Patent ID: 6070499
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
A ratchet wrench for transmitting two modes of reciprocating manual input motion imparted to a handle into one rotary output motion, in which the two modes of reciprocating manual input motion are a primary mode consisting of manually turning said handle to and fro about a first axis, and a secondary mode consisting of manually rotating a rotary member to and fro on said handle about a second axis intersecting said first axis, comprising:an output drive member rotatable about a first axis,a drive housing containing the output drive member,a handle on said drive housing for turning said drive housing about a first axis,a rotary member mounted on said handle exposed for manual rotation about a second axis intersecting said first axis,a drive ring extending around said output drive member inside the housing,coupling means coupling rotation of said rotary member about said second axis with rotation of said drive ring about said first axis,primary ratchet means for selectively uni-directionally coupling said output drive member to said housing, andsecondary ratchet means for selectively uni-directionally coupling said output drive member to said rotary member through said drive ring,whereby said output drive member can be rotated in a selected direction either by manually turning said handle to and fro about said first axis or by manually rotating said rotary member to and fro about said second axis;wherein said drive ring is rotatable about said first axis with respect to said output drive member, and said secondary ratchet means is located between the drive ring and the output drive member.