Universal Joint Tool Adapter Kit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool adapter assembly, such as a socket or a socket adapter, having a drive body, a central body and a working body. The drive body and the working body can be adjusted by a user in a plurality of positions / angles relative to each other. The tool adapter assembly comprises components adapted to maintain a set / desired position / angle of the drive body and the working body relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to tool adapters, such as adapters for socket adapters and sockets, and more particularly to adapters having universal joints. Background Art

[0002] Articulated tool adapters (e.g., socket adapters and sockets utilizing universal joints) are used to engage and apply torque to workpieces (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, etc.) located in hard-to-reach locations. These tool adapters allow torque to be transferred from a torque-applying tool (e.g., a ratchet wrench) to a workpiece at an angle relative to the center axis of the workpiece.

[0003] Articulated tool adapters can have different sizes or shapes to take into account workpieces of different sizes or shapes. For example, a bolt with a 1 / 2 inch wide hexagonal head can be twisted with a 1 / 2 inch sleeve. Such a sleeve will generally include a 1 / 4 inch, 3 / 8 inch or 1 / 2 inch square female socket, which will be coupled to a torque application tool with a similar 1 / 4 inch, 3 / 8 inch or 1 / 2 inch square male drive boss. In order to approach a workpiece in a position that is difficult to reach or angled, the user usually manipulates the articulated tool adapter to engage the workpiece. However, it is difficult to maintain the preset position / angle desired by the user using a conventional tool adapter of a universal joint. For example, a conventional tool adapter is easily moved from the position / angle set by the user, thereby increasing the difficulty of the user successfully manipulating the tool adapter to engage the workpiece. In another example, a spring-loaded tool adapter that utilizes a torsion spring around a pivot to maintain a universal joint in a straight line when stationary is difficult to engage a workpiece that is at a certain angle to the torque application tool. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention broadly relates to a tool adapter assembly. The tool adapter assembly includes a universal joint and tension and / or compression components to induce linear tension through the assembly or compression forces against various components. This allows the position / angle to be set by the user and allows the tool adapter assembly to maintain that position / angle. In addition, the tension and / or compression components can be replaced so that the stiffness of the assembly can be adjusted according to the user's preference or due to wear of the components.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention broadly includes a tool adapter assembly. The assembly includes: a center body; a drive body rotatably coupled to the center body and adapted to engage a boss of a torque applying tool; and a working body rotatably coupled to the center body and adapted to engage a workpiece. A reinforcement member is disposed within the center body, the drive body, and the working body and is adapted to resist movement of the drive body and the working body relative to each other from a set position or to maintain the set position of the center body, the drive body, and the working body relative to each other.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a tool adapter assembly. The assembly includes a center body, a drive body and a working body. The drive body is rotatably connected to the center body and is suitable for engaging a boss of a torque application tool. The working body is rotatably connected to the center body and is suitable for engaging a workpiece. The center body includes a first orifice and a second orifice (e.g., a slot). The axial hole is arranged between the first orifice and the second orifice. The center body is rotatably connected to the drive body using a first fastener (e.g., a pin). The center body is rotatably connected to the working body using a second fastener (e.g., a pin). The first fastener and the second fastener in the center body are pressed against the center body using a biasing member (e.g., a spring) arranged in the axial hole. This provides rotational resistance between the center body and the drive body and between the center body and the working body.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention broadly includes a tool adapter assembly. The assembly includes: a central body, which includes a first orifice and a second orifice; and a first ring and a second ring, which are respectively arranged in the first orifice and the second orifice. The rings can be made of rubber or a similar material, but the present invention is not limited to this. The drive body is rotatably connected to the central body and is suitable for engaging a protrusion of a torque application tool. The working body is rotatably connected to the central body and is suitable for engaging a workpiece. The first ring and the second ring are axially compressed and / or radially expanded during assembly due to the close fit between the central body and the drive body and between the central body and the working body or due to the clamping force applied by the threaded fastener, but the present invention is not limited to this. These rings allow the tool adapter assembly to resist the movement of the drive body and the working body relative to each other from a set position, or to maintain the set position of the central body, the drive body and the working body relative to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] To facilitate understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, embodiments thereof are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and, when considered in conjunction with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and its numerous advantages should be readily understood and appreciated from an inspection of the embodiments thereof.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective side view of a tool adapter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The line 2-2 is intercepted Figure 1 sectional view of a tool adapter assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the drive body, center body and working body of the tool adapter assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a tool adapter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A perspective view of the main portion of the tool adapter assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a tool adapter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a tool adapter assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Assembled side view of the tool adapter assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Although the present invention is susceptible of many different forms of embodiments, preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it should be understood that the disclosure should be considered as an example of the principles of the present invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the present invention to the illustrated embodiments. As used herein, the term "present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but is only a term used to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention for the purpose of explanation.

