Abstract: A molded elastomeric sleeve is carried on a conventional wrench socket. The sleeve has a radially extending boss, a recess formed in the boss and a peripheral rim formed about the boss defining the recess therein. The sleeve has an internal annular groove formed therein as well as a radial passageway which extends from the groove to the recess. Adhesive is injected into the annular groove via the radial passageway, whereby the sleeve is secured to the socket. A size indicia label is provided having adhesive thereon. This label is positioned in the recess below the rim of the boss covering the radial passageway, where it is secured by the adhesive. The sleeve further has suitable knurls formed on the outer diameter of the sleeve. The knurls and the boss prevent the socket from rolling, if placed sideways on a flat surface. The knurls and the boss also facilitate manual rotation of the socket. After forming, the sleeve is axially oriented and slidably positioned on a portion of the socket.

Abstract: An improved ratcheting tool has a driven shank rotatably supported fore and aft in the ratchet housing. A reduced-diameter rearwardly-extending portion of the driven shank passes through a central recess in a pivotable cam shifter and is rotatably piloted in a closed cylindrical recess. This recess is formed in the ratchet housing rearwardly of a blind axial bore within which the driven shank is disposed. An intermediate portion of the driven shank is rotatably journaled in the inner annular bearing surface of a collar; and the collar is press-fitted within a counterbore forwardly of a ratchet on the driven shank, thereby retaining the driven shank in the ratchet housing.

Abstract: An adapter for a conventional wrench socket facilitates the use of an open-end or box wrench in confined and inaccessible areas where a conventional ratchet wrench cannot be used. The adapter includes a downwardly-facing closed internal slot for facilitating a convenient removal of the adapter from the wrench socket.

Abstract: An improved ergonomic handle for a hand tool or other implement has a substantially elliptical cross-section taken in a first plane which forms a dihedral angle of approximately thirty (30) degrees with respect to a second plane which is normal to the longitudinal axis of the shank of the tool. The length of the minor axis of the elliptical cross-section is approximately sixty percent (60%) of the length of the major axis. The longitudinal axis of the shank passes through the elliptical cross-section and through the line formed by the intersection of the first and second planes. The handle is formed substantially as a revolution of the elliptical cross-section about its major axis. As a result, the handle is well balanced and accommodates a variety of hand grips for various uses or orientations of the tool, and the handle is convenient and comfortable for substantially reducing operator fatigue over extended use of the tool. This is especially advantageous in connection with a hand ratchet tool.

Abstract: An improved retainer for the locking pin of an impact drive socket features an axially-movable sleeve that surrounds the pin and retains the same. The sleeve may be advanced (or retracted) on the socket, against the bias of a spring, thereby uncovering the locking pin. The pin may be removed to facilitate removal of the impact socket from the drive shank of an impact wrench or other tool.

Abstract: A multiple package has a top planar layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer suitably bonded together to form an integral laminated structure. The intermediate layer has a plurality of projections extending through respective openings in the top layer. Articles of manufacture, such as wrench sockets, are slidably mounted over the respective projections and are retained thereon. The top and bottom layers of the multiple package are scored, both longitudinally and transversely, intermediately of the projections and to a sufficient depth, to enable an individual package to be cleanly broken off the multiple package.