Allen wrench handle

• US 4,424,728 A
• Filed: 04/10/1981
• Issued: 01/10/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 12/26/1979
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Allen Field Company Inc.
• Original Assignee: Paul M. Macdonald
• Inventors: MacDonald, Paul M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Smith, James G.
• Application Number:
  US06/253,066
• Time in Patent Office: 1,005 Days
• Field of Search: 81/177 R, 81/177 A, 81/438, 279/14, 279/89, 279/93, 145/61 J
• US Class Current: 81/177.2
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/481 for operating in areas having limited access
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/16 Handles in general B25G
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/005 for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners with additional levers, e.g. for increasing torque
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 3/02 Socket, tang, or like fixings B25G3/34 takes precedence

Abstract

A handle is provided for use with an Allen wrench by means of which leverage and grip on the wrench is improved and protection is provided in the event that the wrench should break during use. The handle is comprised of an elongated shank portion having an axial passage therein to receive the long end of the wrench. A head is provided at the end of the shank portion and formed with a recess perpendicular to and open to the shank passage to receive the short end of the wrench. A spring-loaded pivoted finger providing a toggle action is mounted in the head to hold the end of the wrench within the handle during operation thereof.

Claims

1. A handle for use with an L-shaped tool, comprising

(a) a tubular shank portion formed with an axial passage of a length and width sufficient to accommodate the long leg of said tool,

(b) a head mounted to one end of said shank portion and formed with a socket therein open to said head and to one side directly opposite said passage, and,

(c) a latch pivotally mounted to said head about an axis perpendicular to said passage and offset to one side thereof whereby said latch may be pivoted in and out of said socket to restrain that portion of said tool located in said socket when said latch is closed and to allow removal of said tool when said latch is open,

(d) spring means engaging the inner end of said latch for biasing said latch in either of two operable positions;

and

(e) a cup trapped between one end of said spring and the rounded end of said latch.

2. A handle according to claim 1 wherein said head is formed with a spring receiving recess at the inner portion of said socket opposite the rounded end of said latch, the axis of said recess being generally parallel to the length of said shank portion.