[0018] The present invention broadly comprises a tool adapter assembly (e.g., a socket or socket adapter) having a universal joint with an improved ability to maintain a desired rotational / pivot position / angle. This is achieved by applying compression forces (e.g., one or more springs) and / or friction forces (e.g., rubber) together to the pins of the assembly, or between the working body and the center body and between the drive body and the center body using a reinforcing mechanism disposed within the assembly. The tension and / or compression components may be permanent, replaceable, adjustable, and / or otherwise replaceable (e.g., in the event of wear).

[0019] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , shows a tool adapter assembly 100 (e.g., a socket or socket adapter) having a drive body 102, a center body 104, and a working body 106. The drive body 102 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 104, and the working body is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body using fasteners (not shown for clarity) (e.g., screws, rivets, weld pins, etc.). Thus, the drive body 102 and the working body 106 can be adjusted by a user in a plurality of positions / angles relative to each other.

[0020] The drive body 102 includes a female aperture 108 (e.g., a square hole) adapted to releasably engage a square male boss of a torque application tool (e.g., a ratchet wrench or torque application wrench or a breaker bar). The female aperture 108 may also include a recess 110 disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the female aperture 108 adapted to engage an outwardly biased ball disposed on the male boss of the tool. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other means of releasably engaging the drive body 102 to the boss of the tool may be used, such as a snap ring, a friction fit, etc. The drive body 102 also includes one or more drive body apertures 112 adapted to receive a fastener to rotatably couple the drive body 102 to the center body 104. The drive body also includes a drive body axial bore 114 adapted to receive a reinforcing member 116, which is described in more detail below.

[0021] The center body 104 includes a first center body aperture 118 and a second center body aperture 120 adapted to receive a fastener, and a center body axial bore 122 adapted to receive the reinforcing member 116. In one embodiment, the first center body aperture 118 and the second center body aperture 120 may be offset or arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other. The drive body aperture 112 of the drive body 102 is aligned with the opposite end of the first aperture 118, and the fastener is arranged in the drive body aperture 112 and the first aperture 118 to couple the drive body 102 and the center body 104 together. This allows the drive body 102 to rotate or pivot about or about a first axis extending through the drive body aperture 112 and the first aperture 118.

[0022] The working body 106 is adapted to engage a workpiece (e.g., a socket or a fastener). In one embodiment, the tool assembly 100 is a socket adapter. Thus, the working body 106 includes: a working body boss 124; and an outwardly biased ball 126, which is arranged on the working body boss 124 to releasably engage with, for example, a socket. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other means (e.g., a friction ring) for releasably engaging with a workpiece may be used. In this example, the working body boss 124 is square, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment (not shown), the tool assembly 100 is a socket. In this embodiment, the working body 106 includes a female aperture adapted to engage the head of a fastener (e.g., a bolt).

[0023] The working body 106 includes one or more working body apertures 128 adapted to receive fasteners to rotatably couple the working body 106 to the central body 104. For example, the working body apertures 128 are aligned with opposite ends of the second aperture 120, and fasteners are disposed in the working body apertures 128 and the second apertures 120 to couple the working body 106 and the central body 104 together. This allows the working body 106 to rotate or pivot about or about a second axis extending through the working body apertures 128 and the second apertures 120. As illustrated, the first axis extending through the drive body aperture 112 and the first aperture 118 and the second axis extending through the working body apertures 128 and the second apertures 120 are perpendicular to each other or arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other. The working body 106 also includes a working body axial bore 130 adapted to receive the reinforcing member 116.

[0024] The reinforcing member 116 is arranged in the drive body axial hole 114, the central body axial hole 122 and the working body axial hole 130, so as to allow the reinforcing member 116 to be inserted and extend through all three bodies. The reinforcing member 116 is adapted to maintain the shape set by the user. For example, the user can rotate or pivot the drive body 102 relative to the central body 104 to a first desired angle portion, and the reinforcing member 116 maintains the drive body 102 at the first desired position. Similarly, the user can rotate or pivot the working body 106 relative to the central body 104 to a second desired angle portion, and the reinforcing member 116 maintains the working body 106 at the second desired position. The reinforcing member 116 also limits the movement of the drive body 102 and the working body 106 from the desired position set by the user. The reinforcing member 116 can be made of any material that sufficiently increases rigidity and flexibility to allow the drive body 102 and the working body 106 to rotate or pivot to the desired position and maintain the desired position and / or limit the movement from the desired position / angle set by the user. The reinforcing member 116 can be, for example, a pull rod. Thus, tie rods with different stiffnesses may be used or replaced to allow adjustability of stiffness. In another example, the reinforcement member 116 may be in the form of an adjustable tie rod with adjustable spring tension to allow adjustability of stiffness.

[0025] In another embodiment, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a tool adapter assembly 200 (e.g., a socket or socket adapter) has a drive body 202, a center body 204, and a working body 206 (generally similar to the drive body 102, center body 104, and working body 106 described above). Similar to the tool adapter assembly 100 described above, the drive body 202 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 204 via a first fastener 232, and the working body 206 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 204 using a second fastener 234. The first fastener 232 and the second fastener 234 can be, for example, screws, rivets, welding pins, etc. Therefore, the drive body 202 and the working body 206 can be adjusted by the user at multiple positions / angles relative to each other.

[0026] Similar to the drive body 102 described above, the drive body 202 includes a female aperture 208 (e.g., a square hole) adapted to releasably engage a square male boss of a torque application tool (e.g., a ratchet wrench or torque wrench or a breaker bar). The female aperture 208 may also include a notch 210 disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the female aperture 208 adapted to releasably engage an outwardly biased ball disposed on the male boss of the tool. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other means of releasably engaging the drive body 202 to the boss of the tool may be used, such as a snap ring, a friction fit, etc. Similar to the drive body 102 described above, the drive body 202 also includes one or more drive body apertures 212 adapted to accommodate a first fastener 232 to rotatably couple the drive body 202 to the center body 204.

[0027] Similar to the center body 104 described above, the center body 204 includes: a first center body aperture 218 and a second center body aperture 220, which are adapted to receive a first fastener 232 and a second fastener 234, respectively; and a center body axial bore 222, which is adapted to receive a biasing member 236 for installation, which will be described in more detail below. In this embodiment, the first center body aperture 218 and the second center body aperture 220 are slotted (as shown in the figure) or have a diameter slightly larger than the first fastener 232 and the second fastener 234. The first center body aperture 218 and the second center body aperture 220 can also be offset or arranged at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to each other. The drive body aperture 212 of the drive body 202 is aligned with the opposite end of the first aperture 218, and the first fastener 232 is arranged in the drive body aperture 212 and the first aperture 218 to couple the drive body 202 and the center body 204 together. This allows the drive body 202 to rotate or pivot about or around a first axis extending through the drive body aperture 212 and the first aperture 218 .

[0028] Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 206 is adapted to engage a workpiece (e.g., a socket or a fastener). In one embodiment, the tool assembly 200 is a socket adapter. Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 206 includes: a working body boss 224; and an outwardly biased ball, which is arranged on the working body boss 224 to releasably engage with, for example, a socket. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other means (e.g., friction rings) that can be releasably engaged to a workpiece can be used. In this example, the working body boss 224 is square, but the present invention is not limited to this. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tool assembly 200 is a socket. In this embodiment, the working body 206 includes a female aperture that is adapted to engage the head of a fastener (e.g., a bolt).

[0029] Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 206 includes one or more working body apertures 228 that are adapted to receive a second fastener 234 to rotatably couple the working body 206 to the central body 204. For example, the working body apertures 228 are aligned with opposite ends of the second aperture 220, and the second fasteners 234 are disposed in the working body apertures 228 and the second apertures 220 to couple the working body 206 and the central body 204 together. This allows the working body 206 to rotate or pivot about or about a second axis extending through the working body apertures 228 and the second apertures 220. As illustrated, the first axis extending through the drive body aperture 212 and the first aperture 218 and the second axis extending through the working body apertures 228 and the second apertures 220 are perpendicular to each other or disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0030] The biasing member 236 is disposed between the first fastener 232 and the second fastener 234 in the center body 204 so that the biasing member 236 applies a biasing force to the first fastener 232 and the second fastener 234 to push the first fastener 232 and the second fastener 234 away from each other. The biasing member 236 biases the first fastener 232 to abut against the first center body aperture 218 and the second fastener 234 to abut against the second center body aperture 220, thereby increasing the friction between the first fastener 232 and the first center body aperture 218 and between the second fastener 234 and the second center body aperture 220. The increased friction helps maintain the position / angle of the drive body 202 and the working body 206 set by the user. For example, the user can rotate or pivot the drive body 202 relative to the center body 204 to a first desired angle portion, and the biasing member 236 and the increased friction maintain the drive body 202 in the first desired position. Similarly, the user can rotate or pivot the working body 206 to a second desired angular portion relative to the central body 204, and the biasing member 236 and the increased friction hold the working body 206 in the second desired position. The biasing member 236 and the increased friction also limit movement of the drive body 202 and the working body 206 from the desired position set by the user.

[0031] In one embodiment, the biasing member 236 may be a coil spring(s), wave spring(s), Bellville washers(s), rubber or other suitable compressible or elastomeric material for applying a biasing force. The biasing member 236 may be installed in the center body 204 by being inserted into the center body axial bore 222.

[0032] In another embodiment, if Figure 6As shown, a tool adapter assembly 300 (e.g., a socket or socket adapter) has a drive body 302, a center body 304, and a working body 306 (generally similar to the drive body 102, the center body 104, and the working body 106 described above). Similar to the tool adapter assembly 100 described above, the drive body 302 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 304 via a first fastener 332, and the working body 306 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 304 using a second fastener 334. The first fastener 332 and the second fastener 334 can be, for example, screws, rivets, welding pins, etc. Therefore, the drive body 302 and the working body 306 can be adjusted by the user at multiple positions / angles relative to each other.

[0033] Similar to drive body 102 described above, drive body 302 may include a female aperture substantially similar to female aperture 108. Similar to drive body 102 described above, drive body 302 also includes one or more drive body apertures 312 adapted to receive first fasteners 332 to rotatably couple drive body 302 to center body 304.

[0034] Similar to the center body 104 described above, the center body 304 includes a first center body aperture 318 and a second center body aperture 320 adapted to receive a first fastener 332 and a second fastener 334, respectively. In one embodiment, each of the first center body aperture 318 and the second center body aperture 320 are chamfered to receive a first ring 338 and a second ring 340, respectively, as will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first center body aperture 318 and the second center body aperture 320 may be offset or arranged at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to each other. The drive body aperture 312 of the drive body 302 is aligned with the opposite end of the first aperture 318, and the first fastener 332 is disposed in the drive body aperture 312 and the first aperture 318 to couple the drive body 302 and the center body 304 together. This allows the drive body 302 to rotate or pivot about or about a first axis extending through the drive body aperture 312 and the first aperture 318.

[0036] Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 306 is adapted to engage a workpiece (e.g., a socket or a fastener). In one embodiment, the tool assembly 300 is a socket adapter. Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 306 includes: a working body boss 324; and an outwardly biased ball 326, which is arranged on the working body boss 324 to releasably engage with, for example, a socket. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other means (e.g., friction rings) that can be releasably engaged to a workpiece can be used. In this example, the working body boss 324 is square, but the present invention is not limited to this. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tool assembly 300 is a socket. In one embodiment, the working body 306 includes a female aperture that is adapted to engage the head of a fastener (e.g., a bolt).

[0037] Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 306 includes one or more working body apertures 328 that are adapted to receive a second fastener 334 to rotatably couple the working body 306 to the central body 304. For example, the working body apertures 328 are aligned with opposite ends of the second aperture 320, and the second fasteners 334 are disposed in the working body apertures 328 and the second apertures 320 to couple the working body 306 and the central body 304 together. This allows the working body 306 to rotate or pivot about or about a second axis extending through the working body apertures 328 and the second apertures 320. As illustrated, the first axis extending through the drive body aperture 312 and the first aperture 318 and the second axis extending through the working body apertures 328 and the second apertures 320 are perpendicular to each other or disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0038] The first ring 338 is arranged between the driving body 302 and the central body 304, wherein the first fastener 332 extends through the first ring 338. The second ring 340 is arranged between the working body 306 and the central body 304, wherein the second fastener 334 extends through the second ring 340. The first ring 338 and the second ring 340 apply a compressive force and increase the friction between the driving body 302 and the central body 304 and between the working body 306 and the central body 304, respectively. The compressive force and the increased friction help to maintain the shape set by the user. For example, the user can rotate or pivot the driving body 302 relative to the central body 304 to a first desired angle portion, and the compressive force and increased friction caused by the first ring 338 keep the driving body 302 in the first desired position. Similarly, the user can rotate or pivot the working body 306 relative to the central body 304 to a second desired angle portion, and the compressive force and increased friction caused by the second ring 340 keep the working body 306 in the second desired position. The compressive forces and increased friction caused by the first ring 338 and the second ring 340 also limit movement of the drive body 302 and the working body 306 from the desired position set by the user.

[0039] The first ring 338 and the second ring 340 can be made of an elastomer (e.g., rubber) or other suitable compressible or compressible material. When the first fastener 332 and the second fastener 334 are threaded fasteners (e.g., screws), if the rubber ring begins to wear or deteriorate, the first ring 338 and the second ring 340 can be replaced. Therefore, the entire assembly 300 will not need to be replaced. In addition, by changing, for example, the thickness of the ring, the rubber hardness / rigidity, the elastomer compound, etc., the amount of compression force and friction can be adjusted to obtain the best retention and joint stiffness.

[0040] In another embodiment, if Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a tool adapter assembly 400 (e.g., a socket or socket adapter) has a drive body 402, a center body 404, and a working body 406 (generally similar to the drive body 302, the center body 304, and the working body 306 described above). Similar to the tool adapter assembly 300 described above, the drive body 402 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 404 via a first fastener 432, and the working body 406 is rotatably or pivotally coupled to the center body 404 using a second fastener 434. The first fastener 432 and the second fastener 434 are threaded fasteners (e.g., screws). Therefore, the drive body 402 and the working body 406 can be adjusted by the user at multiple positions / angles relative to each other.

[0041] Similar to the drive body 102 described above, the drive body 402 may include a female aperture 408 that is substantially similar to the female aperture 108 and, for example, may be a square hole that is adapted to releasably engage a square male boss of a torque application tool (e.g., a ratchet wrench or torque wrench or a breaker bar). Similar to the female aperture 108 described above, the female aperture 408 may also include a recess 410 disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the female aperture that is adapted to releasably engage an outwardly biased ball disposed on the male boss of the tool. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and other means of releasably engaging the drive body 402 to the boss of the tool may be used, such as a snap ring, a friction fit, etc. Similar to the drive body 102 described above, the drive body 302 also includes one or more drive body apertures 412 that are adapted to accommodate a first fastener 432 to rotatably couple the drive body 402 to the center body 404. In this embodiment, one of the drive body apertures 412 is threaded and adapted to be threadably coupled to the first fastener 432.

[0042] Similar to the center body 304 described above, the center body 404 includes a first center body aperture 418 and a second center body aperture 420 that are adapted to receive a first fastener 432 and a second fastener 434, respectively. In this embodiment, a first shoulder 442 extends circumferentially within the first center body aperture 418, and a second shoulder 444 extends circumferentially within the second center body aperture 420. The first center body aperture 418 and the second center body aperture 420 may be offset or arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other. The drive body aperture 412 of the drive body 402 is aligned with the opposite end of the first aperture 418, and the first fastener 432 is arranged in the drive body aperture 412 and the first aperture 418 to couple the drive body 402 and the center body 404 together. This allows the drive body 402 to rotate or pivot about or about a first axis extending through the drive body aperture 412 and the first aperture 418.

[0043] Similar to the working body 106 described above, the working body 406 is adapted to engage a workpiece (e.g., a socket or a fastener). In this embodiment, the tool assembly 400 is a socket adapter. Similar to the working body 306 described above, the working body 406 includes: a working body boss 424; and an outwardly biased ball 426, which is arranged on the working body boss 424 to releasably engage with, for example, a socket. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other means (e.g., friction rings) that can be releasably engaged to the workpiece can be used. In this example, the working body boss 424 is square, but the present invention is not limited to this. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the tool assembly 400 is a socket. In one embodiment, the working body 406 includes a female aperture that is adapted to engage the head of a fastener (e.g., a bolt).

[0044] Similar to the working body 306 described above, the working body 306 includes one or more working body apertures 428 adapted to receive a second fastener 434 to rotatably couple the working body 406 to the central body 404. In one embodiment, one of the working body apertures 428 is threaded and adapted to be threadedly coupled to the second fastener 434. For example, the working body aperture 428 is aligned with opposite ends of the second aperture 420, and the second fastener 434 is disposed in the working body aperture 428 and the second aperture 420 to couple the working body 406 and the central body 404 together. This allows the working body 406 to rotate or pivot about or about a second axis extending through the working body aperture 428 and the second aperture 420. As illustrated, the first axis extending through the drive body aperture 412 and the first aperture 418 and the second axis extending through the working body aperture 428 and the second aperture 420 are perpendicular to each other or disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other.

[0045] In one embodiment, tool assembly 400 further includes first and second retaining members 446 that are respectively coupled to a first groove 448 disposed on first fastener 432 and a second groove 450 disposed on second fastener 434. In one embodiment, retaining member 446 is a retaining ring.

[0046] The first ring 438 is disposed within the first center body aperture 418 between the first retaining member 446 and the first shoulder 442, wherein the first fastener 432 extends through the first retaining member 446 and the first ring 438. The second ring 440 is disposed within the second center body aperture 420 between the second retaining member 446 and the second shoulder 444, wherein the second fastener 434 extends through the second retaining member 446 and the second ring 440. Similar to the first ring 338 and the second ring 340 described above, the first ring 438 and the second ring 440 can be made of an elastomer (e.g., rubber) or other suitable compressible or elastomeric material. When the first fastener 432 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the axial distance between the first retaining ring 446 and the first shoulder 442 is reduced, thereby applying a compressive force to the first ring 438 in the axial direction, which causes the first ring 438 to expand radially to increase the friction between the first ring 438 and the center body 404. Similarly, when second fastener 434 is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, the axial distance between second retaining ring 446 and second shoulder 444 decreases, thereby applying a compressive force axially to second ring 440, which causes second ring 440 to expand radially to increase friction between second ring 440 and center body 404. Therefore, by rotating first fastener 432 and second fastener 434, the amount of compressive force and friction can be adjusted without disassembling tool adapter assembly 400 to obtain optimal retention and joint stiffness.

[0047] The compression force and increased friction help maintain the shape set by the user. For example, the user can rotate or pivot the drive body 402 relative to the center body 404 to a first desired angular portion, and the compression force and increased friction caused by the first fastener 432, the first retaining ring 446, the first ring 438, and the first shoulder 442 maintain the drive body 402 in the first desired position. Similarly, the user can rotate or pivot the working body 406 relative to the center body 404 to a second desired angular portion, and the compression force and increased friction caused by the second fastener 434, the second retaining ring 446, the second ring 440, and the second shoulder 444 maintain the working body 406 in the second desired position. The compression force and increased friction also limit the movement of the drive body 402 and the working body 406 from the desired position set by the user.

[0048] The ability of the tool adapter assemblies 100, 200, 300 and 400 described herein to maintain the angular position of the drive body and the working body relative to the center body allows a user to manipulate the position to a desired position and then "fish" the tool adapter assembly onto a workpiece without the tool adapter assembly losing the desired shape.

[0049] As used herein, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are not intended to necessarily be limited to a direct mechanical coupling of two or more components. Rather, the term "coupled" and its functional equivalents are intended to mean any direct or indirect mechanical, electrical, or chemical connection between two or more objects, features, workpieces, and / or environmental materials. In some examples, "coupled" is also intended to mean that one object is integrated with another object.

[0050] The contents set forth in the above description and the accompanying drawings are provided by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Although specific embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of the inventor's contribution. The actual scope of protection sought is intended to be defined by the appended claims when viewed in appropriate perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A tool adapter assembly for a tool having a tool boss, the tool adapter assembly comprising: a center body including a first center body aperture and a second center body aperture, the first center body aperture and the second center body aperture being offset approximately 90 degrees relative to each other and adapted to receive a first fastener and a second fastener, respectively; a drive body rotatably coupled to the center body and adapted to engage the tool boss, wherein the drive body is rotatable to a first non-zero angular position relative to the center body; a working body rotatably coupled to the central body and adapted to engage a workpiece, wherein the working body is rotatable relative to the central body to a second non-zero angular position; and A reinforcement member extends within the central body, the drive body, and the working body, wherein the reinforcement member is adapted to selectively maintain the drive body and the working body in the first non-zero angular position and the second non-zero angular position, respectively.

2. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the center body, the drive body, and the working body includes an axial bore adapted to receive the reinforcement member.

3. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that The drive body includes a female aperture adapted to releasably mate with the tool boss.

4. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The female aperture includes a notch disposed on an inner surface thereof, and the notch is adapted to retainably engage an outwardly biased ball disposed on the tool boss.

5. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The working body includes a working body boss adapted to releasably engage with the workpiece.

6. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The working body includes an aperture adapted to engage the workpiece.

7. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The reinforcement member is a tie rod.

8. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 7, wherein: The stiffness of the tie rod is adjustable.

9. The tool adapter assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The workpiece is a fastener.

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