US3693484A - Snap-on spanner wrench - Google Patents

Snap-on spanner wrench Download PDF

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US3693484A
US3693484A US38659*[A US3693484DA US3693484A US 3693484 A US3693484 A US 3693484A US 3693484D A US3693484D A US 3693484DA US 3693484 A US3693484 A US 3693484A
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nipple
engaging
face
tool
plug
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US38659*[A
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George H Sanderson Jr
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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
    • B25B23/00Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
    • B25B23/02Arrangements for handling screws or nuts
    • B25B23/08Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation
    • B25B23/10Arrangements for handling screws or nuts for holding or positioning screw or nut prior to or during its rotation using mechanical gripping means
    • 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
    • B25B13/48Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/59Manually releaseable latch type
    • Y10T403/599Spring biased manipulator
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/60Biased catch or latch
    • Y10T403/602Biased catch or latch by separate spring
    • Y10T403/604Radially sliding catch

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to improvements in spanner wrenches and similar tools and more particularly to novel means for maintaining the tool in operative engagement with the element being manipu lated.
  • spanner wrenches to thread and unthread elements such as studs, caps, plugs or the like in various mechanical assemblies has long been known in the art.
  • these devices are provided with a plurality of studs or pins so positioned on the tool so as to permit their insertion into bores or sockets formed in the element to be rotated. While the cooperation between the pins and associated sockets has proved more advantageous than the use of the. conventional screwdriver or jaw-type wrench, such devices have not proven entirely satisfactory under all conditions of use for the reasons that considerable difficulty has been experienced in initially aligning the pins and sockets to effect their interengagement particularly where the element to be rotated is located in a position where it could not be observed by an individual.
  • the tools of the prior art have generally lacked means for maintaining the pins in engagement with the sockets. This has proved to be particularly troublesome in situations where the force of gravity could not be relied upon to maintain such engagement, for example, where the element to be rotated was disposed in a vertical plane or on the underside of an assembly.
  • Another disadvantage of the prior art devices flows from the lack of means for keeping each of the pins of the tool in full engagement with their respective sockets so that when a pin is not fully inserted, bending stresses will be exerted thereon tending to weaken and eventually snap off the pin.
  • the device of the present invention avoids the foregoing disadvantages by providing means for maintaining the tool in proper engagement with the element at all times during the rotation operation, the engagement and disengagement of which can be effected easi- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • the tool of the present invention is adapted to cooperate with a cap or plug having a flat end face from which a nipple having an annular groove perpendicularly extends.
  • the tool comprises a shaft-like member having an upper portion, the exterior of which is hexagonal in cross-section and a lower portion having a cylindrical bore. Adjacent the open end of the bore there are provided a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots formed therethrough, each having a ball carried therein.
  • a ring-shaped member is disposed about the lower portion of the shaft-like member and is mounted to move longitudinally thereof.
  • the upper interior portion of the ringshaped member is formed hexagonally in cross-section to cooperate with the hexagonal surface of the upper portion of the shaft-like member.
  • a radially interiorly extending flange is provided around the interior wall of the lower portion of the ring-shaped member to function as a cam surface for urging the ball elements into their projecting position.
  • the lower face of the ringshaped member is provided with pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with sockets formed in the face of the plug.
  • Spring means are suitably disposed between a portion of the shaft-like member and the ring-like member to maintain the ring-shaped member in a position where the flange will urge the ball elements into their projecting positions.
  • the tool when the nipple is inserted into the bore of the shaft-like member, the tool will be prevented from moving away from the plug by virtue of the engagement of the ball elements with the groove of the nipple; yet rotation of the tool about its longitudinal axis will be permitted so that the pins of the ring-shaped member may be brought into engagement with the sockets of the plug.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a spanner wrench having improved means for preventing the backing off of the tool from the element to be rotated during use.
  • Another object is to provide a tool having means for facilitating the insertion of the plug engagement pins into the sockets of the associated plug.
  • a still further object of the present invention is to provide a tool capable of maintainingthe pins in engagement with the sockets irrespective of the gravitational force exerted on the tool.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a spanner wrench which is inexpensive to manufacture, yet durable enough to withstand long use.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view partly in section of the tool of the present invention and a plug and nipple for cooperation with the tool;
  • FIG. 2 is an elevational view partly in section showing the insertion of the nipple into the bore of the tool
  • FIG. 3 is an elevational view partly in section illustrating the position of the elements when the nipple is fully inserted into the bore of the tool;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view in elevation of the ball detent means of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a view taken along lines 5-5 looking in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 1 a spanner wrench 10 of the present invention positioned above a cylindrical plug 12 having a flat circular end face 14.
  • a generally cylindrical nipple 16 is attached to the plug 12 at the center of end face 14 and is formed with an annular groove 18.
  • Pin receiving sockets 20 are formed in the end face 14 along a diameter thereof and are equidistantly spaced from the nipple 16.
  • the nipple 16 may be attached to the plug by any suitable means such as threaded connection shown in phantom lines at 22. It will be understood that the illustration of the plug is only by way of example and other elements such as threaded studs, caps, and the like may be adapted for use with the tool of the present invention.
  • the tool consists of a shaft member 24 having an upper portion with a hexagonally shaped exterior surface as is more clearly shown in the cross-section view of FIG. 5.
  • the lower portion of member 24 is formed with a cylindrical bore 26 having a diameter and longitudinal dimension such that the nipple 16 may be snugly inserted therein.
  • the wall of the bore 26 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots 28 therethrough spaced a distance from the opening 26 such that when the nipple is fully inserted into the bore 26, the slots will be positioned adjacent the groove 18 of the nipple 16.
  • Ball bearings one of which is indicated at 30, are disposed in each of the slots 28.
  • the interior edge of each of the slots 28 is provided with an inwardly tapering circumferential abutment stop 32 provided for the purpose of limiting the extent to which each of the ball bearings projects into the bore 26.
  • a ring member 34 is disposed about the lower portion of member 24.
  • the upper portion of the interior wall of ring member 34 is hexagonally shaped in cross-section, as shown at 36 in FIG. 5, to interengage with the exterior surface of the upper portion of member 24 so that they may be rotated in unison.
  • a radially interiorly extending flange 38 is formed about the lower portion of the interior wall of ring member 34.
  • a coil spring 40 is located about the lower portion of member 24 having one end engaging shoulder 42 formed on the lower portion of member 24 and its other end engaging one side of the flange 38.
  • a snap ring 44 is disposed in a groove about the exterior wall of the lower portion of member 24 adjacent the opening of the bore 26 to limit the downward movement of ring member 34 under the influence of the spring 40. Shoulder 46 on ring member 34 and shoulder 48 on member 24 are arranged to limit the upward movement of ring member 34 relative to member 24.
  • Ring member 34 is provided with an end face 50 from which pins 52 project in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore 26.
  • the pins 52 are spaced so that they may be brought into registry with the bores 20 formed in the end face 14 of plug 12.
  • the pins 52 may be held in place by any suitable means such as by press fitting, a threaded connection, or the like. If desired, the pins may be releasably engaged by the bores in the end face 50 so that they may be replaced easily in the event they become worn or broken.
  • the ball bearings 30 are being constantly urged against the nipple 16 by virtue of the spring force transmitted through surface 54 which is functioning as a cam surface so that when the slots 28 are positioned adjacent groove 18 of nipple 16, the ball bearings 30 will be moved into engagement therewith while the pins 52 engage end face 14 of the plug 12.
  • pins 52 will be brought into registry with the sockets 20 whereupon member 34 will' snap downwardly into engagement with the end face 14 as shown in FIG. 3.
  • Removal of the tool 10 from the plug is accomplished by moving the ring member 34 back to the position shownin FIG. 2 to allow the ball elements to move to their retracted positions.
  • means for releasably engaging said nipple including ball detent means movable between a first, retracted position and a second position wherein said ball detent means will engage said groove of said nipple, means movable relative to said nipple engaging means between a first position wherein said ball detent means will be moved to said retracted position when said nipple engaging means engages said.
  • nipple and a second position wherein said movable means will urge said ball detent means into engagement with said groove of said nipple, spring means acting between said nipple engaging means and said movable means to constantly urge said movable means toward said second position,
  • said cylindrical plug and said movable means having means interengageable when said movable means is in said second position so that rotation of said movable means about the longitudinal axis of said nipple will effect a corresponding rotation of said plug.
  • nipple engaging means comprises a member having an upper and a lower portion, said lower portion having a cylindrical bore for receiving said nipple, the wall of said bore having a plurality of circumferentially disposed slots formed therethrough, each of said slots carrying a ball therein movable between said first, retracted position and said second position.
  • said movable means comprises a ring-shaped member slidably disposed on said lower portion of said nipple engaging member, said ring-shaped member having a radially interiorly extending flange formed about the interior wall of said ring-shaped member adjacent one end thereof, said flange having a first inwardly tapered surface for engaging said balls when said ring-shaped member is in said retracted position and a second surface for maintaining said balls in their second position when said ringshaped member is in its said second position.
  • interengageable means includes at least two pin receiving bores formed in the end face of said plug, and said ringshaped member is provided with an end face having at least two pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with said bores in the end face of said plug.
  • said spring means comprises a coil spring disposed about said lower portion of said nipple engaging member, said spring having one end engaging said flange of said ringshaped member and its other end engaging an annular shoulder formed on said nipple engaging member, said lower portion of said nipple engaging member having stop means for engaging said flange of said ring-shaped member to limit the movement of said ring-shaped member relative to said slots.
  • a tool for rotating a cylindrical plug of the type having an end face, an annularly grooved nipple extending generally perpendicularly from the center of said end face and at least two pin receiving bores formed in said end face on opposite sides of said nipple and spaced along a diameter of said end face substantially equidistantly from said nipple, said tool compris mg:
  • a first member having at one end a cylindrical bore for receiving said nipple, said bore having a plurality of circurnferentially disposed slots formed therethrough, each of said slots carrying a ball therein movable between a retracted position and a projecting position with respect to said bore of said member,
  • second, ring-shaped member slidably disposed about said one end of said first member between a first retracted position and a second forward position, and having an end face with at least two pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with the bores in the end face of said plug, said second member having interiorly thereof first and second cam surfaces for cooperating with said balls on said first member so that, when said second member is moved to said first position and as said nipple is inserted into said bore of said first member, said balls will engage said nipple and be moved to their retracted positions to engage said first cam surface and, when said nipple is fully inserted into said bore, said first cam surface will move said balls to their projecting position in engagement with said groove of said nipple so that relative longitudinal movement between said first member and said nipple will be prevented,
  • said first and second members having interengageable means whereby rotation of one member about said nipple will effect a corresponding rotation of the other member to move said Kins into registr with said bores of said plug w en said secon member is moved to said forward position in which said second cam surface will engage and maintain said balls in said projecting positions.

Abstract

A tool for threading and unthreading a plug member having a grooved nipple; the tool is provided with a member having a bore adapted to receive the nipple; movable ball detent elements are provided about the lower end of the bore for engaging the grooved portion of the nipple; a spring biased movable member disposed about the bore is provided with cam surfaces for urging the ball detent elements into engagement with the groove of the nipple whereby backing off of the tool from the plug is prevented; the movable member is provided with diametrically disposed pins for engaging bores in the face of the plug so that rotation of the movable member will effect rotation of the plug.

Description

United States Patent Sanderson, Jr.
[451 Sept. 26, 1972 [54] SNAP-ON SPANNER WRENCH [72] inventor: George H. Sanderson, Jr., 18 'm R'ordon Kamehameha, Charleston, SC Assistant Examiner-Roscoe V. Parker, Jr. 29408 Attorney-Cushman, Darby & Cushman [22] Filed: April 29, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [2]] Appl. No.: 38,659 A tool for threading and unthreading a plug member having a grooved nipple; the tool is provided with a 7 member having a bore adapted to receive the nipple; 287/1 movable ball detent elements are provided about the 58 Field of Search ..81/90 0, 90 E, 90 R, 53.2, 9 end bore 9 engagmg 81/58 4 58 l 58 287/119 306/28 tlon of the nipple; a spring biased movable member 279/75 29/240 disposed about the bore is provided with cam surfaces for urging the ball detent elements into engagement [56] References Cited with the groove of the nipple whereby backing off of the tool from the plug IS prevented; the movable UNITED STATES PATENTS member is provided with diametrically disposed pins for engaging bores in the face of the plug so that rota 1,636,421 7/1927 Knott ..287/1 19 R tion of the movable member will effect rotation of the 2,448,805 9/1948 Ingram ..8l/90 C plug 2,755,105 7/1956 Wells ..279/75 3,480,310 1 H1969 McElwain ..287/1 l9 R 6 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures f Lil 24 j j i i 4? f'i 34 36 J W J SNAP-ON SPANNER WRENCH BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to improvements in spanner wrenches and similar tools and more particularly to novel means for maintaining the tool in operative engagement with the element being manipu lated.
The use of spanner wrenches to thread and unthread elements such as studs, caps, plugs or the like in various mechanical assemblies has long been known in the art. Generally, these devices are provided with a plurality of studs or pins so positioned on the tool so as to permit their insertion into bores or sockets formed in the element to be rotated. While the cooperation between the pins and associated sockets has proved more advantageous than the use of the. conventional screwdriver or jaw-type wrench, such devices have not proven entirely satisfactory under all conditions of use for the reasons that considerable difficulty has been experienced in initially aligning the pins and sockets to effect their interengagement particularly where the element to be rotated is located in a position where it could not be observed by an individual. Moreover, the tools of the prior art have generally lacked means for maintaining the pins in engagement with the sockets. This has proved to be particularly troublesome in situations where the force of gravity could not be relied upon to maintain such engagement, for example, where the element to be rotated was disposed in a vertical plane or on the underside of an assembly. Another disadvantage of the prior art devices flows from the lack of means for keeping each of the pins of the tool in full engagement with their respective sockets so that when a pin is not fully inserted, bending stresses will be exerted thereon tending to weaken and eventually snap off the pin.
The device of the present invention avoids the foregoing disadvantages by providing means for maintaining the tool in proper engagement with the element at all times during the rotation operation, the engagement and disengagement of which can be effected easi- SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The tool of the present invention is adapted to cooperate with a cap or plug having a flat end face from which a nipple having an annular groove perpendicularly extends. The tool comprises a shaft-like member having an upper portion, the exterior of which is hexagonal in cross-section and a lower portion having a cylindrical bore. Adjacent the open end of the bore there are provided a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots formed therethrough, each having a ball carried therein. The slots are formed to permit the balls to partially project into the bore. A ring-shaped member is disposed about the lower portion of the shaft-like member and is mounted to move longitudinally thereof. The upper interior portion of the ringshaped member is formed hexagonally in cross-section to cooperate with the hexagonal surface of the upper portion of the shaft-like member. A radially interiorly extending flange is provided around the interior wall of the lower portion of the ring-shaped member to function as a cam surface for urging the ball elements into their projecting position. The lower face of the ringshaped member is provided with pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with sockets formed in the face of the plug. Spring means are suitably disposed between a portion of the shaft-like member and the ring-like member to maintain the ring-shaped member in a position where the flange will urge the ball elements into their projecting positions.
With the foregoing arrangement, when the nipple is inserted into the bore of the shaft-like member, the tool will be prevented from moving away from the plug by virtue of the engagement of the ball elements with the groove of the nipple; yet rotation of the tool about its longitudinal axis will be permitted so that the pins of the ring-shaped member may be brought into engagement with the sockets of the plug.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a spanner wrench having improved means for preventing the backing off of the tool from the element to be rotated during use.
Another object is to provide a tool having means for facilitating the insertion of the plug engagement pins into the sockets of the associated plug.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide a tool capable of maintainingthe pins in engagement with the sockets irrespective of the gravitational force exerted on the tool.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a spanner wrench which is inexpensive to manufacture, yet durable enough to withstand long use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other. objects and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view partly in section of the tool of the present invention and a plug and nipple for cooperation with the tool;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view partly in section showing the insertion of the nipple into the bore of the tool;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view partly in section illustrating the position of the elements when the nipple is fully inserted into the bore of the tool;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view in elevation of the ball detent means of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a view taken along lines 5-5 looking in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the several views, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a spanner wrench 10 of the present invention positioned above a cylindrical plug 12 having a flat circular end face 14. A generally cylindrical nipple 16 is attached to the plug 12 at the center of end face 14 and is formed with an annular groove 18. Pin receiving sockets 20 are formed in the end face 14 along a diameter thereof and are equidistantly spaced from the nipple 16. The nipple 16 may be attached to the plug by any suitable means such as threaded connection shown in phantom lines at 22. It will be understood that the illustration of the plug is only by way of example and other elements such as threaded studs, caps, and the like may be adapted for use with the tool of the present invention.
The tool consists of a shaft member 24 having an upper portion with a hexagonally shaped exterior surface as is more clearly shown in the cross-section view of FIG. 5. The lower portion of member 24 is formed with a cylindrical bore 26 having a diameter and longitudinal dimension such that the nipple 16 may be snugly inserted therein. The wall of the bore 26 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots 28 therethrough spaced a distance from the opening 26 such that when the nipple is fully inserted into the bore 26, the slots will be positioned adjacent the groove 18 of the nipple 16. Ball bearings, one of which is indicated at 30, are disposed in each of the slots 28. As is more clearly seen in the enlarged view of FIG. 4, the interior edge of each of the slots 28 is provided with an inwardly tapering circumferential abutment stop 32 provided for the purpose of limiting the extent to which each of the ball bearings projects into the bore 26.
Referring again to FIG. 1, a ring member 34 is disposed about the lower portion of member 24. The upper portion of the interior wall of ring member 34 is hexagonally shaped in cross-section, as shown at 36 in FIG. 5, to interengage with the exterior surface of the upper portion of member 24 so that they may be rotated in unison. A radially interiorly extending flange 38 is formed about the lower portion of the interior wall of ring member 34. A coil spring 40 is located about the lower portion of member 24 having one end engaging shoulder 42 formed on the lower portion of member 24 and its other end engaging one side of the flange 38. A snap ring 44 is disposed in a groove about the exterior wall of the lower portion of member 24 adjacent the opening of the bore 26 to limit the downward movement of ring member 34 under the influence of the spring 40. Shoulder 46 on ring member 34 and shoulder 48 on member 24 are arranged to limit the upward movement of ring member 34 relative to member 24.
Ring member 34 is provided with an end face 50 from which pins 52 project in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore 26. The pins 52 are spaced so that they may be brought into registry with the bores 20 formed in the end face 14 of plug 12. The pins 52 may be held in place by any suitable means such as by press fitting, a threaded connection, or the like. If desired, the pins may be releasably engaged by the bores in the end face 50 so that they may be replaced easily in the event they become worn or broken.
The operation of the tool of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.
In order to insert the nipple 16 into bore 26, an individual must first grasp member 24 in one hand and move ring member 34 with the other hand back along the lower portion until shoulders 46 and 48 abut each other as shown in FIG. 2. In this disposition, spring 40 will be compressed and flange 38 will no longer obstruct the exterior openings of the slots 28 so that as the nipple I6 is inserted into the bore 26, the top side of the nipple will engage the ball bearings 30 and move them out of the bore to a retracted position. With the elements arranged as shown in FIG. 2, the ball bearings 30 are prevented from falling out of their respective slots 28 by virtue of their engagement with the tapered underside 54 of flange 38. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the ball bearings 30 are being constantly urged against the nipple 16 by virtue of the spring force transmitted through surface 54 which is functioning as a cam surface so that when the slots 28 are positioned adjacent groove 18 of nipple 16, the ball bearings 30 will be moved into engagement therewith while the pins 52 engage end face 14 of the plug 12. Upon the rotation of ring member 34 about the longitudinal axis of the nipple 16, pins 52 will be brought into registry with the sockets 20 whereupon member 34 will' snap downwardly into engagement with the end face 14 as shown in FIG. 3. With the elements disposed as illustrated in FIG. 3, it will be noted that surface portion 56 of flange 38 has been moved into contact with the ball bearings 30 to maintain the ball bearings in their projected position in engagement with the groove 18 of nipple 16, thereby preventing longitudinal movement of the tool 10 with respect to the nipple 16. The tool may then be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the nipple 16 to rotate the plug 12 in its bore. A socket 58 is provided in the upper end of member 24 for cooperation with a socket wrench in the event that a greater amount of torque is required to effect removal of the plug.
