US 12,459,086 B2
Ratchet flex joint locking mechanism
David T. Ross, Kenosha, WI (US)
Assigned to Snap-on Incorporated, Kenosha, IL (US)
Filed by Snap-on Incorporated, Kenosha, IL (US)
Filed on Mar. 16, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/122,287.
Prior Publication US 2024/0308036 A1, Sep. 19, 2024
Int. Cl. B25B 23/00 (2006.01); B25B 13/46 (2006.01)
CPC B25B 23/0028 (2013.01) [B25B 13/461 (2013.01); B25B 23/0035 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A tool having a head pivotally coupled to a handle, the tool comprising:
a joint tang defining tang teeth and disposed on the head,
first and second detents disposed on the handle;
a locking lever rotatably coupled to the handle and adapted to be selectively disposed in one of either locked and unlocked positions, the locking lever including a base having lever teeth, wherein when the locking lever is disposed in the locked position, the tang teeth engage the lever teeth to selectively retain an angle between the head and the handle, and when the locking lever is disposed in the unlocked position, the tang teeth disengage the lever teeth to allow the angle between the head and the handle to be adjusted;
a through hole disposed in the locking lever;
a bias member having opposing first and second ends and being disposed in the through hole;
a first detent ball disposed between the first end of the bias member and the tang teeth, wherein the first detent ball is adapted to engage the tang teeth; and
a second detent ball disposed between the second end of the bias member and the handle, wherein the second detent ball is adapted to engage the first detent when the locking lever is disposed in the locked position, and the second detent ball is adapted to engage the second detent when the locking lever is disposed in the unlocked position.