Patent Publication Number: US-2022219293-A1

Title: Multiple pawl ratchet mechanism

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to PCT application PCT/EP2020/062176 filed on Apr. 30, 2020, which is a PCT application of Great Britain patent application no. 1906089.6, filed on Apr. 30, 2020. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     I. Field of Use 
     The invention relates to dual direction ratchet mechanisms used in screwdrivers and wrenches (often referred to in the United Kingdom as spanners). 
     II. Description of the Related Art 
     Ratchet wrenches may comprise a wrench head that house a driven member. The driven member may be provided with an aperture shaped to receive an item that is to be driven. For example, the aperture may be a hexagonal aperture sized to receive a particular size of fastener head/nut. Alternatively, the driven member may comprise a spigot that projects from the wrench head to allow the wrench head to be connected to a drive socket or the like. The driven member may have a circumferentially extending surface provided with a series of teeth that are engageable by the teeth of a pawl that is further located within a recess within the wrench head, the leading edge or edges of the pawl or pawls are generally wedge shaped, as are the ends of the recess that the pawl is situated in. The engagement between the pawl and teeth is such that if the wrench head is turned in a first direction the rotation of the wrench head is transmitted to the driven member in a locking manner as the corresponding pawl wedge shaped leading edge engages the said matching pawl recess end ramp. If the wrench head is turned in a second (opposite) direction the pawl resiliently slides over the teeth on the driven member against a spring used to urge the said pawl against the driven member teeth. 
     By this means the wrench can apply a torque to an item by turning the wrench head in the first direction and the wrench handle can be repositioned with respect to the item by turning the wrench head in the second direction. Wrenches of this type may be provided with a pair of pawls or a pawl with ramps at either ends, the pawl being selectively engageable with the driven member by means of a switch, the torque applying and handle repositioning directions of the wrench can be reversed by operation of the switch. 
     The majority of current prior art switchable wrench ratchets incorporate a central drive element portion having a circular toothed circumference which engages a corresponding toothed pawl which is appropriately spring biased in the chosen direction by a switch against two appropriately angled wedge ramp faces formed in the ratchet head housing against which the corresponding pawl wedge shaped outer ramp portions can be resiliently urged. The switch shaft further incorporates a bore containing a spring and plunger, the plunger is in contact with the back of the pawl opposite its front engagement teeth. The plunger, pawl contact area is formed into an arced cam with end walls such that the rotation of the switch with its incumbent spring and plunger urges the plunger against the end wall from one end wall to the other resiliently projecting the particular pawl wedge shaped outer contact portion against the required housing wedge shaped ramp portion in order to provide a suitable locking function when the ratchet is utilized in the chosen drive direction as the wedging of the pawl usefully urges the pawl teeth against the teeth of the drive portion effectively locking the drive portion within the housing. In the chosen reverse or reposition direction the housing wedge shaped ramp is caused to separate from the pawl wedge shaped ramp by the drive element teeth acting upon the pawl teeth, the switch spring and plunger resiliently urging the pawl teeth against the drive portion teeth, the typical ratchet clicking noise is caused by the corresponding teeth disengaging and engaging as they travel over one another in the reverse direction. In the drive direction the pawl as it is projected against its corresponding housing wedge shaped ramp, however the pawl teeth only truly robustly engage at or near the actual wedge shaped end contact areas, hereinafter termed engagement ramps, equivalent to approximately 40 deg. or less of the drive element teeth, the normal point of failure of most ratchets is due to over torque usage, wear or fouling of the ratchet pawl teeth, the more or larger the teeth completely engaged the less the wear or over torque problem. 
     As correctly illustrated in FIG. 4 U.S. Pat. No. 9,545,705 Hu when a bi-directional pawl is utilized less than half of the pawl teeth completely engage the analogous drive element teeth, furthermore this is also a similar characteristic of single direction ratchets, if the pawl and housing recess engagement ramp angles were to be modified in order to substantially improve the teeth engagement, the pawl would tend to problematically jam against the pawl recess engagement ramp, empirical testing over many years having led to this compromise. The current useable lifecycle of such a ratchet using a prior art pawl is two years in a busy professional automotive workshop environment, the pawl and its spring being classed as a consumable item. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,530,296 Liao discloses a unidirectional ratchet mechanism for a wrench utilizing a sprung ring 30 to urge a plurality of toothed pawl blocks 40 from the confines of their slots 23 evenly spaced around the central fastener drive 20 periphery into the fixed corresponding teeth 13 of the wrench head housing 12. However, the over reliance on the sprung ring 30 to retain the pawl blocks 41 teeth competently engaged with the housing teeth 13 during any high torque use of the wrench is problematic. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,140,317 Buchanan denotes a multiple pawl ratchet either one direction or dual direction, in the drive direction the pawls 46 including ramps 62 for interaction with corresponding ramps 44 within the central drive fastener or spigot wheel 134 the pawls 46 being urged into engagement in the drive direction by a sprung split ring 52 with tabs 54, the outer face of the split ring resiliently engages the sidewall 30 of the inner head housing 18. The sprung split ring tabs interact with the pawls to urge them up the ramps into toothed engagement with the correspondingly toothed driven member 134 usefully locking the ratchet in the drive direction. 
     In the reverse or reposition direction the pawls are driven down and out of contact with their corresponding ramps providing a ratchet like reverse sequence. In the dual direction example, the position of the pawls 376 within their dual ramped slots 330 within the ratchet head housing 316 are defined by the split ring 398 having sprung ends 400 which interact with a switch portion 412 to bias the sprung split ring 398 in the chosen drive direction, the said sprung split ring 398 having tabs located at either end of the corresponding pawls 376 which position the pawls 376 into engagement or disengagement positions as required. The switchable version requires substantial machining of the head portion inner profile and a large, screwed cover plate attached by screws incurring considerable expense in manufacture. 
     US 2015/0135908 Solar et al. is restricted to a unidirectional ratchet similar in most respects to U.S. Pat. No. 9,140,317 Buchanan, the pawls 18 being biased by a torsional spring ring 14 or separate compression springs as in the prior art. 
     Ratcheting screwdrivers have an inherent problem of low torque levels and or high reverse to drive angles, U.S. Pat. No. 9,511,484 overcomes the problem of inadequate drive pawl to shaft driven teeth torque by the use of a series of three annular beveled drive and driven gears, in use in the chosen drive direction the driven gear is engaged on the screwdriver shaft, the driven gear has annular beveled teeth on both faces, the required drive gear engaged to the handle portion, is propelled into engagement by a relevant spring, in the reposition or ratchet operation the beveled gear teeth are driven up the slopes of the interacting drive and driven gear teeth against the resilience of the relevant spring allowing a suitable ratchet action to be accomplished. However, this high torque mechanism is extremely complex and expensive both to manufacture and assemble having a minimum of 25-30 parts resulting in a tool with a very niche restricted marketplace, furthermore the use of beveled gear profiles mean that the gears have built in unwanted play as the interacting gears ride up the beveled faces of the opposing drive to driven gears into and out of engagement. 
     A further problem with prior art ratcheting screwdrivers is their switches are non-intuitive in that the direction defining switches are switches are operated in the opposite direction to the drive required. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to at least partially alleviate the above mentioned disadvantages, or to provide an alternative to existing products. In particular, to provide a dual direction ratchet with lower engagement angles than any other currently available on the market, or being capable of exceeding the current torque standards, in particular to allow the manufacturer of a more cost effective and reliable product. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention provides a ratchet mechanism as specified in claims  1  to  20 . 
     The invention provides a ratchet mechanism comprising a central drive element. A head portion having a central chamber in which said drive element is received, an elongate handle or operating member having a hand gripping end and a levered head portion end. The head portion having a generally circular central chamber, the inner surface of which adjoining the handle portion having a further recess or connection undercut for the connection to the direction biasing switch by the resilient switch plunger. The head portion chamber further having modular inserts in the form of preferably three layers, two outer fixed ramped profile layers, with a sequential actuating layer capable of limited rotation between the fixed layers. The actuating layer resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by in one example a known ratchet switch incorporating a sprung plunger whose engagement face acts against the said actuating layer chosen direction profile. The fixed ramped profile layer having outer locking notches which mechanically engage with the corresponding head portion locking profiles, the said fixed profile further utilizing ramped profiles within its central profile, preferably three sets of generally equally spaced opposing direction pawls are situated within said corresponding ramped profiles. The middle sequential actuating layer has preferably close contact engagement and disengagement profiles at either end of its pawl recesses, these said profiles project in the chosen direction the incumbent pawls against the corresponding fixed layer ramped profiles in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise drive direction whilst simultaneously disengaging the pawls facing in the opposite direction, the said pawls outer ramped profile acting against the corresponding fixed layer pawl ramped profile in the chosen drive direction, the drive engaged pawls teeth forced into engagement with the drive element teeth in order to drive as required the same, the opposing disengaged pawls simultaneously propelled as required from drive element contact into the further recess formed within the wide end of the fixed layer ramped profiles, further effected by the reclining shape of the opposing pawl and drive element teeth. When utilized in the reverse or reposition direction the actuating layer with its incumbent pawls, resiliently circumferentially rotating against the said resilient sprung plunger, further allowing the pawl teeth engaged within the drive element teeth to resiliently slide over one another during the reposition action. 
     The present invention is characterized by the use of a mid-located, sequentially actuating layer, in the preferred iteration being both planar and ring like in construction in order that it can be stamped or fine blanked in manufacture instead of using expensive machining. 
     The present invention utilizes a preferably mid located, sequentially actuating layer, characterized by the actuation layer having a biasing protrusion incorporating a sprung plunger transfer profile with directional profiles incorporated at its outer ends. 
     The present invention utilizes a preferably mid located, sequentially actuating layer incorporating a biasing protrusion, which is further characterized by inwardly relieved scallops usefully forming plunger contact retaining indents within their directional profiles, further usefully preventing the switch from disengaging from its ordained operating position particularly when the present invention is rapidly utilized in the reverse or reposition direction. 
     The present invention is further characterized by the use of top and bottom or outer located, fixed ramped profile layers, in the preferred iteration being both flat and ring like in construction in order that they can be easily stamped or fine blanked in manufacture instead of using expensive machining. These modular inserts are robustly held in position within the head portion chamber by the use of location notches in conjunction with corresponding locking profiles within the head portion inner profile. One of the said notches is preferably distinctly larger than the others, the orientation notch, in order to provide a method of correct assembly orientation of the said fixed ramped profile layers within the said chamber location profile. 
     The present invention is even further characterized by having engagement and disengagement profiles at either end of its actuating layer pawl recesses preferably in close contact with the pawl engagement and disengagement faces, these said profiles project in the chosen direction the incumbent pawls against the corresponding fixed layer ramped profiles in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise drive direction whilst simultaneously disengaging the pawls facing in the opposite direction, the engaged pawls teeth engaging with the drive element teeth in order to drive as required the same. 
     The present invention is even further characterized whereas the actuating layer is resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by a sprung plunger whose engagement face acts against the said actuating layer chosen direction profile, when utilized in the reverse or reposition direction the actuating layer with its incumbent pawls, resiliently circumferentially rotating back against the said resilient sprung plunger, further allowing the pawl teeth engaged within the drive element teeth to resiliently slide over one another during the reposition or reverse action. In one example the sprung plunger is incorporated within a known dual direction ratchet switch having a direction lever. 
     The present invention is even further characterized whereas the actuating layer is resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by a sprung plunger whose engagement face acts against the said actuating layer chosen direction profile, when utilized in the reverse or reposition direction the actuating layer with its incumbent pawls, resiliently circumferentially rotating back against the said resilient sprung plunger, further allowing the pawl teeth engaged within the drive element teeth to resiliently slide over one another during the reposition or reverse action. In a further example the sprung plunger is incorporated within an intermediate rocker switch positionally controlled by in one example a direction biasing control ring. 
     The present invention is even further characterized by the use of at least two sets of pawls within their corresponding pawl recesses, the utilized drive pawls are arranged to sequentially engage at the same time, the actuating layer engagement profiles acting simultaneously upon the pawl first biasing faces, robustly engaging the pawl teeth within the drive element teeth during the drive sequence, whilst simultaneously disengaging the pawls facing in the opposite direction. 
     The present invention is even further characterized by the use of at least three sets of pawls within their corresponding pawl recesses, the utilized drive pawls can be arranged to sequentially engage at the same time causing the actuating layer engagement profiles to act simultaneously upon the pawl first biasing faces, robustly engaging the pawl teeth into the drive element teeth during the drive sequence, the drive element thereby gripped in a manner by the three operated pawls similar to a three jaw chuck reducing the requirement for robust axle bearing surfaces within the closure portions. This configuration results in an extremely robust dual direction ratchet mechanism, this arrangement further provides a superior amount of pawl teeth to be capable of full engagement within the drive element teeth during the drive sequence yet with the correct ramped profile angles chosen, effortlessly disengage the pawl ramp profiles from their corresponding fixed pawl recess ramped profiles in the reverse or reposition direction. The pawl ramp profiles having a suitable gap from the pawl recess engagement ramp profiles during the reverse or reposition action to allow the pawl teeth to adequately disengage from the drive element teeth. 
     The present invention is even further characterized by the use of at least two but preferably three sets of pawls within their corresponding pawl recesses, the utilized drive and disengaged pawls arranged to sequentially engage whereas each actuating layer pawl recesses, engagement and disengagement profiles sets are located in one example, one third of a tooth out from the corresponding said corresponding sets causing the actuating layer engagement profiles to act to robustly fully engage the pawl teeth of only one pawl, into the drive element teeth during the drive sequence. 
     The six pawls divided into three sets of pawls, and each of the three sets is clocked differently to the drive element such that when the drive pawl of one set is engaged with the drive element teeth, one or other of the pawl set drive teeth is only partially engaged (e.g., one third of the pawl tooth arc engaged) and the remaining set pawl drive teeth are partially disengaged (e.g., one third of the pawl tooth arc disengaged). This arrangement can provide a coarse tooth pattern of for example 72 teeth to be utilized whilst providing a drive teeth equivalent to 72 times 3 or 216 equivalent toothed dual direction ratchet. As the angle between reverse and drive can be problem when used in situations where there is a restricted handle levered portion arc this is a significant enhancement over prior art dual direction ratcheting screwdrivers, ratchet wrenches or socket drives. 
     The present invention is even further characterized by the provision of a direction biasing switch which may be similar to that in the prior art, the switch axle capable of rotation within the head portion switch bore, the switch axle having a further blind cavity cross bore for the sliding fit of the plunger cylinder and its outwardly biasing switch spring, the switch being rotatable within an arc allowing said sprung plunger to be switched as required between the actuating layer biasing direction profiles in order to bias in the required direction the actuating layer pawl engagement ramp profiles against the pawl first biasing faces in order to provide clock or anti-clockwise drive directions. 
     In a further utilization of the present invention the dual direction ratchet is incorporated into a screwdriver using a switch ring to determine the drive direction of the said ratchet. In the first aspect, the present invention provides a dual direction, ratcheting screwdriver, comprising a handle portion with a proximal end and a distil end, the handle proximal end robustly incorporates the housing encapsulated ratchet mechanism with its outer facing direction biasing switch ring within its profile. The housing is connected to the drive element portion, of the rotatable elongate shaft of the screwdriver in order to transmit motion and torque to the elongate shaft as required, in the direction required. The housing having a central chamber in which the said drive element portion of the elongate shaft is received. The preferably die cast housing having a generally circular central chamber, the inner surface of which, adjoining the direction biasing switch ring direction ascertaining groove, has a connection slot for the required outward connection to the direction biasing ring switch, by the intermediate rocker switch housing, which further incorporates axles capable of positional rotation within corresponding molded axle shaped formations located within the housing wall. The rocker switch elongate housing further incorporates a resilient sprung plunger within its related bore. The said housing chamber having in one example for ease of manufacture, modular inserts in the form of preferably three layers, two outer fixed ramped profile layers with a sequential actuating layer capable of limited rotation between the fixed layers. The fixed ramped profile layer having locking notches on their periphery which mechanically engage with the corresponding housing chamber locking profiles, the said fixed ramped profile layer, further utilizing ramped profiles within their central profile, preferably three sets of equally spaced opposing direction pawls are situated within said corresponding ramped profiles. The middle sequential actuating layer has engagement and disengagement profiles at either end of its pawl recesses, these said profiles project in the chosen direction the incumbent pawls against the corresponding fixed layer ramped profiles in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise drive direction whilst simultaneously disengaging the pawls facing in the opposite direction, the said pawls outer ramped profile acting against the corresponding fixed layer pawl ramped profile in the chosen drive direction causing the engaged pawls teeth to engage with the drive element teeth in order to drive as required the same. In order to activate the screwdriver in the chosen direction the operator rotates the switch ring into its required position, thereby swiveling the switch ring rocker around its axles whereby the actuating layer is resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by the said ring switch rocker internal sprung plunger, the sprung plunger engagement face acting against the said actuating layer chosen direction profile. Utilized in the reverse or reposition direction the actuating layer with its incumbent pawls, resiliently circumferentially rotating against the said resilient sprung plunger, further allowing the pawl teeth engaged within the drive element teeth to resiliently slide over one another during the reverse or reposition action. In order to ensure the continuance of the chosen switched direction the housing can further employ a bore with a sprung ball detent which can act against a suitable indent within the switch ring as a locator. 
     The present invention is even further characterized by the provision of a direction biasing switch whereas in order to activate the screwdriver in the chosen direction the operator rotates the known switch ring into its required position, characterized by the incorporation of an intermediate switch ring rocker which can usefully swivel around its axles propelled by the interaction of its actuating profile with the switch ring ascertaining recess, whereby the actuating layer is resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by the said ring switch rocker internal sprung plunger, the sprung plunger engagement face acting against the said actuating layer chosen direction profile. 
     While one or more preferred embodiments of the preferred invention have been described above, it should have been understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof The embodiments depicted are presented by way of example only and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. Thus, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications can be made. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope of appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, advantages, and objects of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the detailed description as set forth below, when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like referenced characters identify correspondingly throughout, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the ratchet mechanism incorporating a switch and a fastener drive profile; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ratchet mechanism incorporating a switch and a spigot for connection with known sockets; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the ratchet mechanism operated in the clockwise direction, the closure washer is removed (not shown) and a part of the handle levered end and the switch are shown in section for display purposes; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the ratchet mechanism operated in the anti-clockwise direction, the closure washer is removed (not shown) and a part of the handle levered end and the switch are shown in section for display purposes; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the ratchet mechanism, the parts shown dismantled for display purposes; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the internal parts of ratchet mechanism plus the switch, the parts shown dismantled for display purposes; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the assembled internal parts of the ratchet mechanism plus the switch; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the screwdriver version of the device being used by an operator; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the screwdriver housing with the intermediate rocker switch and switch ring shown separately; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the screwdriver housing internals, the mechanism biased in the clockwise direction; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the screwdriver housing internals, the mechanism biased in the anti-clockwise direction; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the screwdriver ratchet mechanism, the parts shown dismantled for display purposes. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS 
     Following is a listing of the various components used in the best mode preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments. For the ready reference of the reader the reference numerals have been arranged in ascending numerical order. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
             
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
                 11 Multiple Pawl Ratchet 
               
               
                   
                 200/Driven Element 
               
               
                   
                 201/Driven Element Circumferential Toothed 
               
               
                   
                 Portion 
               
               
                   
                 202/Driven Element Teeth 
               
               
                   
                 203/Driven Element Spigot 
               
               
                   
                 204/Driven Element Fastener Operating 
               
               
                   
                 Profile 
               
               
                   
                 205/Screwdriver Driven Element 
               
               
                   
                 206/Screwdriver Driven Element Teeth 
               
               
                   
                 207/Screwdriver Tip 
               
               
                   
                 208/Screwdriver Shaft 
               
               
                   
                 300/Head Portion 
               
               
                   
                 301/Head Portion Outer Profile 
               
               
                   
                 302/Head Portion Inner Profile 
               
               
                   
                 303/Head Portion Ramped Layer Locking 
               
               
                   
                 Profiles 
               
               
                   
                 304/Head Portion Ramped Layer Location 
               
               
                   
                 Profile 
               
               
                   
                 305/Head Portion Switch Bore 
               
               
                   
                 306/Head Portion Connection Undercut 
               
               
                   
                 307/Head Portion Closure Portion 
               
               
                   
                 308/Head Portion Closure Clip 
               
               
                   
                 309/Head Portion Central Chamber 
               
               
                   
                 4001 Handle Portion 
               
               
                   
                 4011 Handle Levering End 
               
               
                   
                 4021 Handle Levered End 
               
               
                   
                 4031 Screwdriver Handle Proximal End 
               
               
                   
                 4041 Screwdriver Handle Distal End 
               
               
                   
                 5001 Pawl 
               
               
                   
                 5011 Pawl Toothed Face 
               
               
                   
                 5021 Pawl Teeth 
               
               
                   
                 5031 Ramp Profile 
               
               
                   
                 5041 Pawl Engagement Biasing Face 
               
               
                   
                 5051 Pawl Dis-Engagement Biasing Face 
               
               
                   
                 5061 Pawl Set A 
               
               
                   
                 5071 Pawl Set B 
               
               
                   
                 5081 Pawl Set C 
               
               
                   
                 600/Switch 
               
               
                   
                 6011 Switch Operating Lever 
               
               
                   
                 602/Switch Axle 
               
               
                   
                 6031 Switch Axle Plunger Bore 
               
               
                   
                 6041 Switch Spring 
               
               
                   
                 6051 Switch Sprung Plunger 
               
               
                   
                 6061 Sprung Plunger Engagement Face 
               
               
                   
                 607/Direction Biasing Switch Ring 
               
               
                   
                 6081 Switch Ring Direction Ascertaining 
               
               
                   
                 Recess 
               
               
                   
                 6091 Intermediate Rocker Switch 
               
               
                   
                 6101 Rocker Switch Axles 
               
               
                   
                 611/Rocker Switch Plunger Bore 
               
               
                   
                 612/Rocker Switch Plunger Housing 
               
               
                   
                 613/Rocker Switch Actuating Profile 
               
               
                   
                 614/Switch Ring Spring and Ball Detent 
               
               
                   
                 615/Switch Ring Detent Indent 
               
               
                   
                 616/Plunger Cylinder 
               
               
                   
                 617/Switch Ring Clip 
               
               
                   
                 618/Switch Ring Clip Groove 
               
               
                   
                 700/Fixed Ramped Profile Layer 
               
               
                   
                 701/First Ramped Profile 
               
               
                   
                 702/Second Ramped Profile 
               
               
                   
                 703/Ramped Profile Set A 
               
               
                   
                 704/Ramped Profile Set B 
               
               
                   
                 705/Ramped Profile Set C 
               
               
                   
                 706/Fixed Layer, Locking Notch 
               
               
                   
                 707/Fixed Layer, Location Notch 
               
               
                   
                 708/Fixed Layer, Centralizing Face 
               
               
                   
                 709/Fixed Layer, Central Profile 
               
               
                   
                 710/Fixed Layer, Pawl Recess Gap 
               
               
                   
                 800/Actuating Layer 
               
               
                   
                 8011 Actuating Layer Biasing Protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 8021 Pawl Engagement Profile 
               
               
                   
                 8031 Pawl Disengagement Profile 
               
               
                   
                 8041 Actuating Layer Direction Profile 
               
               
                   
                 8051 Actuating Layer Transfer Profile 
               
               
                   
                 8061 Actuating Layer Resilient Plunger 
               
               
                   
                 Positional Indent 
               
               
                   
                 807 Pawl Engagement Set A 
               
               
                   
                 8081 Pawl Engagement Set B 
               
               
                   
                 8091 Pawl Engagement Set C 
               
               
                   
                 8101 Actuating Layer Pawl Recesses 
               
               
                   
                 9001 Housing 
               
               
                   
                 9011 Housing Central Chamber 
               
               
                   
                 9021 Housing Central Chamber Locking 
               
               
                   
                 Profiles 
               
               
                   
                 9031 Housing Screwdriver Shaft Axle Bore 
               
               
                   
                 9041 Housing Wall 
               
               
                   
                 9051 Housing Gripping Ribs 
               
               
                   
                 9061 Housing Closure Clip Groove 
               
               
                   
                 907/Housing Rocker Switch Connection Slot 
               
               
                   
                 9081 Housing Ball Detent Bore 
               
               
                   
                 9091 Housing Switch Ring Clip Groove 
               
               
                   
                 9101 Housing Molded Axle Slot 
               
               
                   
                 CWDI Clockwise Direction 
               
               
                   
                 ACWDI Anti - Clockwise Direction 
               
               
                   
                 RI Reverse or Reposition 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. Therefore specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as being limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention. 
       FIGS. 1-7  illustrate the embodiments of a multiple pawl ratchet mechanism  1  comprising a head portion  300  having a central chamber  309  in which a driven element  200  is received, a handle portion  400  having a levering end  401  and a levered end  402 . The circular central chamber  309 , the inner surface  302  of which adjoining the handle portion  402  having a further recess or connection undercut  306  for the connection to the actuating layer direction biasing protrusion  804  by the resilient switch plunger  605 . The head portion chamber  309  further having modular inserts in the form of preferably three layers, two outer fixed ramped profile layers  700  with a sequential actuating layer  800  capable of limited rotation between the said fixed layers  700 . The fixed ramped profile layer  700  having outer locking notches  706  which mechanically engage with the corresponding head portion locking profiles  303 , the said fixed profile layer  700  further utilizing first and second ramped profiles  701 ,  702  within its central profile  709 , preferably three sets  506 ,  507 ,  508  of equally spaced opposing direction pawls  500  are situated within said corresponding ramped profiles  701 ,  702 . The middle sequential actuating layer  800  has engagement  802  and disengagement  803  profiles at either end of its pawl recesses  801 , these said profiles  802 ,  803  project in the chosen direction the incumbent pawls  500  against the corresponding fixed layer ramped profiles  701 ,  702  in the chosen clockwise CWD or anticlockwise drive direction ACWD whilst simultaneously disengaging the said pawls  500  facing in the opposite direction, the said pawls  500  outer ramped profile  503  acting against the corresponding fixed layer pawl ramped profile  701  or  702  in the chosen drive direction CWD or ACWD. The engaged pawls teeth  502  engaging with the driven element teeth  202  in order to drive as required the same. The actuating layer  800  is resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by in one example a known ratchet switch  600  having a sprung plunger  605  whose engagement face  606  acts against the said actuating layer  800  chosen sprung plunger positional indent  806 , when utilized in the reverse or reposition direction R the actuating layer  800  with its incumbent pawls  500 , resiliently circumferentially rotating against the said sprung plunger  605 , further allowing the pawl teeth  502  engaged within the drive element teeth  202  to resiliently slide over one another during the reposition R action. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  further illustrate the ratcheting mechanism  1 , denoting an elongate handle operator levering end  401  at one end and a levered end  402  incorporating a head portion  300  with a drive element spigot  203  or alternately a fastener operating profile  204  incorporated within the drive element  200 . The drive direction switch  600 , closure portion with its retaining clip  308  are further shown. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  further illustrates the ratchet mechanism  1 , with the closure portion  307  removed (not shown), the biasing switch  600  and head portion  300  shown partially in section. The sprung plunger  605  engagement face  606  urged against the actuating layer plunger positional indent  806  of the actuating layer direction biasing protrusion  804 , the switch spring  604  further resiliently acting to circumferentially bias the actuating layer  800  in the chosen anti-clockwise ACWD as in  FIG. 3  or clockwise CWD as in  FIG. 4  direction. The circular central chamber  309 , the inner surface  302  of which adjoining the handle portion  402  having a further recess or connection undercut  306  for the connection to the actuating layer direction biasing protrusion  804  by the resilient switch plunger  605 . The head portion chamber  309  further having modular inserts in the form of preferably three layers, two outer fixed ramped profile layers  700  with a sequential actuating layer  800  capable of limited rotation between the said fixed layers  700 . The fixed ramped profile layer  700  having outer locking notches  706  which mechanically engage with the corresponding head portion locking profiles  303 , the said fixed profile layer  700  further utilizing first and second ramped profiles  701 ,  702  within its central profile  709 , preferably three sets of equally spaced opposing direction pawls  506 ,  507 ,  508  are situated within said corresponding ramped profiles  701 ,  702 . The middle sequential actuating layer  800  has engagement  802  and disengagement  803  profiles, said profiles  802 ,  803  project in the chosen direction the incumbent pawls  500  against the corresponding fixed layer ramped profiles  701 ,  702  in the chosen clockwise CWD or anticlockwise ACWD drive direction whilst simultaneously disengaging the said pawls  500  facing in the opposite direction, the said pawls  500  outer ramped profile  503  acting against the corresponding fixed layer pawl ramped profile  701  or  702  in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise drive direction CWD or ACWD. The engaged pawls teeth  502  engaging with the driven element teeth  202  in order to drive as required the same. When utilized in the reverse or reposition direction R the actuating layer  800  with its incumbent pawls  500 , resiliently circumferentially rotating against the said sprung plunger  605 , further allowing the pawl teeth  502  engaged within the drive element teeth  202  to resiliently slide over one another during the reposition R action. 
     Further shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  is an example of the present invention  1  whereas the utilized drive and disengaged pawls  500  are arranged to sequentially engage whereas each actuating layer  800  engagement and disengagement profile set A, B and C  807 ,  808  and  809  are located one third of a tooth out from the corresponding said corresponding sets  807 ,  808  and  809  causing the actuating layer engagement profiles  802  to act to robustly fully engage the pawl teeth  502  of only one pawl  500 , into the driven element teeth  202  during the drive sequence. 
     The six pawls  500  divided into three sets of pawls, set A  506 , set B  507  and set C  508 , and each of the said three sets  507 ,  508  and  509  is clocked differently to the drive element teeth  202  such that when the drive pawl  507 ,  508  or  509  of one set is engaged with the drive element teeth  202 , one or other of the pawl set drive teeth  502  is only partially engaged (e.g., one third of the pawl tooth  502  arc engaged) and the remaining set pawl drive teeth  502  are partially disengaged (e.g., one third of the pawl tooth arc disengaged). 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  further illustrate in perspective the multiple pawl ratcheting mechanism  1 , denoting the parts shown dismantled for display purposes. The handle  400  and its levered end  402 , incorporating the head portion  300 , head portion outer surface  301 , inner surface  302 , locking profiles  303 , location profile  304 , switch bore  305 , connection undercut  306 , closure portion  307 , closure clip  308  and central chamber  309 . The driven element  200 , circumferential toothed portion  201 , element teeth  202  and element spigot  203 . The pawls  500 , toothed face  501 , engagement biasing face  504  and disengagement biasing face  505 . The switch  600 , operating lever  601 , axle  602 , axle plunger bore  603 , spring  604 , sprung plunger  605  and plunger engagement face  606 . Fixed ramp profile layer  700 , first ramped profile  701 , second ramped profile  702 , ramped profile set A  703 , ramped profile set B  704 , ramped profile set C  705 , locking notch  706 , location notch  707  and centralizing face  708 . Actuating layer  800 , biasing protrusion  801 , pawl engagement profile  802 , pawl disengagement profile  803 , direction profile  804 , pawl engagement set A  807 , pawl engagement set B  808  and pawl engagement set C  809 . 
       FIG. 7  further illustrates in perspective the multiple pawl ratcheting mechanism  1 , driven element  200 , switch  600 , fixed ramped profile layer  700  and actuating layer  800  in isolation in order to demonstrate their internal function. The fixed layer locking notches  706  secure the said fixed layer  700  from circumferential motion. The said switch operation lever  601  directing the sprung plunger  605  engagement face  606  into the actuating layer resilient plunger positional indent  806  within the actuating layer direction profile  804  resiliently urging the actuating layer in the anticlockwise direction ACWD. Further shown are the drive element spigot  203 , the closure portion  307  and its clip  308 . 
       FIGS. 7 to 12  further illustrate in perspective a further utilization of the present invention whereas the dual direction ratchet  1  is incorporated into a dual direction ratcheting screwdriver using a direction biasing switch ring  607  to determine the operating direction of the said ratchet  1 . In the first aspect, the present invention provides a dual direction, ratcheting screwdriver  1 , comprising a handle portion  400  with a proximal end  403  and a distil end  404 , said handle proximal end  403  robustly incorporates the housing  900  encapsulated ratchet mechanism  1  with its outer facing direction biasing switch ring  607  within its profile. The housing  900  is connected to the screwdriver driven element portion  205 , of the rotatable elongate shaft  208  in order to transmit motion and torque to the said shaft  208  as required, in the direction required. The housing  900  having a central chamber  901  in which the said driven element portion  205  of the said shaft  208  is received. The preferably die cast housing outer wall  904 , has a connection slot  907  for the required outward connection to the direction biasing ring switch  607  direction ascertaining recess  608  by the intermediate rocker switch  609 , which further incorporates axles  610  capable of positional rotation within corresponding molded axle slot shaped formations  910  located within said housing outer wall  904 . The rocker switch plunger housing  612  further incorporates a resilient sprung plunger  605  within its related bore  611 . The said housing central chamber  901  having in one example for ease of manufacture, modular inserts in the form of preferably three layers, two outer fixed ramped profile layers  700  with a sequential actuating layer  800  capable of limited rotation between the said fixed layers  700 . The fixed ramped profile layer  700  having outer locking notches  706  which mechanically engage with the corresponding housing central locking profiles  902 , the said fixed profile layer  700  further utilizing first and second ramped profiles  701 ,  702  within said central profile  709 , preferably three sets of equally spaced opposing direction pawls  500  are situated within said corresponding ramped profiles  701 ,  702 . The middle sequential actuating layer  800  has engagement  802  and disengagement  803  profiles at either end of its pawl recesses  801 , these said profiles  802 ,  803  project in the chosen direction the incumbent pawls  500  against the corresponding fixed layer ramped profiles  701 ,  702  in the chosen clockwise CWD or anticlockwise drive direction ACWD whilst simultaneously disengaging the said pawls  500  facing in the opposite direction, the said pawls  500  outer ramped profile  503  acting against the corresponding fixed layer pawl ramped profile  701  or  702  in the chosen drive direction CWD or ACWD. The engaged pawls teeth  502  engaged with the screwdriver driven element teeth  206  in order to drive as required the same. The actuating layer  800  is resiliently propelled in the chosen clockwise or anticlockwise direction by the intermediate rocker switch  609  having a sprung plunger  605  whose engagement face  606  acts against the said actuating layer  800  chosen sprung plunger positional indent  806 , when utilized in the reverse or reposition direction R the actuating layer  800  with its incumbent pawls  500 , resiliently circumferentially rotating against the said sprung plunger  605 , further allowing the pawl teeth  502  engaged within the drive element teeth  202  to resiliently slide over one another during the reposition R action. 
       FIG. 8  further illustrates in perspective the dual direction ratchet  1  incorporated into a dual direction ratcheting screwdriver. An operator gripping the handle portion  400 , further illustrated the direction biasing switch ring  607  anticlockwise direction switch direction ACWD being identical to that of the screwdriver shaft  208 . 
       FIGS. 9, 10 and 11  further illustrate in perspective and front profile, the dual direction ratchet  1  incorporated into a dual direction ratcheting screwdriver. The known direction biasing switch ring  607  with its rocker switch actuating profile  608  acts upon the novel intermediate rocker switch  609  actuating profile  613  in order to swivel into engagement its incumbent sprung plunger  605  engagement face  606 , resiliently against the actuating layer direction profile  804  in the desired direction. The said rocker switch  609  having axles  610  which are retained, can rotate and also move radially as required in the housing molded axle slots  910  during the direction switching process. The switch spring  604  usefully acting in both directions, urging the said rocker switch actuating profile  613  into engagement with the switch ring direction actuating profile  608 , whilst further acting to propel the sprung plunger engagement face  606  against the actuating layer direction profile  804 . 
     Although certain example methods and apparatus have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.