Help dating a Craftsman 42793 Flex Head Quick Release Ratchet

[SilverDeck]

I recently picked up a Craftsman 42793 Flex Head Quick Release ratchet (11 1/4" long) with handle markings that say "Patent Pending". From what I understand, this style of ratchet was first introduced by Sears in 1967 and some of the early one have both the patent number (3208318) and the date of 1967 stamped on them. Since this one says "Patent Pending" would it predate those stamped 1967 or was the patent that was pending some other patent (other than Patent 3208318)?

The whole story about Peter Roberts (inventor of the Quick Release mechanism) and his lengthy legal battle with Sears over the quick release patent is a fascinating one. Ultimately Roberts prevailed in court and received a substantial settlement from Sears.

There are a number of you here on the forum who know the history of these Craftsman ratchets much better than I do, so I'm hoping you can help me figure out approximately what year this ratchet was produced.

Attached are a few pictures.

 

[jakemac]

Since the ratchet has the model number stamped on it, it was made after 1974.

 

[jobo1004]

Maybe take it to dinner and a movie?

 

[SilverDeck]

Since the ratchet has the model number stamped on it, it was made after 1974.

Good eye. Very helpful.

Any idea what patent # was pending? Was it something to do with changes to the quick release mechanism? Roberts had another patent (4,420,995 issued 12/20/1983) with further refinements to the QR mechanism. If that is the "patent pending" on this ratchet, then it could have been made circa 1982-1983.

 

[ganymede]

The fact that there's no oil port on the end of the head could also indicate post 1979 1980 mfg date too.

 

[Jim C.]

I think your ratchet was manufactured at some point between the late 1970s and early 1980s. I created a Type Study a little while back, and at that time, based on some research, observation of physical characteristics, etc., I determined that ratchets similar to yours were produced about 1980.

Jim C.