Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
SOCKET DRIVE IMPROVEMENT
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the
priority benefit to, U.S.
Patent Application No. 16/504,718, filed July 8, 2019, which is a continuation
of U.S. Patent
Application No. 15/634,697 (now U.S. Patent No. 10,442,060), filed June 27,
2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/309,954 (now U.S. Patent No.
9,718,170), filed
June 20, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No.
61/904,754, filed November 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference
in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to tools for driving
fasteners, and in particular
to sockets and drives for tools.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A variety of wrenches and tools are commonly used to apply torque to a
workpiece, such
as a threaded fastener. The workpiece may be any number of different sizes and
shapes and
fitments. Accordingly, many tools include a driver adapted to mate with one or
more different
adapters, such as sockets, to engage and rotate the different workpieces. For
example, for a typical
bolt having a hex head, inner walls of a hexagonally shaped socket engage the
fastener at or very
near the corners of the fastener head, thereby allowing the tool to impart
torque to the workpiece.
However, due to this engagement, the socket may become pre-maturely fatigued
and fail due to
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
repeated stress being placed on the socket walls from the corners of the
fastener. In addition, upon
application of torque to the fastener, the fastener can become frictionally
locked in the socket due
to minor amounts of rotation of the fastener within the socket or easily
stripped due to inadequate
head to socket interaction.
SUMMARY
[0004]
The present application relates to sockets and other tools, for example,
hexagon sockets,
double hexagon sockets, spline sockets, wrenches, etc. adapted to engage
fasteners at a location
further from a corner of the fasteners, relative to conventional sockets and
tools. By shifting the
point of contact or engagement of the socket and fastener head away from the
corners of the
fastener head, the strength and life of the socket is increased, and the risk
of the fastener becoming
frictionally locked in the socket or stripped by the socket is decreased.
[0005] In an embodiment, a dodecagonal type socket includes an axial bore
having a generally
dodecagonal cross-section with twelve sidewalls respectively extending between
twelve
corresponding recesses. Each of the sidewalls includes a first portion and a
second portion that
are angularly displaced by about 130-140 degrees relative to each other. This
geometry of the
socket provides for a contact point between the socket and a flank of a head
of a dodecagonal type
fastener that is a distance of about 75-90 percent of a length of the flank
away from a corner of the
head of the fastener, thus increasing the surface area of contact and life
expectancy of the socket.
[0006] In another embodiment, a hexagonal type socket includes an axial bore
having a
generally hexagonal cross-section with six sidewalls respectively extending
between six
corresponding recesses. Each of the sidewalls includes a first portion and a
second portion that
are angularly displaced by about 130-140 degrees relative to each other. This
geometry of the
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
socket provides for a contact point between the socket and a flank of a head
of a hexagonal type
fastener that is a distance of about 30-60 percent of half a length of the
flank away from a corner
of the head of the fastener, thus increasing the surface area of contact and
life expectancy of the
socket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments of devices and methods are illustrated in the figures of
the accompanying
drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like
references are intended
to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a hexagonal socket in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or
nut.
[0009]
FIG. lA is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 1 in
accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head
or nut.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a dodecagonal socket in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or
nut.
[0011] FIG. 2A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 2
in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head
or nut.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a splined socket in accordance with an
embodiment of the
present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
[0013] FIG. 3A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG.
3 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head
or nut.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional top plan view of a splined socket in
accordance with an
embodiment of the present application.
[0015] FIG. 4A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 4
in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a prior art hexagonal socket in engagement
with a typical
hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0017] FIG. 5A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 4
in engagement
with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional top plan view of a prior art
dodecagonal socket in
engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a prior art splined socket in
engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0020] FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 6
in engagement
with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another dodecagonal socket in accordance
with an
embodiment of the present application.
[0022] FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 8
in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
dodecagonal bolt head
or nut.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Detailed embodiments of devices and methods are disclosed herein.
However, it is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the
devices and methods,
which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional details
disclosed herein
are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representative
example for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
disclosure.
[0024]
The present application relates to tools adapted to engage a head of a
fastener, such as a
hexagonal nut or bolt (also referred to herein as a fastener head). The tools
are adapted to engage
fasteners at a point away from a corner of the fasteners, which increases
strength and life of the
tool, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming frictionally locked or stuck in
the tool, and reduces
the risk of the fastener being stripped or the tool slipping on the fastener.
[0025] In an embodiment, the tools are sockets adapted to mate with lugged
wrenches, such as
ratchets. In general, the sockets include a body having first and second ends.
A first axial bore in
the first end is adapted to receive a fastener head, such as a bolt head or
nut, and a second axial
bore in the second end adapted to matingly engage with a lugged wrench in a
well-known manner.
The first axial bore may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape axially
extending at least partially
through the body from the first end toward the second end. In an embodiment,
the polygonal cross-
sectional shape is a generally hexagonal shape adapted to engage the fastener
head, such as a
hexagonal bolt head or nut. The hexagonal cross sectional shape may be, for
example, about a 1/2
inch cross sectional shape. In other embodiments, the hexagonal cross
sectional shape may be
larger or smaller, for example, the cross section shape may be SAE 1/4 inch, a
3/8 inch, a 3/4 inch,
a 1 inch, a 1 and 1/2 inch, etc. or metric sizes, inclusive of all ranges and
sub-ranges there between.
In yet other embodiments, the first axial bore may be formed to have different
cross-sectional
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
shapes adapted to mate with different shaped fastener heads, for example,
triangular, rectangular,
pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, hex shaped, double hexagonal, spline or
other shapes of the
type.
[0026] The second axial bore may have a substantially square cross-
sectional shape extending
at least partially through the body from the second end to the first end. The
second axial bore may
be adapted to matingly engage a drive shaft or drive lug of a tool, for
example, a hand tool, a socket
wrench, a torque wrench, an impact driver, an impact wrench, and other tools,
in a well-known
manner. The squared cross-sectional shape may be, for example, about a 1/2
inch square or other
SAE or metric sizes. In yet other embodiments, the second axial bore may be
formed to have
different cross-sectional shapes adapted to mate with different shaped
receptacles of different
tools, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the second axial bore may be
triangular,
rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, hex shaped or other
shapes of the type.
