Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for applying torque to turnable fasteners for fastening or removing a wheel on a motor vehicle. The tool has a first arm portion and a second arm portion movable to the first arm portion between longitudinally extended and longitudinally retracted positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for telescopically extending the shaft length of a tool including a handle with a circular or noncircular hollow core shaft with at least one longitudinal extension channel, a circular or noncircular hollow shank wherein one end has an internally threaded drive ring with at least one tab for insertion into an extension channel, and the second end has a head assembly to receive various tool fittings where an externally threaded adjusting rod extends into the hollow shank and is engaged in the threaded drive ring and is operated by a rotatable adjusting knob is attached to the adjusting rod, and a lock assembly is used to selectively eliminate rotation of the knob; the lock assembly comprises a pair of facing spline faces which engagingly prevent rotation of the knob.

Abstract: A handle grip for a wrench includes a tubular body mounted to a shank of the wrench and a plurality of recesses are defined in the tubular body. The recesses extend toward a direction which is parallel with an axis of an object engaged by the wrench.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration reducing grip material that includes a closed-cell poly(vinyl chloride) foam material having a Shore durometer of about 50 to about 70. According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a vibration reducing handle cover for an impact tool.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a tool member disposed on one end and a stem extended from the other end and having a width or a height smaller than that of the handle and having an orifice. A sleeve is engaged onto the stem and includes an aperture aligned with the orifice of the stem. A fastener includes a barrel extended from one end of a blade and engaged into the aperture of the sleeve and the orifice of the stem, and includes a pin extended from the other end of the blade and engaged into the barrel for detachably securing the barrel to the stem of the handle.

Abstract: A tool handle includes a handle stem having a tool member formed on one end and a hand grip device to be secured to the other end. A covering is secured in the peripheral portion of the hand grip device which includes two hand grip members each having a chamber for receiving the handle stem and having a peripheral wall. The covering is made of resilient materials and includes an upper portion and a lower portion each having a peripheral groove for receiving the peripheral walls of the hand grip members. The hand grip members each has a partition engaged with each other.

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.

Abstract: A socket hand grip device for providing torque on a socket. The socket hand grip device includes a hand grip having a top side, a bottom side and a peripheral side extending between the top and bottom sides. The hand grip has a hole therein extending through the top and bottom sides. The hole is generally positioned along an axis of the hand grip and has a generally rectangular shape such that the hole has four inner side walls. A coupling member removably couples one of the sockets to the hand grip. The coupling member includes a first portion for extending into the hole. The first portion has a generally rectangular cross-section such that the first portion may be extended into the bottom side of the hand grip. A middle portion is integrally coupled to an end of the first portion. A second portion for extending into an opening of a socket is integrally coupled to the middle portion and is generally coaxial with the first portion.

Abstract: A hand tool includes a handle having a recessed surface defined in a side thereof and two threaded holes are defined in the recessed surface. A handle piece has two protrusions extending from a bottom thereof and each protrusion has a threaded passage so that screws are engaged with the threaded passages and the threaded holes to connect the handle piece to the handle of the hand tool.

Abstract: Hand interfaces (11), (111), (188), (201a), (201b), (202a), (202b), (204), (211), (311), (411), (511), (611), (711), (811), and (911), which improve the performance of many items including: racquets for tennis and other sports; rotary hand tools such as screwdrivers; hockey sticks; and kayak oars. Relative rotation between one of the hand interfaces and a corresponding implement is selectively stopped, and torque is selectively transmitted between the hand interface and the implement, when a user squeezes the implement's handle. The hand interface can be rotated in either direction on the implement, and relative movement stopped at an infinite number of positions. The hand interface amplifies the opposing effects of either a firm grasp or a relaxed grasp.

Abstract: An ergonomic wrench for rotating a member in a torquing plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the member is provided, having a head portion for engaging the member and a handle extending therefrom in a first longitudinal direction. The invention further includes a handle which is substantially elliptical, having a major axis and a minor axis when viewed in a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to said first longitudinal direction, the major axis of which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the torquing plane.

