noted above.
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It is an object of the present invention to provide
such a tool which is capable of rapid removal of securing
articles such as nuts and screws.
It is another object of the present invention to
S provide such a tool which in com~ination with a socke~
can operate both as a conventional nut driver and as a
rapid nut driver.
It is an additional object of the present invention to
provide such a tool which, depending on the configuration
of the head or head attachment, i8 usaful with different
shaped nuts and certain types of screws.
It is a urther object of the present invention to
provide such a tool which is simple to operate, and can
be operated by hand.
It i8 yet another object o~ the present invention to
provide one embodiment of such a tool which can operate
both as a wrench extension and as a speed wrench.
It is another object of the present invention to
provide such a tool which has a variable speed and torque
capability.
Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 show~ a perspective view of one embodiment of
the invention with both swivel connections in their
~traight-through configu~ationO
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodim~nt of
Figure 1 showing both swivel connections in a 90 configurationO
`J
5~
. .
Figure 3 shows the ~r[bodiment of Fi~ure 1 with the
rear swivel connecticln in a 90 co~figu:ration.
Fiyure 4 shows ~he embodiment of Figure 1 with the
swivel connections in configurations which pPrmit rapid
rotation of the tool~
Figure 5 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 with the
swivel connectionR in a configuration which result~ in
lower speed ~ut higher torque capability.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment
of the present invention, showing one swivel connection
in a 90 configuration.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of
Figure 6, showing ~oth swivel connections in a 90 con-
figuration.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of
Figure 6, showing the swivel connection~ in a configuration
for rapid rotation of the tool.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third embodiment
o the present invention, showing both swivel connections
2~ in a straight-through configuration.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the embodiment
of Figure 9, with the swivel connections in a configuration
for rapid rotation of the tool.
Figure 11 i~ a per~pective view of a ~our~h embodiment
of the present invention, showing the swivel connections
in a straight-through configuration.
Figura 12 i~ a perspective view of the embodiment of
Figure 11, showing the ~wivel co~nections in a con~igura~ion
for rapid rotation of the tool.
Summary o the Invention
The present invention is a tool which in certain
embodiments can be used alone or in other embodiments
as an attachment for other tools. The tool includes an
elongated shank having two swivel-like connections a~
points along its length, which divides the shank into a
~ase seotion, a middle section and a head section. The
head section is adapted so that it can be joined to a nut
or sLm:ilar article in such a manner that rotation of the
10 head section causes a rotation of the nut. The head section
may be itself configured to ~e joined directly to the nut
or it may be configured to receive a socket or similar
means which in turn may be joined to the nut. The tool
is capable of being arranged into a ~irst operative con-
15 fi~uration in which the swivel-like connections are arranged
such that the shank is substantially straight, a second
opexative configuration in which the swivel connections are
arranged such that at least one o~ the sections of the shank
i8 at an angle ~elative to the others, and a third operative
20 configuration in which the swivel connections are arranged
such that the sections of the shank are all at angles
relative to each other.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Figures 1 through 5 show a firs embodim2nt o the
25 present invention. ~he first embodiment is similar in
appearance in one configuration (Figure 1) to a conYentional
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nut driver~ It includes a handle ll, and an elongated
shank 13, which has a head section 15 which is adapted to
receive various size sockets, one of which is shown b~ way
of example at 17. The shank 13 i5 removable from handle
ll, as shown most clearly in Figure 2. Shank 13
includes ears 19-19 near the rear end 21 thereof, which
mate with corresponding slotQ 20-20 in handle 11.
Handle ll includes a ratchet, so it rotates freely in
one direction, but not the other,on shank 13, depending
upon the position of select lever 23 at the end of the
handle. Handle 11 is a conventional item and may be
purchased as an off-the-shelf itam, or through catalogs
from various manufacturers.
~t the front end of head section 15 of shank 13 is
a square front head 25 which is adapted to receive sockets
17 of various sizes. Front head 25, however, may take
other configurations, either to receive other sockets,
or it may be itself configured into a socket form or other
tool head, such asa hex or phillips screwdriver head.
The shank 13 of the embodiment shown in Figure~ 1-5
i5 circular in cross-section,approximately 3/8" in diam~ter
and is approximately S 1/2 inches long, including the
portions which extend into handle 11 and socket 17. The
shank may be made from a number of dif~erent materials.
The material should be rigid, however, and fairly 3trong,
such as a steel alloy,
An important part of the present invention i~ the
swiv~l connections 27, 29 at two point~ along the length of
shank 13. The swivel connections 27 and 29 are in the
same plane, so that i~ both ~wivels are rotated as shown in
~ ~ ~5 ~ ~ ~
Figure 2, each s~cti~n of the shank 13 will ~till be in one
plane. The first swivel connection 27 is approximately
l inch from the front end of shank 13, while the second
swivel connectio~ 29 is at a point approximately 3 3/q
inches from the front end of shank 13. ~lthough ~he part-
icular dimensions of the sections of the shank are not
critical, it i8 important that the middle and base sections
be sufficiently long that the tool can be arranged in~o
the configuration of Figure 4 and proper rotational movement
of the tool, as described hereinafter, achieved.
Referring specifically now to Figure ~, shank 13
includes a middle section 33, and a handle or base ection
35, in addition to head section 15. Each end of the middle
section 33 includes a longitudinal slot which in the embodi-
lS ment shown ex~ends cross-sectionally through the shank.
Each slot is approximataly l/8" inch wide and 3/8" deep.
The two end ears on either side of each slot, e.g. ears
30 and 32 at the junction of head section 15 and middle
section 33, are rounded at their end edges.
Approximately central of each ear is located a hole
approximately l/8" in diameter which extends throu4h both
ears. In the embodiment shown, a projection from the front
end of the handle section 35 and a projection from the rea~
end of head section 15 is adapted to fit into the re&pective
slot~ of both ends of middle section 33. Each projection,
e.g. projection 36J extends across the full cross-~ectional
dimension of the shank, and i9 approximately as high ~s
its mating slot in the middle section is deep, and approx-
imately as wide as the slot~.
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The top o~ the projec ion is rounded. On either side
of the base of the projection and perpendicular thereto
is a flat surface which extends from the projection out
to the exterior surface o~ the shaft. ~lence, when the
middle section 33 is mated with the handle and head
sections, the ears of each end o~ the middle section 33
lie adjacent the pxojections from the mating ends o~ the
head and handle sections, and the rollnded top~ o the ears
are just adjacent the flat surfaces adjacent the projections.
Completing each swivel connection is a pin 3g which
extends through the two ears and a corresponding hole in
the mating projection. The pins are fitted and arranged
so as to permit rotation of the head and handle section~
relative to the middle sections.
Within each swivel connection is a frictional stop,
(not shown) which tend~ to hold shank 13 in a straight
line configuration, as shown in ~igure 1. The stop
comprises a spring loaded ball located in the bottom
surface of each slot of middle section 33. The ball
extends above the sur~ace a sllght di~tance, but can ~e
forced down to surface level. A detent is provided in
the top of each projection, which when mated with the
spring loaded ball tends to hold shank 13 in the con-
figuration of Figure 1. In this configuxation, the tool
may be used as a conventional nut driver, a~ the ~hank a~ a
whole will have su~ficient longitudinal xigidity to permit
the rotation of the ~ool by the user. The tool in such a
configuration may be inserted through ~mall opening~ and the
like to reach a nut. Application of a small amount of
s~
force is su~ficient, however, to urge the ball down,
releasing the swivel connection.
Figures 2 through 5 show the articlP in various
configurations. Figure 3, for instance, shows the
S swivel connection 27 in a ~traight-through configuration
and the swivel connection 29 at a 90 angle. In another
arrangement (not shown) the swivel connection 29 may k~
straight-through, and swivel connection ~7 at a 90
angle. Both are high torque configurations to be
used primarily when a nut or the like is to be initially
loosened or tightened.
Figures 2, 4 and 5 show swivel connection configurations
which are generally lower torque than the arrangement of
Figure 3. Figure 2 shows both swivel connections at gO
angles, in which configuration the tool may be used like a
crank, with a fairly high torque capability, and still a
somewhat low speed capability, although higher than that
~or Figure 3.
Figure 4 shows an arrangement of swivel connections
which maximizes speed capability, but results in a reduction
of torque capability over the configuration of Figure 3.
