Patent ID: 6370988
Filing Date: 2002-04-16
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A ratcheting driver handle for a driver having a shank, said handle comprising:an elongated body having an axis and an axial recess in one end thereof, a ratchet mechanism disposed in said recess and including a gear and a pawl assembly including at least one pawl engageable with said gear, said ratchet mechanism having a bore for receiving therein the shank of the associated driver, said ratchet mechanism including mounting means for said pawl assembly accommodating movement of said at least one pawl between first and second conditions, said at least one pawl including a first tooth portion engaging said gear in the first condition of said pawl assembly so that said body rotates said gear with said body when the body is rotated in one direction and said body ratchets with respect to said gear when said body is rotated in the opposite direction, said pawl assembly including a second tooth portion engaging said gear in the second condition of said pawl assembly so that said body rotates said gear with said body when said body is rotated in said opposite direction and said body ratchets with respect to said gear when said body is rotated in said one direction, bias mechanism resiliently urging said tooth portions into engagement with said gear, a selector member coupled to said one end of said body and accessible by a user for manual movement with respect to said one end between first and second positions corresponding respectively to said first and second conditions of said pawl assembly, retaining mechanism resiliently retaining said selector member in each of its first and second positions, and actuator projection structure on said selector member extending parallel to said axis and positioned and dimensioned for direct engagement with said at least one pawl for movement of said at least one pawl between the first and second conditions in response to movement of said selector member between its first and second positions.