WO2025231504A1

WO2025231504A1 - Adaptor device, retainer means, tool and system

Info

Publication number: WO2025231504A1
Application number: PCT/AU2025/050451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samuel William Turnbull; Tom Peter BASKOVICH
Original assignee: Engentus Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Engentus Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2024-05-06
Filing date: 2025-05-04
Publication date: 2025-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-11-06

Abstract

An adaptor device (10) acts between a drive tool (12) (e.g. a power tool) and a driven tool (14) (e.g. fastener engagement tool). The drive tool has a central drive portion and an outer drive portion. The driven tool has at least an outer driven member. The adaptor device transmits drive from the outer drive portion of the drive tool to the outer driven member of the driven tool, which can be detachable from a portion of the adaptor. Retainer means (16) can retain the adaptor device or an outer driven member of a driven tool to an outer drive portion of a drive tool. Splined connections can be crowned or barrelled facilitating misalignment. Optional compliant means (120) between outer driven member and inner driven member enables an amount of radial misalignment. The adaptor device enables reactionless drivers to operate different types of torque multiplier type tools.

Description

ADAPTOR DEVICE, RETAINER MEANS, TOOL AND SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001 ] The present invention relates to the field of tools for applying and/or releasing fasteners e.g. that incorporate an internally threaded nut and/or a threaded male member, such as a threaded bolt, threaded male member and/or threaded rod, generally known as externally threaded fasteners.

[002] One or more non-limiting forms of the present invention provides a device (e.g. system, arrangement, tool, tool adaptor, retainer, retainer means/device, combination of tools/tool adaptors, kit or parts) for application in applying and/or releasing nut type fasteners, such as segmented nut type fasteners, generally known as internally threaded fasteners, and/or a threaded bolt, threaded male member and/or threaded rod, generally known as externally threaded fasteners.

[003] One or more non-limiting forms of the present invention is applicable to tools for use with fastening arrangements e.g. for fastening/releasing flange joints, such as pipe flanges used in oil & gas and other industrial pipeline systems, vehicle applications (e.g. wheel rim fastening systems for mining vehicles), commercial and industrial cryogenic pipeline systems, and other gas and liquid conveying pipelines.

[004] One or more non-limiting forms of the present invention is particularly applicable to improving upon, replacing or augmenting tools for applying/releasing nut and threaded stud/bolt/bar/rod fastening systems.

[005] One or more non-limiting forms of the present invention relates to means to releasably attach a driven tool to a drive tool, such as for operation of the driven tool by the drive tool.

[006] For the purposes of elucidating embodiments of the present invention, the term “threaded male member” encompasses a bolt (such as having a head), a threaded stud, a threaded rod (such as not having a head or having one end fixed) or threaded male member (which may or may not have a head, and may or may not be fixed), each having an external thread at least along a portion of a shaft of the male member. A ‘threaded male member’ and ‘threaded rod’ are considered to be the same and interchangeable. These are sometimes referred to as ‘stud-bolts’ in various industries. An internally threaded fastener is considered to include standard, solid, nut type fasteners and segmented nut type fasteners.

[007] The terms ‘adaptor’ and ‘adapter’ are considered alternative spellings for an adaptor configured as a device to convert or enable one function to act as another or to connect one device to another.

BACKGROUND

[008] Using power tools to install and remove nuts avoids the need for laborious use of manually operated tools, such as spanners, wrenches and sockets.

[009] Use of conventional power tools will generate a reaction torque in an opposite direction to the torque applied by the power tool. In industrial applications, the tightening/release torques used on fastener assemblies is often beyond that capable of being safely reacted by a human operator. Counterrotation of the power tool may trap or crush the operator’s hand in a ‘pinch-point’ between the power tool and a work piece/equipment adjacent the nut/power tool, such as in restricted access areas. Instances of such tools experiencing sudden uncontrolled movement and/or recoil are also well known in the industry and can also lead to operator injuries and equipment damage.

[0010] Reaction fixtures have been used with such tools whereby an arm (a “reaction arm”) is attached to the power tool in a fixed position and extends to engage against the fixed body of the equipment to which the nut type fastener is attached. Reaction torque of the power tool is transferred through the reaction arm to the body of the equipment and prevents the power tool counter-rotating. However, there is still a risk that the operator may get injured by a hand or finger getting trapped between the reaction arm and the body of the equipment, particularly if there is limited access/vision and/or the power tool/reaction arm needs repositioning. Due to the possibility of misaligned forces (e.g. from the reaction arm not contacting squarely against the body of the equipment) the tool can experience a sudden movement or recoil if the reaction arm slips against the body of the equipment. This too can lead to personal injury or damage.

[0011 ] Furthermore, particular tool manufacturers typically create tools based on their own proprietary tool platform, leading to limited tool choices for a user if only one particular platform is provided. This can lead to delays trying to source the correct tool for a particular work site/activity or requires investment in a range of different tool from multiple manufacturers.

[0012] Features and embodiments of tools for application and/or release of fasteners have been disclosed by the present applicant in published international (PCT) patent application PCT/AU2021/050995 published as W02022040755A1 , the contents of which as incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto.

[0013] The present invention has been developed in the light of the aforementioned background. One or more forms of the present invention proposes at least one alternative, or one or more useful alternative approaches, to alleviating one or more problems associated with one or more of reaction torque, need to safely release/apply nut type fasteners, need to ensure fastening systems are correctly torqued and/or remain fastened.

SUMMARY

[0014] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention advantageously enable reactionless drivers (e.g. counter rotating socket drivers) to be adapted to attach for operation to different models of torque multiplier type tools. It has been realised that the need for reactionless type tooling applications is understood to be increasing, with significant inventory of torque multiplier tools and spares held on hand by a user company. An adaptor according to one or more embodiments of the present invention enables torque multiplier tools of differing types, and powered by differing means (e.g. battery electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, mains electric etc) to be able to be used as the power source for reactionless applications. The reliance on reaction arms is removed, which avoids reaction arm pinch points and risk of unintended tool movement/tool jacking. Embodiments can provide faster and easier to use tools without need to locate reaction arms, as well as reducing need for complex training. In certain embodiments, the adaptor tool can enable the toque multiplier tool to be used in its convention way with a reaction arm, thereby providing versatility. Enabling adaption of reactionless Drivers (e.g. counter-rotating sockets) with a variety of torque multiplier type tools provides for enhanced safety, cost saving, productivity and engineering benefits.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptor device configured to connect between a drive tool (such as a power tool) and a driven tool (such as a fastener engagement tool).

[0016] Embodiments may include the drive tool having a central drive portion and an outer drive portion. Embodiments of the driven tool may have at least an outer driven member. Embodiments of the adaptor device are configured to transmit drive from the outer drive portion of the drive tool to the outer driven member of the driven tool.

[0017] Embodiments of the adaptor device or the outer driven member may include a retainer means to retain, preferably releasably retain, the adaptor device or the outer driven member to the outer drive portion.

[0018] Embodiments may include a retainer means being disposed towards or adjacent a rear of the outer drive portion.

[0019] Embodiments may include a retainer means biased towards a locked position.

[0020] Embodiments may include an adaptor device or outer drive member of a driven tool connectable to an outer drive portion of a drive tool, including at least one retainer means to retain the respective adaptor device or the outer driven member to the outer drive portion.

[0021] Embodiments may include the retainer means disposed towards or adjacent a rear of the outer drive portion. The retainer means may be biased, such as by a biasing means (e.g. at least one spring, such as a wave spring) towards a locked position.

[0022] The retainer means may require manual operation against the bias to achieve a release position. Embodiments of the adaptor device or the outer driven member may be manually engageable to and manually releasable from the drive tool.

[0023] Embodiments of the outer driven member may be manually enagageable with and/or manually disengageable from the adaptor device.