Removal of the tool 10 from the plug is accomplished by moving the ring member 34 back to the position shownin FIG. 2 to allow the ball elements to move to their retracted positions.
It will be understood from the foregoing that various modifications in the present invention may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts as defined in the appended claims.
What is claimed is: 1. A tool for rotating a cylindrical plug of the type having an end face and an annularly grooved nipple extending substantially perpendicularly from the center of said end face, said tool comprising:
means for releasably engaging said nipple including ball detent means movable between a first, retracted position and a second position wherein said ball detent means will engage said groove of said nipple, means movable relative to said nipple engaging means between a first position wherein said ball detent means will be moved to said retracted position when said nipple engaging means engages said. nipple and a second position wherein said movable means will urge said ball detent means into engagement with said groove of said nipple, spring means acting between said nipple engaging means and said movable means to constantly urge said movable means toward said second position,
said cylindrical plug and said movable means having means interengageable when said movable means is in said second position so that rotation of said movable means about the longitudinal axis of said nipple will effect a corresponding rotation of said plug.
2. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said nipple engaging means comprises a member having an upper and a lower portion, said lower portion having a cylindrical bore for receiving said nipple, the wall of said bore having a plurality of circumferentially disposed slots formed therethrough, each of said slots carrying a ball therein movable between said first, retracted position and said second position.
3. The tool as claimed in claim 2 wherein said movable means comprises a ring-shaped member slidably disposed on said lower portion of said nipple engaging member, said ring-shaped member having a radially interiorly extending flange formed about the interior wall of said ring-shaped member adjacent one end thereof, said flange having a first inwardly tapered surface for engaging said balls when said ring-shaped member is in said retracted position and a second surface for maintaining said balls in their second position when said ringshaped member is in its said second position.
4. The tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein said interengageable means includes at least two pin receiving bores formed in the end face of said plug, and said ringshaped member is provided with an end face having at least two pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with said bores in the end face of said plug.
5. The tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein said spring means comprises a coil spring disposed about said lower portion of said nipple engaging member, said spring having one end engaging said flange of said ringshaped member and its other end engaging an annular shoulder formed on said nipple engaging member, said lower portion of said nipple engaging member having stop means for engaging said flange of said ring-shaped member to limit the movement of said ring-shaped member relative to said slots.
6. A tool for rotating a cylindrical plug of the type having an end face, an annularly grooved nipple extending generally perpendicularly from the center of said end face and at least two pin receiving bores formed in said end face on opposite sides of said nipple and spaced along a diameter of said end face substantially equidistantly from said nipple, said tool compris mg:
a first member having at one end a cylindrical bore for receiving said nipple, said bore having a plurality of circurnferentially disposed slots formed therethrough, each of said slots carrying a ball therein movable between a retracted position and a projecting position with respect to said bore of said member,
second, ring-shaped member slidably disposed about said one end of said first member between a first retracted position and a second forward position, and having an end face with at least two pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with the bores in the end face of said plug, said second member having interiorly thereof first and second cam surfaces for cooperating with said balls on said first member so that, when said second member is moved to said first position and as said nipple is inserted into said bore of said first member, said balls will engage said nipple and be moved to their retracted positions to engage said first cam surface and, when said nipple is fully inserted into said bore, said first cam surface will move said balls to their projecting position in engagement with said groove of said nipple so that relative longitudinal movement between said first member and said nipple will be prevented,
said first and second members having interengageable means whereby rotation of one member about said nipple will effect a corresponding rotation of the other member to move said Kins into registr with said bores of said plug w en said secon member is moved to said forward position in which said second cam surface will engage and maintain said balls in said projecting positions.
3,6933% Dated September 26, 1972 Patent No 1nvem:0r(s) orge H. Sanderson, Jr.
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:
The Serial Number should read: I 138,659
Signed and sealed this Nth-day of February 1973.
(SEAL) Attest:
EDWARD M..FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-1050 (10-69) I USCQMM DC @0376 5 a U 5. GOVIWNMIN PRNYING O'HCI 9, 0*!66'534

Claims (6)

1. A tool for rotating a cylindrical plug of the type having an end face and an annularly grooved nipple extending substantially perpendicularly from the center of said end face, said tool comprising: means for releasably engaging said nipple including ball detent means movable between a first, retracted position and a second position wherein said ball detent means will engage said groove of said nipple, means movable relative to said nipple engaging means between a first position wherein said ball detent means will be moved to said retracted position when said nipple engaging means engages said nipple and a second position wherein said movable means will urge said ball detent means into engagement with said groove of said nipple, spring means acting between said nipple engaging means and said movable means to constantly urge said movable means toward said second position, said cylindrical plug and said movable means having means interengageable when said movable means is in said second position so that rotation of said movable means about the longitudinal axis of said nipple will effect a corresponding rotation of said plug.
2. The tool as claimed in claim 1 wherein said nipple engaging means comprises a member having an upper and a lower portion, said lower portion having a cylindrical bore for receiving said nipple, the wall of said bore having a plurality of circumferentially disposed slots formed therethrough, each of said slots carrying a ball therein movable between said first, retracted position and said second position.
3. The tool as claimed in claim 2 wherein said movable means comprises a ring-shaped member slidably disposed on said lower portion of said nipple engaging member, said ring-shaped member having a radially interiorly extending flange formed about the interior wall of said ring-shaped member adjacent one end thereof, said flange having a first inwardly tapered surface for engaging said balls when said ring-shaped member is in said retracted position and a second surface for maintaining said balls in their second position when said ring-shaped member is in its said second position.
4. The tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein said interengageable means includes at least two pin receiving bores formed in the end face of said plug, and said ring-shaped member is provided with an end face having at least two pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with said bores in the end face of said plug.
5. The tool as claimed in claim 3 wherein said spring means comprises a coil spring disposed about said lower portion of said nipple engaging member, said spring having one end engaging said flange of said ring-shaped member and its other end engaging an annular shoulder formed on said nipple engaging member, said lower portion of said nipple engaging member having stop means for engaging said flange of said ring-shaped member to limit the movement of said ring-shaped member relative to said slots.
6. A tool for rotating a cylindrical plug of the type having an end face, an annularly grooved nipple extending generally perpendicularly from the center of said end face and at least two pin receiving bores formed in said end face on opposite sIdes of said nipple and spaced along a diameter of said end face substantially equidistantly from said nipple, said tool comprising: a first member having at one end a cylindrical bore for receiving said nipple, said bore having a plurality of circumferentially disposed slots formed therethrough, each of said slots carrying a ball therein movable between a retracted position and a projecting position with respect to said bore of said member, a second, ring-shaped member slidably disposed about said one end of said first member between a first retracted position and a second forward position, and having an end face with at least two pins projecting therefrom for cooperation with the bores in the end face of said plug, said second member having interiorly thereof first and second cam surfaces for cooperating with said balls on said first member so that, when said second member is moved to said first position and as said nipple is inserted into said bore of said first member, said balls will engage said nipple and be moved to their retracted positions to engage said first cam surface and, when said nipple is fully inserted into said bore, said first cam surface will move said balls to their projecting position in engagement with said groove of said nipple so that relative longitudinal movement between said first member and said nipple will be prevented, said first and second members having interengageable means whereby rotation of one member about said nipple will effect a corresponding rotation of the other member to move said pins into registry with said bores of said plug when said second member is moved to said forward position in which said second cam surface will engage and maintain said balls in said projecting positions.
US38659*[A 1971-04-29 1971-04-29 Snap-on spanner wrench Expired - Lifetime US3693484A (en)

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Cited By (42)

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US4048875A (en) * 1976-06-12 1977-09-20 Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for screwing a threaded nut onto a steel rod
US4204571A (en) * 1978-10-16 1980-05-27 Helix Technology Corporation Refrigerator testing assembly
US4277934A (en) * 1979-03-21 1981-07-14 Rieck Kenneth H Checkrein releasable latching mechanism
US4453449A (en) * 1981-09-10 1984-06-12 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Holding apparatus
GB2171040A (en) * 1985-02-14 1986-08-20 Dan Mekler Security bolt and spanner
US4663796A (en) * 1985-07-01 1987-05-12 Helling Loren L Tool assembly
US4679956A (en) * 1986-01-08 1987-07-14 General Motors Corporation Quick disconnect device
US4906123A (en) * 1988-03-02 1990-03-06 Wes-Tech, Inc. Quick changecoupling system for robotic attachments
US4938108A (en) * 1983-01-23 1990-07-03 Abraham Levy Theft-resistant fastener system
EP0452292A1 (en) * 1990-04-11 1991-10-16 Atlas Copco Tools Ab, Stockholm A socket holder
US5410785A (en) * 1993-09-29 1995-05-02 Huang; Yu-Hwei Device to detachably connect two objects
US5694961A (en) * 1993-02-25 1997-12-09 J.M. Voith Gmbh Device and method for changing the flow resistance of a fluid flow control device
US5709017A (en) * 1993-04-01 1998-01-20 Hill; David A. Tool for installing an air valve assembly
US5746416A (en) * 1993-06-21 1998-05-05 Paylor; Christopher John Adaptor tools and method to expose valve
US5765669A (en) * 1996-01-26 1998-06-16 Dwbh Ventures Ltd. Reversible, infinitely variable wedging element, force transfer device
US6070501A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-06-06 Snap-On Tools Company Mini ratcheting screwdriver with latching swiveling handle
US6247427B1 (en) * 1997-10-27 2001-06-19 Debien Humberto Quick release leash
US6379072B1 (en) 1999-10-07 2002-04-30 Burger Engineering, Inc. Quick connect coupler with pneumatic release
US6390722B1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-05-21 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Release link for interconnected cables
US6402789B1 (en) * 1997-11-27 2002-06-11 Gramnaes Finn Locking device intended as a fastening means for a prosthesis
US6485214B2 (en) * 1998-07-04 2002-11-26 System 3R International Ab Coupling device
US6499638B2 (en) 2000-07-17 2002-12-31 Gregory L. Campbell Motorcycle luggage
US6533291B2 (en) 2001-02-14 2003-03-18 Power Tool Holders Incorporated Chuck having quick change mechanism
US20030075880A1 (en) * 2001-10-24 2003-04-24 Girardeau Samuel G. Chuck having quick change mechanism
US6571588B1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2003-06-03 Po W. Yuen Security nut and key assembly
US20030145801A1 (en) * 1996-10-28 2003-08-07 Debien Humberto Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly
US6688610B2 (en) 2000-05-12 2004-02-10 Power Tool Holders Incorporated Chuck with quick change
US20040200435A1 (en) * 1996-10-28 2004-10-14 Debien Humberto Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly
US6824846B1 (en) * 1989-03-16 2004-11-30 Pi-Patente Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung (Gmbh) Entwicklung Und Verwertung Packaging envelope
US20070290458A1 (en) * 2006-06-15 2007-12-20 Shun-Yuan Chuang Replaceable adapter for an electric hand tool
WO2009046482A1 (en) * 2007-10-10 2009-04-16 Sge Analytical Science Pty Ltd Syringe system
US7640639B2 (en) 1996-10-28 2010-01-05 Debien Products, Inc. Quick connect coupling assembly
US8287495B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2012-10-16 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US8408421B2 (en) 2008-09-16 2013-04-02 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Flow regulating stopcocks and related methods
US8650937B2 (en) 2008-09-19 2014-02-18 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Solute concentration measurement device and related methods
US8986253B2 (en) 2008-01-25 2015-03-24 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Two chamber pumps and related methods
US20150113748A1 (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-04-30 Ridge Tool Company Quick release mechanisms for plumbing tools
US20160067854A1 (en) * 2014-09-08 2016-03-10 Randall Moore Removal And Installation Device For Valve Keepers
US20170067499A1 (en) * 2015-09-03 2017-03-09 Daniel Schechter Theft Resistant Rotatable Lock Nut and Lock Bolt Assemblies
US20170113904A1 (en) * 2015-10-22 2017-04-27 Vacuworx Global, LLC Truck-Mounted Vacuum Material Handler and Quick Disconnect
US9962486B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-05-08 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. System and method for detecting occlusions in an infusion pump
US10258736B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2019-04-16 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Systems including vial adapter for fluid transfer

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US1636421A (en) * 1925-08-10 1927-07-19 Warren E Knott Chuck
US2448805A (en) * 1946-08-10 1948-09-07 Ingram Bernard Adjustable detent wrench for screw calks
US2755105A (en) * 1954-03-01 1956-07-17 John V Schultz Ball and socket coupling mechanism for trailer
US3480310A (en) * 1967-09-29 1969-11-25 North American Rockwell Quick detachable coupling

Cited By (64)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4048875A (en) * 1976-06-12 1977-09-20 Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for screwing a threaded nut onto a steel rod
US4204571A (en) * 1978-10-16 1980-05-27 Helix Technology Corporation Refrigerator testing assembly
US4277934A (en) * 1979-03-21 1981-07-14 Rieck Kenneth H Checkrein releasable latching mechanism
US4453449A (en) * 1981-09-10 1984-06-12 Westinghouse Electric Corp. Holding apparatus
US4938108A (en) * 1983-01-23 1990-07-03 Abraham Levy Theft-resistant fastener system
GB2171040A (en) * 1985-02-14 1986-08-20 Dan Mekler Security bolt and spanner
US4663796A (en) * 1985-07-01 1987-05-12 Helling Loren L Tool assembly
US4679956A (en) * 1986-01-08 1987-07-14 General Motors Corporation Quick disconnect device
US4906123A (en) * 1988-03-02 1990-03-06 Wes-Tech, Inc. Quick changecoupling system for robotic attachments
US6824846B1 (en) * 1989-03-16 2004-11-30 Pi-Patente Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter Haftung (Gmbh) Entwicklung Und Verwertung Packaging envelope
EP0452292A1 (en) * 1990-04-11 1991-10-16 Atlas Copco Tools Ab, Stockholm A socket holder
US5694961A (en) * 1993-02-25 1997-12-09 J.M. Voith Gmbh Device and method for changing the flow resistance of a fluid flow control device
US5709017A (en) * 1993-04-01 1998-01-20 Hill; David A. Tool for installing an air valve assembly
US5746416A (en) * 1993-06-21 1998-05-05 Paylor; Christopher John Adaptor tools and method to expose valve
US5410785A (en) * 1993-09-29 1995-05-02 Huang; Yu-Hwei Device to detachably connect two objects
US5765669A (en) * 1996-01-26 1998-06-16 Dwbh Ventures Ltd. Reversible, infinitely variable wedging element, force transfer device
US7954211B2 (en) 1996-10-28 2011-06-07 Debien Products, Inc. Quick connect coupling assembly
US20100111600A1 (en) * 1996-10-28 2010-05-06 Humberto De Bien Quick connect coupling assembly
US7640639B2 (en) 1996-10-28 2010-01-05 Debien Products, Inc. Quick connect coupling assembly
US7162978B2 (en) 1996-10-28 2007-01-16 Debien Products, Inc. Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly
US20030145801A1 (en) * 1996-10-28 2003-08-07 Debien Humberto Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly
US6955138B2 (en) 1996-10-28 2005-10-18 Debien Products, Inc. Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly
US20040200435A1 (en) * 1996-10-28 2004-10-14 Debien Humberto Retractable leash assembly with a quick connect coupling assembly
US6247427B1 (en) * 1997-10-27 2001-06-19 Debien Humberto Quick release leash
US6402789B1 (en) * 1997-11-27 2002-06-11 Gramnaes Finn Locking device intended as a fastening means for a prosthesis
US6485214B2 (en) * 1998-07-04 2002-11-26 System 3R International Ab Coupling device
US6070501A (en) * 1998-08-31 2000-06-06 Snap-On Tools Company Mini ratcheting screwdriver with latching swiveling handle
US6379072B1 (en) 1999-10-07 2002-04-30 Burger Engineering, Inc. Quick connect coupler with pneumatic release
US7040630B2 (en) 2000-05-12 2006-05-09 Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company Chuck with quick change
US6688610B2 (en) 2000-05-12 2004-02-10 Power Tool Holders Incorporated Chuck with quick change
US20060175769A1 (en) * 2000-05-12 2006-08-10 Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company Chuck with quick change
US7160065B2 (en) 2000-05-12 2007-01-09 Jacobs Chuck Manufacturing Company Chuck with quick change
US6499638B2 (en) 2000-07-17 2002-12-31 Gregory L. Campbell Motorcycle luggage
US6390722B1 (en) * 2000-10-11 2002-05-21 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Release link for interconnected cables
US6571588B1 (en) * 2000-11-03 2003-06-03 Po W. Yuen Security nut and key assembly
US6533291B2 (en) 2001-02-14 2003-03-18 Power Tool Holders Incorporated Chuck having quick change mechanism
US6722668B2 (en) 2001-02-14 2004-04-20 Power Tool Holders Incorporated Chuck having quick change mechanism
US20030075880A1 (en) * 2001-10-24 2003-04-24 Girardeau Samuel G. Chuck having quick change mechanism
US6834864B2 (en) 2001-10-24 2004-12-28 Power Tool Holders Incorporated Chuck having quick change mechanism
US20070290458A1 (en) * 2006-06-15 2007-12-20 Shun-Yuan Chuang Replaceable adapter for an electric hand tool
WO2009046482A1 (en) * 2007-10-10 2009-04-16 Sge Analytical Science Pty Ltd Syringe system
US20100247378A1 (en) * 2007-10-10 2010-09-30 Sge Analytical Science Pty Ltd Syringe system
US8703071B2 (en) 2007-10-10 2014-04-22 Etp Mass Spectrometry Pty Ltd Syringe system
US8986253B2 (en) 2008-01-25 2015-03-24 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Two chamber pumps and related methods
US8448824B2 (en) 2008-09-16 2013-05-28 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Slideable flow metering devices and related methods
US8408421B2 (en) 2008-09-16 2013-04-02 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Flow regulating stopcocks and related methods
US8650937B2 (en) 2008-09-19 2014-02-18 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Solute concentration measurement device and related methods
US11285263B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2022-03-29 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump systems and methods
US8758323B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2014-06-24 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US8926561B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2015-01-06 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US8287495B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2012-10-16 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US9211377B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2015-12-15 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US8298184B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2012-10-30 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump system with disposable cartridge having pressure venting and pressure feedback
US11135362B2 (en) 2009-07-30 2021-10-05 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Infusion pump systems and methods
US10258736B2 (en) 2012-05-17 2019-04-16 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. Systems including vial adapter for fluid transfer
US9962486B2 (en) 2013-03-14 2018-05-08 Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. System and method for detecting occlusions in an infusion pump
US20150113748A1 (en) * 2013-10-28 2015-04-30 Ridge Tool Company Quick release mechanisms for plumbing tools
DE102014221834B4 (en) 2013-10-28 2018-07-19 Ridge Tool Co. Quick release mechanism for plumber tools
US9670656B2 (en) * 2013-10-28 2017-06-06 Ridge Tool Company Quick release mechanisms for plumbing tools
US20160067854A1 (en) * 2014-09-08 2016-03-10 Randall Moore Removal And Installation Device For Valve Keepers
US9862082B2 (en) * 2014-09-08 2018-01-09 Randall Moore Removal and installation device for valve keepers
US9982703B2 (en) * 2015-09-03 2018-05-29 Daniel Thomas Theft resistant rotatable lock nut and lock bolt assemblies
US20170067499A1 (en) * 2015-09-03 2017-03-09 Daniel Schechter Theft Resistant Rotatable Lock Nut and Lock Bolt Assemblies
US20170113904A1 (en) * 2015-10-22 2017-04-27 Vacuworx Global, LLC Truck-Mounted Vacuum Material Handler and Quick Disconnect

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