Patent Publication Number: US-2011061499-A1

Title: Magnetic Double-Sided Ratchet Wrench With Built-In Removable Inserts

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional utility patent application, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/275,331, filed on Aug. 28, 2009 which is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to wrenches and more particularly, to ratchet wrenches. The present invention also relates to socket wrenches and ratcheting-type socket wrenches. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved type of ratcheting wrench with integrated socket type inserts that are stored in the body of the wrench. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to wrenches, specifically ratchet wrenches that use interchangeable sockets (Spry Sockets) for different sized nuts, bolts and other hardware. The present invention is a modernized ratchet wrench that incorporates removable sockets into the wrench body, providing the user with nine, as many as sixteen, or more different sized inserts/fittings, both imperial and metric sizes, without having to carry separate sized wrenches or socket cases. 
     The removable inserts are integrated and stored in the wrench body. An insert of the desired size can be removed from the handle of the wrench body and placed within the opening of the wrench. The opening is configured to securely hold the insert and the opening includes a ratcheting mechanism so that the wrench can be used in a ratcheting manner. The ratcheting wrench has several uses including the fastening and/or removal of nuts, bolts, screws and other hardware. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a frontal view of the magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts. 
         FIG. 2  shows the different components of the magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a removable insert secured in place by the adjustable ring. 
         FIG. 5  shows a frontal view of the opposing magnetic cylinder embedded into the pawl. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts. Both ends of the wrench with the openings comprise a hinged/pivoting mechanism to provide angled use of the wrench. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from the underside of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts. One end of the ratchet includes the opening for the inserts and the other end includes a socket type screw head fitting for adaption of the wrench to a ratcheting screw driver. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view from the underside of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         FIGS. 11-13  are perspective views of another embodiment of the invention comprising a magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts shown in the handle grip/body. The embodiment shown also comprises a collapsible drive adapter (shown in a stored position in the body). The collapsible drive adapter can also be secured in the opening of the wrench thereby making the wrench compatible with conventional sockets. 
         FIGS. 14-16  are perspective and exploded views of another embodiment of the invention comprising a magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts shown in the handle grip/body. The embodiment shown also comprises a telescoping/extendable shaft to allow for extension of the wrench opening away from the grip/handle using a threaded compression connector and a secured connection. The inserts in  FIGS. 15 and 16  are configured on the outside diameter to include teeth/notches/grooves for engaging one or more pawls located in the opening of the wrench. 
         FIGS. 17 and 18  show multiple views of the collapsible drive adapter, including exploded views, open and closed views, and front, top, bottom and side views. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a frontal view of the magnetic double-sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts  100 .  FIG. 2  shows the different components of the magnetic double sided ratchet wrench with built-in removable inserts. For example,  FIG. 2  shows removable inserts  202 , rubber side grips  204 , an adjustable pawl ring  206 , a ratchet  208 , opposing magnetic cylinders  210 , cast iron wrench body  212 , magnetic strips  214 , a pawl  216 , and an opposing cylinder magnet  218 . In one embodiment, the “Spry Sockets” may be held in place by two mechanisms: 1) the lip (not shown) on the top of each spry socket  202 ; and 2) the expandable retainer ring  206  that prevents the socket  202  from being removed from the ratchet  208  parts.  FIG. 3  shows removable inserts  202 , an adjustable ring  204  for securing a nut (not shown) or the removable inserts  202 .  FIG. 3  also shows a magnetic strip  206  as an alternative way to secure the inserts  202  to the wrench  212 .  FIG. 4  illustrates a removable insert  202  secured in place by the adjustable ring  206 .  FIG. 5  shows an opposing magnetic cylinder  502  embedded into the pawl  216  and also shows the pawl  216  with the cylinder magnet inside  504 . 
     These “Spry Sockets” can be held in place on the wrench  212  itself by one of two mechanisms: the expandable retainer ring  206  that prevents the socket from being removed from the spry wrench  212  or by the magnetic strips  214  that naturally attract to the metallic spry sockets  202 . 
     In operation, the present invention is a wrench with a thru-ratcheting socket on both ends. These two ratcheting sockets have the following main characteristics: 
     1) Can be used to loosen and tighten nuts and bolts on by themselves; 
     2) Can be used with the removable “Spry Sockets” to adjust for the appropriate; size of the particular nut or bolt that needs to be worked with; 
     3) One-way ratchets, but can be made to be adjustable; and 
     4) Magnets  214  are used instead of springs to keep the pawl  216  engaged with the ratchet  208 . 
     The unique features of the wrench  212  are the inherent designs of the wrench  212  and the removable inserts  202  that keep the sockets readily available and easy to swap for different sized nuts and the magnetic “spring” that is used in the pawl  216  and ratchet mechanism  208 . 
     While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed.