Axially Movable Clutching Parts Patents (Class 81/58.3)
  • Patent number: 12208494
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench assembly is provided that includes a head, a ratchet gear, a yoke, one or more drive pins, a body, and a ratchet pawl. The body may include one or more drive edges and a fastener drive member. A first drive edge may be engaged with a first drive pin such that reciprocation of the yoke causes rotation of the body and the fastener drive member about the axis of rotation via engagement of the first drive pin between the inner surface of the yoke ring and the first drive edge. The ratchet pawl may include a first ratchet tooth configured ratchet against gear teeth of the ratchet gear to permit movement of the body relative to the head in a first rotational direction and engage the gear teeth to prevent movement of the body relative to the head in second, opposite rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: APEX BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Minglin Shi, Wanli Wu, Cheng Yang
  • Patent number: 12084324
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an angle-adjustable crowbar that comprises a crowbar body and a crowbar head. The crowbar head includes a first hinge base and a second hinge base in a spaced manner, and a head of the crowbar body is rotatably mounted between the first hinge base and the second hinge base through an angle adjustment mechanism. The angle adjustment mechanism comprises a limit shaft penetrating through the first hinge base, the crowbar body and the second hinge base, a first tooth portion, a polygonal limit portion and a second tooth portion are sequentially disposed on an outer wall of the limit shaft in an axial direction. The angle-adjustable crowbar overcomes the defects that the limit strength of existing crowbars is weak, the tooth portion is unlikely to be damaged, and the crowbar head cannot be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2024
    Inventors: Huaming Huang, Huang Xiaojie
  • Patent number: 11944502
    Abstract: A torque limiting ratcheting handle for a medical instrument is provided that includes a ratchet shifter, a tool connector, a torque coupler, and a rear power housing. The handle provides clockwise and counterclockwise ratcheting and limits the amount of torque in one direction while allowing for maximal torque in the opposite direction. In one aspect, the ratcheting handle may include a drive shaft removeably connected to a power tool or, alternatively, to a handle grip for manual manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: MEDARTIS AG
    Inventors: Gregory Denham, Joseph Whitley, Ryan Schlotterback
  • Patent number: 11148027
    Abstract: A collapsible sports goal having frame elements and connector joint assemblies that interconnect the frame elements. Each of the connector joint assemblies receives and interconnects two separate frame elements. The connector joint assemblies have a first leg and a second leg that are joined by a hinge that enables movement between a parallel configuration and a perpendicular configuration. Each first leg has a spring-loaded locking finger extending therefrom and each second leg has a finger engagement hole therein. The locking finger on the first leg engages the finger engagement hole on the second leg when the first leg and the second leg are in their perpendicular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: AO JIE Plastic Toys Factory Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi Hang Kam
  • Patent number: 10500066
    Abstract: A device is for removing an acetabular cup. The device may include a central body having a first end integrally connected to the central body, bearing a handle, and a transverse handle, and a second end integrally connected to the central body. The device may include a first toothed element, and a second toothed element coupled so that the second toothed element is configured to rotate by the first toothed element when the first toothed element rotates in a previously defined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: MEDACTA INTERNATIONAL SA
    Inventors: Mirko Giardiello, Massimiliano Bernardoni, Francesco Siccardi, Alberto Siccardi
  • Patent number: 10286526
    Abstract: A clench wrench includes a structure defining a handle and an engaging head. The engaging head has a front side and a back side and includes an engaging space extending through the front and back sides. The engaging space defines an opening on both the front and back sides. A clenching device is mounted on the engaging head and includes a clenching member. The clenching member includes a clenching portion and is operable in a first mode in which the clenching portion is located at a first position capable of clenching the object engaged with the engaging head, and in a second mode in which the clenching portion is disposed away from the engaging space and is located at a second position capable of letting the object engaged with the engaging head to disengage therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Hong Ann Tool Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei Su
  • Patent number: 10279458
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet wrench without a switch knob has a handle portion and a head portion. The head portion has an accommodation trough, a detent trough, and a blind hole. A ratchet wheel is disposed in the accommodation trough and displaceable in the accommodation trough toward the handle portion to form a first position and a second position. A detent is disposed in the detent trough. Left and right sides of one surface of the detent are formed with push portions, respectively. An elastic member is disposed in the blind hole and pressed against one of the push portions. For a reverse switch, the ratchet wheel is displaced to the second position and then the ratchet wheel is turned, so that the elastic member is pressed against the other push portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: HUA WEI TOOLS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhong-Song Li
