WO2007127431A2

WO2007127431A2 - Multi-purpose tool hande and tools using same

Info

Publication number: WO2007127431A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/010344
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pat Herman
Original assignee: Pat Herman
Priority date: 2006-04-27
Filing date: 2007-04-27
Publication date: 2007-11-08
Also published as: WO2007127431A3

Abstract

[0073] A tool handle adapted for both torque delivery when needed and the quick installation or removal of bolts with long threaded engagements. The tool handle may have flip out portions to provide for the spinning of the wrench during driving against minimal torque resistance which then fold down to allow for the complete grabbing of the handle by the user for increased torque delivery. A tool handle that can be molded without the metal tool extension, which can later be permanently inserted. A tool handle that can be molded without the metal tool extension, which can later be inserted and removed. A tool handle adapted to work with hex keys of varying sizes. A tool kit including a tool handle and a variety of tools adapted to work with the tool handle.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE TOOL HANDLE AND TOOLS USING SAME

[0001] CROSS-REFERNECE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application

11/414,276 to Herman, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0003] BACKGROUND [0004] Field of the Invention

[0005] This invention relates to hand tools, and more specifically to a multipurpose hand tool handle and hand tools utilizing same.

[0006] Description of Related Art

[0007] There are a number of hand tools utilizing a T-handle, including Allen (hex) drivers, screwdrivers, and others. T-handle tools typically consist of a metal driver embedded in a molded handle that is perpendicular to the driver shaft. The handle typically has a cylindrical, or somewhat cylindrical, shape. Figure IA illustrates a typical tool with a T-handle.

[0008] Tools with a T-Handle permit the user to apply a heavier torque when finishing the insertion of a screw or when starting to remove a screw. However, once this initial or final torque has been delivered, the screw may typically be removed or inserted with less resistance, but a long length of engagement renders the torque delivery aspect of a handle designed for torque delivery unnecessary. It may be very awkward to rotate the T-Handle during this long length of engagement. To partially overcome this problem, some manufactures make tools with a "Flag Handle" or a "Wing Handle": both of these designs have a small protuberance to permit "spinning" of the tool driver during the insertion/removal in the area of low torque resistance. Unfortunately, the protuberance is typically too small to permit easy "spinning" for removal/insertion and has the distinct disadvantage of penetrating into the user's hand if the handle is tightly grasped when applying torque. Figure IB illustrates Wing Handle. Figure 1C illustrates a Flag Handle.

[0009] Hex keys or wrenches are in wide use because of their positive engagement with the heads of their mating screws, which helps to ensure that the tool head does not slip off the screw head when torque is applied. Hex keys typically have an L-shape, with a short leg and a long leg, each being adapted to mate with the complimentary shaped recess in the head of a screw.

[0010] Typical L-keys have a short leg and a long leg. When torque is needed, the short leg engages the head of the screw and the long leg is used to apply torque. Once higher torque is no longer needed, normally it is easier to engage the long leg in the head of the screw and use the short leg to finish inserting or removing the screw. This method is still not very comfortable. Because L-keys typically have a cross-section that is the same size as the working end of the tool, they can be difficult to grasp. This problem is exacerbated if the working end of the long leg of the L-key is engaging the head of the screw, and torque is to be

applied to the wrench by griping the short leg. [0011] As a result, extension handles have been developed that may be used in conjunction with a hex key to provide a larger, more comfortable gripping surface and generally, a longer lever or moment arm for applying torque to the tool.

[0012] An example of such a tool handle design is seen in U.S. Patent No. 4,640,155 to Condon. In this design, the tool handle may be assembled into one of two operative positions, with one position adapted to provide speed of driving, and the other position adapted to deliver more torque.

[0013] A similar issue faces the use of tools such as screwdrivers, wherein the handle is typically in line with the rotation axis. This configuration allows for the relatively quick driving of a screw for most of its length of engagement, when the torque resistance is relatively light, but is a difficult handle configuration to provide the sufficient torque needed at final engagement.

[0014] An example of a screwdriver handle design adapted to address aspects of this problem is seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,590,575 to Ludy. This design provides a lever handle for a rotary tool handle.

