Screwdriver having a ratchet mechanism

• US 7,185,565 B1
• Filed: 07/24/2006
• Issued: 03/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cheng-Tsan Hu
• Original Assignee: Cheng-Tsan Hu
• Inventors: Hu, Cheng-Tsan
• Primary Examiner(s): Thomas; David B.
• Application Number:
  US11/459,624
• Time in Patent Office: 225 Days
• Field of Search: 81/62, 81/631, 192/43.1, 192/43.2
• US Class Current: 81/62
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 13/463 a pawl engaging an externally toothed wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B25B 15/04 with ratchet action
• CPC Class Codes: B25G 1/085 for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners

Abstract

A screwdriver having a ratchet mechanism includes a tool sleeve, a handle, a first detent, a first elastic element, a second detent, a second elastic element, and a switch assembly. The tool sleeve is provided with a ratchet head formed with ratchet teeth. The handle has a hollow chamber to accommodate the tool sleeve and a ratchet base therein. The ratchet base is to accommodate the ratchet head with the ratchet teeth, the detents and the elastic elements. Each of the detents engages with the ratchet teeth of the ratchet head. The switch assembly is pivotally connected to the handle and comprises a first stud and a second stud to engage with the first detent and the second detent, respectively.

Claims

1. A screwdriver having a ratchet mechanism comprising:

a tool sleeve provided with a ratchet head, said ratchet head comprising ratchet teeth;

a handle comprising a hollow chamber to accommodate said tool sleeve and a ratchet base, said ratchet base comprising a compartment, a first recess and a second recess, said first and second recesses interconnecting with said compartment, said compartment accommodating said ratchet head and said ratchet teeth;

a first detent accommodated in said first recess of said ratchet base of said handle, said first detent comprising a stud to be connected to said ratchet base;

a first elastic element disposed in said first recess and engaging with said first detent and said ratchet base, urging said first detent to engage with said ratchet teeth of said ratchet head;

a second detent accommodated in said second recess of said ratchet base of said handle, said second detent comprising a stud to be connected to said ratchet base;

a second elastic element disposed in said second recess and engaging with said second detent and said ratchet base, urging said second detent to engage with said ratchet teeth of said ratchet head;

a switch assembly pivotally connected to said handle comprising a first stud and a second stud, said first stud engaging with said first detent, said second stud engaging with said second detent; and

wherein said handle further comprises a disc having a through hole.

2. The screwdriver having a ratchet mechanism, as recited in claim 1, wherein said switch assembly comprises a through hole and a fastener, said ratchet head being inserted through said through hole and secured by said fastener.

3. A screwdriver having a ratchet mechanism comprising:

a tool sleeve provided with a ratchet head, said ratchet head comprising ratchet teeth;

a handle to accommodate said tool sleeve comprising a ratchet base at a rear portion thereof, said ratchet base comprising a first detent, a first elastic element, a second detent, and a second elastic element;

said first elastic element and said second elastic element urging said first detent and said second detent to engage with said ratchet teeth of said ratchet head; and

a switch assembly connected to a rear end of said handle comprising a first stud and a second stud to engage with said first detent and said second detent, respectively.