Reversing Patents (Class 81/63.1)
  • Patent number: 7836798
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head rotatably receiving a drive member and slideably receiving two pawls each having a coupling portion. An elastic element is mounted between the pawls to bias the pawls to engage with a coupling section of the drive member. A ring is received in the head and pivotably mounted around an engaging portion of the drive member about a pivot axis. A reversing plate is pivotably mounted around a portion of the engaging portion of the drive member beyond the head about the pivot axis between first, second, and third operative positions. The reversing plate is connected to the ring to allow joint pivotal movement about the pivot axis. The ring includes a tail having two actuating portions respectively and releasably engaging with the coupling portions of the pawls responsive to movement of the reversing plate between the three operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100288082
    Abstract: A ratchet tool includes a head and a handle, a ratchet is received in the space and two pawl sets are respectively received in two recesses defined in the inner periphery of the space. Each pawl set has a pawl and a spring which biases the pawl to be engaged with the teeth of the ratchet. Each pawl has a flat surface defined in the end having the engaging teeth. An operation member has a flange which is rotatably engaged with a groove defined in the inner periphery of the space and the flange includes a pressing surface which presses one of the flat surfaces of the two pawls by operating the operation member. By choosing one of the pawls to be engaged with the ratchet, the ratchet tool can output torque in desired direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ping Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 7827886
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a drive member rotatably received in a body that includes a compartment extending from a first side toward and spaced from a second side of the body. A control member is pivotable between three operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. The control member includes a first end pivotably coupled to the drive member and a second end covering the compartment. The control member includes a control section selectively engaged with two pawls slideably received in the compartment and releasably engaged with teeth of the drive member. When the control member is in a second operative position, the pawls are engaged with the teeth of the drive member, allowing a handle of the body and the drive member to rotate in either of two directions driving the fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle relative to the drive member in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7802498
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body (10) having a driving portion (11) rotatably receiving a drive member (20; 20?; 20?) and a handle (12) interconnected to the driving portion (11). Two pawls (30) are slideably received in a compartment (14) of the body (10). A control member (40) is slideably mounted on a recessed portion (15) formed on a side (18) of the body (10) and movable between first, second, and third operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. When the control member (40) is in the second operative position, the pawls (30) are engaged with the drive member (20; 20?; 20?), allowing the handle (12) and the drive member (20; 20?; 20?) to rotate in either of two directions driving a fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle (12) relative to the drive member (20; 20?; 20?) in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100229694
    Abstract: A ratchet tool comprises a handle; a base body; first and second pivotal elements provided at the base body; a barrel member coupled to the base body and having teeth formed on the outer periphery thereof; a ratchet driving means including first and second pawl members pivotally connected to the base body and selectively engaged with the barrel member and an elastic section provided between the first and second pawl members, with the elastic section adapted for engaging the first and second pawl members with the barrel member; and a switch member pivotally coupled to the outer periphery of the base body for selectively switching the first and second pawl members to engage with the barrel member or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Tai-Hung CHEN
  • Patent number: 7793569
    Abstract: A wrench comprises a handle connected to a housing. A socket is rotatably supported in the housing for ratcheting movement relative to the housing. A retaining member releasably secures a device in the socket. A retainer is supported on the housing and is movable between a first position and a second position. The retainer, when in the first position, at least partially overlays the socket. A plurality of guides orient a member relative to the socket. The guides are mounted in a rotatable body. A first handle is permanently connected to the housing and a second handle is removably connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Irwin Industrial Tool Company
    Inventors: Derek J. Nash, Brandon S. Cross
  • Patent number: 7775141
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet device is provided as a low-torque application wrench in the form of an elongated body carrying a ratchet mechanism thereon, the ratchet mechanism being operable under low-torque conditions such as are present with initial driving or final loosening of a workpiece. The device includes the ratchet mechanism carried directly on the body, both being co-axially rotatable with each other and with the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher D. Thompson, Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis
  • Patent number: 7770495
    Abstract: A ratchet connector includes a driving element, a control ring, and a working element. A tooth block is disposed in an open groove of the driving element. Both sides of the tooth block have several teeth. The control ring is mounted on the driving element to control the tooth block to move along the bottom of the open groove. The working element is mounted on the driving element. The teeth of the tooth block engage with the ratchet teeth on an inner surface of the working element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Ping-Wen Huang
  • 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
  • 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: 20100162857
    Abstract: A wrench comprises a drive head, a drive element and at least two same-structured pawls. The drive element is disposed in a drive portion on an inner surface of the drive head and defined with at least two recesses. The at least two pawls are respectively pivoted in the at least two recesses by pivot pin. Between the recesses is disposed a reversing element, which is provided with an elastic element and a push element opposite the respective pawls in such a manner that the push element can push against the pawls. The pawl is provided with two engaging ends opposite two opposite ends of the drive portion of the drive head. The two engaging ends of each of the pawls are not symmetrical to each other and configured to engage with the drive portion. The pawls in the respective recesses are disposed in the same direction or different directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Chuck CHANG
  • Patent number: 7677137
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet mechanism for ratchet tools comprises a positioning portion the middle section of which is formed with a concave U groove. Two sides of the U groove are each formed with a receiving groove to which a wedge flake is wedged. An elastic part is provided in the U groove to elastically push open the wedge flakes. A reversible ring is set around the positioning portion, the inner circumference of which is formed with two stoppers that may drive the wedge flakes to turn. A ratchet is set around the positioning portion, the inner side of which is formed with a gear wedging the wedge flakes. Thus, when turning an angle, the reversible ring may drive one of the wedge flakes to release from the gear and thus make the ratchet clutch in a direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Chia-Yu Chen
  • Publication number: 20100050820
    Abstract: The Dual Ratchet Mechanism will eliminate the need to use a single socket head and rotate back and forth between two hex nuts or other fastening devices that need simultaneous tightening or loosening. This Dual Ratchet Mechanism and Dual Ratchet Mechanism with fixed handle or torque-adjusting handle will increase productivity and technique. The Dual Ratchet Mechanism or Dual Ratchet Dual Ratchet Mechanism with fixed handle or torque-adjusting handle will eliminate the need to tighten the clamp twice, reducing repetitive motion for the user and possibly reducing injury for the user. The Dual Ratchet Mechanism or Dual Ratchet Mechanism with fixed handle or torque adjusting handle resourcefully reduces labor costs by cutting time and the work effort in half.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Maria Elena Coronado, Vonda Ann Lee
  • Patent number: 7661337
    Abstract: A fixing structure of direction switch buttons for a reversible wrench, in which the wrench is equipped with two direction switch buttons on a driving portion of the wrench. The wrench includes button-restricting portions and location-restricting portions relative to the driving portion. The two direction switch buttons can be inserted and arranged inside the driving portion. Moreover, a button-fixing device is provided between the two direction switch buttons, the button-fixing device includes an actuating member and a restoring member. The two ends of the actuating member are wedged into the two direction switch buttons respectively so that the two direction switch buttons are driven simultaneously. The actuating member is able to move elastically between the two direction switch buttons by the restoring member so as to connect the two direction switch buttons elastically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Infar Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Terence Chen
  • Publication number: 20100031783
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body having a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member and a second compartment slideably receiving two pawls. A positioning member extends into the second compartment. A switch is slideably mounted to the body and includes two legs extending into the second compartment for moving the pawls. A restraining member is slideably received in the compartment and coupled to the legs to move therewith. The restraining member includes at least two positioning sections selectively engaged with the positioning member corresponding to at least two positions of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100024607
    Abstract: A reversible ratchet device is provided as a low-torque application wrench in the form of an elongated body carrying a ratchet mechanism thereon, the ratchet mechanism being operable under low-torque conditions such as are present with initial driving or final loosening of a workpiece. The device includes the ratchet mechanism carried directly on the body, both being co-axially rotatable with each other and with the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher D. Thompson, Daniel M. Eggert, Marco E. DeVecchis
  • Publication number: 20100018356
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body with a driving portion having first, second, and third compartments in communication with each other. A drive member is rotatably received in the first compartment. The driving portion includes first and second sides spaced in a thickness direction. The third compartment extends from the first side toward and spaced from the second side. The third compartment includes a bottom wall intermediate the first side and a center of the second compartment in the thickness direction. Two pawls are received in the second compartment and releasably engaged with teeth of the drive member. A control member is pivotably received in the third compartment and operable to selectively press against one of the pawls to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100018357
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body (10) having a driving portion (11) rotatably receiving a drive member (20; 20?; 20?) and a handle (12) interconnected to the driving portion (11). Two pawls (30) are slideably received in a compartment (14) of the body (10). A control member (40) is slideably mounted on a recessed portion (15) formed on a side (18) of the body (10) and movable between first, second, and third operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. When the control member (40) is in the second operative position, the pawls (30) are engaged with the drive member (20; 20?; 20?), allowing the handle (12) and the drive member (20; 20?; 20?) to rotate in either of two directions driving a fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle (12) relative to the drive member (20; 20?; 20?) in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20100005931
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: JIN-TSAI LAI
  • Publication number: 20100000376
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head rotatably receiving a drive member and slideably receiving two pawls each having a coupling portion. An elastic element is mounted between the pawls to bias the pawls to engage with a coupling section of the drive member. A ring is received in the head and pivotably mounted around an engaging portion of the drive member about a pivot axis. A reversing plate is pivotably mounted around a portion of the engaging portion of the drive member beyond the head about the pivot axis between first, second, and third operative positions. The reversing plate is connected to the ring to allow joint pivotal movement about the pivot axis. The ring includes a tail having two actuating portions respectively and releasably engaging with the coupling portions of the pawls responsive to movement of the reversing plate between the three operative positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20090320649
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a body having a closed side and a compartment receiving a drive member and two pawls. A recessed portion is formed on an outer surface of the closed side. A switch is pivotably mounted in the recessed portion between first, second, and third positions. A control member is received in the compartment and pivotable together with the switch to press against one or both of the pawls. The recessed portion includes a positioning hole receiving a pressing device. When the switch is in the first or second position, the pressing device presses against one of two lateral sides of the switch to retain the switch in place. When the switch is in the third position, the pressing device is engaged with the switch and is intermediate the lateral sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20090314139
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench includes a head and a handle interconnected to the head. The head includes a first compartment rotatably receiving a drive member. Two pawls are slideably received in a compartment of the head. A switch is slideably received in a third compartment of the head between first, second, and third operative positions to change the driving direction of the ratchet wrench. An actuator is slideably received in the second compartment and includes two guiding portions selectively engaged with one of the pawls when the switch is in one of the first and second operative positions. The pawls are disengaged from the guiding portions and engaged with the drive member when the switch is in the third operative positions, allowing the handle and the drive member to rotate in either of two directions driving a fastener, and not allowing free rotation of the handle relative to the drive member in either of the two directions without driving the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20090301268
    Abstract: An adjustable wrench includes a fixed jaw and a movable jaw movable along a slot in the head. A passage is defined through the head and communicates with the slot. Two rack portions are defined in the guide rod. Two pawls are movably engaged with the passage and each pawl has teeth and the two pawls are alternatively engaged with the two rack portions. Two respective positioning units are located between the two pawls and an inside of the passage so as to position the pawls to be engaged with the pawls or separated from the pawls. The two rack portions are made by Metric system and English system respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Arthur Wu
  • Publication number: 20090293683
    Abstract: A ratchet driver includes a grip and a ratchet unit having a positioning base with a central through hole. The positioning base is mounted by a ratchet wheel and a direction-changing ring, having two accommodating grooves formed in its one side for respectively fitting a locking piece. An U-shaped groove is formed along the central through hole between the accommodating grooves, used for fitting an elastic element made of an elastic plate and having its two ends extended into the accommodating grooves to elastically rest on and strongly push the locking pieces while turning around the direction-changing ring, able to withstand a great integral torsion generated while turning the grip to drive the ratchet wheel and a driving head. Also, the ratchet driver has a simple structure, convenient to assemble and disassemble.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Chia-Yu CHEN
  • Publication number: 20090241740
    Abstract: A ratchet wrench with an improved universal handle comprising a ratchet head and two pivotally interactive handle parts. A first handle part works as a linkage between the ratchet head and a second handle part and is dually connected to the ratchet heads center axis for universal movement. The second handle part includes a receiving channel along its length and is pivotally connected to house the first handle part in a foldable relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Scot Heagerty
  • Publication number: 20090229421
    Abstract: A system and tool assembly for driving threaded members includes, a set of interlocking torque transfer modules for transferring a torque between a driver coupled with a first one of the modules and a threaded member coupled with a second one of the modules. At least one of the modules has a body and a torque transmitting geartrain housed within the body, the geartrain includes an input gear rotatable about a first axis and an output gear rotatable about a second, different axis. The input gear includes a first connecting interface configured to receive an input torque from a driver, and the output gear has a second connecting interface configured to output an output torque to a threaded member, such as a bolt or sparkplug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jamie Bass
