Patent Publication Number: US-2015082950-A1

Title: Radial foldout tool

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of hand held tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of hexagonal wrenches and related tools and safety, comfort, and convenience of accessories and tools. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hexagonal wrenches or tool drivers, also referred to as alien wrenches or L-wrenches, have a hexagonal L-shaped body, including a long leg member and a short leg member. The end of either leg member is able to be inserted into a head of a screw or tool designed to accept a hexagonal wrench. Once inserted, rotational pressure is applied to the hexagonal wrench in order to tighten or loosen the screw. The leg members of the hexagonal wrench are designed to be of different lengths in order to allow a user flexibility when using the wrench in different environments and situations. For example, in a narrow, confined environment, the long leg of the hexagonal wrench is inserted into the head of the screw and the user will apply rotational pressure to the short leg. Or, if the environment is not so confined, the user is able to insert the short leg of the hexagonal wrench into the head of the screw and apply rotational pressure to the long leg. 
     Hexagonal wrenches are manufactured and distributed in multiple English and metric sizes in order to facilitate their use with screw heads of multiple sizes. Such wrenches are usually sold in a set which includes wrenches of multiple sizes but are also distributed individually. 
     When using a hexagonal wrench, a user, will insert an end of the hexagonal wrench into the head of a workpiece such as a screw, and will then exert rotational pressure on the opposite end of the wrench in order to tighten or loosen the screw. Because of the size and dimensions of the hexagonal wrench it is particularly difficult to exert a great amount of rotational pressure on the hexagonal wrench when the long leg of the hexagonal wrench is inserted into the head of the screw. Because the hexagonal wrench is typically turned with the user&#39;s fingers, the user is able to also experience scrapes and cuts from the use of hexagonal wrenches in this manner. Ingenuitive users have also used other tools, including vice grips, pliers and the like, to turn hexagonal wrenches. However, this method is disadvantageous because such tools are able to lose their hold on the hexagonal wrench when rotational pressure is applied or are able to even bend or otherwise disfigure the hexagonal wrench. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A radial foldout tool includes a body with opposing ends and one or more sets of tool drivers. A first set of tool drivers are positioned on/near a first end and a second set of tool drivers are positioned on/near a second end. The tool drivers are contained within channels of the body when in a closed position. The tool drivers are also contained in a plurality of planes. The tool drivers open by rotating/moving in a direction at least perpendicular to a neighboring tool driver. When they are in an open position, each of the tool drivers are in/near the center of the end of the body. By being positioned in/near the center of the end, the radial foldout tool is able to be gripped and turned in a fashion similar to a standard screwdriver. 
     In one aspect, a device comprises a body having a center, a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are positioned on opposite ends of the body and a first set of tool drivers positioned within the body in a plurality of planes, wherein each tool driver of the first set of tool drivers is configured to be positioned generally in the center out of the first end in an open position. The device further comprises a second set of tool drivers positioned within the body in the plurality of planes, wherein the second set of tool drivers are configured to be positioned out of the second end. The first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers are positioned within the body in a closed position. Each tool driver of the second set of tool drivers is positioned out of the second end in an open position. Each tool driver of the second set of tool drivers is positioned generally in the center of the second end in an open position. In some embodiments, a first tool driver of the first set of tool drivers is in the same plane as a second tool driver of the second set of tool drivers. The body includes a set of channels for the first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers to be positioned in the closed position. In some embodiments, each tool driver of the first set of tool drivers is positioned at least 90° around the circumference of the first end away from a neighboring tool driver and each tool driver of the second set of tool drivers is positioned at least 90° around the circumference of the second end away from a neighboring tool driver. The body is generally cylindrical. In some embodiments, the first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers are selected from the group consisting of hexagonal wrenches, screwdrivers, socket wrenches and star-shaped drivers. In some embodiments, the first set of tool drivers are hexagonal wrenches and the second set of tool drivers are screwdrivers. The device further comprises a stop within the body for preventing each of the first set of tool drivers from opening further. 
     In another aspect, a device comprises a body having a center, the body including a plurality of faces, a first end and a second end, wherein the first end and the second end are positioned on opposite ends of the body, a first set of tool drivers, each tool driver of the first set of tool drivers positioned within the body on a face of the plurality of faces, wherein the first set of tool drivers are configured to be positioned generally in the center out of the first end in an open position and a second set of tool drivers, each tool driver of the second set of tool drivers positioned on a face of the plurality of faces within the body, wherein the first set of tool drivers are configured to be positioned generally in the center out of the second end in an open position. The first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers are positioned within the body in a closed position. In some embodiments, a first tool driver of the first set of tool drivers is in the same plane as a second tool driver of the second set of tool drivers. The body includes a set of channels for the first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers to be positioned in the closed position. Each tool driver of the first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers is positioned in the open position by rotation in a substantially perpendicular direction away from the face. The body is generally cylindrical. In some embodiments, the first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers are selected from the group consisting of hexagonal wrenches, screwdrivers, socket wrenches and star-shaped drivers. In some embodiments, the first set of tool drivers are hexagonal wrenches and the second set of tool drivers are screwdrivers. The device further comprises a stop within the body for preventing each of the first set of tool drivers and the second set of tool drivers from opening further. 
     In yet another aspect, a generally cylindrical tool handle having a body with a center, a first end and a second end and a generally cylindrical surface, the handle including a plurality of tool drivers each of a differing size in a plurality of planes, wherein each of the plurality of tool drivers includes an elongated rod coupled with the tool handle having a bend through a predetermined angle and including a proximal end for engaging an object, and a mounting end between the bend and a distal end, further wherein each tool driver of the set of tool drivers is positioned generally in the center of one of the first end and the second end in an open position. The set of tool drivers are positioned within the body in a closed position. In some embodiments, each tool driver of the set of tool drivers is positioned at least 90° around the circumference of one of the first end and the second end away from a neighboring tool driver. The tool handle further comprises a stop within the body for preventing each tool driver of the set of tool drivers from opening further. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a radial foldout tool in a closed position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool in a closed position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with a tool driver moving from a closed position to an open position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool in an open position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with all of the tool drivers in an open or partially open position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with alternative tool drivers in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with alternative tool drivers in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with alternative tool drivers in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with a plurality of faces in a closed position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A radial foldout tool stores tool drivers in a compact configuration. The tool drivers are able to be positioned for use to tighten or loosen an object such as a screw or bolt. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of a radial foldout tool  100  in a closed position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. A first set of tool drivers  108  are coupled to or near a first end  104  of a body  102  of the radial foldout tool  100 . Each tool driver  112  of the first set of tool drivers  108  is coupled so that it is able to rotate out to an open position. In some embodiments, when each of the first set of tool drivers  108  are stored in a closed position, they fit securely within channels of the body  102 . A second set of tool drivers  110  are coupled to or near a second end  106  of the body  102  of the radial foldout tool  100 . Each tool driver  112  of the second set of tool drivers  110  is coupled so that it is able to rotate out to an open position. In some embodiments, when each of the second set of tool drivers  110  are stored in a closed position, they fit securely within channels of the body  102 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the tool drivers  112  of the first set of tool drivers  108  are positioned in the body  102  in a different plane from the other tool drivers of the first set of tool drivers  108 . Similarly, in some embodiments, each of the tool drivers  112  of the second set of tool drivers  110  are positioned in the body  102  in a different plane from the other tool drivers of the second set of tool drivers  110 . For example, in a radial foldout tool  100  which has a body  102  that is generally cylindrical in shape and surface, a first tool driver is positioned at 0 degrees along the circumference of a round first end of the tool, a second tool driver is positioned at 120 degrees along the circumference and a third tool driver is positioned at 240 degrees along the circumference. Tool drivers are similarly positioned on the opposite end as well. 
     In some embodiments, each tool driver of the first set of tool drivers  108  is positioned in the same plane as a correspondingly positioned tool driver of the second set of tool drivers  110 . 
     In some embodiments, each of the tool drivers of the radial foldout tool  100  is configured to open at least perpendicularly to its neighboring tool driver. For example, with a radial foldout tool  100  containing three tool drivers at each end, a first tool driver opens at 0 degrees, a second tool driver opens at 90 degrees and a third tool driver opens at 270 degrees. This configuration enables each of the tool drivers to open into/near the middle/center of the end, so that a user has better and easier turning power instead of the awkward turning capabilities when the tool drivers are not positioned near the middle of the end. 
     In some embodiments, a hard stop such as an internal wall prevents the tool drivers from opening past a certain angle such as 180° so that the tool extends perpendicular to the corresponding end. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool  100  in a closed position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. A first set of tool drivers  108  are coupled to or near a first end  104  of a body  102  of the radial foldout tool  100 . The first set of tool drivers  108  are coupled so that they are able to rotate out to an open position. In some embodiments, when each of the first set of tool drivers  108  are stored in a closed position, they fit securely within channels  114  of the body  102 . A second set of tool drivers  110  are coupled to or near a second end  106  of the body  102  of the radial foldout tool  100 . The second set of tool drivers  110  are coupled so that they are able to rotate out to an open position. In some embodiments, when each of the second set of tool drivers  110  are stored in a closed position, they fit securely within channels  114  of the body  102 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool  100  with a tool driver moving from a closed position to an open position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. When positioned in a closed position, the tool driver  112  is stored within a channel  114 , in some embodiments. A user is able to rotate the tool driver  112  to an open position as shown. In some embodiments, the tool driver  112  is limited in the direction it is able to rotate, such that it rotates away from the channel in which it is stored. Furthermore, the tool driver&#39;s rotational range is limited so that the tool driver  112  stops rotating once it is pointing in a parallel direction to the body  102 . In an open position, the tool driver  112  is also generally in the middle of the of the end of the body  102 . To position the tool driver  112  in a closed position, a user rotates the tool driver  112  in an opposite direction from the opening direction so that the tool driver  112  rests within the channel  114 , in some embodiments. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool  100  in an open position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. When in an open position, a tool driver  112  is positioned pointing in a parallel direction to the body  102  and generally in the middle of the end of the body  102 , in some embodiments. This enables users to grip the body  102  as a handle and use the radial foldout tool  100  similarly to a screw driver or other tool that has a body with a tool driver protruding out of the middle of the handle. The radial foldout tool  100  is intended to be used with one of the tool drivers  112  in an open position. While one of the tool drivers  112  is in an open position, the other tool drivers  112  are in a closed position. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool  100  with all of the tool drivers in an open or partially open position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. The drawing of  FIG. 5  is for illustration purposes only. When in use the radial foldout tool  100  is designed to work with one tool driver open at a time. 
     In some embodiments, the radial foldout tool  100  is designed to include some hexagonal wrenches of English sizes including a 9/32 inch hexagonal wrench, a ¼ inch hexagonal wrench, a 7/32 inch hexagonal wrench, a 3/16 inch hexagonal wrench, a 5/32 inch hexagonal wrench, a 9/64 inch hexagonal wrench, a ⅛ inch hexagonal wrench, a 7/64 inch hexagonal wrench, a 3/32 inch hexagonal wrench and a 5/64 inch hexagonal wrench. 
     In some embodiments, the radial foldout tool  100  is designed to include some hexagonal wrenches of metric sizes including a 10 mm hexagonal wrench, an 8 mm hexagonal wrench, a 6 mm hexagonal wrench, a 5 mm hexagonal wrench, a 4.5 mm hexagonal wrench, a 4 mm hexagonal wrench, a 3.5 mm hexagonal wrench, a 3 mm hexagonal wrench, a 2.5 mm hexagonal wrench and a 2 mm hexagonal wrench. It should be apparent to one skilled in the art that a radial foldout tool  100  is able to be formed to hold fewer, additional or different sizes of hexagonal wrenches. 
     In some embodiments, the radial foldout tool  100  is designed to be of a round shape. In some embodiments, the radial foldout tool  100  is designed to be of a triangular shape including three faces, a square or rectangle shape including four faces, a hexagonal shape including six faces or any other appropriate shape. In some embodiments, a single tool driver is positioned on each face of the radial foldout tool  100 . In some embodiments, each face is approximately 1 inch across its width and the body  102  of the radial foldout tool  100  is approximately 4.5 inches in length. The body  102  is designed to provide a comfortable, user-friendly interface to a user&#39;s hand, in order to enhance a user&#39;s ability to exert rotational pressure on the tool driver  112  without subjecting the user to personal injury or requiring the use of additional tools. As should be apparent to one skilled in the art, the body  102  of the present invention may be designed to be of any convenient shape, including any number of faces. 
     The body  102  of the radial foldout tool  100  is able to be composed of any appropriate material, which is of maximum strength and includes properties which resist materials that the handle will likely be exposed to, e.g., oil, grease, gasoline and the like. In some embodiments, the body  102  is materially composed of 30% glass-filled polycarbonate. In some embodiments, the body  102  is materially composed of any suitable composition including, but not limited to aluminum or steel. In some embodiments, the tool drivers  112  are materially composed of aluminum, steel or any other appropriate material. 
     In some embodiments, the body  102  is constructed using an injection molded, core/cavity process as is well known in the art. Alternatively, the body  102  may be constructed in any known manner. 
       FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C each illustrate a perspective view of a radial foldout tool with alternative tool drivers. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a radial foldout tool  100 ′ with screwdrivers as tool drivers  112 ′. The body  102  is similar to or the same as embodiments above with two opposing ends  104  and  106 . Additionally, the channels  114  are also similar to or the same as embodiments above. However, in this embodiment, a first set of tool drivers  108 ′ includes flat head screwdrivers, and the second set of tool drivers  110 ′ includes phillips head screwdrivers. In some embodiments, the sizes and/or shapes of the heads of the screwdrivers vary. For example, the sizes of the screwdriver heads are able to vary to small enough for use with a tiny screw for securing eyeglass components together up to much larger screws. Also, for varying shapes, at times a more pointed screwdriver is necessary for a screw while other times a flatter screwdriver is necessary or preferred. The thickness of the screwdriver tip varies, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first set and the second set of tool drivers are all flat head screwdrivers or phillips head screwdrivers. Any variations of screwdrivers are possible. 
       FIG. 6B  illustrates a radial foldout tool  100 ″ with star-shaped drivers as tool drivers  112 ′. As described above in reference to  FIG. 6A , the body  102  with two opposing ends  104  and  106  is similar to or the same as well as the channels  114  for previous embodiments. However, in this embodiment, the first and second sets of tool drivers  108 ″ and  110 ″ are star-shaped drivers. The stars-shaped drivers vary in size, thickness and/or any other characteristic. 
       FIG. 6C  illustrates a radial foldout tool  100 ′″ with both screwdrivers and hexagonal wrenches as tool drivers. Again, the body  102  with two opposing ends  104  and  106  and the channels  114  are similar to or the same as in previous embodiments. However, instead of simply having one type of tool driver, such as hexagonal wrenches, multiple sets of tool drivers are included such as hexagonal wrenches and screwdrivers. In the embodiment shown, a first set of tool drivers  108  includes hexagonal wrenches and a second set of tool drivers  110 ′ includes screwdrivers. Furthermore, the screwdrivers are able to be one type of screwdriver with varying shapes and sizes, and/or are able to include multiple types of screwdrivers such as flat heads and phillips head screwdrivers. While an example of a radial foldout tool with screwdrivers and hexagonal wrenches has been shown, other types of combination tools are possible such as screwdrivers and star-shaped drivers, hexagonal wrenches and star-shaped drivers, hexagonal wrenches and socket wrenches, combinations of three or more tool drivers or any other combinations of tool drivers. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a radial foldout tool  200  with a plurality of faces in a closed position in accordance with the apparatus of the present invention. A first set of tool drivers  208  are coupled to or near a first end  204  of a body  202  of the radial foldout tool  200 . The first set of tool drivers  208  are coupled so that they are able to rotate out to an open position. In some embodiments, when each of the first set of tool drivers  208  are stored in a closed position, they fit securely within channels  214  of the body  202 . A second set of tool drivers  210  are coupled to or near a second end  206  of the body  202  of the radial foldout tool  200 . The second set of tool drivers  210  are coupled so that they are able to rotate out to an open position. In some embodiments, when each of the second set of tool drivers  210  are stored in a closed position, they fit securely within channels  214  of the body  202 . In some embodiments, some of the faces contain a tool driver. In some embodiments, each of the faces contain a single tool driver, and in other embodiments, each of the faces contain at least one tool driver. 
     To utilize a radial foldout tool, a user moves a desired tool driver from a closed position to an open position. The user moves the desired tool driver using a finger or two to simply pull or push the tool driver in the appropriate direction. In some embodiments, the tool driver locks into place in the open position. The user then grasps the body of the radial foldout tool similarly to grasping a handle of a screwdriver. The user turns the body of the radial foldout tool to either tighten or loosen an object such as a screw or bolt. This turning action is also similar to the use of a screwdriver. Once the user has performed the tightening or loosening actions on the desired object or objects, the tool driver is moved to a closed position by pushing or pulling the tool driver with the user&#39;s fingers. In some embodiments, the tool drivers lock in the closed position. When in the closed position, the tools are safely stored within channels in the body to prevent injuries. Unlike a standard screwdriver which has a sharp point jutting out of the handle, the radial foldout tool is able to be compacted and stored safely. 
     In operation, a radial foldout tool contains multiple tool drivers to consolidate the space needed for a set of tool drivers. Furthermore, the body of the radial foldout tool contains channels for storing the tool drivers in a closed position, so that more tools are able to be stored. The tool drivers are all configured to rotate to an open position which is generally in the middle/center of each end of the body of the radial foldout tool. By being near the middle of each end, turning the radial foldout tool is more stable for a user when the radial foldout tool is in use and each of the tool drivers are in use. The tool drivers are also stored in a plurality of planes in the body which help ensure the tool drivers open to the middle of each end. Since the tool drivers are stored in a plurality of planes, the tool drivers open in a direction at least perpendicular to their neighboring tool driver to further ensure they open to the middle of each end of the radial foldout tool. Previously existing foldout tools suffer from an awkward grasping implementation where the awkwardness is due to the fact that, in the worst case, for example, the previously existing tools allow for the smallest of wrenches to place the part of the tool that is grasped and turned, as far off-axis as possible (and without the benefit of a hard stop in the fully extended position as the present radial foldout tool does). In addition to that, since the previously existing tools are rectangular cubes, the user&#39;s hand is required to either fully disengage the tool between turns, or to use rather involved spider-like, alternating stepping actions with the fingers to crawl the hand around the tool into position for the next twist, all the while, keeping the tool stabilized in multiple axes due to the fact that the grasp is compromised and that the wrench, when fully extended, is able to rotate at least 270°. Whereas, with the present radial foldout tool design, the user&#39;s hand is able to simply loosen the grasp and slide the palm around within the circumference of the tool while maintaining a steady and sure grasp on the tool, wrench and fastener. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that other various modifications may be made in the embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.