Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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Torque socket
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
5[001] The present invention relates generally to ratchet sockets but more
particularly to a ratchet socket having a means to control tightening
torque.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Ratchet sockets are well known in the art and so are torque wrenches
but the latter are rather specialized tools that few would think about
buying because of costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[003] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known devices
now present in the prior art, the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide objects and
advantages which are:
[004] To provide for a socket that has torque calibration built in.
[005] To attain these ends, the present invention generally consists in an
adapter that fits between the ratchet socket handle and the socket that
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is usually inserted. The torque socket has an outer cylinder having
markings on an outer surface thereof. A receptacle including a male
ratchet member at one distal end, and a plurality of cavities and a
central channel at an opposite end. A plurality of balls each adapted to
fit within a respective cavity of the receptacle. A spring seat including a
release pad, a central pin extending axially therefrom from one end and
adapted to fit within the central channel of the receptacle, thereby
holding the balls within the cavities, and a disk at an opposite end. A
coiled spring received upon the spring seat. A cylinder head having a
female ratchet portion, and is adapted to compress the coiled spring and
releasably and adjustably attach to an inside surface of the outer
cylinder, thereby holding the receptacle, the balls, and the spring seat
together and between the outer cylinder and the cylinder head. A locking
ring releasably and adjustably attach to an outer surface of the cylinder
head and adapted to limit the distance the cylinder head can be placed
within the outer cylinder. A calibration ring releasably and adjustably
attached to an outer surface of the cylinder head and having an indicium
on an outside surface thereof and adapted to correlate to a chosen one
of the outer cylinder markings, such that the torque socket is adapted to
be fit between a ratchet tool and a ratchet socket to thereby adapt the
ratchet tool to offer a means for ratchet torque control.
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[006] The torque socket has the releasable and adjustable connection
between the outer cylinder and the cylinder head include interdigitating
threads. And the releasable and adjustable connection between the
outer cylinder and the calibration ring also include interdigitating threads.
5[007] The torque socket has the releasable and adjustable connection
between the outer cylinder and the calibration ring include a set screw.
[008] The torque socket has the amount of tension the spring applies onto the
release pad control the amount of torque desired, wherein the tension is
achieved by the distance the outer cylinder is threaded into the cylinder
head, such that the markings on the outer cylinder are adapted to line
up with a chosen mark on the calibration ring, and wherein the locking
ring locks in the desired torque.
[009] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof
that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional
features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will
form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0010] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
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in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements
of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0011] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,
upon
which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the
designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the
several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that
the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0012] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the
various
features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this
disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference
should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
which contains illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Fig. 1 Exploded isometric view of the invention.
[0014] Figs. 2a-b Isometric view and cutaway isometric view of the invention.
[0015] Figs. 3a-b Side and end views, respectively.
5[0016] Fig. 4 Cutaway side view.
[0017] Fig. 5 Side view of the invention as it relates to a socket handle and
a
socket.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] A torque socket (10) has an outer cylinder (12) having markings (14)
that slips around a receptacle (16) and a cylinder head (34). The
cylinder has a cylinder lock screw (42) to lock in the cylinder head (34).
The receptacle (16) has a plurality of cavities (18) configured and sized
to receive a plurality of balls (20) inserted between the receptacle (16)
and a release pad (22). A spring seat (24) has a central pin (26) and a
disc (28) and wherein the central pin (26) is inserted into a central
channel (30) bored through the receptacle (16). The disc (28) receives a
coiled spring (32) and is compressed by way of the cylinder head (34). A
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locking ring (36) and a calibration ring (38) having a set screw (40). A
male ratchet member (46) is used for connecting with a socket (47) and
a female ratchet portion (48) is used to connect with a ratchet tool (49).
The ratchet tool (49) and the socket (47) are known in the art and need
not be further discussed herein.
[0019] The cylinder head (34) is threadably attached to the outer cylinder
(12)
by way of interdigitating threads (35) located on the inner face of the
outer cylinder (12) and on the outer face of the cylinder head (34). The
amount of tension the spring (32) applies onto the release pad (22)
controls the amount of torque desired. The tension is achieved by how
much the outer cylinder (12) is threaded around the cylinder head (34).
The locking ring (36) locks the desired torque. The markings (14) on the
outer cylinder line up with an indicium (44) on the calibration ring (38).
The invention can also be used with an air powered impact gun, electric
ratchet, or any such tool known in the art.
[0020] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the
present invention, the same should be apparent from the above
description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of
usage and operation will be provided.
20[0021] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that
the
optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to
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include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious
to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those
illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are
intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
[0022] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the
principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and
changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to
limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and
described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents
may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