  • Publication number: 20090223332
    Abstract: A gripping device comprising a first arm pivotally connected to a second arm. The arms form a gripping area. A linkage mechanism is used for adjusting the inwardly and outwardly movement of the gripping area, with the linkage mechanism pivotally connected to the first arm and second arm. The linkage mechanism is formed of a first linkage laterally and pivotally connected to a second linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20090205467
    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: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Hua Gao
  • Publication number: 20090199683
    Abstract: A screwdriver includes a first body having an end for coupling with a handle, a second body rotatably coupled to the other end of the first body, two pairs of engaging members, and a switch member pivotably mounted to the first body. Each pair of engaging members is slidably received in an associated transverse receiving section that includes two end openings in an outer circumference of the first body. Each engaging member includes a first end with an engaging portion. An elastic element is mounted between second ends of each pair of engaging members for biasing the pair of engaging members away from each other. The switch member is pivotable to selectively engage at least one of the engaging portions of each pair of engaging members with teeth of the second body, thereby controlling relative rotation between the first body and the second body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Publication number: 20090133539
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a ratchet wheel of wrenches, the structure of the ratchet wheel has a penetrating hole consisting of two adjacent receiving holes having internal diameters differing from each other, each internal periphery has six forefront surfaces, six grooves and six concavities, the concavities and the grooves are disposed annularly in an interlaced order that are capable of containing flanges of a gear-shape workpiece, and the forefront surfaces are capable of latching the edges of a hexagonal workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Chin-Shun Cheng
  • Publication number: 20090114068
    Abstract: The invention is an improved ratchet to drive sockets for the purpose of tightening or loosening threaded fastener. The invention contains an electric motor, battery and worm gear system to drive the sockets. The battery and motor are contained within the handle of the invention and are thus limited in size and power. A switch is also located on the handle and is used to activate the motor in the desired direction. The motor is powerful enough to drive most fasteners when the fasteners are somewhat loose, and as such the invention can drive the loose fasteners rapidly. At such times when the fasteners are snug or tight the invention will perform as a conventional ratchet. As the handle is pulled the worm and pion gears will lock and transmit the torque to the socket. As the handle is released the motor will drive the worm and spin the pion gear/socket and take up all of the slack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Carl Eugene Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20080295649
    Abstract: An interchangeably manual or automatic ratchet wrench tool comprises a tool body including a through grove disposed at one end thereof, for receiving a rotating member including peripheral teeth and driven teeth formed therearound, respectively. The tool body further includes a driving piece attached therein and having two engaging tabs mounted thereon for correspondingly engaging with the peripheral teeth of the rotating member, thereby driving the rotating member in a manual operating mode. Moreover, the tool body includes a motor driven by a power source assembly and affixed at another end thereof, the motor includes a worm shaft disposed at one end thereof, for meshing with a worm gear which is rotatably disposed in the tool body, and between the worm gear and the driven teeth of the rotating member is defined with a transmission set for couplingly urging the rotating member in an electric operating mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Shi-Tong Lu, Shu-Sui Lin
  • Publication number: 20080271574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interchangeably manual or automatic ratchet wrench that the user may couple an electric hand grip having a motor therein to the rear end of a stud member of a handle so as to urge a cartridge to rotate in an electric operation manner, or couple a manual hand grip to the rear end of the stud member of the handle so as to urge the cartridge to rotate in a manual operation manner, such that achieving a multi-purpose operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Shu-Sui Lin, Wan-Chuan Li
  • Patent number: 7444902
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an interchangeably manual or automatic ratchet wrench that the user may couple an electric hand grip having a motor therein to the rear end of a stud member of a handle so as to urge a cartridge to rotate in an electric operation manner, or couple a manual hand grip to the rear end of the stud member of the handle so as to urge the cartridge to rotate in a manual operation manner, such that achieving a multi-purpose operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: A.A.G. Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Sui Lin, Wan-Chuan Li
  • Publication number: 20080264213
    Abstract: A ratchet type bending spanner comprises a handle; a holding portion at one end of the handle; a bending tubular portion at another end of the handle; an engaging unit having a part rotatable installed in the bending tubular portion; and the other part of the engaging unit being protruded from the bending tubular portion for engaging with a sleeve; the part in the bending tubular portion being formed with a ratchet portion which is engaged to a buckling block; and the buckling block being restorable elastically. A switch is installed in the bending tubular portion for controlling the shift of a position of the engaging block so as to form a bidirectional ratchet type bending spanner. The handle is a soft handle with a stop edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7434493
