Patent ID: 7222765
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: B25C

Abstract:
1. A fuel cell adapter having an axis that aligns with a longitudinal axis of a fuel cell, configured for use with a combustion tool having a latching mechanism configured for engaging the adapter, the adapter comprising: a substantially cylindrical nozzle; a base configured for connection to a fuel cell and having a larger diameter than said nozzle; one continuous rib on said nozzle circumscribing said nozzle, wherein said one continuous rib extends 360-degrees around the axis of the adapter, said rib having a cylindrical outer surface circumscribing the axis and extending 360-degrees around said nozzle; one continuous lug on said nozzle circumscribing said nozzle, wherein said one continuous lug extends 360-degrees around the axis of the adapter, said lug having a generally smooth conical outer surface extending 360-degrees around the axis substantially along the axial length of said lug; and a gripping formation disposed on said nozzle between said lug and said rib, said gripping formation configured for being engaged by the latching mechanism which is external to said nozzle to be non-displaceable in the axial direction of said fuel cell with respect to the tool; wherein said gripping formation is an annular groove circumscribing said nozzle and having two continuous side walls defining each side of said annular groove such that said groove has a constant width between said sidewalls over 360-degrees of said nozzle at each depth of said groove, said side walls being formed by proximal ends of said lug and said rib wherein said rib and said lug are integrally formed and are non-movable with respect to said gripping formation; wherein said rib and said lug forming said annular groove have the same radial height as measured transversely from the axis to said cylindrical outer surface and to said conical outer surface, respectively; wherein said one lug has a ramped configuration for opening the latch mechanism and inserting the adapter into the tool until the latch engages said gripping formation.