Reversible ratchet wrench including detent mechanism
US4631988A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 1984 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 27, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B13/463
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A reversible ratchet wrench (10) includes a wrench body (11) having a unitary head (12) including an opening (20) with circular driver and pawl portions (22,24). A driver (26) has a ratchet portion (28) received within the driver portion (22) of the opening and includes ratchet teeth (30) that extend between oppositely facing surfaces (16,18) of the wrench head (12). A pawl (38) is received within the pawl portion (24) of the opening (20) and includes teeth (40a, 40b) that extend between the wrench head surfaces (16,18) and provide continuous engagement therebetween for selective locking of the driver in one direction and ratcheting in the other direction. Driver and pawl portions (22, 24) of the wrench head opening (20) have cylindrical shapes which facilitate manufacturing and the support of both the driver and the pawl upon assembling. A ball (34) of a releasable detent mechanism (35) is provided to secure a socket to a driving lug (32) of the driver (26). A tab (42) of pawl (38) is provided for changing the direction of locking, and a spring biaser (44) operates on the pawl to provide a means for maintaining the pawl teeth (40a or 40b) in engagement with the ratchet teeth (30) …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.