Patent ID: 6038946
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
An axially repositionable adapter for a ratchet assembly, the ratchet assembly including a plurality of individual tool bits and a socket wrench, said axially repositionable adapter comprising:a first elongate member having a first tool bit engaging end and a second open end defining a hollowed and axially extending interior, an apertured portion being formed at a selected location along said first elongate member which communicates an exterior facing surface of said first member with said axially extending interior;a second elongate member having a first inserting end for securably mounting in a telescoping and coaxially inserted fashion within said axially extending interior of said first elongate member and a second socket wrench engaging end, said second elongate member defining a polygonal shape in cross section which is contoured to match that of said hollowed interior of said first elongate member so as to prevent rotation dislocation occurring between said first and second elongate members, a plurality of individual apertures formed along a selected surface of said second elongate member and being arranged in an axially and spaced apart fashion; andlever means positioned within said apertured portion of said first elongate member and securing to said first member in a substantially level and flush fashion with respect to said exterior facing surface, said lever means including a detent which seats within a first selected one of said individual apertures arranged along said second elongate member and a spring which is securably attached at an interior location within said first elongate member and which biases said lever means in a first locking direction, said lever means further including a pivot member assembly including an elongate arm which is secured by a transversely extending pin member to said first elongate member, said spring upwardly biasing a first selected end of said elongate arm on a first selected side of said pin member and downwardly biasing a second selected end of said elongate arm on an opposing side of said pin member, said detent extending from said second selected end which seats within a first selected one of said individual apertures arranged along said second elongate member, said detent projecting downwardly from said second end of said arm through said axially extending interior of said first elongate member and seating within said first selected aperture of said second elongate member;said lever means being actuated in a second and opposite releasing direction to unseat said detent from said first selected aperture and to permit said first and second elongate members to be axially repositioned in both inwardly and outwardly fashion relative to each other so as to establish a modified overall length of said adapter, said lever means being released so that said detent reseats within a second selected aperture.