Wrench Or Screwdriver Constructed From Specific Material Patents (Class 81/900)
  • Patent number: 8505420
    Abstract: The magnetized hand tools each include a sleeve of resilient material disposed over each handle or the base of the tool. One or more magnets are installed between the tool handle(s) and the resilient grip(s) covering the handle(s). Alternatively, the tool may have one or more magnets installed in the base, i.e., the drive attachment end, of a socket, with a sleeve being applied over the base of the socket to retain the magnet(s). The socket sleeve has a passage therethrough for the conventional square drive of the ratchet or other tool used to drive the socket. The magnets are recessed into the base of the socket to allow the overlying sleeve portion to lie immediately adjacent to the surface of the socket base, and may be inset into recesses in the tool handles and/or positively attached thereto for more positive retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Nelson B. Alfaro
  • Patent number: 8347759
    Abstract: A well coated wrench includes a metal element, a one-way mechanism and an isolative coating. The metal element includes a tunnel defined therein. The one-way mechanism is substantially located in the tunnel. The one-way mechanism includes a tongue located outside the tunnel and a button located outside the tunnel. The isolative coating is provided on the metal element. The isolative coating includes an external annular ridge located around the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Cheng-Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 8261639
    Abstract: A screwdriver comprises a shaft, and a handle core, a handle body and an outer layer formed on the shaft by injection molding. The multilayer structure of the screwdriver prevents the impact force from being transmitted to the user's hand and causing discomfort, and can relieve the discomfort caused by the impact force applied to the screwdriver while reducing the impact force loss during impact operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Crossman Corporartion
    Inventor: Jung-Chen Liao
  • Patent number: 8136428
    Abstract: Non-reversing fasteners include a bolt having a groove defined along the thread, and a nut having a biased tooth disposed in an internal pocket. When the nut is threaded onto the bolt, the biased tooth does not engage the groove. When the nut is reversed off the bolt, the biased tooth stays in an extended position and engages the groove, preventing it from reversing. A tool positions on the nut and moves the biased tooth from the extended position to a retracted position, allowing the nut to reverse off the bolt. The tool can be another nut having a magnet for moving the tooth from the extended to the retracted position. A reverse arrangement can have a bolt with a biased tooth and a nut having a groove. A tool in the form of a magnetized rod can fit into an axial bore in the bolt to move the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Bryan Engelbrecht
  • Patent number: 8122790
    Abstract: A tool for linesmen who work on high powered electrical installations. The tool is constructed of a single handle at one end and a integral forked end at the other end. The forked end receives a ratchet mechanism with two outwardly placed sockets. The handle and the integral forked end is manufactured of an electrical insulating and hardened material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Archie T Johnson, Sr., Trampus Fillingim, Archie T. Johnson, III
  • Patent number: 7757590
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fastener retaining system (FRS) and kit for securing a fastener (such as a screw) to a driver (such as a screwdriver) to facilitate one-handed use of the driver in both fastening and un-fastening operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Darian Swartz
  • Patent number: 7650820
    Abstract: A handled tool with a firm structure comprises a driving portion having a driving end and a connecting end; the driving end being an operation end of the handled tool; an enlarged annular portion being below the driving end; a coarse section being between the annular portion and the connecting end; an extending unit being a rod; the extending unit having a first extending end and a second extending end; the first extending end being combined to the embedding groove of the driving portion; and a handle portion having a enclosing cover and a handle, in assembly, the first extending end of the extending unit being combined to the connecting end; the second extending end of the extending unit being received in the handle portion; the enclosing cover enclosing a portion of the extending unit protruded from the handle portion and a portion of the driving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7530771
    Abstract: A device that allows the use of tool- and drill-bits in conjunction with a magnetic chuck comprises ferromagnetic material or a permanent magnet that is attached to the bit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Burton Kozak
  • Patent number: 7322261
