One-way Detent Drive, E.g., Ratchet Patents (Class 81/60)
  • Patent number: 7765897
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench is disclosed, which comprises a body unit which has a circular groove at its one side and a stop member; a head unit which includes a housing rotatably passing through a circular groove of the body unit, and a ratchet gear engaged at an outer rim of the housing and is selectively rotatable in one direction as the ratchet gear is engaged with the stop member; a worm screw which is rotatably pin-engaged in the interior of the housing; and a pair of arms of which one end of each arm is inserted into the interior of the housing and is pin-engaged therein with a thread being formed on an upper side of each arm and being engaged with the worm screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: World Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Soo Kim, Byeong Ok Woo
  • Patent number: 7765898
    Abstract: For accurate holding, easy attachment and detachment, and sufficient rotation force, a rotary tool has a holding and transmitting part 1 to hold a hexagonal column of a rotated body and give rotation force, comprising a recessed part 2, which has an inner face having an approximately regular triangle cross sectional shape, run-off parts 2a at corners of the triangle shape, and a uniform shape in depth direction, and plate springs 3, which are fixed at a bottom of the recessed part 2 and have pawl parts 3a at tips thereof positioned at the opening side of the recessed part 2, and the pawl parts 3a can be moved into the run-off parts 2a while contacting to three side faces of the hexagonal column H and generate spring force, when the hexagonal column H is inserted into the recessed part 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: GC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Sakaguchi, Naoto Fujii, Ryosuke Ikeya
  • Publication number: 20100186554
    Abstract: A wheel wrench includes a body, a head, a fitting, and a ratcheting mechanism. The head is connected to one end of the body, wherein the length direction of the head and the length direction of the body are neither orthogonal nor parallel. The fitting is for a socket. The ratcheting mechanism couples the fitting to the head, wherein the length of the ratcheting mechanism is greater than the width of the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Chih-Ching HSIEH
  • Publication number: 20100180731
    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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Mara C. Schwartz, Steven S. Landowski
  • Publication number: 20100180732
    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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Michael T. Gauthier, Mara C. Schwartz, Robert F. Miller
  • Publication number: 20100175512
    Abstract: A ratchet pliers with adjustable jaw includes a working head, an integrated retractable handle arrangement, a ratchet stepping arrangement and a rapid adjusting arrangement. The ratchet pliers with adjustable jaw has several advantages. Firstly, the rapid adjusting arrangement with simple operation and convenient use is capable of micro-adjusting a closure error of the jaw opening after clamping. Secondly, the integrated retractable handle arrangement is capable of adjusting a length of the handle according to different demands for a jaw clamping force so as to save energy of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Hanzhen Zhang, Lei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100162856
    Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of multi-head rachet wrench, featuring a function for joint with sleeves of different specifications through two or more sleeve joint structures configured on the rachet wrench; In its structural design, a broad part is configured on both the front and back end of the wrench shaft to fit the rachet sleeve joint, and a one-sided or double-sided rachet sleeve joint device is configured respectively on each broad part; Also, each joint is configured with different sizes and specifications, so that sleeves of multiple specifications can work on one single rachet wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Ching-Jih Hsiao
  • Publication number: 20100162858
    Abstract: An adjustable ratchet system is disclosed. An adjustable ratchet system may include an adjustable ratchet having a handle and a tang attached to the handle. The tang may have a terminal end opposite the handle where the tang may include a plurality of arms extending there from. The adjustable ratchet may also include a ratchet assembly which may include a unidirectional ratcheting drive ratchet and at least one pivot arm. The at least one pivot arm may lie on an axis and the ratchet assembly may rotate 360 degrees about that axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: David H. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100154601
    Abstract: A handle body for a ratcheting tool has an ergonomic shape adapted to receive the palm of a user's hand. The handle has an elongated inner core with an outwardly extending midportion. The core is surrounded by an encasing having a substantially convex profile which slopes downward toward the ratcheting mechanism. Substantially near the apex of the protruded midportion is an orifice for receiving a torsion bar to provide more torque. The handle further has a female end opposite the ratcheting mechanism end for extending the length of the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BRENT CHRISTOPHER
  • Publication number: 20100154600
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a combination ratcheting and helical driver is disclosed. In the unlocked position the hand tool coverts downward linear force into rotary motion. In the locked position the hand tool operates as a ratcheting driver. The locking device locks the helical drive shaft of the hand tool in a retracted position such that the helical drive shaft is substantially positioned within the handle body. A locking main body is adjacent to a chuck assembly. The locking main body selectively combines with a shoulder abutment adjacent to the handle assembly to lock the helical drive shaft in the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MERIDIAN INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YAO KUN GUI, HUA AN XU
  • Publication number: 20100147115
    Abstract: A unidirectional ratchet wrench has a head and a ratcheting assembly. The head has a stationary jaw and a ratchet jaw. The stationary jaw is formed on and protrudes from the head and has an undulating surface. The ratchet jaw is formed on and protrudes from the head and has an arced slot formed in an inner surface of the ratchet jaw. The ratcheting assembly has an engaging tab being movably mounted in the arced slot and selectively engaging and disengaging a bolt head with the inner surface of the stationary jaw when the wrench is respectively rotated in drive and non-drive directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Li-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20100122608
    Abstract: An open-ended ratchet wrench includes a handle provided with an open driving head, an open ratchet wheel mounted in the driving head of the handle and having an outer wall provided with a plurality of oneway ratchet teeth, and a pawl member movably mounted in the driving head of the handle and having a first side provided with a plurality of oneway locking teeth detachably meshing with the ratchet teeth of the ratchet wheel. Thus, the ratchet wheel has a side provided with an opening to make the ratchet wheel flexible so that the ratchet wheel is mounted on and detached from the workpiece easily and quickly, thereby facilitating a user operating the ratchet wrench to rotate the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Chen-Tsung Chen
  • Publication number: 20100101376
    Abstract: A ratchet open end wrench includes a wrench body provided with an operation head, a ratchet unit mounted on the operation head, and at least one drive unit mounted on the wrench body and engaged with the ratchet unit. The ratchet unit includes a ratchet member provided with a plurality of oneway ratchet teeth. The drive unit includes a pawl member provided with a plurality of oneway driving teeth engaged with the oneway ratchet teeth. Thus, the ratchet member is driven by the pawl member to rotate a workpiece, so that the reaction force applied by the workpiece onto the operation head is shared by and distributed on the drive unit and the wrench body to prevent the force from being concentrated on the operation head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventor: Chen-Tsung Chen
  • Publication number: 20100083797
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench allowing ratcheting rotations for applying a series of turning strokes to a bolt without disengaging between the strokes. The ratchet wrench has a wrench body and a ratcheting jaw. The wrench body has a head and a curved slot. The head has an inner surface. The curved slot is formed in the inner surface of the head. The ratcheting jaw is slidably mounted in the curved slot for applying a torque to a blot head during a rotation in the forward direction as well as for ratcheting rotation during a backward rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Li-Ju Lee
  • Publication number: 20100064864
    Abstract: A power driven tool for rotating a mechanical fastener including a housing with a motor positioned in the housing. The motor includes a drive shaft that rotates relative to the housing. An impact mechanism in the housing is operatively connected to the motor drive shaft. The impact mechanism has a base, an output and a cam. The output and cam are rotatably mounted on the base. A pair of hammers are pivotally mounted on the base and selectively positioned by the cam. The cam biases the hammers to intermittently impact the output. A ratchet head assembly is operatively connected to the output of the impact mechanism. The ratchet head assembly includes an output member rotatably mounted on the housing to rotate the mechanical fastener. The assembly also includes a ratchet operable to limit rotation of the output member in a selected direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: SP AIR KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shigeki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20100058896
    Abstract: A screwdriving tool includes a gear head and a drive arm. The gear head forms a gear housing, in which a free wheel or ratchet gear having an output rotational axis is arranged. A front side of the gear head includes an output coupling, in the shape of a polygon. The drive arm can be pivoted about a pivot axis, which is substantially transverse to the output rotational axis, from a quick-action screwdriver position, in which the drive arm is in the output rotational axis, into a power-action screwdriver position, in which the drive arm extends substantially transversely to the output rotational axis and can be fixed in both pivot positions by detents. The detents can be moved from a detent position into a release position by means of an actuating member associated with the drive arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Abel, Andre Mueller, Oliver Pistor, Martin Strauch
  • Patent number: 7673542
    Abstract: A spanner comprises a box end that has an inner periphery consisting of a number of wall faces to define a first polygonal receiving space. Each wall face includes a groove defined therein. The grooves of the wall faces together define a second polygonal receiving space. At least one of the grooves includes a closed first end and an open second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Easco Hand Tools, Inc.
