Multi-function tool handle
First Claim
1. A tool handle for holding a tool operatively connected to one end of the tool handle, the tool handle comprising:
- a shank supporting a connector;
a first handle portion;
a second handle portion;
said first and second handle portions forming an entire gripping portion of the handle;
said first and second handle portions each having an end pivotally connected to the connector and a free end;
said first and second handle portions movable between a first position where the first handle portion and second handle portion extend along the longitudinal axis of the shank and away from the shank in the same direction, and a second position where the first and second handle portions extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions, and a third position where the first and second handle portions are on the same side of the longitudinal axis and extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in the same direction.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The tool handle of the invention includes a shank connected via a ratcheting mechanism to a male square drive. A pair of handle wings are pivotally connected to the shank at a transverse pivot hinge such that the handle wings can be changed between a screwdriver-type configuration, an L-shape configuration, a T-shape configuration or other intermediate configurations. When the handle wings are in the fully open position, the handle wings bear against the shank to create a mechanism for transferring power between the handle wings and the tool shank without the need for a separate lock. A quick change adapter having a female drive can be connected to the male square drive such that the tool handle can be used with a wide variety of tools including taps and extractors, sockets, screwdriver bits and the like.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A tool handle for holding a tool operatively connected to one end of the tool handle, the tool handle comprising:
- a shank supporting a connector;
a first handle portion;
a second handle portion;
said first and second handle portions forming an entire gripping portion of the handle;
said first and second handle portions each having an end pivotally connected to the connector and a free end;
said first and second handle portions movable between a first position where the first handle portion and second handle portion extend along the longitudinal axis of the shank and away from the shank in the same direction, and a second position where the first and second handle portions extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions, and a third position where the first and second handle portions are on the same side of the longitudinal axis and extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in the same direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15)
- a shank supporting a connector;
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13. A tool handle for holding a tool operatively connected to one end of the tool handle, the tool handle comprising:
- a shank supporting a connector;
a first handle portion;
a second handle portion;
said first and second handle portions forming an entire gripping portion of the handle;
said first and second handle portions each having an end pivotally connected to the connector and a free end;
said first and second handle portions movable between a first position where the first handle portion and second handle portion extend along the longitudinal axis of the shank and away from the shank in the same direction, and a second position where the first and second handle portions extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions, and a third position where the first and second handle portions are on the same side of the longitudinal axis and extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in the same direction;
a screw extends in the shank along the longitudinal axis and rotatably connects the connector to the shank, said screw supports a ball for locking the handles in the first position, second position and third position. - View Dependent Claims (16)
- a shank supporting a connector;
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14. A tool handle for holding a tool operatively connected to one end of the tool handle, the tool handle comprising:
- a shank supporting a connector;
a first handle portion;
a second handle portion;
said first and second handle portions forming an entire gripping portion of the handle;
said first and second handle portions each having an end pivotally connected to the connector and a free end;
said first and second handle portions movable between a first position where the first handle portion and second handle portion extend along the longitudinal axis of the shank and away from the shank in the same direction, and a second position where the first and second handle portions extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions, and a third position where the first and second handle portions are on the same side of the longitudinal axis and extend substantially perpendicularly away from the longitudinal axis in the same direction;
said first handle portion includes a first flange and second handle portion includes a second flange and said shank includes a third flange interdigitated with said first and second flanges to form a pivot hinge where said first flange includes a first plurality of detents and said second flange includes a second plurality of detents where selected ones of the first plurality of detents and second plurality of detents are aligned in the first, second and third positions to define recesses for receiving a single locking member. - View Dependent Claims (17)
- a shank supporting a connector;
Specification