    Abstract: A ratchet driving mechanism includes a main body, an adjusting ring, and a ratchet wheel. The main body includes a grip-connecting member and a rotary seat connected fixedly to the grip-connecting member. The rotary seat is formed with two parallel insertion slots, in each of which two pawls are biased by a spring to move away from each other. The adjusting ring and the ratchet wheel are sleeved rotatably on the rotary seat. When the adjusting ring is disposed in an anchoring position, the pawls engage the ratchet wheel so as to prevent rotation of the ratchet wheel on the rotary seat. When the adjusting ring is disposed in a first-direction position or a second-direction position, two of the pawls engage the ratchet wheel so as to allow for rotation of the ratchet wheel on the rotary seat in only a corresponding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Chin-Tan Huang
  • Publication number: 20080245194
    Abstract: A ratcheting tool such as a reversible dual-pawl ratchet wrench is disclosed that minimizes wasted motion during ratchet slip or counter-rotation. The ratchet wrench includes a bias assembly that biases the pawls apart to bias a first, selected pawl for a selected drive direction towards engagement with a ratchet gear, and that the biases the selected pawl into a concentric alignment with the ratchet gear. In this manner, non-ratcheting initial rotation of the pawl due to counter-rotation prior to the pawl camming out of engagement with the ratchet gear is eliminated, thus eliminating wasted motion and maximizing the available angular sweep for the wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: David T. Ross, Steven R. Wente
  • Publication number: 20080229888
    Abstract: A stepless rotatable driving wrench having a unidirectional clutch acting on a driving element, wherein the driving element is preferably a square drive. The driving element is shiftable between two operable positions to project selectively from either side of the wrench so that driving in two opposed directions is enabled despite the unidirectional nature of the clutch. In each of the two operable positions, the driver operably projects from one side of the wrench while remaining entirely flush with the other side of the wrench. Ball detents releasably hold the driver in the selected operable position. Loss of the driver from either side of the wrench is prevented by an internal pin engaging a slot formed in the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: David A. Ishmael
  • Publication number: 20080229889
    Abstract: A dual-pawl ratchet wrench mechanism is disclosed having a stop mechanism for limiting over-travel of a reversing lever for selecting drive directions. In one form, the wrench mechanism includes a ball and spring assembly that cooperate with recesses to define proper positions for the reversing lever, and one or more ramps are provided between the recesses to promote tactile feel and to promote the reversing lever being rotated to a proper position. In some forms, the stop mechanism is formed on a stationary portion, such as a spacer or the wrench body, and a portion of the reversing lever. The design simplifies manufacturing, such as by simplifying assembly and minimizing the need for securements. Additionally, the reversing lever is assembled with the mechanism in a manner to improve sealing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Hopper, Michael Foster, Christopher Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080221583
    Abstract: A polyaxial screwdriver for inserting a bone screw in a vertebra. A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a coupling element. When a screw engaging end of the polyaxial screwdriver is lowered on the head of the bone screw, the complimentary surfaces of the screw engaging end of the screwdriver and the head of the screw self-align. A ratchet mechanism formed in the screwdriver provides progressive and automatic locking of the polyaxial screwdriver to the coupling element and prevents the accidental unthreading from the coupling element. In another embodiment of the polyaxial screwdriver, a collet slides over the outside surface of the upper end of the coupling element and locks on to the coupling element. In yet another embodiment of a polyaxial screwdriver, the outer sleeve of the polyaxial screwdriver has a split end that securely engages the coupling element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Amir Ali Sharifi-Mehr, Ernie Corrao, Andy Wonyong Choi
  • Patent number: 7421772
    Abstract: A ratcheting driver for rotationally driving a piece and having a handle and pivotal pawls engageable with a driven gear and being capable of ratcheting and driving in both rotational directions. A cap is rotatable relative to said handle and it has a web for pivoting the pawls out of engagement with the gear. Through the selective rotation of the cap, the setting of the pawls is established. A spring positions the pawls in driving positions, and the cap has surfaces which disengage the pawls from the gear upon rotation of the cap. A method of arranging the driver is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Teleflex Medical Incorporated
    Inventors: Hua Gao, James A. Rinner
  • Publication number: 20080202293
    Abstract: A wrench assembly includes a first wrench, a second wrench and a bar. The first wrench includes a first driving device at an end and a second driving device at an opposite end. The second wrench includes a first driving device at an end and a second driving device at an opposite end. The bar includes a first connecting device for connection to the second driving device of the first wrench and a second connecting device for connection to the first driving device of the second wrench. A first C-clip is provided to reinforce the connection of the first connecting device of the bar to the second driving device of the first wrench. A second C-clip is provided to reinforce the connection of the second connecting device of the bar to the first driving device of the second wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Bobby Hu
  • Patent number: 7409894
    Abstract: A hammer head ratchet device that includes a handle with a hammer head at one end, a ratchet driving mechanism assembly located at the bottom end of the handle for using a selected tool bit to perform a desired tool bit function, and slots or compartments to store tool bits for use with the device. The tool bits can be stored along the handle in one embodiment or pivotally attached near the bottom of the handle so as to rotate into a generally central location below the ratchet driver for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Alice Valentine
  • Patent number: 7404245
    Abstract: A fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lisle Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Whitehead, James H. Strickland
  • Patent number: 7398710
    Abstract: The present invention provides rotary positioning structure of the ratchet screwdriver. The rotary positioning structure includes two radial grooves, penetrating radially between the body of the ratchet screwdriver and the central axle hole. There are two -shaped snappers having a transverse rack and two vertical racks, and each is mounted separately into two radial grooves. The two vertical racks are inserted into two vertical slots. The transverse rack is placed opposite to the top flange of gear of the shaft lever. A flexible locker is used to press down the two -shaped snappers. A rotating drum is mounted and limited externally onto the body, while two troughs are arranged at intervals onto an inner wall of the retaining block opposite to the lower rivet holder, thereby forming a rotary positioning structure and offering a higher stability of positioning and ease-of-operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Chi Ho
  • Publication number: 20080156149
    Abstract: The present invention provides rotary positioning structure of the ratchet screwdriver. The rotary positioning structure includes two radial grooves, penetrating radially between the body of the ratchet screwdriver and the central axle hole. There are two -shaped snappers having a transverse rack and two vertical racks, and each is mounted separately into two radial grooves. The two vertical racks are inserted into two vertical slots. The transverse rack is placed opposite to the top flange of gear of the shaft lever. A flexible locker is used to press down the two -shaped snappers. A rotating drum is mounted and limited externally onto the body, while two troughs are arranged at intervals onto an inner wall of the retaining block opposite to the lower rivet holder, thereby forming a rotary positioning structure and offering a higher stability of positioning and ease-of-operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Shih-Chi HO
  • Patent number: 7389862
    Abstract: A continuously adjustable rotation device includes a base, a first connection element combined with the base, a ring buckle, a transmission disc, a second connection element, and a rotation controller. The transmission disc is formed on the contacting portion of the base, forming an inclination angle and contacting the second connection element for transmission of force. By using the rotation controller, one can select a rotation direction by properly contacting with the transmission disc. When the rotation direction is selected, the second connection element and the transmission disc then drive the first connection element to rotate in the designated direction. One can thus perform a continuously adjustable rotation. Therefore, no alignment is needed when assembling the rotation device, which will enhance the production yield and lower the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventors: Chun-Lung Chen, Yu-Sheng Chen, Chien-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7380482
    Abstract: A high-strength ratchet structure for ratchet wrench is disclosed to include a driving block with two transverse sliding grooves, two pairs of directional block members respectively movably mounted in the sliding grooves of the driving block, two spring members respectively mounted in the sliding grooves and supported between the associating directional block members, a ratchet member coupled to the driving block, and a direction control ring selectively set in a first position where the ratchet member is locked to the driving block, a second position where the ratchet member is prohibited from clockwise rotation relative to the driving block and allowed for counter-clockwise rotation relative to the driving block, or a third position where the ratchet member is prohibited from counter-clockwise rotation relative to the driving block and allowed for clockwise rotation relative to the driving block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Fu-Yi Chan
  • Patent number: 7380481
    Abstract: A pass through socket (12) and wrench (10) combination is disclosed wherein a first drive member (22a, 22b) is provided on the socket's exterior surface and a second drive member (24) is provided on the front side of the ratchet wrench's wheel (26) for engaging the socket's first drive member (22a, 22b) to enable the socket (12) to be driven with the wrench (10). The wrench's wheel (26) defines an axially aligned through hole (30) extending through the wheel (26) for receiving an insertable end of the socket (12) through the front side of the wheel (26). Socket retention means, preferably a snap ring mounted on the front side of the ratchet wheel (26), is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Franklin Earl Barnett, Brian Donald Smith
  • Publication number: 20080092695
    Abstract: A ratchet drive mechanism is described providing novel and beneficial features to the user. In one aspect of the invention, a ratchet drive is provided possessing a full circumference free rotation feature. Specifically, when an outer cover of the mechanism is in a first position, the user may impact the exterior of the ratchet drive, and in fact may rotate an exterior cover, or outer switch, of the mechanism by a full circumference, without rotating the inner workings of the mechanism to change the drive direction of the ratchet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Hector Ray Hernandez