Abstract:
A socket assembly can attach a fastener to a receiving structure. The socket assembly includes a body portion defining a receiving space. The socket assembly further includes a gripping structure attached to the body portion. The gripping structure movably supports the fastener within the receiving space. The gripping structure is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The socket assembly further includes an alignment structure axially aligning the body portion and the receiving structure. Methods of attaching a fastener to a receiving structure are also provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to socket assemblies, and more particularly, to a socket assembly for attaching a fastener to a receiving structure. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Connectors (e.g., Bayonet Neill-Concelman “BNC” connectors, etc.) and fasteners (e.g., nuts, etc.) are known and used in many different applications. Threading a fastener onto a connector can be difficult and time consuming because the fastener and connector are relatively small. In one approach, assemblers use their hands and/or pliers to pick up and install the fasteners onto the connectors. This operation can be inefficient, tedious, and slow. In another approach, assemblers use standard socket assemblies to thread fasteners onto the connectors. The standard socket assemblies were also difficult to use and time consuming, as the standard socket assemblies were too large to accommodate for the relatively small fasteners. The fastener often became misaligned on the connector, leading to cross-threading. It would be useful to provide a socket assembly that can relatively easily pick up a fastener and thread the fastener onto a connector with minimal risk of misalignment, cross-threading, etc. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some example aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. Moreover, this summary is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the invention in simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0006]    In accordance with one aspect, a socket assembly for attaching a fastener to a receiving structure is provided. The socket assembly includes a body portion defining a receiving space. The socket assembly further includes a gripping structure attached to the body portion. The gripping structure movably supports the fastener within the receiving space. The socket assembly further includes an alignment structure for axially aligning the body portion and the receiving structure. 
         [0007]    In accordance with another aspect, a socket assembly for attaching a fastener to a receiving structure is provided. The socket assembly includes a body portion defining a receiving space. The socket assembly further includes a gripping structure movably supported by the body portion. The gripping structure is movable between a closed position and an opened position in which an end of the gripping structure is radially spaced away from the receiving space. The gripping structure supports the fastener within the receiving space. 
         [0008]    In accordance with another aspect, a method of attaching a fastener to a receiving structure is provided. The method includes the step of gripping the fastener with a socket assembly. The method further includes the step of axially aligning the socket assembly and the receiving structure by displacing an alignment structure of the socket assembly axially in a first direction as the socket assembly moves towards the receiving structure in an opposing second direction. The method also includes the step of releasing the fastener from the socket assembly onto the receiving structure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a schematized perspective view of an example attachment apparatus including an example drill and socket assembly and an example receiving structure in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is an exploded, schematized perspective view of the example socket assembly of  FIG. 1  in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the example socket assembly including an example gripping structure in a closed position; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the example socket assembly including the gripping structure in an opened position; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the example socket assembly and receiving structure along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the example socket assembly of  FIG. 5  engaging the receiving structure; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the example socket assembly of  FIG. 5  engaging the receiving structure and threading a fastener onto the receiving structure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    Example embodiments that incorporate one or more aspects of the present invention are described and illustrated in the drawings. These illustrated examples are not intended to be a limitation on the present invention. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention can be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of devices. Moreover, certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. Still further, in the drawings, the same reference numerals are employed for designating the same elements. 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an example attachment apparatus  10  for attaching a fastener  14  to a receiving structure  16 , such as a BNC connector or other similar connector. In short summary, the socket assembly  20  can be rotatably attached to a power tool, such as a drill  12 . The socket assembly  20 , while holding the fastener  14 , can be axially aligned with the receiving structure  16 . The socket assembly  20  is rotated, such that the fastener  14  is threaded onto the receiving structure  16 . Accordingly, the socket assembly  20  can provide for attachment of the fastener  14  to the receiving structure  16  without the need for manual manipulation by an assembler. 
         [0019]    Turning to the specific example shown in  FIG. 1 , the attachment apparatus  10  can include the drill  12 . The drill  12  is somewhat generically/schematically shown in  FIG. 1  to convey the concept that the drill  12  can include a number of different structures. For example, the drill  12  can include electric drills, pneumatic drills, cordless drills, etc. Further, as is generally known, the drill  12  outputs rotational movement for rotating the socket assembly  20 . 