[0015] With hex head bolts driven by L-keys, also referred to as Allen wrenches, typically there is a need to both drive the bolt for most of its length of engagement quickly, with minimal torques resistance. At the end of its length of engagement, there typically is the need to supply greater torque to preload the bolt. Similarly, when removing a bolt, the initial resistance can be quite high, and difficulty may be encountered by the user of a simple Allen wrench. A handle allowing for a greater lever arm than the short end of the hex key may be of great assistance in removal of the bolt. However, once this initial torque has been delivered, the bolt may typically be removed with less resistance, but a long length of engagement

. renders the torque delivery aspect of a handle designed for torque delivery unnecessary.

[0016] In many cases, bolts are used to attach components in great numbers, and it is not unusual, for example, for a bolt pattern to contain 10 bolts attaching two components. Allen wrenches alone are not well suited for the types of bolt driving needed in these situations. What is called for is a handle that allows for sufficient torque delivery for the final preload of a bolt, as well as the torque needed to disengage an engaged bolt, and then also allows for the "spinning" of the wrench to remove a long length of threaded engagement which has little torque resistance.

[0017] Another problem of the regular T- Handle, Flag Handle and the Wing Handle tools is their manufacture. Normally, the handle is injection molded, but since a metal driver has to be inserted in the mold, the injection mold cycle has to be stopped to remove the molded part and to insert the metal driver. This manual mold loading and unloading drives the cost of making the tool upwards. This manual injection molding process may be expedited by some robotics means, but still the injection machine has to stop after each cycle. What also is called for is a tool handle that can have the tool driver installed after the molding of the tool handle.

[0018] SUMMARY

[0019] A tool handle adapted for both torque delivery when needed and the quick installation or removal of bolts with long threaded engagements. The tool handle may have flip out portions to provide for the spinning of the wrench during driving against minimal torque resistance which then fold down to allow for the complete grabbing of the handle by the user for increased torque delivery. A tool handle that can be molded without the metal tool extension, which can later be permanently inserted. A tool handle that can be molded without the metal tool extension, which can later be inserted and removed. A tool handle adapted to work with hex keys of varying sizes. A tool kit including a tool handle and a variety of tools adapted to work with the tool handle.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figures IA-C are views of prior art tools with a variety of handle types.

[0022] Figures 2A-C are perspective views of a hex tool with a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2D is a perspective view of a screwdriver tool with a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figures 3 A-E are views of a tool molded into a tool handle and two deployable arms according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a view of a tool molded into a tool handle and one deployable arm according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 5A-B are views of a tool with a tool handle ,two deployable arms and a stopper to permit the removal/insertion of the tool according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0026] - Figures 6A-E are views of a tool with a tool handle, two deployable arms and a stopper to permit the removal/insertion of the tool according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0027] Figures 7A-C are views of a tool with a tool handle, one deployable arm and a stopper to permit the removal/insertion of the tool according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0028] Figures 8 A-B are views of a tool with a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0029] Figures 9A-D are views of a tool with a tool handle, two deployable arms and a permanently installed stopper according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0030] Figures 1 OA-B are views of a tool with a tool handle and one deployable arm according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0031] Figure 11 is a view of a tool with a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0032] Figures 12A-E are views of a tool with a tool handle and two deployable arms according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0033] Figures 13 A-C are views of a tool with an insert adaptable to different tools according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0034] Figures 14A-H illustrate a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0035] Figures 15 A-C illustrate a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention. [0036] ^' Figures 16A-D illustrate a tool according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figures 17A-D illustrate a tool according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 18 illustrates a tool kit according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 19 shows end views of the tool handle with hex keys of varying sizes.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in Figures 2A-C, a tool with a tool handle is shown. Figure 2 A shows a view of a hex wrench with a T-handle, with two flip up wings in the up position. The flipped up wings allow for "spinning" of the tool when tightening or loosening a fastener against low torque resistance. Figure 2B shows the tool and tool handle as separate components, which can be assembled together to get much better usage out a typical L-key Allen wrench, for example. Figure 2C shows the assembled tool and tool handle assembly with the wings in the down position. This configuration allows for a user's hand to firmly grasp the T-handle in the usual fashion and deliver significant torque when required. Figure 2D illustrates the tool handle using a screwdriver tool.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, as seen in Figures 3A-E, a tool 100 with a handle adapted to allow for both torque delivery and spinning of the tool handle for quick bolt removal. A main handle body 105 is substantially perpendicular to the tool extension 104, which may be have a hex shaped profile in some embodiments. The tool extension 104 may be molded into the main . handle body 105 in some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 3 A illustrates the tool 100 with the handle in the nominal, retracted position. The first arm 101 and the second arm 102 are laying along the top of the main handle body 105. In this position, the tool handle may be gripped by a user firmly to deliver torque through the tool. The lack of protrusions along the top of the handle allows the user's palm to be firmly on the tool handle as the tool handle is firmly gripped during use. The ease with which the tool handle may be shifted from a torque delivery position to an easy spinning position provides significant advantage to the user. The first arm 101 and the second arm 102 are hinged using pins 103 in some embodiments. The pins may be roll pins in some embodiments. Figure 3B illustrates the handle in mid-range as the arms are being deployed. The arms are easily raised up using the fingers. In some embodiments, the arms may have small cams which hold, or mildly lock, the arms in either the down or up positions, or both.

[0044] Figures 3C-D illustrate the handle in a deployed position, which is adapted for the quick spinning of the tool for removal of a bolt against minimal resistance. A first arm 101 and a second arm 102 are deployed upwards substantially parallel to the tool extension 104, and substantially perpendicular to the main handle body 105. The first arm 101 and the second arm 102 are hinged using pins 103. As seen in Figure 3E, the touching surfaces of the first arm 101 and the second arm 102 are flat to allow the deployed arms to mate and to become essentially a unitary element. The outer profile 106 of this unitary element may be rounded, or towards that end may be shaped into a hex or similar shape, to allow for the easy spinning of the unitary element by the fingers of the user to quickly drive a bolt along the length of its threaded engagement, which typically offers little torque resistance. The unitary element formed by the deployed arms is substantially coaxial along an axis 120 to the tool extension 104 in some embodiments.

[0045] In some embodiments, the arms may utilize a frictional fit or an overcentering minor interference fit to predispose the arms to mildly "lock" into the deployed position, or the retracted position, or both positions.

[0046] Figure 4 illustrates a tool 160 with a single deployable arm 162 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The arm 162 may be hinged to the top of the main handle body 161 using a pin 163.

[0047] Figures 5A-B illustrate a tool handle 200 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments in accord with Figures 5A-B, the tool handle 200 is not permanently affixed to the tool element 204, which may be an Allen wrench or other tool. The tool handle 200 is adapted to be easily fastened to the tool element 204 to allow for improved functionality when using the tool element. The main handle body 205 has a hole 208 adapted for the insertion of a portion of the tool element 204. In the case of an Allen wrench, for example, the short leg of the Allen wrench would be inserted through a slot 207in the bottom of the main handle body 205 and slid along the slot length and into the hole, typically until a contact point 209 prevents further insertion into the hole. The slot opening in the bottom of the main handle body may be of sufficient size along the length of the bottom of the main body to allow for the insertion of the short end of an Allen wrench sized for the hole. A keeper 206, which may be a threaded fastener in some embodiments, is then used to apply pressure to the tool element 204 to keep it in the inserted position. The keeper 206 may engage a threaded portion 210 of the main handle body 205. This inserted position will put the long axis of the tool element 204 approximately at the mid-point of the length of the main handle body 205. In some embodiments, the keeper may be inserted from outside of the main body in an area other than the slot. In some embodiments, the keeper may fit be inserted or moved into the slot after the insertion of the tool to capture the tool. In some embodiments, the keeper may be adapted for insertion and removal with relative ease, allowing for the removal of the tool if desired. In some embodiments, the keeper may be permanently installed. 48] In some embodiments, a tool handle may be adapted for just a single size of tool or Allen wrench. In some embodiments, the tool handle may function well within a range of tool sizes. Using the example of a set of Allen wrenches, for example, four tool handles may work well with a set of twenty Allen wrenches, wherein each handle is able to function well with a range of sizes of tool elements. However, for closer fit to the tool and more precise functioning, each tool may have a handle of its own that is more directly fitted to its size. In some embodiments, the tool may use an insert which is fits over the tool and is sized to fit the hole. ^• [0049] As seen in Figure 5 A, a first arm 201 and a second arm 202 are deployed upwards substantially parallel to the tool element 204, and substantially perpendicular to the main handle body 205. The first arm 201 and the second arm 202 are hinged using pins 203. The touching surfaces of the first arm 201 and the second arm 202 are flat, or otherwise suitable for mating, to allow the deployed arms to become essentially a unitary element. The outer profile of this unitary element may be rounded, or towards that end may be shaped into a hex or similar shape, to allow for the easy spinning of the unitary element by the fingers.

