Patent Description:
Use of a rotary device for tightening a lace, cable, or other elongate element is becoming more commonplace in numerous applications including sports, workwear, medical applications, and footwear. As it is intended that rotary devices are low profile to integrate with articles and replace original or traditional means for tightening, including laces, straps, or other suitable elongate elements, these rotary devices come at a sacrifice to individuals having poor dexterity, vision, or otherwise finding it difficult to regulate the rotary device.

An example of a rotary device for tightening a lace is described inUS <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> B2,. As shown in <FIG>, the rotary device <NUM> includes a base member <NUM> mountable onto an article and arranged to receive a lace <NUM> or other elongate tensioning element. A knob <NUM> is provided in combination with the base member <NUM> and used to regulate tension and wind the lace <NUM> within the rotary device <NUM>. This knob <NUM> may be difficult to grasp or adjust due to its small size (i.e., a diameter of the knob <NUM>) and height (i.e., an amount by which the rotary device <NUM> protrudes from the article). The knob <NUM> may comprise a top cap portion <NUM> and an outer cap portion <NUM>.

In many applications, it is desirable that the rotary device <NUM> has a low profile and closely conforms to the article upon which it is mounted, constituting a small footprint over the article and minimizing inconveniences such as bulkiness or the knob <NUM> catching on clothing or other objects. However, this makes it challenging for an individual with poor dexterity to grasp and rotate the knob <NUM>, even if the knob <NUM> is provided with traction elements <NUM> about its periphery or is constructed from a material offering improved gripping means, such as rubber. It may further be a challenge for a user to precisely regulate such a device to a desired degree of tension. Because of the low height of the rotary device <NUM>, there may be little clearance from the article upon which it is mounted, making it difficult to grasp. Making the knob <NUM> larger compromises the size of the rotary device <NUM> and may defeat the purpose of using a rotary device.

Besides considerations of difficulty with grasping the knob and insufficient clearance from the base member, some individuals may have weakness in the hands or limited dexterity which prevents the individual from rotating the knob to tighten the laces. As disclosed in the orthopedic device of <CIT>, the rotary device is coupled to a cable routed about a network of guides to tension a strap about a leg. Considerable force may be required by the individual wearing the device to properly tension the strap from the rotary device and through the network of guides.

As rotational forces are transmitted to a component of the article by tensioning of a lace about the rotary device, it may be difficult to provide conventional portions of the article that can readily withstand such rotational forces without premature failure. Such forces may provide undue stress on the portions of the article, or cause the connection of the rotary device to shear from the article.

From the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tool that facilitates rotation of a rotary device by improved gripping of the rotary device for individuals with poor dexterity, increased clearance from the article upon which the rotary device is mounted for rotating the rotary device without compromising the convenience and effectiveness of providing a rotary device, and assistance for rotating the rotary device for individuals with impaired strength. There is also a need to adapt an article for rotational forces because of the activity of the rotary device to assure it can generally withstand such forces without a detrimental effect on its structure or function.

<CIT> discloses a ski boot comprising a fastening and tension device consisting of a cogged strap of which the teeth are cycloidal segments parallel to the strap plane. The teeth cooperate with drive studs carried by a rotary disc coupled to a control knob. The drive studs are disposed at spaced angular intervals on a circumference so that they describe cycloids corresponding to the teeth with respect to the strap.

The object is achieved by the features of independent claim <NUM>.

The adapter for a rotary device of the disclosure overcome the shortcomings of known rotary devices by providing a coupler for improving the engagement of the rotary device and a handle for improved rotation of the rotary device, with the handle and the coupler together defining an adapter for a rotary device. The handle is preferably sized with a width or diameter greater than a knob on the rotary device, and the coupler and handle stack the adapter with greater clearance from an article upon which the rotary device is mounted.

The handle width or diameter allows for greater mechanical advantage when rotating the knob and can be provided with a grip that has improved ergonomics, particularly for an individual having poor dexterity. Because of the larger size, the handle may include indicia that make it more apparent as to the direction by which the handle should be rotated to wind an elongate element. In embodiments, the indicia may also provide an indication of a degree of rotation, helping a user to more accurately rotate the adapter to a desired or proper degree based on the rotary device.

The coupler may be provided with tractional elements and interior profiles that better engage the knob to facilitate grasping of the knob for rotation by the handle. The handle and coupler may be arranged with width and height features to optimize the regulation of the rotary device and engagement therewith. The handle and coupler are preferably arranged coaxially relative to one another and may be formed by a monolithic single mass of material that is integrally and continuously formed.

A connector may be arranged to couple a first component to a second component. The connector may have cooperating features to couple features of the first component and the second component. The connector may have material properties different from either of the first and second components. The cooperating features of the connector may form a snap-fit with a snapping action with the coupling features. For example, the cooperating features may be on opposite sides of the coupling features of corresponding first and second components, and counteract the coupling to both the first and second components. The counteracting coupling and snap-fit may occur as the connector is inserted between the coupling features.

A mounting system for mounting a rotary device onto a frame member of an article may be provided with the connector to facilitate coupling and decoupling from the frame member. The connector enables removable and replaceable mounting of the rotary device to the frame member and eliminates adhesives, stitching or other means for securing the rotary device to the frame member. As the rotary device and frame member are not arranged to couple to one another, meaning that while they have cooperating coupling features, the connector enables locking the coupling features together to resist unintended demounting or decoupling of the rotary device from the frame member.

In the mounting system, a reinforcement plate may be added to the connector to provide improved stability over the frame member. The reinforcement plate stiffens the attachment of the rotary device to the frame member to provide a robust connection, while still maintaining a low-profile yet flexible connection to the frame member, and without significant modification of the frame member structure.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood regarding the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but instead are drawn to provide a better understanding of the components thereof, and are not intended to be limiting in scope, but to provide exemplary illustrations. The figures illustrate exemplary configurations of an adapter for a rotary device, and in no way limit the structures or configurations according to the present disclosure.

A better understanding of different embodiments of the disclosure may be had from the following description read with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to like elements. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrative embodiments are in the drawings and are described below. It should be understood, however, there is no intention to limit the disclosure to the embodiments disclosed; but on the contrary, the intention covers all modifications, alternative constructions, combinations, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

<FIG> illustrates an adapter <NUM> arranged to secure to a rotary device <NUM> mounted on an article <NUM>. The adapter <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> having a width greater than a knob <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>, and a coupler <NUM> extending from the handle <NUM> and adapted to engage the rotary device <NUM> and releasably interlock therewith. The coupler <NUM> is preferably coaxial with the handle <NUM> along an axis A-A of the adapter <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> may be formed as a monolithic single mass of material integrally and continuously formed to define the handle <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>. For example, the adapter <NUM> may be made from injection molding as the entire adapter <NUM> and its features are simultaneously molded as a single part. The adapter <NUM> can thereby be made at a low cost and provided with an article and/or rotary device as an accessory should it be needed to regulate a rotary device.

The handle <NUM> may define indicia <NUM> to indicate a rotational direction R for rotating the handle <NUM>. For example, the indicia <NUM> may be printed or formed on the handle <NUM> in a conspicuous location for each indicium or identification. The indicia <NUM> may comprise a series of indentations, markings, raised features, or other indicia. The markings can have any suitable configuration, size, or pattern. In embodiments, the markings may have a similar shape and a pattern of the individual markings may provide a direction of rotation. For example, as the markings increase in size in a direction, a user may perceive that the direction is the rotation direction R. It will be understood that the3 depicted embodiment is merely exemplary and any suitable pattern, configuration, combination, or size of indicia may be provided.

The handle <NUM> defines a profile forming a grip <NUM> about a periphery of the handle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the grip <NUM> may be formed by a serrated profile. <FIG> shows another example wherein the grip <NUM> is formed by an alternating profile <NUM> about the periphery of the handle <NUM>. Alternatively or in combination, the handle <NUM> may include traction means such as overmolded and/or elastomeric material having frictional properties greater than a remainder of the handle <NUM> or adjacent parts of the handle <NUM>, or traction means may be applied onto the handle <NUM>. The traction means may be any material that improves gripping ability over adjacent portions of the handle <NUM>. The entirety of the adapter <NUM> may be formed from a high-friction material to facilitate gripping and actuating the rotary device <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> may define at least one opening <NUM> arranged for receiving an attachment element <NUM>. For example, the attachment element <NUM> may be formed as a cord or other element that can attach onto the article <NUM> or another item to retain the adapter <NUM> in close position for use, for example, if the adapter <NUM> is de-coupled from the rotary device <NUM>.

<FIG> shows how relational and dimensional features of the adapter <NUM> are provided to improve engagement and facilitate the rotation of the rotary device <NUM>. The handle <NUM> preferably has a diameter D <NUM> greater than a diameter D2 of the coupler <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may define a radial overhang <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the axis A-A and a distance D4 relative to the diameter D2 of the coupler <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may also form an axial overhang <NUM> coaxially extending at least along the rim <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The coupler <NUM> preferably has a diameter D2 greater than a diameter D3 of the rotary device <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may have a height H2 greater than a height H3 of the coupler <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> may have a height H3 greater than a height H5 of the rotary device <NUM>. In embodiments, the adapter <NUM> may have a height H1 at least twice a height H5 of the rotary device <NUM>.

<FIG> show the adapter <NUM> defining a cavity <NUM> about the axis A-A and extending from an engagement side <NUM> into the adapter <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> includes a rim <NUM> coaxial with the axis A-A and surrounding at least part of the cavity <NUM>. The rim <NUM> preferably defines an outer diameter D2 of the coupler <NUM>. The cavity <NUM> may have a diameter proximate or corresponding to the diameter D3 of the rotary device <NUM>. In embodiments, the diameter of the cavity <NUM> is complementary to the diameter D3 of the rotary device <NUM>, allowing the adapter <NUM> to releasably engage the rotary device <NUM> and effectively transfer forces, such as rotation forces, thereto. A height H3 of the rim <NUM> defines the height of the coupler <NUM>.

The cavity <NUM> defines a top portion <NUM> extending at least into the handle <NUM> or within a height H2 of the handle <NUM>. The top portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may define a profile or recess <NUM> adapted to correspond or that is proximate in shape to a cap <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>. The profile or recess <NUM> may be configured to interlock and create traction with a profile of the cap <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown with a profile of the recess <NUM> in <FIG>. The top portion <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may have an arcuate cross-sectional profile to accommodate the cap <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>, or to provide clearance therefrom to minimize traction or interference when rotating the rotary device <NUM>.

A periphery <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may define a plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, generally extending radially and/or circumferentially relative to the axis A-A. The traction elements 122A-122D may taper in width in the rotational direction R. For example, the traction elements 122A-122D may taper in width toward a forward end <NUM> in the rotational direction R and may taper in width toward a rearward end <NUM>. The traction elements 122A-122D may define a peak <NUM> extending toward the axis A-A proximate the rearward end <NUM>.

The traction elements 122A - 122D may extend through and be defined by or proximate the periphery <NUM> at a top surface of the cavity <NUM>. The traction elements 122A - 122D may be of a same material as the handle <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> or may comprise a different material. In embodiments, the traction elements 122A - 122D are configured to engage frictionally a surface of the rotary device <NUM>, for example a top surface, a corner surface between the top surface and a side surface, and/or a side surface of the rotary device <NUM>.

The periphery <NUM> of the cavity <NUM> may further define a plurality of traction elements 124A-124D extending about the axis A-A along an inner periphery of the rim <NUM>. The plurality of traction elements 124A-124D may extend along protruding portions extending radially toward the axis A-A about the inner periphery of the rim <NUM>, for example, about a lateral or side surface of the rim <NUM>, and may be configured to engage a side surface or features of the rotary device <NUM>.

The orientation of the traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be modified to engage the rotary device <NUM> better. For example, a plurality of the traction elements 122A-122D may be arranged obliquely relative to the axis A-A, or the plurality of traction elements 122A-122D may be arranged to extend in variable angles relative to the axis A-A. The plurality of traction elements 124A-124D may be arranged coaxially relative to the axis A-A, or the plurality of traction elements 124A-124D may be arranged obliquely relative to the axis A-A.

The individual traction elements may be formed in different configurations according to their location, orientation, and corresponding profiles of the rotary device. For example, the plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be defined as a plurality of teeth <NUM>. The plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may also be formed as a plurality of protrusions <NUM> of different shapes or sizes.

The plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be formed integrally with the handle <NUM> and the coupler <NUM>. The plurality of traction elements 122A-122D, 124A-124D may be arranged to interlock with a plurality of traction elements <NUM> formed by the rotary device <NUM>, such as recesses formed by the rotary device <NUM> or vice versa.

The handle <NUM> may define a cresting peak <NUM> on a gripping side <NUM> of the handle <NUM> corresponding to the axis A-A. The coupler <NUM> may be arranged to be placed coaxially with the rotary device <NUM> and mutually engage therewith upon application of pressure by the adapter <NUM> against the rotary device <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is adapted to rotate the rotary device <NUM> because of the mutual engagement of the coupler <NUM> with the rotary device <NUM>. Rotation of the handle <NUM> simultaneously rotates the rotary device <NUM> about a common axis A-A. Not only does the increased diameter of the handle <NUM> relative to the coupler <NUM> provide improved leverage and ease rotating the rotary device <NUM>, but the handle <NUM> also facilitates easier gripping by a user.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of an adapter <NUM>. In this embodiment, the coupler <NUM> preferably has a height greater than the handle <NUM>, which allows for greater stacking or distancing of the adapter <NUM> from the article upon which a corresponding rotary device is mounted, and without making the handle <NUM> too thick for adjustment. The adapter <NUM> defines a cavity <NUM> having a spacer <NUM> protruding from an upper portion <NUM> of a cavity wall <NUM> and generally defined along an axis B-B. As the spacer <NUM> protrudes short of a height H6 between the spacer <NUM> and a bottom <NUM> of a rim <NUM>, the handle <NUM> can be better elevated from the article with the rotary device abutting the spacer <NUM>.

The height H6 may generally correspond to a height of the rotary device <NUM>. The height H6 may be longer than a height of the spacer <NUM>, or vice versa, depending on the extent it is desired to elevate the handle <NUM> relative to the article. The adapter <NUM> includes an interior surface of the rim <NUM> defining a plurality of traction elements <NUM> formed by teeth generally extending parallel to the axis B-B and configured for releasably engaging an outer surface of the corresponding rotary device. The traction elements <NUM> may be arranged as teeth and/or in sufficient numbers and frequency to allow a user to releasably attach the adapter <NUM> to the corresponding rotary device in substantially any configuration or degree of rotation, thereby significantly simplifying the design and use of the adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> exemplifies a mounting system <NUM> for coupling a rotary device <NUM> to a frame member <NUM> of an article. The rotary device <NUM> may be of any of the devices described herein, and an exemplary frame member is found in <CIT>, and<CIT>, which are incorporated herein by reference. As the rotary device <NUM> may be a standard part and sold in mass quantity as an off-the-shelf component, the frame member <NUM> may be adapted with coupling features to engage corresponding standard coupling features of the rotary device <NUM>. However, corresponding coupling features of the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM> may not be suitable to securely lock the rotary device <NUM> to the frame member <NUM>.

One drawback is that the frame member <NUM> may not be suitably rigid to retain the rotary device <NUM> firmly, particularly at desired and/or necessary levels of tension. This drawback is evident in certain applications with frame members of orthopedic devices with flexibility or which are semi-rigid to adapt to a contour of a leg. In the past, adhesives or stitching of the rotary device <NUM> to the frame member <NUM> has been a standard process, but it is desirable to eliminate these means to create means for coupling that provides better assurance that the connection between the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM> will be maintained over repeated use, and to simplify the manufacturing process. It is also desirable to provide means that enable removal of the rotary device <NUM> from the frame member <NUM> for maintenance or replacement of the rotary device <NUM>.

To surmount drawbacks in known mounting systems, a connector <NUM> is provided to secure the connection between the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM>. The rotary device <NUM> has coupling features <NUM> that engage with coupling features <NUM> of the frame member <NUM>. The connector <NUM> cooperates with the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM> to ensure that the rotary device <NUM> is securely retained on the frame member <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may be formed from a more rigid material than the frame member <NUM>, and/or may have dimensional qualities, such as greater thickness, that result in a more stable structure than the frame member <NUM>, for example to withstand interacting forces between the frame member <NUM> and the rotary device <NUM>, such as tension applied by the rotary device <NUM> to an elongate tension element.

<FIG> shows an exemplary mounting system <NUM>. The frame member <NUM> defines coupling features such a peripheral tab <NUM> extending about at least a portion of an opening <NUM> into which coupling features <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM> extend. The peripheral tab <NUM> may engage a corresponding and/or complementary peripheral groove <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>. A peripheral lip <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM> bordering the peripheral groove <NUM> may be biased against the peripheral tab <NUM>. While these coupling features <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM> interact with and correspond to one another, they may be provided to oppositely engage relative to the coupling provided by the connector <NUM>, and retain the rotary device <NUM> within the opening <NUM> in a stable condition by forming a snap-fit.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector <NUM> may be configured to be retained by and fit with coupling features <NUM> of the frame member <NUM>, and correspondingly engage the coupling features <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may have a first lip <NUM> bordering a recess <NUM> adapted to receive a protruding coupling part <NUM> of the coupling features <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>. The recess <NUM> may be formed along a first side of an extension <NUM> from a base <NUM> of the connector <NUM>.

The first lip <NUM> may be accepted by or cooperate with a second peripheral groove <NUM> defined by the rotary device <NUM>. While the recess <NUM> and the first lip <NUM> are shown in <FIG> with the first lip <NUM> extending above or outwardly from the recess <NUM>, the depicted arrangement is exemplary and is by no means limiting. More or fewer recesses, lips, peripheral grooves, and other features may be provided as suitable and in any suitable configuration.

In the disclosed example, the base <NUM> and extension <NUM> have an arcuate profile <NUM> generally corresponding to a shape of the opening <NUM>. The connector <NUM> is not limited to an arcuate profile <NUM>, and it may be configured according to the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM>, the opening <NUM>, the frame member <NUM>, or otherwise.

The connector <NUM> may have first and second latches 218A, 218B on a second side of the extension <NUM> and engageable with the coupling features <NUM> of the frame member <NUM> and cooperating with the coupling of the coupling part <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM>, thereby stabilizing and serving intermediate to both the frame member <NUM> and the rotary device <NUM>. The connector <NUM> may form a base periphery <NUM> adapted to be retained by corresponding portions <NUM> of the coupling features <NUM> of the frame member <NUM>. In embodiments, the corresponding portions <NUM> may be formed as a biasing part.

The extension <NUM> is arranged to be inserted through the corresponding portions <NUM> of the coupling features <NUM> of the frame member <NUM> to clasp or retain the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM> as the extension <NUM> is inserted. The base periphery <NUM> is preferably flush with a surface of the frame member <NUM> so as not to protrude beyond the frame member <NUM>, thereby minimizing bulk, improving reliability, and optimizing comfort and aesthetics. The frame member <NUM> may be adapted with suitable biasing or retaining features to assure stable retention of the base <NUM> and the base periphery <NUM> relative to the frame member <NUM> while permitting the extension <NUM> to snap-fit to the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM> of the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM>.

The depicted coupling features <NUM>, <NUM> of both the frame member <NUM> and the rotary device <NUM> are merely exemplary, and the mounting system <NUM> is not limited to the depicted features. The connector <NUM> is arranged, however, to accommodate the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM> and to form a corresponding snap-fit to preferably both the rotary device <NUM> and the frame member <NUM>, thereby forming a secure connection. The connector <NUM> may be adapted to be removed from the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM>, such as biasing the latches and or lip away from the coupling features <NUM>, <NUM>. However, such removal may require substantial exertion on the connector compared to normal use, so during normal use, the snap-fit connection is assuredly stable from inadvertent motion and resists decoupling.

Referring to <FIG>, another embodiment of connector <NUM> is provided to offer a robust connection of the rotary device <NUM> to the frame member <NUM> of the embodiment of <FIG>. The connector <NUM> includes a plate <NUM> secured to the rotary device <NUM> by a fastener <NUM> that extends through a thickness of the plate <NUM>, the frame member <NUM>, and into a thickness of the rotary device <NUM> and an intermediate part <NUM>. The plate <NUM> is adapted to extend along an inner side of the frame member <NUM> on the opposite side of the rotary device <NUM>. The rotary device <NUM>, aside from the fastener <NUM>, is coupled similarly to a periphery <NUM> of an engagement section <NUM> of the frame member <NUM>, as in the embodiment of <FIG>, for example at a lip portion <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> has a central flange <NUM> that carries the intermediate part <NUM>, which generally extends perpendicularly from the central flange <NUM> toward the rotary device <NUM> to engage the rotary device <NUM> with at least one lip <NUM> projecting therefrom to engage a peripheral groove <NUM> defined by the rotary device <NUM>, as in the embodiment of the connector <NUM> of <FIG>. The intermediate part <NUM> may be formed similarly to the connector <NUM> aside from a base <NUM> (as the base <NUM>) extending from the central flange <NUM>.

The plate <NUM> further includes first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, which flank the central flange <NUM> and reinforce the intermediate part <NUM> and provide flexibility. An elongate clearance 261a is located between the central and first flange <NUM>, <NUM> and a base opening 263a. A similar arrangement is provided between the central and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM> with an elongate clearance 261b and a base opening 263b. The clearances 261a, 261b aid in providing flexibility, while the central, first and second flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provide rigidity similar to or the same as the frame member <NUM> and reinforce the rotary device <NUM> upon use. The flanges <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend short of a tension relief slot <NUM> defined through a thickness of the frame member <NUM>, and which itself serves as a flange extending from the frame member <NUM>, as taught in <CIT>.

The adapter for a rotary system according to the disclosed embodiments advantageously addresses the challenges of rotary systems being poorly adapted to be gripped and regulated by a user, particularly if the user has limited dexterity, eyesight, or due to difficulties with regulating a rotary device while the rotary device is being worn on the user's body. The adapter for a rotary system according to the embodiments advantageously provides increased leverage and clearance from a frame member and provides improved indicia for accurately regulating a rotary device for compliant use.

The embodiments disclosing a connector and/or a mounting system for better securing a rotary device to a frame member of a device advantageously address the problem of rotary devices being glued or similarly adhered to a frame member, and thus being difficult to accurately, consistently, and removably secure a rotary device to a surface. The connector and mounting system embodiments provide a secure, intuitive, and precise solution for releasably securing a rotary device to a surface.

It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved under an embodiment of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that an adapter for a rotary system may be embodied or carried out so it achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without achieving other objects or advantages as taught or suggested herein.

The skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various disclosed features. Besides the variations described herein, other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to build and use an adapter for a rotary system under principles of the present disclosure. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that the features described herein may be adapted to other methods and types of adapters, rotary systems, and devices.

Claim 1:
An adapter (<NUM>) arranged to secure to a rotary device (<NUM>), the adapter (<NUM>) having a central axis (A-A) and rotatable about the central axis (A-A), the adapter (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle (<NUM>) having a width greater than the rotary device (<NUM>) and rotatable about the central axis (A-A);
a coupler (<NUM>) extending from and coaxial with the handle (<NUM>), and adapted to engage the rotary device (<NUM>), the coupler (<NUM>) oriented coaxially with the handle (<NUM>) along the central axis (A-A);
wherein the adapter (<NUM>) defines a cavity (<NUM>) defined about the central axis (A-A) and extending from an engagement side (<NUM>) into the coupler (<NUM>), the coupler (<NUM>) including a rim (<NUM>) coaxial with the central axis (A-A) and surrounding at least part of the cavity (<NUM>);
wherein a first portion of a periphery (<NUM>) of the cavity (<NUM>) defines a plurality of first traction elements (122A-122D) generally extending radially relative to the central axis (A-A), wherein the plurality of first traction elements (122A - 122D) are configured to engage a top surface, a corner, and/or a side surface of the rotary device (<NUM>);
wherein a second portion of the periphery (<NUM>) of the cavity (<NUM>) defines a plurality of second traction elements (124A-124D) extending about the central axis (A-A) along an inner periphery of the rim (<NUM>), wherein the plurality of second traction elements (124A-124D) extending along protruding portions extending radially toward the central axis (A-A) about the inner periphery of the rim (<NUM>);
wherein the first and second traction elements (122A-122D, 124A-124D) each are defined as a plurality of teeth (<NUM>) extending radially relative to the central axis (A-A);
wherein the rim (<NUM>) defines an outer diameter (D2) of the coupler (<NUM>), the cavity (<NUM>) has a diameter proximate to the diameter (D3) of the rotary device (<NUM>), wherein a height (H3) of the rim (<NUM>) defines a height (H3) of the coupler (<NUM>).