US3227015A - Extending socket wrench - Google Patents

Extending socket wrench Download PDF

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US3227015A
US3227015A US463784A US46378465A US3227015A US 3227015 A US3227015 A US 3227015A US 463784 A US463784 A US 463784A US 46378465 A US46378465 A US 46378465A US 3227015 A US3227015 A US 3227015A
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shank
drive body
bore
drive
length
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US463784A
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Thedore C Tremblay
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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25BTOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B13/00Spanners; Wrenches
    • B25B13/02Spanners; Wrenches with rigid jaws
    • B25B13/06Spanners; Wrenches with rigid jaws of socket type
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25BTOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B23/00Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
    • B25B23/0007Connections or joints between tool parts
    • B25B23/0021Prolongations interposed between handle and tool

Definitions

  • This invention relates to hand tools such as wrenches and the like, and more particularly to socket wrenches.
  • Socket wrenches have long been known, being the basic and most useful of wrenches for most automotive work. Extensions and adapters are available which can be combined with sockets in a variety of configurations to reach almost any nut in todays complex engine. There are situations, however, for which suitable extenders are either unavailable or are ineflicient to use. Spark plug sockets, for example, to which the present invention has particular applicability, must be of a predetermined minimum length to accommodate the hexagonal base of a spark plug and its porcelain parts. In some present day motors, the spark plugs are situated deep in the block and/ or behind accessories of the engine, presenting different conditions of accessibility from one plug to the next.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a unitary extending socket wrench of simple and relatively inexpensive construction.
  • a more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved socket wrench of adjustable length for the removal and installation of the relatively inaccessible spark plugs of an internal combustion engine.
  • the socket wrench is constructed of two main body portions, a tubular drive body slightly shorter than a standard spark plug socket and having a drive in one end thereof for receiving the square shank of a suitable handle, and a shank longi' tudinally adjustable within the body portion and terminating at its free end in a socket of desired size and shape.
  • the shank is hollow for a portion of its length to accept the porcelain parts of a spark plug.
  • the shank is held in a number of different positions within the body portion by a detent mechanism, and relative rotation between shank and body portion under driving conditions is prevented by forming the shank to have the same crosssection as the bore in the drive body, or by a pin extending transversely through the shank and engaging longitudinal slots in the wall of the drive body.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of
  • FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional view of the shank taken along line 1a1a of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective View of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the socket in fully extended position;
  • FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in closed position
  • FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along line Zia-2b of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of the embodiment of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 3a is across-sectional view taken along line 3a3a of FIG. 3.
  • FIGS. 1 and 1a illustrate one construction of an extensible socket according to the invention which comprises a drive body 10 formed of suitable material having a bore 12 of uniform crosssection throughout substantially its entire length.
  • a square opening 14 of a size (e.g., inch) to receive the square shank of a ratchet handle or adapter.
  • the bore 12 is of polygonal cross-section, for example, hexagonal, and the outer surface is shown as being cylindrical in cross-section and having a knurled area 16a near the right end to facilitate handling of the tool.
  • the outer surface of body 16 may be square, or may conform to the shape of the bore 12, if desired.
  • the other principal part of the wrench is a shank 16 of a length substantially equal to the length of bore 12 and having a socket 13 of conventional hexagonal (or other) shape integrally formed on the free end thereof.
  • Shaft 16 is of the same uniform cross-section as the bore 12 and slightly smaller so as to be received by and easily slidable in the bore.
  • the bore 12 is preferably broached after boring so as to provide angularly disposed faces coinciding with corresponding faces of the shank.
  • a cylindrical bore 28 extends inwardly from the free end of shank 16, coaxially with the socket head, being of a length and diameter to accommodate the porcelain portions of a spark plug.
  • the shank 16 In order that the shank 16 may be held in a number of different longitudinal positions within drive body 10 to vary the overall length of the tool between socket and driver, the shank is provided with a series of spaced recesses 22 cut in one of the faces of the shank. These recesses are spaced at regular intervals, for example, every half inch, any one of which is adapted to be engaged by a retaining detent, such as a ball 24 urged against the shank by a spring 26 and screw 28 secured in a radial opening in the wall of the drive body 10.
  • a stop screw 30 extends through the wall of the body It) and engages a groove 32 machined in another one of the faces of the shank.
  • the groove 32 terminates short of the inner end of shank 16, so that when the shank is fully extended, the screw 30 engages the shoulder 32a at the end of the groove to prevent withdrawal of the shank.
  • the shoulder 32a is positioned sufficiently in from the inner end of shank 16 that even when the shank is fully extended, a sufficient portion of the shank will be disposed within the driver body to be held against turning with respect to the body portion. It will be obvious that removal of screw 30 is all that is necessary to disassemble the shank from the body portion of the tool.
  • the drive body comprises a cylindrical tubular member of circular crosssection having a coaxial cylindrical bore 42 of circular cross-section throughout substantially its entire length.
  • a square opening (corresponding to opening 14 in the device of FIG. 1) for receiving the shank of a drive handle.
  • the outer surface of body 40 is knurled at 44 to facilitate adjustment of the length of the tool.
