Patent Publication Number: US-2023139183-A1

Title: Wrench with Work Piece Locking Mechanism

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Example embodiments generally relate to hand tool technology, and in particular to coupling technologies for wrenches that engage with work pieces, such as, for example, sockets. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Wrenches, including ratchet wrenches, that have the ability to attach a drive tang to a variety of work pieces, such as sockets or bits, provide substantial application flexibly. For example, the same ratchet wrench may be attached to many different sockets to permit the single wrench to be utilized when installing or removing a variety of differently sized fasteners. However, the removable nature of such work pieces from the wrench creates a risk that the work piece could unintentionally be separated from the wrench. In this regard, for example, if a user is working at a height (e.g., on a ladder) or over a machine (e.g., over a car engine), the accidental and unintentional separation of the work piece from the wrench could lead to the work piece falling from the height and being lost, or falling into the machine and being difficult to retrieve. As such, there continues to be a need for new, secure and efficient mechanisms to prevent the accidental, unintentional separation of work pieces, such as sockets, from wrenches. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLES 
     As such, according to some example embodiments, a ratchet wrench is provided. The ratchet wrench may comprise a head comprising a top face and a bottom face, and a drive tang that extends from the bottom face of the head. The drive tang may be shaped to engage a work piece. The ratchet wrench may further comprise a ratcheting mechanism disposed within a head cavity of the head and operably coupled to the drive tang. Additionally, the ratcheting mechanism may be configured to permit the drive tang to rotate relative to the head in a ratcheting rotational direction and prevent the drive tang from rotating relative to the head in a drive rotational direction. The ratchet wrench may further comprise a locking detent operably coupled to the drive tang, and a release button disposed on a top face of the head and configured to control operation of the locking detent. The release button may be movable along a first direction between a locked position, where the locking detent locks the work piece to the drive tang, and an unlocked position where the detent permits removal of the work piece from the drive tang. The ratchet wrench may further comprise a slide lock member configured to slide along a second direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In this regard, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. Additionally, in the engaged position, the slide lock member may engage with the release button to prevent movement of the release button in the first direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, and, in the disengaged position, the slide lock member may be disengaged from the release button to permit movement of the release button in the first direction to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     According to some example embodiments, a wrench is provided. The wrench may comprise a head comprising a top face and a bottom face, and a drive tang that extends from the bottom face of the head. In this regard, the drive tang may be shaped to engage a work piece. The wrench may further comprise a locking detent operably coupled to the drive tang and a release button disposed on a top face of the head and configured to control operation of the locking detent. The release button may be movable along a first linear direction between a locked position where the locking detent locks the work piece to the drive tang and an unlocked position where the detent permits removal of the work piece from the drive tang. The wrench may further comprise a slide lock member configured to slide along a second linear direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In this regard, in the engaged position, the slide lock member may engage with the release button to prevent movement of the release button in the first linear direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, and, in the disengaged position, the slide lock member may be disengaged from the release button to permit movement of the release button in the first linear direction to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
       Having thus described some example embodiments in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a side view of a wrench according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  2    illustrates an exploded view of a wrench according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 A  illustrates a top perspective view of a slide lock member according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 B  illustrates a bottom perspective view of a slide lock member according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  3 C  illustrates a securing pin according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  4 A  illustrates a top view of a wrench with a slide lock member in an engaged position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  4 B  illustrates a side view of a wrench with a slide lock member in an engaged position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  4 C  illustrates a zoomed top view of a head of a wrench with a slide lock member in an engaged position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  4 D  illustrates a cross-section view taken at A-A of  FIG.  4 C  of select components of a wrench including a slide lock member in an engaged position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  5 A  illustrates a top view of a wrench with a slide lock member in a disengaged position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  5 B  illustrates a side view of a wrench with a slide lock member in a disengaged position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  5 C  illustrates a side view of a wrench with a slide lock member in a disengaged position and a release button in an unlocked position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  5 D  illustrates a zoomed top view of a head of a wrench with a slide lock member in a disengaged position and the release button in an unlocked position according to some example embodiments; 
         FIG.  5 E  illustrates a cross-section view taken at B-B of  FIG.  5 D  of select components of a wrench including a slide lock member in a disengaged position according to some example embodiments; and 
         FIGS.  6 A to  6 C  provide an illustration of a two-step disengagement and unlocking process with respect to removal of a socket according to some example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some example embodiments now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all example embodiments are shown. Indeed, the examples described and pictured herein should not be construed as being limiting as to the scope, applicability or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Furthermore, as used herein, the term “or” is to be interpreted as a logical operator that results in true whenever one or more of its operands are true. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. As used herein, operable coupling should be understood to relate to direct or indirect connection that, in either case, enables functional interconnection of components that are operably coupled to each other. 
