Ratchet mechanism which resists spontaneous disengagement for use in wrenches and other tools

摘要

A one or two sided or headed ratcheting driving wrench. Each side or head has a rotatable tool carrier constrained to rotate in only one direction by interengaging teeth formed in the tool carrier and in its housing. Both sets of teeth may be pointed or rounded. In one direction, torque locks the tool carrier to the housing, and thus drives a tool such as a screw driver blade or a socket. In the other direction, torque causes the tool carrier to disengage from the housing. Thus, intermittent one way rotation is assured. The chamber is slightly elongated, having two rows of teeth, each row separated from the other by stretches of chamber wall lacking teeth. Should the tool carrier back out of contact with one row of teeth, it will shortly engage the second row of teeth, thereby maintaining driven relationship with the working head. The wrench has a bent lever or handle to allow for working in tight quarters. The tool carrier has a square hole formed therein, for receiving a driven tool. The driven tool comprises a square block cooperating with the square hole of the tool carrier, and has two oppositely oriented blades, sockets, or other tool elements. Optionally, the square block is separate from the driven tool, and is employed with a secondary tool. Also optionally, a fastener is formed integrally with the tool carrier. The wrench preferably has provision for limiting torque acting on the driven member.