Socket retainer for thin-wall drive member
US5347892A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T279/17786
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to an improved socket retainer device for a thin-wall drive portion of a wrench having an inner and outer drive portion. A resilient spring is placed within an elongated slot which is machined in the drive portion of the wrench. The outer edge of the slot is deformed such that the resilient spring is held firmly in place at its ends, the middle portion of the resilient spring being allowed to deflect and frictionally engage sockets when the socket is attached to the drive portion of the wrench. One embodiment of the present invention defines an s-shaped resilient spring and another defines two opposed resilient springs. The design results in lower fabrication and assembly costs and improved socket retention ability without compromising the strength of the drive portion of the wrench.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.