     According to various example embodiments, a wrench, such as a ratchet wrench, is provided with a work piece locking mechanism that is configured to avoid unintentional separation of a work piece from a drive tang of the wrench. As mentioned above, a work piece may be a socket, a bit, or the like that can be attached to a drive tang of a wrench to facilitate engagement of the wrench with a variety of fasteners. In this regard, the work piece locking mechanism may being configured to lock the work piece to the drive tang such that the work piece cannot be unintentionally removed from the drive tang by bumping or otherwise applying a force directly onto the work piece. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the wrench may include a lockable detent that may engage and lock a work piece onto the drive tang. According to some example embodiments, a work piece may include a locking feature, such as an internal groove, that may engage with a locking member of the lockable detent that extends away from the drive tang to lock the work piece onto the drive tang. 
     To release the work piece from the drive tang of the wrench, a two-step or two-movement action may be required to be performed by the user on the wrench. In this regard, according to some example embodiments, a wrench may include a release button that can be depressed to control the lockable detent. The release button may operate to release the locking member, which may be a component of the locking detent, from the work piece to permit separation of the work piece from the wrench. In this regard, the release button may be actuated between a locked position, where the locking member is in locked engagement with the work piece, and an unlocked position, where the locking member may be disengaged from the work piece and separated from the wrench. Actuation of the release button may occur along a locking direction in a linear path. 
     Additionally, the wrench may comprise a slide lock member that selectively engages with the release button to affect the release button&#39;s ability to move. In this regard, the slide lock member may be movable, along an engagement direction, between an engaged position, where the slide lock member is engaged with the release button, and a disengaged position, where the slide lock member is not engaged with the release button. Accordingly, when the slide lock member is engaged with the release button, the release button may be prevented from moving into the unlocked position, and, when the slide lock member is in the disengaged position, the release button may be permitted to move into the unlocked position. 
     To separate a work piece from a drive tang of a wrench, according to some example embodiments, a user may be required to first move the slide lock member from the engaged position to the disengaged position along a first (engagement) direction, as a first step or first movement, which may be a linear movement. Subsequently, the user may be required, while the slide lock member is maintained in the disengaged position, to press the release button to move the release button along a second (locking) direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, which also may be a linear movement and may be perpendicular to the movement of the slide lock member. Upon moving the release button into the unlocked position (no longer being obstructed or encumbered by the slide lock member due to the slide lock member being in the disengaged position), the locking member may be permitted to disengage from the work piece, to permit the work piece to the separated from the drive tang. 
     The two-step or two-movement operation performed by the user to separate the work piece from the wrench may require, according to some example embodiments, movements by the user that are liner in different directions, such as in perpendicular directions. Such sequenced, movements are very unlikely to occur unintentionally. As such, by requiring a two-step or two-movement operation by the user to unlock a work piece, it is very unlikely that a work piece may be accidentally separated from a wrench without a user intending for the work piece to be removed from wrench. Accordingly, the collaborative operation of the slide lock member with the release button may provide a secure and efficient approach for controlling the removal or separation of a work piece, such as a socket or a bit, from the drive tang of a wrench, according to some example embodiments. 
     Having described some aspects of some example embodiments in a general sense,  FIG.  1    provides an example embodiment in the form of an example ratchet wrench  10 . Although the example embodiments may be described with respect to a ratcheting wrench  10 , it is understood that some example embodiments may be applicable to, for example, other non-ratcheting wrenches. In this regard, the wrench  10  may be configured to ratchet in a first rotational direction about an axis  205  or apply a torque to, for example, a fastener (e.g., a bolt, a nut, or the like) in a second, opposite, rotational direction, based on a position of an reversing lever  25  of the wrench and a direction of rotation applied by a user. As such, the wrench  10  may be configured to permit a user to apply torque on a fastener in either a clockwise or counterclockwise manner, with an ability to ratchet in an opposite direction of rotation based on the position of the reversing lever  25 , which controls the positioning of other components wrench  10  that comprise a ratcheting mechanism of the wrench  10  to support such functionality. Due to the ratcheting feature, the wrench  10 , may be particularly useful in confined areas that restrict movement by lessening or eliminating the need to reposition the wrench  10  on a fastener during a tightening or loosening operation. 
     In this regard,  FIG.  1    shows wrench  10 , according to some example embodiments, comprising a handle  15  and a head  20 . The head  20  may be disposed on a forward portion of the wrench  10 . The handle  15  may extend longitudinally away from the head  20  in a rearward direction to provide both a hand-grip and length from the rotational axis  205  of the wrench  10  to create wrench leverage for a user. According to some example embodiments, the handle  15  may be generally cylindrical in shape. The head  20  may have a top face  200  and a bottom face  210  for positional reference, where the top face  200  is opposite the bottom face  210  and the rotational axis  205  passes through the top face  200  and the bottom face  210 . The head  20  may broaden in width as the head  20  extends away from the handle  15 , and the head  20  may have a generally oval or ovoid shape. Within the head  20 , the wrench  10  may include a reversing ratcheting mechanism as further described below disposed within a head cavity within the head  20 . Various components of the wrench  10  may be formed or casted of metals, such as, for example steel or stainless steel. 
     Additionally, the head  20  may include, extending from the bottom face  210 , a drive tang  110 . The drive tang  110  may be configured to couple to a work piece, such as socket, bit, or the like. In this regard, the drive tang  110  may be shaped to, for example, be received into a cavity of the work piece. According to some example embodiments, the drive tang  110  have a square cross-sectional shape. The drive tang  110  may be coupled to the ratcheting mechanism such that the drive tang  110  is configured to ratchet relative to the head  20  in a first rotational direction and apply a torque moving with the head  20  in a second rotational direction. As further, described below, the drive tang  110  may have an internal cavity that houses a locking member  115 , which may be a locking bearing. The locking member  115  may operate as a component of lockable detent  116  along with a locking member opening  112  in the drive tang  110 . The locking member  115  may be configured to engage with a work piece to lock the work piece to the drive tang  110  and the wrench  10 . 
     In this regard, the wrench  10  may also include a release button  100  disposed on the top face  200 . The release button  100 , according to some example embodiments, may be movable or depressible into the top face  200  of the wrench  10 . The release button  100  may operate to control a locking mechanism and, more specifically, the locking detent  116  for locking the work piece to the drive tang  110  via the locking member  115  as further described below. In short, when the release button  100  is not being acted upon, the release button  100  may default into a locked position, where the locking member  115  is maintained in an extended position, which would be engaged with a work piece if the work piece is installed on the drive tang  110 . However, the release button  100  may be depressed such that the release button  100  moves in a direction along or parallel the rotational axis  205  and into an unlocked position. When the release button  100  is disposed in the unlocked position, the locking member  115  may be permitted to move, for example, into the cavity in the drive tang  110 , thereby allowing a work piece to be removed from the drive tang  110 . 
     According to some example embodiments, wrench  10  may include a slide lock member  120  that operates in cooperation with the release button  100  to prevent the unintentional release or separation of a work piece form the drive tang  110 . In this regard, according to some example embodiments, the slide lock member  120  may be disposed on the top face  200  of the wrench  10 . Similar to the release button  100 , the slide lock member  120  may be a moveable component. The slide lock member  120  may move, in a linear sliding fashion, on the top face  200  of the wrench  10  between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position the slide lock member  120  may be in physical contact with the release button  100  in a manner that prevents the release button  100  from moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. Further, in the disengaged position, the slide lock member  120  may be disengaged from the release button  100 , and the release button  100  may be permitted to the move from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     Having described some of the external components of the wrench  10 , according to some example embodiments,  FIG.  2    provides an exploded view of the various example components of the wrench  10 . In this regard, the wrench  10  may include a cover  33  that operates to maintain various components within a head cavity  37  of the head  20  and also protect internal components of the wrench  10  from dirt and debris. Accordingly, the cover  33  may be held in place by the locking ring  34 , which may be temporarily deformed to facilitate being installed in a channel in the cavity  37  of the head  20  to maintain the cover  33  on or adjacent to the bottom face  210  of the head  20 . The cover  33  may include an opening through which a drive tang  110  may pass and extend externally away from the head  20 . As mentioned above and further described below, the work piece may be locked onto the drive tang  110  via a lockable detect  116 . The lockable detent  116  may lock the work piece to the drive tang  110  through interaction with the lock member  115 . In this regard, the drive tang  110  may have an locking member opening  112  on one of the surfaces of the drive tang  110 . The locking member opening  112  may pass into a drive tang cavity  111 . The locking member  115  may be disposed in the drive tang cavity  111  may, in some instances, extend out of the locking member opening  112 . However, according to some example embodiments, locking member  115  may be too large to pass through the locking member opening  112 , but may still, in some instances, partially extend out of the locking member opening  112 . 
     The drive tang  110  may be coupled to or integrated with a gear  30  comprising ratchet teeth encircling a body of the gear  30  on an external circular face of the gear  30 . The gear  30  may have a plurality of gear teeth  104  disposed about a circumference of the gear  103 , and further the drive tang  110  may be axially disposed on a base of the gear. In this regard, the gear  30  may have a circular shape that is elongated into a cylinder to increase the engagement surface area of the teeth for engagement with teeth of the pawl  29  which facilitate the ratcheting operation of the wrench  10 . To facilitate rotation of the gear  30  relative to the cover  33 , a washer  32  may be included therebetween. Additionally, to facilitate rotation of the gear  30  relative to the internal upper surface of the head cavity  37 , a washer  31  may be included therebetween. 
     As mentioned above, the pawl  29  may have teeth that are configured to engage with the teeth of the gear  30  to facilitate the ratcheting functionality of the wrench  10 , thereby comprising components of the ratcheting mechanism  117  of the wrench  10 . The pawl  29  may be disposed in the cavity  37  of the head  20 . The pawl  29  may be configured to move within the cavity  37  to permit a change in the ratcheting direction of the wrench  10 . In this regard, the reversing lever  25  may be configured to control the movement of the pawl  29  within the head  20 , and thereby control the ratcheting direction of the wrench  10 . The reversing lever  25 , may be disposed within the opening  38  in the head  20  and may engage with the pawl  29  via a slug  27  that applies a force on the pawl  29  via the spring  26  that is disposed between a body portion of the reversing lever  25  and the slug  27 . Additionally, to maintain the reversing lever  25  in a first position (e.g., for clockwise ratcheting) or a second position (e.g., for counter-clockwise ratcheting), a slug  23  may be engage with the body portion of the reversing lever  25 . Via the spring  24 , which is disposed between an internal surface of the cavity  37  and the slug  23 , a biasing force may be applied to the body portion of the reversing lever  25  that causes the reversing lever  25  to “jump” into one of the first position or the second position as the reversing lever  25  is pivoted. To facilitate rotation of the reversing lever  25  relative the top face  200  of the head  20 , a washer  28  maybe disposed therebetween. 
     The wrench  10  may also include the release button  100  which may be coupled or integrated with a post  102 . The post  102  may extend through a top opening in the cavity  37  in the head  20  and form a portion of a lockable detent. The post  102  may extend from the bottom side of the release button  100  and may be disposed within a drive tang cavity  111  with the locking member  115 . As further described below, the post  102  may include features that operate to control the movement of the locking member  115  in response to movement of the release button  100  between the locked and unlocked positions. To maintain the release button  100  in a position that extends above the top face  200  of the head  20 , a release button spring  104  may urge the release button  100  into the extended, unlocked position. The release button spring  104  may be disposed within the drive tang cavity  111  and may be compressed between a ledge within the drive tang cavity  111  and a lower, spring lip of the release button  100 . 
     According to some example embodiments, the slide lock member  120  and associated components may be disposed on a top face  200  of the head  20 . The slide lock member  210  may be secured to the top face  200  of the head  20  by securing pins  130 . The securing pins  130  may pass through securing pin openings in the slide lock member  120  and be secured (e.g., screwed) into pin holes  131  on the top face  200  of the head  20 . The securing pins  130  may have heads that may engage with a upper surface of the slide lock member  120  to hold the slide lock member  120  on the top face  200  of the head  20 . Additionally, a guide protrusion  132  may extend away from the top face  200  of the head  20  to engage a guide slot  127  ( FIG.  3 B ) to guide the sliding movement of the slide lock member  120 . Additionally, slide lock springs  140  may be may be disposed in spring slots  126  on the bottom side of the slide lock member  120  ( FIG.  3 B ) and may be positioned between the securing pins  130  and an end of the spring slots  126  to urge the slide lock member  120  into the engaged position. 
     Having described the various individual components of the wrench  10 ,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  will now be described which focus on the aspects of the slide lock member  120  and the securing pins  130 . In this regard, with reference to  FIG.  3 A , a perspective top view of the slide lock member  120 , according to some example embodiments, is provided. According to some example embodiments, the slide lock member  120  is formed as a substantially planar component that includes a button opening  121 , securing pin openings  124 , and a thumb protrusion  123 . 
     According to some example embodiments, the button opening  121  may be positioned such that the release button  100  may pass through the button opening  121 . As further described below, the edge of the button opening  121  may be configured to engage with the release button  100  underneath a locking lip  101  of the release button  100  to maintain the release button  100  in the locked position. However, via sliding movement of the slide lock member  120 , the edge of the button opening  121  may disengage from the locking lip  101  and permit the release button  100  to move through the button opening  121  into the unlocked position. According to some example embodiments, the edge of the button opening  121  may have a bevel  122  to facilitate sliding engagement with the locking lip  101  (which may also have a bevel) of the release button  100 . As such, according to some example embodiments, the button opening  121  may be larger in area than an area than the release button  100  to permit the release button  100  to pass through the button opening  121 , when properly aligned. According to some example embodiments, the button opening  121  may be circular in shape. According to some example embodiments, the button opening  121  may be oval shaped or another elongated shape. Additionally, the button opening  121  may be, according to some example embodiments, closed such that the entire edge of the button opening  121  is disposed internal to the slide lock member  120  and does not extend to an external edge of the slide lock member  120 . 
     The securing pin openings  124  may also be sized to facilitate the ability of the slide lock member  120  to slide relative to the head  20  and the release button  100 . In this regard, the securing pin openings  124  may be elongated along the sliding movement direction of the slide lock member  120  such that the securing pin openings  124  have first and second opposite ends. As such, the shape of the securing pin openings  124  may permit the slide lock member  120  to slide relative to the securing pins  130  which are affixed to the head  20  of the wrench  10 . According to some example embodiments, the edges of the securing pin openings  124  may include a bevel  125 . 
     The thumb protrusion  123  may, according to some example embodiments, be disposed at a position forward of the button opening  121 . The thumb protrusion  123  may be a raised area that may be elongated to operate as a grip for a user&#39;s thumb. In this regard, as further described below, the thumb protrusion  123  may be the interface between the user and the slide lock member  120  to provide a means for sliding the slide lock member  120 , for example, into a disengaged position against the urging of the slide lock springs  140 . According to some example embodiments, the thumb protrusion  123  may be positioned adjacent to the button opening  121 , and thus the release button  100 , to permit the user to perform a two-step operation of sliding the slide lock member  120  and depressing the release button  100  with the same thumb. 
