Spherical ratchet
OwnerThomas G. Frazierinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ratchet handle of generally spherical shape, the handle having an embedded ratchet mechanism near one surface, the drive post of which is accessible through a diametrical channel extending from the opposite side of the sphere. An extension rod inserted into the channel mates with the drive post and extends beyond the opposite surface of the handle a selected distance to a socket wrench which may be used to drive a fastener of corresponding size. Supplemental male and female post recesses accept additional extension rods serving as lever handles and fixed, non-ratcheted drives.
Claims14
A ratchet tool comprising
- a handle body having an exterior surface;
- a ratchet mechanism embedded within said body flush with the surface thereof and coaxial with a first axis of said body, said ratchet mechanism having a coaxial, male post adapted to couple to a female end of an extension rod;
- an axial access channel extending through said handle body to the ratchet mechanism from the surface opposite the ratchet mechanism, said access channel adapted to provide access to the male post for a female end of an extension rod.
A method of inserting and extracting a threaded fastener, the method comprising
- providing a ratchet tool having
- a substantially spherical handle body;
- a ratchet mechanism embedded within said body flush with one surface thereof and aligned with a first diametrical axis of said body;
- a diametrical access channel through said handle body from a surface opposite the ratchet mechanism and coaxial with a first diametrical axis;
- and
- at least one receptor recessed into the surface of the body and coaxial with a second diametrical axis perpendicular to the first diametrical axis, said receptor being adapted to receive a end of a first extension rod;
- then
- inserting a female end of a first extension rod into the channel until it couples with a drive post on the ratchet mechanism;
- then
- coupling a socket wrench to the first extension rod opposite the drive post;
- then
- fitting the socket wrench onto a fastener and aligning it coaxial therewith;
- rotating the handle body about the first axis to cause the socket to rotate.
A ratchet tool comprising
- a handle body;
- a ratchet mechanism embedded within said body flush with a surface thereof and coaxial with a first axis of said body;
- an axial access channel extending through said handle body from the ratchet mechanism to a handle surface opposite the ratchet mechanism;
- a plurality of receptors disposed about the handle surface and adapted to receive an end of an extension rod;
- and
- a male post coaxial with and affixed within at least one of the receptors for mating with a female end of the extension rod.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.