Tool to remove damaged bolt heads

Abstract

A tool to remove square head drain plugs of the type found in diesel semi-truck rear differentials. The tool consists of two circular portions that are joined together. The first circular portion having a void to insert a square head drain plug and the second circular portion having a void to insert a inch ratchet drive. The tool is used by first inserting the square head drain plug into the first circular portion and, if needed, a hammer may be used to force the tool onto the square head drain plug. Then a ratchet wrench is inserted into the void in the second circular portion so that the ratchet wrench may be utilized to rotate the tool. The tool is made from high strength metal so as to overcome resistance presented by rounded edges that may be exist on drain plugs.

Claims

1. A tool to remove a drain plug said tool comprising: a rectangular slab of material of a thickness greater than the head of said drain plug and a length greater than its width describing a longitudinal axis; a first void at first end of said longitudinal axis to receive the driver of a ratchet wrench to engage said tool; and a second void at second end of said longitudinal axis dimensioned to be slightly larger than the head of said drain plug and to receive the head of said drain plug.

2. The tool of claim 1 wherein said second void having sharpened edges to facilitate the removal of any excess material present on said drain plug head when said tool is forced on said drain plug head.

3. The tool of claim 1 wherein said second void is shaped to receive said drain plugs with a square or hexagonal head.

4. A tool to remove a drain plug said tool comprising: a rectangular slab of material of a thickness greater than the head of said drain plug and a length greater than its width describing a longitudinal axis; and a first void at first end of said longitudinal axis dimensioned to be slightly larger than the head of said drain plug and to receive the head of said drain plug.

5. The tool of claim 4 wherein said first void having sharpened edges to facilitate the removal of any excess material present on said drain plug head when said tool is forced on said drain plug head.

6. The tool of claim 4 wherein said first void is shaped to receive said drain plugs with a square or hexagonal head.

7. A tool to remove a drain plug said tool comprising: a cylindrical body of material with a first and second opening along its longitudinal axis; said first opening dimensioned to be slightly larger than the head of said drain plug; and said second opening dimensioned to receive the driver of a ratchet wrench.

8. The tool of claim 7 wherein said first opening having sharpened edges to facilitate the removal of any excess material present on said drain plug head when said tool is forced on said drain plug head.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0012] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the tool of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the tool showing its interaction with a ratchet wrench and oil drain plug.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows the preferred embodiment of the tool in use with a ratchet wrench to insert or remove a oil drain plug.

[0015] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a alternate embodiment of the tool of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a second alternate embodiment of the tool of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a third alternate embodiment of the tool of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the tool 10 of the present invention. Tool 10 is approximately rectangular in shape with an indentation at its mid section to facilitate grasping such that versions of tool 10 that are shorter in length appear as the number 8. Tool 10 may be of any reasonable length and indeed the greater the length that greater amount of torque may be applied when engaging the oil drain plug (plug). One half of the tool, drive portion 12, contains drive socket 16 and is used to engage with ratchet wrench 22 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The opposing half, head portion 14, contains head socket 18 and is used to engage with plug 20 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Frame 11 of tool 10 is to be fabricated of a metal that is much harder than metals used for fabrication of the plugs and must not break apart when being force upon the plugs by a hammer. The opening of drive socket 18 is dimensioned to be only slightly larger than the dimensions of the plug's head of the plug that is to be removed and the edges of drive socket 18 are sharpened so as to facilitate the removal of any material present on the surface of the plug's head. The material referred to here may be excess material present as a result of a manufacturing process or from rounding the edges of the plug's head during failed attempts at removing the plug.

[0020] Tool 10 may be used to insert plugs but its primary purpose is to remove plugs whose heads have been rounded due to previous failed attempts at removing the plug. The sharpened edges of head socket 18 cut away excess material from the plug's head that prevents other tools from securely gripping the head. To use tool 10 a user will first position head socket 18 over a plug's head and attempt to fit head socket 18 onto the plug's head. As the dimensions of head socket 18 are only slightly larger than the dimensions of the plug's head, any excess material present on the plug's head will prevent head socket 18 from fitting about the plug's head. By striking tool 10 with a hammer, excess material present on the plug's head will be removed by the sharpened edges of head socket 18 allowing tool 10 to be fitted about the plug's head. Once head socket 18 is about the plug's head a ratchet wrench may then engage drive socket 16 and the user may turn the plug by operation of the ratchet wrench.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows tool 10 in relationship to ratchet wrench 22 and plug 20. Head socket 18 of tool 10 engages the head of plug 20. Drive socket 16 of tool 10 engages ratchet wrench 22. The distance between head socket 18 and drive socket 16 adds to the torquing force present in ratchet wrench 22. The longer the distance between head socket 18 and drive socket 16 the greater the torquing force.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows tool 10 in use to remove plug 20 from rear differential 24. In FIG. 3 tool 10 head socket 18 has been fitted about the head of plug 20 and ratchet wrench 22 has engaged tool 10 drive socket 16 which is not visible. User 26 operates on ratchet wrench 22 which in turn operates on tool 10 which in turn operates to remove plug 20.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows secondary embodiment of the present invention, tool 28. Tool 28 differs from the preferred embodiment, tool 10, in that drive portion 12 is replaced by handle 30. Head portion 14 containing head socket 18 remains the same as in tool 10. The method of use for tool 28 is the same as for tool 10 except that ratchet wrench is not used and user 26 operates on tool 28 directly by use of handle 30.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows another secondary embodiment of the present invention, tool 32. Tool 32 differs from the preferred embodiment, tool 10, in that tool 32 is cylindrical as contrasted with tool 10 which is more rectangular. At one end of tool 32 is head socket 18 while at the opposing end is drive socket 16 which is not visible. Tool 32 is used in a manner similar to tool 10. Tool 32 is first positioned over the plug's head and if needed is struck by a hammer so that tool 32 is fitted about the plug's head. Then the user engages ratchet wrench into tool 32 and operates the ratchet wrench to apply a torquing force on tool 32 to remove the plug. As both drive socket 16 and head socket 18 are along the same axis, tool 32 does not add to the torquing effect when engaged with ratchet wrench 22.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows another secondary embodiment of the present invention, tool 34. Tool 34 differs from the preferred embodiment, tool 10, in that tool 34 has head socket 18 that has been configured for use on plugs that have heads that are hexagonal in shape rather than square.

[0026] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0027] It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

[0028] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.