Patent ID: 7197965

Claim:
An improved socket wrench speed handle for tool sockets of the type having, a) an offset shank having a first end and a second end, b) a clevis that is integrally formed into the first end, forming at least one bifurcated fork, c) at least one pivoting head disposed within the bifurcated fork, with one head configured to accept wrench sockets, said head configured to accept wrench sockets defining a drive head that further includes angular position retaining means to intersect rotation at equally spaced discrete positions comprising a spring-loaded detent ball that is disposed within said bifurcated fork, wherein said drive head is configured to accept wrench sockets having a plurality of depressions at coequal spaces such that the detent ball intersects with the depressions, thus retaining the drive head in a specific position, and also securing the drive head, d) a hinge pin disposed through at least one head and clevis bifurcated fork, thus permitting the drive head to pivotally rotate and lock within the confines of the clevis, wherein said hinge pin is slideable and held in position by lateral urging of said spring-loaded detent ball, and e) a rotatable handle attached to the second end of the shank for rotating the wrench upon reciprocation of the handle, and radial turning when urged at substantially right angles to the pivoted drive head, wherein the improvement comprises: said hinge pin having a body with at least one round segment and at least one square segment, and means for retaining the hinge pin within the hinged socket wrench speed handle, wherein said round segment is larger in diameter than across the flats of said square segment, wherein said drive head having a combined round and octagonal hole therethrough, and said clevis having a combined round and square hole through at least one fork of the clevis, such that when the hinge pin is manually urged in a first direction the pin is retained in the drive head and rotates freely within the clevis, and when the hinge pin is urged in an opposite second direction the square segment intersects with the shank clevis, thereby locking the drive head in place.