The arrangement of Figure 4 is a lazy Z, with th~ ~ottom
edge 38 of the handle 11 being approximately on the center-
line 40 of head portion 15. In thi~ position, the tool
may be rotated at a high ~peed with a simple wri~t action,
while the arm of the operator remain~ 3ubstantially steady.
The fit of the swivel joints i~ usually ~ufficiently
tight that when the tool is m~ved into the configuration
of Figure 4, it te~ds to remain in that configuration during
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rotation of the tool, as described below. This permits the
opexator to exert some longitudinal pressure along the
tool, insuring a good joining of the tool with the article,
i.e. nut, to be removed or inserted, without the tool
changin~ configuration. SwivPl connection 27 rotates in
place, rotating with it the socket 17, while swivel 29
describes a circle about centerline 40. The bottom edge
38 will also remain approximately on the centerline ~0.
The radius of the circle described by swivel connection
29 will depend upon the relative lengths of the middle
and.base section and the angles of the three sections
relative to each other.
With the two swivel connection tool as shown, the
relative angular relationship between the handle section
35, the middle section 33 and the head section 15 may be
altered over a reiatively wide ranye, with the tool having
a maximum torque capability in Figure 3, and a maximum
speed capability in Figure 4. In terms of angular relation-
ship, the embodiment of Figure 3 shows one of the swivel
connection~ at a 90 angle while the other is straight
through. In Figure 4, ~he angle of middle section 33
relative to centerline 40 is approximately 45 and ~he
angle between middle seCtiQn 33 and handle section 35
approximately 100, although these angles will vary depending
on the lengths of the ~hank sections and the handle.
Figures 6, 7 and 8 show a second embodimPnt of the
article of the present invention, for use with a wrench
having a con~entiona~ swivel head connection 41. The
article includes a ~hank 42, which, like the embodiment of
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Figure 1, has three sections, a head section 41, a middle
section 43, and a handle or base section 45 which is
secured by a spring 49 to a handle 51.
The middle section 45 and head section 41 form a
~ortion of a conventional swivel head wrench, with head
section 41 including a swivel connection 46 and a front
head 44 which is adapted to receive various size sockets
such as the one shown at 53 in Figure 6. The handle
section 45 and swivel connection 47, which connects handle
section 45 Lo middle section 43 completes this embodiment.
When the swivel connection 47 i8 straight~ as qhown in
Figure 6, the swivel connection 47 and thP handle saction
45 are hidden within handle 51. A flange 54 in the shape
~ o~ l u~lo~l 1u ~ u~ ~round ml~ tion 45
~n a position where it abuts against the top end of handle
51 when swivel connection 47 is stxaight-through, thus
hiding swivel connection 47 from view.
Swivel connection 47 i8 similar in configurat~on to
the swivel connections of the embodimentof Figures 1-5,
except that there is no ball and detent arrangement, because
the swivel is held in the straight through configuration
by the handle 51. However, spring loaded balls are
positioned on the shank just below the conical section and
detents are posi$ioned on the inside of the handle 51
to prevent the shank from easily coming out of the handle
51. With application of some force, however, the handle
portion 45 of shank 42 may be pulled ou~ of the handle 51,
agains the action of the ball/detent and the spring 49.
The swivel connections may be arranged as shown in
Figure 6 for maximum torque to provide the initial loosening
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or tightening of the nut. The ~rrangement of Figure 7
will permit relatively high torque with a medium speed,
while the arrangement of Figure 8, with the end edge 56
o handle 51 on approximately the centerline o~ ~ront
head 44 permits maximum speed of the tool. In the con-
figuration of Figure 8, the user can rotate the tool with
a simple wrist action, similar to that shown ~or the
arrangement of Figure 4.
It should be understood that the principle of the
present invention may be used in a variety of tool~, and
with a variety of different head attachments and/or
configuration~. For instance, the tool may be u~ed to
drive sockets or it may itsel~ have a hex head, phlllips
head or an allen head configuration. Other configura~isns
and/or attachments are possible, as long as a rotational
action of the tool is required ~or action on the nut or the
like, and there i8 a good connection between ~he ~ut and
the tool.
