Abstract
A hand tool including a control element for receiving one or more finger digits of a user. The control element is positioned on the body component and may be in the form of an aperture defined by a perimeter surface. A user places one or more fingers within the control element and applies pressure to rotate the body component.
Claims
1. A hand tool device comprising: a head component including a ratchet mechanism; a first body component, a second body component, a third body component, and a fourth body component, wherein each body component extends between a first end and a second end, and each first end of each of the first body component, the second body component, the third body component and the fourth body component are connected to the head component, wherein each body component forms an angle of 90 degrees with each adjacent body component; and each body component comprising a first control element and a second control element, the first control element located between the first end and the second end and forming a circle shape aperture defined by a perimeter surface, the second control element located between the first control element and the second end and forming an ovoid shape opening defined by an inner surface, each control element configured to receive one or more finger digits of a user.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a conventional ratchet tool.
(2) FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a conventional ratchet tool with an extension bar attached.
(3) FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of a conventional ratchet tool with socket.
(4) FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a conventional ratchet tool with both an extension bar and socket.
(5) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a ratchet tool according to one embodiment of the invention.
(6) FIG. 4 illustrates one example of how a user may operate the ratchet tool shown in FIG. 3.
(7) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another ratchet tool according to one embodiment of the invention.
(8) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another ratchet tool according to one embodiment of the invention.
(9) FIG. 7 illustrates the rotational direction of the ratchet tool shown in FIG. 6.
(10) FIG. 8A is a top view of one embodiment of a ratchet tool according to the invention.
(11) FIG. 8B is a top view of another embodiment of a ratchet tool according to the invention.
(12) FIG. 8C is a top view of another embodiment of a ratchet tool according to the invention.
(13) FIG. 8D is a top view of another embodiment of a ratchet tool according to the invention.
(14) FIG. 9A is a top view of one embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(15) FIG. 9B is a top view of another embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(16) FIG. 9C is a top view of another embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(17) FIG. 9D is a top view of another embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(18) FIG. 9E is a top view of another embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(19) FIG. 9F is a top view of another embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(20) FIG. 10A is a top view of one embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(21) FIG. 10B is a top view of another embodiment of a body component according to the invention.
(22) FIG. 11A is a top view of a ratchet tool including the control element shown in FIG. 9E according to one embodiment of the invention.
(23) FIG. 11B is a top view of a ratchet tool including the control element shown in FIG. 9F according to one embodiment of the invention.
(24) FIG. 11C is a top view of a ratchet tool including the control element shown in FIG. 9B according to one embodiment of the invention.
(25) FIG. 11D is a top view of a ratchet tool including the control element shown in FIG. 9C according to one embodiment of the invention.
(26) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a ratchet tool according to one embodiment of the invention.
(27) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a ratchet tool according to one embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(28) Although the invention is described with respect to a hand tool in the form of a ratchet tool device, other hand tools are contemplated. For example, one or more control elements may be used with an adjustable wrench, combination wrench, open-end wrench, basin wrench, pipe wrench, Allen wrench, lug wrench, nut driver, flex-head socket, torque wrench, swivel-head, pneumatic impact wrenches, hydraulic torque wrenches, torque multipliers and breaker bars.
(29) FIG. 3 illustrates a hand tool in the form of a ratchet tool device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ratchet tool device 100 includes a head component 120 and a body component 140. A ratcheting mechanism 122 is housed within the head component 120. The head component 120 also includes a male drive unit 124. The male drive unit 124 of the head component 120 may be of any shape to receive a female drive unit of a socket or a receptacle of an extension bar.
(30) The body component 140 of ratchet tool device 100 extends from a first end 141 terminating at the head component 120 to a second end 143. A control element 160 is positioned on the body component 140. As shown in FIG. 3, the control element 160 is centrally positioned on the body component 140 between the first end 141 and the second end 143 and is in the form of an aperture 161. Aperture 161 is defined by a perimeter surface 152, shown as a circular perimeter surface; however, it is contemplated that control element 160 can be of any size and/or shape and positioned anywhere on the body component 140, as described in further detail below.
(31) The body component 140 may further include a handle element 142, which may also be weighted. Body component 140 may be of any length and be made from a variety of materials, including stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum, rubber or plastic.
(32) FIG. 4 illustrates how a user may utilize control element 160 to operate ratchet tool device 100 as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the user places one or more fingers within aperture 161 and rotates the body component 140 around axis 150. Specifically, a user applies pressure against the perimeter surface 152 of the aperture 161. This method of operation permits a full and continuous rotation (360 degrees) of the ratchet tool device 100, and therefore facilitates loosening or tightening hardware more quickly and efficiently. And provides a more stable connection between the socket and the hardware to minimize wobbling of the socket during operation, which is commonly associated with damage to the ratchet tool device 100 or hardware itself.
(33) FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a ratchet tool device 200. As with ratchet tool device 100 of FIG. 3, ratchet tool device 200 includes a head component 220. Head component 220 includes a ratcheting mechanism 222 and a male drive unit 224. Male drive unit 224 may be of any shape to receive a female drive unit of a socket to, for example, tighten or loosen hardware.
(34) Ratchet tool device 200 further includes a body component 240. The body component 240 of ratchet tool device 200 extends from a first end 241 terminating at the head component 220 to a second end 243. As shown in FIG. 5, a finger control element 246 is centrally positioned on the body component 240 positioned between the first end 241 and the second end 243 and is in the form of an aperture 248. As shown in FIG. 5, aperture 248 is defined by a perimeter surface 252, shown as a circular perimeter surface; however, it is contemplated that finger control element 246 can be of any size and/or shape and positioned anywhere on the body component 240.
(35) As shown in FIG. 5, ratchet tool device 200 further includes a hand control element 242. Hand control element 242 is in the form of an opening 254 defined by an inner surface 258. Opening 254 is ovoid in shape and sized to receive a one or more finger digits. While an ovoid shape is useful for providing a grip that is easily grasped in a human hand, the opening 254 may take other shapes, such as circular, semi-circular, or elliptical.
(36) Certain embodiments of the ratchet tool device 200 may also include a grip surface 256 that extends partially or entirely over the hand control element 242. Any suitable grip surface, such as a rubber or synthetic material may be used. The grip surface 256 may include a recess and other shapes to improve comfort and grip of the hand control element 242. In certain embodiments, portions of the hand control element 242, such as inner surface 258, may include a suitable grip surface, while the remainder of the hand control element 242 is constructed of a less tactile material, such as metal or plastic.
(37) In certain preferred embodiments, the finger control element 246 and hand control element 242 facilitate operating the ratchet tool device 200 in a number of different ways. In one operation, a user can place one digit—such as an index finger—in aperture 248 of finger control element 246 and the remaining fingers in opening 254 of hand control element 242 to rotate the ratchet tool device clockwise or counter clockwise. In another operation, a user may insert all finger digits into opening 254 and grip the inner surface 258 or outer surface 256 with the entire hand to tighten or loosen hardware.
(38) In certain preferred embodiments, the ratchet tool device 200 may comprise a system of modular or interchangeable elements. For example, one or more interchangeable control elements may be connected to body component 240 of ratchet tool device 200 so that the user can customize the shape, texture, appearance or diameter of an opening. For example, hand control element 242 may be made with or replaced with handle element 142 of FIG. 3 based on a user preference.
(39) FIG. 6 illustrates a ratchet tool device 300 comprising a head component 320 and four body components 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d. While ratchet tool device 300 is shown to have four body components, any number of body components is contemplated. Each body component 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d of ratchet tool device 300 includes a finger control element 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d positioned between a first end 350a, 350b, 350c, 350d and a second end 344a, 344b, 344c, 344d of the respective body component 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d. As shown in FIG. 6, each finger control element 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d is in the form of an aperture, such as aperture 348 defined by a perimeter surface 352; however, it is contemplated that one or more finger control element 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d can be of any size and/or shape and positioned anywhere on the corresponding body component 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d. For example, a ratchet tool device may include one or more body components with no finger control elements or include two or more finger control elements.
(40) Each body component 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d of ratchet tool device 300 further includes a hand control element 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d. Hand control elements may be in the form of an opening, such as opening 354 defined by inner surface 358. Opening 354 is ovoid in shape and sized to receive a user's fingers. While an ovoid shape is useful for providing a grip that is easily grasped in a human hand, opening 354 may take other shapes, such as circular, semi-circular, or elliptical. It is further contemplated that ratchet tool device 300 may include one or more hand control elements having different shaped openings. For example, two hand control elements may have an opening in the shape of a circle while two other hand control elements have a square shaped opening.
(41) As shown in FIG. 7, a user may engage one or more finger control elements 346a, 346b, 346c, 346d, one or more hand control elements 342a, 342b, 342c, 342d, or combinations of each to rotate the ratchet tool device 300 clockwise or counter clockwise about axis 354. This facilitates quick and efficient tightening or loosening of hardware by allowing a user to apply a rotation with a greater range of distance as compared to conventional tools. In particular, while ratchet tool device 300 may be rotated 360 degrees, rotation of conventional tools is typically limited to a distance of 0-30 degrees, and therefore limited in the amount a user can turn the hardware to loosen or tighten it.
(42) FIGS. 8A through 8D illustrate embodiments of a ratchet tool device 400. FIG. 8A illustrates the ratchet tool device 400 having a body component 402 that includes a finger control element 404 positioned along a perimeter edge 406 of the body component 402. FIG. 8B illustrates the ratchet tool device 400 having a body component 410 that includes a first finger control element 412 positioned along a first perimeter edge 414 of the body component 410 and a second finger control element 416 positioned along a second perimeter edge 418 of the body component 410.
(43) FIG. 8C illustrates the ratchet tool device 400 including a body component 420 comprising a hand control element 422 with an inner surface 424 having a circular opening 426. In certain embodiments, the inner surface 424 may further include a ratcheting mechanism, such as a pass-thru socket that is configured for long bolts and threaded rod to pass through the circular opening 426. This configuration of ratchet tool device 400 may be used in places where deep sockets are not long enough. FIG. 8D illustrates the ratchet tool device 400 including a body component 430 comprising a finger control element 432 and a hand control element 434 having a hook-shaped surface 436.
(44) FIGS. 9A through 9E illustrate embodiments of a body component 500. FIG. 9A illustrates body component 500 having a circular control element 502 defined by a circular opening 504. FIG. 9B illustrates body component 500 having a rounded portion 505 defining a hook-shaped control element 506. FIG. 9C illustrates body component 500 having a curved portion 507 defining an S-shaped control element 508. FIG. 9D illustrates a linear portion 509 extending from body component 500 to form an L-shaped handle 510. FIG. 9E illustrates an angled portion 511 extending at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees with respect to the body component 500 to form a V-shaped control element 512. FIG. 9F illustrates control element 500 having a square-shaped control element 514 with a square-shaped opening 516.
(45) In operation of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9A through 9E, a user may operate a ratchet device by engaging a surface of a control element with one or more finger digits to rotate a ratchet tool device clockwise or counterclockwise.
(46) FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate embodiments of a control element including a recessed portion on each perimeter edge of a body component 600. FIG. 10A illustrates a recessed portion 610A on a first perimeter edge 612 and a recessed portion 610B on a second perimeter edge 614, each recessed portion 610A, 610B having a smooth transition to the body component 600. FIG. 10B illustrates a recessed portion 620A on a first perimeter edge 622 and a recessed portion 620B on a second perimeter edge 624. As shown, the recessed portion 620A on the first perimeter edge 622 resides between tips 626, 628 and the recessed portion 620B on the second perimeter edge 624 resides between tips 630, 632.
(47) FIGS. 11A through 11D illustrates a ratchet tool device 700 comprising a head component 710 and four body components 720, each body component 720 extending from a first end 725 to a second end 730. Ratchet tool device 700 further includes a control element positioned on the body component 720.
(48) FIG. 11A illustrates an angled portion 745 extending at an angle with respect to each body component 720 to form a V-shaped control element 740 at the second end 730. FIG. 11B illustrates each body component 720 including a square-shaped control element 750 with a square-shaped opening 755. FIG. 11C illustrates each body component 720 including a hook-shaped control element 760 at the second end 730. FIG. 11D illustrates each body component 720 having a control element 770 that curves in a S-shape from the first end 725 to the second end 730.
(49) FIG. 12 illustrates a ratchet tool device 800 including a body component 840 pivotally connected to a head component 820. Body component 840 includes a first control element 846 positioned between a first end 842 and a second end 850 of the body component 840. The first end 842 of the body component 840 is shown to include a second control element 844.
(50) As shown in FIG. 12, the second end 850 comprises a hinge mechanism 852 pivotally connecting the body component 840 to the head component 820. The hinge mechanism 852 is configured to permit selective angular positioning of the body component 840 relative to the head component 820. In certain embodiments, hinge mechanism 852 may include a locked position and an unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the ratchet tool device 800 is adjustable. In the locked position, the ratchet tool device 800 may be fixed in a suitable position for use.
(51) FIG. 13 illustrates another embodiment of a ratchet tool device 900. As shown, two head component 920, 922 is positioned on a first end 924 and a second end 926 of the ratchet tool device 900. While FIG. 13 shows each head component 920, 922 having an open head, it is contemplated that any type of wrench head can be used.
(52) As shown in FIG. 13, ratchet tool device 900 further includes a control element 942 connected to a body component 940 via a securing element, such as clamp 948. Control element 942 is in the form of an opening 944 defined by a perimeter surface 946. Control element 942, as shown, is circular and centrally positioned to encompass a portion of the body component 940, but it is contemplated that control element 942 can be of any size and/or shape and connected anywhere to the body component 940 by different connectors, such as clamp 948. In operation, the user places one or more fingers within opening 946 and rotates the ratchet tool device 900. This permits a greater degree of rotation of the ratchet tool device 900, and therefore facilitates loosening or tightening hardware more quickly and efficiently as opposed to individual rotations of 0-30 degrees offered by conventional hand tools.
(53) While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and have herein been described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