[0024] Embodiments of the driven tool may have an inner driven member mounted for rotation relative to the outer driven member by at least one bearing.

[0025] The at least one bearing may include at least one rolling element bearing. The at least one rolling element bearing may include ball bearings or rollers, or a combination of ball bearings and rollers.

[0026] One or more embodiments may include the internal splines/spline teeth of the adaptor device having a crown, barrel or involute profile. Such an arrangement can enable an amount of radial/angular movement or ‘wobble’ of the adaptor device on the drive tool i.e. the crown, barrel or involute tooth profile permits a level of misalignment, enabling the engaged spline arrangement to roll within physical/structural engagement angular limits.

[0027] Alternatively, or in addition, one or more embodiments may include the outer/external splines of the driven tool (e.g. first/rear splines and/or second/forward splines) having a crown, barrel or involute profile, enabling an amount of radial/angular movement or ‘wobble’ of the driven tool first driver or outer driven member relative to the sleeve and the drive tool, such as to facilitate assembly connection therebetween.

[0028] One or more embodiments may include compliant means between the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member and the driven tool second driver or inner driven member, enabling an amount of eccentric movement between that driven tool second driver or inner driven member relative to the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member.

[0029] The compliant means may include, or may be, a resilient material, such as a natural or synthetic polymer e.g. a rubber material.

[0030] The reference to “resilienceTresilient” or “complianceTcompliant” is to be understood to be in the context of the relative rigidity of the other materials (normally certain types of alloy steel) used in the driven tool members and/or rolling element bearings used therein.

[0031] The compliant means may be provided between a bearing, such as the first bearing and/or the second bearing, and the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member and/or the driven tool second driver or inner driven member. Alternatively, at least one said bearing itself can be the compliant means, such as a plain bearing which is of a material allowing some compliance in the radial direction. The complaint means can act as a bush/bushing and/or plain bearing.

[0032] The compliant means may be provided between the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member and the second driver or inner driven member, enabling radial movement of the driven tool second driver or inner driven member, without first and second bearings. That is, the compliant means provides bearing support without another bearing, as well as acting as the resilient compressible bush/bushing.

[0033] The compliant means may be provided between the front/second bearing and the driven tool second driver or inner driven member. The rear/first bearing provides bearing support whilst the combination of the front/second bearing and the compliant means provides bearing support and compressible bush/bushing functionality. [0034] Embodiments may include the driven tool having coaxial first and second drivers. Embodiments may include the first driver, preferably being an outer drive member, preferably coaxially at least partially around the first driver, preferably being an outer drive member. The first and the second drivers may be supported therebetween by at least one bearing enabling relative rotation of the first and second drivers.

[0035] The adaptor device may include a torque and/or rotational speed conversion mechanism, such as a gearbox. Alternatively, the adaptor device may be configured to engage with a drive connector of a torque and/or rotational speed conversion mechanism of a drive tool, such as a gearbox incorporated into a drive tool.

[0036] The drive tool may have a central drive portion (e.g. a square drive) which rotates relative to the gearbox output. The central drive portion and the gearbox output are preferably coaxial with each other about a central axis, such that the central drive portion rotates within and coaxially aligned with an outer periphery of the gearbox output, such as a gearbox spline.

[0037] The drive tool may be a powered hand tool, such as an electric, hydraulic, battery or pneumatic drive tool.

[0038] The adaptor device may be configured for releasable connection/engagement with the drive tool. At least one adaptor device retainer may be provided to releasably retain the adaptor device in operative engagement with the drive tool.

[0039] The at least one adaptor device retainer may include an adaptor device spline configured to engage with a corresponding drive tool spline. It will be appreciated that the drive tool spline may be part of an output from a torque and/or rotational speed conversion mechanism of the drive tool, such as on an outer drive spline of a gearbox of the drive tool.

[0040] The adaptor device retainer may be configured to engage within at least one recess of the drive tool, such as a groove or channel of a gearbox of the drive tool. For example, the adaptor device may include a toothed arrangement configured to engage within the at least one recess such that a portion of the drive tool (e.g. part of the drive tool gearbox) prevents removal of the adaptor device from the drive tool.

[0041 ] One or more particular embodiments of the adaptor device may include the adaptor device retainer having a drive spline portion and retainer spline portion such that the drive spline portion of the adaptor device, in use, inter-engages with a corresponding drive tool drive spline and the retainer spline portion passes via the drive tool spline to engage within the drive tool recess.

[0042] The retainer spline portion may be configured to rotate relative to the drive tool spline and the adaptor device spline to retain the adaptor device to the drive tool.

[0043] The retainer spline portion may be offset relative to the adaptor device spline, and/or have rotational play relative to the adaptor device spline and/or to a drive spline of the drive tool, e.g. to permit a central drive to engage first then an outer drive to engage on the spline.

[0044] Alternatively, embodiments of the adaptor device may include the drive spline portion and not having the retainer spline portion, e.g. such that the central driver of the drive tool or the adaptor can be adjusted to clear any clash and enable engagement of drive tool with the adaptor e.g. align with a square drive of the drive tool.

[0045] Embodiments may include an alignment device to pre-align the central drive of the drive tool to be received by the adaptor device and allow the splines of the drive tool and the adaptor device to inter-engage e.g. without the outer spline of the drive tool and the drive spline of the adaptor clashing preventing engagement.

[0046] The adaptor device retention means may include first and second portions configured for relative rotation to each other such that, in one rotational orientation the first and second portions align to allow engagement or disengagement of the adaptor device to the drive tool, and in another orientation relative to one another prevent removal of the adaptor device from the drive tool. [0047] Embodiments of the adaptor device may include, or be configured to releasably engage with, a fastener drive means.

[0048] The fastener drive means may include a first reaction means to engage a female/nut type fastener (e.g. outer fastener) of a fastening arrangement and the second reaction means may be configured to engage a male/threaded member (such as a threaded stud, bolt or stud) of the fastener arrangement.

[0049] The first reaction means may be arranged and configured to operatively apply relative counter torque to the female/nut fastener and the male/threaded member type fastener, such as for applying/tightening or releasing the fastener arrangement.

[0050] Embodiments may include the fastener drive means and the adaptor device releasably engageable by a releasable retainer arrangement.

[0051] The retainer arrangement may have a release configuration and a retained configuration. In the release configuration, the fastener drive means may be permitted to engage into or be released from the adaptor device. In the retained configuration, the fastener drive means can be retained engaged with the adaptor device until the retainer arrangement transitions to the release configuration.

[0052] The retainer arrangement may include a detent arrangement configured to retain the fastener drive means to the adaptor, or when retracted, to allow the fastener drive means to engage into or release form engagement, with the adaptor device.

[0053] The retainer arrangement may include sliding member, such as a sleeve or collar, of the adaptor device. Embodiments may include the sleeve/collar configured to slide coaxially with respect to the adaptor device, such as to enable retraction of at least one said detent to permit engagement or release of the fastener drive means with the adaptor device. [0054] Embodiments may include a secondary retainer configured to retain the adaptor device to the drive tool until released.

[0055] The secondary retainer can require release to enable an outer sleeve of the adaptor device to release an internal retainer of the adaptor device for releasing-retaining the driven tool. The secondary retainer can include a push lock to engage into a channel behind a gearbox spline of the drive tool.

[0056] Embodiments may be configured to releasably engage with a fastener drive means via a retainer arrangement. The fastener drive means may include a first reaction means to engage a female/nut type fastener (e.g. outer fastener) of a fastening arrangement and the second reaction means may be configured to engage a male/threaded member (such as a threaded stud, bolt or stud) of the fastener arrangement.

[0057] The retainer arrangement may have a release configuration and a retained configuration, wherein, in the release configuration, the fastener drive means is permitted to engage into or be released from the adaptor device, and in the retained configuration, the fastener drive means is retained engaged with the adaptor device until the retainer arrangement transitions to the release configuration.

[0058] The retainer arrangement may include at least one detent arrangement configured to retain the fastener drive means to the adaptor, or when released/retracted, to allow the fastener drive means to engage into or release from engagement, with the adaptor device.

[0059] Embodiments may include the retainer arrangement including a sliding member, such as a sleeve or collar, of the adaptor device. The sleeve or collar may be configured to slide coaxially with respect to the adaptor device, such as to enable retraction of at least one said detent to permit engagement or release of the fastener drive means with the adaptor device.

[0060] Embodiments may also include the retainer arrangement being directly operative by a user (e.g. manually operated or controlled by the user) without the need for additional tools to be used. For example, the adaptor device can be arranged and configured for releasable engagement with and disengagement/removal from the drive tool without requiring another tool for effecting the engagement or disengagement/removal. The adaptor device can be configured for relative sliding engagement with the drive tool and the driven tool is configured for relative sliding engagement with the adaptor device.

[0061] Embodiments may include a reaction arm engagement portion enabling releasable connection of a reaction arm to the adaptor tool.

[0062] Embodiments may include a reaction arm engagement portion enabling releasable connection of a reaction arm to the adaptor tool.

[0063] Embodiments may include or incorporate an extension means, such as an extension portion or tool. The extension means may have an outer housing, such is in the general form of a tube, housing therein an extension drive member connecting a central extension drive socket to a central extension driver.

[0064] The extension means may include a first portion of the adaptor device at a first end thereof arranged and configured for releasable connection to a drive tool, and a second end of the extension means opposite the first end arranged and configured for releasable attachment of a driven tool thereto.

[0065] Embodiments may include being engageable with the driven tool wherein engagement is by releasable attachment via a locking groove in the driven tool engaging with a detent retainer arrangement within the adaptor device.

[0066] Embodiments may include an assembly including an inner driven member and an outer driven member. The driven tool inner and outer members may be configured to counter-rotate relative to one another.

[0067] Embodiment of the driven tool may include the inner driven member and the outer driven member supported therebetween by at least one bearing. The at least one bearing may include at least two bearings, wherein at least two of those bearings are proximate to either end respectively of the inner driven member. The bearings may be disposed forward toward a front end of the inner driven member. The bearings may be disposed forward of a central drive socket of the inner member.

[0068] The driven tool may include an assembly including a reaction arm. The reaction arm may be attachable to or integral to the driven tool.

[0069] The reaction arm may include a boss portion having a passage therethrough for a driver to connect to the central driver of the drive tool or the reaction arm is part of the adaptor device. A driver can pass through the boss portion of the reaction arm on the inner sleeve to connect to the central driver of the drive tool. The reaction arm may be attached to or integral with the inner sleeve of the adaptor device.

[0070] An adaptor arrangement enabling a torque multiplier drive tool to operatively engage with a releasable driven tool (driver), including an adaptor according to one or more embodiments herein defined.

[0071] A kit of parts or a tool system including an adaptor device according to one or more embodiments herein defined and at least one of: a drive tool and a driven tool, or both. A said tool system refers to a number of tools configured to work together, such as to be assembled together and operate in cooperation.

[0072] Embodiments may provide a unitary or combination tool, which may combine the adaptor device and the driven tool least a portion of the driven tool, such as at least the outer driven member of the driven tool.

[0073] Embodiments may include a retainer means configured to retain an adaptor device or an outer driven member of a driven tool to an outer drive portion of a drive tool.

[0074] The retainer means may, in use, be disposed towards or adjacent a rear of the outer drive portion. Embodiments of the retainer means may include biasing means biased towards a locked configuration of the retainer means. Embodiments of the retainer means may require manual operation against the bias to achieve a release configuration thereof. [0075] One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to reactionless fastening systems. Reactionless in the context of the present technology refers to reaction torque being maintained within the counter rotation of components rather than torque being reacted externally, such as by a reaction arm acting against an external support. For example, embodiments relate to arrangements for counter-rotating a nut relative to a reaction washer whereby torque applied to the nut is reacted through a counter torque applied to the washer, or to a torque applied to a nut type fastener reacted by torque applied to a threaded shaft, such as via a spline at an end of the shaft.

[0076] Embodiments can include the driven tool arranged and configured to include the outer driven member to engage, in use, with a nut type fastener, such as a segmented nut, or a washer positioned between a nut type fastener and surface, such as of a workpiece. An inner driven member of the driven tool i.e. concentric within the outer driven member, such as coaxial outer and inner driven sockets, can be arranged and configured to engage with a nut type fastener when the outer driven member is configured to engage the washer.

[0077] Alternatively, the inner driven member can engage a spline of a shaft, such as a threaded rod or bolt, when the outer driven member is configured to engage the nut type fastener for threading movement on the shaft e.g. tightening against the washer or workpiece.

[0078] One or more embodiments may include the driven tool including at least a spline configured for driving engagement with a said drive tool or for driving engagement with a said adaptor device for intermediate use between the drive tool and the driven tool.

[0079] The driven tool can include the outer driven member connected to the spline. The spline may be an outer spline configured to engage with an inner spline of the adaptor device.

[0080] The driven tool can include an inner driven member, such as an inner socket. The outer spline and/or the inner spline of the driven tool may be crowned, barrelled or involute. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081 ] One or more embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to at least some of the accompanying Figures, in which:

[0082] Figures 1 A to 1 H show features of an adaptor device configured to interface between a drive tool and a driven tool, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Figures 2A to 2D show features of an adaptor device according to at least one alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figures 3A and 3B show features in cross-section of a combination of an adaptor device and driven tool for use through releasable engagement with a drive tool, according to at least one further embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 4A shows an exploded view of a driven tool for use with an adaptor device, according to at least one further embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 4B shows an exploded view in perspective of an adaptor device and driven tool according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Figure 5A shows an isometric external view and Figure 5B shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of features of a retainer means to releasably retain an adaptor device 10, and thereby a driven tool 14, to the drive tool 12.

[0088] The retainer means is shown in a driven tool (driver) retaining position preventing removal of the driven tool from the adaptor and therefore from engagement with the drive tool.

[0089] Figure 6A shows an isometric external view and Figure 6B shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of features of a retainer means applied to an adaptor device, corresponding to Figures 5A and 5B above, with the retainer means in a release position enabling removal of the driven tool from the adaptor and therefore from engagement with the drive tool. [0090] Figure 7A shows a longitudinal sectional side view of the adaptor and driven tool combination with a drive portion (such as a square drive) of the drive tool partially inserted into an inner socket of the driven tool.

[0091 ] Figure 7B shows a longitudinal sectional side view of the adaptor and driven tool combination with a drive portion (such as a square drive) of the drive tool fully inserted into the inner socket of the driven tool.

[0092] Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view in perspective of the driven tool (such as a driver for applying/removing a fastener arrangement) with internal bearings forward of an internal drive socket, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 7D shows features of the driven tool as shown by way of example in Figure 7C, with the drive portion of the drive tool received into the inner socket of the driven tool.

[0094] Figure 7E shows an exploded view in perspective of the driven tool for use with an adaptor device, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0095] Figures 8A to 8D show cross-section views of a driven tool with alternative compliance arrangements according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] Figures 9 and 10 show alternative retainer means, such as for retaining the adaptor device to a drive tool, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] Figures 11 A and 11 D show features of an extension means, such as an extension tool, for use with an adaptor device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figures 12A to 12C show features of a driven tool with reaction arm, the driven tool configured for driving engagement with an adaptor device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [0099] Figures 12D to 12F show features of an adaptor device with reaction arm, the according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[00100] Figure 13 shows an example of a drive tool output (such as an output from a gearbox of a torque multiplier tool) with a circumferential channel or undercut between the spline and gearbox housing with which the adaptor device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can engage to be releasably retained on the drive tool.

[00101] Figure 14 shows an example of a drive tool output (such as an output from a gearbox of a torque multiplier tool) without a circumferential channel or undercut between the spline and gearbox housing but having a circumferential groove in the output spline to which the adaptor device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can be releasably retained on the drive tool.

[00102] Figures 15A to 15C show stages of releasably attaching a driven tool, such as a fastener driver, to an adaptor device on a torque multiplier drive tool, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00103] In the following detailed description, reference is made to accompanying drawings which form a part of the detailed description. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, depicted in the drawings and defined in the claims, are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilised and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented.

[00104] It will be readily understood that the aspects/embodiments of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated in this disclosure.

[00105] It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to reactionless fastening systems, such as arrangements for counter-rotating a nut relative to a reaction washer whereby torque applied to the nut is reacted through a counter torque applied to the washer, or to a torque applied to a nut type fastener reacted by torque applied to a threaded shaft, such as via a spline at an end of the shaft.

[00106] Embodiments of the present invention provide an adaptor device 10 enabling releasable connection of a driven tool 14 to a drive tool 12. The driven tool may, for example, be or include a socket driver or other driver for applying or releasing a fastener. The drive tool may, for example, be or include a power tool, such as a hydraulic, pneumatic, battery or electrically powered driver e.g. to apply or release fasteners.

[00107] It will be appreciated that the adaptor device 10 can be applied to the drive tool 12 (such as a torque multiplier tool) utilising an existing reaction arm attachment system of the drive tool 12, which attachment system can vary between brands of drive tool. Beneficially, the adaptor device 10 can use the existing attachment feature of the drive tool 12 to attach to the drive tool 12 whilst using the same driven tool 14 interface for a choice of driven tools 14.

[00108] The adaptor device 10 can be d riving ly engaged with at least a first driver or outer driven member 14.1 of the driven tool 14. The adaptor device can be drivingly engaged with second driver or inner driven member 14.2 of the driven tool. The first driver or outer driven member 14.1 can be coaxial with the second or inner driven member 14.2 of the driven tool 14.

[00109] The adaptor device 10 can include a body 11 , preferably the body incorporating an internal spline 72 e.g. to engagingly receive an external spline 70 (e.g. by relative sliding motion) of the driven tool for driving engagement therewith. The body 11 can include an internal drive spline 32 for driving engagement by the drive tool 12. Engagement of the respective splines can be through crowned, barrelled or involute spline profiles, preferably the respective external spline being crowned, barrelled or involute.

[00110] Embodiments can include the driven tool 14 arranged and configured to include the outer driven member 14.1 to engage, in use, with a nut type fastener, such as a segmented nut, or a washer positioned between a nut type fastener and surface, such as of a workpiece. An inner driven member 14.2 of the driven tool i.e. concentric within the outer driven member, such as coaxial outer and inner driven sockets, can be arranged and configured to engage with a nut type fastener when the outer driven member is configured to engage the washer.

[00111 ] Alternatively, the inner driven member can engage a spline of a shaft, such as a threaded rod or bolt, when the outer driven member is configured to engage the nut type fastener for threading movement on the shaft e.g. tightening against the washer or workpiece.

[00112] One or more bearings 56, 58 can be provided to support the second driver or inner driven member 14.2 relative to the first driver or outer driven member 14.1 for relative rotation. The second driver or inner driven member can house the central socket 44 and/or the internal/inner drive socket 62 at front end FE of driven tool (driver). The first driver or outer driven member can house the external drive socket 60 at front end FE of driven tool (driver).

[00113] Embodiments can include rolling element bearings (e.g. ball bearings and/or rollers) - forces between or conveyed by the inner and outer driven members can be substantial and galling could occur with a plain bearing.

[00114] Embodiments may include the driven tool 14 attachable to the drive tool 12 as a single assembly incorporating the adaptor device 10. For example, the driven tool 14 can be a single device or assembly removably mountable to the drive tool to be driven by the drive tool. The driven tool 14 can be an integral component device in combination with the adaptor device or the adaptor device and the driven tool can be separate devices drivably engageable together, in either case the adaptor device transmits drive from the drive tool to the driven tool.

[00115] Retainer means 16 enables releasable retention of a tool, such as an adaptor device 10 (and thereby the driven tool 14) to the drive tool 12. For example, the retainer means 16 can releasably attach/lock the driven tool and/or a reaction arm to an output spline, such as a gearbox spline, of the drive tool 12. Other tools and/or adaptors may be releasably attached to a drive tool by one or more embodiments of the retainer means.

[00116] It will be appreciated that the adaptor device 10 and the driven tool 14 can be a combined or unitary device comprising the adaptor device and driven tool in one unitary tool, or, alternatively, the driven tool 14 can be releasably attachable to the adaptor device.

[00117] One or more embodiments of the retainer means 16 may include a retainer arrangement 20.

[00118] The retainer means or the retainer arrangement thereof may have a bias arrangement or mechanism, such as a retainer with a bias in a first position (e.g. see embodiment in Figure 1 H) preventing removal of the adaptor from the drive tool until the biased retainer is moved to a second position (e.g. see embodiment in Figure 1 G) being a release position, allowing the adaptor to slide off/on the spline of the drive tool 12.

[00119] The retainer arrangement 20 may include a locking plate/ring 28, which may have a bias to a lock position. The locking plate/ring can be annular, preferably with teeth/splines at least on an inner annular/circumferential surface and/or teeth/splines on an outer annular/circumferential surface thereof.

[00120] The retainer arrangement can have an open position and a clash position relative to at least one tooth. That is, the locking plate/ring 28 and the internal spline 32 of the adaptor device teeth/spline can slide over the gearbox spline 18 until the locking ring 28 reaches the circumferential channel 24 between the back end of the gearbox spline 18 and the gearbox housing 22. The locking plate/ring 28 can then rotate into a position which prevents it sliding back down the gearbox spline 18. That is, the locking plate/ring goes out of alignment and clashes with the gearbox spline, preventing sliding release therealong.

Consequently, the adaptor device 10 is retained to the drive tool 12 until the locking ring is rotated back into alignment such that the teeth of that locking ring aligns with the grooves of the spline of the drive tool to permit relative sliding for removal of the adaptor device from the drive tool.

[00121] Embodiments can include a locking ring or plate 28 required to be in a “clear” or “non-clash” position to be able to slide onto the gearbox spline. In one embodiment the locking ring is biased to the “clash” or locked position. Preferably the locking ring needs to be rotated by the user to the unlocked position to allow removal of the adaptor device/driven tool from engagement with the drive tool.

[00122] Preferably the direction to rotate the ring to the unlocked position is in the opposite direction to the rotation of the outer socket of the driven tool (such as a fastener driver) when installing a fastener.

[00123] By way of example, Figures 1A and 1 B show exemplary embodiments of an adaptor device 10 having a locking plate/ring 28 with its teeth 30 aligned with the teeth of the internal spline 32 of the adaptor device. This allows for the relative sliding movement. Figures 1 C and 1 D show examples of the locking ring rotated such that its teeth 30 are out of alignment with the teeth 34 of the internal spline of the adaptor device, and therefore are out of alignment with the grooves of the gearbox spline of the drive tool, preventing removal of the adaptor device from the drive tool. A driven tool can then be safely attached to the adaptor device or the combined adaptor device and driven tool can be used directly.

[00124] Embodiments may include a biased retainer arrangement requiring positive movement to a release position and an automatically biased return to a lock position, preventing accidental removal of the adaptor and therefore of the driven tool, unless positive action is applied to release the lock position by rotating the biased retainer.

[00125] By way of example, Figures 1 E to 1 H show embodiments of an adaptor device 10 with a biased retainer arrangement having a collar/sleeve 36 requiring relative rotation with respect to the internal spline of the adaptor to align the teeth, with a biasing arrangement configured to apply a restoring force to put the teeth into a clashing orientation and thereby retain the adaptor to the drive tool. The collar or sleeve 36 can be biased towards a locking position, such as by a biasing means 73. Drawing back the collar/sleeve 36 against a biasing force of the biasing means 73 can allow the driven tool to be engaged with or disengaged from engagement with the adaptor device, such as by releasing at least one retainer/detent. The biasing means 673 can include a spring, such as a coil spring and/or resilient material, such as a rubber/polymer spring, or combination thereof.

[00126] Embodiments of the retainer means 16 enables a number of locking mechanisms to be used, such as one or more circlips, pins or grub screws. For example, a retainer circlip, pin or screw fastener (such as a grub screw) can be employed to releasably attach the adaptor device 10 to the drive tool 12. It will be appreciated that the adaptor device may be semi-permanently attached to the drive tool, such as by a pin type retainer means, for example, for when the driven tool is to infrequently be changed.

[00127] By way of non-limiting example, Figures 2A to 2D show at least one embodiment of an adaptor device 10 utilising a screw fastener or pin 90 that engages with the spline 18 of the drive tool or with a groove 26 in the spline.

Such releasable attachment of the adaptor device is particularly advantageous for drive tools that do not have a channel at the rear of the spline adjacent the gearbox housing 22 of the drive tool but may have a circumferential groove 26 in the output spline 18. See, by way of example, Figure 14.

[00128] Alternatively, for drive tools 12 having a circumferential channel (or undercut) 24 between the rear of the output spline 18 and the gearbox housing 22 of the drive tool 12 (see, by way of example, Figure 13), the adaptor device may engage with that channel to releasably retain the adaptor device to the drive tool.

[00129] Embodiments of the adaptor device 10 can enable removable mounting of a reaction arm 110 to the drive tool outer spline 18. For example, the adaptor device 10 may engage into/utilise the circumferential channel 24 between the output spline 18 of the drive tool and the gearbox housing 22 of the drive tool to retain the adaptor device to the drive tool and enabling the reaction arm to react torque applied via

[00130] The adaptor device may include an outer sleeve 36.1 or collar 36 that extends over at least part of the gearbox housing 22 of the drive tool and is preferably free to rotate to allow the user’s gripping hand to remain static whilst the reaction arm or other driven tool rotates. For example, when the driven tool (such as a driver acting on a fastener) is applying a nut to a bolt, the outer socket of the driven tool can (depending on the balance of friction between the bolt/nut and work-faces) rotate as the nut is being tightened, which allows the user to conveniently place one hand on the sleeve/collar 36.1 , 36 whilst the gearbox housing 22 of the drive tool 12 rotates. See Figure 7D showing the extended sleeve 36.1 over the gearbox housing 22, by way of non-limiting example.

[00131 ] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the adaptor device enable engagement with the external spline 18 of the gearbox of the drive tool (such as a torque multiplier power tool 46), and direct connection of a choice of driven tool 14 to the central driver 42 (i.e. square drive) of the drive tool 12. Beneficially, this helps to reduce or minimise weight and overall dimension of the adaptor device and driven tool (driver) combination. By allowing the driven tool to directly engage with the central drive 42 of the drive tool 12, the adaptor device requires fewer components, reducing cost, weight and complexity. The alternative would otherwise be to add an additional adaptor “nose” to the existing gearbox of the drive tool, which at one end interfaces to the drive tool gearbox box spline 18 and at the opposite end provides a driver spline interface AND also adds an extension of the central (square) drive 42 of the drive tool, thereby adding weight and length to that combination, and degrading drive tool balance for the user by making the drive tool more ‘nose heavy’ in the hand.

[00132] Embodiments of the adaptor device 10 include an adaptor ring device 10.1 configured to releasably engage with the drive tool outer spline 18 and configured to releasably attach thereon the driven tool. By way of non-limiting example, Figures 2A to 2D show an adaptor device 10 embodied as an adaptor ring device 10.

[00133] Figure 2A shows the adaptor ring device 10.1 having an inner spline

32.1 arranged to slidingly engage onto the outer spline 18 of the drive tool 12. In the embodiment shown, a retainer pin 90 is passed into the adaptor ring device

10.1 via a through hole 48 and engages into a hole 50 in the gearbox spline 18 to prevent the adaptor ring device from sliding off the spline 18 of the drive tool 12. Other retainer/attachment arrangements, such as circlip(s), grub screw(s) and pin(s) fall within the scope of embodiments of the present invention to releasably retain the adaptor ring device 10.1 to the gearbox spline 18.

[00134] Embodiments of the adaptor ring device 10.1 can have an external spline that corresponds to the internal spline 32 of the driven tool for sliding engagement therewith to mount the driven tool to the drive tool via the adaptor ring device 10.1.

[00135] Embodiments can include the adaptor ring device 10.1 attachable to the gearbox spline 18 by the retention methodology required of the particular brand of drive tool/gearbox (e.g. retention by circlip, grub screw, pin arrangement, etc.).

[00136] Embodiments of the driven tool (driver) can be releasably attached to the adaptor ring device by the retainer arrangement 20 utilising the locking ring 28 arrangement that has the teeth misalignment/clash arrangement. As discussed above, the locking ring 28 can rotate, such as being biased to rotate to the locked position, within the channel 54 of the adaptor ring device to lock the driven tool 14 to the adaptor ring device 10.1 . Therefore, the adaptor ring device can act to modify (adapt) a drive tool 12 that does not have the channel at the rear of its output spline 18 to provide the channel for releasable retention of a driven tool.

[00137] It is to be noted that typically drive tools, such as torque multipliers, have a square drive as the central drive, e.g. inch (~12.5mm), % inch (~18mm), 1 inch (~25 mm) square drive. Other shaped drives are encompassed within this disclosure, such as hex drives, bi-hex drives etc., which can be preferable over simple square drives to reduce bursting forces of any socket attached to the respective central driver.

[00138] The driven tool 14, e.g. a driver, such as a fastener driver or socket driver, can have a first bearing 56 toward a rear end RE thereof (i.e. towards the drive tool end of the driven tool) and a second bearing 58 toward a front end FE thereof i.e. the end distal from the drive tool, such as toward an open socket end of the driven tool. With the first (rear) and second (front) bearings separated as much as practically possible; the driven tool has good stability but may be of a larger diameter than necessary due to the first bearing being around the inner socket 44. The first bearing 56 and the second bearing 58 enable the outer drive socket 60 of the driven tool to rotate relative to the inner drive socket 62 of that driven tool e.g. for engaging a fastener arrangement or socket arrangement.

Other arrangements of bearings allowing relative rotation of the inner drive socket of the driven tool to rotate relative to the outer drive socket of that driven tool fall within the scope of the present invention.

[00139] It will be appreciated that embodiments may include the respective first bearing and/or the second bearing being inboard of the respective end first and second end - the bearings may be termed a rear bearing and front bearing respectively; neither bearing needing to be at the respective extremity of the rear or front of the driven tool.

[00140] The first bearing can be around the central socket 44 of the driven tool. See, by way of non-limiting example, Figures 3A and 3B. However, embodiments encompass the first bearing 56 (rear bearing) being forward of the central socket 44. This can reduce the diameter of the central socket wall 44.1 by having a bearing away from where the square or other drive shape creates a bursting force through the socket wall during application of torque by the drive tool through the driven tool.

[00141] Embodiments can include a tapered lead in or entrance 64 to the central socket of the driven tool to receive the drive tool central driver 42 to avoid or at least reduce contact/force transfer in the region of the first bearing 56 when positioned toward the rear end RE. [00142] Embodiments can include a longitudinal axial dimensional relationship between the driven tool spline engagement and square drive engagement. For example, the drive tool central driver 42 can engage beyond the end/base of the taper 64 into the central socket 44 of the driven tool before the rear 68 of the external spline 70 of the driven tool engages with the start of the internal spline 72 of the adaptor device.

[00143] The driven tool 14 can have first/rear external splines 70.1 (first/rear external spline portion) and second/forward external splines 70.2 (second/forward external spline portion). A retaining/locking groove 94 can be provided on the driven tool, such as between the first/rear splines 70.1 and second/forward splines 70.2.

[00144] The crown, barrel or involute profile of splines (spline teeth) teeth can extend between the first/rear external splines 70.1 and second/forward external splines 70.2, such as to effectively form a continuous crown, barrel or involute profile along the two (first/rear and second/forward) portions of spline.

[00145] One or more embodiments may include the driven tool 14 including at least a spline configured for driving engagement with a said drive tool or for driving engagement with a said adaptor device for intermediate use between the drive tool and the driven tool.

[00146] The driven tool 14 can include the first driver/outer driven member 14.1 connected to the spline 70 e.g. external spline portion 70.1 and/or 70.2. The spline may be an outer spline configured to engage with an inner/internal spline 72 of the adaptor device 10. The driven tool can include an inner driven member, such as an inner socket. The respective outer spline and/or the inner spline of the driven tool may be crowned, barrelled or involute in profile.

[00147] Embodiments of the present invention, e.g. shown by way of nonlimiting example in Figures 7A and 7B, show the forward/lead end 42.1 of central driver 42 initially received into the central socket 44 beyond the end of the tapered region 46 at the entrance to the central socket 44 (see especially Figure 7A) and the central driver 42 fully received into the central socket 44 (see especially Figure 7B). Such a lead-in arrangement for the central driver first engaging into the central socket initialises engagement between the driven tool and the drive tool, and subsequently the external spline of the driven tool can more readily engage with the internal spline of the adaptor device.

[00148] Embodiments of the present invention can include a driven tool retention means 74. For example, detent retainers 76 may be provided to retain detents 78 (the detents can be balls) positioned towards a forward end 82 of an inner sleeve 80 of the adaptor device. The inner sleeve 80 is configured to transfer applied torque to the outer socket of the driven tool (driver). This arrangement can help to reduce or minimize loss of strength for torque transfer from gearbox spline, through the inner sleeve of the adaptor device to the outer socket of the driven tool (driver). See, by way of non-limiting example, Figure 7D.

[00149] Embodiments can include the internal spline teeth 34 of the adaptor device having a crown, barrel or involute profile 34.1 enabling a limited amount of radial/angular movement or ‘wobble’ (relative to the axial extent) of the adaptor device on the drive tool. The crown, barrel or involute tooth profile permits a level of misalignment, enabling the engaged spline arrangement to roll within physical/structural engagement angular limits.

[00150] Alternatively, or in addition, the outer/external splines 70 of the driven tool 14 (e.g. first/rear splines 70.1 and/or second/forward splines 70.2) can have a crown, barrel or involute profile 34.1 , enabling a limited amount of radial/angular movement or ‘wobble’ of the driven tool first driver or outer driven member 14.1 (and therefore optionally also the second driver or inner driven member 14.2) relative to the sleeve 36 and the drive tool 12.

[00151] Embodiments may include compliant means 120 between the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member 14.1 and the driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2 enabling an amount of eccentric movement between that driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2 relative to the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member 14.1. See, for non-limiting examples, embodiments in Figures 8A to 8D. The compliant means 120 may include or be a resilient material, such as a natural or synthetic polymer e.g. a rubber material.

[00152] The compliant means 120 may be provided between a bearing, such as the first bearing 56 and/or the second bearing 58, and the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member 14.1 and/or the driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2. Alternatively, at least one said bearing itself can be the compliant means 120, such as a plain bearing which is of a material allowing some compliance in the radial direction.

[00153] By way of non-limiting example, Figure 8A shows an embodiment of the present invention incorporating compliant means 120 between the rear/first bearing 56 and front/second bearing 58 and the driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2, enabling radial movement of the driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2 relative to the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member 14.1. That is, the compliant means 120 acts as a resilient compressible bush/bushing

[00154] Figure 8B shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the compliant means 120 is provided between the outer driven tool first driver or outer driven member 14.1 and the second driver or inner driven member 14.2, enabling radial movement of the driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2, without first and second bearings 56, 58. That is, the compliant means 120 provides bearing support without another bearing, as well as acting as the resilient compressible bush/bushing.

[00155] Figure 8C shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the compliant means 120 is between the front/second bearing 58 and the driven tool second driver or inner driven member 14.2. The rear/first bearing 56 provides bearing support whilst the combination of the front/second bearing 58 and the compliant means 120 provides bearing support and compressible bush/bushing functionality. [00156] Figure 8D shows an embodiment of the present invention wherein the compliant means 120 is provided without the front/second bearing 58. It will be appreciated that compliant means may alternatively, or also, take the place of the rear/first bearing 56 i.e. alternatively having a front compliant means, a rear compliant means or a combination of both front and rear compliant means.

[00157] Embodiments can include the adaptor device 10 configured to be retained on a gearbox spline 18 by a grub screw type attachment. For example, Figure 9 shows an example of an inner sleeve 80 with a grub screw 90 retainer means that passes into the inner sleeve and bites into the gearbox spline 18 or into an aperture 92 in the gearbox spline. The outer sleeve 36 of the assembled adaptor device covers this retainer. See, by way of non-limiting example, Figure

9.

[00158] Alternatively, or in addition, a retainer pin 88 (locking pin) can pass into at least one lateral passage 86 in the inner sleeve 80 to engage into one or more slots/grooves 84 in the gearbox spline 18, and thereby retain the inner sleeve and thus the adaptor device to the drive tool. The outer sleeve 36 of the assembled adaptor device covers this retainer. See, by way of non-limiting example, Figure

10.

[00159] Embodiments can include a secondary retainer 96. The secondary retainer can prevent rearward sliding of the outer sleeve of the adaptor device until released. For example, release can be by way of a push lock 98 that is biased to prevent sliding of the outer sleeve until depressed to clear the sleeve and allow such rearward sliding to release the driven tool retainer (i.e. to allow release of the internal detent arrangement).

[00160] The push lock may project into the recess/channel between the drive spline and the gearbox of the drive tool to clear obstruction of the outer sleeve to slide.

[00161] A resilient biasing means can bias the push lock to the locked position preventing the outer sleeve from sliding until the push lock is depressed. Thus, removal of a driven tool requires positive action from the user to intentionally release the outer sleeve to enable removal of the driven tool or to change driven tools.

[00162] Embodiments can include the adaptor device 10 incorporating an extension means 100, such as an extension tool. The extension means 100 has an outer housing 104, such is in the general form of a tube, housing therein an extension drive member 104 connecting a central extension drive socket 106 to a central extension driver 108.

[00163] The extension means 100 can include a first portion 10.1 of the adaptor device 10 at a first end 100.1 thereof arranged and configured for releasable connection to a drive tool 12. A second end 100.2 of the extension means opposite the first end 100.1 is arranged and configured for releasable attachment of a driven tool thereto, such as via the locking groove 94 in the driven tool 14 engaging with the detent retainer arrangement within the adaptor device. The outer sleeve at the drive tool connection (first) end can extend along/over the gearbox housing 22 of the drive tool and can rotate.

[00164] The driven tool 14 can include an assembly including a reaction arm 110. The reaction arm 110 can be attached to or integral to the driven tool 14. A boss portion 112 of the reaction arm 110 can have a passage 114 therethrough for a driver 116 to connect to the central driver 42 of the drive tool.

[00165] Alternatively, the reaction arm 110 can be part of the adaptor device. Embodiments of the adaptor device can include the reaction arm attached to or integral with the inner sleeve of the adaptor device. A driver 116 can pass through the boss portion of the reaction arm on the inner sleeve to connect to the central driver 42 of the drive tool.

[00166] Figure 15A shows the driven tool offered up to the receiving end of the adaptor device. Figure 15B shows the external collar of the adaptor device retracted towards the drive tool to enable the driven tool to engage fully within the adaptor device. Figure 15C shows the external collar forward so that the driven tool is retained by the adaptor device. Subsequent retraction of the external collar releases the internal locking arrangement allowing the retained driven tool to be released e.g. for changing to a different tool. The reaction arm as part of the adaptor device assembly can be retained to the drive spline of the gearbox of the drive tool by one or more of the retainer means described herein, such as the locking ring with ‘clash’ spline teeth locking.

[00167] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[00168] Reference numerals for non-limiting example embodiments shown in drawings:

10 adaptor device

10.1 adaptor device embodied as an adaptor ring device

11 adaptor device body

12 drive tool (power tool)

14 driven tool, fastener engagement tool

14.1 driven tool first driver or outer driven member

14.2 driven tool second driver or inner driven member

16 retainer means for adaptor device and/or outer driven portion on outer drive portion of drive tool

18 drive tool outer spline

20 retainer arrangement

22 gearbox/gearbox housing

24 channel between spline and gearbox

26 groove in spline

28 locking plate/ring of retainer means (can be annular)

30 locking plate/ring teeth

32 internal spline of adaptor device

32.1 internal spline of adaptor ring device 10.1 34 internal spline teeth

34.1 crowned/barrelled internal spline teeth enabling radial ‘wobble’. 36 collar/sleeve (rear 36.1 , forward 36.2, of extension tool 100)

38 rotation member

40 guide (such as a slot or channel)

42 drive tool central driver

44 central socket of driven tool 14 to receive drive tool central driver 42

46 tapered/chamfered region at entrance to central socket

48 through hole in ring type adaptor device 10.1

50 (blind) hole in gearbox spline 18

52 external spline of adaptor ring device 10.1 to receive driven tool 14

54 undercut/recess in rear of adaptor ring to retain driven tool

56 first or rear bearing - driven tool (driver)

58 second or front bearing - driven tool (driver)

60 external drive socket at front end FE of driven tool (driver)

62 internal/inner drive socket at front end FE of driven tool (driver)

64 taper to inner central socket 44

66 axial engagement of central driver in central socket before spline engagement

68 rear end of splines

70 driven tool external spline (e.g. first/rear external spline 70.1 ; second/forward external spline 70.2

72 adaptor device internal spline

73 biasing means e.g. a spring and/or resilient material

74 driven tool retention means

76 detent (ball) retainers

78 detents (balls)

80 inner sleeve of adaptor device

82 front end of inner sleeve

84 slots/grooves in gearbox spline

86 lateral passage(s)

88 retainer pin

90 retainer pin, grub screw

92 aperture in gearbox spline

94 retaining/locking groove in driven tool (e.g. between first/rear 70.1 and second/forward 70.2 splines 96 secondary retainer

98 secondary retainer lock

100 extension tool

100.1 first end of extension tool

100.2 second ed of extension tool

102 extension housing

104 extension drive member

106 central extension socket

108 central extension driver

110 reaction arm

112 reaction arm boss portion

114 reaction arm boss passage

116 driver

116.1 driver end portion (square drive)

118 socket

120 compliant means (alternative arrangements front, rear, both front and rear, continuous, with or without other bearings, such as ball/roller bearings with races)

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An adaptor device configured to connect between a drive tool and a driven tool, wherein the drive tool has a central drive portion and an outer drive portion, and the driven tool has at least an outer driven member, wherein the adaptor device transmits drive from the outer drive portion of the drive tool to the outer driven member of the driven tool.

2. The adaptor device of claim 1 , wherein the driven tool and/or the outer driven member is manually enagageable with, and manually disengageable from, the adaptor device.

3. The adaptor device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the adaptor device is arranged and configured for releasable engagement with and disengagement/removal from the drive tool without requiring another tool for effecting the engagement or disengagement/removal.

4. The adaptor device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the adaptor device is configured for relative sliding engagement with the drive tool and the driven tool is configured for relative sliding engagement with the adaptor device.

5. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, wherein the driven tool has an inner driven member mounted for rotation relative to the outer driven member by at least one bearing and/or at least one bush.

6. The adaptor device of claim 5, wherein the at least one bearing includes at least one rolling element bearing.

7. The adaptor device of claim 6, wherein the at least one rolling element bearing includes ball bearings or rollers, or a combination of ball bearings and rollers.

8. The adaptor device of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the inner and outer driven members are coaxial and supported for relative rotation by the respective at least one bearing and/or bush therebetween.

9. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, configured to engage with a drive connector of a torque and/or rotational speed conversion mechanism of a drive tool, such as a gearbox incorporated into the drive tool.

10. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, wherein the drive tool is a powered hand tool, such as an electric, battery, hydraulic or pneumatic drive tool.

11 . The adaptor device of any preceding claim, including at least one spline for releasable engagement of the adaptor device with a corresponding spline of the drive tool and/or for releasable engagement of the at least an outer driven member of the adaptor device from a respective spline of a drive tool engaging portion of the adaptor device.

12. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one said spline of the adaptor device has a crown, barrel or involute profile, enabling an amount of radial/angular movement or ‘wobble’ of at least a portion of the driven tool.

13. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, wherein the driven tool is arranged and configured to include the outer driven member to engage, in use, with a nut type fastener or with a reaction washer positioned between the nut type fastener and surface.

14. The adaptor device of claim 13, wherein an inner driven member of the driven tool is arranged and configured to engage with the nut type fastener when the outer driven member is configured to engage the reaction washer.

15. The adaptor device of claim 13, wherein the inner driven member is arranged and configured to engage a spline of a shaft when the outer driven member is configured to engage the nut type fastener for threading movement on the shaft.

16. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, wherein the driven tool includes at least a spline configured for driving engagement with said drive tool or for driving engagement with said adaptor device for intermediate engagement between the drive tool and the driven tool.

17. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, configured for releasable connection/engagement with the drive tool by retainer means.

18. The adaptor device of claim 17, the retainer means including an adaptor device spline configured to engage with a corresponding drive tool spline, such as on a gearbox output of a torque multiplier.

19. The adaptor device of any one of claims 17 to 18, wherein the retainer means is configured to engage within at least one recess of the drive tool, such as a groove or channel of a gearbox of the drive tool.

20. The adaptor device of claim 19, including a toothed arrangement configured to engage within the at least one recess such that a portion of the drive tool prevents removal of the adaptor device from the drive tool.

21 . The adaptor device of any one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the adaptor device retainer has a drive spline portion and a retainer spline portion such that the drive spline portion of the adaptor device, in use, inter-engages with a corresponding drive tool drive spline and the retainer spline portion passes via the drive tool spline to engage within a drive tool recess.

22. The adaptor device of claim 21 , wherein the drive spline portion of the adaptor device retainer has a crown, barrel or involute profile.

23. The adaptor device of claim 21 or 22, wherein the retainer spline portion is configured to rotate relative to the drive tool spline and the adaptor device spline to retain the adaptor device to the drive tool.

24. The adaptor device of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the retainer spline portion is configured to be offset relative to the adaptor device spline, and/or have rotational play relative to the adaptor device spline and/or to a drive spline of the drive tool.

25. The adaptor device of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the retainer spline portion is biased to a locking position, such as by a resilient means, thereby requiring positive rotation relative to the drive spline to align teeth of the retainer spline with teeth of the drive spline.

26. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, including an alignment arrangement/device configured to pre-align the central drive of the drive tool to be received by the adaptor device and allow the splines of the drive tool and the adaptor device to inter-engage.

27. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, including a secondary retainer means configured to retain the adaptor device to the drive tool until released.

28. The adaptor device of claim 27, wherein the secondary retainer requires release to enable an outer sleeve of the adaptor device to release an internal retainer of the adaptor device for releasing-retaining the driven tool.

29. The adaptor device of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the secondary retainer includes a push lock to engage into a channel behind a gearbox spline of the drive tool.

30. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, configured to releasably engage with a fastener drive means via a retainer arrangement.

31 . The adaptor device of claim 30, wherein the fastener drive means includes a first reaction means to engage a female/nut type fastener of a fastening arrangement and the second reaction means is configured to engage a male/threaded member of the fastener arrangement.

32. The adaptor device of claim 30 or 31 , the retainer arrangement having a release configuration and a retained configuration, wherein, in the release configuration, the fastener drive means is permitted to engage into or be released from the adaptor device, and in the retained configuration, the fastener drive means is retained engaged with the adaptor device until the retainer arrangement transitions to the release configuration.

33. The adaptor device of claim 30, 31 or 32, wherein the retainer arrangement includes at least one detent arrangement configured to retain the fastener drive means to the adaptor, or when released/retracted, to allow the fastener drive means to engage into or release from engagement, with the adaptor device.

34. The adaptor device of any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein the retainer arrangement includes a sliding member, such as a sleeve or collar, of the adaptor device.

35. The adaptor device of claim 34, wherein the sleeve or collar is configured to slide coaxially with respect to the adaptor device, such as to enable retraction of at least one said detent to permit engagement or release of the fastener drive means with the adaptor device.

36. The adaptor device of any preceding claim including a reaction arm engagement portion enabling releasable connection of a reaction arm to the adaptor tool.

37. The adaptor device of any preceding claim, including or incorporating an extension means, such as an extension portion or tool.

38. The adaptor device of claim 37, wherein the extension means has an outer housing, such is in the general form of a tube, housing therein an extension drive member connecting a central extension drive socket to a central extension driver.

39. The adaptor device of claim 37 or 38, wherein the extension means includes a first portion of the adaptor device at a first end thereof arranged and configured for releasable connection to a drive tool, and a second end of the extension means opposite the first end arranged and configured for releasable attachment of a driven tool thereto.

40. The adaptor device of claim 39, including engageable with the driven tool wherein engagement is by releasable attachment via a locking groove in the driven tool engaging with a detent retainer arrangement within the adaptor device.

41 . The adaptor device of claim 1 , wherein the driven tool includes an assembly including an inner driven member and the outer driven member.

42. The adaptor device of claim 41 , wherein the driven tool inner and outer members are configured to counter-rotate relative to one another.

43. The adaptor device of claim 41 or 42, including compliant means between the inner driven member and the outer driven member, enabling an amount of eccentric movement between that inner driven member relative to the outer driven member.

44. The adaptor device of claim 43, wherein the complaint means is or includes a resilient compressible material.

45. The adaptor device of claim 44, wherein the resilient material is or includes a natural or synthetic polymer or a rubber material.

46. The adaptor device of claim 43, 44 or 45, wherein the compliant means is provided in at least one of the following arrangements: a) between a bearing and the outer driven member and/or the inner driven member; b) the compliant means acts as a said bearing or bush/bushing; c) the compliant means is between the outer driven member and the inner driven member, enabling radial movement of the driven tool second driver or inner driven member, without another bearing; and/or d) the compliant means is between a front or second bearing and the inner driven member.

47. The adaptor device of any pone of claims 41 or claim 46, wherein the driven tool includes the inner driven member and the outer driven member supported therebetween by at least one bearing and/or at least one bush/bushing.

48. The adaptor device of claim 47, wherein the at least one bearing includes at least two bearings, wherein the bearings are proximate to either end respectively of the inner driven member.

49. The adaptor device of claim 48, wherein the bearings are disposed forward toward a front end of the inner driven member.

50. The adaptor device of claim 49, wherein the bearings are disposed forward of a central drive socket of the inner member.

51 . The adaptor device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptor device is part of tool system including the driven tool and a reaction arm.

52. The adaptor device of claim 51 , wherein the reaction arm is attachable to or integral to the driven tool.

53. The adaptor device of any one of claims 51 to 52, the reaction arm includes a boss portion having a passage therethrough for a driver to connect to the central driver of the drive tool or the reaction arm is part of the adaptor device.

54. The adaptor device of claim 53, wherein a driver can pass through the boss portion of the reaction arm on the inner sleeve to connect to the central driver of the drive tool.

55. The adaptor device of any one of claims 51 to 54, including the reaction arm attached to or integral with the inner sleeve of the adaptor device.

56. An adaptor arrangement enabling a torque multiplier drive tool to operatively engage with a releasable driven tool, including an adaptor device according to any one of the preceding claims.

57. A kit of parts or a tool system including an adaptor device according to any one of claims 1 to 55, and at least one of: a drive tool and a driven tool.

58. A unitary or combination driven tool and adaptor device, the adaptor device according to any one of claims 1 to 55.

59. An adaptor device, or outer driven member of a driven tool, operatively connectable to an outer drive portion of a drive tool, including at least one retainer means to retain the respective adaptor device or the outer driven member to the outer drive portion.

60. The adaptor device or the outer driven member of claim 59, including the retainer means being disposed towards or adjacent a rear of the outer drive portion.

61 . The adaptor device or the outer driven member of claim 60, including the retainer means biased towards a locked position.

62. The adaptor device or the outer driven member of claim 61 , the retainer means requiring manual operation against the bias to achieve a release position.

63. The adaptor device or the outer driven member of any one of claims 59 to

62, being manually engageable to and manually releasable from the drive tool.

64. The adaptor device or the outer driven member of any one of claims 59 to

63, being manually engageable to and manually releasable from the drive tool.

65. A retainer means configured to retain an adaptor device or an outer driven member of a driven tool to an outer drive portion of a drive tool.

66. The retainer means of claim 65, wherein the retainer means, in use, is disposed towards or adjacent a rear of the outer drive portion.

67. The retainer means of claim 65 or 66, including biasing means biased towards a locked configuration of the retainer means.

68. The retainer means of claim 67, the retainer means requiring manual operation against the bias to achieve a release configuration.

69. A driven tool arranged and configured to be driven by engagement directly with a drive tool or indirectly through an intermediate adaptor device, the driven tool including an outer driven member having at least one spline arrangement configured for driving engagement with a said drive tool or for driving engagement with a said adaptor device.

70. The driven tool of claim 69, wherein the at least one spline arrangement includes at least one outer spline configured to engage with at least one inner spline respectively of a said adaptor device.

71 . The driven tool of claim 69 or 70, wherein the at least one spline arrangement of the driven tool has crowned, barrelled or involute spline teeth.

72. The driven tool of claim 69, 70 or 71 , wherein the driven tool includes an inner driven member providing an inner drive socket and the outer driven member includes an outer drive socket.

73. The driven tool of claim 72, wherein the outer driven member is configured to engage, in use, with a nut type fastener or with a reaction washer positioned between a nut type fastener and surface, such as of a workpiece.

74. The driven tool of claim 73, wherein the inner driven member is configured to engage, in use, with a nut type fastener when the outer driven member is configured to engage, in use, with the reaction washer.

75. The driven tool of claim 73, wherein the inner driven member is configured to engage, in use, with a spline of a shaft when the outer driven member is configured to engage, in use, with the nut type fastener for threading or tightening movement thereof on the shaft.