[0027] FIGS. 1 and lA illustrate an embodiment of a socket 100 having a
first axial bore 102
with a generally hexagonal shape. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the socket 100 is
disposed on a typical
head 120 of a fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0028] The first axial bore 102 includes six (6) corresponding recesses 104
equally spaced
circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the socket 100. The recesses 104 are
equally spaced from
one another at about sixty (60) degree intervals circumferentially around the
socket 100 so as to
receive the corners 122 of the hexagonal head 120 of the fastener. The
recesses 104 are
dimensioned to provide for about three (3) degrees of rotation off center of
the socket 100 with
respect to the corners 122 of the head 120 of the fastener in either direction
when corners 122 of
the head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 104.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
[0029] The first axial bore 102 also includes six (6) longitudinal
sidewalls 106 that extend
between and are respectively interconnected by the recesses 104. Referring to
FIG. 1A, each of
the sidewalls 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1) includes a first substantially
straight portion 108 disposed
adjacent to second straight portion 110 that is angularly displaced with
respect to the first portion
108. The second portion 110 extends from a recess 104 and intersects the first
portion 108 at an
angle. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the second portion 110 is disposed at an
angle (al) with respect
to the first portion 108. In an embodiment, the angle (al) is about 4-12
degrees, and preferably
about 5-7 degrees. The second portion 110 may also have a length (L1) equal to
about 20-30
percent of a length of the first portion 108, and preferably about 26 percent.
[0030] This geometry of the first axial bore 102 provides for a contact
point 112 between the
sidewalls 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1), substantially at an intersection of a
second portion 110 with
the first portion 108, and a flank 124 or flat of the head 120 of the fastener
that is away from the
corner 122 of the fastener. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the contact point 112
is a distance (D1) away
from the corner 122. In an embodiment, the distance (D1) is about 30 to 60
percent of half a length
of the flank 124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of
the fastener, more
preferably, the distance (D1) is about 40-55 percent of half the length of the
flank 124, and more
preferably, the distance (D1) is about 45 percent of half the length of the
flank 124. It is to be
understood that each end of sidewalls 106 intersection around the hexagonal
shape is generally the
same and mirrored as described above.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-1A and 5-5A, when compared to a typical prior art
hexagonal
socket 500 having six (6) recesses 504 and six (6) longitudinal sidewalls 506,
the contact point
112 of the socket 100 is further away from the corner 122 of the head 120 of
the fastener than a
contact point 512 of the socket 500. When the sockets 100 and 500 are 3/4 inch
sockets, for
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
example, the contact point 112 of the present invention is at a distance (D1)
of about 0.092 inches,
compared to the contact point 512 of the prior art having a distance (DP1) of
about 0.0548 inches.
Additionally, the sidewalls 506 of the prior art socket 500 are merely
straight, and do not include
second portions, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A.
[0032]
The increase in the distance of the contact point 112 away from the corner 122
of the
head 120 of the fastener increases the surface area and shifts the load from
the corner 122 and
distributes the stress concentration further away from the corner 122. This
allows more surface
area of the sidewall 106 to contact the head 120, thereby improving the
strength and operable life
of the socket 100. This also reduces the risk of the head 120 becoming
frictionally locked or stuck
in the socket 100, and reduces the risk of the head 120 being stripped or the
socket 100 slipping
on the head 120.
[0033] FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 200 having a
first axial bore
202 having a generally dodecagonal type shape (a/k/a double hexagonal). As
illustrated in FIG.
2, the socket 200 is disposed on the head 120 of the fastener, such as a
hexagonal bolt head or nut.
The first axial bore 202 includes twelve (12) corresponding recesses 204
equally spaced
circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the socket 200. The recesses 204 are
equally spaced from
one another at about thirty (30) degree intervals circumferentially around the
socket 200 so as to
receive the hexagonal head 120 of the fastener. In this embodiment, the
recesses 204 are
dimensioned to provide about three and six tenths (3.6) degrees of rotation
off center of the socket
200 with respect to the head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the
corners 122 of the
head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 204. In another
embodiment, the
recesses 204 are dimensioned to provide about one and nine tenths (1.9)
degrees of rotation off
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
center of the socket 200 with respect to the head 120 of the fastener in
either direction when the
corners 122 of the head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the
recesses 204.
[0034] The first axial bore 202 also includes twelve (12) longitudinal
sidewalls 206 respectively
between the recesses 204. Referring to FIG. 2A, each of the sidewalls 206
includes a first straight
portion 208 and a second straight portion 210 that are angularly displaced
with respect to each
other. The first and second portions 208, 210 each extend from respective
recesses 204 and
intersect with one another at an angle. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first
portion 208 is disposed
at an angle (12) with respect to the second portion 210. In an embodiment, the
angle (12) is about
40-48 degrees, and preferably about 43 degrees. The first and second portions
208 and 210 may
also have lengths substantially equal to one another.
[0035] This geometry of the axial bore 202 provides for a contact point 212
between the
sidewalls 206 substantially at the intersection of the first and second
portions 208 and 210 and the
flank 124 is away from the corner 122 of the fastener. When in use, the socket
200 initially contacts
the flank 124 of the fastener at the contact point 212 and as load increases,
a surface area contact
between the socket 200 and the flank 124 gradually increases in a direction
towards the corner 122
and a recess 204.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the contact point 212 is a distance (D2)
away from the corner
122. In an embodiment, the distance (D2) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a
length of the flank
124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of the fastener,
and preferably the
distance (D2) is about 40 percent of half the length of the flank 124. It is
to be understood that
each end of sidewalls 208, 210 intersection around the dodecagonal shape is
generally the same
and mirrored as described above.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-2A and 6, when compared to a typical prior art
dodecagonal type
socket 600 having twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 604 and twelve
(12) sidewalls 606,
the contact point 212 of the socket 200 is further away from the corner 122 of
the head 120 of the
fastener than a contact point 612 of the socket 600. For example, when the
sockets 200 and 600
are 3/4 inch sockets, the contact point 112 is at a distance (D2) of about
0.0864 inches and the
prior art contact point 612 is at a distance (DP2) less than 0.0864. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the
contact point 612 of the socket 600 is proximal to an intersection of a first
portion 608 and the
recess 604. Additionally, the sidewalls 606 of the prior art socket 600
include first and second
portions 608, 610 that are disposed at an angle (aP2) of about 36-37 degrees,
which is smaller than
the angle (a2) of the socket 200.
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 300 having a
first axial bore
302 with a generally splined-type cross-sectional shape. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, the socket 300 is
disposed on the head 120 of the fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or
nut. The axial bore 302
includes twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 304 equally spaced
circumferentially in an inner
sidewall of the socket 300. The recesses 304 are equally spaced from one
another at about thirty
(30) degree intervals circumferentially around the socket 300 and have two (2)
rounded inner
corners. In this embodiment, the recesses 304 are dimensioned to provide about
three and six
tenths (3.6) to about four (4) degrees of rotation off center of the socket
300 with respect to the
head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the corners 122 of the head
120 are centrally
aligned in the recesses 304.
[0039]
The axial bore 302 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 306 respectively
between the
recesses 304. Referring to FIG. 3A, each of the sidewalls 306 includes a first
portion 308 and a
second portion 310 that are angularly displaced with respect to each other.
The first and second
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
portions 308 and 310 each extend from a recess 304 and intersect with one
another at a rounded
comer. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first portion 308 is disposed at an
angle (13) with respect to
the second portion 310. In an embodiment, the angle (13) is about 40-45
degrees, and preferably
about 42 degrees. The first and second portions 308 and 310 may also have
lengths substantially
equal to one another. It is to be understood that each end of sidewalls 306
intersection around the
splined shape is generally the same and mirrored as described above.
[0040] This geometry of the axial bore 302 provides for a contact point 312
between the
sidewalls 306, proximal to an intersection of the first and second portions
308 and 310, and the
flank 124 that is away from the corner 122 of the fastener. When in use, the
socket 300 also
initially contacts the flank 124 of the fastener at the contact point 312 and
as load increases, a
surface area contact between the socket 300 and the flank 124 gradually
increases in a direction
towards the corner 122 and a recess 304.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the contact point 312 is a distance (D3)
away from the corner
122. In an embodiment, the distance (D3) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a
length of the flank
124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of the fastener,
and preferably the
distance (D3) is about 35 percent of half the length of the flank 124.
[0042] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate another socket 400 having a first axial bore
402 having a
splined type shape, similar to the socket 300. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
axial bore 402 includes
twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 404 equally spaced circumferentially
in an inner sidewall
of the socket 400. The recesses 404 are equally spaced from one another at
about thirty (30) degree
intervals circumferentially around the socket 400 and have two (2) rounded
inner corners. In this
embodiment, similar to the socket 300, the recesses 404 are dimensioned to
provide about three
and six tenths (3.6) to about four (4) degrees of rotation off center of the
socket 400 with respect
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
to the head of a fastener in either direction when the corners of the head are
centrally aligned in
the recesses 404.
[0043]
The axial bore 402 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 406 respectively
between the
recesses 404. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the sidewalls 406 includes a first
portion 408 and a
second portion 410 that are angularly displaced with respect to each other.
The first and second
portions 408 and 410 each extend from a recess 404 and intersect with one
another at a rounded
comer. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first portion 408 is disposed at an angle
(a4 or a4a) with
respect to the second portion 410. In an embodiment, the angle (a4) is about
40-45 degrees, and
preferably about 41.6 degrees, and the angle (a4a) is about 140-135 degrees,
and preferably about
138.4 degrees. The first and second portions 408 and 410 may also have lengths
substantially
equal to one another.
[0044] In an embodiment, the recesses 404 form angled wall portions 414 and
416 that are
angularly displaced with respect to one another at an angle (a4b). In an
embodiment, the angle
(a4b) is about 20-24 degrees, and preferably about 22 degrees. Referring to
FIG. 4A, additionally,
a radius (resulting from an arc tangent to Z at point X and tangent to flank
Y) is maximized within
the allowable spline geometry of the socket 400. In this embodiment, the width
of the teeth (i.e.
the sidewalls 406) may be reduced to increase strength of the walls of the
socket 400. It is to be
understood that each end of sidewalls 406 intersection around the dodecagonal
shape is generally
the same and mirrored as described above.
[0045] Like the socket 300, the geometry of the axial bore 402 may provide for
a contact point
between the sidewalls 406, proximal to an intersection of the first and second
portions 408 and
410, and the flank that is away from the corner of the fastener. Similarly,
when in use, the socket
400 may also initially contacts the flank of the fastener at the contact point
and as load increases,
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
a surface area contact between the socket 400 and the flank may increase in a
direction towards
the corner and a recess 404.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3-4 and 7-7A, when compared to a typical prior art
splined type
socket 700 having twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 704 and twelve
(12) sidewalls 706,
the contact point 312 of the socket 300 and the contact point of the socket
400 is further away from
the corner 122 of the head 120 of the fastener than a contact point 712 of the
socket 700. For
example, when the sockets 300 and 700 are 3/4-inch sockets, the contact point
312 is at a distance
(D3) of about 0.076 inches and the contact point 712 of the prior art socket
is at a distance (DP2)
of about 0.0492. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the contact point 712 of the
socket 700 is proximal to
an intersection of a first portion 708 and the recess 704. Additionally, the
sidewalls 706 of the
prior art socket 700 include first and second portions 708 and 710 that are
disposed at an angle
(aP3) of about 36-37 degrees, which is smaller than the angle (a3) of the
socket 300 and the angle
(a4) of the socket 400.
[0047] FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 800 having a
first axial bore
802 with a generally dodecagonal type shape (a/k/a double hexagonal). As
illustrated in FIG. 8A,
the socket 800 is disposed on the head 920 of a typical fastener, such as a
dodecagonal type (a/k/a
double hexagonal) bolt head or nut. The first axial bore 802 includes twelve
(12) equidistantly
spaced corresponding recesses 804 equally spaced circumferentially in an inner
sidewall of the
socket 800. The recesses 804 are equally spaced from one another at about
thirty (30) degree
intervals circumferentially around the socket 800 so as to receive the head
920 of the fastener. In
this embodiment, the recesses 804 are dimensioned to provide about zero and
five tenths (0.5) to
about four (4) degrees, and more preferably about one and nine tenths (1.9)
degrees of rotation off
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
center of the socket 800 with respect to the head 920 of the fastener in
either direction when the
corners 922 of the head 920 are substantially centrally aligned in the
recesses 804.
[0048] The first axial bore 802 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 806
respectively between
adjacent ones of the recesses 804 (such as first and second adjacent
recesses). Referring to FIG.
8A, each of the sidewalls 806 includes a first portion 808 and a second
portion 810 that are
angularly displaced with respect to each other. The first and second portions
208, 210 each
respectively extends from recesses 804 and are angled with one another. As
illustrated in FIG.
8A, the first portion 808 is disposed at an angle (a8) with respect to the
second portion 810. In an
embodiment, angle (a8) is about 130-140 degrees, and preferably about 133-136
degrees. In other
words, the first portion 808 is disposed at an angle of about 40-50 degrees,
and preferably about
44-47 degrees, with respect to the second portion 810.
[0049] The first and second portions 208 and 210 may also have lengths
substantially equal to
one another, and may be substantially straight. The sidewall 806 may also
include a third portion
814 between the first and second portions 808, 810. The third portion 814 may
be a concave
surface sized to fit, but not interfere with a minor diameter of the fastener.
The intersection where
the third portion 814 intersects the flank 924 creates a contact point 812. In
an embodiment, the
concave third portion 814 has a radius of about 51% to about 54%, and more
particularly, about
52% to about 53% of a nominal hex size. In an alternative embodiment, the
third surface 814 may
be substantially straight.
[0050] This geometry of the axial bore 802 creates the contact point 812
between the sidewalls
806 proximal to the intersection of the first and second portions 808 and 810
(such as substantially
at the third portion 814) and the flank 924 away from the corner 922 of the
fastener. When in use,
the socket 800 initially contacts the flank 924 of the fastener at the contact
point 812 and, as torque
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Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
load application increases, a surface area contact between the socket 800 and
the flank 924
gradually increases in a direction towards the corner 922 and a recess 804.
The geometry of the
axial bore 802 also provides for an angle ([38) between either of the first or
second portion 808,
810 and the flank 924. In an embodiment, the angle ([38) is about 2-8 degrees,
and preferably
about 5-7 degrees.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the contact point 812 is a distance (D8)
away from the corner
922. In an embodiment, the distance (D8) is about 75-90 percent of a length of
the flank 924, and
preferably the distance (D8) is about 80-85 percent of the length of the flank
924. With respect to
a hexagonal fastener, the distance (D8) is about 30-60 percent of half a
length of the flank 124
away from the corner 122, and preferably the distance (D8) is about 49-54
percent of half the
length of the flank 124. It is to be understood that each end of sidewalls 806
around the
dodecagonal shape is generally the same and mirrored as described above.
[0052] The increase in the distance of the contact points away from the corner
of the head of
the fastener, described with reference to FIGS. 1-4A and 8-8A, shifts the load
on the corner and
distributes the stress concentration away from the corner of the fastener.
This allows more surface
area of the sockets to contact the head of the fastener, thereby improving the
strength and operable
life of the sockets. This also reduces the risk of the head becoming locked or
stuck in the sockets,
and reduces the risk of the head being stripped or the sockets slipping on the
head. Moving the
contact point away from the corner of the fastener also allows the sockets to
be used on damaged
or stripped fasteners where existing sockets cannot.
[0053] The sockets described herein are described generally with respect to
a 3/4 inch socket;
however, the sizes and dimensions of the various elements of the socket
described herein may be
modified or adapted for a particular use with one or more different tools. For
example, the socket
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
may be adapted to receive different fastener sizes, for example, 1 inch, 1/2
inch, 10 mm, 12 mm,
14 mm, etc., as known in the art. Similarly, the size of the second axial bore
can be adapted to
receive different sizes and types of drive shafts or drive lugs of socket
wrenches.
[0054] Further, the geometry of the inner surface of the sockets described
herein may be applied
to other types of tools for applying torque to fasteners. For example, a
wrench or box wrench may
include the geometries disclosed herein to allow the wrench or box wrench to
have a contact point
positioned away from a corner of a fastener. Similarly, other tools and/or
fasteners may include
the geometries disclosed herein.
[0055] Although the devices and methods have been described and illustrated in
connection
with certain embodiments, many variations and modifications will be evident to
those skilled in
the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. The
present disclosure is thus not to be limited to the precise details of
methodology or construction
set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be
included within the scope of
the present disclosure. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the
terms first, second, etc.
do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,
etc. are merely used to
distinguish one element from another.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
SOCKET DRIVE IMPROVEMENT
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the
priority benefit to, U.S.
Patent Application No. 16/504,718, filed July 8, 2019, which is a continuation
of U.S. Patent
Application No. 15/634,697 (now U.S. Patent No. 10,442,060), filed June 27,
2017, which is a
continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 14/309,954 (now U.S. Patent No.
9,718,170), filed
June 20, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No.
61/904,754, filed November 15, 2013, the contents of which are incorporated
herein by reference
in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates generally to tools for driving
fasteners, and in particular
to sockets and drives for tools.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A variety of wrenches and tools are commonly used to apply torque to a
workpiece, such
as a threaded fastener. The workpiece may be any number of different sizes and
shapes and
fitments. Accordingly, many tools include a driver adapted to mate with one or
more different
adapters, such as sockets, to engage and rotate the different workpieces. For
example, for a typical
bolt having a hex head, inner walls of a hexagonally shaped socket engage the
fastener at or very
near the corners of the fastener head, thereby allowing the tool to impart
torque to the workpiece.
However, due to this engagement, the socket may become pre-maturely fatigued
and fail due to
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
repeated stress being placed on the socket walls from the corners of the
fastener. In addition, upon
application of torque to the fastener, the fastener can become frictionally
locked in the socket due
to minor amounts of rotation of the fastener within the socket or easily
stripped due to inadequate
head to socket interaction.
SUMMARY
[0004]
The present application relates to sockets and other tools, for example,
hexagon sockets,
double hexagon sockets, spline sockets, wrenches, etc. adapted to engage
fasteners at a location
further from a corner of the fasteners, relative to conventional sockets and
tools. By shifting the
point of contact or engagement of the socket and fastener head away from the
corners of the
fastener head, the strength and life of the socket is increased, and the risk
of the fastener becoming
frictionally locked in the socket or stripped by the socket is decreased.
[0005] In an embodiment, a dodecagonal type socket includes an axial bore
having a generally
dodecagonal cross-section with twelve sidewalls respectively extending between
twelve
corresponding recesses. Each of the sidewalls includes a first portion and a
second portion that
are angularly displaced by about 130-140 degrees relative to each other. This
geometry of the
socket provides for a contact point between the socket and a flank of a head
of a dodecagonal type
fastener that is a distance of about 75-90 percent of a length of the flank
away from a corner of the
head of the fastener, thus increasing the surface area of contact and life
expectancy of the socket.
[0006] In another embodiment, a hexagonal type socket includes an axial bore
having a
generally hexagonal cross-section with six sidewalls respectively extending
between six
corresponding recesses. Each of the sidewalls includes a first portion and a
second portion that
are angularly displaced by about 130-140 degrees relative to each other. This
geometry of the
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
socket provides for a contact point between the socket and a flank of a head
of a hexagonal type
fastener that is a distance of about 30-60 percent of half a length of the
flank away from a corner
of the head of the fastener, thus increasing the surface area of contact and
life expectancy of the
socket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Embodiments of devices and methods are illustrated in the figures of
the accompanying
drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like
references are intended
to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a hexagonal socket in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or
nut.
[0009]
FIG. lA is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 1 in
accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head
or nut.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a dodecagonal socket in accordance with an
embodiment of
the present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or
nut.
[0011] FIG. 2A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 2
in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head
or nut.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a splined socket in accordance with an
embodiment of the
present application in engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
[0013] FIG. 3A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG.
3 in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head
or nut.
[0014] FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional top plan view of a splined socket in
accordance with an
embodiment of the present application.
[0015] FIG. 4A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 4
in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a prior art hexagonal socket in engagement
with a typical
hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0017] FIG. 5A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 4
in engagement
with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional top plan view of a prior art
dodecagonal socket in
engagement with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a prior art splined socket in
engagement with a typical
hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0020] FIG. 7A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 6
in engagement
with a typical hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of another dodecagonal socket in accordance
with an
embodiment of the present application.
[0022] FIG. 8A is an enlarged sectional top plan view of the socket of FIG. 8
in accordance
with an embodiment of the present application in engagement with a typical
dodecagonal bolt head
or nut.
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] Detailed embodiments of devices and methods are disclosed herein.
However, it is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the
devices and methods,
which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific functional details
disclosed herein
are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims
and as a representative
example for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present
disclosure.
[0024]
The present application relates to tools adapted to engage a head of a
fastener, such as a
hexagonal nut or bolt (also referred to herein as a fastener head). The tools
are adapted to engage
fasteners at a point away from a corner of the fasteners, which increases
strength and life of the
tool, reduces a risk of the fastener becoming frictionally locked or stuck in
the tool, and reduces
the risk of the fastener being stripped or the tool slipping on the fastener.
[0025] In an embodiment, the tools are sockets adapted to mate with lugged
wrenches, such as
ratchets. In general, the sockets include a body having first and second ends.
A first axial bore in
the first end is adapted to receive a fastener head, such as a bolt head or
nut, and a second axial
bore in the second end adapted to matingly engage with a lugged wrench in a
well-known manner.
The first axial bore may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape axially
extending at least partially
through the body from the first end toward the second end. In an embodiment,
the polygonal cross-
sectional shape is a generally hexagonal shape adapted to engage the fastener
head, such as a
hexagonal bolt head or nut. The hexagonal cross sectional shape may be, for
example, about a 1/2
inch cross sectional shape. In other embodiments, the hexagonal cross
sectional shape may be
larger or smaller, for example, the cross section shape may be SAE 1/4 inch, a
3/8 inch, a 3/4 inch,
a 1 inch, a 1 and 1/2 inch, etc. or metric sizes, inclusive of all ranges and
sub-ranges there between.
In yet other embodiments, the first axial bore may be formed to have different
cross-sectional
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
shapes adapted to mate with different shaped fastener heads, for example,
triangular, rectangular,
pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, hex shaped, double hexagonal, spline or
other shapes of the
type.
[0026] The second axial bore may have a substantially square cross-
sectional shape extending
at least partially through the body from the second end to the first end. The
second axial bore may
be adapted to matingly engage a drive shaft or drive lug of a tool, for
example, a hand tool, a socket
wrench, a torque wrench, an impact driver, an impact wrench, and other tools,
in a well-known
manner. The squared cross-sectional shape may be, for example, about a 1/2
inch square or other
SAE or metric sizes. In yet other embodiments, the second axial bore may be
formed to have
different cross-sectional shapes adapted to mate with different shaped
receptacles of different
tools, for example, the cross-sectional shape of the second axial bore may be
triangular,
rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, hex shaped or other
shapes of the type.
[0027] FIGS. 1 and lA illustrate an embodiment of a socket 100 having a
first axial bore 102
with a generally hexagonal shape. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the socket 100 is
disposed on a typical
head 120 of a fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or nut.
[0028] The first axial bore 102 includes six (6) corresponding recesses 104
equally spaced
circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the socket 100. The recesses 104 are
equally spaced from
one another at about sixty (60) degree intervals circumferentially around the
socket 100 so as to
receive the corners 122 of the hexagonal head 120 of the fastener. The
recesses 104 are
dimensioned to provide for about three (3) degrees of rotation off center of
the socket 100 with
respect to the corners 122 of the head 120 of the fastener in either direction
when corners 122 of
the head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 104.
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
[0029] The first axial bore 102 also includes six (6) longitudinal
sidewalls 106 that extend
between and are respectively interconnected by the recesses 104. Referring to
FIG. 1A, each of
the sidewalls 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1) includes a first substantially
straight portion 108 disposed
adjacent to second straight portion 110 that is angularly displaced with
respect to the first portion
108. The second portion 110 extends from a recess 104 and intersects the first
portion 108 at an
angle. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the second portion 110 is disposed at an
angle (al) with respect
to the first portion 108. In an embodiment, the angle (al) is about 4-12
degrees, and preferably
about 5-7 degrees. The second portion 110 may also have a length (L1) equal to
about 20-30
percent of a length of the first portion 108, and preferably about 26 percent.
[0030] This geometry of the first axial bore 102 provides for a contact
point 112 between the
sidewalls 106 (illustrated in FIG. 1), substantially at an intersection of a
second portion 110 with
the first portion 108, and a flank 124 or flat of the head 120 of the fastener
that is away from the
corner 122 of the fastener. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the contact point 112
is a distance (D1) away
from the corner 122. In an embodiment, the distance (D1) is about 30 to 60
percent of half a length
of the flank 124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of
the fastener, more
preferably, the distance (D1) is about 40-55 percent of half the length of the
flank 124, and more
preferably, the distance (D1) is about 45 percent of half the length of the
flank 124. It is to be
understood that each end of sidewalls 106 intersection around the hexagonal
shape is generally the
same and mirrored as described above.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-1A and 5-5A, when compared to a typical prior art
hexagonal
socket 500 having six (6) recesses 504 and six (6) longitudinal sidewalls 506,
the contact point
112 of the socket 100 is further away from the corner 122 of the head 120 of
the fastener than a
contact point 512 of the socket 500. When the sockets 100 and 500 are 3/4 inch
sockets, for
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
example, the contact point 112 of the present invention is at a distance (D1)
of about 0.092 inches,
compared to the contact point 512 of the prior art having a distance (DP1) of
about 0.0548 inches.
Additionally, the sidewalls 506 of the prior art socket 500 are merely
straight, and do not include
second portions, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A.
[0032]
The increase in the distance of the contact point 112 away from the corner 122
of the
head 120 of the fastener increases the surface area and shifts the load from
the corner 122 and
distributes the stress concentration further away from the corner 122. This
allows more surface
area of the sidewall 106 to contact the head 120, thereby improving the
strength and operable life
of the socket 100. This also reduces the risk of the head 120 becoming
frictionally locked or stuck
in the socket 100, and reduces the risk of the head 120 being stripped or the
socket 100 slipping
on the head 120.
[0033] FIGS. 2 and 2A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 200 having a
first axial bore
202 having a generally dodecagonal type shape (a/k/a double hexagonal). As
illustrated in FIG.
2, the socket 200 is disposed on the head 120 of the fastener, such as a
hexagonal bolt head or nut.
The first axial bore 202 includes twelve (12) corresponding recesses 204
equally spaced
circumferentially in an inner sidewall of the socket 200. The recesses 204 are
equally spaced from
one another at about thirty (30) degree intervals circumferentially around the
socket 200 so as to
receive the hexagonal head 120 of the fastener. In this embodiment, the
recesses 204 are
dimensioned to provide about three and six tenths (3.6) degrees of rotation
off center of the socket
200 with respect to the head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the
corners 122 of the
head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the recesses 204. In another
embodiment, the
recesses 204 are dimensioned to provide about one and nine tenths (1.9)
degrees of rotation off
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
center of the socket 200 with respect to the head 120 of the fastener in
either direction when the
corners 122 of the head 120 are substantially centrally aligned in the
recesses 204.
[0034] The first axial bore 202 also includes twelve (12) longitudinal
sidewalls 206 respectively
between the recesses 204. Referring to FIG. 2A, each of the sidewalls 206
includes a first straight
portion 208 and a second straight portion 210 that are angularly displaced
with respect to each
other. The first and second portions 208, 210 each extend from respective
recesses 204 and
intersect with one another at an angle. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first
portion 208 is disposed
at an angle (12) with respect to the second portion 210. In an embodiment, the
angle (12) is about
40-48 degrees, and preferably about 43 degrees. The first and second portions
208 and 210 may
also have lengths substantially equal to one another.
[0035] This geometry of the axial bore 202 provides for a contact point 212
between the
sidewalls 206 substantially at the intersection of the first and second
portions 208 and 210 and the
flank 124 is away from the corner 122 of the fastener. When in use, the socket
200 initially contacts
the flank 124 of the fastener at the contact point 212 and as load increases,
a surface area contact
between the socket 200 and the flank 124 gradually increases in a direction
towards the corner 122
and a recess 204.
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the contact point 212 is a distance (D2)
away from the corner
122. In an embodiment, the distance (D2) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a
length of the flank
124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of the fastener,
and preferably the
distance (D2) is about 40 percent of half the length of the flank 124. It is
to be understood that
each end of sidewalls 208, 210 intersection around the dodecagonal shape is
generally the same
and mirrored as described above.
