Abstract:
The invention described herein relates to hand powered tools which drive nuts, bolts, screws, and the like. The invention is a ratchet wrench wherein in a first setting a means to receive counterclockwise hand force and convert it into clockwise rotational driving force is provided. Said first setting also comprising a means to receive clockwise hand force and produce clockwise rotational driving force. Likewise, said ratchet wrench, when in a second setting, producing counterclockwise rotational driving force when clockwise hand force is applied and producing counterclockwise rotational driving force when counterclockwise hand force is applied. The result being that the ratchet drives the work twice as efficiently as prior art ratchet wrenches that rely on driving and slipping cycles when being cranked. By contrast, the present invention relies on cycles with two driving components each with opposite slipping cycles such that no net slipping occurs.

Description:
BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    The field of hand cranked ratchets and wrenches is crowded with art describing drive methodologies, switching mechanisms, and design improvements drawn to making sturdy, reliable, and easily operated hand wrenches and ratchets. Specifically well known are ratchets and wrenches that convert hand force to rotational torque applied to work such as nuts and bolts. Such ratchets being a means to turn the work in a first rotational direction when force is applied to the tool in said first direction and then providing a means to slip so as not to turn the work when force is applied in a second (opposite) direction. Ratchets commonly are switchable such that in a first setting they can turn work in a clockwise direction and slip in a counterclockwise direction and in a second setting, they can turn work in a counterclockwise direction and slip in a clockwise direction. The slipping process enables the user to reset the tool&#39;s position without disengaging the socket from the work.  
           [0002]    The present invention provides a reverse torque means to a rotating hand tool such as a wrench or ratchet. When the reverse torque means of the present invention is used in conjunction with the forward torque of the prior art, a 100% more efficient hand tool results. In a first setting, this novel tool provides a clockwise torque when clockwise force is applied and a clockwise torque when counterclockwise force is applied. (The cranking motion that the prior art used to slip the tool into position in the is now used to perform work in the present invention.) Likewise, in a second setting, this novel tool provides a counterclockwise torque when clockwise force is applied and a counterclockwise torque when counterclockwise force is applied.  
         BACKGROUND DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR INVENTION  
         [0003]    The prior art describes many constructs of hand tools designed to provide a torque in a first rotational direction and a slip in second rotational direction. The slipping process being a means to reposition the tool without turning the work in an undesired direction while also keeping the tool engaged with the work. Wei, U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,902; Olson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,925; Wright et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,147,076; Main, U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,500; and Colvin, U.S. Pat. No., 4,485,700 each representing prior art examples of hand tools providing a slipping means.  
           [0004]    The present invention replaces the slipping mode of the prior art with a reverse torque mode. The tool provides the ability to rotate the work in a desirable rotational direction regardless of whether the hand force is applied in the same rotational direction or in the opposite rotational direction. By replacing the prior art&#39;s non-productive (slipping) half of the wrench cycle with a performing half, the present tool is 100% more efficient than the prior art.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY  
         [0005]    The invention described herein represents a significant advancement in hand tools. It provides a means to rotate an object such as a nut in a first direction by applying force in that same first direction. The tool also provides a means to rotate an object in said first direction by applying a force in a second (opposite) direction. The tool being switchable to similarly provide rotation in a second (opposite) direction.  
           [0006]    In a first, ratchet embodiment, the present tool is configured with a drive, similarly to prior art ratchets, to accept sockets.  
           [0007]    In a second, wrench embodiment, the present tool is configured similarly to prior art wrenches with a socket size integrated therein.  
           [0008]    Objects and Advantages  
           [0009]    Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are apparent. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reverse torque means in a hand tool such as a ratchet wrench. It is an object of the present invention to provide a reverse torque means with a forward torque means combined in one hand tool. It is an object of the present invention to enable a user to use both the forward hand motion to rotate the work in a first rotational direction and the reverse hand motion to rotate the work in the same first rotational direction. It is an advantage of the present invention to stack two driving means within one tool, each of said means engaging in opposite directions and slipping in opposite directions such that the desired rotational direction is output regardless of what direction the tool is rotated. It is an advantage of the present invention that 100% greater motion efficiency is achieved over prior art. It is an advantage of the present invention that the forward torque produced by the wrench when a reverse force quantity is applied is equal to the torque produced when a forward force quantity (opposite in magnitude) is applied. It is an advantage of the present invention that all of the prior art functionality is incorporated therein.  
