Multiple spring wire molded part retaining sleeve

Abstract

The invention relates to a sleeve having an operating end having a sleeve receiving region adapted to receive a workpiece and an opposite drive end adapted to engage a lug of a torque applying tool. The sleeve includes a spring wire profile disposed in a sleeve receiving region, the spring wire profile adapted to apply a biasing force to the workpiece when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving region, where the spring wire profile includes a first end and a second end and an arm formed proximate the first end and the second end, and the arm includes a bent portion, the bent portion is adapted to engage the axial slot when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to sockets for hand tools. More particularly, the present invention relates to sockets adapted to retain a fastener in the socket. Background Art

[0002] A socket is a common form of engaging a workpiece (such as a bolt, nut, screw or other fastener) and subsequently applying torque to the workpiece. A socket is typically an elongated cylindrical piece that engages the workpiece head at an operating end and is connected to a torque-applying tool having lugs, such as a socket wrench, torque wrench or impact driver, at a drive end opposite the operating end. A socket can apply torque to a workpiece, inserting or removing a workpiece from a workpiece material by transferring the torque applied by a wrench connected to the workpiece.

[0003] The socket can be of different sizes or shapes to account for workpieces of different sizes or shapes. For example, a bolt with a 1 / 2" wide hexagonal head can be torqued with a 1 / 2" socket. Such a socket typically includes a 1 / 4", 3 / 8" or 1 / 2" square female hole disposed on an operating end that will be matingly coupled to a torque applying tool having a similar 1 / 4", 3 / 8" or 1 / 2" square male drive lug. The socket / torque applying tool engagement typically also includes a detent mechanism, wherein an outwardly biased ball disposed on the drive lug of the torque applying tool can be stopperably engaged with an indentation disposed on the square female hole of the socket to releasably retain the socket on the drive lug. Typically, the ball is biased outwardly by a compression spring. When the torque applying operation is completed, or when the socket needs to be replaced or otherwise removed from the torque applying tool, the socket can be forcibly removed from the lug by applying an outward force so that the ball overcomes the outward bias of the ball in the detent mechanism.

[0004] However, conventional sockets have a certain amount of play loss when used to turn a workpiece, which is called lost motion or slippage. In other words, when the socket turns, the workpiece does not turn immediately. Lost motion occurs due to the minimum clearance required to easily insert the workpiece into the socket. Current sockets also do not hold the workpiece in the socket due to the clearance provided for inserting the workpiece. Therefore, when the workpiece is inserted into the socket, it tends to fall out easily.

[0005] Some sockets may include a retaining feature for holding the fastener in the socket. Retaining sockets may be used when the fastener is in a hard to reach or otherwise challenging location. Current retaining sockets may utilize magnets, springs / balls, and flat metal springs. Current solutions have drawbacks. For example, magnetic sockets collect metal debris and are more expensive to manufacture. Ball spring sockets weaken the socket due to the addition of a hole in the hexagonal recess, and the ball may become stuck after repeated use. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention broadly relates to a sleeve for retaining a workpiece in a sleeve. The sleeve includes a biasing member disposed in a sleeve engagement region on an operating end of the sleeve and adapted to apply a biasing friction force to a workpiece disposed in the sleeve. Multiple biasing members may be disposed in the sleeve engagement region, and the biasing members are preferably spring wire moldings. The biasing members may be disposed in grooves or slots in the sleeve. By providing multiple biasing members, the stress on each spring is significantly reduced compared to a single spring retaining sleeve. A sleeve having a sleeve engagement region may be adapted to receive multiple different spring wire moldings without requiring changes to the sleeve engagement region, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity compared to existing retaining sleeves. The spring wire molding may be customized to a desired result. For example, the spring wire molding may be adapted to engage a fastener having a shorter head height and / or a higher head height.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a socket having an operating end and an opposing driving end, the operating end having a socket engagement area adapted to receive a workpiece (e.g., a fastener head); the driving end adapted to engage a lug of a torque application tool. The socket includes first and second spring wire forming members, the first and second spring wire forming members adapted to apply a biasing friction force to the workpiece, and includes opposing first and second ends and first and second axial arms disposed proximate the respective first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second arms includes a bent portion defining an angle; an axial slot formed on an inner surface of the socket receiving area, the axial slot adapted to frictionally engage the bent portions of the first and second axial arms; and a circumferential groove disposed on the inner surface of the socket receiving area.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a sleeve including: a first pair of spring wire forms and a second pair of spring wire forms adapted to apply a biasing friction force to a workpiece, such as a head of a fastener, wherein each spring wire form includes opposing first and second ends and first and second axial arms disposed proximate the respective first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second arms includes a bent portion; an axial slot disposed on an inner surface of a sleeve receiving area, wherein the bent portion engages the axial slot; and a circumferential groove disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area. The angle of the bent portion of the first pair of spring wire forms may be different from the angle of the bent portion of the second pair of spring wire forms.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a sleeve having an operating end and an opposing drive end, the operating end having a sleeve receiving area adapted to receive a workpiece; the drive end adapted to engage a lug of a torque application tool. The sleeve includes: a first spring wire forming member adapted to apply a biasing friction force to the workpiece and including opposing first and second ends and first and second axial arms disposed proximate the respective first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second arms includes a bent portion; an axial slot disposed on an inner surface of the sleeve receiving area, wherein the bent portion engages the axial slot; and a circumferential groove disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] To facilitate understanding of the subject matter for which protection is sought, embodiments thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings, and by reviewing the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunction with the following description, the construction and operation thereof, as well as its many advantages, should be readily understood and appreciated.

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An assembly perspective view of the sleeve.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Assembly drawing of the sleeve in plan view.

[0014] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the sleeve taken along line AA.

[0015] Figure 5 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 A plan view of the sleeve with the biasing member removed.

[0016] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the sleeve taken along line BB.

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary biasing member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of a sleeve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An assembly perspective view of the sleeve.

[0020] Fig.10 yes Figure 8Assembly drawing of the sleeve in plan view.

[0021] Fig.11 It is along Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the sleeve taken along line AA.

[0022] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 A plan view of the sleeve.

[0023] Fig.13 is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the sleeve taken along line AA.

[0024] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 0015] FIG1 is a front plan view of a sleeve of FIG1 showing the sleeve engaged with an exemplary workpiece.

[0025] Fig.15 It is along Fig.14 A cross-sectional view of the sleeve taken along line AA.

[0026] Fig.16 yes Fig.14 An enlarged plan elevation view of a sleeve is shown engaging the sleeve with an exemplary workpiece.

[0027] Fig.17 yes Fig.15 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a sleeve is shown engaging the sleeve with an exemplary workpiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Although the present invention is susceptible of many different forms of embodiments, embodiments of the present invention including preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it should be understood that the present 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 any one or more of the embodiments shown herein. As used herein, the term "present invention" is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather to discuss exemplary embodiments of the present invention for explanatory purposes only.

[0029] The present invention broadly relates to a sleeve suitable for limiting or controlling idle motion or slippage between a sleeve and a workpiece engaged with the sleeve. The sleeve can also removably hold a workpiece disposed in a sleeve receiving area. The sleeve includes a biasing member, such as a spring wire forming member, disposed in a sleeve receiving area on an operating end of the sleeve and adapted to apply a biasing frictional force to a workpiece engaged by the sleeve. The sleeve receiving area can include two diametrically opposed axial slots. The axial slot can have a rectangular, semi-elliptical, semi-circular or other shaped cross-section suitable for receiving the biasing member. The slot can be formed by suitable manufacturing techniques, such as molding, machining, grinding or broaching. The sleeve receiving area also includes a circumferential groove away from the operating end of the sleeve. A portion of the biasing member can be substantially disposed in the circumferential groove to limit the axial movement of the biasing member relative to the sleeve.

[0030] In one embodiment, the biasing member may include two spring wire forming members. Each spring wire forming member has a curved portion, a first arm and a second arm on each end of the spring wire forming member, wherein each arm includes an angled portion between the curved portion and the first end and the second end. The arms of the spring wire forming member may be generally disposed in an axial slot in the sleeve receiving area, and the curved portion may be generally disposed in a circumferential groove in the sleeve receiving area. When the arms of the first spring wire forming member are disposed in the axial slot, the arms of the first spring wire forming member may abut or be adjacent to the arms of the second spring wire forming member.

[0031] When a workpiece (e.g., a fastener head or bolt) is disposed in the sleeve, the bent portion of the arm elastically bends radially toward the slot to accommodate the workpiece. The radially inward biasing force generated by the biasing member maintains positive frictional engagement between the sleeve and the workpiece, thereby limiting or controlling play losses (i.e., idling or slippage), thereby allowing the sleeve to better engage the workpiece. When the workpiece is withdrawn from the sleeve, the bent portion of the spring wire forming arm returns to its original shape. The two spring wires provide greater clamping force than a single spring retaining sleeve design. In addition, the spring wire forming piece can be formed to provide a desired holding force. The spring wire forming piece can be formed to provide different entry angles for the workpiece to achieve specific results, which may be beneficial for effectively clamping workpieces with shorter or taller head heights.

[0032] In another embodiment, the biasing member may include four spring wire moldings. The spring wire moldings may be generally disposed in slots and grooves in the sleeve receiving area. The four spring wire moldings may be understood as two pairs of spring wire moldings, and the first pair may include angled arms having a first angle, and the second pair may include angled arms having a second angle. The sleeve receiving area of ​​the sleeve of the four spring wire embodiment may be the same as the sleeve receiving area of ​​the sleeve of the two spring wire embodiment.

[0033] The number of spring wire forms included in the sleeve can be varied without having to form the sleeve with slots and grooves of various sizes. The specific shape, size and strength of the spring wire can be varied based on the desired characteristics without changing the structure of the sleeve receiving area of ​​the sleeve. Thus, the sleeve of the present invention can provide different angles, different wire sizes, and different holding forces in the bent portion of the arm in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0034] Reference Figures 1 to 7 , the socket 100 includes an operating end 102 and an opposing drive end 104. The drive end 104 is adapted to releasably couple with a lug of a torque applying tool, such as a drill, ratchet, torque or impact wrench, screwdriver, router, etc., in a well-known manner.

[0035] The operating end 102 includes a sleeve receiving area 110, which is suitable for receiving a workpiece such as a bolt, nut, screw or other threaded fastener for transmitting torque from the torque application tool to the workpiece. The sleeve receiving area 110 can have a conventional polygonal cross-sectional shape extending axially from the operating end 102 toward the driving end 104 at least partially into the body. In one embodiment, the polygonal cross-sectional shape is a generally hexagonal shape suitable for engaging a hexagonal fastener head (e.g., a hexagonal bolt head or nut). In another embodiment, the operating end 102 can include different cross-sectional shapes suitable for matching with fastener heads of different shapes, such as triangles, rectangles, pentagons, heptagons, octagons, hexagons, double hexagons, splines or other types of shapes.

[0036] The sleeve receiving area 110 includes an axial slot 114 and a circumferential groove 116 disposed therein. In one embodiment, the circumferential groove 116 is disposed on the inner surface 152 of the sleeve receiving area 110 and at least partially surrounds the workpiece hole 110. The axial slots 114 can be disposed on diametrically opposed faces of the sleeve receiving area 110. In another embodiment, the axial slots 114 can be disposed less than 180 degrees apart from each other. Although two axial slots are shown in the figures, it should be understood that three, four, or more axial slots can be disposed in the sleeve receiving area 110.

[0037] A biasing member 112 is disposed in the socket receiving area 110 and is adapted to apply a biasing frictional force to the workpiece head to limit or control play losses (i.e., lost motion or slippage) and better engage the workpiece in the socket receiving area 110. In one embodiment, the biasing member 112 provides frictional engagement with the workpiece, wherein the workpiece may be retained in the socket, thereby allowing for easier use of the socket and alignment of the workpiece with the hole into which it is to be inserted (including the threads of such a hole).

[0038] The biasing member 112 includes a first spring wire forming member 118 and a second spring wire forming member 120. The first spring wire forming member 118 includes a curved portion 122 and first and second arms 124 and 126 having respective ends 128, 130. The first and second arms 124, 126 of the first spring wire forming member 118 each include a bent portion 132, 134. The second spring wire forming member 120 includes a curved portion 136 and first and second arms 138, 140 having respective ends 142, 144. The first and second arms 138, 140 each include a bent portion 146, 148. The first and second arms 124, 126 of the first spring wire forming member 118 may be generally disposed in the axial slot 114, and the curved portion 122 may be generally disposed in the circumferential groove 116. The first arm 138 and the second arm 140 of the second spring wire form 120 may be similarly disposed in the axial slot 114, and the first arm 124 of the first spring wire form 118 may be in the same axial slot 114 as the first arm 138 of the second spring wire form 120. The first spring wire form 118 and the second spring wire form 120 may face each other with the curved portions 122, 136 of each spring wire form facing away from each other.

[0039] During operation, when a workpiece is inserted into the sleeve receiving area 110, the bent portions 132, 134, 146, 148 exert a radially inward biasing force on the workpiece, and the bent portions 132, 134, 146, 148 elastically move radially into the axial slot 114. Conversely, when the workpiece is withdrawn from the workpiece hole 110, the bent portions 132, 134, 146, 148 withdraw (i.e., elastically move radially away from the axial slot 114) due to the biasing force. The biasing force of the wire of the spring forming member can help to retain the spring wire forming members 118, 120 in the sleeve receiving area 110. The ends 128, 130 of the spring wire forming members can also contact the ends 150 of the slots near the operating end 102 to retain the spring wire forming members in the sleeve receiving area 110. The bent portions 122 , 136 are also retained in the circumferential groove 116 to retain the spring wire forms 118 , 120 in the sleeve receiving area 110 .

[0040] The bends 132, 134 define an angle that deviates from the axis of the sleeve receiving area 110. The bends 132, 134 can be proximal or distal relative to the operating end 102, depending on the workpiece or the desired clamping force. The angle of the bend can also be varied to provide a desired entry angle for the workpiece as it enters the sleeve receiving area 110. In one embodiment, the first arm 124 and the second arm 126 have the same position and bend angle. In another embodiment, the first arm 124 is different from the second arm 126, and the arms provide entry angles and / or different clamping forces on the workpiece when the workpiece is disposed in the sleeve receiving area 110.

[0041] The curved portion 122 of the first spring wire formation 118 may have a circular shape corresponding to the circumferential groove 116. In one embodiment, the curved portion 122 is approximately 180 degrees, thereby providing a first arm 124 and a second arm 126 approximately 180 degrees from each other in the sleeve receiving area 110. It should be understood that the curved portion 122 may extend less than or greater than 180 degrees.

[0042] The bent portion 136 of the second spring wire form 120 can be similarly retained in the circumferential groove 116, wherein the arms of the second spring wire form 120 are also disposed in the axial slot 114 adjacent to the arms of the first spring wire form 118. The second spring wire form 120 can be identical to the first spring wire form 118. In one embodiment, the bent portions 146, 148 can have different entry angles and provide different clamping forces than the first spring wire form 118. In another embodiment, the bent portion 132 of the first arm 124 of the first spring wire form 118 can have the same first angle as the bent portion 146 of the first arm 138 of the second spring wire form 120, and the bent portion 134 of the second arm 126 of the first spring wire form 118 and the bent portion 148 of the second arm 140 of the second spring wire form 120 can have the same second angle. In one embodiment, the bent portions 132, 134, 146, 148 can include the same angle.

[0043] Reference Figures 8 to 17 , another embodiment of a sleeve 200 of the present invention is shown. The sleeve 200 is substantially the same as the sleeve 100. Similar to the sleeve 100, the sleeve 200 includes an operating end 202 and a drive end 204, a drive hole 206, a sleeve receiving area 210, a biasing member 212, an axial slot 214, and a circumferential groove 216.

[0044] The drive end 204 is adapted to releasably couple with a lug of a torque applying tool, such as a drill, ratchet, torque or impact wrench, screwdriver, router, or the like, in a well-known manner.

[0045] The operating end 202 includes a sleeve receiving area 210, which is suitable for receiving the head of a workpiece such as a bolt, nut, screw or other threaded fastener for transmitting torque from the torque application tool to the workpiece. The sleeve receiving area 210 can have a polygonal cross-sectional shape that extends axially from the operating end 202 to the driving end 204 at least partially into the body. In one embodiment, the polygonal cross-sectional shape is a generally hexagonal shape suitable for engaging a hexagonal fastener head (e.g., a hexagonal bolt head or nut). In another embodiment, the operating end 202 can include different cross-sectional shapes suitable for matching with fastener heads of different shapes, such as triangles, rectangles, pentagons, heptagons, octagons, hexagons, double hexagons, splines or other types of shapes.

[0046] The sleeve receiving area 210 includes an axial slot 214 and a circumferential groove 216 disposed therein. In one embodiment, the circumferential groove 216 is disposed in the inner surface 252 of the sleeve receiving area 210 and at least partially surrounds the sleeve receiving area 210. The axial slots 214 can be disposed on diametrically opposed faces of the sleeve receiving area 210. In one embodiment, the axial slots 214 can be disposed less than 180 degrees from each other. Although two axial slots are shown in the figures, it should be understood that three, four, or more axial slots can be disposed in the sleeve receiving area 210.

[0047] The biasing member 212 includes four spring wire forms 218, 219, 220, 221 similar to the spring wire forms 118 and 120 described above. The first spring wire form 218 includes a curved portion 222 and a first arm 224 and a second arm 226 having respective ends 228, 230. The first arm 224 and the second arm 226 of the first spring wire form 218 include bent portions 232, 234, respectively. The second spring wire form 220 includes a curved portion 236 and a first arm 238 and a second arm 240 having respective ends 242, 244. The first arm 238 and the second arm 240 of the second spring wire form 220 include bent portions 246, 248, respectively. The third spring wire form 219 includes a curved portion 222' and a first arm 224' and a second arm 226' having respective ends 228', 230'. The first arm 224' and the second arm 226' of the third spring wire forming member 219 include bent portions 232', 234', respectively. The fourth spring wire forming member 221 includes a bent portion 236' and a first arm 238' and a second arm 240' having respective ends 242', 244'. The first arm 238 and the second arm 240 of the second spring wire forming member 220 include bent portions 246, 248, respectively. The first spring wire forming member 218 and the second spring wire forming member 220 may be referred to as a first pair, and the third spring wire forming member 219 and the fourth spring wire forming member 221 may be referred to as a second pair. The first pair of spring wire forming members 218, 220 may be generally disposed in the axial slot 214 and the circumferential groove 216, similar to the spring wire forming members 118, 120 described above. The second pair of spring wire forming members 219, 221 may also be generally disposed in the axial slot 214 and the circumferential groove 216.

[0048] During operation, when a workpiece is inserted into the sleeve receiving area 110, the bent portions 232, 234, 246, 248, 232', 234', 246', 248' exert a radially inward biasing force on the workpiece and resiliently move radially into the axial slot 214. Conversely, when the workpiece is withdrawn from the sleeve receiving area 210, the bent portions 232, 234, 246, 248, 232', 234', 246', 248' withdraw (i.e., move radially away from the axial slot 214) due to the biasing force.

[0049] When the spring wire forming members 218 and 220 are disposed in the sleeve receiving area 210, the spring wire forming members 218 and 220 face each other, wherein the bent portions 222, 236 extend away from each other, and the arms 224 and 226 of the first spring wire forming member 218 are adjacent to the respective first and second arms 238, 240 of the second spring wire forming member 220. The arms of the second pair of spring wire forming members 219, 221 are disposed in the axial slot 214 and also face each other. The arms of the first pair of spring wire forming members 218, 220 can provide a first entry angle, and the arms of the second pair of spring wire forming members 219, 221 can provide a second entry angle. Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the first angle (angle 1) may be about 19 degrees, and the second angle (angle 2) may be about 22 degrees. In another embodiment, the angles of the bent portions of each arm of each spring wire forming member may be substantially the same.

[0050] Figures 14 to 17 An exemplary conventional bolt 300 is shown disposed in the sleeve receiving area 210. The bolt includes a hexagonal head 302 and a threaded portion 304. The head 302 of the bolt is securely held in place by the biasing force from the corresponding arms of the spring wire forming.

[0051] As used herein, the term "coupled" may refer to any direct or indirect physical, electrical, magnetic or other connection between two parties. The term "coupled" is not limited to a fixed direct connection between two entities.

[0052] What has been set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is provided by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. Although particular 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 the protection sought is intended to be defined in the subsequent claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.

Claims

1. A socket having an operating end and an opposing drive end, the operating end having a socket receiving area having an inner surface and adapted to receive a workpiece, the drive end being adapted to engage a lug of a torque applying tool, the socket comprising: a first spring wire forming member and a second spring wire forming member, the first spring wire forming member and the second spring wire forming member being adapted to apply a radial biasing force to the workpiece when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving area, wherein each spring wire forming member includes first and second opposing ends and first and second arms disposed proximate the first and second ends, respectively, wherein at least one of the first and second arms of each spring wire forming member includes a bent portion defining an angle; an axial slot disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area and adapted to engage the bent portions of the first and second arms when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving area; as well as A circumferential groove is provided on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area.

2. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein Each of the first spring wire form and the second spring wire form includes a bent portion between the first arm and the second arm.

3. The sleeve according to claim 2, wherein: The circumferential groove is adapted to receive the bent portions of the first and second spring wire forms.

4. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The circumferential groove at least partially surrounds the sleeve receiving area.

5. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first spring wire forming member and the second spring wire forming member includes a bent portion on each of the first arm and the second arm, and when the first spring wire forming member and the second spring wire forming member are disposed in a workpiece hole, the first arm of the first spring wire forming member and the first arm of the second spring wire forming member are disposed in a same axial slot of the workpiece hole, and the bent portion of the first arm of the first spring wire forming member defines an angle that is substantially the same as an angle of the bent portion of the second arm of the second spring wire forming member.

6. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The first spring wire form is substantially identical to the second spring wire form.

7. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The axial slot is disposed diametrically in the sleeve receiving area.

8. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The axial slot includes an end proximate the operative end of the sleeve, the end being adapted to retain the spring wire form in the sleeve receiving area.

9. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The first arm and the second arm of the first spring wire form are substantially adjacent to the first arm and the second arm of the second spring wire form, respectively.

10. A socket having an operating end and an opposing drive end, the operating end having a socket receiving area having an inner surface and adapted to receive a workpiece, the drive end adapted to engage a lug of a torque applying tool, the socket comprising: a first pair of spring wire forms and a second pair of spring wire forms, the first pair of spring wire forms and the second pair of spring wire forms being adapted to apply a biasing force to the workpiece when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving area, wherein each of the first pair of spring wire forms and the second pair of spring wire forms includes opposing first and second ends and first and second arms proximate the respective first and second ends, wherein at least one of the first and second arms of each spring wire form includes a bent portion; an axial slot disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area and adapted to engage the bent portions of the first and second arms when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving area; as well as A circumferential groove is provided on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area.

11. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the first pair of spring wire forms and the second pair of spring wire forms includes a bend between a first arm and a second arm.

12. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: The first arms of the first pair of spring wire forms generally abut one another, and the second arms of the first pair of spring wire forms generally abut one another.

13. The sleeve according to claim 11, wherein: The circumferential groove is adapted to receive the bent portions of the first and second spring wire forms.

14. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: The bent portion of the first pair of spring wire forms has a first angle, and the bent portion of the second pair of spring wire forms has a second angle, and the first angle and the second angle are substantially the same.

15. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: The bent portion of the first pair of spring wire forms has a first angle, and the bent portion of the second pair of spring wire forms has a second angle, and the first angle is different from the second angle.

16. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: The axial slot is disposed diametrically in the sleeve receiving area.

17. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: The axial slot includes an end proximate the operative end of the sleeve, the end being adapted to retain the spring wire form in a workpiece bore.

18. The sleeve according to claim 10, wherein: The first pair of spring wire forms are substantially identical to the second pair of spring wire forms.

19. A socket having an operating end and an opposing drive end, the operating end having a socket receiving area having an inner surface and adapted to receive a workpiece, the drive end adapted to engage a lug of a torque applying tool, the socket comprising: a first spring wire forming member adapted to apply a biasing force to the workpiece when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving area, and comprising opposing first and second ends and first and second arms proximate the respective first and second ends, wherein each of the first and second arms comprises a bent portion; and an axial slot disposed on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area, wherein the bent portion engages the axial slot when the workpiece is received in the sleeve receiving area; and A circumferential groove is provided on the inner surface of the sleeve receiving area.

Images