  • a pair of longitudinal slots 4-6 and 48, diametrically opposite each other, are formed, as by milling, in the wall of body 20, and extend from essentially the bottom of the square drive opening to just short of the other end of the body.
  • the shank is of circular cross-section throughout and has a diameter slightly smaller than bore 42 so as to be easily slidable therein.
  • a socket head 52 of hexagonal shape, for example, having a circular outer surface of a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of body 40 such that when the shank is fully inserted, the tool presents a smooth surface throughout its length.
  • the peripheral surface of the socket head 52 is also knurled at 54, and a cylindrical bore 56 extends inwardly from the socket end of the shank to a depth sufiicient to accommodate the porcelain portions of a spark plug.
  • the shank is prevented from turning within the body portion by a pin 58 extending through a diametral opening 60 in shank 50, near the inner end thereof, the pin being of a length slightly less than the outside diameter of the body portion and of a diameter to be freely slidable in slots 46 and 48.
  • the elongated slots allow the shank to be freely inserted and withdrawn, and the pin 58 extending radially into and engaging the sides of the slots prevents turning of the shank within the body.
  • the termination of slots 46 and 48 short of the inner end prevents withdrawal of the shank in its fully extended position.
  • the inner surface of the body portion is provided with a series of spaced recesses 62, which may be a series of peripheral cuts, which are conveniently made on a lathe.
  • Each of these recesses which may be spaced a half inch apart, for example, is adapted to be engaged by a detent mechanism, such as a ball 64 supported at the outer end of a diametral opening 65 through shank 50 and urged against the inner wall of the body portion by a spring 68 disposed between the ball and pin 58.
  • a detent mechanism such as a ball 64 supported at the outer end of a diametral opening 65 through shank 50 and urged against the inner wall of the body portion by a spring 68 disposed between the ball and pin 58.
  • opening 68 lies in the same transverse plane as opening 60, the openings preferably intersecting each other at right angles.
  • the ball and spring are first inserted in opening 66, the shank inserted in the bore 42 with opening 60 aligned with slots 46 and 48, and pin 58 inserted in opening 60.
  • Pin 58 engages opening 60 with a press fit, thereby maintaining the spring 68 in position.
  • a second ball and spring may be inserted in opening 66 at the other side of pin 58, as shown.
  • FIGS. 3 and 3a illustrate an alternate construction of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the modification consisting mainly in different means for retaining the shank in different adjusted positions within the body portion.
  • the drive body 70 comprises a cylindrical tubular member of circular cross-section having a coaxial cylindrical bore throughout substantially its entire length for receiving the shank 72 which is of circular cross-section throughout and of a diameter to be easily slidable in the bore.
  • the shank has a socket head d 74 of the same configuration as the tools of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the free end of drive body 70 has a square opening 76 therein for receiving the shank of a drive handle.
  • the body has a pair of longitudinal slots 78 and 80 formed therein which extend for essentially the full length thereof.
  • One of the slots for example slot '78, is provided with a series of spaced recesses 78a, which are conveniently formed with a counter-sinking tool.
  • Each of these recesses which may be spaced a half inch apart, is adapted to engage the tapered head 82a of a pin 82 extending through a diametral opening 84 in shank 72, near the inner end thereof.
  • the pin 82 is of a length slightly greater than the outer diameter of drive body 70 and of a diameter to be freely slidable in slots 78 and 80.
  • the slots allow the shank to be freely adjusted, and the pin engaging the slots prevents turning of the shank within the body.
  • the pin 82 in cooperation with recesses 78a, permit the shank to be held in a number of different positions within the drive body.
  • the tapered head is urged into engagement with the edges of slot 78 by a spring 86 surrounding pin 82 and held in compression against the inner wall of shank 72 by a holding pin 88 extending through pin 82.
  • the spring holds the pin in locked position.
  • the lock is released to allow adjustment to another position to vary the length of the tool by application of sufficient pressure to the other end of the pin to overcome the force of the spring and lift the tapered head out of the engaged recess 78a.
  • the spring 86 is preferably of a size that release can be accomplished by thumb pressure.
  • An extensible socket Wrench comprising, in combination, a cylindrical drive body having a bore of uniform circular cross-section extending from one end thereof to substantially the other end, said other end of said body having an opening therein for receiving a drive handle, said body having a pair of diametrically opposite longitudinal slots in the wall thereof each terminating short of the ends of said body, a shank of uniform circular crosssection longitudinally movable within the bore in said drive body formed with an integral socket head at the end thereof beyond said body portion, said shank having a coaxial bore therein, the length of said shank inwardly of said socket head being substantially equal to the length of the bore in said drive body, a pin extending transversely through said shank near the end thereof opposite said socket head and engaging the slots in said drive body to prevent relative rotation between said shank and drive body under driving conditions, and spring-loaded retaining means within said shank arranged to engage one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses in said drive body to releasably hold said shank in a number of
  • An extensible socket wrench comprising, in combination, an elongated drive body having a bore of uniform polygonal cross-section extending from one end thereof to substantially the other end, said other end of said drive body having an opening therein for receiving a driver handle, a shank of uniform polygonal cross-section longitudinally movable within the bore in said drive body and formed with in integral socket head at the end thereof beyond said body portion, said shank having a coaxial bore therein extending inwardly from the socket end for at least a portion of the length of said shank, the length of said shank inwardly of said head being substantially equal to the length of the bore in said drive body, the surfaces of said shank engaging corresponding surfaces of the bore in said drive body to prevent relative rotation between said shank and drive body under driving conditions, one of the surfaces of said shank having a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses formed therein, spring-loaded detent means in the wall of said drive body arranged to engage one of said recesses to releasably hold said shank in

Description

Jan. 4, 1966 T. c. TREMBLAY 3,227,015
EXTENDING SOCKET WRENCH Filed June 14, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTO/P THEODORE C. TREMBLAY ATTORNEY Jan. 4, 1966 T. c. TREMBLAY 3,227,015
EXTENDING SOCKET WRENCH Filed June 14, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTO/P THEODORE C. TREMBLAY pwmg hm ATTORNEY United States Patent 0 3,227,015 EXTENDING SOQKET WRENCH Theodore C. Tremhiay, 7 Page Road, Redford, Mass. Filed .iune 14, 1965, Ser. No. 463,784 6 Ciaims. (Cl. 81-177) This application is a continuation-in-part .of my copending application Serial No. 396,962 filed September 16, 1964, entitled, Extending Socket Wrench, now abandoned.
This invention relates to hand tools such as wrenches and the like, and more particularly to socket wrenches.
Socket wrenches have long been known, being the basic and most useful of wrenches for most automotive work. Extensions and adapters are available which can be combined with sockets in a variety of configurations to reach almost any nut in todays complex engine. There are situations, however, for which suitable extenders are either unavailable or are ineflicient to use. Spark plug sockets, for example, to which the present invention has particular applicability, must be of a predetermined minimum length to accommodate the hexagonal base of a spark plug and its porcelain parts. In some present day motors, the spark plugs are situated deep in the block and/ or behind accessories of the engine, presenting different conditions of accessibility from one plug to the next. For instance, on some motors, to remove a spark plug located behind the generator it is necessary to use a socket of standard length plus a one-half inch extender, whereas a plug behind the steering column requires a one and one-half inch extender. An extender having a minimum length of one-half inch obviously cannot be extended to a length of one and one-half inches, and accordingly, two or more extenders would be required in the situation described, which, in turn, would require changing from one extender to another several times during what should be the relatively simple job of changing a set of spark plugs.
It is the primary object of the present invention to provide a unitary socket wrench so constructed that it may be readily adjusted in length from a predetermined minimum length to different longer lengths.
Another obiect of the invention is to provide a unitary extending socket wrench of simple and relatively inexpensive construction.
A more specific object of the invention is to provide an improved socket wrench of adjustable length for the removal and installation of the relatively inaccessible spark plugs of an internal combustion engine.
Briefly, the socket wrench according to the invention is constructed of two main body portions, a tubular drive body slightly shorter than a standard spark plug socket and having a drive in one end thereof for receiving the square shank of a suitable handle, and a shank longi' tudinally adjustable within the body portion and terminating at its free end in a socket of desired size and shape. The shank is hollow for a portion of its length to accept the porcelain parts of a spark plug. The shank is held in a number of different positions within the body portion by a detent mechanism, and relative rotation between shank and body portion under driving conditions is prevented by forming the shank to have the same crosssection as the bore in the drive body, or by a pin extending transversely through the shank and engaging longitudinal slots in the wall of the drive body.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent, and its construction and operation better understood, from the following detailed description, considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view, partially cut away, of
one embodiment of the invention, showing the wrench in fully extended position;
FIG. 1a is a cross-sectional view of the shank taken along line 1a1a of FIG. 1;
FIG. 2 is a perspective View of a preferred embodiment of the invention, showing the socket in fully extended position;
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 in closed position;
FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along line Zia-2b of FIG. 2;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of the embodiment of FIG. 2; and
FIG. 3a is across-sectional view taken along line 3a3a of FIG. 3.
Referring now the the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 1a illustrate one construction of an extensible socket according to the invention which comprises a drive body 10 formed of suitable material having a bore 12 of uniform crosssection throughout substantially its entire length. At the right end of the drive body, as viewed in FIG. 1, there is provided a square opening 14 of a size (e.g., inch) to receive the square shank of a ratchet handle or adapter. In this embodiment, the bore 12 is of polygonal cross-section, for example, hexagonal, and the outer surface is shown as being cylindrical in cross-section and having a knurled area 16a near the right end to facilitate handling of the tool. However, the outer surface of body 16 may be square, or may conform to the shape of the bore 12, if desired.
The other principal part of the wrench is a shank 16 of a length substantially equal to the length of bore 12 and having a socket 13 of conventional hexagonal (or other) shape integrally formed on the free end thereof. Shaft 16 is of the same uniform cross-section as the bore 12 and slightly smaller so as to be received by and easily slidable in the bore. The bore 12 is preferably broached after boring so as to provide angularly disposed faces coinciding with corresponding faces of the shank. Thus, while asliding fit is provided between the shank 16 and the driver body i the engaged faces prevent turning of the shank within the body under driving conditions. A cylindrical bore 28 extends inwardly from the free end of shank 16, coaxially with the socket head, being of a length and diameter to accommodate the porcelain portions of a spark plug.
In order that the shank 16 may be held in a number of different longitudinal positions within drive body 10 to vary the overall length of the tool between socket and driver, the shank is provided with a series of spaced recesses 22 cut in one of the faces of the shank. These recesses are spaced at regular intervals, for example, every half inch, any one of which is adapted to be engaged by a retaining detent, such as a ball 24 urged against the shank by a spring 26 and screw 28 secured in a radial opening in the wall of the drive body 10. In order to prevent the shank from being entirely pulled out of the body portion, a stop screw 30 extends through the wall of the body It) and engages a groove 32 machined in another one of the faces of the shank. The groove 32 terminates short of the inner end of shank 16, so that when the shank is fully extended, the screw 30 engages the shoulder 32a at the end of the groove to prevent withdrawal of the shank. The shoulder 32a is positioned sufficiently in from the inner end of shank 16 that even when the shank is fully extended, a sufficient portion of the shank will be disposed within the driver body to be held against turning with respect to the body portion. It will be obvious that removal of screw 30 is all that is necessary to disassemble the shank from the body portion of the tool.
Referring now to FIGS. 2, 2a and 2b there is shown construction of an extensible socket wrench embodying the principles of the just-described embodiment, but offering the advantages of simpler and less costly con struction. In this embodiment, the drive body comprises a cylindrical tubular member of circular crosssection having a coaxial cylindrical bore 42 of circular cross-section throughout substantially its entire length. At the right end of the body, as viewed in FIGS. 2 and 2a there is provided a square opening (corresponding to opening 14 in the device of FIG. 1) for receiving the shank of a drive handle. The outer surface of body 40 is knurled at 44 to facilitate adjustment of the length of the tool. A pair of longitudinal slots 4-6 and 48, diametrically opposite each other, are formed, as by milling, in the wall of body 20, and extend from essentially the bottom of the square drive opening to just short of the other end of the body.
The shank is of circular cross-section throughout and has a diameter slightly smaller than bore 42 so as to be easily slidable therein. At its outer end, and integral with the shank, is a socket head 52 of hexagonal shape, for example, having a circular outer surface of a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of body 40 such that when the shank is fully inserted, the tool presents a smooth surface throughout its length. The peripheral surface of the socket head 52 is also knurled at 54, and a cylindrical bore 56 extends inwardly from the socket end of the shank to a depth sufiicient to accommodate the porcelain portions of a spark plug. The shank is prevented from turning within the body portion by a pin 58 extending through a diametral opening 60 in shank 50, near the inner end thereof, the pin being of a length slightly less than the outside diameter of the body portion and of a diameter to be freely slidable in slots 46 and 48. Thus, the elongated slots allow the shank to be freely inserted and withdrawn, and the pin 58 extending radially into and engaging the sides of the slots prevents turning of the shank within the body. The termination of slots 46 and 48 short of the inner end prevents withdrawal of the shank in its fully extended position.
In order that the shank may be held in a number of different positions within drive body 40 to vary the length of the tool, the inner surface of the body portion is provided with a series of spaced recesses 62, which may be a series of peripheral cuts, which are conveniently made on a lathe. Each of these recesses, which may be spaced a half inch apart, for example, is adapted to be engaged by a detent mechanism, such as a ball 64 supported at the outer end of a diametral opening 65 through shank 50 and urged against the inner wall of the body portion by a spring 68 disposed between the ball and pin 58. It will be obvious that opening 68 lies in the same transverse plane as opening 60, the openings preferably intersecting each other at right angles. To assemble the detent retaining mechanism, the ball and spring are first inserted in opening 66, the shank inserted in the bore 42 with opening 60 aligned with slots 46 and 48, and pin 58 inserted in opening 60. Pin 58 engages opening 60 with a press fit, thereby maintaining the spring 68 in position. While a single spring and ball is adequate to maintain the shank in adjusted position, if greater retaining force is desired, a second ball and spring may be inserted in opening 66 at the other side of pin 58, as shown.
FIGS. 3 and 3a illustrate an alternate construction of the embodiment of FIG. 2, the modification consisting mainly in different means for retaining the shank in different adjusted positions within the body portion. As in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the drive body 70 comprises a cylindrical tubular member of circular cross-section having a coaxial cylindrical bore throughout substantially its entire length for receiving the shank 72 which is of circular cross-section throughout and of a diameter to be easily slidable in the bore. The shank has a socket head d 74 of the same configuration as the tools of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the free end of drive body 70 has a square opening 76 therein for receiving the shank of a drive handle.
The body has a pair of longitudinal slots 78 and 80 formed therein which extend for essentially the full length thereof. One of the slots, for example slot '78, is provided with a series of spaced recesses 78a, which are conveniently formed with a counter-sinking tool. Each of these recesses, which may be spaced a half inch apart, is adapted to engage the tapered head 82a of a pin 82 extending through a diametral opening 84 in shank 72, near the inner end thereof. The pin 82 is of a length slightly greater than the outer diameter of drive body 70 and of a diameter to be freely slidable in slots 78 and 80. The slots allow the shank to be freely adjusted, and the pin engaging the slots prevents turning of the shank within the body.
