Abstract:
An adjustable handle system for fastening tools that drive threaded fastener into materials. The present invention allows the handle of fastening tools to change shape so that the tool can function in a confined environment. The handle system is made up of at least two handle portions that are interchangeable due to a common form of detachable connection between the handle portions and drive head. The common connections are detachable in that portions of the handle system can be connected and disconnected from each other with minimal effort. Interchangeability of the differently configured portions enables the handle system to take on many different configurations, thus allowing the fastening tool to function in a variety of confined environments.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates generally to an improved handle system for fastening tools that drive threaded fasteners. More specifically, the invention relates to a handle system that allows multiple configurations of the selected fastening tool so it can drive threaded fasteners in confined environments. 
         [0005]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0006]    Within the field of hand tools, there are a number of tools for driving different types of fasteners into particular materials. These “fastening tools” drive fasteners into a material by exerting a certain type of force at the fastener head. For example, a hammer is a fastening tool that drives nails (i.e., a type of fastener) into wood by striking the nail head and exerting downward force (i.e., force toward the material) on the nail head. Unlike nails, “threaded fasteners” have helical grooves, or “threads,” for driving the fastener into a material. To drive a threaded fastener into material, rotational force must be applied at the fastener head so that the fastener is turned a certain direction and the threads engage the material. Conversely, to extract threaded fasteners from the material, the fastener must be rotated the opposite direction. 
         [0007]    Threaded fasteners come in many shapes and sizes. The length of the threaded portion, the width and number of threads on the threaded portion, as well as the circumference of the threaded portion all vary greatly, often depending on the particular material for which the threaded fastener is used. The shape of the thread itself can also differ. Known as the “thread profile,” the shape of threads can be triangular, square, trapezoidal, or other shapes. 
         [0008]    Not only do the threaded portion and the threads themselves vary, threaded fastener heads also come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some threaded fasteners are screws, where the fastener head has a portion cut out for a specific type of fastening tool to be inserted into the fastener head. With screws, the shape of the cutout in the fastener head often dictates the name of the fastening tool used to drive this type of threaded fastener (e.g., “flat-head screwdriver,” “Phillips head screwdriver,” “hex key” or “Allen wrench”). Other types of threaded fasteners are bolts, which have fastener heads manufactured into regular polygons such as hexagons or squares. Bolts are driven into material with wrenches, pliers, or nut drivers. Nut drivers are essentially screwdrivers with a drive head that is configured to receive the polygonal fastener head. 
         [0009]    Regardless of the type of threaded fastener, all fastening tools for threaded fasteners have a drive head adapted to apply rotational force, or “torque,” at the fastener head. In this regard, the drive head of the fastening tool must be able to securely grip the fastener head (or a socket) so that the tool will not slip when a user applies force at the handle. 
         [0010]    The manner in which the force is applied at the handle of the fastening tool depends on the type of fastening tool being used. For screwdrivers or nut drivers, a user holds the handle of the fastening tool and applies direct rotational force on the handle by bending his/her wrist so that the user&#39;s forearm is in line with the handle. Keeping his/her forearm in line with the handle, which acts as the axis of rotation, the user twists his/her forearm. For wrenches, a user grips the handle of the wrench and applies linear force at the handle to turn the fastening tool in a circular path about the fastener head. In this regard, the fastener head is the center point of the circle (i.e., the axis of rotation) and the handle acts as a moment arm that translates the linear force applied at the handle into rotational force at the fastener head. Unlike ordinary screwdrivers or nut drivers, the amount of rotational force at the fastener head is a function of the wrench&#39;s handle length. For example, a longer handle enables a greater amount of rotational force with less linear force. 
         [0011]    Regardless of whether a screwdriver, nut driver, or wrench is being used, all fastening tools require a certain amount of clearance so that the necessary force can be applied. In ordinary screwdrivers and nut drivers, the handle is vertically aligned with the length of the threaded fastener and the handle extends a certain distance above the fastener head. The “vertical clearance,” which is the available space above the fastener head and opposite the portion of the threaded fastener that goes into the material, must be enough to position the screwdriver or nut driver above the fastener head so that the threaded fastener can be driven as previously described. For wrenches, the main concern is whether adequate “horizontal clearance” is available for the handle of the wrench to move in a circular path about the threaded fastener without being obstructed. Relative to the vertical length of the fastener, the circular path of the handle is usually in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the vertical length of the fastener. The “horizontal clearance” is the available space for the handle to travel in its circular path about the fastener head, and, it must be enough to accommodate the handle through its distal end—the end of the handle that is opposite the drive head of the wrench. 
         [0012]    The amount of clearance available for the handle can become an issue in confined environments. For example, auto mechanics working on an engine often cannot turn a wrench after it has been positioned on the fastener head because components of the engine interfere with the horizontal movement of the handle in its circular path. In many instances, the horizontal obstructions could be overcome if the handle of the wrench were alterable, so that the handle was not in a straight line. Similarly, a limited amount of vertical clearance above a screw or bolt may prevent the use of ordinary screwdrivers or nut drivers altogether if the handle is too long to fit within the vertical clearance. 
         [0013]    To address the problems of inadequate vertical clearance in confined environments, specialized screwdrivers and nut drivers exist. The specialized screwdrivers and nut drivers fall into two categories: (1) those that preserve the normal application of direct rotational force at the handle and (2) those that utilize a wrench-type circular path to provide rotational force at the fastener head. In the first category, the specialized screwdriver or nut driver has a geared bend close to where the fastening tool engages the fastener head and from the bend, the handle extends horizontally, away from the fastener head. Like an ordinary screwdriver or nut driver, the user exerts direct rotational force on the handle, but this rotational force is exerted on a handle that is in a horizontal position relative to the length of the threaded fastener. As a result, the direct rotational force applied on the handle must be translated through the geared bend to exert rotational force at the fastener head. The second category also has a bend, but the bend is not geared. Instead, the user applies linear force at the handle and the fastening tool moves in a circular path about the threaded fastener, just like with a wrench. Also like a wrench, the circular path of the handle must be free from obstruction and the issue of inadequate horizontal clearance arises in confined environments. 
         [0014]    To address the problem of confined environments with minimal horizontal clearance, numerous fastening tools and fastening tool accessories are available. Many of these improved fastening tools include dual pivot points allowing the handle of the tool to be bent and thereby avoid obstructions in the horizontal circular path. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,382,058 provides a dual-hinged handle so that the handle of the fastening tool can be manipulated to fit within the confined environment. U.S. Pat. No. 7,197,965 also offers the ability to offset the handle at two pivot points. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,904,077 is a fastening tool accessory with dual pivot points, but does not include a drive head adapted to grip the threaded fastener. 
         [0015]    Although the above-mentioned patents do offer some solution to the problems associated with inadequate horizontal clearance, they do not provide a total solution. Significantly, none of these patents offers the ability to alter the location of their pivot points. Thus, the handle length between the pivot points is a constant. Additionally, these fastening tools are limited in that the pivot direction is also fixed. When the fastening tool is engaged with the fastener head, the handle of the tool can only pivot vertically, in a plane aligned with the length of the threaded fastener, as opposed to pivotal movement in the horizontal direction, in a plane perpendicular to the length of the threaded fastener. Because of their limitations, if the confined working environment does not conform to the fixed location and orientations of the pivot points or the handle length between pivot points, a user of these fastening tools can encounter the same horizontal clearance problems that the tools supposedly eliminate. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present invention is an adjustable tool handle system that is changeable in shape so that the fastening tool can be utilized in a confined environment (e.g., a car engine). The handle system comprises a drive head having a proximal end configured as a predetermined fastening tool and a distal end having a distal engagement element, a first handle portion detachably connectable to the distal end, and a second handle portion detachably connectable to the first handle portion. A length extension piece may be used to extend the operable length of the system. 
