Extensible Handle Or Handle Extension Patents (Class 81/177.2)
  • Publication number: 20110122602
    Abstract: A tool with quick pop-up tool head includes a body. The body has a handle, a telescopic portion telescopically mounted in the handle, and an operational portion mounted on the telescopic portion such that the operational portion is able to telescopically move relative to the handle. The operational portion has a shoulder disposed on an interior thereof. The telescopic portion has a tool head means mounted therein. The tool head means is selectively engaged with the shoulder and is extendable from the telescopic portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Scott WANG
  • Publication number: 20110079117
    Abstract: A wrench includes a handle having first and second ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle includes a receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The handle further includes an annular groove intermediate the first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle is slideably received in an extension. A positioning hole extends from an inner periphery through an outer periphery of the extension. A positioning member is mounted in the receptacle and biased by a spring to extend through the positioning hole, with a portion of the positioning member pressing against the inner periphery of the extension. A resilient retaining member is mounted in the annular groove. An exposed portion of the retaining member outside of the annular groove presses against the inner periphery of the extension when the extension is engaged with the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20110079116
    Abstract: A retractable screwdriver includes a handle, a positioning member, an operation ring, a shank, a sleeve and a drive socket. The positioning member includes a first opening and a second opening respectively defined through a wall thereof and communicating with the passage. The length of the first opening is shorter than that of the second opening. A first wall is formed at the first opening and a second wall is formed at the second opening. The first and second walls are located on different radial planes and have a distance defined therebetween in a radial direction. The opening ring is obliquely located in the passage and biased by the second spring to keep an inclination of the operation ring. The operation ring has its contact edge to contact the shank so as to achieve the purpose of adjustment of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: CHENG-TE HU
  • Publication number: 20110067530
    Abstract: A multi-function tool includes an extendible and retractable portion that becomes offset from a centerline position of the handle when in the offset position. A locking mechanism allows the workman to offset the shaft from a centerline position of the handle, or retract the shaft back into the handle into a centerline position. While the shaft is in the extended and offset position, the shaft rotates freely in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the shaft is retracted in the straight centerline position, a ratchet mechanism or gear box restricts shaft rotation in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, or allows rotation in either direction. The shaft can be extended and offset by means of a spring or other device that allows the locking mechanism to offset automatically or semi-automatically when the locking mechanism is activated. The shaft allows the workman to interchange bits or sockets for multiple applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Matthew Alvarez
  • Publication number: 20110056338
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a contractible wrench structure including a handle and a rod body, and the handle includes a containing space for accommodating the rod body, and a resilient element is installed in the containing space for abutting the rod body, and the handle includes a fixing element penetrated through a side wall of the handle, and the rod body includes a groove for allowing a peg of the fixing element to slide, and the groove is composed of a slide section, a first guide section, a second guide section, a first position limiting slot, and a second position limiting slot. With the guide of the groove, an extending or contracting status of the rod body can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20110036210
    Abstract: A wrench tool used in fastening or unfastening a bolt or nut. The wrench tool includes a head having a socket formed in an axial direction thereof such that an outer circumference of the bolt or the nut can be inserted into the socket and a rod connected to one end of the head. The rod includes a bent section extending from the one end of the head in the axial direction of the head and a connector rod connected to one end of the bent section and extending a predetermined length. The bent section is curved to define an opening in one side thereof. The wrench tool is extensible in length, and the moment generated by a force applied by a user to be consistent with the rotational direction of the bolt or nut so that the bolt or the nut can be fastened or unfastened using less force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Young-Doo Kwon
  • Patent number: 7878094
    Abstract: A tool includes a working tool portion and an extendable handle joined with the working tool portion. The extendable handle includes a shaft, a tube, and an anti-rotation member that is unbiased so as to prevent, during application of relative rotational force between the shaft and tube, relative rotation between the shaft and tube and to prevent removal of a portion of the anti-rotation member from an axially arranged groove. A lock device is movable from a first position to a second position wherein when the lock device is in the first position the tube is prevented from moving axially relative to the shaft and wherein when the lock device is in the second position the tube can be moved axially relative to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventor: Shu-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 7874233
    Abstract: A power input end and a power output end are provided. The tool has an interior bore along its entire length. The tool has an exterior surface with a hexagonal cross sectional configuration along its length from the power input end. The tool has a surface with a square cross sectional configuration from the power output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100326248
    Abstract: A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein, the main shank includes indents formed in a circular pattern around the outer circumferential surface of the main shank a locking collar is provided to cause bearing members to selectively engage the circular indents formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in the unextended and extended positions while preventing the telescoping handle from rotating around the main shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Greg Owoc
  • Publication number: 20100319499
    Abstract: A wrench includes a handle having first and second ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle includes a first receptacle extending in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The handle further includes a second receptacle intermediate the first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The second end of the handle is slideably received in an extension. A positioning hole extends from an inner periphery through an outer periphery of the extension. A first positioning member is mounted in the first receptacle and biased by a first spring to extend through the positioning hole, with a portion of the first positioning member pressing against the inner periphery of the extension. A second positioning member is mounted in the second receptacle and biased by a second spring to press against the inner periphery of the extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100319498
    Abstract: An improved power assisted lever arm ratchet which has a 6? to 30? extension and drive shaft between the ratchet handle and the ratchet head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Paul V. Mannino, Gary Boccadutre
  • Patent number: 7849767
    Abstract: Connectors capable of connecting socket and/or ratchet elements in a wrench assembly in such a manner that a nut- or bolt-engaging member at one end of the assembly is disposed at a selected position or orientation with respect to a handle at the opposite end of the assembly. The connectors include a variety of connectors characterized by male and female connector elements disposed in generally perpendicular relationship to each other. The connectors further include parallel offset connectors in which male and female connector elements are disposed in offset, parallel relationship to each other. The male and female connector elements are capable of removably engaging companion female and male connector elements, respectively, of various socket and/or ratchet elements to assemble the wrench assembly and facilitate positioning of a wrench handle at one end of the wrench assembly at a selected orientation with respect to a nut- or bolt-engaging element at the opposite end of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Inventor: Homer A. Wessel, IV
  • Publication number: 20100307296
    Abstract: A device for engaging and rotating a glad hand. The device featuring a receptacle and an adaptor flange. The receptacle shaped to allow a glad hand to be seated therein. The receptacle formed by a base and at least one side wall extending from the base. The adaptor flange axially extending from an exterior surface of the base of the receptacle opposite the at least one side wall, the adaptor flange having a body, a central cavity and a open end opposite the base, the central cavity of the adaptor flange extending longitudinally within at least part of the body from the open end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7810413
    Abstract: A hexagon spanner handle of the present invention includes a handle whose three edges are inwardly concaved respectively so as to form three shaft-like bodies at three triangle points. The handle has plural hexagonal apertures in different sizes arranged along the three shaft-like bodies. One plane surface of the handle has three position-limiting slots which are respectively located in three shaft-like bodies and outwardly extended along the shaft-like body and are communicating with the hexagonal apertures. The bottom of each position-limiting slot has plural indentations in different widths, and a magnetic body is located at the end of the position-limiting slot. Thereby, each hexagonal aperture can be inserted by the short leg of corresponding hexagon spanner, and the position-limiting slot can receive the long leg of the hexagon spanner with the magnetic body attracts thereof for fixing, so that the handle can be assembled with hexagon spanners in different standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Yi-Feng Liu
  • Publication number: 20100236364
    Abstract: Provided is a gas valve key having a valve engagement body including a stem receiving cavity sized and configured to receive a gas valve stem. The key includes a first elongate member including a first body having first proximal and distal end portions. The first distal end portion defines a first end face. A second elongate member is connected to the valve engagement body and includes a second body having second proximal and distal end portions. The second elongate member is slidably connected to the first elongate member. An extended portion of the second elongate member extends between the first end face and the valve engagement body and is extendable upon movement of the second elongate member from a retracted position towards an extended position. A locking element is engageable with the first and second elongate members when the second elongate member is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Lisa Leighton
  • Patent number: 7788996
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Allen-Pal LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Johnson, Robert L. Johnson, Ronald L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7779731
    Abstract: An improved power assisted lever arm ratchet which has a 6? to 30? extension and drive shaft between the ratchet handle and the ratchet head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Boccadutre, Paul V. Mannino
  • Publication number: 20100206139
    Abstract: A tool assembly includes a plurality of bolts each having a head and a shank extending from the head in an axial direction. The head of each bolt includes a groove opposed to the shank. The grooves of the bolts are of differing depths in the axial direction. The groove of each bolt includes a polygonal recessed section and a conical section extending from the recessed section away from the shank and having increasing diameters away from the shank. The conical section includes inner walls at an acute angle with the axial direction. The recessed sections of the bolts are of identical conicity but of different lengths in the axial direction. A driver includes an operative end having a first polygonal driving portion of a size corresponding to the recessed section of each bolt and a conical driving portion of a size and conicity corresponding to the conical section of each bolt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Yen Chih Wang, Ying-Chieh Ho, I-Hsiu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100175514
    Abstract: This specification discloses a retractable wrench comprising a first driver, a second driver, and a positioning component. The first driver has a driving part on its one end and a mounting part on its other end. The mounting part has an opening with an accommodating space facing the driving part. The second driver has a connecting handle on the end corresponding to the opening end of the mounting part of the first driver. The connecting handle connects to and slides in the accommodating space of the first driver. The other end is provided with another driving part. The driving parts of the drivers are disposed in opposite directions. The positioning component is interposed between the mounting part of the first driver and the connecting handle of the second driver for their connection and positioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7743687
    Abstract: A screwdriver helper includes a handle, a guide, and a bit. The handle defines a through hole therein. The guide is affixed to the handle. The guide comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a through guide hole defined between the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface is faced to the handle. The guide hole is corresponding to the through hole of the handle. An axis of the guide hole is perpendicular to the bottom surface. The bit is positioned in the guide hole. The bit comprises a tip and a head. The tip is in a shape of a screw head. The head defines slots in a top end thereof. The bit is movable along the axis of the through guide hole. The screwdriver helper helps screwdriver to lock screws firmly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Chin Lu, Jian-Hua Xiang, Guan-Wu Xu
  • Publication number: 20100146801
    Abstract: Tightening device of the screw-nut type includes a tightening member, which can be rotated, and a rotary wrench for this tightening member, equipped with a handling arm. The wrench and the tightening member are joined by a connecting device in such a way that the wrench can swivel in relation to the tightening member around a swivel axis substantially perpendicular to the screwing axis of the tightening member. Thus, it can be placed in a rest position substantially perpendicular to the screwing axis and can rotate the tightening member around the screwing axis or rotated freely in relation to the tightening member around the screwing axis, over a range of angular clearance (a) of at least 170°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Pellenc (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Roger Pellenc
  • Publication number: 20100139459
    Abstract: The Multi-Task-Tool provides more positive control of clamp-action-mounted power distribution devices while placing, tightening, loosening and removing the devices from their intended receivers, including but not limited to power lines and taps, and it may be attached to common extension sticks for long reach. Many electrical power distribution devices are secured in position directly or indirectly by a threaded fastener which is most often an eye bolt. The tool body receives and contains the eye bolt and a portion of the shank giving leverage to control the device. Once the distribution device is in place the tool is then rotated to position internal rails on each side of the eye and then pulled down to seat the eye against its aperture cap. Internal rails provide stops to transmit rotational force to the eye bolt in either direction. The tool may be modified to work with other fastener heads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Denton L. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20100116100
    Abstract: Provided is a gas valve key having a valve engagement body including a stem receiving cavity sized and configured to receive a gas valve stem. The key includes a first elongate member including a first body having first proximal and distal end portions. The first distal end portion defines a first end face. A second elongate member is connected to the valve engagement body and includes a second body having second proximal and distal end portions. The second elongate member is slidably connected to the first elongate member. An extended portion of the second elongate member extends between the first end face and the valve engagement body and is extendable upon movement of the second elongate member from a retracted position towards an extended position. A locking element is engageable with the first and second elongate members when the second elongate member is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Lisa Leighton
  • Patent number: 7712397
    Abstract: A wrench assembly includes a first wrench, a second wrench and a bar. The first wrench includes a first driving device at an end and a second driving device at an opposite end. The second wrench includes a first driving device at an end and a second driving device at an opposite end. The bar includes a first connecting device for connection to the second driving device of the first wrench and a second connecting device for connection to the first driving device of the second wrench. A first C-clip is provided to reinforce the connection of the first connecting device of the bar to the second driving device of the first wrench. A second C-clip is provided to reinforce the connection of the second connecting device of the bar to the first driving device of the second wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100107828
    Abstract: An adjustable handle system for fastening tools that drive threaded fastener into materials. The present invention allows the handle of fastening tools to change shape so that the tool can function in a confined environment. The handle system is made up of at least two handle portions that are interchangeable due to a common form of detachable connection between the handle portions and drive head. The common connections are detachable in that portions of the handle system can be connected and disconnected from each other with minimal effort. Interchangeability of the differently configured portions enables the handle system to take on many different configurations, thus allowing the fastening tool to function in a variety of confined environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Juan Huerta
  • Publication number: 20100089207
    Abstract: An extension member for use with a socket wrench having a first end portion, a shaft portion connected to the first end portion, and a second end portion connected to the shaft portion opposite of the first end portion. The second end portion has a bore for receiving said socket wrench and an exterior surface shaped to matingly receive a second wrench that can provide alternate torque delivery. The extension member further has at least one bolster located on the second end portion of the extension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: David M. Salanda
  • Patent number: 7677140
    Abstract: A tool having a telescoping handle including a main shank and an outer sleeve complementary shaped to receive the main shank therein. A guide groove is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the main shank for receiving a guide pin formed or attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer sleeve. A locking collar may be provided to cause a bearing member to selectively engage locking structures formed on the main shank in order to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions. The bearing member may also serve as the guide pin. Alternatively, at least two distinct locking and release mechanisms may be provided to selectively lock the telescoping handle in selected positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Ricky Eugene Hull, Steve Batdorff
  • Publication number: 20100058898
    Abstract: A hexagon spanner handle of the present invention includes a handle whose three edges are inwardly concaved respectively so as to form three shaft-like bodies at three triangle points. The handle has plural hexagonal apertures in different sizes arranged along the three shaft-like bodies. One plane surface of the handle has three position-limiting slots which are respectively located in three shaft-like bodies and outwardly extended along the shaft-like body and are communicating with the hexagonal apertures. The bottom of each position-limiting slot has plural indentations in different widths, and a magnetic body is located at the end of the position-limiting slot. Thereby, each hexagonal aperture can be inserted by the short leg of corresponding hexagon spanner, and the position-limiting slot can receive the long leg of the hexagon spanner with the magnetic body attracts thereof for fixing, so that the handle can be assembled with hexagon spanners in different standards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Yi-Feng Liu
  • Publication number: 20100050825
    Abstract: This invention involves a hand tool having an internal cylinder or cavity into which a handle with a boss at one end is inserted, then which is sealed with a retainer, where said retainer may additionally be a hand tool or mount for a hand tool, and such that the handle is extensible yet will not slide out of the hand tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Brett Kelly May
  • Patent number: 7658132
    Abstract: A tool for removing and installing serpentine belts in vehicles has a drive bar, a double box end wrench and a socket. The drive bar has a handle at a first end and a fitting at an opposite second end that is used to connect to the double box end wrench. The double box end wrench has a first end defining a polygonally shaped opening and an opposite second end that defines a ratcheting wrench having a first plurality of teeth on an inner circumference thereof. The socket defines a second plurality of teeth on an outer circumference thereof that are adapted to be received by the ratcheting wrench first plurality of teeth. The socket also defines one of a polygonally shaped opening and a polygonally shaped tang that is received by a work piece of an vehicle idler pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Taggart, Sr., Paul S. Steinweg
  • Publication number: 20100024608
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tool connecting rod with convertible connectors. The invention includes an outer cylinder, an inner slide, a drive rod, an angular inner rod, an elastic supporting member and first and second locating members. If the drive rod is individually fixed, the tool connecting rod enables its working end to be inserted by the screwdrivers or bolts, or be sleeved optionally for time-saving, ease-of-use and higher flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Ho-Yi CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100005934
    Abstract: A wrench. The wrench is usable with a screwdriver head. The screwdriver head defines a screwdriver head effective portion and a screwdriver head attachment portion. The wrench includes a substantially elongated telescopic handle. The telescopic handle defines a handle first end and a substantially longitudinally opposed handle second end. The telescopic handle is configurable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The handle first and second ends are closer to each other in the retracted configuration than in the extended configuration. The telescopic handle defines a handle first recess extending substantially longitudinally into the telescopic handle into the telescopic handle from the handle first end towards the handle second end and a handle second recess extending substantially longitudinally into the telescopic handle from the handle second end towards the handle first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Guilbault
  • Publication number: 20100000380
    Abstract: A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, an exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The exchangeable extension link has a first connecting end removably linked to the handle, and a second connecting end defining a sectioned cavity. The sectioned cavity includes a reduced-diameter internally serrated cavity section and an enlarged-diameter non-serrated cavity section. An adjustable geometric fitting having an externally serrated base is received and retained within the sectioned cavity. A spring is located within the non-serrated cavity section, and is adapted for normally urging the externally serrated base of the geometric fitting into the internally serrated cavity section. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably joined to the geometric fitting of the extension link, and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael D. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20090320651
    Abstract: A valve handle turning tool includes a tool handle having at one end thereof a head which is specifically designed to engage a valve handle so that the valve handle can be turned. A method for turning a valve handle to open or close a valve includes fitting a valve handle turning tool over a valve handle and moving the tool to turn the valve handle to open or close the valve, wherein the valve handle turning tool is a valve handle turning tool including a tool handle having at one end thereof a head which is specifically designed to engage a valve handle so that the valve handle can be turned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Bruce Elliot Kramer
  • Patent number: 7603931
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for a T-shaped wrench having three drive stems including a base drive stem wherein the top portion of the wrench has opposing ends or drive stems which are 30 degrees offset from each other. The angularly offset drive stems of the top portion allow the wrench to be used in tight areas where other wrenches are not usable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Powell
  • Publication number: 20090211407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tool for tightening or releasing a nut engaged on a screw-threaded shank. The tool comprises: a socket arrangement comprising a socket for engaging the nut; an extension member adapted to engage the socket arrangement such that a torque applied to the extension piece is transferred to the socket for tightening or releasing the nut; and a location sleeve on the extension member, the location sleeve overlapping the extension member and the socket arrangement, when engaged therewith, so as to hold the extension member to the socket arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: JOHN ARTHUR COLLIER
  • Patent number: 7571517
    Abstract: The tool handle of the invention includes a shank connected via a ratcheting mechanism to a male square drive. A pair of handle wings are pivotally connected to the shank at a transverse pivot hinge such that the handle wings can be changed between a screwdriver-type configuration, an L-shape configuration, a T-shape configuration or other intermediate configurations. When the handle wings are in the fully open position, the handle wings bear against the shank to create a mechanism for transferring power between the handle wings and the tool shank without the need for a separate lock. A quick change adapter having a female drive can be connected to the male square drive such that the tool handle can be used with a wide variety of tools including taps and extractors, sockets, screwdriver bits and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Robin Edward Smith, Brandon C. Hoover
  • Publication number: 20090173190
    Abstract: A tool for engaging and actuating support struts that may be used during or as part of a below ground rescue. The struts to be engaged may also be used to support unstable structures that must be entered or accessed during emergency response situations. The tool may include a tool head with a face including a plurality of teeth configured to remotely engage a locking mechanism of the struts or other devices. Other possible features of the tool head may include hooks or other structures for engaging or moving other objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Tyler Klegin
  • Patent number: 7555821
    Abstract: A plunger with interchangeable handle system for machine tools. The plunger includes a shank adapted to engage a machine tool and having a retractable plunger and a threaded adapter, the interchangeable handle system includes a plurality of knobs, each having a discrete shape differing from the others and a socket to receive the threaded adapter of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Northwestern Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Thomeczek, Thomas A. Thomeczek, Scott R. Williamson
  • Patent number: 7526983
    Abstract: A tool for removing and installing a pop-up pool cleaning head assembly from a floor fitting is provided. The tool includes a removal head having a top portion with tapered pins or other protrusions that are adapted to engage with the pool cleaning head assembly and a receiver tube for receiving a first end of a substantially short stiff flexible connector, a rigid connector spaced apart from the removal head and having a first portion for receiving a second end of the substantially short stiff flexible connector and a second portion for fastening a pole-type member therein, and a pair of externally threaded tapering pipe plugs fit in the first and second ends of the flexible connector that cooperate with a plurality of bite ribs along an inner wall of the receiver tube and rigid connector first portion to substantially prevent rotation of the removal head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Gene Tipotsch
  • Patent number: 7523689
    Abstract: A tool combination includes a handle member having a chamber for receiving a tool stem which has a non-circular engaging hole, a driving shank selectively engaged into the passage of the tool stem and engaged with the non-circular engaging hole of the tool stem for being rotated by the tool stem, the driving shank includes a non-circular engaging hole for engaging with a tool element, and a wrench driving tool includes a stud selectively attached to the tool stem for being rotated by the tool stem, and a retaining device may detachably retain either the driving shank or the wrench driving tool to the tool stem and for changeably operating as a screw driver and a driving wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Huai Bao Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi Chang Lin
  • Publication number: 20090090224
    Abstract: A tool includes a working tool portion and an extendable handle joined with the working tool portion. The extendable handle includes a shaft, a tube, and an anti-rotation member that is unbiased so as to prevent, during application of relative rotational force between the shaft and tube, relative rotation between the shaft and tube and to prevent removal of a portion of the anti-rotation member from an axially arranged groove. A lock device is movable from a first position to a second position wherein when the lock device is in the first position the tube is prevented from moving axially relative to the shaft and wherein when the lock device is in the second position the tube can be moved axially relative to the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: THE STANLEY WORKS
    Inventor: Shu-Ching Lin
  • Patent number: 7497149
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a first part including a head and a shank which is cooperated with a second part. A positioning hole and a receiving hole are defined in the shank and located on two parallel axes of the shank. A block is received in the positioning hole and a positioning unit is received in the receiving hole. The second part is movably mounted to the shank and has a longitudinal slot with which the block is movably engaged. Two positioning notches are defined in the second part and the bead of the positioning unit is removably engaged with one of the positioning notches. A first recess, a second recess and a third recess are defined in communication with the slot so as to receive the block during adjusting the length of the handle of the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Lin
  • Patent number: 7493838
    Abstract: A multi-bit screwdriver comprises a housing with a bit chuck at the front end and bit assemblies retained within the housing. Each bit assembly has a tool bit at a front end and a contact surface at a back end. An actuator extends from each bit assembly for operative engagement by a user, for movement of the actuator and bit assembly between a forwardly extended in-use configuration whereat the bit assembly is positioned such that the tool bit extends outwardly from the housing, and the contact surface of the bit assembly is disposed in longitudinal force transmitting engagement against an abutment surface to preclude rearward movement of the bit assembly due to substantially longitudinally directed forces transmitted from the tool bit, and a retracted configuration whereat the contact surface of the bit assembly is removed in a lateral direction from the longitudinal force transmitting engagement with the abutment surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Fern Beauchamp
  • Publication number: 20090013833
    Abstract: An extension member for use with a socket wrench having a first end portion, a shaft portion connected to the first end portion, and a second end portion connected to the shaft portion opposite of the first end portion. The second end portion has a bore for receiving said socket wrench and an exterior surface shaped to matingly receive a second wrench that can provide alternate torque delivery. The extension member further has at least one bolster located on the second end portion of the extension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: David M. Salanda
  • Publication number: 20090013834
    Abstract: A multiple-link tool assembly includes an elongated handle, at least one exchangeable extension link, and an exchangeable tool link. The handle has a portion adapted for being gripped by a user. The exchangeable extension link includes first and second connecting ends, and an angled body intermediate the first and second connecting ends. The first connecting end is removably connected to the handle. The exchangeable tool link has a proximal end removably connected to the second end of the extension link and a fastener-engaging distal end adapted for engaging a threaded fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Richardson
  • Patent number: 7472630
    Abstract: A hand tool is provided with a handle extension formed of a channel having a pair of side panels and a transverse spine panel. An articulated joint couples the channel to a handle of the tool. The articulated joint is formed by a pin which extends through registered “L” shaped slots in the side panels and a number one shaped slot formed through the handle adjacent its end. The handle extension can be rotated from a closed position, wherein the channel and the tool handle are juxtaposed, approximately 180° to an extension position for the application of increased torque or to an acute angle with respect to the handle. The channel may be locked in a selected position by a pivot latch, which is urged against a selected surface formed at the end of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Velluzzi
  • Patent number: 7458296
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, especially a screwing tool having a handle with a chuck, and a blade, especially a screwdriver blade, that can be inserted into an insertion opening of the chuck. The blade inserted into the insertion opening is held by a detent of the chuck, said detent being displaced from a detent position to a release position by actuating a trigger. The inventive tool is characterized in that the detent comprises a detent projection which is located on a spring arm that extends in the axial direction of the insertion opening and on the periphery thereof. Said spring arm is displaced by a control element of the trigger that can be displaced in the axial direction from the detent position to the release position. The insertion opening is configured by an insertion cylinder located in a cavity of the handle. The insertion cylinder is produced from plastic and the spring arm is associated with the insertion cylinder in order to form a single part consisting of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ralf-Richard Richter, Carsten Wulf
  • Patent number: 7444908
    Abstract: A tool handle device includes a hand grip member having a bore formed through the hand grip member for receiving a shaft, the shaft has an orifice formed in one end for detachably engaging with a tool member and for rotating or driving the tool member, the shaft further includes an engaging hole formed in the other end portion for engaging with a driving tool and for allowing the shaft of the hand grip member to be selectively rotated and driven by the driving tool, the shaft may include a noncircular segment extended out of the hand grip member for being driven by the driving device. The shaft has a noncircular cavity for engaging with a noncircular connector of the tool member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Hsiu Nien Lin
  • Patent number: 7434495
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a first part including a head and a shank. Three first holes are defined in the shank and each receive a first stop and a first spring therein. A second hole is defined in shank and located at an axis different from an axis of the first holes, a second stop and a second spring are received in the second hole. A second part is movably mounted to the shank and includes a positioning hole with which one of the first stop is removably engaged. The second stop is slidably engaged with a groove in the second part. A third part is mounted to the second part and includes button which is pushed to remove the first stop from the position hole so that the second part and the third part can be moved relative to the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Ting Lin