Universal ratcheting tool

• US 10,434,631 B2
• Filed: 02/10/2017
• Issued: 10/08/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
• Inventors: Johnson, Ronald L., Gallegos, Robert J., Escobar, Steven Simas, Hudson, Anders Scot, Ruiz, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik, Lockhart, Yugen Patrick, Wilson, Howard Allen, Colton, Eric M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thomas, David B.
• Application Number:
  US15/430,335
• Publication Number:
  US 20170151656A1
• Time in Patent Office: 970 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/46 of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/461 with concentric driving and driven member
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/463 a pawl engaging an externally toothed wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/0035 Connection means between socket or screwdriver bit and tool
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/16 Handles in general B25G

Abstract

A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Claims

1. A device comprising:

a. a body comprising a handle and an aperture, the aperture configured for receiving a tool;

b. a retaining component coupled to the body for retaining the tool within the aperture when in use; and

c. a ratcheting mechanism for enabling ratcheting movements.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more directional tabs for configuring orientation of the ratcheting mechanism.

3. The device of claim 1 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the aperture includes a plurality of slots configured for receiving a plurality of sizes of tools.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the tool includes an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end for engaging an object, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the ratcheting mechanism is located within the handle for enabling ratcheting movements.

8. A device comprising:

a. a handle component;

b. a body component non-removably coupled with the handle component;

c. an aperture within the body component, the aperture configured for receiving a tool;

d. a retaining component coupled with the body component for retaining the tool within the aperture; and

e. a ratcheting mechanism within the handle component for enabling ratcheting movements.

9. The device of claim 8 further comprising one or more directional tabs for configuring orientation of the ratcheting mechanism.

10. The device of claim 8 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

11. The device of claim 8 wherein the aperture includes a plurality of slots configured for receiving a plurality of sizes of tools.

12. The device of claim 8 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

13. The device of claim 8 wherein the handle component is a hand-held size.

14. The device of claim 8 wherein the tool includes an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end for engaging an object, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end.

15. A device for removably holding a tool comprising:

a. a body having an aperture comprising a plurality of slots configured for receiving a plurality of sized tools;

b. a handle coupled to the body;

c. a ratcheting mechanism; and

d. a retaining component that holds each of the plurality of sized tools separately within the body by adjusting to the size of the tool.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein the handle is a t-shaped handle.

17. The device of claim 15 further comprising one or more additional apertures.

18. The device of claim 15 further comprising one or more directional tabs for configuring orientation of the ratcheting mechanism.

19. The device of claim 15 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

20. The device of claim 15 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

21. The device of claim 15 wherein the tool is a tool having an L-shaped body including a long leg member and a short leg member.