Foldable Or Flexible Patents (Class 81/177.6)
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7555972
    Abstract: A safe tool assembly comprises an assembly part including a body, on the two ends of which is disposed at least one connecting tab having tools attached thereon, provided at least two through apertures at the side surfaces thereof individually and each having two small-diametered insertion bores fixed on the two sides thereof, wherein the two insertion bores are opposite to each other, and between each of the insertion bores and each of the through apertures is provided a stopping rim; two protective covers assembled to the two sides of the assembly part and including at least one pillar affixed therein, at the front end of which is mounted a locking tab having recesses secured therein, and including two gaps arranged on the two sidewalls thereof, hence by engaging the locking tabs with the stopping rims, the protective covers may be opened and stored stably, operating the desired tool safely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Shu-Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 7530295
    Abstract: A multipurpose skateboard tool comprising two separable substantially flat elongated members and a separable chain. The first substantially flat elongated member comprises a socket within one end, a wrench within the opposite end, and a keyway and at least one through hole within the middle portion. The second substantially flat elongated member comprises a wrench within one end, a screwdriver bit on the opposite end, and a rivet and at least one through hole within the middle portion. The two substantially flat elongated members may interlock together via the keyway and rivet mechanism for compact and flat storage. When interlocked, the chain may be inserted through adjacent through holes to prevent separation of the two substantially flat elongated members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventors: Aaron Jones, Michael Knapton
  • 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: 7509892
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • 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: 7424839
    Abstract: A wrench has a body, a head and at least one pivotal device. The body has two arms separately formed on a distal end of the body and a mounting recess formed between the two arms. Each arm has a hole defined through the arm. The head is rotatably and replaceably mounted inside the mounting recess and has a driving hole defined through the head and two pivotal holes defined in the outer surface of the head and facing the holes in the body. The at least one pivotal device is movably mounted between the body and the head for holding the head. When the wrench is in use, the body may be rotated at various angles relative to the head, so that the wrench could be used in a limited space and is convenient in use. Furthermore, the head may be conveniently replaced depending on a user's needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Mu-Pei Chiang
  • Patent number: 7415911
    Abstract: Adjustable tools which may be linked through a coupling so that the tool and the handle are rotatable relative to each other in a released condition and locked relative to each other in a locked position. The tool and the handle may thus be adjusted to have the tool at any desired orientation to the handle and in a locked position in that orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventors: Melissa Cole, legal representative, Charles A. Cole
  • Patent number: 7401538
    Abstract: This invention relates to an F figure wrench that comprises a holding rod, a moving part, a turning rod and a driving part. At one end of the holding rod, a concavity is made and two lugs are implemented; the concavity is made as a guide hole to accommodate the moving part, the lug holes of the two lugs are used as pivot holes for the driving part to be pivot-connected with the holding rod. Furthermore, a penetration is made on the holding rod and the moving part concentrically, and intersects through the concavity for installation of the turning rod. A cam eccentric to the turning rod axis is implemented on the turning rod; when the turning rod is turned, the moving part is pushed by the eccentric cam and moving along the guide hole in the holding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Shun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080163434
    Abstract: A multipurpose skateboard tool comprising two separable substantially flat elongated members and a separable chain. The first substantially flat elongated member comprises a socket within one end, a wrench within the opposite end, and a keyway and at least one through hole within the middle portion. The second substantially flat elongated member comprises a wrench within one end, a screwdriver bit on the opposite end, and a rivet and at least one through hole within the middle portion. The two substantially flat elongated members may interlock together via the keyway and rivet mechanism for compact and flat storage. When interlocked, the chain may be inserted through adjacent through holes to prevent separation of the two substantially flat elongated members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Aaron A. Jones, Michael D. Knapton
  • Patent number: 7387055
    Abstract: An accommodating handle for hexagon spanner includes a box which is approximately a triangle and is assembled by an upper box and a lower box, wherein the three points of the triangle inside the lower box are respectively disposed a pillar, the three edges of the box are concaved inwardly to be arcs, a turning piece is mounted at the edge and one end of the turning piece is a pivoting end for pivoting on the box and the other end is a moving end having wedging points for wedging at the locations adjacent to the three points of the box, plural hexagon spanners in various sizes are sleeved on the pillar of the lower box in size sequence, and the three points of the box are respectively mounted an indentation for penetrating the working end of the hexagon spanners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Yi-Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 7343836
    Abstract: A bender wrench for removing fasteners from hard to reach places. The bender wrench includes a wrench having a pair of first ends coupled to a plurality of head members that are positionable with respect to the handle. Each of the head members is designed to remove or tighten a fastener without slipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Jess G. Ward
  • Patent number: 7343837
    Abstract: An improved wrench for loosening and tightening objects having flexibility in two different planes of movement. The flexible drive wrench consists of an adjustable handle capable of rotating to achieve different angles along with a flexible shaft comprising of numerous steel links. The handle rotates around the flexible links when the release is engaged and locks when the release is disengaged. In addition, the steel links allow for flexibility along another plane of movement. Numerous links are connected together to form a flexible wrench by inserting a stud with a rounded end into the slotted cavity of the next link with a mushroom head steel pin connecting them. To the last link of the flexible wrench is connected a link with an open-end wrench head, closed-end wrench head, ratcheting head, or other fastening tool head for the removal of fasteners such as bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: James Anthony Domanico, Joseph Allen Domanico
  • Patent number: 7343838
    Abstract: A tool device comprising two sides connected by two axles on which one or several functional tools and two covers are arranged. The tool device is configured to provide a stable T-construction by opening a first cover arranged on a first axle, rotating one of the functional tools arranged on the second axle (such as a thread tap) to 90°, closing the first cover and rotating the second cover 180°. The covers preferably include notches for engaging the functional tool rotated to 90° in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventors: Owe Tansbo, Hans Hallberg
  • Patent number: 7278338
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head having an engaging portion for mounting an object and a through hole which includes an engaging inner periphery and a smooth inner periphery, and is closed by a bottom plate with a central hole. A movable member is movably received in the second through hole and includes a driving section and a connection section. An operation portion includes a handle and a mounting portion which has a connection recess so as to be engaged with the connection section of the movable member. The driving section of the movable member is removably engaged with the engaging inner periphery. By moving the movable member relative to the mounting portion, the handle can be selectively rotated freely or co-rotated with the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Patent number: 7216569
    Abstract: A screwdriver handle comprises a base portion; a pair of arms pivotally connected to the base portion; a locking sleeve mounted around the base portion and adapted to engage the pair of arms; a spring member mounted around the base portion and adapted to engage the locking sleeve; a torsion spring connected to the base portion and each of the pair of arms; and a pin connecting the pair of arms to the base portion. The base portion comprises at least one gripping indent feature and a hollow inner shaft chamber having a locking indent feature. The pair of arms are adapted to articulate from a first position planar to a longitudinal axis of the base portion to a second position transverse to the longitudinal axis of the base portion. The locking sleeve is adapted to move along a longitudinal axis of the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Custom Spine, Inc.
    Inventor: Mahmoud F. Abdelgany
  • Patent number: 7201086
    Abstract: An articulated wrench includes an elongate handle with a generally U-shaped depression at an end of the handle with an edge portion of the handle extending on either side of the depression, and a wrench head formed as a generally planar body with an aperture therein for engaging a fastener to be turned with the wrench, with the body of the wrench head nested into the depression in the handle with the edge portions of the handle on either side of the depression extending along a portion of the edge of the wrench head, and with the wrench head pivotally interconnected to the handle so as to allow rotation of the wrench head relative to the handle. The proportions of the wrench head are selected and the connection between wrench head and handle are selected so as to minimize the clearance required between a fastener and adjacent obstructions in a confined space for engagement of the fastener with the wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald A. Hansen
  • Patent number: 7182000
    Abstract: A flexible adaptable hand tool to facilitate access in constricted areas. It includes a working tool element engaging the bolt or other device to be manipulated, and a varying set of extension bar elements adapted to be removably affixed to the working tool element and to each other, providing a choice of lengths and angles between the hand of the user and the device to be manipulated. Adapters enabling the removable affixation of elements to each other are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Walter M. Dicksen
  • Patent number: 7182003
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7171875
    Abstract: A wrench includes a handle, a head having a pivotal portion pivotably connected to an end of the handle, and a retaining mechanism. The pivotal portion of the head includes two end portions and an intermediate portion between the end portions. The intermediate portion includes an arcuate outer surface section that has teeth to be releasably engaged with the retaining mechanism, allowing the head to be pivotally moved to a desired position relative to the handle and retaining the head in the desired position. Thus, the thickness of the respective end portion of the pivotal portion of the head is not reduced, preventing damage to the torque-bearing section in the respective end portion of the pivotal portion during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7168345
    Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7111528
    Abstract: A hand tool is provided with a flexible arm containing a flexible gripping strap. The strap forms an adjustable closed loop positioned at one end, and extends through the arm at the other end. The loop is used for securing to a nut, bolt, or similar part that is positioned in a difficult to reach place. The flexible arm may be bent and formed to hold a specific shape, thus allowing it to fit into areas where most common hand tools cannot. Tension on the loop is increased by pulling the rubber strap. A lock secures the strap to retain the tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Marlene M. Foster
  • Patent number: 7096758
    Abstract: A tool for removing a gas cap from the gas-receiving tube of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: MPM Creations, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Ferkany, Patricia Ann Ferkany, Amelia Ferkany
  • Patent number: 7080423
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Patent number: 7073413
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fold-away wrench having a wrench head (9) pivotally mounted on a handle (2). The wrench head (4) is an open flexible ring socket (3a) locatable over a fastener such as a nut, bolt or screw to move it. Pins (17) are provided for engagement with the wrench head (4) to close the wrench head over a fastener to be moved. Preferably, the wrench head (4) is pivotable on an axis pin (10) at one end of the socket ring while at the other end of the socket ring is a fulcrum pin (17) for closing the socket over the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Smart Tools Ltd
    Inventors: Seamus Duffy, Nigel Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7066059
    Abstract: A bendable spanner comprises a driving head having a driving portion at a front end thereof for engaging with a screw means; a length of the driving head being L3; a pivotal unit; the driving head being pivotally installed to the pivotal unit; a length of the pivotal unit being L2; and a holding portion; one end of the holding portion being pivotally installed to the pivotal unit; a length of the holding portion being L1. The length of L1 is greater than or equal to 1.5 times of the L2, and the length of L1 is greater than or equal to 1.15 times of L3. Moreover in the present invention, another end of the holding portion is connected to a pivotal unit and then the pivotal unit is further connected to a driving head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7059220
    Abstract: A wrench combination includes a first wrench, a second wrench and a joint for rotationally connecting the first wrench with the second wrench. The first wrench is movably connected with the joint. A socket can be attached to each end of the first wrench. The second wrench is movably connected with the joint. A socket can be attached to each end of the second wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Patent number: 7043949
    Abstract: A Child Proof Key for Barrel-housed Gun Lock is disclosed. Also disclosed object of the present invention to provide a Child Proof Key for Barrel-housed Gun Lock. The lock includes a handle defined by a slot formed along its length for acceptance of the shaft. The shaft is hinged at one end which permits the shaft to be stowed within the shaft slot. The shaft terminates in a key socket at its head for engagement with the keyed head of a bore-housed gun lock. The key further includes a bushing along the length of the shaft for centering the key socket within the barrel of the weapon, and further to identify the size by indicia inscribable thereon (or other desirable indicia). Very importantly, the shaft slot formed in the handle is defined by a shoulder and a shaft bore, with the gap between the two shoulders being slightly smaller than the diameter of the shaft such that the shaft snaps into the slot when stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Ross, Cruz Luna
  • Patent number: 7017236
    Abstract: A hand-held instrument has a business end and a handle attached to the business end. The handle has a gripping portion and a longitudinal axis. A knob is provided on the gripping portion of the handle to facilitate the wielding of the hand-held instrument. The knob is disposed such that it projects away from the handle in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the handle. In a preferred, but not required embodiment, the knob is removably attached to the handle by a quick release attachment device. In a typical, but not required, such embodiment, the quick release attachment device includes a male connection pin disposed within the knob and a female receptor disposed within the hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Vidal
  • Patent number: 7000897
    Abstract: A valve wrench comprising a telescoping shaft assembly further comprising an inner shaft and an outer shaft, a handle pivotally attached to a first end of the shaft assembly, and a work coupling element fixed or mounted on a second end. The inner shaft may include a spring loaded button that engages the outer shaft to hold the inner and outer shaft in an operation position or alternatively in a storage position. The handle pivots to form a compact linear assembly in a storage configuration and is shaped conformal to the telescoping shaft to minimize occupied space in the storage configuration. The inner and outer shafts may be constructed from a number of complementary cross section shapes including rectangular, hexagonal, and spline to assist in the transfer of torque from the handle to the valve. A number of alternative valve coupling elements are provided for different valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Chick Tool Company, Inc
    Inventor: Jon Chick
  • Patent number: 6952986
    Abstract: A flexible socket extension includes two connectors disposed in two ends of a flexible housing, and a number of torque transmitting elements received in the flexible housing and coupled between the connectors. One of the torque transmitting elements includes a neck and a tongue which has a width greater than that of the neck. The other torque transmitting element includes a lateral groove for receiving the tongue, and having two juts extended into the lateral groove, for engaging with the tongue and for rotatably retaining the torque transmitting elements together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Kun Cen Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun Fa Fu
  • Patent number: 6941842
    Abstract: A wrench combination includes a first wrench and a second wrench. The first wrench includes a shaft and two sockets each formed at an end of the shaft. The second wrench is rotationally connected with the first wrench. The second wrench includes a shaft and two sockets each formed at an end of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Mou-Tang Liou
  • Patent number: 6898998
    Abstract: The invention relates to a T-handle ratchet wrench including a lateral bar and a ratchet set. The lateral bar has a hollow connection part located in the center of the lateral bar and used for installing the ratchet set. Two flanks of the lateral bar make up a handgrip, respectively. The top of ratchet set is provided with a rotation button while a vertical bar extends downwardly from the rotation button. At least one of the handgrips includes a pivotal ear with a through hole, and the pivotal ear can be fitted into an insertion slot with a through hole at the free end of the lateral bar. A pivotal pin then passes through the through hole in the pivotal ear and the through hole in the insertion slot. This permits a pivotal movement of the handgrip on the pivotal pin. Accordingly, this configuration will considerably minimize the occupied space in packing, transport, storage and carrying. Particularly, the operators can more easily apply his force on the driver under special operation environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Wen-Tsai Shyu
  • Patent number: 6868760
    Abstract: A tool instrument which has a plurality of elongated tools mounted within a housing. Each tool is separately movable relative to the housing between a retracted position located within the housing and an extended position projecting outwardly from the housing. The normal at-rest position for each of the tools is in a locked position relative to the housing. Manually pushing onto a button will cause a shaft to be moved to disengage the tools and permit the tools to be moved relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Pratt-Read Corporation
    Inventor: Robyn Marie Johnson
  • Patent number: 6862958
    Abstract: A flexible drive shaft extension for hand tools comprises serially nested, socket-ended Shaft components of polygonal cross-section which have freedom of universal motion from axial alignment limited to about five degrees of arc and which are forcibly retained in coupled connection within a sleeve by spring biasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Robert L. Schade
  • Patent number: 6813975
    Abstract: A device 20 for protecting a user's fingers when operating a flexible extension shaft 10 includes a first end portion 22 secured to a rigid member 9 of the shaft 10 via clamp means 26, a second end portion 24 that engages a movable member 8 of the shaft 10, a mid-portion member 30 integrally joined to the first and second end portions 22 and 24 whereby relative movement between the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8 is unobstructed by the mid-portion member 30 irrespective of the relative positions of the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8, the mid-portion member 30 being configured to prevent a user's fingers from being “pinched” between the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8 irrespective of the position of the user's hand upon the flexible extension shaft 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Burton Kozak
  • Patent number: 6802094
    Abstract: A hand tool such as a knife or a combination tool includes multiple blades, each independently rotatable on a common axle between a closed position within a handle of the tool and an open position extending from the handle. Each blade is positively but releasably locked into its open position. Those blades which remain closed are biased toward the closed position when the opened blade is locked into position and also as it is opened and closed. A single locking, releasing, and biasing mechanism serves all of the blades in one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Leatherman Tool Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett P. Seber, Randolph J. Morton, Gabriel Alejandro Draguicevich, Roy L. Helton, Jr., Gregory F. Rubin
  • Publication number: 20040177730
    Abstract: A device 20 for protecting a user's fingers when operating a flexible extension shaft 10 includes a first end portion 22 secured to a rigid member 9 of the shaft 10 via clamp means 26, a second end portion 24 that engages a movable member 8 of the shaft 10, a mid-portion member 30 integrally joined to the first and second end portions 22 and 24 whereby relative movement between the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8 is unobstructed by the mid-portion member 30 irrespective of the relative positions of the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8, the mid-portion member 30 being configured to prevent a user's fingers from being “pinched” between the rigid member 9 and the movable member 8 irrespective of the position of the user's hand upon the flexible extension shaft 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Burton Kozak
  • Publication number: 20040045417
    Abstract: A grip structure for fixing an angled socket includes a first cover, a second cover, a first nut, and a second nut. The first cover and the second cover are combined with each other by the first nut and the second nut to encompass the outer periphery of the angled socket, so as to function a grip of the angled socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Li Jiun Chiu
  • Patent number: 6688196
    Abstract: A wrench having two driving stems pivotally connected with each other. One of the driving stems has a main stem and a female joint protruding from a rectangular or cylindrical section of the main stem with a hole at a center thereof. The other driving stem has the other main stem and a male joint projecting out of the center of a rectangular or cylindrical section of the main stem. The male joint and the female joint are engaged with each other via a coupler such as a roll pin. Therefore, without using an additional hinge or other mechanical coupler, these two driving stems are pivotally connected with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Mark S. Warner
  • Patent number: 6662688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved lug wrench. In one embodiment, the lug wrench includes a first arm connected to a mounting member, two foldable arms connected to the first arm, and a fourth detachable arm capable of attaching to the mounting member in a first and second positions. The lug wrench can form a cross-shape by extending the foldable arms such that they are substantially perpendicular to the first arm and attaching the fourth detachable arm to the mounting member in the first position such that it is substantially perpendicular to the foldable arms. The size of the lug wrench can be minimized by folding the foldable arms and attaching the fourth detachable arm to the mounting member in the second position such that they are substantially parallel to the first arm. Other embodiments include ratcheting without folding and optional tire cover removal and hammer head attachments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Hornet Tool Company
    Inventor: Bryan K. Avery
  • Patent number: 6640672
    Abstract: A screwdriver includes a handle, a ratchet socket, a rotary linkage and a cap. The handle has a channel inside to accommodate the rotary linkage with one end inserted with the ratchet socket and a screwdriver socket. The rotary linkage includes a linkage, a tube, a stop section, a spring and a pivoting rod. The linkage has one end pivoted to the stop section inserted in the spring and penetrates axially in the tube. One end of the tube protrudes a wall at the inner periphery and has a pair of gaps at the end. Another end of the linkage is pivoted to the pivoting rod and the cap. The cap is pulled to draw out the linkage with the stop section at the end of the linkage to compress the spring to hold against the wall of the tube, and the pivoting rod is bent for rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Gong Fong Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Hua Cheng
  • Patent number: 6640668
    Abstract: A hand guard for drilling rig hand tongs includes a resilient body having a first end and a second end. Clamps are provided for securing the first end of the body along a first edge of a jaw of the drilling rig hand tongs adjacent to a hand gripping bar. Clamps are provided for securing the second end of the body along a second edge of the jaw adjacent to the hand gripping bar. The body extends above and shields the hand gripping bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Katch Kan Holdings Ltd.
    Inventors: William George, Ross Ward
  • Patent number: 6626071
    Abstract: A multi-functional hand tool assembly includes a handle with tool attachments. The handle has opposite ends with opposite holes extending therethrough. The tool attachments are removably, interchangeably and reversibly insertable into the handle ends and each has a middle section and end tool sections connected to and extending in opposite directions from opposite ends of the middle section. Each middle section is identical to one another and has a continuous exterior surface which matches a continuous interior end surface defining each hole in a handle end such that the middle sections can snugly fit through the hole in either handle end so as to mount the tool attachments in non-rotatable relationships with the handle ends such that the tool attachments will turn with turning of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventors: Eric S. Kesinger, Donald A. Kesinger
  • Publication number: 20030131693
    Abstract: A flexible drive shaft extension for hand tools comprises serially nested, socket-ended Shaft components of polygonal cross-section which have freedom of universal motion from axial alignment limited to about five degrees of arc and which are forcibly retained in coupled connection within a sleeve by spring biasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Robert L. Schade
  • Patent number: 6588303
    Abstract: An anti-rotation device for a fastener, comprising: a first coupling for engaging a first fastener; a second coupling for engaging a feature located near the first fastener; and a flexible connection between the first and second couplings. The flexible connection limits rotation of the first coupling relative to the second coupling. The anti-rotation device could be part of a kit which also includes a holder. The holder comprises: a first opening for receiving the first coupling and a second opening for receiving the second coupling. The spacing between the first and second openings corresponds to the distance between the first and second fasteners. The anti-rotation device allows the operator to tighten or loosen a third fastener corresponding to said first fastener without manually engaging the first fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard M. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20030061915
    Abstract: A combination tire repair wrench includes a main wrench, two auxiliary tool members respectively pivoted to two polygonal connecting rods at the ends of a crossbar being welded to a middle part of the main wrench, the auxiliary tool members each having a hexagonal head and a coupling portion extended from the head and pivoted to one connecting rod, and two locking barrels adapted to lock the auxiliary tool members in the operative position, each locking barrel having two hexagonal coupling portions at the ends of the inner diameter for engagement with the polygonal peripheral wall of one connecting rod and the polygonal head of the corresponding auxiliary tool member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Lai-Fu Wang
  • Patent number: 6473940
    Abstract: A knob for a medical post valve, the post valve having a threaded bonnet with a diameter, and a valve stem, the valve stem having an external end shaped, generally, as a cylinder with two opposing flat sides, the knob comprising a hub having an elongated body with a diameter that is generally the same size as the bonnet diameter, the body having a first end, a second end, and an axial cavity, the first end having a medial slot extending in across the first end in a direction perpendicular to the cavity, an elongated handle, the handle sized to fit within the cavity, the handle movable between a first position and a second position, the handle first position being disposed within such cavity with the axis of the handle generally aligned with the axis of the body, and the handle second position being disposed within the slot with the axis of the handle extending perpendicular to the axis of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Devin Glenn Cooper
  • Patent number: 6474202
    Abstract: A driver implement for a multipurpose tool has an elongated stud with opposite beveled corner portions for fitting closely in a square driver hole of a socket type tool with the stud extending diagonally in the driver hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: SOG Specialty Knives, Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer Frazer
  • Publication number: 20020157506
    Abstract: A flexible drive shaft extension for hand tools comprises serially nested, socket-ended shaft components of polygonal cross-section which have freedom of universal movement from axial alignment limited to about five degrees of arc and which are forcibly retained in coupled connection within a sleeve by spring biasing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Schade