Multipurpose bi-lateral multi-axial ratcheting hand tool

• US 6,935,212 B2
• Filed: 01/03/2005
• Issued: 08/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Practical Goods Group
• Original Assignee: Jake Wadsworth
• Inventors: Wadsworth, Jake
• Primary Examiner(s): Meislin, Debra S
• Application Number:
  US11/029,063
• Publication Number:
  US 20050109165A1
• Time in Patent Office: 239 Days
• Field of Search: 81/60, 81/62, 81437-439, 811/772, 811/774, 814/90, 811/776, 814/40, 811/777, 811/778, 814/275
• US Class Current: 81/60
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/46 of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 15/008 Allen-type keys
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/085 for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners

Abstract

A multipurpose, bi-lateral multi-axial ratcheting hand tool. The ratcheting hand tool may be used in multiple positions and in varying angles for loosening or tightening various fasteners as well as using other tools that may be attached to the tool. The ratcheting Allen wrench includes a first handle and a second handle, a bi-directional ratchet hingedly fastened between the first handle and the second handle, and multiple tools hingedly fastened to the first handle and the second handle that may be easily accessed and foldably stored within the handle when not in use.

Claims

1. A folding multipurpose adjustable tool comprising:

a first handle;

a ratchet hingedly fastened to said first handle for providing a ratcheting mechanism engaging in one direction and rotating freely in another as selected by a user;

at least one tool hingedly fastened to said first handle;

a second handle hingedly fastened to an opposite end of said ratchet as said first handle; and

at least one tool hingedly fastened to said second handle.

2. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism for locking or unlocking at least one tool into a fixed position to facilitate use.

3. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein at least one tool may be stored within said first handle and said second handle.

4. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said ratchet further comprises a direction selector for determining which direction said ratchet mechanism will be engaged and in which direction it will rotate freely.

5. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle define at least one cut-away for easy access to at least one tool positioned within.

6. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle are ergonomically shaped to prevent injury to a user'"'"'s hand during use.

7. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said folding multipurpose adjustable tool is pocket sized.

8. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein at least one tool is removable for replacing, adding and substituting additional tools.

9. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 8, wherein at least one tool is any of an Allen tool, a screwdriver, tool adapter, blade, scissors, pliers and pry tools.

10. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle may be folded substantially enclosing said ratchet.

11. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle only open to a position parallel with said ratchet.

12. The folding multipurpose adjustable tool of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle may be closed so that they abut one another lengthwise.

13. The ratcheting Allen wrench of claim 3, wherein said ratchet mechanism further comprises a direction selector for determining which direction said ratchet mechanism will be engaged and in which direction it will rotate freely.

14. The ratcheting Allen wrench of claim 3, wherein at least one Allen tool is pivotally rotated and protected within said first and said second handle when not in use.

15. The ratcheting Allen wrench of claim 3, wherein said first and second handle further define at least one cut-away for easily accessing at least one Allen tool from a side of said first handle and said second handle.

16. The ratcheting Allen wrench of claim 3, wherein said first and second handles further define a hollow tool receptacle cavity for receiving and storing at least one Allen tool within said first handle and said second handle.

17. A ratcheting Allen wrench comprising:

a first handle comprising an inner and outer end for gripping and using said ratcheting Allen wrench;

a ratcheting mechanism comprising a first and second end wherein said first end is hingedly connected to said inner end of said first handle by a handle fastener, wherein said ratcheting mechanism further comprises a direction selector for selecting the engaged ratcheting direction;

a second handle comprising an inner and outer end for gripping and using said ratcheting Allen wrench wherein said inner end of said second handle is hingedly connected to said second end of said ratchet mechanism; and

at least one Allen tool hingedly attached to said outer end of said first handle and said outer end of said second handle by a tool fastener wherein at least one Allen tool is stored within said first and second handle when not in use.

18. A ratcheting Allen wrench comprising:

a first handle comprising an inner and outer end for gripping and using said ratcheting Allen wrench;

a ratcheting mechanism comprising a first and second end wherein said first end is hingedly connected to said inner end of said first handle by a handle fastener, wherein said ratcheting mechanism further comprises a direction selector for selecting the engaged ratcheting direction;

a second handle comprising an inner and outer end for gripping and using said ratcheting Allen wrench wherein said inner end of said second handle is hingedly connected to said second end of said ratchet mechanism;

a plurality of Allen tools hingedly attached to said outer end of said first handle and said outer end of said second handle by a tool fastener wherein said plurality of Allen tools are stored within said first and second handle when not in use;

a tool locking mechanism for locking said plurality of Allen tools into a fixed position during use or storage; and

at least one cut-away defined by said first handle and said second handle for easily accessing said plurality of Allen tools.