Patent Publication Number: US-7707916-B2

Title: Adjustable socket

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This disclosure pertains to an adjustable socket having jaws which are radially displaceable relative to a fastener positioned between the jaws. 
   BACKGROUND 
   An adjustable socket can be a convenient alternative to a set of individual fixed-size non-adjustable sockets. A single adjustable socket can be adjusted to fit fasteners (e.g. nuts, bolts, etc) of different sizes, whereas individual fixed-size sockets must be selected from a socket set to fit fasteners of different sizes. Some adjustable sockets can also grip a worn fastener more firmly than a fixed-size socket selected from a socket set. Conversely, an adjustable socket having worn jaws can grip a fastener more firmly than a worn fixed-size socket selected from a socket set. 
   Desirable attributes of an adjustable socket include compact, simple, inexpensive construction; and the ability to apply and maintain significant force to a fastener without slippage. These attributes are addressed by the adjustable socket disclosed below. 
   The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
       FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of an adjustable socket. 
       FIG. 2A  is a front elevation view of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket. 
       FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional view taken with respect to line  2 B- 2 B shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2C  is an oblique upper front view of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket. 
       FIG. 2D  is an oblique fragmented lower end side view of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket, with a fastener shown schematically. 
       FIGS. 3A ,  3 B and  3 C are respectively front elevation, bottom plan, and oblique bottom views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket&#39;s housing. 
       FIGS. 3D ,  3 E,  3 F and  3 G are cross-sectional views taken with respect to lines  3 D- 3 D,  3 E- 3 E,  3 F- 3 F and  3 G- 3 G respectively shown in  FIG. 3A . 
       FIGS. 4A ,  4 B,  4 C and  4 D are respectively front elevation, side elevation, oblique top front, and oblique top rear views of one the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket&#39;s jaws. 
       FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C are respectively cross-sectional front elevation, partial bottom plan and oblique bottom views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket showing the jaws fully opened, with arrows illustrating motion of the adjustable socket to tighten the jaws on a schematically shown fastener. 
       FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C are respectively cross-sectional front elevation, partial bottom plan and oblique bottom views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket showing the jaws closed on a schematically shown fastener. 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D are respectively cross-sectional front elevation, oblique top, oblique bottom and partial bottom plan views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket, showing the jaws in a fully open position. 
       FIGS. 8A ,  8 B,  8 C and  8 D are respectively cross-sectional front elevation, oblique top, oblique bottom and partial bottom plan views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket, showing the jaws in a first partially closed position. 
       FIGS. 9A ,  9 B,  9 C and  9 D are respectively cross-sectional front elevation, oblique top, oblique bottom and partial bottom plan views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket, showing the jaws in a second partially closed position. 
       FIGS. 10A ,  10 B,  10 C and  10 D are respectively cross-sectional front elevation, oblique top, oblique bottom and partial bottom plan views of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket, showing the jaws in a fully closed position. 
       FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  11 C are respectively oblique top exploded, oblique top and oblique bottom views showing coupling of the  FIG. 1  adjustable socket to a ratchet type socket driving implement. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  are respectively front elevation and oblique top views of a first housing (also shown in  FIGS. 3A-3G ); and  FIGS. 12C and 12D  are respectively oblique top rear and oblique top front views of a jaw configured for mating engagement with the first housing. 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  are respectively front elevation and oblique top views of a second housing; and  FIGS. 13C and 13D  are respectively oblique top rear and oblique top front views of a jaw configured for mating engagement with the second housing. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  are respectively front elevation and oblique top views of a third housing; and  FIGS. 14C and 14D  are respectively oblique top rear and oblique top front views of a jaw configured for mating engagement with the third housing. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  are respectively front elevation and oblique top views of a fourth housing; and  FIGS. 15C and 15D  are respectively oblique top rear and oblique top front views of a jaw configured for mating engagement with the fourth housing. 
       FIGS. 16A-16B ,  16 C- 16 D and  16 E- 16 F are respectively pairs of oblique top front and top plan views of an adjustable socket having a rapid jaw closure feature;  FIGS. 16A-16B  showing the jaws fully opened;  FIGS. 16C-16D  illustrating motion of the adjustable socket to rapidly close the jaws; and  FIGS. 16E-16F  illustrating motion of the adjustable socket to tighten the jaws. 
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  are respectively front elevation and oblique top views of an adjustable socket having a scale to indicate the jaws&#39; position as they are opened or closed. 
       FIGS. 18A ,  18 B and  18 C are respectively front elevation, cross-sectional front elevation (taken with respect to line  18 B- 18 B shown in  FIG. 18A ) and oblique top views of an adjustable socket having an alternative adjusting collar. 
       FIGS. 19A ,  19 B and  19 C are respectively front elevation, cross-sectional front elevation (taken with respect to line  19 B- 19 B shown in  FIG. 19A ) and oblique top views of a “deep” adjustable socket. 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  are respectively front elevation and cross-sectional front elevation (taken with respect to line  20 B- 20 B shown in  FIG. 20A ) views of an adjustable socket having biasing members between diametrically opposed pairs of jaws;  FIG. 20C  is an oblique top view of the biasing members and four of the adjustable socket&#39;s six jaws;  FIG. 20D  is an oblique top view of the biasing members and the six jaws. 
       FIGS. 21A ,  21 B,  21 C and  21 D are respectively oblique top front, side elevation, front elevation and exploded oblique top front views of a laminated jaw. 
       FIG. 22  is an exploded oblique top front view of another alternative adjusting collar. 
       FIGS. 23A ,  23 B and  23 C are respectively bottom plan, partial bottom plan and oblique bottom views of a 4-jaw adjustable socket showing the jaws fully opened, with arrows illustrating motion of the adjustable socket to tighten the jaws on a schematically shown fastener. 
       FIGS. 24A ,  24 B and  24 C are respectively bottom plan, partial bottom plan and oblique bottom views of a 3-jaw adjustable socket showing the jaws fully opened, with arrows illustrating motion of the adjustable socket to tighten the jaws on a schematically shown fastener. 
   

   DESCRIPTION 
   Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
   FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 D depict an adjustable socket  10  having a housing  12 , an adjusting collar  14 , a plurality of jaws  16 , a retainer  18  and a plurality of biasing members (e.g. springs)  20 . 
   Housing  12  (also shown separately in  FIGS. 3A-3C ) has a generally cylindrical shape (i.e. is circular in cross-section) and a longitudinal axis  22 . A plurality of (e.g. six) equally circumferentially spaced apertures  24  are formed in and extend through the lower end of housing  12 . A pair of opposed tongues  26  protrude into the lower end of each one of apertures  24 . The upper end of housing  12  is externally threaded, as indicated at  28 . A drive aperture  30  is formed in the upper end of housing  12  to removably receive the driving stub  29  of a standard socket driving implement such as ratchet type socket driving wrench  31  as shown in  FIGS. 11A-11C . Drive aperture  30  may alternatively removably receive a suitably sized and shaped driving stub mounted on a power-operated drill, power-operated screwdriver, manual screwdriver, etc. Instead of providing drive aperture  30  in housing  12  as aforesaid, one may fix a driving implement such as a handle directly to housing  12  (not shown). 
   Adjusting collar  14  is circular in cross-section. The lower end of adjusting collar  14  is internally circumferentially bevelled, as indicated at  32  ( FIG. 1 ). A chamber  34  (best seen in  FIG. 2B ) is formed within adjusting collar  14 , above bevelled lower end  32 . The upper end of adjusting collar  14  is internally threaded, as indicated at  36 , for threadable coupling to housing  12 &#39;s threaded upper end  28  as explained below. 
   Each jaw  16  (a single jaw is shown separately in  FIGS. 4A-4D ) has a flat inward face  38 , a flat top face  39 , and a bevelled central outward face  40 , it being understood that “inward” means facing toward axis  22  and “outward” means facing away from axis  22  as shown in  FIG. 1 . An outwardly protruding lip  42  is formed at the upper end of each jaw  16 , above bevelled face  40 . A pair of opposed grooves  44  are formed in the lower end sides of each jaw  16 . A recess  46  is formed in the upper end of the inward face  38  of each jaw  16 . Adjustable socket  10  may have three pairs of diametrically opposed jaws  16  (i.e. a total of six jaws  16 ). 
