US7140281B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elastic connection wedge wrench
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2005-01-24
•
Granted: 2006-11-28
•
Expires: 2025-01-24
Abstract
Abstract A tool, specifically described for a hex wrench, using a split head with the pieces joined by an elastic connector allowing for deformation of the exterior of the head shape to wedge into the hex socket. The split pieces of the head have an exterior profile matching the shape of the socket and the interior split has a cam profile that enhances the wedging action of the tool. The elastic allows for the tool to return to the original shape.
Inventors
- 👤 Jim Ruff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 23:10
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B23/00; B25B23/02; B25B23/08; B25B23/10; B25B23/105; B25B23/108; B25B15/00; B25B15/001; B25B15/004; B25B15/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
124 words
A male tool apparatus adapted to fit within a female aperture having an aperture shape, the apparatus comprising: a first section having an exposed surface defining a portion of an exterior tool shape and an interior portion defining a first expansion profile, the first section defining a first plug aperture; a second section defining an additional portion of the exterior tool shape and an interior portion defining a second expansion profile, the first expansion profile and the second expansion profile adapted to relatively rotate to expand the exterior tool shape, the second section defining a second plug aperture; and an elastomeric connector attaching the first section to the second section, the elastomeric connector defining a plug inserted into the first and second plug apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
124 words
A male tool apparatus adapted to fit within a female aperture having an aperture shape, the apparatus comprising: a first section having an exposed surface defining a portion of an exterior tool shape and an interior portion defining a first expansion profile, the first section defining a first plug aperture; a second section defining an additional portion of the exterior tool shape and an interior portion defining a second expansion profile, the first expansion profile and the second expansion profile adapted to relatively rotate to expand the exterior tool shape, the second section defining a second plug aperture; and an elastomeric connector attaching the first section to the second section, the elastomeric connector defining a plug inserted into the first and second plug apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , the plug having a curved profile adapted to minimize shearing of the plug.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , The first section and the second section adapted to move a distance, the elastomeric connector having a cross section greater than the distance to allow movement without shearing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , the exterior tool shape defining a six sided hexagon.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 4 , the first section defining three sides of the hexagon; and the second section defining the remaining sides of the hexagon.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a handle connected to at least one section.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a bent extension connected to the first section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 7 , the bent extension forming an L-shape.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
74 words
A hex key apparatus adapted to fit within a hex shaped aperture, the apparatus comprising: a base defining a first side, a second side, a third side, and a first expansion profile with a first plug aperture; a cap defining a four side, a fifth side, a sixth side, and a second expansion profile with a second plug aperture; and an elastomeric plug inserted into the first plug aperture and the second plug aperture.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
74 words
A hex key apparatus adapted to fit within a hex shaped aperture, the apparatus comprising: a base defining a first side, a second side, a third side, and a first expansion profile with a first plug aperture; a cap defining a four side, a fifth side, a sixth side, and a second expansion profile with a second plug aperture; and an elastomeric plug inserted into the first plug aperture and the second plug aperture.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , the plug having a diameter adapted to allow for repetitive use of the apparatus through nondestructive elastic deflection of the plug.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , the plug having a diameter adapted to frictionally retain the plug at least one of the plug apertures.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising a handle connected to the base.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 9 , the base further comprising a bent extension.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , the bent extension forming an L-shape.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US573325A
Cited
US785162A
Cited
US1275810A
Cited
US1522968A
Cited
US2455005A
Cited
US2657605A
Cited
US3224479A
Cited
US3286749A
Cited
US3733937A
Cited
US4625598A
Cited
US4890521A
Cited
US5927165A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-11-27 | 2010-05-29 | 2010-11-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-11-27 | 2014-05-29 | 2014-11-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-11-27 | 2018-05-29 | 2018-11-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |