Extensible Handle Or Handle Extension Patents (Class 81/177.2)
  • 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: 6397420
    Abstract: A manual emergency tool assembly including a pair of tools, each of which has an operating head and a handle. The handles are formed to be telescopically engaged with each other. A locking arrangement is provided to secure the handles to each other in a fully telescoped relationship, and in intermediated telescoped relationships. A further locking arrangement provides for limited axial movement of the handles with respect to each other. The locking arrangement also provides for separating the tools for independent use of each tool or for use of the tools together in a configuration other than with the handle in a telescopic relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Paratech Incorporated
    Inventor: George F. Roxton
  • Patent number: 6389931
    Abstract: An extension between a driving tool and a driven member which has a hollow body with external gear teeth on one end which is releasably retained in the driving tool. The second end of the body has internal teeth which cooperate with external teeth on the driven member. Also, in the second end of the body is a retaining ring to releasably retain the member to be driven. A sleeve is slidingly received in the body. The sleeve is longitudinally slidable within the body from a first position in which the sleeve is slid fully inwardly to eject the driven member and a second position in which the sleeve is slid outwardly from the body when the driven member is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Hand Tool Design Corporation
    Inventors: Dana L. Delaney, Robert L. Arnold, Kenneth Taggart, James A. Van Lenten
  • Patent number: 6382057
    Abstract: An adapter for adapting a right-angle wrench, such as an Allen wrench, to a socket wrench or ratchet handle is disclosed. The adapter comprises an upper adapter housing, a lower adapter housing which receives the upper adapter housing, and an insert portion insertable in the lower adapter housing. The upper adapter housing has a rectangular recessed socket opening at a top end and a lower externally threaded portion toward a bottom end. The lower externally threaded portion defines a transverse channel with an upper bearing surface for accommodating handle portions of the right-angle wrenches. The upper bearing surface may be configured with an angular taper. The lower adapter housing has an axial hole at a bottom end and an externally threaded portion towards a top end which receives the lower externally threaded portion. Right-angle wrenches are snugly accommodated in the axial hole of the lower adapter housing by the insert portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Charles F. Kienholz
  • Patent number: 6378400
    Abstract: A detachable handle socket ratchet wrench system for permitting a user to change handles to suit the needs of the user. The detachable handle socket ratchet wrench system includes a ratchet head with a tubular sleeve outwardly extending therefrom defining a receptacle. A plurality of elongate handles are provided each having an insertion portion adjacent a distal end of the respective handle. The insertion portion of each of the handles is insertable into the receptacle of the sleeve. Each of the handle has a length defined between the proximal and distal ends of the respective handle. The length of a first of the handles is greater than the length of a second of the handles and at least two times greater than the length of a third of the handles. The length of the third handle is greater than about one-half the length of the second handle and less than about four-fifths the length of the second handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Bogli
  • Patent number: 6370990
    Abstract: A handle structure for a tool includes a handle body slidably secured on the shank of the tool for adjusting an arm of force of the shank of the tool. The handle structure also includes a retaining device mounted between the handle body and the shank of the tool for retaining the handle body on the shank of the tool, and a restoring device mounted between the handle body and the shank of the tool so that the handle body can slide on the shank of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Chuck (Chen-Tsai) Chang
    Inventor: Chorng-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 6367356
    Abstract: An improved tool driver has improved simplicity, torquing strength, and durability and allows a user to interchangeably use tool bits, such as sockets, from at least two different standard sized sets without changing drivers or requiring adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventor: Wesley Stepp
  • Publication number: 20020017172
    Abstract: A tool includes a shank, a handle slidably mounted on the shank and encompassing an outer periphery of the shank, thereby forming a closed state, and a positioning structure mounted between the shank and the handle for positioning the handle on the shank. The positioning structure includes at least one positioning portion formed on the shank, and at least one positioning body formed on the body. The positioning body may be locked and positioned on the positioning portion when the handle is compressed, thereby positioning the handle on the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Chorng-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 6345557
    Abstract: An adjunct device for a speed spanner. The adjunct device is an auxiliary device to facilitate coupling of an L-shape hexagonal spanner to the adaptor of a prime speed spanner. The adjunct device is one-piece in structure, topped by a hollow-set sleeving which protrudes eccentrically downwards to form an assembly mounting. The mounting is flanked by a graded hole which includes a chain of individually sized conterminous hexagonal holes to accommodate engagement by any of a number of differently sized hexagonal spanners, and in such case, the axis on the other side of such any hexagonal spanner will be just aligned to the axis of the sleeving, so that once the sleeving is engaged with the coupling adaptor on the part of the prime speed spanner, the L-shape hexagonal spanner may be readily rotated by manual operation with respect to the prime speed spanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Teng-Tang Kuo
  • Patent number: 6345554
    Abstract: A detachable vehicle tire wrench includes a base block, the base block having a threaded center through hole and four radial through holes equiangularly spaced around the periphery in communication with the threaded center through hole, four socket bars respectively detachably inserted into the radial through holes of the base block, each socket bar having an outer end terminating in a socket for grasping/turning a screw bolt or nut, and a locking block threaded into the threaded center through hole of the base block to lock the socket bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Peter Wang
  • Patent number: 6345559
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench having a labor saving structure includes a drive shank provided with a fixed plate defining a first circular hole and a rivet hole; a drive arm pivotally mounted on the fixed plate and defining a second circular hole and an elongated arcuate hole; a drive head mounted in the circular hole of the drive arm; a rivet extending through the elongated arcuate slot of the drive arm and secured in the rivet hole of the fixed plate; and C-shaped snap rings snapping and securing the fixed plate, the drive arm and the drive head together. When the drive shank is driven to rotate, each of the rivets can push the drive arm along the elongated arcuate slot, thereby forming a deflective leverage labor saving effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Yen-Huet Wang
  • Patent number: 6339979
    Abstract: An adjustable tool handle device includes a barrel slidably, and rotatably engaged on a handle. A channel is formed in the handle for receiving a rod and has two narrower ends. The barrel may be slided and adjusted relative to the handle when the rod is engaged in a greater middle portion of the channel of the handle. The barrel may be clamped between the barrel and the handle to secure the barrel and the handle together when the rod is engaged in either of the narrower ends of the channel of the handle. A catch may prevent the barrel from being disengaged from the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Che Ming Chiang
  • Patent number: 6338357
    Abstract: A fluid catch device is adapted to prevent spills when used during removal of a drain plug located in an area of limited access. The fluid catch device is particularly well-suited for use on motorcycles or other vehicles wherein access to an engine fluid drain plug is limited by a glide plate or other obstruction. The fluid catch device comprises an elongated fluid receptacle, a fluid port, and a tool tube. The fluid receptacle has an open end and an opposite end. The fluid port is in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle and is adapted to drain fluid from the fluid receptacle. The tool tube extends at least from the opposite end of the fluid receptacle toward the open end of the fluid receptacle. The tool tube has a proximal end that opens outside of the opposite end of the fluid receptacle and a distal end directed toward the open end of the fluid receptacle. The tool tube is adapted to receive a drain plug loosening tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Inventor: Frank E. Zevgolis
  • Patent number: 6336382
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Diego Cerda
  • Patent number: 6336383
    Abstract: A wrench structure including a main body, a pivot block pivotally connected with the main body, a projecting block pivotally connected with the pivot block and a grip pivotally connected with the projecting block. A first engaging mechanism is provided between the pivot block and the main body. A locating unit is disposed between the projecting block and the pivot block. A second engaging mechanism is disposed between the grip and the pivot block. The first engaging mechanism serves to control the main body to be engaged with the pivot block and located at different angles from the pivot block. The locating unit serves to control the projecting block to engage with or disengage from pivot block to be free to rotate. After the grip is pivotally rotated to contain different angles with the pivot block, the second engaging mechanism serves to locate and fix the grip with the pivot block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Kun Chih Hung
  • Patent number: 6332381
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Maxtech Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Kailash C. Vasudeva
  • Patent number: 6332379
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench assembly with gripping surface is provided including a ratchet wrench having a plurality of extents each with an outer surface. Every outer surface of the ratchet wrench has a gripping surface formed along its entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Terry Klomp
  • Patent number: 6327941
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Inventor: Chin-Shun Cheng
  • Patent number: 6324947
    Abstract: A locking device for a tool, such as a ratchet wrench, having a jointed drive head which may be situated in a series of angular positions relative to a handle, and which has means for temporarily holding the drive head of the tool at a predetermined angle with respect to the handle. The tool includes a spring-biased locking element disposed in the handle and which may be either engaged with, withdrawn from, or disengaged from the drive head. In the engaged position, the tool drive head is locked in place by the locking element. In the withdrawn position, the locking element is withdrawn from the head, and held away from it by the user to permit continuous changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the drive head. Finally, in the third orientation, the locking element is withdraw from the head and secured in a temporary holding position, allowing continual changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the head without the need for the user to continually hold the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Jack D. Jarvis
  • Publication number: 20010042423
    Abstract: A tool for receiving adapters and sockets of various sizes. One embodiment includes a first receiving end having outer and inner cavities being substantially rectangular with the inner cavity having a smaller diameter than the outer cavity. A second extension end is positioned opposite the first receiving end and includes outer and inner extensions being substantially rectangular shaped with the outer extension having a smaller width than the inner extension. Another embodiment includes a first end having at least two receiving cavities axially aligned. A first receiving cavity is positioned proximate the first end and has a larger diameter than a second distal receiving cavity. A second end includes at least two receiving cavities axially aligned including a third receiving cavity positioned proximate the second end having a larger diameter than a fourth distal receiving cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 6308596
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Elden Williams
  • Publication number: 20010032530
    Abstract: A torque extension for a set of hex key wrenches of standard outer diameter sizes has at least one counter bore hole on one end with an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter size of at least one hex key wrench of the set. The short side of the hex key wrench can be inserted in the extension element and used for turning, while the long side of the hex key wrench is used to reach a socket-head screw in a deep recess. Preferably, each extension element has two counter bore holes on opposite ends for accommodating two hex key wrench sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Sil Han
  • Patent number: 6293172
    Abstract: A pocket door angle drill having a right angle driver with a truly telescopic handle portion that may be extended to reach into confined spaces. The right angle driver has a casing and an internal gear assembly for translating rotary motion from a horizontal drive shaft to a vertical drive shaft. The drill further includes a telescopically extendable primary drive shaft portion that may be operatively connected to a power rotary device, and, optionally, an extension pole having an extension drive shaft for providing access to remote confined spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6286396
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench consisting of a socket driver head pivoting or fixed at one end, an elongated handle in the middle, and a pivoting extension shaft having an extended handle grip at the opposite end. The wrench is designed to install and tighten nuts onto machine bolts and break loose and remove nuts from machine bolts wherein the nut is in a recessed or confined area making it hard to reach with a conventional fixed-handle ratchet wrench. The extended handle grip is generally U-shaped with a linear section perpendicular to and substantially centered about the end of the extension shaft. The U-shaped handle of the extension shaft extends the user's reach when applying the torque necessary to install or remove a nut located in a cramped work space. In addition, the U-shaped handle includes a magnet for retrieving articles that are out of the reach of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Mark P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6286395
    Abstract: A ratchet handle of generally spherical shape, the handle having an embedded ratchet mechanism near one surface, the drive post of which is accessible through a diametrical channel extending from the opposite side of the sphere. An extension rod inserted into the channel mates with the drive post and extends beyond the opposite surface of the handle a selected distance to a socket wrench which may be used to drive a fastener of corresponding size. Supplemental male and female post recesses accept additional extension rods serving as lever handles and fixed, non-ratcheted drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas G. Frazier
  • Patent number: 6282998
    Abstract: Being useful with a rotary driving tool powered electrically or pneumatically, a fastener-driving accessory comprises a collar-mounting stem and two interchangeable collars, each being mountable coaxially and removably on the stem and being secured removably when mounted thereon. The collar-mounting stem has a collar-mounting portion having a distal end and having a polygonal cross-section. Each collar defines a stem-receiving socket, which has a similar but larger cross-section and into which the collar-mounting portion can be non-rotatably plugged. A fastener-driving collar defines a fastener-driving socket having a cross-section conforming to the cross-section of the stem-receiving socket so that the stem-receiving and fastener-driving sockets are interchangeable. A bit-mounting collar accommodates a fastener-driving bit having a socket-fitting portion, which has a polygonal cross-section conforming to the polygonal cross-section of the collar-mounting portion of the stem, and a fastener-driving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Beach
  • Patent number: 6279433
    Abstract: A locking pliers includes a body that supports a fixed jaw and a movable jaw. A lever is pivotably connected to the movable jaw, and a locking mechanism including a stub arm is coupled between the body and the lever to lock the jaws in a closed position. This locking mechanism includes an adjustment screw that is exposed at an end of the body remote from the fixed jaw. The body forms a resilient gripping surface that extends away from the exposed portion of the adjustment screw. This gripping surface extends beyond the end of the lever by at least about 4 inches such that the lever does not obstruct access to the grip. The user can place both hands on the grip to apply large torques to a clamped workpiece once the locking pliers has been locked in place on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: American Tool Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Chervenak
  • Patent number: 6269717
    Abstract: A tool for receiving adapters and sockets of various sizes. One embodiment includes a first receiving end having outer and inner cavities being substantially rectangular with the inner cavity having a smaller diameter than the outer cavity. A second extension end is positioned opposite the first receiving end and includes outer and inner extensions being substantially rectangular shaped with the outer extension having a smaller width than the inner extension. Another embodiment includes a first end having at least two receiving cavities axially aligned. A first receiving cavity is positioned proximate the first end and has a larger diameter than a second distal receiving cavity. A second end includes at least two receiving cavities axially aligned including a third receiving cavity positioned proximate the second end having a larger diameter than a fourth distal receiving cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 6267032
    Abstract: Twin-cam drive type adapter including: a main body the bottom end of which has a fitting section; a rotary bar the bar body of which is disposed with two cam sections, two releasing sections being formed between the two cam sections and interlaced with the cam sections, the two cam sections forming a largest radius on the rotary bar, while the releasing sections forming a smallest radius on the rotary bar, the rotary bar transversely passing through the adapter, the rotary bar having at least one rotary button disposed at one end thereof for a user's hand to rotate; a slide rod, a circumferential wall of the bottom end of the slide rod being formed with a dented section, the slide rod being up and down slidably fitted in the main body; a resilient member disposed between the main body and the slide rod, the resilient energy of the resilient member serving to keep pushing the slide rod upward; and a ball member received in the fitting section of the main body, the ball member being pushed by the slide rod
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Shih-Kuei Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6267030
    Abstract: A tool coupler and extender mechanism for affording greater leverage on a wrench. The tool coupler and extender mechanism includes a coupling member having a generally flat first side and a generally flat second side and having a definite thickness and further having a plurality of tool retaining members integrally extending outwardly from the first side and being adapted to retain a wrench between themselves and the coupling member. The coupling member also has a boss securely and conventionally disposed upon the second side with the coupling member further having a bore extending through the boss and through the first side and being adapted to receive a drive member of a socket wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel H. Rodoni
  • Patent number: 6267031
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Yen-Shuang Cheng
  • Patent number: 6263766
    Abstract: A socket wrench assembly having a drive handle and interchangeable, varible-sized socket drive heads. The drive heads have a round, flat configuration. A conventional rotatable square drive extends from one side and is operatively connected to an internal ratcheting mechansim. The drive head has a square bore formed in the edge. The handle has a spring biased locking mechanism to releasably secure the handle in the bore. The drive head can function as a palm ratchet without the handle attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Jack D. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 6260452
    Abstract: A tool includes a shaft with a polygonal rod movably received therein and the polygonal rod has an engaging end. A connection member is pivotally connected to an end of the shaft and another polygonal rod movably extends through the connection member. Two engaging ends are connected to two ends of the polygonal rod connected to the connection member. Each engaging end is cooperated with a socket. The connection member is pivoted to let the two polygonal rods be located in parallel with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Inventor: Hsiu-E Yu
  • Patent number: 6257102
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Perry
  • Patent number: 6247385
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Publication number: 20010000092
    Abstract: A locking device for a tool, such as a ratchet wrench, having a jointed drive head which may be situated in a series of angular positions relative to a handle, and which has means for temporarily holding the drive head of the tool at a predetermined angle with respect to the handle. The tool includes a spring-biased locking element disposed in the handle and which may be either engaged with, withdrawn from, or disengaged from the drive head. In the engaged position, the tool drive head is locked in place by the locking element. In the withdrawn position, the locking element is withdrawn from the head, and held away from it by the user to permit continuous changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the drive head. Finally, in the third orientation, the locking element is withdraw from the head and secured in a temporary holding position, allowing continual changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the head without the need for the user to continually hold the locking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 5, 2001
    Inventor: Jack D. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 6209425
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 6202519
    Abstract: A brake testing device for a transport vehicle having a brake pedal and a steering wheel, the steering wheel having a rim portion, the device having a shaft member whose length is selected to extend between the brake pedal and the steering wheel; first engagement means mounted on the shaft for engaging the rim portion; second engagement means for engaging the brake pedal, wherein the device is operable to maintain the brake pedal at an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Barry Victor Yandt
  • Patent number: 6199456
    Abstract: A manually operable device for applying leverage to a tool or other object includes a double-ended elongated member having tube-like receptacles attached to the ends thereof. The receptacles have a plurality of openings formed therein for alternatively accommodating an object. One of the tubes is orthogonal to the primary axis of the elongated member and another is canted relative to the primary axis of the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Todd H. Hlady
  • Patent number: 6189419
    Abstract: Disclosed is a low profile air ratchet wrench with an improved rotor geometry for use in accepting a variety of stem sizes and shapes. Also disclosed are improved stem constructions. The stem constructions employ offset spring biased balls which allow for a better securement between the stem and rotor wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph A. Pijanowski
  • Patent number: 6182539
    Abstract: A telescoping handle assembly includes inner and outer telescoping handle sections. The inner section has an outer surface and a series of grooves at predetermined locations spaced along the length of the inner section. The outer section includes locking teeth that are fixed axially in position along the length of the outer section and that are resiliently movable between a locked condition disposed in one of the grooves on the inner section and an unlocked condition. The handle assembly includes a locking sleeve movable in a first direction to apply radially inwardly directed force to the locking teeth to maintain the locking teeth in the locked condition and thereby to block telescopic movement of the inner section relative to the outer section. The locking sleeve is movable in a second direction opposite the first direction to enable movement of the locking teeth out of the locking condition thereby to enable telescopic movement of the inner section relative to the outer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Beverly Eugene Webster
  • Patent number: 6176161
    Abstract: A damaged screw removing screwdriver includes a handle and a shank extending from the handle. The shank has a distal end for being engaged with slots in the head of a bolt. A plurality of blade portions extend radially outward from the distal end of the shank and each blade portion has a cutting edge and a corner. The handle has a plate attached to the distal end thereof so that the blade portions cut into the material of the head of the bolt by impacting the plate on the handle. By the screwdriver, the bolt having rounded slots in the head can still be rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Jung-Sheng Huang, Yi-Ming Tung
  • Patent number: 6170365
    Abstract: The socket wrench extension has an insertion member with a polygonal socket head having a lateral socket head surface. A receiving member with a polygonal socket is provided and a tube rigidly connects the insertion member and the receiving member. The locking member is moveably connected within the insertion member such that the locking element partially projects from the lateral socket head surface. The pressure transmission member is axially moveable in the tube. The pressure transmission member has a first and a second end. The first end serves as an actuation member for the pressure transmission member. The second end transforms the axial movement of the pressure transmission member, directed toward the insertion member, into an outward movement of the locking member. The receiving member has an axial bore and a guide sleeve which is inserted into the axial bore of the receiving member for guiding the first end of the pressure transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hazet-Werk Hermann Zerver GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hermann J. Zerver
  • Patent number: 6167787
    Abstract: A locking device for a tool, such as a ratchet wrench, having a jointed drive head which may be situated in a series of angular positions relative to a handle, and which has means for temporarily holding the drive head of the tool at a predetermined angle with respect to the handle. The tool includes a spring-biased locking element disposed in the handle and which may be either engaged with, withdrawn from, or disengaged from the drive head. In the engaged position, the tool drive head is locked in place by the locking element. In the withdrawn position, the locking element is withdrawn from the head, and held away from it by the user to permit continuous changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the drive head. Finally, in the third orientation, the locking element is withdraw from the head and secured in a temporary holding position, allowing continual changes in the angular relationship between the handle and the head without the need for the user to continually hold the locking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Inventor: Jack D. Jarvis