Indexable wrenches
US5775184A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B13/461
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ratchet wrench including the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a ratchet head having a conventional ratchet system for rotating a shank about an axis, a connecting pin, and a handle. The generally cylindrical connecting pin is aligned along an axis parallel to the shank axis and is attached to the ratchet head. The connecting pin extends through an orifice in the handle, thereby connecting the handle to the ratchet head. The handle is slidable between a locked position and a unlocked position on the connecting pin. When the handle is in the locked position, splines on the forward end of the handle engage complimentary splines on the ratchet head, thereby allowing the ratchet wrench can be used to rotate a nut or bolt in a conventional manner. When the handle is in the unlocked position, the ratchet wrench can be used to rapidly rotate a nut or bolt by moving the handle in a reciprocating manner. When a nut or bolt to be rotated is near an obstruction, the handle can be unlocked, rotated about the connecting pin axis, then locked, thereby adjusting the angle between the longitudinal axis of the handle and the longitudinal axis of the ratchet head. In many instances, …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.