Tool handle for holding multiple tools of different sizes during use

• US 20050268752A1
• Filed: 03/29/2005
• Published: 12/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1994
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Allen-Pal LLC
• Inventors: Johnson, Robert L., Johnson, Ronald L., Johnson, Kenneth R.
• Granted Patent: US 7,281,454 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 81/177.400
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/56 Spanner sets
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 15/008 Allen-type keys
• CPC Class Codes: B25F 1/02 with interchangeable or adjustable tool elements
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/005 for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners with additional levers, e.g. for increasing torque
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/066 the grip itself being angularly adjustable
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/08 with provision for storing tool elements
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/085 for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/10 characterised by material or shape B25G1/01, B25G1/02 take precedence ; for hand tools comprising coating rollers B05C17/0205

Abstract

A generally cylindrical shaped tool handle holds multiple sizes of tools. The handle includes one or more holding slots each positioned on one of multiple outer surface faces into which tools are inserted and held. Each holding slot includes one or more contoured compartments in which tools rest when engaged with the handle. Each contoured compartment is of a size and dimension which corresponds to one or more tool sizes. In the preferred embodiment of the tool handle, three of its outer surface faces have a continuous holding slot with multiple receiving holes for inserting therein hexagonal wrenches of multiple sizes. The continuous holding slots of the preferred embodiment of the handle include multiple contoured compartments for holding an inserted hexagonal wrench. Each contoured compartment is formed about a corresponding receiving hole. A lock is positioned over the contoured compartment to irremovably confine the short leg of the hexagonal wrench within the contoured compartment. Hexagonal shaped tools other than wrenches may be used with the handle of the present invention such as screwdrivers and socket wrenches. A tool holder of the present invention is designed to slide over the handle and to hold multiple sizes of tools which may be used with the handle. The tool holder includes a tool holding member having a plurality of cavities for inserting therein appropriately sized tools and a tool handle holding member having a cavity with an inner hollow shape corresponding to a shape of the handle.

Claims

1. A generally cylindrical tool handle having a first end, a second end, and a generally cylindrical surface, the tool handle for accepting and holding any one of one or more tools of multiple sizes, wherein each tool includes an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end for engaging a workpiece, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end, wherein the tool handle further includes a plurality of outer surface faces formed on the generally cylindrical surface, one or more of the outer surface faces having a plurality of holding slots integrally formed within the outer surface face for receiving the mounting end of a corresponding sized tool when the corresponding sized tool is engaged with the tool handle.

2-35. -35. (canceled)

36. A tool handle for accepting and holding one or more tools of differing sizes during use, wherein the one or more tools include an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end, comprising:

a. a plurality of holding slots each integrally formed within the tool handle, each of the holding slots for receiving and holding an appropriate one of the tools, wherein the mounting end of the appropriate one of the tools engages within a corresponding holding slot; and

b. a lock for holding a tool in a holding slot during use.

37. The tool handle according to claim 36 wherein the lock is selectively positionable over the plurality of holding slots.

38. A tool handle for accepting and holding one or more tools of different sizes during use, the tool handle having a plurality of outer surface faces, the one or more tools including an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end, the tool handle comprising:

a. a plurality of holding slots integrally formed within the outer surface faces, the one or more holding slots for accepting the one or more tools, wherein the mounting end of the one or more tools is placed within a corresponding holding slot; and

b. a lock for holding a tool in a holding slot during use.

39. The tool handle according to claim 38 wherein the lock is selectively positionable over the plurality of holding slots.

40. A tool set comprising:

a. a plurality of tools of different sizes, each tool having a first segment, a second segment longer than the first segment, and a bend between the first segment and the second segment;

b. a tool handle for use with the plurality of tools, the tool handle comprising a plurality of holding slots integrally formed within the tool handle, each of the holding slots for receiving and holding an appropriate one of the tools, wherein the mounting end of the appropriate one of the tools engages within a corresponding holding slot; and

c. a tool holder configured to hold the plurality of tools securely upon insertion, wherein the tool handle and the tool holder are configured for coupling to each other.

41. The tool set according to claim 40 further comprising a lock for holding a tool in a holding slot during use.

42. The tool set according to claim 41 wherein the lock is selectively positionable over the plurality of holding slots.