Multi-functioning ratcheting wrench

Abstract

A multi-functioning ratcheting wrench may include a first wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the first wrench head may include a first drive assembly which may include a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, a second wrench head also bisected by the longitudinal plane of the wrench, the second wrench head may include a second drive assembly which may include a third engagement interface and a fourth engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, and a handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis disposed on the longitudinal plane, the handle operably coupling the first wrench head to the second wrench head. The first engagement interface may include a first drive slot. The second engagement interface may include a second drive slot. The first drive slot may be larger than the second drive slot.

Description

[0001] MULTI-FUNCTIONING RATCHETING WRENCH

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Example embodiments generally relate to hand tools and, more particularly, relate to improvements for a ratcheting wrench configured to drive various fastening nuts or other drivable components.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Wrenches are familiar tools for both fastening and removing nuts, bolts, and other drivable components or fasteners. A particular form of ratcheting wrench may be a lineman’s wrench, which may include various features and components to make them versatile tools. Linemen may often work in precarious environments, such as being elevated off the ground in a bucket truck to both set up and repair utility poles. Due to the nature of working as a lineman, linemen may need to operate in a very preci se / calculated manner, which may often mean they have a desire to minimize the amount of movement they make outside of actions necessary for completing their goal. For instance, linemen may desire to minimize their need to change tools between tasks or to search for the right tool for a particular task. As such, lineman’s wrenches may be configured to perform the job of many different tools to reduce the need to carry many different tools up in the bucket and therefore reduce the amount of tool changes that may be needed as well. However, there may remain a need to further improve the versatility of lineman’s wrenches to be even more useful in a wider variety of work scenarios.

[0006] BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES

[0007] Some example embodiments may provide for a multi-functioning ratcheting wrench. The wrench may include a first wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the first wrench head may include a first drive assembly which may include a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, a second wrench head also bisected by the longitudinal plane of the wrench, the second wrench head may include a second drive assembly which may include a third engagement interface and a fourth engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, and a handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis disposed on the longitudinal plane, the handle operably coupling the first wrench head to the second wrench head. The firstengagement interface may include a first drive slot. The second engagement interface may include a second drive slot. The first drive slot may be larger than the second drive slot.

[0008] In another example embodiment, a multi-functioning ratcheting wrench may be provided. The wrench may include a wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the wrench head may include a drive assembly which may include a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, and a handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis contained within the longitudinal plane, the handle may be operably coupled to the wrench head. The first engagement interface may include a first drive slot. The second engagement interface may include a second drive slot. The first drive slot may be larger than the second drive slot.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a ratcheting wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a full left side view of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a full front view of the wrench according to an example embodiment; FIG. 4 illustrates a close up front view of a first wrench head of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a close up perspective view of a first engagement interface of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 6a illustrates a close up perspective view of a second engagement interface of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 6b illustrates a close up perspective view of a first hammer surface of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a close up perspective view of a third engagement interface of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a close up perspective view of a fourth engagement interface of the wrench according to an example embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the wrench according to an example embodiment; andFIG. 10 illustrates an isolated perspective section view of the handle in accordance with an example embodiment.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other.

[0021] Additionally, as used herein, terminology such as “about,” “approximately” and “substantially,” when used to refer to variability of parameters, should be understood to be definite approximations that account for variations in measurements that cannot be, or as one of skill in the art would appreciate, normally are not, measured precisely. Thus, for example, a parameter that is “about,” “approximately” or “substantially” a given value or a given characteristic should be understood to be sufficiently close to the given value or given characteristic such that performance of the object or product to which the parameter applies, from the perspective of one with ordinary skill in the art, is the same as though the object or product had precisely the given value or characteristic.

