Richard L Hopper

US Patent:

6637061, Oct 28, 2003

Filed:

Jul 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/612018

Inventors:

Stacy T. Spracklin - Kenosha WI
Wendell J. Woodruff - Walled Lake MI
Gerald A. Wridt - Racine WI
Richard L. Hopper - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Snap-on Technologies, Inc. - Lincolnshire IL
Trek Bicycle Corporation - Waterloo WI

International Classification:

B25B 1300

US Classification:

7138, 7165, 7166

Abstract:

The tool assembly includes a main metal body with three sockets respectively receiving the short legs of three differently-sized L-shaped wrenches. In stowed positions, the long legs of the wrenches lie against one side of the body in a nested configuration, the uppermost wrench being engageable with a retaining tab on the body to prevent movement of the wrenches axially of the sockets. The wrenches are pivotally movable about the axes of the sockets to unstowed positions, wherein they are movable axially of the sockets to either a removed condition, separated from the body, or a locked condition seated deeper in the sockets and retained against rotation. Dovetail-shaped tongues on opposite sides of the main body are respectively receivable in dovetail-shaped grooves on tire levers to mount the levers on the body, one of the levers holding the wrenches in their stowed positions. An O-ring encircles the parts of the assembly to provide additional retention. Formed on the body are open-end wrench jaws, a box wrench aperture, and a hex wrench lug, as well as a chain pin removal structure and spoke wrench slots.

US Patent:

8499666, Aug 6, 2013

Filed:

Mar 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/726262

Inventors:

Richard Hopper - Kenosha WI, US
Michael Foster - Kenosha WI, US
Christopher Thompson - Franklin WI, US

Assignee:

Snap-on Incorporated - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

B25B 13/46

US Classification:

81 631, 81 632

Abstract:

A dual-pawl ratchet wrench mechanism is disclosed having a stop mechanism for limiting over-travel of a reversing lever for selecting drive directions. In one form, the wrench mechanism includes a ball and spring assembly that cooperate with recesses to define proper positions for the reversing lever, and one or more ramps are provided between the recesses to promote tactile feel and to promote the reversing lever being rotated to a proper position. In some forms, the stop mechanism is formed on a stationary portion, such as a spacer or the wrench body, and a portion of the reversing lever. The design simplifies manufacturing, such as by simplifying assembly and minimizing the need for securements. Additionally, the reversing lever is assembled with the mechanism in a manner to improve sealing.

US Patent:

20060112789, Jun 1, 2006

Filed:

Nov 29, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/998428

Inventors:

Richard Hopper - Kenosha WI, US
Thomas Whalen - Kenosha WI, US

International Classification:

B25D 1/12
B25D 1/02

US Classification:

081022000, 081025000

Abstract:

A composite hammer comprising a head having a periphery and a longitudinal axis, a collar disposed substantially about the periphery and having an inner surface and a neck tube projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the neck tube being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, and a handle having a proximal working end received in the neck tube and a distal end.

US Patent:

61257222, Oct 3, 2000

Filed:

Mar 18, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/271968

Inventors:

Richard L. Hopper - Kenosha WI
William A. Nurmi - Racine WI
Charles H. Heiligenthal - Kenosha WI
Kenneth E. Kessler - Albion IL

Assignee:

Snap-on Tools Company - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

B25B 1346

US Classification:

81 63

Abstract:

A reversible ratchet wrench has a ratchet body with a cavity receiving the ratchet assembly. A pawl-engaging reversing lever is insertable through an opening in the ratchet body from the cavity and has a flange dimensioned to be trapped between the body and the pawl. A seal between the reversing lever and the ratchet body is provided by an O-ring seated in a groove in the outer surface of the reversing lever hub. A cover plate closes the cavity and cooperates with the pawl and the flange to retain the reversing lever in place.

US Patent:

20180361545, Dec 20, 2018

Filed:

Jun 14, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/622319

Inventors:

- Kenosha WI, US
Richard L. Hopper - Kenosha WI, US

Assignee:

Snap-on Incorporated - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

B25B 13/46
B25B 23/00

Abstract:

A ratchet head uses a radially-locking retaining ring to secure a ratchet gear within the head, reducing the load on a cover plate. The retaining ring opposes off-axis force when the ratchet head is experiencing cantilever-type loads, such that the body of the ratchet head absorbs the force rather than the cover plate enclosing the head. With the ratchet head assembled with the retaining ring opposing off-axis force, rather than the cover plate, the weight and position of the screws securing the cover plate to the body are independent of the maximum torque rating of the head. This also improves the integrity of the seal provided by the cover plate.