Patent ID: 8661945

Claim:
An open-ended clamping ratcheting wrench having an open position and a closed position for applying pressure around an article to be tightened, being a fastener such as a bolt or nut, when the wrench is in the closed position, comprising: a clamp housing having at least one side portion capable of being opened and closed substantially within a plane to surround the article to be tightened, said clamp housing resulting in a closed end ratchet wrench when in the closed position, and wherein said clamp housing defines an interior race channel; a plurality of individual ratchet segments having segment faces and integral gear teeth, all of said segments being contained and rotatable within the interior race channel inside the clamp housing when in the closed position, such that the plurality of segment faces collectively face toward the interior of the opening of the wrench, resulting in a socket shape configuration when the wrench is in the closed position, said socket-shape configuration being capable of gripping and ratcheting the fastener; a handle having a longitudinal axis and being attached to and supporting the clamp housing, said handle embodying a retractable latch button for urging the at least one side portion of the clamp housing interchangeably between the open and closed positions; and at least one pawl for engaging with the gear teeth, such that the gear teeth of the ratchet segments mate against the surface of the pawl to enable ratcheting, wherein both of the side portions of the clamp housing pivot proximate the handle, and the open position of the clamp housing of the wrench is adapted for opening up along the longitudinal axis of the handle, such that the wrench can be used to approach a workpiece head on for ease of use.