Patent Publication Number: US-6988430-B1

Title: Wrench with flexible ring

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of provisional application Ser. No. 60/349,201, filed Jan. 16, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND 
   This application relates to hand tools and, more particularly, to ratcheting wrenches. Ratchet wrenches have been provided generally with multiple elements, such as pawls and levers, located in the head of the wrench to permit ratcheting and to control direction. These constructions generally require complex assembly and manufacturing processes. For example, a common type ratchet wrench, such as Snap-on, Inc., model no. F872 round head ratchet, provides for selective ratcheting in either direction. The wrench includes cam surfaces of the pawl that are designed to allow for tightening of a socket while the cam is in a first position allowing rotation only in one direction, such as clockwise. When the wrench is rotated in a counterclockwise direction a gear rotates and ratchets. 
   Wrenches that provide large amounts of torque that are made of few components have been known. Examples are strap wrenches, ratcheting tube wrenches and pipe wrenches. Such wrenches may have pivots which require the wrench to be assembled of more than one piece. Also, wrenches such as strap wrenches require adjustment of the straps generally in order to provide sufficient amounts of torque. In addition, such wrenches are not easily manufactured through automated manufacturing processes. 
   Also such wrenches do not provide a proper geometry and construction to allow for the teeth or serrations in the head of the wrench to provide for dual functionality of torquing and also ratcheting. Generally, serrations that provide for torque must be large in order to take up the hoop stress imparted during torquing. Serrations that provide for ratcheting are generally small to allow for low torque so that the teeth may move on and off the corner of a fastener. No known wrenches provide a proper geometric construction that provide for serrations that have dual functionality of torquing and ratcheting. Therefore, a wrench is desired that has one major piece and provides for ratcheting and/or release of the fastener during non-torquing rotation. 
   SUMMARY 
   In an embodiment, a wrench is provided comprising a first end including a handle, a second end including a flexible ring having an inner surface having serrations and the flexible ring having an attached end integrally formed with the handle and a free end defining a pawl. The flexible ring may have flexibility and resilience such that when the wrench is rotated in a torquing direction the flexible ring flexes inwardly from a rest, unstressed position and wraps down on the fastener. When the wrench is rotated in a non-tightening direction, the flexible ring flexes outwardly from the rest position to allow the serrations to ratchet around the fastener. The attached end of the ring is coupled to the handle at a tensile load bearing portion and adjacent the tensile load bearing portion is a shoe which forms an arc that may abut the pawl. The shoe may provide a self energizing force against the pawl. The arc of the shoe may be eccentric relative to the arc formed by the outer surface of the ring, the arcs respectively having center points B and A, such that radii to the center points from a common point C cooperate with a line joining the centers to form an oblique triangle. 
   When the wrench is oriented in a rest condition so that the free end of the ring is located at about a six o&#39;clock position with the handle down, and the center point A is located at the center of the ring, the center point B of the shoe arc is offset from center point A, being disposed between about the one o&#39;clock and two o&#39;clock positions. In an embodiment, the ring may include from about 6 to about 36 teeth forming serrations. In an embodiment where the wrench is ¾″ nominal size, the ring may have 30 teeth. In an embodiment, a slit may be formed in the handle between the tensile load bearing portion and the shoe. The slit may have a hole formed at its closed end wherein the slit and the hole provide strain relief. 
   In an embodiment, the attached end of the ring may be attached to the handle at a tensile load bearing portion and adjacent the tensile load bearing portion is a shoe having an arcuate surface that may form an arc upon which the pawl may abut, and a slit may be formed in the handle between the tensile load bearing portion and the shoe. The slit may have a hole formed at its closed end wherein the slit and the hole provide a strain relief. In an embodiment, a gear insert may be located within the ring. The gear insert may include an outer surface having serrations adjacent to the serrations of the inner surface of the ring. The serrations of the outer surface may correspond in size and number to the serrations of the ring wherein, upon movement of the wrench in a non-tightening direction, the gear insert will ratchet relative to the gear insert. The gear insert may include a rim that rides on a shoulder of the ring, being held in place by a retaining ring. In an embodiment, the gear insert may be one piece and may be retained axially to the ring by a single retaining ring and resting in circumferential grooves present in both the gear insert and the ring at a midpoint of each of the gear insert and ring. The gear insert may include a torquing surface serration pattern on its inner surface. In an embodiment, the gear insert may include a hex torquing surface. In an embodiment the gear insert may include a double hex serration pattern on its inner surface. The gear insert may include one more serration on its outer surface than the number of serrations on the ring. The gear insert may be one piece. 
   In an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a wrench is provided comprising the steps of forming a one-piece wrench of steel having a handle and a solid disk integrally formed with the handle, removing a central portion of the disk to form a ring, heat treating the wrench and forming a free end of the ring by cutting an arc shaped separation and gap between the handle and the ring adjacent the gap to form a shoe on the handle and a pawl on the ring. The separation may be 0.010 inch. The steel in an embodiment may be 50 B 44 material. In an embodiment the method further comprises the steps of forming teeth in the solid disk by drilling and broaching prior to the heat treating. In an embodiment the method further comprises the steps of cutting by wire EDM, laser, water jet saw or other narrow slit-forming process. In an embodiment the material used may be composite including fiber reinforced plastic. 
   In an embodiment, a one-piece wrench is provided comprising a first end having a socket having, along an inner surface, means for applying torque, a pawl means for ratcheting against a fastener located within the socket and a self energizing means wherein, upon rotation of the wrench in a tightening direction, the socket will clamp down on a fastener. The torque applying means may include serrations on the socket. The self energizing means may include a resilient ring forming the socket, the ring having a free end that allows the ring to clamp down on the fastener. The pawl means may include the free end of the flexible ring having serrations thereon. The self energizing means may include a handle having a shoe engageable with the pawl means to urge the pawl means against a fastener located therein. In an embodiment the self energizing means may include a handle having a shoe that abuts against the pawl means constricting the pawl against a fastener located therein. The self energizing means may include an arc formed on a shoe having a center point that is offset from a center point of an arc formed on a flexible ring constructed adjacent the shoe. 
   In an embodiment, a wrench is provided comprising a handle and a flexible and resilient split ring having a mounting end integral with the handle and a free end defining a pawl, the pawl having an inner surface with serrations thereon. In an embodiment a gear insert may be mounted within the split ring. The gear insert may have a torquing surface on its inner diameter and serrations on its outer surface corresponding to the serrations on the pawl inner surface. In an embodiment a slit may separate the free end of the split ring from the handle where a first arcuate surface is formed by the split ring at the slit and a second arcuate surface is formed by the handle at the slit. In an embodiment the first arcuate surface is eccentric to the second arcuate surface and may provide a self-energizing force for the wrench. In an embodiment the first arcuate surface is concentric to the second arcuate surface and provides a self-energizing force for the wrench. In an embodiment the slit is formed generally along a radius that defines an outer edge of the split ring. In an embodiment the slit is formed generally offset from a radius that defines an outer edge of the split ring. 
   In a further embodiment a wrench is provided comprising a handle and a flexible and resilient split ring having a mounting end integral with the handle. The ring may have a free end at which it is split from the handle. A gear insert may be mounted within the ring. The gear insert may include a torquing inner surface and an engagement feature along its outer surface. In an embodiment the free end of the ring may be separated by a slit from a shoe on the handle. In an embodiment the split ring, shoe and slit are oriented in order to provide a self-energizing wrench that upon torquing will wrap down on a fastener located within the split ring. In an embodiment torque capacity provided by the engagement feature is greater than the torque capacity provided by the slit. In an embodiment the engagement feature includes serrations. In an embodiment the engagement feature includes a chamfered circumferential recess for receiving a chamfered circumferential projection on the ring inner surface. In an embodiment the engagement feature includes a chamfered circumferential projection protruding into a chamfered circumferential recess on the ring inner surface. In an embodiment the engagement feature includes a chamfered circumferential recess corresponding to a chamfered circumferential recess on the ring inner surface and a wire ring in compression therebetween. In an embodiment the engagement feature comprises a fluid having a high coefficient of friction. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the ratchet wrench, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, their construction and operation, and many of their advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of an embodiment of a wrench with flexible ring; 
       FIG. 2  is a plan view of a second embodiment of a wrench with flexible ring; 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of a third embodiment of a wrench with flexible ring; 
       FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the wrench depicted in  FIG. 3  taken at line  4 — 4 ; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of a wrench with flexible ring; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the wrench depicted in  FIG. 5  taken at line  6 — 6 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a wrench with flexible ring; 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the wrench depicted in  FIG. 7  taken at line  8 — 8 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  depicting an alternate embodiment; 
       FIG. 10  is a view similar to  FIG. 8  depicting a further alternate embodiment; and 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a wrench with flexible ring. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  11 , one-piece ratcheting wrenches are disclosed. A first embodiment of a one-piece ratcheting wrench  10  is disclosed in  FIG. 1 . The wrench  10  includes a first end  21  that includes a handle  20 . The wrench  10  includes a second end  22  which includes a flexible and resilient split ring or socket  30 . The ring  30  and the handle  20  may be integrally formed of a suitable metal, such as a suitable steel. For example, a 50 B 44 steel may be used. However, other compositions of metallic or composite elements may be used to form the wrench  10 . For example, fiber reinforced plastic such as glass filled nylon may be used in an embodiment. The ring  30  has an outer surface  32  which is smooth and generally cylindrically shaped. The ring  30  includes an inner surface  34  which includes serrations thereon. The serrations are formed by a plurality of teeth  15 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , thirty teeth  15  are disclosed. However, in an embodiment a ring  30  may have from six to thirty-six teeth  15 . Teeth every 12° may be provided for a ¾″ wrench. Other sized wrenches may have six teeth or more. As will be discussed in more detail below, the number of teeth  15  is dependent upon the geometry of the ring  30  in order to provide sufficient torque and also allow for ratcheting. In an embodiment, a ring having a smooth torquing surface and no serrations may still provide sufficient torque for tightening. 
   The ring  30  includes an attached end  38  and a free end  40 . The free end  40  of the ring  30  defines a pawl  42 . The pawl  42  is constructed at the free end  40  of the ring  30  in order to provide a restoring force for the pawl spring arm. Adjacent to the pawl is a shoe  50  which has an arcuate surface  54  and a toe  55 . The shoe  50  is separated from the pawl  42  by a slit  52 . The attached end  38  of the ring  30  is attached to the handle  20  at a tensile load bearing portion  60 . The tensile load bearing portion  60  is spaced from the free end  40  of the ring  30  by a gap  62 . Therefore, it can be seen that the top or working end of the handle defines the shoe  50  and the tensile load bearing portion  60 . 
   In order for the wrench  10  to have the proper construction providing for a self energizing clamping motion of the flexible ring  30  so that, upon tightening, it will wrap down on a fastener  90  (see  FIG. 2 ) and also to allow for ratcheting, the geometry of the ring  30  must be carefully arranged. In an embodiment, the arcuate outer surface  32 , in the at-rest condition shown, has a center point A. However, the ring surface  32  is eccentric with respect to the arcuate surface  54  of the shoe  50 , the latter having a center point B. In an alternate embodiment the ring surface  32  may be concentric with respect to the arcuate surface  54 . When the wrench  10  is oriented, as in  FIG. 1 , so that the free end  40  of the ring  30  is located at about the six o&#39;clock position, it can be seen that the center point B of the arc  54  is offset from the center point A in a direction toward the one o&#39;clock to two o&#39;clock positions. In an embodiment, the center points A and B are separated by approximately 0.150 inches (for a ¾″ wrench). Radii drawn to the center points A and B from a point C on the arcuate surface  54  cooperate with a line between the points A and B to define an oblique triangle. Point C designates the midpoint of the arc  54  substantially midway between a toe  55  and a corner  65  and represents an effective center of the forces acting through the entire arc  54 . Summation of all forces along arc  54  are represented as point C. 
   In an embodiment, a wrench is provided that has a self-energizing ring  30  that also has a pawl with low ratcheting torque when the orientation of points A, B and C form an oblique or acute triangle. In an embodiment, the lines between A and B and A and C represent a portion of the compression force and the line between B and C represents the tensile force between the ring  30  and the shoe  50 . Maintaining this geometry provides a self-energizing force for the wrench. The self-energizing effect includes the shoe  50  acting against the resilient and flexible ring  30  causing the ring diameter to be reduced and results in the ring  30  wrapping down on a fastener. The width of the ring  30  is also an important factor in providing for a ring  30  that is sufficiently flexible and resilient to allow for self energizing and ratcheting functions. In an embodiment, the width of the ring  30  measured radially from the root of a tooth  15  to the outer surface  32 , is approximately between 0.055 and 0.077 inches in a steel ¾″ wrench. Another important feature is the number and size of the teeth  15  within the ring  30 . In an embodiment twenty-four (24) teeth may be provided having a circular pitch of about ⅛″ in a steel ¾″ wrench. 
   Therefore, it may be understood that the wrench disclosed herein provides for a wrench head that is self energizing. The self energizing function is facilitated in an embodiment by the flexible ring  30  having an arc with a center point A and a shoe having an arc with a center point B. The orientation of the shoe arc  52  to the ring arc  32  is important in providing for a self energizing means. In an embodiment the shoe arc  52  and ring arc form tangents that meet at point D as shown in  FIG. 1 . Forming shoe arc and ring arc so that point D is close to the toe  55  (approximately 0.030 inches in an embodiment) provides for geometry where point B is located between the one o&#39;clock and two o&#39;clock position with relation to point A and results in a wrench that is self energizing. Such a self energizing wrench provides for sufficient torque to tighten standard fasteners and enough flexibility based on the width of the ring  30  and the size of the serrations  34  in order to allow for ratcheting. It is helpful for the toe  55  not to move beyond point D when it flexes upon torquing. 
     FIG. 2  discloses a second embodiment of a wrench  100 , which has a number of elements in common with the wrench  10  of  FIG. 1 , so that like numerals describe like elements. The major difference in this second embodiment is a slit  70  which is provided within the handle  20 . The slit runs from an open end  71  at the gap  62  down to a closed end  72 , wherein a hole  74  is provided.  FIG. 2  also discloses a fastener  90  located within the ring  30  having each of its six corners engaged by a serration  34  of the ring  30 . The present ratchet wrench may be constructed to receive most sizes and shapes of fasteners. 
   The operation of the wrench will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , which depict the wrench  10 ,  100  at rest prior to applying any torquing or ratcheting motion. Tightening of the wrench is provided by rotation in a clockwise direction. Upon rotation of the wrench  10  or  100 , the flexible ring  30  will constrict and the gap  62  will narrow. The entire circumference of the ring will clamp down onto the fastener  90  after gap  52  closes. In an embodiment, upon full torque provided on the fastener  90 , the gap  62  may be diminished so that the free end  40  abuts against the wall adjacent the tensile load bearing portion  60  of the handle. The wall provides a stop abutment in order to limit the tightening compression of the ring  30 . In an embodiment the slit  70  may allow for the handle to flex and provide strain relief when the free end  40  abuts against the tensile load bearing portion  60 . In another embodiment the wrench  10  may be constructed so that the gap  62  will always be present and the free end  40  will not abut against the wall adjacent the tensile load bearing portion  60 . 
   During constriction of the flexible ring  30  the separation slit  52  will narrow and the shoe arcuate surface  54  will abut against and drive the pawl portion  42  of the flexible ring  30  against the fastener  90 . Upon full torquing in an embodiment (for a ¾ inch wrench) the shoe  50  may move 0.030 inches from its resting position generally tangentially around the ring  30 . The toe  55  of the shoe  50  moves in a clockwise direction and at least partially toward the ring  30 . Simultaneously the pawl  42  will slide along the arcuate surface  54  of the shoe  50  and close the gap  62 , causing the ring  30  to clamp down on the fastener  90 . In other embodiments a wrench may be provided wherein the shoe  50 , upon full torquing may move by various amounts from the shoe&#39;s resting position and not close the gap  62 . 