   Apertures  24 , tongues  26 , jaws  16  and grooves  44  are sized and shaped for snug fitting of each jaw  16  in a corresponding one of apertures  24  and to permit each jaw  16  to slidably and radially move through the corresponding one of apertures  24 , and to resist inward or outward tilting of jaws  16  within apertures  24  relative to axis  22 . 
   The displacement d 1  ( FIG. 4A ) between each jaw&#39;s top face  39  and the top of the jaw&#39;s grooves  44 ; the displacement d 2  ( FIG. 4A ) between top face  39  and the centre of the jaw&#39;s recess  46 ; and the wall thickness of housing  12  at each aperture  24 ; are selected in accordance with well known force balancing principles to avoid self-locking of jaws  16  due to friction when adjustable socket  10  is operated. During such operation (explained below in greater detail) the hexagonal head of fastener  47  ( FIG. 1 ) is gripped between jaws  16 , forcing the lower end of the inward face  38  of each jaw  16  against a corresponding one of the outward faces of the hexagonal head of fastener  47 . Such forcing tends to tilt the top of each jaw  16  inwardly and tilt the bottom of each jaw  16  outwardly. Each jaw&#39;s top face  39  is braced against the top  25  of a corresponding one of housing  12 &#39;s apertures  24  to resist such tilting, and each jaw&#39;s bevelled central outward face  40  is braced against adjusting collar  14 &#39;s lower end  32  to resist radial outward movement of the jaw during rotation of fastener  47 . 
   Retainer  18  ( FIG. 1 ) has an upper circular flange portion  48 . Stud  50  protrudes downwardly from the centre of flange  48 . A plurality of equally circumferentially spaced recesses  52  are formed in stud  50 . 
   Adjustable socket  10  is assembled by press-fitting retainer  18  through the lower end of housing  12  until flange  48  contacts inward surface  54  of housing  12  as seen in  FIG. 2B . Each jaw  16  is then slidably mounted in a corresponding one of apertures  24 , with the jaw&#39;s inward face  38  toward axis  22 . Each spring  20  is then compressed and fitted between a recess  46  in one of jaws  16  and a corresponding recess  52  in stud  50 . A ring clamp (not shown) or the like is used to temporarily compress jaws  16  radially inwardly through apertures  24 , toward axis  22 . Adjusting collar  14 &#39;s internally threaded upper end is then threadably coupled to housing  12 &#39;s threaded upper end  28  and rotated until lips  42  of jaws  16  are within adjusting collar  14 &#39;s chamber  34 . The ring clamp is then removed, allowing springs  20  to bias jaws  16  radially outwardly away from axis  22  until the jaws&#39; bevelled outward faces  40  contact adjusting collar  14 &#39;s bevelled lower end  32 . 
   In operation, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C  and  6 A- 6 C, rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  in a first direction  53  moves adjusting collar  14  downwardly and coaxially along housing  12 . This forces adjusting collar  14 &#39;s bevelled lower end  32  downwardly against the jaws&#39; bevelled outward faces  40 , overcoming the biasing force of springs  20  and forcing jaws  16  radially inwardly as indicated by arrows  55 . The jaws&#39; inward faces  38  are thus forced against the hexagonal head of fastener  47  (e.g. a bolt or a nut) located between inward faces  38 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C . 
   Rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  in a second direction opposite to first direction  53  moves adjusting collar  14  upwardly and coaxially along housing  12 . This allows springs  20  to move jaws  16  radially outwardly toward adjusting collar  14 &#39;s bevelled lower end  32  (i.e. in directions opposite to those indicated by arrows  55 ), thereby opening jaws  16  to release fastener  47 . 
     FIGS. 7A-7D  show jaws  16  in a fully open position in which the diameter of a notional circle C 1  ( FIG. 7D ) tangential to the jaws&#39; inward faces  38  is maximized. As best seen in  FIG. 7A , the outwardly protruding lips  42  of jaws  16  are prevented from moving further downwardly by chamber  34 &#39;s lower circumferential rim  56 , thus retaining jaws  16  within adjustable socket  10 . 
     FIGS. 8A-8D  show adjustable socket  10  after rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  to move jaws  16  into a first partially closed position in which the diameter of a notional circle C 2  ( FIG. 8D ) tangential to the jaws&#39; inward faces  38  is reduced relative to the diameter of notional circle C 1 . 
     FIGS. 9A-9D  show adjustable socket  10  after further rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  to move jaws  16  into a second partially closed position in which the diameter of a notional circle C 3  ( FIG. 9D ) tangential to the jaws&#39; inward faces  38  is further reduced relative to the diameter of notional circle C 2 . 
     FIGS. 10A-10D  show jaws  16  after further rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  to move jaws  16  into a fully closed position in which the diameter of a notional circle C 4  ( FIG. 10D ) tangential to the jaws&#39; inward faces  38  is minimized. 
     FIGS. 8A-8D  and  9 A- 9 D show just two of many possible partially closed positions. Rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  facilitates selectable positioning of jaws  16  within a continuously adjustable range of partially closed positions between the fully open position shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D  and the fully closed position shown in  FIGS. 10A-10D . 
   Comparison of  FIGS. 7A-7D ,  8 A- 8 D,  9 A- 9 D and  10 A- 10 D reveals that the outwardmost portions of jaws  16  remain within adjustable socket  10 &#39;s widest external circumference throughout the continuously adjustable range of positions of jaws  16  (i.e. the outwardmost portions of jaws  16  do not extend radially outwardly beyond the external circumference of adjusting collar  14 &#39;s lower end portion  64 ). Adjustable socket  10  thus retains the same compact shape whether jaws  16  are fully open, fully closed, or in any intermediate position therebetween. 
   The inward face  38  of each one of the six jaws  16  makes force transfer contact with a corresponding one of the six outward faces of the hexagonal head of fastener  47 . Such force transfer contact is maintained throughout the continuously adjustable range of positions of jaws  16 . Rotational driving forces are accordingly equally distributed and applied to each one of the six outward faces of the hexagonal head of fastener  47  throughout the continuously adjustable range of positions of jaws  16 . 
   The flat inward face  38  of each jaw  16  remains parallel to a corresponding one of the six flat outward faces of the hexagonal head of fastener  47  throughout the continuously adjustable range of positions of jaws  16 . Accordingly, the inward face  38  of each jaw  16  makes flat surface force transfer contact with a corresponding one of the six outward faces of the hexagonal head of fastener  47 . Flat surface force transfer contact is maintained throughout the continuously adjustable range of positions of jaws  16 . 
     FIGS. 12A-12D ,  13 A- 13 D,  14 A- 14 D and  15 A- 15 D illustrate different possible configurations of housing  12  and jaws  16 , with  FIGS. 12A-12D  showing the previously described configurations of housing  12  and jaws  16  for purposes of comparison. 
     FIGS. 13A-13B  depict an alternative housing  12 A. Elements which are common to housing  12  and alternative housing  12 A bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative housing  12 A have reference numerals with the suffix “A” in  FIGS. 13A-13B . Specifically, a plurality of (e.g. six) equally circumferentially spaced apertures  24 A are formed in and extend through the lower end of alternative housing  12 A. A pair of opposed grooves  26 A are formed in the lower end of each one of apertures  24 A. 
     FIGS. 13C-13D  depict an alternative jaw  16 A. Elements which are common to jaw  16  and alternative jaw  16 A bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative jaw  16 A have reference numerals with the suffix “A” in  FIGS. 13C-13D . Specifically, a pair of opposed tongues  44 A protrude from the lower end sides of each jaw  16 A. Apertures  24 A, tongues  44 A, jaws  16 A and grooves  26 A are sized and shaped to permit each jaw  16 A to slidably and radially move through a corresponding one of apertures  24 A, and to resist inward or outward tilting of jaws  16 A within apertures  24 A relative to axis  22 . 
     FIGS. 14A-14B  depict another alternative housing  12 B. Elements which are common to housing  12  and alternative housing  12 B bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative housing  12 B have reference numerals with the suffix “B” in  FIGS. 14A-14B . Specifically, a plurality of (e.g. six) equally circumferentially spaced apertures  24 B are formed in and extend through the lower end of alternative housing  12 B. A pair of opposed tongues  26 B protrude into the lower end of each one of apertures  24 B. Each tongue  26 B has a semi-cylindrical or other rounded shape. 
     FIGS. 14C-14D  depict an alternative jaw  16 B. Elements which are common to jaw  16  and alternative jaw  16 B bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative jaw  16 B have reference numerals with the suffix “B” in  FIGS. 14C-14D . Specifically, a pair of opposed grooves  44 B are formed in the lower end sides of each jaw  16 B. Each one of grooves  44 B has a semi-cylindrical or other rounded shape matching that of tongues  26 B. Apertures  24 B, tongues  26 B, jaws  16 B and grooves  44 B are sized and shaped to permit each jaw  16 B to slidably and radially move through a corresponding one of apertures  24 B, and to resist inward or outward tilting of jaws  16 B within apertures  24 B relative to axis  22 . 
   It is not essential to provide an opposed pair of tongues or grooves in each of apertures  24 ,  24 A or  24 B; nor is it essential to provide an opposed pair of grooves or tongues in each of jaws  16 ,  16 A or  16 B. A single tongue or groove in each of apertures  24 ,  24 A or  24 B; and a single groove or tongue in each of jaws  16 ,  16 A or  16 B will suffice to form a tongue and groove coupling between each one of jaws  16 ,  16 A or  16 B and a corresponding one of apertures  24 ,  24 A or  24 B. 
     FIGS. 15A-15B  depict another alternative housing  12 C. Elements which are common to housing  12  and alternative housing  12 C bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative housing  12 C have reference numerals with the suffix “C” in  FIGS. 15A-15B . Specifically, a plurality of (e.g. six) equally circumferentially spaced apertures  24 C are formed in the lower end of alternative housing  12 C. Unlike apertures  24  of housing  12 , apertures  24 C of housing  12 C do not extend through the lower end of alternative housing  12 C (i.e. apertures  24 C are closed on all sides whereas apertures  24  are open-bottomed). Tongues, grooves, etc. are not provided in apertures  24 C, each of which may be rectangular in shape. 
     FIGS. 15C-15D  depict an alternative jaw  16 C. Elements which are common to jaw  16  and alternative jaw  16 C bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative jaw  16 C have reference numerals with the suffix “C” in  FIGS. 15C-15D . Specifically, the sides  45 C of each jaw  16 C are smooth-tongues, grooves, etc. are not provided in jaws  16 C. Each jaw  16 C has a rectangular cross-sectional shape matching that of apertures  24 C. Apertures  24 C and jaws  16 C are sized and shaped to permit each jaw  16 C to slidably and radially move through a corresponding one of apertures  24 C, and to resist inward or outward tilting of jaws  16 C within apertures  24 C relative to axis  22 . 
   Other aperture and jaw shapes, sizes and configurations capable of permitting each jaw to slidably and radially move through a corresponding housing aperture, and to resist inward or outward tilting of the jaws within the aperture relative to axis  22 , will occur to persons skilled in the art. 
     FIGS. 16A-16F  depict an alternative adjustable socket  10 D having a rapid jaw closure feature. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and alternative adjustable socket  10 D bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 D have reference numerals with the suffix “D”. Housing  12 D is similar to housing  12 , except that external threads  28 D on housing  12 D are interrupted by circumferentially spaced, non-threaded regions  70 D. Adjusting collar  14 D is similar to adjusting collar  14 , except that internal threads  36 D on adjusting collar  14 D are interrupted by circumferentially spaced, non-threaded regions  72 D. Externally threaded regions  28 D have the same circumferential extent as non-threaded regions  72 D, and internally threaded regions  36 D have the same circumferential extent as and non-threaded regions  70 D. This facilitates alignment of externally threaded regions  28 D with non-threaded regions  72 D as shown in  FIGS. 16A-16D . When externally threaded regions  28 D are aligned with non-threaded regions  72 D, internally threaded regions  36 D are aligned with non-threaded regions  70 D, and vice versa. Such alignment allows adjusting collar  14 D to be displaced rapidly downwardly and coaxially along housing  12 D as indicated by arrow  74  in  FIG. 16C , without rotation of either adjusting collar  14 D or housing  12 D, since externally threaded regions  28 D do not engage internally threaded regions  36 D. Such rapid downward movement rapidly closes jaws  16 . Once jaws  16  have been rapidly closed to a desired extent, adjusting collar  14 D is rotated around housing  12 D as indicated by arrow  76  in  FIGS. 16E-16F . Such rotation threadably engages externally threaded regions  28 D with internally threaded regions  36 D, allowing incremental tightening of jaws  16  to a desired extent. The aforementioned alignment also allows adjusting collar  14 D to be displaced rapidly upwardly and coaxially along housing  12 D (i.e. in the direction opposite to that indicated by arrow  74 ) to rapidly open jaws  16 . 
     FIGS. 17A-17B  depict an alternative adjustable socket  10 E. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and alternative adjustable socket  10 E bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 E have reference numerals with the suffix “E”. Housing  12 E is similar to housing  12 , except that external threads  28 E on housing  12 E are interrupted by non-threaded region  70 E which bears a scale  78  calibrated to indicate the position of jaws  16  as the jaws are opened or closed. The jaws&#39; position is indicated by the point at which adjusting collar  14 &#39;s upper rim  80  intersects scale  78 . Suitable calibration markings (not shown) can be provided on scale  78 , each marking corresponding to one of a plurality of notional circles tangential to the inward faces  38  of jaws  16  as jaws  16  are opened and closed as aforesaid. 
     FIGS. 18A-18C  depict an alternative adjustable socket  10 F. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and alternative adjustable socket  10 F bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 F have reference numerals with the suffix “F”. Alternative adjustable socket  10 F&#39;s adjusting collar  14 F has an external cylindrical shape, whereas adjustable socket  10 &#39;s adjusting collar  14  has a central frusto-conical portion  60  between a reduced-diameter cylindrical upper end portion  62  and an enlarged-diameter cylindrical lower end portion  64  ( FIGS. 2A-2C ). Internally, chamber  34 F within alternative adjustable socket  10 F&#39;s adjusting collar  14 F has a cylindrical shape, whereas chamber  34  within adjustable socket  10 &#39;s adjusting collar  14  has a frusto-conical portion  66  above a lower cylindrical portion  68 . Chamber  34 F has a flat lower circumferential rim  56 F. These differences give adjustable socket  10  a sleek, compact appearance in comparison to alternative adjustable socket  10 F, but they may also complicate and increase the time and cost required to manufacture adjustable socket  10  in comparison to the time and cost required to manufacture alternative adjustable socket  10 F. 
     FIGS. 19A-19C  depict an alternative “deep” adjustable socket  10 G. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and alternative adjustable socket  10 G bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 G have reference numerals with the suffix “G”. Alternative adjustable socket  10 G&#39;s housing  12 G is similar to housing  12 , except that housing  12 G is extended below the lower end of adjusting collar  14 , in the direction of longitudinal axis  22 . Housing  12 G&#39;s circumferentially spaced apertures  24 G are also extended to accommodate similarly extended jaws  16 G. Such extension facilitates insertion of jaws  12 G into recesses to grip fasteners which cannot be reached by adjustable socket  10 . 
     FIGS. 20A-20B  depict an alternative adjustable socket  10 H. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and alternative adjustable socket  10 H bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 H have reference numerals with the suffix “H”. Instead of having a retainer  18  as described above in relation to adjustable socket  10 , alternative adjustable socket  10 H has a biasing member (e.g. spring)  20 H between each diametrically opposed pair of jaws. If adjustable socket  10 H has three pairs of diametrically opposed jaws  16 H 1 ,  16 H 2  and  16 H 3  (i.e. a total of six jaws, as shown) then three springs  20 H are provided. Jaw pair  16 H 1  is provided with recesses  46 H 1  which are closer to the jaws&#39; top surfaces  39  than recesses  46 H 2  provided in jaw pair  16 H 2 . Jaw pair  16 H 3  is provided with recesses  46 H 3  which are farther from the jaws&#39; top surfaces  39  than recesses  46 H 2  provided in jaw pair  16 H 2 . As best seen in  FIGS. 20C-20D , such spaced-apart provision of paired recesses  46 H 1 ,  46 H 2  and  46 H 3  allows a first spring  20 H to be fitted between paired recesses  46 H 1  of opposed jaws  16 H 1 , a second spring  20 H to be fitted between paired recesses  46 H 2  of opposed jaws  16 H 2 , and a third spring  20 H to be fitted between paired recesses  46 H 3  of opposed jaws  16 H 3 . Springs  20 H bias jaws  16 H 1 ,  16 H 2 ,  16 H 3  radially outwardly away from axis  22  until the jaws&#39; bevelled outward faces  40  contact adjusting collar  14 &#39;s bevelled lower end  32 . 
     FIGS. 21A-21D  depict an alternative “laminated” jaw  16 I. Elements which are common to jaw  16  and laminated jaw  16 I bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Laminated jaw  16 I incorporates a central layer  82 , two opposed upper side layers  84  and two opposed lower side layers  86 . Layers  82 ,  84 ,  86  are assembled as shown in  FIG. 21D  by aligning rivet-receiving apertures  88 , then fastening rivets  90  through the aligned apertures. 
     FIG. 22  depicts an alternative adjusting collar  14 J. Elements which are common to adjusting collar  14  and alternative adjusting collar  14 J bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjusting collar  14 J have reference numerals with the suffix “J”. Adjusting collar  14 J is formed in two parts, namely main part  92  and ring  94 . Ring  94  may be formed of plastic or similar material. The outer surface  96  of ring  94  may be knurled (as shown) for improved gripping of adjusting collar  14 J. Additionally or alternatively, a trademark, trade name, or other indicia may be etched, engraved, or otherwise applied to or formed upon outer surface  96 . Ring  94  may have a ribbed inner surface  98  sized and shaped for interlocking engagement with a corresponding ribbed outer surface  100  formed on main part  92 . Ring  94  is pressfitted over main part  92  to interlockably engage ribbed surfaces  98 ,  100  and thereby resist rotation of ring  94  relative to main part  92 . 
     FIGS. 23A-23C  depict an alternative, 4-jaw adjustable socket  10 K. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and 4-jaw adjustable socket  10 K bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 K have reference numerals with the suffix “K”. Housing  12 K is similar to housing  12 , except that four (instead of six) equally circumferentially spaced jaw-receiving apertures  24 K are formed in and extend through the lower end of housing  12 K. Retainer  18 K is similar to retainer  18 , except that four (instead of six) equally circumferentially spaced recesses are formed in retainer  18 K&#39;s downwardly protruding stud. Adjustable socket  10 K has two pairs of diametrically opposed jaws  16  (i.e. a total of four jaws  16 ). In operation, as shown in  FIG. 23C , rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12 K in first direction  53  moves adjusting collar  14  downwardly and coaxially along housing  12 K. This forces adjusting collar  14 &#39;s bevelled lower end  32  downwardly against the jaws&#39; bevelled outward faces  40 , overcoming the biasing force of springs  20  thus forcing jaws  16  radially inwardly as indicated by arrows  55 . The jaws&#39; inward faces  38  are thus forced against the square head of fastener  47 K (e.g. a bolt or a nut) located between inward faces  38 . 
     FIGS. 24A-24C  depict an alternative, 3-jaw adjustable socket  10 L. Elements which are common to adjustable socket  10  and 3-jaw adjustable socket  10 L bear the same reference numerals in the drawings and need not be described further. Elements which are unique to alternative adjustable socket  10 L have reference numerals with the suffix “L”. Housing  12 L is similar to housing  12 , except that three (instead of six) equally circumferentially spaced jaw-receiving apertures  24 L are formed in and extend through the lower end of housing  12 L. Retainer  18 L is similar to retainer  18 , except that three (instead of six) equally circumferentially spaced recesses are formed in retainer  18 L&#39;s downwardly protruding stud. Adjustable socket  10 L has three jaws  16 . In operation, as shown in  FIG. 24C , rotation of adjusting collar  14  around housing  12 L in first direction  53  moves adjusting collar  14  downwardly and coaxially along housing  12 L. This forces adjusting collar  14 &#39;s bevelled lower end  32  downwardly against the jaws&#39; bevelled outward faces  40 , overcoming the biasing force of springs  20  thus forcing jaws  16  radially inwardly as indicated by arrows  55 . The jaws&#39; inward faces  38  are thus forced against three equally circumferentially spaced ones of the six outward faces of the hexagonal head of fastener  47  (e.g. a bolt or a nut) located between inward faces  38 . 
   While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. For example, external threads  28  on housing  12 , and internal threads  36  of adjusting collar  14 , may be double-start threads or other types of multiple-start threads to facilitate rapid opening and closing of jaws  16 . As another example, a driving implement (not shown) may be removably drivingly coupled to adjusting collar  14  and operated to rotatably drive adjusting collar  14  around housing  12  in order to adjustably position jaws  16 . It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.