Device for simultaneously removing and tightening a plurality of lug nuts

The present invention provides an improved device for simultaneously replacing a plurality of lug nuts through the use of computer technology, modularity, energy-efficiency, safety features and ease of use. Computer technology monitors and controls the torque on each lug nut. This invention also displays the loosening or tightening status of each lug nut on a small LCD screen. The present invention achieves modularity through a series of interchangeable gear train assemblies, contained in separate unitary housings, which correspond to respective vehicular wheel depth and wheel lug patterns. Also, magnetic concentric sockets are used to capture and hold lug nuts as they are removed from the vehicle's wheel and to remove and replace theft protection devices such as rim or wheel locks. This invention provides ease of use with user-friendly controls and a light-weight unitary housing that eliminates the need of assistance from another person.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This provisional patent application is related to provisional patent application No. 62/280,258. The contents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to lug nut removal devices. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a new lug nut removal device for simultaneously removing and tightening a plurality of lug nuts of various vehicular wheel lug patterns.

BACKGROUND

Lug nuts are an essential part of a motor vehicle for securing the wheel to the vehicle. A set of lug nuts (i.e. 4 to 5) are used on each wheel of the vehicle. One uses tools such as socket wrenches, lug wrenches or impact wrenches to remove or replace lug nuts.

Traditionally, when removing or replacing lug nuts, each lug nut is individually removed and installed. In an attempt to make this lug nut removal process more efficient, there are designs for tools that simultaneously remove and/or install a set of lug nuts. Several designs exist for lug nut removal devices. Many of these designs are captured in various U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,989 describes a multi-lug nut removal device which aids a person in the simultaneous removal of lug nuts from a wheel. Another type of lug nut removal device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,254 presents a multi-fastener device that may be used to simultaneously drive multiple fasteners for tightening and loosening. U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,685 describes a device that allows the removal of lugs using a gear system that includes an outer ring gear surrounding a central gear and lug gears. U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,170 posits a device with a central gear mounted within a central housing hub with the central gear extending coaxially of and exteriorly of the top surface of the central housing to receive a drive tool of mechanical type, pneumatic or hydraulic activated. U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,475 further describes a multi-lug removal device that is powered by a separate power source such as a power tool. U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,245 describes a multilug nut removal tool wherein said drive surface comprises a recess bar engagement by an extender secured to a pneumatic wrench.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,245 to Kress describes a housing has five sockets extending beyond the front face thereof, spaced to simultaneously engage the lug nuts securing a wheel to a vehicle. Each socket has secured to a peripheral portion a satellite gear that engages a universal gear. The universal gear has a drive surface allowing it to be driven in a conventionally opposite direction to simultaneously remove the lug nuts and then driven in the opposite rotational direction by a pneumatic wrench to simultaneously secure the lug nuts securing the replacement wheel to the vehicle, greatly reducing the time needed for a wheel/tire change. This tool has the potential for greatly reducing the time required for a pit stop in stock car racing giving a huge advantage to the team so equipped.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,077,031 to Frederiksen describes a multiple lug nut removal tool includes an air gun that includes a cylindrical housing having a front end. A cover is mounted over the front end. A drive axle is mounted within the housing. A primary gear is attached to the drive axle. A plurality of secondary axles extends through the cover. Each of the secondary axles has a first end positioned within the housing and a second end extending outwardly away from the cover. Each of a plurality of secondary gears is attached to one of the first ends. The secondary gears are each in communication with the primary gear. Each of a plurality of couplers is attached to one of the secondary axles. Each of a plurality of sockets may be attached to one of the secondary axles by the couplers so that the sockets are rotated when the primary gear is rotated.

As mentioned, several designs for lug nuts tools currently exist. Although these devices fulfill their stated objectives and requirements, the need remains for a new and improved lug nut removal tool which leverages the features represented in the past designs while overcoming their limitations.

SUMMARY

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior lug nut tool designs with the use of computer technology, modularity, energy-efficiency, safety features and ease of use. Computer technology monitors and controls the torque on each lug nut. This technology also displays the loosening or tightening status of each lug nut on a small LCD screen. The present invention achieves modularity through a series of interchangeable gear train assemblies, contained in separate unitary housings, which correspond to respective vehicular wheel depth and wheel lug patterns. Also, magnetic concentric sockets are used to capture and hold lug nuts as they are removed from the vehicle's wheel and to remove and replace theft protection devices such as rim or wheel locks. Energy efficiency is accomplished through the use of a lightweight energy-efficient motor provided in a unitary housing and powered by various power sources; such as 110/120 volt wall outlets, a rechargeable battery-pack, cigarette lighter, or a special battery adapter. This invention provides ease of use with user-friendly controls and a light-weight unitary housing that eliminates the need of assistance from another person. Reflectors and LED lights can also be built into the unitary housing illuminate the work surface area to provide visibility to oncoming traffic and the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The present invention is a user-friendly, energy-efficient, light-weight, hand-held device that simultaneously removes and tightens the lug nuts on a vehicle's wheel. The present invention reduces safety hazards by illuminating the work surface and decreasing the amount of time and physical exertion necessary to mount or remove the wheel. The present invention has a motor that provides rotational force to the sun gear of a gear train assembly that includes planet gears, secondary axles, slip clutches and magnetic concentric sockets. Planet gears positioned around the circumference of the sun gear are meshed via the teeth of each gear thereby distributing the rotational force to the secondary axle of each planet gear in the gear train assembly. When the gear train assembly is active, the corresponding bearing and slip clutch of each secondary axle is engaged to ensure that adequate torque force is supplied to tighten or loosen the corresponding lug nut.

The present invention is generally comprised of an electric motor contained in a unitary housing with a primary drive axle extending from the front-end of the unitary housing and a gear train assembly comprised of a sun gear and planet gears with corresponding secondary axles, slip clutches, bearings and magnetic concentric sockets. The primary drive axle of the electric motor connects to the sun gear of the gear train assembly so that each of the planet gears rotates which in turn rotates each of the secondary axles. Slip clutches and magnetic concentric sockets are rotatably attached to the secondary axles so that the magnetic concentric sockets are rotated when the sun gear is rotated and thereby loosens or tightens a wheel's lug nuts.

There has thus far been outlined, in a general description, the central functionality of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and furthermore, that the present contribution to the art may be appreciated. Additional features and functionality of the present invention will be described and will form the subject matter of the claim appended hereto. The purpose of the present invention and its distinct features of novelty which characterize and distinguish the present invention are pointed out with particularity in the claim annexed hereto and forming part of this disclosure.

With reference to the drawingsFIGS. 1 through 10herein, shown is the new Powered Multi-Lug Nut Removal Tool embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1shows an outer view of the full assembly of the powered multi-lug removal tool in accordance with the present invention. The multi-lug nut tool100comprises two main components: the motor housing110and a detachable motorized gear drive112also referred to as the unitary housing. The motor housing has sponge handles114extending outward from the housing. These handles further comprise rubber grips116. The motor housing also contains the motor assembly. The unitary housing112contains the gear assembly. The front face118can be changed to accommodate various lug nut patterns and various numbers of lug nuts in the patterns. Drive connectors120will engage lug nuts on the wheels for removal and installation.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the motor housing with the primary drive shaft. This motor housing210contains an electric motor that will power the device. The primary drive axle224extends outward from the front surface220of the motor housing. The electric motor housing has reflectors228, and handles214with rubber grips216and LED lights230embedded in the front facing upper quadrant of each handle214. The front surface220of the electric motor unitary housing contains electrical contacts232located at the top left and right center of the axis224of the front surface of the electric motor unitary housing212. Male studs222provide a secure connection of the motor housing210to the gear train assembly unitary housing312.

FIG. 3is a view of the front outer surface gear train assembly in the attachable/detachable unitary housing312of the present invention. The front surface318of the gear train assembly housing312contains three (3) embedded LED lights323, each located at strategic positions on the top, left, and right center of the axis of the front surface318. The outer surface of the gear train assembly housing contains reflectors328.

FIG. 4is an internal rear view of the gear train assembly in the attachable/detachable unitary housing312of the present invention. The gear train assembly440contains a sun gear which is connected to the primary drive442which will rotate the sun gear and the sun gear rotation will in turn rotate a plurality of planetary gears446that are rotatably attached to the gear train assembly unitary housing450.

FIG. 5is an internal view of the gear train assembly components with magnetic concentric sockets. The gear train assembly540contains a sun gear542and a plurality of planetary gears544that are rotatably attached to the gear train assembly unitary housing546. Each of a plurality of planet gears544have secondary axles548and corresponding bearings550, slip clutches552, and magnetic concentric sockets554.

FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view of the gear train assembly640ofFIG. 5of the present invention. As shown, a sun gear642is positioned around a primary axle641and between a plurality of planet gears644. As the primary axle rotates the sun gear, this rotation causes the rotation of the plurality of planet gears which will loosen or tighten lug nuts.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of the rear of the powered multi-lug removal tool700according to the present invention. A power switch702and a direction control switch704are inserted in the rear facing upper quadrant of the right handle706. The power switch closes a circuit between the power source and the electric motor. The direction control switch determines the clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the lug nuts. A menu control switch710is located in the rear facing upper quadrant of the left handle712. An LCD display708can be located in the upper third of the rear surface of the electric motor unitary housing. The LCD display presents the on/off status of the electric motor and the tightening and loosening status of each lug nut. An AC/DC power inlet714is located in the side body adjacent to the lower portion of the left handle716. The AC/DC power inlet provides an access point for electric power sources. The LED lights323of the gear train assembly unitary housing are connected to illuminate the work area when the LED lights button is depressed724.

FIG. 8is a view of an electric motor of the multi-lug removal tool according to the present invention. The motor housing810contains the electric motor825. Attached to the electric motor is the primary drive axle830.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a computer circuit board900used in the multi-lug removal tool according to the present invention. The tightening and loosening of each lug nut is displayed on the LCD display that is physically connected to the computer circuit board926that can algorithmically compute the tightening and loosening status based on the lug nuts' thread count, amount of power to rotate the lug nut and the estimated time to tighten or loosen the lug nut compared to the actual elapsed time.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of the rear of the gear train assembly unitary housing according to the present invention. The rear surface1010of the gear train assembly unitary housing112contains female slip locks,1012that connect to the male studs of the electric motor unitary housing222to securely connect the housings to form a single functioning unit.

FIG. 11shows the steps in the general method in the implementation of the present invention. In use, the initial step1110activates the electric motor825by the power switch702. Step1112selects the direction of rotation by depressing the direction control switch710. In step1114, the electric motor rotates the primary drive axle830which in turn rotates the sun gear542which distributes the rotational force to each of a plurality of planet gears544. As each planet gear is rotating, each of the corresponding secondary axles548and magnetic concentric sockets are rotated thereby tightening or loosening a wheel's lug nut. Through a series of sensors, step1116monitors the tightening or loosening of the lug nuts. Step1118uses information gathered from the sensors to algorithmically compute the tightening and loosening status of each lug nut based on the lug nuts' thread count, amount of power to rotate the lug nut and the estimated time to tighten or loosen the lug nut compared to the actual elapsed time. Magnetic concentric sockets554are used so that a plurality of lug nuts may be received and held within the socket. Slip clutches552and bearings550are employed to ensure continuous rotational force should a single lug nut be fully tightened in advance of other lug nuts. Step1120displays the status of each lug nut on a set of LCD's connected to the circuit board ofFIG. 9.

FIG. 12is a chart of lug nut parameters for monitoring the removal and installation of lug nuts. In the implementation of the present invention, there will be a set of parameters that will be used to monitor and control the removal or installation of lug nuts. Before the actual process of removing or installing lug nuts begins, the user will input the parameters for the particular lug nuts involved. These parameters will govern the process.FIG. 12is an example of a set of parameters one can use. In this chart, there is a column indicating various wheel stud patterns based on the number of studs used on a wheel. In addition to the number of studs per wheel, the stud size is listed. The number of threads per a stud is connected to the stud size. This chart also lists a maximum torque for each stud. The torque can also be a function of the stud size. Once the installation process reaches the maximum torque for a stud, that stud will be considered sufficiently tightened. A database located in the memory on the circuit board stores these parameters. With regards toFIG. 12, these parameters are just examples of parameters that can be used. In addition to these listed parameters can be others parameters such as estimated elapsed time and required power. As mentioned, this method of this invention used the stored parameters along with real time data gathered from sensors to control stud removal and installation.

FIG. 13is a flow diagram of the steps in the simultaneous removal of multiple lug nuts in accordance with the present invention. In this method, in step1310parameters for the particular lug nuts are selected. In step1320, the multi-lug nut removal device is attached to the vehicle wheel. Step1330initializes sensors on individual lug nuts. At this point, step1340force is applied on lug nuts. The intent to remove or install lug nuts will determine the rotation and direction of the force. Sensors detect information at individual lug nuts. Step1350monitors information from individual lug nuts at a controller. As part of this monitoring process, certain detected parameters are compared to previously established parameter threshold values. In this method, step1360detects when a minimal torque is reached at each lug nut. When there is a detection of a minimal threshold being reached at a lug nut, step1370disengages the machine at that lug nut. Step1380indicates when all lug nuts have reached the minimum torque threshold. Step1380can also indicate other activities during this process such as the time elapsed.

FIG. 14is a flow diagram of the steps in the simultaneous installation of multiple lug nuts in accordance with the present invention. In this method, in step1410parameters for the particular lug nuts are selected. Also, the torque threshold for the particular lug nuts is established. In step1420, lug nuts are attached to the multi-lug nut installation device. This device is then attached to the vehicle wheel. Step1430initializes sensors on individual lug nuts. At this point, step1440force is applied on lug nuts. Force is applied to the lug nuts to tighten them onto the wheel. Sensors detect information at individual lug nuts. Step1450monitors information from individual lug nuts at a controller. In this method, step1460detects when the torque threshold is reached at each lug nut. When there is a detection of a maximum torque threshold is reached at a lug nut, step1470disengages the machine at that lug nut. Step1480indicates when all lug nuts have reached the maximum torque threshold.

Although the device described herein is innovative in design and application, it does inherently require the use of several component parts that have heretofore been patented. This patent application is not to be construed as an attempt by those submitting this application to in any way usurp nor supersede said rights of any component parts—be they specifically mentioned or not. The applicants herein do fully acknowledge the existence of said pre-existing right as appropriate and make no claim thereon.

The applicants herein have submitted this patent application regarding the total device, in the aggregate, as described herein, as unique and without peer, deserving of patent protection.