The pin 82, in cooperation with recesses 78a, permit the shank to be held in a number of different positions within the drive body. As best seen in FIG. 3a, the tapered head is urged into engagement with the edges of slot 78 by a spring 86 surrounding pin 82 and held in compression against the inner wall of shank 72 by a holding pin 88 extending through pin 82. When the tapered head 82a engages one of the recesses 78a, the spring holds the pin in locked position. The lock is released to allow adjustment to another position to vary the length of the tool by application of sufficient pressure to the other end of the pin to overcome the force of the spring and lift the tapered head out of the engaged recess 78a. The spring 86 is preferably of a size that release can be accomplished by thumb pressure.
From the foregoing it will be evident that applicant has provided a unitary socket wrench, of relatively simple and inexpensive construction, which is readily adjustable to different lengths. Although several embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it can be expected that minor modifications will now be suggested to ones skilled in the art. It is to be understood, therefore, that the specific details and terminology are not intended to be restrictive except insofar as they appear as limitations in the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
1. An extensible socket Wrench comprising, in combination, a cylindrical drive body having a bore of uniform circular cross-section extending from one end thereof to substantially the other end, said other end of said body having an opening therein for receiving a drive handle, said body having a pair of diametrically opposite longitudinal slots in the wall thereof each terminating short of the ends of said body, a shank of uniform circular crosssection longitudinally movable within the bore in said drive body formed with an integral socket head at the end thereof beyond said body portion, said shank having a coaxial bore therein, the length of said shank inwardly of said socket head being substantially equal to the length of the bore in said drive body, a pin extending transversely through said shank near the end thereof opposite said socket head and engaging the slots in said drive body to prevent relative rotation between said shank and drive body under driving conditions, and spring-loaded retaining means within said shank arranged to engage one of a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses in said drive body to releasably hold said shank in a number of diifer' ent longitudinal positions within said drive body, the engagement of said pin with the ends of said slots nearest said one end of said drive body preventing complete withdrawal of the shank from the drive body.
2. An extensible socket wrench in accordance with claim 1 wherein the bore in said shank extends inwardly from the socket end thereof for a portion of the length of said shank, said recesses are formed in the surface of the bore in said drive body, and said retaining means comprises a ball disposed at the outer end of a radial opening in said shank near the end thereof opposite said socket head, and a compression spring in said opening arranged to urge said ball into contact with the surface of the bore in said drive body.
3. An extensible socket wrench in accordance with claim 1 wherein the bore in said shank extends throughout the length of said shank, said recesses are formed in the outer surface of said drive body along one of said slots, and said retaining means comprises a tapered head on the end of said pin which engages the slot having said recesses formed therealong, and a compression spring within the bore in said shank and surrounding said pin and arranged to urge said tapered head into a selected one of said recesses.
4. An extensible socket wrench in accordance with claim 1 wherein the length of said slots is substantially equal to the distance between said socket head and said pin.
5. An extensible socket wrench in accordance with claim 1 wherein said socket head has a cylindrical outer surface of outside diameter substantially equal to the outside diameter of said drive body.
6. An extensible socket wrench comprising, in combination, an elongated drive body having a bore of uniform polygonal cross-section extending from one end thereof to substantially the other end, said other end of said drive body having an opening therein for receiving a driver handle, a shank of uniform polygonal cross-section longitudinally movable within the bore in said drive body and formed with in integral socket head at the end thereof beyond said body portion, said shank having a coaxial bore therein extending inwardly from the socket end for at least a portion of the length of said shank, the length of said shank inwardly of said head being substantially equal to the length of the bore in said drive body, the surfaces of said shank engaging corresponding surfaces of the bore in said drive body to prevent relative rotation between said shank and drive body under driving conditions, one of the surfaces of said shank having a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses formed therein, spring-loaded detent means in the wall of said drive body arranged to engage one of said recesses to releasably hold said shank in a number of different longitudinal positions within said drive body, another of the surfaces of said shank having a slot formed therein extending from said socket head and terminating in a shoulder near the opposite end of said shank, and means secured in the wall of said drive body and projecting into said slot a distance to allow longitudinal movement of said shank within the bore in said drive body but to engage said shoulder to prevent complete withdrawal of the shank from the drive body.
References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 845,717 2/1907 Miller 81-121 1,269,413 6/1918 Finnigan 145-64 2,051,953 8/1936 Leathers -32 2,382,291 8/1945 Carlberg 287-58 2,963,930 12/1960 Clothier et a1. 81177 FOREIGN PATENTS 681,319 10/1952 Great Britain.
WILLIAM FELDMAN, Primary Examiner.
MILTON S. MEHR, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. AN EXTENSIBLE SOCKET WRENCH COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION A CYLINDRICAL DRIVE BODY HAVING A BORE OF UNIFORM CIRCULAR CROSS-SECTION EXTENDING FROM ONE END THEREOF TO SUBSTANTIALLY THE OTHER END, SAID OTHER END OF SAID BODY HAVING AN OPENING THEREIN FOR RECEIVING A DRIVE HANDLE, SAID BODY HAVING A PAIR OF DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSITE LONGITUDINAL SLOTS IN THE WALL THEREOF EACH TERMINATING SHORT OF THE ENDS OF SAID BODY, A SHANK OF UNIFORM CIRCULAR CROSSSECTION LONGITUDINALLY MOVABLE WITHIN BORE IN SAID DRIVE BODY FORMED WITH AN INTEGRAL SOCKET HEAD AT THE END THEREOF BEYOND SAID BODY PORTION, SAID SHANK HAVING A COAXIAL BORE THEREIN, THE LENGTH OF SAID SHANK INWARDLY OF SAID SOCKET HEAD BEING SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL TO THE LENGTH OF THE BORE IN SAID DRIVE BODY, A PIN EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY THROUGH SAID SHANK NEAR THE END THEREOF OPPOSITE SAID SOCKET HEAD AND ENGAGING THE SLOTS IN SAID DRIVE BODY TO PREVENT RELATIVE ROTATION BETWEEN SAID SHANK AND DRIVE BODY UNDER DRIVING CONDITIONS, AND SPRING-LOADED RETAINING MEANS WITHIN SAID SHANK ARRANGED TO ENGAGE ONE OF A PLURALITY OF LONGITUDINALLY SPACED RECESSES IN SAID DRIVE BODY TO RELEASABLY HOLD SAID SHANK IN A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT LONGITUDINAL POSITIONS WITHIN SAID DRIVE BODY, THE ENGAGEMENT OF SAID PIN WITH THE ENDS OF SAID SLOTS NEAREST SAID ONE END OF SAID DRIVE BODY PREVENTING COMPLETE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SHANK FROM THE DRIVE BODY.
US463784A 1965-06-14 1965-06-14 Extending socket wrench Expired - Lifetime US3227015A (en)

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Cited By (51)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4130152A (en) * 1977-10-19 1978-12-19 John Sawyer Slot-head fastener and driver therefor
US4317393A (en) * 1980-08-25 1982-03-02 Kenneth Graffam Extensible torque bar
US4350064A (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-09-21 Markle James R Auxiliary tool kit for a socket wrench set
US4443963A (en) * 1979-11-26 1984-04-24 Braaten Donald L Fishing rod
US4699020A (en) * 1984-08-16 1987-10-13 Champion International Corporation Handle adapter
US4951409A (en) * 1988-10-26 1990-08-28 Qwikee Products, Inc. Shotgun choke wrench and case
WO1994005465A1 (en) * 1992-08-28 1994-03-17 Vikan Børste Produktion A/S Handle for a cleaning utensil
US5690006A (en) * 1996-05-21 1997-11-25 Pulliam; Doyle H. Infinitely slide-adjustable socket extender for socket wrenches
US5752418A (en) * 1997-01-03 1998-05-19 T & L Robins Co., Inc. Dual size socket drive adapter
US5860338A (en) * 1997-04-07 1999-01-19 Littlefield; Kirk A. Dual drive adapter
US5911798A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-06-15 Hand Tool Design Corporation Handle extension for ratchet wrench
US6389931B1 (en) 2000-03-31 2002-05-21 Hand Tool Design Corporation Extension to a driver tool
US20020088311A1 (en) * 1997-04-17 2002-07-11 Diego Cerda Ratchet wrench head member and system
US6532846B2 (en) * 2000-02-24 2003-03-18 Chuck Chang Tool having a handle that may adjust the arm of force of the tool
WO2004004980A1 (en) * 1998-11-03 2004-01-15 Carroll Sean M Extendable spline-drive socket system
US20040020331A1 (en) * 2002-08-02 2004-02-05 Jack Lee Wrench having a telescopic handle
US20040099102A1 (en) * 2002-11-21 2004-05-27 Vaughan Bill S. Adaptive hexagonal driving tool
US6761094B2 (en) * 2001-08-20 2004-07-13 John Tobako Handle for hand tool
US20050022632A1 (en) * 2003-07-30 2005-02-03 Chih-Ching Hsien Telescopic socket assembly
US20050028648A1 (en) * 2001-09-05 2005-02-10 Lutz Werner Andreas Screwing station
US20050145078A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2005-07-07 Chuan Lee C. Quick-release socket adapter for a socket wrench
US6971290B1 (en) 2002-08-20 2005-12-06 Ybarra Luis M Adjustable extension for socket wrenches
US7066056B1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2006-06-27 Chih-Ching Hsieh Ratchet tool
US20070044597A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-01 Pryor Troy D Extendable extension and method of use
US20080006123A1 (en) * 2006-06-26 2008-01-10 Yi-Ting Lin Hand tool with adjustable handle
US20080148908A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-26 Yi-Ting Lin Hand tool with extendable handle
US20080155785A1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-07-03 Chia Yu Chen Telescopic hand tool
US20080163726A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-07-10 Wente Steve R Adjustable tool extender
US20090090224A1 (en) * 2007-10-04 2009-04-09 The Stanley Works Tool with extendable handle
US7793452B1 (en) * 2008-01-22 2010-09-14 Samson Manufacturing Corporation Modular fore-end rail assembly with locking mechanism
US20110056338A1 (en) * 2009-09-07 2011-03-10 Chih-Ching Hsieh Contractible wrench structure
US20110179916A1 (en) * 2010-01-27 2011-07-28 Yao Hung Wang Wrench assembled structure
US20120096993A1 (en) * 2010-10-26 2012-04-26 Mccullough Nicholas Socket Holder
CN102513955A (en) * 2011-12-03 2012-06-27 江苏欧玛机械有限公司 Screwdriver with telescopic head
US20120160064A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2012-06-28 Darren Moss Cleanable Magnetic Nut Driver
US20120167707A1 (en) * 2011-01-04 2012-07-05 Wen Cheng Chang Pull Handle Structure of a Hand Puller
US20130160618A1 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-27 Chin-Tan Huang Telescopic handle for a hand tool
WO2013117888A1 (en) * 2012-02-11 2013-08-15 Nigel Alexander Buchanan Extendable wrench handles
US20140020848A1 (en) * 2012-07-18 2014-01-23 Spx Corporation Extendable handle for a tire spoon and method of operation
US8667871B2 (en) 2011-01-13 2014-03-11 Larry C. Ahrens Telescoping extension tool
US20140102261A1 (en) * 2012-10-15 2014-04-17 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Socket tool with adjustable depth
US20150053052A1 (en) * 2013-08-26 2015-02-26 Zhi-Ji Chen Sleeve structure
US20170021476A1 (en) * 2016-06-27 2017-01-26 Thomas Carnesi Foldable & extendable 1/4 & 3/8 drive ratchet wrench
US20170239790A1 (en) * 2016-02-22 2017-08-24 Malco Products, Inc. Cleanable reversible socket and driver
US9938044B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-04-10 Jose Gamboa Vertical and horizontal simultaneously and selectively expandable structure
US10279956B1 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-05-07 Jose Gamboa Vertical and horizontal simultaneously and selectively expandable structure
US10493612B2 (en) * 2016-12-23 2019-12-03 Steven M. BOSWELL Support for demolition devices
USD937060S1 (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-11-30 Cheng-Chia Peng Socket set
US11185964B2 (en) 2019-08-01 2021-11-30 John D. Keeler Length extension assembly for a hand tool
USD939301S1 (en) * 2018-08-10 2021-12-28 Snap-On Incorporated Socket with wide groove
USD1000236S1 (en) 2021-01-11 2023-10-03 Diversitech Corporation Driver for reversible socket

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Cited By (70)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4130152A (en) * 1977-10-19 1978-12-19 John Sawyer Slot-head fastener and driver therefor
US4443963A (en) * 1979-11-26 1984-04-24 Braaten Donald L Fishing rod
US4317393A (en) * 1980-08-25 1982-03-02 Kenneth Graffam Extensible torque bar
US4350064A (en) * 1980-12-18 1982-09-21 Markle James R Auxiliary tool kit for a socket wrench set
US4699020A (en) * 1984-08-16 1987-10-13 Champion International Corporation Handle adapter
US4951409A (en) * 1988-10-26 1990-08-28 Qwikee Products, Inc. Shotgun choke wrench and case
WO1994005465A1 (en) * 1992-08-28 1994-03-17 Vikan Børste Produktion A/S Handle for a cleaning utensil
US5690006A (en) * 1996-05-21 1997-11-25 Pulliam; Doyle H. Infinitely slide-adjustable socket extender for socket wrenches
US5752418A (en) * 1997-01-03 1998-05-19 T & L Robins Co., Inc. Dual size socket drive adapter
US5860338A (en) * 1997-04-07 1999-01-19 Littlefield; Kirk A. Dual drive adapter
US5911798A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-06-15 Hand Tool Design Corporation Handle extension for ratchet wrench
US20020088311A1 (en) * 1997-04-17 2002-07-11 Diego Cerda Ratchet wrench head member and system
WO2004004980A1 (en) * 1998-11-03 2004-01-15 Carroll Sean M Extendable spline-drive socket system
US7036401B2 (en) 1998-11-03 2006-05-02 Carroll Sean M Extendable spline-drive socket system
US20040074344A1 (en) * 1998-11-03 2004-04-22 Carroll Sean M. Extendable spline-drive socket system
US20060196321A1 (en) * 1998-11-03 2006-09-07 Carroll Sean M Extendable spline-drive socket system
US6532846B2 (en) * 2000-02-24 2003-03-18 Chuck Chang Tool having a handle that may adjust the arm of force of the tool
US6389931B1 (en) 2000-03-31 2002-05-21 Hand Tool Design Corporation Extension to a driver tool
US6761094B2 (en) * 2001-08-20 2004-07-13 John Tobako Handle for hand tool
US7472475B2 (en) * 2001-09-05 2009-01-06 Cooper Power Tools Gmbh & Co. Screwing station
US20050028648A1 (en) * 2001-09-05 2005-02-10 Lutz Werner Andreas Screwing station
US20040020331A1 (en) * 2002-08-02 2004-02-05 Jack Lee Wrench having a telescopic handle
US6971290B1 (en) 2002-08-20 2005-12-06 Ybarra Luis M Adjustable extension for socket wrenches
US20040099102A1 (en) * 2002-11-21 2004-05-27 Vaughan Bill S. Adaptive hexagonal driving tool
US6877403B2 (en) * 2003-07-30 2005-04-12 Chih-Ching Hsien Telescopic socket assembly
US20050022632A1 (en) * 2003-07-30 2005-02-03 Chih-Ching Hsien Telescopic socket assembly
US20050145078A1 (en) * 2004-01-02 2005-07-07 Chuan Lee C. Quick-release socket adapter for a socket wrench
US20070044597A1 (en) * 2005-08-26 2007-03-01 Pryor Troy D Extendable extension and method of use
US7188553B1 (en) 2005-08-26 2007-03-13 Pryor Troy D Extendable extension and method of use
US7066056B1 (en) * 2005-09-19 2006-06-27 Chih-Ching Hsieh Ratchet tool
US7497149B2 (en) * 2006-06-26 2009-03-03 Yi-Ting Lin Hand tool with adjustable handle
US20080006123A1 (en) * 2006-06-26 2008-01-10 Yi-Ting Lin Hand tool with adjustable handle
US7434495B2 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-10-14 Yi-Ting Lin Hand tool with extendable handle
US20080148908A1 (en) * 2006-12-20 2008-06-26 Yi-Ting Lin Hand tool with extendable handle
US20080155785A1 (en) * 2006-12-29 2008-07-03 Chia Yu Chen Telescopic hand tool
US8534165B2 (en) * 2007-01-05 2013-09-17 Snap-On Incorporated Adjustable tool extender
US20080163726A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-07-10 Wente Steve R Adjustable tool extender
US20090090224A1 (en) * 2007-10-04 2009-04-09 The Stanley Works Tool with extendable handle
US7878094B2 (en) * 2007-10-04 2011-02-01 Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Tool with extendable handle
US7793452B1 (en) * 2008-01-22 2010-09-14 Samson Manufacturing Corporation Modular fore-end rail assembly with locking mechanism
US20110056338A1 (en) * 2009-09-07 2011-03-10 Chih-Ching Hsieh Contractible wrench structure
US20110179916A1 (en) * 2010-01-27 2011-07-28 Yao Hung Wang Wrench assembled structure
US8291793B2 (en) * 2010-01-27 2012-10-23 Yao Hung Wang Wrench assembled structure
US20120096993A1 (en) * 2010-10-26 2012-04-26 Mccullough Nicholas Socket Holder
US8667872B2 (en) * 2010-10-26 2014-03-11 Nicholas McCullough Socket holder
US8695461B2 (en) * 2010-12-22 2014-04-15 Black & Decker Inc. Cleanable magnetic nut driver
US20120160064A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2012-06-28 Darren Moss Cleanable Magnetic Nut Driver
US20120167707A1 (en) * 2011-01-04 2012-07-05 Wen Cheng Chang Pull Handle Structure of a Hand Puller
US8499662B2 (en) * 2011-01-04 2013-08-06 Win Chance Metal Co., Ltd. Pull handle structure of a hand puller
US8667871B2 (en) 2011-01-13 2014-03-11 Larry C. Ahrens Telescoping extension tool
CN102513955A (en) * 2011-12-03 2012-06-27 江苏欧玛机械有限公司 Screwdriver with telescopic head
US20130160618A1 (en) * 2011-12-22 2013-06-27 Chin-Tan Huang Telescopic handle for a hand tool
US8739662B2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2014-06-03 Chin-Tan Huang Telescopic handle for a hand tool
CN104271319A (en) * 2012-02-11 2015-01-07 奈杰尔·亚历山大·布坎南 Extendable wrench handles
WO2013117888A1 (en) * 2012-02-11 2013-08-15 Nigel Alexander Buchanan Extendable wrench handles
US20140020848A1 (en) * 2012-07-18 2014-01-23 Spx Corporation Extendable handle for a tire spoon and method of operation
US9038691B2 (en) * 2012-07-18 2015-05-26 Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc. Extendable handle for a tire spoon and method of operation
US20140102261A1 (en) * 2012-10-15 2014-04-17 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Socket tool with adjustable depth
US20150053052A1 (en) * 2013-08-26 2015-02-26 Zhi-Ji Chen Sleeve structure
US9180578B2 (en) * 2013-08-26 2015-11-10 Zhi-Ji Chen Sleeve structure
US20170239790A1 (en) * 2016-02-22 2017-08-24 Malco Products, Inc. Cleanable reversible socket and driver
US9981366B2 (en) * 2016-02-22 2018-05-29 Malco Products, Inc. Cleanable reversible socket and driver
US20170021476A1 (en) * 2016-06-27 2017-01-26 Thomas Carnesi Foldable & extendable 1/4 & 3/8 drive ratchet wrench
US10493612B2 (en) * 2016-12-23 2019-12-03 Steven M. BOSWELL Support for demolition devices
US10279956B1 (en) 2017-06-20 2019-05-07 Jose Gamboa Vertical and horizontal simultaneously and selectively expandable structure
US9938044B2 (en) 2017-06-28 2018-04-10 Jose Gamboa Vertical and horizontal simultaneously and selectively expandable structure
USD939301S1 (en) * 2018-08-10 2021-12-28 Snap-On Incorporated Socket with wide groove
US11185964B2 (en) 2019-08-01 2021-11-30 John D. Keeler Length extension assembly for a hand tool
USD937060S1 (en) * 2019-12-13 2021-11-30 Cheng-Chia Peng Socket set
USD1000236S1 (en) 2021-01-11 2023-10-03 Diversitech Corporation Driver for reversible socket

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