Global Patent Index - EP 0246072 A1

EP 0246072 A1 19871119 - Self-adjusting socket.

Title (en)

Self-adjusting socket.

Title (de)

Selbstanpassende Steckhülse.

Title (fr)

Douille auto-ajustante.

Publication

EP 0246072 A1 19871119 (EN)

Application

EP 87304220 A 19870512

Priority

GB 8611683 A 19860513

Abstract (en)

A multi-socket self adjusting spanner comprises an outer socket (30) having an open end adapted to engage a nut or the like and a closed end, and nested within it a number of inner sockets (31-33) each having an open end adapted to engage a nut or the like, and each slidable within the outer socket (30) and spring-loaded towards the open-end of the outer socket. When a nut of a given size is engaged by the spannner all those sockets which are smaller in size than the nut are pushed back within the outer socket (30) and all those which are larger than the nut surround and engage the nut. Each inner socket (31-33) has its open end recessed slightly from the open end of its outer neighbour so that the spanner centers easily on a nut. The inner sockets (31-33) may have, to provide extra strength and the spring rate of the springs (40-42) urging the inner sockets towards their operating position varies so that the outermost inner socket (33) has a stiff spring (42) and the innermost socket (37) the weakest spring (40), the other springs having strengths varying progressively between these. The inner sockets (31-33) are mounted on a central rod (34) which is attached at one end to the outer socket (30) and the rod maybe slidable longitudinally of the outer socket so as to allow spanner to cope with the greater thickness of nut. Each of the springs (40-42) is disposed coaxially around the rod (34) and the movement of the inner sockets (31-33) is limited by shoulders (35-37) formed on the rod.

IPC 1-7

B25B 13/06; B25B 13/56

IPC 8 full level

B25B 13/10 (2006.01)

CPC (source: EP)

B25B 13/102 (2013.01)

Citation (search report)

Designated contracting state (EPC)

DE FR IT

DOCDB simple family (publication)

EP 0246072 A1 19871119; GB 2190318 A 19871118; GB 8611683 D0 19860618

DOCDB simple family (application)

EP 87304220 A 19870512; GB 8611683 A 19860513