Stabilizing and sealing washer for ratchet tools

Abstract

The invention relates to a stabilizing and sealing washer for a ratchet tool. Ratchet tools including stabilizing and sealing washers are disclosed. And the gasket is arranged between the cover plate and the ratchet gear. A gasket may be disposed within the annular groove of the cover plate and include at least one contact surface to prevent debris and / or fluid from entering the ratchet assembly cavity of the ratchet head. The washer is also operable to bias the ratchet gear toward the bottom surface of the ratchet assembly cavity and along the axis of rotation of the ratchet gear to provide a more reliable ratchet tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to washers for ratchet tools. Ratchet tools include, for example, ratchet wrenches and torque wrenches. Such ratchet tools typically include a reversible actuator capable of applying torque to a workpiece in either a first or a second rotational direction to tighten or loosen fasteners. Background Technology

[0002] Ratchet tools typically include a cavity within a ratchet head that houses: a cylindrical gear attached to a drive member, a pawl meshing with the gear, a switch for controlling the relative orientation of the pawl with respect to the gear, and a biasing member disposed within the switch. A cover plate may be attached to the ratchet head to retain the internal components within the cavity of the ratchet tool.

[0003] Traditional ratchet tools typically include a drive member extending from a hole in a cover plate. Given the space between the drive member and the hole in the cover plate, debris and / or fluid may enter the cavity of the ratchet head. Contact with such debris and / or fluid can cause wear on the surfaces of the internal components of the ratchet tool, or may impair the mechanical engagement of the internal components. In practice, applying torque to the fastener relies on the mechanical engagement of the pawl and ratchet gear to prevent rotation of the ratchet gear (and, in turn, the drive member) in a first or second rotational direction. Therefore, it is advantageous to seal the cavity of the ratchet gear to prevent debris and / or fluid from entering the cavity of the ratchet head and to retain any lubricant or media within the cavity.

[0004] Traditional ratchet tools also exhibit instabilities between internal components due to variations in manufacturing tolerances and variable configurations. For example, some ratchet tools attempt to stabilize the internal components of the ratchet head with shims. However, such shims cannot prevent debris, fluid, and / or contaminants from entering the ratchet head cavity. While some ratchet tools include O-rings or washers to prevent debris and / or fluid from entering the ratchet head cavity, these O-rings and washers do not provide additional contact forces on the ratchet gear to prevent axial and / or radial displacement. This axial and radial displacement of the ratchet gear affects the meshing between the ratchet gear and the pawl, which can lead to ratchet gear wear. Therefore, stabilizing the ratchet gear and sealing the ratchet head cavity with washers is beneficial for improving the reliability of ratchet tools. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A ratchet tool example is specifically disclosed. The ratchet tool includes a cover plate attachable to a ratchet head, a ratchet assembly cavity disposed within the ratchet head, and a ratchet assembly disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity. The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet gear rotatably disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity. The ratchet gear includes a drive member centrally located on its top surface, operable to transmit torque to a workpiece. The ratchet assembly also includes a washer disposed between the ratchet gear and the cover plate. The washer contacts the drive member and the top surface of the ratchet gear.

[0006] In one example, the washer includes a lip (defining a through opening operable to receive at least a portion of a drive member), a first shoulder, and a second shoulder. In this example, the lip contacts at least a portion of the drive member, the first shoulder contacts at least a portion of a cover plate, and the second shoulder contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the ratchet gear.

[0007] In another example, the diameter of the through opening of the washer is less than or equal to the diameter of the drive member, and the washer forms a seal between the drive member and the lip of the washer. In one example, a first shoulder and a second shoulder are compressed between the ratchet gear and the cover plate. In this example, the washer forms a first seal between the first shoulder and the cover plate, and the washer forms a second seal between the second shoulder and the top surface of the ratchet gear.

[0008] In another example, the washer is made of rubber. In one example, the lip of the washer is operable to retain the positioning of the drive member along the drive axis. In another example, the first and second shoulders of the washer are operable to bias the ratchet gear toward the bottom surface of the ratchet assembly cavity. In yet another example, the cover also includes an annular groove operable to receive the washer.

[0009] Another example ratchet tool is also disclosed. The ratchet tool includes a cover plate attachable to a ratchet head. The cover plate includes an annular groove. The ratchet tool also includes a ratchet assembly cavity disposed within the ratchet head and a ratchet assembly disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity. The ratchet assembly includes a ratchet gear rotatably disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity. The ratchet gear includes a drive member centrally located on its top surface, the drive member being operable to transmit torque to a workpiece. The ratchet assembly also includes a washer disposed within the annular groove of the cover plate. The washer contacts at least a portion of the drive member and at least a portion of the top surface of the ratchet gear.

[0010] In one example, the annular groove includes a sidewall and a seat. In this example, the sidewall contacts at least a portion of the first shoulder and the second shoulder to maintain the positioning of the washer relative to the drive member, and the seat contacts at least a portion of the first shoulder to maintain the positioning of the washer relative to the ratchet gear.

[0011] In another example, the washer includes a lip (defining a through opening operable to receive at least a portion of the drive member), a first shoulder, and a second shoulder. In this example, the lip contacts at least a portion of the drive member, the first shoulder contacts at least a portion of the cover plate, and the second shoulder contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the ratchet gear. In one example, the diameter of the through opening of the washer is less than or equal to the diameter of the drive member, and the washer forms a seal between the drive member and the lip of the washer.

[0012] In one example, the first and second shoulders are compressed between the ratchet gear and the cover plate. In this example, a washer forms a first seal between the first shoulder and the seat of the recess, and a washer forms a second seal between the second shoulder and the top surface of the ratchet gear. In another example, the washer is made of rubber. In yet another example, the lip of the washer is operable to retain the positioning of the drive member along the drive axis.

[0013] In one example, the first and second shoulders of the washer are operable to bias the ratchet gear toward the bottom surface of the ratchet assembly cavity.

[0014] An example washer for a ratchet tool is also disclosed. The washer includes a lip defining a through opening operable to receive at least a portion of a drive member of a ratchet gear. The lip contacts at least a portion of the drive member. The washer also includes a first shoulder and a second shoulder disposed between the ratchet gear and a cover plate attached to a ratchet head. The first shoulder contacts the cover plate and the second shoulder contacts the ratchet gear.

[0015] In one example, the washer is made of rubber. In another example, the washer is disposed within an annular groove in the cover plate, the annular groove including a seat and sidewalls operable to receive the washer. In one example, the lip of the washer is operable to retain the ratchet gear positioned along the drive axis. In yet another example, the first and second shoulders include a thickness greater than the distance between the seat of the groove and the bottom surface of the cover plate. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The following is a brief description of the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, which will be discussed in more detail in the following detailed description section:

[0017] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the ratchet head of a ratchet tool is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 An exploded bottom perspective view of the ratchet head is shown, revealing an operable groove within the cover plate to receive a washer.

[0019] Figure 3A top-view perspective view of the ratchet head assembly is shown, illustrating the drive member of the ratchet gear surrounding the ratchet assembly cavity and the washer disposed within the groove.

[0020] Figure 4 It shows along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the washer located inside the ratchet head, taken at center line 4-4, is shown. Figure 5 The annotation.

[0021] Figure 5 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the washer located inside the ratchet gear is shown.

[0022] The following detailed description of specific features of the invention, as well as the foregoing contents, should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for a better understanding. For illustrative purposes, certain features are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the claims are not limited to the arrangement shown in the drawings. Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings but not in others, this is merely for convenience. Any feature in any drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature in any other drawing.

[0023] Unless otherwise stated, the accompanying drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of embodiments of this disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable to a variety of applications that include one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Similarly, the drawings are not intended to include all conventional features known to those skilled in the art and necessary for practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0024] This disclosure relates to a ratchet tool that allows a user to selectively determine the direction (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise) of torque applied to a workpiece (not shown). Among other factors, a reliable ratchet tool requires that the internal and / or external parts of the tool engage stably and dynamically without any debris, fluid, and / or contaminants. Figure 1 The exploded view shows ratchet tool 1. Figure 1 The x, y, and z axes are also shown to aid in describing the various movements and relationships of the internal components of the ratchet tool 1. As shown, the ratchet tool 1 of this disclosure includes a ratchet assembly 20, which includes a washer 100, a ratchet gear 90, a switcher 80, a sleeve 70, a biasing member 60, and a pawl 50. The ratchet assembly 20 is disposed in a ratchet assembly cavity 10 of a ratchet head 2. The ratchet assembly cavity 10 includes a bottom surface 5, a gear sidewall 6, a first sidewall 7, a second sidewall 8, and a switcher-sleeve cavity 9 operable to receive the switcher 80 and the sleeve 70. The gear sidewall 6 extends from the first sidewall 7 and the second sidewall 8, thereby forming an arcuate shape substantially complementary to the shape of the ratchet gear 90. Figure 1As shown, the gear sidewall 6 is positioned adjacent to the first sidewall 7 and the second sidewall 8 and is operable to receive at least a portion of the ratchet gear 90. The first sidewall 7 and the second sidewall 8 each define a curved surface substantially complementary to the shape of the pawl 50 and are operable to receive at least a portion of the pawl 50. At least a portion of the pawl 50 is positioned between the first sidewall 7 and the second sidewall 8, and at least a portion of the ratchet gear 90 is positioned within the gear sidewall 6. During assembly, the ratchet gear 90 and the pawl 50 contact the bottom surface 5 of the ratchet assembly cavity 10. A cover plate 30, attachable to the ratchet head 2, is operable to retain the ratchet assembly 20 within the ratchet assembly cavity 10.

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A sleeve 70 is shown, comprising a sleeve body 71 having at least a portion of a circumferential shape and at least partially surrounding a switcher 80. The sleeve 70 also includes at least one anchor 72 operable to engage at least one anchor pocket 11 disposed in a switcher-sleeve cavity 9, such that the sleeve 70 stabilizes the switcher 80 within a ratchet head 2, and specifically, within the switcher-sleeve cavity 9. The sleeve 70 also includes a first portion 74 and a second portion 75 disposed at opposite ends of the body 71, operable to restrict rotation of the switcher 80 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction along the y-axis. This disclosure also contemplates a ratchet tool 1 excluding the sleeve 70.

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A switcher 80 is shown rotatably configured to pass through a switcher hole 13 in a ratchet assembly cavity 10 and be positioned adjacent to a switcher pocket 73 of a sleeve 70. The switcher 80 includes a switcher body 81 and a first flange 82 extending away from or laterally to the central z-axis 84 of the switcher body 81. The switcher 80 also includes a second flange 83 extending away from or laterally to the central z-axis 84 of the switcher body 81. A portion of a pawl 50 is received between the first flange 82 and the second flange 83, thereby limiting the movement of the pawl 50 along the y-axis when the switcher 80 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. As shown, the first flange 82 is located on one side of the biasing member 60, while the second flange 83 is located on the side of the biasing member 60 opposite to where the first flange 82 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the ratchet assembly 20 includes an O-ring 40 disposed around the neck 85 of the switcher 80 to seal the switcher bore 13, thereby preventing debris and / or fluid from entering the switcher-sleeve cavity 9 through the switcher bore 13.

[0027] The user can activate the switcher 80 via a switcher lever 86, which extends outward from the switcher hole 13 and is positioned on the rear side 4 of the ratchet head 2, opposite the front side 3 of the ratchet head 2. The user can rotate the switcher 80 clockwise or counterclockwise along the y-axis via the lever 86 to move the pawl 50 to engage with the ratchet gear 90. In the illustrated embodiment, the switcher 80 defines a hole 87 configured to partially receive a biasing member 60 comprising a pin 61 and a spring 62. The biasing member 60 uses elastic potential energy (i.e., a biasing force generated by the compression of the spring 62) to push the pin 61 into engagement with the rear surface 51 of the pawl 50, thereby pushing the pawl 50 against the ratchet gear 90.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3 A ratchet gear 90 is shown rotatably disposed in a ratchet assembly cavity 10. The ratchet gear 90 includes a drive member 91 centrally located on a top surface 92 for transmitting torque to a workpiece (not shown). The ratchet gear 90 defines an outer edge 93 and a plurality of gear teeth 94 disposed around the outer edge 93 for selectively engaging a pawl 50. The ratchet gear 90 also includes a collar 95 located between the top surface 92 and the drive member 91. The collar 95 may generally correspond in shape to a drive hole 31 of a cover plate 30 to prevent debris from entering the ratchet assembly cavity 10 through the drive hole 31. The drive member 91 is operable to engage a sleeve, fastener, or other tool. As shown, the drive member 91 has a generally square shape, but may also have a rectangular or other shape. The drive member 91 may optionally include a spherical locking pin operable to engage a conventional sleeve.

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 A pawl 50 is shown, comprising a body 52 having a circular shape that corresponds to a portion of the outer edge of a ratchet gear 90. A plurality of pawl teeth 54 are disposed on the side of the pawl 50 facing the ratchet gear 90. The pawl 50 also includes a recess 53 disposed within the pawl body 52. ​​The recess 53 is operable to receive a biasing member 60 to selectively engage the pawl 50 to a clockwise or counterclockwise position. Figure 3 As shown, the pawl tooth 54 is operable to selectively engage the circumferential ratchet gear tooth 94 to limit the rotation of the ratchet gear 90 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (about the y-axis). Specifically, in operation, when the switch 80 is in the clockwise or counterclockwise position, the pawl 50 wedges between the first sidewall 7, the second sidewall 8 of the ratchet assembly cavity 10 and the ratchet gear 90 (on the left (counterclockwise) or right (clockwise) side of the ratchet gear 90, depending on the selected drive direction). The position of the pawl 50 relative to the ratchet gear 90, particularly the engagement of the pawl tooth 54 with the gear tooth 94, limits the rotation of the ratchet gear 90 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, allowing torque to be applied to the workpiece (not shown) in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0030] Figures 1 to 3 A cover plate 30 is shown, at least partially disposed within a cover plate cavity 12. The cover plate 30 is secured to the ratchet head 2 and operable to retain the ratchet assembly 20 within the ratchet assembly cavity 10. As shown, the cover plate 30 includes a drive hole 31 operable to receive at least a portion of a drive member 91 and a plurality of holes 34 operable to receive a plurality of screws 33. Similarly, the cover plate cavity 12 on the ratchet head 2 includes a plurality of threaded holes 14 coaxial with the plurality of holes 34 of the cover plate 30. To fasten the cover plate 30 to the ratchet head 2, screws 33 are inserted through the plurality of holes 34 in the cover plate 30 and engage with the plurality of holes 14 in the cover plate cavity 12. Fastening the cover plate 30 to the ratchet head 2 presses the cover plate 30 toward the cover plate cavity 12 and against the internal components of the ratchet head 2 (i.e., the ratchet assembly 20) along the y-axis. Figure 2 As best shown, the cover plate 30 includes an annular groove 35 disposed near the drive hole 31. The annular groove 35 is operable to receive a washer 100. Furthermore, the annular groove includes a seat 36 and sidewalls 37, each operable to receive a portion of the washer 100. Various geometries of the annular groove 35 are contemplated in this disclosure, such that the shape of the annular groove 35 corresponds to that of the washer 100.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 The washer 100 is shown positioned between the ratchet gear 90 and the cover plate 30. Figure 3 A washer 100 is shown disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity 10 and surrounding the collar 95 of the drive member 91. The washer 100 is made of any suitable material, including but not limited to polyacrylate, silicone, nitrile rubber, fluoropolymers (fluoroelastomers), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In some embodiments, the washer 100 includes a reinforcing ring (not shown), optionally made of metal or plastic, and disposed inside or outside the washer 100 to increase the rigidity and strength of the washer 100.

[0032] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A first shoulder 101 and a second shoulder 102 of a washer 100 are shown, defining the outer diameter of the washer 100. The washer 100 also includes a first thickness defined by the cross-sections of the first shoulder 101 and the second shoulder 102. Figure 5 As shown, the first thickness is greater than the distance between the seat 36 of the annular groove 35 and the bottom surface 32 of the cover plate 30. This disclosure considers modifying the first thickness of the washer 100 within a suitable thickness range relative to the component of the ratchet head 2.

[0033] Figure 4 and Figure 5A lip 110 of washer 100 is shown, defining a through opening 111 and an inner diameter of washer 100. The through opening 111 is operable to receive at least a portion of drive member 91. In the illustrated embodiment, lip 110 includes at least one recess 112 relative to seat 36 of an annular groove 35. In other embodiments, lip 110 includes at least one protrusion relative to seat 36 of an annular groove 35. Washer 100 also includes a second thickness defined by the cross-section of lip 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the first thickness of the first shoulder and the second shoulders 101, 102 is greater than the second thickness of lip 110. Thus, in some embodiments, lip 110 includes a thinner cross-section, while in other embodiments, lip 110 includes a thicker cross-section. This disclosure contemplates modifying the second thickness of washer 100 within a suitable thickness range relative to the component of ratchet head 2.

[0034] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The gasket 100 is shown in contact with the surface of the drive member 91 and the surface of the annular groove 35, thereby sealing the ratchet assembly cavity 10. As mentioned above, debris and / or fluid may enter the space between the drive bore 31 and the drive member 91, therefore sealing the ratchet assembly cavity 10 is advantageous. In some embodiments, the gasket 100 includes at least one contact surface to prevent debris and / or fluid from entering the ratchet assembly cavity 10 through the space between the drive member 91 and the drive bore 31 of the cover plate 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 100 includes at least two contact surfaces. In other embodiments, the gasket includes at least five contact surfaces. For example, the contact surfaces used herein include, but are not limited to, any portion of the gasket 100 that contacts the ratchet gear 90, the cover plate 30, the ratchet assembly 20, and / or any portion of the ratchet assembly cavity 10.

[0035] For example, Figure 5 The lip 110 of washer 100 is shown in contact with drive member 91. Due to the interference fit between the inner diameter of washer 100 (i.e., the diameter of the through opening 111) and the diameter of drive member 91, lip 110 contacts neck ring 95 of drive member 91 to seal the space between neck ring 95 and lip 110. Sealing this space prevents debris and / or fluid from entering ratchet assembly cavity 10 through the space between drive hole 31 and drive member 91.

[0036] Additionally, Figure 5 The first shoulder 101 is shown in contact with the seat 36 of the annular groove 35. The second shoulder 102 is also shown in contact with the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90. The cover plate 30 is attached to the ratchet head 2 such that the bottom surface 32 of the cover plate 30 contacts (or is coplanar with) the cover plate cavity 12 (see, for example, Appendix). Figure 4This also provides axial compression to the washer 100 along the y-axis. Therefore, the first shoulder 101 and the second shoulder 102 are compressed between the seat 36 of the recess 35 and the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90, thereby forcing the first shoulder 101 to contact the seat 36 and the second shoulder 102 to contact the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90. In this way, the space between the first shoulder 101 and the seat 36 is sealed, and the space between the second shoulder 102 and the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90 is also sealed. Sealing these spaces prevents debris and / or fluid from entering the ratchet assembly cavity 10 through the space between the drive hole 31 and the drive member 91.

[0037] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The washer 100 within the ratchet head 2 allows for a certain range of axial displacement of the ratchet gear 90 along the y-axis. As described above, securing the cover plate 30 to the ratchet head 2 provides axial compression to the washer 100, specifically, axial compression of the first shoulder 101 and the second shoulder 102 between the seat 36 of the annular groove 35 and the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90. Due to this axial compression, the elasticity of the washer 100, and the thickness of the washer 100 (relative to the distance between the seat 36 and the bottom surface 32 of the cover plate 30), the washer 100 applies an axial force (resultant force) along the y-axis on the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90. In other words, the second shoulder 102 is forced into axial contact with the top surface 92 of the ratchet gear 90 to bias the ratchet gear 90 toward the bottom surface 5 of the ratchet assembly cavity 10. Biasing the ratchet gear 90 toward the bottom surface 5 allows the ratchet gear 90 to remain in place and lie flat on the bottom surface 5 of the ratchet assembly cavity 10 during use.

[0038] Additionally, the washer 100 within the ratchet head 2 allows for a certain range of radial deviation along the x-axis relative to the true center (or axis of rotation) 96 of the ratchet gear 90. Due to the elasticity of the washer 100 and the interference fit between the diameter of the through-hole 111 of the lip 110 and the diameter of the drive member 91, the lip 110 of the washer 100 applies a radial force (resultant force) to the drive member 91 along the x-axis. In some embodiments, a spring (not shown) is provided around the lip 110, and optionally, a spring is provided within a cavity on the lip 110 to change the radial tension of the lip 110 provided around the drive member 91. Furthermore, the washer 100 is inserted into the annular groove 35 such that the washer 100 is placed in a radially compressed state between the drive member 91 and the sidewall 37 of the groove 35. Figure 5As shown, the lip 110 contacts the drive member 91, and the first shoulder and the second shoulders 101, 102 each contact the sidewall 37 of the annular groove 35. Due to the shape and relative deflection of the lip 110, the lip 110 applies a radial force (resultant force) to the drive member 91 of the ratchet gear 90 along the x-axis. Thus, the lip 110 is forced into radial contact with the drive member 91, causing the drive member 91 to be biased along the axis of rotation (i.e., the true center 96). Biasing the drive member 91 along the axis of rotation toward the true center 96 of the drive member 91 improves the stability of the ratchet gear 90 during use. This disclosure considers a certain range of deflection of the lip 110 when the drive member 91 is radially deflected and the washer 100 is radially compressed within the annular groove 35.

[0039] This disclosure considers various configurations of the lip 110 and the first and second shoulders 101, 102, operable to allow a range of axial and radial displacement of the drive member 91, and optimizing lubricant retention and contaminant removal. For example, in some embodiments, the washer 100 includes a first lip and a second lip, each operable to contact the drive member 91. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second shoulders 101, 102 are partially circular; however, in some embodiments, the first and second shoulders 101, 102 are partially shaped to further conform to the seat 36 and sidewall 37 of the annular groove 35. In other embodiments, the washer 100 includes a third shoulder disposed between the first shoulder 101 and the second shoulder 102. In fact, the disclosed ratchet tool 1 includes at least one seal (via washer 100) on the front side 3 of the ratchet head 2 and at least one seal (via O-ring 40) on the rear side 4 of the ratchet head 2. Therefore, the ratchet tool 1 prevents debris and / or fluid from entering the ratchet assembly cavity 10 through the space between the drive hole 31 and the drive member 91, and from entering the switch-sleeve cavity 9 through the space between the switch hole 13 and the switcher 80.

[0040] This disclosure also considers the appropriate radial force applied by the lip 110 of the gasket 100, which depends on the sealing medium within the ratchet assembly cavity 10, the rotational and axial forces of the drive member 91, the operating temperature, and pressure variations at the sealing interface. Therefore, the gasket 100 of this disclosure maintains the sealing interface between the lip 110 and the drive member 91, reduces friction between the lip 110 and the drive member 91, and stabilizes the ratchet gear 90 along the longitudinal and rotational axes.

[0041] This disclosure is described in complete, clear, concise, and precise terminology, enabling any person skilled in the art to practice it. It should be understood that preferred aspects of this disclosure have been described above, and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the scope of this disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The scope of the claims should be interpreted in the broadest possible sense to cover all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed, but rather to include all aspects falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ratchet tool, comprising: A cover plate that can be attached to the ratchet head; The ratchet assembly cavity is disposed within the ratchet head; as well as A ratchet assembly disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity, the ratchet assembly comprising: A ratchet gear rotatably disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity, wherein the ratchet gear includes a drive member centrally located on its top surface, the drive member being operable to transmit torque to a workpiece. A washer disposed between the ratchet gear and the cover plate, wherein the washer contacts the drive member and the top surface of the ratchet gear.

2. The ratchet tool according to claim 1, wherein the washer further comprises: A lip edge defines a through opening operable to receive at least a portion of the drive member; First shoulder; as well as Second shoulder area The lip edge contacts at least a portion of the drive member, the first shoulder contacts at least a portion of the cover plate, and the second shoulder contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the ratchet gear.

3. The ratchet tool according to claim 2, wherein: The diameter of the through opening in the washer is less than or equal to the diameter of the drive member, and The gasket forms a seal between the lip of the gasket and the drive member.

4. The ratchet tool according to claim 3, wherein: The first shoulder and the second shoulder are compressed between the ratchet gear and the cover plate. The gasket forms a first seal between the first shoulder and the cover plate, and The washer forms a second seal between the top surface of the ratchet gear and the second shoulder.

5. The ratchet tool according to claim 1, wherein the washer is made of rubber.

6. The ratchet tool of claim 4, wherein the lip of the washer is operable to maintain the positioning of the drive member along the drive axis.

7. The ratchet tool of claim 6, wherein the first shoulder and the second shoulder of the washer are operable to bias the ratchet gear toward the bottom surface of the ratchet assembly cavity.

8. The ratchet tool of claim 1, wherein the cover plate further includes an annular groove operable to receive the washer.

9. A ratchet tool, comprising: A cover plate that can be attached to a ratchet head, the cover plate including an annular groove; The ratchet assembly cavity is disposed within the ratchet head; as well as A ratchet assembly disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity, the ratchet assembly comprising: A ratchet gear rotatably disposed within the ratchet assembly cavity, wherein the ratchet gear includes a drive member centrally located on its top surface, the drive member being operable to transmit torque to a workpiece. A washer disposed inside the annular groove of the cover plate, wherein the washer contacts at least a portion of the drive member and at least a portion of the top surface of the ratchet gear.

10. The ratchet tool according to claim 9, wherein the annular groove further includes a sidewall and a seat, wherein The sidewall contacts at least a portion of the first shoulder and the second shoulder to maintain the positioning of the washer relative to the drive member, and The seat contacts at least a portion of the first shoulder to maintain the positioning of the washer relative to the ratchet gear.

11. The ratchet tool of claim 10, wherein the ratchet further comprises: A lip edge defines a through opening operable to receive at least a portion of the drive member; First shoulder; as well as Second shoulder area The lip edge contacts at least a portion of the drive member, the first shoulder contacts at least a portion of the cover plate, and the second shoulder contacts at least a portion of the top surface of the ratchet gear.

12. The ratchet tool according to claim 11, wherein: The diameter of the through opening in the washer is less than or equal to the diameter of the drive member, and The gasket forms a seal between the lip of the gasket and the drive member.

13. The ratchet tool according to claim 12, wherein: The first shoulder and the second shoulder are compressed between the ratchet gear and the cover plate. The washer forms a first seal between the first shoulder and the seat of the groove, and The washer forms a second seal between the second shoulder and the top surface of the ratchet gear.

14. The ratchet tool of claim 13, wherein the washer is made of rubber.

15. The ratchet tool of claim 14, wherein the lip of the washer is operable to retain the positioning of the drive member along the drive axis.

16. The ratchet tool of claim 15, wherein the first shoulder and the second shoulder of the washer are operable to bias the ratchet gear toward the bottom surface of the ratchet assembly cavity.

17. A washer for a ratchet tool, comprising: A lip edge defines a through opening operable to receive at least a portion of a drive member of a ratchet gear, wherein the lip edge contacts at least a portion of the drive member; as well as A first shoulder and a second shoulder are disposed between the ratchet gear and a cover plate that can be attached to the ratchet head, wherein the first shoulder contacts the cover plate and the second shoulder contacts the ratchet gear.

18. The gasket of claim 17, wherein the gasket is made of rubber.

19. The washer of claim 17, wherein the washer is disposed within an annular groove of the cover plate, the annular groove including a seat and a sidewall operable to receive a portion of the washer.

20. The washer of claim 17, wherein the lip of the washer is operable to retain the ratchet gear positioned along the drive axis.

21. The washer of claim 17, wherein the first shoulder and the second shoulder include a thickness greater than the distance between the seat and the bottom surface of the cover plate of the groove.

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