       FIG.  3 B  shows a bottom side of the slide lock member  120 . The bottom side of the slide lock member  120  may include features such as the spring slots  126  and the guide slot  127 . In this regard, the spring slots  126  may be elongated cavities that are configured to receive the slide lock springs  140 . According to some example embodiments, the spring slots  126  may be aligned with the securing pin openings  124  such that the securing pin openings  124  open into the spring slots  126 . In this regard, when assembled, a securing pin  130  may pass through a securing pin opening  124  and into the spring slot  126  to permit the slide lock spring  140  to engage directly with the securing pin  130  on one end of the slide lock spring  140  and with wall of the spring slot  126  at the other end of the slide lock spring  140 . In this regard, since the securing pin  130  is fixed in position relative to the head  20 , the slide lock spring  130  may use the securing pin  130  as leverage to urge the slide lock member  120  into the engaged position. 
     Additionally, the guide slot  127  may also be an elongate cavity in the bottom surface of the slide lock member  120 . As mentioned above, the guide slot  127  may be sized and positioned to engage with the guide protrusion  132  disposed on the top face  200  of the head  20 . The engagement between the guide protrusion  132  and the guide slot  127  may operate to limit the movement of slide lock member  120  to a linear sliding movement along the length of the guide slot  127 , based on the shape of the guide slot  127 . 
     Additionally, according to some example embodiments, the wrench  10  may also include casings  35 . The casings  35  may be configured to rest or on the top face  200  of the head  20  or be inserted into the pin holes  131  to rest on an ledge within the pin holes  131 , and the casing  35  may be configured to receive the securing pins  130 . In this regard, a securing pin  130  may pass through a channel of the casing  35  to engage with, for example, threading in the pin holes  131 . The casings  35  may operate, according to some example embodiments, as a stop or stand-off to control a depth of the securing pins  130  and prevent overtightening of the securing pins  130 , which may restrict or even prevent the sliding movement of the slide lock member  120 . The casing  35  may rest on the top face  200  of the head  20  or a ledge within the pin hole  131 , and the head  133  of the securing pin  103  may be tightened against the casing  35  (rather than the slide lock member  120 ) and the casing  35  may be sized accordingly. 
     Further, according to some example embodiments, a casing  35  may include an upper head portion  39  that is wider than a lower body portion  40 . According to some example embodiments, the casings  35  may be installed through the slide lock member  120  such that the upper head portion  39  is seated above a bevel  125  or similarly positioned ledge within the securing pin opening  124  (as further described below with respect to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B ). The upper head portion may therefore include a lower external ledge that may engage with the bevel  125  or similarly positioned ledge of the securing pin opening  124 . Because the lower body portion  40  of the casing  35  may rest on the backside of the head  20  or a ledge within the pin hole  131 , the securing pin  130  may be tightened into the channel of the casing  35  and onto an internal ledge within the channel of the casing  35 , with the head  133  being seated on the internal ledge in the upper head portion  39  of the channel in the casing  35 . With the securing pin  130  tightened, the slide lock member  120  may be held on the top face  200  of the head  20  by the upper head portion of the casing  35 , which in turn is held in place by the securing pin  130 . Because the casing  35  is prevented from being tightened onto the slide lock member  120 , the slide lock member  120  is free to slide relative to the casing  35  across the top face  200  of the head  20 , but cannot be moved away from the top face  200  with a component of movement in a direction perpendicular to the top face  200 . In addition to operating as a stop or stand-off for the securing pin  130 , the implementation of the casings  35  may also provide added rigidity and support to the securing pins  130  to limit or avoid bending or shifting of the securing pins  130  into improper engagement with the slide lock member  120  when the wrench  10  is subjected to an impact (e.g., when dropped from a high altitude). 
       FIG.  3 C  shows an example securing pin  130 . As shown, the securing pin  130  may include a head  133 , a shank  136 , and a thread  137 . The thread  137  may be sized to engage with corresponding threading in the pin holes  131  of the head  20 . The shank  136  may, according to some example embodiments, be a smooth portion of the securing pin  130  that may be configured to engage with the slide lock spring  140 , as described herein. The head  133  may be broader that the shank  136  to permit the head  133  to operate as a catch to secure the slide lock member  120  to the head  20  of the wrench  10 . In this regard, the head  133  may have a dimension that is larger than the width of the securing pin opening  124  to prevent the head  133 , for example, from passing through the securing pin opening  124 . In this regard, to permit the head  133  to sit flush on the top of the slide lock member  120  and still operate as a catch, the head  133  may have a bevel  135  that may correspond to the bevel  125  on the edge of the securing pin opening  124 . Additionally, the head  133  may include a drive  134  that facilitates engagement with a tool for tightening or loosening the securing pin  130  in the pin hole  131 . 
