Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Machine
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-13
2001-11-06
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Machine
C081S057260, C081S177800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06311583
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to wrenches, and more specifically to a ratchet wrench having a pivotable head.
Wrenches having a straight fixed head are difficult to use in tight spaces which arc often readily accessible by wrenches having a head located at an angled position relative to a body of the wrench. Many currently available wrenches which have an adjustable head typically require the head to be moved away from the body to adjust the position of the head relative to the body. This is inconvenient since it generally requires two hands to adjust the head and requires the wrench to be moved away from the fastener the wrench is being used to loosen or tighten.
To this end, co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,784,934 (Izumisawa) discloses a ratchet wrench with pivotable head in which a pin is received in respective openings of connecting ends of the head and handle of the wrench to interconnect the head and handle. The pin is selectively movable laterally within the openings between a first position in which the head is pivotable relative to the handle to a desired angular orientation and a second position in which the head is fixed at the desired angular orientation relative to the handle. Portions of the pin have splines so that in the second position of the pin, the splines interengage corresponding splines in the openings of the head and handle connecting ends to lock the head against pivoting movement relative to the handle. While this design works well, the relative sizing of the splines of the pin and the connecting ends of the head and handle necessary to allow interengagement of the splines results in a small amount of rotational free-play in the wrench.
There is a need, therefore, for a ratchet wrench with pivotable head in which the head is more positively locked in a desired angular orientation relative to the handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a ratchet wrench which can access fasteners in hard to reach locations for loosening or tightening; the provision of such a ratchet wrench which is reconfigured by pivoting a head relative to a handle without translational movement between the head and handle; the provision of such a ratchet wrench which inhibits free-play between the head and handle once the head is locked in a desired angular orientation relative to the handle; the provision of such a wrench which can transmit power through the pivot between the head and handle; the provision of such a ratchet wrench which is of relatively simple and sturdy construction; the provision of such a ratchet wrench which is reliable; and the provision of such a ratchet wrench which is relatively light weight.
Generally, a ratchet wrench of the present invention comprises a handle for gripping and holding the wrench. A head is pivotally connected to the handle for pivoting movement relative to the handle about a pivot axis. A locking mechanism comprising a pivot assembly pivotally connects the head to the handle. The locking mechanism is configured to permit selective angular positioning of the head relative to the handle on the pivot axis and is operable between an adjusting mode in which the head is angularly positionable relative to the handle and a locking mode in which the head is locked in an angular orientation relative to the handle. The locking mechanism is rotatable about an axis transverse to the handle between the adjusting mode and locking mode of the locking mechanism.
In another embodiment, a power ratchet wrench of the present invention comprises a handle for gripping and holding the wrench and a head pivotally connected to the handle for pivoting movement relative to the handle about a pivot axis. The head and handle have respective openings generally in registry with each other in coaxial relationship on the pivot axis. A locking mechanism comprising a pivot assembly pivotally connects the head to the handle. The locking mechanism is configured to permit selective angular positioning of the head relative to the handle on the pivot axis and is operable between an adjusting mode in which the head is angularly positionable relative to the handle and a locking mode in which the head is locked in an angular orientation relative to the handle. The pivot assembly comprises a pivot pin extending transversely through the openings of the handle and head and defining the pivot axis. The pivot pin is rotatable on the pivot axis between the adjusting and locking modes of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism further comprises a slot in one of the handle and head extending radially outward from the respective opening of said one of the handle and head. A plurality of slots in the other of the handle and head extend generally radially outward from the respective opening of said other of the handle and head and correspond generally to the angular positions at which the head may be oriented relative to the handle. The plurality of slots are arranged for sequential registry with the slot extending from the opening of said one of the handle and head upon pivoting movement of the head relative to the handle. A locking member is disposed in the openings of the handle and head and is movable relative to the head and handle in response to rotation of the pivot pin between the adjusting mode and locking mode such that in the locking mode of the locking mechanism the locking member seats in the slot of the opening of said one of the handle and head and in a respective one of the plurality of slots of the opening of said other of the handle and head to secure the head against pivoting movement relative to the handle. In the adjusting mode the locking member is away from the plurality of slots of the opening of the other of the handle and head to permit pivoting movement of the head on the pivot axis relative to the handle. A motor is provided for powering the ratchet wrench.
Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
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Hail III Joseph J.
S. P. Air Kabusiki Kaisha
Senniger Powers Leavitt & Roedel
Thomas David B
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