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wrench handle includes preheating a work piece made of metal, with a layer of carbon scale being generated on the work piece during preheating. The preheated work piece is forged/pressed to form a wrench handle, with the carbon scale on the work piece being forged into upper and lower faces of the wrench handle. An indentation is formed on each of the upper and lower faces of the wrench handle. The carbon scale is then removed, leaving pits in the upper and lower faces of the wrench handle, with the pits concealed by the indentation sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7237462
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle made of a first material and at least one driving head connected to an end of the handle and the at least one driving head is made by a second material. A protection layer is coated onto the driving head and the handle. The first material can be Chrome-Vanadium alloy and the second material can be medium carbon steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Jia-Guann Liau
  • Patent number: 7185568
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided that allows the use of a standard ratchet wrench with a square male drive on one end that attaches to a normal socket and a square female drive on the other end which attaches to a normal socket wrench. The apparatus then provides a wrench slider component to provide increased length to reach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Vance
  • Patent number: 7146888
    Abstract: An adjustable pliers having first and second elongated members, each elongated member comprising a handle, a jaw, and a intermediate portion between the jaw and the handle. The intermediate portion of one of the elongated members includes an elongated slot, while the intermediate portion of the other elongated member includes a pivot pin that is slidingly captured in the elongated slot. A spring is captured in the elongated slot and engages the pivot pin so as to bias the jaw of one of the elongated members toward the jaw of the other elongated member. One of the handle members also includes a stop pin in its intermediate portion that abuts the intermediate portion of the other elongated member to limit the degree to which the elongated members can pivot with respect to each other about the pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Adjustable Clamp Company
    Inventor: Charles Martinka
  • Patent number: 7100481
    Abstract: A wire stripper has a pair of elongated frames pivotably joined together by a pivot pin and defining handles and jaws. The handles are covered by sleeves which include thumb wells which cover the ends of the pivot pin. A mechanical interlock is provided between the handles and the sleeves. The sleeves have slots for receiving the handles. The slots are offset so the front and rear surfaces of opposite sleeves are coplanar. The sleeves have a core and cushion grip overmolded on the core. A molding projection on the core allows precise placement of the core in a mold during formation of the cushion grip. A spring biases the frames to an open position. A locking member can be set by a sliding motion toward the handle end to hold the handles in a closed position. A curved shoulder on the edge of a handle wipes across a screw hole opening in the opposite jaw to provide a screw cutting function with a slicing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: IDEAL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Hartranft, Bruce P. Konen, Scott Huff
  • Patent number: 7051630
    Abstract: Disclosed is an insulated magnetic screwdriver, including a shank having a tip at an end or each end thereof and a peripheral groove formed around a central portion thereof so that the central portion of the shank has a diameter smaller than that of each end thereof, a handle having a locking recess into which the shank is fitted and fixedly or detachably locked thereto, an insulator mounted rotatably around the peripheral groove of the shank while having the same circumference to the shank; and a cylindrical magnet mounted around the peripheral groove of the shank to have the same circumference to the shank while being positioned at an end or each end of the insulator to magnetize the tip. Practically, a current-charged screw in a deep narrow hole can be easily loosened or firmly tightened by means of the inventive screwdriver, without the risk to electric shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Young Man Lee
  • Patent number: 7000506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wrench for manipulating lock nuts on cable clamps and conduit for securing electrical cable or conduit to electrical boxes. The wrench is useful for accessing difficult positions in a box such as securing a cable to a corner opening or in a back row of a box having multiple rows of cables. The wrench comprises a central handle shaft, two transition sections, one extending on either side of the handle shaft, and two arc shaped heads, one arc shaped head extending from each transition section, such that each arc shaped head is displaced at an angle to the handle shaft and at a distance normal to the handle shaft. Each head comprises at least two tabs for engaging a lock nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Mark W. Steen
  • Patent number: 6962098
    Abstract: A molded tool structure has a non-metallic body and a continuous band of flexible and resilient non-metallic material encompassing the body and bonded to its exterior surface. The body may be a tool or a tool part. Also, the body may have one or more metal inserts insert molded therein, in which case there is a band encompassing each such insert. In one embodiment the body is a socket with inserts at both ends and in another embodiment the body is a driver shank with a double-ended screwdriver bit having a Phillips tip insert molded in the body and a flat-blade tip projecting from the body. The tool structure is molded by placing the flexible and resilient band or bands in a mold cavity, the body material being injected into the cavity so that it flows inside the band or bands and forces each band against the mold at the peripheral of the cavity. Any inserts are positioned in the cavity on suitable fixtures inside the bands so that the material flows between the bands and the inserts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis
  • Patent number: 6955105
    Abstract: A wrench includes a handle, a head formed at an end of the handle for engagement with a nut and a magnet embedded in the head. In an aspect, the head includes an intermediate portion and two jaws extending from the intermediate portion. The magnet is embedded in the intermediate portion or one of the jaws. Alternatively, a magnet is embedded in each of the jaws. In another aspect, the head is a ring for engagement with the nut. The magnet is embedded in the ring or includes a first tip embedded in the ring and an exposed second tip. Thus, the second tip of the magnet performs as a stop for the nut. In another aspect, the wrench is a quick-release wrench. The intermediate portion includes two surfaces for contact with two adjacent facets of the nut. The magnet is embedded in one of the surfaces of the intermediate portion. Another magnet may be embedded in the remaining one of the surfaces of the intermediate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Chuan-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 6877405
    Abstract: A non-conductive substantially buoyant-in-water hand tool comprising an elongated handle portion formed of non-corrosive, non-conductive material having a density greater than water and an elongated working tool connected to and extending axially from a proximal end of said handle portion. The handle portion has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portion. An elongated tubular sheath formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses and forms one or more airtight cavities whereby the effective density of the hand tool is less than that of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Role Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Brady, Joel R. Chartier
  • Patent number: 6810774
    Abstract: A wrench includes two jaws extending from an end of a handle and a hole is defined in one of the jaws. The hole communicates with a clamping surface of the jaw having the hole and a magnet is received in the hole. The magnet attracts the object that is clamped by the wrench while in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsien
  • Patent number: 6776073
    Abstract: A pair of non-conductive substantially buoyant-in-water hand pliers comprising a pair of non-conductive lever members each having a handle portion and a jaw portion and formed of material having a density greater than water. The lever members are pivotally connected together at common central portions between the jaw and handle portions. Each handle portion has one or more outwardly opening cavities formed into a side surface of the handle portions. An elongated tubular sheath formed of material buoyant in water covers and sealingly encloses the cavity whereby the effective density of the pliers to less than that of water. A restraining detent providing felt indicia and limiting opening pivotal movement between the jaw portions to reduce the likelihood of damage is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Role Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Brady, Joel R. Chartier
  • Publication number: 20040144214
    Abstract: A socket has a dark colored outer surface and a specification is rolled in the outer surface of the socket and coated with a brighter colored electroplating. The method for the surface treatment of the socket includes step of rolling an specification in an outer surface of the socket; step of electroplating the socket with a light colored layer of electroplating; step of removing the light colored layer of electroplating from the outer surface of the socket, and step of coating a dark colored layer on the outer surface of the large section and the specification is not included. By the surface treatment, the specification is obvious from the dart colored outer surface of the socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Peng Ying-Hao
  • Patent number: 6748617
    Abstract: A pliers-type of crimper for blasting caps adapted for forming a double crimp in a single operation. For safety, the crimper is constructed of a lightweight non-sparking and non-magnetic material, specifically, aluminum, which is provided with a heavy dense anodic coating to provide the desired wear properties. The use of aluminum facilitates the forming of the intricate crimping elements in an integral structure for low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignees: EOD Performance Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Toycen, Darryl L. Aspey, Darin J. Goodwiler
  • Patent number: 6739217
    Abstract: A wire stripper has a pair of elongated frames pivotably joined together by a pivot pin and defining handles and jaws. The handles are covered by sleeves which include thumb wells which cover the ends of the pivot pin. A mechanical interlock is provided between the handles and the sleeves. The sleeves have slots for receiving the handles. The slots are offset so the front and rear surfaces of opposite sleeves are coplanar. The sleeves have a core and cushion grip overmolded on the core. A molding projection on the core allows precise placement of the core in a mold during formation of the cushion grip. A spring biases the frames to an open position. A locking member can be set by a sliding motion toward the handle end to hold the handles in a closed position. A curved shoulder on the edge of a handle wipes across a screw hole opening in the opposite jaw to provide a screw cutting function with a slicing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Ideal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce W. Hartranft, Bruce P. Konen, Scott Huff
  • Patent number: 6701809
    Abstract: A elastic magnetic socket wrench connector device which contains: first tube with first magnet fixed at first end and an inward stop around second end; and second tube sliding through the second end with one end inside said first tube, the inside end has a flange and with second magnet fixed at outside end; said inward stop preventing said flange from sliding off said first tube and the first magnet and said second magnet are of the same magnetic poles. The first magnet has stronger magnetic force than that of said second magnet. The device can attract a bolt preventing from it fall to the ground and the length of the device can be adjusted to fit different kinds of socket wrenches and sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chun Po Huang
  • Patent number: 6655240
    Abstract: An insulating hand tool has an elongated shank injection molded of a high-strength, electrically insulating material, such as glass-reinforced nylon, and a handle formed of an electrically insulating material. The handle and the shank may be molded together in a unitary, one-piece construction, or the handle end of the shank may be press-fitted in an axial bore in one end of the handle or the shank may be insert molded into the handle. The working end of the shank is adapted to carry a working tip or a socket, either of which may be insert molded in the working end of the shank or may be press-fitted in an axial bore therein. The socket may form a nut driver or define a receptacle to removably receive a working tip. The working tip may be a commercially-available, double-ended bit, with a Phillips tip at one end embedded in the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Company
    Inventors: Marco E. DeVecchis, Daniel M. Eggert
  • Patent number: 6571669
    Abstract: A socket wrench organizer includes top and bottom socket holders with receptacles for holding sockets for a socket wrench. The receptacles may be individually sized to each socket. A magnet is provided near the bottom of each receptacle for securely holding the sockets. Magnetic or mechanical fasteners hold the socket wrench organizer together in a closed position with the sockets inside for even more securely holding the sockets. The sockets are nested within each other when the socket wrench organizer is in the closed position for compactness and space efficiency. A wrench handle is provided with a flat portion and a hole to facilitate attachment in a convenient package of the socket wrench and socket wrench organizer in the closed position. A non-scratching, non-marring coating is provided on the surface of the socket wrench organizer to facilitate magnetically attaching or merely placing the socket wrench organizer on a scratchable surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventors: Robert C. Benatz, Willard K. Brakman, Thomas R. Pettibone
  • Patent number: 6467376
    Abstract: A hammer includes a composite material handle having a connecting portion formed on one end of the composite material handle. A head is encircled in the connecting portion of the handle and has a flat working face formed on one end. An annular groove is defined in a middle portion of the head to receive the connection portion of the handle. A through hole is transversely defined in the middle portion of the head and communicates with the annular groove. A cushion core is securely inserted in the through hole in the head to absorb the shock generated when the hammer is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Li-Tu Lin Wu
  • Patent number: 6435059
    Abstract: A striking tool having a handle with a head attached thereto. The head having a striking surface. The head being constructed of titanium or titanium based alloy so that the tool can be swung with a higher velocity than a striking tool having a heavier steel head of comparable size with no loss in effective striking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Mark R. Martinez
  • Patent number: 6427563
    Abstract: There is illustrated an electrically insulating hand tool having a shaft that is hollow along its entire length, a work-engaging insert received in one end of the shaft, and an electrically insulating handle connected to an opposite end of the shaft. The shaft has a unitary one-piece construction and is made from a composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Zurbuchen, Roger N. Wabalickis, David D. Curry
  • Patent number: 6408723
    Abstract: An electrically insulating hand tool is comprised of a two-piece shaft formed by a tube and a rod received by the tube, a handle connected to the rod, an insert received in an end of the tube opposite the rod, and a work engaging head detachably coupled to the insert. The tube and the rod are formed of an electrically insulating non-metallic composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory A. Zurbuchen
  • Patent number: 6345556
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle structure having a soft cushion includes a handle including a solid body having a periphery defining a plurality of recesses and a soft coating layer coated in the plurality of recesses of the solid body, a shank having a distal end secured in the solid body of the handle, and a cushion fused in the solid body of the handle and rested on a top of the distal end of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 6327943
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a number of innovations in the design of self-adjusting pliers. A self-adjusting pliers tool formed of laminated sheet metal construction is provided with separately fabricated cast steel jaws that provide improved strength and durability relative to laminated jaws. Techniques are also disclosed for casting the steel jaws and for treating them to achieve improved surface hardness and corrosion resistance. In certain embodiments, the jaw and the jaw end of the laminated handle are designed to interlock to prevent the jaw from sliding out of position. In certain other embodiments, a “self-energizing” feature is provided in which the shape and tooth configuration of the jaw, and the angle of the jaw end of the pliers, cooperate to keep the tool secured to a workpiece even after the upward squeezing force on the lower handle is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Harold K. Wrigley, Frank Li, Jeffrey B. Hile
  • Patent number: 6318216
    Abstract: A composite box end wrench has a non-metallic body including a handle portion and at least one head portion which defines a fastener-receiving opening therethrough. The wrench includes strengthening and/or retaining structure which strengthens the head portion and can change the failure mode to confine wrench parts in the event of failure. In one embodiment each head portion has a fastener-engaging member insert molded therein along with a reinforcing plate which encircles the member and preferably extends slightly into the handle portion. The reinforcing structure could alternatively be a band extending the length of the wrench and encircling the fastener-engaging member (or members in a double-ended wrench). In a ratcheting version of the wrench the non-metallic body may be split lengthwise into two parts, each of which has reinforcing structure embedded therein, the fastener-engaging member being a ratchet gear which, along with an associated pawl, is disposed between the body parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis, Michael Q. Thompson, Stacy T. Spracklin
  • Patent number: 6263771
    Abstract: The invention relates to a force transmission structure especially for a screwing wrench with multiple corners. The invention is configured for an inner multiple cornered mating profile especially for a screw with a six cornered inner case profile. The force transmission structure is constructed with equal multiple corners whose flanks border one another in a circumferential direction. The diameter contour line of each flank possesses two convex curvature lines which are interspaced and the interspacing area recoils between the curvature lines and connecting tangent lines, the tangent lines consisting of both crowns of the convex curvature lines. In order to transmit high levels of torque, the invention provides that the section of the curvature lines between the crowns and the multiple corners is either rectilinear of its curvature is flatter than that of the convex curvature line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Wera-Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Martin Strauch
  • Patent number: 6257107
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a composite material hand tool. Its long and short fiber layers filling is covered with a metal interface ring at one side. The handle can be encircled into a cone shape. A center layer can be a short fiber honeycomb layer. The outer layer is coated with a long fiber. It is a torque wrench made from composite material. Its characteristic includes base composite material, interface ring, internal wall of tooth surface, and exterior of projected rib. Bearing resistance is at the adjacent through hole of the interior wall of tooth surface and the reciprocal commutating tooth surface. The exterior of the projected rib is at the side contacting with the base composite material of the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: National Science Council
    Inventors: Rang-Rong Chang, Chingsung Su
  • Patent number: 6216566
    Abstract: A composite insulating breaker bar includes an elongated shaft formed of pultruded glass/polyester material, having a reduced end adhesively secured in an axial bore in a plastic handle, and a working end adhesively received in one end of a composite sleeve made of alternating layers of braided and longitudinal glass fibers in an epoxy resin matrix. Press-fitted in the other end of the sleeve is a swivel yoke insert including a knurled body and a pivoting square drive lug, pivotal movement of the square drive being accommodated by a diametral slot formed axially in the distal end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Snap-on Tools Company
    Inventor: Gregory A. Zurbuchen
  • Patent number: 6199460
    Abstract: A tool handle includes one or more peripheral projections extended outward from the outer peripheral portion and each having a cavity for receiving a filled material. A cover sleeve is engaged on the outer peripheral portion of the handle. The filled material and the cover sleeve are preferably selected from the soft materials, such as rubber, and may be different from each other. The handle includes one or more passages communicating with the cavities for receiving the filled material and for solidly retaining the material in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Chi Yu Lo
  • Patent number: 5970826
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Iwinski, Marco E. DeVecchis, Gregory A. Zurbuchen, George Ulics
  • Patent number: 5970828
    Abstract: A folding hand tool set having a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle and a plurality of hand tools rotatably mounted thereto. The one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle is preferably constructed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. In one embodiment, spacers are provided for mechanically isolating the hand tools. The folding hand tool set is capable of transmitting more then 110.0 Newton.multidot.meters of torque without compromising the integrity of the one-piece, completely integral plastic handle. The present invention is also directed to a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle for receiving hand tools. The handle can withstand at least 30 Newton.multidot.meters of torsional force without compromising the integrity of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Bondhus Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Bondhus, Michael D. Blackston, Barry Bondhus, Dennis A. Burda, Mark L. Petroske
  • Patent number: 5953969
    Abstract: A screwdriver or screwdriver bit comprising a working end with radially extending engagement surfaces profiled in particular by machining or forming. A surface layer forming a working surface due to nitriting has a hardness of at least 900 HV 0.3 or 67-68 HRC and in an intermediate layer, lying between the hard surface layer and a softer region of a core of the working end, the hardness decreases with a hardness gradient of 1500 to 3000 HV 0.3/mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Rolf Gunter Rosenhan
  • Patent number: 5875693
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body formed entirely of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material with a gear insert molded therein and a ratchet mechanism mounted on the insert and retained in place by retaining rings. The body includes layers of random discontinuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material and a band of unidirectional continuous glass-fiber-reinforced plastic material which are subjected to compression molding around the insert to form a composite wrench structure. Several insert configurations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Zurbuchen, Dean J. Iwinski
  • Patent number: 5804012
    Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a handle for a hand tool, resin-coated fibers are pultruded to form an elongate, substantially hollow fiber-resin composite rod having a first end for attachment to a tool head. A glass filament is wound about a longitudinal axis of the composite rod adjacent to the rod's first end, after which an encasement over the filament is molded onto the rod. For increased strength, the filament may be first coated with a thermo-setting resin and, after wrapping the filament about the rod, the resin is cured prior to the molding step. The resultant tool handle, particularly useful in applications with, for example, lopping shears, may be very lightweight and yet exhibit superior strength characteristics in comparison with standard composite handles manufactured in a pultrusion manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Joseph Allen Carmien
  • Patent number: 5791211
    Abstract: A folding hand tool set having a one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle and a plurality of hand tools rotatably mounted thereto. The one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle is preferably constructed from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic. Spacers may be provided for rotationally isolating the hand tools. The folding hand tool set is capable of transmitting more then 110.0 Newton.meters of torque without compromising the integrity of the one-piece, completely integral plastic handle. A one-piece, completely integral, plastic handle for receiving hand tools is also disclosed. The handle can withstand at least 30 Newton.meters of torsional force without compromising the integrity of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: John R. Bondhus, Michael D. Blackston, Barry Bondhus, Dennis A. Burda, Mark L. Petroske
  • Patent number: 5782149
