IL293383A - Ratcheting wrench - Google Patents

Description

BNC-P-001-IL 1 RATCHETING WRENCH FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001] The present invention relates generally to wrenches. More specifically, the present invention relates to ratcheting wrenches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [002] Wrenches, in the field of mechanics, are tools used to apply forces on varieties of fasteners (e.g., bolts), for example, in order to tighten, loosen, or lock fasteners. One type of a wrench is a breaker bar, which uses a large extension handle to create a significant moment arm on the bolt head. Breaker bars are used to unfasten stud bolts of automotive wheels, which are fastened too tight for a conventional wrench to unscrew. Another type of wrench is a ratchet wrench (also called a "ratchet"), which includes a mechanism in the tool head allowing for free rotation in clockwise and/or counterclockwise directions. [003] The main disadvantage of a breaker bar is its lack of a ratcheting mechanism; a breaker bar is only able to turn with the motion of the bolt head when applying a torque. In the case of unfastening an automotive wheel bolt, a breaker bar is used to "break" the initial pressure holding the bolt in place, then another tool (e.g., an impact driver) is used to unscrew the remainder of the bolt. Breaker bars are also limited to the force transmitted to the socket used with the breaker bar; a common point of failure is at the square drive of the bar linking the bar to the socket. [004] The main disadvantage of a ratcheting wrench is its additional ratcheting mechanism, which limits the maximum torque applied on the bolt in addition to the torque limits of the tool itself. In a tool head of a ratchet wrench, the driving socket rotates on a sprocket (also called "wheels" in the art) controlled by locking teeth (also called "pawls" in the art). The transmission of power to the intended bolt head must pass through the handle, to the locking teeth, to the sprocket, to the driving shaft (i.e., a square drive), to the attached socket, until reaching the bolt head. Thus, the maximum torque rated for ratcheting wrenches is lower than the maximum torque rated for breaker bars; a conventional 3/8" drive ratchet wrench is rated for 90 foot-pounds, whereas a conventional breaker bar is rated for about 300 foot-pounds. Ratcheting wrenches can also be limited by additional bearings or plates holding the sprocket in place on the tool head.

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[005] Thus, a solution is needed that combines the movement mechanism of a ratcheting wrench with a high torque capability of a breaker bar.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [006] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a ratcheting wrench, comprising: a handle, and a head, comprising: a housing; a sprocket comprising an inner socket and an outer sawtooth gear; at least two locking teeth in a geared connection to the sawtooth gear, located evenly around an outer circumference of the sprocket, at least two springs corresponding to the number of locking teeth, wherein each spring is located between an edge of a locking tooth and a face of the housing, wherein the at least two springs may be configured to apply a force on the at least two locking teeth towards the sawtooth gear, and at least two plates enclosing the housing, the sprocket, and the at least two locking teeth. [007] In some embodiments, the housing may comprise at least two spring housings corresponding to the number of locking teeth, wherein: each spring housing may be configured to guide a respective locking tooth towards the sawtooth gear, and each of the at least two springs may be located between an edge of a locking tooth and a face of the spring housing. [008] In some embodiments, the handle may include at least one hole capable of receiving at least one fastener. In some embodiments, the wrench may include at least one extension handle mounted to the handle, via the at least one fastener. In some embodiments, the total length of the handle and the at least one extension handle may be greater than 1 meter, for example, 2 meters. [009] In some embodiments, at least one of: the sprocket, the at least two locking teeth, the housing, the at least two plates, and the handle may be comprised of a material selected from: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and plastics. [0010] In some embodiments, the inner socket may be selected from: a universal spline socket, a hex socket, a Torx® socket, a square socket, and a 12-point socket. In some embodiments, the wrench may be bearingless (i.e., lacking a rolling bearing). [0011] In some embodiments, the wrench may be applied to a driveshaft configured to rotate a ladder rack mounted to an automotive work vehicle. [0012] In some embodiments, the at least two plates may be configured to enclose the housing, the sprocket, and the at least two locking teeth via at least two rivets corresponding BNC-P-001-IL 3 to the number of locking teeth, wherein the two or more rivets may be configured to pivot the at least two locking teeth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which: [0014] Fig. 1 shows an illustration of a ratcheting wrench according to some embodiments of the invention, and [0015] Fig. 2 shows an exploded-view illustration of a ratcheting wrench according to some embodiments of the invention. [0016] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION [0017] One skilled in the art will realize the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The foregoing embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects illustrative rather than limiting of the invention described herein. Scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. [0018] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention. Some features or elements described with respect to one embodiment may be combined with features or elements BNC-P-001-IL 4 described with respect to other embodiments. For the sake of clarity, discussion of same or similar features or elements may not be repeated. [0019] Reference is now made to Fig. 1 detailing a ratcheting wrench according to some embodiments of the invention. [0020] A wrench 100 may include a handle 10 and a tool head 20. In some embodiments, tool head 20 may be fastened to handle 10 via at least one fastener. In some embodiments, tool head 20 and handle 10 may be one solid element, i.e., a single piece. [0021] In some embodiments, handle 10 may include at least one hole 12, capable of receiving at least one fastener. In some embodiments, at least one extension handle (not illustrated) may be mounted to handle 10. For example, an extension handle may be riveted to handle 10, via a rivet extending through hole 12 of handle 10 and at least one hole of the extension handle. In some embodiments, the total length (i.e., longitudinal length with respect to handle 10) of handle 10 and the one or more extension handles mounted thereof may be greater than 1 meter, for example, 2 meters. In some embodiments, the total length of handle 10 and the one or more extension handles mounted thereof may be 0.5 meters, meter, 2 meters, and any range and value herein between. [0022] Tool head 20 may include a sprocket 30. Sprocket 30 may comprise an inner socket and an outer sawtooth gear 34. In some embodiments, inner socket 32 may be selected from a variety of sockets, non-limiting examples including: a universal spline socket, a hex socket, a Torx® socket, a square socket, and a 12 point socket. Inner socket 32 may be used on an object (e.g., a bolt head) in order to apply a rotational torque on the object thereof. Sprocket 30 may be comprised of a single piece, for example, carbon steel, in order to increase the ultimate stress limit of sprocket 30. [0023] Tool head 20 may include at least two locking teeth 40, located evenly around an outer circumference of sprocket 30. Locking teeth 40 may be in a geared connection with the outer sawtooth gear 34. In some embodiments, locking teeth 40 may be arranged in order to provide a tangential force on sprocket 30, in order to prevent sprocket 30 from rotating in a direction in which sprocket 30 is intended to apply a torque (e.g., on a bolt head). In some embodiments, the profile of locking teeth 40 may match the profile of the sawtooth gear 34, for example, in order to provide a maximum counteracting force to the rotation of sprocket 30, as known in the art.

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[0024] Tool head 20 may comprise a housing 50. Housing 50 may include at least two spring housings 52, wherein the number of spring housings 52 corresponds to the number of locking teeth 40 (i.e., two spring housings corresponding to two locking teeth). Spring housings 52 may be configured to guide a respective locking tooth 40 towards sawtooth gear 34, in order to maintain radial contact between locking teeth 40 and sawtooth gear 34. [0025] As should be understood by one skilled in the art the two spring housings and two locking teeth illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 are given as a nonlimiting example, and the tool head according to the invention may include any number of spring housings and teeth, which is greater than 1. [0026] Reference is now made to Fig. 2 detailing an exploded view of a ratcheting wrench according to some embodiments of the invention. [0027] Wrench 100 may include at least two springs 54 (seen in an enlarged detail view), wherein the number of springs 54 corresponds to the number of locking teeth 40 (i.e., two springs corresponding to two locking teeth). Each spring 54 may be located between an edge of a locking tooth 40 and a face of a spring housing 52. Springs 54 may be configured to apply a force (i.e., in the radial direction with respect to sprocket 30) on locking teeth 40, in order to direct locking teeth 40 towards sawtooth gear 34. [0028] Wrench 100 may include at least two plates 60, configured to enclose housing 50, sprocket 30, and the two or more locking teeth 40. Plates 60 may be fastened (e.g., via two or more rivets) to housing 50 and/or handle 10 in order to enclose components of wrench 100. Plates 60 may restrict the axial movement of sprocket 30 and locking teeth 40 along a rotational axis I of sprocket 30. In some embodiments, the two or more rivets fastening plates to housing 50 may be configured to guide a pivoting motion of locking teeth 40, for example, by comprising a shaft on which locking teeth 40 may pivot (i.e., rotate with respect to the shaft axis). [0029] In some embodiments, at least one component (sprocket 30, locking teeth 40, housing 50, plates 60, and handle 10) of wrench 100 may be comprised of a material selected from: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys (e.g., 6061-T6 Aluminum), and plastics. Material selection of wrench 100 components may be selected due to desired capabilities of wrench 100, non-limiting factors including: modulus of elasticity, hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and ultimate strength. In some embodiments, at least one component BNC-P-001-IL 6 of wrench 100 may be coated with a coating, such as, wear-resistant coating and/or corrosion-resistant coating. [0030] In some embodiments, wrench 100 may be bearingless (i.e., lack a rolling bearing), assisting a rotational movement of sprocket 30. In such embodiment, the rotational movement of sprocket 30 may be guided by plates 60, i.e., via a hole in plates 60 permitting the rotation of sprocket 30 while restricting translation of sprocket 30 along rotational axis I. [0031] In some embodiments, wrench 100 may be used to apply a torque to a driveshaft, wherein the driveshaft is configured to rotate a ladder rack assembly mounted to an automotive work vehicle. Wrench 100 may, for example, loosen a bolt securing a ladder rack in place on an automotive work vehicle. [0032] In some embodiments, the ladder rack assembly is mounted on the roof of a topper for a pick-up truck bed or on the roof of a cargo van. The topper may have a ladder rack assembly mounted thereon, the ladder rack assembly designed to lift, move and return a ladder load between a stowed position atop the roof of the topper or van and a deployed position alongside the vehicle. In some embodiments, wrench 100 may be configured to connect to the driveshaft of the ladder rack assembly. In such case, wrench 100 may include the handle extension, to assist a user in rotating the ladder rack assembly when the ladder rack assembly is mounted to the rooftop of a high vehicle such as a van. Upon rotating the ladder rack assembly, using wrench 100, the ladder may be deployed alongside the vehicle. [0033] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention. [0034] Various embodiments have been presented. Each of these embodiments may of course include features from other embodiments presented, and embodiments not specifically described may include various features described herein.

Claims (10)

1.BNC-P-001-IL 7 CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A ratcheting wrench, comprising: a handle, and a head, comprising: a housing; a sprocket comprising an inner socket and an outer sawtooth gear; at least two locking teeth in a geared connection to the sawtooth gear, located evenly around an outer circumference of the sprocket, at least two springs corresponding to the number of locking teeth, wherein each spring is located between an edge of a locking tooth and a face of the housing, wherein the at least two springs are configured to apply a force on the at least two locking teeth towards the sawtooth gear, and at least two plates enclosing the housing, the sprocket, and the at least two locking teeth.

2. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least two spring housings corresponding to the number of locking teeth, wherein: each spring housing is configured to guide a respective locking tooth towards the sawtooth gear, and each of the at least two springs are located between an edge of a locking tooth and a face of the spring housing.

3. The wrench according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the handle comprises at least one hole capable of receiving at least one fastener.

4. The wrench of claim 3 further comprising at least one extension handle mounted to the handle, via the at least one fastener.

5. The wrench of claim 4, wherein the total length of the handle and the at least one extension handle is greater than 1 meter.

6. The wrench of claim 1 wherein at least one of: the sprocket, the at least two locking teeth, the housing, the at least two plates, and the handle is comprised of BNC-P-001-IL 8 a material selected from: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, and plastics.

7. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the inner socket is selected from: a universal spline socket, a hex socket, a Torx® socket, a square socket, and a 12-point socket.

8. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the wrench is bearingless.

9. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the wrench is applied to a driveshaft configured to rotate a ladder rack mounted to an automotive work vehicle.

10. The wrench of claim 1, wherein the at least two plates are configured to enclose the housing, the sprocket, and the at least two locking teeth via at least two rivets corresponding to the number of locking teeth, wherein the two or more rivets are configured to pivot the at least two locking teeth.