Abstract:
The invention includes an attachment for a socket wrench that is capable of imparting torque about an axis simultaneously in opposite directions. The invention also includes a method for imparting torque about an axis simultaneously in opposite directions.

Description:
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention is:  
         [0002]     (1) an attachment for a socket wrench that is capable of imparting torque about an axis simultaneously in opposite directions, and  
         [0003]     (2) a method for imparting torque about an axis simultaneously in opposite directions.  
       THE INVENTIVE ATTACHMENT  
       [0004]     The inventive attachment includes a housing that has an outer face with a socket configured to receive a driving member of the socket wrench. The inventive attachment further includes a post that extends outwardly from the housing from an inner face that is positioned within the housing. At least one gripper arm extends radially outward from the housing. Further, the invention includes a means for a imparting rotating torque to the at least one gripper arm. Specifically, the rotating torque imparted to the at least one gripper arm will be in a direction opposite the torque imparted to the driving member of the socket wrench.  
         [0005]     The inventive attachment may also include a pair of gripper arms, which may be oppositely disposed. The invention may also include extensions attachable to ends of the gripper arms. These extensions should be configured to assist in imparting torque to a rotatable feature or fixture.  
         [0006]     In a preferred embodiment of the inventive attachment, the means for imparting rotating torque will include a lower gear having gear teeth positioned on its circumference, and an internally-configured upper gear. Additionally, a plurality of middle gears is positioned between the upper gear and the lower gear. Each of these middle gears bears gear teeth that engage gear teeth of the upper gear and also engage gear teeth of the lower gear.  
         [0007]     Optionally, the lower and middle gears fit inside the upper gear. It is also preferred that the plurality of middle gears comprises three gears. These gears may be equally displaced from one another. The inventive attachment may also have a lower ear that includes a circular inner portion and an outer portion that is rotatable relative the inner portion.  
         [0008]     The inventive attachment for a socket wrench may also include a bracket mounted adjacent the post and configured to retain each of the middle gears in a spaced-apart relation. In this preferred embodiment of the attachment for a socket wrench, the attachment may include a plurality of axles mounted to the bracket with a respective middle gear mounted to each respective axle. Further, the bracket may be free to rotate relative the post.  
         [0009]     Another embodiment of the inventive attachment for a socket wrench, will include a housing and an internally-configured upper gear having an open interior portion. This embodiment will also have a lower gear positioned within the interior portion and having an outer face bearing a socket configured to receive a driving member of the socket wrench. The lower gear will also bear inner face having a driving post extending therefrom. This driving post will protrude from the housing.  
         [0010]     A plurality of middle gears will be positioned within the interior portion of the upper gear. Each middle gear will have gear teeth that engage gear teeth on each of the upper gear and lower gear. This embodiment will also include a pair of gripper arms, each extending radially outward from the upper gear. Imparting a torque to the wrench in a first direction about the post causes the gripper arms to rotate about the post in a direction opposite the first direction.  
         [0011]     Optionally, the lower gear includes a circular inner portion and an outer portion that is rotatable relative the inner portion. In this embodiment, the invention may include a plurality of axles mounted on the outer portion of the inner face of the lower gear such that each middle gear is rotatably mounted about a respective axle. This embodiment may also have a bracket configured to receive terminal ends of each respective axle. If a bracket is included in this embodiment, it should prohibit relative rotation of the bracket with respect to the driving post.  
         [0012]     In an alternate embodiment, the lower gear is a unitary, monolithic one-piece structure. In this alternate embodiment, the invention includes a bracket that is free to rotate relative the post. Axles are then mounted to the bracket, and each middle gear is rotatably mounted to a respective axle. In either embodiment, it is preferred that the plurality of middle gears comprises three gears that are equally displaced from one another.  
         [0013]     The attachment may also include a means for limiting or restricting the relative movement of the driving post with respect to the bracket. This means may include an arcuate extension positioned between the lower gear and the driving post. The arcuate extension should bear a centroid that is displaced from the longitudinal axis. Additionally, an externally configured central gear is positioned on the upper surface of the lower gear. The central gear will have o-shape with an open interior and a diameter shorter than the lower gear. When the attachment is fully assembled, the arcuate extension fits within the interior portion of the central gear. There will be internally configured gear teeth formed on the bracket, and these internally-configured gear teeth will mate with teeth on the central gear. Thus, when the wrench is turned, the arcuate extension causes the central gear to engage the teeth on the bracket.  
       THE INVENTIVE METHOD  
       [0014]     The invention is also a method of imparting torque simultaneously in opposite directions about a single axis. The method will include the step of providing a socket socket wrench, having a driving member, and also providing an attachment for the socket wrench. The attachment will have an internally-configured upper gear having an open interior portion.  
         [0015]     The method will also include the step of positioning a lower gear within the interior portion of the upper gear. The lower gear will have an outer face bearing a socket configured to receive the driving member of the socket wrench, and an inner face having a driving post extending therefrom. The driving post should protrude from the housing. The method will also include the step of positioning a plurality of middle gears within the interior portion so that each middle gear engages gear teeth on each of the upper gear and lower gear.  
         [0016]     Additionally, a pair of gripper arm will be extended radially outward from the upper gear. Further, the method includes the steps of engaging the gripper arms with an item that is to be torqued opposite a chosen direction about the axis, and also imparting a torque to the wrench in the chosen direction about the axis orthogonal the socket.  
         [0017]     The inventive method may also include the step of forming the lower gear to include a circular inner portion and an outer portion that is rotatable relative the inner portion, and it may also include the mounting of at least one axle (or preferably a plurality of axles) on the outer portion of the inner face of the lower gear. The method may also include the step of rotatably mounting a respective middle gear about each axle. Preferably, there will be three axles—each having a middle gear rotatably mounted thereto—that are equally displaced from one another.  
         [0018]     The method may also include the step of configuring a bracket to receive terminal ends of each respective axle, the bracket being mounted adjacent the driving post. Optionally, this bracket may prohibit relative rotation of the bracket with respect to the post.  
         [0019]     In another embodiment, the lower gear is a unitary, monolithic one-piece structure, and the method includes the step of rotatably mounting a bracket adjacent the driving post, then positioning respective axles on the bracket; and rotatably mounting a respective middle gear onto each respective axle.  
         [0020]     The inventive method may also include the step of positioning an arcuate extension between the lower gear and the driving post, and forming, the arcuate extension to bear a centroid that is displaced from the longitudinal axis. The method may also include the step of positioning an externally configured central gear on the upper surface of the lower gear. The central gear will have an o-shape with an open interior and a diameter shorter than the lower gear. The arcuate extension fits within the interior portion of the central gear.  
         [0021]     The inventive method may also include the step of forming internally configured gear teeth formed on the bracket, and ascertaining that these internal gear teeth are configured to mate with teeth on the central gear. As the wrench is turned, the arcuate extension causes the central gear to engage the teeth on the bracket, thereby limiting or restricting the relative movement of the bracket relative the post.  
         [0022]     The inventive method may also include the steps of configuring a bracket to receive terminal ends of respective axles, and rotatably mounting a respective middle gear about each axle. This embodiment may also include the step of rotatably mounting the bracket adjacent the driving post.  
         [0023]     Additionally, the inventive method may also include the step of limiting relative rotation of the circular inner portion with respect to the outer portion. Specifically, this may be accomplished by rotatably mounting a bracket to the driving post, wherein the bracket configured to retain the middle gears in a spaced apart relation. This preferred embodiment of the method will include positioning an arcuate extension between the driving post and the top face of middle gear, and extending the arcuate extension laterally away from the axis. There are gear teeth positioned on an inner portion of the bracket, and the method may also include placing a central gear on the top face of the lower gear. The central gear having an open interior portion enabling the arcuate extension to fit therein, wherein, rotation of the wrench about the longitudinal axis causes the arcuate extension to press the central gear into engagement with the gear teeth formed on the inner portion of the bracket.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment, the method may include the steps of providing a bracket, and then rotatably mounting the bracket adjacent the driving post. The method may also include positioning respective axles on the bracket, and then rotatably mounting a respective middle gear onto each respective axle. The middle gears may include three gears, and equally displacing the middle gears from one another.  
         [0025]     Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0026]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view showing a first preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows a plan view detailing the interior parts of the first embodiment of the invention  FIG. 3  is an exploded view showing a second preferred embodiment of the invention.  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  shows a plan view detailing the interior parts of the second embodiment of the invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5  is a perspective and isolated view showing a view of the bottom part of the attachment for a socket wrench.  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the fully-assembled attachment in combination with a socket wrench.  
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view showing the attachment in combination with a socket wrench, according to the principles of the invention, being used to tighten a propeller or fan blade. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0032]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view detailing the working parts of the attachment  10 . As shown, the attachment  10  includes a lower part  12  having an inner face  27 . The inner face  27  comprises an inner portion  28  and an outer portion  30  that is free to rotate relative the inner portion  28 .  
         [0033]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the invention will also include a lower gear  14  mounted to the inner portion  28  of the inner face  27 . The lower gear  14  is shown detached from the inner portion  28 , but in fact the lower gear  14  and the inner portion  28  may be unitary and formed as a single, monolithic, one-piece structure having a post  24  positioned an end distal the inner face  27 , the post being configured to protrude the housing of the attachment  10 , and further configured to receive a socket attachment (not shown).  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a plurality of axles  26  are mounted to the inner face  27  on the outer portion  30  thereof. A respective middle gear  32  is rotatably mounted on each axle  26 . The upper part  16  includes a upper gear  18  having gear teeth formed to engage the teeth of each respective middle gear  32 . Preferably, the upper part  16  is configured so that it allows the post  24  to protrude, yet maintains the middle gears  32  on their respective axles.  
         [0035]     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , this embodiment may also include a bracket  34  mounted at terminal ends of each axle  26  in order maintain the middle gears  32 . Also, h a pair of gripper arms  20  that extend radially outward from the upper part  16 . The gripper arms  20   
         [0036]     Still referring to an  FIG. 1 , the attachment  10  may also include a plurality of pins  40  that pass through openings in the bracket  34  to assist in retaining the middle gears  32  in a spaced-apart relation. Additionally, the pins  40 , if longer than shown, may eliminate the need for axles  26  entirely, as the pins  40 , acting alone, could provide an axle of rotation for each of the middle gears, and meanwhile hold the middle gears  32  in a spaced-apart relation. Optionally, the pins  40  may insert within the axles  26  to help hold the bracket  34  in place.  
         [0037]      FIG. 2  shows a detailed view of the relationship between the upper part  16 , the upper gear  18 , and the middle gears  32 . As a rotating torque T is imparted to the wrench  38 . the lower gear will also turn in direction T (counter-clockwise). This counter-clockwise rotation of the lower gear  14  will cause middle gears  32  to rotate in direction ω (clockwise). In turn, the rotation of the middle gears  32  will transfer a tendency to rotate the upper gear  18  in the direction R (clockwise). In preferred embodiments, the upper gear  18  and the upper part  16  are integrally formed as a unitary, monolithic, one-piece structure. As such, the rotation of the upper gear  18  will impart rotating torque to tripper arms  20 . The terminal ends  22  of the gripper arms may be threaded in order to accommodate any type of arm extension (not shown in  FIG. 2 , but shown hereinafter).  
         [0038]     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , the driving post  24  is positioned atop the lower gear  14  and will protrude through an opening  37  in the bracket  34 . As the attachment  10  rotates, the driving post  24  will rotate relative the bracket; as such, it is important that the bracket  34  have an opening  37  sufficiently large to enable free movement therein.  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  shows a second preferred embodiment of the attachment  10 . As shown, the attachment  10  includes a lower part  12  having an inner face  27 . The inner face  27  comprises an inner portion  28  and an outer portion  30  that is free to rotate relative the inner portion  28 .  
         [0040]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the invention will also include a lower gear  14  mounted to the inner portion  28  of the inner face  27 . The lower gear  14  is shown detached from the inner portion  28 , but in fact the lower gear  14  and the inner portion  28  may be unitary and formed as a single, monolithic, one-piece structure having a post  24  positioned an end distal the inner face  27 , the post being configured to protrude the housing of the attachment  10 , and further configured to receive a socket attachment (not shown).  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of axles  26  are mounted to the inner face  27  on the outer portion  30  thereof. A respective middle gear  32  is rotatably mounted on each axle  26 . The upper part  16  includes a upper gear  18  having gear teeth formed to engage the teeth of each respective middle gear  32 . Preferably, the upper part  16  is configured so that it allows the post  24  to protrude, yet maintains the middle gears  32  on their respective axles.  
         [0042]     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , this second preferred embodiment includes a bracket  34  mounted at terminal ends of each axle  26  in order maintain the middle gears  32 . Also, a pair of gripper arms  20  that extend radially outward from the upper part  16 . The gripper arms  20  may have ends  22  to receive attachments (not shown in  FIG. 3 ; viewable in  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  also shows that the attachment  10  may also include a plurality of pins  40  that pass through openings in the bracket  34  to assist in retaining the middle gears  32  in a spaced-apart relation. Additionally, the pins  40 , if longer than shown, may eliminate the need for axles  26  entirely, as the pins  40 , acting alone, could provide an axle of rotation for each of the middle gears, and meanwhile hold the middle gears  32  in a spaced-apart relation. Optionally, the pins  40  may insert within the axles  26  to help hold the bracket  34  in place.  
         [0044]     The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is similar to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  in many ways; however, this preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  also has a means to confine or limit the relative movement of the bracket  34  with respect to the driving post  24 . In this embodiment, the opening  36  of the bracket  34  bears gear teeth formed to mate with teeth formed on central gear  38 . The central gear  38  will rest on a top surface of the lower gear  14 , and will have an open interior.  
         [0045]     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , an arcuate extension  25  extends outwardly from the axis of rotation, is positioned between the driving post and the upper surface of the lower gear  14 . The arcuate extension  25  has a centroid displaced from the axis of rotation, thereby providing an off-center rotating effect when one imparts turning torque to the socket wrench (not shown).  
         [0046]     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , the arcuate extension  25  will engage a wall of the open interior of the central gear  38 , and will compel engagement between the teeth of the central gear  38  and the teeth on the bracket  34 . The ratio of the gear teeth on the central gear  38  and the gear teeth on the opening  36  of the bracket  34  should be sufficiently small in order to limit or inhibit the relative rotation of the bracket  34  about the axis of rotation.  
         [0047]      FIG. 4  shows a detailed view of the relationship between the top part  16 , the upper gear  18 , and the middle gears  32  of the embodiment shown in the exploded view of  FIG. 3 . As a rotating torque T is imparted to the wrench  38 , the lower gear  14  will also turn in direction T (counter-clockwise). This counter-clockwise rotation of the lower gear  14  will cause middle gears  32  to rotate in direction w (clockwise). In turn, the rotation of the middle gears  32  will transfer a tendency to rotate the upper gear  18  in the direction R (clockwise). In preferred embodiments, the upper gear  18  and the top part  16  are integrally formed as a unitary, monolithic, one-piece structure. As such, rotation of the upper gear  18  will impart rotating torque to gripper arms  20 . The terminal ends  22  of the gripper arms may be threaded in order to accommodate any type of arm extension (not shown in  FIG. 4 , but shown hereinafter). Alternatively, the extensions may be clipped on, or may comprise sleeves that wrap around the gripper arms  20 . Further, the attachments may also be inserted into apertures or openings (not shown) on the gripper arms.  
         [0048]     Still referring to  FIG. 4 , the driving post  24  is positioned atop the lower gear  14  and will protrude through an opening  37  in the bracket  34 . The top face of the lower gear  14  includes an arcuate extension  25  that extends laterally outward from the axis of rotation, and has a centroid displaced from the axis.  
         [0049]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the arcuate extension  25  fits within the central gear  38 . The arcuate extension  25 , the central gear  38 , and the opening  37  of the bracket  34  are cooperatively formed so that, as a rotating torque T is imparted, the arcuate extension  25  slides along the inner surface of the central gear, and thereby urges the central gear  38  to engage gear teeth formed on the edge of the opening  37  of the bracket, forcing a slight angular rotation of the bracket  34  with respect to the driving post  24 .  
         [0050]      FIG. 5  is an isolated perspective view showing the bottom part  12 . The bottom part  12  includes a socket  46  centrally formed on its bottom face and configured to receive the driving member (not shown) of a socket wrench. Axles are formed on the opposite face of the bottom part  12 , and are positioned around the lower gear  14 , which is generally concentrically mounted on this opposite face as well.  
         [0051]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing how the attachment  10  can be used in combination with a socket wrench  38 . The driving member  44  of the socket wrench  38  fits into a socket (not visible) formed in the bottom part (not visible) of the attachment  10 . As shown, the top part  16  of the attachment has an opening  42  that allows the driving post  24  to protrude outwardly therefrom. In this embodiment, the top part  16  envelopes the bottom part, making it entirely obscured from this view.  
         [0052]      FIG. 6  also shows that the top part  16  may comprise a removable lid having an opening  42  that allows the driving post  24  to protrude; optionally, the top part  16  can be formed as a unitary, monolithic, one piece structure. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the top part  16  and gripper arms  20  comprise a single, unitary, monolithic structure as well.  
         [0053]      FIG. 7  shows an exploded view detailing how the attachment  10  can be used in combination with a socket wrench  38  in order to tighten a nut  48  on a rotatable item, such as a fan blade  49 . The attachment includes a driving post  24  protruding through opening  42  in the top part  16 . The driving post  24  will impart torque in the direction T about axis A, and will mate with a socket attachment  50  selected to fit the size of the nut  48 . While the driving post turns the nut  48  in direction T about axis A, the gripper arms (and attachments) will impart torque to the item  49  in the opposite direction, alias direction R, about axis A.  
         [0054]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a pair of attachments  21  may be annexed to the gripper arms  20 . Optionally, the attachments  21 , may have hook-like ends  23  formed to assist in gripping or grabbing the item  49 ; alternatively, the ends  23  may be padded in order to prevent scratching or damaging the item  49 .  
         [0055]     Having described and illustrated the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the above and foregoing is for illustration and demonstration only. The descriptions herein are not intended to limit the breadth of this invention.