Open end ratchet wrench
US6223630A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 1, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B13/08
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wrench has a pair of jaws that are disposed on a handle and are spaced to define an opening for a workpiece. A pair of plates, each of which includes a workpiece engaging surface are mounted on the jaws for selective movement between first and second positions. In the first position, the plates are immobile with respect to each other so that rotation of the handle in a first direction causes the plates to grasp the workpiece between the engaging surfaces and turn the workpiece in the first direction. In the second position, a first one of the plates is pivotable with respect to a second one of the plates so that rotation of the handle in a second, opposite direction causes pivoting of the first plate and allows the engaging surfaces to slide over the workpiece, thereby allowing the workpiece to remain stationary. Thus, the wrench tightens (or loosens) the workpiece when rotated in the first direction, and slips over the workpiece in a "ratcheting" manner when rotated in the second, opposite direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.