Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Having work engaging and force exerting portion inserted...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-08-28
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Having work engaging and force exerting portion inserted...
C081S177700, C081S177400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279435
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typical prior art folding hex sets have hex drive tools which fold over each other pivoting out from the opposite ends of a handle. With many prior art tools, the longer drive tools are attached at one end of a handle and overlap the generally shorter tools attached at the opposite end of the handle. The folding tool of the present invention positions all drive tools at one end of a cylindrically shaped handle so that the drive tools can be deployed by means of a lifting lever. This allows an operator to select the specific drive tool required. This advantage allows an operator to select the exact drive tool needed without having to rotate all the drive tools from and back into the storage positions. With the lifting lever, an operator eliminates having to dig his fingers into the ends of the tools, which are folded against the handle. Digging an operators fingers into the tool can be difficult if the fingers or hands are wet or slippery and could conceivably cause injury to the finger or hand if the drive tools are sticky or difficult to remove.
In many of the prior art devices, when a user wishes to use one of the smaller drive tools, the overlapping larger drive tools must be rotated out of the storage position to gain access to the smaller drive tool. Once the smaller tool is selected, then the smaller drive tools and the larger drive tools must be rotated back into the storage position before the smaller drive tool can be utilized.
With existing prior art hex tools, one cannot obtain much torque with the drive tool in a full open operating position. Most prior art is utilized with the drive tool opened in a 90 degree position relative to the handle. This thereby limits the use of the prior art hex tools in tight work areas. The folding tool of the present invention can be used in tight work areas with the tool opened 180 degrees relative to the handle with either one or two wingbars in a 90 degree open position. The wingbars provide additional torque to the drive tool when the operator applies force to one or both of the wingbars.
An additional feature shows a square hole for a hand or power ratchet drive in one end of the tool, thereby increasing the drive speed and torque advantage for the tool. Using a ratchet also provides quick and easy tightening and loosening of fasteners. This too is a significant advantage over the prior art.
A second embodiment shows a ratchet mechanism assembly which includes interconnected wing bars and ratcheting mechanism. In this embodiment, no separate ratchet is needed. The operator can extend one or both wingbars and ratchet the tool to rotate the selected drive tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides operating advantages by placing all drive tools at one end of a cylindrically shaped handle. A variety of drive tools in the folding tool can be used such as hex wrenches, screwdrivers, torx drives, cross point socket tools and others. This list is meant to be exemplary and not limiting. Any type of tool that is on a handle could be used in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed such as sockets, hole punches, pick magnets, spark plug gapping tools, small brushes, abrasive tool ends and others.
The positioning of the drive tools at one end allows easy access to all drive tools especially when utilizing the lifting lever. The lifting lever eliminates having to dig your fingers into the folding tool set to retrieve the appropriate drive tool. Digging a users fingers into a cavity full of tools can cause an injury to the end of a users finger. This can also be time consuming and frustrating if the drive tools are difficult to rotate from the tool cavity. If the user's fingers or hands have a lubricant or liquid on them, this too can make the removal of the drive tool difficult enhancing the possibility of injury. If an operator's hands are dirty or greasy, this embodiment eliminates handling all the drive tools and keeps the drive tools cleaner.
The folding tool of the present invention has two pivoting wingbars that can be deployed for additional leverage. Located at one end of cylindrical handle is a square opening for independent hand or power ratchet drives.
The second embodiment incorporates a ratchet mechanism assembly with attached collapsible wingbars permanently attached to the tool handle. The wingbars can be deployed lor additional torque and also provide a ratcheting action for driving the folding tool. This second embodiment of the tool with the attached ratchet assembly eliminates having to carry an independent ratchet to drive the tools, saving room and weight in the tool kit or bag. This second embodiment also provides faster operation of the drive tool as the operator does not need to spend additional time seeking the possibly lost or misplaced ratchet drive.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2726695 (1955-12-01), Malm
patent: 4000767 (1977-01-01), Geng
patent: 4748874 (1988-06-01), Sharp et al.
Offenberg Cristina M
Smith James G.
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