Universal ratcheting tool

• US 8,336,428 B2
• Filed: 09/08/2011
• Issued: 12/25/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/17/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Wagic, Inc.
• Inventors: Johnson, Ronald L., Gallegos, Robert J., Escobar, Steven Simas, Hudson, Anders Scot, Ruiz, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik, Lockhart, Yugen Patrick, Wilson, Howard Allen, Colton, Eric M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thomas, David B
• Application Number:
  US13/228,326
• Publication Number:
  US 20120000322A1
• Time in Patent Office: 474 Days
• Field of Search: 81/60, 81/28, 81/29, 81 31- 33, 81 61- 632, 81 58- 585, 814/37, 814/38
• 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 13/461 with concentric driving and driven member
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/463 a pawl engaging an externally toothed wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/0035 Connection means between socket or screwdriver bit and tool
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 23/16 Handles in general B25G

Abstract

A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.

Claims

1. A device for removably holding a tool comprising:

a. a body having an axial aperture and a channel substantially perpendicular to the axial aperture that intersects with the axial aperture;

b. a ratcheting mechanism; and

c. a retaining component that holds each of a plurality of sized tools by adjusting to the size of the tool.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the device further comprises a handle.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the handle is a t-shaped handle.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more additional apertures.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising one or more directional tabs for configuring orientation of the ratcheting mechanism.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the channel or aperture includes a plurality of slots configured for receiving a plurality of sized tools.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

9. A device for removably holding a tool comprising:

a. a non-removably coupled handle; and

b. a body comprising;

i. an aperture for receiving a plurality of different sized tools, wherein a top of the aperture is able to receive a different sized tool then a bottom of the aperture; and

ii. a ratcheting mechanism.

10. The device of claim 9 further comprising a retaining component that adjustably holds each of a plurality of sized tools.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

12. The device of claim 10 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

13. The device of claim 9 wherein the handle is a t-shaped handle.

14. The device of claim 9 further comprising one or more additional apertures.

15. The device of claim 9 further comprising one or more directional tabs for configuring orientation of the ratcheting mechanism.

16. The device of claim 9 wherein the aperture includes a plurality of slots configured for receiving a plurality of sized tools.

17. A method of using a ratcheting device comprising:

a. inserting a tool within a slot of the ratcheting device having an axial aperture and a channel substantially perpendicular to the axial aperture that intersects with the axial aperture;

b. closing a retaining component to secure the tool; and

c. turning the ratcheting device while the tool is inserted into an object.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising configuring an orientation of the ratcheting device before turning the universal ratcheting tool.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the retaining component is closed around the tool in order to secure the tool.

20. The method of claim 17 wherein the slot is located within the axial aperture.

21. The method of claim 17 wherein the ratcheting device comprises a plurality of slots.

22. The method of claim 17 wherein the tool is a tool having an L-shaped body including a long leg member and a short leg member.

23. A system for removably holding a tool comprising:

a. a tool having an L-shaped body; and

b. a device selectively coupled to the tool comprising;

i. an aperture for receiving the tool;

ii. a ratcheting mechanism; and

iii. a retaining component that holds each of a plurality of sized tools by adjusting to the size of the tool.

24. A method of using a ratcheting device comprising:

a. inserting a tool having an L-shaped body within a slot of the ratcheting device;

b. closing a retaining component to secure the tool; and

c. turning the ratcheting device while the tool is inserted into an object.