Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A stepless ratchet one way clutch mechanism, which provides an improved ratchet tool, is disclosed. A drive head is rotatably fitted into a cylindrical recess in a wrench housing. The drive head includes a partially triangular shape with three flat sides equally spaced around its circumference. A latch is positioned between each flat side and the internal wall of the recess. A selector mechanism provides a rotational bias to the three latches about the rotational axis of the drive head. The drive head may rotate in the wrench in the same direction that the selector is turned. The drive head is prevented from rotating in the opposite direction by wedging the latches between the drive head and the cylindrical internal wall of the recess. The selector bias may be switched either way. When the bias is switched, the latches rotate slightly about the drive head and corners of the drive head contact spaced apart segments of each latch. The selector bias originates within a recess of the drive head while a thin disk links the bias to the latches. A flange of the drive head securely holds the drive head in position and prevents wobble of the drive head. A friction surface is at the latch and internal wall interface. The friction surface may include a 'V' groove and rib, a hard, textured surface, or very fine teeth and splines.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim