Abstract: An improved scissors jack which has a lead screw that does not extend beyond the confines of the jack when the jack is in the partially raised position so as to reduce the space required for storing the jack. A hollow member is formed with a slot in which the extension of the threaded screw is received so that the end of the screw can slide in the slot when the jack is in the unloaded position to allow the jack to be raised to a mid height condition for storage. Under use, the extending portion of the screw moves to the end of the slot in the hollow member so as to apply tension to the lead screw to thus raise and lower the jack as the lead screw is rotated.A modified form of the invention utilizes an extended hollow trunion which prevents the end of the lead screw from extending beyond the confines of the trunion and a further modification provides for pivotally connecting two portions of the lead screw so that the jack can be moved to a stored condition.

Abstract: Hollow trunnions for a scissors type jack which allows a lighter jack to be produced. The hollow trunnion may be formed into a hollow tube and welded and formed with openings for the lead screw. The hollow trunnion may also be formed from solid tubing. A flatted portion may be formed on the trunnion to provide a bearing surface. A modification provides a U-shaped bracket which attaches to the hollow trunnion and which carries a nut through which the screw extends.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a ratchet wrench which has a pawl and spring arrangement such that the pawl's rotational movement is limited when out of engagement with the ratchet wheel so as to assure that the spring does not become disengaged from the pawl to render the wrench inoperative. The spring is provided with a pivotal action which eliminates loading on the end of the spring and provides more desirable spring action.

Abstract: A method of forming a tapered channel for a jack which uses less material comprising forming curved openings in the center portion of the channel and then stretching the middle portion of the channel so that it is tapered to produce a tapered channel.

Abstract: An improved open end construction for jacks which provides for tabs which extend at right angles to the side surfaces of the channel members so as to allow pivot pins to be received in the open ends after which the tabs are bent so that they lie in the plane of the side surfaces of the channel members so as to lock the pivot pin in the ends of the channel assembly. Also, partial flanges can be formed about the openings in the ends of the channel members so as to provide bearing surfaces for the pivot pins.

Abstract: A jack handle which limits the torque that can be applied to a jack so as to prevent overload and injury. The jack handle has a reduced cross-sectional portion between the handle and the jack engaging portion so that the handle will break off at the reduced cross-sectional portion, thus, preventing overloading of the jack. A portion of the handle which does not break off is provided with a jack engaging portion so that the broken portion of the jack can be removed and the second jack engaging portion can be inserted into the jack to lower it.

Abstract: Scissors jacks which are provided with channels which bend during overload conditions so as to indicate to the user that the jack has been overloaded. One embodiment an accordion structure is used and in the other two embodiments metal straps are used.