         [0017]    The interconnection between the drive head, first handle, and second handle (and when used, length extensions) are made through complimentary proximal and distal engagement elements. According to the preferred embodiment, the proximal engagement elements are male and are engageable with the distal engagement elements. The interconnections between the engagement elements are lockable with ball detents or a similar locking means. Each of the male engagement elements of the preferred embodiment may be pivoted relative to a longitudinal axis such that the angle of the drive head relative to first handle portion may be selectively altered, and so that the angle of the first handle portion relative to the second handle portion may be selectively altered. This selective alteration of angles provides flexibility when working in a confined environment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  illustrates a bottom view of a fastening tool incorporating one embodiment of the handle system of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  shows the same embodiment of the handle system of the present invention with a partial cross-sectional view along a plane that bisects the distal end of the handle system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment for the handle system of the present invention, where again, the partial cross-sectional view is along a plane that bisects the distal end of the handle system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view for an embodiment of the handle system that allows hinged movement of the distal end in a horizontal plane. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows a bottom view for an embodiment of the handle system that allows hinged movement of the distal end in a horizontal plane where the length of the handle between the drive head and the pivot point has been changed, as compared with  FIG. 4 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the drive head that can be used in the present handle system, wherein the distal end of the drive head is female. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the drive head that can be used in the present handle system, wherein the distal end of the drive head is male. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of a dual-hinged embodiment for the handle system of the present invention, wherein axes of horizontal pivotal movement and a drive head with a female distal end are shown. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a dual-hinged embodiment for the handle system of the present invention, wherein axes of vertical pivotal movement and a drive head with a male distal end are shown. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a dual-hinged embodiment for the handle system of the present invention, wherein the portions of the handle system are pivoted vertically and are configured in an angled relation. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional view of a flex handle and one type of locking means for the handle system of the present invention, wherein the cross-section is along a plane perpendicular to the axis of pivotal movement. 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional view of a flex handle and one type of locking means for the handle system of the present invention, wherein the cross-section is along a plane that intersects the length of the axis of pivotal movement. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment for the proximal engagement elements of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional view of the preferred flex locking means, which is engaged within and locking a male engagement element in angled relation to a longitudinal axis. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of the preferred flex locking means, which is disengaged from the male engagement element. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a bottom view for one embodiment of the handle system  30  in the present invention. As shown, the handle system  30  has a drive head  32 , a first handle portion  34 , and a second handle portion  36 . As will be recognized through the explanation of other figures, the first handle portion  34  and the second handle portion  36 , as well as other parts of the handle system  30 , are not defined by the shape shown in  FIG. 1 , but rather are defined by their position relative to the drive head  32 . For example, a “first” part generally means that the part is the first one of its kind, starting from the proximal end of the handle system  30  at the drive head  32  and proceeding toward the distal end of the handle system  30 . 
         [0034]    In this particular embodiment the first handle portion  34  is long and hinged like a flex handle, as opposed to other embodiments of the handle system  30  where the first handle portion  34  is not as long and is also not hinged. Similarly, the second handle portion  36  in  FIG. 1  is short (as compared to the first handle portion  34 ) and non-hinged; however, in other embodiments of the present invention the second handle portion  36  is longer than the first handle portion  34  and is hinged. Further, the drive head  32  in  FIG. 1  has a typical socket wrench configuration; however, the present invention contemplates any type of fastening tool configuration at the proximal end of the drive head  32  that is desired to drive a particular type of threaded fastener, as long as drive head  32  has a distal end  60  that is adapted to connect with other portions of the handle system  30 . 
         [0035]    The first handle portion  34  has a head-connecting end  38  where the first handle portion  34  connects to the drive head  32  at the distal end  60 . In this embodiment, the head-connecting end  38  is male and hinged like a flex handle. Opposite the head-connecting end  38  of the first handle portion  34  is a first distal engagement element  40  and, disposed between the first distal engagement element  40  and the head-connecting end  38  is a first longitudinal axis  42 . As it relates to other portions of the handle system  30 , the first longitudinal axis  42  is longer in this embodiment; however, the first longitudinal axis  42  is not longer than other portions of the handle system  30  in other embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 3  and explained in more detail hereunder, the first longitudinal axis  42  is shorter for the first handle portion  34  in that embodiment. In other words, the first longitudinal axis  42  is any length of material from which the first handle portion  34  is constructed that is between the first distal engagement element  40  and the head-connecting end  38 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  also shows the second handle portion  36 , which has a