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2-2A and 6, when compared to a typical prior art
dodecagonal type
socket 600 having twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 604 and twelve
(12) sidewalls 606,
the contact point 212 of the socket 200 is further away from the corner 122 of
the head 120 of the
fastener than a contact point 612 of the socket 600. For example, when the
sockets 200 and 600
are 3/4 inch sockets, the contact point 112 is at a distance (D2) of about
0.0864 inches and the
prior art contact point 612 is at a distance (DP2) less than 0.0864. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, the
contact point 612 of the socket 600 is proximal to an intersection of a first
portion 608 and the
recess 604. Additionally, the sidewalls 606 of the prior art socket 600
include first and second
portions 608, 610 that are disposed at an angle (aP2) of about 36-37 degrees,
which is smaller than
the angle (a2) of the socket 200.
[0038] FIGS. 3 and 3A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 300 having a
first axial bore
302 with a generally splined-type cross-sectional shape. As illustrated in
FIG. 3, the socket 300 is
disposed on the head 120 of the fastener, such as a hexagonal bolt head or
nut. The axial bore 302
includes twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 304 equally spaced
circumferentially in an inner
sidewall of the socket 300. The recesses 304 are equally spaced from one
another at about thirty
(30) degree intervals circumferentially around the socket 300 and have two (2)
rounded inner
corners. In this embodiment, the recesses 304 are dimensioned to provide about
three and six
tenths (3.6) to about four (4) degrees of rotation off center of the socket
300 with respect to the
head 120 of the fastener in either direction when the corners 122 of the head
120 are centrally
aligned in the recesses 304.
[0039]
The axial bore 302 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 306 respectively
between the
recesses 304. Referring to FIG. 3A, each of the sidewalls 306 includes a first
portion 308 and a
second portion 310 that are angularly displaced with respect to each other.
The first and second
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
portions 308 and 310 each extend from a recess 304 and intersect with one
another at a rounded
comer. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first portion 308 is disposed at an
angle (13) with respect to
the second portion 310. In an embodiment, the angle (13) is about 40-45
degrees, and preferably
about 42 degrees. The first and second portions 308 and 310 may also have
lengths substantially
equal to one another. It is to be understood that each end of sidewalls 306
intersection around the
splined shape is generally the same and mirrored as described above.
[0040] This geometry of the axial bore 302 provides for a contact point 312
between the
sidewalls 306, proximal to an intersection of the first and second portions
308 and 310, and the
flank 124 that is away from the corner 122 of the fastener. When in use, the
socket 300 also
initially contacts the flank 124 of the fastener at the contact point 312 and
as load increases, a
surface area contact between the socket 300 and the flank 124 gradually
increases in a direction
towards the corner 122 and a recess 304.
[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the contact point 312 is a distance (D3)
away from the corner
122. In an embodiment, the distance (D3) is about 30 to 60 percent of half a
length of the flank
124 (half of the length between corners 122) of the head 120 of the fastener,
and preferably the
distance (D3) is about 35 percent of half the length of the flank 124.
[0042] FIGS. 4 and 4A illustrate another socket 400 having a first axial bore
402 having a
splined type shape, similar to the socket 300. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the
axial bore 402 includes
twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 404 equally spaced circumferentially
in an inner sidewall
of the socket 400. The recesses 404 are equally spaced from one another at
about thirty (30) degree
intervals circumferentially around the socket 400 and have two (2) rounded
inner corners. In this
embodiment, similar to the socket 300, the recesses 404 are dimensioned to
provide about three
and six tenths (3.6) to about four (4) degrees of rotation off center of the
socket 400 with respect
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
to the head of a fastener in either direction when the corners of the head are
centrally aligned in
the recesses 404.
[0043]
The axial bore 402 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 406 respectively
between the
recesses 404. Referring to FIG. 4, each of the sidewalls 406 includes a first
portion 408 and a
second portion 410 that are angularly displaced with respect to each other.
The first and second
portions 408 and 410 each extend from a recess 404 and intersect with one
another at a rounded
comer. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first portion 408 is disposed at an angle
(a4 or a4a) with
respect to the second portion 410. In an embodiment, the angle (a4) is about
40-45 degrees, and
preferably about 41.6 degrees, and the angle (a4a) is about 140-135 degrees,
and preferably about
138.4 degrees. The first and second portions 408 and 410 may also have lengths
substantially
equal to one another.
[0044] In an embodiment, the recesses 404 form angled wall portions 414 and
416 that are
angularly displaced with respect to one another at an angle (a4b). In an
embodiment, the angle
(a4b) is about 20-24 degrees, and preferably about 22 degrees. Referring to
FIG. 4A, additionally,
a radius (resulting from an arc tangent to Z at point X and tangent to flank
Y) is maximized within
the allowable spline geometry of the socket 400. In this embodiment, the width
of the teeth (i.e.
the sidewalls 406) may be reduced to increase strength of the walls of the
socket 400. It is to be
understood that each end of sidewalls 406 intersection around the dodecagonal
shape is generally
the same and mirrored as described above.
[0045] Like the socket 300, the geometry of the axial bore 402 may provide for
a contact point
between the sidewalls 406, proximal to an intersection of the first and second
portions 408 and
410, and the flank that is away from the corner of the fastener. Similarly,
when in use, the socket
400 may also initially contacts the flank of the fastener at the contact point
and as load increases,
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
a surface area contact between the socket 400 and the flank may increase in a
direction towards
the corner and a recess 404.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 3-4 and 7-7A, when compared to a typical prior art
splined type
socket 700 having twelve (12) equidistantly spaced recesses 704 and twelve
(12) sidewalls 706,
the contact point 312 of the socket 300 and the contact point of the socket
400 is further away from
the corner 122 of the head 120 of the fastener than a contact point 712 of the
socket 700. For
example, when the sockets 300 and 700 are 3/4-inch sockets, the contact point
312 is at a distance
(D3) of about 0.076 inches and the contact point 712 of the prior art socket
is at a distance (DP2)
of about 0.0492. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the contact point 712 of the
socket 700 is proximal to
an intersection of a first portion 708 and the recess 704. Additionally, the
sidewalls 706 of the
prior art socket 700 include first and second portions 708 and 710 that are
disposed at an angle
(aP3) of about 36-37 degrees, which is smaller than the angle (a3) of the
socket 300 and the angle
(a4) of the socket 400.
[0047] FIGS. 8 and 8A illustrate another embodiment of a socket 800 having a
first axial bore
802 with a generally dodecagonal type shape (a/k/a double hexagonal). As
illustrated in FIG. 8A,
the socket 800 is disposed on the head 920 of a typical fastener, such as a
dodecagonal type (a/k/a
double hexagonal) bolt head or nut. The first axial bore 802 includes twelve
(12) equidistantly
spaced corresponding recesses 804 equally spaced circumferentially in an inner
sidewall of the
socket 800. The recesses 804 are equally spaced from one another at about
thirty (30) degree
intervals circumferentially around the socket 800 so as to receive the head
920 of the fastener. In
this embodiment, the recesses 804 are dimensioned to provide about zero and
five tenths (0.5) to
about four (4) degrees, and more preferably about one and nine tenths (1.9)
degrees of rotation off
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
center of the socket 800 with respect to the head 920 of the fastener in
either direction when the
corners 922 of the head 920 are substantially centrally aligned in the
recesses 804.
[0048] The first axial bore 802 also includes twelve (12) sidewalls 806
respectively between
adjacent ones of the recesses 804 (such as first and second adjacent
recesses). Referring to FIG.
8A, each of the sidewalls 806 includes a first portion 808 and a second
portion 810 that are
angularly displaced with respect to each other. The first and second portions
208, 210 each
respectively extends from recesses 804 and are angled with one another. As
illustrated in FIG.
8A, the first portion 808 is disposed at an angle (a8) with respect to the
second portion 810. In an
embodiment, angle (a8) is about 130-140 degrees, and preferably about 133-136
degrees. In other
words, the first portion 808 is disposed at an angle of about 40-50 degrees,
and preferably about
44-47 degrees, with respect to the second portion 810.
[0049] The first and second portions 208 and 210 may also have lengths
substantially equal to
one another, and may be substantially straight. The sidewall 806 may also
include a third portion
814 between the first and second portions 808, 810. The third portion 814 may
be a concave
surface sized to fit, but not interfere with a minor diameter of the fastener.
The intersection where
the third portion 814 intersects the flank 924 creates a contact point 812. In
an embodiment, the
concave third portion 814 has a radius of about 51% to about 54%, and more
particularly, about
52% to about 53% of a nominal hex size. In an alternative embodiment, the
third surface 814 may
be substantially straight.
[0050] This geometry of the axial bore 802 creates the contact point 812
between the sidewalls
806 proximal to the intersection of the first and second portions 808 and 810
(such as substantially
at the third portion 814) and the flank 924 away from the corner 922 of the
fastener. When in use,
the socket 800 initially contacts the flank 924 of the fastener at the contact
point 812 and, as torque
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
load application increases, a surface area contact between the socket 800 and
the flank 924
gradually increases in a direction towards the corner 922 and a recess 804.
The geometry of the
axial bore 802 also provides for an angle ([38) between either of the first or
second portion 808,
810 and the flank 924. In an embodiment, the angle ([38) is about 2-8 degrees,
and preferably
about 5-7 degrees.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, the contact point 812 is a distance (D8)
away from the corner
922. In an embodiment, the distance (D8) is about 75-90 percent of a length of
the flank 924, and
preferably the distance (D8) is about 80-85 percent of the length of the flank
924. With respect to
a hexagonal fastener, the distance (D8) is about 30-60 percent of half a
length of the flank 124
away from the corner 122, and preferably the distance (D8) is about 49-54
percent of half the
length of the flank 124. It is to be understood that each end of sidewalls 806
around the
dodecagonal shape is generally the same and mirrored as described above.
[0052] The increase in the distance of the contact points away from the corner
of the head of
the fastener, described with reference to FIGS. 1-4A and 8-8A, shifts the load
on the corner and
distributes the stress concentration away from the corner of the fastener.
This allows more surface
area of the sockets to contact the head of the fastener, thereby improving the
strength and operable
life of the sockets. This also reduces the risk of the head becoming locked or
stuck in the sockets,
and reduces the risk of the head being stripped or the sockets slipping on the
head. Moving the
contact point away from the corner of the fastener also allows the sockets to
be used on damaged
or stripped fasteners where existing sockets cannot.
[0053] The sockets described herein are described generally with respect to
a 3/4 inch socket;
however, the sizes and dimensions of the various elements of the socket
described herein may be
modified or adapted for a particular use with one or more different tools. For
example, the socket
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
may be adapted to receive different fastener sizes, for example, 1 inch, 1/2
inch, 10 mm, 12 mm,
14 mm, etc., as known in the art. Similarly, the size of the second axial bore
can be adapted to
receive different sizes and types of drive shafts or drive lugs of socket
wrenches.
[0054] Further, the geometry of the inner surface of the sockets described
herein may be applied
to other types of tools for applying torque to fasteners. For example, a
wrench or box wrench may
include the geometries disclosed herein to allow the wrench or box wrench to
have a contact point
positioned away from a corner of a fastener. Similarly, other tools and/or
fasteners may include
the geometries disclosed herein.
[0055] Although the devices and methods have been described and illustrated in
connection
with certain embodiments, many variations and modifications will be evident to
those skilled in
the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present disclosure. The
present disclosure is thus not to be limited to the precise details of
methodology or construction
set forth above as such variations and modification are intended to be
included within the scope of
the present disclosure. Moreover, unless specifically stated any use of the
terms first, second, etc.
do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second,
etc. are merely used to
distinguish one element from another.
16
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-06-28
