Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle or shank
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-06
2001-12-25
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle or shank
C081S177100, C081S489000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332381
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device into which hex keys or other like tools of various sizes may be inserted, so that the device provides a better means for gripping the tool and applying torque.
A hex key typically is L-shaped, having a long portion, and a short arm at ninety degrees to the long portion. The hex key may be gripped by either portion, depending on which arm is being inserted into the hex head bolt or other hexagonal recess. Gripping the hex key and applying torque is difficult, particularly if the short arm is being gripped.
The invention can be readily adapted to uses with similar tools, for example L-shaped or S-shaped tools, with hexagonal or other cross-sectional shapes. However, for convenience, the following description will refer only to “hex keys”.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Other devices which accept hex keys to provide a better grip and application of torque are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,859 (Johnson et al.) shows a device including different-sized longitudinal slots to accommodate different-sized hex keys, located at various positions along the outer surface of the length of the device. In use, one portion of the hex key lies in a slot along the upper surface of the device, and the other portion extends through a suitably-positioned hole through the device. A hex key, once inserted into the applicable slot, is fixed in place by means of a sliding lock which overlies the portion of the hex key which is in the slot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an improved device for gripping various-sized hex keys or other like tools, to provide a better grip and additional torque when using the tool.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, an elongated body has a plurality of hex key accepting slots of different sizes extending longitudinally into the body from at least one end thereof, and preferably from both ends thereof. Preferably, each end with hex key accepting slots has a slotted collar, rotatable about the axis of the body, to capture a hex key once installed, as will be described in greater detail in the detailed description which follows.
In some embodiments of the invention, the device also acts as a holder for displaying multiple hex keys at the point-of sale and/or for storing them subsequently. The body of the device may include means for attaching the device to a plastic storage case and/or a point-of-sale display holder or the like.
Further features of the invention and variations thereon will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1172656 (1916-02-01), Yorgensen
patent: 2409613 (1946-10-01), Brooks
patent: 2715028 (1955-08-01), Dossie
patent: 2842020 (1958-07-01), Tarquinio
patent: 3766811 (1973-10-01), Callahan
patent: 3850056 (1974-11-01), Allen
patent: 5524513 (1996-06-01), Barahona
patent: 5592859 (1997-01-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 5911799 (1999-06-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 6062111 (2000-05-01), Wershe
Marketing flyer “Allen-Pal” printed 7/98 (2 pages).
Armstrong R. Craig
Danganan Joni B.
Hail III Joseph J.
Maxtech Manufacturing Inc.
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