US4366731A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Socket wrench
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-01-02
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Granted: 1983-01-04
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Expires: 2001-01-02
Abstract
Abstract There is provided a novel drive unit for a socket-type wrench which leads to increased speed of turning of the sockets. The unit comprises a casing; a first ratchet mechanism in said casing; a second ratchet mechanism in said casing; apparatus for selectively transmitting power from said second mechanism to said first mechanism whereby when said first mechanism is in a ratchetting mode, said second mechanism may be selected to transmit power through said first mechanism to a workpiece.
Inventors
- 👤 Shawn T. Vallevand
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 16:03
CPC Classifications
B; B25; B25B; B25B13/00; B25B13/46; B25B13/461; B25B13/467
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A socket drive tool comprising: a casing; first and second ratchet mechanisms in said casing, said mechanisms having parallel axes and being offset from each other; and means for selectively transmitting power from said second mechanism to said first mechanism whereby when said first mechanism is in a ratchetting mode, said second mechanism may be selected to transmit power through said first mechanism to a workpiece, said means for transmitting power comprising a gear train consisting of first and second gear wheels, one of said wheels associated with said first mechanism and the second of said wheels associated with said second mechanism, said gear wheels meshing in operative relationship.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A socket drive tool comprising: a casing; first and second ratchet mechanisms in said casing, said mechanisms having parallel axes and being offset from each other; and means for selectively transmitting power from said second mechanism to said first mechanism whereby when said first mechanism is in a ratchetting mode, said second mechanism may be selected to transmit power through said first mechanism to a workpiece, said means for transmitting power comprising a gear train consisting of first and second gear wheels, one of said wheels associated with said first mechanism and the second of said wheels associated with said second mechanism, said gear wheels meshing in operative relationship.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein said first and second mechanisms each comprise a pawl, a carrier for said pawl, an engaging and disengaging means for said pawl, a ratchet wheel, and a handle attached to said wheel; and wherein said first gear wheel is attached to one of said carriers and said second gear wheel is attached to the other of said carriers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tool of claim 2 wherein the ends of said handles remote from said mechanisms are associated whereby the said handles can be moved as a unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tool of claim 3 wherein said handles are moveable through limited arcs and the said arcs are bisected by the plane through the axes of the ratchet mechanisms.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The tool of claim 4 wherein said arcs are on the side of said tool remote from said first mechanism.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The tool of claim 5 wherein each said ratchet mechanism is reversible.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The tool of claim 1 wherein each said ratchet mechanism is reversible.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The tool of claim 2 wherein the gear ratio between said gear wheels is 1:1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
38 words
The tool of claim 3 wherein a section of the said handles toward the ends thereof remote from said mechanisms is encased in a cover, which cover allows limited relative movement in all lateral directions between said ends.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The tool of claim 4 wherein the said handles are moveable through a minimum arc of 60 degrees.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
51 words
The tool of claim 2 wherein said first and second mechanisms are vertically offset and wherein in said first mechanism the gear wheel is attached to the top part of the associated carrier and in said second mechanism the gear wheel is attached to the bottom part of the associated carrier.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
111 words
A socket drive tool comprising: a casing; first and second ratchet mechanisms in said casing, each including a pawl, a carrier for said pawl, an engaging and disengaging means for said pawl, a ratchet wheel, and a handle attached to said wheel; said mechanisms having parallel axes and being laterally offset from each other; and a gear wheel associated with each said mechanism, said gear wheels meshing in operative relationship; whereby power may be selectively transmitted from said second mechanism to said first mechanism such that when said first mechanism is in a ratchetting mode, said second mechanism may be selected to transmit power through said first mechanism to a workpiece.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
111 words
A socket drive tool comprising: a casing; first and second ratchet mechanisms in said casing, each including a pawl, a carrier for said pawl, an engaging and disengaging means for said pawl, a ratchet wheel, and a handle attached to said wheel; said mechanisms having parallel axes and being laterally offset from each other; and a gear wheel associated with each said mechanism, said gear wheels meshing in operative relationship; whereby power may be selectively transmitted from said second mechanism to said first mechanism such that when said first mechanism is in a ratchetting mode, said second mechanism may be selected to transmit power through said first mechanism to a workpiece.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The tool of claim 12 wherein the ends of said handles remote from said mechanisms are associated whereby the said handles can be moved as a unit.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The tool of claim 13 wherein said handles are moveable through limited arcs and the said arcs are bisected by the plane through the axes of the ratchet mechanisms.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
12 words
The tool of claim 14 wherein each said ratchet mechanism is reversible.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-03 | 1986-07-05 | 1987-01-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-03 | 1990-07-05 | 1991-01-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-03 | 1994-07-05 | 1995-01-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |