Locking Clutch Ratchet Wrenches
OwnerNigel Buchananinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A locking clutch ratchet wrench (1) is configured such that a clutch ring (500) forms the mid part of aminate like structure. Under torque applying conditions, the compression forces applied to the clutch ring (500) are substantially dissipated around the circumference (507) of the clutch ring. This inwardly directed force clamp against the inherently strong outer surface 405 of the drive element (400). The resultant pseudo laminate structure of the drive element (400), clutch (500) and housing (201, 202) enables the construction of a proportionately stronger ratchet wrench of reduced height or width.
Claims20
A locking clutch ratchet wrench comprising:
- a handle having opposing ends, a first said end received by a housing, said housing having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a housing aperture, said inner surface having a plurality of housing ramps;
- a clutch ring disposed in said housing aperture, said clutch ring having first and second ends each having an actuator face, a clutch ring further having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an aperture, said outer surface having a plurality of transmission ramps and at least a portion of said inner surface having a plurality of gripping notches;
- said handle having an actuator that is disposed in said housing between said actuator faces of said clutch ring, and at least one biasing protrusion;
- and
- a drive element disposed in said clutch ring, said drive element having an outer surface and a spigot.
A locking clutch ratchet wrench:
- a handle having opposing ends, a first said end received by a housing, said housing having a switch recess, an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a housing aperture, said inner surface having a plurality of housing ramps;
- a clutch ring disposed in said housing aperture, said clutch ring having a first and second ends each having an actuator face, said clutch ring having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an aperture, said outer surface of said clutch ring having a plurality of transmission ramps, and at least a portion of said inner surface of said clutch ring being smooth;
- a switch situated within said switch recess, said switch having an actuator situated between said actuation faces of said clutch ring, and at least one biasing protrusion;
- and
- a drive element disposed in said clutch ring, said drive element having an outer surface and a spigot, at least a portion of said outer surface having gripping notches.
A locking clutch ratchet wrench comprising:
- a housing, having leaf spring recess containing a leaf spring, an outer surface and an inner surface that defines an aperture;
- a clutch ring disposed in said housing aperture, said clutch ring having a tail portion having an actuator face, an outer surface and an inner surface defining an aperture, said outer surface of said clutch ring having a plurality of transmission ramps and at least a portion of said inner surface of said clutch ring having a plurality of gripping notches, and at least a portion of said inner surface of said clutch ring being smooth;
- a switch situated within said switch recess, said switch having an actuator situated between said actuation faces of said clutch ring, and at least one biasing protrusion;
- and
- a drive element disposed in said clutch ring, said drive element having an outer surface and an aperture
- wherein said clutch actuator face is biased by said leaf spring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.