   When the wrench is turned in a counterclockwise (non-torquing) direction in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1–2 , the ring  30  loosens and unwraps from the fastener  90 . The pawl  42  at the free end  40  of the ring  30  loosens from the fastener and moves so that the outer surface of the pawl moves outwardly toward the shoe  50 . The flexing of the pawl  42  away from the fastener and toward the shoe  50  provides enough clearance between the serrations  34  of the pawl  42  and the corners of the fastener  90  so that ratcheting may occur. Such ratcheting is accomplished by the pawl  42  sliding back and forth in an oscillatory motion, its natural resilience urging it toward its rest position. In an embodiment, the slit  52  is sufficiently wide that it doesn&#39;t close during ratcheting. The orientation of the pawl  42  at the end of the flexible ring  30  provides for a restoring force to urge the pawl against the fastener  90  when the pawl teeth are ratcheting alone the fastener (or along the teeth of the gear insert  210  of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , discussed below). The teeth  15  of the ring  30  are dimensioned so that at the maximum deflection of the pawl, when the apex of a pawl tooth  15  is abutting the apex of the corner of the fastener (or the teeth of the gear insert  210  of the embodiment of  FIG. 3 ) enough clearance is provided by the slit  52  so that the pawl  42  will not abut against the shoe arc  50 . Additional clearance may be provided to provide extremely low ratcheting torque in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , wherein the slit  70  and the hole  74  provide for strain relief during ratcheting. 
   In an embodiment, the wrench  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  may be manufactured according to the following process. A one-piece forged wrench is provided having a first end including a handle to a second end including a solid disk. A central portion of the disk is removed to form a hole that defines the ring  30  by drilling and broaching. In an embodiment the hole that is broached is circular in shape. In an alternate embodiment the shape may be any form that provides for a pre-load on the gear insert  210  when mounted in the hole. For example, the hole may be oval. The wrench is formed of steel. In an embodiment, 50 B 44 steel is used. However, any steel providing the proper flexibility and strength may be used. The wrench is then heat treated. After cooling, the wrench in an embodiment is then placed in a wire EDM (electrodischarge machining) machine. A cut is made to form the separation slit  52  and the gap  62  forming the free end  42  of the ring  30  and separating it from the shoe  50 . The cut is made from the outside of the handle toward the inside of the handle toward gap  62 . In an embodiment, the cut is 0.010 inches wide. In an embodiment the cut is widened at the gap  62 . In an embodiment, the wire EDM machine is fitted so that wrenches may be manufactured in multiple batches one after another. In an embodiment the cutting may also be accomplished by a laser, water jet, saw or other narrow slit-forming processes. The process may be further automated by use of pick and place machinery to quickly load and unload wrenches to be cut. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 3–10 , ratcheting wrenches having more than one piece are disclosed.  FIG. 3  discloses a third embodiment of a wrench  200 , wherein like numerals designate the elements in common with other embodiments, discussed previously. Generally, the wrench  200  is similar to that shown in  FIG. 1 , having a handle  20  and flexible ring  30 . In this embodiment, however, the ring includes more numerous serrations  234  and mounted within the ring  30  is a gear insert  210 . The gear insert along its outer surface has serrations  240  which mesh with the serrations  234  on the ring  30 . In an embodiment the gear insert  210  includes one hundred and ten serrations  240  on its outer surface and the ring  30  includes one hundred nine serrations  234  on its inner surface. In an embodiment the serrations  234 ,  240  have a circular pitch of 0.026 inches. In an embodiment, prior to insertion of the gear insert  210  within the ring  30 , the gap  62  is very small and is generally smaller than the width of a serration  240  of the embodiment provided. Upon insertion of the gear insert  210  into the ring  30  it is expanded and the gap  62  is spread so that its width is approximately equal to the width of a tooth  240 . Therefore, it may be understood that the gap occupies the space of the extra, or one hundred and tenth serration  240  of the gear insert  210 . In an embodiment, the gap may occupy the space of more than one serration. In addition, the assembly of the wrench  200  in such a manner provides for the pawl  42  to be preloaded alter the gear insert  210  is mounted therein. 
   The gear insert  210  has along its inner surface a double hex pattern  250 . In an additional embodiment the gear insert  210  may be a solid disk having a square drive protruding from its center so that the wrench can function as a ratchet head. It may be understood that all such embodiments of the gear inserts  210  may be used interchangeably on the same wrench  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  500  (discussed below). The wrench  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  500  may also be provided with interchangeable gear inserts  210  having multiple sized hex inner surfaces  250 . In this way, a single wrench  200  may be used to tighten or loosen multiple fastener sizes. In an embodiment, the gear insert may be formed of steel 50 B 44. In alternative embodiments the insert  210  may be other metal composite, polymer or resin materials sufficient to provide durability and limited resiliency. 
     FIG. 4  discloses an embodiment depicting the mounting of the gear insert  210 .  FIG. 4  depicts a sectional view taken at line  4 — 4  of  FIG. 3 . An internal retaining ring  256  may be installed at the center height within circumferential grooves formed axially midway on the outer surface of the gear insert  210  and the inner surface of the flexible ring  30  so that a shoulder or external retaining ring would not be required. This design allows for a wrench of narrow height or low profile. In an embodiment, the internal retaining ring  256  may be formed separately from either the gear insert  210  or flexible ring  30 . In an alternative embodiment, the internal retaining ring  256  may be formed integrally or be of one-piece with either the ring  30  or insert  210 . The gear insert  210  may be snapped in place within the ring  30 . 
     FIG. 5  discloses a fourth embodiment of the invention. The wrench  300  is shown in an enlarged and sectioned view only depicting an upper side of the wrench  300 . Some numerals are the same as previous embodiments and describe like parts. The portions of the wrench that are not depicted in  FIG. 5  may be assumed to operate consistent with the description provided previously. The wrench  300  includes handle  20  which is formed as one piece with flexible ring  30 . The ring  30  is cylindrical, identical to that in  FIG. 3  and has a free end which forms a pawl  42  as described previously. A gap  62  is provided between pawl  42  and tensile load bearing portion  60 . Just as  FIG. 3  depicted a wrench  200  having a three-piece design,  FIG. 5  depicts an alternative three-piece design. Referring also to  FIG. 6 , mounted within the ring  30  is a gear insert  270  having serrations  240  on its outer surface and an inner torquing surface  250 . The ring  30  includes serrations  234  on its inner surface. In an embodiment the torquing surface  250  is a double hex. In other embodiments the torquing surface  250  may be hex or other shape or smooth.  FIG. 6  discloses a sectional view of  FIG. 5  taken at line  6 — 6 . The flexible ring  30  is shown having the gear insert  270  mounted thereon with a rim  251  riding on a shoulder  212  of the ring  30 . A retaining ring  236  is provided in order to retain the gear insert  20  on the flexible ring  30 . In an embodiment other means of retaining the gear insert  210  on the ring  30  may be provided. On the bottom of the gear insert  270  is a lip  252 . The retaining ring  236  is inserted under the lip  252 . While the inside of the retaining ring is located under the lip  252 , the outside edge of the retaining ring  236  rides on top of the flexible ring  30  in order to secure the insert  270  in place. 
   The wrenches  200 ,  300  operate in a similar fashion as the one-piece wrenches discussed previously, in that upon rotation in a clockwise tightening direction, the flexible ring  30  will wrap down against the gear insert  210 ,  270  causing serrations  234  to engage corresponding serrations  240  and prohibit the gear insert  210 ,  270  from rotating relative to the ring  30 . The torquing surface or double hex  250  of the gear insert  210 ,  270  will engage the corners of a fastener and provide for tightening. Where additional torque is required to tighten, the ring  30  continues to wrap down tightly against the gear insert  210 ,  270  where the serrations  234  tightly engage serrations  240  of the gear insert  210 ,  270  and the free end  42  moves into the gap  62 . In an embodiment, the ring outer surface  32  may be eccentric or concentric to the arcuate surface  52  of the shoe  50  ( FIG. 3 ) in order to provide a self-energizing force for the wrench. 
   Similar to the functioning described above, upon rotation in a counterclockwise direction, the flexible ring  30  will unwrap from the gear insert  210 ,  270  and the serrations  234  of the ring  30  will separate slightly from the serrations  240  of the gear insert and allow for a ratcheting between the serrations  234  and  240 . The pawl  42  has a restoring force and flexes away from the gear insert  210 ,  270  and the serrations  234  of the pawl  42  move on and off of the serrations  240  of the gear insert  210 ,  270  as the pawl  42  slides back and forth adjacent the shoe  50 . Therefore, it may be understood that the wrench may be easily moved between a clockwise tightening rotation and counterclockwise ratcheting rotation in order to tighten down a fastener in a rapid sequence. 
   In order to loosen a fastener  90 , any of the wrenches  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  500  is flipped over to its opposite side and loosening is provided in the counterclockwise direction and ratcheting in the clockwise direction. 
     FIGS. 7–10  depict a fifth embodiment of a wrench  500 . The wrench  500  is similar to the wrenches  200 ,  300  described above for  FIGS. 3–6 , and like numerals identify like parts in each Figure; however, the main difference of the wrench  500  is that its insert  510  does not have serrations on its outer surface. Correspondingly the inner surface of flexible ring  30  is also non-serrated. The two facing surfaces of the ring  30  and insert  510  are substantially smooth except for a circumferential engagement feature  550  located in an embodiment at an axial midpoint of both the insert  510  and the ring  30 . In an embodiment, the inner surface of the insert  510 , much like the previous embodiments, may have a torquing surface  250  at its inner surface. The torquing surface  250  in an embodiment may be hex or serrated. In other embodiments the torquing surface  250  may double hex, or other shape or smooth. 
   The engagement feature  550  of the wrench  500  may be formed according to many structures that provide for the engagement of two side-by-side members and will allow insert  510  to rotate within flexible ring  30  and free end  40  to withdraw from the insert  510 . For example, the engagement feature  550  provided by the previous embodiments were serrations  234 ,  240  ( FIGS. 3 ,  5 ) as have been described above on both the insert  510  and the ring  30 . Referring to  FIG. 8  another embodiment of an engagement feature is depicted.  FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the wrench  500  of  FIG. 7  taken at line  8 — 8 . Engagement feature  550  comprises projection  551  protruding from the flexible ring  30  and received by a recess  552  of insert  510 . The projection  551  in an embodiment may have tapered sides at its distal end forming a chamfer and the recess  552  will also have correspondingly tapered walls or chamfered sides. A gap  555  is provided between the tip of the projection  551  and the bottom of recess  551 . Gap  555  is provided to reduce wear between the projection  551  and the recess  552 . In an embodiment the projection  551  and recess  552  (as are the insert  510  and ring  30  on which they reside, respectively) are formed of steel. The hardness of the insert  510  may be greater than that of the projection  551  in order to reduce wear. 
   Turning to  FIG. 9  an additional embodiment of engagement feature  550 ′ is depicted in a manner similar to  FIG. 7 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 9  the projection  551 ′ is protruding from the insert  510 ′ and the recess  552 ′ is provided in the ring  30 ′. This is the inverse arrangement of  FIG. 8 . Both the embodiments of  FIGS. 8 and 9  may be considered two-piece ratcheting wrench configurations. 
   Turning to  FIG. 10 , an additional embodiment is depicted of the wrench  500 .  FIG. 10  is similar to  FIG. 7 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10  the engagement feature  550 ″ comprises a first recess  553  in the ring  30 ″ and a second recess  554  in the insert  510 ″. Located within the recesses  553 ,  554  and held by compression between the insert  510 ″ and the ring  30 ″ is a wire ring  558 . In an embodiment the wire ring  558  may be a belt or strap formed of any materials such as rubber, metal, composites, polymer, ceramic, glass, plastic, etc. In an embodiment the wire ring  558  is split at a point around its circumference so that upon rotation of the insert  510  the wire ring  558  may change in diameter. 
   For all embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8–10 , the engagement feature  550 ,  550 ′,  550 ″ must have a geometry that generates a torque capacity between the recess  552 ,  552 ′ and projection  551 ,  551 ′ or between the wire ring  558  and the recesses  553 ,  554  (torque capacity of the insert or Ti) that is greater than the torque capacity generated between the pawl  42  and shoe  50  (torque capacity of the shoe or Ts). In an embodiment this ratio of torque capacities may be provided by the wrenches  10 ,  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400  and  500  described herein and the structures and geometries provided herein. In an embodiment such a torque capacity ratio Ti&gt;Ts provides a self energizing wrench. It may be understood that as the wrench  500  is torqued the ring  30  wraps down on the insert  510  (as has been describe previously for the above described embodiments that provide a self-energizing wrench) and forces projection  551 ,  551 ′,  558  into recess  552 ,  552 ′,  553 ,  554  generating torque. Because the slit  52  has smooth surfaces on each side in an embodiment Ti&gt;Ts allowing the ring to continue to wrap down, increasing torque further and allowing the torquing surface  250  or hex to act against a fastener (not shown) and tighten (or loosen) the fastener. The construction of the wrench  500 , having an engagement feature  550  and slit  52  that provide Ti&gt;Ts maintain a self-energizing wrench. 
   When the wrench  500  is rotated in a non-torquing direction the ring  30  un-wraps (as has been discussed for previous embodiments) and the projection  551 ,  551 ′,  558  withdraws from the recess  552 ,  552 ′,  553 ,  554  reducing torque allowing the wrench  500  to rotate in one direction while the insert  510  remains stationary with the fastener located therein. Therefore the wrench  500  may not necessarily have a pawl (see pawl  42  of  FIGS. 1–3 ) that may “ratchet” or “click” because the ring  30  does not have serrations. However, the wrench  500  includes a free end  40  of the ring  30  that, upon rotation in a non-torquing direction, via the engagement features (discussed above) continues to provide a ratcheting type function wherein the gear-insert is prevented from spinning freely or counter-rotating but may remain stationary during the reorientation of the wrench  500  handle  20  (in an embodiment a counter-clockwise rotation) to a position able to provide a torquing stroke. In an embodiment, the engagement feature  550  may be a fluid having a high coefficient of friction coated on the inner surface of the ring  30  and the outer surface of the insert  510 . In order to provide or enhance the Ti&gt;Ts relationship in an embodiment the slit  52  may be treated so that a slippery surface, such as Teflon™, is applied to the shoe  50  arc and the free end  40  outside arc. In an embodiment, such treatment of the surfaces with fluids and the like, may be combined with the above discussed engagement features  550  including coating the projections  551 ,  551 ′,  558  and recesses  552 ,  552 ′,  553 ,  554 . 
     FIG. 11  discloses a sixth embodiment of a one-piece wrench  400  which has a number of elements in common with the wrench  10  of  FIG. 1 , so that like numerals describe like elements. The ring  30  includes an attached end  38  and a free end  440 . The free end  440  of the ring  30  defines a pawl  442 . The pawl  442  is constructed at the free end  440  of the ring  30  in order to provide a restoring force for the pawl spring arm  442 . Adjacent to the pawl is a shoe  450  which has an arcuate surface  454 . The shoe  450  is separated from the pawl  442  by a slit  452 . The attached end  38  of the ring  30  is attached to the handle  20  at a tensile load bearing portion  460 . Therefore, it can be seen that the top or working end of the handle defines the shoe  450  and the tensile load bearing portion  460 . During constriction of the flexible ring  30  the separation slit  452  will narrow and the shoe arcuate surface  454  will abut against and drive the pawl portion  442  of the flexible ring  30  against the fastener  90 . Upon full torquing in an embodiment, the shoe  450  may move from its resting position generally tangentially around the pawl  442 . Simultaneously the pawl  442  will slide along the arcuate surface  454  of the shoe  450 , causing the ring  30  to clamp down on the fastener  90 . 
   When the wrench is turned in a counterclockwise (non-torquing) direction in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11 , the ring  30  loosens and unwraps from the fastener  90 . The pawl  442  at the free end  440  of the ring  30  loosens from the fastener and moves so that the outer surface of the pawl moves outwardly toward the shoe  450 . The flexing of the pawl  442  away from the fastener and toward the shoe  450  provides enough clearance between the serrations  434  of the pawl  442  and the corners of the fastener  90  so that ratcheting may occur. Such ratcheting is accomplished by the pawl  442  sliding back and forth in an oscillatory motion, its natural resilience urging it toward its rest position. In an embodiment the slit  452  is sufficiently wide that it doesn&#39;t close during ratcheting. The orientation of the pawl  442  at the end of the flexible ring  30  provides for a restoring force to hold the pawl against the fastener  90  during ratcheting. The teeth  434 , in an embodiment, do not extend along the entire inner surface of the ring  30 . In an embodiment, only three teeth  434  may be necessary in order to provide sufficient ratcheting. The inner surface of the ring  30  is substantially smooth in the embodiment of  FIG. 6  and is sufficient to provide enough friction on the corners of the fastener  90  during clockwise (torquing) rotation when the ring wraps down on the fastener in order to tighten the fastener  90 . The orientation of the arcuate surface  454  of the shoe  450  in an embodiment may be eccentric or concentric to the outer surface  432  of the ring  30  at the portion forming the slit  452  in order to provide a self-energizing force for the wrench  400 . As well, the arc  432  and arc  454  may or may not have equal radii. 
   The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution.