Ratchet wheel driver

Abstract

A hand tool includes a handle having an opening at a first end thereof, the opening extending into the handle, a first set of protrusions located within the opening, a driver located within the opening, and the driver including a second set of protrusions configured to mate with the first set of protrusions. The driver is configured to move along an axis between a first position and a second position. When the driver is in the first position, the first set of protrusions cooperate with the second set of protrusions to prevent rotation of the driver about the axis. The driver is configured to rotate about the axis when the driver is in the second position. A spring is located within the opening and is configured to bias the driver toward the second position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This PCT patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 401,425 filed on August 26, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to hand tools and, more particularly, to hand tools including ratchet drives. Background Art

[0003] Ratchet drivers typically include a mechanism that allows the tool to apply rotational force in only one direction (e.g., the ratchet direction). The ratchet direction can be set to tighten or loosen a fastener without disengaging the tip of the driver from the head of the fastener at the end of each partial turn. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various embodiments, a hand tool includes a handle having an opening at a first end thereof, the opening extending into the handle, and a first set of protrusions located within the opening. A driver is located within the opening, and the driver includes a second set of protrusions configured to cooperate with the first set of protrusions, wherein the driver is configured to move along an axis between a first position and a second position, when the driver is in the first position, the first set of protrusions cooperate with the second set of protrusions to prevent the driver from rotating about the axis relative to the handle, the driver is configured to rotate about the axis when the driver is in the second position, and a spring is located within the opening, the spring being configured to bias the driver toward the second position.

[0005] In some embodiments, the hand tool further comprises a stopper extending into the opening, the stopper being configured to cooperate with the shoulder of the driver when the driver is in the second position, thereby preventing the driver from extending beyond the second position. In some embodiments, the stopper extends into the opening in a direction perpendicular to the axis. In some embodiments, the shoulder is a first shoulder, and the stopper is configured to cooperate with the second shoulder in the driver and prevent the driver from extending beyond the second position. In some embodiments, the driver comprises a component opening configured to accommodate a tool head. In some embodiments, the driver has a tool head at an end opposite to the second set of protrusions. In some embodiments, the first set of protrusions is integrally formed in the handle. In some embodiments, the opening is a first opening, and the handle comprises a second opening extending into the first opening, the second opening being located between the first set of protrusions and the first opening. In some embodiments, when the driver is in the second position, the second set of protrusions is exposed through the second opening.

[0006] According to various embodiments, the ratchet mechanism includes a body including an opening at a first end of the body, the opening extending into the body to define a cavity, and a first protrusion located in the cavity opposite the first end of the body. The ratchet mechanism also includes a driver located in the cavity, the driver having a second protrusion configured to cooperate with the first protrusion, wherein the driver is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein: when the driver is in the first position, the first protrusion cooperates with the second protrusion to prevent the driver from rotating in the cavity relative to the body; the driver is configured to rotate in the cavity relative to the body when the driver is in the second position. The ratchet mechanism also includes a spring located in the cavity, the spring configured to bias the driver toward the second position.

[0007] In some embodiments, the body of the ratchet mechanism is integrally formed within the handle of the hand tool. In some embodiments, the body includes a first set of protrusions, the first set of protrusions including the first protrusion, and the driver includes a second set of protrusions, the second set of protrusions including the second protrusion. In some embodiments, the first protrusion includes a first side wall and a second side wall, the side walls converge to a point and define a tooth angle. In some embodiments, the tooth angle is between 80° and 100°. In some embodiments, the first protrusion is fixed relative to the body.

[0008] According to various embodiments, a tool includes a handle including an opening at a first end of the handle, the opening extending into a body to define a cavity, and a first set of projections located in the cavity and opposite the first end of the body. The tool also includes a driver located in the cavity and including a second set of projections configured to cooperate with the first set of projections, wherein the driver is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein: when the driver is in the first position, the first set of projections cooperate with the second set of projections to prevent the driver from rotating in the cavity relative to the handle in a first direction; and the driver is configured to rotate in the cavity relative to the handle in the first direction when the driver is in the second position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first set of projections is fixed relative to the handle. In some embodiments, when the driver is in the first position, the driver is prevented from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction. In some embodiments, the driver is configured to rotate in the second direction when the driver is in the second position. In some embodiments, the driver is biased toward the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1is a side view of a hand tool according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Exploded side view of a hand tool.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the driver within the handle of a hand tool is shown in a disengaged position.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial view of the driver within the handle of a hand tool is shown in a disengaged position.

[0015] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Another partial side view of the hand tool shown with the driver within the handle in the disengaged position.

[0016] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the driver within the handle of a hand tool is shown in a disengaged position.

[0017] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a driver within a handle of a hand tool is shown in an engaged position.

[0018] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial view of the driver within the handle of a hand tool is shown in an engaged position.

[0019] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A side view of the driver within the handle of a hand tool is shown in an engaged position.

[0020] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A side view of the handle of the hand tool shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Before turning to the drawings that describe exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods described in the specification or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0022] Many types of fasteners, such as screws, need to be driven by rotation to loosen or tighten. For example, a driver (e.g., a Phillips screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver, an insulated screwdriver, a torque screwdriver, a slotted screwdriver, a tri-wing screwdriver, a Pozidriv screwdriver, a hexagonal screwdriver, etc.) can be used to drive the fastener to tighten or loosen the fastener. Therefore, a hand tool may include a driver configured to rotationally drive the fastener.

[0023] According to various embodiments, a fastener may be in a difficult to reach location. For example, when a driver is used to rotate the fastener, various obstacles may prevent the hand tool and / or the driver from completing one or more complete rotations. In another embodiment, a relatively large torque may need to be applied to the fastener to tighten or loosen the fastener. In this case, a user of the driver may be able to generate sufficient torque only when his or her wrist is in a certain orientation, thereby preventing the user from rotating the driver a full rotation.

[0024] In these embodiments, the operator of the driver may only be able to make a partial rotation (e.g., a quarter turn, an eighth turn, etc.), and then the user needs to remove the tip of the driver from the head of the fastener, reposition his or her hand, and re-engage the tip of the driver with the head before making the next partial rotation. Repeatedly engaging and disengaging the tip of the driver from the head of the fastener can be a time-consuming and inefficient process.

[0025] According to various embodiments described herein, a driver is disclosed. The driver is configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position within a housing. When the driver is in the disengaged position, the driver can rotate within the housing (e.g., a base portion, a handle, etc.), so that the housing can rotate independently of the driver. For example, when the driver is in the disengaged position, rotation of the handle may not transfer sufficient torque (e.g., no torque, less than a minimum threshold torque, etc.) from the handle to the driver to tighten or loosen a fastener.

[0026] When the driver is in the engaged position, the driver can be prevented from rotating in the housing so that the rotation of the housing causes the driver to rotate. For example, when the driver is in the engaged position, torque can be transmitted from the handle to the driver to tighten or loosen the fastener using the driver. Therefore, the user of the driver can engage and disengage the driver in the housing to selectively drive (e.g., tighten or loosen) the fastener without disengaging the tip of the driver from the fastener. For example, if the fastener is in a difficult-to-reach position, the user of the driver can complete a partial rotation by engaging the driver with the housing to tighten or loosen the fastener, and reversely rotate the housing by disengaging the driver from the housing without tightening or loosening the fastener. In this case, the user of the driver does not need to disengage the tip of the driver from the head of the fastener to reposition the housing at the end of each partial rotation. By keeping the tip of the driver engaged with the fastener, the fastener can be tightened or loosened faster and more effectively than repeatedly engaging and separating the tip of the driver from the head of the fastener.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the drivers disclosed herein can engage and disengage with the housing in response to a lateral force (e.g., a minimum threshold force) applied to the driver (e.g., along the rotational axis of the driver). For example, a biasing member can bias the driver to a disengaged position. A user of the driver can engage the driver with the housing by pushing the housing toward the fastener (e.g., applying a force greater than the minimum threshold force required to overcome the biasing member) while the tip of the driver engages the head of the fastener.

[0028] Unlike other ratchet drivers that can use a toggle switch to set the ratchet direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise), the user of the driver described herein does not need to toggle the switch, thereby simplifying the engagement mechanism. According to various embodiments, this can facilitate one-handed use of the driver and enable the user to easily change the ratchet direction when the tip of the driver contacts the head of the fastener. For example, by pressing down on the fastener, the driver connects with the housing to rotate the driver, and by releasing the downward force, the driver rotates independently within the housing, allowing the housing to be positioned for another press (e.g., engagement of the driver and the housing) and rotation of the fastener.

[0029] Furthermore, eliminating the need for a toggle switch results in a smaller driver footprint and fewer moving parts. Thus, the driver mechanism can be made compact and allow the user to easily switch between clockwise and counterclockwise modes of use. According to various embodiments, the driver is biased out of engagement with the handle (e.g., toward a disengaged position) by a small spring.

[0030] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a tool is generally disclosed. The tool includes a handle (e.g., a housing) defining an opening extending into the handle to form a cavity, and a driver concentrically located along a rotation axis in the opening extending into the cavity. One side of the handle has an end of the cavity opposite the opening, and the side includes one or more protrusions extending downward into the cavity. A first end of the driver has a protrusion that is configured to engage with a protrusion in the handle.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the driver is configured to move within the cavity such that the driver moves between an engaged position (e.g., a first position) and a disengaged position (e.g., a second position), wherein the handle protrusion and the driver protrusion are engaged, and wherein the handle protrusion is not engaged with the protrusion within the cavity, such that the driver is configured to rotate independently of the handle.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the tool includes a stop assembly. According to various embodiments, the stop assembly includes an opening extending into the cavity on one side of the handle, and a stop (e.g., a set screw) at least partially located in the opening and extending into the cavity in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. According to various embodiments, the driver includes a cutout portion having a first diameter, the cutout portion being located between two wider portions, the wider portions having a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter, so that a first shoulder and a second shoulder are formed at each end of the cutout portion. The stop is configured to contact at least one of the first shoulder or the second shoulder of the driver to limit the distance the driver moves within the housing. According to various embodiments, the biasing mechanism biases the driver toward a disengaged position (e.g., a second position).

[0033] According to various embodiments, the driver also includes an opening at the second end opposite the protrusion. The opening defines a cavity and is configured to accommodate one or more tool heads. For example, a user of the tool can select a specific tool head (e.g., a hex head, a flat head, etc.) and insert the tool head into the opening so that the tool head can be used to tighten or loosen the fastener. According to various embodiments, a magnet is located in the cavity of the driver so that it can fix the metal tool head in the cavity.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the tool includes a biasing member configured to bias the driver toward the disengaged position. According to various embodiments, the biasing mechanism includes a spring located between the handle and the driver. According to various embodiments, a minimum threshold force is required to overcome the biasing force applied by the biasing mechanism. For example, when a user pushes the handle toward the fastener when the driver is engaged with the fastener (e.g., using a force greater than the minimum threshold force), the driver will move from the disengaged position to the engaged position, thereby causing a protrusion in the handle to engage with a protrusion at the end of the driver, so that torque can be transmitted from the handle to the driver to loosen or tighten the fastener.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 , a side view of a hand tool 100 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The hand tool 100 includes a handle 10 (e.g., a first handle) extending along a first axis 11. The handle 10 includes a plurality of cavities defining first and second tool head compartments 90, which are configured to secure one or more tool heads in the tool head compartments 90. For example, the tool heads 70, 75 are secured in the tool head compartments 90 so that a user of the hand tool 100 can remove the tool heads they need from the tool head compartments 90. The first tool head 70 and the second tool head can be any type of tool head, such as a cross head screw head, a torx screw head, a slotted screw head, a tri-wing screw head, a Pozidriv screw head, a hexagonal screw head, etc.

[0036] As shown, the hand tool 100 includes an opening (e.g., Figure 31 . The driver 15 is configured to move within the handle 10 at least between an engaged position and a disengaged position. As will be discussed further herein, when the driver 15 is in the disengaged position, the driver 15 can rotate relative to the handle 10 (e.g., about the first axis 11). In addition, when the driver 15 is in the engaged position, the driver 15 can be prevented from rotating relative to the handle 10. As shown, the handle 10 includes an opening defining a window 80 such that at least a portion of the driver 15 is exposed through the window 80 in the handle 10. According to various embodiments, the hand tool 100 includes a plurality of openings defining a plurality of windows 80 around at least a portion of the driver 15 such that a portion of the driver 15 is at least partially exposed through the plurality of windows 80. According to various embodiments, the window 80 can provide an axis for a cavity within the handle 10 between the protrusion 45 of the driver and the protrusion in the handle 10. According to various embodiments, the window 80 allows a user of the hand tool 100 to clean the cavity within the handle 10. For example, during use, unwanted debris may enter the cavity and may reduce the effectiveness of the driver ratchet mechanism described herein. Like this, window 80 enables the user to clear unwanted debris without removing driver 15 from the cavity in handle 10.

[0037] As shown, the driver 15 includes a plurality of driver protrusions 45 that are configured to engage with one or more protrusions located within the handle 10, as discussed further below. For example, when the driver 15 is in the engaged position, the plurality of protrusions 45 can cooperate with the plurality of protrusions within the handle 10 to prevent the driver 15 from rotating within the handle 10, as discussed further below.

[0038] In addition, the hand tool 100 includes a spring 30 located in the cavity of the handle 10, near the driver 15. The spring 30 is configured to bias the driver 15 toward the disengaged position. According to various embodiments, the spring 30 is at least partially exposed through the window 80. The driver 15 moves between an engaged position (e.g., a first position) and a disengaged position (e.g., a second position). The spring 30 biases the driver 15 to the disengaged position.

[0039] According to various embodiments, a minimum threshold force is required to overcome the biasing force provided by the spring 30. For example, the driver 15 can be connected to a tool head 75 configured to drive a fastener. During use, the user can hold the handle 10, engage the tool head 75 with the fastener, and apply a force greater than the minimum threshold force to the handle (e.g., push the handle 10 toward the fastener along the axis 11), which will cause the driver 15 to move from the disengaged position to the engaged position within the handle 10 along the axis 11. When the driver 15 is in the engaged position, the user can rotate the handle 10 in a desired direction (e.g., about the axis 11), which in turn causes the driver 15 and the tool head 75 to rotate and drive the fastener. As long as the user continues to apply a force greater than the minimum threshold force to the handle 10, the driver 15 will remain in the engaged position. Once the user applies a force less than the minimum threshold force to the handle 10, the spring 30 will move the driver back to the disengaged position about the axis 11. When the driver 15 is in the disengaged position, the handle 10 may be rotated independently of the driver 15 and the tool head 75 such that a user may rotate the handle 10 (eg, when the tool head 75 is engaged with a fastener) without driving the fastener.

[0040] As shown, hand tool 100 includes pliers 29 (e.g., tongue and groove pliers) relative to driver 15. Handle 10 (e.g., first handle) is rotatably connected to second handle 14 so that a user can use first handle 10 and second handle 14 to control pliers 29. Although hand tool 100 is shown to include pliers 29, it should be understood that the ratchet driver mechanism described herein can be used in any number of hand tools. For example, the ratchet driver mechanism can be used in the shaft of a screwdriver, in the handle of a screwdriver, in the handle of a hammer, in the handle of a wrench, in the handle of a multi-purpose knife, in the handle of a multi-function tool, in the handle of a flashlight, etc. In addition, the ratchet driver mechanism described herein can be arranged in a body or a housing so that the ratchet driver mechanism can be deployed from a hand tool. For example, the ratchet driver mechanism can be arranged in a body rotatably connected to a hand tool (e.g., as a part of a multi-function tool) so that the driver 15 can be stored in a hand tool and deployed for use.

[0041] refer to Figure 2 , which shows Figure 1is an exploded side view of a hand tool 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As described above, the handle 10 of the hand tool 100 includes a plurality of cavities defining tool head compartments 90 configured to secure tool heads 70, 75 within the handle 10. The handle 10 also includes a window 80 through which the driver 15 is exposed. As further discussed herein, the hand tool 100 includes a stopper 65 configured to be at least partially positioned within the opening 64 such that a portion of the stopper 65 extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the driver 15. The driver 15 also includes a magnet 50 and shoulders 60a, 60b, the functions of which will be described herein.

[0042] refer to Figures 3 to 6 , according to an exemplary embodiment, the driver 15 is shown in a disengaged position. As shown, the handle 10 includes an opening 20 near the first end 12 of the handle 10. The opening 20 extends into the handle 10 and terminates at an end 21 of the opening 20 to define a cavity 25 having a cavity diameter 26. A spring 30 is located between the handle end 21 and the driver 15 and is configured to bias the driver 15 to the disengaged position.

[0043] As shown, the handle 10 includes a centering protrusion 22 that protrudes from the end 21 of the opening 20 along the central rotation axis (e.g., the first axis 11). The centering protrusion 22 is configured to engage with the spring 30 so that at least a portion of the spring 30 is centered along the axis 11. In addition, the driver 15 includes a centering protrusion 18 that is located within a cavity 19 of the driver 15. As shown, a portion of the spring 30 is located within the cavity 19 and a portion of the centering protrusion 18 is located within the spring. The centering protrusion 22 in the handle 10, the centering protrusion 18 in the driver 15, and the cavity 19 in the driver 15 can all promote the centering of the spring 30 along the axis 11.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the spring 30 is configured to bias the driver 15 toward the disengaged position. In addition, the handle 10 includes a plurality of protrusions 40, which are located in the cavity 25 opposite to the opening 20. As shown, the protrusion 40 extends from the handle 10 into the cavity 25. According to various embodiments, the protrusion 40 is configured to engage with the protrusion 45 of the driver 15 to selectively prevent the driver 15 from rotating relative to the handle 10 in the cavity 25 (e.g., when the driver 15 is in the engaged position). For example, as shown, the driver 15 is located in the cavity 25 so that the driver 15 extends along the axis 11. The first end 16 of the driver 15 is located near the end 21 of the opening 20 and includes a plurality of protrusions 45, which engage with the handle protrusion 40 when the driver 15 is in the engaged position.

[0045] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the driver 15 defines a cutout portion 61 extending along the axis 11 and having a first diameter 27. As shown, the cutout portion 61 is located between two portions having a second diameter 28, which is greater than the first diameter 27. Therefore, the driver 15 includes a first shoulder 60a and a second shoulder 60b located near the ends of the cutout portion 61.

[0046] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, the hand tool 100 includes a stopper 65 (e.g., a set screw) configured to engage with at least one of the first shoulder 60a and the second shoulder 60b to limit the distance that the driver 15 can move within the handle 10. According to various embodiments, when the driver is in the disengaged position, the stopper 65 cooperates with the shoulder 60a of the driver 15 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 6 By engaging shoulder 60a, stop 65 limits the distance that driver 15 can move and prevents driver 15 from moving further or completely out of cavity 25. According to various embodiments, when the driver is in the engaged position, stop 65 cooperates with shoulder 60b of driver 15. Thus, stop 65 is configured to limit the distance that driver 15 can move within handle 10 and prevent driver 15 from moving further into cavity 25 along axis 11, which can prevent damage to protrusion 45 when excessive force is applied to driver 15 along axis 11.

[0047] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the opening on the second end 17 of the driver 15 extends into the driver to define a tool head cavity 55. The tool head cavity 55 is configured to accommodate one or more tool heads (e.g., a first tool head 70, a second tool head 75, etc.) so that torque can be transmitted from the driver 15 to the tool head fixed in the driver 15. According to various embodiments, the tool head cavity 55 is hexagonal, so that the tool head cavity 55 is configured to accommodate and drive a tool head having a hexagonal shape. According to various embodiments, the magnet 50 is located in the cavity 55. According to various embodiments, the magnet 50 is configured to selectively fix the tool head in the tool head cavity 55. For example, one of the tool heads 70, 75 can be inserted into the cavity 55 so that the first end of the inserted tool head is magnetically coupled to the magnet 50 to fix the tool head in place, and the second end of the tool head can be used to drive a fastener.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, each driver protrusion 45 defines a driver protrusion angle 46. According to various embodiments, the driver protrusion angle 46 is between 80° and 100°. In addition, the driver slots 48 between the handle protrusions 40 (e.g., openings configured to accommodate the driver protrusions 45 when the driver is in the engaged position) define corresponding driver slot angles 47. According to various embodiments, the driver slot angle 49 is between 80° and 100°. When the driver 15 is in the disengaged position, the driver protrusions 45 are not engaged with the driver slots 48, so that the driver 15 can rotate relative to the handle 10 in the cavity 25.

[0049] like Figure 5 As shown, each handle protrusion 40 defines a handle protrusion angle 41. According to various embodiments, the handle protrusion angle 41 is between 80° and 100°. As shown, the handle 10 includes a corresponding handle protrusion groove 43 located on the driver 15. Each handle protrusion groove 43 defines a handle groove angle 42. In some embodiments, the handle groove angle is between 80° and 100°.

[0050] As further discussed herein, when the driver protrusion 45 is received within the corresponding driver slot 48 and the handle protrusion 40 is received within the corresponding handle protrusion slot 43 (e.g., the driver 15 is in the engaged position), the interaction between the protrusion and the slot prevents the driver 15 from rotating within the handle 10, so that the driver 15 can be used to drive a fastener. According to various embodiments, when the driver 15 is in the engaged position, the driver 15 is prevented from rotating in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and a second direction (e.g., counterclockwise) relative to the handle 10. However, according to alternative embodiments, when the driver is in the engaged position, the driver 15 may only be prevented from rotating in the first direction relative to the handle 10, and may be free to rotate in the second direction relative to the handle 10. For example, the handle protrusion 40 and / or the driver protrusion 45 may not form a sharp point, such as Figure 5 Instead, the handle protrusion 40 and / or the driver protrusion 45 may include an inclined surface that prevents the driver 15 from rotating in the first direction while allowing the driver 15 to rotate in the second direction when the driver 15 is in the engaged position.

[0051] refer to Figures 7 to 9, the driver 15 is shown in an engaged position within the handle 10. According to various embodiments, a minimum threshold force must be reached to overcome the biasing force applied by the biasing mechanism (e.g., the spring force applied by the spring 30) to move the driver 15 from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When a force is applied to the driver 15 (e.g., along the axis 11) that overcomes the biasing force, the driver will move from the disengaged position to the engaged position. When in the engaged position, the handle protrusion 40 engages with the driver protrusion 45 so that torque can be transferred from the handle 10 (e.g., applied by a user of the hand tool 100) to the driver 15 to drive (e.g., loosen or tighten) a fastener (e.g., a fastener that cooperates with the head of the tool head 70, 75 extending from the cavity 55).

[0052] refer to Fig.10 , Fig.10 80 is a side view of the driver 15 in the disengaged position within the handle 10. As shown, the head of the stop 65 is at least partially located within the opening 64. As shown, the driver protrusion 45 is visible through the second window 85 of the handle 10. The second window 85 is located on the opposite side of the window 80 and also provides access to the cavity 25 so that debris can be cleared from the cavity 25. For example, a fluid (e.g., compressed air, water, oil, lubricant, etc.) can be introduced from the first window 80 and released from the second window 85 to flush debris located within the handle 10.

[0053] The construction and arrangement of the devices, systems and methods shown in various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in the present disclosure, many modifications can be made to these embodiments (e.g., the size, size, structure, shape and ratio of various elements, parameter values, installation methods, use of materials, colors, directions, etc.). For example, some elements shown as integrally formed can be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of the elements can be reversed or otherwise changed, and the number or position of the separated elements can be changed or changed. Therefore, all such modifications should be included in the scope of the present disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method steps can be changed or reordered according to other embodiments. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, other replacements, modifications, changes and omissions can be made to the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure relates. Those skilled in the art who read the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges or geometric relationships provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes to the subject matter described and claimed are considered to fall within the scope described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hand tool comprising: A handle, the handle comprising: an opening at a first end of the handle, the opening extending into the handle; and a first plurality of projections positioned within the opening; a driver positioned within the opening and comprising a second plurality of protrusions configured to mate with the first plurality of protrusions, wherein the driver is configured to move along the axis between a first position and a second position, wherein: When the driver is in the first position, the first plurality of projections cooperate with the second plurality of projections such that the driver is prevented from rotating relative to the handle about the axis when the driver is in the first position; and The driver is configured to: rotate about the axis when the driver is in the second position; A spring is positioned within the opening and is configured to bias the actuator toward the second position.

2. The hand tool of claim 1, further comprising a stopper extending into the opening and configured to engage with a shoulder of the driver when the driver is in the second position and prevent the driver from extending beyond the second position.

3. The hand tool according to claim 2, wherein: The stopper extends into the opening in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

4. The hand tool according to claim 2, wherein: The shoulder is a first shoulder and the stop is configured to engage a second shoulder in the driver and prevent the driver from extending beyond the second position.

5. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein: The driver includes a tool bit opening configured to receive a tool bit.

6. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein: The driver includes a tool head located at an end of the driver opposite the second plurality of protrusions.

7. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein: The first plurality of protrusions are integrally formed with the handle.

8. The hand tool according to claim 1, wherein: The opening is a first opening, and the handle includes a second opening extending into the first opening, the second opening being located between the first plurality of protrusions and the first opening.

9. The hand tool according to claim 8, wherein: When the actuator is in the second position, a second plurality of protrusions are exposed through the second opening.

10. A ratchet mechanism, comprising: The body comprises: an opening at the first end of the body, the opening extending into the body to define a cavity; and a first protrusion, which is located in the cavity and opposite to the first end of the body; an actuator located within the cavity and comprising a second protrusion configured to cooperate with the first protrusion, wherein the actuator is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein: When the driver is in the first position, the first protrusion cooperates with the second protrusion to prevent the driver from rotating relative to the body in the cavity; The driver is configured to: rotate relative to the body within the cavity when the driver is in the second position; A spring is positioned within the cavity and is configured to bias the actuator toward the second position.

11. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The body is formed integrally with the handle of the hand tool.

12. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The body includes a first plurality of protrusions including a first protrusion, and the driver includes a second plurality of protrusions including a second protrusion.

13. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The first protrusion includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall that converge to a point and define a tooth angle.

14. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 13, wherein: The tooth angle is between 80° and 100°.

15. The ratchet mechanism according to claim 10, wherein: The first protrusion is fixed relative to the body.

16. A tool comprising: A handle, the handle comprising: an opening at the first end of the handle, the opening extending into the handle to define a cavity; and a first plurality of protrusions located within the cavity and opposite the first end of the handle; an actuator positioned within the cavity and comprising a second plurality of protrusions configured to mate with the first plurality of protrusions, wherein the actuator is configured to move between a first position and a second position: When the driver is in the first position, the first plurality of projections cooperate with the second plurality of projections to prevent the driver from rotating in the cavity relative to the handle in a first direction; The driver is configured to rotate in a first direction within the cavity relative to the handle when the driver is in the second position.

17. The tool according to claim 16, wherein: The first plurality of projections are fixed relative to the handle.

18. The tool of claim 16, wherein: When the driver is in the first position, the driver is prevented from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

19. The tool according to claim 18, wherein: The driver is configured to rotate in a second direction when the driver is in the second position.

20. The tool of claim 16, wherein: The actuator is biased toward the second position.

Images