         [0020]    The attachment apparatus  10  further includes the fastener  14 . As will be described in more detail below, the socket assembly  20  can support (e.g., grip, hold, etc.) the fastener  14 . The fastener  14  is somewhat generically/schematically depicted herein, and could include any number of structures. For example, the fastener  14  could include nuts, bolts, etc. In further examples, the fastener  14  is threaded, such as internally threaded. In the shown examples, the fastener  14  can include a hex nut, such as an internally threaded 9/16″ hex nut. The fastener  14  is not limited to such a size or shape, however. 
         [0021]    The attachment apparatus  10  further includes the receiving structure  16 . The receiving structure  16  is somewhat generically/schematically depicted in  FIG. 1 , as it is understood that the receiving structure  16  includes a number of different structures. In the shown example, the receiving structure  16  includes a BNC connector, though other types of connectors are envisioned. The receiving structure  16  includes a threaded portion  18 . The threaded portion  18  extends along an outer surface of the receiving structure  16 . The threaded portion  18  can extend along a longer or shorter axial length along the receiving structure  16  than as shown. The receiving structure  16  can further include a center portion  19  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 1  as the center portion  19  is normally not visible in such a view). The center portion  19  can extend axially within the receiving structure  16 . 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the socket assembly  20  is explained in more detail. It is to be appreciated that the socket assembly  20  in  FIG. 2  is depicted in an exploded state for illustrative purposes and to more clearly depict internal components of the socket assembly  20 . However, in operation, the socket assembly  20  is fully assembled similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0023]    The socket assembly  20  includes a shank portion  24 . The shank portion  24  forms the portion of the socket assembly  20  that is held by the drill  12 . In one example, the shank portion  24  is received by the drill  12 , such that the drill  12  can hold and rotate the socket assembly  20 . The shank portion  24  can be held by a chuck (not shown) of the drill  12 . In the shown example, the shank portion  24  includes a hex shape, though any number of sizes and shapes are envisioned, including a variety of polygonal shapes. As such, drill  12  can grip and rotate the shank portion  24 , thus causing the socket assembly  20  to rotate about its longitudinal central axis. The shank portion  24  can also be selectively removed from the drill  12 . 
         [0024]    The socket assembly  20  can further include an end portion  28 . The end portion  28  is attached to the shank portion  24 . In particular, the shank portion  24  extends along the longitudinal central axis in a direction away from the end portion  28 . In the shown example, the end portion  28  includes a substantially cylindrical shape, though other shapes are envisioned (e.g., square, oval, etc.). The end portion  28  can be integrally formed with the shank portion  24  (i.e., one piece formed) or, in further examples, could be fixed to the shank portion  24 . 
         [0025]    The socket assembly  20  can further include an arrangement portion  32 . The arrangement portion  32  is attached to the end portion  28 . The arrangement portion  32  extends along the longitudinal central axis in a direction away from the end portion  28 . In the shown example, the arrangement portion  32  extends away from the end portion  28  on an opposite side from the shank portion  24 . As such, the arrangement portion  32  is positioned on a first side of the end portion  28  while the shank portion  24  is positioned on an opposing second side of the end portion  28 . The arrangement portion  32  can include a substantially cylindrically shaped structure, though other shapes are envisioned (e.g., square shaped cross-section, oval shaped cross-section, etc.). The arrangement portion  32  can be integrally formed with the end portion  28  (i.e., one piece formed) or, in further examples, could be attached to the end portion  28 . In a fully assembled state, the arrangement portion  32  extends axially within the socket assembly  20 . 
         [0026]    The socket assembly  20  can further include at least one biasing device. The at least one biasing device includes an alignment biasing device  36 . The alignment biasing device  36 , includes a compression spring that wraps around the arrangement portion  32  and extends axially along the arrangement portion  32 . The alignment biasing device  36  can extend a longer or shorter distance than as shown, and may include a varying elasticity range (e.g., stiff, flexible, etc.). The alignment biasing device  36  engages and contacts the end portion  28  at one end of the alignment biasing device  36 . Accordingly, as the alignment biasing device  36  is compressed, the alignment biasing device  36  contacts the end portion  28  and is limited from further axial translation. 
         [0027]    The at least one biasing device of the socket assembly  20  can further include a grip biasing device  40  for providing a biasing force within the socket assembly  20 . The grip biasing device  40  includes a number of elastic biasing devices, including, but not limited to, compression springs, axially extending springs, spring pins, etc. In the shown example, the grip biasing device  40  includes a compressible spring pin. The grip biasing device  40  can extend axially along a direction that is generally parallel to the arrangement portion  32 . In one example, the grip biasing device  40  is spaced apart a distance from the arrangement portion  32  such that the alignment biasing device  36  is positioned at least partially between the grip biasing device  40  and the arrangement portion  32 . It is to be appreciated that in further examples, the grip biasing device  40  can extend a longer or shorter distance than as shown. 
         [0028]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the socket assembly  20  further includes a body portion  44 . The body portion  44  defines a substantially cylindrically shaped structure extending between a first end  46  and an opposing second end  48 . The body portion  44  includes a generally hollow internal bore  50 . The body portion  44  and/or the internal bore  50  are not limited to the cylindrically shaped structure as shown, and in further examples, includes a square shape, rectangular shape, oval shape, etc. In an assembled state, the body portion  44  is attached at the second end  48  to the end portion  28 . In particular, the body portion  44  can have a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter in the shown example) that matches or is larger than a cross-sectional size (e.g., diameter in the shown example) of the end portion  28 . As such, the end portion  28  can cover the second end  48  of the body portion  44 . The body portion  44  and end portion  28  can be attached in any number of ways, such as by mechanical fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), welding, adhesives, threading, or the like. Accordingly, the arrangement portion  32 , alignment biasing device  36 , and grip biasing device  40  can each extend within the internal bore  50  of the body portion  44 . 
         [0029]    The body portion  44  further defines a receiving space  54 . The receiving space  54  is positioned at the first end  46  of the body portion  44  opposite from the end portion  28 . The receiving space  54  defines a substantially hollow, open space for receiving the fastener  14 . In particular, the receiving space  54  extends axially from the first end  46  of the body portion  44  into an interior of the body portion  44 . In the shown example, the receiving space  54  has a generally hexagonal shape that matches the hexagonal shape of the fastener  14 . In the shown example, the receiving space  54  can receive the fastener  14  and, due to the matching shapes, limit rotation of the fastener  14  with respect to the receiving space  54 . Of course, in further examples, other shapes are envisioned that can match the shape of the fastener  14  (e.g., receiving space  54  having a square shaped cross-section, oval shaped cross-section, etc.). The receiving space  54  can have slightly larger dimensions than the fastener  14 , such that the fastener  14  can be received by and held within the receiving space  54 . In one example, the receiving space  54  has an axial depth that is slightly less than an axial depth of the fastener  14 , such that the fastener  14  can protrude at least partially from the first end  46  of the body portion  44  and out of the receiving space  54 . 
         [0030]    The socket assembly  20  further includes a gripping structure  58 . The gripping structure  58  is attached to the body portion  44  of the socket assembly  20 . In particular, the gripping structure  58  can be received within a slot  61  that extends axially along an outer surface of the body portion  44 . In the shown example, the gripping structure  58  extends axially along the body portion  44  from the first end  46  to the second end  48  and defines an outer surface of the body portion  44 . In further examples, however, the gripping structure  58  can extend a shorter distance than as shown, such as by not extending completely to the second end  48 . 
         [0031]    The gripping structure  58  is movably attached to the body portion  44  such that the gripping structure  58  moves or pivots with respect to the body portion  44 . The gripping structure  58  can be attached to the body portion  44  in any number of ways. In the shown example, the gripping structure  58  can include a hinge pin  60  for attaching the gripping structure  58  to the body portion  44 . The hinge pin  60  can extend through the body portion  44  and through the gripping structure  58 . The hinge pin  60  can, for example, pass through a first hinge opening  62  formed in the body portion  44  and a second hinge opening  63  in the gripping structure  58 . The hinge pin  60  can therefore extend in a direction that is generally transverse to the direction along which the body portion  44  and gripping structure  58  extend. It is to be appreciated that the gripping structure  58  is not limited to being movably attached to the body portion  44  with the hinge pin  60 , and in further examples, could be attached in any number of ways, such as with other mechanical fasteners, snap fit means, etc. 
         [0032]    The gripping structure  58  contacts and engages the grip biasing device  40 . In one example, an end of the grip biasing device  40  contacts the gripping structure  58 . The gripping structure  58  can therefore be biased to a closed or gripping position by the grip biasing device  40 . The gripping structure  58  can be moved so as to overcome the elasticity of the grip biasing device  40 , however. As such, the gripping structure  58  can be moved to an opened or non-gripping position while still remaining biased towards the closed position. 
         [0033]    The gripping structure  58  can further include a tapered end portion  64 . The tapered end portion  64  is disposed at an end of the gripping structure  58  that is adjacent the first end  46  of the body portion  44 . The tapered end portion  64  can extend at least partially into the receiving space  54 . As such, when the fastener  14  is positioned within the receiving space  54 , the tapered end portion  64  can engage and grip the fastener  14 , thus reducing the likelihood of the fastener  14  inadvertently being removed from the receiving space  54  and the longitudinal central axis. In addition, since the tapered end portion  64  gradually reduces in thickness towards the end of the gripping structure  58 , the tapered end portion  64  can engage the fastener  14 , whereupon the fastener  14  can move the end of the gripping structure  58  radially outwardly (i.e., in a direction away from the longitudinal central axis of the receiving space  54 ). 
         [0034]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the socket assembly  20  further includes an alignment structure  70 . The alignment structure  70  axially aligns the body portion  44  with the receiving structure  16 . The alignment structure  70  includes a cylindrically shaped structure extending axially within the internal bore  50  of the body portion  44 . The alignment structure  70  is not limited to the size and shape that is shown in  FIG. 2 , and in further examples, could include a square shaped cross-section, or the like. The alignment structure  70  extends between a first end  72  and an opposed second end  74 . In one example, the first end  72  of the alignment structure can be tapered. 
         [0035]    The alignment structure  70  includes an alignment opening  76 . The alignment opening  76  is an elongated slot that extends axially through the alignment structure  70  from the first end  72  to the second end  74 . The alignment opening  76  can have a generally circular cross-sectional shape, though other shapes are envisioned. The alignment opening  76  has a cross-sectional width (e.g., diameter in the shown example) that is slightly larger than a cross-sectional width (e.g., diameter) of the arrangement portion  32 . Accordingly, in a fully assembled state, the alignment opening  76  can receive at least a portion of the arrangement portion  32  therewithin, such that the alignment structure  70  and arrangement portion  32  are coaxial. The alignment opening  76  allows the alignment structure  70  to translate axially along the arrangement portion  32 . The alignment structure  70  can translate in a direction towards and away from the end portion  28 . In addition, the alignment structure  70  can have an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the receiving structure  16 . As such, the alignment structure  70  can be received and held within the receiving structure  16  such that the alignment structure  70  and receiving structure  16  are coaxially aligned. 
         [0036]    The alignment structure  70  can engage the alignment biasing device  36 . In particular, the second end  74  of the alignment structure  70  contacts and engages the alignment biasing device  36  as the alignment opening  76  receives the arrangement portion  32 . The alignment biasing device  36  biases the alignment structure  70  to an extended position. However, the alignment structure  70  can translate along the arrangement portion  32 , with the alignment biasing device  36  compressing and continuing to bias the alignment structure  70  towards the extended position. 
         [0037]    The alignment structure  70  is movably attached with respect to the body portion  44 . In particular, the alignment structure  70  can move (e.g., translate) with respect to the body portion  44 . In the shown example, the alignment structure  70  includes an alignment screw  80 . The alignment screw  80  can extend radially into the alignment structure  70 . The alignment structure  70  can include a screw opening  82  for receiving the alignment screw  80 . The screw opening  82  can receive the alignment screw  80 , such that the alignment screw  80  protrudes at least partially into and out of the screw opening  82 . In one example, the alignment screw  80  and screw opening  82  can each be threaded, such that a threading attachment between the alignment screw  80  and screw opening  82  can be achieved. However, the alignment screw  80  need not be limited to a threading attachment, and could be attached with respect to the alignment structure  70  in any number of ways. 
         [0038]    The alignment screw  80  can protrude from the screw opening  82  and be received by an alignment slot  84  formed in the body portion  44 . In one example, the alignment slot  84  extends through the body portion  44  from the internal bore  50  to an outer surface of the body portion  44 . The alignment slot  84  extends axially along the body portion  44 . As such, the alignment slot  84  can receive the alignment screw  80  and allow for axial translation of the alignment structure  70  with respect to the body portion  44 . The alignment screw  80  can therefore translate within the alignment slot  84 . It is to be appreciated that the alignment slot  84  can include one or more alignment slots. For example, the alignment slot  84  can include one alignment slot positioned to extend along the body portion  44 . In another example, the alignment slot  84  can include a plurality of alignment slots, such as by having one alignment slot positioned on one side of the body portion  44  and another alignment slot positioned on an opposing side of the body portion  44 . 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the movement of the gripping structure  58  can be described in more detail. Initially, in  FIG. 3 , the gripping structure  58  can be in the closed position. While in the closed position, the gripping structure  58  is biased by the grip biasing device  40  to remain in the closed position. 
         [0040]    Next, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the gripping structure  58  can be moved to the opened position. In one example, the gripping structure  58  rotates about the hinge pin  60  between the closed position ( FIG. 3 ) and the opened position ( FIG. 4 ). As shown, the tapered end portion  64  can include a slightly rounded shape towards an end of the gripping structure  58 . The tapered end portion  64  can therefore contact the fastener  14 . Due to the rounded shape of the tapered end portion  64 , the fastener  14  can engage the tapered end portion  64  and cause the gripping structure  58  to move towards the opened position. Additionally, since the gripping structure  58  is biased by the grip biasing device  40  towards the closed position, the gripping structure  58  can exert a radial force onto the fastener  14  when the fastener  14  is positioned within the receiving space  54 . As such, the gripping structure  58  can remain in the opened position and grip the fastener  14 , thus minimizing the risk of the fastener  14  inadvertently being removed from the receiving space  54 . The gripping structure  58  can therefore movably support (e.g., grip) the fastener  14  within the receiving space  54 . For example, the gripping structure  58  can support the fastener  14 , while allowing the fastener  14  to be selectively removed from the receiving space  54 , thus providing removable support. In the opened position, the tapered end portion  64  can be radially spaced away from the receiving space  54 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the engagement of the socket assembly  20  and the receiving structure  16  can be described in more detail.  FIGS. 5 to 7  depict a sectional view along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 1 . It is noted that  FIGS. 5 to 7  do not depict the drill  12  for illustrative purposes and to more clearly show the socket assembly  20 . However, in a fully assembled state (similar to  FIG. 1 ), the drill  12  can be included. Further, the drill  12  can rotatably support the shank portion  24  of the socket assembly  20 . 
         [0042]    Referring first to  FIG. 5 , the socket assembly  20  can initially be spaced apart from the receiving structure  16 . The socket assembly  20  can include the fastener  14  positioned within the receiving space  54  of the body portion  44 . In particular, the socket assembly  20  can grip the fastener  14 . The fastener  14 , though somewhat generically depicted, can include an internal threaded portion and can protrude at least slightly out of the receiving space  54 . The socket assembly  20  is moved closer in proximity to the receiving structure  16  by moving along a first direction  100 . In this example, the alignment structure  70  is initially in an extended position. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the socket assembly  20  can engage the receiving structure  16 . In this example, the center portion  19  of the receiving structure  16  is received within the alignment opening  76 . By engaging the alignment structure  70  with the receiving structure  16 , the alignment structure  70  can translate and move axially within the body portion  44 . In particular, the alignment structure  70  can move axially and cause the alignment biasing device  36  to compress. In this example, the socket assembly  20  is axially aligned with the receiving structure  16  due to the displacement of the alignment structure  70 . The alignment structure  70  can move in a second direction  101  (e.g., towards the end portion  28 ) that is opposite from the first direction  100  along which the socket assembly  20  moves towards the receiving structure  16 . As such, the alignment structure  70  is moved into a retracted position. By receiving the receiving structure  16  and moving axially, the alignment structure  70  functions to align the fastener  14  and the threaded portion  18  of the receiving structure  16 . 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the socket assembly  20  can be rotated in a rotation direction  102 . By rotating the socket assembly  20  in the rotation direction  102 , the fastener  14  can likewise be rotated and released from the socket assembly  20 . This rotation can cause the fastener  14  to be released onto the receiving structure  16  by threadingly engaging the threaded portion  18 . The fastener  14  can continue to be rotated, thus causing the fastener  14  to move axially along the threaded portion  18  of the receiving structure  16 . 
         [0045]    By providing the socket assembly  20  with the alignment structure  70 , the socket assembly  20  can be axially aligned with the receiving structure  16 . Accordingly, the risk of cross-threading the fastener  14  onto the threaded portion  18  is thereby reduced. Further, the socket assembly  20  can grip and hold the fastener  14  by the non-magnetic means of the gripping structure  58 . Since the fasteners  14  can be relatively small, the socket assembly  20  reduces the need for a user to manually pick up the fasteners  14  with his/her fingers and/or with pliers. 
         [0046]    The invention has been described with reference to the example embodiments described above. Modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. Example embodiments incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.