1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a ratchet wrench and, more particularly, to a thin or low-profile ratchet wrench for socket driving or removal having a socket reversing lever projecting from a terminal end of the ratchet wrench handle for adjusting the direction of socket driving or removal.
2. Description of the Related Art
When the automobile industry shifted production emphasis to economy size automobiles, the size of the engine and the concomitant space were significantly reduced. The reduction of size and space has carried over to mid-size and large vehicles. Although the reduction in engine size and space lowered production costs, and ultimately consumer prices, the ability of the do-it-yourself mechanic to perform maintenance on an auto was permanently hindered. The bolts, screws and nuts used on an engine are placed in spaces that are quite difficult to access with ordinary hand tools. Similarly, certified mechanics were required to purchase new tools and spend more time in disassembly and reassembly because of the compact space, increasing the labor costs to consumers. Thus, a need for an inexpensive hand tool appropriately sized to accommodate use in tightly spaced areas is apparent.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related:
U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,310, issued in the name of Goldfein, discloses a low profile wrench;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,647, issued in the name of Eggert et al., discloses a reversible ratchet with remote reversing operating mechanism;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,049, issued in the name of Ju et al., discloses an improved ratchet tool with a swing head that is rotated within a small angle by an eccentric member connected to a rod in the shank;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,694, issued in the name of Spirer, discloses a hand wrench with torque augmenting means;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,390, issued in the name of Whiteford, discloses a reversible ratchet wrench having an axial opening to allow a bolt to pass through and extend beyond;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,584,220, issued in the name of Darrah et al., discloses an angle attachment tool having a drive element at a remote end to accommodate a power tool;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,907,476, issued in the name of Singleton, discloses a speed socket wrench with a T-shaped turning handle;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,311,072, issued in the name of Hudgins, discloses a speed handle ratchet wrench;
U.S. Pat. No. 2,808,749, issued in the name of Lampke, discloses a gear operated power wrench; and
U.S. Pat. No. 2,549,515, issued in the name of Orey et al., discloses a wrench having a pivoted handle and removable socket.
Consequently, there is a need for a thin or low-profile ratchet wrench with a socket reversing lever projecting from an end of the ratchet wrench handle.