Tools – Wrench – screwdriver – or driver therefor – Handle clutched to head
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-21
2001-07-17
Morgan, Eileen P. (Department: 3723)
Tools
Wrench, screwdriver, or driver therefor
Handle clutched to head
C081S060000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06260448
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a ratchet wrench and more particularly to a ratchet wrench in which the pawl and reversing lever are top loaded and the reversing lever is keyed to the pawl.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
There are numerous ratchet wrenches which have a pawl which is inserted in the top surface of the head of the wrench and which have dirt seals.
Slusar et al in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,220 disclose a sealed ratchet wrench to reduce dirt contamination.
Arnold et al in U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,047 disclose a reversible ratchet wrench having a head portion with a drive member with teeth and a partially cylindrical pawl member having teeth which engage the teeth on the drive member. The stem of a lever is received in a cooperating bore in the pawl. A multi-sided shelf is formed on the stem, the shelf being received in the top of the pawl. A number of embodiments are disclosed and consideration is given throughout the reduction of the entry of dirt and other contaminants into the cavities.
However, further improvement is needed to facilitate more automated assembly of the tools and to improve the strength of the head of the wrench.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a ratchet wrench which is designed to facilitate automated assembly.
It is another object of the invention to provide a ratchet wrench which has increased strength.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a ratchet wrench with reduced possibility for contamination by dirt.
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a ratchet wrench having a handle and a head connected thereto, the head having a top surface, a bottom surface and an opening therebetween. An improvement to the ratchet wrench is the opening formed from the top surface of the head. The opening has two overlapping portions, a first portion being distal from the handle and being a through opening, the second portion being a blind bore proximal to the handle. A gear has a tang formed on a bottom surface thereof. The gear is disposed in the first portion of the opening with the tang extending outwardly from the bottom surface of the head. A pawl has a keying means formed on a top surface. The pawl is disposed in the second portion of the opening in the head with the keying means being oriented toward the top surface of the head. A retaining plate is disposed over the gear and the pawl and is received in the opening in the head. The retaining plate has a larger segment and a smaller segment. The larger segment of the plate is received in the first portion of the opening in the head. The smaller segment of the plate is received in the second portion of the opening in the head and has an aperture formed therein. The aperture is aligned with the keying means in the top surface of the pawl. A reversing lever has an engaging means formed on a bottom surface. The reversing lever is disposed in the second portion of the opening in the head wherein the engaging means extends through the aperture in the retaining plate and is engaged with the keying means in the top surface of the pawl. The reversing lever is retained therein. Means are provided to hold the retaining plate on the head of the wrench.
In further accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a ratchet wrench comprising a handle and a head connected thereto. The head has a top surface, a bottom surface and an opening therebetween. The opening is formed from the top surface of the head. The opening has two overlapping portions, the first portion being distal from the handle and the second portion being proximal to the handle. A pawl has a keying means formed on a top surface. The pawl is disposed in the second portion of the opening in the head with the keying means being oriented toward the top surface of the head. A reversing lever has a depending tang. The tang is received in the keying means in the pawl. Means are provided to retain the pawl in the head of the wrench.
In still further accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a ratchet wrench having a handle with a head connected thereto. An opening is formed in the head. A pawl is disposed in a portion of the opening, the pawl having a keying means formed on an upper surface thereof. A reversing lever has a stem formed on a bottom surface. The stem has an engaging means formed thereon. A retaining plate has an aperture formed therein, the aperture being aligned with the keying means in the top of the pawl. The reversing lever is disposed in the portion of the opening in the head such that the stem extends through the aperture in the retaining plate and is received in the keying means in the pawl. In this manner the reversing lever is retained by the retaining plate and further, pivotal movement of the reversing lever produces concomitant pivotal movement of the pawl to provide forward and reverse ratcheting of the wrench.
Additionally, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is disclosed a ratchet wrench having a handle and a head connected thereto, the head having a top surface, a bottom surface and an opening therebetween. The opening is formed from the top surface of the head. The opening has two overlapping portions, a first portion being distal from the handle and being a through opening, the second portion being a blind bore proximal to the handle. A gear has a top surface and a bottom surface, a tang formed on the bottom surface thereon. The gear is disposed in the first portion of the opening with the tang extending from the bottom surface of the head. The tang has a transverse opening therein. A first detent ball is disposed in the transverse opening wherein a socket is removably retained on the tang. A pawl is disposed in the second portion of the opening in the head and engages the gear. A retaining plate is disposed over the gear and the pawl is received in the opening in the head. A blind bore is formed axially in the gear and extends into the tang. A spring is disposed in the blind bore supporting a second detent ball, the second detent ball contacting the first detent ball. A shaft having a first end and a second end is disposed in the blind bore in the gear. The first end contacts the second detent ball. The second end is connected to a button, the button extending outwardly from the top surface of the gear. The button has a flange formed on a bottom surface thereof adjacent to the second end of the shaft. The flange is disposed and retained in the blind bore in the gear. Pressure on the button compresses the spring and moves the second detent ball lower in the blind bore such that the first detent ball moves toward the blind bore and releases the socket from the tang.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the following specification taken in conjunction with the enclosed drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4869138 (1989-09-01), Farris
patent: 4903554 (1990-02-01), Colvin
patent: 4934220 (1990-06-01), Slusar et al.
patent: 5178047 (1993-01-01), Arnold et al.
patent: 5199330 (1993-04-01), Arnold et al.
patent: 5916339 (1999-06-01), Dumont
patent: 5921158 (1999-07-01), Slusar et al.
patent: 6145412 (2000-11-01), Cheng et al.
Bloom Leonard
Danganan Joni B.
Hand Tool Design Corporation
Morgan Eileen P.
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