Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle or shank
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-20
2001-04-17
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle or shank
C081S177100, C081S900000, C081S177900
Reexamination Certificate
active
06216566
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to hand tools of the type which are relatively non-conducting electrically so that they can be safely used in applications where they may come into contact with sources of electrical power.
Various types of electrically insulated hand tools have been available for many years. Such tools typically include a standard metal shaft which, in addition to being connected to a handle which is formed of electrically insulating material, such as wood or plastic, is also coated or covered with an insulating material. Such insulated tools work acceptably well as long as the insulating covering is intact and in good condition. But, if the insulation becomes damaged, such a tool may be dangerous if it comes into contact with a source of electrical power, the danger being the risk of electrical shock to the user or inadvertent shorting of electrical circuits with which the shaft may come into contact. Therefore, such insulated tools are not recommended for use on live electrical wiring, contacts, or the like.
Certain types of tools with elongated shanks or shafts are formed of electrically insulating material. One such tool is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,277. But such prior tools do not have work-engaging portions which are designed to be movable in use relative to the shaft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved composite hand tool which avoids the disadvantages of prior tools while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of an electrically insulating hand tool which accommodates movement in use of a metal work-engaging portion, while minimizing exposure of electrically conducting portions.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a hand tool of the type set forth, which is of relatively simple and economical construction.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of an electrically insulating breaker bar with a swivel square drive spinner.
In connection with the foregoing features, another feature of the invention is the provision of a hand tool of the type set forth, which affords the strength of a steel tool, while having significantly lower weight.
Certain ones of these and other features of the invention may be attained by providing a composite electrically insulating hand tool comprising: an elongated non-metallic shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends, a non-metallic handle fixed to the first end of the shaft, an axial non-metallic receptacle at the second end of the shaft, and a plural-position, work-engaging mechanism fixedly received in the receptacle and projecting therefrom, the receptacle having a lateral opening therein to accommodate movement of the work-engaging mechanism to and from different use positions.
Other features of the invention may be attained by providing a hand tool of the type set forth, which includes a non-metallic sleeve receiving in one end thereof the second end of the shaft and receiving in the other end thereof the work-engaging mechanism, the lateral opening being formed in the sleeve.
The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.
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Armstrong Bros. Tool Co., 67.
Shakeri Hadi
Shaw Seyfarth
Smith James G.
Snap-on Tools Company
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