[0050] In the embodiments of the tool handle which are adapted to work with existing Allen wrenches, the tool handle gives the user the flexibility of using the wrenches with or without the handle. In some uses, for example, the Allen wrench may be used without the handle to allow for insertion into a very constrained place. Yet for other uses, the tool and handle may be used together. The removable aspect of the handle gives the user great flexibility in the use of the tool. In addition, the removable handle may be used with tools, such as Allen wrenches, which the user already owns, so that the user does not need to engage in duplicate purchases of tools.

[0051] Figures 6A-E illustrate a tool handle 300 according to some embodiments of the present invention. In embodiments in accord with Figures 6A-E, the tool handle 300 is not permanently affixed to the tool element 304, which may be an Allen wrench or other tool. The tool handle 300 is adapted to be easily fastened to the tool element 304 to allow for improved functionality when using the tool element. The main handle body 305 has a hole 308 adapted for the insertion of a portion of the tool element 304. In the case of an Allen wrench, for example, the short leg of the Allen wrench would be inserted through a slot 307 in the bottom of the main handle body 305 and slid along the slot length and into the hole 308. The opening in the bottom of the main handle body may be of sufficient size along the length of the bottom of the main body to allow for the insertion of the short end of an Allen wrench sized for the hole. A keeper 306 is used to apply pressure to the tool element 304 to keep it in the inserted position. The keeper 306 may be hinged to the main handle body 306 with a pin 320 within the area of the slot 307. The slot 307 may be of a width sufficient to allow for the insertion of a tool sized for the handle. The keeper may be of a width of slightly smaller dimension than the interior width of the slot. Figure 6 A illustrates the keeper swung open to allow the insertion of the tool 304. Figure 6D illustrates the keeper 306 swung closed to capture the tool 304 in the slot and hole. Figures 6 A-D illustrate the sequence of inserting the hex key into the slot, along the length of the hole, and then capturing the tool into the handle using the keeper. Figure 6E illustrates the arms in the deployed position. 52] In some embodiments of the present invention, the keeper 306 may have a profile 321 such that the keeper 306 overcenters upon installation. The keeper 306 may have contact at a contact point or area 324 wherein the profile 321 slightly protrudes in the region 323 past the contact point 324. This profile may require slight extra pressure to push the keeper 306 in to a latched position. The keeper 306 may be opened with the help of the user utilizing a hole 325 in the keeper which allows for better gripping of the keeper 306 when swing it out. The "latching" of the keeper 306 thus prevents the keeper 306 from swinging out during normal use, but allows for relatively easy opening of the keeper, and thus relatively easy removal of the tool from the handle.

[0053] Figures 7A-C illustrate a tool handle 360 with a single deployable arm 362 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The arm 362 may be hinged to the top of the main handle body 361 using a pin 363. Figure 7 A illustrates the single armed tool handle with the keeper in the open position. Figure 7B illustrates the handle with the keeper 364 in the closed position. Figure 7C illustrates the handle with the keeper closed and the arm 362 in the deployed position.

[0054] Figures 8A-B illustrate a tool handle 400 with a hinged overcentering keeper 402 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The handle main body 401 has a slot 405 in its underside adapted to receive a tool 403, such as an L-key Allen wrench. Upon insertion into the slot 405, the tool 403 is slid into and along the hole 404 until the axis of the tool 403 is approximately centered along the main body 401 , at which point the tool 403 will not be able to be pushed along further. A keeper 402 is hinged using a pin 406 and is sized such that the keeper 402 will rotate into the slot and keep the tool 403 from moving out of the hole 404. In addition, the keeper 402 may have an overcentering feature such that when rotated into position to capture the tool, as seen in Figure 8B, the keeper will rotate past a point of slight interference fit such that it will remain in the "rotated in" position and also keep the tool in position. [0055] An advantage of the tool handle 400 is that a typical L-key Allen wrench may be adapted to receive the benefits of a T-handle, yet also be used in its original state when the handle is removed, such as in use in very close quarters.

[0056] Figures 9A-D illustrate a tool handle 500 with a plug 502 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The handle main body 501 has a slot 505 in its underside adapted to receive a tool 510, such as an L-key Allen wrench. Upon insertion into the slot 505, the tool 510 is slid into and along the hole 504 until the axis of the tool 510 is approximately centered along the main body 501, at which point the tool 510 will not be able to be pushed along further. A plug is inserted into the slot 505 and keeps the tool 510 from moving out of the hole 504. The plug 502 may be sized such that it may be inserted and bonded into the slot 505. This handle may be then considered a permanent handle added to the tool 510. A handle of this type overcomes the deficiency in earlier T-handle designs which require the insertion of the metal tool into the mold during the handle molding process. Figure 8B illustrates the plug 502 in the handle main body 501. Although the plug 502 is shown somewhat protruding below the bottom surface of the handle main body 501, it may also be flush mounted or be within the slot.

[0057] Figures 9A-B illustrate the tool 500 with the handle in the nominal, retracted position. The first arm 503 and the second arm 504 are laying along the top of the main handle body 501. In this position, the tool handle may be gripped by a user firmly to deliver torque through the tool. The lack of protrusions along the top of the handle allows the user's palm to be firmly on the tool handle as the tool handle is firmly gripped during use. The ease with which the tool handle may be shifted from a torque delivery position to an easy spinning position provides significant advantage to the user. The first arm 503 and the second arm

504 are hinged using pins 505 in some embodiments.

[0058] . Figures 9C-D illustrate the handle in a deployed position, which is adapted for the quick spinning of the tool for removal of a bolt against minimal resistance. A first arm 503 and a second arm 504 are deployed upwards substantially parallel to the tool extension 510, and substantially perpendicular to the main handle body 501. The first arm 503 and the second arm 504 are hinged using pins 505. As seen in Figure 9C₅ the touching surfaces of the first arm 503 and the second arm 504 allow the deployed arms to mate and to become essentially a unitary element. The outer profile of this unitary element may be rounded, or towards that end may be shaped into a hex or similar shape, to allow for the easy spinning of the unitary element by the fingers of the user to quickly drive a bolt along the length of its threaded engagement, which typically offers little torque resistance. The unitary element formed by the deployed arms is substantially coaxial along an axis to the tool extension 510 in some embodiments.

[0059] Figures 1 OA-B illustrate a single arm embodiment 600 of a tool handle with a plug 601. Figure 11 illustrates a tool handle 700 utilizing a plug 701 according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Figures 12A-E illustrate a tool handle 800 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The hole 801 in the handle main body 802 is shaped to receive the tool in relatively tight fit. As seen in Figure 12B, the hole is hex shaped in this example using a hex key as the tool. In addition, the hole 801 does not continue from the slot all the way to the outside surface of the main handle body 802.

[0061] Figures 13A-C illustrate a tool handle 800 with a tool insert 801 according to some embodiments of the present invention. An insert 801 is adapted to receive the end of the tool 802, and also adapted to fit into the hoe 803. In this way, a single tool handle can be used to fit snugly with a variety of related tool sizes, with a tool insert being used which is adapted to the tool being used. .

[0062] Figure 19 illustrates the ease with which a variety of tools of different sizes but analogous end profile angles can be used with the same handle. Using a sixty degree end profile, six separate hex keys have been used with the same handle, in this example running from 2mm up to 6mm.

[0063] Figures 14A-H illustrate a tool handle 900 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The first arm 902 and the second arm 903 are shown in the down position. In embodiments in accord with Figures 14A-B, the tool handle 900 is not permanently affixed to the tool element, which may be an Allen wrench or other tool. The tool handle 900 is adapted to be easily fastened to the tool element to allow for improved functionality when using the tool element. The main handle body 901 has a hole 906 adapted for the insertion of a portion of the tool element. In the case of an Allen wrench, for example, the short leg of the Allen wrench would be inserted through a slot 905 in the bottom of the main handle body 901 and slid along the slot length and into the hole, typically until a contact point prevents further insertion into the hole. The slot opening in the bottom of the main handle body may be of sufficient size along the length of the bottom of the main body to allow for the insertion of the short end of an Allen wrench sized for the hole. A keeper 904, which may be a threaded fastener in some embodiments, is then used to apply pressure to the tool element to keep it in the inserted position. The keeper 904 may engage a threaded portion 909 of the main handle body 901. This inserted position will put the long axis of the tool element approximately at the mid-point of the length of the main handle body 901.

[0064] The profile 909 of the slot is seen in Figure 14D. The slot is adapted to receive a hexagonal Allen wrench. The 60 degree sides of the slot allow hex keys of different sizes to be used with the same handle body. A larger hex key will fit into the hole, and be pressed upwards by the keeper 904 until two of the sides of the hex key are in contact with the two sloping sides 907, 908 of the hole 906. A smaller hex key will have the same profile in the angular sense, and will also fit into the hole and can be pressed upwards by the keeper 904 until tow sides of the hex key are in contact with the two sloping sides of the hole. Thus, a kit can be created of a plurality of hex keys and a single handle. In an exemplary embodiment a single tool handle can be used with a set of six Allen wrenches, sized 2, 2,5, 3, 4, 5, and 6 cm.

[0065] In some embodiments, a tool handle may be adapted for just a single size of tool or Allen wrench. In some embodiments, the tool handle may function well within a range of tool sizes. Using the example of a set of Allen wrenches, for example, four tool handles may work well with a set of twenty Allen wrenches, wherein each handle is able to function well with a range of sizes of tool elements. However, for closer fit to the tool and more precise functioning, each tool may have a handle of its own that is more directly fitted to its size. In some embodiments, the tool may use an insert which is fits over the tool and is sized to fit the hole.

[0066] Figures 15 A-C illustrate the tool handle 900 with the first arm 902 and the second arm in the up position.

[0067] Figures 16A-D illustrate a tool 950 according to some embodiments of the present invention. The tool 950 utilizes a tool handle according to some embodiments of the present invention. Although shown in Figure 16 with arms, aspects of this embodiment may also be created without the movable arms. A tool piece 951 is seen in place within the tool handle 900. The tool piece 951 was inserted through the slot in the bottom of the handle and then slid into the hole, which resulted in the axis of the tool piece 951 being approximately centered along the length of the tool handle.

[0068] The keeper 904 is used to hold the tool piece against the top of the hole. As seen in end view in Figure 16B, the tool piece has been pushed up with the hexagonal edges of the tool piece 953 snugly in place against the matching profile of the interior of the hole in the handle. The top 952 of the tool piece 951 has a gap above it, as this tool piece is at the large end of the spectrum for this tool handle and hole.

[0069] Now as seen in contrast in Figures 17A-D, a smaller tool piece 961 is inserted into the same tool handle 900. This tool piece 961 is on the small end of the spectrum for this tool handle and hole. As seen in end view in Figure 17B, the tool piece has been pushed up with the hexagonal edges of the tool piece 962, 963

snugly in place against the matching profile of the interior of the hole in the

handle.

[0070] With a matching hex profile in the hole and a keeper adapted to hold the tool piece in the hole while pressing it up against the mating angular profile of the upper portion of the hole, the tool handle can be used with a variety of hex wrench sizes. Thus, instead of carrying a multitude of tools each with their own handle, a single handle with a variety of hex keys can be carried in a much smaller package, such as would be beneficial while bicycle riding where size and

weight are concerns!

[0071] Figure 18 illustrates a tool kit according to some embodiments of the present invention. A tool handle is seen with a variety of tool pieces which have different end types.

[0072] As evident from the above description, a wide variety of embodiments may be configured from the description given herein and additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures from such details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general invention.

Claims

I claim:

1. A tool handle comprising: a main body, said main body comprising: a slot, said slot creating an opening in a surface of said main body; a hole, said hole substantially parallel to the principal axis of said main body, said hole linked to said slot, said hole adapted to receive a tool ; a fastening portion, said fastening portion adapted to fasten a tool against the upper portion of said hole, wherein said hole is adapted to receive a hex key.

2. The tool handle of claim 1 wherein said hole has sixty degree sloping planes along its upper portion in a direction parallel to said principal axis.

3. The tool handle of claim 2 wherein said fastening portion is a threaded fastener.

4. The tool handle of claim 3 wherein said threaded fastener threads into said hole through its lower portion.

5. The tool handle of claim 2 further comprising: a first hinged arm, said first hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body; and a second hinged arm, said second hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body.

6. The tool handle of claim 5 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position such that they are adjacent when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

7. The tool handle of claim 6 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position approximately midway along the length of said main body.

8. A tool comprising: a main body, said main body comprising a first principal axis said main body comprising: a slot, said slot creating an opening in a surface of said main body; a hole, said hole substantially parallel to the first principal axis of said main body, said hole linked to said slot, said hole adapted to receive a tool ; a fastening portion, said fastening portion adapted to fasten a tool against the upper portion of said hole, wherein said hole is adapted to receive a hex key; and a tool portion, said tool portion comprising a second principal axis, said second principal axis substantially perpendicular to said first principal axis, said tool extending from said main body.

9. The tool of claim 8 wherein said hole has sixty degree sloping planes along its upper portion in a direction parallel to said principal axis.

10. The tool of claim 9 wherein said fastening portion is a threaded fastener.

11. The tool of claim 10 wherein said threaded fastener threads into said hole through its lower portion.

12. The tool of claim 9 further comprising: a first hinged arm, said first hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body; and a second hinged arm, said second hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body.

13. The tool of claim 12 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position such that they are adjacent when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

14. The tool handle of claim 13 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position approximately midway along the length of said main body.

15. A tool kit comprising: a tool handle, said tool handle comprising: a main body, said main body comprising: a slot, said slot creating an opening in a surface of said main body; a hole, said hole substantially parallel to the principal axis of said main body, said hole linked to said slot, said hole adapted to receive a tool ; a fastening portion, said fastening portion adapted to fasten a tool against the upper portion of said hole, wherein said hole is adapted to receive a hex key; and a plurality of tool pieces, said tool pieces being L-shaped, the short end of the L- shape of said tool pieces adapted to fit into said hole, the short end of the L-shape of said tool pieces having a hexagonal profile.

16. The tool kit of claim wherein said plurality of tool pieces includes Allen wrenches of varying sizes.

17. The tool kit of claim of claim 15 wherein said hole has sixty degree sloping planes along its upper portion in a direction parallel to said principal axis.

18. The tool handle of claim 17 wherein said tool handle further comprises: a first hinged arm, said first hinged arm adapted to move from a first position . along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body; and a second hinged arm, said second hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body.

19. The tool kit of claim 18 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position such that they are adjacent when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

20. A tool handle comprising:

a main body, said main body comprising: a slot, said slot creating an opening in a surface of said main body; a hole, said hole substantially parallel to the principal axis of said main body, said hole linked to said slot, said hole adapted to receive a tool ; a fastening portion, said fastening portion adapted to restrict access to said hole; a first hinged arm, said first hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body; and a second hinged arm, said second hinged arm adapted to move from a first

position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body.

21. The tool handle of claim 20 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position such that they are adjacent when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

22. The tool handle of claim 21 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged

arm are co-located in a position approximately midway along the length of said main body.

23. The tool handle of claim 22 further comprising a keeper, said keeper fastenable to said main body, said keeper adapted to capture an item inserted into said slot.

24. The tool handle of claim 23 wherein said slot is adapted to receive the short end of an L-key Allen wrench.

25. The tool handle of claim 24 wherein said hole is adapted to receive said short end of an L-key Allen wrench after it had been inserted into said slot.

26. A tool comprising: a main body, said main body comprising a first principal axis; a tool portion, said tool portion comprising a second principal axis, said second principal axis substantially perpendicular to said first principal axis; a first hinged arm, said first hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body; and a second hinged arm, said second hinged arm adapted to move from a first position along and substantially parallel to said main body to a second position substantially perpendicular to said main body.

27. The tool of claim 26 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position such that they are adjacent when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

28. The tool of claim 27 wherein said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are co-located in a position approximately midway along the length of said main body when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

29. The tool of claim 28 wherein said first hinged arm and second hinged arm form a feature that is substantially co-axial to said tool portion when said first hinged arm and said second hinged arm are in said second positions.

30. The tool of claim 29 wherein said tool is molded into said handle.

31. The tool of claim 29 wherein said main body comprises a slot, said slot creating an opening in a surface of said main body, said slot adapted to receive said tool portion.

32. The tool of claim 31 wherein said main body further comprises a keeper, said keeper adapted to retain said tool portion in said slot.