Figùres 9 through 12 show two additional embodiments
which demonstrate the appl~cability of the principle of
the present inven ion to other tool~. Figure~ 9 and 10
show a tire iron embodiment, in which a shank 60 ha~ a
short head portion 61 which is secured to a socket 63
which is of a size appropriate for the nuts on a con-
ventional automobile wheel. The shank 60 further
includes a middle portion 65 and an end or bas~ portion
67. The middle portion 65 is connected to the head
portion 61 and end portion 67, respectively/ by swivel
connections 6~ and 71.
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Swivel connections 69 and 71 are virtually identical
to swivel connections 27 and 29 of the embodiments o~
Figures 1-5. The free end 73 o~ end portion 67 is
configured in the embodiment shown in tAe shape of ~ hub
cap remover. Other configurations are possible, however.
~he tire iron of Figures 9 and 10 is a high torque tool
when the swivel connection 69 is at 90 and swivel connection
71 is straight through, which is shown in dashed lines
in Figure 10. In this position, the wheel nuts may be
tightened or initially loosened. Fast rotation of the nuts,
in either direction, i8 accomplished when the shank is in
the configuration shown in solid lines in Figure 10, with
the swivel connection~ being as shown. In such a configuration,
middle section 65 is at an angle of approximately 30
from the horizontal, while there is an angle of approximately
120 between middle section 65 and end section 67. Again,
as with the previous embodiments, a decrease in the angle
between middle section 65 and the horizontal and a corresponding
increase in the angle between middle section 65 and end
sec~ion 67 results a lower torque but higher peed con-
figuration, while the opposite will increase the torque
but decreasa the ~peed capability of the tool.
In use, the operator grasps the end portion 67 with
one hand and rotates it with a ~imple wrist action which
results in swivel connection 71 describing a circle, a~d
the rotation of swivel connection 69 in a fix~d po~l~lon,
resulting in rotation of socket 63. Positioned in swivel
connection 69 is a stop so that middle portion 65 may move
only to an angle of 45 relative to head portion 61. Thi~
-13-
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.
permits pressure to be exerted by the user against the
socket and hence against the nut along with the rotational
force exerted~
Figures 11 and 12 show a further emhodLment of the
S present invention. ~t i8 in the form of a conventional
extension wi~h a ~wivel head. The shank of the extension
includes a head portion 83, with the swivel head 85,
which mates with a socket or similar tool 87, a middle
portion 89 and a ratchet or base portion 91~ which is
configured as a socket at its end to mate with the head
of a ratchet 93.
The shank includes swiv~l connections 95 and 97.
When swivel connections 9S and 37 are in their straight
through configuration, the shank looks and operates like a
conventional ratchet extension with a swiv~l head. When
the two swivel connections 9S and 97 are arranged at an
angle, however, as shown in Figure 12, the apparatus may be
uqed as a speed wrench. In use, the operator gra~ps the
handle of xatchet 93 with one hand, grasps the middle
section 89 of the ~hank with the other hand, and then
rotates the middle section about the ratchet head, so that
swivel conne~tion 95 describe~ a ircle but swivel
connection 97 and ~wivel head 85 rotate in -the positions
shown. Thi~ results in a rapid rotation o~ socket 87 and
removal of the nut or like article.
Thus, a new tool useful in numerous applications has
been described which may in ~ome embodiment~ be used alone,
or ln other embodiments a~ an attachment to known tool~
The tool includes an elongated shank having a head end
portion which i5 adapted to recelve a socket or like device.
-19-
75~
Along the shank are positioned two swivel COnneCtiOnQ which
permit the tool to be arrang~d in various configurations.
In one typical configuration, one swivel connection is
straight through and the other is at 90, giving a high
torque but relatively low speed capability. In another
typical configuratlon, the swivel connections are at
angles, so that the tip of the free end section is approx-
imately on the centerline of the head portion. In this
configuration, the tool has a lower torque capability but
a high speed capability. The tool may be adapted in
various em~odiments for use in a wide variety of tool
applications, some of which ara shown and described above.
The head portion of the tool may be adapted to receive
various articles, such as a socket, or it may itself take
various configurations, including a socket, and phillips,
hex head, and other configurations.
Although a preferred embodiment of the invention is
disclosed herein for purposes of illustration, it will be
understood that various changes, modifications and sub-
stitutions may be incorporated in such embodiment without
departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by
the claims which follow:
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