Abstract: A self-securing handle for a tool having a longitudinally extending main body portion, is provided. The handle includes an elongate body having a first end and a longitudinally opposed second end, and a central cavity extending from the first end to the second end thereof. The handle further includes a securing mechanism positioned within the central cavity proximate the second end of the handle. The handle receives the tool main body portion within the central cavity, and the securing mechanism mates with a receiving structure on the tool main body portion to secure the handle to the tool main body portion.

Abstract: The tools (wrenches) of this invention provide a one color instant identification of color coded tools. Preferably, the tools have a portion of their outer surface colored. Typically, the color impregnates the metal or plating during the manufacturing process. Another embodiment is a colored applique, band or sleeve on the outer surface of the tools. The key of this coloring is to identify the tool quickly by coloring a large area of the tool. This provides for quick identification of the tool even if the numerical designations are illegible because of small sizing or dirt obliteration. In a preferred embodiment, virtually the entire tool is colored during manufacturing. In another preferred embodiment, large raised numbers combine with the overall color scheme to make the tools quickly identifiable. Dirting the large colored surface is very unlikely as is obliterating the large raised fractional numbers.

Abstract: Hand-held instruments which may be employed to actuate a distally mounted tool by application of radial compressive force about the instrument circumference (i.e., omni-actuatable). In preferred forms, hand-held instruments have a handle which includes an actuator assembly for actuating a tool, wherein the actuator assembly has a generally V-shaped circumferential channel in which an actuator band is seated. A slide ring assembly is provided which defines the generally V-shaped circumferential channel and has at least one slide ring mounted for longitudinal movements relative to the handle. The actuator band is radially flexible. Thus, in response to a compressive force, the actuator band seated within the generally V-shaped channel will be flexed radially inwardly to thereby moves the slide ring longitudinally. The slide ring, in turn, coacts operatively with the distally mounted tool (e.g., through a longitudinally slidable actuator pin).

Abstract: A handle assembly includes a handle body rotatably mounted on the shank of a tool, and a limiting device mounted in the handle body for use in limiting the amount of rotation between the handle body and the shank of the tool to a determined rotation angle so that the handle body rotated relative to the shank of the tool will not exceed a determined rotation angle, thereby preventing a user's hand from slipping from the handle body.

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.

Abstract: A wrench head member has an attachment extension which allows the user to attach the wrench head member to a handle. The extension is a collar extending from the side of the wrench head member and having one or two holes extending through the sidewall of a hollowed section. The hollowed section is configured to engage a standard socket extension. Alternately, the wrench head member may have a post which engages a hollow within a handle member. The wrench head member may be a part of a wrench system or kit. The wrench head member has an attachment extension which allows the user to attach the wrench head member to a handle, preferably a socket extension. The attachment between the handle and the wrench head member is a male/female connection. Preferably, the wrench head is the female member having a collar extending from the side of the wrench head and having a pair of holes extending through the sidewall of the collar for the locking ball and release button on a socket extension.

Abstract: A wrench is described for turning various fasteners. The wrench has a predetermined entire length and comprises a driving portion at one end thereof for turning various fasteners. The driving portion has a predetermined length and an axis of wrench rotation. The wrench also has a gripping portion at the other end thereof for gripping and operating the wrench. The gripping portion has dimensions of length greater than width, and width greater than thickness and is formed elliptically shaped as viewed from a top view thereof, and is formed elongated in shape as viewed from an end view thereof. The gripping portion is further formed with a length relative to the entire length of the wrench and the length of the driving portion, whereas, the length of the gripping portion is about equal to, the entire length of the wrench less the length of the driving portion.

Abstract: Hex keys or like tools of various sizes may be inserted into the gripping aid, to provide a better grip and additional torque when using such tools. The device has an elongated body with hex key accepting slots at each end and longitudinal cavities of different dimensions for an arm of the hex key. In a preferred embodiment, a locking collar to secure the hex key in place in the body is provided. The locking collar has openings extending across its face which rotate from a hex key accepting position to a hex key locking position.

