Variable speed ratchet wrench and method of use

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a variable speed ratchet wrench, and in particular to a variable speed ratchet wrench using a planetary gear arrangement.

#2. Background of the Technology

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a variable speed ratchet wrench, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the variable speed ratchet wrench, with the planetary gear housing cover removed to expose the planetary gear mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

#FIGS. 3A-3C show exploded views of the components of the planetary gear mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

#The present invention provides a variable speed ratchet wrench that is simpler in use and construction than the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a variable speed ratchet wrench having: a main handle portion with an opening for receiving a planetary gear mechanism, a planetary gear mechanism with a locking device attached to the output shaft for driving wrench fittings, and a planetary gear housing cover having an attached secondary handle that controls operation via the planetary gears. To obtain a one-to-one drive with a ratchet function, the secondary handle is locked into position against the main handle, thereby locking the planetary gears to prevent revolution about the sun gear. To obtain a geared speed enhancement with a ratchet function, the operator releases the secondary handle from the main handle, and the relative motion of the main and secondary handles allows the planetary gears to revolve about the sun gear.

#References will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

#FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of a variable speed ratchet wrench in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the wrench 1 includes a main handle 2 and a secondary handle 3. The main handle includes a larger driven end 5 for driving an output shaft 6. The secondary handle 3 is connected to a planetary gear housing cover 10 via an extension 11 to the cover 10. The secondary handle 3 is pivotally coupled to the extension 11, such as via a pin extending through opening 11a in extension 11. The secondary handle 3 includes a ball or pin 3b, which is biased to extend, at the end opposite of the secondary handle 3 from the attachment point to the extension 11. The biased ball or pin 3b in the position shown in FIG. 1, extends into a detent 2a in the main handle 2, thereby partially fixing the handle relative to the main handle 2. In an embodiment of the present invention, the secondary handle 3, in the position shown in FIG. 1, also fits within a secondary handle opening in the main handle 2 having approximately the same width as the width of the secondary handle 3, such that the secondary handle 3 is also partially fixably held in the secondary handle opening in the main handle 2 when placed in the position shown in FIG. 1. The secondary handle opening in the main handle 2 and the detent 2a, which is located within the secondary handle opening in the main handle 2, thereby together fix the secondary handle 3 relative to the main handle 3 when positioned as shown in FIG. 1.