     Having described physical and functional characteristics of various components of the wrench  10 , a description of the operation of the components will now be provided. In this regard,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  illustrate the configuration of various components of the wrench  10 , when the release button  100  is in the locked position and the slide lock member  120  is in the engaged position. With reference to  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , it can be seen that the slide lock member  120  has been slid forward (away from the handle  15 ) to the forward-most position, which may be the engaged position. In this regard, as mentioned above, with the slide lock member  120  in the engaged position, the release button  100  is prevented from moving out of the locked position. It can be seen in  FIG.  4 A , that the rear edge of the button opening  121  is engaged with the release button  100 , while a gap exists between the front edge of the button opening  121  and the release button  100 . As shown in  FIG.  4 B , because the release button  100  is in the locked position, the locking member  115  is extended out of the opening the drive tang  110 . 
     Now referencing  FIG.  4 C , a zoomed view of the head  20  is provided with the slide lock member  120  in the engaged position and the release button  100  in the unlocked position. In this regard, the dashed circle  204  indicates the position of the edge of the button opening  121 , which is obscured by the locking lip  101  of the release button  100 . As shown, due to the locking lip  101  extending away from a center of the release button  100  to create a void, the edge of the button opening  121  can slide under locking lip  101  into the void, thereby blocked the release button  100  form moving into the unlocked position. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  4 C , the securing pin openings  124  are also slid forward due to the slide lock member  120  being in the engaged position. As such, the securing pins  130  are located against the rear edge of the securing pin openings  124 . Further, the slide lock springs  140  can be seen though the securing pin openings  124  in positions engaged with the securing pins  130  and urging the slide lock member  120  forward into the engaged position. 
     Now referencing  FIG.  4 D , a cross-section view taken at A-A of  FIG.  4 C  of select components of the wrench  10  is shown, with the slide lock member  120  in the engaged position. In this regard,  FIG.  4 D  illustrates the positioning of the slide lock member  120 , the release button  100 , the post  102 , and the locking member  115  relative to the gear  30  and the drive tang  110 , when the slide lock member  120  is in the engaged position. The release button  100 , the post  102 , and the locking member  115  may be components of the lockable detent  116 . 
     The slide lock member  120  is shown with a top surface being slid under the locking lip  101  of the release button  100  (which may have a bevel  103 ). As such, in this position, the engagement between the locking lip  101  and the edge of the button opening  121  of the slide lock member  120  prevents the release button  100  from being depressed and moving from the locked position to the unlocked position. Additionally, the force provided by the release button spring  104  urges the release button  100  into the locked position due to the engagement of the release button spring  104  between the spring lip  105 , from which the post  102  extends, and a ledge within the drive tang cavity  111 . 
     With the release button  100  in the locked position, the post  102  is positioned such that a shallow edge  104  of the post  102  is aligned with the locking member opening  112 . As such, the locking member  115 , which may be in the form of a spherical bearing, may be forced to extend out of the locking member opening  112  due to the engagement or positioning of the shallow edge  104  of the post  102 . As mentioned above, the locking member opening  112  may be smaller than the locking member  115 , and therefore, the locking member  115  may extend out of, but may not pass completely through the locking member opening  112 . 
     Now with reference to the  FIGS.  5 A to  5 E , the transition to the slide lock member  120  being in the disengaged position and the release button  100  being in the unlocked position will be described with respect to the various components of the wrench  10 . In this regard,  FIG.  5 A  provides a top view and  FIG.  5 B  provides a side view of the wrench  10  shown after the slide lock member  120  has be slid rearward (towards the handle) along the direction  201  (which may be a linear direction) into the disengaged position. The sliding movement of the slide lock member  120  may be constrained to a linear sliding movement by, for example, the shape of the securing pin openings  124  and the guide slot  127 . As can be seen in  FIG.  5 A , the securing pin openings  124  have now shifted into a position where the securing pins  130  are engaged with a forward end of the securing pin openings  124 . According to some example embodiments, the engagement between the forward ends of the securing pin openings  124  and the securing pins  130  may operate as a stop to prevent further movement of the slide lock member  120  in the rearward direction. With the slide lock member  120  in the disengaged position, the button opening  121  is aligned with the release button  100  such that the edge of the button opening  121  is not disposed in engagement with the locking lip  101  of the release button  100 . 
     Now with reference to  FIG.  5 C , the slide lock member  120  has been slid in the direction  201 , and now the release button  100  has been depressed and moved in the direction  202 , which may be a linear direction. The sliding movement of the slide lock member  120  in the direction  201 , according to some example embodiments, may be perpendicular to the movement of the release button  100  in the direction  202 . Additionally, the sliding movement of the slide lock member  120  may be a linear motion and the movement of the release button  100 , due to being pressed into the top face  200  of the head  20 , may also be a linear movement. Because the release button  100  has been depressed and moved into the unlocked position, the locking detent  116  comprising the locking member  115  may permit the locking member  115  to move out of the extended position to permit a work piece to be removed from the drive tang  110 . 
       FIG.  5 D  provides a zoomed, top view of the head  20  with the slide lock member  120  in the disengaged position and the release button  100  in the unlocked position. In this regard, it can be seen, as mentioned above, that the securing pin openings  124  have shifted rearward and the securing pins  130  are now disposed in an forward position within the securing pin openings  124  and engaged with the forward edges of the securing pin openings  124 . As such, the engagement between the securing pins  130  and the forward edges of the securing pin openings  124  may operate as a stop to prevent further movement of the slide lock member  120  in the rearward direction. Additionally, as shown in  FIG.  5 D , the release button  100  is aligned with the button opening  121 . As such, the edge of the button opening  121  is no longer engaged with the locking lip  101  of the release button  100 . Therefore, the release button  100  is moveable (i.e., may be depressed) unencumbered by the slide lock member  120 . 
     Now referencing  FIG.  5 E , a cross-section view taken at B-B of  FIG.  5 D  of select components of the wrench  10  is shown, with the slide lock member  120  in the disengaged position and the release button  100  in the unlocked position. In this regard,  FIG.  5 E  illustrates the positioning of the slide lock member  120 , the release button  100 , the post  102 , and the locking member  115  relative to the gear  30  and the drive tang  110 , when the slide lock member  120  is in the disengaged position and the release button  100  is in the unlocked position. 
     The slide lock member  120  is shown with a top surface of the slide lock member  120  being slid rearward such that the locking lip  101  of the release button  100  is no longer in engagement with the locking lip  101  and does not block the release button  100  from being depressed and moved into the unlocked position. As such, in this position, the button opening  121  and the release button  100  are aligned, and, at least a portion of the release button  100  may pass through the button opening  121  into the drive tang cavity  111  when depressed. Further, the release button spring  104  may be compressed between the spring lip  105  and the ledge within the drive tang cavity  111 . 
     With the release button  100  in the unlocked position, the post  102  is positioned such that a deep edge  103  of the post  102  is aligned with the locking member opening  112 . As such, the locking member  115 , which may be in the form of a spherical bearing, may be permitted to move from the extended position into a retracted position, where, for example, the locking member  115  is completely or substantially disposed within the drive tang cavity  111  and no longer extends through the locking member opening  112 . As such, any work piece that was being locked in place due to engagement with the locking member  115 , is no longer in engagement with the locking member  115  and may be removed or separated from the drive tang  110 . 
       FIGS.  6 A to  6 C  provide illustrations of a user operating the wrench  10 , according to some example embodiments. In this regard, with reference to  FIG.  6 A , a user&#39;s thumb  203  is attempting to push or depress the release button  100  with the slide lock member  120  in the engaged position, in an attempt to unlock the socket  190  from the drive tang  110 . Because the slide lock member  120  is engaged with the release button  100 , the release button  100  cannot be moved into the unlocked position, and therefore the socket  190  remains locked onto the wrench  10 . 
     Now with reference to  FIG.  6 B , the user&#39;s thumb  203  has engaged the thumb protrusion  123  and the user&#39;s thumb has pulled the slide lock member  120  rearward, towards the handle  15  in the direction  201 . As such, due to, for example, the stops formed by the securing pin openings  124  and the securing pins  130 , the slide lock member  120  may be prevented from sliding further rearward, and the release button  100  may be in alignment with the button opening  121 . Since the release button  100  has not yet been depressed, the lockable detent  116  is still operating to lock the socket  190  to the drive tang  110 . 
     Now referencing  FIG.  6 C , while maintaining the slide lock member  120  in the disengaged position (against the urging of the slide lock springs  140 ), the user&#39;s thumb  203  now depresses release button  100 , thereby moving the release button  100  from the locked position to the unlocked position. As such, the lockable detent  116  permits the socket  190  to be separated from the drive tang  110  due to, for example, retraction of the locking member  115  into the drive tang cavity  111  and out of engagement with the socket  190 . 
     As such, according to some example embodiments, a ratchet wrench is provided. The ratchet wrench may comprise a head comprising a top face and a bottom face, and a drive tang that extends from the bottom face of the head. In this regard, the drive tang may be shaped to engage a work piece. The ratchet wrench may further comprise a ratcheting mechanism disposed within a head cavity of the head and operably coupled to the drive tang. Additionally, the ratcheting mechanism may be configured to permit the drive tang to rotate relative to the head in a ratcheting rotational direction and prevent the drive tang from rotating relative to the head in a drive rotational direction. The ratchet wrench may further comprise a locking detent operably coupled to the drive tang, and a release button disposed on a top face of the head and configured to control operation of the locking detent. The release button may be movable along a first direction between a locked position, where the locking detent locks the work piece to the drive tang and an unlocked position where the detent permits removal of the work piece from the drive tang. The ratchet wrench may further comprise a slide lock member configured to slide along a second direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In this regard, the second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction. Additionally, in the engaged position, the slide lock member may engage with the release button to prevent movement of the release button in the first direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, and, in the disengaged position, the slide lock member may be disengaged from the release button to permit movement of the release button in the first direction to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     Additionally, the ratchet wrench may further comprise a release button spring configured to urge the release button into the locked position, and a slide lock spring configured to urge the slide lock member into the engaged position. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the release button may comprises a locking lip, and the slide lock member may be positioned under the locking lip of the release button when the slide lock member is in the engaged position. Additionally or alternatively, the locking lip may comprise a beveled edge. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the slide lock member may comprise a button opening that is aligned with the release button when the slide lock member is in the disengaged position such that a portion of the release button moves through the button opening of the slide lock member when the slide lock member is in the disengaged position and the release button is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. Additionally or alternatively, the slide lock member may comprise a securing pin opening and a guide slot. In this regard, a securing pin may pass through the securing pin opening in the slide lock member and may couple to the top face of the head. Further, the securing pin opening may be sized to permit the slide lock member to slide relative to the securing pin. The slide lock member may comprise a guide protrusion extending from the top face of the head. The guide protrusion may be configured to extend into the guide slot of the slide lock member to guide movement of the slide lock member along the second direction. Additionally or alternatively, the securing pin opening may be an elongate opening having a first end and an second end. Additionally, the engagement between the securing pin and the first end operates as a stop for slide lock member in the disengaged position. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the slide lock member may comprise a spring slot that is aligned with the securing pin, and the ratchet wrench may further comprise a slide lock spring disposed within the spring slot such that an end of the slide lock spring engages with the securing pin. In this regard, the slide lock spring may be configured to urge the slide lock member into the engaged position by applying a force on the securing pin. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the slide lock member may comprise a thumb protrusion configured to be engageable with a thumb of a user to facilitate sliding of slide lock member from the engaged position to the disengage position. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the locking detent may comprise a post operably coupled to the release button such that the post moves with the release button along the first direction, and the post may be disposed within a drive tang cavity in the drive tang. The locking detent may also comprise a locking member disposed within the drive tang cavity and operably coupled to the post such that the movement of the post moves the locking member between an extended position, where a portion of the locking member extends out of an opening in the drive tang to lock the work piece to the drive tang, and a retracted position that permits the work piece to be removed from the drive tang. 
     According to some example embodiments, a wrench is provided. The wrench may comprise a head comprising a top face and a bottom face, and a drive tang that extends from the bottom face of the head. In this regard, the drive tang may be shaped to engage a work piece. The wrench may further comprise a locking detent operably coupled to the drive tang and a release button disposed on a top face of the head and configured to control operation of the locking detent. The release button may be movable along a first linear direction between a locked position where the locking detent locks the work piece to the drive tang and an unlocked position where the detent permits removal of the work piece from the drive tang. The wrench may further comprise a slide lock member configured to slide along a second linear direction between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In this regard, in the engaged position, the slide lock member may engage with the release button to prevent movement of the release button in the first linear direction from the locked position to the unlocked position, and, in the disengaged position, the slide lock member may be disengaged from the release button to permit movement of the release button in the first linear direction to move from the locked position to the unlocked position. 
     Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the wrench may comprise a release button spring configured to urge the release button into the locked position, and a slide lock spring configured to urge the slide lock member into the engaged position. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the release button comprises a locking lip, and the slide lock member is positioned under the locking lip of the release button when the slide lock member is in the engaged position. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the slide lock member may comprise a button opening that is aligned with the release button when the slide lock member is in the disengaged position such that a portion of the release button moves through the button opening of the slide lock member when the slide lock member is in the disengaged position and the release button is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the slide lock member may comprise a securing pin opening and a guide slot. The wrench may also comprise a securing pin that passes through the securing pin opening in the slide lock member and couples to the top face of the head. The securing pin opening may be sized to permit the slide lock member to slide relative to the securing pin. Further, the wrench may comprise a guide protrusion extending from the top face of the head, and the guide protrusion may be configured to extend into the guide slot of the slide lock member to guide movement of the slide lock member along the second linear direction. Additionally or alternatively, according to some example embodiments, the securing pin opening may be an elongate opening having a first end and an second end, and engagement between the securing pin and the first end operates as a stop for slide lock member in the disengaged position. Additionally or alternatively, the slide lock member may be a spring slot that is aligned with the securing pin. In this regard, the wrench further comprises a slide lock spring disposed within the spring slot such that an end of the slide lock spring engages with the securing pin, and the slide lock spring is configured to urge the slide lock member into the engaged position by applying a force on the securing pin. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe exemplary embodiments in the context of certain exemplary combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. In cases where advantages, benefits or solutions to problems are described herein, it should be appreciated that such advantages, benefits and/or solutions may be applicable to some example embodiments, but not necessarily all example embodiments. Thus, any advantages, benefits or solutions described herein should not be thought of as being critical, required or essential to all embodiments or to that which is claimed herein. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.