Abstract: A socket wrench extension structure includes an extension shank having one distal end defining a longitudinal circular chamber, a ball receiving hole defined in an outer periphery of the distal end of the extension shank and connecting to the circular chamber, a knob receiving hole defined in the outer periphery of the distal end of the extension shank and connecting to the circular chamber, a drive rod slidably mounted in the circular chamber and having a first end defining a ball receiving recess aligning with the ball receiving hole of the extension shank and a second end defining a knob receiving recess aligning with the knob receiving hole of the extension shank, a biasing member mounted in the circular chamber of the extension shank and biased between the second end of the drive rod and a wall of the circular chamber, a ball movably mounted in the ball receiving hole and slidably received in the ball receiving recess, and a press knob movably mounted in the knob receiving hole and slidably received in t

Abstract: A multi-part handle system that incorporates bumper flanges disposed at opposite ends of a rigid handle device is proposed. The handle mounts to a manual tong apparatus, or any other piece of heavy equipment, by means of weldable or integrally cast brackets and provides a rigid but shock absorbing grip for the operator's hand. In the event that the bumper flanges become damaged or are torn off the handle assembly the rigid handle device will continue to provide a safe manipulation means while replacement bumpers are located. In contrast to prior art safety handles, rig operators will be able to deploy safety handles without the fear of lost rig time if the bumper components become damaged. A soft ergonomic grip cover is incorporated into the preferred embodiment of the safety to make gripping the handle assembly more comfortable and tactile for the operator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ergonomical handle for a power tool that reduces the risk of injury to an operator's wrist or forearm by redirecting torsional forces to the operator's upper arm and reducing the force provided by the tool operator necessary to resist the torque produced by the tool. The handle includes a concave channel and a means for attaching the handle to a tool adjacent to the barrel of the tool, such as an annular collar with a substantially elliptical outer diameter. In a preferred embodiment, the channel includes an inner side wall and an outer side wall that are curved in a nonparallel fashion so as to mirror the planar and dorsal sides of a hand. In use, a tool operator inserts a hand into the channel. The side walls of the channel frictionally engage the operator's hand so that the operator may operate the tool without gripping the barrel thereof.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on one of multiple outer surface faces into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. In the preferred embodiment of the tool handle, three of its outer surface faces have a continuous holding slot with multiple receiving holes for inserting therein hexagonal wrenches of multiple sizes. The continuous holding slots of the preferred embodiment of the handle include multiple contoured compartments for holding an inserted hexagonal wrench. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool handle having a core that has a tool engaging end, an intermediate section, and a grip end. One or more rigid molded layers at least partially cover at least the intermediate section. The rigid molded layers include an outermost rigid layer having an undulated outer surface. The outermost rigid layer can include a portion that at least partially surrounds the grip end. In one aspect, that portion of the outermost rigid layer that surrounds the intermediate section is undulated and that portion of the outermost rigid layer that surrounds the grip end is free of undulations. The tool handles according to the invention dampen vibration that is transmitted from the impact end of the tool handle to the grip end that is held by the user. The invention also relates to impact tools having tool handles that dampen vibration before it is transmitted from the head to the grip section of the handle.

Abstract: An arrangement of frictional gripping zones on the handle of a power tool is disclosed. The power tool has a main body portion and a handle portion depending from the main body portion. The handle portion includes a first side region, a second side region opposite the first side region, a rear region connecting the first and second side regions along a rear of the handle portion, and a front region connecting the first and second side regions along a front of the handle portion. A plurality of alternating first and second gripping zones extend longitudinally along each of the first and second side regions of the handle portion. The first gripping zones are made the first gripping zones being made from a first material and the second gripping zones are made from a second material different from the first material. Preferably, the material of the second gripping zones have a hardness greater than the material of the first gripping zones.

Abstract: An extension device for wrenches includes an extension member with a wedge brace comprised of two counterpoised wedge couplers. The wedge couplers comprise wedge fingers defining offset opposed wedge slots such that the wedge couplers engage opposite sides of a tool handle in a counterpoised manner to wedge-lock a tool handle into place.

