1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to hand tools, and in particular to a ratchet or socket wrench handle or the like, having storage for sockets or other accessories in the handle of the tool.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Tool handles having storage areas are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,623 (Peters) shows a socket wrench with sockets stored in a tapered tray which slides into the end of the handle axially.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,262 (Malchus) shows a socket tray which is screwed into the end of the handle axially.
Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 6,684,738 (Huang), which shows sockets nested axially in the handle.
Finally, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/791,508 (Peters; publication no. US 2004/0177733) again shows sockets nested axially in the handle.
Notwithstanding these prior art solutions, there is constant demand and need for new and inventive tools having unique storage means.
It is an object of this invention to provide an improved storage means in the handle of hand tools, including but not limited to ratchet or socket wrench handles.
According to one aspect of the invention, a storage rack pivots outwardly from a corresponding longitudinal recess in the handle. The storage rack has means for accommodating tool accessories or the like, and an outer surface which defines part of the handle when the storage rack is closed.
In a preferred embodiment, the pivot point for the storage rack is adjacent the proximal end of the handle of the tool, but it could be located elsewhere, for example towards the distal end of the handle, or there could be several storage racks each with different pivot points, or possibly two racks pivoting in opposite directions and sharing a common pivot point.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle is of plastic, and is overmolded onto a metal ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism has an irregular external shape, or splines or the like, to accept torque without slipping or separating from the plastic handle portion.
Further details of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description and drawings of specific embodiments of the invention, as examples.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.
A preferred or exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated in
In the preferred embodiment, the storage rack has a number of flexible mounts 6 (see
As illustrated, the storage rack may also accommodate a small extension 8, carried axially and again secured by flexible clips 9 or any other suitable means.
A simple catch, for example a dimple 10 and recess 11 at the distal end of the storage rack, is used to keep the storage rack normally closed. Finger grips 12 fitting in corresponding recesses 13 are provided to easily grasp the storage rack and disengage it from the catch. Of course any other suitable closure means could be used.
As an example of one variation,
Preferably, but not necessarily, the handle is of plastic, and is overmolded onto the metal ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism has an irregular external shape, or splines or the like, to accept torque without slipping or separating from the plastic handle portion. This aspect is not specifically illustrated, but will be readily understood by persons having ordinary skill in the field of the invention.
Preferred and exemplary embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variations of those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is expected that skilled persons will employ such variations as appropriate, and it is expected that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it should be noted in particular that the invention can be applied to tools other than ratchets or socket wrench sets. The invention can be applied to any hand tool having an elongated handle, where it is advantageous to store accessories in the tool handle. As just one specific further example, a screwdriver or the like could have a storage rack according to the invention, with various screwdriver bits stored therein.