US3897703A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Universal socket
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-02-08
•
Granted: 1975-08-05
•
Expires: 1994-02-08
Abstract
Abstract A universal socket for tools, tool extensions and other applications. The socket assembly includes an attachment having means for connection to a tool. A drive member has a socket for engaging the nut or head of a fastening member. The attachment is connected to the drive member by a universal connection which comprises a hex-ball mounted in a hexagonal socket. The hex-ball has six sides, each of which is arcuate or spherical in a longitudinal plane but straight in a transverse plane. The hexball is capable of universal pivoting movement within the hexagonal socket, but cannot rotate within the socket. Upon rotation of the attachment by the tool, the rotational pressure is equally applied against all six corners of the hex-ball to cause simultaneous rotation of the hex-ball and drive member. Since no pins are used, danger of breakage is eliminated.
Inventors
- 👤 Olin G Phipps
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:28
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B13/00; B25B13/02; B25B13/06; B25B13/56; B25B23/00; B25B23/0007; B25B23/0014
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
281 words
A device of the class described which comprises an attachment adapted for rotation, a hexagonal socket formed in one end of said attachment, said socket having six substantially straight sides joined by six corners, a hex-ball member having six sides and six corners, said hex-ball member being mounted within said socket, the sides of said hex-ball member being of arcuate configuration along their longitudinal axes, said hex-ball member being pivotable to any desired angle with respect to said attachment, said corners of said hex-ball member being adapted to fit within and engage the corners of said socket to prevent rotation of said hex-ball member within said socket, a drive member connected to said hex-ball member, said drive member having socket means for engaging the head of a fastening member, said attachment having socket means at the opposite end thereof for removable connection to a tool drive member or the like, and means for preventing free tilting movement of said hex-ball member within said socket, said means comprising a coil spring mounted within said attachment, the end of said hex-ball member facing toward said attachment being flat, one end of said coil spring engaing said flat end of said hex-ball member and exerting pressure thereon to hold said hex-ball member in any angular position to which it is moved, thereby preventing undesired angular movement of said drive member with respect to said attachment, said attachment having means for retaining said hexball member substantially permanently within said socket, said means comprising a groove extending around the outer end of said socket and a split-ring spring mounted in said groove, said hexball member being unremovable from said socket without first removing said split ring.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
281 words
A device of the class described which comprises an attachment adapted for rotation, a hexagonal socket formed in one end of said attachment, said socket having six substantially straight sides joined by six corners, a hex-ball member having six sides and six corners, said hex-ball member being mounted within said socket, the sides of said hex-ball member being of arcuate configuration along their longitudinal axes, said hex-ball member being pivotable to any desired angle with respect to said attachment, said corners of said hex-ball member being adapted to fit within and engage the corners of said socket to prevent rotation of said hex-ball member within said socket, a drive member connected to said hex-ball member, said drive member having socket means for engaging the head of a fastening member, said attachment having socket means at the opposite end thereof for removable connection to a tool drive member or the like, and means for preventing free tilting movement of said hex-ball member within said socket, said means comprising a coil spring mounted within said attachment, the end of said hex-ball member facing toward said attachment being flat, one end of said coil spring engaing said flat end of said hex-ball member and exerting pressure thereon to hold said hex-ball member in any angular position to which it is moved, thereby preventing undesired angular movement of said drive member with respect to said attachment, said attachment having means for retaining said hexball member substantially permanently within said socket, said means comprising a groove extending around the outer end of said socket and a split-ring spring mounted in said groove, said hexball member being unremovable from said socket without first removing said split ring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-04 | 1979-02-03 | 1979-08-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-04 | 1983-02-03 | 1983-08-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-04 | 1987-02-03 | 1987-08-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |