US Patent: 5,509,333
|
| Low Profile Ratchet Adapter
|
| Manufacturer: |
| Not known to have been produced |
|
|
Patent Dates:
|
| Applied: |
May 12, 1994 |
| Granted: |
Apr. 23, 1996 |
USPTO (New site tip)
Google Patents
Report data errors or omissions to steward
Stan Schulz
|
|
Description: |
| Herzog, Crebs & McGhee - patent attorneys
Continuation-in-part of application filed 28 Jan 1993, now abandoned.
Abstract
In the United States, ratchet wrenches and socket sets are conventionally manufactured in six different drive sizes as follows: 1/4 inch; 3/8 inch; 1/2 inch; 3/4 inch; 1 inch; and 1 1/4 inch. Socket sets are sized to match a specific size drive cannot be interchanged without the use of an adapter. The present invention is a low profile adapter that is manufactured in various sizes to allow a ratchet wrench to drive a socket one size larger than would otherwise be suitable. For example, the adapter allow an operator to use a 1/4 inch ratchet wrench to drive a 3/8 inch socket. Other sized adapters would be available for 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch drive ratchet wrenches and allow them to drive sockets one size larger. Conventional adapters are rather bulky, adding from 1/2 inch to as much as 1 5/8 inches to the overall height of the ratchet wrench and socket when assembled with the intermediary adapter. In certain tight working situations, the prior art adapters will not fit. In the preferred embodiment, the socket substantially abuts flush against the ratchet wrench, allowing the combination to be used in relatively tight circumstances. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the low profile adapter is mated with a low spinner, which adds no more than 1/8 inch to the overall vertical height of the socket when mounted on the ratchet
|
|
