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US 2006/0230882 A1Published application
Open end ratchet wrench
OwnerVincent Decaprioinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ratchet wrench includes a generally open head member and a handle connected thereto. A pair of generally C-shaped collars are hingedly connected to the head member for selectively closing and opening it and a locking tab provided for selectively locking the collars in a position for closing the head member. A pair of semi-circular inserts are disposed within the collars and form a socket axially disposed within the head member and further form a peripheral ratchet wheel. A ratchet pawl engages the ratchet wheel for facilitating ratcheting rotation. The wrench may be adapted with an electrical drive for operating the ratchet wheel.
Claims19
A ratchet wrench comprising:
- (a) a head member having a generally C-shaped open first end and an axially opposed second end;
- (b) a handle connected to said second end of said head member;
- (c) a pair of generally C-shaped collars each engageable with a portion of said generally C-shaped open first end;
- (d) a hinge means for pivotally connecting each generally C-shaped collar to a respective end portion of said C-shaped first end of said head member, whereby said each generally C-shaped collar is pivotally movable between a first position coplanar with and partially closing said C-shaped first end and a second position perpendicular to a plane of and partially opening said C-shaped first end;
- (e) a locking means for selectively locking said pair of generally C-shaped collars in said first position;
- (f) a pair of semi-circular inserts each engageable with a respective one of said pair of generally C-shaped collars for pivotal movement therewith and for rotational movement thereabout, said each semi-circular insert having a straight edge and an arcuate edge connecting opposed ends of said straight edge, said arcuate edge having a plurality of ratchet teeth disposed thereon, and said straight edge having a cavity of a predetermined shape;
- (g) a socket means axially formed in said head member by a combination of said cavity in a first one of said pair of semi-circular inserts and said cavity in a second one of said pair of semi-circular inserts when said pair of generally C-shaped collars are disposed in said first position for closing said generally C-shaped open first end, wherein said first semi-circular insert and said second semi-circular insert form a ratchet wheel;
- (h) a ratchet pawl means disposed within said second end of said head member and partially protruding into said generally C-shaped open first end for engaging said ratchet wheel, said ratchet pawl means enabling coupled rotation of said ratchet wheel in combination with said pair of generally C-shaped collars, said head member and said handle in one direction for transferring a torque to such fastener, said torque is generated by a manual force applied to said handle, said ratchet pawl means enabling rotation of said pair of generally C-shaped collars, said head member and said handle in an opposed direction while said ratchet wheel is maintained in a temporary stationary position.
5 more elements
A ratchet wrench comprising:
- (a) a head member having a generally C-shaped open first end and axially opposed second end;
- (b) a handle rigidly connected to said second end of said head member;
- (c) a pair of generally C-shaped collars each engageable with a portion of said generally C-shaped open first end;
- (d) a hinge means for pivotally connecting each generally C-shaped collar to a respective end portion of said C-shaped first end of said head member, whereby said each generally C-shaped collar is pivotally movable between a first position coplanar with and partially closing said C-shaped first end and a second position perpendicular to a plane of and partially opening said C-shaped first end;
- (e) a locking means for selectively locking said pair of generally C-shaped collars in said first position;
- (f) a pair of semi-circular inserts each engageable with a respective one of said pair of generally C-shaped collars for pivotal movement therewith and for rotational movement thereabout, said each semi-circular insert having a straight edge and an arcuate edge connecting opposed ends of said straight edge, said arcuate edge having a flange and a plurality of teeth disposed thereon, and said straight edge having a cavity of a predetermined shape;
- (g) a socket means axially formed in said head member by a combination of said cavity in a first one of said pair of semi-circular inserts and said cavity in a second one of said pair of semi-circular inserts when said pair of generally C-shaped collars are disposed in said first position for closing said generally C-shaped open first end, wherein said first semi-circular insert and said second semi-circular insert form a toothed wheel;
- (h) a drive means disposed within said handle and partially protruding into said generally C-shaped open first end of said head member for engaging said toothed wheel, said drive means operable for rotating said toothed wheel in at least one direction;
- and
- (i) a control means coupled to said drive means and to a power source for operating said drive means.
7 more elements
A split socket for a hand tool, said socket comprising:
- (a) a first member having a first end, an axially opposed second end and a first surface extending therebetween, said first surface having a first axial cavity disposed therein;
- (b) a second member having a first end, an axially opposed second end and a first surface extending therebetween, said first surface having a second axial cavity disposed therein;
- (c) a socket means formed by said first axial cavity and said second axial cavity when said first surface of said first member abuts said first surface of said second member, wherein at least a portion of said socket means abuts a peripheral surface of one of a threaded nut and a head of a threaded fastener;
- and
- (d) means engageable with said first member and said second member for interlocking said second member to said first member, wherein said first surface of said first member abuts said first surface of said second member and wherein said first member and said second member are enabled for an axial movement and prevented from a radial movement to each other.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.