    Abstract: A new Electromagnetic Screwdriver for offering an electromagnet in combination with a manual driven or an electrically driven screwdriver. The inventive device includes electrical windings, a handle, a drive shaft, and a switch. In use, the Electromagnetic Screwdriver 10 is equipped with a tool fitting of choice and allows momentary magnetic attraction while maneuvering to install or unassemble a screw or the like and prevents uncontrollable harmful effects of a magnetic contact with magnetic sensitive components. The magnetic coils can be included in the shaft of the screwdriver, ratchet, or other tool, extended to energize magnetic coils in a variety of extensions for the screwdriver, ratchet, or other tool, or included in a tool tip of the screwdriver, ratchet, or other tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Phillip D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5713251
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Zurbuchen, Dean J. Iwinski, George Ulics
  • Patent number: 5704261
    Abstract: A tool, particularly a torque-transmitting tool, such as a screwdriver or a screwdriver bit, having a shaft and a working region. In order advantageously to take up peak torques with such a tool, a damping region of lower hardness or lower torsion-bar constant than the working region is provided, associated with the shaft. For this purpose, the damping region can be subsequently annealed or have a different composition of material. The latter is preferably provided in the case of a tool of sintered metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Strauch, Robert Hoy
  • Patent number: 5638727
    Abstract: A hand-held driver for use with removable driving bits, such as screwdriver or nut-driver bits, is disclosed. The driver includes a handle adapted to be hand-held, and a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end secured to the handle, and a distal end with a recess sized and shaped to enable a driving bit to be insertable therein and removable therefrom with a driving end of the driving bit extending from the shaft. A retaining ring circumferentially surrounds the shaft toward the distal end and is closely sized thereto. The retaining ring has an open end adjacent to the distal end that has a size and shape corresponding to the recess in the shaft. The retaining ring enables the shaft of the driver to be constructed of lesser strength materials. The handle and shaft are constructed of a thermoplastic, and are preferably integrally constructed. The retaining ring is constructed of stainless steel or another high tensile strength material. A handle for the driver includes one or more bit-receiving slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Allway Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Gringer
  • Patent number: 5626061
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a reversible drive ratchet wrench (10). A formed metallic insert (50) is provided. The reversible drive ratchet wrench (10) has a length, a head (14), including a ratchet mechanism (36) and a handle (16). A formed metallic insert (50) has an opening (28) for insertion of a ratchet mechanism (36). The formed metallic insert (50) also extends along the handle (16) of the wrench (10). A non-metallic covering (13) is molded around the metallic insert (50), encapsulating the head and entire length of the metallic insert (50), except for the interior of the opening (28). The non-metallic covering (13) is injection-molded around the metallic insert (50). The non-metallic covering (13) has a low dielectric value and may comprise glass fibers distributed longitudinally and/or nylon or copolymers. A non-metallic covering (13) may be of uniform thickness or varying thickness. The reversing lever (18) may also be made of the composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Stanley Mechanics Tools
    Inventor: Lowell B. Whitley
  • Patent number: 5551323
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle product and method of making same, where a solid core piece has an elastomer cover molded thereon, and the core piece has grooves for receiving the molten cover to thus have the cover secure on the core piece. The cover is shaped in cross-section to present corners, for enhancing the control and grip of the handle, and also the exterior of the cover is dimpled or of a roughened surface for further enhancement of grip of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Beere Precision Medical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Beere, Guy L. Bradshaw
  • Patent number: 5524511
    Abstract: A wrench for turning locknuts has a C-shaped head pivotally attached by an extension member to a handle. A recessed step extends part-way around an interior arc of the head, and has a radius sufficient to receive the overall diameter of a locknut. The recessed step is terminated by a shoulder at the end of each arcuate arm forming the head; the shoulders extend toward the center of the head and have dimensions and spacing to fit into the spaces between lugs on a locknut. A notch has a common distal boundary with the recessed step and provides free play in the fit of the wrench over a locknut. When the wrench is placed over a locknut the shoulders fit between and engage lugs on the locknut for turning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Takas Tool Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Taka's