Ratchet wrench
US6205890A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B13/461
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A ratchet wrench including a handle, a drive stud, and a ratchet mechanism further includes a tool release mechanism. The tool release mechanism includes a tool release actuator which forms a recess. A reversing lever is coupled to the ratchet mechanism and is movable to forward, non-ratcheting and reverse positions to select a forward ratchet direction, a non-ratcheting action, and a reverse ratchet direction, respectively, for the ratchet mechanism. The direction control element carries a protruding element that is shaped to fit into a recess in the tool release actuator when the direction control element is in the forward position, to remain outside the recess when the direction control element is in the non-ratcheting position, and to fit into the recess when the direction control element is in the reverse position. The protruding element impedes inadvertent operation of the tool release mechanism when the direction control mechanism is in either the forward or the reverse positions. The direction control element can be mounted internally or externally of the wrench, and the ratchet wheel of the ratchet mechanism can be centered by a protruding element formed on an inner surfac…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.