Abstract:
A hub locknut socket tool, specifically a socket that can selectively couple with a standard or custom ratchet and a variety of hub locknuts, including but not limited to Myers hub locknuts and T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts. The hub locknut socket is easier to use and more efficient than the traditional method of using a hammer-screwdriver combination or wrench to tighten or loosen a hub locknut. The hub locknut socket also provides a higher level of safety as compared to previous methods.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The following application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/058,614, filed Jun. 4, 2008, the complete contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to the field of hand tools, specifically a conduit hub locknut socket tool for installation and removal of conduit hub locknuts. 
         [0004]    2. Background 
         [0005]    Electricians often install rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, PVC coated rigid metal conduit and other conduits in applications which require the use of conduit hubs when terminating into an electrical enclosure, junction box, wireway, gutter, switchboard, transformer, and/or apparatus. Traditionally, the conduit hub locknut is installed and securely tightened with force in a clockwise direction by the use of a wrench or hammer blows against the handle end of a screwdriver, with the flat end of the screwdriver making contact with the hub locknut. As an example, in their product catalog, the complete contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, Thomas &amp; Betts® recommends using a wrench or hammer-and-screwdriver combination for tightening or loosening their T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts (Thomas &amp; Betts®, T&amp;B®  Fittings , p. A-17, available at http://tnbelectricalworld.tnb.com/contractor/docs/tc_gm101_xx.pdf). However, in many applications, due to limited access, tight working conditions, obstructions from electrical devices and mechanisms within enclosures and general designs of electrical enclosures and apparatus, the use of a wrench or hammer-and-screwdriver combination is cumbersome, difficult, can cause damage to electrical equipment, and can be potentially hazardous to personnel. 
         [0006]    Many applications do not accommodate the amount of space needed to property execute hub locknut installation via the wrench or hammer-screwdriver methods. When using a wrench for conduit hub locknut installations, the wrench needs to be large enough to grasp the outer shell of the conduit hub locknut and apply force while turning. The installer must grip the wrench and turn the conduit hub locknut with the gripping hand on the same surface plane as the enclosure while the conduit hub locknut tightens against the enclosure. If the wrench used is too small and/or small spaces do not allow for proper execution, this process can result in the wrench suddenly and quickly slipping off the conduit hub locknut. 
         [0007]    When a hammer-screwdriver method is utilized, the flat end of the screwdriver must be held firmly against the flat edge of the conduit hub locknut and a hammer must strike the screwdriver handle repeatedly. This process enables rotation and tightening of the hub locknut. The installer must both keep the screwdriver in the same surface plane as the enclosure and grip the screwdriver handle such that enough space is allotted for receiving hammer blows without striking the installer&#39;s hand. Moreover, the screwdriver must be large enough to seat firmly against a flat edge of the conduit hub locknut and strong enough to receive hammer blows. Not only does this process inherently carry safety risks, but in many instances there is not enough space for proper execution. 
         [0008]    With both the wrench and hammer-screwdriver methods, there can be a great risk of injury to the installer and damage to electrical equipment as a result of a screwdriver slip or awkward strike by hammer blow. Accordingly, cardboard and rubber mats are sometimes used by installers to protect electrical devices, controls, wiring and mechanisms. Additionally, an installer may use gloves to minimize hand lacerations, bruises, or other injuries. Nevertheless, it is desirable to have a device that can greatly lessen the risk of injury to person or property without using mats, gloves, or the like. 
         [0009]    What is needed is a hub locknut socket adapted for installation and removal of conduit hub locknuts within electrical enclosures, junction boxes, wireways, gutters, switchboards, transformers and other apparatuses. The socket should require less force by a user, as compared to current methods, and should lessen the risk of damage to electrical equipment while lowering potential hazards to a user. It is desirable to have a socket that can be used with standard or custom ratchets. The socket should be adapted for use with a variety of hub locknuts, including but not limited to Meyers hub locknuts and T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the present device. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  depicts a perspective cross-section view of another embodiment of the present device. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  depicts a perspective view of a typical Meyers hub locknut. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts a bottom view of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts a top view of a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device, specifically designed for use with T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  depicts a perspective cross-section view of another embodiment of the device shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts a top view of one embodiment of the present device designed for use with T&amp;B® Hub (electrical fitting/connector) locknuts. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  depicts a top view of another embodiment of the present device designed for use with T&amp;B® Hub (electrical fitting/connector) locknuts. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  depicts a sectioned side view of a rib member of the device in  FIGS. 7 &amp; 9  coupled with a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of the present device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  depicts a top view of an embodiment of the present device comprising rib members and appendages. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  depicts a side view of one embodiment of the present device in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the present invention. A hub locknut socket  100  can comprise a substantially tubular body  102  having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of extension members  106  can extend from the proximal end of a substantially tubular body  102  and can be substantially equally spaced relative to each other. In other embodiments, a plurality of extension members  106  can have gaps  108  wherein at least one gap  108  is a different size than another gap  108 . The size of gaps  108  between extension members  106  can be predetermined such that the extension members  106  coupled with a substantially tubular body  102  are adapted to selectively engage the lugs of a hub locknut, as explained further below. The distal end of a substantially tubular body  102  can be coupled with a flange  104  and a cavity  110 . A cavity  110  can comprise a ball detent  112  and can be adapted to receive a ratchet drive of predetermined size. A cavity  110  can have a substantially rectangular opening and can be a depression, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or an aperture, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The proximal end of an extension member  106  can form a substantially planar brim  116 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , but in other embodiments a brim  116  can be curved or can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. 
         [0025]    A substantially tubular body  102  can have a substantially circular cross-section, as shown in  FIG. 3 , or can have any other known and/or convenient cross-section geometry conducive to mating with a desired hub locknut. In some embodiments, the exterior surface of a substantially tubular body  102  can have ridges, indentations, small protrusions, or any other known and/or convenient surface characteristic for preventing slippage during handling or improving aesthetic appearance. In other embodiments, the exterior surface of a substantially tubular body  102  can be smooth. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a substantially tubular body  102  can have dimensions appropriate for selective coupling with a desired hub locknut. The hub locknut socket  100  depicted in  FIGS. 1-3  is adapted for use with a Myers hub locknut  206  ( FIG. 2A ), which is currently manufactured by several companies. In some embodiments of a hub locknut socket  100  designed to mate with a Myers hub locknut, a substantially tubular member  102  can have an inside diameter  300  of 1.075-1.560 inches, and an outside diameter  302  of 1.375-1.875 inches ( FIG. 3 ). These dimensions represent dimensions complementary to common Myers hub locknuts currently on the market; however, inside and outside diameters  300   302  of a hub locknut socket  100  can have any other known and/or convenient dimensions. 
         [0027]    A plurality of extension members  106  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Similar to the substantially tubular body  102  above, in some embodiments, the exterior surface of an extension member  106  can have ridges, indentations, small protrusions, or any other known and/or convenient surface characteristic for preventing slippage during handling or improving aesthetic appearance. In other embodiments, the exterior surface of an extension member  106  can be smooth. Moreover, the brim  116  of an extension member  106  can be coated with a non-slip material adapted to provide improved grip when mating with a hub locknut. A non-slip coating can be rubber or another type of polymer, and/or can have small surface variations to increase friction between an extension member  106  and a hub locknut. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2-2A  and as explained above, a hub locknut socket  100  can be adapted for use with a Myers hub locknut  206 . In this configuration, each extension member  106  can be adapted to fit closely between each lug  208  of a Myers hub locknut  206 . In such embodiments, an extension member  106  can be 0.250-0.280 inches in height  200 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , the inner width  304  of an extension member  106  can be 0.390-0.615 inches. These dimensions represent dimensions complementary to common sizes of Myers hub locknuts currently on the market; however, in other embodiments an extension member  106  can have any other appropriate dimensions. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the thickness of an extension member  106  can be substantially similar to the thickness of the wall  114  of a substantially tubular member  102 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other embodiments, the thickness of an extension member  106  can have a different thickness than that of a substantially tubular member  102 . An extension member  106  can have an angle of curvature about the central longitudinal axis of a substantially tubular member  102  substantially similar to that of a substantially tubular body  102 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . In other embodiments, the angle of curvature of an extension member  106  can be different than that of a substantially tubular body  102  while still maintaining the proper geometry and dimensions for use with a desired hub locknut. As shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , an extension member  106  can have a substantially orthogonal geometry, but in other embodiments an extension member  106  can have a more rounded configuration, or can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. A brim  116  of an extension member  106  can be substantially planar. In other embodiments, a brim  116  can be slightly rounded to allow for easier placement a hub locknut, especially for situations where there is limited space and/or user vision is restricted. In alternate embodiments, a brim  116  can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. 
         [0030]    A substantially tubular body  102  and/or a plurality of extension members  106  can comprise any type of known and/or convenient material and can have any known and/or convenient material properties. In one embodiment, a substantially tubular body  102  and/or a plurality of extension members  106  can be made of steel alloys, such as chrome vanadium or chrome molybdenum. In other embodiments, a substantially tubular body  102  and/or a plurality of extension members  106  can comprise any other known and/or convenient type of metal. In yet alternate embodiments, polyvinyl chloride or any other known and/or convenient polymer can be used. In some embodiments, a combination of materials can be used. 
         [0031]    A substantially tubular body  102  and/or a plurality of extension members  106  can have corrosion-resistance properties, either inherently or by coating or plating with chrome, corrosion-resistant plastics, or any other known and/or convenient material. A substantially tubular body  102  and/or a plurality of extension members  106  made of steel can be heat treated to harden or soften the material, depending on intended application. For example, if a hub locknut socket  100  is intended for use as a standard socket, it can be treated such that the result is strong, brittle steel. If a hub locknut socket  100  is intended for use as an impact socket, it can be treated such that the result is weaker, more malleable steel that can deform and split instead of shattering in the event of an accident or misuse. In some embodiments, a steel substantially tubular body  102  and/or a plurality of steel extension members  106  can be oil-quenched, or can be treated by any other type of quenching process. 
         [0032]    As depicted in  FIGS. 1-2 , the gap  108  of a hub locknut socket  100  for use with a Myers hub locknut can have a width  202  of approximately 0.155-0.165 inches. These dimensions are non-limiting and the width of gaps  108  can be adapted for use with any other size of Myers hub locknuts, with T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts (explained in detail below), and/or any other known and/or convenient type of hub locknut. 
         [0033]    A flange  104  can be relatively thin, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or relatively thick, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The flange  104  illustrated in  FIG. 2  can have a thickness  204  of approximately 0.4375 inches. In this embodiment, a cavity  110  and a flange  104  can have substantially similar thicknesses. In other embodiments, a cavity  110  and a flange  104  can have varied thicknesses with respect to each other (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Moreover, a flange  104  can be constructed of steel, plastic, or any other known and/or convenient type of material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, a flange  104  can comprise the same material as a substantially tubular body  102  and/or extension members  106 . 
         [0034]    A cavity  110  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , and a ball detent  112  is shown in  FIGS. 1-2 . A cavity  110  can be a substantially rectangular opening and can be adapted to receive a standard or custom ratchet drive. A cavity  110  can be a depression having only one open end, as shown in  FIG. 1 , or can be an aperture having two open ends, as shown in  FIG. 2 . A ball detent  112  can receive the ball of a ratchet drive, if the drive is so equipped. This ball/ball-detent mechanism can temporarily lock the drive in place as an added safety measure and to aid in efficient use of a hub locknut socket  100 . 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, a hub locknut socket  100  can be adapted to selectively couple with a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500 , illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Currently, there are no socket tools appropriate for loosening and tightening a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut. At this time, Thomas &amp; Betts® is the sole manufacturer of the type of hub locknut  500  depicted in  FIG. 5 ; however, modifications to a hub locknut socket  100  can be made in the event of introduction to the market of variations on the T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut configuration. A T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500  can have a circular flange  502  coupled with a circular series of lugs  504 . A plurality of angled splines  506  can be spaced between lugs  504 , and a flange  502  can have flange indentations  508 . 
         [0036]    A hub locknut socket  100  adapted to mate with a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut is depicted in  FIG. 6 . This embodiment is similar to the hub locknut socket  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , however it comprises three (3) substantially equally spaced extension members  106 . Additionally, while the  FIG. 1  embodiment has a brim  116  of uniform depth, each brim  116  of extension members  106  in  FIG. 6  can have varied width due to the angled geometry of extension members  106 . In use, this angled geometry allows each extension member  106  to detachably couple with the exterior edges of two lugs  504  at least partially. As a whole, the extension members  106  of a hub locknut socket  100  adapted for use with a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500  can act to substantially circumferentially couple with lugs  504 . 
         [0037]    A hub locknut socket  100  can be designed for use with T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts and can have dimensions complementary to common T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts currently on the market. In other embodiments, a hub locknut socket  100  can have dimensions appropriate for coupling with hub locknut variants of the T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500 . 
         [0038]    As depicted in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , each extension member  106  of a hub locknut socket  100  adapted to mate with a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500  can further comprise a rib member  706 . A rib member  706  can be positioned substantially proximate to the interior vertex  708  of an angled extension member  106  and substantially parallel to the longitudinal plane of a substantially tubular member  102 . A rib member  706  can be adapted to engage the spline  506  of a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500 , thereby enabling greater surface area contact between a hub locknut socket  100  and a locknut  500 . This can provide a more efficient grip by temporarily locking into place a hub locknut socket  100  and a hub locknut  500 . Improved placement can also be achieved because, as force is applied to a hub locknut  500 , rib members  706  of a hub locknut socket  100  can descend into splines  506 , thereby guiding the hub locknut socket  100  into place. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the proximal end of a rib member  706  can be substantially orthogonal to a substantially planar surface ( 706 A), or slightly angled with a substantially planar end surface ( 706 B). In other embodiments, the proximal end of a rib member  706  can have any other known and/or convenient geometry. 
         [0039]      FIG. 10  depicts a sectioned side view of a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500  coupled with a hub locknut socket  100 . The proximal end of a rib member  706 B can be angled such that it complements the geometry of an angled spline  506  of a locknut  500 . The proximal end of a rib member  706 B can also have slightly rounded edges. This combination of an angled end and rounded edges can greatly improve the placement efficiency and ease of use of a hub locknut socket  100  by allowing rib members  706  to slide into angled splines  506 , even when a user&#39;s view of the hub locknut socket  100  and locknut  500  is restricted. 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of a hub locknut socket  100  for use with a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut  500 . A hub locknut socket  100  can further comprise a plurality of appendages  1102  coupled with the proximal ends of extension members  106 . Appendages  1102  can be adapted to engage flange indentations  508  of a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut, thereby further increasing the surface area contact between a hub locknut socket  100  and locknut  500 , thus improving the grip of a hub locknut socket  100  on a locknut  500 .  FIG. 12  depicts a top view of an alternate embodiment of a hub locknut socket  100 . As shown, two appendages  1102  can be positioned on each extension member  106  such that appendages  1102  can complementarily mate with flange indentations  508  when in use. 
         [0041]    A hub locknut socket  100  can be adapted for use with a variety of tools. The hub locknut socket  100  in  FIGS. 1-2 ,  3 - 4 ,  6 - 9 ,  12  is designed to receive the drive of a conventional socket wrench. In other embodiments a hub locknut socket  100  can be adapted to selectively couple with a custom ratchet, t-handle socket wrench, hand-held electric driver tools, pneumatic tools, such as an impact wrench, and/or any other known and/or convenient tool. Moreover, a hub locknut socket  100  can be adapted for use with wrench adapters, extensions, universal joints, knuckles, and/or any other known and/or convenient tool accessory. Although several embodiments have been described for use with Myers and T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknuts, the invention can be modified to selectively engage any other known and/or convenient type of hub locknut. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , the drive  1301  of a ratchet  1300  can be temporarily coupled with a hub locknut socket  100  via a cavity  110 . A user can then mate the hub locknut socket  100  with a hub locknut  1302 . In a Myers hub locknut embodiment ( FIGS. 1-2A ), extension members  106  of a hub locknut socket  100  can each slide between lugs  208  of the locknut  206 , and lugs  208  can couple with gaps  108 , thereby temporarily securing the hub locknut socket  100  to the hub locknut  206 . In a T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) hub locknut embodiment ( FIGS. 5-9 ), extension members  106  can circumferentially engage lugs  504 , at least partially. In embodiments where a hub locknut socket  100  comprises a plurality of rib members  706 , rib members  706  can slide between the lugs  504  into splines  506 , thereby temporarily securing the hub locknut socket  100  to the locknut  500 . Referring back to  FIG. 13 , a user can subsequently rotate a ratchet  1300  such that a hub locknut socket  100  is likewise rotated in a desired direction. In both the Myers or T&amp;B® (electrical fitting/connector) embodiments, the force of extension members  106  against a locknut  1302 , instigated by the driving force of the ratchet  1300 , can facilitate rotation of a hub locknut  1302 . Thus, a user can efficiently tighten or loosen a locknut  1302 . 
         [0043]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.