           [0010]    Further objects and advantages will become apparent from the enclosed figures and specifications. 
       
    
    
     DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of reverse torque drive mechanism housed in a ratchet wrench.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 illustrates the ratchet wrench body means for receiving rotational force from a hand.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 a  illustrates the rotational directions of the reverse torque components.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 3 b  shows the reverse torque elements not cutaway.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 4 a  shows the reverse drive mechanism stacked with a forward drive mechanism.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 4 b  describes the reverse drive gear interface with the forward drive gear.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway of the reversing drive elements.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 6 a  describes a view of an alternate driving architecture.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 6 b  is a cutaway side view of the alternate driving architecture of FIG. 6 a.    
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 6 c  are the torque reversing elements of FIG. 6 b.    
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 7 is a close-up of some rotational reversing elements of FIG. 6 b.    
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 8 depicts a wrench embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     NUMERALS IN FIGS.  
       [0023]    [0023] 21  ratchet housing  
         [0024]    [0024] 23  first converting gear  
         [0025]    [0025] 23   a  alternate first converting gear  
         [0026]    [0026] 23   b  second embodiment first converting gear  
         [0027]    [0027] 25  first engaging teeth  
         [0028]    [0028] 27  interior teeth  
         [0029]    [0029] 29  second converting gear  
         [0030]    [0030] 29   a  alternate second converting gear  
         [0031]    [0031] 31  secondary axis of rotation  
         [0032]    [0032] 31   a  alternate secondary axis of rotation  
         [0033]    [0033] 31   b  second embodiment secondary axis of rotation  
         [0034]    [0034] 33  drive axis of rotation  
         [0035]    [0035] 33   a  alternate drive axis of rotation  
         [0036]    [0036] 35  gear mount  
         [0037]    [0037] 35   a  alternate gear mount  
         [0038]    [0038] 35   b  second embodiment gear mount  
         [0039]    [0039] 37  reverse drive gear  
         [0040]    [0040] 37   a  alternate reverse drive gear  
         [0041]    [0041] 37   b  second embodiment reverse drive gear  
         [0042]    [0042] 39  reversing pawl  
         [0043]    [0043] 39   a  alternate reversing pawl  
         [0044]    [0044] 41  pawl lever  
         [0045]    [0045] 41   a  alternate pawl lever  
         [0046]    [0046] 43  pawl rivet  
         [0047]    [0047] 45  pawl notch  
         [0048]    [0048] 47  pawl bearing  
         [0049]    [0049] 49  bearing spring  
         [0050]    [0050] 51  wrench handle  
         [0051]    [0051] 53  bearing seat  
         [0052]    [0052] 55  bearing assembly  
         [0053]    [0053] 55   a  alternate bearing assembly  
         [0054]    [0054] 57  first pawl motivator seat  
         [0055]    [0055] 59  second pawl motivator seat  
         [0056]    [0056] 61  hole for pawls  
         [0057]    [0057] 63  spring seat  
         [0058]    [0058] 65  gear nipple  
         [0059]    [0059] 65   a  alternate gear nipple  
         [0060]    [0060] 67  pawl rotation axis  
         [0061]    [0061] 69  forward drive gear  
         [0062]    [0062] 69   a  alternate forward drive gear  
         [0063]    [0063] 71  forward drive pawl  
         [0064]    [0064] 71   a  alternate forward drive pawl  
         [0065]    [0065] 73  first pawl motivator  
         [0066]    [0066] 73   a  alternate first pawl motivator  
         [0067]    [0067] 75  pawl motivator axel  
         [0068]    [0068] 75   a  alternate pawl motivator axel  
         [0069]    [0069] 77  pawl motivator teeth  
         [0070]    [0070] 77   a  alternate pawl motivator teeth  
         [0071]    [0071] 79  socket drive  
         [0072]    [0072] 79   a  alternate socket drive  
         [0073]    [0073] 81  reverse gear flange  
         [0074]    [0074] 83  second pawl motivator  
         [0075]    [0075] 85  reverse gear receiver  
         [0076]    [0076] 87  drive assembly stamp seal  
         [0077]    [0077] 91  reverse drive and forward drive means  
         [0078]    [0078] 91   a  alternate reverse drive and forward drive means  
         [0079]    [0079] 101  wrench  
         [0080]    [0080] 103  bearing ring assembly  
         [0081]    [0081] 105  reversing gear assembly axel  
         [0082]    [0082] 107  rotating axel  
         [0083]    [0083] 109  compression washer  
         [0084]    [0084] 113  bearing assembly  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0085]    First Embodiment—Ratchet  
         [0086]    [0086]FIG. 1 is a cutaway view of reverse torque drive mechanism housed in a ratchet wrench. All of the components within this Figure are constructed by well known means of steel. Either being casted, machined, stamped or otherwise produced by one skilled in the art of steel component manufacture. Said reverse torque drive mechanism designed to receive hand force in a first rotational direction from a wrench handle  51  and reverse its rotational direction to produce a substantially opposite rotational driving force. The  51  rotates a ratchet housing  21  which houses reversing mechanisms and switching means as follows. A pawl lever  41  is used to select the tool&#39;s setting by being actuated by a user and thereby rotating a reversing pawl  39  to seat in one of two settings. A pawl rivet  43  connects the  39  to the  21 , while enabling the  39  to rotate. A pawl bearing  47  maintains the selected position of the  39  by being pushed into a hole similar to a pawl notch  45  by a bearing spring  49 . Thus one set of teeth on the  39  engage with a first engaging teeth  25  on a first converting gear  23  while the other set of teeth on  39  do not engage the teeth of  23 . With the  39  thus engaged with the  23 , a clockwise rotational force applied by a hand to  51 , causes the  21  and  23  to rotate in a clockwise rotational direction along a drive axis of rotation  33  Meanwhile, the work (a nut, not shown) provides resistance through components later discussed, also along the  33 . Resistance from the work prevents the elements within the  23  from rotating freely. A  27  interior teeth conveys the rotational hand force in a clockwise fashion to a  29  second converting gear which causes the  29  to rotate in a clockwise direction. The  29  conveys force from the  23  to a reverse drive gear  37  which rotates the a counterclockwise rotation around the  33 . As later discussed, the rotational force within  37  is transferred down the  33  to rotate the work (or nut not shown). The  29  rotating around a  31  secondary axis of rotation and being rotatably connected to a gear mount  35 . The  35  rotates around the  33 . The rotations are further illustrated in FIG. 3 a.  Thus clockwise rotational force applied by a hand is converted by a means to produce counterclockwise rotational force on work such as a nut. When the  39  is in its current setting and counterclockwise force is applied to  51 , the  39  will slip over the teeth of  23  Oust like ratchets of the prior art except in reverse). Thus the  39  produces a reverse drive and slip cycle opposite to the pawls in the prior art. (However, by also using a second pawl as later discussed, the work will rotate counterclockwise whether the  51  is moved clockwise or counterclockwise.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 2 illustrates the ratchet wrench body means for receiving rotational force from a hand. A bearing seat  53  is notched into the  21  so as to accept a bearing assembly  55 . The  55  accepts the to of  23  so as to enable it to rotate along the  33  as later discussed. A first pawl motivator seat  57  is a hole in the  21  to be discussed later as is a second pawl motivator seat  59 . The  39  resides in a hole for pawls  61 . Likewise the  49  and  47  reside in a spring seat  63 .  
         [0088]    [0088]FIG. 3 a  illustrates the rotational directions of the reverse torque components. As force is applied to the  23  in a clockwise or “W” direction, it causes the  29  to rotate in a or “X” direction. This rotational energy is converted to a counterclockwise rotational direction “Y” in  37 . It should be noted that force applied at  51  and resistance presented by the work, will cause  29  to “walk”. This is because the  29  and other gears connected to the  35  together with the  35 , can as a unit, freely rotate around the  33 . The circumference ratio of 23, 29, and 37 together with the walking of  29  produce a 1 to −1 hand rotation to drive rotation relationship which is the opposite of the 1 to 1 hand rotation to drive rotation of the prior art. A relationship of  23 =10 units,  29 =2.5 units, and  37 =5 units produces a sufficient reverse torque to perform work.  
         [0089]    [0089]FIG. 3 b  shows the reverse torque elements not cutaway. The  23  is constructed so as to have a top including a protruding gear nipple  65  so that the gear  23  can ride efficiently within the  55 . Also, the  39  when be actuated to select a setting, rotates about a pawl rotation axis  67 .  
         [0090]    [0090]FIG. 4 a  shows the reverse drive mechanism stacked with a forward drive mechanism. A reverse drive and forward drive means  91  comprises a rotational reversing means as described herein together with a forward rotational means as described in the prior art. Combining the two drive means in one tool enables the  39  to rotate a socket drive  79  in a clockwise direction (using counterclockwise hand force and while slipping when clockwise hand force is applied). While in the same setting, a forward drive pawl  71  rotates the  79  in a clockwise direction, (using clockwise hand force and while slipping when counterclockwise hand force is applied). When the user actuates the  41  such the  39  teeth are engaged on side of the  39 , the  71  rotates in the opposite direction such that teeth on its opposite side engage with a forward drive gear  69 . This reverse rotation is caused by a first pawl motivator  73  which is in a fixed position relative to the  21  due to its pawl motivator axel  75  being mounted within the  59 . Teeth on the underside of  39  and the upper side of  71  similar to pawl motivator teeth  77  ensure that the rotational energy from  39  is efficiently transferred to  71  via  73 .  
         [0091]    [0091]FIG. 4 b  describes the reverse drive gear interface with the forward drive gear. A reverse gear flange  81  has a flat side within it.  81  fits over reverse gear receiver  85  to transfer its reverse rotational energy to  79  and thereby into the work such as a nut. Note that a second pawl motivator  83  is also seen, it performs similarly to the  73 . During assembly, a drive assembly stamp seal  87  is compressed in to  21  to contain the forward and reverse drive components within the  21 .  
         [0092]    [0092]FIG. 5 is an enlarged cutaway of the reversing drive elements.  23 ,  37 ,  29  all being cylindrical members.  
         [0093]    [0093]FIG. 6 a  describes a view of an alternate driving architecture. A alternate first converting gear  23   a  contains elements described in FIGS. 6 b,    6   c,  and  7 . It too comprises a means to receive rotational force from a hand in a first rotational direction and to convert it into reverse rotational in a second (substantial opposite) rotational direction. The  23   a  and other drive elements rotate around a alternate drive axis of rotation  33   a.  An alternate bearing assembly  55   a  is provided to enable the  23   a  to rotate with the  53  of the  21 . An alternate reversing pawl  39   a,  an alternate pawl lever  41   a,  an alternate forward drive pawl  71   a,  an alternate first pawl motivator  73   a,  an alternate pawl motivator axel  75   a,  an alternate pawl motivator teeth  77   a,  an alternate socket drive  79   a,  and an alternate reverse drive and forward drive means  91   a  each being constructed and operated as previously discussed. An alternate forward drive gear  69   a  being altered to accept revered rotational force differently as described in FIGS. 6 b  and  6   c.    
         [0094]    [0094]FIG. 6 b  is a cutaway side view of the alternate driving architecture of FIG. 6 a.  The cutaway view shows the reversing elements in FIGS. 6 a,    6   b,    6   c  and  7  are positioned significantly different that those preceding but operating similarly. A alternate gear nipple  65   a  rides within the  55   a  to keep it rotatably on the  33   a  axis.  
         [0095]    [0095]FIG. 6 c  are the torque reversing elements of FIG. 6 b.  When counterclockwise force is applied to  51 , transferred through  39   a  into  23   a,  it is received by an alternate second converting gear  29   a.  Through intermeshing teeth (not shown) on the bottom of  23   a.  The  29   a  being fastened onto a rotating axel  107  by a compression washer  109 . As  29   a  rotation causes the  107  to likewise rotate. An alternate reverse drive gear  37   a  is caused to also likewise rotate by also being fastened to the  107 . The  107  freely rotating around an alternate secondary axis of rotation  31   a  held in place by a bearing assembly  113  which fits snugly into an alternate gear mount  35   a.  counterclockwise rotational energy is converted from  23   a  to  29   a  to  107  to  37   a,  into  69   a  and into  79   a  to be clockwise rotation applied to the work such as a nut through a socket (not shown) which affixes to  79   a  in a well known manner. Teeth on the surfaces of  23   a,    29   a,    37   a,  and on the top of  69   a  are not shown here but are exemplified in FIG. 7. During this process the  71   a  pawl&#39;s teeth slip across the teeth of  69   a.  Then, when in the return stroke, the user&#39;s hand applies clockwise force to the  51 , the  39   a &#39;s teeth slip across the  23   a  but the  71   a  teeth engage producing a clockwise rotation of the work (such as a nut). Thus the first pawl produces desired work rotation when a force is applied is an opposite rotational direction while the second pawl slips and on the return stroke, the first pawl slips while the second pawl produces desired work rotation. The ratchet wrench producing desired work rotation on both the forward and reverse strokes. The circumference relationships of  29   a,    37   a,    23   a,  and  69   a  being selected so as to produce a torque on −1. The  35   a  and attachments rotating around a reversing gear assembly axel  105  which is rotatably seated within  23   a  on one end and  69   a  on the opposite end.  
         [0096]    [0096]FIG. 7 is a close-up of some rotational reversing elements of FIG. 6 b.  When the  23   a  is caused to rotate in a clockwise manner such as “Wa”,  37   a  is caused (through  29   a  and  107 ) to rotate in a counter clockwise manner “Xa” (depending upon perspective), this causes the  69   a  to rotate in a counter clockwise manner “Yaw” at a speed (and torque) suitable for driving work through the  79   a.  The  29   a  and  23   a  having teeth and meshing similarly with those described in FIG. 7. The  37   a  and the  29   a  having a flat side within their shaft holes so as to rotate with  107 . The  107  having a matching flat side up to a point such that  37   a  can not move beyond that point.  
         [0097]    Second Embodiment—Wrench  
         [0098]    [0098]FIG. 8 depicts a wrench embodiment of the present invention. The elements of FIG. 8 providing a means to accept rotational energy, convert it to a reverse rotational direction and into work such as a nut (not shown). A second embodiment reverse drive gear  37   b  has a wrench size incorporated therein as a wrench  101  to accept a specific nut size. A  39  engages with a second embodiment first converting gear  23   b  to rotate  23   b  in a counterclockwise direction.  23   b  transfers the rotation as previously discussed into  37   b  via gears riding within a second embodiment gear mount  35   b  which rotates with a bearing ring assembly  103 .  
         [0099]    Operation of the Invention  
         [0100]    The preceding section also describes detailed operation of the invention.  
         [0101]    Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope  
         [0102]    Thus the reader will see that the Reverse Torque Drive Ratchet Wrench of this invention provides a highly functional and reliable means for turning a nut in a desired rotational direction while applying force to the wrench handle in the opposite direction  
         [0103]    While the above description describes many specifications, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of two preferred embodiments thereof Many other variations are possible.  
         [0104]    Gears, chains, belts and other methods are well known for converting a first rotational direction into a second directional rotation. Many combinations thereof being possible to provide a means to rotate in a reverse direction. Converting gears can be used to change the applied force to resultant torque ratio. Additionally, the circumference relationships of  29 ,  37 , and  23  could be many other ratios than presented herein, as could the circumference relationships of  23   a,    29   a,    69   a,  and  37   a.  Furthermore,  37   a  and  29   a  can be combined into one unit. Many means of engaging and disengaging drivers are well known in the prior art. Other applications of the art disclosed herein are also possible.