Adjustable socket wrench extension

[0001] There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to socket wrenches and, more particularly, to a linearly extendable socket wrench adapter.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] As anyone who performs a lot of mechanical work will attest, nothing beats having the proper tool for a job. The proper tool can save time, save money, produce a higher quality job, reduce damage to equipment, and provide for the increased safety of the worker. One tool that is found in many lines of work is that of the socket wrench. These cylindrical shaped wrenches with a receiving cup are used on bolts to remove or tighten them. Their design, however, is prone to several problems. First, they are held in one's hand, making their applications limited in confined areas where one cannot get their hand. Secondly, their short handle length makes it difficult to apply even a moderate amount of leverage to remove or tighten stubborn bolts.

[0006] Consequently, a need has been felt for providing a socket adapter for connection to a socket wrench in a manner that provides for increased linear extension.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved socket wrench adapter.

[0008] It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved socket wrench adapter that is linearly extendable.

[0009] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that allows the use of a standard ratchet wrench with a square male drive on one end that attaches to a normal socket and a square female drive on the other end which attaches to a normal socket wrench. The invention then provides a wrench slider component to provide increased length to reach.

[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that it allows use of socket wrenches in confined quarters where it is difficult or impossible to get one's hand on the wrench.

[0011] The use of the present invention further provides users of socket wrenches an adaptable extension to reach into tight locations in a manner which is not only quick, easy and effective, but safe as well.

[0018] In order to describe the complete relationship of the invention, it is essential that some description be given to the manner and practice of functional utility and description of the PRIOR ART, as shown in conjunction with FIG. 1. An otherwise conventional ratchet wrench 10 is generally available having an elongated handle 12 extending radially from a rotating head 14. The rotating head 14 supports an attachment protuberance 16 that removably affixes to a socket 18 selected from a plurality of such units. Each socket 18 includes a recess or cavity 18a adapted to receive a specific size nut or bolt head. All sockets 18 include an attachment recess 18b of a common size that allows receiving of the attachment protuberance 16 for purposes of providing a rotational driving torque to the nut or bolt head.

[0019] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS. 2–5.

1. Detailed Description of the Figures

[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 2–5, an hexagonal wrench socket adapter 100 is shown, according to the present invention, for use with an otherwise conventional ratchet wrench 10 as shown in the PRIOR ART of FIG. 1. The extension 100 has a linearly elongated outer housing having a first end 102 opposite a second end 104. The first end 102 is a cylindrical outer surface having a wrench slider component 105. The wrench slider component 105 forms a standard square receiving cavity 106 for receiving an attachment protuberance 16 of a ratchet wrench 10. The second end 102 thereby forms a square socket drive component 108 that thereby emulates the attachment protuberance 16 of the ratchet wrench 10. It is anticipated that the square socket drive component 108 is formed of standard sized ⅜ inch square socket 109 having a hexagonal bar extension 110 integral with or permanently affixed into the drive socket portion of the square socket drive component 108. With such an arrangement, the slider component 105 forms a ⅜ inch female hexagonal receiving cavity 112 to received the hexagonal bar 110.

[0021] It is envisioned that the female hexagonal receiving cavity 112 terminates at the receiving cavity 106. If the wrench slider component has an overall outer length of 2½ inches, only ½ inch would be required as a standard square drive depth for receiving a ratchet wrench; therefore, a total of 1¾ inches is available in which the hexagonal bar extension 110 can slide adjustably within the receiving cavity 112. This allows for an wrench socket adapter that can be telescopingly extended or retracted as the need arises.

[0022] The block protuberance receiving cavity 106 is of a common size that allows receiving of the attachment protuberance 16 for purposes of providing a rotational driving torque to the hexagonal wrench 22. The block protuberance receiving cavity 106 is aligned perpendicular to the horizontal planar surface and the hexagonal receiving cavity 110 at the first end 102.

2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0023] To use the present invention in accordance with either embodiment, the extension 100 is placed upon a ratchet wrench 10 such that the attachment protuberance 16 is engaged with the receiving cavity 106. Alternately, the standard sized ⅜ inch square socket 109 removably affixes to a socket 18 selected from a plurality of such units. Each socket 18 includes a recess or cavity 18a adapted to receive a specific size nut or bolt head. All sockets 18 include an attachment recess 18b of a common size that allows receiving of the attachment protuberance 16 for purposes of providing a rotational driving torque to the nut or bolt head. It is envisioned that wrench slider component can slide adjustably within the receiving cavity 112. This allows for an wrench socket adapter that can be telescopingly extended or retracted as the need arises.

[0024] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.