Handle For Tool Patents (Class 81/489)
  • Publication number: 20140083060
    Abstract: The ergonomic thermoluminescent dosimeter adapter provides ergonomic design that reduces the risk of repetitive motion injury. The ergonomic thermoluminescent dosimeter adapter includes a form fitting hand trigger and a handle portion mounted on a base. The handle portion has a slot adapted to receive the TLD tool. The TLD tool inserts into the adapter and fastening devices secure the TLD tool to the adapter. In operation, the adapter base is positioned on a flat surface such as a table and adjusted to a comfortable working height until the hand trigger is in a comfortable gripping position. The adapter is held with one hand and the hand trigger is squeezed with the other hand until the targeted TLD holder opens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: John Estabillo Tate, Curtis Wayne Gent, D. Suzanne Gregor, William Andrew Harrell
  • Publication number: 20140076114
    Abstract: A cable stripper handle assembly including a handle, a handle sleeve coupled to the handle and having a first portion and a second portion, a handle sleeve connector surrounding the second portion of the handle sleeve, the handle sleeve connector having first and second holes, the second hole having two opposing ends and intersecting the first hole, a unidirectional bearing received in the first portion of the handle sleeve, at least one marble positioned inside the second hole adjacent to at least one of the opposing ends thereof, and at least one spring positioned inside the second hole and contacting the at least one marble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Changzhou Amphenol Fuyang Communication Equip. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pengjin Wang, Tingxing SHENG
  • Publication number: 20140041195
    Abstract: Hand tool and method of manufacturing and using same. The hand tool includes a tool mount including at least one heim joint that removably receives thereon a tool head assembly. The heim joint and tool head assembly cooperate to provide the hand tool with a multi-directional, variable angle of attack on a work piece in a manner that accommodates aged, arthritic and otherwise handicapped people having a limited range of arm, wrist and hand movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: QUIC INDUSTRIES
    Inventor: NAM QUOC HOANG
  • Patent number: 8640574
    Abstract: A device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and four faces. The device is configured to stand upright on the second end. A plurality of tools is stored against the four faces in a closed position. A first face and a second face each includes a bit storage that holds at least one socket. A third face includes a drive, a can opener, and a blade. The drive and the can opener rotate about a first rotatable mechanism coupled to the second end. The blade rotates about an insert coupled to the first end. A fourth face includes a first set of tool drivers that rotates about a second rotatable mechanism coupled to the second end and a second set of tool drivers that rotates about a third rotatable mechanism coupled to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20140026724
    Abstract: A tool handle for releasably receiving a tool including a core portion having a base portion and a cylindrical shaft portion extending outwardly therefrom, the base portion including a first surface, a second surface, and an outer wall extending therebetween, the outer wall defining a first bore therein, and a grip portion rotatably disposed about the shaft portion of the core. The first bore is configured to releasably receive a first portion of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Apex Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Broadaway, Ian L. Gresham, Zhihong Fu
  • Publication number: 20140020848
    Abstract: An extendable handled tool may include: a shaft; a hollow shaft extension encompassing the shaft and configured to move axially on the shaft so that the shaft moves in and out of the hollow space in the shaft extension; a locking collar attached to the shaft extension, the locking collar configured to rotate on the shaft; a tooth connected to the locking collar such that the tooth rotates with the locking collar; and a locking ring mounted on the shaft, the locking ring configured to fit with the tooth to rotate between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the locked position prevents the shaft extension from moving axially with respect to the shaft and the unlocked position permits the shaft extension to move axially with respect to the shaft. A method of extending a handle on a tool may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Michael WHITE, Robert Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140000422
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a first handle unit including a first handle body and an engaging block that protrudes obliquely from the first handle body, a joint unit mounted rotatably around the engaging block and formed with an oblong groove, a second handle unit connected co-rotatably with the joint unit, and a latch member mounted movably to the first handle unit and able to switch between a lock state, where the latch member engages the oblong groove and the first and second handle units are non-rotatable relative to each other, and an unlock state, where the latch member is disengaged from the oblong-groove and the second handle unit is rotatable about the engaging block to adjust an orientation of the second handle unit relative to the first handle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Patent number: 8616098
    Abstract: A handle for a garden tool, a kitchen utensil, a hardware tool, an implement, device, preferably cookware and/or a pot or pan comprises a soft, resilient material formed into three horizontally-extending (to the longitudinal axis of the handle) finger troughs. A slight recess for a fourth finger, and a thumb rest, located on the bottom and top, respectively, extend along the longitudinal axis of the handle. The thumb rest is at least partially superimposed over the fourth (or pointer) finger recess and is at least partially forward or distal to the end of the handle as the troughs and the fourth or pointer finger recess of the handle. The soft material (polypropylene and/or thermoplastic rubber) for the handle along with the finger troughs and the thumb rest allow the handle to be comfortable in use, very easy to control the item to which the handle is attached, and still allows for heat insulation between the item to which the handle is attached and the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Mystic Apparel LLC
    Inventor: Alice Rosow
  • Patent number: 8613740
    Abstract: A hand-held manipulator includes a handle (4) fixedly mounted on the end of a connecting arm (2), the distal end (2b) of which carries a work unit (3). The handle (4) includes a grip section (4e) having a surface of revolution about a longitudinal handle axis (III), which is aligned with the longitudinal axis (I) of the arm. Control elements (4a-4c) are shaped in an annular structure near the distal end (4f) of the grip section (4e) so as to be accessible in any angular orientation of the hand holding the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Dexterite Surgical
    Inventors: Pascal Barrier, Jérémy Ollagnier, Rémi Rosset-Lanchet
  • Publication number: 20130333530
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a body having a first space in which a first threaded portion and a non-circular positioning portion are located. A handle is threadedly connected to the body and has a pivotal member pivotably connected thereto. The pivotal member has a second threaded portion which is connected to the first threaded portion. A slot is defined in the second threaded portion and a push member is located in the slot. The push member has a non-circular positioning member which is in contact with the positioning portion. The handle further has a room to which an end cap is threadedly connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: GONG FONG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: MING-CHIA WU
  • Publication number: 20130326832
    Abstract: An improved telepole device having attachment means for attaching swimming pool cleaning, and other tools. The improved telepole device preferably includes an inner tube which freely slides within an outer tube, and a locking device to temporarily secure the inner tube in a desired position within the outer tube. A preferred lightweight design may be at least partially hollow along the length of the tube(s), and durability may be provided by inner/reinforcement wall(s) that extend across the hollow portion(s) of one or both of the tubes. On the end of the outer tube through which the inner tube slides/extends is a collar element attached thereto and comprised of a locking device having a detent mechanism for “locking” the inner tube in place within the outer tube. Preferably, the collar's opening and the profile of the inner tube have one or more sides that, due to their relative position with respect to each other, can prevent the inner tube from rotating within the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: ERIC V. RESH
  • Publication number: 20130327191
    Abstract: A handle assembly for a hand-operated tool includes first and second front vertical members pivotally connected to the tool and first and second rear vertical members pivotally connected to the tool. A first connecting link connects the first front and rear vertical members. A second connecting link connects the second front and rear vertical members. A first handle extends between the first and second front vertical members. A second handle extends between the first and second rear vertical members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Peter Matthew WASON
  • Publication number: 20130319189
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a shaft, at least one affecting portion, and a protection layer. The shaft is like a bar, and can be hold by a hand. The affecting portion connects with the shaft. The affecting portion can grip a specific part which a user wants to control. The protection layer is settled and/or covered on at least one portion of the hand tool surface. The protection layer is lumpy and rough. Because of the protection layer, the hand tool is shake-proof, wear-proof, slip-resistance, and electric insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Yu-Ching Kuo, Yi-Ching Yu
  • Publication number: 20130319191
    Abstract: A method for forming an indicia groove includes preparing an indicia die having a pressing face. A protruded indicia portion is formed on the pressing face and includes an upper face having a boundary. A protrusion is formed on the upper face and located in the boundary. A stepped portion is formed between the protrusion and the protruded indicia portion. The indicia die presses against a surface of a product, forming an indicia groove in the surface of the product. The indicia groove provides an indicating function for the product. The product with the indicia groove is obtained after removing the indicia die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 8595902
    Abstract: An extension pole having a tool-actuating connection between a lever on the pole handle end and a tool on the pole distal end that remains operational by action of a lever on the pole proximal end through pole adjustment. A quick release mechanism on the pole distal end receives a tool matching that mechanism through which the movement of the lever is communicated to the tool causing the tool to operate in its normal function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stretta, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Troudt
  • Publication number: 20130305886
    Abstract: An adjustable tool handle for holding a tool during use provides an improved handling of tools during use of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically L-shaped hexagonal wrenches. The adjustable tool handle includes a tool handle body with a handle and an adjustable opening for receiving a tool. In order to place a tool within the tool handle, a user opens the tool handle. When the tool handle is open, one leg of the tool handle is inserted into one of a plurality of openings on the back of the body and the other leg is placed within the adjustable opening. After the tool is placed within the tool handle, the tool is held in place by a securing mechanism. With the tool coupled to the tool handle, a user is able to tighten and loosen work pieces of different sizes and different types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: WAGIC INC.
    Inventor: Robert J. Gallegos
  • Publication number: 20130305885
    Abstract: An adjustable tool handle for holding a tool during use provides an improved handling of tools during use of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically L-shaped hexagonal and round wrenches. The adjustable tool handle includes a tool handle body with a handle and an adjustable opening for receiving a tool. In order to place a tool within the tool handle, a user opens the tool handle and places the tool within the handle. After the tool is placed within the handle the tool is held in place by a holding component. The tool handle is also usable with a removable ratcheting mechanism. When the ratcheting mechanism is attached to the tool handle, the ratcheting mechanism couples with a plurality of bits or sockets of different sizes and different types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: WAGIC INC.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130291695
    Abstract: A tool stand mountable to a tool having a relatively long handle. The handle has a tool head mounted to the second end of the handle. The tool stand has a pivot member, an axle, a rotational stop arm and a leg assembly. The pivot member is coupled to a handle between the first and second end thereof. The axle is rotatably coupled to the pivot member, with the axle rotation in an orientation that is oblique or substantially perpendicular to a handle. The rotational stop arm is fixed to the axle. The leg assembly extends toward a second end of a handle, with the rotational stop arm and the leg assembly being angled at an angle that is less than 180°. The leg assembly, the rotational stop arm and the axle are rotatable about the pivot member between a stowed orientation and an operational orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Steven J. Bricker
  • Publication number: 20130283621
    Abstract: A folding tool with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism generally comprises a biasing member interconnected to a handle of the tool and coupled to an engagement member, which may be a push button. In various embodiments, the biasing member biases the engagement member towards a locked position in which a portion of the engagement member interacts with a tang of an implement to prevent rotation of the implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: SPYDERCO, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas S. Snyder, Tom D. Koenig
  • Publication number: 20130284627
    Abstract: A tool handle includes a cavity to receive a T-handle tool. When the tool handle is placed on the T-handle tool, the tool handle provides a better grip of the tool handle to apply greater torque. The tool handle includes a protrusion which is able to detachably couple with the T-handle tool. Once coupled with the T-handle tool, the tool handle is able to be grasped by a user to rapidly turn the T-handle tool. In some embodiments, the T-handle tool includes an added tool. A tool container is able to store T-handle tools and the tool handle. The tool container includes a locking mechanism to lock the tools in place and a tamper prevention mechanism to ensure the locking mechanism is not tampered with while the tool container is in the store.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Publication number: 20130276844
    Abstract: A handle assembly with multi-axial adjustment is disclosed. The disclosed assembly provides for more ergonomic handling of various tools, particularly ambulatory assistance devices. In an exemplary embodiment, a splined coupling provides 360 degree adjustability about its axis. A housing unit provides an adjustable interface between the splined coupling and a handle component. A convex face of the housing unit is geared, and a concave face of the handle component is adapted to selectable engage with the housing unit at a variety of angels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Egg Design, LLC
    Inventor: Reynolds E. Moulton
  • Publication number: 20130240391
    Abstract: A tool box of the present invention comprises a tool handle, a case, and cap. The tool handle comprises a housing, a battery assembly, a luminous source, and a conductive element. The luminous source comprises a first leg and a second leg. One of the anode and the cathode electrically connects to the first leg. A top surface of the cap is formed with an engaging groove. The housing of the tool handle engages in the engaging groove. Wherein either the other one of the anode and the cathode or the second leg electrically connects to the conductive element when a tool inserts to the housing and pushes the conductive element to move to the second position. As such, the tool handle can turn on and off the luminous without disposing any switch. An interior of the case has enough space for receiving tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventor: Yi-Hung LIN
  • Patent number: 8528170
    Abstract: A utility tool handle is provided for use with a hand tool shaft. The handle has curved upper and lower surfaces and a curved termination end. The two side surfaces are parallel to each other. The upper surfaces of the handle slants upwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the hand tool shaft. The lower surface spline is configured to provide a relaxed wrist grip such that the shaft centerline is generally aligned with a user forearm centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Brian T. Clancy
  • Publication number: 20130220087
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a handle for a personal grooming device includes forming a substrate portion of a first material. The substrate portion has first and second walls forming a channel extending along a long axis of the substrate portion. An insert member is formed separate from the substrate portion and disposed within the channel. A grip portion of a second material is formed on the substrate portion. The second material substantially encases the insert member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventor: The Gillette Company
  • Patent number: 8511209
    Abstract: Auxiliary tool handling devices incorporating ergonomic-advantage designs selected from auxiliary handles, active movable forearm supports, foot pads, and wheels and various combinations of these are disclosed that allow many common tools to function in a safe, secure, convenient, ergonomic and efficient manner in performing many common chores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventors: Lawrence Bishop, Lew Bishop
  • Publication number: 20130205956
    Abstract: An improved hand tool includes an improved handle apparatus. The handle apparatus includes an elongated handle having a non-circular external cross-section and further includes an elongated support that comprises an elongated end extending from the handle and having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape. A tool apparatus includes a tool and a socket, with the socket having an opening formed therein. The end of the handle apparatus is received with an interference fit in the opening formed in the socket to retain the handle apparatus and the tool apparatus together. A collar can additionally be provided about the socket to improve the aesthetic properties of the connection between the socket and handle and to increase the toughness of the connection therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Jeffrey Mark Norton, Robert J. Stein, David A. Randolph
  • Patent number: 8505420
    Abstract: The magnetized hand tools each include a sleeve of resilient material disposed over each handle or the base of the tool. One or more magnets are installed between the tool handle(s) and the resilient grip(s) covering the handle(s). Alternatively, the tool may have one or more magnets installed in the base, i.e., the drive attachment end, of a socket, with a sleeve being applied over the base of the socket to retain the magnet(s). The socket sleeve has a passage therethrough for the conventional square drive of the ratchet or other tool used to drive the socket. The magnets are recessed into the base of the socket to allow the overlying sleeve portion to lie immediately adjacent to the surface of the socket base, and may be inset into recesses in the tool handles and/or positively attached thereto for more positive retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Nelson B. Alfaro
  • Publication number: 20130175486
    Abstract: An indexable tool includes a handle, an indexable tool body and a coupling subassembly. The coupling subassembly rotatably joins and selectively locks and unlocks the handle and the indexable tool body in rotatable relation to each other. The coupling subassembly includes a push button fixedly coupled to a push button cylinder, adjacently disposed first and second serrated inserts, a cap, a cap retention ring, a push button retainer clip and a spring. The cap is held in fixed position with the cap retention ring. The spring is biased to hold the coupling subassembly in a locked position to prevent relative rotation between the tool body and the handle. In an unlocked position the push button is pushed against the bias of the spring to slidably move the coupling subassembly into a position enabling relative rotary movement of the handle relative to the indexable tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Rafal Stawarski
  • Publication number: 20130167694
    Abstract: A rod tool structure contains a grip portion to be held by a hand; an extendible and retractable tube connected with a front end of the grip portion to adjust an operation length; a flexible member mounted on a front end of the extendible and retractable tube and twisted at various angles; a tool member connected with a front end of the flexible member to be operated and used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Leo Shih
  • Publication number: 20130160618
    Abstract: A telescopic handle for a hand tool includes a main shank connected to a tool head at a distal end and insertable into an outer sleeve which a user grips. The main shank has a plurality of axially spaced retained regions such that a radially movable retaining member is engageable with a selected one of the retained regions. A key-and-keyway mechanism is disposed to guide axial movement of the outer sleeve and to guard against rotation of the outer sleeve relative to the main shank so as to permit delivery of an appropriate torque to the main shank. An operating member is disposed on and movable axially relative to the outer sleeve to radially move the retaining member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Publication number: 20130145909
    Abstract: Provided herein is an ergonomic device for gripping a tool handle and an assembly comprising the tool handle grip and the tool handle. The ergonomic device comprises, on an elongate gripping body,means for receiving a gripping end of a tool handle and means for gripping the tool handle. Particularly, the elongate body has a receiving end, a knob gripping end and a gripping portion disposed there between. The gripping portion forms an inclined S-like curved shape with the receiving end and a knob gripping end and comprises in an ergonomic disposition a raised thumb grip, side grips and a plurality of finger grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: William Rogers
  • Patent number: 8443504
    Abstract: A pin tool assembly for forcibly removing a first type of retaining pin from digging teeth arranged in side-by-side relation across a forward edge of a digging implement. The pin tool assembly includes a tool defining a blind recess laterally disposed to one side of the tool. The tool assembly further includes an elongated extractor pin having an enlarged head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion. Cooperating instrumentalities maintain and position the extractor pin relative the tool such that, when a force is applied to the tool, the free end of the shank portion of the pin engages with and forcibly extracts the retaining pin from the digging tooth. Preferably, the tool further defines a plurality of openings for snugly accommodating a series of retaining pins therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: H&L Tooth Company
    Inventors: Charles Clendenning, Brian L. Launder, Russell N. Drake
  • Publication number: 20130118324
    Abstract: A method for fastening a tool handle to a tool shaft includes the following steps. First, providing a tool shaft comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. Next, providing a tool handle comprising a distal end, a proximal end and a socket formed at the distal end. Next, inserting the proximal end of the tool shaft into the socket of the tool handle, and then staking the proximal end of the tool shaft to the tool handle from two opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SYMMETRY MEDICAL NEW BEDFORD, INC
    Inventor: Symmetry Medical New Bedford, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130118311
    Abstract: A device, and a method of making the device, having a blank having a rigid handle at a proximal end and a flexible operative end at a distal end are described. The rigid handle and the flexible operative end are joined to each other such that the flexible operative end is configured to be in an arced position when at rest and unopposed, and to resiliently flex to a substantially straight position when opposed. The rigid handle and the flexible operative end may be joined to each other between a pivot point and a proximal end of the device. The device may form hybrid scissors or hybrid forceps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TRI-MEDICS
    Inventors: Bradley BENDER, Michael SCHULER, Jeffrey I. LASNER
  • Patent number: 8420203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface structure for a working device. In particular, the invention relates to a surface structure for a working device that has at least one first element with a first height and a second element with a second height, and a third element having a third height, wherein the second height is greater than the third height, having in addition a first grip area, a second grip area, and a third grip area, wherein the elements are arranged on a dot matrix, wherein the centers of the second elements and the centers of the third elements are arranged on the points of intersection and the centers of the first elements are not arranged on the points of intersection, and the first grip area comprises first elements and second elements, the second grip area comprises predominantly second elements, the third grip area comprises predominantly third elements. The present invention also relates to a working device having such a surface structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Sikora, Roland Ullmann
  • Patent number: 8418321
    Abstract: An auxiliary pole handle assembly includes a sleeve positioned on a shaft. A grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve and includes a tube including a peripheral wall that has an open first end and an open second end. The peripheral wall has a pair of breaks therein. Each of the breaks extends through each of the first and second ends such that first and second portions of the grip are defined. The first and second portions are hingedly coupled together and are positioned in an open condition or in a closed condition. The first end of the grip is pivotally coupled to the sleeve. The grip is releasably positioned in a stored position defined by being in the closed condition extending around the sleeve or the grip is movably positioned into a deployed position extending outwardly away from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Ron Heiman
  • Patent number: 8398330
    Abstract: A connecting assembly is provided that includes a tool receiving portion, a handle receiving portion, a tightening member, a first open region, and a second open region. The handle receiving portion has a first engaging portion, a clamping portion with a first cam, and a longitudinal axis. The tightening member has a second cam and a second engaging portion. The second engaging portion is engagable with the first engaging portion so that the tightening member moves to cause the first and second cams to interact with one another biasing the clamping portion in a desired direction. The first open region is defined at the first engaging portion, while the second open region is defined at the clamping portion so that the open regions are in fluid communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Unger Marketing International, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard L. Bensussan, Anthony Sgroi, Paul Adams
  • Publication number: 20130061724
    Abstract: A handle for a hand tool has a held section and a connecting section connected with the held section. The held section has at least one soft area and at least one hard area that are formed on an outer surface of the held section. The connecting section has an end surface and a shank hole. The end surface of the connecting section is opposite to the held section. The shank hole is formed in the end surface of the connecting section and has an axis. A cross section of the held section is asymmetric relative to the axis of the shank hole. The cross section of the held section is asymmetric and ergonomic, so the held section is suitable for the user's hand to turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Chia-Szu LIN
  • Publication number: 20130061479
    Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing, a blade holder coupled to the housing, and a blade storage assembly including blade storage compartments, one of the blade storage compartments being configured to serve as a cover for another of the blade storage compartments. The housing includes a hood and the blade storage assembly is coupled to the hood (e.g., secured to the underside of the hood) such that the blade storage assembly is made accessible to a user of the cutter apparatus by repositioning the hood in relation to another portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph L. Lutgen, Markus E. Gropl, Brandon L. Spoelstra, Joseph P. Garavaglia
  • Publication number: 20130061725
    Abstract: An ergonomic hand tool holder that supports a tool for use, while being received comfortably in a user's hand in a natural resting angle relative to the wrist, defines forefinger and thumb rest areas on outwardly-facing surfaces of side regions of the holder body, and hand rest areas adapted to engage and rest against the “saddle” of a user's hand when the holder is held with the forefinger and thumb rest engaging the forefinger and thumb rest areas. The weight of the holder and its supported load is distributed to the dorsal saddle area of the user's hand, allowing the user's arm to bear the weight, while the user's wrist and fingers guide, rather than carry, the tool. An ergonomic system may also include a counterweight device adapted to move the combined weight the load toward the hand rest area engaging the dorsal saddle area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Greg Freuler
  • Publication number: 20130061475
    Abstract: A cutter (or other hand tool) includes a housing with a handle that is sized and shaped to fit in the palm of a hand, the housing being configured to provide multiple hand-housing interfaces favorable to natural accommodation of the hand while using the cutter (or other hand tool). The hand-housing interfaces can include one or more interfaces that accommodate the hand at a neutral wrist position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph L. Lutgen, Markus E. Gropl, Brandon L. Spoelstra, Joseph P. Garavaglia
  • Publication number: 20130055860
    Abstract: Various aspects may provide for an adjustable handle assembly for a hand-held tool. The assembly may comprise a guide track connectable to a hand-held tool. The guide track may be selectively connectable to the hand-held tool at a plurality of angular orientations. The guide track may extend around at least a portion of the hand-held tool. The assembly may comprise a handle assembly configured to slidingly associate with the guide track in such a way that the handle is slideably along the guide track when the handle is in an unlocked configuration and prevented from sliding along the guide track when the handle is in a locked configuration. The guide track may be sized and shaped to extend around a head of the hand-held tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Justin Daniel French
  • Patent number: 8387847
    Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a technique that contributes to improved gripping characteristics in a hand-held power tool. A power tool for performing a predetermined operation by driving a tool bit includes a tool body 101 and a handgrip 103 formed on the tool body 101. The handgrip 103 has a plurality of ribs 117 formed in parallel on a grip face which is held by user's fingers and protruding from the grip face. The ribs 117 extend along a contour of the grip face in a longitudinal direction of the handgrip, and in the circumferential direction of the handgrip 103, each of the ribs 117 has a ridged shape which is engaged in one direction but not engaged in the other direction with balls of fingertips of at least third to fifth fingers of the user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Makita Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Hachisuka
  • Publication number: 20130047802
    Abstract: A ball handle assembly for a handheld tool is provided. The handheld tool includes a powered mechanism, an actuating mechanism for actuating the powered mechanism, and an elongated boom extending between the powered mechanism and the actuating mechanism. A ball handle assembly is adjustably attached to the boom to allow a user to adjust the ball handle assembly relative to the boom to provide a comfortable and ergonomic orientation regardless of the handedness of the operator. The ball handle assembly is translatable along the length of the boom, and the ball handle assembly provides for three degrees of rotation relative to the boom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: MTD PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Benjamin Edwin Vierck
  • Publication number: 20130042730
    Abstract: A handle for controlling a power tool by configuring the handle in either a straight or T-shaped position. In the straight position, the handle design serves as a rotational safety control that allows a user to control the rotational reaction of the tool by placing the user's hand in a position that is perpendicular to the main body of the tool. In the T-shaped configuration, the user can apply rotational force and longitudinal force more easily because the hand position is tangent to the tool base. A fastener couples a base of the handle to a band that grips the power tool and facilitates the user control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Paul W. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20130036877
    Abstract: A coupling for an elongated handle and a tool head is provided. The coupling may be positioned at the handle upper end after the handle upper end has passed through the tool head eye. The coupling is a frustoconical shape which engages the tool head in a manner of a slip eye coupling. However, because the lower end of the handle does not pass through the tool head eye, the lower end of the handle, i.e., the grip, may have any shape. Thus, the present invention allows for use of a slip eye coupling while also allowing the handle grip to be of any shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: AMES TRUE TEMPER, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua O. MULLEN, Eric D. HYP, David BOIES
  • Publication number: 20130036878
    Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a device body and a hand tool. The hand tool includes a handle unit, a coupling unit, and a tool body. The coupling unit includes a coupling element attachable removably to the device body. The tool body is connected between the handle unit and the coupling unit, and includes a working head projecting from the coupling element. When not in use, the hand tool is attached to the device body, and can be easily carried together with the device body. When removed from the device body, the hand tool can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: WISTRON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wen-Chieh Cheng, Li-Sheng Lin, Hsin-Hao Chen
  • Publication number: 20130032010
    Abstract: An ergonomic handle for use with a power tool defines a first region that includes a switch, adapted to receive a thumb and forefinger when the forefinger is actuating the switch, a second region adapted to receive a middle finger, a third region adapted to receive a ring finger; and a fourth region adapted to receive a pinky finger. Each of the second, third, and fourth region includes a generally oval cross section having a major axis and a minor axis. The longest major axis is in the third region, the shortest major axis is in the fourth region, the shortest minor axis is in the second region, and the longest minor axis is positioned in the fourth region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Lopano, Gabriel N. Concari, Sion N. Netzler, Dustin Lee
  • Patent number: 8359954
    Abstract: A device includes a body having a first end, a second end, and four faces. The device is configured to stand upright on the second end. A plurality of tools is stored against the four faces in a closed position. A first face and a second face each includes a bit storage that holds at least one socket. A third face includes a drive, a can opener, and a blade. The drive and the can opener rotate about a first rotatable mechanism coupled to the second end. The blade rotates about an insert coupled to the first end. A fourth face includes a first set of tool drivers that rotates about a second rotatable mechanism coupled to the second end and a second set of tool drivers that rotates about a third rotatable mechanism coupled to the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart
  • Publication number: 20130008289
    Abstract: A wrench includes a generally elongate shaft defining an axis and having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The wrench also includes a handle assembly that is attached to the shaft. The handle assembly terminates in a magnetic mount that is configured to magnetically engage a working surface. The magnetic mount has a passage for receiving the shaft therethrough. The passage is sized and dimensioned to allow the shaft to pivot within the passage and with respect to the magnetic mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL TRUCK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Melesio Sidón Hemández