  • Patent number: 10273997
    Abstract: An axially-switchable quick release device, including: a rod extending in an axial direction; a clutch shaft disposed at an end of the rod and having a meshing teeth portion and an idling ring portion; and a quick release lever having a fitting portion and a turning portion connected to the fitting portion The fitting portion has a fitting teeth portion sleeved onto the clutch shaft and movable along the axial direction and between a meshing position and an idling position. When the quick release lever is at the meshing position, the fitting teeth portion engages with the meshing teeth portion so that the quick release lever and the clutch shaft can rotate synchronously. When the quick release lever is at the idling position, the fitting teeth portion moves to the idling ring portion so that the quick release lever can rotate freely relative to the clutch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: J.D COMPONENTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Wei Huang, Chen-Kuie Liu
  • Patent number: 10245094
    Abstract: A torque-limiting device may include a shaft extending axially through upper and lower shanks and a spring to connect to a nut. The upper and lower shanks may be under a force from the spring and further configured to selectively engage within a predetermined torque limit and disengage at above the predetermined torque limit. Accordingly, the shaft may receive torque up to the predetermined limit as provided by a user operating a handle of the torque-limiting device. The torque-limiting device may be disposable, reusable, economical, and have high torque capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: ECA Medical Instruments
    Inventors: John Nino, David Ivinson
  • Patent number: 10214263
    Abstract: An angle adjustable quick release contains: a connection post, a fixing holder, a rotatable controller, a press knob, a screw bolt, a return spring, and a screw nut. The connection post includes a hollow extension, a first locking ring, a second locking ring, a circular toothed loop, and a second C-shaped notch. The fixing holder includes a through orifice, a peripheral rib, and a third C-shaped notch. The rotatable controller includes a hollow cylinder, a second accommodation groove, a locking shoulder, a first toothed protrusion, and an operation trench. The press knob includes a driving section, a stop projection, a second toothed protrusion, and an arcuate hole. The screw bolt is housed in the first accommodation groove and is locked in the screwing aperture through the return spring and a C ring, and the C ring is locked in the first C-shaped notch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Chang Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 9616963
    Abstract: A quick release device for at least partially muscle-powered two-wheeled vehicles such as bicycles, having an axle unit and a clamping mechanism. The axle unit includes an axle extending axially, a locking means at a first end of the axle unit and a fastener at a second end of the axle unit. The clamping mechanism is suitable for mounting and demounting the axle unit to a two-wheeled vehicle. The clamping mechanism includes an operating lever and a clamping component connected therewith. The clamping component can be non-rotatably coupled with the axle unit and can be decoupled from the axle unit. The operating lever of the clamping mechanism can be moved from an engagement position in which it is non-rotatably connected with the clamping component to a rotary position in which it is freely rotatable relative to the clamping component, while the clamping component is non-rotatably coupled with the axle unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DT SWISS INC.
    Inventors: Martin Walthert, Stefan Spahr, Matthias Meier
  • Patent number: 9504495
    Abstract: An implantable orthopedic assembly comprises a bone fixator and head assembly for securing a stabilizing rod to the spine. The head assembly allows multi-axial repositioning of the bone fixator relative to the head assembly. A primary drive interface located on the bone fixator may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration when the bone fixator and head assembly are substantially coaxial. A secondary drive interface located on the head assembly may be used to adjust the depth of bone penetration while independently adjusting the stabilizing rod position when the bone fixator and the head assembly are not coaxial, transferring torsional loads to the bone fixator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BLACKSTONE MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Termyna, John Lovell
  • Patent number: 9138876
    Abstract: A torque multiplier apparatus includes an input pinion, a geared torque multiplier mechanism, and an input retainer. The input pinion and the input retainer include first and second identical connectors so that a detent stud can be positioned in either one of the first and second connectors, allowing the torque multiplier to be used for increased torque (and reduced speed) or for increased speed (and lesser torque). A related method includes engaging the driving tool with the first connector and the socket with the second connector to provide an increased torque on a socket to break loose a fastener, and flipping the torque multiplier so that the driving tool engages the second connector and the socket engages the first connector to provide an increased speed of torsional rotation to more quickly remove the fastener from the shaft. The detent stud is torsionally shearable, thus preventing over-stressing and damaging the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Robert F. Cullison
