Hinged socket wrench speed handle

Abstract

A hinged socket wrench having an offset shank (20) with a first end (22) and a second end (24). Attached to the first end (22) is a clevis (28) which receives a 180-degree drive head held by a hinge pin (40). The drive head consists of either a square drive head (30) or a ratchet drive head (31). To the second end is attached a rotatable handle (58), which rotates the wrench upon reciprocation of the handle (58). A second embodiment of the hinged socket wrench includes a second clevis (28) that is added to the second end (24) of the offset shank. The second clevis (28) adds further combinations of angular displacement of the handle (58). Thus, increasing the value of the wrench as a tool and also its productivenss in difficult work areas. Five configurations of the hinge pin (40) provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke improving the structural integrity and prolonging tool life.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to the general field of socket wrenches and more particularly to a speed handle for a socket wrench that has a single or a double offset shaft to which is attached a lockable-position, square drive head or a ratchet drive head.

BACKGROUND ART

Previously, socket wrenches equipped with various types of speed handles, or spreader wrenches, have been used to provide a fast and easy method of rotating a threaded fastener using conventional sockets. The usual approach is to utilize an extended handle that is bent with four 90 degree bends with a rotating grip on one end and the offset parallel with the handle Shaft. This configuration permits a user to grasp both the grip and offset portion simultaneously and rotate the tool rapidly, much like a crank handle or a brace and bit. Many combinations of handle offsets and multiple bends have been used in the past for sockets and screwdrivers in order to employ the principle of rapid manual rotation by the shape of the tool handle.

A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention, however the following U.S. patents are considered related:

	PATENT NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED
	6,349,620	Anderson	26 Feb. 2002
	5,768,960	Archuleta	23 Jun. 1998
	5,511,452	Edmons	30 Apr. 1996
	5,279,189	Marino	18 Jan. 1994
	4,974,477	Anderson	4 Dec. 1990
	3,388,622	Klang	18 Jun. 1968
	2,712,765	Knight, Jr.	12 Jul. 1955
	460,256	Stewart	29 Sep. 1891

The U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,620 patent discloses a hinged socket wrench for use with tool sockets which utilizes an offset shank (20) at bends of equal angles, which place the ends parallel with each other. A clevis (28) is formed into the shank at one end and a square drive head (30) is held in place within the clevis with a hinge pin (40), thus permitting a 180 degree rotation. The wrench secures a workpiece by spinning the offset handle in a circular direction and then pushed to a convenient position for tightening. The wrench may be used as a conventional flex handle by locking the drive head in an angular position in five equal increments by sliding the hinge pin (40) to the appropriate position. A second embodiment includes another head attached directly to both the handle (58) and an additional clevis which functions in the same manner as the square drive head however it adds further combinations of angular displacement of the speed handle increasing its value as a tool and also its productiveness in difficult work areas. The improvements to my U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,620 include two embodiments and three alternative designs of the slideable hinge pin that locks the drive head in place at the desired angle. These improvement are important because they provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke which improves the structural integrity of the invention as well as prolonged life of the tool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,768,960 issued to Archuleta is for a tilt wrench having a handle with a pair of opposed openings on each end that have different geometrical shapes. A tilt head has an additional shaped hole in alignment with the handle openings. A connector shaft having around shape on one end and a square shape on the other extends through the three openings and when pressed inwardly interfaces with the tilt head locking it in place. Selective axial positioning of the connector shaft allows the tilt head to be in either a locked or unlocked position.

Edmons in U.S Pat. No. 5,511,452 teaches a speed handle with a ratchet drive having an offset between the axis of the handle and the ratchet drive for use in tight places where there is little room for the handle. The balance of the speed handle is conventional, much like those currently available.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,189 issued to Marino, has a pair of handles displaced longitudinally by a given distance, and a hinge connecting a coupling to an arm or one of the handles, permitting relative movement therebetween about a pivot axis normal to the rotational axis of the coupling.

Anderson's U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,477 is for a speed wrench using a S-curve shaped shank. The shank causes the axis of the tool to intersect the axis of the handle, thereby creating a cone-shaped Pattern of rotation, which permits the user to rotate the tool's handle with wrist motion.

Klank in U.S. Pat. No. 3,388,622 discloses a speed wrench consisting of a pair of concentric, rotatively-connected members. One arm is radially offset from the common axis of concentricity relative to the outer member such that cranking of the handle rotates a work engaging arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,765 issued to Knight, Jr. is for a wrist motion hand tool having a shaft with a pair of bends having a slight longitudinal or axial displacement in the bore of a pistol-grip shaped handle. The wrist motion of the User rotates the crank arm and only one hand is required to rotate the workpiece.

Stewart's U.S. Pat. No. 460,256 teaches a handle for a rotary tool using a pair of bends in a shaft that form a diagonal wrist. An anti-friction sleeve is added to the handle for ease of rotation.

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention relates reference may be made to the following patents found in the patent search.

	PATENT NO.	INVENTOR	ISSUED
	6,382,058	OWOC	7 May 2002
	6,324,947	Jarvis	4 Dec. 2001
	6,186,033	Faro, Sr.	13 Feb. 2001
	5,904,077	Wright, et al	18 May 1999
	5,280,740	Ernst	25 Jan. 1994
	4,909,104	Mehlau, et al	25 Mar. 1990
	4,711,145	Inoue	8 Dec. 1987
	4,541,310	Lindenberger	17 Sep. 1985
	4,334,445	Timewell	15 Jun. 1982
	3,343,434	Schroeder	26 Sep. 1967
	2,577,931	Tillman	11 Dec. 1951
	2,382,291	Carlberg	14 Aug. 1945
	1,779,203	Williamson	21 Oct. 1930
	1,775,402	Mandl	9 Sep. 1930
	1,537,657	Burch	12 May 1925

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In today's economy manpower is expensive and any tool or device that can reduce the time spent accomplishing a given task is of extreme importance. Therefore, the primary object of the invention is to provide a hand tool that can be utilized with most popular socket sets, and that shortens the time required to attach or remove a threaded fastener with a polygon-shaped or other configured head on a screw, bolt or nut. Normally, a ratchet handle is connected to a socket and ratcheted by radial motion with one hand while being held in place with the other hand. The instant invention permits a user to rapidly rotate the nut or bolt until it starts to tighten. The rapid rotation is accomplished by simple wrist action, with considerably more speed than a conventional ratchet handle. By testing, it was determined that by using the instant invention, the tightening or removal of a fastener, after its initial loosening, was four to five times faster than accomplished previously.

Further, it is an important object of the invention to initially loosen or finally tighten the fastener by simply repositioning the handle at a suitable angle to gain the maximum amount of torque. This repositioning is provided in a 180 degree arc by a rotatable square drive head or a ratchet drive head that permits the socket to remain on the workpiece and the handle to be moved to a convenient position like a standard breaker bar or flex handle. AS the invention is relatively short and compact, the user may shift from a vertical position to a 45 or 90 degree angle in almost one continuous motion. This allows the user to maintain absolute control of the socket upon the workpiece and to continue adding torque until the workpiece is tightened, or the reverse if loosening is to be accomplished. As the result of the drive head being repositionable any combination of angular displacement is easily accomplished without lost motion.

Another object of the invention is directed to a unique locking system that secures either the square drive head or the ratchet drive head at a given angle relative to the handle. This feature is particularly useful when the tool is used like a “bull handle” or an “L-handle”. Further, the arrangement locks the head at equal angular increments, which are at the most convenient positions. It should also be noted that it is not necessary to lock the head, as it rotates under a small amount of tension and is temporarily held at the angular displacement by a spring-loaded detent 50 it can be controlled during operation. Locking is easily and intuitively obvious by simply pressing a hinge pin in one direction or the other for positive positioning at the 45 degree increment.

Still another object of the invention is the combination of a rotatable handle and an offset shank in a compact configuration. This coalescence of elements permits the user to use only one hand to rotate the socket easily, whereas conventional ratchets require two hands. Flex handles and the like require removing the socket each time the rotational limit is reached. Conventional speed handles are long and have limited utility as unrestricted space is essential to their function. In contrast, the instant invention is compact and may be used in most places that a conventional ratchet handle is normally employed utilizing both the speed handle's quickness and the ratchets usefulness.

An important object of the improvement of the invention is embodied in the interface with the drive head and the hinge pin as the round segment of the hinge pin is larger in diameter than across the flats of the square segment. The combined round and octagonal hole in the drive head has each inner angular apex shaved off by the introduction of the round portion of the hex hole. This arrangement allows the round segment of the hinge pin to interface with only the round portion of the hole instead of the sharp inside corners of the octagonal shape. It may be clearly seen that this arrangement takes the slop out s of the interface, improves the life of the tool, since without the combined round and octagonal hole the interface will quickly wear out, and greatly strengthens the integrity of the invention.

Yet another object of the invention is realized in a second embodiment, wherein a second head is used, similar in function, only connecting the shank to the handle wherein the shank may be changed in its angular alignment relative to the handle. This embodiment is particularly useful in areas that are tight and hard to reach with conventional straight or fixed angle tools. It may be plainly seen that the use of another head permits the handle to be positioned independent of the square drive head or the ratchet drive head, therefore as many as five additional angles may be used in attempting to find the most practical approach to loosening or tightening a fastener even under the most difficult circumstances.

Still another object of the second embodiment is a feature that permits the wrench to be positioned in crank fashion with the handle vertical along with the square drive head. This unique position allows the fastener to be rotated like a crank handle with the shank horizontal or angled 180, 90 or 45 degrees while still retaining the ability to be rotated as described above in certain combinations of angles.

A final object of the invention is directed to the inclusion of five separate, but related, embodiments of the slideable hinge pin that locks the drive head in place at the desired angle. Any one of the four provide additional surface interface with both the hinge pin and the handle yoke which yields prolonged life of the tool.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment having attached a square drive head.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the preferred embodiment having attached the square drive head.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 illustrating the internal structure of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial isometric view of the square drive head completely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the square drive head completely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 6A is a top elevational view of the square drive head completely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 6B and 6B of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a partial isometric view of the hinge pin completely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a partial isometric view of one of the lock rings.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 10-10 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment with a square drive head.

FIG. 12 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment having attached a square drive head.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the second embodiment having attached a square drive head.

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment offset shank.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the second embodiment offset shank with the ends partially cut away for clarity.

FIG. 18 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment with the handle adjusted to a vertical position and having attached a square drive head.

FIG. 19 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment with the handle adjusted to a vertical position and the shank at a 45 degree angle.

FIG. 20 is a partial isometric view of the second embodiment with the handle adjusted to a horizontal position and the shank at a 45 degree angle.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment which has attached a ratchet drive head with the socket end of the ratchet in view.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the preferred embodiment having attached a ratchet drive head.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of the second embodiment having attached a ratchet drive head with the ratchet drive reversing lever in view.

FIG. 24 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the hinge pin with a through-bore for rivet attachment.

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a partial isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the hinge pin with tapped holes for screw attachment.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional View taken along lines 27-27 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view taken along the centerline of the hinge pin with a rivet in place and bucked into a mating head.

FIG. 29 is a partial isometric view of one of the hinge pin stops completely removed from the invention for clarity.

FIG. 30 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view taken along the centerline of the hinge pin with screws attached to hold the hinge pin stops in place.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the drive head with the depressions illustrated as if it were a cross section view. The view is provided to clearly show the combined round and octagonal hole that interfaces with the hinge pin.

FIG. 32 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the clevis integrally formed into the first end of the shank forming the bifurcated fork showing the combined round and square hole that interfaces with the hinge pin.

FIG. 33 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yoke with the hinge pin in place in a fully engaged embodiment with the pin rotating in conjunction with the drive head, shown in both the unlocked and locked position.

FIG. 34 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yoke with the hinge pin in Place in a fully engaged embodiment with the pin rotating in conjunction with the drive head, shown in both the unlocked and locked position, except that it is in an opposite hand configuration of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yoke with the hinge pin in place in a partially engaged embodiment with the pin stationary relative to the drive head, shown in both the unlocked and locked position.

FIG. 36 is an arbitrary cross-sectional view of the wrench body yoke with the hinge pin in place in a partially engaged embodiment with the pin rotating in conjunction with the drive head, shown in both the unlocked and locked position.

FIG. 37 is an exploded view of the fifth variation of the slideable hinge pin.

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 38-38 of FIG. 37.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 39-39 of FIG. 37.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment and a second embodiment for a hinged socket wrench speed handle. Both embodiments are alike except the second embodiment has an additional pivoting head on the end of the offset shank adjacent to the handle. The preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1 through 23, with the single pivoting head shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 11, 21 and 22, and the second embodiment with the additional pivoting head shown in FIGS. 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 23.

The offset shank 20, in either embodiment, which may be round in shape and made of metal, has a first end 22, a second end 24, and two opposed bends 26 that are integrally formed or forged during fabrication. The bends 26 are of equal angles from 10 degrees to 90 degrees, with 45 degrees being preferred, and the first end 22 and second end 24 are parallel in each opposed direction, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 11. A clevis 28 is integrally formed into the first end 22 of the shank, thus forming a bifurcated fork, as illustrated best in FIG. 11.

In both embodiments, either a square drive head 30 or a ratchet drive head 31 can be pivotally disposed within the shank first end 22. Both heads 30, 31 can be configured to accept wrench sockets. Preferably, the drive heads 30 and 31 are dimensioned to fit a conventional ¼ inch, ⅜ inch and ½ inch drive however, other sizes may be included and used with equal ease (such as metric sizes). The square drive head is shown in FIGS. 1-6, 11-14 and 18-20, while the ratchet drive head is shown in FIGS. 21, 22 and 23. For brevity, the remainder of this disclosure will only make reference to the square drive head 30, which also applies to the ratchet drive head 31.

The assembly of the drive head 30 into the clevis 28 allows an angular position retaining means which comprises means to intersect rotation with at least five discrete positions, with a total displacement of 180 degrees, as defined by the utilization of a spring-loaded detent ball 32. The ball 32 is located within a bore 34 in the bifurcated fork, and the drive head 30 contains a plurality of coequally spaced depressions 36, with 45 degrees being preferred, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 6 and 11, however any number of equal spaces may be employed with like ease and utility. The detent ball 32 intersects with the depressions 36 holding the drive head 30 in specific angular positions. The invention can also easily be adjusted by hand when another angle is desired. It should be noted that the drive head 30 contains a spring-loaded drive detent 38 for holding sockets in place, which is Well known in the art and in common usage.

The square drive head 30 is rotatably held between the jaws of the forked Clevis 28 with a slidable hinge pin 40, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 11, 24-30 and 33-36, thereby permitting the drive head to pivotally rotate and lock within the confines of the clevis 28. Securement means to hold the hinge pin 40 in position from sliding from one side to the other is provided, as shown in FIGS. 3, 11, and 14, by the constant lateral urging of the spring loaded detent ball 32.

A hinge pin 40 is disposed through at least one square drive head 30, or ratchet drive head 31, and the clevis 23 bifurcated fork, permitting the drive head 30 to pivotally rotate and lock within the confines of the clevis 28. The hinge pin 40 is slideable and held in position by lateral urging of the spring-loaded detent ball 32, as previously discussed. There are five variations of the slidable hinge pin 40 as shown in cross-sectional of FIGS. 33-42 with the preferred variation illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, 7-14, 18-24, 25, 28 and 33.

In the first four variations the invention utilize a hinge pin 40 that has metallic body 66 with at least one round segment 68 and at least one square segment 70 also means for retaining the hinge pin 40 within the hinged socket wrench speed handle. Both the square and ratchet drive head 30 and 31 contains a combined round and octagonal hole 72 therethrough, as illustrated in FIGS. 4, 11, 14 and 31. The reason that the hole 72 is described as being combined round and octagonal is that a round hole is bored first and two square holes are broached within the round hole leaving internal intervening points radially truncated such that the round segment 63 of the hinge pin body 66 may slide easily inside without interference while leaving the outside points sharp to interface with the square segment 70.

The clevis 28 has a combined round and square hole 74 through each clevis fork, as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 32, such that when the hinge pin 40 is manually urged in a first direction the pin 40 is retained in the drive head 30 or 31 and rotates freely within the clevis 28. When the hinge pin 40 is urged in an opposite second direction the square segment 70 intersects with the shank clevis 28 locking the drive head 30 or 31 in place.

The combined round and octagonal hole 72 in the heads 30 and 31 each have its inner angular apex shaved off by the introduction of a round portion 72a within the hex hole as illustrated in FIG. 6A. This arrangement allows the round segment of the hinge pin to interface with only the round portion 72a of the hole instead of the sharp inside corners of the octagonal shape if the hole were not present. This embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 6B.

The means for retaining the hinge pin 40 within the hinged socket wrench speed handle are presented in three embodiments, both acceptable deviations as they each accomplish the same task only in a different manner. The preferred embodiment of the retaining means utilizes a bore 76 in the hinge pin body 66 running completely through from end to end, as shown pictorially in FIGS. 8 and 28. A rivet 78 is disposed within the bore 76, with the rivet head larger in diameter than the combined round and square hole 74 through each fork of the clevis 28. The rivet 78 forms a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin 40 in the fork clevis 28. The unheaded end of the rivet 78 is bucked forming a similar head. FIG. 11 shows the unheaded end dotted and FIGS. 10, 28 and 33-36 illustrate the head bucked.

The second embodiment of the means for retaining the hinge pin 40 within the hinged socket wrench speed handle is illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27, 29 and 30, wherein the hinge pin 40 includes a threaded extended neck 80 on each end. A hinge pin stop 82, shown by itself in FIG. 29, is disposed on each end of the neck 80 and is attached with a screw 84 fastened within the threads of the neck 80. the hinge pin stops 82 also have a larger diameter than the combined round and square hole 74 through each fork of the clevis 82, forming a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin 40 in the clevis fork. In both embodiments of the hinge pin retaining means the head of the rivet 78 and the hinge pin stop 82 are round and may be contoured to follow the shape of the outside surface of the clevis 28. The third embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 37-42 with a retaining ring 52 holding the hinge pin 40 in place.

As stated previously there are five variations of the slideable hinge pin 40, with four shown in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 33-36, all of which are acceptable as far as function is concerned, the difference being in the rotation of the pin and the amount of engagement between the elements. The preferred variation is illustrated in FIG. 33, and is also shown in the balance of the drawings, consists of a fully engaged rotating hinge pin 40 with alternating two round segments 68 and two square segments 70. It will be noted that the square segments 70 have ends or points that extend beyond the diameter of the round segments 68 which lock into the holes 72 and 74 of the clevis 28 and drive heads 30 and 31, whereas the round segments rotate freely. The unlocked illustration of FIG. 33 shows the pin 40 extending to the left of the clevis 28 with a square segment 70 completely on the outside and the adjoining round segment engaging the combined round and square hole 74 of the clevis 28. The adjacent second square segment 70 securely interfaces with the combined round and octagonal hole 72 in the drive head 30 or 31 with the last round segment 68 rotating within the clevis 28. It will be clearly seen that the drive head 30 or 31 is secured into the square segment 70 embracing the pin 40 which, in combination, is free to rotate as the round segments are configured to revolve and slide easily within the drive head and clevis holes 72 and 74. To lock the pin 40 in place, the pin simply slid to the right by manually pushing on the head, where the opposite action takes place with both the pin and drive head in contact with a square segment 70 locking the two elements tightly together. As explained previously the hinge pin 40 is held in place by the constant lateral urging of the spring loaded detent ball 32 in the depressions 36 on the drive head 30 or 31.

FIG. 34 illustrates basically the same configuration as the preferred embodiment except it is left hand or opposite in its function which in the unlocked position the head is flush with the left side of the clevis 28 and protrudes on the right. The functioning of this variation is the same fully engaged type with the pin 40 rotating within the clevis and drive head.

FIG. 35 depicts a partially engaged variation with the pin 40 stationary. There is only one round segment 68 and two square segments 70 that function in the unlocked condition by having the square segments in contact with the clevis 28 eliminating rotation while the round segment 63 permits the drive head 30 or 31 to move freely. When the pin 40 is slid to the right the two square segments interface with the clevis 28 fully on the left side and partially on the drive head and right side of the clevis locking both together.

The variation shown in FIG. 36 is like the previous configuration except it utilizes two round segments 60 and one square segment 70. When unlocked the square segment interface with the drive head 30 or 31 rotating the pin 40, when manually pushed to the left the square segment 70 partially engages both drive head and right side of the clevis locking them together.

It will be noted that five positions of the retaining means are shown employing the spring-loaded detent ball 32 however, the invention is not restricted to this specific number as any number of intervening polygonal depressions 36 may be easily utilized in incremental spacing. The drive head securement means is shown in the drawings and described as utilizing a square or polygonal shank 46 and an octagonal or polygonal depression 56, a combination of one or more round segments 68 and one or more square segments 70, to employ any polygonal shape in both elements. Thus as long as the depressions have a double amount of facets as that of the shank increasing the number of positions available for the angular displacement of the drive head 30 within the clevis 28, still falling within the bounds of this invention.

The fifth variation is illustrated in FIGS. 37-39 and differs only slightly than the other four in the hinge pin 40 configuration.

The hinge pin 40 of the fifth variation is shown removed from the invention for clarity in FIGS. 38 and 39 and consists of a round body 42 with a rivet 78.

The hinge pin 40 penetrates the Clevis 28 through a combined round and square hole 74 in one fork of the clevis 28 and a round hole 86 in the other fork. This arrangement permits locking the clevis 28 as the round segment of the hinge pin 40 is larger in diameter than the flats on the square segment.

In all variations a rotatable handle 58 is attached to the second end 24 of the shank 20, thereby permitting rotation of the wrench upon reciprocation of the handle, and radial turning when urged at right angles to the head 30. There are a number of methods that permit the handle 58 to reciprocate with the preferred method illustrated in FIG. 3. The handle 58 is normally fabricated of a type of thermoplastic and it includes a bore 83 therein that does not penetrate completely through. A handle sleeve 90, that is slightly larger in inside diameter than the offset shank 20, is placed over the shank 20 and the shank includes a threaded hole 92 in the end, in which a screw 94 retains a washer 96 abutting tightly against the end of the shank 20. The entire assembly is pressed into place since the sleeve 90 is slightly larger than the bore 88 and the washer 96 has a smaller outside diameter than that of the sleeve 90. The assembly is forced into the bore 88 until the head of the screw 94 almost touches the end of the bore 88 precluding the screw from ever backing out. It may be clearly seen that the handle 58 is free to rotate and the clearance between the sleeve 88 and shank 20 is such that with a small amount of lubricant added to the interface the rotation is easy and permanent. A second method may also be employed which is simple and easy, however it does not have the robust and durable features as the preferred embodiment.

The handle 58 in the second method is rotatably held in place by a round retaining ring 60 which interfaces with an internal groove 62 in the handle and an external groove 64 in the shank 20. These items are well known in the art for attachment of handles to tools. The handle 58 may be cylindrical, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 11, or contoured, as illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 and 18, 19 and 20.

During use the speed handle may be utilized in two separate ways. First, when fastening a bolt or nut, an appropriate socket is attached and the hinge pin 40 is pushed to the side, with the removable head 52 contiguous with the clevis 28. The workpiece is started on its threads manually or inserted into the socket and rotated by spinning the offset handle in a circular direction. When the workpiece is snug, the tool is pushed downward to a convenient position in a single smooth motion. Tightening is then completed by rotation at the appropriate angle, using the handle as a lever arm. The second method of operation is to lock the drive head 30 in place by manually pushing the pin 40 until the rivet head 78 or hinge pin stop 82 is adjacent to the clevis 28 and using the tool as a flex handle or a bull handle.

The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 12-14, 17-20 and 23, and is basically the same as the preferred embodiment except a second clevis 28 is added to the second end 24 of an offset shank 20a. The offset shank 20a is shown by itself in FIG. 17, and the clevis 28 is identical however, the bends 26 are a full 90 degrees and the overall length is illustrated shorter than the drawings of the preferred embodiment. This difference in configuration bares no weight as it will be noted that the angles may be from 10 to 90 degrees and the length is of little importance, as it depends upon the size of the drive and the wrenches ultimate utility. A second head is mounted in the second clevis 28 and differs in that it attaches directly to the handle 58, therefore it is designated a body head 44 instead of the drive head 30. This body head 44 has the same radial shape and flat sides, including the depressions 36, as the drive head, except instead of the square drive end, a cylindrical portion extends outward and interfaces with the handle 58 in the same manner as the second end 24 of the preferred shank 20, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The cylindrical portion of the head 44 includes an internal groove 62 and interfaces with the same round retaining ring 60, thereby permitting the handle to rotate freely on the head extended portion.

Since the body head 44 functions in the same manner as the square drive head 30, and the same hinge pin 40 is utilized along with the head detent 38 assuring the angular position of the head, the wrench may now have the handle 58 adjusted to the optimum position for leverage and convenience, as illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. It will be plainly seen that the utility of the wrench, by spinning the offset handle in a circular direction to snug the workpiece is not altered in any way, only its usefulness is enhanced by relocating the angle of the handle to best suit the particular circumstance. For example, the drive head 30 can be attached to one end of a straight rod, wherein the rod's opposite end has a T-handle connected which functions as a speed handle for rotating the wrench.

While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hinged socket wrench speed handle for tool sockets comprising: a) an offset shank having a first end and a second end, b) a clevis integrally formed into the first end forming at least one bifurcated fork, c) at least one pivoting head disposed within the bifurcated fork with one configured to accept wrench sockets, said head configured to accept wrench sockets defining a drive head that further includes angular position retaining means to intersect rotation at equal spaced discrete positions comprising a spring-loaded detent ball that is disposed drive head is configured to accept wrench sockets having a plurality of depressions at coequal spaces such that the detent ball intersect with the depressions, thus retaining the drive head in a specific position, also drive head securement means, d) a hinge pin disposed through at least one head and clevis bifurcated fork, thus permitting the drive head to pivotally rotate and lock within the confines of the clevis, said hinge pin is slideable and held in position by lateral urging of said spring-loaded detent ball, and e) a rotatable handle attached to the second end of the shank for rotating the wrench upon reciprocation of the handle and radial turning when urged at substantially right angles to the pivoted drive head.

2. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive head is comprised of a square drive head.

3. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive head is comprised of a ratchet drive head.

4. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said slidable hinge pin further comprises a round body with a body head and with a polygonal shank, with an integral shank head, and a drive head having a polygonal depression such that when the hinge pin is manually urged in a first direction the drive head is in communication with the round body, thereby permitting free rotation; and when slid in an opposite second direction the polygonal shank of the hinge pin intersects with the polygonal depression, locking the drive head in place.

5. The hinged socket speed wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said hinge pin, when fully engaged rotates when unlocked.

6. The hinged socket speed wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said hinge pin, when partially engaged is stationary and rotates when unlocked.

7. The hinged socket speed wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said hinge pin, when partially engaged rotates when unlocked.

8. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said offset shank further comprises a pair of opposed bends integral with the shank.

9. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 8 wherein said opposed bends are at equal angles and the shank first end and second end are parallel thereunto.

10. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 9 wherein said an opposed bends are from 10 degree angles to 90 degree angles and coequal thereunto.

11. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said slideable hinge pin further comprises a body having at least one round segment and at least one square segment and means for retaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handle, wherein said drive head having a combined round and octagonal hole therethrough and said clevis having a combined round and square hole through at least one fork of the clevis, such that when the hinge pin is manually urged in a first direction the pin is retained in the drive head and rotates freely within the clevis, and when the hinge pin is urged in an opposite second direction the square segment intersects with the shank clevis locking the drive head in place.

12. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said slideable hinge pin further comprises said round segment is larger in diameter than across the flats of said square segment.

13. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said combined round and octagonal hole further comprises said round hole cuts off a portion of the hex hole inner angular apex which allows the hinge pin to interface with only the round hole instead of the sharp inside corners of the octagonal shape if the hole were not present.

14. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said means for retaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handle further comprises said hinge pin having a bore therethrough and a rivet disposed within the bore, said rivet having a larger diameter head and bucked end than the combined round and squares hole through each fork of the clevis, forming a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin in the fork clevis.

15. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 11 wherein said means for retaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handle further comprises said hinge pin having a threaded extended neck on at least one end, and a hinge pin stop disposed upon at least one neck with a screw fastened within the threads of at least one neck, said hinge pin stops having a larger diameter than the combined round and square hole through each fork of the clevis, forming a limiting restriction retaining the hinge pin in the fork clevis.

16. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive head further comprises a ¼ inch drive interface.

17. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive head further comprises a ⅜ inch drive interface.

18. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive head further comprises a ½ inch drive interface.

19. A hinged socket wrench speed handle for tool sockets comprising: a) an offset shank having a first end and a second end, b) a clevis integrally formed into the shank's first end and shank's second end, each forming a bifurcated fork, c) a first head defining a drive head pivotally disposed within the shank's first end bifurcated fork to accept wrench sockets, d) a second head defining a handle head pivotally disposed within the shank's second end bifurcated fork to accept a handle, e) a hinge pin disposed through both the drive head and the first end of the clevis bifurcated fork also the handle head and the second end of the clevis bifurcated fork, thus permitting each head to pivotally rotate and lock within the confines of its respective clevis, and f) a rotatable handle attached to the handle head for rotating the wrench upon reciprocation of the handle, and radial turning when urged at substantially right angles to the pivoted square drive head.

20. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 17 wherein said drive head is comprised of a square drive head.

21. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 17 wherein said drive head is comprised of a ratchet drive head.

22. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 19 wherein said offset shank further comprises a pair of opposed ends integral with the shank and wherein the bends are at equal angles ranging from 10 degrees to 90 degrees with the shank first end and second end is parallel thereunto.

23. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 19 wherein both the drive head and the handle head further comprises angular position retaining means including means to intersect rotation at equal spaced discrete positions and head securement means.

24. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 23 wherein said angular position retaining means further comprises means to intersect rotation at equal spaced discrete positions and drive head securement means.

25. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 24 wherein said means to intersect rotation at equal spaced discrete positions further comprises a spring-loaded detent ball that is disposed within said bifurcated fork, and said drive head having a plurality of depressions at coequal spaces such that the detent ball intersects with the depressions, thus retaining the drive head in a specific position.

26. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 25 wherein said drive head securement means further comprising said hinge pin is slidable and held in position by lateral urging of said spring loaded detent ball.

27. The hinged socket wrench speed handle as recited in claim 26 wherein said slideable hinge pin further comprises a body having at least one round segment and at least one square segment and means for retaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handle, wherein said drive head having a combined round and octagonal hole therethrough and said clevis having a combined round and square hole through each fork of the clevis, such that when the hinge pin is manually urged in a first direction the pin is retained in the drive head and rotates freely within the clevis, and when the hinge pin is urged in an opposite second direction the square segment intersects with the shank locking the drive head in place.