Spark plug sleeve

Abstract

A tool for engaging a spark plug is provided. The tool includes a sleeve having an interior sidewall forming at least a portion of a sleeve chamber. The insert may be positioned within the sleeve chamber. The insert has at least a rigid first component and a compliant second component configured to be nested within the rigid first component.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 226,586, filed on July 28, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The utility model generally relates to the field of tools. The utility model particularly relates to a tool such as a socket, etc., which has an insert for engaging with a spark plug. The utility model further relates to an insert used with the tool, which can engage with the spark plug. Utility Model Content

[0004] One embodiment of the utility model relates to a tool for engaging with a spark plug, the tool comprising a tool engaging portion and a workpiece engaging body. The workpiece engaging body comprises a sidewall having a sidewall defining a sleeve chamber. An insert is positioned in the sleeve chamber. The insert comprises a first component and a second component. The first component comprises a first material, and the second component comprises a second material. In a plurality of different embodiments, the second material is more compliant than the first material, more flexible than the first material, and / or more elastic than the first material. The workpiece engaging body comprises a third material, wherein the first material comprises a first polymer material, wherein the second material comprises a second polymer material, wherein the third material comprises a metal material, and wherein the workpiece engaging body is formed integrally with the tool engaging portion.

[0005] In a specific embodiment, the first component is a generally hollow cylindrical structure having a first component outer surface and a first component inner surface. The first component outer surface is configured to engage with the cylindrical sidewall during operation. The second component is a generally hollow cylindrical structure configured to be nested within the first component. The second component has a second component outer surface configured to engage with the first component inner surface. The second component further includes a generally annular compliant flange extending inwardly toward the center of the second component, the annular flange forming an opening of sufficient size to allow for receiving and engaging with the spark plug.

[0006] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an insert for use with a tool for engaging with a spark plug. The insert includes a first component and a second component. The first component is a generally hollow cylindrical structure having a first component outer surface and a first component inner surface. The first component inner surface includes an inner sidewall surface and an inner flange surface. The second component is a generally hollow cylindrical structure having a second component inner surface and a second component outer surface. The second component outer surface includes an outer sidewall surface and an outer flange surface. When the insert is assembled, the second component is configured to be nested within the first component, the outer flange is complementary to the inner flange surface, and the outer sidewall surface is complementary to the inner sidewall surface. The second component further includes a generally annular compliant flange sized to receive and engage with the spark plug during operation. The first component includes a first material and the second component includes a second material. The first material is more rigid than the second material.

[0007] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a sleeve for engaging with a spark plug. The sleeve includes a tool engaging portion. A workpiece engaging body is coupled to the tool engaging portion. The workpiece engaging body has a sidewall defining a sleeve chamber. An insert is positioned within the sleeve chamber. The insert has a first component and a second component, the first component including a first material and the second component including a second material. The first component has an outer surface coupled to the sidewall of the workpiece engaging body so that the insert is maintained within the sleeve chamber. The second component is positioned within the first component. The second material is more compliant than the first material, and the second material is positioned to engage with an outer surface of the spark plug.

[0008] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a tool for engaging with a spark plug. The tool includes a drive sleeve. A collar extends from the drive sleeve and a workpiece engaging body extends from the collar. The workpiece engaging body includes a sidewall defining a sleeve chamber. An insert is positioned within the sleeve chamber. The insert has a first component and a second component, the first component including a first material and the second component including a second material. The second component is nested within the first component. In addition, the second material is more flexible than the first material and the second material is configured to engage with the spark plug.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a tool for engaging with a spark plug. The tool includes a tool engaging portion. A collar extends from the tool engaging portion and a workpiece engaging body extends from the collar. The workpiece engaging body includes a sidewall defining a sleeve chamber. An insert is coupled to the sidewall via a friction fit between an outer surface of the insert and the sidewall of the sleeve chamber. The insert has a first component and a second component, the first component including a first material and the second component including a second material. The second component is positioned within the first component. The second material is more resilient than the first material and is configured to engage with the spark plug.

[0010] Alternative exemplary embodiments involve other features and combinations of features that may be generally recited. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The present application will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a spark plug sleeve according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A first end perspective view of a sleeve is shown in , showing a portion of an insert positioned on the interior of the sleeve.

[0014] Figure 3 is Figure 1 A second end view of the sleeve is shown in FIG.

[0015] Figure 4 is Figure 3 Another second end view of the sleeve shown in Figure 2 A portion of the insert is shown in FIG.

[0016] Figure 5 is Figures 1 to 4 A perspective cross-sectional view of the sleeve shown in FIG.

[0017] Figure 5A According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 5 A perspective cross-sectional view of a sleeve is shown in FIG. 1 , showing a spark plug engaged by an insert.

[0018] Figure 6 is Figure 2 A perspective view of the insert shown in FIG.

[0019] Figure 7 is Figure 6 A perspective view of a first component of an insert is shown in FIG.

[0020] Figure 8 is Figure 6 A perspective view of the second part of the insert is shown in FIG.

[0021] Fig. 9 is Figure 6 A second perspective view of the insert is shown in FIG.

[0022] Fig.10 is Fig. 9 A perspective view of a first component of an insert is shown in FIG.

[0023] Fig.11is Fig. 9 A perspective view of the second part of the insert is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a plurality of different embodiments of a sleeve having an insert for engaging with a spark plug are shown. The spark plug insert is used in conjunction with the sleeve to engage with the spark plug (e.g., when it is time to remove and replace the old spark plug). Typical spark plug sleeve inserts are formed of a single material that must be rigid enough to secure the insert in place within the sleeve and compliant enough to efficiently engage with the spark plug during operation. As discussed in more detail below, applicants have designed an insert that includes at least two components: a rigid component for securing the insert within the sleeve, and a compliant component for engaging with the spark plug during use of the sleeve. Applicants have discovered a combination of a compliant component nested within a rigid component that is used to enhance the ability of the insert to substantially maintain itself within the sleeve (e.g., via a high-quality friction fit between the rigid component and the inner diameter of the sleeve body), and to efficiently hold and efficiently engage with the spark plug during operation.

[0025] Figures 1 to 4 A plurality of different perspective views of a socket tool, shown as a spark plug socket 10, are shown that includes an insert 24 for engaging a spark plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the spark plug socket 10 includes: a tool engaging portion, shown as a drive socket 12; a collar 14, which is adjacent to the drive socket 12; and a workpiece engaging body, shown as a hexagonal socket 16, which is adjacent to the collar 14. Specifically, the collar 14 extends from the drive socket 12 and the hexagonal socket 16 extends from the collar 14. The hexagonal socket 16 includes an inner cylindrical sidewall 20 that forms at least a portion of a socket chamber 22. As shown in Figures 5 to 5A As shown in more detail in the cross-sectional view of , the insert 24 can be positioned within the socket cavity 22 so that the insert 24 engages a spark plug inserted into the socket cavity 22. Although the spark plug socket 10 shown here is a 5 / 8" hex socket, in various different embodiments, the spark plug socket 10 can be sized larger or smaller than the 5 / 8" size shown. In such embodiments, the sizes of the inserts discussed herein are applicable to spark plug sockets of different sizes. For example, an insert configured for use with a tool having a smaller socket cavity can be proportionally reduced in size to maintain a workable fit within the socket cavity.

[0026] Figure 6 A perspective view of the insert 24 is shown, as the insert 24 would appear when viewed from the end of the hexagonal socket 16 of the spark plug socket 10, Fig. 91 shows a perspective view of the insert 24 as it would appear when viewed from the end of the drive sleeve 12 of the spark plug sleeve 10. In this embodiment, the insert 24 comprises two parts: a first part 26 (in Figure 7 and Fig.10 ) and a second component 28 (shown in more detail in Figure 8 and Fig.11 ), the second component 28 is configured to nest within the first component 26. Generally speaking, the first component 26 is formed of a rigid material that provides a tight friction fit within the sleeve cavity 22 and holds the insert 24 in place, and the second component 28 is formed of a more flexible, more compliant, less rigid and / or more resilient material that engages and holds the spark plug during use.

[0027] The first member 26 is a generally hollow cylindrical structure having an interior surface 32 and an exterior surface 30. The exterior surface 30 is configured to engage the cylindrical sidewall 20 of the sleeve chamber 22, thereby forming a friction fit within the sidewall 20, such that (particularly during engagement of the spark plug 25) the insert 24 is retained within the sleeve chamber 22, as in Figure 5A The second component 28 may be a generally hollow cylindrical structure having an exterior surface 38 configured to engage the interior surface 32 of the first component 26 .

[0028] refer to Figures 6 to 11 The inner surface 32 of the first component 26 includes an inner annular flange surface 33 and an inner sidewall surface 34, and the inner annular flange surface 33 extends inwardly adjacent to one end of the inner sidewall surface 34. The outer surface 38 of the second component 28 includes an outer sidewall surface 42 and an outer flange surface 40 (see Fig.11 ). During assembly, the outer flange surface 40 is configured to be complementary to and nested against the inner annular flange surface 33; the outer side wall surface 42 is configured to be complementary to and nested against the inner side wall surface 34.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first component 26 includes one or more cavities 37 defined by a cavity surface 36 that is positioned through the interior sidewall surface 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity surface 36 extends to the exterior surface 30, thereby forming an opening (see Figure 7). The second component 28 may include a corresponding protrusion 44 extending from the exterior surface 38, the corresponding protrusion being sized to nest against the cavity surface 36, thereby making the connection between the first component 26 and the second component 28 more secure. Although the mating elements shown here are in the form of protrusions and corresponding cavities or openings, other mating elements that can make the connection between the first component 26 and the second component 28 more secure are also allowable. In this embodiment, the insert 24 includes two pairs of protrusions 44 and cavity surfaces 36, and the two pairs of protrusions and cavity surfaces are spaced approximately 180 degrees from each other around the circumference of the first component 26. However, in other embodiments, the insert 24 may include a different number of mating element pairs (e.g., 1 pair, 3 pairs, 4 pairs, etc.).

[0030] Reference Figure 8 and Fig.11 , the compliant flange 46 extends inwardly toward the center of the second component 28. The compliant flange 45 can have an annular shape with an opening that is large enough to allow the spark plug to be received and engaged with the spark plug. Here, the second component 28 includes a compliant material that can hold the spark plug with sufficient engagement to allow the spark plug to be loosened for removal when the spark plug socket 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the first component 26 includes a substantially rigid material. In contrast, the second component 28 includes a substantially compliant material. The greater rigidity of the first component 26 allows a greater friction force to be formed between the first component 26 and the cylindrical sidewall 20 to fix the insert 24 in place relative to the spark plug socket 10 during operation while increasing the integrity of the insert 24. Conversely, the greater compliance of the second component 28 allows for a more secure grip relative to the spark plug than would be achieved with a more rigid material and, therefore, allows the second component 28 to more securely engage the spark plug during operation.

[0031] In a number of different embodiments, the components 26, 28 are each formed of different polymer materials from one another, which generally have the material properties discussed herein. In such an embodiment, the hexagonal socket 16 is formed of a metal material. In a number of different embodiments, the component 26 is formed of a first polymer material having a first hardness, and the component 28 is formed of a second polymer material having a second hardness, which is less than the first hardness. In a number of different embodiments, the component 26 is formed of a first polymer material having a first elastic modulus, and the component 28 is formed of a second polymer material having a second elastic modulus, which is less than the first elastic modulus. In a specific embodiment, the first component 26 is formed of polypropylene, and the second component 28 is formed of TPU and has a Shore A hardness of 30 to 70, more specifically 50.

[0032] It should be understood that the drawings show exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting.

[0033] In view of this specification, further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the utility model will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this specification should be interpreted as being only illustrative. The construction and arrangement shown in multiple different exemplary embodiments are only illustrative. Although only several embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications (for example, the size, size, structure, shape and ratio, parameter value, installation arrangement, use of materials, color, orientation, etc. of various elements) can be made without substantially departing from the novel teaching content and advantages of the subject described herein. Some elements shown as being integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the nature or quantity or position of discrete elements can be changed or changed. According to alternative embodiments, the order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm or method steps can be changed or reordered. Without departing from the scope of the utility model, other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of multiple different exemplary embodiments. In addition, the article "one" used herein is intended to include one or more parts or elements, and is not intended to be interpreted as only one.

[0034] The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to any combination of any features, and any such feature combination may be claimed in this application or in future applications. Any feature, element or component of any exemplary embodiment discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any feature, element or component of any other embodiment discussed above.

Claims

1. A sleeve for engaging a spark plug, characterized in that: The sleeve includes: a tool engaging portion; and a workpiece engaging body coupled to the tool engaging portion, the workpiece engaging body having a sidewall defining a sleeve cavity; and an insert positioned within the sleeve cavity, the insert having a first portion comprising a first material and a second portion comprising a second material; wherein the first component has an exterior surface coupled to a sidewall of the workpiece engaging body such that the insert is retained within the sleeve chamber; wherein the second component is positioned within the first component; and Wherein the second material is more compliant than the first material, the second material is positioned to engage an outer surface of the spark plug.

2. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein An exterior surface of the first component couples with a sidewall of the workpiece engaging body via a friction fit.

3. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The second component defines a cylindrical structure including an exterior surface that engages the first component.

4. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The workpiece engaging body is a hexagonal socket, and wherein the tool engaging portion is a drive socket.

5. The sleeve according to claim 1, wherein: The workpiece engaging body comprises a third material, wherein the first material comprises a first polymer material, wherein the second material comprises a second polymer material, wherein the third material comprises a metallic material, and wherein the workpiece engaging body is integrally formed with the tool engaging portion.

6. A tool for engaging a spark plug, characterized in that: The tool includes: Drive sleeve; a collar extending from the drive sleeve; and a workpiece engaging body extending from the collar, the workpiece engaging body comprising: a side wall defining a sleeve chamber, and an insert positioned within the sleeve cavity, the insert having a first portion comprising a first material and a second portion comprising a second material; wherein the second component is nested within the first component; and Wherein, the second material is more flexible than the first material, and the second material is configured to engage with the spark plug.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein: The first component has a first cylindrical structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the exterior surface engages a sidewall of the sleeve chamber.

8. The tool of claim 7, wherein: The insert is coupled to the sleeve cavity via a friction fit between an exterior surface of the first cylindrical structure and a sidewall of the sleeve cavity.

9. The tool of claim 7, wherein: The second component has a second cylindrical structure having an exterior surface that engages the interior surface of the first component.

10. The tool of claim 7, wherein: The interior surface of the first component further includes an interior sidewall surface and an interior annular flange extending from the interior sidewall surface, wherein the second component further includes an exterior annular rim, and wherein the exterior annular rim nests against the interior annular flange.

11. The tool of claim 10, wherein: The second component further includes a compliant flange configured to engage the spark plug, wherein the compliant flange extends inwardly toward a center of the second component.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein: The compliant flange is annular.

13. The tool of claim 6, wherein: The workpiece engaging body is a hexagonal socket.

14. A tool for engaging a spark plug, characterized in that: The tool includes: a tool engaging portion; a collar extending from the tool engaging portion; and a workpiece engaging body extending from the collar, the workpiece engaging body comprising: a side wall defining a sleeve chamber, and an insert coupled to the sidewall of the sleeve chamber via a friction fit between an outer surface of the insert and the sidewall, the insert having a first portion comprising a first material and a second portion comprising a second material; wherein the second component is positioned within the first component; and Wherein, the second material is more resilient than the first material and is configured to engage with the spark plug.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein: The second component includes an annular flange extending inwardly toward a center of the second component.

16. The tool of claim 15, wherein: The annular flange includes a compliant material configured to grip the spark plug.

17. The tool of claim 14, wherein: The first component defines a first hollow structure including a first mating element, and wherein the second component defines a second hollow structure including a second mating element that engages with the first mating element.

18. The tool of claim 17, wherein: The first hollow structure includes a first sidewall having an interior sidewall surface, wherein the second hollow structure includes a second sidewall having an exterior sidewall surface, wherein the first mating element includes a cavity defined within the interior sidewall surface of the first component, and wherein the second mating element includes a protrusion extending outwardly from the exterior sidewall surface of the second component and corresponding to the cavity defined within the interior sidewall surface of the first component.

19. The tool of claim 18, wherein: The cavity extends through the first sidewall to define an opening in the first sidewall.

20. The tool of claim 14, wherein: The workpiece engaging body is a sleeve.

Images