Snap-On Technologies, Inc.

George Ulics

Dean J Iwinski

Gregory A Zurbuchen

Marco E DeVecchis

A socket tool is formed primarily from non-metallic composite material. The socket tool body is compression molded of high-strength, glass-reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound. Metal inserts are respectively received in the driven and driving ends of the tool body, the inserts respectively defining openings for respectively mateably receiving associated driving and driven members, the inserts being disposed in the body so that no portion of the inserts projects outwardly beyond the exterior surface of the body. The inserts are preferably insert molded in the body, but may also be fixedly secured in pre-existing recesses in the ends of the body, as by press-fitting or bonding. In the latter case, the inserts are provided with anti-rotation outer surfaces which are non-circular in transverse cross-sectional shape.

Method of molding a socket tool

Composite socket with double inserts

A double-ended ratcheting box end wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with box-type ratcheting inserts molded at opposite ends of the body. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material. The body is subjected to a compression molding process embedded within which are the ratcheting inserts to form a composite wrench structure. Each insert includes a two-part housing in which are disposed a ratchet gear, a pawl and a bias spring.

Growing community of inventors

Gladwin, MI, United States of America

George Ulics