[0022] As indicated above, some example embodiments may relate to the provision of a ratcheting wrench with additional features for added versatility. Of note, in some embodiments, the ratcheting wrench may be a lineman’s wrench. The ratcheting wrench may thus include a first wrench head, and a second wrench head, operably coupled to one another by a handle. In some cases, the ratcheting wrench may include a first drive slot formed in a first engagement interface of one of the wrench heads, and a second drive slot formed in a second engagement interface of the other wrench head. Additionally, the ratcheting wrench may also include features such as an enlarged reverse switch, multiple engagement interfaces for each drive assembly, multiple hammer surfaces disposed on a single wrench head, and an electrically insulated and isolated handle. While the improvements described herein may be described inreference to the ratcheting wrench, it should be appreciated that the improvements may be applied to other types of hand tools as well.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. l-6b, the wrench 100 may include a first wrench head 110 which may include a first drive assembly 120 and a second wrench head 130 which may include a second drive assembly 140. The first drive assembly 120 may include a first engagement interface 122 and a second engagement interface 124 disposed on opposing sides of the first wrench head 110 from each other. Similarly, the second drive assembly 140 may include a third engagement interface 142 and a fourth engagement interface 144 which may be disposed on opposing sides of the second wrench head 130 from each other. In some cases, the wrench 100 may be bisected by a longitudinal plane 150 which may extend through a center of the wrench 100 along an entire length of the wrench 100. In this regard, the first engagement interface 122 and the second engagement interface 124 may be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane 150 from each other. Similarly, the third engagement interface 142 and the fourth engagement interface 144 may also be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane 150 from each other as well.

[0024] The wrench 100 may further include a handle 160 which may extend axially along a longitudinal axis 170 which may be disposed on the longitudinal plane 150. In some cases, the handle 160 may operably couple the first wrench head 110 to the second wrench head 130. Like the longitudinal plane 150, the longitudinal axis 170 may extend through a center of the wrench 100 along an entire length of the wrench 100. The longitudinal plane 150 may include the longitudinal axis 170 in some example embodiments. The handle 160 of some example embodiments may be elongated along the longitudinal axis 170 and may have a substantially elliptical perimeter in cross section. The handle 160 will be discussed in greater detail below in reference to FIG. 10.

[0025] In some cases, the first drive assembly 120 and the second drive assembly 140 may be rotatable about a first axis of rotation 125 and a second axis of rotation 145, respectively. The first drive assembly 120 may include a first passage 128, which may extend entirely through the first drive assembly 120 along the first axis of rotation 125, and the second drive assembly 140 may include a second passage 148 which may extend entirely through the second drive assembly 140 along the second axis of rotation 145. In this regard, the first axis of rotation 125 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 170 and through the first passage 128, and the second axis of rotation 145 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 170 and through the second passage 148. In otherwords, the first and second drive assemblies (120, 140), may have a pass-through construction, which may enable the wrench 100 to be used to drive fasteners that may be operably coupled to longer bolts by allowing the shank of the bolt to extend along the first or second axis of rotation (125, 145) and through the first or second passage (128, 148) so that the first, second, third and fourth engagement interfaces (122, 124, 142, 144) may operably couple to, and therefore drive, a desired fastener.

[0026] The first, second, third and fourth engagement interfaces (122, 124, 142, 144) may be configured to engage with a fastener or other drivable component which may include but not be limited to hex head nuts, hex head bolts, square head nuts, square head bolts, eyelet bolts, eyelet screws, J-hooks, and the like. In this regard, the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124) may include respective first and second fastener retention orifices (180, 190) which may be shaped to operably couple with fasteners of various sizes. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first and second fastener retention orifices (180, 190) of the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124) may each be shaped to operably couple to square shaped fasteners of at least two different sizes. In this regard, between the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124) combined, the first drive assembly 120 may be capable of operably coupling to, and driving, at least four different sizes of fasteners, with each engagement interface (122, 124) being operably coupleable to two different sizes of fasteners. In an example embodiment, the four different sizes of fasteners drivable by the first drive assembly 120 may be 1”, 1 and 1 / 8”, 13 / 16” and 3 / 4” square head fasteners. In some other cases, the first and second fastener retention orifices (180, 190) may have a different shape so that the first drive assembly 120 may be capable of operably coupling with a different shape of fastener, such as hex head fasteners.

[0027] In some example embodiments, the first engagement interface 122 may be further visually distinguishable from the second engagement interface 124 via an identification ring disposed around the perimeter of the first drive assembly 120 on the first wrench head 110 and on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane 150. In this regard, the first engagement interface 122 may be identified by an identification ring extending around the perimeter of the first drive assembly 120 that may in some way distinguish the first engagement interface 122 from the second engagement interface 124. The second engagement interface 124 may be identified by an identification ring extending around the perimeter of the first drive assembly 120 that may in some way distinguish the second engagement interface 124 from the first engagement interface 122. For instance, the identification ring around the first engagement interface 122may be a first color and the identification ring around the second engagement interface 124 may be a second color. Additional identification rings may also be disposed at the third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) as well, with the colors of each of the identification rings being different from each other. In some example embodiments, the identification rings may not use colors at all, but instead may include patterns, letters and words, shapes, etc. to distinguish the engagement interfaces from each other. This may reduce the amount of trial and error that the user of the wrench 100 may experience while performing a particular task which may therefore make the use of the wrench 100 more efficient.

[0028] Additionally, in the example embodiment shown in FIGS. l-6b, the first engagement interface 122 may include a first drive slot 200 and the second engagement interface 124 may include a second drive slot 210. The first and second drive slots (200, 210) may be configured to engage with alternatively shaped drivable components such as J-hooks, eyelet bolts, eyelet screws, and the like, to enable a user of the ratcheting wrench 100 to drive such components in addition to the fasteners that may be drivable by the first and second fastener retention orifices (180, 190). In some cases, the first drive slot 200 may be larger than the second drive slot 210, and in this regard, at least two different sizes of alternatively shaped drivable components may be driven by the first drive assembly 120. In an example embodiment, the first drive slot 200 may extend entirely through the first engagement interface 122 along a first slot axis 205, which may be orthogonal to the first axis of rotation 125, and the second drive slot 210 may extend entirely through the second engagement interface 124 along a second slot axis 215 which may also be orthogonal to the first axis of rotation 125. In this regard, the first drive assembly 120 may be a substantially cylindrical member, with one axial end of the substantially cylindrical member being the first engagement interface 122 and the second axial end of the substantially cylindrical member being the second engagement interface 124. Thus, the first and second drive slots (200, 210) may each extend entirely through the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124), respectively, along a diameter of the first drive assembly 120. The first and second drive slots (200, 210) may therefore extend through the curved sidewall of the first drive assembly 120 on opposing sides of the first and second fastener retention orifices (180, 190). In other words, the sidewall of the first drive assembly 120 may be completely removed in each of the first and second drive slots (200, 210).

[0029] Accordingly, each of the first and second drive slots (200, 210) may include grooves disposed in the arcuate sidewalls of the first drive assembly 120. In other words, the firstdrive slot 200 may be defined by a first groove 220 and a second groove 230 which may be aligned along the first slot axis 205 and disposed at opposing sides of the first fastener retention orifice 180. The first groove 220 and the second groove 230 may each be defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 240 and an arcuate base portion 250 connecting the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 240 together at one end thereof. An opposite end of the first groove 220 and the second groove 230 from the arcuate base portion 250 may be open ended, and therefore the first groove 220 and second groove 230 may each be substantially U-shaped.

[0030] Similarly, the second drive slot 210 may be defined by a third groove 260 and a fourth groove 270 which may be aligned along the second slot axis 215 and disposed at opposing sides of the second fastener retention orifice 190. The third groove 260 and the fourth groove 270 may each be defined by the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 240 and the arcuate base portion 250 connecting the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 240 together at one end thereof. An opposite end of the third groove 260 and the fourth groove 270 from the arcuate base portion 250 may be open ended, and therefore the third groove 260 and fourth groove 270 may each be substantially U-shaped.

[0031] Accordingly, the first and second drive slots (200, 210) may face away from each other as if they are reflected about the longitudinal plane 150. In this regard, the first and second drive slots (200, 210) may open facing 180° away from the longitudinal plane 150, in opposite directions from each other. Also, as mentioned above, the first and second drive slots (200, 210) may be different sizes, with the first drive slot 200 being larger than the second drive slot 210 in some example embodiments. In this regard, in some cases, the first and second grooves (220, 230) may be identical to each other in size, and both may be larger (i.e. deeper and / or wider) than the third and fourth grooves (260, 270) of the second drive slot 210. For example, in some cases the first drive slot 200 may be sized to drive 5 / 16” alternatively shaped drivable components, while the second drive slot 210 may be sized to drive 7 / 16” alternatively shaped drivable components. In this regard, the first groove 220 may measure approximately 5 / 8” across (between the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 240) and the second groove 230 may measure approximately 5 / 8” across. Similarly, the third groove 260 may measure approximately 7 / 16” across and the fourth groove 270 may measure approximately 7 / 16” across. In some other cases, the first and second grooves (220, 230) may have different sizes from each other. In this regard, for example, the first groove 220 may measure approximately 5 / 8” across (between the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls 240)and the second groove 230 may measure approximately 9 / 16” across. In such cases, the first and second grooves (220, 230), together, may still define the first drive slot 200 that may be sized to drive a 5 / 16” alternatively shaped drivable component.

[0032] The first and second drive slots (200, 210) may therefore be capable of receiving the alternatively shaped drivable component into the open end of the grooves that define each drive slot (200, 210). For example, an eyelet bolt may be defined by a threaded shank portion operably coupled to a circular end portion. In many cases, the circular end portion of the eyelet bolt may be formed by bending an unthreaded portion of the shank into the shape of a circle. As such, depending on the diameter of the shank portion of the eyelet bolt, the first drive slot 200 or the second drive slot 210 may be sized to receive the circular end portion therein so that the ratcheting wrench 100, and more specifically the first drive assembly 120, may be used to drive the eyelet bolt either clockwise or counterclockwise. The arcuate base portion 250 may enable a more stable operable coupling between the first and second drive slots (200, 210) and the alternatively shaped drivable component due to the alternatively shaped drivable component having a rounded cross section shape as a result of being formed from a rounded shank. By having two drive slots (200, 210) of different sizes, the ratcheting wrench tool 100 may be even more versatile and useful for a lineman to use on the job, which may be a direct improvement over existing lineman’s wrenches by further reducing the need to change tools while executing various tasks.

[0033] The ratcheting wrench 100 may include additional features and / or components that may further increase the versatility of the wrench 100. In this regard, in an example embodiment, the first wrench head 110 may further include a first hammer surface 280 and a second hammer surface 290. The first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may enable the wrench tool 100 to have hammer-like functionality so that the user of the wrench 100 may use the wrench 100 to strike objects if needed. For instance, in some cases the user may need to hammer bolts through holes in the utility pole prior to tightening a fastener onto the bolt. Thus, the user may utilize either of the first or second hammer surfaces (280, 290) to perform such a task. In some example embodiments, the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis 170 from each other. In this regard, the amount of adjusting / moving of the wrench 100 to find a hammer surface may be reduced since the wrench 100 may include one on each side of the first wrench head 110. In some cases, the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may each be bisected by the longitudinal plane 150. In some cases, the first hammer surface 280 may be substantiallyplanar. In an example embodiment, the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may be disposed substantially parallel to each other. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 6b, the first hammer surface 280 and / or the second hammer surface 290 may include a milled face. In other words, the face of one or both of the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may include a textured waffle pattern disposed thereon. The milled face of some example embodiments may include a plurality of repeating spikes or protrusions that may improve the ability of the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) to grip whatever it is they may make impact with. In another example embodiment, the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may both be substantially planar and may not include any textured patterns disposed thereon. In yet another example embodiment, the first and second hammer surfaces (280, 290) may both include the milled face.

[0034] Further, the ratcheting wrench 100 may also include a first reverse switch 300 which may be disposed at the first wrench head 110 and a second reverse switch 310 which may be disposed at the second wrench head 130. The first and second reverse switches (300, 310) may be operable to reverse the direction in which the first and second drive assemblies (120, 140), respectively, may rotate. For example, if the user of the wrench 100 desires to loosen a fastener via the first drive assembly 120, then they may actuate the first reverse switch 300 to enable the first drive assembly 120 to rotate in the counterclockwise direction and engage the fastener with either of the first or second engagement interfaces (122, 124) to use the wrench 100 to loosen the fastener. In an example embodiment, the first reverse switch 300 may extend through a neck portion of the first wrench head 110, and may be disposed between the first drive assembly 120 and the handle 160. The length of the first reverse switch 300 may be greater than a width of the neck portion, and the first reverse switch 300 may extend beyond the neck portion at opposing sides of the longitudinal axis 170. Similarly, the second reverse switch 310 may extend through a neck portion of the second wrench head 130, and may be disposed between the second drive assembly 140 and the handle 160. The length of the second reverse switch 310 may be greater than a width of the neck portion, and the second reverse switch 310 may extend beyond the neck portion at opposing sides of the longitudinal axis 170. In this regard, the first and second reverse switches (300, 310) may both be easily actuatable regardless of the position of the wrench 100 and regardless of whether or not the user of the wrench may be wearing gloves. Therefore, this may further reduce the amount of movement or adjustments needed by the user of the wrench 100 to actuate the first or second reverse switches (300, 310).As seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second wrench head 130 may be different from the first wrench head 110. For instance, the second wrench head 130 may include the second drive assembly 140 which may include the third engagement interface 142 and the fourth engagement interface 144. The third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) may be designed to operably couple with a different shape and size of fastener from the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124) which may further increase the versatility of the wrench 100. In the example embodiment depicted herein, the third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) may be operably coupleable to non-square head fasteners whereas the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124) may be operably coupleable to square head fasteners. Similar to the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124), the third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) may also be different sizes from each other. Unlike the first and second engagement interfaces (122, 124), in some cases, the third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) may not include the first and second drive slots (200, 210) formed therein. Instead, the second drive assembly 140 may include a fully intact perimeter to be capable of operable coupling to non-square headed fasteners. In some other example embodiments, the third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) may also include additional drive slots to drive further alternatively shaped drivable components. In this regard, the additional drive slots may be of different sizes from the first and second drive slots (200, 210) to be able to operably couple to alternatively shaped drivable components of different sizes and further increase the versatility of the wrench 100.

[0035] Also seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the second drive assembly 140 may include an internal rib 149 disposed within the passage 148. This rib 149 may have a smaller internal diameter than the third or fourth engagement interfaces (1 2, 144) to prevent any fastener or nut from passing entirely through the passage 148 while the second drive assembly 140 may be in use. The rib 149 may be integrally formed from the second drive assembly 140 in some cases, while in other cases the rib 149 may be an additional component added on after the formation of the second drive assembly 140. In an example embodiment, the rib 149 may be disposed directly between the third and fourth engagement interfaces (142, 144) and may act as a partial barrier therebetween.

[0036] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict an exploded view of the wrench 100 in accordance with an example embodiment, and a section view of the handle 160 taken along the longitudinal plane 150 in accordance with an example embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first wrench head 110 and the second wrench head 130 may be separate components that mayeach be independently operably coupled to the handle 160 to form the wrench 100. In this regard, the handle 160 may electrically insulate the first and second wrench heads (110, 130) from each other and from a user of the wrench 100. In some cases, the handle 160 may be formed from a polymer / plastic material, or may be coated in a polymer / plastic material, that may not conduct electricity to prevent current traveling between the first and second wrench heads (110, 130) or between the first or second wrench head (110, 130) and the user. As seen in FIG. 10, the first and second wrench heads (110, 130) may each have their own respective orifices within the handle 160 to which they may be operably coupled. In some additional example embodiments, the wrench 100 may only include either the first wrench head 110 or the second wrench head 130 rather than having both. In such cases, the additional components / features described above in relation to the ratcheting wrench 100 may or may not be included as well.

[0037] In some example embodiments, the handle 160 may further include an identification assembly. The identification assembly may include a first aperture 320 disposed in the handle 160 proximate to the first wrench head 110 and a second aperture 330 disposed in the handle 160 proximate to the second wrench head 130. In some cases, the first and second apertures (320, 330) may extend entirely through the handle 160 in a direction substantially parallel to the first and second axes of rotation (125, 145). In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the first and second apertures (320, 330) may extend entirely through the first and second wrench heads (110, 130) as well. The identification assembly may further include one or more identification inserts 340 which may operably couple to the first and second apertures (320, 330). In this regard, the identification inserts 340 may include some kind of marking or feature which may be unique to the particular wrench 100 to which the identification inserts 340 may be operably coupled. As such, the identification inserts 340 may identify to whom the wrench belongs so that the wrench 100 does not end up with an incorrect user or on an incorrect work vehicle. In some cases, the identification inserts 340 may be color coded. For example, perhaps all tools that belong to a specific user or a specific work vehicle are given a same color. Therefore, the color of the wrench 100 could be indicated by the identification inserts 340 disposed at either or both of the first and second apertures (320, 330). In some other example embodiments, the identification inserts 340 may include an image, a letter, a number, a shape, or some other identifiable feature that may help keep tools organized. In an example embodiment, the identification inserts 340 may operably couple to the first and second apertures (320, 330) in a similar manner to which a drywall anchor may be attached todrywall. In some other cases, the identification inserts 340 may be screwed or riveted into the first and second apertures (320, 330).

[0038] Some example embodiments may provide for a multi-functioning ratcheting wrench. The wrench may include a first wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the first wrench head may include a first drive assembly which may include a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, a second wrench head also bisected by the longitudinal plane of the wrench, the second wrench head may include a second drive assembly which may include a third engagement interface and a fourth engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, and a handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis disposed on the longitudinal plane, the handle may operably couple the first wrench head to the second wrench head. The first engagement interface may include a first drive slot. The second engagement interface may include a second drive slot. The first drive slot may be larger than the second drive slot.

[0039] The wrench of some embodiments may include additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like to achieve further objectives or enhance performance of the tool. The additional features, modifications, augmentations and / or the like may be added in any combination with each other. Below is a list of various additional features, modifications, and augmentations that can each be added individually or in any combination with each other. For example, the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly may be rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation, respectively. In some cases, the first drive assembly may include a first passage through the first drive assembly, and the second drive assembly may include a second passage through the second drive assembly. In an example embodiment, the first axis of rotation may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and through the first passage, and the second axis of rotation may extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and through the second passage. In some cases, the first drive slot may extend entirely through the first engagement interface along a first slot axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. In an example embodiment, the second drive slot may extend entirely through the second engagement interface along a second slot axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. In some cases, the first drive slot may be defined by a first groove and a second groove which may be aligned on the first slot axis and may be disposed at opposing sides of a first fastener retention orifice. In an example embodiment, the first groove and the second groove may each be defined by a pair of substantially parallelsidewalls and an arcuate base portion which may connect the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls together. In some cases, an opposite end of the first groove and the second groove from the arcuate base portion may be open ended, which may give the first groove and second groove each a U-shape. In an example embodiment, the second drive slot may be defined by a third groove and a fourth groove which may be aligned on the second slot axis and disposed at opposing sides of a second fastener retention orifice. In some cases, the third groove and the fourth groove may each be defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls and an arcuate base portion which may connect the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls together. In an example embodiment, an opposite end of the third groove and the fourth groove from the arcuate base portion may be open ended, giving the third groove and fourth groove each a U-shape. In some cases, the first and second drive slots may open facing 180° away from the longitudinal plane, in opposite directions from each other. In an example embodiment, the first wrench head may further include a first hammer surface and a second hammer surface. In some cases, the first and second hammer surfaces may be disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis from each other. In an example embodiment, the first and second hammer surfaces may each be bisected by the longitudinal plane. In some cases, the first hammer surface may include a milled face and the second hammer surface may be substantially planar. In an example embodiment, the first and second hammer surfaces may be disposed substantially parallel to each other. In an example embodiment, the handle may electrically insulate the first and second wrench heads from each other and from a user of the wrench. In some cases, the first wrench head may include a first reverse switch to reverse a direction in which the first drive assembly may rotate. In an example embodiment, the first reverse switch may extend through a neck portion of the first wrench head, between the first drive assembly and the handle. In some cases, a length of the first reverse switch may be greater than a width of the neck portion and the first reverse switch may extend beyond the neck portion at opposing sides of the longitudinal axis. In an example embodiment, the second wrench head may include a second reverse switch to reverse a direction in which the second drive assembly may rotate. In some cases, the second reverse switch may extend through a neck portion of the second wrench head, between the second drive assembly and the handle. In an example embodiment, a length of the second reverse switch may be greater than a width of the neck portion and the second reverse switch may extend beyond the neck portion at opposing sides of the longitudinal axis.Some example embodiments may provide for a multi-functioning ratcheting wrench. The wrench may include a wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the wrench head may include a drive assembly which may include a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane, and a handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis contained within the longitudinal plane, the handle may be operably coupled to the wrench head. The first engagement interface may include a first drive slot. The second engagement interface may include a second drive slot. The first drive slot may be larger than the second drive slot.

[0040] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and / or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A multi-functioning ratcheting wrench, the wrench comprising:a first wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the first wrench head comprising a first drive assembly, the first drive assembly comprising a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane;a second wrench head also bisected by the longitudinal plane of the wrench, the second wrench head comprising a second drive assembly, the second drive assembly comprising a third engagement interface and a fourth engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane; anda handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis disposed on the longitudinal plane, the handle operably coupling the first wrench head to the second wrench head, wherein the first engagement interface comprises a first drive slot,wherein the second engagement interface comprises a second drive slot, and wherein the first drive slot is larger than the second drive slot.

2. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the first drive assembly and the second drive assembly are rotatable about a first axis of rotation and a second axis of rotation, respectively, wherein the first drive assembly comprises a first passage through the first drive assembly, and the second drive assembly comprises a second passage through the second drive assembly, andwherein the first axis of rotation extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and through the first passage and the second axis of rotation extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and through the second passage.

3. The wrench of claim 2, wherein the first drive slot extends entirely through the first engagement interface along a first slot axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation, and wherein the second drive slot extends entirely through the second engagement interface along a second slot axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation.

4. The wrench of claim 3, wherein the first drive slot is defined by a first groove and a second groove aligned on the first slot axis and disposed at opposing sides of a first fastener retention orifice,wherein the first groove and the second groove are each defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls and an arcuate base portion connecting the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls together, andwherein an opposite end of the first groove and the second groove from the arcuate base portion is open ended, giving the first groove and second groove each a U-shape.

5. The wrench of claim 3, wherein the second drive slot is defined by a third groove and a fourth groove aligned on the second slot axis and disposed at opposing sides of a second fastener retention orifice,wherein the third groove and the fourth groove are each defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls and an arcuate base portion connecting the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls together, andwherein an opposite end of the third groove and the fourth groove from the arcuate base portion is open ended, giving the third groove and fourth groove each a U-shape.

6. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the first and second drive slots open facing 180° away from the longitudinal plane, in opposite directions from each other.

7. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the first wrench head further comprises a first hammer surface and a second hammer surface, andwherein the first and second hammer surfaces are disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis from each other.

8. The wrench of claim 7, wherein the first and second hammer surfaces are each bisected by the longitudinal plane.

9. The wrench of claim 7, wherein the first hammer surface comprises a milled face,wherein the second hammer surface is substantially planar, andwherein the first and second hammer surfaces are disposed substantially parallel to each other.

10. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the handle electrically insulates the first and second wrench heads from each other and from a user of the wrench.

11. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the first wrench head comprises a first reverse switch to reverse a direction in which the first drive assembly rotates,wherein the first reverse switch extends through a neck portion of the first wrench head, between the first drive assembly and the handle, andwherein a length of the first reverse switch is greater than a width of the neck portion and the first reverse switch extends beyond the neck portion at opposing sides of the longitudinal axis.

12. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the second wrench head comprises a second reverse switch to reverse a direction in which the second drive assembly rotates, wherein the second reverse switch extends through a neck portion of the second wrench head, between the second drive assembly and the handle, andwherein a length of the second reverse switch is greater than a width of the neck portion and the second reverse switch extends beyond the neck portion at opposing sides of the longitudinal axis.

13. A multi-functioning ratcheting wrench, the wrench comprising:a wrench head bisected by a longitudinal plane of the wrench, the wrench head comprising a drive assembly, the drive assembly comprising a first engagement interface and a second engagement interface disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal plane; and a handle extending axially along a longitudinal axis contained within the longitudinal plane, the handle operably coupled to the wrench head,wherein the first engagement interface comprises a first drive slot,wherein the second engagement interface comprises a second drive slot, and wherein the first drive slot is larger than the second drive slot.

14. The wrench of claim 13, wherein the drive assembly is rotatable about a first axis of rotation,wherein the drive assembly comprises a first passage through the drive assembly, andwherein the first axis of rotation extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and through the first passage.

15. The wrench of claim 14, wherein the first drive slot extends entirely through the first engagement interface along a first slot axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation, andwherein the second drive slot extends entirely through the second engagement interface along a second slot axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation.

16. The wrench of claim 15, wherein the first drive slot is defined by a first groove and a second groove aligned on the first slot axis and disposed at opposing sides of a first fastener retention orifice,wherein the first groove and the second groove are each defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls and an arcuate base portion connecting the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls together, andwherein an opposite end of the first groove and the second groove from the arcuate base portion is open ended, giving the first groove and second groove each a U-shape.

17. The wrench of claim 15, wherein the second drive slot is defined by a third groove and a fourth groove aligned on the second slot axis and disposed at opposing sides of a second fastener retention orifice,wherein the third groove and the fourth groove are each defined by a pair of substantially parallel sidewalls and an arcuate base portion connecting the pair of substantially parallel sidewalls together, andwherein an opposite end of the third groove and the fourth groove from the arcuate base portion is open ended, giving the third groove and fourth groove each a U-shape.

18. The wrench of claim 13, wherein the first and second drive slots open facing 180° away from the longitudinal plane, in opposite directions from each other.

19. The wrench of claim 13, wherein the wrench head further comprises a first hammer surface and a second hammer surface, andwherein the first and second hammer surfaces are disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal axis from each other.

20. The wrench of claim 19, wherein the first and second hammer surfaces are each bisected by the longitudinal plane, andwherein the first and second hammer surfaces are each planar and disposed substantially parallel to each other.

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