  • Publication number: 20150082948
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool includes first and second driving structures each having a receiving hole. The second driving structure includes an inner flange and multiple teeth. Each tooth has a bottom connected to the inner flange and includes an upper edge, a first side, a second side and beveled ridge. The beveled ridge extends from a juncture between the first side and the upper edge to the inner flange, gradually and inwardly protrudes from an inner surface of the tooth, and includes an engaging bevel and a guiding bevel. The ratcheting tool continuously rotates a fastener without detaching from the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Cheng-Wei SU
  • Patent number: 8616096
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hand-held tool that may be held in the palm of a hand, the hand-held tool being of adequate length and size to allow users to comfortably transfer the tool from a palm grip to a pen grip to maintain the use of the fingers and the thumb when the hand tool is stored in the palm. The hand tool is also equipped with a retractable or nonretractable torque drive shaft designed to allow the fingers and thumb of a user to be rotated freely when the tool is in palm grip and capable of transmitting torque through the housing when an axial pressure force is placed along the drive shaft to engage the tool head with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Loggerhead Tools LLC
    Inventor: Daniel P. Brown
  • Patent number: 8397605
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a wrench body, a driving ratchet, a change-gear set, a retaining lid and a positioning rod. The driving ratchet is configured to removably engage with a tool part. In virtue of the cooperation between the change-gear set and the positioning rod, when the wrench body is turned toward a predetermined direction of the tool part, the driving ratchet can rotate in an increased speed, thereby improving the efficiency of operating the tool part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: John Metal Tools Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chuan Kao
  • Patent number: 8336427
    Abstract: A one-way driver includes a handle, a shaft and an engagement unit. The shaft is rotationally inserted through the handle. The engagement unit is used to engage the shaft with the handle when the handle is pivoted in a direction and allow disengagement of the shaft from the handle when the handle is pivoted in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Hui-Ling Chang
  • Patent number: 8122788
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member and a biasing member. The biasing member urges the locking member into engagement with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. A selector switch is secured to the device over the gear mechanism and is operable to move the locking member into and out of engagement with the planetary gears against the bias of the biasing member to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Mara C. Schwartz, Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 8096214
    Abstract: A ratcheting assembly for a tool comprising a housing, a gear supported by a hollow shaft located in the housing and a pawl to engage the gear. A ring in contact with the housing allows adjustment of the ratcheting assembly. The assembly can the releasably lock the tool within the ratcheting assembly by way of a locking mechanism located within the shaft. The assembly further has a compressible collar that will be used to release the tool from the ratcheting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bradshaw Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 8029523
    Abstract: A device includes a tubular element, and a cutter spring-biased relative to the tubular element. In an unloaded configuration the cutter is displaced relative to the tubular element by a displacement distance, and when the cutter is in a loaded configuration the displacement distance is reduced. A first structure is longitudinally fixed relative to the cutter and rotationally engaged relative to the tubular element. A length of the first structure extends proximally in the unloaded configuration. A second structure is longitudinally displaceable relative to the first structure. In the loaded configuration, a driver engages and rotates both the first and second structures, and thus the tubular element and cutter together. Once the cutter breaks through the bone, the cutter spring-biased into the unloaded configuration, resulting in disengagement of the first structure from the driver to prevent rotation of either the tubular element or the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Implant Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Antonio Jose Gordils Wallis, Ronald G. Litke, Jr., Ronald T. Callahan, II, Edward Riemer, Ernesto Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7987746
    Abstract: A tool includes a shank. A driving device is mounted on the first end of the shank and has a first ratcheting mechanism including a compartment and a plurality of first teeth in the compartment and a second ratcheting mechanism rotatably received in the compartment and including a plurality of second teeth engaged with the plurality of first teeth. The first ratcheting mechanism is rotatable relative to the second ratcheting mechanism in a single direction. The second ratcheting mechanism also includes a channel extending therein. A driving head is moveably received in the channel between two releasably fixed positions. In one position, the driving head is adapted to turn an element in a first direction. In another position, the driving head is adapted to turn the element in the second position opposite to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Yocoso Corp.
    Inventor: Jung-Chi Chiang
  • Patent number: 7987745
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fastener driving device including a variable ratio gear mechanism that enables the ratio of the rotation of the handle to the rotation of a driving bit extending from the handle to be varied to allow the bit to rotate at different speeds from the handle. The device includes a gear mechanism disposed within a housing for the device that includes a locking member and a biasing member. The biasing member urges the locking member into engagement with the gear mechanism to lock the gear mechanism in a configuration for a 1:1 gear ratio. A selector switch is secured to the device over the gear mechanism and is operable to move the locking member into and out of engagement with the planetary gears against the bias of the biasing member to provide an increased gear ratio for the gear mechanism when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Gauthier Biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Mara C. Schwartz, Steven S. Landowski
  • Patent number: 7762161
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle having a hole co-axially defined in the handle. A ratchet mechanism is co-axially received in the hole in the handle and comprises a ratchet wheel for driving the ratchet screwdriver with bi-directional operating and a selector for selectively determining the operational direction of the ratchet wheel. A driving shaft is relatively and co-axially mounted in the ratchet mechanism and ratchetly and bi-directionally driven by the ratchet wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jin-Tsai Lai
  • Patent number: 7682099
    Abstract: A indexable, lockable mechanism for a hand tool, and hand tools with such mechanism, the mechanism comprising a first member having a first splined orifice, a second member having an upper prong with a second splined orifice and a lower prong with a third splined orifice, and a splined pin assembly for insertion through said first, second and third orifices. The first member is positioned in a gap between the upper prong and the lower prong of the second member with the first splined orifice coaxially aligned with the second and third splined orifices of the second member. The splined pin assembly of either the first embodiment or the second embodiment is disposed in the three splined orifices and is axially movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The splined pin assembly is allows a user to move the splined pin axially in the first and second orifices between the locked position and the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventor: Charles A. Cole
  • Patent number: 7581471
    Abstract: A torque adaptor includes a body, a driving portion that rotates with respect to the body when a threshold torque is exceeded, a receiving portion engageable with a workpiece, and a gear plate that drives the receiving portion. The gear plate is driven by the driving portion, the driving engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate being released when a torque required to drive the gear plate exceeds the threshold torque. An adjusting member adjusts the force of engagement between the driving portion and the gear plate so as to adjust the threshold torque. The receiving portion is moveable along a longitudinal direction of the body between a first position in which the receiving portion engages the body such that a rotation of the driving portion rotates the receiving portion and the rotatable workpiece and a second position in which the receiving portion is disengaged from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Light Chiu, Kevin Tsai
  • Patent number: 7520199
    Abstract: An indexable tool includes a handle having a first prong formed with a first splined orifice and a second prong formed with a second splined orifice. An indexable body has a third splined orifice aligned with the first and second splined orifices. A splined coupling arrangement rotatably joins and selectively locks and unlocks the handle and the indexable body together. The coupling arrangement includes a push button, first and second adjacently disposed inserts, a retainer, a cap and a spring. In a locked position, the spring is biased to hold external splines of the first and second serrated inserts in common engagement with the first, second and third splined orifices to prevent relative rotation between the indexable body and the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: AJ Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Rafal P. Stawarski
  • Patent number: 7475619
    Abstract: A socket includes a body having a driving portion, a receiving portion engageable with a rotatable workpiece, a first gear portion capable of being operatively driven by rotation of the driving portion in a fastening direction and an opposite releasing direction, a second gear portion functionally cooperable to drive the receiving portion for rotating the workpiece, the second gear portion being constructed and arranged to engage with and be driven by the first gear portion. The driving engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion is released when a torque required to drive the second gear portion exceeds the threshold amount of torque. A biasing member applies a force of engagement between the first gear portion and the second gear portion, and an adjusting member functionally cooperable with the biasing member adjusts a magnitude of the force of engagement to adjust the threshold amount of torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Stanley Works
    Inventors: Light Chiu, Kevin Tsai
  • Patent number: 7454997
    Abstract: An axial pawl ratcheting mechanism is provided that may be used for a wrench and comprises a first disc including axial gear teeth on a first side providing for ratcheting in a first direction. A second disc is provided having axial gear teeth and peripheral gear teeth. The second disc is mounted to the first side of the first disc so that the first disc axial gear teeth engage the second disc axial gear teeth and provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly. A ratchet head is provided having an internally toothed opening for receiving the axial pawl ratchet assembly therein so that the peripheral gear teeth of the second disc engage the internal diameter teeth of the ratchet head in order to transfer torque between the ratchet head and the axial pawl ratchet assembly. An actuator is provided for adjusting the positioning of the axial pawl ratchet assembly between a first engagement position and a second engagement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Gordon A. Putney, Daniel S. Pusateri
  • Patent number: 7299718
    Abstract: A multi-folding screwdriver comprises a handle having a retainer formed therein; the retainer having a receiving space; a bottom end of the receiving space being installed with a first engaging portion; at least one via hole being formed in the retainer; a positioning element passing through the via hole; a driving bar being a multi-staged and bendable rod; a bottom end of the driving bar having a second engaging portion corresponding to the first engaging portion; an annular recessed limiting portion being formed at the driving bar. The driving bar is received in the receiving space so that the first engaging portion of the retainer is engaged to the second engaging portion. Thereby the retainer and the driving bar can rotate; and the positioning element passes through the via hole to resist against the limiting portion so as to forth as a limiting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7278338
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head having an engaging portion for mounting an object and a through hole which includes an engaging inner periphery and a smooth inner periphery, and is closed by a bottom plate with a central hole. A movable member is movably received in the second through hole and includes a driving section and a connection section. An operation portion includes a handle and a mounting portion which has a connection recess so as to be engaged with the connection section of the movable member. The driving section of the movable member is removably engaged with the engaging inner periphery. By moving the movable member relative to the mounting portion, the handle can be selectively rotated freely or co-rotated with the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Patent number: 7213491
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool having an axial pawl ratcheting mechanism is provided that may be used for a screwdriver or wrench and comprises a first gear including axial gear teeth on a first side providing for ratcheting in a first direction. A second bidirectional gear has axial teeth on both sides. The second gear is mounted to the first side of the first gear so that the first gear axial gear teeth engage the second gear axial gear teeth and provide an axial pawl ratchet assembly. A ratchet head is provided having an opening for receiving the axial pawl ratchet assembly therein in order to transfer torque between the ratchet head and the axial pawl ratchet assembly. An actuator is provided for adjusting the positioning of the axial pawl ratchet assembly between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher D. Thompson, Michael L. Foster
  • Patent number: 7207243
    Abstract: A screwdriver includes a clutch mechanism, a handle mounted on a first end of the clutch mechanism, and a replaceable screwdriver tip mounted on a second end of the clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism includes a mounting seat, an annular sleeve, a positioning member, first and second limit units, a press member, a rotation disk, and a threaded sleeve. Thus, the handle can be rotated to drive the screwdriver tip to rotate in two opposite directions and to rotate in one direction only, thereby facilitating a user operating the screwdriver tip. In addition, the user only needs to rotate the rotation disk to change the operation direction of the screwdriver, thereby facilitating the user operating the screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Meeng Gang Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu Hao Lee
  • Patent number: 7188550
    Abstract: A new mechanism of an open-end adjustable spanner which includes a right latch, a left latch, a return spring, and a control member containing hairpin springs and a serrated bit installed in an accommodation trough of a handle to create a torque transmission structure to turn a ratchet by gearing to permit easy alignment of the ratchet with the bolt or nut and avoid slipping therefrom before and after tightening or loosening the bolt or nut; and allow effort-saving and convenient torque application in clamping head of a bolt or nut by selecting a proper specification of the configuration of the open end of the ratchet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chen-Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7181997
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver and method of making same wherein there is a handle and there is a ratchet gear and pawls inside the handle. An adjuster is inside the handle and is movable by a tool extending into the handle for positioning the adjuster relative to the gear and thereby eliminating play between the gear and the handle. Ball bearings are interposed between the handle and the gear and the bearings rotatably support the gear and transmit the anti-play forces that act on the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Pilling Weck, Incorporated
    Inventors: James A. Rinner, Hua Gao
  • Patent number: 7156003
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an indexing mechanism which provides a releasing function to permit the rotation of tool and handle members relative to each other. The indexing mechanism is positioned through two extensions positioned on either the tool or the handle and a third member positioned between the two extensions. Each of the two extensions and the central member includes a splined orifice. A splined pin is positioned in the splined orifices and is moveable to permit release or engagement of the handle and the tool so that the handle and the tool can be released for rotation relative to each other and re-engaged to form a rigid connection between the tool and the handle. The indexing mechanism of the present invention minimizes sticking of the splined pin during release and re-engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: Charles A. Cole
  • Patent number: 7055411
    Abstract: An improvement in ratchet coupling means of a driving tool includes a driving member inserted into a handle and covered by a control ring, a ratchet ring and a circular cap, a pair of springs biase the checking blocks in the driving member each having teeth on the sloped surface engaged in the teeth of the ratchet ring and selectively operated by four diagonally arranged stir bars in the control ring which further has three separate positioning grooves respectively engageable within a spring biased steel ball from the driving member for permitting the ratchet driving tool to conduct three fastening modes by its hexagonal socket wrench. A phillips tipped hexagonal shank may be secured to the driving tool by necessary components to change the socket wrench into a screwdriver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Huang
  • Patent number: 7044027
    Abstract: A wrench compatible for use in limited access areas is made up of two components. A socket with fluted interior walls cooperates with a handle assembly consisting of a head with complementary fluting on its exterior surface attached to one end of a shaft. The head is inserted into the top of the socket and the shaft is rotated as far as the available space permits. The handle assembly is then lifted upward until the head is separated from the socket, the shaft is thereafter returned to the starting point, the head returned to the socket and rotated again. These steps are repeated until the nut or bolt is tightened or removed. The interior fluting permits the rotation of the socket by small or large increments. Additional embodiments include a spring loaded pin that connects the head of the handle assembly to the socket while assisting the head to be raised a sufficient distance for the head of the handle assembly to be rotated and reseated in the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Milton Richter
  • Patent number: 7036398
    Abstract: A ratchet opener comprises a rod body; a ratchet device having a seat; a top surface of the seat having two axial grooves; each groove being installed with a spring and a ratchet block; an adjusting sheet placed above the seat; and a ratchet sheet being installed above the adjusting sheet. Each ratchet block has a teethed inclined surface; the teeth surfaces of the two ratchet blocks are symmetrical to a center of the seal. A center of the adjusting sheet is installed with a second via hole; and the ratchet block is installed with a non-round buckling hole corresponding to the cylinder at the lower end of the rod body. In use, by controlling the adjusting sheet, the objects of unidirectional, bi-directional, and idle rotations are achieved. The operation is easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Chang-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 7032476
    Abstract: A torque adjustable tool includes an active member and a passive member which is removably connected to the active member by two respective clutch portions. Driving power is connected to the active member and the passive member outputs a torque. A spring is mounted to the passive member and biased between an inner periphery of a control member mounted to the passive member and an enlarged portion of the passive member. The control member includes a clamping portion to which a locking member is threadedly mounted. By operating the locking member, the clamping portion can be clamped inward to be securely mounted to the passive member as one piece so as to completely transfer the torque from the driving power, or the clamping portion is opened outward such that the passive member can output a torque that is less than the force applied by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Lotuskate Sports Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chorng-Jiang Lin
  • Patent number: 7032481
    Abstract: A constant force socket is constructed to include a socket body, which has an inner hole at one end and a set of teeth radially disposed inside the inner hole, a ratchet wheel, which is mounted inside the inner hole of the socket body and has a tool hole at one side and a set of radially arranged teeth at an opposite side, a screw member threaded into the inner hole of the socket body, and a compression spring supported between the ratchet wheel and the screw member to force the teeth of the ratchet wheel into engagement with the teeth of the socket body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ming-Hua Li, Li-Hsia Lin, Mei-Chin Chou
  • Patent number: 6928903
    Abstract: The bi-directional wrench with a ratchet assembly can be used in small space. It includes a handle, a base attached pivotally to the handle, a rotating device mounted on the base and a bi-directional device engaged with the rotating device. The bi-directional wrench with a ratchet assembly can change the effective rotating direction conveniently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Hui-Chen Liao
  • Patent number: 6912934
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver has a body and a driving portion. The body has a handle, a shank integrally formed on the handle, a post with a non-circular periphery pivoted with the shank and a head formed on the post. The driving portion has a spring mounted on the post, a cylinder with a non-circular inner periphery mounted on the post, and a chuck mounted on the head and used for holding the tool head. Because the driving portion of the ratchet screwdriver is longitudinally set on the body, it can reduce whole volume of the ratchet screwdriver to enable the screwdriver to be used in a small place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: Hui-Chen Liao
  • Patent number: 6840141
    Abstract: A radial indexing head tool includes a handle and ratchet head, each with a splined orifice, and a floating splined pin disposed in the splined orifices for coupling them together. The floating splined pin includes a cylindrical axial retainer coupled to the handle and extending into the splined orifices, a plunger configured for axial movement within the axial retainer, and a splined cylinder configured for axial movement along the outside of the axial retainer within the splined orifices. The plunger and splined cylinder are coupled to each other through the cylindrical wall of the retainer. Movement of the splined cylinder aligns or misaligns grooves and splined portions formed on the splined cylinder relative to grooves and splined portions formed in the splined orifices to lock or unlock the ratchet head for movement relative to the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Charles A. Cole
  • Publication number: 20040089106
    Abstract: A compact high-torque ratcheting box wrench is disclosed. The ratcheting box wrench includes a wrench housing and a drive member having a front face and a rear face. The drive member is rotatably mounted in the housing and has a nut-receiving or head-receiving aperture therethrough. A drive/ratchet mechanism includes a drive coupling that selectively engages the drive member at a plurality of discrete points that substantially surround the hex-receiving aperture, and thereby prevents rotation of the drive member relative to the housing in a first direction of rotation. The drive/ratchet mechanism also permits substantially free rotation of the drive member relative to the housing in an opposite second direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Sandra C. Wolfe, Garrett L. Bryant, Johnny L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6732613
    Abstract: Screwdriver with changeable operation modes, including: a handle having a slide way formed in the handle and passing through a front end of the handle; a stem, a rear end of which is slidably fitted in the slide way without detaching from the handle; a clutch mechanism connected between the stem and the handle, in normal state, the clutch mechanism being in a non-transmission state, whereby the stem can freely rotate within the handle; and a rotary member connected with the stem for a user's hand to rotate. When the screwdriver is used to screw a screw in a loosened state, the user can turn the rotary member to rotate the stem. In the case that the screw is in a tightened state, the handle is pressed to move the stem inward, the clutch mechanism is in a transmission state and the user can turn the handle to drive the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20040050215
    Abstract: Screwdriver with changeable operation modes, including: a handle having a slide way formed in the handle and passing through a front end of the handle; a stem, a rear end of which is slidably fitted in the slide way without detaching from the handle; a clutch mechanism connected between the stem and the handle, in normal state, the clutch mechanism being in a non-transmission state, whereby the stem can freely rotate within the handle; and a rotary member connected with the stem for a user's hand to rotate. When the screwdriver is used to screw a screw in a loosened state, the user can turn the rotary member to rotate the stem. In the case that the screw is in a tightened state, the handle is pressed to move the stem inward, the clutch mechanism is in a transmission state and the user can turn the handle to drive the stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6622597
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a seat rotatably secured to a housing and having a number of teeth facing toward the housing, the housing having two channels for slidably receiving two pawls which are biased to engage with the teeth of the seat, and an actuator rotated by a control ferrule to selectively disengage the pawls from the teeth of the seat to control the rotational direction of the seat by the housing. A driving stem is engaged in the seat and has an engaging hole for changeably receiving a tool member. A rod may be biased to secure the tool member to the driving stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Su Shia Chen
  • Patent number: 6568693
    Abstract: A hand held tool is provided with a handle, a ratcheting mechanism connected to the handle, and a quick release bit coupling device connected to the ratcheting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Glass
  • Patent number: 6533093
    Abstract: A torque adjusting device of an electric drill includes an annular member with notches in an end and grooves in an outer periphery thereof. A driving part connected to an output shaft is received in the annular member and operationally connected to the motor by a solar gear system. A mounting member has pins located in alignment with the grooves and a cap has a ring member movably mounted to the mounting member. A spring is biased between the ring member and the pressing ring which presses balls engaged with the notches. when the ring member is moved to compress the spring, the pins are pushed into the grooves by the ring member to secure the annular member so as to output strong torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Publication number: 20020170392
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a seat rotatably secured to a housing and having a number of teeth facing toward the housing, the housing having two channels for slidably receiving two pawls which are biased to engage with the teeth of the seat, and an actuator rotated by a control ferrule to selectively disengage the pawls from the teeth of the seat to control the rotational direction of the seat by the housing. A driving stem is engaged in the seat and has an engaging hole for changeably receiving a tool member. A rod may be biased to secure the tool member to the driving stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Su Shia Chen