Abstract: A finger supporting structure (F) includes a grip portion and a finger supporter (T) formed thereto. The grip portion is of an elongated bar shape and has adequate length and thickness for a hand to grasp. The grip portion is either all or part of a grasping member of an implement or all or part of a gripping member (G) having internal hole to receive the grasping member of an implement. The finger supporter (T) is a laterally extending projection rigidly formed, in one piece, on the grip portion. The finger supporter (T) is angled to be inclined with respect to the axis (X) of the grip portion in order that the resultant force of the muscles of the digits and hand can be generated and exerted to the optimal. The finger supporting structure (F) is embodied in the grasping members of various implements and thereby provides gripping parts (H) having finger supporter (T) of the implements.

Abstract: A hand tool comprises a head and a handle fastened at one end thereof with the head. The handle comprises a body, and a protective sleeve fitted over the body such that the protective sleeve and the body are held securely together by two fastening members, which are located in two opposite side walls of the protective sleeve and are connected by at least one connection member.

Abstract: A torque applying hand tool, and a method for making the same, is provided which includes a shank having a tool end adapted to applying a torque to a member engaged thereby and a handle engaging end portion opposite the tool end. An innermost handle layer made of a relatively hard and tenaciously adhering thermoplastic material is molded to form a first molded part. The handle end portion of the shank is fixed within the first molded part. An intermediate inner handle layer of a relatively hard thermoplastic material is molded on the first molded part in fixed torque applying relation thereto to form a second molded part. An intermediate outer handle layer of a relatively hard thermoplastic material is molded onto the second molded part in fixed torque applying relation thereto to form a third molded part.

Abstract: A F-type socket wrench including a handle, a coupling block mounted in an opening of the handle, a steel ball stopped between a transverse back groove of the coupling block and a spring inside the handle, a tightening up screw threaded into an axial screw hole at the front end of the handle and having a rounded front end stopped against a transverse front groove of the coupling block, the coupling block having a square coupling rod for turning a wrench socket, the square coupling rod having a diagonal line between its two angles disposed in parallel to the longitudinal center line of the handle.

Abstract: Dual layered hand grip coverings made of synthetic rubber by ejection molding and a link universally applicable to all hand tools are disclosed. The inner coverings are made of a hard material, while the outer coverings are made of a soft materials. The inner coverings are clad in the outer coverings directly at the time ejection molding process is carried out. A link is provided for the hand tool with its one end hinged to the inner covering of one hand grip, and the other end hinged to the inner covering of the opposite hand grip so that the hand tool may be conveniently put aside when not in use. Moreover, the two coverings are formed of differently colored materials so that purposely exposed portions of the inner coverings exhibit a strong color contrast with the outer coverings and a distinct identification marking.

Abstract: A tool for engaging sockets includes a shank with a handle one end of the shank and a slot defined longitudinally in an outside of the other end of the shank. An engaging member is slidably received in the slot and a spring mounted to the shank urges a first protrusion of the engaging member. A sleeve is movably mounted to the shank and a shoulder portion extends inward from an inside of the sleeve. The first protrusion is urged by the spring and engaged with the shoulder portion. When sliding the sleeve, a second protrusion of the engaging member is controlled to extend from the slot so as to engage with a socket.

Abstract: An extension attachment for wrenches for allowing the user to reach hard-to-reach areas of an object to either tighten or loosen screws or nuts therefrom. The extension attachment for wrenches includes an elongate support member having a handle member and a wrench support member attached to the handle member and having a first end, a second end, a first planar side and a second planar side with the elongate support member also including flange members extending along either edge of the first planar side and being spaced apart to receive and retain a portion of a wrench therebetween; and also includes a fastening assembly for fastening a wrench to the wrench support member.

Abstract: A tool includes a handgrip having a chamber for rotatably receiving a handle and having one or more stop surfaces for engaging with the handle and for limiting the rotational movement of the handle relative to the handgrip. One or more blocks are secured to the handle and rotatably received in the handgrip. A fastener is secured in the handgrip and engaged through an oblong hole of the handle. One or more springs may recover the handle relative to the handgrip. A knob may selectively lock the handle to the handgrip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a handle equipped with a cushioning member which provides improved controlled compression.

Abstract: A multicolored handle including a main body which is provided with a plurality of receiving slots in which a plurality of colored blocks and retaining rings are held securely in place such that the colored blocks and the retaining rings are level with the outer surface of the main body. The main body is different in color from the colored block and the retaining ring. The colored block is different in color from the retaining ring.

Abstract: A pounding head is mounted onto a handle at an offset with respect to the handle in order to align the pounding head with the forearm. In the preferred embodiment, this offset is defined by an angle &bgr; created between a first reference plane extending through the axial center of the pounding head and bisecting the pounding head and a second reference plane extending through the axial center of the handle, bisecting the handle along its front and rear portion.

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.

Abstract: A driving device includes a hollow holding member having one portion that has a retaining section formed on an intermediate section of an inner periphery thereof. The retaining section includes two mutually facing stepped surfaces that together define a tapered space therebetween for securely holding one of two angled sections of a hexagonal wrench. The other portion of the holding member includes a bottom wall that includes a notch defined therein for securely holding the other of the angled sections.

Abstract: A wrench with a quick release handle for providing torque to a fastener. The wrench comprises a wrench head having a retention opening for engaging the fastener and at least two engagement portions for attachment of a releasable handle thereat. The retention opening includes and open end for allowing the wrench head to be laterally extensible over the fastener. The engagement portion of the wrench head includes a head channel that can receive a corresponding handle lip disposed on the handle in order facilitate engagement between the wrench head and the handle. Additionally, the handle further includes a locking mechanism for maintaining releasable attachment between the wrench head and the handle.

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.

Abstract: A handgrip for a torque tool, such as a screwdriver, provides enhanced tool torque capabilities and improved driving capabilities. The handgrip has a top or free-end segment available for low-torque twirling action using the fingertips, and a bottom or working-end segment that together with the top segment is grasped in one's hand for high torque application. The handgrip has the configuration approaching that of a three-sided bell that provides finger holds, bearing surfaces, and outlying lobes which alone or in combination improve torque capabilities and/or driving capabilities for the effort applied.

Abstract: A wrench includes a shank having two ends and a plurality of recesses are respectively defined in two surfaces of the shank. Any two adjacent recesses in the first surface of the shank are divided by a first rib and any two adjacent recesses in the second surface of the shank are divided by a second rib. The first ribs and the second ribs are located crosswise so as to have better structural strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool handle for an electronic screwdriver or other hand tool. The tool handle includes a tool handle body having a longitudinal dimension and comprising a convex portion that comprises about ⅖ of the longitudinal dimension proximal to the grip of the handle body and a relatively soft concave portion comprising substantially all of the remaining ⅕ of the tool handle body proximal to the working end. The tool handle further including a cap disposed at the grip end of the tool handle body, which cap is rotatable relative to the tool handle body. A user may grip the tool handle in various positions to apply varying levels of torque to a screw or other workpiece. Preferably, the cap includes a dome-shaped recess at the grip end for centering of the tool between the fingertip and working end of the tool.

Abstract: A universal handle for household and other hand-held implements, the handle being adapted to ergonomically render the implement to which it is applied useable by individuals who have difficulty in firmly grasping a conventional handle. The universal handle, which is fabricated of elastomeric material having good thermal insulation and cushioning properties, includes an internal cavity to socket the core shank of the implement. The handle has an elliptical cross section, the opposing sides of the handle adjacent its upper end each having a concave depression, in each of which an array of spaced, flexible fins is anchored to define a depressible grip site. When the fingers of a user's hand are clenched about the handle, the internal region of the resultant fist conforms to the form of the handle to provide a good grip thereon, the thumb and forefinger pressing into the grip sites to enhance the user's grip on the handle.