Reversible ratchet type wrench

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a reversible ratchet type wrench of the type having a bulged portion in a box end thereof, wherein a slot is defined in the bulge portion for installation of a switch member for switching ratcheting directions of the wrench.

#2. Description of the Related Art

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a reversible ratchet type wrench in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the reversible ratchet type wrench in FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partly cutaway, of the wrench in FIG. 2, illustrating formation of a slot in a bulge portion of a box end of the wrench by a cutter.

#Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, a first embodiment of a reversible ratchet type wrench in accordance with the present invention is designated by “10” and generally comprises a handle 12 having a box end 11 extending from an end of the handle 12. A bulge portion 13 is formed in a conjunctive area between the handle 12 and the box end 10. An annular groove 141 is defined in an end of a peripheral wall defining a hole 14 in the box end 11, and an annular ledge 142 is formed on the other end of the peripheral wall defining the hole 14 of the box end 11.

#A drive member (e.g., a gear wheel) 20 is rotatably mounted in the hole 14 of the box end 11 and includes an inner periphery 24 for driving a fastener. The gear wheel 20 further includes an outer periphery having a first end with an annular groove 21, a second end with a recessed portion 22, and an intermediate portion with a plurality of teeth 23. The gear wheel 20 is received in the hole 14 of the box end 11 with a C-clip 25 partially engaged in the annular groove 141 of the box end 11 and partially engaged in the annular groove 21 of the gear wheel 20 and with the recessed portion 22 of the second end of the gear wheel 20 abutting on the annular ledge 142 of the box end 11. Thus, the annular ledge 142 of the box end 11 prevents disengagement of the gear wheel 20. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the drive member (now designated by 20′) includes a drive column 26 instead of the inner periphery in the first embodiment. Thus, the wrench can be used with a socket (not shown).

#A compartment 15 is defined in a peripheral wall defining the hole 14 of the box end 11 and communicated with the hole 14. A receiving hole 16 extends from a side of the box end 11 toward the other side of the box end 11 but spaced from the other side of the box end 11. The receiving hole 16 intersects with the compartment 15. Preferably, the receiving hole 16 extends in a direction perpendicular to a general plane of the compartment 15. A slot 17 is defined in the bulge portion 13 and communicated with the receiving hole 16.