Ratchet wrench
US5429018A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B13/04
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved ratchet wrench is disclosed that minimizes the number of moving parts that are needed in the device to provide a low torque ratcheting action along with a non-ratcheting high torque mode of operation. Proximate each of the engaging faces of the wrench head, there is an irregular pyramidal cutout. The base of the cutout is a three sided polygon and forms a trailing engagement face when the wrench head is turned in the direction for providing torque to the nut. The apex of this cutout irregular pyramid is contiguous to, and provides a perpendicular junction between, the engaging face and the face of the wrench head. Thus, when the wrench direction is reversed, the wrench head rises up away from engagement with the nut and, upon the cooperating vertices of the nut reaching the next cutout, falls back into engagement with another set of trailing engagement edges. Ratcheting action for low torque applications is thus provided. To assist in stopping the travel of the wrench head and its various engaging faces any farther than necessary down onto the nut, a number of spring loaded balls are inserted into the engagement faces. In the preferred embodiment, there are two balls on…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.