Patent ID: 6260448
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: B25B

Abstract:
In a ratchet wrench having a handle and a head connected thereto, the head having a top surface, a bottom surface and an opening therebetween, the improvement comprising:the opening being formed from the top surface of the head, the opening having two overlapping portions, a first portion being distal from the handle and being a through opening, the second portion being a blind bore proximal to the handle,a gear having a tang formed on a bottom surface thereon, the gear being disposed in the first portion of the opening with the tang extending from the bottom surface of the head,a pawl having a keying means formed therein, the pawl being disposed in the second portion of the opening in the head with the keying means being oriented toward the top surface of the head,a retaining plate being disposed over the gear and the pawl and being received in the opening in the head, the retaining plate having a larger segment and a smaller segment,the larger segment of the retaining plate being received in the first portion of the opening in the head,the smaller segment of the retaining plate being received in the second portion of the opening in the head and having an aperture formed therein, the aperture being aligned with the keying means in the top surface of the pawl,a reversing lever having an engaging means formed on a bottom surface,the reversing lever being disposed in the second portion of the opening in the head wherein the engaging means extends through the aperture in the retaining plate and is engaged with the keying means in the pawl, wherein the reversing lever is retained therein, andmeans to hold the retaining plate on the head of the wrench.