Patent ID: 6405621
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: B25G

Abstract:
A ratchet wrench comprising:a ratchet head having a part-cylindrical surface with head teeth thereon; an elongated handle hingedly coupled to the head and having first and second handle ends, an axis extending between the ends, an axial first bore opening at the first handle end, an engagement slot having first and second slot ends and communicating with the first bore, the second slot end disposed further from the ratchet head than the first slot end, and a retaining slot communicating with the second slot end of the engagement slot; a rod having rod teeth and disposed in and moveable within the first bore between an engaged condition wherein the rod teeth are engageable with the head teeth for locking the head in a selected position relative to the handle and a non-engaged condition wherein the rod teeth are disengaged from the head teeth and accommodating relative movement of the head and handle, the rod having an outer periphery; biasing structure for biasing the rod to the engaged condition; and retaining structure coupled to the rod for retaining the rod in its non-engaged condition, the retaining structure including a lock stem having a terminal it end coupled to the rod and disposed in the first bore and a second end projecting from the outer periphery of the rod, wherein the lock stem is receivable in the retaining slot to retain the rod in its non-engaged condition, and a button disposed outside the engagement and retaining slots, wherein the lock stem includes a stem portion integral with the button and having a bore and a fastener disposed through the bore and coupled to the rod.