    Inventors: David Ling, Hsien-Chung Tuan-Mu
  • Publication number: 20100050818
    Abstract: An adjustable ratchet system is disclosed. An adjustable ratchet system may include an adjustable ratchet having a handle and a tang attached to the handle. The tang may have a terminal end opposite the handle where the tang may include a plurality of arms extending there from. The adjustable ratchet may also include a ratchet assembly which may include a unidirectional ratcheting drive ratchet and at least one pivot arm. The at least one pivot arm may lie on an axis and the ratchet assembly may rotate 360 degrees about that axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: David H. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20100050829
    Abstract: A tool assembly has a grip, a core, a holding device and a tool head. The core is metal and solid, is mounted in the grip and has a first end and a second end protruding respectively from two ends of the grip. The holding device is mounted on the first end of the core and has a non-circular recess, a holding ball, a holding sleeve and a spring. The holding sleeve is slidably mounted around the first end of the core to push the holding ball partially protruding into and allow the holding ball to retract from the recess. The tool head is detachably mounted on the first end of the core by the holding device. The connecting tube has a non-circular cross section corresponding to the non-circular recess and an engaging recess detachably engaging the holding ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Kun-Chen Chen
  • Publication number: 20100050819
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wrench that may be simply manufactured at a lower defect rate, which prevents a foreign material from getting stuck in a gap between a ratchet and it's surrounding through hole, and which has a minimal extra space at an end of a first jaw or a second jaw to make it easier for a bolt or a nut to be inserted into the wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: TAE-JONG DEVELOPMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Duck Hyun NAM
  • Publication number: 20100018355
    Abstract: A head cap adapted to secure to the working head of a wrench. The head cap includes a generally flat plate portion having a peripheral edge and first and second wing portions that extend from said peripheral edge in generally parallel, opposed relation to one another and are oriented so as to engage the working head of the wrench. The flat plate portion has an exposed upper surface suitable for locating selected indicia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ted C. Crawford
  • Publication number: 20100018366
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver with an accelerating structure is provided, in particular to one combined a ratchet seat and a solar gear system. The ratchet seat controls the operating direction, and the solar gear system increases the output rpm for a user to choose high or low revolution to facilitate tightness or looseness of a screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: GONG FONG ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHENG-TSAN HU
  • Publication number: 20100011913
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench assembly having a spring assembly positioned in the ratchet head. The ratchet wrench has a handle portion, a head portion with a yoke having yoke teeth, a ratchet mechanism drive body positioned in the head portion, and one or more pawls positioned in the drive body. The yoke is capable of reciprocating between movement with the pawls of the drive body operatively engaging the yoke teeth and movement with the pawls of the drive body disengaged from the yoke teeth. The spring assembly is positioned in the drive body and is capable of retaining the drive body in position when the yoke reciprocates from a first direction to a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: NMTC, INC. D/B/A MATCO TOOLS
    Inventors: John Horvath, Jeff Mitcheltree
  • Publication number: 20100011915
    Abstract: A spherical ratchet wrench for use on fasteners. The ratchet wrench includes a sphere, a plurality of extensions extending out from a surface of the sphere, and a socket receiving mechanism attached to the sphere. The socket receiving mechanism is adapted for receiving and holding a socket. The ratchet wrench also includes a ratchet mechanism coupled to the socket receiving mechanism for turning a fastener. A socket is positioned within the socket receiving mechanism and the sphere is grasped by a user's hand for turning the ratchet wrench and the ratchet mechanism. Preferably, the extensions are removable sockets, providing a storage area for sockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: David Badger
  • Publication number: 20100011914
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a shank. A first working head is formed on a first end of the shank and has a fixed jaw extending therefrom, a movable jaw partially mounted therein, and a worm gear rotatably mounted therein. A second working head is formed on a second end of the shank. A ratchet mechanism is partially mounted in the second working head and has a ratchet wheel ratchetably mounted in the second working head, a first driving portion and a second driving portion respectively longitudinally disposed on two opposite sides of the ratchet wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventor: CHANG MING-CHI
  • Publication number: 20100005933
    Abstract: A tool for installing a wire nut connector onto at least two wires includes an injection molded device having an orifice arranged on a distal face of the device for accepting a wire nut. This wire nut orifice includes a through opening and a plurality of curved regions arranged therein for contacting ridges on an exterior of the wire nuts during installation and removal. Pairs of stepped shoulders are arranged within the wire nut orifice for accepting wings on an exterior of the wire nuts. In a first embodiment, the tool includes a rotating handle. In a second embodiment the device includes a square opening on the proximal face for accepting an end of a ratcheting drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin Cline
  • Publication number: 20090314138
    Abstract: Apparatus for engaging a mechanical component, such as a fastener. A handle portion (102, 174) is hingedly affixed to a ratchet mechanism (108, 180). A tool holder support structure (110, 140, 150, 160, 174) is aligned with and rigidly affixed to the ratchet mechanism opposite the handle portion. A tool holder (112, 142, 152, 162, 176) is supported by the tool holder support structure and comprises opposing first and second ends (114, 116) each configured to support at least one respective tool (118, 132, 178, 220, 222, 224, 226, 228, 230, 232). The tool holder preferably rotates with respect to the tool holder support structure about a pivot (129, 146, 210). Preferably, the handle portion and ratchet mechanism are removable to permit a separate driver (196) to impart torque to a selected extended tool. The handle portion is further preferably moveable from an open position to a folded, closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: PROFESSIONAL TOOL MANUFACTURING, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Zachariasen, Steven J. Miner
  • Publication number: 20090308208
    Abstract: This invention relates to a standard pipe threading wrench and prevents an inherent malfunction when ratcheting. This type of wrench has been on the market for many decades unchanged. To use the wrench the die is inserted into the wrench head. The die, with attached wrench, is slipped over the end of an unthreaded pipe. The wrench handle is used to rotate the die and cut tapered threads into the pipe end. The wrench head rotates the die in one direction and ratchets in the opposite direction, allowing the user to reassert leverage on the handle from the same position. The ratcheting action is accomplished via a tapered and spring loaded pawl in the wrench head. The ratcheting teeth are in the die. The pawl also performs a second function holding the die in the wrench head as it is extended radially inward between two retaining rings in the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Glen Russel Stevick
  • Publication number: 20090282953
    Abstract: A hand tool includes a wrench having a shank. A first mechanism has an adjustable head formed on a first end of the shank. The first mechanism includes a fixed jaw extending from the adjustable head, a movable jaw mounted in the adjustable head, and a worm gear mounted in the adjustable head. A second mechanism has a ratchet head is formed on a second end of the shank and the second mechanism includes a ratchet unit centrally mounted in ratchet head, a through hole centrally defined in the ratchet unit, a series of teeth equidistantly formed on an inner periphery of the through hole, and a connecting unit partially detachably received in the through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ya-Ling Lin
  • Publication number: 20090272236
    Abstract: A ratchetable open-ended wrench includes a handle H for a hand to grasp, a wrench head 100 located on one end of the handle, and a fastener room 160 located in the wrench head 100 for accommodating a workpiece W to be rotated. The wrench head 100 further includes a first jaw 110 having a first driving wall 114, a second jaw 120 having a second driving wall 124 facing the first driving wall 114, an inner wall 126 extending from the second driving wall 124 into the second jaw 120, a fastener-jaw room 128, an auxiliary jaw retracting opening 13, an auxiliary jaw 140 capable of longitudinally sliding into the auxiliary jaw retracting opening 130 in an elastic way, and an auxiliary jaw limiting member 150 coupled to a limiting slot 148. The auxiliary jaw 140 further includes an exterior end 142 having a pillow 142 in contact with the driving wall 126 and a pushing surface 144 for working together with the first jaw 110 to grip the workpiece W under operation, an interior end 146, and a limiting slot 148.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Hsien-Chung TUAN-MU
  • Publication number: 20090266206
    Abstract: A wrench with electronic torque display unit includes a torque adjustment mechanism which includes a sleeve, two gears, a rod and a movable tube, and a locking mechanism which includes a positioning cap, wherein the value of the torque to be output can be set by operating the adjustment mechanism by rotating the positioning cap. The pre-set value is displayed on the display screen so as to provide a wrench with convenient operation and precise feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: CHIN-HO HSU
  • Publication number: 20090255378
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench is disclosed, which comprises a body unit which has a circular groove at its one side and a stop member; a head unit which includes a housing rotatably passing through a circular groove of the body unit, and a ratchet gear engaged at an outer rim of the housing and is selectively rotatable in one direction as the ratchet gear is engaged with the stop member; a worm screw which is rotatably pin-engaged in the interior of the housing; and a pair of arms of which one end of each arm is inserted into the interior of the housing and is pin-engaged therein with a thread being formed on an upper side of each arm and being engaged with the worm screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jae Soo Kim, Byeong Ok Woo
  • Patent number: 7600451
    Abstract: A surgical ratchet assembly includes a handle, a driver, a ratcheting mechanism and a locking mechanism. The driver is received within the handle in a rotatable relationship with respect thereto. The ratcheting mechanism is interposed between the handle and the driver. A locking mechanism releasably holds the handle to the ratchet mechanism. Unlocking of the locking mechanism enables ready disassembly of the assembly for cleaning and component sterilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Greatbatch Medical SA
    Inventors: Andre Lechot, Philippe Fehlbaum
  • Patent number: 7597032
    Abstract: A torque wrench (1) is embodied as a ratchet instrument in the medical field. A catch segment (40) which can be displaced in a defined manner is arranged on the periphery of the receiving opening, and the front part thereof is oriented towards the receiving opening. When the torque wrench (1) is actuated in a forward direction, the torque which is to be generated is applied by a forward force (F) exerted by an user, by a deflectable, preferably linear-elastic flexible arm (7). A catch spring extends from the catch segment into the neck area. The catch segment and the catch spring form a single-pieced or several part catch (4). The catch segment and the catch spring are arranged in a channel-shaped space (5). The catch (4) is a single-piece with the neck part or is fixed thereto as a separate component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Thommen Medical AG
    Inventor: Reto Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7587961
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet tool includes a rotary member received in a housing and having a number of teeth, a cover secured to the housing and having three depressions located around an axle, two pawl members mounted in the housing and each having one or more teeth for being biased to engage with the rotary member, an actuating member pivotally attached to the axle and having a projection for engaging with either of the depressions of the cover, and a hand grip coupled to the actuating member for actuating the actuating member to engage with the pawl members and to control the rotating direction of the rotary member by the housing, and for allowing the rotary member to be rotated in both directions by the housing selectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: William Tools Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shui-Lai Chiang
  • Patent number: 7584686
    Abstract: A socket wrench includes a housing disposed in a driving head and having one or more protruded portions and one or more recessed portions, a gear rotatably received in the housing and having a driving stem, a detent slidably received in the driving stem and extendible into and out of the driving stem, a shaft slidably and rotatably received in the gear and having an actuating end for engaging with the detent, a follower attached to the shaft and having one or more protruded portions and one or more recessed portions for engaging with the protruded portions and the recessed portions of the housing and for actuating the actuating end of the shaft to engage with or to be disengaged from the detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Cheng Chang Tsai
  • Publication number: 20090217789
    Abstract: A ratchet control structure includes a socket having a polygonal slot and inner ratchet teeth, a twisting head being an upper semi-circular body inserted into and combined with the socket, and a control ring fit with the twisting head and restricted by a bottom portion of the socket. The semi-circular body is for positioning two engagement blocks and has an elastic circular ball. An actuator is disposed below the twisting head. An inner wall of the control ring has two projecting push blocks facing the engagement blocks, and three arced slots for engaging with the circular ball so that the control ring can be positioned at three positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Pi-Hsia Chang
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090211406
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle having an inside provided with a plurality of receiving chambers, a ratchet device mounted on the handle, a shank having a first end connected with the ratchet device and a second end provided with a drive head, and a cover rotatably mounted on the handle and provided with an exposing hole that is movable to align with one of the receiving chambers. Thus, the receiving chambers of the handle receive and store a plurality of tips of different sizes and specifications, thereby facilitating a user carrying the tips. In addition, the exposing hole of the cover is movable to align with any one of the receiving chambers of the handle to facilitate the user identifying the tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Shin-Chi Ho
  • Publication number: 20090193939
    Abstract: A wrench adapted to engage a workpiece to drive the workpiece rotationally. In one embodiment, the wrench comprises a head, a first jaw, and a second jaw. The first jaw carried by the head and forms a first workpiece engaging surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: THE STANLEY WORKS
    Inventors: Light Chiu, Robert St. John
  • Publication number: 20090183604
    Abstract: A universal ratcheting tool provides improved handling of tools that are difficult to use on their own, specifically, hexagonal wrenches. The universal ratcheting tool includes a handle and a body with a ratcheting mechanism within the handle. The body includes a first aperture for receiving a tool, and the first aperture includes slots to accept a plurality of sizes of tools. The body also includes a second aperture where the tool extends out of the body. A retaining component is coupled with the body to retain the tool and a retaining tab is able to be used to open and close the retaining component. Once the tool is positioned and retained within the universal ratcheting tool, a user is able to easily install or remove an object such as a screw with the benefit of a comfortable handle and the ease of use of the ratcheting mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald L. Johnson, Robert J. Gallegos, Steven Simas Escobar, Anders Scot Hudson, Idriss Mansouri-Chafik Ruiz, Yugen Patrick Lockhart, Howard Allen Wilson, Eric M. Colton
  • Publication number: 20090183605
    Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver includes a handle, a ratchet, a shaft, a finger ring and a tool. The handle has a body having a receiving chamber and a front through hole. The receiving chamber is formed in the body and communicates with the front through hole. The ratchet is mounted securely in the receiving chamber and has a driving protrusion and a drive selector. The shaft is mounted rotatably in the body and has a proximal end mounted securely on the keyed driving protrusion. The finger ring is mounted securely around the shaft outside the body and is smaller than the handle to allow quick and easy rotation of the shaft. The tool is selectively mounted securely in the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Yun Lin
  • Publication number: 20090151507
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ratchet wheel of a wrench, which has an opening that penetrates the first and second ends. The opening has twelve identical first recesses that are disposed around the inner periphery of the opening about the central axis, wherein one longitudinal end of the six equidistant first recesses has a stopper portion, said end of the first recess is blocked by the stopper portion. Each of the stopper portions has an identical second recess on the side toward the central axis of the opening. Each of the first recesses comprises two corresponding first angulated portions, wherein the angulated portions of every six equidistant first recesses form a first hexahedral area. Each of the second recesses comprises two corresponding second angulated portions, and the angulated portions of the second recesses form a second hexahedral area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: Yi-Fu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20090145268
    Abstract: A low profile ratchet wrench (100) incorporates a ratchet gear drive having a female section (122) of a socket (200) or tool drive interface. The socket (200) incorporates a male section (204) for attaching the socket (200) to a ratchet drive head section (104). By utilizing a female section (122) of the interface in the wrench (100), the projected height (D1) of the socket (200) is reduced as compared to a standard socket (210). An optional female section (615) can be a cavity provided within the male section (616) of the socket (610) or other tool, allowing the tool to be used on both a standard wrench (350) and a low profile wrench (100). Accessories can include attaching section style adapters (260, 270, 340), size adjusting adapters (290, 300), extensions (280), universal joints (220, 230, 240, 250), and wobble (324) features. An ejection member (430) can be incorporated in the drive head section (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Laurie
  • Publication number: 20090139377
    Abstract: A ratchet with a handle and a head that includes a substantially silent movement-prevention mechanism. The mechanism includes a first component that defines a path, and a second component that is locatable in the path and moves bidirectionally within it. The path is constructed to include plural regions that prevent movement by the second component to allow the ratchet to drive a desired fastener. The first component is constructed to define a path, or plural paths, with a central region that allows movement of the second component and outer, opposing regions that prevent movement of the second component. The second component is formed as a roller or plural rollers. The central region of the path includes a subregion constructed to position the second component in a beginning location in the central region. The subregion may be formed as a depression in the path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Don W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090133538
    Abstract: A socket wrench includes a housing disposed in a driving head and having one or more protruded portions and one or more recessed portions, a gear rotatably received in the housing and having a driving stem, a detent slidably received in the driving stem and extendible into and out of the driving stem, a shaft slidably and rotatably received in the gear and having an actuating end for engaging with the detent, a follower attached to the shaft and having one or more protruded portions and one or more recessed portions for engaging with the protruded portions and the recessed portions of the housing and for actuating the actuating end of the shaft to engage with or to be disengaged from the detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Cheng Chang Tsai
  • Patent number: 7536934
    Abstract: A ratchet tool is provided. The ratchet tool includes a body having a head and an elongated handle. A gear train and pawl assembly are contained within the head of the body. A switching mechanism also extends into the head of the body and interacts with the pawl assembly. The arrangement and interaction of the body, gear train, pawl assembly and switching mechanism provides for transmission of torque from the ratchet tool in a single direction when the handle is rotated both in clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Sears Brands, LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Tatangelo
  • Publication number: 20090120245
    Abstract: A ratchet crimping tool is disclosed. The ratchet crimping tool comprises a tool head cover board structure, a tool handle structure, a transmission device, and a tool handle. The transmission device further comprises an anti-backup mechanism, an advancement mechanism and a gear structure. The ratchet crimping tool uses a coaxial tool head, a confirming-indicating device and an adjustable jaw structure. The coaxial tool head comprises a movable tool handle and a fixed tool handle. A gear of the movable tool head is engaged with the gear structure of the transmission device, and the adjustable jaw structure is connected with the movable tool handle. The confirming-indicating device is connected with the movable tool handle and the fixed tool handle respectively. The coaxial tool head is connected with a tool head cover board structure by link pins, and the gear structure of the transmission device is connected with the movable tool handle by connecting pins via upper and lower cover boards.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Hanzhen Zhang
  • Publication number: 20090114067
    Abstract: Self-contained, combined wrench and marking system, and method for installing a fitting and for automatically marking an installed fitting. The self-contained combined wrench and marking system has a wrench that may include a wrench head for rotating a fastener during a fastener tightening operation, a torque measuring mechanism for measuring a torque applied to the fastener during the fastener tightening operation, and an angle measuring mechanism for rotating the fastener to a preset angle during the fastener tightening operation. The self-contained combined wrench and marking system also has a marking system for automatically marking the fastener after the torque is applied to the fastener and after rotating the fastener to the preset angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Frederic P. Berg, Mark E. Hulscher
  • Patent number: RE41296
    Abstract: A retainer ring includes at least two holding sections and at least one engaging section. Each holding section has a radius of curvature equal to half of a diameter of a reduced section of a first object, e.g., an adaptor. The engaging section has a radius of curvature greater than that of the holding sections. The holding sections securely clamp the reduced section of the first object with the engaging section partially protruding out of the reduced section of the first object for engaging with a second object e.g., a box end of a wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu