Patent ID: 7249539
Filing Date: 2007-07-31
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
1. A ratchet wrench comprising: (a) a head member having a generally C-shaped open first end and an axially opposed second end; (b) a handle connected to said second end of said head member; (c) a pair of generally C-shaped collars each engageable with a portion of said generally C-shaped open first end; (d) a hinge means for pivotally connecting each generally C-shaped collar to a respective end portion of said C-shaped first end of said head member, whereby said each generally C-shaped collar is pivotally movable between a first position coplanar with and partially closing said C-shaped first end and a second position perpendicular to a plane of and partially opening said C-shaped first end; (e) a locking means for selectively locking said pair of generally C-shaped collars in said first position; (f) a pair of semi-circular inserts each engageable with a respective one of said pair of generally C-shaped collars for pivotal movement therewith and for rotational movement thereabout, said each semi-circular insert having a straight edge and an arcuate edge connecting opposed ends of said straight edge, said arcuate edge having a plurality of ratchet teeth disposed thereon, and said straight edge having a cavity of a predetermined shape; (g) a socket means axially formed in said head member by a combination of said cavity in a first one of said pair of semi-circular inserts and said cavity in a second one of said pair of semi-circular inserts when said pair of generally C-shaped collars are disposed in said first position for closing said generally C-shaped open first end, wherein said first semi-circular insert and said second semi-circular insert form a ratchet wheel; (h) a ratchet pawl means disposed within said second end of said head member and partially protruding into said generally C-shaped open first end for engaging said ratchet wheel, said ratchet pawl means enabling coupled rotation of said ratchet wheel in combination with said pair of generally C-shaped collars, said head member and said handle in one direction for transferring a torque to such fastener, said torque is generated by a manual force applied to said handle, said ratchet pawl means enabling rotation of said pair of generally C-shaped collars, said head member and said handle in an opposed direction while said ratchet wheel is maintained in a temporary stationary position.