Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle clutched to head
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-22
2001-07-17
Smith, James G. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle clutched to head
C081S058000, C081S438000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260445
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to hand tools of the type which are relatively non-conducting electrically and, in particular, to ratcheting-type hand tools.
2. Description of the Prior Art
This invention is an improvement of ratcheting-type drivers, such as screwdrivers, of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,212. Such drivers include an elongated handle with an axial recess in one end, in which is received a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism defines a receptacle which removably receives one end of an associated shank. Typically, the shank has a rectangular end portion which is mateably received in a complementary portion of the receptacle to engage the shank with the ratchet mechanism. The shank is typically formed of a suitable metal, such as steel, and may either have a working end formed in the shape of an associated driver bit, such as a screwdriver blade, or may carry a bit holder for receiving therein an associated bit. Such ratcheting drivers are not suitable for safe use in certain types of applications where they may come in contact with sources of electrical power.
It is known to provide electrically insulating hand tools with both handle and shank formed of electrically insulating material. One such arrangement is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,277 discloses a tool having an electrically insulating handle with a axial bore formed in one end thereof for receiving an end of an associated composite shank formed of electrically insulating material. The shank is fixedly secured to the handle, as by adhesive attachment. However, such a shank is not suitable for use in a ratcheting tool, wherein the shank must be easily removable. It would be possible to dimension and shape the handle end of the shank so as to have a rectangular portion which could be mateably received in the receptacle of an associated ratchet mechanism. However, it has been found that the composite material of the shank of U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,277 does not readily lend itself to formation into a rectangular coupling end, nor does it have the requisite wear resistance for removable mating in a complementary receptacle in a ratchet mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved ratcheting hand tool which avoids the disadvantages of prior ratcheting hand tools while affording additional structural and operating advantages.
An important feature of the invention is the provision of an electrically insulating hand tool including a shank which is formed of electrically insulating material and yet has the necessary wear characteristics for removable engagement in the handle structure.
In connection with the foregoing feature, another feature of the invention is the provision of a hand tool of the type set forth which is of simple and economical construction.
Yet another feature of the invention is the provision of a ratcheting hand tool of the type set forth.
In connection with the foregoing features, a further feature of the invention is the provision of a shank assembly including a metal coupler for mateable engagement in a handle structure, an electrically insulating exposed portion, and a technique for effectively joining the two.
The foregoing features are attained by providing an insulating hand tool comprising: an elongated shank formed of an electrically insulating material and having a handle end and a working end and a longitudinal axis and a first axial bore formed in the handle end, a handle formed of electrically insulating material and having an axial receptacle in one end thereof, a metal coupler receivable in the receptacle and having a second axial bore in one end thereof, and a hexagonal connecting pin having first and second ends respectively press-fitted in the first and second bores for joining the shank to the coupler.
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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DeVecchis Marco E.
Gedgaudas Walter
Shakeri Hadi
Shaw Seyfarth
Smith James G.
Snap-on Tools Company
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