Lock-it socket
View Patent ↗The device is a multi-purpose drive socket capable of engaging both a penta-bolt and a hex-bolt. The device is specially adapted for use in the utility industry where multiple tools are typically needed for securing electrical equipment. The device contains a retractable plunger that slides in and out of the head opening. To remove a penta-bolt, the user simply presses the plunger head up against the head of the penta-bolt, causing the plunger to retract back into the socket body. Once fully inserted, the user can loosen or tighten the penta-bolt. To remove a hex-bolt, the user inserts the hex-head into a recessed opening in the plunger head and tightens down the hex-bolt until the hex-head breaks off at the shank. In the event the hex-head remains lodged in the plunger, the device also contains an ejector pin capable of dislodging and removing the hex-head.
1. A multi-purpose drive socket comprising:
a socket body;
a plunger;
a guide screw;
the socket body comprising a drive end, a head end, and a plurality of openings;
the plurality of openings comprising a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a fourth opening;
the first opening extending axially inward from the drive end;
the first opening being larger diameter-wise than the second opening;
the second opening extending axially inward from the first opening;
the second opening being larger diameter-wise than the third opening;
the third opening extending axially inward from the second opening to the fourth opening;
the fourth opening extending axially inward from the head end;
the fourth opening being larger diameter-wise than the third opening;
the plunger further comprising a plunger head and a plunger stem;
a recessed opening being disposed on the plunger head, extending axially inward;
the plunger head being slidably engaged with the fourth opening;
the plunger stem being slidably engaged with the third opening;
the guide screw being slidably engaged with the second opening;
a distal end of the plunger stem being adapted to connect to the guide screw;
the fourth opening being adapted to engage a penta-head bolt; and
the recessed opening being adapted to engage a hex-head bolt.
2. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
an ejector pin;
the ejector pin comprising an ejector head, a rod, and a rod tip;
the ejector head having external threads;
the second opening further comprising a threaded portion;
a guide channel traversing through the guide screw;
a plunger channel traversing through the plunger stem and the recessed opening;
the ejector head being configured to engage the threaded portion;
the rod traversing through the guide channel and the plunger channel; and
the rod tip capable of ejecting a hex-head lodged in the recessed opening.
3. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 2 comprising:
a spring;
the socket body further comprising a backing surface;
the backing surface formed at a distal end of the fourth opening;
the spring surrounding the plunger stem; and
the spring positioned between the backing surface and the plunger head.
4. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 3 comprising:
the socket body further comprising a plunger backstop;
the plunger backstop extending axially outward from the backing surface towards the head end at a predefined length; and
an opening of the plunger backstop being smaller diameter-wise than the fourth opening.
5. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the first opening is a square counterbore.
6. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the rod is detachably connected to the ejector head.
7. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
the second opening further comprising a tapered end;
the tapered end being positioned adjacent to the third opening;
the guide screw further comprising a tapered head; and
the tapered head being configured to engage the tapered end.
8. The multi-purpose drive socket as claimed in claim 7 comprising:
the socket body further comprising a side hole;
the side hole traversing laterally inward into the first opening; and
the side hole being configured to detachably connect a socket wrench to the socket body.