Universal ratcheting tool

• US 8,757,033 B2
• Filed: 11/26/2012
• Issued: 06/24/2014
• 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:
  US13/685,147
• Publication Number:
  US 20130074660A1
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 81/60, 81/28, 81/29, 81 31- 33, 814/90, 81437-439
• 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 comprising:

a. a handle non-removably coupled with a body;

b. an aperture within the body, the aperture configured for receiving a tool;

c. an openable and closable retaining component coupled to the body for retaining the tool within the aperture, wherein the tool is retained within the aperture when in use; and

d. a ratcheting mechanism within the device for enabling ratcheting movements.

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

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

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the aperture includes a plurality of slots configured for receiving a plurality of sizes of tools.

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

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the tool includes an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end for engaging an object, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the ratcheting mechanism is located within the handle for enabling ratcheting movements.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the retaining component comprises one or more arms that close around the tool in a closed position.

9. A device comprising:

a. a handle component;

b. a body component non-removably coupled with the handle component;

c. an aperture within the body component, the aperture configured for receiving a plurality of sizes of tools;

d. an openable and closable retaining component coupled with the body component for retaining a tool of the plurality of sizes of tools within the aperture; and

e. a ratcheting mechanism within the handle component for enabling ratcheting movements.

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

11. The device of claim 9 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

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

13. The device of claim 9 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

14. The device of claim 9 wherein the handle component is a hand-held size.

15. The device of claim 9 wherein the tool includes an elongated rod having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end for engaging an object, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end.

16. A device for removably holding a tool comprising:

a. a body having an aperture and a channel that intersects with the aperture;

b. a ratcheting mechanism; and

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

17. The device of claim 16 wherein the device further comprises a handle.

18. The device of claim 17 wherein the handle is a t-shaped handle.

19. The device of claim 16 further comprising one or more additional apertures.

20. The device of claim 16 further comprising one or more directional tabs for configuring orientation of the ratcheting mechanism.

21. The device of claim 16 further comprising a retaining tab for opening and closing the retaining component.

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

23. The device of claim 16 wherein the retaining component includes at least one arm for retaining the tool.

24. The device of claim 16 wherein the tool is a tool having an L-shaped body including a long leg member and a short leg member.

25. A method of using a ratcheting device comprising:

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

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

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

26. The method of claim 25 further comprising configuring an orientation of the ratcheting device before turning the universal ratcheting tool.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein the retaining component is closed around the tool in order to secure the tool.

28. The method of claim 25 wherein the slot is located within the aperture.

29. The method of claim 25 wherein the ratcheting device comprises a plurality of slots.

30. The method of claim 25 wherein the tool is a tool having an L-shaped body including a long leg member and a short leg member.