first-handle-connecting end  44 , a second distal end  47  that is opposite the first handle connecting end  44 , and a second longitudinal axis  48  that is disposed between the second distal end  47  and the first-handle-connecting end  44 . The second handle portion  36  is connected to the first handle portion  34  at the first-handle-connecting end  44 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the second longitudinal axis  48  of the second handle portion  36  is shorter than the first longitudinal axis  42 ; however, in other embodiments the second longitudinal axis  48  is longer that the first longitudinal axis  42  (see  FIG. 8 ). Similar to the first longitudinal axis  42 , the second longitudinal axis  48  is any length of material from which the second handle portion  36  is constructed that is between the first-handle-connecting end  44  and the second distal end  47 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  also shows a length extension  50  connected at the distal end of the handle system  30 . Length extension  50  is adapted to connect with the second handle portion  36  at the second distal end  47 . Although the length extension  50  is shown as relatively short and non-hinged in  FIG. 1 , the length extension  50  can be longer and/or hinged in other embodiments. Similar to the first handle portion  34  and the second handle portion  36 , the length extension  50  is defined by its position relative to the drive head  32 , not by its shape. In the present invention, a length extension is any extension of length that, extending distally from the drive head  32 , comes after the second handle portion  36  and is connectable to the second distal end  47 . Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to a single length extension  50  as is shown in  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, numerous length extensions may be present and connected to each other. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 2 and 3  both show a cross section of the handle system  30  to illustrate the common form of the preferred detachable connections between various portions of the handle system  30 . The connections are detachable in that portions of the handle system can be connected and disconnected from each other with minimal effort.  FIGS. 2 and 3  show the detachable connection between the first handle portion  34  and the second handle portion  36  and show the detachable connection between the second handle portion  36  and the length extension  50 . In addition, the cross sectional area of  FIG. 3  also illustrates the detachable connection between the head-connecting end  38  of the first handle portion  34  and the distal end  60  of the drive head  32 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the head-connecting end  38  of the first handle portion  34  has a first proximal engagement element  54 . In this embodiment, the first proximal engagement element  54  is male and is inserted into a distal engagement element  55  that is female and located at the distal end  60  of the drive head  32 . As shown in both  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the first-handle-connecting end  44  of the second handle portion  36  has a second proximal engagement element  56  that is also male and is inserted into the first distal engagement element  40 , which is female in this embodiment. The second proximal engagement element  56  of the second handle portion  36  is shaped the same as the first proximal engagement element  54  of the first handle portion  34 , so that in practice, the second handle portion  36  could also be inserted into the distal engagement element  55 . As such, the second handle portion  36  could be detachably connected to the drive head  32 . 
         [0040]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the second handle portion  36  has a second distal engagement element  46  at the second distal end  47 , which makes the second distal end  47  adapted to connect with a proximal extension engagement element  58  from the length extension  50 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Although the second handle portion  36  is adapted to connect with the proximal extension engagement element  58  in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , other embodiments of the second handle portion  36  in the present invention may not have the second distal end  47  adapted to connect with the proximal extension engagement element  58  (see  FIG. 8 ). 
         [0041]    It should be noted that, the proximal extension engagement element  58  represents any common proximal engagement element that is present in the handle system  30 . As part of the novel components of the present handle system  30 , when the proximal extension engagement element  58  is male and the other distal engagement elements are female, the proximal extension engagement element  58  can insert into the second distal engagement element  46 , the first distal engagement element  40 , and/or the distal engagement element  55 . Also shown in  FIG. 2 , the length extension  50  has a distal extension engagement element  52  that is adapted to connect with proximal extension engagement elements from additional length extensions. 
         [0042]    It is significant that all detachable connections shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are similarly formed. Similarly formed detachable connections between all portions of the handle system  30  are present in the preferred embodiment of the present invention so that all portions of the handle system  30  are interchangeable within the system. Although  FIGS. 2 and 3 , as well as other figures herein, show the preferred embodiment for detachable connections in the handle system  30 , the present invention is not limited to those connections shown. The handle system  30  contemplates any type of connection that will join the different portions of the system. 
         [0043]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate two similar configurations that can be achieved with the present handle system  30 . In  FIG. 4 , the first handle portion  34  and the second handle portion  36  are not hinged. Instead, the hinged portion in  FIG. 4  is the first length extension  50 , which is the length extension  50  that is connected to the second handle portion  36  at the second distal engagement element  46  with the proximal extension engagement element  58 . A second length extension  50  in  FIG. 4  is connected to the first length extension  50  at the distal extension engagement element  52  and is not hinged. In  FIG. 5 , the first handle portion  34  is the hinged portion in the handle system  30 , whereas the second handle portion  36  and the length extension  50  are not hinged. 
         [0044]    The embodiments shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  are similar in that the hinged portion of the handle system  30  in both embodiments allows pivotal movement in the horizontal direction. In this regard, if the fastening tool at the drive head  32  were engaged with a threaded fastener (not shown), the handle system  30  can pivot in a horizontal plane that is perpendicular to the length of the threaded fastener. In addition, the direction of hinged movement in both  FIGS. 4 and 5  can be changed to allow pivotal movement in the vertical direction by simply disconnecting the hinged portion, rotating it ninety degrees about an axis at the center of the connection, and reconnecting it with the respective part of the handle system  30 . The ability to change the pivotal direction for portions of the handle system  30  is possible at the majority of connections where the preferred male engagement elements are used (see  FIG. 13 ). However, if the drive head  32  contains the hinge, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , the pivotal direction of the first handle portion  34  relative to the drive head  32  cannot be changed. Furthermore, if the male engagement elements are not uniformly shaped, as they are in the preferred male engagement element, changing the pivot direction may not be possible. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 6 and 7  show different embodiments of the drive head  32  for the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the distal engagement element  55  at the distal end  60  of the drive head  32  is female and is adapted to connect with a male first proximal engagement element  54  of the first handle portion  34  (see  FIG. 3 ), as well as other commonly formed proximal engagement elements. In contrast, the distal engagement element  55  in  FIG. 7  is male and is adapted to connect with the first proximal engagement element  54  that is female and/or other commonly formed proximal engagement elements. The distal engagement element  55  in  FIG. 7  is pivotally hinged to the drive head  32  with a yoke  66  and a hinge pin (not shown), just as if the drive head  32  were a flex handle. The pivotal hinging of engagement elements is further discussed herein, with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 ; however, for purposes of  FIG. 7  it is important to note that the distal engagement element  55  that is mounted at the distal end  60  of the drive head  32  does not have to be hinged. 
         [0046]    Although the drive head  32  in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , as well as the other figures, is depicted as a drive head for a ratchet or socket wrench fastening tool, the fastening tool at the drive head  32  may be another type of fastening tool for driving threaded fasteners. For example, the fastening tool at the drive head  32  could be an open-ended wrench or a Crescent® wrench. Additionally, the fastening tool could be a screwdriver tip or a nut driver tip with a bend so that the handle system  30  works as a moment arm, applying rotational force at the fastener head when linear force is applied at the handle. Regardless of the type of fastening tool at the drive head  32 , the distal engagement element  55  must be adapted to detachably connect with the first proximal engagement element  54  and other proximal engagement elements in the handle system  30 . 
         [0047]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show dual-hinged embodiments for the handle system  30  of the present invention. The figures differ in that the distal engagement element  55  and the first distal engagement element  40  in  FIG. 8  are female whereas the distal engagement element  55  and the first distal engagement element  40  in  FIG. 9  are male. Also, the second distal end  47  in  FIG. 8  is not adapted to connect with a length extension  50  whereas is adapted to connect with a length extension  50  in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 8 , the first handle portion  34  is a flex handle—a type of handle that is well known to those with ordinary skill in the art. The flex handle is formed by a yoke  66  and a hinge pin  68  at the head-connecting end  38 . The yoke  66  and the hinge pin  68  allow the first proximal engagement element  54  to pivot about the w-axis, which allows horizontal pivotal movement of the first handle portion  34  in the orientation shown. The first proximal engagement element  54  is attached at the head-connecting end  38  of the first handle portion  34  and connects with the distal engagement element  55 . The first handle portion  34  detachably connects with the drive head  32  when the first proximal engagement element  54  enters into the distal engagement element  55  and the first locking means securely holds the first proximal engagement element  54  in place within the distal engagement element  55 . The first locking means shown in this embodiment is a ball detent  62   a . Continuing along the first longitudinal axis  42  of the first handle portion  34 , the first distal engagement element  40  is female and is adapted to connect with the second proximal engagement element  56  of the second handle portion  36 . 
         [0049]    The second handle portion  36  of  FIG. 8  is also a flex handle with a hinged connection at the first-handle-connecting end  44 . The yoke  66  and the hinge pin  68  allow the second proximal engagement element  56  to pivot about the x-axis allows horizontal pivotal movement of the second handle portion  36  in the orientation shown. The second proximal engagement element  56  is at the first-handle-connecting end  44  of the second handle portion  34  and connects with the first distal engagement element  40  of the first handle portion  34 . With the same form and function as the connection between the drive head  32  and the first handle portion  34 , the second handle portion  36  is adapted to detachably connect with the first handle portion  34  at the first distal engagement element  40 . In this embodiment, the second proximal engagement element  56  is male and is inserted into a female first distal engagement element  40 . A second locking means holds the second proximal engagement element  56  in place within the first distal engagement element  40 . The second locking means in this embodiment is a ball detent  62   b . Continuing along the second longitudinal axis  48 , the second distal end  47  is not adapted to connect with proximal extension engagement elements  58  of length extensions  50  in this embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  shows the same dual-hinged embodiment as  FIG. 8  but the detachable connections between portions of the handle system  30  are opposite those in  FIG. 8 . To start, the distal engagement element  55  is male and is pivotally hinged to the drive head  32  with yoke  66  and hinge pin  68 . As a result, the distal engagement element  55  will pivot about the y-axis, thereby allowing vertical pivotal movement of the first handle portion  34  when the first handle portion  34  is connected. To connect with the male distal engagement element  55 , the first proximal engagement element  54  of the first handle portion  34  is female. In further contrast to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 , the first distal engagement element  40  in  FIG. 9  is male and is pivotally hinged to the first handle portion  34  with a yoke  66  and a hinge pin  68 . In other words, the first handle portion  34  in  FIG. 9  is a flex handle at its first distal engagement element  40 . As a result, the first distal engagement element  40  will pivot about the z-axis, thereby allowing vertical pivotal movement of the second handle portion  36  when connected. 
         [0051]    In  FIG. 9 , to detachably connect with the first distal engagement element  40  of the first handle portion  34 , the second proximal engagement element  56  of the second handle portion  36  is female. Continuing along the second longitudinal axis  48 , the second distal engagement element  46  connects with the proximal extension engagement element  58  when the second distal engagement element  46  is inserted into the length extension  50 . In this manner, a detachable connection between the second handle portion  36  and the length extension  50  is formed. Further, the distal extension engagement element  52  of the length extension  50  is available for forming detachable connections with additional length extensions. 
         [0052]    The detachable connections between portions that are shown in  FIG. 9  are the same as those shown in  FIG. 8  in that a similar locking means will hold the engagement elements in place once connected. In this regard, the detachable connection between the drive head  32  and the first handle portion  34  in  FIG. 9  is formed when the distal engagement element  55  enters into the first proximal engagement element  54  and the first locking means securely holds the distal engagement element  55  in place. In the embodiment in  FIG. 9 , the first locking means is the ball detent  62   a , located on the distal engagement element  55 . In addition, the first distal engagement element  40  enters into the second proximal engagement element  56  and a second locking means—which in this embodiment is ball detent  62   b —securely holds the first distal engagement element  40  in place. The second distal engagement element  46  also detachably connects with the proximal extension engagement element  58  with a third locking means, which in this embodiment is a ball detent  62   c  that is located on the second distal engagement element  46 . Finally, the distal extension engagement element  52  of the length extension  50  connects with further proximal extension engagement elements on additional length extensions by using the same form of connection and the same locking means as in the previously discussed connections, which in this embodiment is a ball detent  62   d.    
         [0053]    As described with reference to  FIGS. 11-13 , the preferred locking means for forming detachable connections between portions of the handle system  30  is a ball detent  62  located within an engagement element  64  that is male. As such, in the preferred embodiment, the ball detent  62  is located on the first proximal engagement element  54 , the second proximal engagement element  56 , and the proximal extension engagement element  58 , as well as additional proximal extension engagement elements. Nonetheless, any locking means can be used that will form a secure detachable connection between the parts, with a secure detachable connection being a connection that is connected and disconnected with minimal effort yet is able to withstand the ordinary forces applied to the handle system  30  when driving (or loosening) a threaded fastener. For example, other types of detents, as well as pins, latches, lock rings, and snap rings or circlips may be used. 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  illustrates one of the handle configurations that is possible with a dual-hinged embodiment of the present handle system  30 .  FIG. 10  is a fully-connected version of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , with certain parts of the handle system  30  rotated about a pivot axis. Starting at the drive head  32 , the distal engagement element  55  is inserted into a female first proximal engagement element  54  on the first handle portion  34 . The distal engagement element  55  is pivoted about the y-axis in the vertical direction, and correspondingly, the first handle portion  34  is also pivoted about the y-axis in the vertical direction. In addition to the detachable connection with the drive head  32 , the first handle portion  34  is also detachably connected to the second handle portion  36 , where the first distal engagement element  40  of the first handle portion  34  is inserted into a female second proximal engagement element  56 . The first distal engagement element  40  and the detachably connected second handle portion  36  are pivoted about the z-axis in the vertical direction. Finally, the length extension  50 , which is detachably connected to the second handle portion  36 , is effectively pivoted about the z-axis in the vertical direction. 
         [0055]      FIGS. 11 ,  12 , and  13  show the preferred embodiment when the first handle portion  34 , the second handle portion  36 , and/or the length extension  50  is a pivotally hinged flex handle. The description of the parts in these figures could also apply to the distal end  60  of the drive head  32 , when the drive head  32  is hinged. Flex handles are well known to those with ordinary skill in the art. As shown, the three main components of a flex handle are the yoke  66 , the hinge pin  68 , and the engagement element  64 . Although shown in male form, it is possible that a flex handle could be formed with a female engagement element. Engagement element  64 , yoke  66 , and hinge pin  68  represent the flex handle end at any hinged connection in the present handle system  30 . In other words, engagement element  64  could be the first proximal engagement element  54 , the second proximal engagement element  56 , and/or the proximal extension engagement element  58 , as well as other proximal engagement elements in the handle system  30 . Similarly, engagement element  64  could represent the distal engagement element  55 , the first distal engagement element  40 , the second distal engagement element  46 , as well as the distal extension engagement element  52  and further distal engagement elements in the handle system  30 . Thus, reference to certain numbered parts within engagement element  64  (e.g., ball detent  62 ) applies to any male engagement element in the handle system  30 , regardless of whether a hinged connection is formed. Those skilled in the art should recognize whether the presence of a numerically reference part depends on a hinged connection. 
         [0056]    Yoke  66  has two forked arms, and disposed between them is hinge pin  68 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Hinge pin  68  passes through a hinge-pin hole  88  (see  FIG. 13 ) in the engagement element  64  so that the engagement element  64  can pivot about an axis formed by the hinge pin  68 . In FIG.  11 —which is a cross section of yoke  66  taken along a plane that bifurcates the forked arms of the yoke  66 —the pivotal movement of engagement element  64  is shown by pivot line p. The pivotal movement shown by pivot line p allows the engagement element  64  to change its angle with respect to a longitudinal axis l that leads into yoke  66 . Longitudinal axis l could represent any longitudinal axis in the handle system  30  when the particular portion is a flex handle, including the first longitudinal axis  42 , the second longitudinal axis  48 , and longitudinal axes from length extensions  50 . In  FIG. 11 , the angled relation between engagement element  64  and longitudinal axis l is zero degrees. The angled relation between the engagement element  64  and longitudinal axis l changes as the engagement element  64  is pivoted about the hinge pin  68  along pivot line p. 
         [0057]    To resist pivotal movement of the engagement element  64 , a flex locking means securely holds the engagement element  64  in angled relation to longitudinal axis  1 . The flex locking means for the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  is a ball detent  73 . The ball detent  73  is formed by a rigid ball  70  biased against an opening  72  in yoke  66  by a spring  74  that is located in a bore  78 . The ball  70  partially extends from the opening  72  and enters into an individual depression  76  in the engagement element  64 . When the ball  70  is seated within the individual depression  76 , the engagement element  64  is locked in angled relation to the longitudinal axis  1 . To pivot engagement element  64  about the hinge pin  68  (thereby changing the angled relation of engagement element  64  to longitudinal axis  1 ), the force of spring  74  must be overcome so that ball  70  retracts into the bore  78 . With ball  70  retracted into the bore  78 , the ball  70  no longer partially extends from the opening  72  into the individual depression  76  and engagement element  64  can pivot. 
         [0058]      FIG. 13  shows the preferred male embodiment for engagement element  64 . Engagement element  64  is formed by a stud  80  that is located adjacent a substantially-arced portion  82 , with the hinge-pin hole  88  there-between. The substantially-arced portion  82  has an apex  84  located at the midpoint of the substantially-arced portion  82 . The stud  80  has a proximal end  86  that is substantially square in shape. The proximal end  86  of the stud  80  faces the opposite direction of the apex  84  of the substantially-arced portion  82 . Located on the substantially-arced portion  82  are the individual depressions  76  into which the ball  70  or a locking rod  102  (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) enters. The individual depressions  76  in the preferred engagement element  64  are in a semicircular path around the substantially-arced portion  82 , with the semicircular path being transverse to the hinge-pin hole  88  in the engagement element  64 . 
         [0059]    Ball detent  62 , the preferred locking means for forming detachable connections between portions of the handle system  30 , is also shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 . Ball detent  62  is representative of ball detents  62   a - 62   d  and is formed by a locking ball  90 , a bore  92  disposed within the engagement element  64 , and a spring  94  within the bore  92 . The spring  94  biases the locking ball  90  against an opening  96  in the engagement element  64 . The opening  96  in the engagement element  64  is small enough to keep the majority of locking ball  90  within the bore  92 . The portion of the locking ball  90  that protrudes from the opening  96  will enter into a depression in female engagement elements (not shown). The protruding part of the locking ball  90  holds the engagement element  64  within female engagement elements, and, the biasing force of the spring  94  against the locking ball  90  must be overcome to remove the engagement element  64  from a female engagement element. 
         [0060]    It should be noted that the preferred female embodiment of the engagement element  64  can be formed from the same elements shown in  FIG. 13 , except that stud  80  would have a proximal end  86  that is female and ball detent  62  would not be present. Rather, the ball detent  62  would be present on the corresponding male engagement element. Nonetheless, a pivotally hinged female engagement element is possible in the present invention. 
         [0061]    The preferred flex locking means shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  is superior to the ball detent  73  flex locking means previously described. With the preferred flex locking means, the individual depressions  76  in the substantially-arced portion  82  can be deeper into the engagement element  64 . The locking rod  102  is capable of fully sliding into these deeper individual depressions  76  so that the depression is completely filled. In contrast, only about one half of the ball  70  from the ball detent  73  flex locking means (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) can enter into the individual depressions  76 , regardless of the depth of the depression. With only half of the ball  70  in the individual depression  76 , only the force of spring  74  must be overcome to push the ball  70  back into the bore  78  so that the engagement element  64  can be pivoted. The forces exerted on the handle system  30  to apply rotational force at the fastener head are often too great and the force of the spring  74  in the ball detent  73  flex locking means could be overcome. To address this problem, a front portion  104  of the locking rod  102 , which may or may not be rounded, must be moved from the individual depression  76  by the user, giving the user more control and providing a more stable lock. 
         [0062]    The preferred flex locking means is intended for any portions of the handle system  30  that are lockable flex handles. The preferred flex locking means starts with a longitudinal bore  98  disposed within the longitudinal axis l (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). The longitudinal bore  98  starts at a base  100  in longitudinal axis l, extends toward the engagement element  64 , and ends at the opening  72  in the yoke  66 . Slideably situated within the longitudinal bore  98  is the locking rod  102  with the front portion  104  that is capable of sliding into the individual depressions  76  in the engagement element  64 . Between the locking rod  102  and the base  100  is a biasing means for biasing the locking rod  102  toward the engagement element  64  and into the individual depressions  76  on the engagement element  64 . The biasing means in the embodiment shown is a spring  106 , but can be any equivalent biasing means known in the art. 
         [0063]    Connected to the locking rod  102  is a connector arm  110 . The connector arm  110  extends through a slotted opening  108  in the longitudinal axis l to the external surface of the longitudinal axis l. The connector arm  110  is any shape that is capable of connecting with the locking rod  102  through the slotted opening  108 , as long as the locking rod  102  will be moved against the biasing means when the connecting arm  110  is moved in that direction. As shown, the connector arm  110  of the preferred flex locking means has a switch  112  mounted thereon. The switch  112  has an upper surface  114  on which a user of the preferred flex locking means can exert a force with his/her thumb and effectively move the front portion  104  of the locking rod  102  out of an individual depression  76 , vis-à-vis the connector arm  110 .