Ratcheting hand tools particularly suited to bicycle assembly, maintenance and repair

• US 20060288823A1
• Filed: 06/01/2006
• Published: 12/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael Schepman
• Original Assignee: Michael Schepman
• Inventors: Schepman, Michael
• Application Number:
  US11/444,561
• Publication Number:
  US 20060288823A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 81/60
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/463 a pawl engaging an externally toothed wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 15/008 Allen-type keys
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 27/0071 for bicycles

Abstract

Hand tools feature a ratcheting driver implement having opposing ends, one to tighten, and the other to loosen. A non-ratcheting implement of the same size may be provided resulting in a T-handle configuration. The driver implement may be a hex or “Allen” wrench, though other tools such as slot/Phillips screwdrivers, hex sockets and Torx implements, in any size, English or metric, may alternatively be accommodated.

Claims

1. A hand tool, comprising:

a handle having opposing ends and a lengthwise bore;

a driver implement disposed within the bore, the driver implement having first and second ends which extend outwardly past the opposing ends of the handle; and

a ratchet mechanism within the handle, the ratchet mechanism being operative to limit the rotation of the driver implement in one direction, enabling a user to use the first end of the implement to tighten a component and the second end of the implement to loosen the component.

2. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the driver implement are English or metric hex wrenches.

3. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the driver implement are configured to receive English or metric socket wrenches.

4. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the driver implement are screwdrivers.

5. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the driver implement are English or metric Torx wrenches.

6. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein:

the handle is T-shaped, having a central bottom portion; and

a physically fixed driver implement extending outwardly from the bottom portion.

7. The hand tool of claim 1, wherein the ratcheting mechanism is accessible through a panel on the handle.